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Multilevel influence mechanism of the sustainability of the Grain for Green Project in the Beijing–Tianjin Sandstorm Source Control Project
Retraction Note: Predictive modelling and identification of key risk factors for stroke using machine learning
Synthesis, in vitro anti-HIV-1 reverse transcriptase evaluation, molecular modelling, DFT analysis and acute oral toxicity assessment of benzotriazole derivatives
Hybrid ECCMGO–MPCOA framework with ASTRA-based trust and intrusion detection for secure and energy-efficient MANET communication
Kallikrein related peptidases 7 and 10 and their substrate desmoglein 3 are upregulated in early stage pancreatic cancerous lesions
Abstract Differential expression of Kallikreins (KLKs) was described for established metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), but their potential as markers for early detection is not known. We have performed comprehensive in silico and in situ analyses of KLK expression in PDAC at different stages of tumor development. We found that upregulation of KLK7 and KLK10 RNA and protein occurs early in tumor development and marks carcinoma in-situ lesions (stage 0, PanIN3) and early-stage (stage 1) PDAC, while non-cancerous low grade lesions stain negative for these proteases. Moreover, both KLKs are co-expressed with desmoglein-3 (DSG3) in PDAC cell lines as well as PDAC samples from treatment naïve patients. DSG3 serves as a substrate for both KLK7 and KLK10 resulting in a 30 kDa extracellular fragment. Overall, our data suggest that analyses for expression of KLK7 and KLK10 as well as their substrates could have potential as diagnostic biomarkers to distinguish non-cancerous low-grade lesions from earliest cancerous lesions in the pancreas.
A digital twin-assisted fault diagnosis method for stage lifts based on lightweight multi-scale convolution and broadcast self-attention mechanisms
Ecological vulnerability and influencing factors along an expressway in the agro-pastoral ecotone of northern China: a case study of the Su-Hua expressway
Impact of microbial consortia and fertilization regimes on the soil microbiome in maize field trials
A hybrid analytical–optimization framework for sidelobe suppression and beamwidth control in linear antenna arrays
Abstract This paper presents a novel hybrid analytical–optimization framework for sidelobe suppression and beamwidth control in uniform linear antenna arrays (ULAAs). The primary objective is to achieve significant sidelobe level (SLL) reduction while maintaining a controlled half-power beamwidth (HPBW) through a computationally efficient synthesis strategy. The proposed Enhanced Window-Based Array Synthesis Algorithm (EWASA), also referred to as the Raised Cosine Synthesis with Genetic Algorithm (RCS-GA), is built upon two key innovations. The proposed approach introduces a deterministic spatial shaping mechanism derived from the raised cosine function, originally used in digital communication pulse shaping, and adapts it to the angular domain for radiation pattern control. Unlike conventional tapering techniques that rely heavily on iterative optimization, the desired array response is first constructed analytically using the raised cosine spatial mapping. A closed-form matrix inversion technique then computes the excitation coefficients required to synthesize this target pattern. To further enhance performance, a genetic algorithm optimizes the inter-element spacing, enabling improved sidelobe suppression while maintaining beam integrity. This hybrid approach significantly reduces the dimensionality of the optimization problem and accelerates convergence. Simulation results demonstrate substantial improvements, achieving an SLL of − 38.05 dB and an HPBW of 5.526° for a 15-element array—representing a threefold reduction in SLL and more than 50% improvement in HPBW compared to conventional uniform arrays. The proposed technique maintains a practical excitation dynamic range, and full-wave CST Microwave Studio simulations confirm its practical feasibility. Owing to its computational efficiency, non-iterative core, and precise beam control capability, the proposed method is particularly suitable for high-resolution applications in radar systems, electronic warfare, and microwave medical imaging where interference suppression and beamforming accuracy are critical.
Green mycosynthesis of a CuO/ZnO heterojunction nanocomposite using Aspergillus terreus and its antibacterial and anti-virulence activity against multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli
Abstract The rapid spread of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli poses a severe global health risk and demands the development of new antibacterial strategies. Biologically manufactured metal oxide nanocomposites have gained popularity due to their superior antibacterial activity and environmentally sustainable synthesis. This study uniquely integrates fungal metabolite profiling, green synthesis of a CuO/ZnO heterojunction nanocomposite, and molecular evaluation of anti-virulence activity against clinically isolated MDR Escherichia coli . The CuO/ZnO system was selected due to its synergistic heterostructure, which enhances reactive oxygen species generation and improves antibacterial performance compared to single metal oxides. In this investigation, an MDR E. coli strain was isolated from wound infections and identified using 16 S rRNA sequencing. A soil-derived fungus capable of forming CuO/ZnO nanocomposites was isolated and identified as Aspergillus terreus using 18 S rRNA sequencing. The bioactive constituents in the fungal filtrate were identified using High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). UV-Vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscope (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to characterize the biosynthesized CuO/ZnO nanocomposite. The antibacterial effect against MDR E. coli was examined using disc diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays, and the influence on virulence and quorum-sensing genes was measured using quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). The MDR E. coli isolate was resistant to all antibiotics tested. A variety of phenolic acids, flavonoids, and aromatic compounds were detected in the fungal filtrate; however, the filtrate alone did not exhibit antibacterial activity. The CuO/ZnO nanocomposite showed strong antibacterial activity, with an inhibition zone diameter of 2.3 ± 0.4 mm and MIC of 62.5 ± 0.2 µg/mL. Gene expression analysis indicated considerable downregulation of critical virulence genes, including fimH , luxS , toxA , and papC , suggesting impairment of adhesion, toxin synthesis, and quorum sensing. The biosynthesized CuO/ZnO nanocomposite shows strong antibacterial and anti-virulence activity against MDR E. coli , indicating its potential as an alternative antibacterial agent.
Digital imaging of crack evolution in granite containing unparallel flaws under fatigue loading
Abstract Failure in jointed rock masses presents a major challenge in tunneling, mining, and rock slope engineering, typically occurring along surfaces formed by interacting cracks at pre-existing flaws. Understanding how cracks initiate, propagate from these flaws, and eventually coalesce can contribute to more reliable and safer rock structure design. This study investigates the influence of the unconfined compressive monotonic and cyclic loading conditions and varied unparallel flaw geometries on the crack propagation process and mechanical properties of granite. Five distinct flaw geometries were analyzed, each containing two pre-existing flaws. The upper flaw (Flaw number ①) had a fixed inclination angle of 45°, while the lower flaw (Flaw number ②) was oriented at 0°, 45°, 90°, 135°, and 180°, both relative to the horizontal axis. Based on the orientation of Flaw number ②, the specimens were labeled S0, S45, S90, S135, and S180. These configurations ranged from non-overlapping geometries (S0, S45, and S90) to overlapping ones (S135 and S180). The analysis was conducted under monotonic and then cyclic loading conditions with stress amplitude set at 75%, 80%, and 85% of the peak uniaxial compressive strength ( $${\sigma }_{c})$$ obtained from monotonic tests for each geometry. Crack development was captured using Digital Image Correlation (DIC) via GOM Correlate software, enabling high-resolution monitoring of surface strain and displacement fields at the pixel level. The results reveal that flaw geometry significantly influences the crack coalescence path and final failure pattern. A transition from non-overlapping to overlapping flaw configurations shifted the crack coalescence from indirect to direct trajectories. Cyclic loading, in some cases, causes changes in crack propagation paths at lower amplitudes, as well as the formation of new cracks, referred to as cyclic cracks, unique to this type of loading, leading to distinct overall failure patterns compared to other loading types. While the loading type (monotonic vs. cyclic) had minimal effect on the mechanism of crack initiation, it notably altered the sequence of crack growth and propagation mechanism. Mechanical properties also varied with both geometry and loading conditions. Under monotonic loading, overlapping geometries exhibited higher strength and a greater crack initiation stress ratio (CI/CP, defined as the ratio of crack initiation stress to the peak compressive strength of the specimen) compared to non-overlapping ones. Specifically, specimens S90 and S45 demonstrated the highest values of $${\sigma }_{c}$$ (161 MPa) and CI/CP at 51%, respectively. In contrast, S180 showed the lowest values, approximately 124 MPa in strength and 17% in CI/CP. Finally, flaw geometry was found to govern both fatigue life and its sensitivity to loading amplitude. As the loading amplitude increased from 75 to 80% and 85%, fatigue life decreased across S0, S45, S90, and S135. Notably, S180 exhibited non-linear behavior, with the fatigue life dropping from 425 to 257 cycles at 75–80%, then increasing slightly to 310 cycles at 85%.
Advanced monolithic 2D multilayer Laue lens (MLL) optics for hard x-ray nanofocusing and nanotomography
We report on the development of a new generation of monolithic two-dimensional (2D) multilayer Laue lens (MLL) optics suitable for high-resolution hard x-ray nanoimaging. The 2D optics were assembled on microfabricated silicon templates with high orthogonality and lateral alignment precision, which were characterized using white-light interferometry and confirmed by x-ray measurements. The developed monolithic 2D MLL optics were successfully employed for hard x-ray nanofocusing and nanotomography experiments using the ptychography imaging modality, demonstrating sub-10 nm resolution in 2D and sample-limited ∼30 nm in three-dimensional while exhibiting excellent stability during extended measurements. The new 2D MLL templates with high alignment accuracy represent an important step forward in the development of 2D MLL optics toward direct nanoimaging experiments with sub-10 nm spatial resolution.
A novel potential method for early diagnosis of Sjogren’s syndrome: lacrimal gland color doppler ultrasonography
Giant superlinear and high-temperature stable ultraviolet photodetectors based on a single SiC/amorphous BN nanowire
High illumination power and high temperature can severely impact the photoresponse performance and operational stability of SiC nanowire-based UV photodetectors (PDs) due to the increased carrier recombination, saturation absorption, and thermal degradation. To overcome these limitations, a novel single-nanowire UV photodetector based on a SiC/amorphous BN (a-BN) core–shell heterostructure is successfully constructed, which efficiently improves surface passivation, thermal stability, and separation of photoexcited carriers. Under intense 365 nm illumination, the device exhibits a remarkable superlinear photoresponse of 2.39, far exceeding the typical sublinear behavior of SiC PDs, accompanied by high responsivity (2541.87 A W−1), detectivity (2.08 × 1010 Jones), external quantum efficiency (EQE) (8.65 × 105%), and rapid rise/decay times (76/83 ms). Even at 200 °C, it maintains robust performance with a responsivity of 226 A W−1, detectivity of 1.48 × 109 Jones, and EQE of 0.77 × 105%, demonstrating the excellent thermal endurance. Theoretical analysis attributes this robust superlinear response to enhanced carrier separation and transport, rapid saturation of interfacial states, accelerated detrapping, and suppressed recombination within the SiC/a-BN and Au–SiC/a-BN heterojunctions. This study provides a solid foundation for the development of thermally stable superlinear UV PDs with potential for high-resolution imaging in harsh environments.
Identification of ultrasound predictors and development of a diagnostic scoring system for sarcopenia using LASSO regression: a cross-sectional study
Foaming-induced structural engineering of graphite arrays for high-density thermal pathways in thermal interface materials
The escalating power density of electronics demands advanced thermal interface materials (TIMs). While graphite array-based TIMs (GRTs) have attracted considerable interest, achieving their theoretically high performance requires precise microstructural control. Structural models indicate that reducing the thickness of graphite lamellae increases the density of effective thermal pathways, which is key to enhancing GRT performance. Herein, we develop a hydrazine monohydrate-assisted foaming strategy that enables microstructural engineering of graphene oxide paper. Through systematic modulation of the hydrazine monohydrate concentration, precise control over the lamellae thickness in the derived graphite papers was achieved, which directly governs the thermal pathway density in the final GRT architecture. This structural advantage yields higher-density thermal pathways in vertical arrays, enabling the optimal GRT to achieve an ultra-low total thermal resistance of 5.7 × 10−6 m2 K W−1 and high through-plane thermal conductivity of 130.6 W m−1 K−1. This study establishes a fundamental structure–property relationship in GRTs, revealing that thermal performance is critically dependent on the architectural design of the conductive network at the micro/nanoscale. The proposed strategy offers a promising and scalable route for manufacturing advanced thermal management solutions to meet the escalating cooling demands of next-generation high-power electronics.
tRNA-m1A Modification Safeguards Fetal Liver HSPCs from DNA Damage via Maintaining Iron Homeostasis
Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) development requires finely tuned gene expression programs, yet the role of tRNA modifications in this process remains largely unknown. Here, we uncover the essential function of the tRNA methyltransferase Trmt61a in sustaining fetal liver (FL) HSPCs through N1-methyladenosine (m¹A) deposition. Ribosome profiling revealed globally declined translation efficiency due to translational blockage upon Trmt61a loss in HSPCs, notably the transferrin receptor (Tfrc). Mechanistically, m1A reduction caused ribosomal stalling at Arginine-CGG codons in Tfrc mRNA, thus suppressing Tfrc synthesis and leading to intra-cellular iron depletion. This iron deficiency triggered DNA damage and compromised HSPC survival. Our work elucidates an epitranscriptomic pathway, the Trmt61a-m¹A-Tfrc axis, that safeguards HSPC integrity by linking tRNA modification to iron homeostasis and preventing DNA damage, providing mechanistic and therapeutic insights into hematopoietic disorders.
Preliminary phytochemical profiling and in vitro antibacterial activity of Lycium edgeworthii (Solanaceae) leaf extract against multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens
Abstract The escalating global crisis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) necessitates the urgent discovery of novel therapeutic agents from underexplored plant sources. The genus Lycium (Solanaceae) is renowned for its rich phytochemistry, yet Lycium edgeworthii Dunal remains scientifically unexplored. This study presents the first comprehensive phytochemical profiling and antibacterial evaluation of L. edgeworthii leaf ethanolic extract against clinically relevant multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial pathogens. The extract was prepared via Soxhlet extraction (yield: 8.7% w/w) and subjected to qualitative phytochemical screening using standard protocols. Antibacterial activity was evaluated against Gram-positive ( Staphylococcus aureus MTCC 96, Bacillus subtilis MTCC 121) and Gram-negative ( Escherichia coli MTCC 443, Pseudomonas aeruginosa MTCC 424) bacteria using agar well diffusion and resazurin-based microdilution broth assays to determine zones of inhibition (ZOI) and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs). Phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, coumarins, and glycosides. The extract exhibited significant, dose-dependent antibacterial activity. In the well diffusion assay, the largest inhibition zone was observed against P. aeruginosa (12.3 ± 0.6 mm at 100 mg/mL). However, MIC determination revealed greater efficacy against S. aureus (MIC = 0.39 mg/mL) and E. coli (MIC = 0.78 mg/mL), with higher MICs for P. aeruginosa and B. subtilis (1.56 mg/mL). This discrepancy between ZOI and MIC highlights the importance of employing complementary assays and suggests differential compound diffusion properties. The ethanolic leaf extract of L. edgeworthii possesses a diverse phytochemical profile and demonstrates significant, broad-spectrum antibacterial activity in vitro. Its notable efficacy against MDR pathogens, particularly S. aureus and E. coli , validates its ethnobotanical potential and positions it as a promising candidate for bioassay-guided isolation of novel antimicrobial leads. Future studies should focus on compound characterization, mechanistic investigations, and cytotoxicity evaluation.
Monolayer WSe2 films synthesized by confined-space chemical vapor deposition
Tungsten diselenide (WSe2) is an important p-type two-dimensional (2D) semiconductor. However, a route to synthesize its monolayer films that simultaneously exhibit spatial uniformity, high crystalline quality, and full coverage remains elusive. Here, we demonstrate the growth of centimeter-scale uniform WSe2 monolayer films via a confined-space chemical vapor deposition method. Monolayer WSe2 films can be efficiently synthesized with minimal precursor consumption within 5 min. Crystalline structure analysis and spectroscopy measurements, together with the statistically analyzed transfer curves of an array of 25 transistors, confirm the good uniformity of the WSe2 film. This approach provides a scalable route to produce large-scale, homogeneous WSe2 films, which are crucial for electronic and integrated-circuit applications based on 2D semiconductors.