Browse Articles
Discover research articles across all indexed journals
Structural, optical and luminescence properties of Fe3+-doped mixed alkali zirconia-borate glasses for warm orange-red photonic applications
Abstract A novel series of Fe 3+ doped mixed alkali zirconia-borate glasses with the composition 60B 2 O 3 –25Na 2 O–10Li 2 O–(5 − x)ZrO 2 –xFe 2 O 3 (x = 0–1 mol%) were synthesized using the melt-quenching technique. The novelty of this work lies in combining the structural modifications with enhanced optical properties and orange-red luminescence in Fe 3+ doped mixed alkali zirconia-borate glasses for warm photonic applications. X-ray diffraction confirmed the non-crystalline nature of glass, while SEM images and EDS spectra were utilised for morphological and elemental analysis. The density of the glasses decreased from 2.4197 to 2.4168 g cm −3 before gradually increasing to 2.4324 g cm −3 . FTIR and Raman spectral studies showed the formation of non-bridging orthoborate units from pentaborate and di-pentaborate units. The optical absorption band at 450 nm is associated with the Fe 3+ transition 6 A 1g ( 6 S) → 4 A 1g ( 4 G); 4 E g ( 4 G). The decrease in direct bandgap from 3.90 to 3.10 eV and indirect bandgap from 3.44 to 2.77 eV, along with an increase in Urbach energy from 0.245 to 0.273 eV, indicates the disorder in structure. An increase in refractive index leads to an increase in third-order susceptibility and nonlinear refractive index. The photoluminescence spectra exhibited orange-red emission at ( 4 T 2g ( 4 G) → 6 A 1g ( 6 S)) with 550 nm, 560 nm and 570 nm excitation wavelengths. The CIE chromaticity and CCT values show that Fe 3+ doped glasses are suitable for warm-emitting orange-red photonic applications.
Characteristics and geographical distribution of syphilis among people with human immunodeficiency virus and the National Population in Republic of Korea
Introduction The global incidence of syphilis has been increasing in recent years, with multiple factors contributing to this trend. Syphilis disproportionately affects specific populations. We aimed to evaluate trends in the incidence and geographical distribution of syphilis at the provincial level among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH) and the total population in Korea. Methods PLWH were enrolled from the Korea National Health Insurance Service Database. Early syphilis was defined as having an International Classification of Diseases, 10 th revision diagnostic code and the prescription codes for medications. Between 2014 and 2019, syphilis was designated as a nationally notifiable infectious disease, facilitating comprehensive data collection. We compared the number of syphilis cases in the total population and the PLWH cohort. The incidence rates of early syphilis were estimated using Poisson regression, complemented by provincial mapping among the national and PLWH populations. Results The prevalence of early syphilis among PLWH was 22.4%, with 58.6% occurring after HIV diagnosis. In the total population, primary syphilis accounted for 69.8% of early cases. The age distribution and regional epidemiology of syphilis among PLWH differed from those in the total population. HIV infection was associated with a 5.04-fold higher incidence rate of syphilis (Incidence rate ratio (IRR), 95% Confidence interval (CI): 5.04 [4.77–5.34]), and as the years elapsed, the incidence rate of syphilis increased by 14.5% (IRR, 95% CI: 1.15 [1.13–1.16]). Since 2015, the incidence of new syphilis cases has increased notably in the total population, whereas it remained relatively stable among PLWH, indicating that the absolute rate and trajectories differed from those of the national population. Conclusion Syphilis is prevalent among PLWH; however, the epidemiology differs from that of the national population. This highlights the need for multifaceted policies to prevent syphilis transmission.
Fossil isotope evidence for trophic simplification on modern Caribbean reefs
Abstract Caribbean reefs have experienced major human-driven changes to their coral and fish communities 1–4 , yet how these changes have affected trophic dynamics remains poorly understood owing to challenges in reconstructing the trophic structure of pre-human-impact reefs. Advances in fossil-bound protein nitrogen isotope ( 15 N/ 14 N) analysis now enable the reconstruction of ancient trophic dynamics 5,6 , as the 15 N to 14 N ratio reflects an animal’s trophic position 7 . Here we apply this method to modern and prehistoric (7,000-year-old) fish otoliths (ear stones) and corals from Caribbean Panama and the Dominican Republic, focusing on fishes occupying low to middle trophic levels. We find that although the trophic level typically declined in high-trophic-level fishes over time, it increased or remained unchanged in low-trophic-level fishes, indicating that modern food chains are 60–70% shorter than on the prehistoric reefs in both Panama and the Dominican Republic. Furthermore, across all trophic groups, we observed a marked reduction in dietary variation, with a 20–70% lower trophic range on the modern reefs compared to the prehistoric reefs. This pattern is best explained by less dietary specialization in modern reefs, consistent with less ecological complexity than in prehistoric reefs. These differences document and quantify the trophic simplification that has occurred on modern Caribbean reefs, a change that may increase their vulnerability to ecosystem collapse.
Numerical and statistical analysis of aluminum deep drawing using LS-DYNA coupled with Taguchi design and response surface methodology
Abstract Deep drawing is one of the most widely used sheet metal forming processes in the manufacturing industry. This study presents a finite element-based investigation of the deep drawing process of aluminum circular blanks using LS-DYNA. The objective is to assess the influence of key process parameters on formability and failure modes during low-depth cup forming. A parametric design based on the Taguchi method was adopted, incorporating three levels for each of the following parameters: punch velocity (2, 5, 8 mm/s), blank thickness (1, 1.5, 2 mm), and blank holder force (5, 10, 15 kN). The output responses included maximum forming force, maximum thinning %, effective plastic strain, Von Mises stress, and Forming Limit Diagram (FLD) values. The simulation results were analyzed using ANOVA within Response Surface Methodology (RSM) to evaluate the statistical significance and interactions among the input variables. The results indicate that punch velocity is the dominant factor controlling thinning, forming force, stress, and plastic strain, followed by blank thickness, while blank holder force has a minor effect. The developed regression models exhibited strong reliability and predictive capability, with statistical validation and close agreement between predicted and actual responses.
Asymptomatic gallstones: Cumulative incidence proportion, incidence rate, and risk factors for symptoms development: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Objectives This review aims to evaluate the cumulative incidence proportion, incidence rate, and risk factors for progression of incidentally diagnosed, asymptomatic gallstones to symptomatic gallstone disease (GSD) and associated complications. Design Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Data source Four electronic databases were searched (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect) with no start date restriction, up to July 2025. Eligibility criteria Inclusion criteria: patients who were diagnosed with gallstones incidentally. Exclusion criteria: known history of GSD, patients who have undergone bariatric surgery or cholecystectomy, recurrence of gallstones, pregnancy, estrogen therapy, pediatric age group, review, case report, case series, editorial, letters, and abstracts. Data extraction and synthesis This review is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024526889). Primary screening by title and abstract was conducted in Rayyan; full-text screening was performed, and the references of the included studies were manually searched for relevant papers. Data were extracted into an Excel sheet, and the meta-analysis was conducted using RStudio. Single-arm outcomes were summarized in proportion, and comparative outcomes were summarized in Risk Ratio (RR) for categorical outcomes and mean difference for continuous ones. Heterogeneity was evaluated using the I statistic and the Q test. Results Eight cohort studies, reported in 9, with a total of 25,924 participants, were included. The cumulative incidence proportion of symptomatic progression was 0.10, 95% CI: [[0.10; 0.11]] at 5 years, 0.19, 95% CI: [0.14; 0.25] at 10 years, and 0.26, 95% CI: [0.12; 0.40] at 15 years. Alcohol consumption (RR: 1.32, 95% CI: [1.27; 1.38]) and hyperlipidemia (RR: 1.19, 95% CI: [1.07; 1.32]) were identified as risk factors. Chronic liver disease (RR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.67; 0.87) and male gender (RR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.33; 0.87) were observed as protective factors. Conclusion This systematic review examines factors influencing symptomatic progression of ASG and guides the identification of high-risk patients who may benefit from prophylactic measures such as cholecystectomy.
Mighty mini-magnet is low in cost and light on energy use
Profiling histone post-translational modifications to identify signatures of epigenetic drug response in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
A pathway study of university embeddedness in provincial innovation systems based on field theory: Empirical evidence from China
This study employs Bourdieu’s Field Theory and fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) to investigate how university-based scientific and technological talent cultivation mechanisms influence Provincial Innovation (PI) capacity in China. Using data from 31 provincial-level regions, two high-performing innovation pathways were identified: (1) a market-driven pathway propelled by technology commercialization and international cooperation; and (2) a government-led pathway defined by robust policy support and institutional coordination. The findings highlight that high-level PI stems from the synergistic integration of HC, ERC, and international scientific exchange. Conversely, four non-high PI pathways reveal that performance is inhibited by resource scarcities, weak institutional frameworks, and ineffective collaboration mechanisms. Those findings indicate that innovation success does not depend on isolated institutional elements, but on the synergy of configurational complementarity Theoretically, this work extends Bourdieu’s Field Theory into the realms of regional innovation and higher education studies. Methodologically, it demonstrates the value of fsQCA in uncovering nonlinear, multi-factor causal mechanisms. Practically, the study offers guidance for localized talent strategies and university reforms aimed at enhancing regional innovation resilience.
Negotiation-augmented federated reinforcement learning for conflict-free edge–cloud stream scheduling
Unveiling and understanding health inequalities: A bi-clustering study on SDG3 implementation in the Italian regions
Health equity is a key policy priority in public health and a central component of Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3), which focuses on “Good Health and Well-Being”. While SDG 3 sets global benchmarks, its local implementation—particularly in countries with decentralized healthcare systems and significant regional disparities—poses a considerable challenge. This study addresses the need for subnational analyses by moving beyond national averages and identifying region-specific barriers and enablers to achieving SDG 3 targets, using Italy as a case study. To this end, we apply spectral bi-clustering, an innovative data-mining technique, to regional SDG 3 indicators compiled by ISTAT for the years 2013–2019. The analysis pursues two objectives: (1) to identify clusters of Italian regions with similar SDG 3 profiles; and (2) to determine which indicators are most salient within each cluster and how they diverge from national benchmarks, deriving policy implications tailored to each group of regions. Our findings reveal three distinct regional clusters: the analysis demonstrates that certain health indicators are more relevant within specific regional contexts, pointing to structural and systemic variations in healthcare provision and outcomes. These results underscore the inadequacy of uniform policy approaches and highlight the need for regionally differentiated strategies. This study provides one of the first applications of spectral bi-clustering to health equity analysis at the subnational level, offering actionable insights for policymakers seeking to localize SDG 3 implementation and bridge health gaps across regions.
Predicting surgical outcome in drug-resistant epilepsy by combining interictal biomarkers within a machine learning framework
Repurposing mebendazole to reprogram oncogenic and tumor-suppressor networks: Multi-cancer insights from ENOX2, MMP2, RASSF1A, WFDC10A and METTL7A
Background Cancer progression involves coordinated regulation of oncogenes and tumor suppressors. This study explores the interplay of ENOX2 (ecto-NADH oxidase disulfide-thiol exchanger 2), MMP2 (matrix metalloproteinase-2), and regulatory genes Ras Association Domain Family Member 1, Isoform A (RASSF1A), WAP Four-Disulfide Core Domain Protein 10A (WFDC10A), and Methyltransferase-Like Protein 7A (METTL7A) across multiple cancer cell lines, and evaluates the anticancer potential of repurposed mebendazole. Methods Eight human cell lines, including breast (MCF7 and MDAMB231), colorectal, pancreatic, lung, hepatocellular, leukemia, and endothelial models, were profiled by qRT-PCR and Western blotting. Expression was assessed under basal conditions and following mebendazole exposure (0.7 µM). Results Basal expression revealed elevated ENOX2 and MMP2 in aggressive cancers (MDA-MB-231, PANC1). Mebendazole significantly downregulated ENOX2 in HEPG2 (p < 0.01) and K562 (p < 0.05), and suppressed MMP2 in MDA-MB-231 (p < 0.05) and MCF7 (p < 0.01), indicating anti-invasive effects. Tumor suppressors were selectively induced: RASSF1A increased >200-fold in endothelial cells (p < 0.01) and was upregulated in HEPG2 and HT29 (p < 0.05), while WFDC10A was strongly elevated in MDA-MB-231 (>40-fold, p < 0.001). METTL7A displayed endothelial enrichment with heterogeneous tumor-specific regulation. Collectively, these findings reveal cell-type–specific modulation of oncogenic and suppressor pathways. Conclusion This multi-cancer investigation identifies ENOX2–MMP2 signaling as a functional driver of invasion and metastasis and demonstrates that mebendazole reprograms oncogenic–tumor suppressor networks. By integrating biomarker profiling with drug repurposing, our study highlights the translational potential of mebendazole as a cost-effective anticancer agent and supports the development of multi-gene biomarkers for diagnosis and therapy in aggressive malignancies.
Intraindividual comparison of photon-counting detector CT and third-generation dual-source energy-integrating detector CT in multiphasic contrast-enhanced abdominal CT
Molecular recognition and induced dimerization of hnRNP A2/B1 truncations by G-quadruplex single strand DNA
Abstract Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A2/B1 (hnRNP A2/B1) is a multifunctional nucleic acid metabolism regulator with established roles in viral infection and tumorigenesis. However, a critical gap exists between the oligomeric state of hnRNP A2/B1 and its function as a nuclear DNA sensor. To address this gap, we generated full-length hnRNP A2/B1 and three domain-truncated variants (△NLS, RRM-PrLD, RRM-RGG) using SUMO/MBP fusion expression systems. To define the nucleic acid binding and oligomeric properties of these variants, we combined SEC with EMSA and ITC. These analyses revealed that full-length hnRNP A2/B1 forms soluble amorphous aggregates, whereas the truncated variants exist as stable homogeneous monomers under in vitro solution conditions. Additionally, results demonstrated that the RRM-RGG (15–250) variant binds to ssDNA but not dsDNA. Notably, SEC combined with CD and AUC confirmed that RRM-RGG (15–250) truncations undergo homodimerization induced by 12nt and 22nt Guanine quadruplex (G4) structure enriched ssDNA, which is abundant in the genomes of diverse viruses. Structure predictions revealed that the C-terminal PrLD, and NLS domain are intrinsically disordered, a feature potentially underlying the protein’s aggregation propensity and crystallization recalcitrance. NPDock simulations demonstrated that G4-structured ssDNA binds and stabilizes the RRM-RGG (15–250) truncation via non-conserved key residues that are distinct from those of other hnRNP family members. This work provides a biophysical basis for hypothesizing that G4-structured ssDNA-dependent dimerization may contribute to the protein’s antiviral function, and establishes a biophysical framework to guide future investigations into the protein’s antiviral mechanism and the design of rational targeted inhibitors.
Chemical pollutants are rife across the world’s oceans
Identification of dynamic driving styles based on behavioral primitives
Abstract Driving style reflects drivers’ vehicle manipulation and driving habits, it is essential for understanding and analyzing drivers’ dynamic behavior and decision-making process. To better understand the intrinsic characteristics of how drivers make decisions and control vehicles based on external conditions, this paper proposes an unsupervised framework for dynamic driving style classification based on behavior primitives. The framework consists of three key stages: primitive extraction, model development, and dynamic driving style classification. Unsupervised techniques are employed to extract meaningful behavior primitives from time-series driving data. The primitive serves as the fundamental unit for dynamic driving style analysis, and a driving style evaluation model is built using a linear weighting approach. This model quantifies the risks of primitives and the transition risks between adjacent primitives. The thresholds for classifying cautious, average, and aggressive styles are determined using an improved particle swarm optimization algorithm. The proposed dynamic driving style classification framework comprehensively considers the characteristics of the current primitive and its surrounding context. By preserving the temporal features of driving behavior, the framework provides fine-grained classification of dynamic driving styles. Additionally, a deeper understanding of drivers’ dynamic driving style and their long-term driving behavior can be gained based on this framework, which will benefit the development of AVs and ADASs.