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Niche-targeted therapy via YAP/TAZ activation enhances hematopoietic regeneration

The distinctive milieu of the bone marrow (BM), known as the BM niche, supports hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and serves as a foundation for hematopoietic regeneration. Myeloablative stress disrupts not only hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells but also essential BM niche components, including endothelial cells (ECs) and mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs); disruption of the latter impairs efficient hematopoietic recovery. However, therapeutic strategies targeting niche restoration remain largely underdeveloped. Here, we demonstrate that the Hippo pathway effectors YAP/TAZ are critical for enabling ECs and MSCs to respond to BM injury, and that YAP/TAZ activation accelerates BM niche recovery, thereby promoting hematopoietic regeneration. We found that YAP/TAZ are rapidly activated in both MSCs and ECs following myeloablative stress, maintaining MSC multipotency and orchestrating vascular remodeling. Mechanistically, YAP/TAZ function as transcriptional hubs in MSCs, regulating key transcriptional factors such as Ebf1 and Ebf3. This regulation preserves MSC identity by preventing osteogenic and fibrogenic differentiation while promoting the expression of hematopoietic factors such as Cxcl12 and angiogenic factors. In addition, YAP/TAZ signaling in MSCs and ECs appeared to coordinately remodel sinusoidal vessels following BM injury. These YAP/TAZ-mediated niche responses are essential for HSC retention and hematopoietic regeneration following diverse myelosuppressive therapies. Notably, pharmacological activation of YAP/TAZ enhances BM niche reorganization and augments hematopoietic regeneration following myeloablative therapies. These findings establish YAP/TAZ as central regulators of BM niche resilience, providing a rationale for niche-targeted therapeutic strategies to enhance hematopoietic regeneration.

SARS CoV-2 seroprevalence and rising antibody titres across successive pandemic waves in Accra, Ghana: August 2020 to January 2022

Abstract Shortly after its first outbreak in Wuhan, the SARS CoV-2 spread worldwide. This study determined SARS CoV-2 seroprevalence and compared anti-RBD IgG titre distributions among seropositive samples across four repeated cross-sectional surveys conducted during successive epidemic waves from August 2020 to January 2022. Age-specific seroprevalence and titre patterns were also examined across children, adolescents, and adults. We conducted a seroepidemiological cross-sectional study over four epidemic waves periods. A stratified 1,096 samples, reflecting the age and sex distribution of the Accra population, was selected from 15,000 residual clinical samples. Adjusted seroprevalence increased from 58.3% (95% CI: 53.9–62.6%) in wave 1 to > 90% by wave 2 and remained ≥ 96% in waves 3 and 4. Adults aged ≥ 20 years reached near-universal seropositivity earlier than children, who accumulated exposure more gradually. Despite this early plateau, geometric mean anti-RBD IgG concentrations increased from 162 BAU/mL in wave 1 to 625 BAU/mL in wave 3, stabilising at 584 BAU/mL in wave 4. Analyses of antibody titre distributions demonstrated that progressively larger proportions of adults showed concentrations substantially exceeding wave 1 baseline levels in later waves, indicating age-related differences in cumulative antigenic exposure. Across successive epidemic waves, Accra experienced intense and repeated SARS CoV-2 transmission, resulting in near-universal exposure of the adult population by May 2021. Children and adolescents showed a slower and more gradual increase in both seroprevalence and antibody concentrations. Anti-RBD IgG titres increased across successive waves and stabilised after August–November 2021, consistent with sustained cumulative antigenic exposure at the population level.

Biomarkers of chronic liver disease and their determinants in northern Ethiopia: Evaluating the synergistic impact of HBV and Schistosoma mansoni and the contribution of metabolic and lifestyle factors to liver injury

Background Liver diseases are a major global health concern, affecting over 1.5 billion people and ranking among the leading causes of death. Sub-Saharan Africa carries a high burden, yet the underlying etiology of chronic liver disease is poorly described. The aim of this study was to assess biomarkers of chronic liver disease and their determinants in Northern Ethiopia. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2019 and June 2020 among randomly selected participants aged 5 years or older in Alamata district of Tigray region. Socio-demographic, behavioral, and clinical factors were collected via structured questionnaires; blood was tested for liver function biomarkers and Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and stool samples for S.mansoni infection. Liver function biomarkers’ abnormalities were defined based on age and sex-specific thresholds. Multivariable hierarchical logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of abnormal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported. Results A total of 767 participants were included, with a median age of 27 years (5–80 years); 53.1% were female and 67.5% resided in rural areas. The prevalence of HBV and S.mansoni infection was 5.9%, and 26.6%, respectively. Overall, 23.5% of participants had abnormal liver function biomarker with 7.3%, 14.2%, 9,4%, and 8.0% had elevated aspartate aminotransferase(AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total bilirubin levels, respectively. Besides, the De Ritis, aspartate to alanine (AAR) ratio revealed a median of 0.96(IQR:0.62–1.74), with 51% (79/155) of the participants presented with an AAR < 1.0, and 21.3% of participants exhibited an AAR > 2.0. Moreover, the R value depicted the patterns of liver injury with 90(52.0%) participants exhibited R-value below 2(cholestatic injury), whereas 44(22.43%), and 39(22.54%) of the participants were found to have R-values between 2 and 5(mixed injury), and R > 5(hepatocellular injury), respectively. The hierarchical modeling depicted that the infectious domain accounted for the largest portion of model variance (change in Nagelkerke R-squared (ΔR 2 ) =0.157, p < .001). Accordingly, the model demonstrated that several determinants of hepatocellular injury led by significant synergistic interaction between HBV and S. mansoni co-infection conferred a 19.7-fold increase in the odds of elevated ALT (aOR:19.7; 95%CI:5.50, 70.6; p < .001), significantly higher than mono-infections of HBV (aOR:13.7; 95%CI: 5.82, 32.04; p < .001) or S. mansoni (aOR:3.4;95% CI:2.5; 5.51, p < .001). Beyond the infectious synergy, khat chewing (aOR:4.1, 95%CI:2.21, 7.58), and diabetes mellitus (aOR:4.01, 95%CI:1.55–10.36); p = .004) were confirmed as significant independent predictors, each associated with a four-fold increase in likelihood of having elevated ALT. Conclusion Liver function biomarkers’ abnormalities were common in northern Ethiopia driven by infectious, metabolic and lifestyle factors. The significant synergy between HBV and S.mansoni creates a compounded risk that far exceeds the impact of mono-infections, diabetes, or khat chewing. The findings emphasize the need for integrated public health strategies that address both infectious and non-infectious determinants simultaneously to effectively reduce the burden of chronic liver disease in the region.

Structural Fusion‐Induced Activity Suppression in Copper Nanoclusters for Electrocatalytic Nitrate Reduction

ABSTRACT Understanding how structural evolution influences catalytic behavior is a central challenge in chemistry. We establish an atomically precise platform to directly probe the catalytic consequences of structural fusion in copper nanoclusters and uncover a counterintuitive anti‐emergent phenomenon, wherein increased structural complexity leads to suppressed activity. By integrating thiacalix[4]arene with an ortho‐hydroxyl‐substituted alkynyl ligand, we enable the in situ generation and directional templating of C 2 2 − dianions, achieving controlled fusion of two Cu 17 units into a well‐defined supercluster, {(C 2 ) 6 @Na 2 Cu 40 (TC4A) 6 (3‐HOhexC≡C) 6 } ( Cu 40 ). Precise regulation of the hydroxyl position allows selective isolation of the monomeric counterpart {NaCu 17 (TC4A) 3 (6‐HOhexC≡C) 6 } ( Cu 17 ), providing a closely matched model pair to disentangle fusion effects. The generality of this C 2 2 − ‐templated fusion pathway is further supported by the isolation of Cu 22 and Cu 43 clusters. Comparative electrocatalytic analysis shows that, despite similar topological architectures, Cu 40 exhibits markedly inferior nitrate‐reduction activity relative to the Cu 17 and Cu 22 monomers. Notably, Cu 17 delivers an optimal NH 3 Faradaic efficiency of 98.45% with a production rate of 2.91 mol·h −1 ·g −1 at −1.0 V. In situ spectroscopic experiments combined with DFT calculations reveal that fusion preserves the intrinsic nature of Cu active sites but reduces surface accessibility and perturbs local electronic environments, thereby suppressing interfacial *H formation and hindering hydrogenation of *NO intermediates.

Neuromuscular performance and biochemical response to maximal anaerobic effort: assessment of longterm adaptations in professional tennis

Abstract Professional tennis involves repeated short-duration, high-intensity anaerobic efforts interspersed with brief recovery intervals. Powerful serves, explosive sprints, rapid directional changes, and muscular contractions place substantial physiological demands and may lead to distinct long-term adaptations at both neuromuscular and biochemical levels, enabling efficient fatigue management and sustained high-level performance during training and competition. This study aimed to analyse the effect of a long-term professional tennis training adaptations both on neuromuscular and biochemical level in context of the fatigue induced by maximal anaerobic effort (MAnE). 14 professional tennis players (TP) (20.00 ± 0.96 years), and 15 physically active men (PAM) (20.07 ± 1.59 years) finished the study. The testing protocol consisted of MAnE in form of 2 × 30-second Wingate Anaerobic Test and maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVICs) and submaximal isometric contractions at 20% and 50% of MVIC of the knee extensors and flexors with a surface electromyography evaluation before and after MAnE. Blood samples were collected at baseline, immediately after, and 3 and 24 h after MAnE to assess serum markers, including 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine, albumin, interleukins (IL-6, IL-10, IL-15), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). TP exhibited superior absolute (7.8%, p  = 0.05) and relative peak power (10.1%, p  < 0.01) during MAnE in compare with PAM. After the MAnE, TP were able to maintain their performance in form of peak rate of torque development in knee flexion of MVIC, while PAM showed it reduction by 26% ( p  < 0.05). In addition, rectus femoris muscle in TP showed increase in muscle activity (52–62%, p  < 0.05) after MAnE in both knee flexion and extension at 20% of MVIC. In context of biochemical analysis, TP had higher TAC levels at baseline (47.8%, p  < 0.01) and 24 h after MAnE (34.7%, p  < 0.01) compared to PAM. Additionally, while IL-10 concentrations were significantly higher in TP at baseline (22.0%, p  < 0.05), at 3 h (14.2%, p  < 0.05) and 24 h after MAnE (26.8%, p  < 0.05), IL-6 showed attenuated increase after MAnE and its concentrations immediately after (19.8%, p  < 0.01) and 3 h (27.5%, p  < 0.01) were lower than PAM. The findings indicate that, compared with physically active men, elite tennis players exhibit distinct neuromuscular and biochemical responses to standardized MAnE, which may reflect long-term training-related physiological adaptations.

Pornography consumption among medical students in Syria: Prevalence, patterns, and predictors

Background Pornography consumption is a global phenomenon, yet empirical research from the Middle East, particularly Syria, is nonexistent. Medical students may be especially vulnerable due to high stress levels. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, patterns, and self-perceived effects of pornography consumption among medical students in Syria, addressing a significant geographical and cultural gap in the literature. Materials and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted between August 1, 2024, and November 30, 2024, by researchers from Damascus University Faculty of Medicine, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic. An anonymous online questionnaire adapted from a validated instrument was distributed to Syrian medical students through official university channels and social media platforms. The final sample included 960 participants. The survey collected data on sociodemographics, consumption patterns, self-perceived addiction, cessation attempts, and effects on mental health, academic performance, and sexual satisfaction. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, non-parametric tests, and binary logistic regression. Results Lifetime exposure to pornography was reported by 720 participants (74.9%), with a mean age of first exposure of 14.8 ± 3.2 years. Logistic regression revealed that high family income (AOR = 2.15, 95% CI [1.48–3.12]) and having a private room (AOR = 3.48, 95% CI [2.51–4.83]) were significant predictors of lifetime exposure (p < 0.001), while gender was not a significant factor (p = 0.442). Nearly half of the students (463 participants, 48.2%) were current users. Among users, 236 (51.0%) had attempted to quit, with 170 (72.2%) experiencing adverse effects including erotic dreams (53.5%), irritability (26.4%), and attention disturbance (26.0%). Self-perceived addiction was reported by 117 participants (12.2%) overall and 72 participants (15.5%) among current users, with early exposure (≤12 years) being the strongest predictor (males: OR = 7.25, 95% CI [4.16–12.63]; females: OR = 4.23, 95% CI [2.85–6.28]). Conclusion This first investigation of pornography consumption among Syrian medical students reveals high lifetime exposure beginning in early adolescence, associated primarily with socioeconomic factors rather than gender. Cessation attempts and withdrawal-like symptoms were common among current users. Self-perceived addiction was strongly predicted by early exposure, particularly among males. These findings highlight the need for culturally tailored, non-judgmental support services and longitudinal research using validated instruments.

Beyond Swelling and Shrinking: Achieving a Quasi‐Isovolumetric Phase Transition in Water‐Driven Thermo‐Responsive Hydrogels via Enthalpy–Entropy Compensation

ABSTRACT Thermo‐responsive hydrogels hold promise in various fields for their reversible phase transition behavior, but often at the expense of high energy consumption from external thermal inputs and volumetric swelling/shrinkage from phase transition. Herein, we present a water‐driven phase transition strategy that circumvents thermal triggers while retaining upper critical solution temperature (UCST)‐type thermo‐responsiveness via enthalpy–entropy compensation. The UCST phase transition arises from entropy loss due to hydrophobic interactions within the hydrogel networks. By modulating the enthalpy/entropy balance, we achieve hydrogels with desired responsiveness, exemplified by a rapid (130 s) and quasi‐isovolumetric (volume change of 1.2) phase transition under mild conditions (water, 25°C). This strategy leverages water as a stimulus, enabling phase transitions that align with the compatibility requirements of biogenic materials, since the risks related to thermal triggers can be avoided. Our strategy thus offers a pathway to thermo‐responsive hydrogels without thermal energy input, while mitigating volumetric instability challenges in practical applications, such as body temperature triggered information encryption and human brain mimic dynamic memory‐forgetting.

Synthesis of nano-Cu–Zn–MOF based on metallic waste with different carboxylic content for carbofuran residues uptake from wastewater

Abstract Because of Carbofuran residues are carcinogenic and contaminate natural free water, the widespread use of carbofuran poses a serious risk to human health. For purification of water from carbofuran residues, a smart absorber with a designed surface and a low cost becomes crucial. The current study uses unique mixed metal–metal–organic frameworks (M–MOFs) based on different contents of carboxylic group (benzenedicarboxylic acid, benzene-1, 3, 5-tricarboxylic acid, and benzene tetracarboxylic acid) to remove carbofuran from water. The adsorption properties of carbofuran were investigated through the characterization and analysis of Cu–Zn–MOF-H, Cu–Zn–MOF–COOH, and Cu–Zn–MOF–(COOH) 2 . Carbofuran residues were deposited both chemically and physically onto the Zn, Cu–MOFs. The Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were used to study theoretical calculations and modeling on the surfaces of adsorbents. The Langmuir equation best described the carbofuran adsorption data, according to non-linear regression of the experimental data. Carbofuran’s maximal adsorption uptake onto Cu–Zn–MOF-H, Cu–Zn–MOF–COOH, and Cu–Zn–MOF–(COOH) 2 were 162.5, 348.35 and 389.2 mg/g, respectively. The pseudo-second-order equation is the kinetic model that fits the data best. The findings demonstrate that as the adsorbent’s carboxylic acid concentration rose, the carbofuran pesticide removal was effectiveness.

Association between dynamic digital radiography findings and post-extubation respiratory deterioration: A retrospective exploratory analysis of a prospectively collected ICU cohort

Introduction Dynamic Digital Radiography (DDR) is a novel bedside imaging modality that enables real-time visualization of pulmonary motion with minimal radiation exposure. We evaluated whether DDR-derived parameters could assist in stratifying the risk of post-extubation respiratory deterioration in ICU patients. Methods We analyzed a prospectively collected, single-center cohort of consecutive adults extubated after invasive mechanical ventilation between December 2024 and February 2025 (n = 56). Bedside DDR was performed immediately before and within 24 hours after extubation; respiratory deterioration was defined as any increase in oxygen supplementation before ICU discharge. We used logistic regression to address the initial objectives and added exploratory machine learning to explore predictive performance, with interpretability assessed using Shapley additive explanations (SHAP). Results While no significant differences were found in directly measured DDR values between groups, age and pre-extubation respiratory rate differed significantly between patients with and without respiratory deterioration. In logistic regression analysis, post-extubation lung-area excursion was not significantly associated with respiratory deterioration after adjustment for age. In exploratory XGBoost/SHAP analysis, age, post-extubation respiratory rate, and post-extubation lung-area excursion showed relatively large model-based contributions, but these findings were interpreted as exploratory feature contributions rather than evidence of independent statistical association. Conclusions In this exploratory ICU cohort, DDR-derived post-extubation lung-area excursion was not independently associated with respiratory deterioration after adjustment for age, but it showed a relatively large model-based contribution in exploratory XGBoost/SHAP analysis. DDR-derived dynamic information may provide complementary, hypothesis-generating information for post-extubation assessment. Larger prospective studies with external validation are required before DDR-derived indices can be considered clinically validated predictors.

Interaction driven artificial magnetic conductor and defected ground structure integrated microstrip antenna for subsurface communication

Postoperative renal dysfunction and associated perioperative factors among patients undergoing major vascular surgery at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Background Postoperative renal dysfunction (PORD) is a common and serious complication following major vascular surgery and is associated with prolonged hospitalization, renal replacement therapy, and mortality. However, evidences regarding its incidence and associated perioperative factors in resource-limited settings such as Ethiopia remains scarce. Objective To determine the incidence, severity distribution, and perioperative factors associated with PORD among patients undergoing major vascular surgery at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, between January 2018 and December 2024. A total of 377 adult patients who underwent major vascular surgery were included. Renal outcomes were defined and staged according to the kidney disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors independently associated with PORD. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported. Results PORD occurred in 22.5% of patients (95% CI: 18.4–26.9%). Among affected patients, 61.2% had mild dysfunction (Stage 1), 24.7% moderate dysfunction (Stage 2), and 14.1% severe dysfunction (Stage 3). Factors independently associated with PORD included age ≥ 60 years (AOR = 5.99, 95% CI: 3.32–10.80), chronic kidney disease (AOR = 3.49, 95% CI: 1.52–8.03), diabetes mellitus (AOR = 2.37, 95% CI: 1.23–4.57), intraoperative blood loss ≥500 mL (AOR = 4.63, 95% CI: 2.13–10.09), and inadequate urine output (AOR = 2.36, 95% CI: 1.13–4.92). Conclusions PORD affected nearly one-quarter of patients undergoing major vascular surgery, with most cases classified as mild dysfunction. Advanced age, chronic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, excessive intraoperative blood loss, and inadequate urine output were significantly associated with PORD. Enhanced perioperative risk assessment and optimization of comorbidities, and careful intraoperative monitoring may help reduce postoperative renal dysfunction in major vascular surgery patients.

Bilibili and TikTok heart failure short video evaluation: a cross-sectional study

Retraction: Do Magnetic murmurs guide birds? A directional statistical investigation for influence of Earth’s Magnetic field on bird navigation

Electron Transfer‐Proton Supply Decoupling at Functionalized Polymer Interfaces Enables Efficient Air‐Fed H ₂ O ₂ Electrosynthesis

ABSTRACT Air‐fed electrochemical H 2 O 2 production via the two‐electron oxygen reduction reaction (2e − ORR) offers a sustainable alternative to conventional processes, yet its efficiency is fundamentally constrained by low O 2 availability and intrinsically coupled electron‐proton transfer. Here, we construct a bifunctional covalent organic polymer interface integrating carbonyl electron‐relay units and quaternary ammonium cationic motifs on commercial carbon black (QSPIP‐TMC@CB), enabling efficient H 2 O 2 electrosynthesis directly from air. The QSPIP‐TMC@CB delivers a H 2 O 2 production rate of 3410.1 mmol·h −1 ·g −1 with 91.4% H 2 O 2 Faradaic efficiency (FE H2O2 ) under air, and sustains stable operation at 100.0 mA·cm −2 for 35.0  h. Mechanistically, carbonyl motifs function as reversible redox mediators that facilitate electron injection into O 2 , while quaternary ammonium cations enrich interfacial O 2 and regulate proton accessibility via Donnan repulsion, suppressing excessive protonation of the *OOH intermediate and preventing O─O bond cleavage. This cooperative regulation decouples electron transfer from proton supply, thereby stabilizing the 2e − pathway under O 2 ‐lean conditions. The strategy is readily extendable to representative ORR catalysts (Co─N─C and ZnO) and enables gram‐scale H 2 O 2 production (4.8 g h −1 at 5.0 A, 1.0 wt% within 5 min), establishing functionalized‐interface electron‐proton decoupling as a general and scalable design paradigm for air‐fed H 2 O 2 electrosynthesis.

Molecular modelling of the adipokinetic hormone receptor from the stick insect Carausius morosus, and its endogenous agonist

Applications of electromyography in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A systematic review

This systematic review examined the use of surface electromyography (sEMG) for the neuromuscular assessment of individuals with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), focusing on clinical parameters, the muscle groups evaluated, acquisition protocols, technical properties of the recording systems, integration with other technologies, and signal processing strategies. We included observational studies that applied sEMG to individuals diagnosed with ALS, with or without comparison to healthy controls, and without restrictions on publication year. The analyses included signals recorded at rest and during voluntary contractions, with or without the use of biofeedback. Most studies employed conventional or high-density surface electrodes, with sampling frequencies ranging from 500 Hz to 3000 Hz. The results showed that the primary parameters assessed were muscle fatigue, fasciculation patterns, the number of motor units (MUNE/MUNIX), motor unit firing rates, and signal complexity. These parameters demonstrated sensitivity to disease progression and may contribute to early diagnosis, phenotypic stratification, and functional monitoring of ALS. Additionally, the studies highlighted the increasing use of advanced computational approaches, such as machine learning, for feature extraction and automated classification. In conclusion, sEMG is a promising tool for functional assessment in ALS, with the potential to improve diagnostic accuracy and support new therapeutic strategies based on electrophysiological biomarkers. However, despite technological advances, the included studies displayed substantial methodological heterogeneity and limited protocol standardization. Integration with other neurophysiological modalities also remains underexplored, despite its significant clinical potential.

Harnessing Fiber Bragg Grating Sensor Enabled Multi‐Physical Monitoring in the Pursuit of an Ideal Operating Voltage Window for Ni–Zn Batteries

ABSTRACT Nickel–zinc (Ni–Zn) batteries have high‐power densities and unrivalled potential for cost‐effectiveness and sustainability. However, reliability concern quickly arises from their delicately balanced operational window, characterized by significantly different reduction and oxidation mechanisms at the electrode–electrolyte interfaces. Accurately identifying and utilizing the ideal faradaic reactions, while avoiding degradative side reactions, is key to them reaching their full market potential. Here we show that by continually monitoring the real‐time strain and temperature evolution of commercial Ni–Zn batteries during cycling with fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors, critical insights can be gained. Utilizing systematic cycling with varying charge cutoff voltages, specifically between 1.85 V and 1.90 V, we track volumetric deformation and temperature changes at the cell level with signature indications of charge storage mechanisms. Evidence shows that while applied voltages of 1.88 V during cell charging initially appear unremarkable, repeated cycling with this voltage gives rise to nonreversible reactions. This contrasts sharply voltages of 1.875 V were found to safely avoid such mechanisms, indicative of the anticipated operational mode and cell capacity. The demonstrated monitoring strategy offers a multidimensional, scalable sensing framework for Ni–Zn batteries and next generation battery management systems and suggest potential for integration with more intelligent or AI powered prognostics.

Attention-guided temporal convolutional pseudo-velocity generation for underwater inertial/Doppler navigation

GL-Net: A knowledge-guided Gaussian-gated and layered refinement network for 3D MRI segmentation of brain gliomas

Glioblastoma is a highly malignant brain tumor, and accurate lesion segmentation in MRI is essential for diagnosis, treatment planning, and prognosis assessment. This paper proposes a knowledge-guided 3D hybrid Transformer-CNN framework, GL-Net, which integrates prior knowledge through a Gaussian Gating Module (GGM) and a Layered Refinement Module (LRM), together with a novel Edge-Region Voxel Dynamic Weighted Loss Function. These modules collaboratively enhance feature activation, refine label-specific structures, and improve edge delineation, enabling robust segmentation even under limited-sample conditions. The proposed GL-Net was evaluated on the BraTS2019 and BraTS2021 datasets, achieving average Dice Similarity Coefficients (DSC) of 0.877 and 0.913, and Hausdorff Distances (HD) of 1.83 and 1.55, respectively—demonstrating highly competitive performance and a substantial reduction in boundary errors relative to the reported benchmarks of current data-driven approaches. Furthermore, to assess its clinical applicability, VASARI (Visually Accessible Rembrandt Images) feature extraction was performed using both the GL-Net-generated segmentation masks and the ground truth labels on the BraTS2019 dataset for glioblastoma (GBM) diagnosis. The diagnostic performances were nearly identical (GT AUC: 0.954 / GL-Net AUC: 0.949), and the DeLong test (p = 0.99) indicated no statistically significant difference between the two. These results suggest that GL-Net not only achieves highly competitive segmentation accuracy but also produces radiomic features comparable to expert manual annotations, providing complementary evidence of its potential clinical relevance. The proposed framework shows strong clinical potential for precise and consistent glioma delineation, providing valuable support for surgical planning, radiotherapy targeting, and diagnostic decision-making in clinical workflows.

Entropy‐Mediated Solvation Enables Interfacial Equilibrium for Stable Ah‐Level Zinc Metal Batteries

ABSTRACT The reversibility of Zn deposition/stripping in aqueous zinc metal batteries (ZMBs) is governed by the interfacial kinetics and unstable electrolyte‐metal chemistry. Here we introduce a hybrid‐entropy (HE) electrolyte that leverages entropy‐driven solvation restructuring to tailor the Zn 2+ coordination environment and interfacial thermodynamics. By amplifying the entropy contribution, quantified through Boltzmann's equation, HE electrolyte diminishes the Gibbs free energy of the system, thermodynamically minimizing chemical‐potential gradients that promote interfacial heterogeneity. This entropic modulation triggers the spontaneous formation of an inorganic‐organic composite interphase on the Zn surface, which homogenizes ion flux and shifts the Zn nucleation behavior from instantaneous to progressive modes, enabling dense and dendrite‐free metal growth. These coupled mechanisms confer improved anode reversibility, delivering a cycling lifetime exceeding 3000 h in Zn||Zn symmetric cells and high Coulombic efficiency of 99% over 1000 cycles in Zn||Cu cells. Consequently, practical NaV 3 O 8 ||Zn pouch cells with a capacity of 1.38 Ah under high mass loading and low negative‐to‐positive capacity ratio (N/P) ≈ 4.2 demonstrate stable operation for over 30 days at 2.0 mA·cm −2 with negligible capacity decay. This work highlights controllable entropy engineering as an effective design principle for aqueous electrolytes and charts a viable route toward durable, high‐performance ZMBs.