Search Results (525)

Diabetes is a developing global health concern that cannot be cured, necessitating frequent blood glucose monitoring and dietary management. Photoacoustic Spectroscopy (PAS) in the mid-infrared (MIR) region has recently emerged as a viable noninvasive blood glucose monitoring technique. However, MIR-PAS confronts significant challenges: (i) Water absorption, which reduces light penetration, and (ii) interference from other blood components. This paper systematically analyzes the background of photoacoustic signal generation and proposes a differential PAS (DPAS) in the MIR region for removing the background signals arising from water and other interfering components of blood, which improves the overall detection sensitivity. A detailed mathematical model with an explanation for choosing two suitable MIR quantum cascade lasers for this differential scheme is presented here. For single-wavelength PAS (SPAS), a detection sensitivity of $1.537$ µPa mg⁻¹ dL was obtained from the proposed model. Alternatively, $2.333$µPa mg⁻¹ dL detection sensitivity was found by implementing the DPAS scheme, which is about 1.5 times higher than SPAS. Moreover, DPAS facilitates an additional parameter, a differential phase shift between two laser responses, that has an effective correlation with the glucose concentration variation. Thus, MIR-based DPAS could be an effective way of monitoring blood glucose levels noninvasively in the near future. Full article

The stability of nanoparticles (NPs) in ODS steel is an important factor affecting their long-term service behavior. In the current work, the 9Cr-ODS steel samples were irradiated using 3.5 MeV Fe¹³⁺ ion irradiation up to 20 dpa at 350–650 °C, and the microstructure stability was studied using the transmission electron microscope. The correlation between the particle coarsening rate and the irradiation depth has been investigated. The results show that fine Y-Ti-O NPs undergo coarsening under irradiation at 350 and 500 °C, and the coarsening rate shows a trend of first increasing and then decreasing with the increase in depth. NP coarsening reached its peak at a certain depth, and the peak depth increased with the increase in irradiation temperature. While the coarsening was inhibited at 650 °C, almost no changes in particle size were observed, only slightly coarsening at the end of the irradiation layer. In addition, b = 1/2<111> type dislocation loops were dominant at 350 °C, and the formation of b = <100> type dislocation loops was confirmed at 500 °C. Dislocation lines were formed at 650 °C. Additionally, the segregation of Cr, O, C, Y, and Ti toward the surface in the irradiated layer was observed due to the surface effect. The stability of NPs with irradiation temperature is discussed. Full article

To address the challenges of inefficient convergence in UAV swarms under complex environments due to static position allocation (SPA), as well as the tendency of traditional artificial potential field (APF) obstacle avoidance to get stuck in local optima, this paper proposes a formation control method (DPAF-SA) based on dynamic position allocation (DPA) and APF-SA fusion, grounded in the principle of consensus and the simulated annealing (SA) algorithm. First, the formation position allocation is formulated as an online combinatorial optimization problem. Based on this framework, a dynamic position allocation and dynamic virtual center mechanism is designed to solve the optimal “UAV-position point” mapping in real time, minimizing the total convergence cost of the swarm. Second, to address the local optimum trap and decoupling issues in APF, the global search capability and probabilistic jump mechanism of SA are integrated into APF. This enables optimization of the consistency control input, ensuring tight coupling between efficient obstacle avoidance and formation maintenance. Finally, a high-fidelity HIL simulation platform based on Unity3D 2022.3.2. was established to validate the engineering feasibility and real-time robustness of the proposed algorithm. Simulation results demonstrate that, compared with the representative baseline model, the proposed method achieves improvements of approximately 46.1%, 24.5%, and 39.6% in formation accuracy, convergence performance, and safety margin, respectively, validating its effectiveness. Full article

Early fruit development in tomato is driven by complex gene expression patterns and metabolic reprogramming, a crucial phase that shapes the fruit’s final size and structure. Previous studies using the Micro-Tom model have largely focused on later stages of development, especially ripening, leaving early developmental processes relatively unexplored. To address this knowledge gap, we performed RNA-seq analyses on Micro-Tom fruits harvested at three key developmental stages: 3, 5, and 8 days post-anthesis (DPA). Pairwise differential gene expression analyses revealed that the most extensive transcriptional reprogramming occurs during the transition from 5 to 8 DPA, while comparatively fewer changes were observed between 3 and 5 DPA. K-means clustering of 11,035 stably expressed genes revealed nine distinct expression profiles associated with specific developmental phases, including cell proliferation, transition, and cell expansion. Integrating transcriptomic and metabolomic datasets uncovered coordinated shifts in gene expression and metabolite accumulation, highlighting both conserved regulatory mechanisms and cultivar-specific pathways governing early fruit development. These findings advance our understanding of the molecular regulation of early fruit development in Micro-Tom tomatoes and provide a basis for future efforts to improve fruit quality and yield. Full article

Echium species, abundant in the Canary Islands, contain unique fatty acids (FA) such as stearidonic acid (SDA; 18:4n-3) and γ-linolenic acid (GLA; 18:3n-6), which may improve egg quality while valorizing local genetic resources. This study evaluated the effects of Echium plantaegineum oil (EO) compared with linseed oil (LO) and soybean oil (SO) on productive performance, egg quality, sensory traits, and yolk fatty acid profile. Forty-eight hens from the Canary Islands were fed for 31 days with diets supplemented with 1.25% SO (SO-d), 1.1% LO + 0.15% beef tallow (LO-d), and 1% EO + 0.25% LO (EO-d). LO supplementation reduced laying rate and egg mass with respect to SO, increasing feed conversion ratio (FCR), whereas EO produced slightly lighter eggs compared to the SO group but with normal yolk proportion and shell traits. EO markedly increased egg yolk deposition of SDA, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5n-3), docosapentaenoic acid (n-3 DPA; 22:5n-3), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n-3), while lowering the n-6/n-3 ratio and thrombogenic index (TI). No differences were observed in the evaluated sensory attributes among treatments. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of EO effectively enriches eggs with n-3 LC-PUFA without negatively affecting sensory quality, supporting its potential use as a functional ingredient in laying hen diets. Full article

Background: Two natural steroids derived from cholesterol pathways are testosterone and progesterone, androgen and antiandrogen receptor binding. Steroid androgen antagonists can be prescribed to treat an array of diseases and disorders such as gender dysphoria. In men, androgen antagonists are frequently used to treat prostate cancer and hyperplasia. Sex hormones regulate the expression of the viral receptors in COVID-19 progression, and these hormones may act as a metabolic signal-mediating response to changes in glucose and Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). The objective of the present study is to use artificial intelligence (AI) applications in healthcare to predict the targets and to assess biological assays of novel steroid derivatives prepared in house from the commercially available 16-dehydropregnenolone acetate (DPA^®) aimed at achieving the metabolic stability of glucose and steroid brain homeostasis. This suggests the introduction of aromatic or aliphatic structures in the steroid B-ring and D-ring. This is important since the roles of 5α-reductase and ROS in brain control of glucose and novel steroids homeostasis remain unclear. Methods: A tool prediction was used as a tuned algorithm, with the novel steroid derivatives data in web interface to carry out their pharmacological evaluation. The new steroidal derivatives were determined with neuroprotection effect using the select biomarkers of oxidative stress on induced hypoglycemic male rat brain and liver. The enzyme kinetics was established by the inhibition of the 5α-reductase enzyme on the brain myelin. Results: We used novel chemical structures to order the information of a Swiss data bank that allow target predictions. Biological assays suggest that steroid derivatives with an electrophilic center can interact more efficiently with the 5α-reductase enzyme, and by this way, induce neuroprotection in hypoglycemia model. All compounds were synthesized with a yield of 30–80% and evaluated with tool target prediction to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying a given phenotype or bioactivity and to rationalize possible favorable or unfavorable side effects, as well as to predict off-targets of known molecules and to clear the way for drug repurposing. Apart, they turned out to be good inhibitors for the 5α-reductase enzyme. Conclusions: The probed efficacy of these novel steroids with respect to spironolactone control appears to be a promising compound for future hormonal therapy with neuroprotection activity in glucose disorder status. However, further research with clinically meaningful endpoints is needed to optimize the use of androgen antagonists in these hormonal therapies in COVID-19 progression. Full article

To investigate the radiation stability of the intermetallic in PH 13–8 Mo steel, precipitates with different sizes were generated and then the samples are irradiated with 400 keV Fe⁺ at room temperature with maximum damage up to 8 dpa. The pre- and post-irradiation samples are examined with selected area electron diffraction (SAED), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS). Before the irradiation, B2 NiAl precipitates are uniformly distributed in matrix with increased sizes of 2.5, 4.9 and 8.1 nm. After the irradiation, the intensity of SAED superlattice pattern of B2 NiAl with 8.1 nm diminishes rather than disappeared in the remaining samples, indicating that the ordered B2 structure of NiAl precipitates of smaller size are mostly destroyed. EDS results proves that no elemental diffusion took place between the precipitates and matrix. Moiré fringes are found to be located beside dissolved precipitates attributed to radiation-enhanced diffusion. This work will provide advice for the material design of other intermetallic strengthened alloys especially in nuclear applications. Full article

Background: Pathogenesis of aortic stenosis (AS) involves lipid infiltration, inflammation, and oxidative stress, which drive calcification of the aortic valve and progression to heart failure (HF). Fatty acids (FAs) play a crucial role in these processes. A treatment option for severe symptomatic AS in elderly and high-risk patients is transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Objective: To investigate the change in FA profiles in patients undergoing TAVI. Methods: This single-center prospective study included 25 patients with severe AS qualified for TAVI procedure. Blood samples were collected before TAVI and after six months. FA profiles were analyzed by gas chromatography-electron ionization mass spectrometry. Results: Notable changes were identified in FA profiles, including a reduction in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels (117 ± 48.0 µM vs. 141 ± 53.0 µM, p = 0.001) and an increase in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) concentration (32.8 ± 12.3 µM vs. 19.9 ± 6.40 µM, p = 0.003) six months post-TAVI. Additionally, significant elevations were noted in specific medium-chain FAs (C12) and branched-chain fatty acids (iso C16, iso C17 and anteiso C15, anteiso C17) at six months after TAVI. However, total n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n3 PUFA) levels decreased (p = 0.039), while n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n6 PUFA) levels exhibited no significant overall change at this time point. Decrease in mean pressure gradient (PG) was negatively correlated with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), DHA, n-3 docosapentaenoic acid (DPA n3) and n3 PUFA levels in a six-month observation. Conclusions: Our results underscore the complex interplay between cardiac intervention and FA changes, providing novel insights into the metabolic impact of TAVI on FAs serum profile. Full article

China Low-Activation Ferrite (CLF-1) steel, renowned for its excellent thermomechanical properties and irradiation resistance, plays a key role in the development of the R&D of the Chinese Helium-Cooled Ceramic Breeding Test Blanket Module. Cold-worked CLF-1 steels were irradiated with sequential dual ion beams of (Fe²⁺ and H⁺), followed by single He⁺ irradiation at 723 K, with a dose rate of 1.09 dpa/h, to explore the complex relationship between cold work, defect evolution, and irradiation hardening. Samples with cold-working deformations of 0%, 10%, and 50% (denoted as CW 0%, CW 10%, and CW 50%, respectively) were examined. The results based on nanoindentation, TEM, and EBSD reveal that moderate cold work (10%) introduces dense dislocations, acting as effective sinks to suppress irradiation-induced defect accumulation and hardening, while excessive cold work (50%) triggers partial recrystallization under relatively long-time multi-beam irradiation, reducing dislocation density, which leads to the comparable hardening with CW 10%. In contrast, non-deformed samples (0% cold work) exhibit severe irradiation hardening (38.46%). He bubbles and dislocation loops follow non-monotonic trends in number density (CW 50% < CW 0% < CW 10%) and size (CW 50% > CW 0% > CW 10%), governed by the interplay of sink efficiency, thermal diffusion, and recrystallization. These findings highlight that a moderate level of cold-working deformation contributes to enhancing the sink strength, thereby offering a viable approach for designing radiation-tolerant RAFM steels. Full article

A compact 8–15 GHz Doherty power amplifier (DPA) is proposed and fabricated in 22 nm FD-SOI CMOS. The proposed DPA relies on a quadrature-hybrid splitter and combiner to replace the bulky $\lambda$/4 impedance inverters at the input and the output of the conventional DPA enabling load modulation over a large fractional bandwidth (FBW = 61%) with efficient and compact integration. The proposed DPA achieves a peak gain of 19.6 dB; ≥17 dB across 8–15 GHz, 18 dBm P1dB, 19.5 dBm $P_{sat}$, and a peak PAE of 21% at 10 GHz, while sustaining 17% PAE at 6 dB back-off. The proposed DPA enables a modulation BW up to 200 MHz for a 256-QAM single carrier (SC) signal with a peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) of 6 dB. Under this setting, the average output power (Pavg) is measured at 12.5 dBm with an RMS error vector magnitude (EVM) of $-24.1$ dB and an average PAE of 15%. Within the scope of CMOS power amplifiers in 22 nm FD-SOI, we found no published example that jointly demonstrates 8–15 GHz coverage and sustained PAE at 6 dB back-off using a quadrature hybrid. Full article

Plants have the capacity to form adventitious roots (ARs) from detached aerial organs, a process known as de novo root regeneration (DNRR). In Arabidopsis, wounding signals rapidly induce in leaf explants the expression of genes encoding enzymes of auxin biosynthesis, resulting in elevated auxin levels and facilitating AR formation. Here, we report that DEVELOPMENT-RELATED POLYCOMB TARGET IN THE APEX 4 (DPA4/NGAL3), a well-known regulator in seed size and leaf margin development, and a repressor of CUP-SHAPED COTYLEDON 2 (CUC2), inhibits AR formation in detached leaves. Leaf explants of dpa4-2 and cuc2-1D mutants displayed both elevated CUC2 mRNA levels and increased rooting rates. We observed reduced expression of ULTRAPETALA1 (ULT1), a negative regulator of DNRR, while the auxin biosynthesis genes ASA1, YUC4, and YUC9 were upregulated in both mutants. Through pharmacological inhibition of YUCCA-mediated auxin biogenesis, we obtained evidence that the enhanced AR formation in both mutants is at least partially a result of increased auxin production. Genetic analysis of dpa4-2 cuc2-1D double mutants indicates that similar mechanisms promote DNRR in both mutants. In summary, our study suggests that DPA4 suppresses AR formation likely by repression of CUC2 and activation of ULT1, which, in turn, suppresses endogenous auxin biogenesis and DNRR. Full article

Privacy harms have expanded alongside rapid technological change, challenging the adequacy of existing regulatory frameworks. This systematic review (1990–2025) systematically maps documented privacy harms to specific legal mechanisms and observed enforcement outcomes across jurisdictions, using PRISMA-guided methods and ROBIS risk-of-bias assessment. We synthesize evidence on major regimes (e.g., GDPR, COPPA, CCPA, HIPAA, GLBA) and conduct comparative legal analysis across the U.S., E.U., and underexplored regions in Asia, Latin America, and Africa. Key findings indicate increased recognition of data subject rights, persistent gaps in cross-border data governance, and emerging risks from AI/ML/LLMs, IoT, and blockchain, including data breaches, algorithmic discrimination, and surveillance. While regulations have advanced, enforcement variability and fragmented standards limit effectiveness. We propose strategies for harmonization and risk-based, technology-neutral safeguards. While focusing on the U.S. sectoral and E.U. comprehensive models, we include targeted comparisons with Canada (PIPEDA), Australia (Privacy Act/APPs), Japan (APPI), India (DPDPA), Africa (POPIA/NDPR/Kenya DPA), and ASEAN interoperability instruments. This review presents an evidence-based framework for understanding the interplay between evolving harms, emerging technologies, and legal protections, and identifies priorities for strengthening global privacy governance. Full article

The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional composition of beef from five autochthonous calving breeds from Southwest Spain (Retinta, Pajuna, Marismeña, Berrenda en Colorado, and Lidia) reared under their traditional production systems. Longissimus dorsi samples were analyzed for pH, fat, moisture, ash protein content, mineral composition, fatty acid profile, and volatile compounds. Carcass weights of calves ranged from 108 to 328 kg according to the Spanish market, with significant breed differences in fat (range 2.98–8.41%), moisture (69.47–72.62%), and protein (20.98–23.82%), but not in ash (1.03–1.17%). Sodium levels were below 120 mg/100 g, allowing all breeds to be classified as low-sodium, while phosphorus values supported a high-phosphorus label. The Pajuna, Berrenda en Colorado, and Lidia breeds showed higher levels of beneficial fatty acids such as EPA, DPA, DHA, and CLA, with n-6/n-3 ratios ≤ 4, while Retinta and Marismeña presented higher ratios (6.09 and 5.23, respectively). The breeds from Southwest Spain stand out for their content in ketone, ester, and aromatic hydrocarbon volatile compounds linked to the intake of grass, forage, and food concentrate. These results highlight the favorable nutrient profiles and distinctive traits of Spanish autochthonous cattle breeds, emphasizing their value in sustainable production and conservation programs. Full article

The Altun Orogenic Belt (AOB) has undergone multiple complex subduction–collision events. However, there are numerous disagreements regarding the Early Paleozoic tectonic–magmatic evolution of the AOB, primarily due to differing interpretations of magmatic rock types and their sources. As a result, we conducted detailed geochemical analyses of granite samples obtained from several exploration wells in the Dongping area (DPA) of the South Altun Orogenic Belt (SAOB) at the western boundary of the Qaidam Basin. This approach differs from previous studies that mainly relied on outcrop samples. The granites in the study area are metaluminous and have high alkali contents (avg. 7.63%) and high TFe₂O₃/MgO ratios (avg. 4.50). Their rare-earth elements are enriched in light REEs and show weak to moderate negative Eu anomalies (δEu = 0.49–1.11). These geochemical signatures indicate an affinity to A-type granites. Through comprehensive diagram analysis, the rocks plot near the upper crustal composition in a Ta/Yb-Th/Yb diagram, indicating that they primarily originated from a mixed source of recycled and juvenile crustal material. A comprehensive analysis of the regional tectonic background shows that the Early Paleozoic granites in the SAOB formed in post-collisional extensional environments and syn-collisional volcanic arc tectonic settings. The majority formed in post-collisional extensional thinning environments, whereas a minority formed in syn-collisional volcanic arc tectonic settings, closely related to the subduction and collision of the Qaidam Block beneath the Central Altun Block. Full article

The γ ⟶ α′-transformation under implantation of austenitic-ferritic steel CF8 with ⁵⁷Fe ions to fluences of 1 × 10¹⁶, 5 × 10¹⁶ and 1 × 10¹⁷ ion/cm², as well as the reverse α′ ⟶ γ–transformation under thermal treatment, was studied using transmission Mössbauer spectroscopy (MS), conversion electron Mössbauer spectroscopy (CEMS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) methods. It was found that implantation, which causes radiation damage with 36 dpa, results in the formation of α′-martensite. At higher fluences of implanted ions, the amount of α′-martensite increased, reaching 86 at.% within the irradiated layer. Annealing in the temperature range of 600–850 °C resulted in the observed reverse transformation of α′-martensite to γ-austenite. The dependence of the average effective magnetic field on the annealing temperature was established. Full article