Search Results (1,598)

New deep-blue-emitting materials are crucial for Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED) technology, as iridium-based blue emitters often suffer from degradation and inadequate colour purity. Indium(III) complexes offer an alternative, since the d¹⁰ configuration of In³⁺ precludes metal-centred transitions, and emission arises from ligand-centred states via the chelation-enhanced fluorescence (CHEF) effect. We previously reported complexes 1 ([In(L^H)(H₂O)Cl₃]) and 2 ([In(L^Me)₂Cl₂][InCl₄]), which exhibited excitation-dependent emission, and the electronic transitions were assigned as ILCT for 1 and mixed ILCT/LL’CT for 2. Herein, we present a new complex, complex 3, i.e., [In(L^Morph)₂Cl₂][InCl₄], where L^Morph contains electron-donating morpholine substituents, in contrast to the acceptor chloride group in L^H and L^Me. Complex 3 was characterised by elemental CHN analysis, infrared spectroscopy (IR), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis (SC-XRD), and photoluminescence. The ionic structure of 3 is analogous to 2, with a cis-octahedral [In(L^Morph)₂Cl₂]⁺ cation and tetrahedral [InCl₄]⁻ anion. The UV-Vis spectrum of 3 shows a significant bathochromic shift relative to 1 and 2 which is attributable to the morpholine group. TD-DFT calculations were employed to assign the electronic transitions. The introduction of a morpholino group into the pyridazine ring resulted in significant changes to the solid-state photoluminescence properties of the indium complex: (i) the emission maximum shifted to the red region (CIE 1931 coordinates: 0.1725, 0.2487), (ii) the lifetime increased by an order of magnitude, and (iii) the quantum yield rose to 15%. This work highlights that substituent variation on the pyrazolyl–pyridazine scaffold provides a versatile route to tune the structural and photophysical properties of indium(III) complexes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) offer promising strategies for combating drug-resistant bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E. coli). This study evaluated the synergistic effects of the human-derived AMP LL37 and its fragments FK16 and FK13, in combination with polymyxin B, colistin, and vancomycin, against three E. coli strains in vitro. Methods: Because the outer membrane of E. coli acts as a barrier to antimicrobial agents, we assessed the membrane-permeabilizing activity of these AMPs. We further examined electrostatic interactions between the cationic AMPs and bacterial surfaces via zeta potential measurements. To simulate physiological conditions, we investigated how Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺ ions, common in blood, stabilize the bacterial outer membrane and influence AMP activity. Additionally, we assessed cytoplasmic membrane permeabilization as a key mechanism of antibacterial action. Finally, to support clinical translation, we evaluated the cytotoxicity of the AMPs on human dermal fibroblasts. Results: Checkerboard assays revealed that the peptide–antibiotic combinations exerted synergistic effects against the tested E. coli strains in both MHB medium and cation-adjusted MHB medium, with FICI values ranging from 0.3125 to 0.5 and <0.375 to 0.5, respectively. All three AMPs (LL37, FK16, and FK13) exhibited strong outer membrane-permeabilizing activity. Zeta potential measurements revealed a correlation between membrane disruption and surface charge neutralization. The presence of Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺ ions was found to stabilize the bacterial outer membrane. Cytoplasmic membrane permeabilization was confirmed as a key antibacterial mechanism. Cytotoxicity assays confirmed the safety profile of these AMPs on human cells. Conclusions: The study demonstrates that LL37 and its fragments enhance the activity of conventional antibiotics against E. coli through membrane disruption and charge neutralization, as evidenced by the FICI values (0.3125–0.5), membrane disruption and charge neutralization. While divalent cations in physiological conditions influence AMP efficacy, these peptides show potential for clinical application against E.coli. Full article

Background: Determining the appropriate magnitude of lumbar lordosis (LL) correction in adult spinal deformity (ASD) remains controversial. The fused spinopelvic angle (FSPA), a posture-independent parameter, may provide a geometric measure of fused-construct orientation associated with proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) risk. Methods: This retrospective single-center study included 258 patients aged ≥65 years with ASD and pure sagittal malalignment associated with lumbar degenerative kyphosis/drop body syndrome who underwent long-segment fixation from T10 to the sacrum with sacropelvic fixation. Patients were divided into non-PJK (n = 135) and PJK (n = 123) groups. Adjusted nested logistic regression models, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, and DeLong comparison were used to evaluate the association of FSPA with PJK and its incremental value beyond postoperative pelvic incidence–lumbar lordosis (PI-LL). Results: Postoperative FSPA was lower in the PJK group (p < 0.001) and remained independently associated with PJK in the fully adjusted model including postoperative PI-LL (adjusted OR = 0.910 per degree; 95% CI, 0.866–0.957; p < 0.001). FSPA showed greater discriminatory ability than postoperative PI-LL (AUC, 0.694 vs. 0.596; difference, 0.099; 95% CI, 0.035–0.162; DeLong p = 0.002). Adding FSPA to the clinical model containing postoperative PI-LL significantly improved model fit (likelihood-ratio p < 0.001). The cohort-derived FSPA threshold of 2.38° yielded 64.2% sensitivity and 63.7% specificity. Conclusions: Higher postoperative FSPA was independently associated with lower odds of radiographic PJK and provided additional predictive information beyond postoperative PI-LL. The identified threshold of 2.38° may serve as a preliminary reference for postoperative alignment in this selected cohort. Full article

Climate change poses a threat to bryophytes with restricted distributions and strong dependence on humid habitats. We assessed the climatic suitability of the moss genus Tetrastichium across the Azores, Madeira, and the Canary Islands. We compiled 90 records each for Tetrastichium fontanum and Tetrastichium virens and fitted Boosted Regression Tree models using WorldClim 2.1 bioclimatic predictors. Future suitability was projected for 2061–2080 and 2081–2100 using two global climate models under SSP3-7.0 and SSP5-8.5. Model performance was good (AUC = 0.88, sTSS = 0.81, and sensitivity ≥ 0.94). Under current and future conditions, suitable areas were unevenly distributed among archipelagos. Climatically suitable areas generally increased in the Azores but contracted substantially in Madeira and the Canary Islands. Under UKESM1-0-LL, no suitable areas in the Canary Islands remained above the climatic-suitability threshold by the end of the century. Spatial overlap between current and future predictions declined under stronger climate forcing and longer time horizons, being consistently higher for T. virens. These findings reveal the high sensitivity of Tetrastichium to climate change, identifying Madeira and the Canary Islands as areas of conservation concern. Protecting extant populations and environmentally buffered habitats will be essential for the genus’s persistence under future climates. Full article

Deep shale gas reservoirs are subjected to anisotropic in situ stresses that break the directional symmetry of hydraulic-fracture growth, promote propagation along the maximum horizontal principal stress, and suppress transverse spreading. This study investigates geomechanical and injection controls on fracture-network evolution in the Yi214 block of the Changning shale gas field using a field-calibrated numerical workflow. The model was calibrated against pre-design microseismic-derived metrics from Well Yi202, with relative differences of 1.8% for fracture length and 3.9% for effective fracture volume; this comparison is treated as calibration rather than independent multi-well validation. A dimensionless directionalization index, I_d = (L/L₀)/(V/V₀), is defined relative to the equal-horizontal-stress case (Δσ_h = 0) as a global proxy for the concentration of longitudinal extension relative to volumetric spreading. One-factor-at-a-time screening evaluated Young’s modulus, Poisson’s ratio, horizontal stress difference, injection rate, fluid-volume intensity, and proppant loading, while final parameter combinations were treated as well-specific engineering design selections rather than mathematical global optima. As Δσ_h increased from 0 to 15 MPa, fracture volume decreased by approximately 44% and average fracture length increased by approximately 12%, raising Id from 1.00 to 1.99; the increase in Id was driven predominantly by reduced volume retention rather than length growth alone. The final combined design cases increased simulated fracture volume by 18–27%, while the reported model-based EUR forecasts increased by 36–40%. The results provide a symmetry-based interpretation of stress-controlled fracture directionalization and a field-calibrated basis for well-specific stimulation design in deep shale reservoirs. Full article

Informal caregiving for individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) places substantial emotional and physical demands on caregivers. However, many educational resources remain difficult to use due to high reading levels, dense medical language, and limited accessibility. Given that a large proportion of U.S. adults experience challenges with health literacy, existing caregiver toolkits may not provide the clear, actionable guidance needed to support caregiver self-efficacy or improve patient outcomes. This study introduces a reproducible, three-phase workflow that uses generative artificial intelligence (AI) to simplify and refine caregiver education materials, with application to the COPD Caregiver’s Toolkit. Four AI tools were used to simplify text, followed by human-guided refinement using the Sydney Health Literacy Lab (SHeLL) health literacy editor to ensure conceptual accuracy and usability. Readability indices and blinded assessments were used to evaluate changes in understandability and actionability across versions. AI-assisted simplification improved readability and clarity while maintaining high levels of actionability and preserving key instructional content. This scalable, adaptable approach may help public health researchers and practitioners improve the accessibility of educational resources across settings. Multi-phase, human-in-the-loop AI workflows may reduce linguistic complexity and improve the dissemination of essential health information to caregiving populations. Full article

Background: Motor behaviour has been shown to differ in both complexity and variability between neurotypical and autistic populations. However, there is little research on the early development of specific kinematic features and their timing of emergence in early life. Methods: The current study examined the early development of kinematic features (duration, range, velocity, acceleration, entropy, and jerk) in infants with a high or low likelihood of autism using state-of-the-art automatic pose estimation models. We evaluated weekly home-recorded videos of naturalistic, spontaneous movements (controlling for clothing, background, and posture) from 60 participants (705 videos) longitudinally over the first six months of life. We automatically extracted kinematic data, including motion of the shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees. Results: Of the kinematic features examined, we found that the groups differed only in the variability of entropy, whereby the variability of entropy was lower in HL compared with LL infants across the first six months of infancy. Conclusions: These findings highlight the potential of non-invasive, home-based motion tracking to identify early divergences in infant motor trajectories among those with an elevated likelihood of autism. Full article

Background and Objectives: Neurogenic rosacea is a clinically useful, but not yet standardized, sensory-weighted presentation within the rosacea spectrum. This narrative review evaluates its clinical features, differential diagnosis, proposed mechanisms, and reported therapeutic approaches while distinguishing direct human evidence from indirect and experimental findings. Materials and Methods: PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched through 30 June 2026 using predefined combinations of terms related to rosacea, facial dysesthesia, neurogenic inflammation, sensory pathways, mast cells, and treatment. English-language clinical and experimental publications were selected by relevance; reference lists were also screened. Evidence was grouped as phenotype-specific human evidence, human evidence from rosacea populations or related conditions, case-based evidence, and animal or cellular evidence. Results: Direct evidence specific to neurogenic rosacea is limited mainly to small observational series and case reports. Human rosacea studies support neurovascular involvement, whereas many TRP-channel, protease, LL-37–MRGPRX2, and mast cell links remain indirect or experimental. No validated diagnostic criteria or phenotype-specific treatment algorithms exist. Conclusions: Neurogenic rosacea is best regarded as a clinically useful but not yet standardized sensory-weighted presentation within the rosacea spectrum, as current evidence does not establish it as an independent phenotype. The clinical features summarized in this review may support recognition of this presentation and its differentiation from relevant mimics, while diagnostic and treatment decisions should remain individualized. Prospective cohorts, validated sensory measures, biomarkers, and controlled phenotype-stratified trials are needed. Full article

Cadmium (Cd) contamination of Amazonian cocoa soils threatens Theobroma cacao production, and shade-tree rhizospheres may harbour Cd-tolerant fungi useful for bioremediation. Trichoderma associated with Quararibea sp. remain unexplored. We isolated native Trichoderma from rhizospheres of Inga sp. and Quararibea sp. in Bagua (Peru), and evaluated Cd tolerance (25–200 ppm) through growth inhibition percentage (GIP) and IC₅₀ from dose–response models selected via the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). Of 16 Trichoderma-like isolates, five met stringent multilocus quality criteria: JSRA09 (Quararibea sp.) and JSRA16, JSRA22, JSRA28, JSRA30 (Inga sp.). Independent Maximum Likelihood trees (ITS, tef1, rpb2) assigned JSRA09 to the T. spirale/T. subuliforme clade, JSRA16 to the T. harzianum complex (affinity to T. lentiforme), JSRA22 and JSRA28 to a clade within the T. koningii/T. koningiopsis complex, and JSRA30 to T. afroharzianum. To the best of our knowledge, JSRA09 represents the first Trichoderma report in Quararibea sp. No strain exceeded 35% inhibition at 200 ppm: JSRA09 and JSRA16 were highly tolerant (GIP < 10%), JSRA28 and JSRA30 moderately tolerant, and JSRA22 tolerant. AIC selection yielded linear responses for JSRA09 and JSRA16, log-logistic (LL.4) for JSRA22, JSRA28 and JSRA30. These native strains are candidates for further screening towards microbial consortia for Cd bioremediation. Full article

Coordinated regional development of agricultural and rural modernization is essential to remedy sectoral shortcomings and to advance comprehensive rural revitalization. Panel data from 16 cities in Shandong Province (2014–2023) were analyzed using GMI and LMI models to study spatio-temporal evolution and spatial correlation in three economic circles. The Dagum coefficient decomposed regional disparities, while an obstacle degree model identified key hindering factors. The findings were as follows. Agricultural and rural modernization in Shandong has followed a fluctuating but rapid growth trajectory, with a clear spatial hierarchy: Jiaodong > Lunan > Provincial Capital. Spatial agglomeration types HH and LL occurred mainly in Jiaodong and Lunan, respectively. By contrast, spatial outliers of type HL included Dezhou, Jinan and Jining, while LH characterized Rizhao and Dongying. Overall discrepancies in agricultural and rural modernization within the province arose mainly from differences between these economic circles and, on the whole, were converging. Although Provincial Capital has experienced episodic widening of intra-circle disparities, differences within Jiaodong and Lunan have tended to narrow. Persistent constraints on agricultural and rural modernization in Shandong Province included comprehensive control level of soil and water loss, governance expenditure on rural communities, industrialization level of agricultural products, and Agro-product Geographical Indications, while the comprehensive control level of soil and water loss was also the common obstacle factors across three major economic circles, and industrialization level of agricultural products became common to all three from 2020 onward. Each circle should exploit its particular resource endowment and development base. To narrow development gaps among prefecture-level cities, it is essential to clarify functional roles, strengthen inter-city division of labor and cooperation, and promote coordinated regional development of agricultural and rural modernization across the economic circles. Full article

Geomorphology lies at the center of the ‘Critical Zone’ (CZ) that hosts the complex interactions of weathering, soils, and the organisms in and on landscapes, reflecting geology, hydrology, slope behavior, erosion, and denudation. Many disciplines, including economics and planning, require extensive information about the CZ. This paper presents some first steps towards developing models for landscape and CZ descriptions for use within a Digital Earth framework, with the aim of promoting FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable) data. Fundamental to this approach is the appendage of geolocating information to digital object identifiers (DOIs) using decimal latitude–longitude ([dLL]) tuples. This enables information and data to be made digitally accessible across disciplines, as illustrated through the use of [dLL] geolocation examples of this protocol using Google Earth images. Data and image metadata are appended to a [dLL] location, creating ‘geomorphic information fields’. This schema can be easily implemented within published papers, reports, and books (Article+) using the POLE+O ontology. Appended ‘geomorphic information surfaces’ can be used to report events (such as soil loss and slope failures) that occur on these surfaces. Points with a [dLL] tuple can act as token identifiers in language/data models, as well as improve statistical analysis and the use of knowledge graphs. This paper also demonstrates ways in which data can be configured to address specific geomorphic and ecological problems and ways that digital information surfaces might contribute to the amalgamation of data from DEMs, maps, GIS, and emerging LLMs and World View Models. Full article

This study focuses on accelerating adaptive beamforming in the Multicarrier Wireless Internet Local Loop (McWiLL) professional radio communication system using “Korona” ring smart antennas. The work investigates algorithms for calculating complex weight coefficients in an eight-element uniform circular antenna array. The main objective is to reduce beam pattern adaptation time while maintaining interference suppression depth and robustness under multipath propagation. To achieve this, an ensemble machine learning approach based on the Random Forest algorithm is employed to approximate the optimal Minimum Variance Distortionless Response (MVDR) solution using elements of the sample covariance matrix of received signals. The training dataset is generated through McWiLL channel simulations considering mutual coupling between array elements, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) variation, and different angles of arrival of the desired and interfering signals. The proposed method is evaluated against the classical MVDR algorithm in terms of radiation pattern null depth, robustness to phase distortions, and inference time on a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) hardware platform. Results demonstrate that the Random Forest-based approach achieves more than a fourfold reduction in computation time while forming radiation-pattern nulls of about 30–35 dB toward the interferers (versus 44–46 dB for the classical MVDR); the synthesized core uses no hardware multipliers (DSP48), and its functional equivalence to the software model is confirmed by bit-exact RTL co-simulation. The findings show promise for deployment in McWiLL base stations and other professional radio systems requiring fast, adaptive beamforming under dynamic channel conditions. Full article

DC bias will cause the magnetization working point of the transformer core to shift and cause local saturation, and generate abnormal vibration through the magnetostrictive effect, which threatens the safe operation of the transformer. Aiming at the problem that the time–frequency characteristics of transformer vibration signals under DC bias are complex and the adjacent bias levels are difficult to distinguish, this paper proposes a 2DWT-CNN-Transformer diagnostic method that combines two-dimensional discrete wavelet transform, a convolutional neural network, and Transformer Encoder. Firstly, the multi-physical-field finite element model of three-phase three-column transformer is established, and the L0–L5 six-class DC bias dataset is constructed. Secondly, the one-dimensional vibration signal is reconstructed into a two-dimensional matrix, and the multi-subband time–frequency features of LL, LH, HL, and HH are extracted by two-dimensional discrete wavelet transform. The local texture features are extracted by the CNN, and the multi-head self-attention mechanism of Transformer Encoder is introduced to establish the global dependence and enhance the discrimination ability of adjacent bias levels. Compared with the traditional time–frequency-feature deep learning model, the proposed method achieves higher accuracy, especially in the high-noise environment of 15 dB, where it can still maintain accuracy of 96.23%. The visualization results further show that the model can form a more compact intra-class aggregation and a clearer inter-class boundary. This also provides an effective solution for the identification and evaluation of transformer DC bias states based on vibration signals in complex environments in the future. Full article

Introduction: Degenerative lumbar kyphosis (DLK) is a common cause of sagittal imbalance, pain, and functional disability. While three-column osteotomies provide powerful correction, they are associated with substantial morbidity. We evaluated the radiographic and clinical outcomes of a novel posterior-based correction strategy combining Posterior Interpedicular Osteotomy (PIO), bilateral discectomy, and hyperlordotic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) in patients with DLK. Materials and Methods: A retrospective single-center case series was conducted including 215 consecutive patients with symptomatic DLK and pelvic incidence–lumbar lordosis (PI–LL) mismatch >10° treated between 2019 and 2023. All patients underwent PIO combined with bilateral discectomy and insertion of a 20° hyperlordotic TLIF cage. Radiographic parameters, including lumbar lordosis (LL), pelvic tilt (PT), and sacral slope (SS), were assessed preoperatively and up to 24 months postoperatively. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and Short Form-36 (SF-36). Complications were systematically recorded. Results: Mean lumbar lordosis improved from 15.7° ± 8.3° preoperatively to 45.4° ± 11.6° at 24 months, corresponding to a mean correction of 29.7° ± 10.1° and 12.4° ± 2.9° per treated level (p < 0.001). Significant improvements were observed in PT, SS, VAS, ODI, and SF-36 scores (all p < 0.001), with maintenance of correction throughout follow-up. Mean operative time was 218.4 ± 47.3 min and mean blood loss was 483.2 ± 195.7 mL. The overall complication rate was 16.3%, with incidental durotomy being the most common event (14.9%). No cases of cage migration, deep infection, neurological deterioration, or radiographic pseudarthrosis were identified among patients who underwent CT evaluation. Conclusions: PIO combined with bilateral discectomy and hyperlordotic TLIF achieved substantial and durable sagittal correction with significant clinical improvement and an acceptable safety profile. By combining extensive posterior release with preservation of the anterior tension band, this technique may represent an effective intermediate alternative between conventional posterior column osteotomies and more invasive three-column deformity correction procedures. Full article

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation with the probiotic Zoovit LL—alone or in combination with a phytogenic blend—on bone morphometry and mineral concentrations in broilers by computed tomography (CT) and ICP-MS analysis. A total of 180 one-day-old male ROSS 308 chicks were randomly assigned to three groups with three replicates of 20 chicks each: control (standard diet), Zoovit LL (0.25%) and Zoovit LL (0.25%) in combination with Silybum marianum, Urtica dioica and Taraxacum officinale in a total amount of 1%. After 42 days, two birds were averaged within each replicate, resulting in three independent experimental units per treatment (n = 3 per group). Femurs were examined by CT for bone length, cortical bone thickness, diameters and radiodensity, while determination of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium concentrations in the sternum was performed by ICP-MS. No statistically significant effects of the nutritional supplements were found on the bone parameters assessed by computed tomography or on the mineral concentrations in the sternum. The results show that under the conditions of the present study, the addition of the probiotic alone or in combination with the phytogenic mixture did not lead to statistically significant changes in the specific parameters studied. Full article