Search Results (151)

This study proposes a novel LK-BP-AFPSO model for the nondestructive evaluation of wood mechanical properties, combining a backpropagation neural network (BP) with adaptive fractional-order particle swarm optimization (AFPSO) and Liang–Kleeman (LK) information flow theory. The model accurately predicts four key mechanical properties—longitudinal tensile strength (SPG), modulus of elasticity (MOE), bending strength (MOR), and longitudinal compressive strength (CSP)—using only nondestructive physical features. Tested across diverse wood types (fast-growing YKS, red-heart CSH/XXH, and iron-heart XXT), the framework demonstrates strong generalizability, achieving an average prediction accuracy (R²) of 0.986 and reducing mean absolute error (MAE) by 23.7% compared to conventional methods. A critical innovation is the integration of LK causal analysis, which quantifies feature–target relationships via information flow metrics, effectively eliminating 29.5% of spurious correlations inherent in traditional feature selection (e.g., PCA). Experimental results confirm the model’s robustness, particularly for heartwood variants, while its adaptive fractional-order optimization accelerates convergence by 2.1× relative to standard PSO. This work provides a reliable, interpretable tool for wood quality assessment, with direct implications for grading systems and processing optimization in the forestry industry. Full article

This paper presents an enhanced circularly polarized (CP) all-textile antenna using a metasurface (MS) and slot-patterned ground (SPG) for 5.8 GHz industry, scientific, and medical (ISM)-band applications in off-body communications. The 3 × 3 MS, capable of converting the incident wave into an orthogonal direction with equal magnitude and a 90° phase difference, converts the linearly polarized (LP) wave, radiated from the fundamental radiator with a corner-truncated slot square-patch configuration, into being CP. The SPG, consisting of periodic slots with two different sizes of corner-truncated slots, redistributes the surface current on the ground plane, enhancing the axial ratio bandwidth (ARBW) of the proposed antenna. The novel combination of MS and SPG not only enables the generation and enhancement of CP characteristics but also significantly improves the impedance bandwidth (IBW), gain, and radiation efficiency by introducing additional surface wave resonances. The proposed antenna is composed of a conductive textile and a felt substrate, offering comfort and flexibility for applications where the antenna is placed in close proximity to the human body. The proposed antenna is simulated under bending in various directions, showing exceptionally similar characteristics to a flat condition. The proposed antenna is fabricated and is then verified by measurements in both free space and a human body environment. The measured IBW is 36.3%, while the ARBW is 18%. The measured gain and radiation efficiency are 6.39 dBic and 64.7%, respectively. The specific absorption rate (SAR) is simulated, and the results satisfy both US and EU safety standards. Full article

Rose geranium is widely used for oil extraction and in the food, perfume, and pharmaceutical industries. The waste produced after oil extraction has no alternative use and is usually dumped into the environment, causing pollution. This study aimed to use waste rose geranium stems (SPG) as a potential adsorbent for ibuprofen from water. The adsorbent was characterised by SEM-EDX, FTIR, TGA, and BET. The SEM images showed that the adsorbent had a rough surface with voids and pores. Different functional groups were detected on the surface of SPG with FTIR. The trend of IBU adsorption showed that the adsorption capacity increases when the initial concentration of working standards is increased. The data for the contact time effect show that the adsorption rate was fast in the initial stage between 1 and 45 min. Afterward, a slow adsorption rate occurred between 65 and 105 min. The kinetic data corresponded to the Langmuir and pseudo-first-order (PFO) models. The highest recorded IBU uptake was 34.88 mg/g. The ΔH^o value shows that the adsorption of IBU on SPG was controlled by physisorption. The obtained values of ΔG^o are negative, indicating that the uptake of IBU was spontaneous. Full article

Headache disorders are among the most prevalent and disabling neurological conditions worldwide, affecting more than three billion individuals and contributing to a substantial socioeconomic burden. Despite the availability of pharmacologic treatments such as triptans, NSAIDs, and CGRP monoclonal antibodies, a significant proportion of patients remain refractory or intolerant to these therapies. The sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG), a parasympathetic neural structure in the pterygopalatine fossa, is increasingly recognized as a critical node in the pathophysiology of primary headache disorders. SPG blocks—using local anesthetics, neurolytic agents, or electrical neuromodulation—offer a minimally invasive therapeutic approach by disrupting nociceptive transmission and autonomic activation. This narrative review synthesizes the anatomical and physiological rationale for SPG intervention, details various procedural techniques, evaluates clinical evidence across headache subtypes, and explores future research directions. Conditions covered include migraine, cluster headache, tension-type headache, trigeminal neuralgia, and persistent idiopathic facial pain. With expanding evidence and evolving technologies, SPG-targeted interventions have the potential to reshape the management of refractory headaches and facial pain syndromes. Full article

Background: The testis, a critical reproductive organ in male animals, is responsible for sperm production and androgen secretion. Testis weight often correlates with reproductive performance, yet the genetic factors influencing testicular traits in chickens remain unclear. Methods: Previous genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified key genes affecting testicular traits in Kangle Yellow chickens, along with the associated regulatory pathways and Gene Ontology (GO) terms, through bioinformatic analyses. In this study, we utilized the existing literature, full-length transcriptome data, and proteome analyses to select key candidate genes. Results: We identified 13 associated markers for chicken testicular traits with 262 candidate genes. Nine candidate genes were found to regulate chicken testicular traits referred to integrated analysis, including CDH3, ZFPM1, CFAP52, ST6GAL1, IGF2BP2, SPG7, CDT1, NFAT5, and OPRK1. Physical interactions among these genes were also observed, implicating mechanisms such as cell adhesion molecules and neuroactive ligand–receptor interaction. Conclusions: These findings provide a genetic basis for improving testicular traits in Chinese native chicken breeds. Full article

Busulfan (BU) is a widely used chemotherapy drug that has been shown to cause reproductive functional impairment in humans and model animals. However, the precise mechanisms underlying testicular injury induced by BU exposure have not been fully elucidated. Ferroptosis is a form of programmed cell death mediated by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. The aim of the current study was to determine whether ferroptosis was involved in BU-induced testicular injury. We demonstrated that exposure to BU led to an increase in iron content in the testes of mice. Subsequent western blotting and reverse transcription quantitative PCR, as well as staining of testicular tissue sections, confirmed that ferroptosis mediated BU-induced testicular injury. Consistent with our in vivo findings, we found that ferroptosis, including iron metabolism and the solute carrier family 7 member 11/glutathione peroxidase 4 (xCT/GPX4) signaling pathway, may play a key role in mediating BU-induced injury to GC-1 spg cells in vitro. Treatment with ferroptosis inhibitors slowed cell death caused by BU exposure. Specifically, we found that the administration of zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPP), a heme oxygenase 1 (HO1) inhibitor, rescued BU-induced cell death. In conclusion, our in vivo and in vitro findings confirmed that BU exposure led to testicular ferroptosis in mice via the iron intake pathway and the HO1 signaling pathway. Full article

We present a hermetically sealed capacitive microelectromechanical system (MEMS) strain sensor designed for arterial pulse waveform extraction using the strain plethysmography (SPG) modality. The MEMS strain sensor features a small form factor of 3.3 mm × 3.3 mm × 1 mm, leverages a nano-gap fabrication process to improve the sensitivity, and uses a differential sensing mechanism to improve the linearity and remove the common mode drift. The MEMS strain sensor is interfaced with an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) to form a compact strain sensing system. This system exhibits a high strain sensitivity of 316 aF/µε, a gauge factor (GF) of 35, and a strain sensing resolution of 1.26 µε, while maintaining a linear range exceeding 700 µε. SPG signals have been reliably captured at both the fingertip and wrist using the MEMS strain sensor with high signal quality, preserving various photoplethysmography (PPG) features. Experimental results demonstrate that heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) can be estimated from the SPG signal collected at the fingertip and wrist using the sensor with an accuracy of over 99%. Pulse arrival time (PAT) and pulse transit time (PTT) have been successfully extracted using the sensor together with a MEMS seismometer, showcasing its potential for ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) application. Full article

Background: Immunological and rheological properties are important factors of the surfactant protein (SP) family, whose impact on tumorigenesis is not yet known, although some SPs have been identified as tumor marker candidates for various malignancies. This study describes the detection of the two surfactant family proteins SP-G and PLUNC in healthy glottis, the presence of SP-G in glottic cancer, and the in vitro tissue regeneration potential of SP-G and PLUNC on epithelial cells. Methods: The expression and distribution of SP-G and PLUNC were investigated immunohistochemically in squamous cell carcinomas of the vocal folds. The expression of both proteins was analyzed by Western blot in micro-dissected healthy vocal fold mucosa from body donors. The hypopharyngeal squamous carcinoma cell line (FaDu) was used as an in vitro model for wound healing experiments with Electric cell–substrate impedance sensing (ECIS). Results: The results show the presence of SP-G and PLUNC in epithelial cells of the healthy vocal folds and the submucosal glands of the vestibular folds. SP-G was detected in squamous cell carcinomas of the vocal folds. SP-G and PLUNC show accelerated wound healing of FaDu cells in vitro. Conclusions: SP-G and PLUNC were first detected in the vocal fold of the human larynx. SP-G shows a distinct presence in glottic carcinoma, whose relevance needs to be determined in future studies. SP-G and PLUNC exhibit a positive influence on the repair mechanisms of epithelial lesions of the glottis. The data presented form the basis for follow-up studies focusing on the impact of SP-G in glottic cancer development and the potentially meaningful clinical effect of SP-G and PLUNC on tissue repair of the human vocal fold. Full article

Background/Objectives: The mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt) is one of the mitochondrial quality control mechanisms that is responsible for reparation and removal of damaged proteins in mitochondria. Methods: Here we investigated the role of the UPRmt in the myocardium of humans with and without heart failure and in the cell culture model. Results: The analysis of myocardial samples by ELISA from patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), as well as healthy donors, revealed a significantly reduced expression of the UPRmt proteins HSP10, CLPP, LONP1, OMA1, and SPG7 in patients with DCM and ICM. Furthermore, patients with DCM and ICM exhibited elevated levels of myocardial reactive oxygen species (ROS, tested by 4-hydroxynonenal) compared to controls, and a positive correlation between ROS production and mt-HSP70, OMA1, and SPG7 protein expression. The correlation analysis indicated a negative correlation between cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and the expression of several UPRmt genes. The inhibition of four tested UPRmt effector proteins exacerbated the injury of cultured cells under oxidative stress. The patients with ICM, DCM, or both, who showed lower myocardial expression of HSP10, HSP60, HTRA2, OMA1, SPG7, and YME1L, underwent heart transplantation or implantation of a left ventricular assist device earlier in life compared to those with the higher protein expression. Conclusions: In conclusion, our findings indicate that the reduced expression of several UPRmt effector proteins is associated with accelerated heart failure in patients, which, together with other results, indicates that impaired UPRmt may contribute to the pathogenesis of heart failure in humans. Full article

Dual-mode sensors are currently facing difficulties in achieving independent sensing of parameters as well as low sensitivity. In this paper, we propose a dual-mode sensor using the finite element method (FEM) based on a coupled silver–PDMS–gold (SPG) cavity. We coupled a square ring resonant cavity with a double-ring resonant cavity structure, thus identifying a unique resonant cavity structure. The square ring resonator is made of silver and a double-ring resonant cavity filled with PDMS. Our proposed SPG cavity can independently achieve temperature and refractive index sensing. The SPG cavity enables us to obtain the highest biosensing sensitivity of about 1030 nm/RIU and the highest temperature sensitivity of about 216 pm/K. In addition, SPG cavities have excellent tolerances for geometric parameters. Our results provide new methodologies for metasurface design for dual-mode sensing. Full article

Background/Objectives: Hereditary spastic paraplegia type 52 (SPG52) is a rare, inherited neurodevelopmental condition passed down in an autosomal recessive pattern. In this report, we describe two siblings from Rwanda who exhibited classic signs of the disorder, including progressive lower-limb spasticity, significant delays in motor development, and exaggerated deep tendon reflexes. Methods: Genetic testing through Whole-Exome Sequencing (WES) reveals a rare homozygous splice-site variant (NM_001128126.3:c.295-3C>A) in the AP4S1 gene. Results: Despite the severity of symptoms, both children responded positively to treatment with muscle relaxants and regular physiotherapy. Notably, MRI scans of the brain and spine showed no structural abnormalities. Conclusions: By documenting this case, we add to the growing understanding of SPG52, particularly within under-represented Sub-Saharan African populations, and underscore the critical role of early genetic testing in guiding timely diagnosis and intervention. Full article

The emergence of soft robots provides new opportunities for developing phosphorite processing equipment. In this article, a soft pneumatic gripper (SPG) for gripping phosphorites is designed. On this basis, the dynamic modeling method and hysteresis inverse compensation control method for the SPG are proposed. First, an SPG for gripping phosphorites is designed based on pneumatic actuation technology. Meanwhile, the gripping ability of the designed SPG is experimentally examined. Next, a dynamic model of the SPG is established by combining the Bouc–Wen model and a linear dynamic model. The output of the established dynamic model can fit the experimental data well, which shows that the established dynamic model of the SPG can describe its motion characteristics. Then, by constructing the inverse expression of the established dynamic model, the hysteresis inverse compensation control method for the SPG is presented to realize its motion control. Finally, the result of the control system simulation illustrates that the presented control method is effective. Full article

The fluid properties of low-saturation reservoirs (LSRs) produced after fracturing are complex and diverse, which makes it difficult to predict the post-fracturing productivity of oil–water two-phase flow and results in a low prediction accuracy. Therefore, based on elliptical seepage theory and nonlinear steady-state seepage formula, a new method for predicting the post-fracturing productivity (PFP) of oil–water two-phase flow in vertical wells in LSRs after fracturing is proposed in this paper. The Li Kewen model is preferred for accurately calculating oil–water relative permeability. Based on the elliptical fracture morphology, a quantitative prediction model for the PFP of oil–water two-phase flow is established. This model incorporates a starting pressure gradient (SPG) to depict the non-Darcy flow seepage law in low-permeability reservoirs. Hydraulic fracturing fracture length, width and permeability are obtained using logging curves and fracturing data, and this model can be applied to the quantitative prediction of PFP of oil–water two-phase flow in LSRs. The research results show that the conformity rate of oil production is 77.5%, and that of water production is 73.2%, with an improvement of over 15% in the interpretation conformity rate. Compared with actual well test productivity, the mean absolute error of the oil productivity prediction is 3.51 t/d, and the mean absolute error of the water productivity prediction is 12.37 t/d, which meet the requirements of field productivity quantitative evaluation, indicating the effectiveness of this quantitative prediction method for predicting the PFP of oil–water two-phase flow. Full article

With the advent of Industry 5.0, the electrical sector has been endowed with intelligent devices that are propelling high penetration of distributed energy microgeneration, VPP, smart buildings, and smart plants and imposing new challenges on the sector. This new environment requires a smarter network, including transforming the simple electricity customer into a “smart customer” who values the quality of energy and its rational use. The SPG (smart power grid) is the perfect solution for meeting these needs. It is crucial to understand energy use to guarantee quality of service and meet data security requirements. The use of simulations to map the behavior of complex infrastructures is the best strategy because it overcomes the limitations of traditional analytical solutions. This article presents the ICT laboratory structure developed within the Department of Electrical Engineering of the Polytechnic School of the Universidade de São Paulo (USP). It is based on an architecture that utilizes LTE/EPC wireless technology (4G, 5G, and B5G) to enable machine-to-machine communication (mMTC) between SPG elements using edge computing (MEC) resources and those of smart city platforms. We evaluate this proposal through simulations using data from real and emulated equipment and co-simulations shared by SPG laboratories at POLI-USP. Finally, we present the preliminary results of integration of the power laboratory, network simulation (ns-3), and a smart city platform (InterSCity) for validation and testing of the architecture. Full article

Over the course of NASA’s Dawn Discovery mission, the onboard framing camera mapped Ceres across a wide wavelength spectrum at varying polar science orbits and altitudes. With increasing resolution, the uniqueness of the 92 km wide, young Occator crater became evident. Its central cryovolcanic dome, Cerealia Tholus, and especially the associated bright carbonate and ammonium chloride deposits—named Cerealia Facula and the thinner, more dispersed Vinalia Faculae—are the surface expressions of a deep brine reservoir beneath Occator. Understandably, this made this crater the target for future sample return mission studies. The planning and preparation for this kind of mission require the characterization of potential landing sites based on the most accurate topography and orthorectified image data. In this work, we demonstrate the capabilities of the freely available and open-source USGS Integrated Software for Imagers and Spectrometers (ISIS 3) and Ames Stereo Pipeline (ASP 2.7) in creating high-quality image data products as well as stereophotogrammetric (SPG) and multi-view shape-from-shading (SfS) digital terrain models (DTMs) of the aforementioned spectroscopically challenging features. The main data products of our work are four new DTMs, including one SPG and one SfS DTM based on High-Altitude Mapping Orbit (HAMO) (CSH/CXJ) and one SPG and one SfS DTM based on Low-Altitude Mapping Orbit (LAMO) (CSL/CXL), along with selected Extended Mission Orbit 7 (XMO7) framing camera (FC) data. The SPG and SfS DTMs were calculated to a GSD of 1 and 0.5 px, corresponding to 136 m (HAMO SPG), 68 m (HAMO SfS), 34 m (LAMO SPG), and 17 m (LAMO SfS). Finally, we show that the SPG and SfS approaches we used yield consistent results even in the presence of high albedo differences and highlight how our new DTMs differ from those previously created and published by the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). Full article