Search Results (70)

During the last few years, the requirements for highly efficient, sustainable, and versatile materials in modern biomedicine, aircraft and aerospace industries, automotive production, and electronic and electrical engineering applications have increased. This has led to the development of new and innovative methods for material modification and optimization. This can be achieved in many different ways, but one such approach is the application of surface thin films. They can be conductive (metallic), semi-conductive (metal-ceramic), or isolating (polymeric). Special emphasis is placed on applying semi-conductive thin films due to their unique properties, be it electrical, chemical, mechanical, or other. The particular thin films of interest are composite ones of the type of transition metal oxide (TMO) and transition metal nitride (TMN), due to their widespread configurations and applications. Regardless of the countless number of studies regarding the application of such films in the aforementioned industrial fields, some further possible investigations are necessary to find optimal solutions for modern problems in this topic. One such problem is the possibility of characterization of the applied thin films, not via textbook approaches, but through a simple, modern solution using their electrical properties. This can be achieved on the basis of measuring the films’ electrical impedance, since all different semi-conductive materials have different impedance values. However, this is a huge practical work that necessitates the collection of a large pool of data and needs to be based on well-established methods for both characterization and formation of the films. A thorough review on the topic of applying thin films using physical vapor deposition techniques (PVD) in the field of different modern applications, and the current results of such investigations are presented. Furthermore, current research regarding the possible methods for applying such films, and the specifics behind them, need to be summarized. Due to this, in the present work, the specifics of applying thin films using PVD methods and their expected structure and properties were evaluated. Special emphasis was paid to the electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) method, which is typically used for the investigation and characterization of electrical systems. This method has increased in popularity over the last few years, and its applicability in the characterization of electrical systems that include thin films formed using PVD methods was proven many times over. However, a still lingering question is the applicability of this method for backwards engineering of thin films. Currently, the EIS method is used in combination with traditional techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and others. There is, however, a potential to predict the structure and properties of thin films using purely a combination of EIS measurements and complex theoretical models. The current progress in the development of the EIS measurement method was described in the present work, and the trend is such that new theoretical models and new practical testing knowledge was obtained that help implement the method in the field of thin films characterization. Regardless of this progress, much more future work was found to be necessary, in particular, practical measurements (real data) of a large variety of films, in order to build the composition–structure–properties relationship. Full article

Background and Objectives: The prognostic immune and nutritional index (PINI) was reported to be clinically relevant for colorectal cancer prognosis. Herein, the utility of PINI as a prognostic factor for the survival of patients with gastric cancer (GC) was investigated. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 492 patients with stage I–III GC, predominantly of Asian descent, who underwent curative-intent gastrectomy. Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified independent predictors of overall survival (OS). Model performance was evaluated using the concordance index (C-index), integrated area under the curve (iAUC), time-dependent AUC, integrated discrimination improvement (IDI), and continuous net reclassification improvement (cNRI). Results: The PINI score—calculated as [albumin (g/dL) × 0.9] − [absolute monocyte count (/μL) × 0.0007]—was found to be independently associated with OS (p < 0.001). Additional independent prognostic factors included age, body mass index, 5-factor modified frailty index, tumor–node–metastasis (TMN) stage, gastrectomy type, and anemia. The full model that included all significant covariates outperformed the baseline TNM model, showing significantly higher C-index and iAUC values (both p < 0.001). Compared with an intermediate model, which excluded PINI, the full model demonstrated a superior C-index and iAUC (both p = 0.004). Although the observed improvements in AUC, IDI, and cNRI at 3 years were not statistically significant, the full model achieved significant gains in all three metrics at 5 years, underscoring the added long-term prognostic value of the PINI. Conclusions: PINI is a significant independent predictor of survival in patients with GC who underwent curative-intent surgery. Its inclusion in prognostic models enhances the long-term predictive accuracy for survival, supporting its potential role in guiding personalized postoperative management. External validation in larger multi-ethnic prospective cohorts is essential to confirm its generalizability and to establish its role in routine clinical practice. Full article

Lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) are favorable candidates for advanced energy storage, boasting a remarkable theoretical energy density of 2600 Wh kg⁻¹. Moreover, several challenges hinder their practical implementation, including sulfur’s intrinsic electrical insulation, the shuttle effect of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs), sluggish redox kinetics of Li₂S₂/Li₂S, and the uncontrolled growth of Li dendrites. These issues pose significant obstacles to the commercialization of LSBs. A viable strategy to address these challenges involves using MXene materials, 2D transition metal carbides, and nitrides (TMCs/TMNs) as hosts, functional separators, or interlayers. MXenes offer exceptional electronic conductivity, adjustable structural properties, and abundant polar functional groups, enabling strong interactions with both S cathodes and Li anodes. Despite their advantages, current MXene synthesis methods predominantly rely on acid etching, which is associated with environmental concerns, low production efficiency, and limited structural versatility, restricting their potential in LSBs. This review provides a comprehensive overview of traditional and environmentally sustainable MXene synthesis techniques, emphasizing their applications in developing S cathodes, Li anodes, and functional separators for LSBs. Additionally, it discusses the challenges and outlines future directions for advancing MXene-based solutions in LSBs technology. Full article

Purinergic P2X receptors (P2X) are ATP-gated ion channels that are broadly expressed in the brain, particularly in the hypothalamus. As ionic channels with high permeability to calcium, P2X play an important and active role in neural functions. The hypothalamus contains a number of small nuclei with many molecularly defined types of peptidergic neurons that affect a wide range of physiological functions, including water balance, blood pressure, metabolism, food intake, circadian rhythm, childbirth and breastfeeding, growth, stress, body temperature, and multiple behaviors. P2X are expressed in hypothalamic neurons, astrocytes, tanycytes, and microvessels. This review focuses on cell-type specific expression of P2X in the most important hypothalamic nuclei, such as the supraoptic nucleus (SON), paraventricular nucleus (PVN), suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV), anterior hypothalamic nucleus (AHN), arcuate nucleus (ARC), ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMH), dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus (DMH), tuberomammillary nucleus (TMN), and lateral hypothalamic area (LHA).> The review also notes the possible role of P2X and extracellular ATP in specific hypothalamic functions. The literature summarized here shows that purinergic signaling is involved in the control of the hypothalamic-pituitary endocrine system, the hypothalamic–neurohypophysial system, the circadian systems and nonendocrine hypothalamic functions. Full article

The psychrophilic aerobic heterotrophic bacterium, strain 1639^T, was isolated from the low-temperature Lake Untersee in Antarctica. The bacterium was Gram-positive, non-motile, yellow–green-pigmented, non-spore-forming, and a pleomorphic rod. Growth was observed at temperatures of 0–25 °C with an optimum at 10 °C. The strain used urea as a nitrogen source. The major fatty acids were i-C_16:0 (49.69%), ai-C_15:0 (17.59%), and C_16:1 branched (12.03%). Identified polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerols and a glycolipid. The respiratory quinone was determined to be MK-10. The genomic DNA G+C content was 68.03 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain 1639^T was a member of the genus Cryobacterium, with the highest sequence similarity to C. arcticum SK1^T (98.4%), C. soli GCJ02^T (98.4%), C. lactosi Sr59^T (98.3%), C. zongtaii TMN-42^T (98.2%), and C. adonitolivorans RHLS22-1^T (98.1%). The ANI and the DNA–DNA hybridization estimate values between strain 1639^T and all type strains of species of the genus Cryobacterium were in the range of 84.3–87.8% and 20.5–40.3%, respectively. The combined genotypic and phenotypic data indicate that strain 1639^T represents a novel species within the genus Cryobacterium, for which the name Cryobacterium inferilacus sp. nov. is proposed with the type strain 1639^T (=KCTC 59142^T, =VKM Ac-2907^T, UQM 41460^T). Full article

A quantitative assessment of the responses of hydrological processes to environmental change is vital for the sustainable utilization of groundwater and sustainable development under the dual influences of climate change and global greening. However, few studies have investigated the differences in hydrologic responses between karst and non-karst regions. Thus, we analyzed the spatiotemporal changes in potential groundwater recharge (PGR), potential groundwater recharge as a proportion of precipitation (PGR/P), and actual evapotranspiration (AET) in karst and non-karst regions for 1982–2020 using the V2karst model. The analysis revealed the following results: (1) The V2karst model efficiently monitored variations in the AET and groundwater depth (GWD), which indicated its suitability for use in karst areas. (2) The PGR, PGR/P, and AET increased at rates of 4.9 mm/y, 0.0011, and 1.4 mm/y in karst areas, and 3.8 mm/y, 0.00053, and 1.6 mm/y in non-karst areas, respectively, with the increasing trend in AET being significant in karst and non-karst regions. (3) The precipitation (P) and AET were significantly correlated with the PGR and PGR/P, while the minimum temperature (TMN) was strongly related to the AET. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) moderately affected the PGR, PGR/P, and AET changes in humid catchments. Climate change is a primary factor for hydrological processes, whereas vegetation restoration has a relatively minor impact. The results of this study are beneficial toward the adoption of strategic groundwater utilization programs and ecological restoration measures for regions with a diverse geological setting. Full article

Water vapor constitutes a vital component of atmospheric precipitation, serving as the fundamental material basis for weather phenomena such as rainfall, and is a significant factor contributing to extreme weather events. The Weighted Mean Temperature (Tm) is a crucial factor in the calculation of Precipitable Water Vapor (PWV) in the atmosphere, directly impacting the quality of GNSS-PWV inversion. The Tm_N, Tm_L1, and Tm_L2 models were constructed through regression analysis and LSTM based on data from the Zhangqiu Radiosonde Station in the Jinan region from 2020 to 2022, as well as ERA5 data. The six Tm models (Tm_N, Tm_L1, Tm_L2, Bevis, GTm, and GPT3) were analyzed by comparing them with the Tm value from the Radiosonde station in 2023. Compared with the Bevis, GTm, and GPT3 models, the accuracy of Tm_N was improved by 24%, 19%, and 45%, Tm_L1 was improved by 20%, 16%, and 42%, and Tm_L2 was increased by 34%, 29%, and 52%. The influence of the above six Tm models on GNSS-PWV accuracy was analyzed using both theoretical and experimental methods. It was demonstrated that the impact of Tm_L1 and Tm_L2 on the accuracy of the PWV solution is significantly enhanced in comparison with the other Tm models. The Tm_L1 and Tm_L2 models developed in this study offer enhanced accuracy for Tm data utilized in GNSS PWV inversion within the Jinan region. Full article

Given a graph G = (V, E), the edge set can be partitioned into k dimensions, for a positive integer k. The set of all i-dimensional edges of G is a subset of E(G) denoted by E_i. A Hamiltonian cycle C on G contains all vertices on G. Let E_i(C) = E(C) ∩ E_i. For any 1 ≤ i ≤ k, C is called a dimension-balanced Hamiltonian cycle (DBH, for short) on G if ||E_i(C)| − |E_j(C)|| ≤ 1 for all 1 ≤ i < j ≤ k. The dimension-balanced cycle problem is generated with the 3-D scanning problem. Graph G is called p-node q-edge dimension-balanced Hamiltonian (p-node q-edge DBH) if it has a DBH after removing any p nodes and any q edges. G is called h-fault dimension-balanced Hamiltonian (h-fault DBH, for short) if it remains Hamiltonian after removing any h node and/or edges. The design for the network-on-chip (NoC) problem is important. One of the most famous NoC is the toroidal mesh graph T_m,n. The DBC problem on toroidal mesh graph T_m,n is appropriate for designing simple algorithms with low communication costs and avoiding congestion. Recently, the problem of a one-fault DBH on T_m,n has been studied. This paper solves the one-node one-edge DBH problem in the two-fault DBH problem on T_m,n. Full article

Finding a Hamiltonian cycle in a graph G = (V, E) is a well-known problem. The challenge of finding a Hamiltonian cycle that avoids these faults when faulty vertices or edges are present has been extensively studied. When the edge set of G is partitioned into k dimensions, the problem of dimension-balanced Hamiltonian cycles arises, where the Hamiltonian cycle uses approximately the same number of edges from each dimension (differing by at most one). This paper studies whether a dimension-balanced Hamiltonian cycle (DBH) exists in toroidal mesh graphs T_m,n when a single vertex or edge is faulty, called the one-fault DBH problem. We establish that T_m,n is one-fault DBH, except in the following cases: (1) both m and n are even; (2) one of m and n is 3, while the other satisfies mod 4 = 3 and is greater than 6; (3) one of m and n is odd, while the other satisfies mod 4 = 2. Additionally, this paper resolves a conjecture from prior literature, thereby providing a complete solution to the DBP problem on T_m,n. Full article

This paper proposes a terminal matching network (TMN) technology, which can realize wideband matching of microwave rectifiers in a wide input power range. At the same time, it is proposed to realize ultra-wideband microwave rectifiers by connecting two TMN branches of different frequencies in parallel. In order to verify this theory, two rectifiers using single TMN and dual TMN branches are designed and realized based on high-power GaN Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs). The single TMN GaN rectifier achieves a peak efficiency of 72.3% and a conversion efficiency of more than 70% in the frequency range of 1.8–2.7 GHz at 1 W of input power, while being more than 50% efficient in the input power range of 16–35 dBm. Benefitting from the power combination of different frequency TMNs, the dual TMNs GaN rectifier achieves 75.8% peak efficiency and over 70% conversion efficiency at 1.1–3.1 GHz frequency and 1 W input power with a relative bandwidth over 95.2% and maintains high efficiency of over 50% in the input power range of 15–35 dBm. The advantages of the ultra-wideband, wide input power range, high power, and high efficiency make the GaN rectifier with TMNs expected to play an important role in microwave power transmission (MPT). Full article

Forests are widely distributed in terrestrial ecosystems, covering about one-third of the global land area. They play a key role in sequestering carbon, releasing oxygen, mitigating climate change, and maintaining ecosystem balance. The ecology of the Tibetan Plateau is very fragile, but the impact of environmental change on regional forest ecosystems is not yet clear. Located in the Eastern Tibetan Plateau, the Shaluli Mountain has the richest biodiversity and the widest distribution of forests on the Tibetan Plateau. Assessing the dynamics of forest change is the basis for correctly formulating forest management measures, and is important for regional biodiversity conservation. However, traditional field surveys have the shortcomings of high cost, being time-consuming, and having poor regional coverage in forest dynamics monitoring. Remote sensing methods can make up for these shortcomings. Therefore, in this study, satellite remote sensing images were used to extract forest information from 2000 to 2020 in Shaluli Mountain, and the main drivers of forest change were analyzed with full consideration of the Spatially Stratified Heterogeneity (SSH) of environmental factors. The results found that the forest area increased from 23,144.20 km² in 2000 to 28,429.53 km² in 2020, and the average Percentage of Forest Cover (PFC) increased from 19.76% to 21.67%, with significant improvement in forest growth. The annual minimum temperature (TMN), altitude, annual maximum temperature (TMX), and annual precipitation (PRE) were the main driving factors of forest change, with an average driving power (q-value) of 0.4877, 0.2706, 0.2342, and 0.2244, and TMN was the primary limiting factor for forest growth. In addition, the driving power of all environmental factors on forest change increased from 2000 to 2020. The results of this study can provide a basis for the development of forest management strategies, and provide reference materials for regional biodiversity conservation. Full article

Histamine (HA), a biogenic monoamine, exerts its pleiotropic effects through four H1R–H4R histamine receptors, which are also expressed in brain tissue. Together with the projections of HA-producing neurons located within the tuberomammillary nucleus (TMN), which innervate most areas of the brain, they constitute the histaminergic system. Thus, while remaining a mediator of the inflammatory reaction and immune system function, HA also acts as a neurotransmitter and a modulator of other neurotransmitter systems in the central nervous system (CNS). Although the detailed causes are still not fully understood, neuroinflammation seems to play a crucial role in the etiopathogenesis of both neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative (neuropsychiatric) diseases, such as autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). Given the increasing prevalence/diagnosis of these disorders and their socioeconomic impact, the need to develop effective forms of therapy has focused researchers’ attention on the brain’s histaminergic activity and other related signaling pathways. This review presents the current state of knowledge concerning the involvement of HA and the histaminergic system within the CNS in the development of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. To this end, the roles of HA in neurotransmission, neuroinflammation, and neurodevelopment are also discussed. Full article

Supercapacitor electrode materials play a decisive role in charge storage and significantly affect the cost and capacitive performance of the final device. Engineering of the heterostructure of metal–organic framework (MOF)-derived transition metal nitrides (TMNs) can be conducive to excellent electrochemical performance owing to the synergistic effect, optimized charge transport/mass transfer properties, and high electrical conductivity. In this study, a Co₄N/CoN heterostructure was incorporated into a nitrogen-doped support by radio-frequency (RF) plasma after simple pyrolysis of Co-based formate frameworks (Co-MFFs), with the framework structure well retained. Plasma engineering can effectively increase the ratio of Co₄N in the Co₄N/CoN heterostructure, accelerating the electron transfer rate and resulting in a rough surface due to the reduction effect of high-energy electrons and the etching effect of ions. Benefiting from the plasma modification, the obtained electrode material Co₄N/CoN@C-P exhibits a high specific capacitance of 346.2 F·g⁻¹ at a current density of 1 A·g⁻¹, approximately 1.7 times that of CoN/Co₄N@C prepared by pyrolysis. The specific capacitance of Co₄N/CoN@C-P reaches 335.6 F·g⁻¹ at 10 A·g⁻¹, approximately 96.9% of that at 1 A·g⁻¹, indicating remarkable rate capability. Additionally, the capacitance retention remains at 100% even after 1000 cycles, suggesting excellent cycling stability. The rational design and plasma engineering of the TMN heterostructures at the nanoscale are responsible for the excellent electrochemical performance of this novel composite material. Full article

The emergence of nanotechnology and surface engineering techniques provides new opportunities for designing self-lubricant coatings with enhanced properties. In recent years, green coating technologies have played a vital role in environmental preservation. This article mainly reviews five typical types of self-lubricant coatings including MoN coatings, VN coatings, WN coatings and TMN (Transition Metal Nitride) soft-metal coatings, and DLC (Diamond-like Carbon) with lubricant agents deposited by PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) for the demanding tribological applications, which is the latest research into the green lubricant coatings. Furthermore, it is of great significance for designing the green self-lubricant coatings to adapt the demanding tribological applications to meet the industrial requirements. Full article

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is crucial in tumor development, metastasis, and response to immunotherapy. DNA methylation can regulate the TME without altering the DNA sequence. However, research on the methylation-driven TME in clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is still lacking. In this study, integrated DNA methylation and RNA-seq data were used to explore methylation-driven genes (MDGs). Immune scores were calculated using the ESTIMATE, which was employed to identify TME-related genes. A new signature connected with methylation-regulated TME using univariate, multivariate Cox regression and LASSO regression analyses was developed. This signature consists of four TME-MDGs, including AJAP1, HOXB9, MYH14, and SLC6A19, which exhibit high methylation and low expression in tumors. Validation was performed using qRT-PCR which confirmed their downregulation in ccRCC clinical samples. Additionally, the signature demonstrated stable predictive performance in different subtypes of ccRCC. Risk scores are positively correlated with TMN stages, immune cell infiltration, tumor mutation burden, and adverse outcomes of immunotherapy. Interestingly, the expression of four TME-MDGs are highly correlated with the sensitivity of first-line drugs in ccRCC treatment, especially pazopanib. Molecular docking indicates a high affinity binding between the proteins and pazopanib. In summary, our study elucidates the comprehensive role of methylation-driven TME in ccRCC, aiding in identifying patients sensitive to immunotherapy and targeted therapy, and providing new therapeutic targets for ccRCC treatment. Full article