Search Results (25,704)

The detection of trace nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) is critical for environmental monitoring and industrial safety. Among various sensing technologies, chemiresistive sensors based on semiconducting metal oxides are prominent due to their high sensitivity and fast response. However, their application is hindered by inherent limitations, including low selectivity and elevated operating temperatures, which increase power consumption. Two-dimensional metal oxysulfides have recently attracted attention as room-temperature sensing materials due to their unique electronic properties and fully reversible sensing performance. Meanwhile, their combination with optoelectronic gas sensing has emerged as a promising solution, combining higher efficiency with minimal energy requirements. In this work, we introduce non-layered 2D indium oxysulfide (In₂S_xO_3−x) synthesized via a two-step process: liquid metal printing of indium followed by thermal annealing of the resulting In₂O₃ in a H₂S atmosphere at 300 °C. The synthesized material is characterized by a micrometer-scale lateral dimension with 6.3 nm thickness and remaining n-type semiconducting behavior with a bandgap of 2.53 eV. It demonstrates a significant response factor of 1.2 toward 10 ppm NO₂ under blue light illumination at room temperature. The sensor exhibits a linear response across a low concentration range of 0.1 to 10 ppm, alongside greatly improved reversibility, selectivity, and sensitivity. This study successfully optimizes the application of 2D metal oxysulfide and presents its potential for the development of energy-efficient NO₂ sensing systems. Full article

Connected and Autonomous Electric Vehicles (CAEVs) and Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are critical components of future Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), yet their deployment remains constrained by fragmented charging infrastructures and the lack of coordinated reservation and trip planning across static, dynamic wireless, and vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) charging networks using magnetic resonance and laser-based power transfer. Existing solutions often struggle with misalignment sensitivity, unpredictable arrivals, and disconnected ground–aerial scheduling. This work introduces a three-layer architecture that integrates a handshake protocol for coordinated charging and billing, a misalignment correction algorithm for magnetic resonance and laser-based systems, and three scheduling strategies: Static Heuristic Charging Scheduling and Planning (SH-CSP), Dynamic Heuristic Charging Scheduling and Planning (DH-CSP), and the Safety, Scheduling, and Sustainability-Aware Feasibility-Enhanced Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (SAFE-DDPG). SAFE-DDPG extends vanilla DDPG with feasibility-aware action filtering, prioritized replay, and adaptive exploration to enable real-time scheduling in heterogeneous and congested charging networks. Results show that SAFE-DDPG significantly improves scheduling efficiency, reducing average wait times by over 70% compared to DH-CSP and over 85% compared to SH-CSP, demonstrating its potential to support scalable and coordinated ground–aerial charging ecosystems. Full article

Background and aims: Amid global aging, the role of diet in cognitive health is crucial. The healthful plant-based diet index (hPDI) is linked to cardiometabolic benefits, but its association with cognitive function in older adults, particularly through nutritional status and across different socio-geographic contexts, remains unclear. This study investigated the association between hPDI and multidimensional cognitive function, the mediating role of nutritional status, and potential associated modifications by urban–suburban location and gender. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Shanghai, China, involving 2079 older adults (aged ≥60). Dietary intake was assessed by a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to calculate hPDI. Cognitive function was evaluated using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Basic (MoCA-B), and Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR). Nutritional status was measured by the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA). Hierarchical regression, interaction, and mediation analyses were performed, adjusting for comprehensive covariates based on social determinants of health (SDoH). Results: Higher hPDI was significantly associated with better cognitive scores (MMSE: β = 0.083, p < 0.001; MoCA-B: β = 0.069, p < 0.001) and lower odds of worse CDR (OR = 0.944, p < 0.001) in fully adjusted models. In the cross-sectional mediation analysis, MNA statistically mediated a significant proportion of the observed associations (MMSE: 41.25%; MoCA-B: 53.68%; CDR: 38.98%). The protective association was consistent across urban and suburban areas. However, a significant three-way interaction (hPDI × Gender × Area, p < 0.01) was found, with no cognitive benefit observed for males in suburban areas. Conclusions: Adherence to a healthful plant-based diet is associated with better cognitive function in older adults, partly statistically mediated by improved nutritional status. While this association is geographically equitable in Shanghai, suburban males do not appear to benefit, highlighting the need for gender- and context-sensitive dietary interventions. Full article

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a small but highly resilient tumor subpopulation responsible for sustained growth, metastasis, therapeutic resistance, and recurrence. Their survival is supported by aberrant activation of developmental and inflammatory pathways, including Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, Hedgehog, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, STAT3, and NF-κB, as well as epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) programs and niche-driven cues. Increasing evidence shows that phytochemicals, naturally occurring bioactive compounds from medicinal plants, can disrupt these networks through multi-targeted mechanisms. This review synthesizes current findings on prominent phytochemicals such as curcumin, sulforaphane, resveratrol, EGCG, genistein, quercetin, parthenolide, berberine, and withaferin A. Collectively, these compounds suppress CSC self-renewal, reduce sphere-forming capacity, diminish ALDH⁺ and CD44⁺/CD24⁻ fractions, reverse EMT features, and interfere with key transcriptional regulators that maintain stemness. Many phytochemicals also sensitize CSCs to chemotherapeutic agents by downregulating drug-efflux transporters (e.g., ABCB1, ABCG2) and lowering survival thresholds, resulting in enhanced apoptosis and reduced tumor-initiating potential. This review further highlights the translational challenges associated with poor solubility, rapid metabolism, and limited bioavailability of free phytochemicals. Emerging nanotechnology-based delivery systems, including polymeric nanoparticles, lipid carriers, hybrid nanocapsules, and ligand-targeted formulations, show promise in improving stability, tumor accumulation, and CSC-specific targeting. These nanoformulations consistently enhance intracellular uptake and amplify anti-CSC effects in preclinical models. Overall, the consolidated evidence supports phytochemicals as potent modulators of CSC biology and underscores the need for optimized delivery strategies and evidence-based combination regimens to achieve meaningful clinical benefit. Full article

Background/Objectives: Whole exome sequencing (WES) is an effective method for detecting disease-causing variants. However, copy number variation (CNV) detection using WES data often has limited sensitivity and high false-positive rates. Methods: In this study, we constructed a reference CNV set using chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) data from 44 of 180 individuals who underwent WES and CMA and evaluated four WES-based CNV callers (CNVkit, CoNIFER, ExomeDepth, and cn.MOPS) against this benchmark. For each tool, we first defined software-specific problematic genomic regions across the full WES cohort and filtered out the CNVs that overlapped these regions. Results: The four algorithms showed low mutual concordance and distinct distributions in the problematic regions. On average, 2210 sequencing target baits (1.23%) were classified as problematic; these baits had lower mappability scores and higher coefficients of variation in RPKM than the remaining probes. After the supplementary filtration step, all tools demonstrated improved performance. Notably, ExomeDepth achieved gains of 14.4% in sensitivity and 7.9% in positive predictive value. Conclusions: We delineated software-specific problematic regions and demonstrated that targeted filtration markedly reduced false positives in WES-based CNV detection. Full article

Accessible and comfortable public transportation is a cornerstone of sustainable and inclusive urban mobility. However, there is a knowledge gap in how interior layout influences riders’ comfort perception under constant occupancy conditions. We conducted a pilot laboratory experiment in Valparaíso, Chile using a full-scale urban bus mock-up. Twenty-five participants each experienced four seating scenarios (yielding 100 total observations per outcome) that varied seat pitch (20, 30, 45 cm) and seat orientation (forward-facing vs. side-facing). Cumulative link mixed models were used to estimate seat pitch and orientation effects on the comfort outcomes, with participant-specific random intercepts. Increased seat pitch dramatically improved comfort ratings (e.g., virtually no participants felt comfortable at 20 cm, whereas nearly all did at 45 cm). Side-facing bench seating (longitudinal orientation) yielded significantly higher comfort, legroom, and ease-of-movement ratings than the forward-facing configuration at ~30 cm pitch (p < 0.001). Within the tested mock-up conditions, the results suggest that seat pitch is a major driver of perceived comfort and in-vehicle usability, and that a side-facing bench layout (tested at ~30 cm spacing) can improve perceived spaciousness relative to forward-facing seating. Because this is a small, non-probability pilot sample and a partial factorial design, these findings should be considered preliminary design sensitivities that warrant validation in larger, in-service studies before informing fleet-wide standards. Full article

Geographic atrophy (GA) is a progressive cause of central vision loss with limited rehabilitation options. This prospective case series aimed to evaluate the effects of biofeedback fixation training (BFT) on visual function and vision-related quality of life (QoL) in patients with GA. Eighteen patients with total central vision loss in one eye underwent BFT on the fellow eye (study eye) using the Macular Integrity Assessment (MAIA) system, which was used to select a new, previously chosen preferred retinal locus (PRL) to stabilize fixation or adopt a new fixation locus. Patients were followed for an average of 13.2 months (range 3–26 months). Functional outcomes included best corrected visual acuity (ETDRS chart), reading performance (Radner test), and contrast sensitivity (Spot Checks test). MAIA parameters comprised average retinal sensitivity, fixation distance and stability (P1, P2), and changes in the bivariate contour ellipse area (BCEA). Vision-related quality of life was assessed using the National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire-25 (NEI-VFQ-25). Following BFT, visual acuity, reading ability and contrast sensitivity improved significantly (p value: p < 0.02), and fixation stability and NEI-VFQ-25 scores showed a positive trend. These findings indicate that BFT is a feasible and promising rehabilitation approach for patients with GA. Full article

The interlayer is a key geological factor that regulates reservoir heterogeneity and remaining oil distribution, and its accurate identification directly affects the reservoir development effect. To address the strong subjectivity of traditional identification methods and the insufficient recognition accuracy of single machine learning models under imbalanced sample distributions, this study focuses on three types of interlayers (argillaceous, calcareous, and petrophysical interlayers) in the W Oilfield, and proposes an accurate identification method integrating the Synthetic Minority Over-Sampling Technique (SMOTE) and heterogeneous ensemble learning. Firstly, the corresponding data set of interlayer type and logging response is established. After eliminating the influence of dimension using normalization, the sensitive logging curves are optimized using the crossplot method, mutual information, and effect analysis. SMOTE technology is used to balance the sample distribution and solve the problem of the identification deviation of minority interlayers. Then, a heterogeneous ensemble model composed of the k-nearest neighbor algorithm (KNN), decision tree (DT), and support vector machine (SVM) is constructed, and the final recognition result is output using a voting strategy. The experiments show that SMOTE technology improves the average accuracy of a single model by 3.9% and effectively improves the model bias caused by sample imbalance. The heterogeneous integration model improves the overall recognition accuracy to 92.6%, significantly enhances the ability to distinguish argillaceous and petrophysical interlayers, and optimizes the F1-Score simultaneously. This method features a high accuracy and reliable performance, providing robust support for interlayer identification in reservoir geological modeling and remaining oil potential tapping, and demonstrating prominent practical application value. Full article

River health assessment frameworks play a critical role in guiding restoration planning and watershed management, yet conventional index-based approaches often rely on fixed weighting schemes that limit diagnostic sensitivity and interpretability. This study proposes an integrated assessment framework that enhances the traditional Index of Stream Condition (ISC) by incorporating data-driven structural information while preserving transparency and regulatory relevance. Rather than replacing existing indices, the framework recalibrates sub-index contributions based on intrinsic data patterns derived from nonlinear embedding and density-based clustering. The proposed methodology is applied to the Zhuoshui River basin in Taiwan to demonstrate its capability to improve internal consistency, reduce metric redundancy, and clarify dominant environmental drivers. Results indicate that the recalibrated index provides clearer differentiation among ecological conditions and improves explanatory consistency compared with the original ISC formulation. By balancing methodological innovation with interpretability, the proposed framework offers a practical pathway for strengthening river health assessment and supporting restoration-oriented decision-making. Full article

The high rate of photovoltaic integration poses significant challenges in terms of violations of voltage limits in power grids. Additionally, the operational behavior of PV systems under fault conditions requires thorough investigation in receiving-end grids. This paper analyzes the dynamic coupling characteristics between reactive power and transient voltage in a receiving-end grid with high PV penetration and multiple HVDC infeeds, considering typical AC and DC fault scenarios. Voltage adaptability issues in PV generation systems are also examined. Through an enhanced sensitivity analysis method, the suppression capabilities of transient voltage peaks are quantified in the control parameters of low-voltage ride-through (LVRT) and high-voltage ride-through (HVRT) photovoltaic inverters. On this basis, a hierarchical optimization strategy for PV inverter control parameters is proposed to mitigate post-fault transient voltage peaks and improve the transient voltage response both during and after faults. The feasibility of the proposed method has been verified through simulation on a revised 10-generator 39-bus power system. Following optimization, the transient voltage peak is reduced from 1.263 to 1.098. This validation offers support for the reliable grid connection of the Henan Power Grid. In the events of the N-2 fault at 500 kV and Tian-zhong HVDC monopolar block fault, the post-fault voltage at each node remains below 1.1 p.u. This serves as evidence of a significant enhancement in transient voltage stability within the Henan Power Grid, demonstrating effective improvements in power supply reliability and operational performance. Full article

This article describes a global structure optimization methodology for microelectromechanical system devices based on a multi-objective elitist genetic algorithm. By integrating a parameterized model with a multi-objective evolutionary framework, the approach can efficiently explore design space and concurrently optimize multiple metrics. A differential capacitive MEMS accelerometer is presented to demonstrate the method. Four key objectives, including resonant frequency, static capacitance, dynamic capacitance, and feedback force, are simultaneously optimized to enhance sensitivity, bandwidth, and closed-loop driving capability. After 25 generations, the algorithm converged to a uniformly distributed Pareto front. The experimental results indicate that, compared with the initial design, the sensitivity-oriented design achieves a 56.1% reduction in static capacitance and an 85.5% improvement in sensitivity. The global multi-objective optimization achieves a normalized hypervolume of 35.8%, notably higher than the local structure optimization, demonstrating its superior design space coverage and trade-off capability. Compared to single-objective optimization, the multi-objective approach offers a superior strategy by avoiding the limitation of overemphasizing resonant frequency at the expense of other metrics, thereby enabling a comprehensive exploration of the design space. Full article

Background: Fungal infection of pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) in severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is under-recognized and associated with poor outcomes. Overlap with bacterial infections and the need for invasive sampling often delay diagnosis, leading to prolonged antibiotic use without the use of antifungal agents. Methods: We report three cases of SAP complicated by fungal infection of PFCs. Two patients, one with alcohol-related pancreatitis and the other with biliary pancreatitis, developed symptomatic encapsulated necrosis. Both were successfully managed with endoscopic drainage and targeted antifungal therapy against Candida albicans, achieving full resolution. The third patient, with necrotizing biliary pancreatitis, underwent multiple surgical and endoscopic interventions and developed an infection with a non-albicans Candida species. Reduced susceptibility requires individualized antifungal adjustment guided by susceptibility testing. Despite aggressive multimodal therapy, the patient progressed to multiorgan failure and died subsequently. Results: These cases emphasize the clinical impact of fungal infections in patients with SAP, particularly their association with severe disease, prolonged hospitalization, and prior antibiotic exposure. These findings highlight the prognostic value of early microbiological sampling, species-level identification, and prompt initiation of antifungal therapy. Infections caused by non-albicans species pose additional challenges due to their reduced sensitivity to standard antifungal agents. Conclusions: Fungal infection of PFCs is a clinically significant and frequently underestimated complication of SAP. Early recognition and species-directed antifungal therapy are critical for improving outcomes in high-risk patients. Full article

Understanding thrombosis in acute coronary syndromes (ACSs) has evolved through advances in biomarkers, intracoronary imaging, and emerging analytical tools, improving diagnostic accuracy and risk stratification in high-risk patients. This narrative review provides an integrative overview of contemporary evidence from clinical trials, meta-analyses, and international guidelines addressing circulating biomarkers, intracoronary imaging modalities—including optical coherence tomography (OCT), intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS)—artificial intelligence–based analytical approaches, and emerging antithrombotic therapies. High-sensitivity cardiac troponins and natriuretic peptides remain the most robust and guideline-supported biomarkers for diagnosis and prognostic assessment in ACS, whereas inflammatory markers and multimarker strategies offer incremental prognostic information but lack definitive validation for routine therapeutic guidance. Intracoronary imaging with IVUS or OCT is supported by current guidelines to guide percutaneous coronary intervention in selected patients with ACS and complex coronary lesions, leading to improved procedural optimization and clinical outcomes compared with angiography-guided strategies. Beyond procedural guidance, OCT enables detailed plaque characterization and mechanistic insights into ACS, while NIRS provides complementary information on lipid-rich plaque burden, primarily for risk stratification based on observational evidence. Artificial intelligence represents a rapidly evolving tool for integrating clinical, laboratory, and imaging data, with promising results in retrospective and observational studies; however, its clinical application in thrombosis management remains investigational due to the lack of outcome-driven randomized trials. In the therapeutic domain, factor XI inhibitors have demonstrated favorable safety profiles with reduced bleeding and preserved antithrombotic efficacy in phase II and early phase III studies, but their definitive role in ACS management awaits confirmation in large, outcome-driven randomized trials. Overall, the integration of biomarkers, intracoronary imaging, and emerging analytical and pharmacological strategies highlights the potential for more individualized cardiovascular care. Nevertheless, careful interpretation of existing evidence, rigorous validation, and alignment with guideline-directed practice remain essential before widespread clinical adoption. Full article

Melanocytic Tumors of Uncertain Malignant Potential (MELTUMPs) remain among the most challenging entities in dermatopathology due to overlapping morphologic features and marked inter-observer variability. This comprehensive review critically assesses the diagnostic and potential prognostic significance of combining p16 and methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP) immunohistochemistry (IHC) as a practical surrogate for genomic alterations involving the 9p21 (CDKN2A/MTAP) locus. We analyzed the molecular underpinnings of the CDKN2A/MTAP axis and systematically reviewed existing literature to define an integrated IHC strategy for ambiguous melanocytic lesions. The combined use of p16, a sensitive marker of CDKN2A inactivation, and MTAP, a highly specific marker for homozygous 9p21 deletion, was assessed for its diagnostic complementarity and potential clinical utility. p16 IHC demonstrates high sensitivity but limited specificity due to heterogeneous staining in borderline lesions. In contrast, MTAP loss exhibits near-absolute specificity for CDKN2A/MTAP co-deletion, albeit with lower sensitivity. Concordant loss of both markers strongly supports melanoma or high-risk melanocytoma, while MTAP retention may predict responsiveness to adjuvant interferon therapy. Combined p16/MTAP IHC provides a synergistic, biologically grounded approach that refines diagnostic accuracy in MELTUMPs. This dual-marker algorithm promotes a shift from purely morphology-based evaluation toward a reproducible, molecularly informed classification, improving both diagnostic confidence and patient management. Full article

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with metabolic disturbance and subclinical cardiovascular changes during pregnancy and after birth. Optimal glycaemic control remains challenging for many patients despite existing management strategies. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) has shown potential metabolic effects, including enhanced insulin sensitivity and anti-inflammatory effects. Previously, we demonstrated that UDCA improves glycaemic control in women achieving higher circulating UDCA concentrations; however, its effect on maternal cardiac function remains unknown. The objective was to evaluate whether treatment with UDCA compared with placebo is associated with differences in maternal cardiac function in pregnancies complicated by GDM. Methods: In this randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 113 women with GDM were recruited, with 56 allocated to UDCA and 57 to placebo (IMIB-GU-2019-02, registration date: 17 June 2020; first participant enrolled: 3 March 2021). After measurement of maternal blood UDCA levels, 43 participants in the treatment group with levels ≥ 0.5 μmol/L were included in a per-protocol analysis. Participants had cardiac assessments at baseline, in the late third trimester (36 weeks) and postpartum. Detailed left ventricular systolic and diastolic functional indices were assessed using conventional pulse and tissue Doppler indices as well as strain imaging. Right ventricular systolic function was also assessed. Results: Baseline maternal characteristics and cardiac functional indices were comparable between the UDCA and placebo groups. In the third trimester, women treated with UDCA showed more negative left atrial strain during atrial contraction (LASct_AC) compared with placebo (p = 0.016), while no significant between-group differences were observed in conventional left ventricular systolic or diastolic parameters. In the postpartum period, UDCA treatment was associated with higher left atrial reservoir function, reflected by increased LASr_ED (p = 0.041) and LASr_AC (p = 0.036), as well as more negative left atrial conduit strain at end-diastole (LAScd_ED; p = 0.043). No consistent differences were observed in left ventricular systolic function, haemodynamic indices, or right ventricular functional parameters between the two groups. Conclusions: These findings are associated with small and time-dependent differences in reducing atrial dysfunction and improving cardiac efficiency during late pregnancy and postpartum. However, given the lack of long-term follow-up, further research is needed to determine the long-term cardiovascular relevance of UDCA in this population. Full article