Search Results (422)

The immunological composition of the microenvironment has shown relevance for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy in solid tumors but remains underexplored in acute leukemias. We investigated the significance of the acute myeloid leukemia (AML) bone marrow microenvironment in predicting chemosensitivity and long-term remission in pediatric patients. We analyzed 32 non-promyelocytic pediatric AML patients at diagnosis using a NanoString PanCancer IO 360 assay, RNA sequencing, and deep-phenotype flow cytometry analyses. The findings were validated using the pediatric TARGET AML dataset. A short signature of three interferon (IFN)-related genes (GBP1, PARP12, and TRAT1) distinguished patients with chemosensitive disease and reduced minimal residual disease after induction chemotherapy. The signature stratified patients overall, and within the clinically defined “standard-risk” group, patients with high gene expression at diagnosis had significantly longer overall survival. The leukemia microenvironment associated with this signature showed enrichment of non-exhausted CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cytotoxic lymphocytes and expansion of CD8⁺ T effector memory cells re-expressing CD45RA (TEMRA) in patients with a favorable prognosis. Our results show the importance of the bone marrow microenvironment in pediatric AML and provide tools for a refined stratification of “standard-risk” patients, lacking adequate risk-oriented therapies. They also offer a promising guide for tackling immune pathways and exploiting immune-targeted therapies. Full article

Laminar co-flow in microchannels typically results in stratified streams with diffusion-limited mixing. This work presents an additively manufactured microfluidic platform that integrates a pulse tank and a transverse injection nozzle into an otherwise straight channel, enabling pulse-driven mixing and droplet generation using air-pressure actuation alone. In Device A, transverse pulsed injection disrupted the stratified interface and significantly enhanced mixing compared with the no-pulse case, as confirmed by an entropy-based mixing index. In Device B, pulsed injection into a continuous oil phase enabled stable droplet-on-demand generation with pressure-tunable droplet diameter in a straight circular channel. The devices operated in a laminar regime, with representative Reynolds, Péclet, and capillary numbers confirming diffusion-limited baseline mixing and stable dripping-type droplet formation. The results demonstrate that pulse-driven injections in a simple, additively manufactured geometry provide an effective, low-complexity approach to mixing enhancement and droplet generation without external fields or complex channel designs. Full article

With advancements in weak magnetic detection technology, the electromagnetic wake signals induced by UUVs in stratified seawater are becoming stable interference sources for detection equipment. This study developed a numerical model combining fluid dynamics and electromagnetism to examine the electromagnetic wake evolution of the UUV system under varying propeller propulsion coefficients, and formation mechanism of the wake electromagnetic field is revealed. The flow field results were validated using PIV and relevant literature. The flow characteristics of the near-field wake are analyzed by visualizing the vortex structure. Additionally, this study investigates the attenuation law of far-field wake using electromagnetic field intensity attenuation curves. The wake’s electromagnetic field frequency characteristics were examined through the normalized amplitude spectrum. Results indicate that the near-field wake vortex structure resembles a propeller’s topological structure. The electric field intensities in the near-field and far-field are approximately on the order of 10⁻⁴ V/m and 10⁻⁵ V/m, respectively, while the magnetic field intensities are around 10⁻¹⁰ V/m and 10⁻¹¹ V/m. The electromagnetic interference spectrum within the wake typically shows high intensity in the low-frequency band. A high-precision magnetometer can detect the electromagnetic field’s intensity and frequency characteristics. It offers theoretical support for developing advanced anti-interference algorithms in engineering practice. Full article

Urban radio spectrum monitoring is becoming increasingly complex due to the rapid growth of wireless devices, unauthorized emissions, and dynamic electromagnetic environments in smart cities. Traditional spectrum analysis approaches, based on manual operation or static detection techniques, are no longer sufficient to ensure scalable, autonomous, and secure monitoring. The convergence of two emergent technologies—Large Language Models (LLMs) and the Model Context Protocol (MCP)—facilitates a fundamental shift in radio monitoring. We define this as the AICEBERG paradigm: a novel, stratified architecture where a high-level, intelligent agentic interface (the peak) abstracts the underlying complexity of SCPI-driven hardware integration and radio governance protocols (the foundational base). This autonomous framework provides the necessary objective rigor to audit the stochastic ‘ocean of electromagnetic waves’ characteristic of modern smart cities, ensuring a stable platform for regulatory enforcement amidst high-density signal interference. The proposed system implements a three-layer processing flow, enabling high-level natural language commands to be translated into validated and secure hardware actions on RF spectrum analyzers. A dual-server design separates operational execution from safety validation, ensuring controlled SCPI command handling, parameter verification, and instrument health monitoring. Experimental validation demonstrates the feasibility of autonomous measurement execution. The results show that the proposed architecture reduces human dependency, enhances reproducibility and lowers the expertise barrier required for RF spectrum surveillance. To the best of our knowledge, AICEBERG represents one of the first integrated frameworks to bridge LLMs with SCPI-compliant hardware through the MCP for autonomous radio governance. Full article

As oil and gas reservoirs progress into the mid-to-late stages of development, produced fluids increasingly exhibit high water-cut and complex flow regimes. Conventional water-cut measurement techniques based on capacitance, conductance, and resistance often face challenges in terms of accuracy, stability, and adaptability. In this study, a novel non-contact broadband microwave system, based on a ridged-horn antenna microwave transmission sensor (RHAMTS), is proposed to achieve highly sensitive full-range (0–100%) water-cut monitoring. The RHAMTS consists of two identical ridged-horn antennas, whose geometries are optimized through analytical design calculations and full-wave finite-element simulations. Numerical simulations are first performed to elucidate the sensing mechanism. Subsequently, static and dynamic experiments are conducted under two representative conditions: emulsified oil-water mixtures and stratified oil-water layers. The results indicate that the broadband spectral signatures of the RHAMTS can effectively characterize water-cut in both emulsified mixtures and stratified oil-water layers. For emulsified mixtures, both amplitude attenuation and phase shift vary systematically with water-cut, and the RHAMTS can still effectively characterize water-cut under saline conditions. For stratified oil-water flow, results from both static and dynamic experiments demonstrate that amplitude attenuation provides more robust features for practical water-cut discrimination. Compared with conventional methods, the proposed RHAMTS offers non-contact operation, rich spectral information, and compatibility with various flow regimes, providing a feasible and efficient approach for water-cut monitoring under complex field conditions. Full article

Asymptotic solutions are derived to model the development of atmospheric internal gravity waves generated by latent heating in a two-dimensional configuration involving a vertically-sheared background flow. The mathematical model comprises nonlinear partial differential equations derived from the conservation laws of fluid dynamics under the anelastic approximation where the background density and temperature vary with altitude. The latent heating is represented by a horizontally-periodic but vertically-localized nonhomogeneous forcing term in the energy conservation equation. This generates gravity waves that are considered as perturbations to the background flow and are expressed as perturbation series, with the leading-order contributions being the solutions of linearized equations. Taking into account the nonlinear terms at the next order gives expressions for the effects of the waves on the background mean flow. Due to the vertical shear, there is a critical level where momentum and energy are transferred from the wave modes to the mean flow. The asymptotic solutions show that the wave–mean-flow interaction is nonlocal and occurs over the range of altitudes from the thermal forcing level up the critical level. This is in contrast to what occurs in the case of waves forced by an oscillatory lower boundary, where the interaction is typically localized around the critical level. It is found that the wave drag is negative above the thermal forcing level, making the mean flow velocity more negative, but it becomes positive as the waves approach the critical level, indicating wave absorption in this region. There is wave transmission through the critical level, as well as absorption, and the extent of transmission depends on the depth of the latent heating profile. The mean potential temperature is reduced above the thermal forcing level and enhanced at the critical level, a situation that could ultimately lead to the development of convective instabilities. Full article

Background: The clinical course of COVID-19 is highly variable, ranging from asymptomatic infection to critical illness with hyperinflammation and multiorgan failure. Oxidative stress plays a central role in COVID-19 pathogenesis, and genetic polymorphisms in glutathione S-transferase (GST) enzymes, particularly GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes, may impair antioxidant defense and exacerbate inflammatory responses. This study aimed to investigate the association of GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes with both disease severity and serum cytokine levels in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 137 COVID-19 patients hospitalized during the second pandemic wave (July–September 2020). Patients were stratified into mild (n = 67) and severe (n = 70) groups based on clinical criteria. GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms were determined by multiplex polymerase chain reaction. Serum levels of 13 cytokines were measured using flow cytometry. Logistic regression analyzed genotype associations with disease severity, and multivariate linear regression assessed relationships between null genotypes and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-17A, IFN-γ), adjusted for age, sex, hypertension, and diabetes. Results: The GSTT1 null genotype was significantly associated with severe COVID-19 (adjusted OR = 2.56, 95% CI: 1.08–6.07, p = 0.032). Severe patients exhibited significantly elevated levels of IL-6 (75.6% increase, p = 0.008), TNF-α (69.4% increase, p = 0.005), IL-17A (54.4% increase, p = 0.016), and IFN-γ (10.1% increase, p = 0.021). Both GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes were associated with higher levels of these cytokines, with stronger effects observed for GSTT1 null. In multivariate analysis, GSTT1 null independently predicted elevated IL-6 (β = 52.6, p = 0.003), TNF-α (β = 13.8, p = 0.002), IL-17A (β = 2.4, p = 0.001), and IFN-γ (β = 56.4, p = 0.012). The combined both null genotype showed the strongest associations but was limited by small sample size (n = 10) and should be interpreted with caution. Conclusions: The GSTT1 null genotype is associated with severe COVID-19 and appears to be associated with heightened pro-inflammatory cytokine responses, particularly IL-6, TNF-α, IL-17A, and IFN-γ. These findings suggest a potential role for genetic impairment of antioxidant defense may contribute to hyperinflammation in COVID-19 hyperinflammation, although validation in larger cohorts is needed. Full article

The prediction of dynamic responses of offshore wind turbine foundations under wind-wave-current multi-field coupled loads is the cornerstone of safety in offshore wind power engineering. The currently widely adopted equivalent load application method, while computationally efficient, simplifies loads into concentrated forces applied at the pile top and tower top, neglecting fluid-structure dynamic interaction mechanisms, which leads to deviations in response predictions. To overcome this limitation, this paper proposes a high-precision bidirectional fluid-structure interaction numerical framework. The fluid domain employs computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to construct an air-seawater two-phase flow model, utilizing the standard k-ε turbulence model and nonlinear wave theory to accurately simulate complex marine environments. The solid domain establishes a wind turbine-stratified seabed system via the finite element method (FEM), describing soil-rock mechanical properties based on the Mohr-Coulomb constitutive model. Comparative studies indicate that the equivalent static method significantly underestimates the displacement response of pile foundations, particularly under the extreme shutdown conditions examined in this study. This value should be interpreted as a case-specific observation rather than a universal deviation, and the discrepancy may vary with sea state, wind speed, current velocity, and wind–wave misalignment, thereby leading to non-conservative estimates of stress distribution. In contrast, the fluid-structure interaction method can reveal key physical processes such as local flow acceleration and wake–interference effects around the tower and the parked rotor under shutdown conditions, and the nonlinear interaction and resistance-increasing mechanisms between waves and currents. This model provides a reliable tool for safety assessment and damage evolution analysis of wind turbine foundations under extreme marine conditions, promoting the transformation of offshore wind power structure design from empirical formulas to mechanism-driven approaches. Full article

Utilising highly mineralised mine water for drip irrigation of desert vegetation in mining areas represents a crucial approach to alleviating freshwater scarcity and achieving mine water resource utilisation. However, high salt inputs may pose risks of salt return to root zones and deep accumulation. To ensure the safe and effective utilisation of mine water, laboratory 45 cm soil column infiltration tests (freshwater, 8, 12, 16 g L⁻¹) were conducted in the heavily saline-affected desert vegetation zone of Dananhu, Hami, Xinjiang, alongside 2023–2024 field drip irrigation trials (8, 12, 16 g L⁻¹). This study established a ‘soil column inversion–field validation–scenario optimisation’ framework (16 g L⁻¹) and field drip irrigation trials (8, 12, 16 g L⁻¹) during 2023–2024. A multi-scale HYDRUS-1D/3D simulation framework—‘soil column inversion–field validation–scenario optimisation’—was established to quantify water–salt transport processes in the root zone and optimise emitter flow rates. HYDRUS-1D demonstrated excellent fitting for soil moisture content, wetting front, and salinity distribution (R² = 0.964–0.979, 0.995–0.998, 0.791–0.898). Following parameter migration, HYDRUS-3D achieved R² values of 0.834–0.949 for simulating field-scale stratified salinity. Overall desalination occurred in the 0–80 cm soil profile over two years. Within the 0–40 cm root zone, reduction rates decreased with increasing irrigation salinity: 45.77% (2023) and 59.64% (2024) under 8 g L⁻¹ treatment, significantly higher than the 24.24% and 30.91% reductions observed at 16 g/L (p < 0.05). During the high-temperature period of July–August, transient salt accumulation occurred in the 0–10 cm surface layer, while the 80–120 cm zone exhibited cumulative risk. Scenario simulations indicated that increased dripper flow rates expanded the wetted zone horizontally but weakened vertical leaching. The 2.0–2.4 L h⁻¹ range demonstrated superior overall performance in balancing root zone desalination rates and irrigation uniformity. The study recommends targeting root-zone salinity stability through a combination of moderate leaching, summer transpiration suppression, and seasonal flushing/natural leaching, alongside prioritising low-to-medium flow emitters. This approach synergistically reduces both surface salinity return and deep accumulation risks. Full article

Underwater rock plug blasting involves a highly complex, transient gas–liquid–solid multiphase flow that is difficult to simulate accurately with conventional single-phase models. To address this gap, a novel three-phase three-layer mathematical model is presented in this study. This model represents the stratified flow behavior by decomposing the conduit into an upper gas layer, a middle gas–liquid–solid mixture layer, and a lower consolidated bed layer. Governing equations for mass, momentum, and energy conservation are derived and solved using the finite volume method. The model is validated against physical model tests, showing a maximum gate shaft surge deviation of only 0.27%, a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.965, and a relative RMSE of 4.2%. A sensitivity analysis is performed to quantify the influence of key operational water levels, including the reservoir, gate shaft, and slag pit, on critical transient loads. The results demonstrate that a decrease in the reservoir water level from 106 m to 86 m concurrently reduces both surge height and impact pressure. A smaller reservoir–shaft water level difference (5–15 m) increases the initial cushion pressure and amplifies the surge. In contrast, a larger level difference (20–30 m) suppresses surge but increases impact pressure. Furthermore, an excessively high water level in the slag pit (exceeding 47.8 m) weakens the cushioning effect, thereby lowering the impact pressure. The proposed multiphase model provides an improved approach for predicting hydraulic transients during underwater rock plug blasting. Full article

Pregnancy represents a dynamic immunological state in which the maternal immune system must balance tolerance toward the semi-allogeneic fetus while maintaining antimicrobial defense. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is highly prevalent worldwide and profoundly shapes immune cell differentiation and long-term activation in adults. However, its interaction with pregnancy-associated immune remodeling remains incompletely defined. In this prospective longitudinal study, we comprehensively analyzed immune profiles of healthy pregnant women across all three trimesters and age-matched nonpregnant controls, stratified by CMV IgG serostatus. Multiparametric flow cytometry characterized T and B cell subsets and cytokine production following in vitro stimulation, while circulating cytokines and adhesion molecules were quantified using multiplex immunoassay. Gestational age was the primary determinant of leukocyte dynamics. Nevertheless, CMV-seropositive pregnant women showed enhanced activation and differentiation of CD4⁺ and, more prominently, CD8⁺ T cell subsets, changes not observed in nonpregnant women. Despite pronounced cellular differences, serum cytokine and adhesion molecule levels were largely comparable between CMV-seropositive and CMV-seronegative participants in both pregnant and nonpregnant groups. Functionally, CMV-seropositive women exhibited enrichment of IFN-γ– and IL-21–producing T cells, whereas B cell responses remained predominantly IL-10–dominated. These findings indicate selective alterations in maternal lymphocyte activation and function during pregnancy in CMV-seropositive women, without evidence of systemic inflammation. Full article

Background. Overcrowding in emergency departments (EDs), particularly pediatric emergency departments (PEDs), remains a significant challenge that affects patient outcomes and the efficiency of healthcare. Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for respiratory viruses could be a promising tool for improving patient management by enabling prompt etiological diagnoses. This study investigated whether positive RDT results for influenza or adenovirus were associated with differences in length of stay (LOS) in a tertiary PED during epidemic seasons. Methods. A retrospective cohort study was conducted at IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy, over two epidemic seasons (December–February, 2023–2025). All consecutive pediatric patients presenting with fever and respiratory symptoms who underwent rapid diagnostic testing for influenza and/or adenovirus during two epidemic seasons were included. LOS was assessed as the time from triage to discharge (TTD) and from physician assignment to discharge (ATD). Patients were stratified by positive versus negative RDT results. Analyses between groups used the Mann–Whitney U-test for continuous variables and chi-square or Fisher’s exact test for categorical variables. A two-tailed p-value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results. Of the 1238 patients analyzed, the median age was 3.3 years (IQR 1.4–7.2), with male predominance (58.1%). A total of 330 patients (26.6%) tested positive. Compared with negative results, positive RDTs were associated with shorter median TTD (217.0 vs. 239.0 min, p < 0.001) and ATD (66.0 vs. 148.5 min, p < 0.001), which was consistent in both the influenza and adenovirus subgroups. No significant difference in 72 h readmission rates was observed between groups. Conclusions. Among children tested with RDTs for influenza and adenovirus, positive results were associated with reduced PED LOS without increasing early return visits. While these findings suggest a potential role in supporting patient flow, conclusions regarding the broader impact on PED overcrowding should be drawn with caution. Further prospective studies, including non-tested controls and additional viral targets, are required. Full article

Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) remains one of the most frequent and severe complications in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), with significant implications for vision and quality of life. While classical screening methods are effective, they are not always accessible or systematically used. Sudoscan, a device that evaluates sweat gland function by measuring electrochemical skin conductance (ESC)—an indicator of chloride ion flow through sweat glands and a marker of peripheral autonomic nerve function—has recently attracted attention as a potential adjunct tool for risk assessment of microvascular complications. Objectives: In this cross-sectional study, we investigated its utility in identifying DR among 271 adults with T2DM. DR was diagnosed in 35.8% of patients, and those affected showed lower Sudoscan scores in the lower limbs and higher scores indicating cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy. Methods: Statistical analyses, including ROC curve evaluation and multiple linear regression, revealed moderate diagnostic accuracy and significant correlations between Sudoscan parameters and DR severity. Results: Our results suggest that Sudoscan could serve as a fast, painless, and informative screening tool, particularly valuable in settings with limited access to ophthalmologic services. Conclusions: Although it does not replace fundus examination, it may offer complementary insights and help stratify patients by risk level, guiding more targeted monitoring and intervention strategies. Full article

Deep saline aquifers are key targets for secure CO₂ geological storage because of their petrophysical and geochemical characteristics. This study conducts two-dimensional radial numerical simulations of CO₂–brine flow and dissolution to examine plume migration and dissolution in saline aquifers while allowing porosity and permeability to evolve with pressure. The model outputs include reservoir pressure, porosity, permeability, gas saturation, and dissolved CO₂, with additional analyses of permeability anisotropy, initial reservoir pressure, and stratified sandstone–shale architecture. Simulations with evolving properties predict a smaller radial plume extent than simulations with fixed properties, together with a maximum pressure buildup of about 2 MPa near the injection well. In a homogeneous aquifer, porosity and permeability increase nonlinearly during injection and reach about 1.25 and 2.6 times their initial values near the injection well after 1200 days, whereas the increases are lower in the sandstone–shale case at about 1.16 and 2.0 times because shale interlayers confine the enhanced zone to the lower sandstone. Increasing permeability anisotropy shifts migration toward lateral spreading, and higher initial reservoir pressure reduces plume extent. Overall, the assumption of constant porosity and permeability tends to predict larger plume footprints and different pressure responses, with sensitivity controlled by anisotropy, initial pressure, and shale interlayers. Full article

Background: Determining the optimal duration of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) remains challenging, as patient outcomes may vary significantly based on individual characteristics. We aimed to establish critical time thresholds for achieving favorable neurological outcomes with ECPR across different risk groups, potentially providing more tailored guidance for clinical decision-making. Methods: This single-center retrospective study screened 279 adult patients who received ECPR between 2013 and 2020. Through multivariate analysis of various clinical parameters, we developed a pragmatic bedside risk stratification framework to identify groups with different prognostic profiles. The primary outcome was neurological status at discharge, assessed by the Cerebral Performance Categories scale. Results: In multivariate analysis, age greater than 50 years with asystole (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 4.89, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.41–17.00) or pulseless electrical activity (adjusted OR: 9.70, 95% CI: 2.80–33.60), aspartate transaminase (adjusted OR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.15–1.99), creatinine (adjusted OR: 2.08, 95% CI: 1.30–3.34), initial lactate (adjusted OR: 1.88, 95% CI: 1.27–3.45), and low-flow time (adjusted OR: 3.50, 95% CI: 2.02–6.06) were associated with poor neurological outcomes. Based on these findings, we identified three distinct risk groups showing different acceptable low-flow time thresholds: low-risk (38 min), moderate-risk (27 min), and high-risk (20 min). Notably, no favorable neurological outcomes were observed beyond 70 min in the low-risk group and 90 min in moderate/high-risk groups. Risk group stratification effectively predicted neurological outcomes across different low-flow time intervals. Conclusions: Risk-stratified evaluation of low-flow time (cardiac arrest to ECMO pump-on) provides clinically relevant thresholds for different patient groups, suggesting that continuation of ECPR may be warranted in low-risk patients even with extended low-flow times. This approach may enable more personalized decision-making in ECPR implementation. Full article