Sample pretreatment is a key step for qualitative and quantitative analysis of trace substances in complex samples. Cis-dihydroxyl (cis-diol) group-containing substances exist widely in biological samples and can be selectively bound by boronate affinity adsorbents. Based on this, in this article, we proposed a simple method for the preparation of novel spherical three-dimensionally ordered macropore (3DOM) materials based on a combination of the boronate affinity technique and colloidal crystal template method. The prepared 3DOM materials were characterized using Fourier transform–infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and thermo-gravimetric analysis, and results showed that they possessed the characteristics of a high specific surface area, high porosity, and more boronic acid recognition sites. The adsorption performance evaluation results showed that the maximum adsorption capacity of the boron affinity 3DOMs on ovalbumin (OVA) could reach to 438.79 mg/g. Kinetic and isothermal adsorption experiments indicated that the boronate affinity 3DOM material exhibited a high affinity and selectivity towards OVA and adenosine. Sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis of the proteins in egg whites was conducted and proved that the glycoprotein in the egg whites could be separated and enriched with a good performance. Therefore, a novel boronate affinity 3DOM material a with highly ordered and interconnected pore structure was prepared and could be applied in the separation and enrichment of molecules with cis-diol groups from complex samples with a good selectivity, efficiency, and high throughput. Full article

(1) Background: This study assessed the efficacy of hydroxychloride sources of zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and copper (Cu) compared with organic sources in the rearing diets of Lohmann brown pullets, focusing on pullet performance, tibia quality, egg production, and eggshell quality. (2) Methods: A total of 120 birds (six replications and 10 birds each) received diets with Mn, Zn, and Cu from organic or hydroxychloride sources during the rearing phase. After the onset of lay, birds were fed diets containing oxide/sulfate sources up to 50 weeks of age. (3) Results: no significant differences were observed in growth performance and tibia quality during the rearing phase (p > 0.05). From 18 to 24 weeks of age, no carryover effect on egg production performance was observed. However, from 25–50 weeks, pullets fed hydroxychloride sources showed lower feed intake and egg mass compared to the organic group (p < 0.05), whereas egg production and eggshell quality remained similar between groups (p > 0.05). (4) Conclusions: These findings suggest the potential of hydroxychloride sources in rearing diets without compromising overall growth in the pullet phase and feed efficiency in the laying cycle. Full article

Extrusion-based 3D Construction Printing (3DCP) involves developing novel material mixtures that incorporate local geo-materials. Given that clay minerals and silt are major causes of soil variability, this study focuses on the fine fraction of soil to facilitate purpose-oriented design, classification, and standardization. We begin with an overview of current research in the field and general information about clays. Subsequently, we establish an evaluation methodology, examining various clay–sand mix ratios, along with locally sourced material to gain general insights into the material’s clay-dependent macro-printability characteristics. The findings are then correlated and discussed in relation to the microcharacteristics of the clays, emphasizing the significance of both intraparticle and interparticle swelling for strength and cohesiveness. Factors such as swelling ability, and charge, which may be reflected by pH, are pivotal for strength; while the quantity of clay and its interparticle swelling ability, denoted by the plasticity index (PI), delineate cohesiveness, which is essential for pumpability and extrudability. Furthermore, the presence of organic material and other minerals is observed to have a significant impact on these properties. Full article

Amorphous phase separation (APS) is ubiquitously found in a large number of glass systems, because the glass can be regarded as solid with a heterogeneous structure at the nanoscale. However, little attention has been paid to the big challenges in utilizing APS in searching novel amorphous glass from above to below, which highlights the meticulous microstructure tunability of glass. Correspondingly, we develop a novel SiO₂-Al₂O₃-P₂O₅-Li₂O-ZrO₂ glass with APS (SAPLZ APS) which has robust crystallization resistance via the APS engineering. A comparative study is conducted to reveal the APS–crystallization property relationship. It can be found that the introduced APS can substantially impede the precipitated crystal growth in the studied glass system. Considering detailed glassy structure and microstructure, a diffusion barrier around each Li-rich droplet is created by the presence of P⁵⁺ concentration surrounding the Li-rich region. Meanwhile, due to the increase in Q⁴ at the expense of Q³, the polymerization degree in the Si-rich amorphous area can be enhanced, further increasing its viscosity and raising the kinetic barrier of Si-related crystal growth. These findings provide a new manner to develop new glass with superior anti-crystallization performance. Full article

Males and females exhibit intrinsic differences in the structure and function of the heart, while the prevalence and severity of cardiovascular disease vary in the two sexes. However, the mechanisms of this sex-based dimorphism are yet to be elucidated. Sex chromosomes and sex hormones are the main contributors to sex-based differences in cardiac physiology and pathophysiology. In recent years, the advances in induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiac models and multi-omic approaches have enabled a more comprehensive understanding of the sex-specific differences in the human heart. Here, we provide an overview of the roles of these two factors throughout cardiac development and explore the sex hormone signaling pathways involved. We will also discuss how the employment of stem cell-based cardiac models and single-cell RNA sequencing help us further investigate sex differences in healthy and diseased hearts. Full article

To tackle the variability of distributed renewable energy (DRE) and the timing differences in load demand, this paper perfects the integrated layout of “source−load−storage” energy control in virtual power plants (VPPs). Introducing a comprehensive control approach for VPPs of varying ownerships, and encompassing load aggregators (LAs), a robust and cost−efficient operation strategy is proposed for VPP clusters. Initially, the influence of real−time electricity prices on cluster energy utilization is taken into account. Flexible shared electricity prices are formulated cluster−wide, based on the buying and selling data reported by each VPP, and are distributed equitably across the cluster. Following this, a flexible supply and demand response mechanism is established. With the goal of minimizing operational costs, this strategy responds to demand (DR) on the end−user side, instituting shifts and reductions in electricity and heat loads based on electricity and heat load forecasting data. On the supply side, optimization strategies are developed for gas turbines, residual heat boilers, and ground−source heat pumps to restrict power output, thus achieving economical and low−carbon cluster operations. Finally, the efficacy of the proposed optimization strategy is demonstrated through tackling numerous scenario comparisons. The results showcase that the proposed strategy diminishes operational costs and carbon emissions within the cluster by 11.7% and 5.29%, respectively, correlating to the unoptimized scenario. Full article

Multiple myeloma and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance are plasma cell dyscrasias characterized by monoclonal proliferation of pathological plasma cells with uncontrolled production of immunoglobulins. Autoimmune pathologies are conditions in which T and B lymphocytes develop a tendency to activate towards self-antigens in the absence of exogenous triggers. The aim of our review is to show the possible correlations between the two pathological aspects. Molecular studies have shown how different cytokines that either cause inflammation or control the immune system play a part in the growth of immunotolerance conditions that make it easier for the development of neoplastic malignancies. Uncontrolled immune activation resulting in chronic inflammation is also known to be at the basis of the evolution toward neoplastic pathologies, as well as multiple myeloma. Another point is the impact that myeloma-specific therapies have on the course of concomitant autoimmune diseases. Indeed, cases have been observed of patients suffering from multiple myeloma treated with daratumumab and bortezomib who also benefited from their autoimmune condition or patients under treatment with immunomodulators in which there has been an arising or worsening of autoimmunity conditions. The role of bone marrow transplantation in the course of concomitant autoimmune diseases remains under analysis. Full article

This paper delves into the realm of cryptographic analysis by employing mixed-integer linear programming (MILP), a powerful tool for automated cryptanalysis. Building on this foundation, we apply the division property method alongside MILP to conduct a comprehensive cryptanalysis of the IIoTBC (industrial Internet of Things block cipher) algorithm, a critical cipher in the security landscape of industrial IoT systems. Our investigation into IIoTBC System A has led to identifying a 14-round integral distinguisher, further extended to a 22-round key recovery. This significant finding underscores the cipher’s susceptibility to sophisticated cryptanalytic attacks and demonstrates the profound impact of combining the division property method with MILP in revealing hidden cipher weaknesses. In the case of IIoTBC System B, our innovative approach has uncovered a full-round distinguisher. We provide theoretical validation for this distinguisher and uncover a pivotal structural issue in the System B algorithm, specifically the non-diffusion of its third branch. This discovery sheds light on inherent security challenges within System B and points to areas for potential enhancement in its design. Our research, through its methodical examination and analysis of the IIoTBC algorithm, contributes substantially to the field of cryptographic security, especially concerning industrial IoT applications. By uncovering and analyzing the vulnerabilities within IIoTBC, we enhance the understanding of cipher robustness and pave the way for advancements in securing industrial IoT communications. Full article

Canada’s decentralized healthcare system may lead to regional disparities in survival among Canadians diagnosed with central nervous system (CNS) tumours. We identified 50,670 patients diagnosed with a first-ever primary CNS tumour between 2008 and 2017 with follow-up until 31 December 2017. We selected the four highest incidence histologies and used proportional hazard regression to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for five regions (British Columbia, Prairie Provinces, Ontario, Atlantic Provinces and the Territories), adjusting for sex, tumour behaviour and patient age. Ontario had the best survival profile for all histologies investigated. The Atlantic Provinces had the highest HR for glioblastoma (HR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.18–1.35) and malignant glioma not otherwise specified (NOS) (Overall: HR = 1.87, 95% CI:1.43–2.43; Pediatric population: HR = 2.86, 95% CI: 1.28–6.39). For meningioma, the Territories had the highest HR (HR = 2.44, 95% CI: 1.09–5.45) followed by the Prairie Provinces (HR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.38–1.67). For malignant unclassified tumours, the highest HRs were in British Columbia (HR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.22–1.71) and the Atlantic Provinces (HR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.13–1.74). There are regional differences in the survival of CNS patients at the population level for all four specific histological types of CNS tumours investigated. Factors contributing to these observed regional survival differences are unknown and warrant further investigation. Full article

Osteoporosis is a global health challenge characterized by bone loss and microstructure deterioration, which urgently requires the development of safer and more effective treatments due to the significant adverse effects and limitations of existing drugs for long-term treatment. Traditional Chinese medicine, like Epimedium, offers fewer side effects and has been used to treat osteoporosis, yet its active compounds and pharmacological mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, 65 potential active compounds, 258 potential target proteins, and 488 pathways of Epimedium were identified through network pharmacology analysis. Further network analysis and review of the literature identified six potential active compounds and HIF-1α for subsequent experimental validation. In vitro experiments confirmed that 2″-O-RhamnosylIcariside II is the most effective compound among the six potential active compounds. It can promote osteoblast differentiation, bind with HIF-1α, and inhibit both HIF-1α gene and protein expression, as well as enhance COL1A1 protein expression under hypoxic conditions. In vivo experiments demonstrated its ability to improve bone microstructures and reduce bone loss by decreasing bone marrow adipose tissue, enhancing bone formation, and suppressing HIF-1α protein expression. This study is the first to describe the therapeutic effects of 2-O-RhamnosylIcariside II on osteoporosis, which was done, specifically, through a mechanism that targets and inhibits HIF-1α. This study provides a scientific basis for the clinical application of Epimedium and offers a new candidate drug for the treatment of osteoporosis. Additionally, it provides new evidence supporting HIF-1α as a therapeutic target for osteoporosis. Full article

The cavity haloscope is among the most widely adopted experimental platforms designed to detect dark matter axions with its principle relying on the conversion of axions into microwave photons in the presence of a strong magnetic field. The Josephson parametric amplifier (JPA), known for its quantum-limited noise characteristics, has been incorporated into the detection system to capture the weakly interacting axion signals. However, the performance of the JPA can be influenced by its environment, leading to the potential unreliability of a predefined parameter set obtained in a specific laboratory setting. Furthermore, conducting a broadband search requires the consecutive characterization of the amplifier across different tuning frequencies. To ensure more reliable measurements, we utilize the Nelder–Mead technique as a numerical search method to dynamically determine the optimal operating conditions. This heuristic search algorithm explores the multidimensional parameter space of the JPA, optimizing critical characteristics such as gain and noise temperature to maximize signal-to-noise ratios for a given experimental setup. Our study presents a comprehensive analysis of the properties of a flux-driven JPA to demonstrate the effectiveness of the algorithm. This approach contributes to ongoing efforts in axion dark matter research by offering an efficient method to enhance axion detection sensitivity through the optimized utilization of JPAs. Full article

Capmatinib and savolitinib, selective MET inhibitors, are widely used to treat various MET-positive cancers. In this study, we aimed to determine the effects of these inhibitors on MET-amplified gastric cancer (GC) cells. Methods: After screening 37 GC cell lines, the following cell lines were found to be MET-positive with copy number variation >10: SNU-620, ESO51, MKN-45, SNU-5, and OE33 cell lines. Next, we assessed the cytotoxic response of these cell lines to capmatinib or savolitinib alone using cell counting kit-8 and clonogenic cell survival assays. Western blotting was performed to assess the effects of capmatinib and savolitinib on the MET signaling pathway. Xenograft studies were performed to evaluate the in vivo therapeutic efficacy of savolitinib in MKN-45 cells. Savolitinib and capmatinib exerted anti-proliferative effects on MET-amplified GC cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. Savolitinib inhibited the phosphorylation of MET and downstream signaling pathways, such as the protein kinase B (AKT) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathways, in MET-amplified GC cells. Additionally, savolitinib significantly decreased the number of colonies formed on the soft agar and exerted dose-dependent anti-tumor effects in an MKN-45 GC cell xenograft model. Furthermore, a combination of trastuzumab and capmatinib exhibited enhanced inhibition of AKT and ERK activation in human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2)- and MET-positive OE33 cells. Targeting MET with savolitinib and capmatinib efficiently suppressed the growth of MET-amplified GC cells. Moreover, these MET inhibitors exerted synergistic effects with trastuzumab on HER2- and MET-amplified GC cells. Full article

A sodium current (I_Na) reduction occurs in the setting of many acquired and inherited conditions and is associated with cardiac conduction slowing and increased arrhythmia risks. The sodium channel blocker mexiletine has been shown to restore the trafficking of mutant sodium channels to the membrane. However, these studies were mostly performed in heterologous expression systems using high mexiletine concentrations. Moreover, the chronic effects on I_Na in a non-diseased cardiomyocyte environment remain unknown. In this paper, we investigated the chronic and acute effects of a therapeutic dose of mexiletine on I_Na and the action potential (AP) characteristics in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) of a healthy individual. Control hiPSC-CMs were incubated for 48 h with 10 µM mexiletine or vehicle. Following the wash-out of mexiletine, patch clamp analysis and immunocytochemistry experiments were performed. The incubation of hiPSC-CMs for 48 h with mexiletine (followed by wash-out) induced a significant increase in peak I_Na of ~75%, without any significant change in the voltage dependence of (in)activation. This was accompanied by a significant increase in AP upstroke velocity, without changes in other AP parameters. The immunocytochemistry experiments showed a significant increase in membrane Na_v1.5 fluorescence following a 48 h incubation with mexiletine. The acute re-exposure of hiPSC-CMs to 10 µM mexiletine resulted in a small but significant increase in AP duration, without changes in AP upstroke velocity, peak I_Na density, or the I_Na voltage dependence of (in)activation. Importantly, the increase in the peak I_Na density and resulting AP upstroke velocity induced by chronic mexiletine incubation was not counteracted by the acute re-administration of the drug. In conclusion, the chronic administration of a clinically relevant concentration of mexiletine increases I_Na density in non-diseased hiPSC-CMs, likely by enhancing the membrane trafficking of sodium channels. Our findings identify mexiletine as a potential therapeutic strategy to enhance and/or restore I_Na and cardiac conduction. Full article

In most states of Australia, local governments (councils) are responsible for the enforcement of legislation relating to domestic cats. Traditional methods used for cat management based on trap–adopt or euthanize programs have been ineffective, with cat-related calls and cat impoundments continuing to increase, resulting in many healthy cats being euthanized. This has detrimental effects on the mental health of animal management officers, staff in shelters and council facilities, and cat caregivers. The city of Banyule, Victoria, implemented a free cat sterilization, microchipping, and registration (licensing) program in 2013/14. Initially, it was targeted at three low-socioeconomic suburbs with the highest cat-related calls and intake, and was microtargeted at call locations. An average of 4.1 cats/1000 residents per year were sterilized over eight years. The program included stray cats being fed by caregivers, provided they took ownership. The program was later expanded city-wide. Over eight years, city-wide cat intake decreased by 66%, euthanasia by 82%, and cats reclaimed by owners increased from 6% of intake (2012/13) to 16% (2020/21). Cat-related calls decreased in the target area by 51%, and city-wide by 36%. The council realized cost savings of AU $440,660 associated with reduced costs for cat-related calls to council (AU $137,170) and charges from the contracted welfare agency (AU $303,490), for an outlay of AU $77,490 for sterilization costs. Instead of the traditional management of urban cats, proactive management based on targeted sterilization should be utilized by government and animal welfare agencies in Australia and internationally. These types of programs are effective at reducing cat intake and euthanasia and are cost-effective. Full article

This paper presents a distributed approach to the motion control problem for a platoon of unicycle robots moving through an unknown environment filled with static obstacles under multiple hard and soft operational constraints. Each robot has an onboard camera to determine its relative position in relation to its predecessor and proximity sensors to detect and avoid nearby obstascles. Moreover, no robot apart from the leader can independently localize itself within the given workspace. To overcome this limitation, we propose a novel distributed control protocol for each robot of the fleet, utilizing the Adaptive Performance Control (APC) methodology. By utilizing the APC approach to address input constraints via the on-line modification of the error specifications, we ensure that each follower effectively tracks its predecessor without encountering collisions with obstacles, while simultaneously maintaining visual contact with its preceding robot, thus ensuring the inter-robot visual connectivity. Finally, extensive simulation results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the presented control system along with a real-time experiment conducted on an actual robotic system to validate the feasibility of the proposed approach in real-world scenarios. Full article

The so-called internally channeled tube (ICT) is an innovative heat exchanger design proposed in our recent publications based on a channels-in-tube principle. A general, three-dimensional numerical model was suggested to describe fluid dynamics and heat transfer in the ICT. This model has already been validated for turbulent flow. The current paper presents an experimental investigation of the ICT and the model validation under laminar flow conditions. The experimental set-up and measurement procedure are given in detail and the maldistribution issue is addressed. The deviation between simulated and measured values is below 11% for the pressure drop and below 8% for the wall and bulk temperatures. Furthermore, the ICT performance was evaluated using performance evaluation criterion (PEC) including both heat transfer rate and pressure drop. Enhanced heat transfer in the ICT surpasses the associated pressure drop increase, yielding a PEC greater than one. Full article

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are known for their immunosuppressive properties. Based on the demonstrated anti-inflammatory effect of mouse MSCs from hair follicles (moMSCORS) in a murine wound closure model, this study evaluates their potential for preventing type 1 diabetes (T1D) in C57BL/6 mice. T1D was induced in C57BL/6 mice by repeated low doses of streptozotocin. moMSCORS were injected intravenously on weekly basis. moMSCORS reduced T1D incidence, the insulitis stage, and preserved insulin production in treated animals. moMSCORS primarily exerted immunomodulatory effects by inhibiting CD4⁺ T cell proliferation and activation. Ex vivo analysis indicated that moMSCORS modified the cellular immune profile within pancreatic lymph nodes and pancreatic infiltrates by reducing the numbers of M1 pro-inflammatory macrophages and T helper 17 cells and upscaling the immunosuppressive T regulatory cells. The proportion of pathogenic insulin-specific CD4⁺ T cells was down-scaled in the lymph nodes, likely via soluble factors. The moMSCORS detected in the pancreatic infiltrates of treated mice presumably exerted the observed suppressive effect on CD4⁺ through direct contact. moMSCORS alleviated T1D symptoms in the mouse, qualifying as a candidate for therapeutic products by multiple advantages: non-invasive sampling by epilation, easy access, permanent availability, scalability, and benefits of auto-transplantation. Full article

This paper considers the impact of copper mining-influenced water and metallurgical wastewater on the surface water in the Bor area, Serbia. Sampling, realized through the four campaigns (2020–2021), confirmed that both types of water, discharged without appropriate treatment in the Bor River, had a signific impact on the concentration of metal ions, pH and electrical conductivity on the watercourse in the Bor area. The highest concentrations of the following metal ions, Cu-271 mg/L, As-25991 μg/L, Ni-13856 μg/L, Cd-2627 μg/L, and Pb-2855 μg/L, were registered in the metallurgical wastewater samples. After changes occurred in the copper production process by stopping the discharge of untreated wastewater into the Bor River, the concentrations of monitored elements were drastically decreased. In the period 2022–2024, the concentration values for Cu, As and Pb ions were below the maximum allowable value, and the concentration values of Ni and Cd ions were also decreased. The values for pH and electrical conductivity were in the maximum allowable range. The return of wastewater to the copper production process would lead to both a reduction in the primary water consumption and reduction in the negative impact on the environment. Full article

The artificial intelligence (AI) industry is increasingly integrating with diverse sectors such as smart logistics, FinTech, entertainment, and cloud computing. This expansion has led to the coexistence of heterogeneous applications within multi-tenant systems, presenting significant scheduling challenges. This paper addresses these challenges by exploring the scheduling of various machine learning workloads in large-scale, multi-tenant cloud systems that utilize heterogeneous GPUs. Traditional scheduling strategies often struggle to achieve satisfactory results due to low GPU utilization in these complex environments. To address this issue, we propose a novel scheduling approach that employs a genetic optimization technique, implemented within a process-oriented discrete-event simulation framework, to effectively orchestrate various machine learning tasks. We evaluate our approach using workload traces from Alibaba’s MLaaS cluster with over 6000 heterogeneous GPUs. The results show that our scheduling improves GPU utilization by 12.8% compared to Round-Robin scheduling, demonstrating the effectiveness of the solution in optimizing cloud-based GPU scheduling. Full article

In recent years, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have uncovered that the HOXB13 gene is a key regulatory factor for the tail length trait of sheep. Further research has found that there is a functional 168 bp SINE element insertion upstream of the HOXB13 gene, which leads to the occurrence of long tails in sheep. However, the frequency of mutations in the 168 bp SINE element of the HOXB13 gene among different sheep breeds around the world and its relationship with growth traits are still unclear. This study used whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data, including 588 samples from 33 different sheep breeds around the world, to evaluate the frequency of HOXB13 gene mutations in different sheep breeds globally. At the same time, this study also selected 3392 sheep samples from six breeds. The genetic variation in the 168 bp InDel locus in the HOXB13 gene was determined through genotyping, and its association with the growth traits of Luxi black-headed sheep was analyzed. The research results indicate that the polymorphism of the 168 bp InDel locus is significantly correlated with the hip width of adult ewes in the Luxi black-headed sheep breed (p < 0.05) and that the hip width of adult ewes with the DD genotype is significantly larger than that of adult ewes with the ID genotype (p < 0.05). This study indicates that there is consistency between the research results on the sheep tail length trait and growth traits, which may contribute to the promotion of sheep breed improvement. Full article

A novel, highly efficient terahertz fully polarized transmission line is designed by two-dimensional tellurium photonic crystals consisting of square lattice rod arrays with a complete photonic bandgap. The TE and TM photonic bandgaps of the tellurium photonic crystals, which are computed by plane wave expansion, happen to coincide, and the complete photonic bandgap covers from 2.894 to 3.025 THz. The function of the designed waveguide is simulated by the finite element method, and the transmission characteristics are optimized by accurately adjusting its structural parameters. The transmission efficiency of the waveguide for TE mode achieves a peak value of −0.34 dB at a central frequency of 2.950 THz and keeps above −3 dB from 2.82 THz to 3.02 THz, obtaining a broad relative bandwidth of about 6.84 percent. The operating bandwidth of the tellurium photonic crystals’ waveguide for TM mode is narrower than that of TE mode, whose relative bandwidth is about 4.39 percent or around 2.936 THz above −5 dB. The designed terahertz photonic crystals’ waveguide can transmit both TE and TM waves, and not only can it be used as a high-efficiency transmission line, but it also provides a promising approach for implementing fully polarized THz devices for future 6G communication systems. Full article