The expression of polysialic acid (polySia) on the neuronal cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) is called NCAM-polysialylation, which is strongly related to the migration and invasion of tumor cells and aggressive clinical status. Thus, it is important to select a proper drug to block tumor cell migration during clinical treatment. In this study, we proposed that lactoferrin (LFcinB11) may be a better candidate for inhibiting NCAM polysialylation when compared with CMP and low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH), which were determined based on our NMR studies. Furthermore, neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) represent the most dramatic stage in the cell death process, and the release of NETs is related to the pathogenesis of autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, with proposed involvement in glomerulonephritis, chronic lung disease, sepsis, and vascular disorders. In this study, the molecular mechanisms involved in the inhibition of NET release using LFcinB11 as an inhibitor were also determined. Based on these results, LFcinB11 is proposed as being a bifunctional inhibitor for inhibiting both NCAM polysialylation and the release of NETs. Full article

With increasing numbers of parents choosing to home-school their child, currently there is very limited information about how this is implemented. Utilizing the recently developed Parents’ Perceptions of Home-Schooling scale (PPHS), a survey of 93 home-schooling parents in Western Australia was undertaken. Data were collected using five Likert scales to obtain information concerned with a range of implementation aspects. Key findings were related to the process for registering and providing an appropriate learning program, the role of the home-educator moderator, the type of study and support utilized, and whether the student had a disability or ALNs. The discussion considers links to inclusion and how the heightened uptake of home-schooling can be monitored effectively. Full article

Previous studies on consumer perceptions and behaviors of salmon have often neglected Indigenous rights within the Canadian salmon sector. This study innovatively addresses this gap by integrating Indigenous rights into the current analysis, alongside considerations of sustainability practices, socio-economic impacts, and consumer motivations. Our research objectives aim to fit three consumer perceptions—environmental sustainability, economic considerations, and Indigenous rights—and to evaluate their associations, alongside perception of a price increase, socio-demographics, and consumer motivation factors, with purchasing behaviors related to Canadian salmon products. Data for this study was collected from a nationwide online survey. Responses to Question 2 and Question 35 are encoded with numerical values ranging from 1 to 5, where larger numbers indicate stronger agreement with the statement. The inclusion of methodologies such as the Graded Response Model (GRM) and Cumulative Link Models (CLM) adds another innovative dimension to this study. Our findings demonstrate how consumer profiles are associated with these four perceptions and their underlying determinants. Furthermore, the study quantifies the influence of these four perceptions on each consumer purchase behavior. The implications of these findings extend to the realm of mathematical modeling in consumer decision-making processes, offering practical insights for businesses and marketers, and emphasizing the importance of implementing regulatory frameworks and initiatives that promote sustainability, safeguard Indigenous rights, and address socio-economic disparities. Full article

Aiming at effectively generating safe and reliable motion paths for quadruped robots, a hierarchical path planning approach driven by dynamic 3D point clouds is proposed in this article. The developed path planning model is essentially constituted of two layers: a global path planning layer, and a local path planning layer. At the global path planning layer, a new method is proposed for calculating the terrain potential field based on point cloud height segmentation. Variable step size is employed to improve the path smoothness. At the local path planning layer, a real-time prediction method for potential collision areas and a strategy for temporary target point selection are developed. Quadruped robot experiments were carried out in an outdoor complex environment. The experimental results verified that, for global path planning, the smoothness of the path is improved and the complexity of the passing ground is reduced. The effective step size is increased by a maximum of 13.4 times, and the number of iterations is decreased by up to 1/6, compared with the traditional fixed step size planning algorithm. For local path planning, the path length is shortened by 20%, and more efficient dynamic obstacle avoidance and more stable velocity planning are achieved by using the improved dynamic window approach (DWA). Full article

Based on the data of Sichuan Province from 2007 to 2021, the extreme climate events in Sichuan Province was identified by statistical method, and the coupling coordination degree of water resources-climate system and separate water resource system was analyzed. Based on the difference of coupling coordination degree under these two systems, the influence mechanism of extreme climate factors on the water resource system is analyzed. The results show that the extreme climate types in Sichuan Province gradually transition from extreme drought to extreme precipitation and from extreme low temperature to extreme high temperature. When climate factors are not considered, the coupling coordination degree of the water resource system is generally improved and the distribution is more concentrated. Moreover, the influence of climate factors on the water resource system is not a simple linear relationship. Full article

The objective of this study was to analyze the prognostic factors that influence the outcome of periapical surgery. A systematic search of the literature was carried out using PubMed and Scopus databases between January 2000 and December 2023 with no language limitations. The PICO question of the present systematic review was: What prognostic factors may influence the outcome of periapical surgery? The most relevant randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs), prospective clinical trials, retrospective studies, and meta-analyses (n = 44) were selected from 134 articles. The reviewed literature evidenced that bone-lesion healing could significantly be improved by the absence of deep periodontal pockets (>4 mm), localization in anterior teeth, the absence of pain and/or preoperative symptoms, a size of bone lesion < 5 mm, the use of ultrasound, the correct placement of retrograde filling material, and the use of different biomimetic membranes for guided tissue regeneration (GTR). Some preoperative and intraoperative factors could significantly improve the prognosis of periapical surgery. However, these results were not conclusive, and further high-quality research is required. Full article

Background: Loss of the p53-inducible LINC01021 in p53-proficient CRC cell lines results in increased sensitivity to DNA-damaging chemotherapeutics. Here, we comprehensively analyze how LINC01021 affects the p53-induced transcriptional program. Methods: Using a CRISPR/Cas9-approach, we deleted the p53 binding site in the LINC01021 promoter of SW480 colorectal cancer cells and subjected them to RNA-Seq analysis after the activation of ectopic p53. RNA affinity purification followed by mass spectrometry was used to identify proteins associated with LINC01021. Results: Loss of the p53-inducibility of LINC01021 resulted in an ~1.8-fold increase in the number of significantly regulated mRNAs compared to LINC01021 wild-type cells after ectopic activation of p53. A subset of direct p53 target genes, such as NOXA and FAS, displayed significantly stronger induction when the p53-inducibility of LINC01021 was abrogated. Loss of the p53-inducibility of LINC01021 resulted in alternative splicing of a small number of mRNAs, such as ARHGAP12, HSF2, and LYN. Several RNA binding proteins involved in pre-mRNA splicing were identified as interaction partners of LINC01021 by mass spectrometry. Conclusions: Our results suggest that LINC01021 may restrict the extent and strength of p53-mediated transcriptional changes via context-dependent regulation of the expression and splicing of a subset of p53-regulated genes. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the critical need for the advancement of diagnostic and therapeutic platforms. These platforms rely on the rapid development of molecular binders that should facilitate surveillance and swift intervention against viral infections. In this study, we have evaluated by three independent research groups the binding characteristics of various published RNA and DNA aptamers targeting the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. For this comparative analysis, we have employed different techniques such as biolayer interferometry (BLI), enzyme-linked oligonucleotide assay (ELONA), and flow cytometry. Our data show discrepancies in the reported specificity and affinity among several of the published aptamers and underline the importance of standardized methods, the impact of biophysical techniques, and the controls used for aptamer characterization. We expect our results to contribute to the selection and application of suitable aptamers for the detection of SARS-CoV-2. Full article

Flexible electronics, also referred to as printable electronics, represent an interesting technology for implementing electronic circuits via depositing electronic devices onto flexible substrates, boosting their possible applications. Among all flexible electronics, interdigitated electrodes (IDEs) are currently being used for different sensor applications since they offer significant benefits beyond their functionality as capacitors, like the generation of high output voltage, fewer fabrication steps, convenience of application of sensitive coatings, material imaging capability and a potential of spectroscopy measurements via electrical excitation frequency variation. This review examines the role of IDEs in printed and flexible electronics since they are progressively being incorporated into a myriad of applications, envisaging that the growth pattern will continue in the next generations of flexible circuits to come. Full article

The ozone (O₃) variations in southeast China are largely different between mountainous forest areas located inland, and lowland urban areas located near the coast. Here, we selected these two kinds of areas to compare their similarities and differences in surface O₃ variability from diurnal to seasonal scales. Our results show that in comparison with the lowland urban areas (coastal areas), the mountainous forest areas (inland areas) are characterized with less human activates, lower precursor emissions, wetter and colder meteorological conditions, and denser vegetation covers. This can lead to lower chemical O₃ production and higher O₃ deposition rates in the inland areas. The annual mean of 8-h O₃ maximum concentrations (MDA8 O₃) in the inland areas are ~15 μg·m⁻³ (i.e. ~15%) lower than that in the coastal areas. The day-to-day variation in surface O₃ in the two types of the areas is rather similar, with a correlation coefficient of 0.75 between them, suggesting similar influences on large scales, such as weather patterns, regional O₃ transport, and background O₃. Over 2016–2020, O₃ concentrations in all the areas shows a trend of “rising and then falling”, with a peak in 2017 and 2018. Daily MDA8 O₃ correlates with solar radiation most in the coastal areas, while in the inland areas, it is correlated with relative humidity most. Diurnally, during the morning, O₃ concentrations in the inland areas increase faster than in the coastal areas in most seasons, mainly due to a faster increase in temperature and decrease in humidity. While in the evening, O₃ concentrations decrease faster in the inland areas than in the coastal areas, mostly attributable to a higher titration effect in the inland areas. Seasonally, both areas share a double-peak variation in O₃ concentrations, with two peaks in spring and autumn and two valleys in summer and winter. We found that the valley in summer is related to the summer Asian monsoon that induces large-scale convections bringing local O₃ upward but blocking inflow of O₃ downward, while the one in winter is due to low O₃ production. The coastal areas experienced more exceedance days (~30 days per year) than inland areas (~5-10 days per year), with O₃ sources largely from the northeast. Overall, the similarities and differences in O₃ concentrations between inland and coastal areas in southeastern China are rather unique, reflecting the collective impact of geographic-related meteorology, O₃ precursor emissions, and vegetation on surface O₃ concentrations. Full article

In newborns, white matter shows a high T2-weighted (T2w) signal in MRI with poor grey–white matter contrast. To increase this contrast, an extremely long echo time (TE) is used in the examination of children. It is not known up to what age this long TE should be used. The purpose of this study was to find up to what age a long TE should be used in infants. In the prospective study, 101 infants (0–18 months) underwent cranial MRI at 3 Tesla. T2-weighted Fast Spin Echo sequences with long TE (200 ms) and medium TE (100 ms) were used. The signal intensities of the cortex and white matter were measured and the grey–white matter contrast (MC) was calculated. A cut-off age was determined. The T2w sequences with long TE had a statistically significantly higher MC until the age of six months (medium TE: 0.1 ± 0.05, Long TE: 0.19 ± 0.07; p < 0.001). After the tenth month, the T2w sequence with medium TE provided significantly better MC (Medium TE: 0.1 ± 0.05; long TE: 0.05 ± 0.4; p < 0.001). The use of a long TE is only helpful in the first six months of life. After the tenth month of life, a medium TE should be favored as is used in adult brain MRI. Full article

Oxidative stress and inflammation play a central role in the progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which can lead to liver cirrhosis. Barley bran has potential bioactivities due to its high content of functional substances, such as anthocyanins, with anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. Here, we investigated whether barley bran polyphenol-rich extracts (BP) can prevent NASH in Sprague–Dawley rats fed a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet including 1.25% or 2.5% cholesterol for 9 weeks. In the rat model of NASH with advanced hepatic fibrosis, BP prevented NASH development by ameliorating the histopathological findings of lobular inflammation. The BP also tended to attenuate serum aspartate aminotransferase level in this model. In the rat model of NASH with mild-to-moderate hepatic fibrosis, BP tended to attenuate the serum levels of transaminases. BP-dose-dependent effects were revealed for several parameters, including monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, transforming growth factor-β, and manganese superoxide dismutase gene expressions in the liver. These results suggest that BP may prevent NASH development or progression, presumably due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. Full article

Compounded insulin eye drops were prepared at 1 IU/mL from commercially available subcutaneous insulin by dilution in saline solution or artificial tears. Physicochemical characterization and in vitro tolerance testing in human and conjunctival cells were followed by a 28-day short-term stability study under various conditions. The formulations were isotonic (280–300 mOsm/L), had a pH close to neutral (7–8), medium surface-tension values (<56 MN/m⁻¹), and low (≈1 mPa·s) and medium (≈5 mPa·s) viscosities (compounded normal saline solution and artificial tear-based preparation, respectively). These values remained stable for 28 days under refrigeration. Microbiological stability was also excellent. Insulin potency remained in the 90–110% range in the compounded formulations containing normal saline solution when stored at 2–8 °C for 28 days, while it decreased in those based on artificial tears. Although both formulations were well tolerated in vitro, the compounded insulin diluted in a normal saline solution exhibited better cell tolerance. Preliminary data in humans showed that insulin in saline solution was an effective and safe treatment for persistent corneal epithelial defects. Compounded insulin eye drops diluted in normal saline solution could, therefore, constitute an emergent therapy for the treatment of persistent corneal epithelial defects. Full article

Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) has recently emerged as a promising minimally invasive diagnostic biomarker for various cancers. In this study, our aim was to identify cfDNA biomarkers by investigating genes that displayed significant differences between glioma patients and their corresponding controls. To accomplish this, we utilized publicly available data from the Gene Expression Omnibus, focusing on 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) profiles in both cfDNA and genomic DNA (gDNA) from glioma patients and healthy individuals. The intersection of gene lists derived from these comparative analyses unveiled LRIG1 and ZNF703 as the two genes with elevated 5hmC levels in both the cfDNA of glioma patients and gDNA of glioma tissue compared to their respective controls. The gene expression data revealed both genes were upregulated in glioma tissue compared to normal brain tissue. Integration of 5hmC data revealed a strong positive correlation in the glioma tissue group between 5hmC and the gene expression of the LRIG1 gene. Furthermore, exploration using the AmiCa web tool indicated that LRIG1 gene expression was elevated compared to 17 other cancers included in the database, emphasizing its potential as a distinctive biomarker across multiple cancer types. Full article

The space- and temperature-dependent electron distribution $n(\mathbf{r},T)$ determines optoelectronic properties of disordered semiconductors. It is a challenging task to get access to $n(\mathbf{r},T)$ in random potentials, while avoiding the time-consuming numerical solution of the Schrödinger equation. We present several numerical techniques targeted to fulfill this task. For a degenerate system with Fermi statistics, a numerical approach based on a matrix inversion and one based on a system of linear equations are developed. For a non-degenerate system with Boltzmann statistics, a numerical technique based on a universal low-pass filter and one based on random wave functions are introduced. The high accuracy of the approximate calculations are checked by comparison with the exact quantum-mechanical solutions. Full article

A new equation of state for argon was developed with the view of extending the range of validity of the equation of state previously proposed by Tegeler et al. and obtaining a better physical description of the experimental thermodynamic data for the whole fluid region (single-phase, metastable, and saturation states). As proposed by Tegeler et al., this equation is also based on a functional form of the residual part of the reduced Helmholtz free energy. However, in this work, the fundamental equation for Helmholtz free energy was derived from the measured quantities C_V(ρ, T) and P(ρ, T). The empirical description of the isochoric heat capacity C_V(ρ, T) was based on an original empirical description explicitly containing the metastable states. The thermodynamic properties (internal energy, entropy, and free energy) were then obtained by combining the integration of C_V(ρ, T). The arbitrary functions introduced by the integration process were deduced from a comparison between calculated and experimental pressure P(ρ, T) data. The new formulation is valid for the whole fluid region from the melting line to 2300 K and for pressures up to 50 GPa. It also predicts the existence of a maximum of the isochoric heat capacity C_V along isochors, as experimentally observed in several other fluids. For many applications, an approximate form of the equation of state for the liquid phase may be sufficient. A Tait–Tammann equation is therefore proposed between the triple-point temperature and 148 K. Full article

Computer Numeric Control (CNC) five-axis milling plays a significant role in the machining of precision molds and dies, aerospace parts, consumer electronics, etc. This research aims to explore the potential of the machine learning (ML) technique in improving energy efficiency during the CNC five-axis milling process for sustainable manufacturing. The experiments with various machining parameters, forms of toolpath planning, and dry cutting conditions were carried out, and the data regarding energy consumption were collected simultaneously. The relationship between machine parameters and energy consumption was analyzed and built. Subsequently, a machine learning algorithm was developed to classify test methods and identify energy-efficient machining strategies. The developed algorithm was implemented and assessed using different classification methods based on the ML concept to effectively reduce energy consumption. The results show that the Decision Tree and Random Forest algorithms produced lower Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) values of 4.24 and 4.28, respectively, compared to Linear, Lasso, and Ridge Regression algorithms. Verification experiments were conducted to ascertain the real-world applicability and performance of the ML-based energy efficiency approach in an operational CNC five-axis milling machine. The findings not only underscore the potential of ML techniques in optimizing energy efficiency but also offer a compelling pathway towards enhanced sustainability in CNC machining operations. The developed algorithm was implemented within a simulation framework and the algorithm was rigorously assessed using machine learning analysis to effectively reduce energy consumption, all while ensuring the accuracy of the machining results and integrating both conventional and advanced regression algorithms into CNC machining processes. Manufacturers stand to realize substantial energy savings and bolster sustainability initiatives, thus exemplifying the transformative power of ML-driven optimization strategies. Full article

We present a two-step physical method for the fabrication of composite nanoparticle-based nanostructures. The proposed method is based on the pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique performed sequentially in vacuum and in air. As a first step, thin-alloyed films of iron with noble metal were deposited by PLD in vacuum. The films were prepared by ablation of a mosaic target formed by equal iron and gold sectors. As a second step, the as-prepared alloyed films were ablated in air at atmospheric pressure as the laser beam scanned their surface. Two sets of experiments were performed in the second step, namely, by applying nanosecond (ns) and picosecond (ps) laser pulses for ablation. The structure, microstructure, morphology, and optical properties of the samples obtained were studied with respect to the laser ablation regime applied. The implementation of the ablation process in open air resulted in the formation of nanoparticle and/or nanoparticle aggregates in the plasma plume regardless of the ablation regime applied. These nanoparticles and/or nanoaggregates deposited on the substrate formed a complex porous structure. It was found that ablating FeAu films in air by ns pulses resulted in the fabrication of alloyed nanoparticles, while ablation by ps laser pulses results in separation of the metals in the alloy and further oxidation of Fe. In the latter case, the as-deposited structures also contain core–shell type nanoparticles, with the shell consisting of Fe-oxide phase. The obtained structures, regardless of the ablation regime applied, demonstrate a red-shifted plasmon resonance with respect to the plasmon resonance of pure Au nanoparticles. Full article

Background: Fibonacci patterns and tubular forms both arose early in the phylogeny of multicellular organisms. Tubular forms offer the advantage of a regulated internal milieu, and Fibonacci forms may offer packing efficiencies. The underlying mechanisms behind the cellular genesis of Fibonacci and tubular forms remain unknown. Methods: In a multicellular organism, cells adhere to form a macrostructure and to coordinate further replication. We propose and prove simple theorems connecting cell replication and adhesion to Fibonacci forms and simplicial topology. Results: We identify some cellular and molecular properties whereby the contact inhibition of replication by adhered cells may approximate Fibonacci growth patterns. We further identify how a component $2\to 3$ cellular multiplication step may generate a multicellular structure with some properties of a two-simplex. Tracking the homotopy of a two-simplex to a circle and to a tube, we identify some molecular and cellular growth properties consistent with the morphogenesis of tubes. We further find that circular and tubular cellular aggregates may be combinatorially favored in multicellular adhesion over flat shapes. Conclusions: We propose a correspondence between the cellular and molecular mechanisms that generate Fibonacci cell counts and those that enable tubular forms. This implies molecular and cellular arrangements that are candidates for experimental testing and may provide guidance for the synthetic biology of hollow morphologies. Full article

Prenatal alcohol exposure (AE) affects cognitive development. However, it is unclear whether prenatal AE influences the metabolic health of offspring and whether postnatal AE exacerbates metabolic deterioration resulting from prenatal AE. Choline is a semi-essential nutrient that has been demonstrated to mitigate the cognitive impairment of prenatal AE. This study investigated how maternal choline supplementation (CS) may modify the metabolic health of offspring with prenatal and postnatal AE (AE/AE). C57BL/6J female mice were fed either a Lieber–DeCarli diet with 1.4% ethanol between embryonic day (E) 9.5 and E17.5 or a control diet. Choline was supplemented with 4 × concentrations versus the control throughout pregnancy. At postnatal week 7, offspring mice were exposed to 1.4% ethanol for females and 3.9% ethanol for males for 4 weeks. AE/AE increased hepatic triglyceride accumulation in male offspring only, which was normalized by prenatal CS. Prenatal CS also improved glucose tolerance compared to AE/AE animals. AE/AE suppressed hepatic gene expression of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha (Ppara) and low-density lipoprotein receptor (Ldlr), which regulate fatty acid catabolism and cholesterol reuptake, respectively, in male offspring. However, these changes were not rectified by prenatal CS. In conclusion, AE/AE led to an increased risk of steatosis and was partially prevented by prenatal CS in male mice. Full article

Background: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a widely used revascularization strategy for coronary artery disease. The choice between imaging-guided and physiology-guided PCI has been a subject of debate. This meta-analysis aims to systematically compare outcomes between imaging and physiology-guided PCI and management of intermediate coronary lesions (ICLs). Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across major databases for studies published up to December 2023 following PRISMA guidelines. Seven eligible studies comparing imaging-guided and physiology-guided PCI were selected for the final analysis. Relevant outcome measures included major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), target vessel revascularization (TVR), target vessel failure (TVF), and target lesion revascularization (TLR). Subgroup analysis was performed for ICLs. Results: A total of 5701 patients were included in the meta-analysis. After a mean follow-up of 2.1 years, imaging-guided PCI was associated with lower rates of TVR compared to physiology-guided PCI (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.52–0.95, p = 0.02); concerning MACE, TVF, and TLR, no differences were found. When the analysis was restricted to studies considering ICLs management, there were no differences between the two techniques. Meta regression analysis did not show any impact of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) presentation on MACE and TVR. Conclusions: The findings suggest that imaging-guided PCI may reduce the need for future revascularization of the target vessel compared to the functional-guided approach, and this result was not influenced by ACS presentation. These results may have important implications for clinical practice, guiding interventional cardiologists in selecting the most appropriate guidance strategy. Full article

As a key component of meridional overturning circulation, mid-deep circulation plays a crucial role in the vertical and meridional distribution of heat. However, due to a lack of observation data, current knowledge of the dynamics of mid-deep circulation currents moving through basin boundaries and complicated seabed topographies is severely limited. In this study, we combined oceanic observation data, bathymetric data, and numerical modeling of the northwest continental margin of the South China Sea to investigate (i) the main features of mid-deep circulation currents traveling through the central depression belt and (ii) how atmospheric-forcing (winds) mesoscale oceanic processes such as eddies and current–topography interactions modulate the mid-deep circulation patterns. Comprehensive results suggest that the convergence of different water masses and current–topography interactions take primary responsibility for the generation of instability and enhanced mixing within the central depression belt. By contrast, winds and mesoscale eddies have limited influence on the development of local circulation patterns at mid-deep depths (>400 m). This study emphasizes that the intensification and bifurcation of mid-deep circulation; specifically, those induced by a large depression belt morphology determine the local material cycle (temperature, salinity, etc.) and energy distribution. These findings provide insights for a better understanding of mid-deep circulation structures on the western boundary of ocean basins such as the South China Sea. Full article