Search Results (709)

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with redox metal centers have come into view as potential materials for electrochemical energy storage. However, the poor electrical conductivity largely impedes the potentiality of MOFs to construct high-performance electrodes in supercapacitors. In this work, a self-dissociation strategy has been applied to construct Ni-MOF microbelts on Ni foam (NF), where the NF is used as both a support and a Ni source. The transmission channels between the Ni-MOF and NF are favorable for the charge transport due to the in situ self-assembly of the TPA linkers with the dissociated Ni ions from the Ni foam. The grown Ni-MOF microbelt arrays can offer abundant active sites for redox reactions. The prepared Ni-MOF/NF-s electrode can yield a high capacitance of 1124 F g⁻¹ at 1 A g⁻¹ and retains 590 F g⁻¹ at 10 A g⁻¹. This design may offer a controllable protocol for the construction of MOF microbelt arrays on various metal substrates. Full article

As power demand increases and the scale of power grids expands, accurately predicting transmission line temperatures is becoming essential for ensuring the stability and security of power systems. Traditional physical and statistical models struggle with complex multivariate time series, often failing to balance short-term fluctuations with long-term dependencies, and their prediction accuracy and adaptability remain limited. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a deep learning model architecture based on the Dynamic Adaptive Artificial Hummingbird Algorithm (DA-AHA), named the DA-AHA-CNN-LSTM-TPA (DA-AHA-CLT). The model integrates convolutional neural networks (CNNs) for local feature extraction, long short-term memory (LSTM) networks for temporal modeling, and temporal pattern attention mechanisms (TPA) for dynamic feature weighting, while the DA-AHA optimizes hyperparameters to enhance prediction accuracy and stability. The traditional artificial hummingbird algorithm (AHA) is further improved by introducing dynamic step-size adjustment, greedy local search, and grouped parallel search mechanisms to balance global exploration and local exploitation. Our experimental results demonstrate that the DA-AHA-CLT model achieves a coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.987, a root-mean-square error (RMSE) of 0.023, a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.018, and a median absolute error (MedAE) of 0.011, outperforming traditional models such as CNN-LSTM and LSTM-TPA. These findings confirm that the DA-AHA-CLT model effectively captures the complex dynamic characteristics of transmission line temperatures, offering superior performance and robustness in full-time-step prediction tasks, and highlight its potential for solving challenging multivariate time-series forecasting problems in power systems. Full article

Background: School-based immunization programs are crucial for equitable vaccine coverage, yet their success depends on parental consent processes. This study investigates patterns of vaccine decision-making within Australia’s school-based immunization program, specifically focusing on human papillomavirus (HPV) and diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (dTpa) vaccines offered free to adolescents aged 12–13. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted in the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District (2022–2023). Semi-structured interviews were held with school staff (n = 11) across government, Catholic, and independent schools, parents whose children were not vaccinated at school (n = 11) and a focus group with public health unit staff (n = 5). Data were analyzed to identify key barriers and patterns in vaccine decision-making. Results: Analysis revealed three distinct groups of parents whose children were not vaccinated through the school program: (1) those favoring general practitioners for vaccination, driven by trust in medical providers and a preference for personalized care; (2) those intending to consent but facing logistical barriers, including communication breakdowns and online consent challenges; and (3) vaccine-hesitant parents, particularly regarding HPV vaccination, influenced by safety concerns and misinformation. These findings demonstrate that non-participation in school vaccination programs should not be automatically equated with vaccine hesitancy. Conclusions: Tailored interventions are necessary for addressing vaccine non-participation. Recommendations include strengthening collaboration with general practitioners, streamlining consent processes and providing targeted education to counter misinformation. This study provides valuable insights into social determinants of vaccine acceptance and offers actionable strategies for improving vaccine uptake in school-based programs. Full article

Growing interest in functional food ingredients has led to the exploration of pumpkin flour as a nutritional enhancer in wheat-based products. This study investigated the impact of pumpkin flour incorporation (0–20%) on soft wheat flour blends’ technological and bioactive properties. The comprehensive analysis included granulometric distribution, techno-functional properties (WHC, WAC, WAI, WSI, SP, OAC), pasting characteristics (RVA), gel texture (TPA), rheological behaviour (frequency sweeps), colour parameters, and bioactive compounds (TPC, DPPH, ABTS) in both water and ethanol extracts. Pumpkin flour addition systematically modified blend properties, with higher fine particle content (13.26% < 80 μm), enhancing water interaction capabilities (WHC increased from 2.52 to 3.56). Pasting behaviour showed reduced peak viscosity (2444.0 mPa·s to 1859.5 mPa·s) but enhanced gel structure stability, evidenced by increased storage modulus (112.7 Pa to 1151.0 Pa) and reduced frequency dependence. Colour parameters showed progressive darkening (L* 91.00 to 84.28) and increased yellow-orange intensity (b* 10.13 to 27.13). Bioactive properties improved significantly, with TPC increasing up to 0.57 mg/1 g DM and 0.34 GAE mg/1 g DM in water and ethanol extracts, respectively, accompanied by enhanced antioxidant activity. Pumpkin flour incorporation successfully enhanced both functional and bioactive properties of wheat flour blends, with particle size distribution and water interactions serving as fundamental determinants of technological functionality, while contributing to improved nutritional value through increased bioactive compounds. Full article

Background: The mechanism of Dendrobium officinale polysaccharide-based nanocarriers in enhancing photodynamic immunotherapy in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains poorly understood. Methods: The effects of TPA-3BCP-loaded cholesteryl hemisuccinate–Dendrobium officinale polysaccharide nanoparticles (DOP@3BCP NPs) and their potential molecular mechanism of action in a tumor-bearing mouse model of CRC were investigated using non-targeted metabolomics and transcriptomics. Meanwhile, a histopathological analysis (H&E staining, Ki67 staining, and TUNEL assay) and a qRT-PCR analysis revealed the antitumor effects of DOP@3BCP NPs with and without light activation. Results: Through metabolomics and transcriptomics analysis, we found an alteration in the metabolome and functional pathways in the examined tumor tissues. The metabolic analysis showed 69 and 60 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) in positive- and negative-ion modes, respectively, in the treated samples compared to the Control samples. The transcriptomics analysis showed that 1352 genes were differentially expressed among the three groups. The differentially regulated functional pathways were primally related to the antitumor immune response. The results of the pathological histology assay and qRT-PCR analysis verified the findings of the integrated metabolomics and transcriptomics analysis. Conclusions: Overall, our findings elucidate the potential antitumor mechanisms of the D. officinale polysaccharide-based nanocarrier in enhancing photodynamic immunotherapy in CRC. Full article

Morchella is an edible mushroom with medical applciations. To explore the correlation between the texture indices of Morchella and to establish a sensory quality evaluation system, the texture quality characteristics of 214 Morchella germplasm resources from our country were analyzed via the Texture Profile Analysis (TPA) method on a texture analyzer. The research revealed significant differences in the texture quality characteristics of both the pileus and stipe among Morchella populations. After the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, the six texture characteristics were seen to conform to a normal distribution. According to the correlation analysis, there was a significant correlation between the texture characteristics of the pileus, and a significant positive correlation between the hardness and the gumminess of the stipe (correlation coefficient of 0.96). Additionally, the hardness was negatively correlated with cohesiveness and resilience, with correlation coefficients of −0.51 and −0.38. Variation analysis indicated abundant genetic variation in each characteristic. Furthermore, the coefficient of variation for the characteristics of Morchella sextalata was higher than those of other species. Principal component analysis simplified the texture evaluation indices of Morchella pileus into a palatable factor and cohesive factor, and arranged the texture evaluation indexes of Morchella stipe into toughness–hardness factor and cohesive factor. Through comprehensive evaluation and cluster analysis, 10 Morchella strains were selected for subsequent use as breeding or cultivation materials. By comparing three different methods, the ‘probability grading method’ was determined to be the most suitable evaluation method for the texture quality characteristics of Morchella. The research results established a texture evaluation system for Morchella, offering a reference for selecting and cultivating breeds with superior texture qualities. Full article

Microwave photonics (MWP) applications often require a high optical input power (>100 mW) to achieve an optimal signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). However, conventional silicon spot-size converters (SSCs) are susceptible to high optical power due to the two-photon absorption (TPA) effect. To overcome this, we introduce a silicon nitride (SiN) SSC fabricated on a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrate. When coupled to a tapered fiber with a 4.5 μm mode field diameter (MFD), the device exhibits low coupling losses of <0.9 dB for TE modes and <1.4 dB for TM modes at relatively low optical input power. Even at a 1W input power, the additional loss is minimal, at approximately 0.1 dB. The versatility of the SSC is further demonstrated by its ability to efficiently couple to fibers with MFDs of 2.5 μm and 6.5 μm, maintaining coupling losses below 1.5 dB for both polarizations over the entire C-band. This adaptability to different mode diameters makes the SiN SSC a promising candidate for future electro-optic chiplets that integrate heterogeneous materials such as III-V for gain and lithium niobate for modulation with the SiN-on-SOI for all other functions using advanced packaging techniques. Full article

Heterobimetallic complexes of an ambidentate deferiprone derivative, 3-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-(3-((pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amino)propyl)pyridin-4(1H)-one (PyPropHpH), incorporating an octahedral [Co(4N)]³⁺ (4N = tris(2-aminoethyl)amine (tren) or tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine (tpa)) and a half-sandwich type [(η⁶-p-cym)Ru]²⁺ (p-cym = p-cymene) entity have been synthesized and characterized by various analytical techniques. The reaction between PyPropHpH and [Co(4N)Cl]Cl₂ resulted in the exclusive (O,O) coordination of the ligand to Co(III) yielding [Co(tren)PyPropHp](PF₆)₂ (1) and [Co(tpa)PyPropHp](PF₆)₂ (2). This binding mode was further supported by the molecular structure of [Co(tpa)PyPropHp]₂(ClO₄)₃(OH)·6H₂O (5) and [Co(tren)PyPropHpH]Cl(PF₆)₂·2H₂O·C₂H₅OH (6), respectively, obtained via the slow evaporation of the appropriate reaction mixtures and analyzed using X-ray crystallography. Subsequent treatment of 1 or 2 with [Ru(η⁶-p-cym)Cl₂]₂ in a one-pot reaction afforded the corresponding heterobimetallic complexes, [Co(tren)PyPropHp(η⁶-p-cym)RuCl](PF₆)₃ (3) and [Co(tpa)PyPropHp(η⁶-p-cym)RuCl](PF₆)₃ (4), in which the piano-stool Ru core is coordinated by the (N,N) chelating set of the ligand. Cyclic voltammetric measurements revealed that the tpa complexes can be reduced at less negative potentials, suggesting their capability to be bioreductively activated under hypoxia (1% O₂). Hypoxia activation of 2 and 4 was demonstrated by cytotoxicity studies on the MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line. PyPropHpH was shown to be a typical iron-chelating anticancer agent, raising the mRNA levels of TfR1, Ndrg1 and p21. Further qRT-PCR studies provided unambiguous evidence for the bioreduction of 2 after 72 h incubation under hypoxia, in which the characteristic gene induction profile caused by the liberated iron-sequestering PyPropHpH was observed. Full article

Device simulation plays a crucial role in complementing experimental device characterisation by enabling deeper understanding of internal physical processes. However, for simulations to be trusted, experimental validation is essential to confirm the accuracy of the conclusions drawn. In the framework of semiconductor detector characterisation, one powerful tool for such validation is the Two Photon Absorption-Transient Current Technique (TPA-TCT), which allows for highly precise, three-dimensional spatially-resolved characterisation of semiconductor detectors. In this work, the TCAD framework Synopsys Sentaurus is used to simulate depth-resolved TPA-TCT data for both p-type pad detectors (PINs) and Low Gain Avalanche Detectors (LGADs). The simulated data are compared against experimentally measured TPA-TCT results. Through this comparison, it is demonstrated that TCAD simulations can reproduce the TPA-TCT measurements, providing valuable insights into the TPA-TCT itself. Another significant outcome of this study is the successful simulation of the gain reduction mechanism, which can be observed in LGADs with increasing densities of excess charge carriers. This effect is demonstrated in an p-type LGAD with a thickness of approximately 286 µm. The results confirm the ability of TCAD to model the complex interaction between carrier dynamics and device gain. Full article

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by abnormal immune responses and keratinocyte hyperproliferation. Limonin, a bioactive compound found in citrus fruits, has anti-inflammatory properties in various models; however, its effects on psoriasis are not fully understood. We investigated the therapeutic potential of limonin in a 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced psoriasis mouse model. Mice were treated with TPA to induce psoriasis-like skin lesions, followed by intraperitoneal administration of limonin (200 or 400 μg/mouse) for six days. The results showed that limonin improved psoriasis-related symptoms in a psoriasis-like mouse model by suppressing the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inflammation-related antimicrobial peptides and regulating the expansion of myeloid cells and T cells. Specifically, limonin reduced glucose uptake and oxidative phosphorylation to shift the metabolic program in the inflamed skin cells of psoriasis-like mice. Limonin activates AMPK and proteins related to mTOR inhibition, thereby suppressing the mTOR signaling pathway. It also inhibits mitochondrial mass and mitochondrial ROS production, thereby preventing the development of dysfunctional mitochondria in inflamed skin cells. Overall, limonin modulates key immune responses and metabolic pathways related to inflammation and mitochondrial health in psoriasis. Therefore, it is a promising natural candidate for the treatment of psoriasis and various inflammatory skin diseases. Full article

The aim of this study was to establish a standardized and unified method for identifying and evaluating jujube fruit texture quality and to provide a theoretical basis for determining the texture quality of jujube germplasm resources. The texture of 56 jujube germplasms was characterized via the texture profile analysis (TPA) method, and the texture and anatomical structure of three each of the hard- and soft-fleshed germplasms were analyzed. Cluster analysis was used to categorize the 56 germplasms into hard- (17) and soft-fleshed jujubes (39). Significant positive correlations were found between all other textural parameters of jujube fruits except adhesiveness. The hardness, springiness, and chewiness of the full-red period hard- and the soft-fleshed jujube fruit were lower than those of the half-red period. The hardness, adhesiveness, and chewiness of the hard-fleshed jujube fruits in the full-red period were 2.13–3.57, 3.00–4.99, and 4.39–9.58 times higher than those of the soft-fleshed jujube fruits, respectively. The findings of this study provide a theoretical foundation for the evaluation and classification of the texture and quality of jujube fruits and a basis for the breeding of new, high-quality jujube varieties with distinctive characteristics. Full article

The proliferation of 5G networks has revolutionized wireless communication by delivering enhanced speeds, ultra-low latency, and widespread connectivity. However, in heterogeneous cloud radio access networks (H-CRAN), efficiently managing inter-cell interference while ensuring energy conservation remains a critical challenge. This paper presents a novel energy-efficient, dynamic enhanced inter-cell interference coordination (eICIC) scheme based on deep reinforcement learning (DRL). Unlike conventional approaches that focus primarily on optimizing parameters such as almost blank subframe (ABS) ratios and bias offsets (BOs), our work introduces the transmission power during ABS subframes (TPA) and the channel quality indicator (CQI) threshold of victim user equipments (CTV) into the optimization process. Additionally, this approach uniquely integrates energy consumption into the scheme, addressing both performance and sustainability concerns. By modeling key factors such as signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) and service rates, we introduce the concept of energy-utility efficiency to balance energy savings with quality of service (QoS). Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed scheme achieves up to $70\%$ energy savings while enhancing QoS satisfaction, showcasing its potential to significantly improve the efficiency and sustainability of future 5G H-CRAN deployments. Full article

Mobile edge computing (MEC), is a technology that extends the power of cloud computing to the edge of the end device, with the primary goal of providing faster response times and an optimized quality of service. Given that edge devices are often used by smaller organizations with less computing power, data on the edge are more susceptible to data corruption, which is closely related to uneven resource allocation and uneven security protection. It is therefore particularly important to check the integrity of the MEC to ensure that it is intact, which in turn serves the symmetry of data security protection and facilitates the realization and optimization of symmetry in resource allocation. An integrity verification protocol MEC-P is proposed. MEC-P allows a third-party auditor (TPA) to check data integrity on the edge without violating users’ data privacy and query pattern privacy. We rigorously demonstrate the security and privacy guarantees of the protocol. In addition, this protocol carefully considers the scenarios of single edge node and multiple edge nodes, as well as the complexity of dynamic modifications. Both theoretical analysis and experimental results demonstrate that the proposed protocol is effective. Full article

Background/Objectives: Acute ischemic stroke is an uncommon but potentially devastating complication of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI). Despite improvements in device technology and procedural techniques, stroke rates have remained stable, with cerebral embolic protection devices demonstrating only limited efficacy to date. Therefore, the management of acute ischemic stroke complicating TAVI (AISCT) remains a key priority. We conducted a systematic review of the management of AISCT and provided multidisciplinary consensus recommendations for optimal management. Methods: PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane databases were searched from inception to October 2023. All the original studies focusing on the treatment of AISCT were included. Non-English language studies, review articles, and studies in pediatric populations were excluded. Consensus recommendations were made by a working group comprising experts in stroke medicine and structural interventional cardiology. Results: A total of 18 studies met the inclusion criteria, including 14 case reports/series and 4 observational studies. No clinical trials were identified. The included case reports and series suggest that tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) and mechanical thrombectomy (MT) might be effective strategies for managing AISCT. However, significant bleeding complications were reported in two out of the four patients receiving tPA. Four observational studies also suggest an association between tPA and/or MT and improved functional outcomes and survival compared to conservative management. Higher bleeding rates were reported following tPA. Observational data suggest that there is currently little real-world utilization of either reperfusion strategy. Conclusions: There is an absence of high-quality randomized data to guide clinical decision making in this important area. Observational data suggest reperfusion strategies are associated with improved clinical outcomes once important confounders such as stroke severity have been accounted for. While MT can be recommended as the standard of care in appropriately selected patients, significantly increased rates of bleeding with tPA following large-bore arterial access raise important safety concerns. We present simple clinical guidance for AISCT based on the limited available data. Close multidisciplinary work and patient-specific consideration of ischemic and bleeding risk is essential. Full article

This study is aimed at the development of a fermented cashew nut cheese alternative supplemented with Chondrus crispus and Porphyra sp. and the evaluation of the impact of seaweed supplementation through analysis of physicochemical, microbiological, and organoleptic properties of the developed food products. The total lipid content decreased with the supplementation with seaweeds. Crude protein content also slightly decreased, while elemental analysis showed that mineral and trace element (Ca, K, Mg, Na, Fe, I, Se, and Zn) content increased when C. crispus was added to the paste. The analyses of color and textural (TPA) attributes showed that these were significantly influenced by adding seaweeds to the cashew paste. Generally, the microbiological results comply with the different European guidelines for assessing the microbiological safety of ready-to-eat foods placed on the market, except for aerobic mesophilic bacteria and marine agar counts. Flash Profile analysis allowed for distinguishing sample attributes, showing an increased flavor complexity of the plant-based cheese alternatives supplemented with seaweeds. Overall, the study indicates that seaweed enrichment mainly influenced the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of plant-based cheese alternatives. Full article