RGS4 promotes the progression of gastric cancer through the focal adhesion kinase/phosphatidyl-inositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B pathway and epithelial-mesenchymal transition

BACKGROUND Regulator of G protein signaling(RGS)proteins participate in tumor formation and metastasis by acting on theα-subunit of heterotrimeric G proteins.The speci-fic effect of RGS,particularly RGS4,on the progression of gastric cancer(GC)is not yet clear.AIM To explore the role and underlying mechanisms of action of RGS4 in GC develop-ment.METHODS The prognostic significance of RGS4 in GC was analyzed using bioinformatics based public databases and verified by immunohistochemistry and quantitative polymerase chain reaction in 90 patients with GC.Function assays were employed to assess the carcinogenic impact of RGS4,and the mechanism of its possible influence was detected by western blot analysis.A nude mouse xenograft model was established to study the effects of RGS4 on GC growth in vitro.RESULTS RGS4 was highly expressed in GC tissues compared with matched adjacent normal tissues.Elevated RGS4 expression was correlated with increased tumor-node-metastasis stage,increased tumor grade as well as poorer overall survival in patients with GC.Cell experiments demonstrated that RGS4 knockdown suppressed GC cell proliferation,migration and invasion.Similarly,xenograft experiments confirmed that RGS4 silencing significantly inhibited tumor growth.Moreover,RGS4 knockdown resulted in reduced phosphorylation levels of focal adhesion kinase,phosphatidyl-inositol-3-kinase,and protein kinase B,decreased vimentin and N-cadherin,and elevated E-cadherin.CONCLUSION High RGS4 expression in GC indicates a worse prognosis and RGS4 is a prognostic marker.RGS4 influences tumor progression via the focal adhesion kinase/phosphatidyl-inositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B pathway and epithelial-mesenchymal transition.

Bearing Fault Diagnosis Based on the Markov Transition Field and SE-IShufflenetV2 Model

A bearing fault diagnosis method based on the Markov transitionfield(MTF)and SEnet(SE)-IShufflenetV2 model is proposed in this paper due to the problems of complex working conditions,low fault diagnosis accuracy,and poor generalization of rolling bearing.Firstly,MTF is used to encode one-dimensional time series vibration sig-nals and convert them into time-dependent and unique two-dimensional feature images.Then,the generated two-dimensional dataset is fed into the SE-IShufflenetV2 model for training to achieve fault feature extraction and classification.This paper selects the bearing fault datasets from Case Western Reserve University and Paderborn University to experimentally verify the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method.The generalization performance of the proposed method is tested under the variable load condition and different signal-to-noise ratios(SNRs).The experimental results show that the average accuracy of the proposed method under different working conditions is 99.2%without adding noise.The accuracy under different working conditions from 0 to 1 HP is 100%.When the SNR is 0 dB,the average accuracy of the proposed method can still reach 98.7%under varying working conditions.Therefore,the bearing fault diagnosis method proposed in this paper is characterized by high accuracy,strong anti-noise ability,and generalization.Moreover,the proposed method can also overcome the influence of variable working conditions on diagnosis accuracy,providing method support for the accurate diagnosis of bearing faults under strong noise and variable working conditions.

Forging an easier path through graduation:Improving the patient transition from paediatric to adult critical care

Adolescence and the journey to adulthood involves exciting opportunities as well as psychosocial stress for young people growing up.These normal experiences are potentially magnified for teenagers living with chronic illness or disability and their families.Advances in care have improved survival for children with a variety of serious chronic medical conditions such that many who may once have died in childhood now survive well into adulthood with ongoing morbidity.For those with highly complex needs,care is often provided at major paediatric hospitals with expertise,specially trained personnel,and resources to support young people and their families for the first decades of life.At the end of adolescence,however,it is generally appropriate and necessary for young adults and their caregivers to transition to the care of clinicians trained in the care of adults at general hospitals.While there are some well-managed models to support this journey of transition,these are often specific to certain conditions and usually do not involve intensive care.Many patients may encounter considerable challenges during this period.Difficulties may include the loss of established therapeutic relationships,a perception of austerity and reduced amenity in facilities oriented to caring for adult patients,and care by clinicians with less experience with more common paediatric conditions.In addition,there is a risk of potential conflict between clinicians and families regarding goals of care in the event of a critical illness when it occurs in a young adult with major disability and long-term health issues.These challenges present genuine opportunities to better understand the transition from paediatric to adult-based care and to improve processes that assist clinicians who support patients and families as they shift between healthcare settings.

On coherent structures in a three-dimensional transitional plane jet

Direct numerical simulation of coherent structures in the three-dimensional transitional jet with a moderate Reynolds number of 5000 was conducted. The finite volume method was used to discretize the governing equations in space; the low-storage, three-order Runge-Kutta scheme was used for time integration. The comparisons between the statistical results of the flow field; the related experimental data were performed to validate the reliability of the present numerical schemes. The emphasis was placed on the study of the spatial evolution of the three-dimensional coherent vortex structures as well as their interactions. It is found that the evolution of the spanwise vortex structures in three-dimensional space is similar to that in two-dimensional jet. The spanwise vortex structures are subject to three-dimensional instability; induce the formation of the streamwise; lateral vortex structures. Going with the breakup; mixing of the spanwise vortex structures, the streamwise; transverse vortex tubes also fall to pieces; the mixing arranged small-scale structures are formed in the flow field. Finally, the arrangement relationship among the spanwise, the streamwise; the lateral vortex structures was analyzed; their interactions were also discussed.

Numerical exploration of new features on three-dimensional transition of a cylinder wake

The three-dimensional transition of the wake flow behind a circular cylinder is studied in detail by direct numerical simulations using 3D incompressible N-S equations for Reynolds number ranging from 200 to 300. New features and vortex dynamics of the 3D transition of the wake are found and investigated. At Re = 200, the flow pattern is characterized by mode A instability. However, the spanwise characteristic length of the cylinder determines the transition features. Particularly for the specific spanwise characteristic length linear stable mode may dominate the wake in place of mode A and determine the spanwise phase difference of the primary vortices shedding. At Re = 250 and 300 it is found that the streamwise vortices evolve into a new type of mode "dual vortex pair mode" downstream. The streamwise vortex structures switch among mode A, mode B and dual vortex pair mode from near wake to downstream wake. At Re = 250, an independent low frequency fm in addition to the vortex shedding frequency fs is identified. Frequency coupling between fm and fs occurs. These result in the irregularity of the temporal signals and become a key feature in the transition of the wake. Based on the formation analysis of the streamwise vorticity in the vicinity of cylinder, it is suggested that mode A is caused by the emergence of the spanwise velocity due to three dimensionality of the incoming flow past the cylinder. Energy distribution on various wave numbers and the frequency variation in the wake are also described.

Structure Transition of the Three-Dimensional Penrose Tiling Under Phason Strain Field

Possible periodic structures resulting from three-dimensional Penrose tiling(3DPT)by introducing the so-called phason strain are studied.Only two types of cubic structures^simple cubic(sc)and body centered cubic(bcc),are possible.Numbers of the unit-cells,which are the same as those of the 3DPT,within each structure matrix of the sc/bcc structure are also given.

Templated synthesis of transition metal phosphide electrocatalysts for oxygen and hydrogen evolution reactions

Transition metal phosphides(TMPs)have been regarded as alternative hydrogen evolution reaction(HER)and oxygen evolution reaction(OER)catalysts owing to their comparable activity to those of noble metal-based catalysts.TMPs have been produced in various morphologies,including hollow and porous nanostructures,which are features deemed desirable for electrocatalytic materials.Templated synthesis routes are often responsible for such morphologies.This paper reviews the latest advances and existing challenges in the synthesis of TMP-based OER and HER catalysts through templated methods.A comprehensive review of the structure-property-performance of TMP-based HER and OER catalysts prepared using different templates is presented.The discussion proceeds according to application,first by HER and further divided among the types of templates used-from hard templates,sacrificial templates,and soft templates to the emerging dynamic hydrogen bubble template.OER catalysts are then reviewed and grouped according to their morphology.Finally,prospective research directions for the synthesis of hollow and porous TMP-based catalysts,such as improvements on both activity and stability of TMPs,design of environmentally benign templates and processes,and analysis of the reaction mechanism through advanced material characterization techniques and theoretical calculations,are suggested.

Correction:Impact of Transition Metal Layer Vacancy on the Structure and Performance of P2 Type Layered Sodium Cathode Material

Following publication of the original article[1],the authors reported that the author Hun-Gi Jung should be affiliated as 3,4 and 5 instead of 4 and 5.The author’s name“A.-Yeon Kim”needed to be updated to“A-Yeon Kim”,removing the period.The correct author’s name and affiliation have been provided in this Correction.The original article[1]has been corrected.

A theory for three-dimensional response of micropolar plates

Through combined applications of the transfer-matrix method and asymptotic expansion technique,we formulate a theory to predict the three-dimensional response of micropolar plates.No ad hoc assumptions regarding through-thickness assumptions of the field variables are made,and the governing equations are two-dimensional,with the displacements and microrotations of the mid-plane as the unknowns.Once the deformation of the mid-plane is solved,a three-dimensional micropolar elastic field within the plate is generated,which is exact up to the second order except in the boundary region close to the plate edge.As an illustrative example,the bending of a clamped infinitely long plate caused by a uniformly distributed transverse force is analyzed and discussed in detail.

Oxygen tension modulates cell function in an in vitro three-dimensional glioblastoma tumor model

Hypoxia is a typical feature of the tumor microenvironment,one of the most critical factors affecting cell behavior and tumor progression.However,the lack of tumor models able to precisely emulate natural brain tumor tissue has impeded the study of the effects of hypoxia on the progression and growth of tumor cells.This study reports a three-dimensional(3D)brain tumor model obtained by encapsulating U87MG(U87)cells in a hydrogel containing type I collagen.It also documents the effect of various oxygen concentrations(1%,7%,and 21%)in the culture environment on U87 cell morphology,proliferation,viability,cell cycle,apoptosis rate,and migration.Finally,it compares two-dimensional(2D)and 3D cultures.For comparison purposes,cells cultured in flat culture dishes were used as the control(2D model).Cells cultured in the 3D model proliferated more slowly but had a higher apoptosis rate and proportion of cells in the resting phase(G0 phase)/gap I phase(G1 phase)than those cultured in the 2D model.Besides,the two models yielded significantly different cell morphologies.Finally,hypoxia(e.g.,1%O2)affected cell morphology,slowed cell growth,reduced cell viability,and increased the apoptosis rate in the 3D model.These results indicate that the constructed 3D model is effective for investigating the effects of biological and chemical factors on cell morphology and function,and can be more representative of the tumor microenvironment than 2D culture systems.The developed 3D glioblastoma tumor model is equally applicable to other studies in pharmacology and pathology.

Evolution of Superconducting-Transition Temperature with Superfluid Density and Conductivity in Pressurized Cuprate Superconductors

What factors fundamentally determine the value of superconducting transition temperature Tc in high temperature superconductors has been the subject of intense debate.Following the establishment of an empirical law known as Homes'law,there is a growing consensus in the community that the Tc value of the cuprate superconductors is closely linked to the superfluid density(ρ_(s))of its ground state and the conductivity(σ)of its normal state.However,all the data supporting this empirical law(ρ_(s)=AσT_(c))have been obtained from the ambientpressure superconductors.In this study,we present the first high-pressure results about the connection of the quantities of ρ_(s) and σ with T_(c),through the studies on the Bi_(1.74)Pb_(0.38)Sr_(1.88)CuO_(6+δ)and Bi_(2)Sr_(2)CaCu_(2)O_(8+δ),in which the value of their high-pressure resistivity(ρ=1/σ)is achieved by adopting our newly established method,while the quantity ofρs is extracted using Homes'law.We highlight that the Tc values are strongly linked to the joint response factors of magnetic field and electric field,i.e.,ρ_(s) and σ,respectively,implying that the physics determining T_(c) is governed by the intrinsic electromagnetic fields of the system.

Three-dimensional cell-based strategies for liver regeneration

Liver regeneration and the development of effective therapies for liver failure remain formidable challenges in modern medicine.In recent years,the utilization of 3D cell-based strategies has emerged as a promising approach for addressing these urgent clinical requirements.This review provides a thorough analysis of the application of 3D cell-based approaches to liver regeneration and their potential impact on patients with end-stage liver failure.Here,we discuss various 3D culture models that incorporate hepatocytes and stem cells to restore liver function and ameliorate the consequences of liver failure.Furthermore,we explored the challenges in transitioning these innovative strategies from preclinical studies to clinical applications.The collective insights presented herein highlight the significance of 3D cell-based strategies as a transformative paradigm for liver regeneration and improved patient care.

From VIB‑to VB‑Group Transition Metal Disulfides:Structure Engineering Modulation for Superior Electromagnetic Wave Absorption

The laminated transition metal disulfides(TMDs),which are well known as typical two-dimensional(2D)semiconductive materials,possess a unique layered structure,leading to their wide-spread applications in various fields,such as catalysis,energy storage,sensing,etc.In recent years,a lot of research work on TMDs based functional materials in the fields of electromagnetic wave absorption(EMA)has been carried out.Therefore,it is of great significance to elaborate the influence of TMDs on EMA in time to speed up the application.In this review,recent advances in the development of electromagnetic wave(EMW)absorbers based on TMDs,ranging from the VIB group to the VB group are summarized.Their compositions,microstructures,electronic properties,and synthesis methods are presented in detail.Particularly,the modulation of structure engineering from the aspects of heterostructures,defects,morphologies and phases are systematically summarized,focusing on optimizing impedance matching and increasing dielectric and magnetic losses in the EMA materials with tunable EMW absorption performance.Milestones as well as the challenges are also identified to guide the design of new TMDs based dielectric EMA materials with high performance.

Three-dimensional visualization technology for guiding one-step percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopic lithotripsy for the treatment of complex hepatolithiasis

BACKGROUND Biliary stone disease is a highly prevalent condition and a leading cause of hospitalization worldwide.Hepatolithiasis with associated strictures has high residual and recurrence rates after traditional multisession percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopic lithotripsy(PTCSL).AIM To study one-step PTCSL using the percutaneous transhepatic one-step biliary fistulation(PTOBF)technique guided by three-dimensional(3D)visualization.METHODS This was a retrospective,single-center study analyzing,140 patients who,between October 2016 and October 2023,underwent one-step PTCSL for hepatolithiasis.The patients were divided into two groups:The 3D-PTOBF group and the PTOBF group.Stone clearance on choledochoscopy,complications,and long-term clearance and recurrence rates were assessed.RESULTS Age,total bilirubin,direct bilirubin,Child-Pugh class,and stone location were similar between the 2 groups,but there was a significant difference in bile duct strictures,with biliary strictures more common in the 3D-PTOBF group(P=0.001).The median follow-up time was 55.0(55.0,512.0)days.The immediate stone clearance ratio(88.6%vs 27.1%,P=0.000)and stricture resolution ratio(97.1%vs 78.6%,P=0.001)in the 3D-PTOBF group were significantly greater than those in the PTOBF group.Postoperative complication(8.6%vs 41.4%,P=0.000)and stone recurrence rates(7.1%vs 38.6%,P=0.000)were significantly lower in the 3D-PTOBF group.CONCLUSION Three-dimensional visualization helps make one-step PTCSL a safe,effective,and promising treatment for patients with complicated primary hepatolithiasis.The perioperative and long-term outcomes are satisfactory for patients with complicated primary hepatolithiasis.This minimally invasive method has the potential to be used as a substitute for hepatobiliary surgery.

Role of inclination angle on columnar-to-equiaxed transition in the eutectic Al-5Mg-2Si alloy fabricated by laser powder bed fusion

In this study,the effect of inclination angles relative to the building direction in the additively manufactured eutectic Al-5Mg-2Si alloy was investigated through the laser powder bed fusion(LPBF).The microstructures and mechanical properties of the Al-5Mg-2Si alloy manufactured with different inclination angles(0°,30°,45°,60°and 90°)were reported and discussed.It is found that the“semicircular”melt pool(MP)in the load bearing face of 0°sample was eventually transformed into“stripe-like”MP in the 90°sample,accompanied by an increased fraction of melt pool boundaries(MPBs).Moreover,the microstructural analysis revealed that the columnar-to-equiaxed transition(CET)of theα-Al grains and eutectic Mg2Si was completed in the 90°sample,which were significantly refined with the average size of 10.6μm and 0.44μm,respectively.It is also found that the 90°sample exhibited good combination of strength and elongation(i.e.yield strength of 393 MPa,ultimate tensile strength of 483 MPa and elongation of 8.1%).The anisotropic mechanical properties were highly associated with the refined microstructures,thermal stress,and density of MPBs.Additionally,the CET driven by inclination angles was attributed to the variation of thermal conditions inside the local MPs.

Farm buildings and agri-food transitions in Southern France:Mapping dynamics using a stakeholder-based diagnosis

This study's goal is to present a dynamic portrait of the farm-buildings environment in Occitania,in Southern France,in order to better identify the transitions underway in agri-food chains.To this end,we undertook a ter-ritorial diagnosis based on actor statements,using 28 semi-structured interviews across Occitania.This diagnosis was enriched by graphic modelling,which enabled the spatialization of the dynamics described.We show that the process of standardisation of farm buildings prevails in the majority of the territories studied.This phenomenon has intensified in recent years with the development of vast photovoltaic-roofed sheds,accentuating the farm-land conversion and soil sealing.At the same time,in areas with strong environmental,landscape and heritage contexts,a'new adventure in farm buildings'(2022 survey)is taking shape.It is primarily driven by local short food chains,which rely on self-construction,repurposing and refurbishment,the sharing of tools and equipment,and which favour the use and reuse of local resources.This study shows that farm-buildings dynamics crystallise many challenges confronting the reterritorialisation of agriculture and food production.

The combined application of stem cells and three-dimensional bioprinting scaffolds for the repair of spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injury is considered one of the most difficult injuries to repair and has one of the worst prognoses for injuries to the nervous system.Following surgery,the poor regenerative capacity of nerve cells and the generation of new scars can make it very difficult for the impaired nervous system to restore its neural functionality.Traditional treatments can only alleviate secondary injuries but cannot fundamentally repair the spinal cord.Consequently,there is a critical need to develop new treatments to promote functional repair after spinal cord injury.Over recent years,there have been seve ral developments in the use of stem cell therapy for the treatment of spinal cord injury.Alongside significant developments in the field of tissue engineering,three-dimensional bioprinting technology has become a hot research topic due to its ability to accurately print complex structures.This led to the loading of three-dimensional bioprinting scaffolds which provided precise cell localization.These three-dimensional bioprinting scaffolds co uld repair damaged neural circuits and had the potential to repair the damaged spinal cord.In this review,we discuss the mechanisms underlying simple stem cell therapy,the application of different types of stem cells for the treatment of spinal cord injury,and the different manufa cturing methods for three-dimensional bioprinting scaffolds.In particular,we focus on the development of three-dimensional bioprinting scaffolds for the treatment of spinal cord injury.

Recent advances in transition metal phosphide materials:Synthesis and applications in supercapacitors

Supercapacitors(SCs)are considered promising energy storge systems because of their outstanding power density,fast charge and discharge rate and long-term cycling stability.The exploitation of cheap and efficient electrode materials is the key to improve the performance of supercapacitors.As the battery-type materials,transition metal phosphides(TMPs)possess high theoretical specific capacity,good electrical conductivity and superior structural stability,which have been extensively studied to be electrode materials for supercapacitors.In this review,we summarize the up-to-date progress on TMPs materials from diversified synthetic methods,diverse nanostructures and several prominent TMPs and their composites in application of supercapacitors.In the end,we also propose the remaining challenges toward the rational discovery and synthesis of high-performance TMP electrodes materials for energy storage.

Synthesis and Modulation of Low-Dimensional Transition Metal Chalcogenide Materials via Atomic Substitution

In recent years,low-dimensional transition metal chalcogenide(TMC)materials have garnered growing research attention due to their superior electronic,optical,and catalytic properties compared to their bulk counterparts.The controllable synthesis and manipulation of these materials are crucial for tailoring their properties and unlocking their full potential in various applications.In this context,the atomic substitution method has emerged as a favorable approach.It involves the replacement of specific atoms within TMC structures with other elements and possesses the capability to regulate the compositions finely,crystal structures,and inherent properties of the resulting materials.In this review,we present a comprehensive overview on various strategies of atomic substitution employed in the synthesis of zero-dimensional,one-dimensional and two-dimensional TMC materials.The effects of substituting elements,substitution ratios,and substitution positions on the structures and morphologies of resulting material are discussed.The enhanced electrocatalytic performance and photovoltaic properties of the obtained materials are also provided,emphasizing the role of atomic substitution in achieving these advancements.Finally,challenges and future prospects in the field of atomic substitution for fabricating low-dimensional TMC materials are summarized.

Progress on Transition Metal Ions Dissolution Suppression Strategies in Prussian Blue Analogs for Aqueous Sodium-/Potassium-Ion Batteries

Aqueous sodium-ion batteries(ASIBs)and aqueous potassium-ion batteries(APIBs)present significant potential for large-scale energy storage due to their cost-effectiveness,safety,and environmental compatibility.Nonetheless,the intricate energy storage mechanisms in aqueous electrolytes place stringent require-ments on the host materials.Prussian blue analogs(PBAs),with their open three-dimensional framework and facile synthesis,stand out as leading candidates for aqueous energy storage.However,PBAs possess a swift capacity fade and limited cycle longevity,for their structural integrity is compromised by the pronounced dis-solution of transition metal(TM)ions in the aqueous milieu.This manuscript provides an exhaustive review of the recent advancements concerning PBAs in ASIBs and APIBs.The dissolution mechanisms of TM ions in PBAs,informed by their structural attributes and redox processes,are thoroughly examined.Moreover,this study delves into innovative design tactics to alleviate the dissolution issue of TM ions.In conclusion,the paper consolidates various strategies for suppressing the dissolution of TM ions in PBAs and posits avenues for prospective exploration of high-safety aqueous sodium-/potassium-ion batteries.