Limited Range Research Articles

Bioinspired Surface Ligand Engineering Regulates Electron Transfers in Gold Clusterzymes to Enhance the Catalytic Activity for Improving Sensing Performance.

Metal nanoclusters feature a hierarchical structure, facilitating their ability to mimic enzyme-catalyzed reactions. However, the lack of true catalytic centers, compounded by tightly bound surface ligands hindering electron transfers to substrates, underscores the need for universal rational design methodologies to emulate the structure and mechanisms of natural enzymes. Motivated by the electron transfer in active centers with specific chemical structures, by integrating the peroxidase cofactor Fe-TCPP onto the surface of glutathione-stabilized gold nanoclusters (AuSG), we engineered AuSG-Fe-TCPP clusterzymes with a remarkable 39.6-fold enhancement in peroxidase-like activity compared to AuSG. Fe-TCPP not only mimics the active center structure, enhancing affinity to H2O2, but also facilitates the electron transfer process, enabling efficient H2O2 activation. By exemplifying the establishment of a detecting platform for trace H2O2 produced by ultrasonic cleaners, we substantiate that the bioinspired surface-ligand-engineered electron transfer can improve sensing performance with a wider linear range and lower detection limit.

Optimisation of the depth range of UIV on cohesive sediment (fluid mud) flows

Ultrasound Image Velocimetry (UIV) is a technique that enables the monitoring of flows in natural high-density cohesive sediments, also known as fluid mud. Using conventional medical ultrasound imaging equipment, the depth range of UIV in mud is however too limited. This manuscript discusses how this depth range can be improved based on the results of experimental UIV measurements in fluid mud. The results show that the depth range limitation is determined by the pixel brightness of the generated speckle pattern images. Since pixel brightness is a measure of the intensity of the backscattered signals, it degrades with increasing depth due to the attenuation of the ultrasound radiation by the mud. The rate at which ultrasound is attenuated by fluid mud is constant and is governed by the density of the mud and the applied ultrasound frequency. A greater depth range can thus be achieved by reducing attenuation and increasing the intensity of the emitted ultrasound. The former was confirmed by the results of experiments with variable mud density and ultrasound frequency. Flexibility of both parameters is however restricted, allowing only a limited increase in depth range. Another experiment confirmed an additional increase in depth range when a higher ultrasound intensity is applied. Patient safety measures of medical ultrasound imaging equipment, however restrict the intensity of the emitted ultrasound. To increase the depth range even further, potential solutions are therefore suggested, such as the use of high-power non-medical ultrasound imaging equipment or a novel procedure for processing the acquired acoustic data.

Does high parasite load contribute to limitation of the poleward range of Acropora corals?

The role of species interactions in setting species range limits is rarely empirically explored. Here, we quantify host and parasite densities in subtropical eastern Australia (26.65°–30.20°S) to examine whether parasitism might contribute to range limitation of Acropora corals at their cold-range boundary. 79% of Acropora corals had endolithic barnacles (family Pyrgomatidae), with higher parasite load in larger corals and up to 141 barnacles per coral. Parasite load increased poleward and closer to the mainland and was greater in cooler and high nutrient environments. Parasite burden was higher at sites with fewer Acropora corals, broadly consistent with the hypothesis that parasites can fragment host populations where host densities are low, and the parasite is a better disperser than the host. Whilst the mechanism is unclear, our findings suggest that at the high densities recorded here, coral-barnacles could influence range dynamics of Acropora corals at their poleward range limit.

AuPt/NF prepared with the lattice induction of substrate was applied to construct the electrochemical immunosensor for PCT detection

For the electrodeposition, the conductivity and lattice structure of substrate is important to the morphology and lattice of the deposited material. In this study, gold-platinum (AuPt) nanopartical was deposited on nickel foam (NF) based on the lattice induced orientation of the Ni substrate, and the obtained AuPt/NF was applied to construct electrochemical impedimetric immunosensor for procalcitonin (PCT) detection. As a new immunosensor matrix, NF with higher electrical conductance, flexibility and specific surface area, which can improve the plasticity, sensitivity and universality of the immunoelectrode. Due to the lattice matching between Au and Ni, ultrathin AuPt nanolayer with good biocompatibility and large surface area can be modified on the NF surface, which can bind more biomolecules and amplifies the change of impedance signal. Based on the synergistic effect between AuPt and NF, PCT detection based on this electrochemical impedimetric immunosensor with a wide linear range (0.2 pg mL−1 to 20 ng mL−1) and low detection limit (0.11 pg mL−1). In addition, this impedimetric immunosensor exhibits high recovery in the PCT detection of serum samples. This work provides a new thought and method for the construction of electrochemical immunosensor.

Fuel cells for multirotor unmanned aerial vehicles: A comparative study of energy storage and performance analysis

Hydrogen fuel cells and the economics of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are gaining global attention. With higher energy densities, fuel cells can overcome the range limitations of lithium battery-powered aircraft. This paper is to address two important issues often overlooked in research on fuel cell UAVs. It innovatively quantified the ranges within which fuel cells remain a better option and originally focused on the impact of altitudes on the power demand. A detailed literature review was conducted to determine the flight profile. Environment models, power demand models, and other models were established using MATLAB to analyse the impact of altitude on performance. Some parameters were obtained through fluid field simulations using Ansys. The study shows that using air-cooled fuel cells in a 3.5 kW UAV is a superior solution compared to lithium batteries when the energy demand exceeds 2.8 kWh. Furthermore, the power demand increases by 3.5 % per kilometre in altitude, and the maximum flight altitude is reduced by approximately 266 m per kilogram of take-off mass. It also emphasizes that solely increasing the air stoichiometric ratio cannot always enhance performance. Through sensitivity analysis, it was found that improving the stack's power density has the highest relative gain.

Portable Saliva Sensor Based on Dual Recognition Elements for Detection of Caries Pathogenic Bacteria.

Dental caries is one of the most common diseases affecting more than 2 billion people's health worldwide. In a clinical setting, it is challenging to predict and proactively guard against dental cavities prior to receiving a confirmed diagnosis. Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) in saliva has been recognized as the main causative bacterial agent that causes dental caries. High sensitivity, good selectivity, and a wide detection range are incredibly important factors to affect S. mutans detection in practical applications. In this study, we present a portable saliva biosensor designed for the early detection of S. mutans with the potential to predict the occurrence of dental cavities. The biosensor was fabricated using a S. mutans-specific DNA aptamer and S. mutans-imprinted polymers. Methylene blue was utilized as a redox probe in the sensor to generate current signals for analysis. When S. mutans enters complementarily S. mutans cavities, it blocks electron transfer between methylene blue and the electrode, resulting in decreases in the reduction current signal. The signal variations are associated with S. mutans concentrations that are useful for quantitative analysis. The linear detection range of S. mutans is 102-109 cfu mL-1, which covers the critical concentration of high caries risk. The biosensor exhibited excellent selectivity toward S. mutans in the presence of other common oral bacteria. The biosensor's wide detection range, excellent selectivity, and low limit of detection (2.6 cfu mL-1) are attributed to the synergistic effect of aptamer and S. mutans-imprinted polymers. The sensor demonstrates the potential to prevent dental caries.

Wireless Communication-aware Path Planning and Multiple Robot Navigation Strategies for Assisted Inspections

Among the many challenges robots encounter in the mining industry, exploring confined environments receives significant attention. This work tackles problems associated with robot communication in hazardous and confined environments, where its cluttered and extensive nature frequently precludes traditional cable-based and wireless solutions. Our methods resort to off-the-shelf long-range radio frequencies to profile the signal propagation behaviour over the geometrical map to assist navigation algorithms that seek to preserve the connection. We consider mathematical models to predict signal power behaviour and serve as input to path planning. We also propose a semi-autonomous leader-follower scheme, with signal repeater units forming a mobile wireless network to enable inspection in hard-to-reach locations. Finally, we present a multi-robot connection-aware system, combining path planning based on radio signal power with multiple robot navigation. Results show the applicability of the proposed solutions, generating single and multi-robot paths for optimal signal reception based on power estimation, thus enabling operations in remote and isolated areas with no line-of-sight between the command base and the robotic inspection device. Experiments conducted in long corridors and in a representative mining environment using the EspeleoRobô and Pioneer platforms demonstrate significant improvements over the traditional communication methods for robotic operation regarding communication quality and inspection range limits.

The golden butterfly: a new species of Pampasatyrus Hayward, extending northwards the range of the genus in the Andes (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae, Satyrinae)

Abstract A remarkable new species, Pampasatyrus karri sp.n. is described from the upper valley of the river Pampas on the border of the departments of Apurímac and Ayacucho in the central Andes of Peru. It occurs in grassland puna on rocky slopes around 3500 m a.s.l. It is characterized by bright golden wing uppersides, a colour unique among the Satyrinae. It is only the third known Andean representatives of this, otherwise predominantly low to mid elevation genus associated with Brazilian and Argentinian pampa, and is most closely related, as indicated by COI data and male genitalia, to P. gorkyi found 200 km south-eastwards in Cuzco. Its discovery extends the northern range limit of the genus Pampasatyrus in the Andes.

Factors limiting the potential range expansion of lodgepole pine in Interior Alaska.

Understanding the factors influencing species range limits is increasingly crucial in anticipating migrations due to human-caused climate change. In the boreal biome, ongoing climate change and the associated increases in the rate, size, and severity of disturbances may alter the distributions of boreal tree species. Notably, Interior Alaska lacks native pine, a biogeographical anomaly that carries implications for ecosystem structure and function. The current range of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia) in the adjacent Yukon Territory may expand into Interior Alaska, particularly with human assistance. Evaluating the potential for pine expansion in Alaska requires testing constraints on range limits such as dispersal limitations, environmental tolerance limits, and positive or negative biotic interactions. In this study, we used field experiments with pine seeds and transplanted seedlings, complemented by model simulations, to assess the abiotic and biotic factors influencing lodgepole pine seedling establishment and growth after fire in Interior Alaska. We found that pine could successfully recruit, survive, grow, and reproduce across our broadly distributed network of experimental sites. Our results show that both mammalian herbivory and competition from native tree species are unlikely to constrain pine growth and that environmental conditions commonly found in Interior Alaska fall well within the tolerance limits for pine. If dispersal constraints are released, lodgepole pine could have a geographically expansive range in Alaska, and once established, its growth is sufficient to support pine-dominated stands. Given the impacts of lodgepole pine on ecosystem processes such as increases in timber production, carbon sequestration, landscape flammability, and reduced forage quality, natural or human-assisted migration of this species is likely to substantially alter responses of Alaskan forest ecosystems to climate change.

Hard edges, soft edges, and species range evolution: A genomic analysis of the Cumberland Plateau salamander

AbstractAimGene flow from central to edge populations is thought to limit population growth at range edges by constraining local adaptation. In this study, we explore the thesis that range edges can differ in their dynamics and be either ‘hard’ (e.g. a river) or ‘soft’ (e.g. ecological gradients). We hypothesize that soft edge populations will have smaller effective population sizes than central populations and that gene flow will be greater from the centre to the edge than vice versa. Conversely, we hypothesize that hard edge populations should have similar effective population sizes to central populations and that gene flow will be equal between the two.LocationKentucky, West Virginia, and Virginia, USA.Taxon Plethodon kentucki (Caudata: Plethodontidae).MethodsWe evaluated landscape suitability using an ecological niche model, then we compared gene flow and effective population sizes between edge and central populations and quantified gene flow between populations. Finally, we characterized landscape genetic variation, testing for isolation by distance and isolation by environment.ResultsWe found continuously decreasing habitat quality along soft edges, with hard edges more variable. Additionally, we found that soft edges had lower effective population sizes than central populations and that gene flow was greater from the centre of the range to the soft edges than the reverse. In hard edges, by contrast, we found effective population sizes in edge populations were similar to central populations, with relatively equal gene flow in both directions.Main ConclusionsUnderstanding why species have range limits is central to investigations of the structure of biodiversity, yet the evolutionary dynamics of range edges remain poorly understood. We show that within a single species with a small range, the evolutionary dynamics operating at range boundaries may depend on the nature of the boundary.

Electrochemical sensor based on reduced graphene oxide paste electrode for detection of gemcitabine as a chemotherapy drug in breast cancer

The development of a precise and sensitive electrochemical sensor is essential in the field of medical diagnostics in order to identify gemcitabine, a chemotherapy drug that is commonly used to treat breast cancer. This work presents a novel electrochemical sensor based on a reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposite and a zirconium-based metal-organic framework (Zr-MOF) with terephthalic acid as a ligand. Gemcitabine (GEM), a chemotherapy medication used to treat breast cancer, is detected with remarkable sensitivity and selectivity by the Zr-MOF-rGO modified graphene paste electrode (GrPE) sensor. By combining the strong structure and active sites of Zr-MOF with the large surface area and electrical conductivity of rGO, the sensor's design maximizes electron transfer rates and GEM adsorption capacity. The sensor outperforms current GEM sensors with its wide linear detection range (0.5–490 μM) and low detection limit (0.008 μM). The sensor's long-term analytical applicability is confirmed by stability and reusability studies, which produced accuracy rates surpassing 94 % and RSD values below 4.21 % in recovery trials using spiked human blood serum and urine samples. Overall, the results of this investigation show that the Zr-MOF-rGO/GrPE electrode has the potential to be a useful platform for the detection of gemcitabine in patients with breast cancer.

Ratiometric luminescent simultaneous sensing of aristolochic acids (I-IV) by a novel metal-organic framework and its nanowire.

Aristolochic acids(AAs), which are a group of nitrophenanthrene carboxylic acids formed by Aristolochia plant, have become an increasing serious threat to humans due to their nephrotoxicity and carcinogenicity. Fast and accurate approaches capable of simultaneous sensing of aristolochic acids (I-IV) are vital to avoid intake of such compounds. In this research, the novel ratiometric fluorescence zinc metal-organic framework and its nanowire have been prepared. The two different coordination modes (tetrahedral configuration and twisted triangular bipyramidal configuration) within zinc metal-organic framework lead to the significant double emissions. The ratiometric fluorescence approach based on nanowire provides a broader concentration range (3.00 × 10-7~1.00 × 10-4 M) and lower limit of detection (3.70 × 10-8 M) than that based on zinc metal-organic framework (1.00 × 10-6~1.00 × 10-4 M, 5.91 × 10-7 M). The RSDs of the results are in the range 1.4-3.5% (nanowire). The density functional theory calculations and UV-Vis absorption verify that the sensing mechanism is due to charge transfer and energy transfer. Excellent spiked recoveries for AAs(I-IV) in soil and water support that nanowire is competent to simultaneously detect these targets in real samples, and the proposed approach has potential as a fluorescence sensing platform for the simultaneous detection of AAs (I-IV) in complex systems.

DAGCN: Dynamic and Adaptive Graph Convolutional Network for Salient Object Detection.

Deep-learning-based salient object detection (SOD) has achieved significant success in recent years. The SOD focuses on the context modeling of the scene information, and how to effectively model the context relationship in the scene is the key. However, it is difficult to build an effective context structure and model it. In this article, we propose a novel SOD method called dynamic and adaptive graph convolutional network (DAGCN) that is composed of two parts, adaptive neighborhood-wise graph convolutional network (AnwGCN) and spatially restricted K-nearest neighbors (SRKNN). The AnwGCN is novel adaptive neighborhood-wise graph convolution, which is used to model and analyze the saliency context. The SRKNN constructs the topological relationship of the saliency context by measuring the non-Euclidean spatial distance within a limited range. The proposed method constructs the context relationship as a topological graph by measuring the distance of the features in the non-Euclidean space, and conducts comparative modeling of context information through AnwGCN. The model has the ability to learn the metrics from features and can adapt to the hidden space distribution of the data. The description of the feature relationship is more accurate. Through the convolutional kernel adapted to the neighborhood, the model obtains the structure learning ability. Therefore, the graph convolution process can adapt to different graph data. Experimental results demonstrate that our solution achieves satisfactory performance on six widely used datasets and can also effectively detect camouflaged objects. Our code will be available at: https://github.com/CSIM-LUT/DAGCN.git.

Contrasting population genetic structure of three semi‐terrestrial brachyuran crabs on the coast of the Japanese archipelago

AbstractAnthropogenic activities have reduced ecotones between the ocean and land, which is likely to threaten the population of brackish‐water brachyuran crabs. To assess the current status of these crabs, we examine the population genetic structures of three semi‐terrestrial brachyuran crabs widely distributed along the coast of the Japan and to clarify factors determining their genetic structures. We collected 184 Orisarma dehaani, 252 Chiromantes haematocheir, and 151 Helice tridens crabs from 36 localities of the Japanese archipelago. Genome‐wide SNP data from these crabs were analyzed using MIG‐seq. Bayesian clustering of STRUCTURE and DAPC analysis were used to identify genetically disturbed populations and to visualize genetic differentiation between local populations. Genetic population structure showed clear differentiation between populations on the Pacific coast of the Tohoku region and on other Japanese coasts in O. dehaani, but not in C. haematocheir or H. tridens. The inbreeding coefficient of O. dehaani was significantly higher on the Pacific coast of the Tohoku region compared to other Japanese coasts. C. haematocheir and H. tridens had homogeneous genetic structures along the Japanese coast, but showed genetic differentiation of a local population at their range limits. Thus, O. dehaani showed little gene flow and clear genetic differentiation between populations in the Tohoku Pacific region and those on other Japanese coasts due to ocean currents. Although such a regional differentiation was not found in C. haematocheir and H. tridens, one population of C. haematocheir was genetically isolated at the edge of its distribution range and likely vulnerable to environmental changes.

Physiotherapy management of functional activity disorders of knee dekstra et cause post-op anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Introduction: anterior cruciate ligament injury is one of the common knee injuries among athletes, which can cause functional activity impairment of the knee, such as pain, edema, range of motion limitation, contracture, and anxiety. Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is a surgical procedure that aims to restore the stability and function of the knee. Patients who undergo Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction require appropriate physiotherapy management to accelerate the healing and recovery process. Aim: this study aims to determine the physiotherapy management of functional activity disorders of the knee joints and the causes of postoperative anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Methods: this study used a case study method with a research subject of a 24-year-old male who suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury on the right knee and underwent Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Data were collected using instruments such as the VAS pain scale, goniometer to measure a range of motion, MMT to measure muscle strength, and international knee documentation committee questionnaire to measure functional activity. Results: showed a decrease in pain, an increase in range of motion, an increase in muscle strength, and an increase in functional activity on the right knee caused post-op Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction after receiving physiotherapy intervention for 9 sessions. Conclusion: physiotherapy management given in the form of electrical muscle stimulation, prone hang, passive range of motion exercise, patella mobilization, isotonic & isometric strengthening, and walking exercise, as well as education, can help overcome functional activity impairment on the right knee et cause post-op anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Corrective Open-wedge Valgus Proximal Humerus Lengthening Osteotomy. Technique and Case Series.

Symptomatic varus malunion after proximal humeral fractures is associated with weakness and painful limitation of shoulder range of motion. When there is conformity of the articular surface and no avascular necrosis, a head-preserving procedure is best indicated. Arthroscopic arthrolysis, subacromial decompression, and tuberoplasty have been described for the treatment of mild deformity. In cases with more severe deformity, corrective extracapsular lateral closing wedge valgus osteotomy has been reported as a reliable treatment option, in terms of both pain relief and improved function. While this procedure adequately restores rotator cuff tensioning, it is associated with a shortening of the lever arm to the deltoid muscle, secondary to a loss of humeral length. We describe our technique and results with a vascular-sparing, medial open-wedge osteotomy, using a structural allograft and lateral locking plate. In our opinion, this procedure is safe and effective, with the potential to improve functional outcomes in young and active patients.

Flexible electrochemical sensor based on a ZnO-doped SnO2 heterojunction for simultaneous electrochemical determination of p-aminophenol and acetaminophen

In this work, a novel flexible electrochemical sensor was successfully developed for the simultaneous determination of p-aminophenol and acetaminophen. The sensor is composed of a methanesulfonic acid-treated poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/poly(styrenesulfonic acid) film on a poly(ethylene terephthalate) substrate, which has been modified using a zinc oxide-doped tin oxide heterojunction applied through drop-coating (C-ZnO/SnO2-PEDOT/PET). The oxygen vacancies resulting from zinc oxide-doped tin oxide heterojunctions within highly conductive metal oxide nanomaterials enhance mass transfer and synergize seamlessly with methanesulfonic acid-treated electrically conductive dielectric PEDOT/PET films, leading to a substantial improvement in electrochemical activity. Under the optimal conditions, a wider linear range and lower detection limits were shown for p-aminophenol (2–511 μM, LOD=0.437 μM) and acetaminophen (2–591 μM, LOD=0.562 μM). In addition, the sensors demonstrated high accuracy in detecting p-aminophenol and acetaminophen in real samples, with recoveries of 99.36 %-99.60 % and 97.56 %-99.80 %, respectively. Furthermore, the flexible sensors maintained a superior electrochemical response when detecting p-aminophenol and acetaminophen at different bending angles, with relative standard deviations of 0.62 % and 1.68 %, respectively. These findings suggest potential applications for the development of wearable sensors in the future.

Determination of glucose oxidase activity by tyrosine fluorescence spectrophotometry

A novel Fe2+/Tyr/H2O2 fluorescence reaction system has been established for the purpose of analyzing glucose oxidase activity. This system involves the catalysis of glucose oxidase on glucose to produce H2O2, which in turn oxidizes tyrosine to a highly fluorescent substance under the catalysis of Fe2+. The fluorescence intensity is subsequently employed to ascertain the enzymatic activity of glucose oxidase. The enzymatic oxidation reaction and tyrosine fluorescence reaction conditions were optimized based on the H2O2 standard curve equation. Direct fluorescence spectrophotometry was used to determine the activity range and detection limit of glucose oxidase, which were found to be 7.00 × 10−5–7.00 × 10−2 U/mL and 3.36 × 10−5 U/mL (Enzyme-like activity is 6.72 × 10−4 U/mL, The enzyme reaction time is 5 min), respectively, with a relative standard deviation of less than 3.2 %. This method has been successfully applied to determine the activity of glucose oxidase in food additives, with a recovery rate ranging from 96.00 % to 102.0 %.

Detection of Spondyloepiphyseal Dysplasia Phenotype with CHST3 Mutation in an Asian Indian Family and Outcomes of Index and Subsequent Pregnancy

Abstract CHST3-related skeletal dysplasia is an autosomal recessive disorder with a prenatal onset. Variations in the CHST3 gene are associated with spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia with short stature of prenatal onset; dislocation of the knees, hips or elbows; club feet; postnatal limitation of range of motion of large joints; and progressive kyphosis, occasional scoliosis and minor heart valve dysplasia. The identification of pathogenic variants in the family is helpful for carrier and prenatal testing. We describe the prenatal identification of spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia with CHST3 mutation in the index pregnancy of an Asian Indian woman and the outcome of the subsequent pregnancy.

Medium entropy FeCoNi nanoalloy supported on reduced graphene oxide for efficient electrochemical detection of roxarsone in food samples

Herein, a novel FeCoNi(b)-800 ternary metal nanoalloy was uniformly mixed with reduced graphene oxide (RGO) to synthesize the FeCoNi(b)-800@RGO(2:1) composite. The addition of RGO not only stopped the accumulation of FeCoNi(b)-800 alloy, but also heightened the electrocatalytic activity of composite. Particularly, the FeCoNi(b)-800@RGO(2:1) composite displayed the significantly strong electrocatalytic capacity for the reduction of roxarsone (ROX). Furthermore, the FeCoNi(b)-800@RGO(2:1) composite possessed enough porosity and metal catalytic sites, facilitating the transport and electrochemical reduction of the ROX. Thus, the FeCoNi(b)-800@RGO(2:1) composite modified glassy carbon electrode (FeCoNi(b)-800@RGO(2:1)/GCE) showed the superb electrochemical detection effect for ROX with relatively wide working range (0.1–1500 μM) and low detection limit (0.013 μM). Importantly, the FeCoNi(b)-800@RGO(2:1)/GCE sensor could accurately determine the contents of ROX in actual pork, chicken, duck and egg samples, indicating that it had good suitability in food safety monitoring.