Marked Enhancement Research Articles

Abstract 4042: Cbl inhibition increases the response of cytotoxic T cells to sub-optimal stimulation and drives enhanced anti-tumor responses alone or in combination with PD-1 blockade

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Herein, we describe a series of experiments to define the unique biology of dual Cbl-b/c-Cbl (Cbl) inhibition in amplifying T cell activation and anti-tumor responses. Through their E3 ubiquitin ligase activity, Cbl-b and c-Cbl have been shown to negatively regulate multiple signaling proteins downstream of the T cell receptor (TCR), suggesting that inhibition may yield enhanced anti-tumor T cell activity. Indeed, using a dual Cbl-b/c-Cbl small molecule inhibitor, we demonstrate that Cbl blockade enhances T cell activity under standard and sub-optimal stimulation conditions. Moreover, Cbl inhibition increases mouse syngeneic tumor control alone or in combination with α-PD-1, as described below. METHODS: Human CD8+ T cells were isolated from healthy human blood and activated using α-CD3 or α-CD3/CD28 stimulation. Mouse OT-I splenocytes were stimulated with SIINFEKL or lower affinity ovalbumin peptides and cytokine production was assessed. For tumor studies, mice were inoculated with syngeneic cancer cells and were treated with Cbl inhibitor (30 mg/kg, QD) +/- α-PD-1 (10 mg/kg, Q5D) starting at a tumor volume of 75 mm3. RESULTS: Human CD8+ T cells, stimulated in the presence of a Cbl inhibitor, demonstrated a concentration-dependent increase in activation hallmarks including cytokine secretion (IL-2, IFN-γ and granzyme B), proliferation, and the presence of highly polyfunctional cells. Furthermore, using serially stimulated CD8+ T cells with reduced overall activity, Cbl inhibition showed a marked enhancement of IFN-γ production and cytotoxicity compared to controls upon re-stimulation. We then used an antigen-specific T cell assay where OT-I splenocytes were stimulated by peptides with optimal or reduced TCR affinities, Cbl inhibition produced significantly higher IFN-γ levels with all peptides relative to controls demonstrating that Cbl inhibition can increase the response of T cells to sub-optimal stimulation. Using mouse CT26 and MC38 tumor models, Cbl inhibition was able to significantly enhance tumor control in combination with α-PD-1 and as a monotherapy in CT26 tumors. Notably, a greater number of tumor antigen-specific cytotoxic T cells were found in Cbl inhibitor-treated tumors. Higher expression levels of the co-stimulatory molecule CD226 and the TCR in these anti-tumor cells were also observed, demonstrating the unique biology of Cbl inhibition in enhancing anti-tumor responses. Finally, Cbl inhibition had no effect on the growth or survival of cancer cells in vitro consistent with the notion that enhanced tumor control was driven by immune activity. CONCLUSIONS: Altogether, these data demonstrate that pharmacologic Cbl inhibition robustly enhances T cell activity in vitro and in vivo and provide a mechanistic rationale for targeting Cbl-b/c-Cbl to amplify anti-tumor immune responses. Citation Format: Livia Yamashiro, Sachie Marubayashi, Rameshwari Rayaji, Anudari Battsooj, Karim Mrouj, Hema Singh, Yue Tong Lee, Ada Chen, Lunda Shen, Artur Mailyan, Kai Yu, Masha Podunavac, Julie Yu, Dongdong Liu, Clayton Hardman, Johnny Yin, Srikanth Gangam, Ken Lawson, Manmohan Leleti, Matthew Walters, Daniel DiRenzo. Cbl inhibition increases the response of cytotoxic T cells to sub-optimal stimulation and drives enhanced anti-tumor responses alone or in combination with PD-1 blockade [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 4042.

Research on multi-model imaging machine learning for distinguishing early hepatocellular carcinoma

ObjectiveTo investigate the value of differential diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and non-hepatocellular carcinoma (non-HCC) based on CT and MR multiphase radiomics combined with different machine learning models and compare the diagnostic efficacy between different radiomics models.BackgroundPrimary liver cancer is one of the most common clinical malignancies, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common subtype of primary liver cancer, accounting for approximately 90% of cases. A clear diagnosis of HCC is important for the individualized treatment of patients with HCC. However, more sophisticated diagnostic modalities need to be explored.MethodsThis retrospective study included 211 patients with liver lesions: 97 HCC and 124 non-hepatocellular carcinoma (non-HCC) who underwent CT and MRI. Imaging data were used to obtain imaging features of lesions and radiomics regions of interest (ROI). The extracted imaging features were combined to construct different radiomics models. The clinical data and imaging features were then combined with radiomics features to construct the combined models. Support Vector Machine (SVM), K-nearest Neighbor (KNN), RandomForest (RF), eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LightGBM), Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) six machine learning models were used for training. Five-fold cross-validation was used to train the models, and ROC curves were used to analyze the diagnostic efficacy of each model and calculate the accuracy rate. Model training and efficacy test were performed as before.ResultsStatistical analysis showed that some clinical data (gender and concomitant cirrhosis) and imaging features (presence of envelope, marked enhancement in the arterial phase, rapid contouring in the portal phase, uniform density/signal and concomitant steatosis) were statistical differences (P < 0.001). The results of machine learning models showed that KNN had the best diagnostic efficacy. The results of the combined model showed that SVM had the best diagnostic efficacy, indicating that the combined model (accuracy 0.824) had better diagnostic efficacy than the radiomics-only model.ConclusionsOur results demonstrate that the radiomic features of CT and MRI combined with machine learning models enable differential diagnosis of HCC and non-HCC (malignant, benign). The diagnostic model with dual radiomic had better diagnostic efficacy. The combined model was superior to the radiomic model alone.

Advanced design of cathode array protrusion structure of solid oxide fuel cell based on NSGA-II multi-objective optimization

As fuel cells gain widespread utilization, augmenting the power density and combination property of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) has emerged as a pivotal area of research. This study introduces an innovative arrayed protrusion structure within the cathode flow channels of SOFCs to induce secondary flow. The influence of this arrayed structure on fuel cell combination property is meticulously analyzed through comprehensive numerical simulations. Furthermore, this paper employs the Response Surface Methodology to evaluate the synergistic effects of cathode operational conditions, particularly temperature, and arrayed structure parameters (including base width, height, and quantity) on SOFC performance. Correlations among these variables have been established to show synergistic associations between variables and performance index. The findings reveal that the inclusion of an arrayed structure in the cathode flow channels generates multi-directional vortices, thereby intensifying gas disturbance, facilitating reactant diffusion, and optimizing oxygen concentration distribution. This results in a marked enhancement of the fuel cell's overall performance. Among the operational parameters analyzed, temperature exerts the most substantial influence on power density, followed by protrusion height, base width, and number. Ultimately, using the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm-II (NSGA-II), Pareto optimal solutions were derived, yielding a superior balance of higher power density and reduced pressure drop. Compared to the baseline, the power density in these Pareto optimal solutions saw an increase of 16.5% to 23.6%, while pressure drop escalated marginally by 1.5% to 8.9%.

Electroacupuncture promotes macrophage/microglial M2 polarization and suppresses inflammatory pain through AMPK.

Inflammatory pain, the most prevalent disease globally, remains challenging to manage. Electroacupuncture emerges as an effective therapy, yet its underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. This study investigates whether adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-regulated silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) contributes to electroacupuncture's antinociceptive effects by modulating macrophage/microglial polarization in the spinal dorsal horn of a mouse model of inflammatory pain. In this study, mice, introduced to inflammatory pain through subcutaneous injections of complete freund's adjuvant (CFA) in the plantar area, underwent electroacupuncture therapy every alternate day for 30-min sessions. The assessment of mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia in these subjects was carried out using paw withdrawal frequency and paw withdrawal latency measurements, respectively. Western blot analysis measured levels of AMPK, phosphorylation-adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase, SIRT1, inducible nitric oxide synthase, cluster of differentiation 86, arginase 1, and interleukin 10. In contrast to the group treated solely with CFA, the cohort receiving both CFA and electroacupuncture demonstrated notable decreases in both thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia. This was accompanied by a marked enhancement in AMPK phosphorylation levels. AMPK knockdown reversed electroacupuncture's analgesic effects and reduced M2 macrophage/microglial polarization enhancement. Additionally, AMPK knockdown significantly weakened electroacupuncture-induced SIRT1 upregulation, and EX-527 injection attenuated electroacupuncture's facilitation of M2 macrophage/microglial polarization without affecting AMPK phosphorylation levels. Furthermore, combining electroacupuncture with SRT1720 enhanced the analgesic effect of SRT1720. Our findings suggest that AMPK regulation of SIRT1 plays a critical role in electroacupuncture's antinociceptive effect through the promotion of M2 macrophage/microglial polarization.

High-performance electrochemiluminescence of self-assembled multi-resonance thermally activated delayed fluorescence nanoparticles

In this paper, the synthesis of thermally activated delayed fluorescence nanoparticles (TADF NPs) is reported using a micelle-confined soft template self-assembly. With vaporing organic solvent in this system, TADF NPs with a diameter of about 500 nm were obtained. The main advantage is to nanoencapsulate these TADF molecules with an amphiphilic polymer. As demonstrated, air-stable nanoparticles with efficient TADF properties are realized in water. The application of these as-prepared TADF NPs as a kind of alternative electrochemiluminescent (ECL) material has also been investigated. The triplet-harvesting ability combined with excellent redox properties endows as-prepared TADF NPs with a high ECL efficiency of 10.82%, which is a marked enhancement over previous results. Therefore, ECL materials with similar behavior to reported TADF materials in this article are desirable in applications such as ECL sensing, imaging, and light-emitting devices.

Subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation alleviates oxidative stress via mitophagy in Parkinson’s disease

Subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) has the potential to delay Parkinson’s disease (PD) progression. Whether oxidative stress participates in the neuroprotective effects of DBS and related signaling pathways remains unknown. To address this, we applied STN-DBS to mice and monkey models of PD and collected brain tissue to evaluate mitophagy, oxidative stress, and related pathway. To confirm findings in animal experiments, a cohort of PD patients was recruited and oxidative stress was evaluated in cerebrospinal fluid. When PD mice received STN stimulation, the mTOR pathway was suppressed, accompanied by elevated LC3 II expression, increased mitophagosomes, and a decrease in p62 expression. The increase in mitophagy and balance of mitochondrial fission/fusion dynamics in the substantia nigra caused a marked enhancement of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and glutathione levels. Subsequently, fewer mitochondrial apoptogenic factors were released to the cytoplasm, which resulted in a suppression of caspase activation and reservation of dopaminergic neurons. While interfaced with an mTOR activator, oxidative stress was no longer regulated by STN-DBS, with no neuroprotective effect. Similar results to those found in the rodent experiments were obtained in monkeys treated with chronic STN stimulation. Moreover, antioxidant enzymes in PD patients were increased after the operation, however, there was no relation between changes in antioxidant enzymes and motor impairment. Collectively, our study found that STN-DBS was able to increase mitophagy via an mTOR-dependent pathway, and oxidative stress was suppressed due to removal of damaged mitochondria, which was attributed to the dopaminergic neuroprotection of STN-DBS in PD.

Exosomes from young plasma alleviate osteoporosis through miR-217-5p-regulated osteogenesis of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell

Osteoporosis, increasingly prevalent among the aging population, poses a global health challenge. Current treatments, often limited by prolonged treatment durations, serious side effects, and suboptimal efficacy, necessitate innovative approaches. Building on previous research that highlighted the rejuvenating potential of young blood in organ vitality. This study focused on the role of exosomes and exosomal miRNA. Specifically, we investigated the efficacy of exosomes derived from young plasma (Y-Exos) in mitigating osteoporosis, contrasting them with exosomes from aged plasma (A-Exos). Our in vitro analysis involved co-culturing bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) with Y-Exos or A-Exos, assessing their impact on BMSCs migration, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation. Y-Exos exhibited a marked enhancement in BMSCs proliferation, migration, and osteogenic differentiation compared to A-Exos. Corresponding in vivo studies corroborated these findings, demonstrating that Y-Exos significantly alleviated osteoporosis, whereas A-Exos impeded bone regeneration. Furthermore, our research identified exosomal miR-217–5p as a pivotal contributor to the osteoprotective effects of Y-Exos. Our work provided a potential strategy for advancing the clinical treatment of osteoporosis.

Assessment of magnetic resonance imaging and histopathological changes in chordoid glioma: A retrospective analysis of 13 cases

AbstractChordoid glioma (CG) is a rare tumor, and its predominantly anterior location is in the third ventricle. However, the clinical characteristics of CG were not obvious, and there was less knowledge of CG‐related imaging. This study aimed at exploring the MRI imaging features of CG. We retrospectively analyzed the MRI data of 13 patients diagnosed with CG from January 2015 to May 2021. The pathological change of tumor tissue was observed using H&amp;E staining and immunohistochemical. The MRI manifestations of CG often include phyllode masses in the anterior part of the third ventricle. T2WI is dominated by iso‐ and hypointensity, with internal patchy hyperintensity, marked enhancement, and peritumoral edema. The “eight‐character edema sign” runs along the optic beam and may be useful for distinguishing CG from other tumors. CG has unique MRI manifestations that can serve as a diagnostic basis. Our study may help to enhance the understanding of imaging about CG and improve the diagnosis of patients with CG.

Enhancement mechanisms of self-lubricating Ti3SiC2 ceramic doping in CoCrFeNi high-entropy alloy via high-speed laser cladding: Tribology and electrochemical corrosion

High-entropy alloys (HEAs) are renowned for their superior mechanical properties and corrosion resistance, positioning them as promising materials in the realm of wear and corrosion-resistant applications. In this study, CoCrFeNi HEA coatings were fabricated utilizing the high-speed laser cladding (HLC), and the effects of adding Ti3SiC2 self-lubricating phase on the microstructure, wear resistance, and electrochemical corrosion performance of CoCrFeNi HEA coatings was investigated. The results show that CoCrFeNi HEA coatings synthesized via HLC exhibit an impressively low dilution rate of <0.1 %, while concurrently ensuring a robust metallurgical bond with the substrate. CoCrFeNi coating has an FCC simple solid solution structure. Upon the addition of Ti3SiC2, the composite structure comprises FCC, Ti3SiC2, and TiC phases. The friction coefficients (COFs) of CoCrFeNi coating and the coatings with 3, 6, and 9 at.% Ti3SiC2 content are 0.684, 0.628, 0.429, and 0.426, respectively. Predominantly, the wear mechanisms observed encompass abrasive wear, adhesive wear, and oxidative wear. Intriguingly, when the Ti3SiC2 content reaches 6 at.%, a contiguous self-lubricating layer forms within the wear track, leading to a notable reduction in COF and a marked enhancement in wear resistance. In electrochemical corrosion evaluations, the coatings demonstrated polarization resistances of 11,400, 9923, 9654, and 6125 Ω·cm2, respectively. While Ti3SiC2 exhibits commendable passivation capabilities, an elevated Ti3SiC2 content can expedite corrosion processes by fostering a potential difference battery formation on the coating surface.

The Color-Developing Methods for Cultivated Meat and Meat Analogues: A Mini-Review.

Novel meat-inspired products, such as cell-cultivated meat and meat analogues, embrace environmental sustainability, food safety and security, animal welfare, and human health, but consumers are still hesitant to accept these products. The appearance of food is often the most persuasive determinant of purchasing decisions for food. Producing cultivated meat and meat analogues with similar characteristics to conventional meat could lead to increased acceptability, marketability, and profitability. Color is one of the sensorial characteristics that can be improved using color-inducing methods and colorants. Synthetic colorants are cheap and stable, but natural pigments are regarded as safer components for novel food production. The complexity of identifying specific colorants to imitate both raw and cooked meat color lies in the differences in ingredients and methods used to produce meat alternatives. Research devoted to improving the sensorial characteristics of meat analogues has noted various color-inducing methods (e.g., ohmic cooking and pasteurization) and additives (e.g., lactoferrin, laccase, xylose, and pectin). Additionally, considerations toward other meat components, such as fat, can aid in mimicking conventional meat appearance. For instance, the use of plant-based fat replacers and scaffolds can produce a marked sensory enhancement without compromising the sustainability of alternative meats. Moving forward, consumer-relevant sensorial characteristics, such as taste and texture, should be prioritized alongside improving the coloration of meat alternatives.

High fatigue resistance in a titanium alloy via near-void-free 3D printing.

The advantage of 3D printing-that is, additive manufacturing (AM) of structural materials-has been severely compromised by their disappointing fatigue properties1,2. Commonly, poor fatigue properties appear to result from the presence of microvoids induced by current printing process procedures3,4. Accordingly, the question that we pose is whether the elimination of such microvoids can provide a feasible solution for marked enhancement of the fatigue resistance of void-free AM (Net-AM) alloys. Here we successfully rebuild an approximate void-free AM microstructure in Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy by development of a Net-AM processing technique through an understanding of the asynchronism of phase transformation and grain growth. We identify the fatigue resistance of such AM microstructures and show that they lead to a high fatigue limit of around 1 GPa, exceeding the fatigue resistance of all AM and forged titanium alloys as well as that of other metallic materials. We confirm the high fatigue resistance of Net-AM microstructures and the potential advantages of AM processing in the production of structural components with maximum fatigue strength, which is beneficial for further application of AM technologies in engineering fields.

From integrated bridge system to marine bridge domain: A computational perspective

With the progressive advancement of ship intelligence, there has been a corresponding augmentation in the sensory, control, and other equipment within ship bridge systems. The accelerated expansion of both hardware and software components in ships poses formidable challenges to the existing bridge systems. The prevalent deployment format of ship bridge systems adheres to a traditional decentralized structure, limiting the system's computational prowess, equipment compatibility, and data fusion capabilities. Addressing these constraints and augmenting the ship bridge system's information processing, equipment compatibility, and functional integration represent pivotal objectives. Thus, this paper embarks on an analysis of the developmental trajectory, challenges, and predominant trends characterizing the current Integrated Bridge System (IBS) in ships. Subsequently, harnessing the inherent advantages of software and hardware decoupling, centralized computational capabilities, and seamless integration of data and functions, we propose a comprehensive maritime bridge domain architecture. This proposed architecture is meticulously delineated, encompassing aspects such as overall scheme design, hardware and software subsystems, and the mechanism of data service. In conclusion, the paper advocates a systematic approach to system development, encompassing implementation, testing, and evaluation of the proposed architecture. Rigorous testing and evaluation of the architecture, focusing on data collection, network transmission performance, functional availability, data distribution efficiency, and task processing capabilities, affirm its marked enhancements in computational proficiency, data service efficiency, and functional integration within the IBS. These results lay a robust foundation for the intelligent design of ship systems, paving the way for the evolution of intelligent ships.

YOLOv5 based object detection in reel package X-ray images of semiconductor component

The industrial manufacturing landscape is currently shifting toward the incorporation of technologies based on artificial intelligence (AI). This transition includes an evolution toward smart factory infrastructure, with a specific focus on AI-driven strategies in production and quality control. Specifically, AI-empowered computer vision has emerged as a potent tool that offers a departure from extant rule-based systems and provides enhanced operational efficiency at manufacturing sites. As the manufacturing sector embraces this new paradigm, the impetus to integrate AI-integrated manufacturing is evident. Within this framework, one salient application is AI deep learning–facilitated small-object detection, which is poised to have extensive implications for diverse industrial applications. This study describes an optimized iteration of the YOLOv5 model, which is known for its efficacious single-stage object-detection abilities underpinned by PyTorch. Our proposed “improved model” incorporates an additional layer to the model's canonical three-layer architecture, augmenting accuracy and computational expediency. Empirical evaluations using semiconductor X-ray imagery reveal the model's superior performance metrics. Given the intricate specifications of surface-mount technologies, which are characterized by a plethora of micro-scale components, our model makes a seminal contribution to real-time, in-line production assessments. Quantitative analyses show that our improved model attained a mean average precision of 0.622, surpassing YOLOv5's 0.349, and a marked accuracy enhancement of 0.865, which is a significant improvement on YOLOv5's 0.552. These findings bolster the model's robustness and potential applicability, particularly in discerning objects at reel granularities during real-time inferencing.

A Novel Technique of Medial Displacement Calcaneal Osteotomy Using the Intramedullary Fixation of a Conventional Low-Profile Locking Wedge Plate.

Postoperative heel pain arising from prominent screw heads is a common complication following medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy (MDCO). This study aims to present the clinicoradiographic outcomes of a novel MDCO technique, wherein intramedullary fixation of a conventional low-profile locking wedge plate is employed. A retrospective analysis, involving a comparison of clinical and radiographic parameters among consecutive patients who underwent MDCO was conducted. The patients were subjected to either intramedullary wedge plate fixation through the osteotomy site (IWPF group, n = 45 cases) or conventional cannulated screw fixation from the heel (CCSF group, n = 51 cases). Radiographic evaluation included measurement of hindfoot alignment angle, alignment ratio, and moment arm. Clinical outcomes were measured with the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score, and the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) activities of daily living and sports subscales, before and at 6, 12, and ≥24 months postoperatively. The presence of heel pain was evaluated at the postoperative 6 and 12 months in both groups. For both groups, a marked enhancement in all 3 radiographic parameters was observed. The extent of correction for all clinicoradiographic parameters demonstrated no statistically significant divergence between the 2 groups. However, the FAAM-Sports scores at the 6-month postoperative juncture exhibited a significant elevation in the IWPF group relative to the CCSF group. Importantly, no patient reported heel pain at postoperative 6 and 12 months in the IWPF group whereas the rates of patients having heel pain at postoperative 6 and 12 months were 56.8% (29 cases) and 33.3% (17 cases), respectively, in the CCSF group. Both techniques yield analogous postoperative clinical and radiographic enhancements. However, the utilization of IWPF promotes a swifter clinical improvement with respect to sports activities when juxtaposed with the CCSF from the calcaneal tuberosity. Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Estimation of actual evapotranspiration from different ecosystems on the Tibetan Plateau based on a generalized complementary evapotranspiration theory model

AbstractActual evapotranspiration constitutes a vital component of the exchange of energy and water vapour between the soil‐vegetation and atmospheric systems on terrestrial terrain. Nevertheless, the Tibetan Plateau, owing to its austere environmental conditions, harbours a scarcity of terrestrial monitoring stations. This circumstance presents a formidable challenge in attaining precise estimations of actual evapotranspiration. The complementary relationship method is a potential approach because it requires only routine meteorological data to estimate actual evapotranspiration on a regional or global scale. However, the suitability of the complementary relationship model across diverse ecosystems on the Tibetan Plateau necessitates further investigation. In this study, we scrutinized the simulation of daily and monthly actual evapotranspiration across 18 observation sites spanning eight distinct land use categories on the Tibetan Plateau. We employed the polynomial generalized complementary function introduced by Brutsaert (B2015), alongside its enhanced rendition proposed by Szilagyi (S2017) and Crago (C2018). The outcomes reveal that all three models adeptly replicate the fluctuations in actual evapotranspiration, irrespective of land use category or temporal scale—whether daily or monthly. This is true regardless of whether original or calibrated parameter values are applied. However, there exist significant variations in the performance of these models. In general, the C2018 model demonstrates superior performance across most ecosystems when original parameters are employed. Following parameter calibration, the simulation efficacy of the models experienced marked enhancement. Post parameter calibration, the B2015 model outperforms the other two models notably in desert and wetland environments. Furthermore, the simulation outputs from all three models display heightened sensitivity to parameter α, particularly in the context of the C2018 and S2017 models. These findings suggest that accurate estimation of parameter values is critical to improving the accuracy of estimating actual evapotranspiration. Calibrated parameter values, contingent on a fusion of vegetation, meteorology and surface roughness, exhibit variability across diverse ecosystems.

Dilute Nanocomposites: Tuning Polymer Chain Local Nanostructures to Enhance Dielectric Responses.

Dielectric polymers possessing high energy and low losses are of great interest for electronic and electric devices and systems. Nanocomposites in which high dielectric constant (high-K) nanofillers at high loading (>10 vol%) are admixed with polymer matrix have been investigated for decades, aiming at enhancing the dielectric performance, but with limited success. In 2017, it is discovered that reducing nanofiller loading to less than 0.5 vol% in polymer matrix can lead to marked enhancement in dielectric performance. Here, we reviewed the discoveries and advances of this unconventional approach to enhance dielectric performance of polymers. Experimental studies uncover that nanofillers lead to interfaceschanges over distances larger than 100nm. Experimental and modeling results show that introducing free volume in polymers reduces the constraints of glass matrix on dipoles in polymers, leading to enhanced K without affecting breakdown. Moreover, low-K nanofillers at low-volume loading serve as deep traps for charges, lowering conduction losses and increasing breakdown strength. The dilute nanocomposites provide new avenues for designing dielectric polymers with high K, minimal losses, and robust breakdown fields, thus achieving high energy and power density and low loss for operation over a broad temperature regime.

Cr3+-doped α-MnO2 electrode with high specific capacitance and ultra-long cycle life

In the realm of energy storage, α-MnO2-based supercapacitors exhibit salient features such as elevated specific capacitance and pronounced safety in aqueous electrolytes. However, the inherent Jahn-Teller effect compromises long-term cycling stability. This study investigates the mitigating impact of Cr3+ doping on the Jahn-Teller effect, culminating in a marked enhancement of electrode cycling resilience. After 10,000 cycles of charging and discharging (5A/g), a remarkable capacitance retention rate of 107.3 % was observed, while the capacitance retention of the undoped sample was only 83.4 %. Experimental and computational findings revealed that trivalent chromium (Cr(III)) ions effectively infiltrated the α-MnO2 lattice, replacing Mn(III) ions and resulting in the formation of [CrO6] octahedral units. These units serve as anchoring points during electrode cycling, thereby improving material stability. In summary, this study offers a viable solution to address the issue of poor cycling stability in manganese-based energy storage materials.

Intrapericardial nonfunctional paraganglioma: a case report and literature review

Abstract Objectives Paraganglioma (PGL) is a rare extra-adrenal neuroendocrine tumor, and intrapericardial PGL is extremely rare. We report a rare case of intrapericardial nonfunctional PGL, which may be used as a reference for further analysis. Case presentation This article presents the case of a 65-year-old woman with a 2-year history of lower extremity pain. Ultrasound revealed a hypoechoic mass adjacent to the right atrium, compressing and narrowing the right atrium. Computed tomography (CT) showed a low-density mass with marked enhancement suggestive of a solitary fibrous tumor or a vasogenic tumor of pericardial origin. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed the location and provided a primary diagnosis of solitary fibrous tumor, hemangioma, or hemangiosarcoma. The patient eventually underwent pericardial tumor resection, and the diagnosis of PGL was confirmed by postoperative histopathology. Conclusions Pathology is considered the gold standard for the diagnosis of PGL. Imaging examinations can provide valuable information for the diagnosis and management of intrapericardial PGL, and surgery remains the treatment of choice.

Exploring the impact of artificial intelligence-based assistants in modern education: The case of ChatGPT

The rapidly evolving digital landscape of the 21st century has marked the ascendancy of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a potent transformative element across multifarious sectors, especially within the educational realm. This research undertakes a meticulous exploration of AI-integrated conversational models, emphasizing the pivotal role of ChatGPT, a brainchild of OpenAI. Delving into its developmental trajectory, this study maps the intricate transitions from ChatGPT's version 3.5 to its superior successor, version 4.0. This journey reveals marked enhancements, such as the model's adeptness at handling extensive textual data, and its uncanny ability to produce nuanced, human-like interactive responses. From empirical and qualitative evaluations, it was found that ChatGPT has demonstrated a profound impact in two main areas: expanding student engagement and advocating for a hyper-personalized learning paradigm. Findings suggest a compelling correlation between ChatGPT-integrated pedagogical methods and augmented student motivation, proactive engagement, and enriched academic achievements. Moreover, detailed case studies within specialized fields, notably medical education and legal studies, underscore ChatGPT's versatility in tailoring instructional content to niche disciplinary requirements. In synthesizing these insights, this research postulates an imminent educational future characterized by deep personalization, dynamic interactivity, and an enhanced learner-centric ethos. Such a vision places this study at the forefront of educational discourse, proffering invaluable guidance for educators, technologists, and policymakers endeavoring to maximize the benefits of AI-infused pedagogy.

Numerical study of natural convection in an inclined cavity filled with Al2O3/Cu-H2O nanofluids

The lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) was implemented in the present research to assess a numerical investigation of the heat transfer caused by natural convection in a nanofluid-filled inclined square cavity with a sinusoidal distribution of temperatures on a heated chip in the left wall. It has its foundation in the lattice-BGK (Bhatnagar-Gross-Krook) model and the single-relaxation-time approach of the D2Q9 scheme. A discussion is held concerning the impact of different physical variables on thermal transfer efficiency. The purpose of this study is to examine the impacts of four essential parameters: the Rayleigh number, length of the heated chip, volume concentration of the nanofluids, and tilt angle. These variations encompassed ranges of 103 to 106, H/4 to H, 0% to 6%, and 0° to 315°, respectively. The results indicate that an increase in the Rayleigh number leads to a noteworthy improvement in heat transfer, driven by an accelerated fluid flow induced by buoyancy forces. The tilt angle, interacting with the hot wall’s position, becomes a crucial factor, significantly influencing heat transfer in specific orientations. The length of the heating chip impacts fluid flow, demonstrating a marked enhancement in heat transfer within the cavity. Importantly, the use of nanoparticles, particularly in the Cu/H2O nanofluid, exhibits a substantial increase in thermal transmission as the nanoparticle volumetric fraction rises. These findings extend beyond heat transfer mechanisms, carrying significant implications for the scientific and technological realms. The validation findings are in good accord with the available research, the results of experiments, and the numerical data.