The mechanical response of biological soft tissues is influenced by wall heterogeneity, including spatial variations in wall thickness. Traditional models for homogeneous soft tissues under uniaxial loading predict higher stretch and stress in thinner regions. In prior studies, the role of collagen fibers in regions of thickness transition has been largely neglected or only considered in terms of their effect on anisotropy. Here, we explore the role of collagen fibers as primary load-bearing components across regions of varying wall thickness, using a three-dimensional meso-scale model (MSM) incorporating explicit collagen fiber architecture and a gradual thickness gradient. We examined two distinct collagen fiber configurations across the thickness transition: one featuring abrupt fiber termination and another with fiber continuity. Finite element analysis (FEA) under uniaxial tension revealed that load transfer by the continuous fibers markedly reduced the importance of the change in wall thickness, with stretch differentials dropping from 20.97% (fiber-termination network) to 0.68% (continuous fibers) and stress differentials dropping from ~65% (fiber-termination network) to 2.3% (continuous fibers). Fiber tortuosity delayed the point at which mechanical response was governed by fiber structure. These findings demonstrate the critical role of fiber continuity in reducing stretch and stress gradients across regions of varying wall thickness and clarify the importance of accurately representing fiber architecture when modeling soft tissues with heterogeneous wall thickness.

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a common nutritional deficiency disease caused by iron deficiency. Oral iron supplementation, the simplest and most commonly used iron repletion strategy in the clinic, primarily induces gastrointestinal inflammation, which subsequently elicits complications, including nausea, gastrointestinal bleeding, and constipation. Oral iron supplementation, the most simple and widespread method of iron replenishment in the clinic, primarily causes gastrointestinal inflammation, which, in turn, leads to complications such as nausea, gastrointestinal bleeding, and constipation. Furthermore, gastrointestinal inflammation impedes the absorption of iron, thereby exacerbating anemia. Gold nanoparticles with an inherent anti-inflammatory effect make them a promising weapon for alleviating iron-induced gut inflammation. Herein, we studied the effects of 4,6-diamino-2-pyrimidinethiol (DAPT)-functionalized gold nanoparticles (DAu NPs) on the iron supplementation efficiency and gut inflammation in the IDA model. We discussed the mechanisms of gut microbiota and immune responses on gut inflammation using the 16S rRNA (rRNA) gene sequencing and the polarization of RAW 264.7 cells in vitro. DAu NPs with oral iron supplementation could effectively treat IDA. DAu NPs played a significant role in reshaping gut microbiota, promoting short-chain fatty acid production, and regulating immune responses to reduce inflammation caused by excess iron. In vitro, DAu NPs could inhibit iron-dependent bacteria (Escherichia coli) proliferation while promoting probiotic (Lactobacillus) growth. Oral administration of DAu NPs could regulate M2 polarization of gut macrophages, reduce neutrophil and Th17 cell infiltration, and increase Treg cells recruitment. DAu NPs accumulated primarily in the colon and were excreted via feces, demonstrating excellent biosafety. Our study provides a potential method for the treatment of IDA and other metal element deficiencies.

ABSTRACT Zirconium (Zr)-based alloys are promising for biomedical implants due to their excellent biocompatibility, corrosion resistance and low magnetic susceptibility, critical for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compatibility. However, the relationship between additive manufacturing parameters, microstructure and functional properties of Zr-based alloys remains underexplored. Herein, Zr -2.5Nb alloy parts were fabricated via electron beam powder bed fusion (EB-PBF) using 40 distinct parameter sets with energy densities ranging from 25 to 230 J·mm−3. The effects of processing parameters on densification, microstructural evolution, mechanical properties and MRI compatibility were systematically investigated. Multiscale and phase-field simulations revealed the mechanisms of melt pool dynamics, thermal history and spinodal decomposition during EB-PBF. A convolutional neural network (CNN) was employed as a supplementary data-analysis approach to reveal the relative influence of coupled microstructural descriptors on magnetic susceptibility. Energy density significantly influences phase composition, microstructure and texture, dictating mechanical strength and magnetic response. Optimal parameters yielded near-full densification, a balanced tensile strength of 621.7 MPa with 23.6% elongation and a 58% reduction in MRI artefact volume compared to Ti -6Al -4V. This work provides a comprehensive framework for tailoring microstructure and multi-performance of the EB-PBF-processed Zr -2.5Nb alloys, advancing their application in the next-generation MRI-compatible implants.

Amniotic Suspension Allograft and Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate Results in Highly Variable Proinflammatory Cytokines in a Coculture Model of Osteoarthritis

High-strength aluminum alloys are attractive for lightweight structures, but their weldability in fusion processes is limited by coarse grains and brittle grain-boundary intermetallics. In this work, TiC nanoparticles were incorporated into the fusion zone during oscillating laser–arc hybrid welding to tailor the microstructure and mechanical response of a high-strength aluminum alloy. TiC addition refined weld grains and promoted a columnar-to-equiaxed transition; at 1.0 wt. % TiC, the average weld grain size decreased from 60.23 to 37.27 μm and a nearly fully equiaxed morphology formed. TiC nanoparticles within grains and along grain boundaries transformed grain-boundary θ-Al2Cu/η-MgZn2 from continuous strips into reticular and particulate products, whereas 1.5 wt. % TiC caused nanoparticle agglomeration and higher porosity. As a result, joint properties showed a nonmonotonic dependence on TiC content: at 1.0 wt. % TiC, the weld microhardness increased by about 17 HV, the ultimate tensile strength rose from 288 to 341 MPa, and the elongation improved from 3.16% to 5.73%. Orowan strengthening from dispersed TiC nanoparticles, assisted by Hall–Petch grain refinement and defect reduction, mainly accounted for the strength increment. These findings demonstrate an efficient route to strengthen high-strength aluminum alloy welds via TiC nanoparticle-assisted oscillating laser–arc hybrid welding.

As global supply chains become increasingly complex, it is vital to enhance the resilience of semiconductor manufacturing supply chains for sustainable development. We focus on the strategic choice of the semiconductor manufacturer to improve resilience by opening the supply chain risk management (SCRM) platform and sharing its capabilities. In practice, semiconductor manufacturers typically procure semi-finished products from semiconductor suppliers, who also compete with manufacturers in the downstream market. This coopetitive relationship introduces additional complexity into the manufacturer's sharing decision. To analyze this dynamic, we develop a game-theoretic model to analyze the optimal sharing decision. First, our study finds that even when the revenue from the supplier's access is lower than the costs incurred from access, the semiconductor manufacturer sometimes still opens the platform. Then, the semiconductor manufacturer may invest more in the platform even when the product value is relatively low. Additionally, while accessing the platform improves the supplier's technical performance, capability sharing constitutes a win–win strategy only under certain conditions. Furthermore, capability sharing may lead to improvements in both customer surplus and social welfare. Our findings provide valuable insights for semiconductor manufacturers' decisions on SCRM capability sharing, suppliers' response mechanisms, and relevant policy formulation.

A new gas sensors compensation method for temperature and humidity based on its response mechanism

Molecular mechanisms of peanut root responses to Cd stress regulated by ABC transporter and plant hormone signal transduction pathways.

Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress (ERS), as a core mechanism of cellular response to protein homeostasis imbalance, plays a dual regulatory role in tumorigenesis and development. In this study, we aimed to analyze the regulatory network of Endoplasmic reticulum stress-associated genes (ERSAGs) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). By screening differentially expressed genes through the TCGA database, we explored the potential associations between ERS and OSCC across various aspects. We constructed an OSCC prognostic risk scoring model based on ERSRGs and validated the model's reliability using the GEO dataset as a validation set. In total, 43 differentially expressed ERSAGs were screened as well as 9 prognostic genes. Six genes (KLHL14, SLC25A4, STC2, TRIB3, ALG3, and CCNA2) were screened by Lasso regression to construct a prognostic risk score model. Further analysis suggested that KLHL14 may suppress OSCC progression by modulating tumor-infiltrating immune cells, specifically activated B cells and mast cells. Concurrently, experimental validation demonstrated that overexpression of CCNA2 significantly promotes the proliferation of OSCC. The results indicated that CCNA2 promotes the proliferation of OSCC cells cultured in vitro. This study is the first to construct a prognostic risk model for OSCC based on ERSAGs, which may assist in predicting prognosis of OSCC patients. The identified ERSAGs may contribute to the development of new therapeutic strategies, highlighting the potential clinical application value of ERS-related genes in predicting OSCC prognosis.

The nucleation of dislocations in sapphire of various structural perfection has been investigated by nanoindentation. The studies were carried out on crystallographic planes С (0001), a (1 1 2 0), R (0 112). In the curve of indentation of a Berkovich indenter into the single crystals, an abrupt transition from elastic to plastic deformation has been observed at a depth of about 75 nm due to the nucleation of dislocations in the initially dislocation free region under the contact. Deterioration of structural perfection results in a decrease in shear stresses under which dislocations nucleated. It is shown that the anisotropy of sapphire nanohardness is less pronounced than the static one.

Gallium oxide (Ga2O3) has emerged as a promising material for high-power and radiation-tolerant electronics due to its ultra-wide bandgap and excellent thermal stability. In this study, single-crystal β-Ga2O3 was exposed to neutron irradiation for periods up to 300 h to investigate its structural, chemical, electronic, and mechanical response. Post-irradiation examination revealed that the material maintained its monoclinic crystal structure, with no evidence of phase transformation, elemental segregation, or significant bandgap alteration. Atom probe tomography and energy-dispersive spectroscopy confirmed uniform elemental distributions of Ga, O, and Fe, while high-resolution electron energy-loss spectroscopy indicated negligible changes in the electronic structure. Nanoindentation measurements showed an increase in hardness after irradiation, suggesting the formation of irradiation-induced defects and associated radiation-hardening. These findings demonstrate that β-Ga2O3 can withstand low-dose neutron irradiation while preserving its microstructural, chemical, and electronic integrity, highlighting its potential for robust, high-performance devices in extreme radiation environments.

Exercise is well known to promote tendon healing, an effect traditionally attributed to mechanical loading-induced responses within the tendon itself. However, skeletal muscle also functions as a secretory organ, releasing bioactive factors (secretome) during exercise that influence various tissues. We hypothesized that muscle-derived secretome released during exercise may also contribute to tendon healing. To test this, we applied mechanical loading to cultured muscle cells (myoblasts) using the FlexCell tension system to simulate exercise invitro. Our previous studies, using 2D-cultured tendon cells (tenocytes), have demonstrated that secretome from statically loaded myoblasts, particularly under 2% loading, enhanced tendon healing-related responses. Building upon these findings, we employed a 3D tendon construct model to more closely mimic invivo healing conditions. We found that secretome derived from statically loaded myoblasts, especially at 2% loading, promoted tendon healing-related processes as compared with the control group, which received no secretome treatment (no conditioned media). These included increased cell-covered area, expression of the tenocyte marker scleraxis (SCX), and elevated production of Type I and III collagens at an early stage (Day 7). Additionally, a reduction in type III collagen production was found at a later stage (Day 14), suggesting a potentially accelerated healing process. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of the muscle-derived secretome in promoting tendon healing and may inform future strategies for rehabilitation and regenerative medicine.

The human sense of touch is vital to how we understand the world, and interfacing with this sense through haptic technologies has become increasingly important in applications ranging from entertainment to medical rehabilitation. Although wearable versions exist for many common haptic actuators, current technologies are often either heavy and bulky or tethered to external actuation systems such as pumps limiting long‐term wearability. Here, we demonstrate a wearable vibrotactile electromagnetic actuator based on room temperature liquid metal coils. Fine‐gauge silicone tubing is used to create the liquid metal coil using wire‐winding combined with silicone molding and filled with a nontoxic gallium alloy. Initial acoustic measurements of the actuator, intentionally focused in the 100–200 Hz range commonly studied in vibrotactile stimulation in human wrist, suggested a resonance near 140 Hz. To more fully capture the mechanical response, we subsequently performed laser displacement measurements with broadband chirp excitations, which revealed a fundamental resonance at approximately ∼40 Hz in agreement with an analytical membrane model, while also confirming the presence of higher order resonant modes in the 100–200 Hz range relevant for human perception. The actuator is also capable of operating under mechanical strains of up to 40% and to remain within safe thermal limits (heating to no greater than 35°C) under operation. Human testing of the minimum sensing threshold was performed on ten human volunteers and the haptic device was found to follow a typical U‐shaped profile showing a promising capability for almost fully soft electromagnetic haptics.

To enhance the sustainable operation of electricity–hydrogen coupling multi-microgrids (EHCMMG), this study proposes a multi-objective dispatch optimization framework driven by electricity price prediction. Although EHCMMG plays a vital role in renewable energy integration and multi-energy synergy, three major sustainability-related research gaps remain: insufficient consideration of cross-regional, multi-market, and multi-stakeholder interests; inadequate electricity–hydrogen demand response mechanisms; and limited investigation of uncertainty modeling that balances economy and security. To address these issues, this study first designs an EHCMMG architecture that supports electric-hydrogen interactions both within and outside the cluster. An electricity price prediction-driven multi-objective dispatch optimization model oriented toward multiple stakeholders is then proposed. This model incorporates incentive-based electricity–hydrogen demand response and constraints on carbon emissions. Moreover, operational uncertainties arising from renewable energy generation are addressed through the coordinated integration of spinning reserve capacity constraint and chance-constrained programming. The results show that the cluster cost, the market integrated operator (MIO) net revenue, user energy cost, and total carbon emissions are CNY 17.502 million, CNY 12.684 million, CNY 5.556 million, and 8168.126 tons in baseline scenario, respectively. The proposed model effectively balances economic efficiency, operational reliability, and low-carbon performance, thereby enhancing the overall sustainability of the EHCMMG.

Black pod rot, caused by Phytophthora species, is one of the most severe diseases affecting cocoa production. Among these species, P. citrophthora is considered one of the most aggressive, yet little is known about the molecular responses of cocoa to this pathogen. This study aimed to investigate the defense mechanisms of cacao against P. citrophthora through enzymatic analyses and gel-free comparative proteomics. Seedlings obtained by rooting cuttings from one resistant and one susceptible cultivar were inoculated with the pathogen, while controls received sterile distilled water. The activities of ascorbate peroxidase (APX), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured at 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours after inoculation (HAI). Protein abundance was evaluated at 24 HAI using mass spectrometry. The pathogen induced GPX activity from 6 HAI in the resistant and from 12 HAI in the susceptible cultivar, while APX activity increased in both cultivars after 18 HAI. A total of 1,583 proteins were identified across treatments. In the resistant cultivar, infection was associated with reduced photosynthesis, redirection of carbohydrate metabolism, and changes in the ascorbate/dehydroascorbate ratio, suggesting an efficient activation of defense responses. Constitutively abundant proteins related to antioxidant activity may also have contributed to resistance. In contrast, the susceptible cultivar showed limited protein abundance changes, with indications of increased metabolism of small molecules and accumulation of methylglyoxal, a cytotoxic compound linked to disease susceptibility. Overall, the results demonstrate that the resistant cultivar mobilizes early antioxidant defenses and metabolic reprogramming to cope with infection, whereas the susceptible exhibits inefficient responses leading to cellular damage. These findings provide new insights into cacao- P. citrophthora interactions, offer a foundation for future transcription-level studies, and may support the development of new pre-breeding stages for cacao cultivars.

To address the potential threat of surface subsidence caused by coal mining to the safe operation of buried gas pipelines in goaf collapse areas, this study investigates the geological conditions of the Mugu Coal Mine in Shanxi Province, China, and a gas pipeline passing through its surface mining area. Using a combination of numerical simulations and physical analog modeling, the mechanical response and deformation characteristics of the pipeline under mining-induced influences were systematically analyzed from three perspectives: the failure mechanisms of surface soil, the pipe–soil interaction behavior, and the damage evolution of the pipeline within the goaf. The research reveals a separation-induced failure pattern of the gas pipeline in mining-affected areas, referring to the mechanism in which differential settlement causes pipe–soil detachment, leading to unsupported bending deformation and stress concentration. Results show that the subsidence basin expands rapidly when the working face advances between 150 m and 210 m. Before this stage, the pipeline and surface soil deform synergistically with a symmetric subsidence curve centered on the goaf and uniformly distributed loads, showing no significant damage. During this stage, non-synergistic deformation occurs, leading to separation between the pipeline and soil. The maximum subsidence point shifts away from the center, destroying symmetry and causing stress concentration at the mining boundary, the advancing working face, and the goaf center, resulting in severe bending and rapid failure. After this stage, the pipe–soil interaction restabilizes with reduced separation height and extent, though pipeline deformation and damage continue to increase gradually. These findings provide a theoretical basis for engineering design optimization, targeted reinforcement measures, and monitoring strategies for gas pipelines in similar goaf collapse areas.

Early assessment of tumor treatment response and elucidation of resistance mechanisms are critical for optimizing therapeutic strategies and improving patient outcomes. Functional and metabolic imaging technologies, particularly positron emission tomography (PET) combined with specific tracers, enable dynamic monitoring of tumor cell metabolism and microenvironmental changes during the initial phases of therapy. This capability facilitates early prediction of treatment efficacy and investigation into mechanisms underlying drug resistance. This review synthesizes recent advances in the application of functional and metabolic imaging for early tumor treatment response evaluation and resistance assessment. Emphasis is placed on integrating multimodal imaging techniques with molecular biology approaches to comprehensively analyze the relationships among imaging biomarkers, tumor heterogeneity, immune microenvironment, and molecular pathways. The article further explores the clinical translational potential of these imaging modalities while addressing current challenges and limitations. By providing an updated overview of this rapidly evolving field, this review aims to guide future research and clinical application toward more precise and personalized oncology care.

The increasing risk to Vulnerable Road Users (VRUs) at urban intersections necessitates advanced safety mechanisms capable of operating effectively under diverse conditions, including adverse weather like heavy rain. While optical sensors such as cameras and LiDAR often degrade in poor visibility, Radio Frequency (RF)-based systems offer resilient, all-weather tracking. This paper presents a novel approach to enhancing VRU protection by fusing two RF modalities: radar sensors and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology, a strong candidate for Joint Communication and Sensing (JCS). The research, conducted as part of the VIDETEC-2 project, addresses the limitations of existing vehicle-based and infrastructure-based systems, particularly in scenarios involving occlusions and blind spots. By leveraging radar’s environmental robustness alongside UWB’s precise, cost-effective short-range communication and localization, the proposed system delivers the framework for continuous vehicle and VRU tracking. The fusion of these sensor modalities, managed through a hybrid Kalman filter approach integrating an Unscented Kalman Filter (UKF) and an Extended Kalman Filter (EKF), allows reliable VRU tracking even in challenging urban scenarios. The experimental results demonstrate a reduction in tracking uncertainty and highlight the system’s potential to serve as a more accurate and responsive safety mechanism for VRUs at intersections. This work contributes to the development of intelligent road infrastructures, laying the foundation for future advancements in urban traffic safety.

The water-soluble red CsPbI3 perovskite quantum dot "on-off-on" fluorescence sensor for the detection of Cu2+ and D-penicillamine.

This study investigates the quasi-static and dynamic crushing behavior of a bio-inspired cactus geometry core structure manufactured from ABS polymer using fused deposition modeling. The mechanical response and energy absorption characteristics of the structure were examined experimentally under a wide range of strain rates, including quasi-static compression, drop-weight, and direct impact Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) tests. Corresponding finite element models were developed in LS-DYNA using the piecewise linear plasticity material model with Cowper–Symonds rate sensitivity parameters calibrated from material characterization tests. The experimental and numerical results showed close agreement in both quasi-static and dynamic regimes. Increasing loading rate led to higher initial peak forces and energy absorption values, while delaying the onset of folding. The strain-rate and inertial contributions to the crushing response were quantitatively separated, revealing that inertia dominated in the early elastic region, whereas strain-rate effects governed the plastic deformation stage. The cactus-inspired core exhibited stable deformation and significant energy dissipation, indicating its potential as a lightweight protective component in impact and crashworthiness applications.