Diluent-Induced Liquid Crystalline Domain Ordering Synergistically Enhances Thermal Conductivity and Electrical Insulation of Polymers.

With the increasing demand for high-performance electrical equipment, particularly in power semiconductors, it is crucial to develop packaging materials with excellent insulation, thermal conductivity, and thermal stability. However, achieving simultaneous enhancement of the thermal conductivity and dielectric strength remains a significant challenge. In this work, a phenyl glycidyl ether diluent was introduced to induce ordered liquid crystalline epoxy films, yielding substantial electro-thermal improvements.

Real-Time Cascaded State Estimation Framework on Lie Groups for Legged Robots Using Proprioception.

This paper proposes a cascaded state estimation framework based on proprioception for robots. A generalized-momentum-based Kalman filter (GMKF) estimates the ground reaction forces at the feet through joint torques, which are then input into an error-state Kalman filter (ESKF) to obtain the robot's prior state estimate. The system's dynamic equations on the Lie group are parameterized using canonical coordinates of the first kind, and variations in the tangent space are mapped to the Lie algebra via the inverse of the right trivialization.

Adduct-Induced Variability in Tandem Mass Spectrometry.

Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) provides essential structural information and plays a central role in compound annotation in metabolomics. While different precursor ion types are expected to influence the generation of MS/MS spectra, systematic investigations into precursor ion type-dependent MS/MS variability have been limited. To address this gap, we analyzed over half a million MS/MS spectra of 24,686 unique compounds from the NIST 20 spectral library, covering a broad range of precursor ion types and collision energies (CEs).

Sound absorption enabled by critical coupling and mutual coupling in virtual boundary waveguide.

Virtual boundary waveguides (VBWs) possess particular abilities for guiding sound transmission in a continuous and unbounded field. However, achieving acoustic mode manipulation in VBWs with non-invasive structures presents ongoing challenges. We propose and investigate a VBW incorporating coupling arrays for acoustic absorption through theoretical, numerical, and experimental methods.

The viability of mildly oxidized microporous carbons for adsorptive removal of gaseous aromatic hydrocarbons in humid air.

The adsorption efficacy of commercial activated carbon (AC) toward volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is generally impeded by the presence of moisture under real environmental conditions. To address this limitation, surface modification strategies such as oxidative treatments are employed to enhance the hydrophilicity of AC. In this study, coconut shell-based AC (CSAC) is subjected to mild hydrogen peroxide (HO) oxidation at 100 and 125 °C, producing samples labeled as CSAC100 and CSAC125, respectively.

Hard-Soft Dual-State Coatings Regulate Degradation Rate and Biocompatibility of Orthopedic Magnesium Implants.

The biomechanical similarity of magnesium to cortical bone, along with its biocompatibility and biodegradability, makes it promising for orthopedic implants. However, rapid degradation compromises the structural integrity and fixation, causing failure. To address this issue, we developed a hard-soft dual-state coating to regulate degradation and improve performance.

Needle-like focusing and longitudinal depth imaging based on high-throughput acoustic metamaterials.

Acoustic focusing and imaging have emerged as a significant and highly discussed topic in scientific research. However, the axial localized point-like focal spots formed in previous studies cannot provide clear imaging of curved objects with finite spatial thickness. Here, we propose an acoustic needle metalens (ANM) composed of high-throughput spiral units with a specific phase distribution.

Development and validation of a CT-based radiomics nomogram for predicting cervical lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid carcinoma.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to develop and validate a radiomics nomogram based on 40 KeV images and iodine density maps derived from dual-layer spectral detector CT (DLSDCT) for predicting cervical lymph node (LN) metastasis in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).MethodsA total of 214 LNs from 143 patients with histopathologically confirmed PTC in our hospital were included in the study. The LNs were randomly divided into a training group (n = 150) and a validation group (n = 64) in a 7:3 ratio.

Magnesium oxide nanoparticles modulate phase separation to form trabecular-structured cryogels for bone defect repair.

Critical-sized bone defects pose notable therapeutic challenges and often require extensive bone grafts for effective intervention, leading to a substantial medical burden. The scarcity of autologous bone and the complex architecture of trabecular bone necessitate the development of cost-effective biomimetic graft materials. In this study, we developed a MgO nanoparticle-incorporated hydrogel scaffold (P-G-C-MgO2) using a freeze-induced phase separation approach.

The effect of physical activity and life events on mental health of college students: the mediating role of psychological vulnerability.

Background: Life events are important risk factors for negative psychology such as depression and anxiety. However, individuals who experienced the same life events might not necessarily develop mental health problems. Some inherent psychological qualities among individuals may determine their mental health status under life events.

Proteomics of stress-induced cardiomyopathy: insights from differential expression, protein interaction networks, and functional pathway enrichment in an isoproterenol-induced TTC mouse model.

Backgrounds: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC), also known as stress-induced cardiomyopathy, is a condition characterized by transient left ventricular dysfunction without coronary artery obstruction.

Methods: We utilized label-free quantitative proteomics to analyze protein expression in a murine model of TTC, induced by a high dose of isoproterenol (ISO) injection.

Results: We found that a single high dose of ISO injection in mice could induce stress-related cardiac dysfunction.

A rapamycin-loading platelet membrane hybrid liposome with anti-inflammation effect and long-lasting repair capability for acute kidney injury.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) represents a rapid decline in kidney function, often associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Inefficient management of acute-phase inflammation and inadequate repair of established damage exacerbate AKI and facilitate its progression to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Platelet membrane (PM) has emerged as a promising targeting ligand in various studies.

Semi-quantitative CT score reflecting the degree of pulmonary infection as a risk factor of hypokalemia in COVID-19 patients: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Hypokalemia is a common electrolyte disorder observed in patients afflicted with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). When COVID-19 is accompanied by pulmonary infection, chest computed tomography (CT) is the preferred diagnostic modality. This study aimed to explore the relationship between CT semi-quantitative score reflecting the degree of pulmonary infection and hypokalemia from COVID-19 patients.

MRI and CT compatible asymmetric bilayer hydrogel electrodes for EEG-based brain activity monitoring.

The exploration of multi-dimensional brain activity with high temporal and spatial resolution is of great significance in the diagnosis of neurological disease and the study of brain science. Although the integration of electroencephalogram (EEG) with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) provides a potential solution to achieve a brain-functional image with high spatiotemporal resolution, the critical issues of interface stability and magnetic compatibility remain challenging. Therefore, in this research, we proposed a conductive hydrogel EEG electrode with an asymmetrical bilayer structure, which shows the potential to overcome the challenges.

Percutaneous Intradiscal Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation Combined with Sinuvertebral Nerve Ablation for the Treatment of Discogenic Low Back Pain.

Background: Percutaneous intervertebral radiofrequency thermocoagulation (PIRFT) and sinuvertebral nerve ablation (SVNA) are commonly used clinical treatments for discogenic low back pain (DLBP). However, they have been reported to have low efficacy rates of approximately 16.5%-26.

Recent Advancements in Fe-Based Catalysts for the Efficient Reduction of NO by CO.

The technology of CO selective catalytic reduction of NO (CO-SCR) showcases the potential to simultaneously eliminate CO and NO from industrial flue gas and automobile exhaust, making it a promising denitrification method. The development of cost-effective catalysts is crucial for the widespread implementation of this technology. Transition metal catalysts are more economically viable than noble metal catalysts.

CT semi-quantitative score used as risk factor for hyponatremia in patients with COVID-19: a cross-sectional study.

Purpose: Chest computed tomography (CT) is used to determine the severity of COVID-19 pneumonia, and pneumonia is associated with hyponatremia. This study aims to explore the predictive value of the semi-quantitative CT visual score for hyponatremia in patients with COVID-19 to provide a reference for clinical practice.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 343 patients with RT-PCR confirmed COVID-19, all patients underwent CT, and the severity of lung lesions was scored by radiologists using the semi-quantitative CT visual score.

A Novel Lightweight Model for Underwater Image Enhancement.

Underwater images suffer from low contrast and color distortion. In order to improve the quality of underwater images and reduce storage and computational resources, this paper proposes a lightweight model Rep-UWnet to enhance underwater images. The model consists of a fully connected convolutional network and three densely connected RepConv blocks in series, with the input images connected to the output of each block with a Skip connection.

Structure Engineering of Acridine Donor to Optimize Color Purity of Blue Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Emitters.

9,9-Dimethyl-9,10-dihydroacridine (DMAC) is one of the most widely used electron donor for constructing high-performance thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters. However, DMAC-based emitters often suffer from the imperfect color purity, particularly in blue emitters, due to its strong electron-donating capability. To modulate donor strength, 2,7-F-Ph-DMAC and 2,7-CF-Ph-DMAC were designed by introducing the electron-withdrawing 2-fluorophenyl and 2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl at the 2,7-positions of DMAC.

Anti-competitive adsorption of gaseous benzene on hydrophilic microporous carbon in humid conditions.

The adsorption capture of ambient volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is of practical importance for air quality management. Herein, unique anti-competitive adsorption behavior of benzene on a hydrophilic activated carbon (Procarb-900 (P900)) is evidenced in the presence of competing components (e.g.

Ultrasound-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation for Chronic Osteoarthritis Knee Pain in the Elderly: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Osteoarthritis of the knee (KOA) is the main cause of disability in elderly people. Patients with KOA may often not achieve adequate pain control even after receiving all treatment modalities.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to examine the efficacy of ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) as a treatment for moderate and severe KOA.

Re-tear after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair can be predicted using deep learning algorithm.

The application of artificial intelligence technology in the medical field has become increasingly prevalent, yet there remains significant room for exploration in its deep implementation. Within the field of orthopedics, which integrates closely with AI due to its extensive data requirements, rotator cuff injuries are a commonly encountered condition in joint motion. One of the most severe complications following rotator cuff repair surgery is the recurrence of tears, which has a significant impact on both patients and healthcare professionals.

Deep Learning-Based Technique for Remote Sensing Image Enhancement Using Multiscale Feature Fusion.

The present study proposes a novel deep-learning model for remote sensing image enhancement. It maintains image details while enhancing brightness in the feature extraction module. An improved hierarchical model named Global Spatial Attention Network (GSA-Net), based on U-Net for image enhancement, is proposed to improve the model's performance.

Effects of the Laser Micromelting Process Parameters on the Preparation of Micron-Sized FeCrAl Coatings on Zr Alloy Surfaces.

Laser micromelting (LMM) technology allows for the remelting of pre-positioned coatings on the surface of a specimen to form a metallurgical bond with the substrate material, significantly improving the coating's film-base bond. However, the high energy input from the laser modification process can cause severe element diffusion, rendering the coating susceptible to deformation and cracking. This can be mitigated by controlling the laser power, scanning speed, and offset of the LMM process.