An Enhanced Slime Mould Algorithm Based on Best-Worst Management for Numerical Optimization Problems.

The Slime Mould Algorithm (SMA) is a widely used swarm intelligence algorithm. Encouraged by the theory of no free lunch and the inherent shortcomings of the SMA, this work proposes a new variant of the SMA, called the BWSMA, in which three improvement mechanisms are integrated. The adaptive greedy mechanism is used to accelerate the convergence of the algorithm and avoid ineffective updates.

A Novel Adaptive Superb Fairy-Wren () Optimization Algorithm for Solving Numerical Optimization Problems.

Superb Fairy-wren Optimization Algorithm (SFOA) is an animal-based meta-heuristic algorithm derived from Fairy-wren's behavior of growing, feeding, and avoiding natural enemies. The SFOA has some shortcomings when facing complex environments. Its switching mechanism is not enough to adapt to complex optimization problems, and it faces a weakening of population diversity in the late stage of optimization, leading to a higher possibility of falling into local optima.

Microwave Based Non-Destructive Testing for Detecting Cold Welding Defects in Thermal Fusion Welded High-Density Polyethylene Pipes.

High-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes are widely used in urban natural gas pipeline systems due to their excellent mechanical and chemical properties. However, welding joints are critical weak points in these pipelines, and defects, such as cold welding-caused by reduced temperature or/and insufficient pressure-pose significant safety risks. Traditional non-destructive testing (NDT) methods face challenges in detecting cold welding defects due to the polymer's complex structure and characteristics.

An Enhanced Snow Geese Optimizer Integrating Multiple Strategies for Numerical Optimization.

An enhanced snow geese algorithm (ESGA) is proposed to address the problems of the weakened population diversity and unbalanced search tendencies encountered by the snow geese algorithm (SGA) in the search process. First, an adaptive switching strategy is used to dynamically select the search strategy to balance the exploitation and exploration capabilities. Second, a dominant group guidance strategy is introduced to improve the population quality.

Comprehensive Investigation of the Eye-Cornea Structure Based on the Extended Techniques of Polarization-Sensitive Optical Coherence Tomography.

We present a universal technique for noninvasive investigation of thin multilayer optically transparent tissues based on polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography. To reach higher diagnostic accuracy, we revisit the model of the cornea structure and reconsider the physical features of the interaction of light with the tissue structural elements. In the scheme proposed, the probing beam is algorithmically adjustable such that the x-polarized radiation impinges each consecutive structural layer; the object beam is formed by the reflection and back-scattering.

POM-promoted synergistic catalysis of NO and chlorobenzene over amorphous MnCeOx catalysts: Activation of lattice oxygen, role of acid site, catalytic mechanism.

The release rate of lattice oxygen and surface acidic sites are key factors for the multi-pollutant synergistic catalysis such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and chlorine-containing volatile organic compounds (Cl-VOCs). In this study, a polyoxometalate (POM)-assisted strategy was employed to optimize the synergistic catalytic performance of MnCeOx for NO and chlorobenzene. The strong proton conductivity of the surface POM structure effectively suppresses the deposition of chlorinated species, preventing the poisoning of active sites.

Cortical adaptations in Tai Chi practitioners during sensory conflict: an EEG-based effective connectivity analysis of postural control.

Background: Tai Chi (TC) is recognized for enhancing balance and postural control. However, studies on its effects on the central nervous system are limited and often involve static experiments despite the dynamic nature of TC. This study addressed that gap by examining cortical network activity during dynamic, multisensory conflict balance tasks.

Stability and phase transition of polar topological defects in multiferroic superlattices.

The recent observation of topologically protected polar soliton textures in multiferroic BiFeO/SrTiO (BFO/STO) superlattices has given rise to new prospects for next-generation electronic devices, with the inherent room-temperature polar and spin coupling. Herein, we employed phase-field simulations to explore the phase diagrams of the BFO/STO superlattice under various thermodynamic conditions and experimentally validated them using piezoresponse force microscopy. It is revealed that by modulating external factors such as epitaxial strain, film thickness, and external temperature, different phases including polar solitons, polar skyrmions, and trivial domains can be designed within the BFO/STO superlattice system.

Investigation of Cu-doped MnCeOx in PTFE catalytic fiber for synergistic removal of CB and NO at low temperature.

The synergistic removal of multiple pollutants from flue gas has attracted growing interest in recent years. In this study, Cu-doped MnCeO catalysts were synthesized via an impregnation method and integrated into PTFE fibers using a split-film process to enable the simultaneous removal of chlorobenzene (CB) and nitrogen oxide (NO). Among the catalysts tested, MnCeCuO exhibited the highest performance, achieving 90 % CB degradation and 100 % NO conversion at 180 °C.

Associations of the body roundness index with cognitive function in US older adults and the mediating role of depression: a cross-sectional study from the NHANES 2011-2014.

The body roundness index (BRI) accurately assesses body composition and visceral fat distribution, but its independent associations with cognitive function and cognitive impairment remain unclear. This study, which is based on data from the 2011-2014 U.S.

Optineurin restrains CCR7 degradation to guide type II collagen-stimulated dendritic cell migration in rheumatoid arthritis.

Dendritic cells (DCs) serve as the primary antigen-presenting cells in autoimmune diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and exhibit distinct signaling profiles due to antigenic diversity. Type II collagen (CII) has been recognized as an RA-specific antigen; however, little is known about CII-stimulated DCs, limiting the development of RA-specific therapeutic interventions. In this study, we show that CII-stimulated DCs display a preferential gene expression profile associated with migration, offering a new perspective for targeting DC migration in RA treatment.

Compatibility between Proteins and Polysaccharide Excipients in Oral Delivery Tablets.

The development of oral protein biopharmaceuticals has gradually become a hot area of research. Currently, most of the added excipients are oral excipients used in traditional small molecule drugs, such as starch and lactose. However, the interaction between proteins and oral excipients has not received much attention.

Neural connectivity and balance control in aging: Insights from directed cortical networks during sensory conflict.

Balance control is crucial for stability during daily activities, relying on the integration of sensory inputs from the visual, vestibular, and somatosensory systems. Aging impairs the efficiency of these systems, leading to an increased risk of falls; however, the neural mechanisms underlying this decline, particularly under sensory conflict, are not fully understood. This study investigated the effects of aging on neural connectivity and sensory integration during balance tasks.

Decoding the Role of Molecular Orientation in Conjugated Self-Assembled Monolayers for High-Performance Binary Organic Photovoltaics Approaching 20% Efficiency.

Molecular orientation stands as the quintessential hallmark of conjugated self-assembled monolayers (SAMs), which have recently catalyzed noteworthy advancements in organic photovoltaics (OPVs). Nevertheless, an unambiguous understanding of these directional arrangements and their impact on optoelectronic properties remains elusive. To address this issue, herein three SAMs with representative orientations, i.

Synthesis of core/shell cobalt-doped rutile TiO nanorods for MB degradation under visible light.

Although TiO has been widely applied in many fields, the design and preparation of one-dimensional rutile TiO nanomaterials for high-efficiency photocatalysis under visible light remain challenging. Herein, uniform Co-doped rutile TiO nanorods with selective adsorption and photocatalytic activity for methylene blue (MB) have been developed a one-pot molten salt flux method. Compared to pure rutile TiO nanorods, the Co-doped rutile TiO nanorods exhibited an obvious core/shell structure with smaller inner crystal face spacing ( = 0.

Inhibition of EED-mediated histone methylation alleviates neuroinflammation by suppressing WNT-mediated dendritic cell migration.

The epigenetic modification of histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) by the embryonic ectoderm development (EED) protein is closely associated with the regulation of transcriptional programs and is implicated in autoimmune diseases. However, the efficacy of targeting H3K27me3 for the treatment of neuroinflammation remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that systemic administration of an EED inhibitor diminishes the inflammatory response mediated by dendritic cells (DCs), thereby alleviating experimental autoimmune encephalitis (EAE), a representative mouse model of autoimmune diseases in the central nervous system (CNS).

A Robust Natural Rubber-Polyzwitterion Composite Hydrogel for Highly Enhanced Marine Anti-Biofouling.

Polyzwitterion (PZW) hydrogel has excellent marine anti-biofouling performance, but it is difficult to effectively work for a long time in natural seawater due to its weak mechanical strength. In this study, a new natural rubber (NR)-PZW composite hydrogel has been reported for long-term anti-biofouling by simply dispersing NR latex into the poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) (PSBMA) hydrogel network. First of all, owing to the PZW hydrogel network having an anti-polyelectrolyte effect, this NR-PZW hydrogel can provide outstanding anti-biofouling performance, including broad-spectrum anti-bacteria, anti-algae, and anti-protein properties in marine environments.

Achieving High-Performance Transcranial Ultrasound Transmission Through Mie and Fano Resonance in Flexible Metamaterials.

Transcranial ultrasound holds great potential in medical applications. However, the effective transmission of ultrasound through the skull remains challenging due to the acoustic impedance mismatch, as well as the non-uniform thickness, and the curved surface. To overcome these challenges, this work introduces an innovative Mie-resonance flexible metamaterial (MRFM), which consists of periodically arranged low-speed micropillars embedded within a high-speed flexible substrate.

Ultrahigh capacitive energy storage of BiFeO-based ceramics through multi-oriented nanodomain construction.

Lead-free BiFeO-based (BF) materials with colossal spontaneous polarization and high Curie temperatures exhibit considerable potential for groundbreaking developments in dielectric capacitors. However, their inherent limitations, such as restricted breakdown strength (E) and pronounced remanent polarization, critically restrict advancements in energy storage capabilities. Herein, we achieve an exceptional recoverable energy density of 12.

Benzo[1,2-b:6,5-b']dithiophene-4,5-diamine: A New Fluorescent Probe for the High-Sensitivity and Real-Time Visual Monitoring of Phosgene.

The detection of highly toxic chemicals such as phosgene is crucial for addressing the severe threats to human health and public safety posed by terrorist attacks and industrial mishaps. However, timely and precise monitoring of phosgene at a low cost remains a significant challenge. This work is the first to report a novel fluorescent system based on the Intramolecular Charge Transfer (ICT) effect, which can rapidly detect phosgene in both solution and gas phases with high sensitivity by integrating a benzo[1,2-b:6,5-b']dithiophene-4,5-diamine (BDTA) probe.

Advancements and Perspectives in Biodegradable Polyester Elastomers: Toward Sustainable and High-Performance Materials.

While the traditional rubber industry faces the severe pressure of environmental pollution and carbon emissions, bio-based and biodegradable elastomers have become a hot topic in the field and drawn intensive research interest. Inspired by polyester resin, incorporating polyol or polycarboxylic acid as a branching unit into aliphatic polyester and/or introducing a monomer with a C=C bond to provide open-bond cross-linking in the fashion of common vulcanization to form three-dimensional network structures are two mainstream strategies for designing biodegradable polyester elastomers (BPEs). Both methods encounter more or fewer problems, such as poor mechanical and thermal properties due to the easy hydrolysis of the ester bond and space hinderance, or the potential harm of the remaining degraded small molecules with olefin bonds.

Neurofilament light chain levels in neuronal surface antibody-associated autoimmune encephalitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Neuronal surface antibody-associated autoimmune encephalitis (NSAE) is a group of neuro-inflammatory disorders that is mediated by autoantibodies against the cell-surface and synaptic antigens. Studies have explored the role of neurofilament light chain (NfL) in NSAE and provided inconsistent data. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the NfL levels in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with NSAE.

A Novel Peptide Mapping Method Utilizing Cysteine as a Reducing Agent.

Purposes: In the peptide mapping reduction process for monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and other proteins, the conventional reducing reagents β-mercaptoethanol (β-ME) and dithiothreitol (DTT) pose challenges due to their strong odor and toxicity at high concentrations. Cysteine (Cys), an essential amino acid for new protein synthesis, is an overlooked, nontoxic, and odorless reducing agent. This study presents a novel peptide mapping method using Cys as the reducing agent.

Catalytic effects of multiple heterointerfaces on the hydrogen storage properties of magnesium hydride.

The application and further industrialization of magnesium hydride (MgH) are restricted by its intrinsically high de-hydrogenation temperature and dragged kinetics though it is believed as one of the most encouraging solid-state hydrogen storage materials with considerable capacity. Herein, a bimetallic layered MXene VNbC, which was mixed with MgH by high energy ball milling, was obtained by etching compact layered MAX VNbAlC with HF. The beginning de-hydrogenation temperature of the as-prepared MgH blended with 10 wt% VNbC (denoted as MgH-10 VNbC) composites was excitingly 170 °C and it exhibited faster kinetics and excellent cycling stability.

Formulation Factors Affecting the Formation of Visible-Bubbles During the Reconstitution Process of Freeze-Dried Etanercept Formulations: Protein Concentration, Stabilizers, and Surfactants.

Freeze drying is one of the common methods to extend the long-term stability of biologicals. Biological products in solid form have the advantages of convenient transportation and stable long-term storage. However, long reconstitution time and extensive visible bubbles are frequently generated during the reconstitution process for many freeze-dried protein formulations, which can potentially affect the management efficiency of staff, patient compliance, and product quality.