Nature provides us a panorama of fibrils with tremendous structural polymorphism from molecular building blocks to hierarchical association behaviors. Despite recent achievements in creating ...artificial systems with individual building blocks through self-assembly, molecularly encoding the relationship from model building blocks to fibril association, resulting in controlled macroscopic properties, has remained an elusive goal. In this paper, by employing a designed set of glycopeptide building blocks and combining experimental and computational tools, we report a library of controlled fibril polymorphism with elucidation from molecular packing to fibril association and the related macroscopic properties. The growth of the fibril either axially or radially with right- or left-handed twisting is determined by the subtle trade-off of oligosaccharide and oligopeptide components. Meanwhile, visible evidence for the association process of double-strand fibrils has been experimentally and theoretically proposed. Finally the fibril polymorphs demonstrated significant different macroscopic properties on hydrogel formation and cellular migration control.
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IJS, KILJ, NUK, PNG, UL, UM
Background
Localized colorectal cancer (LCC) has obscure clinical signs, which are difficult to distinguish from colorectal adenoma (CA). This study aimed to develop and validate a web-based ...predictive model for preoperative diagnosis of LCC and CA.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective study that included data from 500 patients with LCC and 980 patients with CA who were admitted to Dongyang People’s Hospital between November 2012 and June 2022. Patients were randomly divided into the training (n=1036) and validation (n=444) cohorts. Univariate logistic regression, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression, and multivariate logistic regression were used to select the variables for predictive models. The area under the curve (AUC), calibration curve, decision curve analysis (DCA), and clinical impact curve (CIC) were used to evaluate the performance of the model.
Results
The web-based predictive model was developed, including nine independent risk factors: age, sex, drinking history, white blood cell count, lymphocyte count, red blood cell distribution width, albumin, carcinoembryonic antigen, and fecal occult blood test. The AUC of the prediction model in the training and validation cohorts was 0.910 (0.892–0.929) and 0.894 (0.862–0.925), respectively. The calibration curve showed good consistency between the outcome predicted by the model and the actual diagnosis. DCA and CIC showed that the predictive model had a good clinical application value.
Conclusion
This study first developed a web-based preoperative prediction model, which can discriminate LCC from CA and can be used to quantitatively assess the risks and benefits in clinical practice.
Liquid crystals are a vital component of modern photonics, and recent studies have demonstrated the exceptional sensing properties of stimuli-responsive cholesteric liquid crystals. However, existing ...cholesteric liquid crystal-based sensors often rely on the naked eye perceptibility of structural color or the measurement of wavelength changes by spectrometric tools, which limits their practical applications. Therefore, developing a platform that produces recognizable sensing signals is critical. In this study, we present a visual sensing platform based on geometric phase encoding of stimuli-responsive cholesteric liquid crystal polymers that generates real-time visual patterns, rather than frequency changes. To demonstrate this platform's effectiveness, we used a humidity-responsive cholesteric liquid crystal polymer film encoded with a q-plate pattern, which revealed that humidity causes a shape change in the vortex beam reflected from the encoded cholesteric liquid crystal polymers. Moreover, we developed a prototype platform towards remote humidity monitoring benefiting from the high directionality and long-range transmission properties of laser beams carrying orbital angular momentum. Our approach provides a novel sensing platform for cholesteric liquid crystals-based sensors that offers promising practical applications. The ability to generate recognizable sensing signals through visual patterns offers a new level of practicality in the sensing field with stimuli-responsive cholesteric liquid crystals. This platform might have significant implications for a broad readership and will be of interest to researchers working in the field of photonics and sensing technology.
The biodegradation of polypropylene (PP), a highly persistent nonhydrolyzable polymer, by Tenebrio molitor has been confirmed using commercial PP microplastics (MPs) (M n 26.59 and M w 187.12 kDa). ...This confirmation was based on the reduction of the PP mass, change in molecular weight (MW), and a positive Δδ13C in the residual PP. A MW-dependent biodegradation mechanism was investigated using five high-purity PP MPs, classified into low (0.83 and 6.20 kDa), medium (50.40 and 108.0 kDa), and high (575.0 kDa) MW categories to access the impact of MW on the depolymerization pattern and associated gene expression of gut bacteria and the larval host. The larvae can depolymerize/biodegrade PP polymers with high MW although the consumption rate and weight losses increased, and survival rates declined with increasing PP MW. This pattern is similar to observations with polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene (PE), i.e., both M n and M w decreased after being fed low MW PP, while M n and/or M w increased after high MW PP was fed. The gut microbiota exhibited specific bacteria associations, such as Kluyvera sp. and Pediococcus sp. for high MW PP degradation, Acinetobacter sp. for medium MW PP, and Bacillus sp. alongside three other bacteria for low MW PP metabolism. In the host transcriptome, digestive enzymes and plastic degradation-related bacterial enzymes were up-regulated after feeding on PP depending on different MWs. The T. molitor host exhibited both defensive function and degradation capability during the biodegradation of plastics, with high MW PP showing a relatively negative impact on the larvae.
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IJS, KILJ, NUK, PNG, UL, UM
The origin of magmas with high H2O, S and metals that are linked to porphyry economic mineralization in continental collisional belts is controversial. In this paper, we studied the host porphyries ...and associated microgranular enclaves (MMEs) including gabbroic enclaves and dioritic enclaves from the large Beiya porphyry Au deposit in Jinshajiang-Ailaoshan mineralization belt, which provide first hand evidence of crust–mantle hybridization in the formation of fertile magma for porphyry deposit. Zircon LA-ICPMS U–Pb ages indicate coeval formation for the MMEs and the felsic porphyries in Eocene time (~36Ma). The MMEs show spheroidal shapes, acicular apatites, and oscillatory zoning with repeated resorption surfaces in plagioclases, which suggest that the MMEs are globules of a more mafic magma that was injected into and mingled with the host felsic magma. One gabbroic enclave sample exhibits high MgO (5.6wt.%), high TiO2 (1.7wt.%), enriched in large-ion lithophile element (LILE) and depleted in high field strength element (HFSE), with negative Nb, Ta and Ti anomalies. This indicates that the gabbroic enclave is similar to those of the coeval potassic mafic rocks in the Western Yunnan, which originated from the enriched mantle metasomatized by the slab-derived fluids. The dioritic enclave exhibit both potassic and adakitic-like features, and are characterized by high contents of MgO (4.4–4.9wt.%), K2O (6.4–7.4wt.%), and compatible trace elements (e.g. Ni: 115–142ppm; Cr: 214–291ppm), as well as by high Sr/Y ratios. The dioritic enclave samples yield εHf (t) values (−1.9 to +3.6) similar to those of the host porphyries. Petrographic, elemental, and isotopic evidence suggests that the Beiya dioritic enclave were formed by mixing between potassic mafic and adakitc-like melts, derived from metasomatized lithospheric mantle and lower crust, respectively. In contrast, the Beiya host porphyries are characterized by high SiO2 (66.9–71.9wt.%) and Al2O3 (13.8–15.9wt.%) contents, high Sr/Y ratios (35–79), low compatible element contents (e.g. Ni=0.9–7.2ppm; Cr =1.0–8.2ppm), low Mg# values (0.19–0.35), positive LILE anomalies, marked negative high HFSE anomalies, negative εNd(t) values (−6 to −2), and high (87Sr/86Sr)i values (0.7071–0.7081). These features indicate that the host porphyries were mainly formed by partial melting of subduction-modified lower crust with a certain assimilation of mafic melts represented by MMEs. MMEs hosted in the Beiya porphyries, formed from a hydrous, mafic magma although they formed in a non-arc setting. High magmatic water content is probably related to an enriched mantle metasomatized by fluids from a Proterozoic subducted oceanic slab. High Cu (341–626ppm) and Au contents of the MMEs suggest they crystallized from a metal-rich mafic melt. Complex assemblages of pyrite–chalcopyrite–apatite–rutile with hornblende are observed in the least altered MME. We suggest that the mafic melt probably supplied part of water, and metal to the Beiya porphyry Au system.
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•Mafic microgranular enclaves are commonly present in Beiya pluton, Southwestern China.•Geochemical and isotopic studies indicate a mafic-felsic magma mixing process.•The underplating of mafic magmas likely supplied parts of water, sulfur and metals (Au and Cu) for the Beiya porphyry system.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZRSKP
Achieving a coexistence of two or multiple phases of soft matters via a delicate trade‐off of free energy and long‐range order with one another has been inspiring abundant interest on fundamental ...sciences and engineering. In this work, a stable coexistence of the optically achiral‐anisotropic liquid crystalline nematic phase and the optically chiral‐isotropic liquid crystalline blue phase is proposed and demonstrated, with their distribution tailored in a micro‐pattern by the developed localized micro‐regional polymer templating technique. Such a stable patterned coexistence of the two different phases with a distinct molecular arrangement, optical chirality, and anisotropy is achieved depending on a delicate matching of the elastic energy on the interface between liquid crystals and polymer networks. In contrast to the majority of soft coexistence systems, a specific dynamic and reversible on–off response of chirality and anisotropy is observed in such a system driven by an electric field. The structure of patterned coexistence system in the presence and absence of external stimulation is explored by microscopy and optical technique, and furthermore, the prospective photonic applications are demonstrated. This investigation indicates another category of functional soft material with fantastic adaptive characteristics for application in optics, electronics, interface physics, and chemistry.
A patterned coexistence of the achiral‐anisotropic nematic phase and chiral‐isotropic blue phase is achieved by localized micro‐regional polymer templating technique, which can transform from original optical achiral/chiral and anisotropic/isotropic coexistence to the achiral/chiral but entirely isotropic state with a weak electric field, and further to a homogeneous single phase utilizing a strong electric field.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
Topological defects are vital for tailoring soft matter properties and inspiring remarkable applications. Arbitrary guiding and dynamic tuning of director distributions are highly pursued in defect ...engineering of liquid crystals. Till now, the orientation control of smectic defect walls remains a challenge. Here, photoalignment is adopted to preset the surface anchoring in order to guide smectic oily streaks. Flexible defect engineering such as deflecting, bending, and splaying is demonstrated. Based on their combination, more complicated defect arrays are realized in a predictable manner. After electric stimuli involved, new functions of tunability and rotatability are unlocked. This work brings new insights to soft matter architectures, and will upgrade the existing micromachines, nanoparticle manipulations and advanced photonic applications.
A strategy for flexible defect engineering in liquid crystals is proposed and demonstrated via preprogramming alignment conditions. Smectic defect walls are guided in a predictable manner based on the deflecting, bending, and splaying of oily streaks. Electric stimuli further endow the defect array with tunability and rotatability. This defect architecture supplies a platform for upgraded microfabrication and advanced photonic applications.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
Background
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a very common type of cardiac arrhythmia that threatens public health. Aging is an independent AF risk factor. However, the mechanism of age‐related AF remains ...unclear.
Methods
A total of 36 Beagle dogs were selected and divided into three groups (12 in each group): two groups were 9‐year‐old aged dogs, and one group was 4‐year‐old adult dogs. Electrophysiological testing was employed to determine if modeling is successful. Patch‐clamp technique was employed to measure the If current. The expression of protein and mRNA related to If current were also tested. Collagen deposition was observed with the use of Masson staining.
Results
Aging resulted in a higher collagen deposition percentage in the left atrium. The hyperpolarization‐activated cyclic nucleotide‐gated (HCN)2 and HCN4 expressions were increased in the atria and pulmonary veins but decreased in the sinus node of the aged group. Moreover, in the aged group, the left atrium mRNA expressions of Kcnd2 (Potassium voltage‐gated channel subfamily D member 2), Kcnh2, Kcnq1, Kcnj2, Kcnj11, and CACNA1H were significantly downregulated. The aged AF group also demonstrated sustained AF and significant changes in electrophysiological characteristics. The If current demonstrated an increased amplitude and was easier to activate in the aged AF group than in younger group. Finally, AF occurrence exacerbated aging‐induced cardiac fibrosis, thereby aggravating the above‐listed symptoms.
Conclusion
With age, the increase in atrial fibrosis affected the expression of the ion channels, thereby modulating the If current. Moreover, AF also further exacerbated the degree of atrial fibrosis.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
In this study, we aimed to compare the radiation-induced hepatic toxicity (RIHT) outcomes of radiotherapy (RT) plus antibodies against programmed cell death protein 1 (anti-PD1) versus RT alone in ...patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), evaluate prognostic factors of non-classic radiation-induced liver disease (ncRILD), and establish a nomogram for predicting the probability of ncRILD.
Patients with unresectable HCC treated with RT and anti-PD1 (RT + PD1, n = 30) or RT alone (n = 66) were enrolled retrospectively. Patients (n = 30) in each group were placed in a matched cohort using propensity score matching (PSM). Treatment-related hepatotoxicity was evaluated and analyzed before and after PSM. The prognostic factors affecting ncRILD were identified by univariable logistic analysis and Spearman's rank test in the matched cohort to generate a nomogram.
There were no differences in RIHT except for increased aspartate aminotransferase (AST) ≥ grade 1 and increased total bilirubin ≥ grade 1 between the two groups before PSM. After PSM, AST ≥ grade 1 occurred more frequently in the RT + PD1 group (p = 0.020), and there were no significant differences in other hepatotoxicity metrics between the two groups. In the matched cohort, V25, tumor number, age, and prothrombin time (PT) were the optimal prognostic factors for ncRILD modeling. A nomogram revealed a good predictive performance (area under the curve = 0.82).
The incidence of RIHT in patients with HCC treated with RT + PD1 was acceptable and similar to that of RT treatment. The nomogram based on V25, tumor number, age, and PT robustly predicted the probability of ncRILD.
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IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK
SUMMARY
The bottom of the lower mantle is a key region for material circulation and energy exchange within the Earth, with extremely high heterogeneity and complex dynamics processes. Although ...tomography models have revealed the large-scale velocity structure at the bottom of the lower mantle, the nature of the small-scale lateral heterogeneity structure remains controversial due to resolution limitations. The scattering observations of PKP precursors have been widely used to constrain the small-scale structures at the bottom of the lower mantle due to their special sampling paths and arrival time characteristics. This study cross-validates the presence of scatterers at the bottom of the lower mantle in the northern Bay of Bengal and the northern Gulf of Mexico through migration and array analysis of PKP precursors sampled from seismic arrays in the Sichuan–Yunnan and adjacent areas in China. The forward modelling of the envelope of PKP precursors using the Monte Carlo seismic phonon method reveals that their P-wave velocity perturbations are 0.3 and 0.55 per cent in each area, respectively. Based on the distribution range of the small-scale scatterers, we infer that the northern Bay of Bengal scatterer lies within 200 km above the core–mantle boundary, whereas the thickness of the scattering layer in the northern Gulf of Mexico is approximately 250 km. We propose that the small-scale lateral heterogeneities observed in both regions originate from subducted slabs and may have been transitioned into post-perovskite.
