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We utilized multiepoch archival data from the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer to compare the variability at 3.4 μm (W1 band) and 4.6 μm (W2 band) of broad-line Seyfert 1 (BLSy1) galaxies and narrow-line Seyfert 1 (NLSy1) galaxies by employing the ensemble structure function (SF). Additionally, we investigated the dependence of mid-infrared (MIR) ensemble SF on common active galactic nucleus parameters. The main results are as follows. (1) The ensemble SF of BLSy1 galaxies is larger than that of NLSy1 galaxies at long rest-frame time lags. (2) The ensemble SFs of BLSy1 galaxies, NLSy1 galaxies, and the combined sample are negatively correlated with the 5100 Å luminosity. The single power-law slope of the ensemble SF is proportional to luminosity. (3) The ensemble SFs of BLSy1 galaxies, NLSy1 galaxies, and the combined sample are negatively correlated with the Eddington ratio and the intensity of the Fe ii emission line. The MIR variability of the combined sample is positively correlated with black hole mass and the FWHM of the Hβ emission line at long rest-frame time lags. (4) The long-term MIR variability of the combined sample may be mainly driven by the Eddington ratio. (5) For BLSy1 galaxies, the MIR variability of radio-detected sources is greater than that of radio-undetected sources, whereas for NLSy1 galaxies, the opposite is true.

Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) are important components of the synovial membrane. They can contribute to joint damage through crosstalk with inflammatory cells and direct actions on tissue damage pathways in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Recent evidence suggests that, compared with FLS in normal synovial tissue, FLS in RA synovial tissue exhibits significant differences in metabolism. Recent metabolomic studies have demonstrated that metabolic changes, including those in glucose, lipid, and amino acid metabolism, exist before synovitis onset. These changes may be a result of increased biosynthesis and energy requirements during the early phases of the disease. Activated T cells and some cytokines contribute to the conversion of FLS into cells with metabolic abnormalities and pro-inflammatory phenotypes. This conversion may be one of the potential mechanisms behind altered FLS metabolism. Targeting metabolism can inhibit FLS proliferation, providing relief to patients with RA. In this review, we aimed to summarize the evidence of metabolic changes in FLS in RA, analyze the mechanisms of these metabolic alterations, and assess their effect on RA phenotype. Finally, we aimed to summarize the advances and challenges faced in targeting FLS metabolism as a promising therapeutic strategy for RA in the future.

The People’s Victory Canal irrigation area is an important agricultural irrigation region in the North China Plain, where groundwater resources play a crucial role in both agricultural production and the ecological environment. However, in recent years, the increasing depth of the groundwater, influenced by climate change and human activities, has posed significant challenges to the sustainable use of water resources in the region. Therefore, exploring the lag effect and its trends between precipitation and groundwater depth is essential for the scientific management of groundwater resources and optimizing water allocation. This study is based on the monthly average precipitation and groundwater depth data from the Xiazhuang in the People’s Victory Canal irrigation area from 1993 to 2021. It uses methods such as continuous wavelet transform, cross-wavelet transform, and cross-correlation analysis to systematically analyze the lag effect and its changing patterns of groundwater table depth in response to precipitation at different time scales. The study finds that during the research period, precipitation generally showed a downward trend, while the groundwater table depth continuously increased and experienced a sudden change in 1999, after which it rose significantly. Before 2000, there was a strong correlation between precipitation and groundwater depth, with a noticeable response of groundwater depth to changes in precipitation, and the lag time was about 58.97 days. However, after 2000, this relationship gradually weakened, especially in years other than those with abundant rainfall, where the influence of precipitation on groundwater depth decreased significantly, and the lag time increased to 6 to 8 months. The study shows that before 2000, abundant precipitation led to a shallower groundwater, and the groundwater was more significantly influenced by precipitation. After 2000, reduced precipitation and the increased depth of the groundwater table weakened the response of groundwater to precipitation, thus enhancing the lag effect. This trend reflects a change in the mechanism of precipitation recharge to groundwater, which is likely closely related to intensified human activities, changes in the irrigation water extraction methods, and over-extraction of groundwater. The findings of this study can provide a scientific basis for water resource management in the irrigation area, helping to formulate appropriate groundwater regulation measures and ensure the sustainable use of regional water resources.

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic synovitis of the affected joints. Total glucosides of paeony (TGP) capsules have been widely used clinically for the treatment of RA with good efficacy and safety. However, its effect on inflammatory cytokines remains unclear. Objectives: This study aimed to summarize the effect of TGP on the expression level of serum inflammatory cytokines in RA animal models and its potential mechanisms. Methods: Six databases were searched up to 14 August 2023, relevant animal experiment studies were screened, data were extracted, and the SYRCLE animal experiment bias risk assessment tool was used for risk assessment. Results: A total of 24 studies were included, including 581 animals. Results showed that compared with the model control group, TGP decreased the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and PGE2 and increased the levels of TGF-β1 after 1–2 weeks of intervention, decreased the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-2, IL-17, IL-17α, IL-21, VEGF, IFN-γ and PGE2 and increased the levels of IL-10 and IL-4 after 3–4 weeks of intervention, decreased the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-17α and increased the level of IL-10 after 8 weeks of intervention. There was no significant difference in the effects of TGP on the levels of IL-10, IL-17, and IFN-γ after 1–2 weeks of intervention and IL-1 and TGF-β1 after 3–4 weeks of intervention. Conclusion: In summary, based on the existing studies, this study found that compared with the control group of the RA animal model, TGP can reduce the levels of serum pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 and increase the levels of serum anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10, exerting an anti-inflammatory effect by regulating and improving the levels of inflammatory cytokines, and thus alleviating the disease. Given the low quality of the included studies and the lack of sufficient evidence, more high-quality studies are still needed to validate the results of this study.

A niobium-doped HZSM-5 (H[Nb]ZSM-5) was prepared by a hydrothermal synthesis method. The morphology, phase structure, composition, pore structure, and acid content of the catalyst were characterized using a series of analysis techniques such as scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), nitrogen adsorption-desorption, and temperature programmed desorption measurements (NH3-TPD). The H[Nb]ZSM-5 catalyst fully remained within the crystal framework and pore structure of HZSM-5. Meanwhile, introduction of niobium (V) endowed the catalyst with both Lewis acid and Bronsted acid sites. Catalytic fast pyrolysis (CFP) of alkali lignin was carried out through a pyrolysis and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) at 650 °C and atmospheric pressure. The results indicated that H[Nb]ZSM-5 can efficiently and selectively convert lignin into monoaromatic hydrocarbons (MAHs), compared to the control HZSM-5. Catalyzed by H[Nb]ZSM-5, the content of MAHs and aliphatic hydrocarbons reached 43.4% and 20.8%, respectively; while under the catalysis of HZSM-5, these values were 35.5% and 3.2%, respectively. H[Nb]ZSM-5 remarkably lowered the phenol content to approximately 2.8%, which is far lower than the content (24.9%) obtained under HZSM-5 catalysis.

The ultra-wideband (UWB) multi-input multi-output (MIMO) radar technique is playing a more and more important role in the application of through-wall detection because of its high resolution, lower antenna requirements, and efficient data capturing ability. This paper develops a novel UWB MIMO radar system using a stepped-frequency continuous-wave (SFCW) signal, which is designed to detect human targets behind the regular brick and concrete wall. In order to balance high range resolution and wall-penetration depth, a novel miniaturized Vivaldi antenna with desired bandwidth of 0.5–2.5 GHz was designed, simulated, manufactured, and successfully used in through-wall imaging. To suppress the artifacts in the focused image and reduce the computing complexity, the cross-correlation-based time domain back projection (CC-TDBP) algorithm was developed. In addition, a through-wall imaging model was established, based on which the effects of the wall on the refraction of electromagnetic (EM) waves and the reduction of velocity are compensated. Finally, different experiments were conducted for multiple stationary targets utilizing the designed radar system, and the improved BP-based algorithms are applied to focus the targets behind the wall more accurately. The reconstructed two-dimensional (2D) images illustrate that the designed MIMO radar system can successfully detect and image human targets in the air and behind the wall.

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a subtype of diabetes mellitus characterized by progressive dysfunction of β-cell insulin secretion and insulin resistance. Jīn-Guì Shèn-Qì Wán (JGSQW) has for many years been widely used in clinical practice as a treatment for T2DM. However, its effect remains unknown. Objectives: This study aims to summarize the clinical evidence of the effect of JGSQW on glucose and lipid metabolism in T2DM and the potential mechanisms underlying this effect. Methods: Six databases were searched without language or publication status restrictions. Data were extracted to a predefined template for synthesis. Results: Fourteen studies with 1586 participants were included in this meta-analysis. All 14 studies were judged to be at high risk of bias. JGSQW is safe for T2DM patients. Pooled results indicated that combination treatment results in a reduction in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (mean difference (MD) −0.49%; 95% CI −0.67 to −0.31), fasting blood glucose (FBG) (MD −0.84; 95% CI −1.19 to −0.49), and 2-hour postprandial glucose 2hBG (MD −1.38; 95% CI −1.60 to −1.16). No significant difference in glucose metabolism was observed between JGSQW and hypoglycemic agents. The available evidence was insufficient to determine the effects on lipid metabolism. Sensitivity analyses indicated that these results were robust. Conclusion: By combining the available evidence, we found that JGSQW is safe for T2DM patients. Compared with hypoglycemic agents alone, combination treatment with JGSQW enhances the effect on glucose metabolism in patients with T2DM. We found no difference in the efficacy of JGSQW alone compared to hypoglycemic agents alone. In terms of lipid metabolism, the current evidence is insufficient and too inconsistent for us to draw firm conclusions, so further studies are needed.

Background Although numerous endophytic bacteria have been isolated and characterized from cadmium (Cd) hyperaccumulators, the contribution and potential application of the core endophytic microbiomes on facilitating phytoremediation were still lack of intensive recognition. Therefore, a 2-year field sampling in different location were firstly conducted to identify the unique core microbiome in Cd hyperaccumulators, among which the representative cultivable bacteria of different genera were then selected to construct synthetic communities (SynComs). Finally, the effects and mechanisms of the optimized SynCom in regulating Cd accumulation in different ecotypes of Sedum alfredii were studied to declare the potential application of the bacterial agents based on core microbiome. Results Through an innovative network analysis workflow, 97 core bacterial taxa unique to hyperaccumulator Sedum was identified based on a 2-year field 16S rRNA sequencing data. A SynCom comprising 13 selected strains belonging to 6 different genera was then constructed. Under the combined selection pressure of the plant and Cd contamination, Alcaligenes sp. exhibited antagonistic relationships with other genera and plant Cd concentration. Five representative strains of the other five genera were further conducted genome resequencing and developed six SynComs, whose effects on Cd phytoremediation were compared with single strains by hydroponic experiments. The results showed that SynCom-NS comprising four strains (including Leifsonia shinshuensis , Novosphingobium lindaniclasticum , Ochrobactrum anthropi , and Pseudomonas izuensis ) had the greatest potential to enhance Cd phytoremediation. After inoculation with SynCom-NS, genes related to Cd transport, antioxidative defense, and phytohormone signaling pathways were significantly upregulated in both ecotypes of S. alfredii , so as to promote plant growth, Cd uptake, and translocation. Conclusion In this study, we designed an innovative network analysis workflow to identify the core endophytic microbiome in hyperaccumulator. Based on the cultivable core bacteria, an optimized SynCom-NS was constructed and verified to have great potential in enhancing phytoremediation. This work not only provided a framework for identifying core microbiomes associated with specific features but also paved the way for the construction of functional synthetic communities derived from core microbiomes to develop high efficient agricultural agents. 5KavnCJpVp3k2g6uQCMsTe Video Abstract

The development of large language models (LLMs) has promoted a transformation of human–computer interaction (HCI) models and has attracted the attention of scholars to the evaluation of personality traits of LLMs. As an important interface for the HCI and human–machine interface (HMI) in the future, the intelligent cockpit has become one of LLM’s most important application scenarios. When in-vehicle intelligent systems based on in-vehicle LLMs begin to become human assistants or even partners, it has become important to study the “personality” of in-vehicle LLMs. Referring to the relevant research on personality traits of LLMs, this study selected the psychological scales Big Five Inventory-2 (BFI-2), Myers–Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), and Short Dark Triad (SD-3) to establish a personality traits evaluation framework for in-vehicle LLMs. Then, we used this framework to evaluate the personality of three in-vehicle LLMs. The results showed that psychological scales can be used to measure the personality traits of in-vehicle LLMs. In-vehicle LLMs showed commonalities in extroversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and action patterns, yet differences in openness, perception, decision-making, information acquisition methods, and psychopathy. According to the results, we established anthropomorphic personality personas of different in-vehicle LLMs. This study represents a novel attempt to evaluate the personalities of in-vehicle LLMs. The experimental results deepen our understanding of in-vehicle LLMs and contribute to the further exploration of personalized fine-tuning of in-vehicle LLMs and the improvement in the user experience of the automobile in the future.

Manipulating emission polarization is crucial for advanced applications such as polarized fluorescence and lasing, thermal radiation control, stereochemistry and spintronics. Existing approaches for generating circularly polarized emission primarily rely on nanostructures with true chirality, where the far-field polarization at the Γ point is believed to require out-of-plane symmetry breaking. This raises a question: can an intrinsically achiral metasurface that preserves out-of-plane symmetry generate chiral emission? Here, we introduce the concept of anisotropic continuum, defined as a continuum state exhibiting distinct responses for orthogonal polarizations of incidence, as a new degree of freedom for intrinsically achiral metasurfaces. In such metasurfaces, chiral emission arises from manipulating the anisotropic continuum together with the metasurface’s in-plane perturbations. Degrees of circular polarization of 0.83 for upward emission and −0.9 for downward emission are achieved experimentally by integrating the fabricated silicon metasurface with fluorescent organic dyes. Our findings not only address a long-standing gap in the understanding of structural chirality, but also open new opportunities for high-performance applications in polarized fluorescence and thermal emission. Chiral light emission usually requires twisted or asymmetric nanostructures. Here, the authors show that even out-of plane symmetric metasurfaces can emit circularly polarized light, achieved by tuning an anisotropic continuum rather than breaking symmetry.