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A derivative-free optimization (DFO) method is an optimization method that does not make use of derivative information in order to find the optimal solution. It is advantageous for solving real-world problems in which the only information available about the objective function is the output for a specific input. In this paper, we develop the framework for a DFO method called the DQL method. It is designed to be a versatile hybrid method capable of performing direct search, quadratic-model search, and line search all in the same method. We develop and test a series of different strategies within this framework. The benchmark results indicate that each of these strategies has distinct advantages and that there is no clear winner in the overall performance among efficiency and robustness. We develop the Smart DQL method by allowing the method to determine the optimal search strategies in various circumstances. The Smart DQL method is applied to a problem of solid-tank design for 3D radiation dosimetry provided by the UBCO (University of British Columbia—Okanagan) 3D Radiation Dosimetry Research Group. Given the limited evaluation budget, the Smart DQL method produces high-quality solutions.

We describe a simple AC susceptometer built in-house that can be used to make high-resolution measurements of the magnetic susceptibility of high-temperature superconductors in an undergraduate physics lab. Our system, cooled using liquid nitrogen, can reach a base temperature of 77 K. Our apparatus does not require gas handling systems or PID temperature controllers. Instead, it makes use of a thermal circuit that is designed to allow the sample to cool on a time scale that is suitable for an undergraduate lab. Furthermore, the temperature drift rate at the superconducting transition temperature \\(T_c\\) is low enough to allow for precise measurements of the complex magnetic susceptibility through \\(T_c\\), even for single-crystal samples with exceedingly sharp superconducting transitions. Using an electromagnet, we were able to apply static magnetic fields up to 63 mT at the sample site. By measuring the change in susceptibility as a function of the strength of an applied of static magnetic field, we were able to estimate the lower critical field \\(H_c1\\) of a single-crystal sample of optimally-doped YBa\\(_2\\)Cu\\(_3\\)O\\(_6.95\\) at 77 K. We also investigated the mixed state of a sintered polycrystalline sample of YBa\\(_2\\)Cu\\(_3\\)O\\(_6+y\\).

Recent advances in the study of the characteristics, processes, and causes of spatio-temporal variabilities of the East Asian monsoon （EAM） system are reviewed in this paper. The understanding of the EAM system has improved in many aspects： the basic characteristics of horizontal and vertical structures, the annual cycle of the East Asian summer monsoon （EASM） system and the East Asian winter monsoon （EAWM） system, the characteristics of the spatio-temporal variabilities of the EASM system and the EAWM system, and especially the multiple modes of the EAM system and their spatio-temporal variabilities. Some new results have also been achieved in understanding the atmosphere-ocean interaction and atmosphere-land interaction processes that affect the variability of the EAM system. Based on recent studies, the EAM system can be seen as more than a circulation system, it can be viewed as an atmosphere-ocean-land coupled system, namely, the EAM climate system. In addition, further progress has been made in diagnosing the internal physical mechanisms of EAM climate system variability, especially regarding the characteristics and properties of the East Asia-Pacific （EAP） teleconnection over East Asia and the North Pacific, the ＂Silk Road＂ teleconnection along the westerly jet stream in the upper troposphere over the Asian continent, and the dynamical effects of quasi-stationary planetary wave activity on EAM system variability. At the end of the paper, some scientific problems regarding understanding the EAM system variability are proposed for further study.

Clean energy has emerged as the focal point of global energy and power development. With the advancement of 5G technology and the Internet of Things (IoT), the demand for sustainable energy supply has become more pressing, leading to widespread attention to vibration energy harvesting technology. This technology enables the conversion of vibrational energy from natural phenomena such as ocean waves and wind, as well as machinery operation and human activities, into electrical energy, thus supporting the expansion of self‐sustained IoT systems. This review provides an overview of the progress in vibration energy harvesting technology and discusses the integration of this technology with self‐powered sensors and artificial intelligence. These integrations are reflected in the enhanced accuracy of environmental monitoring, increased efficiency in intelligent transportation and industrial production, and improved quality of life through intelligent healthcare and smart home. Such applications demonstrate the significant potential of self‐sustained artificial IoT in promoting environmental sustainability and elevating the level of intelligent living. In summary, exploring and applying vibration energy harvesting technology to support the autonomous operation of IoT devices is key to building a more sustainable, intelligent, and interconnected world. Clean energy is central to global energy developments, driven by sustainability needs and advancements in 5G and Internet of Things (IoT). Vibration energy harvesting, converting vibrational energy into electricity, supports IoT expansions and integrates with AI‐enhanced sensors for improved environmental monitoring, intelligent transportation, and smart healthcare, showcasing its potential in fostering a sustainable, intelligent world.

Background Legionella pneumophila is an uncommon pathogen causing community-acquired atypical pneumonia. Acinetobacter baumannii is a major pathogen responsible for hospital-acquired pneumonia, but it rarely causes serious infections in a community setting. Without prompt and appropriate treatments, infection from either of these two pathogens can cause a high mortality rate. Concurrent infection from both L. pneumophila and A. baumannii can cause serious outcomes, but it has rarely been reported previously. Case presentation A 45-year-old male presented to our hospital with a productive cough and fever after staying in a local hotel. His chest computed tomography (CT) scan showed bilateral lower-lobe infiltration and left pleural effusion. Empirical antibiotics, including piperacillin-tazobactam, levofloxacin, meropenem, and doxycycline, were administered to him to treat community-acquired pneumonia. However, his condition deteriorated very rapidly, and he required endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation for respiratory support. Finally, metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) of his bronchoalveolar lavage fluid identified L. pneumophila and A. baumannii . The sputum culture demonstrated multidrug-resistant A. baumannii . He was diagnosed with pneumonia by concurrent infections from both L. pneumophila and A. baumannii . After careful consideration of the antibiotic susceptibility results and the antibacterial mechanism of each antibiotic, we switched the antibiotics to omadacycline and cefoperazone/sulbactam. His clinical symptoms gradually subsided. The repeat chest CT image showed no infiltration or pleural effusion. Conclusions Community-acquired pneumonia can be caused by concurrent infections of both L. pneumophila and A. baumannii . Close clinical monitoring, early pathogen detection and antibiotic susceptability tests, and appropriate antibiotic regimen adjustments should be applied to these patients who failed initial antibiotic treatments.

Lead (Pb) stress causes impairment of plant growth and loss in crops. Exogenous addition of abscisic acid (ABA) could alleviate Pb damage, however, the roles of genes involved in the biosynthesis of ABA in Pb tolerance were still unclear. In this study, we found that the transcription of Cassia tora 1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate synthase 1 ( CtDXS1 ) and 1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate reductoisomerase 1 ( CtDXR1 ) genes was upregulated by lead acetate (Pb). Subsequently, we evaluated the anti-Pb effects of Nicotiana benthamiana coexpressing CtDXS1 and CtDXR1 genes. The transgenic lines conferred improved performance under Pb stress, such as more endogenous ABA content and higher antioxidant enzyme activities, but lower levels of malonaldehyde (MDA) and H 2 O 2 contents as well as Pb uptake than in the wild-type plants. Additionally, the role of ABA in Pb tolerance was verified. The transcript of heavy metal-tolerant genes, such as ABC transporters and ATPase, were enhanced in the transgenic plants, with auxin transporter protein 1 (AUX1) and calcium-binding protein CP1 (CP1) being potential key nodes in Pb-tolerant signaling network. In addition, Pb-tolerant microbes such as genera Methylophilus , Massilia and Bradyrhizobium were enriched in the rhizosphere microbial community of transgenic plants. To our knowledge, this first report demonstrating 2- C -methyl-D-erythritol-4-phosphate (MEP) pathway-mediated accumulation of ABA confers Pb tolerance.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2025.1657368.].

Sangju-Yin, supplemented with some drugs, has frequently demonstrated therapeutic efficacy against colds, albeit its effect on (MP) infection remains unknown. Therefore, we aimed to elucidate the treatment efficacy and influencing factors of a Sangju cough mixture on MP infection in adults. Between January 2021 and December 2022, 150 adult patients with MP infection at the Lishui Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated with Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine were assigned to the treatment (administered Sangju cough mixture and moxifloxacin tablets) or the control (administered moxifloxacin tablets) groups. When compared with the control group, the treatment group exhibited significantly improved traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores, increased CD4 T cell levels, and decreased CD8 T cell levels (all < 0.05). After 7 days of treatment, the negative conversion rate of the MP-specific immunoglobulin M (MP-IgM) antibody of the treatment group was not significantly different from that of the control group ( > 0.05); however, after 14 days of treatment, the rate was significantly higher in the treatment group ( < 0.05). The univariate regression analysis revealed that combined chronic respiratory disease, failure to take Sangju cough mixture, combined pneumonia, Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS 2002) score of at least 3 points, and age were associated with the negative conversion of the MP-IgM antibody (all < 0.05). Nevertheless, the multivariate regression model revealed that the NRS 2002 score of at least 3 points was not an independent risk factor ( > 0.05). Sangju cough mixture can improve symptoms, accelerate the negative conversion time of MP-IgM antibody, and promote rehabilitation of the patients.

Immune checkpoint blockade therapy has drastically improved the prognosis of certain advanced-stage cancers. However, low response rates and immune-related adverse events remain important limitations. Here, we report that inhibiting ALG3, an a-1,3-mannosyltransferase involved in protein glycosylation in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), can boost the response of tumors to immune checkpoint blockade therapy. Deleting N-linked glycosylation gene ALG3 in mouse cancer cells substantially attenuates their growth in mice in a manner depending on cytotoxic T cells. Furthermore, ALG3 inhibition or N-linked glycosylation inhibitor tunicamycin treatment synergizes with anti-PD1 therapy in suppressing tumor growth in mouse models of cancer. Mechanistically, we found that inhibiting ALG3 induced deficiencies of post-translational N-linked glycosylation modification and led to excessive lipid accumulation through sterol-regulated element-binding protein (SREBP1)-dependent lipogenesis in cancer cells. N-linked glycosylation deficiency-mediated lipid hyperperoxidation induced immunogenic ferroptosis of cancer cells and promoted a pro-inflammatory microenvironment, which boosted anti-tumor immune responses. In human subjects with cancer, elevated levels of ALG3 expression in tumor tissues are associated with poor patient survival. Taken together, we reveal an unappreciated role of ALG3 in regulating tumor immunogenicity and propose a potential therapeutic strategy for enhancing cancer immunotherapy.

Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) is the mainstay treatment for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). However, the incidence, risk factors, and impact of intra-procedural atrial tachycardia (IAT) during PAF ablation remain insufficiently characterized. The purpose of this study was to explore the incidence, risk factors, electrophysiological features, and clinical outcomes of IAT. In this single-center, prospective study, 255 patients undergoing RFCA for PAF were analyzed. IAT was defined as stable tachycardia lasting more than 2 min, either induced or spontaneous. Logistic regression identified risk factors for AT, and Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to examine its impact on long-term success. IAT occurred in 13.33% of patients. Right atrial enlargement was identified as an independent risk factor [odds ratio (OR) = 1.14,  = 0.015], and AT involving the peri-tricuspid (45%), peri-mitral (45%), roof-dependent (2.5%) and focal (7.5%) types were found. The overall 12-month sinus rhythm maintenance rate was 78.0%, with no significant difference between the AT and non-AT groups (79.4% vs. 77.8%,  = 0.84). IAT was observed in 13.3% of patients undergoing PAF ablation, with macro-reentrant circuits around the tricuspid and mitral annuli being the primary mechanisms. Right atrial diameter served as a key predictor. Our data demonstrate that with successful intra-procedural identification and targeted ablation, IAT patients can achieve a 12-month prognosis similar to non-IAT patients.