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Stereo-digital image correlation (DIC) is promising in structural vibration testing due to its advantages of non-contact, full-field, and high-spatial resolution. However, thousands of full-field displacement maps generated by stereo-DIC hamper its practical applications. Furthermore, with the evaluated mode shapes, how to accurately reveal the embedded/hidden damage positions without a reference dataset is another critical problem. For the purpose of resolving those issues, a complete method is proposed, consisting of (1) an adaptive kernel function construction method for low-rank-representing the full-field displacement maps while retaining both global and local shape features, (2) an enhanced frequency domain decomposition approach for noise-robust mode shape estimation based on the kernel functions, and (3) extracting and fusing local shape features of multiple mode shapes for more accurate damage localization. Finally, numerical and experimental case studies are investigated to verify the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed low-rank representation method in modal parameters and damage identification. In addition, it is found that the mode shape and damage characteristics of displacement fields can be captured by the first 20 principal components, and the first six modes provide robust damage localization results.

Pueraria montana var. lobata ( P. lobata ) is both a medicinal herb with significant pharmacological values and a food ingredient that can replace grains, but it still faces challenges in quality consistency and suitable cultivation. This study aims to systematically analyze its potential suitable habitats across China and evaluate the effect of environment on its growth and quality. By integrating distribution data from 926 sample points and 33 environmental variables, MaxEnt model and ArcGIS software were employed to predict the potential suitable habitats of P. lobata , and investigate distribution change at the provincial level. Chemical and correlation analysis were used to determine the total flavonoid content and explore the relationship with environmental variables. Key influencing variables were Bio12 (annual precipitation, 35.4%), Bio14 (driest month precipitation, 24%), and Bio06 (coldest month minimum temperature, 18.2%). P. lobata from Hubei and Jiangxi provinces exhibited higher flavonoid content than that in other high-suitable provinces, which showed a strong positive correlation with latitude and a significant negative correlation with January mean temperature. Under future climate scenarios, the suitable habitats of P. lobata showed northward expansion due to global warming. These findings offer a theoretical foundation for sustainable development and high-quality demand under changing climatic conditions.

Herein, we describe a one-step method for synthesizing cationic acrylate-based core-shell latex (CACS latex), which is used to prepare architectural coatings with excellent antimicrobial properties. Firstly, a polymerizable water-soluble quaternary ammonium salt (QAS-BN) was synthesized using 2-(Dimethylamine) ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) and benzyl bromide by the Hoffman alkylation reaction. Then QAS-BN, butyl acrylate (BA), methyl methacrylate (MMA), and vinyltriethoxysilane (VTES) as reactants and 2,2’-azobis(2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (AIBA) as a water-soluble initiator were used to synthesize the CACS latex. The effect of the QAS-BN dosage on the properties of the emulsion and latex film was systematically investigated. The TGA results showed that using QAS-BN reduced the latex film’s initial degradation temperature but improved its thermal stability. In the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) photographs, the self-stratification of latex particles with a high dosage of QAS-BN was observed, forming a core-shell structure of latex particles. The DSC, TGA, XPS, SEM, and performance tests confirmed the core-shell structure of the latex particles. The relationship between the formation of the core-shell structure and the content of QAS-BN was proved. The formation of the core-shell structure was due to the preferential reaction of water-soluble monomers in the aqueous phase, which led to the aggregation of hydrophilic groups, resulting in the formation of soft-core and hard-shell latex particles. However, the water resistance of the films formed by CACS latex was greatly reduced. We introduced a p-chloromethyl styrene and n-hexane diamine (p-CMS/EDA) crosslinking system, effectively improving the water resistance in this study. Finally, the antimicrobial coating was prepared with a CACS emulsion of 7 wt.% QAS-BN and 2 wt.% p-CMS/EDA. The antibacterial activity rates of this antimicrobial coating against E. coli and S. aureus were 99.99%. The antiviral activity rates against H3N2, HCoV-229E, and EV71 were 99.4%, 99.2%, and 97.9%, respectively. This study provides a novel idea for the morphological design of latex particles. A new architectural coating with broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties was obtained, which has important public health and safety applications.

Purposes Currently, there is no gold standard for determining the rotational alignment of the tibial component in varus knee deformities. This study aims to identify an appropriate method for determining the rotational alignment of the tibial component in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for varus osteoarthritis. Methods This study explores the relationship between varus angles and various anatomical landmarks to identify the optimal landmark. A total of 174 patients with varus knee osteoarthritis (OA) were recruited between June 2019 and June 2022. Results Statistical analysis and scatter plots revealed a significant negative correlation between the varus angle and the ATCC in all patients with knee OA. A significant positive correlation was observed between the varus angle and the patellar tendon (including PCL-PT and PCL-MSL) when the varus angle was ≤ 10°. However, the correlation between these parameters changed when the varus angle exceeded 10°. Conclusions The study provides new insights into the rotational alignment of the tibial component in TKA for varus osteoarthritis, emphasizing the need for individualized alignment strategies based on anatomical landmarks and varus angle severity. Level of evidence Level III, correlation study.

Currently, there are many gaps in the research on the safety of hydrogen-powered trains, and the hazardous points vary across different scenarios. It is necessary to conduct safety analysis for various scenarios in order to develop effective accident response strategies. Considering the implementation of hydrogen power in the rail transport sector, this paper reviews the development status of hydrogen-powered trains and the hydrogen leak hazard chain. Based on the literature and industry data, a thorough analysis is conducted on the challenges faced by hydrogen-powered trains in the scenario of electrified railways, tunnels, train stations, hydrogen refueling stations, and garages. Existing railway facilities are not ready to deal with accidental hydrogen leakage, and the promotion of hydrogen-powered trains needs to be cautious.

Vascular calcification is quite common in patients with end-stage chronic kidney disease and is a major trigger for cardiovascular complications in these patients. These complications significantly impact the survival rate and long-term prognosis of individuals with chronic kidney disease. Numerous studies have demonstrated that the development of vascular calcification involves various pathophysiological mechanisms, with the osteogenic transdifferentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) being of utmost importance. High phosphate levels, bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2), and runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) play crucial roles in the osteogenic transdifferentiation process of VSMCs. This article primarily reviews the molecular mechanisms by which high phosphate, BMP2, and RUNX2 regulate vascular calcification secondary to chronic kidney disease, and discusses the complex interactions among these factors and their impact on the progression of vascular calcification. The insights provided here aim to offer new perspectives for future research on the phenotypic switching and osteogenic transdifferentiation of VSMCs, as well as to aid in optimizing clinical treatment strategies for this condition, bearing significant clinical and scientific implications.

IntroductionThis article outlines the research protocol for a multicentre, randomised, controlled study designed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of a modified olfactory training (MOT) based on bi‐directional nasal drug delivery system for patients with postinfectious olfactory dysfunction (PIOD), and to compare its efficacy with conventional olfactory training (COT).Methods and analysisThis is a multicentre study in which patients will be recruited from several participating hospitals. Patients will be divided into three groups: COT group using COT device, MOT group using MOT device, Control group without any intervention other than follow-up. The olfactory training (OT) intervention will last for 12 months. The primary outcome will be the improvement in olfactory ability from baseline measurement to the end of intervention or control period, evaluated through the total Threshold, Discrimination, Identification (TDI) score of the Sniffin’ Stick test. Secondary outcomes will be changes in olfactory bulb volume and shape, olfactory-related brain area volume, olfactory and trigeminal nerve-related potentials, and subjective assessments.Ethics and disseminationThis study protocol has been registered with ClinicalTrials.gov. The Peking University Third Hospital Medical Science Research Ethics Committee reviewed and approved this study protocol. The results will be published in BMJ Open.Trial registration numberNCT06829706.

In recent years, contrast agents have been widely used in imaging technology to improve quality. Nanoparticles have better in vivo detection capability than conventional molecular scale contrast agents. In this study, a new type of Au nanocages@PEG nanoparticles (AuNC@PEGs) with a strong X-ray absorption coefficient was synthesized as a contrast agent for computed tomography (CT) scan imaging. Results showed that AuNC@PEGs had good aqueous dispensation, low cytotoxicity, and strong X-ray absorption ability. Furthermore, in vivo studies have shown that the synthesized AuNC@PEGs have an evident contrast enhancement, long circulation time in the blood, and negligible toxicity in vivo. Therefore, the synthesized functionalized AuNC@PEGs in this study have great potential for clinical application in CT scan imaging.

IntroductionEndoscopic sinus surgery is an effective treatment for olfactory dysfunction related to chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). However, recent studies have shown that most patients with CRS experience a return of olfactory function to preoperative levels within months to a year after surgery. Clinically, olfactory training after sinonasal surgery has been proven beneficial for olfactory recovery. The study aims to explore the effectiveness of olfactory training in treating postoperative olfactory dysfunction in patients with CRS after surgery. Additionally, conventional olfactory training (COT) devices have the drawback of insufficient deposition rates of odourants in the olfactory cleft, leading to poor treatment outcomes. This experiment employs a modified olfactory training (MOT) device based on respiratory pressure and compares its therapeutic effects with the COT device.Methods and analysisThis will be a randomised controlled trial. The aim is to investigate the effectiveness of olfactory training in treating postoperative olfactory dysfunction in patients with CRS and to compare the effects of MOT with COT. Participants will be randomly allocated in a 1:1:1 ratio to the MOT group, the COT group and the control group for 12 months. The primary outcome will be the change in the odour threshold, odour discrimination, odour identification and the total threshold, detection and identification score after 12 months of olfactory training. The secondary outcomes will include objective olfactory cleft assessment, the volumes of grey matter, white matter and cerebrospinal fluid, the volume and shape of the olfactory bulb, and the subjective olfactory assessment.Ethics and disseminationThis study protocol has been registered with ClinicalTrials.gov and has received approval from the Peking University Third Hospital Medical Science Research Ethics Committee. The results will be published in scientific peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration numberNCT06837051.

Background The light environment significantly influences crop growth, development, quality, and yield, particularly in controlled-environment agriculture. Recent advances in artificial lighting technology have allowed growers to precisely control the light environment in terms of duration, spectrum, and intensity. Starch and protein are the most significant nutritional constituents of maize kernels. However, little is known about the effects of the light environment on starch and protein content in maize kernels. Therefore, we investigated the effects of natural light and supplemental exposure to blue (B), far-red (FR), and red (R) light on starch and protein content in kernels of the inbred maize line B73. Results Exposure to supplemental B, FR, or R light resulted in significant increases in starch content but decreases in protein content. Notably, protein content was lowest under B light. Substantial proportions of genes (5.03–75.23%) and metabolites (46.89–85.64%) were regulated by different wavelengths of light. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses, as well as weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), revealed that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) under B, FR, and R light were involved in pathways related to starch and protein synthesis. KEGG metabolomic analysis showed that differentially abundant metabolites (DAMs) were primarily associated with histidine, D-amino acid, cysteine, and methionine metabolism. Nine DEGs related to starch synthesis were identified as potential candidates for investigating the effects of light quality on starch synthesis, and 14 DEGs related to protein synthesis provided evidence for the influence of light quality on protein synthesis in maize. Conclusions This study identified the regulatory network governing starch and protein content in B73 maize kernels under different light conditions, contributing to a deeper understanding of how light quality affects the nutritional components of maize kernels.