Explore the vast range of titles available.

This study aimed to investigate the expression levels of microRNA-195 (miRNA-195) in different types of patients with cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) and its correlation with the prognosis. Serum samples were collected from different types of patients with CCA (I, II, III, IV) and normal cases, followed by detection of expression of miRNA-195 using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The serum samples of 204 patients with CCA, including 75 cases of type I, 68 cases of type II, 35 cases of type III and 26 cases of type IV and 200 healthy subjects were selected. The baseline clinicopathological data of patients with CCA were assessed and recorded, and patients were followed up constantly. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was established, and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was calculated to evaluate the difference of miRNA-195 expression levels between patients with CCA and normal controls. Survival curves were set up for groups with high and low expression levels via the Kaplan-Meier method, and the log-rank test was used to evaluate the difference of survival curves between the two groups. The expression of miR-195 in patients with CCA was significantly lower than that in the normal control group, with a sensitivity of 0.78 and a specificity of 0.76, and it was positively correlated with the pathological grade of CCA. Additionally, the expression level of serum miRNA-195 was associated with lymph node metastasis (P=0.009) and tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) classification (P=0.010). The survival analysis revealed that the prognosis in patients with CCA in types III and IV was poorer than that in those with types I and III who had a low expression of miRNA-195 (P=0.0026). The results show that miR-195 is an important marker that reflects the malignant degree of CCA, and it is expected to be a reference marker to determine the prognosis of CCA.

Adversarial examples are crucial tools for assessing the robustness of deep neural networks (DNNs) and revealing potential security vulnerabilities. Adversarial example generation methods based on Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) have made significant progress in generating image adversarial examples, but still suffer from insufficient sparsity and transferability. To address these issues, this study proposes a novel semi-white-box untargeted adversarial example generation method named Wavelet-AdvGAN, with an explicit threat model defined as follows. Specifically, the attack is strictly untargeted without predefined target categories, aiming solely to mislead DNNs into classifying adversarial examples into any category other than the original label. It adopts a semi-white-box setting where attackers are denied access to the target model’s private information. Regarding the generator’s information dependence, the training phase only utilizes public resources (i.e., the target model’s public architecture and CIFAR-10 public training data), while the test phase generates adversarial examples through one-step feedforward of clean images without interacting with the target model. The method incorporates a Frequency Sub-band Difference (FSD) module and a Wavelet Transform Local Feature (WTLF) extraction module, evaluating the differences between original and adversarial examples from the frequency domain perspective. This approach constrains the magnitude of perturbations, reinforces feature regions, and further enhances the attack effectiveness, thereby improving the sparsity and transferability of adversarial examples. Experimental results demonstrate that the Wavelet-AdvGAN method achieves an average increase of 1.26% in attack success rates under two defense strategies—data augmentation and adversarial training. Additionally, the adversarial transferability improves by an average of 2.7%. Moreover, the proposed method exhibits a lower l0 norm, indicating better perturbation sparsity. Consequently, it effectively evaluates the robustness of deep neural networks.

PurposeTi-Al composite plates have been used in aerospace and other important fields for specific purposes in recent years. However, relatively few studies have concentrated on Ti-Al additive manufacturing because during additive manufacturing process the local fusion and mixing of Ti/Al are inevitable. These areas where Ti and Al are mixed locally, especially interface, could easily generate high residual stresses and cracks. This study aims to manufacture Ti-Al functionally graded material and investigate the interaction of interface.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, Ti6Al4V/AlSi10Mg functionally graded materials were fabricated by laser based directed energy deposition (L-DED) and a strategy using V interlayer to relieve interfacial stress was investigated.FindingsThe area between the two materials was divided into transition zone (TZ) and remelting zone (RZ). The phase distribution, microstructure and micro-Vickers hardness of the TZ and RZ were investigated. Typical intermetallic compounds (IMCs) such as TiAl3, Ti3Al and Ti5Si3 were found in both composites. The addition of V interlayer promoted the homogenization of IMCs near interface and led to the formation of new phases like V5Si3 and Al3V.Originality/valueThe solidification process near the interface of Ti-Al functionally graded material and the possible generation of different phases were described. The result of this paper proved the feasibility of manufacturing Ti-Al functionally graded material by L-DED.

In this study, we seek to better understand the value of information technology (IT) in supply chain contexts. Grounded in the resource-based theory in conjunction with transaction cost economics, we develop a conceptual model that links three IT-related resources (backend integration, managerial skills, and partner support) to firm performance improvement. The model differs from previous studies by proposing a moderating effect of competition on the resource-performance relationships. Using data of 743 manufacturing firms, our analysis indicates significant contribution of IT to supply chains, which is generated through development of the digitally enabled integration capability and manifested at the process level along the supply chain. The technological resource alone, however, does not hold the answer to IT value creation. In fact, managerial skills, which enable adaptations on supply chain processes and corporate strategy to accommodate the use of IT, are shown to play the strongest role in IT value creation. Furthermore, backend integration and managerial skills are found to be more valuable in more competitive environments. While commodity-like resources have diminishing value under competition, integrational and managerial resources become even stronger. Overall, our results shed light on the key drivers of IT-enabled supply chains, and provide insights into how competition shapes IT value. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]

The doping of multilayer graphene (MLG) was investigated in this study to optimize the mechanical properties, elastocaloric effect and cyclic stability of Ni-Co-Mn-Ti alloys. The formation energies of Ni 6 Co 2 Mn 6 Ti 2 and Ni 6 Co 2 Mn 6 Ti 2 C 1 alloys were calculated using first-principles methods. It was revealed that the introduction of C(MLG) significantly reduced the formation energy, thereby enhancing the stability of the crystal structure. The microstructure, martensitic transformation, crystal structure, mechanical properties, elastocaloric performance and cyclic stability of MLG x /(Ni 36 Co 14 Mn 35 Ti 15 ) 100- x ( x  = 0, 0.3, 0.6, 0.9, 1.5) alloys were systematically investigated. It was found that the doping of MLG induced the formation of black particulate precipitates within the alloy. These precipitates altered the composition of the alloy matrix and led to an increase in the phase transformation temperature. The incorporation of MLG further facilitated the transition of the alloy's crystal structure from an L2₁ cubic austenite phase to a 10 M martensitic phase. Moreover, both the mechanical strength and the elastocaloric properties were significantly enhanced by MLG doping. The compressive fracture stress and strain were observed to increase progressively with increasing MLG content. Specifically, the MLG 1.5 /(Ni 36 Co 14 Mn 35 Ti 15 ) 98.5 alloy achieved a compressive fracture stress of 1005 MPa and a compressive fracture strain of 10.3% at 293 K. Furthermore, the alloy with 0.6 at.% MLG achieved a ΔT ad of -4.32 K under a compressive stress of 400 MPa and demonstrated superior cyclic stability with 800 cycles under a stress of 300 MPa.

Background Despite significant advancements in therapeutic approaches for lung cancer, the prognosis of lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) remains suboptimal, underscoring the critical need to identify novel molecular targets and develop targeted therapeutic strategies. Through bioinformatic analysis, SH3RF2 was identified as a gene significantly upregulated in LUSC patients, and its high expression was strongly associated with lower survival rates. However, no significant differences in expression or survival correlation were observed in lung adenocarcinoma. Notably, SH3RF2, an E3 ubiquitin ligase characterized by three SH3 domains, has not been systematically investigated in LUSC pathogenesis. Results Mechanistic investigations found that SH3RF2 promoted tumor cell proliferation, upregulated M2 markers (Arg-1, CD163, IL-10), increased CD206 + subpopulation of M0 THP-1 cells and enhanced migration and invasion of M0 THP-1 cells. SH3RF2 promoted the nuclear translocation of β-catenin. Furthermore, ICG-001, the inhibitors of β-catenin pathway, alleviated the above effects of SH3RF2. In vivo tumorigenesis experiments found that SH3RF2 promoted tumor growth and increased the proportion of M2 cells. Proteomic analysis revealed that SH3RF2 interacted with LZTS2 and regulated the ubiquitination of LZTS2 with RING domain. Overexpression of LZTS2 attenuated SH3RF2-induced nuclear translocation of β-catenin, suppressed cellular migration and invasion, and inhibited M2 polarization promoted by SH3RF2 overexpression. The combination of SH3RF2 knockdown and radiotherapy inhibited the growth of tumor compared with SH3RF2 knockdown or radiotherapy alone. Conclusions This study demonstrates the functionality of SH3RF2 in both potentiating tumor progression and inducing M2 macrophage polarization through coordinated regulation of LZTS2 degradation and β-catenin nuclear translocation. These findings establish a novel mechanistic framework and propose SH3RF2-associated signaling axes as promising therapeutic targets for LUSC.

Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) was introduced into China in 2006, approximately 10 years after the introduction of an invasive whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) B biotype. Even so the distribution and prevalence of TYLCV remained limited, and the economic damage was minimal. Following the introduction of Q biotype into China in 2003, the prevalence and spread of TYLCV started to accelerate. This has lead to the hypothesis that the two biotypes might not be equally competent vectors of TYLCV. The infection frequency of TYLCV in the field-collected B. tabaci populations was investigated, the acquisition and transmission capability of TYLCV by B and Q biotypes were compared under the laboratory conditions. Analysis of B. tabaci populations from 55 field sites revealed the existence of 12 B and 43 Q biotypes across 18 provinces in China. The acquisition and transmission experiments showed that both B and Q biotypes can acquire and transmit the virus, however, Q biotype demonstrated superior acquisition and transmission capability than its B counterparts. Specifically, Q biotype acquired significantly more viral DNA than the B biotype, and reached the maximum viral load in a substantially shorter period of time. Although TYLCV was shown to be transmitted horizontally by both biotypes, Q biotype exhibited significantly higher viral transmission frequency than B biotype. Vertical transmission result, on the other hand, indicated that TYLCV DNA can be detected in eggs and nymphs, but not in pupae and adults of the first generation progeny. These combined results suggested that the epidemiology of TYLCV was aided differentially by the two invasive whiteflies (B and Q biotypes) through horizontal but not vertical transmission of the virus. This is consistent with the concomitant eruption of TYLCV in tomato fields following the recent rapid invasion of Q biotype whitefly in China.

With the continuous development of China’s modern economy and agricultural society, the discharge of rural sewage has been recognized as a major threat to the safety of the rural ecological environment. This study discussed the purification efficiency of a tower-shaped integrated ecological purification device (TIEPD)—consisting of a measuring tank, detention tank and three-stage purification unit—towards various common pollutants in rural areas during operation and tested the stability and efficiency of the TIEPD under different rural life events (fair activity days and nonfair activity days) and different precipitation intensities (light rain, moderate rain and heavy rain). The results showed that the average removal efficiencies of the TIEPD towards chemical oxygen demand, ammonia nitrogen, total nitrogen and total phosphorus were 69%, 67%, 54% and 73%, respectively. The average effluent concentration of each pollutant can meet the standard of the discharge of pollutants in China. The system exhibited good stability in removing pollutants and good ecological and economic benefits. This study provides the treatment of domestic sewage in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River and in mountainous areas of China and strengthens the prevention and control of rural nonpoint source pollution.

The Gongshan muntjac (Muntiacus gongshanensis) is one of the least understood ungulate species and is classified as Critically Endangered (CR) on China's Vertebrates Red List and assessed as Data Deficient (DD) by the IUCN. Its elusive behavior, remote habitat, and restricted distribution have hindered efforts to understand its ecological characteristics. To address this gap, we conducted an extensive camera trap survey in Gedang, Medog County, Southeast Tibet, from April 2023 to December 2024. A total of 4846 images and videos from 914 independent detections were collected from 52 cameras that captured the Gongshan muntjac. The results revealed that Gongshan muntjac was widely distributed at elevations below 2800 m, with particularly frequent habitat use below 2200 m in broadleaf forests. The observed sex ratio favored males, with a female‐to‐male sex ratio of 1:1.13 in this wild population. Solitary individuals were the most common social structure (89.71% of independent detections), followed by female–male pairs (6.94%), whereas other groups with limited detections altogether accounted for only 3.35%. The daily activity patterns followed a crepuscular bimodal rhythm, with the primary activity intensity concentrated at dusk (19:00–21:00) and a smaller peak at dawn (07:00–09:00), and there were no significant differences between males and females. Although activity frequencies were higher in summer and autumn, daily activity intensity exhibited no significant seasonal variation. These findings contribute critical baseline data on the habitat preferences, activity rhythms, and population structure of Gongshan muntjac, offering valuable guidance for conservation planning and future ecological monitoring of this poorly understood species. This study provides critical insights into the ecological characteristics of the endangered Gongshan muntjac, a poorly understood ungulate species. Our findings reveal the species' habitat preferences, activity rhythms, and social structure, which are vital for informing conservation strategies and enhancing our understanding of this species' role in its ecosystem. The research contributes to the scientific basis for protecting the Gongshan muntjac and offers a model for studying other elusive wildlife.

Energy loss in perovskite grain boundaries (GBs) is a primary limitation toward high‐efficiency perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Two critical strategies to address this issue are high‐quality crystallization and passivation of GBs. However, the established methods are generally carried out discretely due to the complicated mechanisms of grain growth and defect formation. In this study, a combined method is proposed by introducing 3,4,5‐Trifluoroaniline iodide (TFAI) into the perovskite precursor. The TFAI triggers the union of nano‐sized colloids into microclusters and facilitates the complete phase transition of α‐FAPbI3 at room temperature. The controlled chemical reactivity and strong steric hindrance effect enable the fixed location of TFAI and suppress defects at GBs. This combination of well‐crystallized perovskite grains and effectively passivated GBs leads to an improvement in the open circuit voltage (Voc) of PSCs from 1.08 V to 1.17 V, which is one of the highest recorded Voc without interface modification. The TFAI‐incorporated device achieved a champion PCE of 24.81%. The device maintained a steady power output near its maximum power output point, showing almost no decay over 280 h testing without pre‐processing. A combined method is proposed by introducing 3,4,5‐Trifluoroaniline iodide (TFAI) into the perovskite precursor. The TFAI induces a complete phase transition of α‐FAPbI3 at room temperature and serves as a passivation agent at grain boundaries. The TFAI‐modified device achieves over 24% PCE and maintains steady power output for 380 h with almost no performance decay.