Efficacy of acupuncture for functional constipation in elderly: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Numerous clinical studies have shown that patients suffering from functional constipation can benefit by combining medication with acupuncture. There have been no published reviews or meta-analyses regarding the use of acupuncture in treating functional constipation in older adults. Therefore, we carried out a meta-analysis to assess the impact of acupuncture on elderly patients dealing with functional constipation.

Mask-guided network for finger vein feature extraction and biometric identification.

The problems of complex background, low quality of finger vein images, and poor discriminative features have been the bottleneck of feature extraction and finger vein recognition. To this end, we propose a feature extraction algorithm based on the open-set testing protocol. In order to eliminate the interference of irrelevant areas, this paper proposes the idea of segmentation-assisted classification, that is, using the rough mask of the finger vein to constrain the feature learning process so that the network can focus on the vein area and learn greater weight for the vein.

Observing Mixed Chemical Reactions at the Positive Electrode in the High-Performance Self-Powered Electrochemical Humidity Sensor.

Electrochemical humidity (ECH) sensors that integrate power generation and humidity sensing have attracted great research attention in recent years. However, the design of high-performance ECH sensors faces many challenges. Namely, the working mechanism of the ECH sensors is still controversial, and related self-powered applications have not been well implemented.

Metasurface-Based Image Classification Using Diffractive Deep Neural Network.

The computer-assisted inverse design of photonic computing, especially by leveraging artificial intelligence algorithms, offers great convenience to accelerate the speed of development and improve calculation accuracy. However, traditional thickness-based modulation methods are hindered by large volume and difficult fabrication process, making it hard to meet the data-driven requirements of flexible light modulation. Here, we propose a diffractive deep neural network (DNN) framework based on a three-layer all-dielectric phased transmitarray as hidden layers, which can perform the classification of handwritten digits.

Myofibroblast-derived extracellular vesicles facilitate cancer stemness of hepatocellular carcinoma via transferring ITGA5 to tumor cells.

Background: Myofibroblasts constitute a significant component of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and play a pivotal role in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Integrin α5 (ITGA5) is a crucial regulator in myofibroblasts of malignant tumors. Therefore, the potential of ITGA5 as a novel target for the therapeutic strategy of HCC should be investigated.

A Novel Calibration Scheme of Gas Sensor Array for a More Accurate Measurement Model of Mixed Gases.

Gas sensor arrays (GSAs) usually encounter challenges due to the cross-contamination of mixed gases, leading to reduced accuracy in measuring gas mixtures. However, with the advent of artificial intelligence, there is a promising avenue for addressing this issue effectively. In pursuit of more accurate mixed gas measurements, we proposed a measurement model leveraging neural networks.

Single organic electrode for multi-system dual-ion symmetric batteries.

The large void space of organic electrodes endows themselves with the capability to store different counter ions without size concern. In this work, a small-molecule organic bipolar electrode called diquinoxalino[2,3-a:2',3'-c]phenazine-2,6,10-tris(phenoxazine) (DQPZ-3PXZ) is designed. Based on its robust solid structure by the π conjugation of diquinoxalino[2,3-a:2',3'-c]phenazine (DQPZ) and phenoxazine (PXZ), DQPZ-3PXZ can indiscriminately and stably host 5 counter ions with different charge and size (Li, Na, K, PF and FSI).

Gated off-site radical injection: Bidirectional conductance modulation in single-molecule junctions.

Uncovering the effects of radical injection into responsive organic molecules is a long-sought goal, and the single-molecule junctions provide a unique way to investigate molecular conductance evolution during the radical injection. We can modulate the main channel conductance by using electronic injection from off-site neutral radicals acting as gating terminals. Two families of cyclopentadienone derivatives were synthesized, featuring the inter-pyridyl main conductance channel and the inter-radical paths that are linear (FCF) or cross conjugated (PCP).

Preoperative identification from occult leiomyosarcomas in laparoscopic hysterectomy and laparoscopic myomectomy: accuracy of the ultrasound scoring system (PRESS-US).

Purpose: To assess the diagnostic performance and inter-observer agreement of a PREoperative sarcoma scoring based on ultrasound (PRESS-US) in differentiating uterine leiomyosarcoma (uLMS) from leiomyoma (LM).

Methods: We conducted a retrospective evaluation of patients who underwent surgery and received standardized ultrasound examinations due to the presence of uterine myoma-like masses. Histological diagnosis was used as the reference standard.

Degradable Multilayer Fabric Sensor with Wide Detection Range and High Linearity.

Integration of multiple superior features into a single flexible pressure sensor would result in devices with greater versatility and utility. To apply the device to a variety of scenarios and solve the problem of accumulation of e-waste in the environment, it is highly desirable to combine degradability and wide-range linearity characteristics in a single device. Herein, we reported a degradable multilayer fabric (DMF) consisting of an ellipsoidal carbon nanotube (ECNT) and polyvinylpyrrolidone/cellulose acetate electrospun fibers (PEF).

Single ambipolar OECT-based inverter with volatility and nonvolatility on demand.

Organic electrochemical transistor (OECT)-based inverter introduces new prospects for energy-efficient brain-inspired artificial intelligence devices. Here, we report single-component OECT-based inverters by incorporating ambipolar p(gDPP-V). Notably, p(gDPP-V) shows state-of-the-art ambipolar OECT performances in both conventional (p/n-type mode transconductance of 29/25 S cm) and vertical (transconductance of 297.

Research and implementation of a large-bandwidth real-time radar jamming simulator.

The electromagnetic environment faced by modern radar is becoming increasingly complex. One effective means to improve the performance of radar systems is testing in an anti-jamming ability test chamber, where the increased complexity has also led to higher performance requirements for radar jamming simulators. Based on the requirements for modern radar system testing, this paper presents a study of a large-bandwidth real-time radar jamming simulator and describes its overall design architecture; the simulator covers the L-Ku and Ka frequency bands and the instantaneous bandwidth is ≥2 GHz, which means that the system is able to simulate 11 interference patterns.

Electrical Kinetic Model of a Hydroxylated Graphene FET Gas Sensor.

Graphene transistor sensors, with advantages such as facile surface functionalization and high sensitivity, have gained extensive research interest in gas detection applications. This study fabricated back-gated graphene transistors and employed a hydroxylation scheme for the surface functionalization of graphene. On the basis of the interaction mechanisms between gas molecules and graphene's electrical properties, a compact electrical kinetics model considering the gas-solid surface reaction of graphene transistors is proposed.

The C-terminal self-binding helical peptide of human estrogen-related receptor γ can be druggably targeted by a novel class of rationally designed peptidic antagonists.

Orphan nuclear estrogen-related receptor γ (ERRγ) has been recognized as a potential therapeutic target for cancer, inflammation and metabolic disorder. The ERRγ contains a regulatory AF2 helical tail linked C-terminally to its ligand-binding domain (LBD), which is a self-binding peptide (SBP) and serves as molecular switch to dynamically regulate the receptor alternation between active and inactive states by binding to and unbinding from the AF2-binding site on ERRγ LBD surface, respectively. Traditional ERRγ modulators are all small-molecule chemical ligands that can be classified into agonists and inverse agonists in terms of their action mechanism; the agonists stabilize the AF2 in ABS site with an agonist conformation, while the inverse agonists lock the AF2 out of the site to largely abolish ERRγ transcriptional activity.

Enhancing targeted tumor treatment: A novel fuzzy logic framework for precision drug delivery strategy selection.

Objective: This study aims to address the challenge of selecting optimal drug delivery strategies for tumor patients by introducing a novel theoretical framework.

Methods: We propose a fuzzy logic-based framework for quantitatively assessing Health States (HS) in tumor patients. This framework integrates quantified HS assessments with causality strength analyses, offering a comprehensive understanding of various drug delivery schemes' effectiveness from pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic perspectives.

Ternary Logic Circuit and Neural Network Integration via Small Molecule-Based Antiambipolar Vertical Electrochemical Transistor.

Circuits based on organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) have great potential in the fields of biosensors and artificial neural computation due to their biocompatibility and neural similarity. However, the integration of OECT-based circuits lags far behind other emerging electronics. Here, ternary inverters based on antiambipolar vertical OECTs (vOECTs) and their integration with the establishment of neural networks are demonstrated.

Demonstration of a 263-GHz Traveling Wave Tube for Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy.

In this letter, a 263 GHz traveling wave tube for electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy is designed, fabricated and tested. A periodic permanent magnet focused pencil beam electron optical system is adopted. A folded waveguide slow-wave structure with modified serpentine bends is optimized to provide high-power wideband performance and stable operation.

Biomimetic Neuromorphic Sensory System via Electrolyte Gated Transistors.

Biomimetic neuromorphic sensing systems, inspired by the structure and function of biological neural networks, represent a major advancement in the field of sensing technology and artificial intelligence. This review paper focuses on the development and application of electrolyte gated transistors (EGTs) as the core components (synapses and neuros) of these neuromorphic systems. EGTs offer unique advantages, including low operating voltage, high transconductance, and biocompatibility, making them ideal for integrating with sensors, interfacing with biological tissues, and mimicking neural processes.

A wearable nanozyme-enzyme electrochemical biosensor for sweat lactate monitoring.

In this study, we developed a wearable nanozyme-enzyme electrochemical biosensor that enablies sweat lactate monitoring. The biosensor comprises a flexible electrode system prepared on a polyimide (PI) film and the Janus textile for unidirectional sweat transport. We obtained favorable electrochemical activities for hydrogen peroxide reduction by modifying the laser-scribed graphene (LSG) electrode with cerium dioxide (CeO)-molybdenum disulphide (MoS) nanozyme and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs).