This paper introduces a novel ray-tracing methodology for various gradient-index materials, particularly plasmas. The proposed approach utilizes adaptive-step Runge–Kutta integration to compute ray trajectories while incorporating an innovative rasterization step for ray energy deposition. By removing the requirement for rays to terminate at cell interfaces – a limitation inherent in earlier cell-confined approaches – the numerical formulation of ray motion becomes independent of specific domain geometries. This facilitates a unified and concise tracing method compatible with all commonly used curvilinear coordinate systems in laser–plasma simulations, which were previously unsupported or prohibitively complex under cell-confined frameworks. Numerical experiments demonstrate the algorithm’s stability and versatility in capturing diverse ray physics across reduced-dimensional planar, cylindrical and spherical coordinate systems. We anticipate that the rasterization-based approach will pave the way for the development of a generalized ray-tracing toolkit applicable to a broad range of fluid simulations and synthetic optical diagnostics.

Coherent combining of several low-energy few-cycle beams offers a reliable and feasible approach to producing few-cycle laser pulses with energies exceeding the multi-joule level. However, time synchronization and carrier-envelope phase difference (ΔCEP) between pulses significantly affect the temporal waveform and intensity of the combined pulse, requiring precise measurement and control. Here, we propose a concise optical method based on the phase retrieval of spectral interference and quadratic function symmetry axis fitting to simultaneously measure the time synchronization and ΔCEP between few-cycle pulses. The control precision of our coherent beam combining system can achieve a time delay stability within 42 as and ΔCEP measurement precision of 40 mrad, enabling a maximum combining efficiency of 98.5%. This method can effectively improve the performance and stability of coherent beam combining systems for few-cycle lasers, which will facilitate the obtaining of high-quality few-cycle lasers with high energy.

This study investigates the stability and instability of the language control network in bilinguals using longitudinal resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) data. We compared the language control network of Chinese university students majoring in English with those not, using three other functional networks as controls. Results indicate that the English major group exhibits reduced stability and increased instability in the language control network compared with the non-English major group. This suggests that second language (L2) learning experience may induce adaptive neural changes. Moreover, the coexistence of stability and instability in the language control network appears less modular in the English major group, implying a more integrated response to language experience. Notably, these results were not observed in the control networks. Overall, these findings enhance the understanding of bilingual language control and the impact of L2 learning on neural plasticity.

Large-aperture gratings have significant applications in inertial confinement fusion, immersion lithography manufacturing and astronomical observation. Currently, it is challenging and expensive to manufacture sizable monolithic gratings. Therefore, tiled multiple small-aperture gratings are preferred. In this study, the impact of seam phase discontinuity on the modulation of the laser beam field was explored based on the measurement results of the Shenguang-II laser large-aperture multi-exposure-tiled grating. An innovative method for accurately calculating the phase jump of multi-exposure-tiled grating seams was proposed. An intensive electromagnetic field analysis was performed by applying rigorous coupled-wave analysis to a reasonably constructed micrometer-level periodic grating seam structure, and the phase jump appearing in millimeter-scale seams of large-aperture tiled gratings was obtained accurately.

Humans depend heavily on nature. Drylands are home to 2.5 billion people, but the extent to which nature contributes to people (NCP) in drylands has been little explored. We examined the global contribution of nature to people, aiming to compare drylands and non-drylands. We predicted a lower contribution in drylands than non-drylands, largely because of the sparser population densities (peoples’ needs) and more degraded status of natural resources (lower potential contribution). Consistent with expectation, nature’s contribution was about 30% lower in drylands, with significantly lower values for drylands in Asia, Oceania, Africa and South America, but no difference for Europe and North America. Differences were due mainly to lower contributions from material and regulating contributions, i.e., the regulation of air quality, climate, water quantity and flow, soil protection and the supply of woody material, and potentially, lower use by people in drylands. Predicted declines in rainfall and increasing temperature are likely to place increasing pressure on nature to contribute to human well-being in drylands. A better understanding of nature’s contributions to people would improve our ability to allocate limited resources and achieve sustainable development in drylands.

In the contemporary maritime industry, characterised by intense competition, reduced visibility due to heavy fog is a primary cause of accidents, significantly impairing maritime operational efficiency. Consequently, investigating foggy weather navigation safety holds crucial practical significance. This paper, through an analysis and synthesis of various aspects of foggy navigation technology, including foggy navigation regulations at different ports, fog warnings, foggy vessel environmental perception and foggy auxiliary navigation systems, explores the key issues concerning vessel navigation during foggy conditions from a scientific perspective. This discussion encompasses the aspects of regulatory frameworks, standardisation, and the development of intelligent and responsive onboard equipment. Finally, the paper offers a glimpse into potential strategies for fog navigation.

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) is a large group of mycobacteria other than the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and Mycobacterium leprae. Epidemiological investigations have found that the incidence of NTM infections is increasing in China, and it is naturally resistant to many antibiotics. Therefore, studies of NTM species in clinical isolates are useful for understanding the epidemiology of NTM infections. The present study aimed to investigate the incidence of NTM infections and types of NTM species. Of the 420 samples collected, 285 were positive for M. tuberculosis, 62 samples were negative, and the remaining 73 samples contained NTM, including 35 (8.3%) only NTM and 38 (9%) mixed (M. tuberculosis and NTM). The most prevalent NTM species were Mycobacterium intracellulare (30.1%), followed by Mycobacterium abscessus (15%) and M. triviale (12%). M. gordonae infection was detected in 9.5% of total NTM-positive cases. Moreover, this study reports the presence of Mycobacterium nonchromogenicum infection and a high prevalence of M. triviale for the first time in Henan. M. intracellulare is the most prevalent, accompanied by some emerging NTM species, including M. nonchromogenicum and a high prevalence of M. triviale in Henan Province. Monitoring NTM transmission and epidemiology could enhance mycobacteriosis management in future.

Natural sepiolite has great potential for application in wound healing, haemostasis and medicines. This paper introduces a versatile solid-state sintering technique for preparing sepiolite-based nanocomposites with enhanced antibacterial properties, and the physical, structural, rheological and antibacterial properties of which were determined to be enhanced. The incorporation of nanosized Ag and metal oxides into sepiolite composites results in a notable improvement in their antibacterial efficacy against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus in comparison to the unmodified sepiolite. With a low silver content of just 5%, the sepiolite–Ag composite achieves an antibacterial rate of ~100%. Furthermore, the rheological properties exhibited by the sepiolite composites are noteworthy, suggesting their suitability for use in wound-dressing applications due to their exceptional workability. The methodology employed in this research has the potential to offer a viable substitute for the production of economical and effective natural antibacterial nanocomposites.

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: RNA-seq of urine and kidney allograft biopsies (bx) found that urinary cell immune landscape reflects intragraft molecular events and we discovered a shared set of 127 mRNAs in urine matched to T cell mediated and antibody mediated rejection bx. We prioritized ITM2A, SLAMF6 and IKZF3 mRNAs and herein investigate if these accurately predict rejection. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: We collected urine samples from adult kidney allograft (KA) recipients at the time of KA bx. KA bx were classified by pathologists by Banff criteria. Total RNA was isolated from KA bx-matched urine samples. Absolute copy numbers of ITM2A, SLAMF6, and IKZF3 mRNAs and 18S rRNA were measured using our customized RT-qPCR assays. Logistic regression used to derive an equation for a combined signature score of 18S-normalized urinary cell mRNA levels of ITM2A, IKZF3, and SLAMF6 that best predicts Acute Rejection (AR= both T cell mediated rejection and antibody mediated rejection). Area under the ROC curve (AUC) was calculated to discriminate between AR and No Rejection (NR) biopsies for 18S-normalized urinary cell levels of ITM2A, IKZF3 and SLAMF6 and the composite signature score. AUCs were compared by DeLong Method. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Urinary cell 18S-normalized levels of ITM2A, IKZF3, and SLAMF6 mRNAs in urine discriminated KA recipients with AR biopsies (n=95) from those with NR biopsies (n=160) (All P values <0.05, Mann-Whitney test) and the AUC was 0.69 (95%CI, 0.62 to 0.76) for ITM2A, 0.61 (95%CI, 0.53 to 0.68) for IKZF3, and 0.60 (95%CI, 0.53 to 0.68) for SLAMF6. The derived combination signature score of urinary cell 18S-normalized levels of ITM2A, IKZF3, and SLAMF6 mRNA discriminated KA recipients with AR from those with NR (P<0.0001, Mann Whitney test) and the combined signature score AUC was 0.72 (95%CI, 0.65 to 0.79). The combination signature score discriminated AR vs NR better than IKZF3 and SLAMF6 alone, but was not significantly different than ITM2A alone (DeLong method). (Additional results/figures to be included in poster) DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Our RNA-seq offered a unique opportunity to diagnose AR by measuring the mRNAs in urine. We now found that urinary cell mRNA levels of ITM2A, IKZF3, SLAMF6 and the combined signature are diagnostic of AR, a major and serious post-transplant complication. This allows for much-needed KA molecular surveillance and personalization of immunosuppression.

Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient for human health, and Se concentration of wheat grain in China has no significant relationships with selenium concentration of wheat and with soil organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium in the 0–20 cm soil layer. However, a significant indigenous positive correlation was found with soil Se concentration. Field experiments were conducted from 2018 to 2020 to clarify the differences in the Se accumulation in wheat plants grown in Se-rich areas. We used two common wheat (ZM-175, SN-20), two purple wheat (JZ-496, ZM-8555), and two black wheat (YH-161, LH-131) cultivars to investigate changes in Se build-up and transportation in plant organs. The grain Se concentration of six wheat genotypes in Se-rich areas varied between 178 and 179 μg Se kg−1, with organic Se accounting for 87 to 91%. All genotypes had more than 150 μg Se kg−1, the standard Se concentration in grains. Purple grain wheat had the highest total and organic Se concentrations. Purple wheat also exhibited significantly higher Se transfer coefficient in roots, stem and leaves, and glumes, when compared to common wheat. Moreover, purple wheat had the highest Se uptake efficiency (e.g., JZ-496 with 31%) when compared to common wheat and black wheat. Regardless of the color, wheat grains met the Se-enriched criteria (150 μg Se kg−1) when grown in a natural Se-enriched area. Due to higher Se uptake and accumulation, purple wheat grain genotypes, such as JZ-496, are recommended for wheat breeding programs aiming for high Se functional foods.

The poor environmental stability of natural anthocyanin hinders its usefulness in various functional applications. The objectives of the present study were to enhance the environmental stability of anthocyanin extracted from Lycium ruthenicum by mixing it with montmorillonite to form an organic/inorganic hybrid pigment, and then to synthesize allochroic biodegradable composite films by incorporating the hybrid pigment into sodium alginate and test them for potential applications in food testing and packaging. The results of X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and use of the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller method and zeta potential demonstrated that anthocyanin was both adsorbed on the surface and intercalated into the interlayer of montmorillonite via host–guest interaction, and the hybrid pigments obtained allowed good, reversible, acid/base behavior after exposure to HCl and NH3 atmospheres. The composite films containing hybrid pigments had good mechanical properties due to the uniform dispersion of the pigments in a sodium alginate substrate and the formation of hydrogen bonds between them. Interestingly, the composite films also exhibited reversible acidichromism. The as-prepared hybrid pigments in composite films could, therefore, serve simultaneously as a reinforced material and as a smart coloring agent for a polymer substrate.

This study aimed to investigate the structural and metabolic changes in cumulus cells of underweight women and their effects on oocyte maturation and fertilization. The cytoplasmic ultrastructure was analyzed by electron microscopy, mitochondrial membrane potential by immunofluorescence, and mitochondrial DNA copy number by relative quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The expression of various proteins including the oxidative stress-derived product 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) and autophagy and apoptosis markers such as Vps34, Atg-5, Beclin 1, Lc3-I, II, Bax, and Bcl-2 was assessed and compared between groups. Oocyte maturation and fertilization rates were lower in underweight women (P < 0.05), who presented with cumulus cells showing abnormal mitochondrial morphology and increased cell autophagy. Compared with the mitochondrial DNA copies of the control group, those of the underweight group increased but not significantly. The mitochondrial membrane potential was similar between the groups (P = 0.8). Vps34, Atg-5, Lc3-II, Bax, and Bcl-2 expression and 4-HNE levels were higher in the underweight group compared with the control group (P < 0.01); however, the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio was lower in the underweight group compared with the control group (P = 0.031). Additionally, Beclin 1 protein levels were higher in the underweight group compared with the control group but without statistical significance. In conclusion, malnutrition and other conditions in underweight women may adversely affect ovulation, and the development, and fertilization of oocytes resulting from changes to the intracellular structure of cumulus cells and metabolic processes. These changes may lead to reduced fertility or unsatisfactory reproduction outcomes in women.