Obesity results in hepatic fat accumulation, i.e., steatosis. Besides the fat overload, impaired fatty acid β-oxidation also promotes steatosis. Fatty acid β-oxidation takes place in mitochondria and peroxisomes. Usually very long chain and branched-chain fatty acids are first oxidized in peroxisomes, and the resultant short chain fatty acids are further oxidized in mitochondria. Peroxisome biogenesis is regulated by peroxin 16 (PEX16). In liver-specific PEX16 knockout (Pex16Alb-Cre) mice, hepatocyte peroxisomes were absent, but hepatocytes proliferated, and liver mass was enlarged. These results suggest that normal liver peroxisomes restrain hepatocyte proliferation and liver sizes. After high fat diet (HFD) feeding, body weights were increased in PEX16 floxed (Pex16fl/fl) mice and adipose-specific PEX16 knockout (Pex16AdipoQ-Cre) mice but not in the Pex16Alb-Cre mice, suggesting that the development of obesity is regulated by liver PEX16 but not by adipose PEX16. However, it was previously reported that HFD-induced obesity in the Pex16AdipoQ-Cre mice was more severe than in the wild type mice, which was not observed until 27 weeks of HFD feeding. Thus, liver initiates the development of obesity, which is enhanced by abnormal adipocytes. HFD increased liver mass in the Pex16fl/fl mice but somehow reduced the already enlarged liver mass in the Pex16Alb-Cre mice. Basal levels of serum triglyceride, free fatty acids and cholesterol were decreased whereas serum bile acids were increased in the Pex16Alb-Cre mice, and HFD-induced steatosis was not observed in the Pex16Alb-Cre mice. These results suggest that normal liver peroxisomes contribute to the development of liver steatosis and obesity.

Stabilization of a G-quadruplex (G4) in the promotor of the c-MYC proto-oncogene leads to inhibition of gene expression, and it thus represents a potentially attractive new strategy for cancer treatment. However, most G4 stabilizers show little selectivity among the many G4s present in the cellular complement of DNA and RNA. Intriguingly, a crescent-shaped cell-penetrating thiazole peptide, TH3, preferentially stabilizes the c-MYC G4 over other promotor G4s, but the mechanisms leading to this selective binding remain obscure. To investigate these mechanisms at the atomic level, we performed an in silico comparative investigation of the binding of TH3 and its analogue TH1 to the G4s from the promotors of c-MYC, c-KIT1, c-KIT2, and BCL2. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations, combined with in-depth analyses of non-covalent interactions and bulk and per-nucleotide binding free energies, revealed that both TH3 and TH1 can induce the formation of a sandwich-like framework through stacking with both the top and bottom G-tetrads of the c-MYC G4 and the adjacent terminal capping nucleotides. This framework produces enhanced binding affinities for the c-MYC G4 relative to other promotor G4s, with TH3 exhibiting an outstanding binding priority. Van der Waals interactions were identified to be the key factor in complex formation in all cases. Collectively, our findings fully agree with available experimental data. Therefore, the identified mechanisms leading to specific binding of TH3 towards the c-MYC G4 provide valuable information to guide the development of new selective G4 stabilizers.

In this study, long-term mortality effects associated with exposure to PM10, PM2.5, BC (black carbon), and NOx were analyzed in a cohort in southern Sweden during the period from 1991‒2016. Participants (those residing in Malmö, Sweden, born between 1923‒1950) were randomly recruited from 1991‒1996. At enrollment, 30,438 participants underwent a health screening, which consisted of questionnaires about lifestyle and diet, a clinical examination, and blood sampling. Mortality data were retrieved from the Swedish national cause of death register. The modeled concentrations of PM10 (particles with an aerodynamic diameter smaller than or equal to 10 µm), PM2.5 (particles with an aerodynamic diameter smaller than or equal to 2.5 µm), BC (black carbon), and NOx (nitrogen oxides) at the cohort participants' home addresses were used to assess air pollution exposure. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the associations between long-term exposure to PM10, PM2.5, BC, and NOx and the time until death among the participants during the period from 1991‒2016. The hazard ratios (HRs) associated with an interquartile range (IQR) increase in each air pollutant were calculated based on the exposure lag windows of the same year (lag0), 1‒5 years (lag1‒5), and 6‒10 years (lag6‒10). Three models were used with varying adjustments for possible confounders including both single-pollutant estimates and two-pollutant estimates. With adjustments for all covariates, the HRs for PM10, PM2.5, BC, and NOx in the single-pollutant models at lag1‒5 were 1.06 (95% CI: 1.02‒1.11), 1.01 (95% CI: 0.95‒1.08), 1.07 (95% CI: 1.04‒1.11), and 1.11 (95% CI: 1.07‒1.16) per IQR increase, respectively. The HRs were in most cases decreased by the inclusion of a larger number of covariates in the models. The most robust associations were shown for NOx, with statistically significant positive HRs in all models. An overall conclusion is that road traffic-related pollutants had a significant association with mortality in the cohort.

The X-ray induced spin crossover transition of an Fe(II) molecular thin film in the presence and absence of a magnetic field has been investigated. The thermal activation energy barrier in the soft X-ray activation of the spin crossover transition for [Fe{H2B(pz)2}2(bipy)] molecular thin films is reduced in the presence of an applied magnetic field, as measured through X-ray absorption spectroscopy at various temperatures. The influence of a 1.8 T magnetic field is sufficient to cause deviations from the expected exponential spin state transition behavior that is measured in the field free case. We find that orbital moment diminishes with increasing temperature, relative to the spin moment in the vicinity of room temperature.

Background: Inadequate meibomian glands (MGs) secretion can lead to dry eye signs and symptoms. Tear film lipid layer (TFLL) secreted by MGs protects and prevents rapid evaporation of tear film. Our purpose was to assess TFLL alteration and function in patients with evaporative dry eye (EDE) using tear interferometry after optimal pulse light technology (OPT) intense pulsed light (IPL). Methods: This prospective randomized examiner-masked sham- controlled study included 86 participants (142 eyes) with DED. IPL or sham procedure was performed on day 0, 21, and 42. Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), non-invasive breakup time (NITBUT), interferometric fringe pattern determined TFLL quality, fluorescein staining (FS), and meibum gland (MG) were assessed at day 0, 21, 42 and 3-month. Results: At 3-month, TFLL, NITBUT, MG drop-out, MG quality, MG expressibility, FS and OSDI improved significantly (P<0.05) in the IPL group, while the sham group had no significant improvements. All DE parameters significantly correlated with the improvement in TFLL following IPL treatment. Additionally, artificial tears usage was significantly less in the IPL group from D-42 onwards. Conclusion: IPL treatment demonstrated the ability to improve TFLL quality and clinically reduced sign and symptoms of DED thereby reducing the frequency of artificial tears usage.

Low temperature is a common biological abiotic stress in major cotton growing areas. Cold stress significantly affects the growth, yield and yield quality of cotton. Therefore, it is important to develop a more robust and cold stress tolerant cotton germplasms. Climate change and erratic climatic condition, plants have evolved various survival mechanisms, one of which induction of various stress responsive transcriptome factors, such as the C-repeat binding factor GthCBF4, which have been found to enhance cold tolerance in various plants. In this study detailed evaluation of the cotton C-repeat binding factor has been carried out. A total of29, 28, 25, 21, 30, 26 and 15 proteins encoded by the C-repeat binding factor were identified in G. herbaceum, G. arboreum, G. thurberi, G. raimondii, G. turneri, G. longicalyx and G. australe, respectively. Phylogeny evaluation revealed that the proteins were grouped into seven clades, with clade 1 and 6 being the largest. Moreover, majority of the proteins encoded by the genes were predicted to be located within. the nucleus, while some are distributed in other parts of the cell. Based on the transcriptome and RT-qPCR analysis, Gthu17439 (GthCBF4) was highly upregulated and was further validated through forward genetics. The Gthu17439 (GthCBF4) overexpressed plants showed a significantly tolerance to cold stress, with higher growth vigour compared to the wild types. The results showed that the Gthu17439 (GthCBF4) could be playing a significant role in enhancing cold stress tolerance in cotton and can be further exploited in developing a more cold stress tolerance cotton germplasm

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-contacting neurons (CSF-N) located in the surface of both brain ventricles and the central canal (cc) in the spinal cord. The cc and CSF maintain a proliferative niche for neural progenitor cells and play a vital role in development of the brain. The CSF circulates in the ventricles and the subarachnoid spaces with the CSF rhythmic flow: cardiac pulsation and respiratory fluctuation. A new concept of CSF motion may be contrary to the classical one that the direction of CSF motion may vary in direction and may be dynamic in its location. The CSF pressure may also depend on the body position. Moderate music-making has been considered a potential approach for rehabilitative and restorative therapy of brain dysfunctions. Recently, we find that the CSF-Ns are present in both the interior CFS in the cc and also exterior CSF around the surface of the spinal cord. We hypothesize that CSF-N as mechanical sensors in the spinal cord could sense motion of the spinal cord. The myodural bridge is a ligament connecting a pair of deep, upper-neck muscles to the dura mater, which envelops the arachnoid mater and contains the CSF surrounding the brain and the spinal cord. We figure out the term “CSF-static compartment” and classify CSF storage location as rostral pool and caudal pool to demonstrate our hypothesis. We presume that the somatic body movement with music-making and rehabilitation-based interventions would orchestrate the CSF motion with head movement, myodural bridge stretching and puling as well as spinal bending.

Nyssa yunnanensis is a deciduous tree species in the family Nyssaceae within the order Cornales. As only eight individual trees and two populations have been recorded in China’s Yunnan province, this species has been listed among China’s national Class I protection species since 1999 and also among 120 PSESP (Plant Species with Extremely Small Populations) in the Implementation Plan of Rescuing and Conserving China’s Plant Species with Extremely Small Populations(PSESP) (2011-2-15). Here, we present the draft genome assembly of N. yunnanensis. Using 10X Genomics linked-reads sequencing data, we carried out the de novo assembly and annotation analysis. The N. yunnanensis genome assembly is 1475 Mb in length, containing 288,519 scaffolds with a scaffold N50 length of 985.59 kb. Within the assembled genome, 799.51 Mb was identified as repetitive elements, accounting for 54.24% of the sequenced genome, and a total of 39,803 protein-coding genes were predicted. With the genomic characteristics of N. yunnanensis available, our study might facilitate future conservation biology studies to help protect this extremely threatened tree species.

A fast and effective determination method of different species of vegetable seeds oil is vital in the plant oil industry. The near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) method was developed in this study to massively analyze the oil and moisture contents of Camellia gauchowensis Chang and C. semiserrata Chi seeds kernels. In the prediction models of NIRS, the levels of accuracy obtained were sufficient for C. gauchowensis Chang and C. semiserrata Chi, the correlation coefficient of which oil were 0.983 and 0.962, respectively, while which of moisture were 0.937 and 0.907, respectively. The near infrared spectrum of crush seeds kernels was more precise compared to intact kernels. Based on the calibration models of the two Camellia species, the NIRS predictive oil contents of C. gauchowensis Chang and C. semiserrata Chi seeds kernels were 48.71 ± 8.94% and 31.71 ± 7.39%, respectively, and the NIRS predictive moisture contents were 4.39 ± 1.08% and 3.49 ± 0.71%, respectively. Compared with the traditional chemical measurement, the rapid, precise measurement of oil and moisture of C. gauchowensis Chang and C. semiserrata Chi seeds kernels can be actualized by NIRS method.

Air pollution has recently gained much attention from the general population. Despite pollution control being an issue in both urban and rural regions, most of the available research has concentrated on urban districts. Hence, investigations into how urban-rural transition affects PM2.5 are warranted within the framework of urban-rural integration. Using the Yellow River Basin as a case study, this study employed the entropy method and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to uncover the extent of urban-rural transformation. It then used the spatial autocorrelation method to investigate the spatiotemporal features of PM2.5 and the spatial econometric model to investigate the mechanisms that influence the relationship between urban-rural transformation and PM2.5. The results are as follows: (1) Over time, there was a discernible upward tendency in the change in urban-rural areas. The development has progressed from asymmetrical north-east and south-west elevations to a more balanced pattern of north-east, middle-east, and west-west elevations. (2) The PM2.5 concentration increased steadily, then fluctuated, and finally decreased. Notably, the general pattern has not changed much, and it is high in the east and low in the west. (3) Different subsystems of the urban-rural transformation have different impacts on air pollution at different stages. The influence of industrial transformation (IT) on PM2.5 showed an inverted “N-shaped” curve of negative-positive-negative changes, and the industrial structure played a leading role in the spatiotemporal evolution of PM2.5. Currently, an inverted "U-shaped" curve forms the left side of the impact of population transition (PT) on PM2.5. Land development (LT) has a "U-shaped" curve for its effect on PM2.5. This research provides a new perspective on the topic of PM2.5 and its connection to urban-rural integration, which is crucial to understanding the dynamics of this shift. To achieve its goal of high-quality development, it supports regional initiatives to reduce PM2.5 emissions in the Yellow River Basin. Moreover, it can provide a reference for decision-makers in the world’s densely populated areas that suffer from serious air pollution.

Mutualism between insects and symbiotic bacteria drives insect evolution, and insecticide resistance is affected by symbiotic bacteria, increasing the complexity of pest resistance. This study evaluated the sublethal and transgenerational effects of the neonicotinoid insecticide nitenpyram on the population dynamics of Acyrthosiphon gossypii and measured its impact on the symbiotic bacterial community. The results showed that LC20 (2.49 mg·L−1) of nitenpyram significantly reduced the fecundity and lifespan of the parent G0 generation of A. gossypii, and had similar inhibitory effects on its G1 and G2 generations. Compared with those of control group, the population parameters λ (finite rate of increase), R0 (net reproductive rate), and r (intrinsic increase rate) of G1 and G2 were significantly reduced, but mean generation time (T) was increased. Nitenpyram treatment affected the biological traits of A. gossypii, and also changed the relative abundance of Buchnera and Sphingomonas in three consecutive generations G0-G2. Under nitenpyram treatment, the relative abundance of Buchnera decreased in G0, while that of Sphingomonas increased. The relative abundance of Buchnera increased in G1 and G2, but that of Sphingomonas decreased. Our findings may provide a new perspective for evaluating the potential effects of pesticides on aphids.

Mutualism between insects and symbiotic bacteria drives insect evolution, and insecticide resistance is affected by symbiotic bacteria, increasing the complexity of pest resistance. This study evaluated the sublethal and transgenerational effects of the neonicotinoid insecticide nitenpyram on the population dynamics of Acyrthosiphon gossypii and measured its impact on the symbiotic bacterial community. The results showed that LC20 (2.49 mg·L−1) of nitenpyram significantly reduced the fecundity and lifespan of the parent G0 generation of A. gossypii, and had similar inhibitory effects on its G1 and G2 generations. Compared with those of control group, the population parameters λ (finite rate of increase), R0 (net re-productive rate), and r (intrinsic increase rate) of G1 and G2 were significantly reduced, but mean gen-eration time (T) was increased. Nitenpyram treatment affected the biological traits of A. gossypii, and also changed the relative abundance of Buchnera and Sphingomonas in three consecutive generations G0-G2. Under nitenpyram treatment, the relative abundance of Buchnera decreased in G0, while that of Sphin-gomonas increased. The relative abundance of Buchnera increased in G1 and G2, but that of Sphingo-monas decreased. Our findings may provide a new perspective for evaluating the potential effects of pesticides on aphids.

In order to explore the effects of glutamate on the growth performance, antioxidant capacity and protein metabolism of juvenile Chinese mitten crab. 0%, 1% and 2% glutamate were supplemented to low protein (30%) and normal protein (35%) diets respectively. There were 5 parallel tanks in each treatment, and the feeding duration was 8 weeks. The results showed that dietary glutamate did not significantly affect the weight gain of Chinese mitten crab. Diets supplemented with 2% glutamate significantly decreased the crude protein of crabs. The T-AOC of crabs fed the 30% protein diets was significantly lower than crabs fed the 35% protein diets. At 30% protein level, the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity significantly increased with the increase of glutamate content. Dietary glutamate significantly down-regulated the relative expressions of mTOR, PI3K, S6K1 and 4EBP at 35% protein level. In conclusion, dietary glutamate cannot significantly increase the growth of Chinese mitten crab, but it can improve the antioxidant capacity in Chinese mitten crab under low protein condition.

The lack of defect image data is one of the main factors affecting the accuracy of supervised deep learning-based defect detection models. In response to the insufficient training data of defect images with complex backgrounds such as rust and surface oil leakage in substation equipment, leading to poor performance of the detection model, this paper proposed a novel adversarial deep learning model for substation defect generation: ADD-GAN. In comparison to existing generative adversarial networks, this model generates defect images based on effectively segmented local areas of substation equipment images, avoiding image distortion caused by global style changes. Additionally, the model utilizes a joint discriminator for overall image and defect image to address the issue of low attention to local defect areas, thereby improving the loss of image features. This enhances the overall quality of generated images as well as locally generated defect images, ultimately improving image realism. Experimental results demonstrate that the YOLOV7 object detection model trained on the dataset generated using the ADD-GAN method achieves an mAP of 81.5% on the test dataset, representing an improvement of 9.6% over the original dataset, 5.7% over traditional augmentation methods, and 7% over typical adversarial deep learning methods. This confirms that the ADD-GAN method can generate a high-fidelity dataset of substation equipment defects.

A previous report showed that the urine output of HPLBII-P in patients with diabetes mellitus and SARS-Cov-2 infection was increased as a sign of glomerular dysfunction. . The aim of this report was to investigate the relation of urine output of HPLBII-P to diabetes mellitus in two large community-based elderly populations i.e. the ULSAM and PIVUS cohorts. Methods HPLBII-P was measured by ELISA in the urine of a community-based cohort of 839 men (ULSAM) collected at 77 years of age and in urine of a community-based cohort of 75-year-old men, n=387, and women, n=401 (PIVUS). KIM-1, NGAL and Albumin were measured in urine and Cathepsin S and Cystatin C in serum. Results HPLBII-P was significantly raised among males with diabetes in the ULSAM (p

Multi-rotor drones, a kind of unmanned equipment which is widely used in military, commercial consumption and other fields, has been developed very rapidly in recent years. However, their short flight time has hindered the expansion of their application range. This can be addressed by utilizing hydrogen fuel cells, which exhibit high energy density, strong adaptability to ambient temperature, and no pollution emissions, as the power source. Accordingly, the application of hydrogen fuel cells as the power source in multi-rotor drones is a promising technology that has attracted significant research attention. This paper summarizes the development process of hydrogen fuel cell mul-ti-rotor drones and analyzes the key obstacles that need to be addressed for the further development of hydrogen fuel cell multi-rotor drones, including structural lightweight, hydrogen storage methods, energy management strategies. Additionally, prospects for the future development of hydrogen fuel cell multi-rotor drones are presented.

This study aimed to examine the association of blood triglyceride levels with fasting blood glucose levels and type 2 diabetes (T2D) prevalence in Chinese adults with normal triglyceride levels (<1.7 mmol/L), using linear regression and binary logistic regression, respectively. This cross-sectional study included 16,706 Chinese adults, among which 1,067 had T2D. Triglycerides were positively associated with fasting plasma glucose after multivariate adjustment (β=0.034, P<0.001). One natural log unit increase in blood triglycerides was associated with a 61% higher multivari-ate-adjusted risk of T2D (odds ratio [OR], 1.61; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.19-2.17; P=0.002). The positive associations remained when participants who were treated with lipid-lowering or an-ti-diabetic drugs were excluded. The optimal cut-off of triglycerides for T2D was 1.09 mmol/L (obtained using Receiver Operating Characteristic curve analysis). Participants with triglycerides of ≥1.09 mmol/L had a 28% higher risk of T2D (OR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.07-1.53; P=0.006) compared to those with triglycerides below the cut-off. In conclusion, this study showed that, in people with normal triglyceride levels, triglycerides at the upper normal range correlated with increased T2D diagnosis risk, with an optimal cut-off of 1.09 mmol/L. Therefore, adults with high “normal” triglyceride levels (1.09-1.69 mmol/L) may need to be closely monitored for the development of T2D.

Through long-term Rayleigh lidar observations during 2010-2022, atmospheric gravity wave (AGW) activities in the middle atmosphere (30–65 km) are statistically investigated at Haikou (110.3°E, 19.9°N) in China. In total, 827 quasi-monochromatic AGW events are identified from the lidar dataset, and the vertical wavelength, observed wave period, and vertical propagation direction of dominant waves are extracted for each AGW event by analyzing the power spectra of wave-induced temperature perturbations. It is revealed that 81.7% of all AGW events were associated with upward-propagating waves, and the proportion of upward-propagating AGWs reached a maximum in autumn and a minimum in winter. The most common vertical wavelengths and wave periods were 6–11 km and 4–10 hours, respectively. In particular, 68 AGW events associated with simultaneous upward and downward propagating waves were observed by lidar, corresponding to 8.2% of the events. The occurrence of such special AGW phenomena is qualitatively discussed, and multiple formation mechanisms may exist. Comparisons are made with previously reported lidar observation results, and the statistical features of AGW activity in the low-latitude middle atmosphere may vary over a relatively wide range depending on the location and altitude. However, a majority of AGWs propagate upward in the middle atmosphere.

Background: A prognostic index validated for the outcomes of advanced high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) patients with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) is still lacking. We therefore developed an ovarian neoadjuvant chemotherapy prognostic index (ONCPI) to enhance predictive accuracy. Methods: We analyzed clinicopathologic feature of advanced HGSOC patients receiving platinum-based NACT. Blood inflammatory composite markers were calculated and binary-transformed by optimal cutoffs. The omental hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained slides were selected for the assessment of chemotherapy response score (CRS). Logistic regression analyses and Cox proportional hazard regression model were utilized to develop a prognostic index. Results: Multivariate analysis showed that CRS and neutrophils-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) are independent risk factors for platinum-chemotherapy response. Meanwhile, Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analysis revealed that CRS score was significantly correlated with PFS and OS, and NLR-high patients was associated with poor OS. We further developed an ONCPI model based on the CRS score and NLR level. Survival analysis suggested that patients with score 0 and 1 of ONCPI were significantly associated with improved PFS and OS. Conclusions: The ONCPI score emerges as a significant prognostic marker for predicting NACT outcomes in advanced HGSOC patients. Its integration into clinical practice and risk-stratified trial design is conceivable.

Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most prevalent type of sustained cardiac dysrhythmia globally, confers strikingly enhanced risks for cognitive dysfunction, stroke, chronic cardiac failure, and sudden cardiovascular demise. Aggregating studies underscore the crucial roles of inherited determinants in the occurrence and perpetuation of AF. However, due to conspicuous genetic heterogeneity, the inherited defects accounting for AF remain largely indefinite. Here, via the whole-genome genotyping with genetic markers and linkage assay in a family suffering AF, a new AF-causative locus was located at human chromosome 7p14.2-p14.3, a ~4.89-cM (~4.43-Mb) interval between the markers D7S526 and D7S2250. Exome-wide sequencing assay unveiled that at the defined locus, solely the mutation in the TBX20 gene, NM_001077653.2: c.695A&gt;G; p.(His232Arg), co-segregated with AF in the family. Additionally, Sanger sequencing assay of TBX20 in another family suffering AF uncovered a novel mutation, NM_001077653.2: c.862G&gt;C; p.(Asp288His). Neither of the two mutations was observed in 600 unrelated control individuals. Functional investigations demonstrated that the two mutations both significantly reduced the transactivation of the target gene KCNH2 (a well-established AF-causing gene) and the ability to bind the promoter of KCNH2, while without effect on the nuclear distribution of TBX20. Conclusively, these findings reveal a new AF-causative locus at human chromosome 7p14.2-p14.3 and strongly indicate TBX20 as a novel AF-causative gene, shedding light on the mechanism underlying AF and suggesting clinical significance for allele-specific treatment of AF patients.

Reinfection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants due to immune escape challenges the global response to the pandemic. We estimated the Omicron reinfection prevalence among people who had previous SARS-CoV-2 infections in Shanghai, China. We conducted a telephone survey in December 2022 for those who were previously infected with Omicron between March and May 2022. Information on demographics, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) testing, and vaccination history was collected. The overall and subgroup reinfection rates were estimated and compared. Among the 1981 respondents who were infected between March and May 2022, 260 had positive nucleic acid or rapid antigen tests in December 2022, with an estimated reinfection rate of 13.1% (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 11.6-14.6). The reinfection rate for those who had a booster vaccination was 11.4% (95% CI: 9.2-13.7), which was significantly lower than that for those with an incomplete vaccination series (15.2%, 95% CI: 12.3-18.1) (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.579; 95% CI: 0.412–0.813). Reinfection with the Omicron variant was lower among individuals with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection and had completed a booster vaccination, suggesting that hybrid immunity can offer better protection against reinfection with Omicron sublineages.

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) served as covalently closed single-stranded RNAs have been proposed to influence plant development and stress resistance. Grapevine is the most economically valuable fruit crops cultivated worldwide and threaten by various abiotic stresses. Herein, we reported that a circRNA (Vv-circPTCD1) processed from the second exon of a pentatricopeptide repeat family gene PTCD1 was preferentially expressed in leaves and responded to salt and drought but not heat stress in grapevine. Additionally, the second exon sequence of PTCD1 was highly conserved but the biogenesis of Vv-circPTCD1 is species-dependent in plants. It was further found that the overexpressed Vv-circPTCD1 can slightly decreased abundance of the cognate host gene and the neighboring genes were barely affected in grapevine callus. Furthermore, we also successfully overexpressed the Vv-circPTCD1, and found that the Vv-circPTCD1 deteriorated the growth during heat, salt, and drought stresses in Arabidopsis. However, the biological effects on grapevine callus were not always consistent with that of Arabidopsis. Interestingly, we found that the transgenic plants of linear counterpart sequence also conferred the same phenotypes as that of circRNA during the three stress conditions, no matter what species. Those results imply that although the sequences are conserved, the biogenesis and functions of Vv-circPTCD1 are species-dependent. Our results indicate that the plant circRNA function investigation should be conducted in homologous species, which support valuable reference for further plant circRNA studies.

Objective: Type I interferon receptor (IFNAR) signaling contributes to several autoimmune and vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and stroke. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of IFNAR1 deficiency on the formation and progression of experimental abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). Methods: AAAs were induced in type I interferon receptor subunit 1 (IFNAR1) deficient and wild type control male mice via intra-infrarenal aortic infusion of porcine pancreatic elastase. Immunostaining for IFNAR1 was evaluated in experimental and clinical aneurysms. The initiation and progression of experimental AAAs was assessed via ultrasound imaging prior to (day 0) and 3-, 7-, and 14-days following elastase infusion. Aneurysmal histopathology was analyzed at sacrifice. Results: Increased aortic medial and adventitial IFNAR1 expression was present in both clinical AAAs harvested at surgery and experimental AAAs. Following AAA initiation, wild type mice experienced progressive, time-dependent infrarenal aortic enlargement. This progression was substantially attenuated in IFNAR1 deficient mice. On histological analyses, medial elastin degradation, smooth muscle cell depletion, leukocyte accumulation and neoangiogenesis were markedly diminished in IFNAR1 deficient as compared to wild type mice. Conclusion: IFNAR1 deficiency limited experimental AAA progression in response to intra-aortic elastase infusion. Combined with clinical observations, these results suggest a regulatory role for IFNAR1 activity in AAA pathogenesis.

Background: Night-migratory birds sense the Earth´s magnetic field by an unknown molecular mechanism. Theoretical and experimental evidence support the hypothesis that light-induced formation of a radical-pair in European robin cryptochrome 4a, ErCry4a, is the primary signalling step in the retina of the bird. In the present work, we investigated a possible route of cryptochrome signalling involving the α-subunit of the cone specific heterotrimeric G protein from European robin. Methods: Protein-protein interaction studies include surface plasmon resonance, pulldown affinity binding and Förster resonance energy transfer. Results: Surface plasmon resonance studies showed direct interaction revealing high to moderate affinity for binding of non-myristoylated and myristoylated G protein to ErCry4a, respectively. Pulldown affinity experiments confirmed this complex formation in solution. We validated these in vitro data by monitoring the interaction between ErCry4a and G protein in a transiently transfected neuroretinal cell line using Förster resonance energy transfer. Conclusions: Our results suggest that ErCry4a and the G protein also interact in vivo and might constitute the first biochemical signalling step in radical-pair-based magnetoreception.

Skeletal muscle atrophy is one of the major side effects of high dose or sustained usage of glucocorticoids. Pyroptosis is a novel form of pro-inflammatory programmed cell death that may contribute to skeletal muscle injury. Trimetazidine, a well-known anti-anginal agent, can also improve skeletal muscle performance both in human and mice. We here showed that dexamethasone induced atrophy, evidenced by the increase of muscle atrophy F-box (Atrogin-1) and muscle ring finger 1 (MuRF1) expression , and the decrease of myotube diameter in C2C12 myotubes. Dexamethasone also induced pyroptosis, indicated by upregulated pyroptosis-related protein NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD. Knockdown of NLRP3 or GSDMD attenuated dexamethasone-induced myotube pyroptosis and atrophy. Trimetazidine administration ameliorated dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy both in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, trimetazidine improved exercise tolerance, as evidenced by increased running distance and running time, as well as increased skeletal muscle mass in dexamethasone-treated mice. Mechanically, trimetazidine could reverse dexamethasone-induced activation of pyroptosis both in C2C12 myotubes and in mice. Taken together, our present study demonstrated that NLRP3/GSDMD pathway-mediated pyroptosis was involved in dexamethasone-induced skeletal muscle atrophy. Trimetazidine could partially alleviate dexamethasone-induced skeletal muscle atrophy, and increase the diameter of C2C12 myotubes via inhibiting pyroptosis. Thus, trimetazidine might be a potential therapeutic compound for the prevention of muscle atrophy in glucocorticoid-treated patients.

The disease COVID-19 is highly infectious, and infectious in asymptomatic incubation period. The national epidemic development has been effectively controlled and continues improving, especially in areas outside Hubei province. Such periodical results were achieved by the joint efforts of the whole society, including not only the hard work and dedication of the front-line medical workers but also the active cooperation of the general public. The strict epidemic prevention and control measurements have brought remarkable control results. In the present study, the basic infection number of the coronavirus R0 (basic replication number of the infection) before and after prevention and control measurements was simulated to elaborate the measurements of the Chinese government on epidemic prevention and control, providing reference for the people around the world.

Resonance inductive coupling is widely used for wireless power transfer (WPT) in medical applications. In this paper, we analyze the LCL-compensated WPT structure and propose a novel constant voltage transmission system based on gain estimation, without any extra feedback from the receiver. The system is capable for implant neural stimulation where the load impedance and the coupling coefficient are both variable. Compared to existing methods for constant voltage transmission, our approach offers advantages in compact size and the compatibility with the industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) band. We validate the load-independent resonant characteristic and the feasibility of constant voltage transmission using an experimental prototype working at 6.78MHz. Finally, we discuss the structure of the implant stimulator and methods of applying the proposed WPT system.

Lirianthe delavayi has valuable ornamental and medicinal value, is an important economic tree, and has a long history of cultivation. As important regulatory molecules, miRNAs are involved in important physiological processes, such as the plant stress response, organ morphogenesis, hormone secretion, and signaling. In this study, based on miRNA sequencing analysis of wild and cultivated Lirianthe delavayi, we explored the differences in posttranscriptional regulation during the cultivation of Lirianthe delavayi from the aspect of miRNA molecular regulation. The results revealed the following: 1. A total of 365 miRNAs were sequenced and identified, and their first bases had obvious uracil (U) base preferences. Among them, 242 miRNAs were classified into 32 miRNA families; 2. Analysis of miRNA expression differences revealed that 39 miRNAs had significant expression differences between wild and cultivated populations; 3. Bioinformatics target gene prediction and target gene enrichment analysis of significantly differentially expressed miRNAs revealed that the target genes were significantly enriched in plant‒pathogen interactions, sphingolipid metabolism, defense responses, and ADP binding. 4. The plant‒pathogen interaction pathway involves seven differentially expressed miRNAs and 30 miRNA‒target gene regulatory pairs, which are involved mainly in pathogen signature molecule recognition and binding, signal transduction, and the regulation of disease resistance molecules or gene expression; Ath-MIR169g-p3_2ss7AG19GA, ath-MIR169g-p5_2ss7AG19GA, and ath-miR408-3p_L-3 are expressed only in wild population, and it is hypothesized that the domestication process from wild to cultivation species may be accompanied by the loss of disease resistance-related miRNAs. This study provides a reference for exploring the posttranscriptional-level regulatory mechanisms of adaptive changes in Lirianthe delavayi from wild to cultivated.

This study examines the potential of UiO-66 and g-C3N4-based composite catalysts for environmental purification and pesticide degradation. By integrating zirconium-based metal-organic framework UiO-66 with graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4), a composite with a Z-type heterojunction structure is created, enhancing photocatalytic pesticide degradation and phosphorus recovery. The optimal composite, UiO-66/g-C3N4(UG6:4), shows high efficiency in degrading organophosphorus pesticides like DDVP under visible light. This catalyst's high surface area and porous nature efficiently adsorb and break down persistent soil pollutants, including DDT and DDVP. Featuring robust stability and effective photocatalytic activity, the UiO-66/g-C3N4 composite holds promise for soil remediation and dealing with organic pollutants. Future research will aim to further refine this material’s structure and properties, ensuring its practical application in environmental cleanup.

Both bacteria product flagellin and macrophages are implicated in HIV infection/disease progression. However, the impact of their interaction on HIV infection and the associated mechanisms remain to be determined. We thus examined the effect of the flagellins on HIV infection of primary human macrophages. We observed that the pretreatment of macrophages with the flagellins from the different bacteria significantly inhibited HIV infection. The mechanistic investigation showed that the flagellin treatment of macrophages downregulated the major HIV entry receptors (CD4 and CCR5) and upregulated the CC chemokines (MIP-1α, MIP-1β, and RANTES), the ligands of CCR5. These effects of the flagellin could be compromised by a toll like receptor 5 (TLR5) antagonist. Given the important role of flagellin as a vaccine adjuvant in TLR5 activation-mediated immune regulation and in HIV infection of macrophages, future investigations are necessary to determine the in vivo impact of flagellin-TLR5 interaction on macrophage-mediated innate immunity against HIV infection and the effectiveness of flagellin adjuvant-based vaccines studies.

The tourism economy plays an essential role in supporting and driving tourism development. Therefore, studying its resilience is crucial for promoting sustainable and high-quality tourism development. Based on the core essentials of economic toughness, this paper constructs the tourism economic toughness evaluation index system, uses the entropy weight TOPSIS method to measure the tourism economic toughness of 10 counties and cities in the Yili River Valley in 2010-2019, analyzes its spatio-temporal evolution characteristics through the standard deviation ellipse, the traditional Markov chain, and the spatial Markov chain, and uses the grey correlation analysis method to analyze the driving factors of the tourism economic toughness. The results show that: (1) the economic resilience of tourism in the Yili River Valley shows a "W"-shaped time-series dynamic development trend with an average index of 0.28394, in which it experienced a decline from 0.28 to 0.27 during 2012-2013 and 2015-2016; (2) Spatial Pattern: The Yili River Valley tourism economic resilience is characterized by a clear uneven spatial distribution. The city of Yining, representing the northwestern region, exhibits a high level of resilience, while the southwestern region, endowed with rich tourism resources, demonstrates a medium level of resilience. Conversely, the central to southeastern counties and cities, such as ChabuchaerXibo Autonomous County and other counties and cities, are characterized by a lack of developed tourism facilities, which has resulted in a lower level of resilience and a weak development situation; (3) In terms of spatial and temporal evolution, the standard deviation ellipse is stabilized year by year pointing to "northwest-southeast", the clustering tendency is gradually enhanced, and five tourism economic resilience convergence clubs are identified, whose internal transition probability is significantly affected by spatial location, and which show obvious stability and neighborhood effects; (4) Regarding the driving factors, the impact of each driving factor on the resilience of the tourism economy reaches the statistical significance threshold of 0.77 or above. Among them, the number of employees in the tertiary industry, especially the input of high-quality talents in the tourism industry, plays a key role in improving the quality of tourism services and strengthening the industry's ability to withstand risks and development potential.

In order to study the effects of soybean isoflavones on the growth performance and lipid metabolism of juvenile Chinese mitten crab, six experimental diets were formulated by gradient supplementation 0%, 0.004% and 0.008% soybean isoflavones at different dietary lipid levels (10% and 15%), which were named to NF-0 group (10% fat and 0% SIF), NF-0.004 group (10% fat and 0.004% SIF), NF-0.008 group (10% fat and 0.008% SIF), HF-0 group (15% fat and 0% SIF), HF-0.004 group (15% fat and 0.004% SIF) and HF-0.008 group (15% fat and 0.008% SIF). All crabs with an initial weight of 0.4 ± 0.03 g were fed for 8 weeks. The results showed that diets supplementation with 0.004% or 0.008% SIF significantly increased the weight gain and specific growth rate of crabs. Diets supplementation with 0.004% or 0.008% SIF significantly reduced the content of non-esterified free fatty acids and triglycerides in the hepatopancreas of crabs at 10% dietary lipid level. Dietary SIF significantly decreased the relative mRNA expressions of elongase of very long-chain fatty acids 6 (elovl6), triglyceride lipase (tgl), sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 (srebp-1), carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1a (cpt-1a), fatty acid transporter protein 4 (fatp4), carnitine palmitoyltransferase-2 (cpt-2), Δ9 fatty acyl desaturase (Δ9 fad), carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1b (cpt-1b), fatty acid binding protein 10 (fabp10) and microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (mttp) in the hepatopancreas of crabs. At 15% dietary lipid level, 0.008% SIF significantly increased the relative mRNA expressions of fatty acid binding protein 3 (fabp3), carnitine acetyltransferase (caat), fatp4, fabp10, tgl, cpt-1a, cpt-1b and cpt-2 and significantly down regulated the relative mRNA expressions of Δ9 fad and srebp-1. In conclusion, SIF can improve the growth and utilization of high-fat diet by inhibiting genes related to lipid synthesis and promoting lipid decomposition in juvenile Chinese mitten crab.

To facilitate the promotion and application of the whole process engineering consulting (WPEC) model, the transmission mechanism of influencing factors in WPEC's promotion and application is investigated. It identifies and categorizes the influencing factors within the framework of "external environment-project factors-stakeholders", systematically organizing and summarizing ten primary categories and thirty-eight secondary influencing factors of WPEC's promotion and ap-plication. Utilizing the complex network analysis method, a network of influencing factors in the promotion and application of WPEC is constructed. The network is then converted into three binary networks based on weight, which are subjected to structural analysis and motif analysis. On this basis, the transmission mechanism of influencing factors in WPEC's promotion and applica-tion and its causations are explored.

In this paper, the mechanism of combined process of ion beam sputtering (IBS) and HF acid etching on the chemical structure defects of fused silica and its laser damage resistance perfor-mance were investigated. During the removal process of surface material, the sputtering effect causes lattice atoms to detach from their original positions, forming a large number of unsaturated structures on silica surface, which improves the chemical activity of Si and O atoms, accelerates the chemical reaction process between surface atoms and water molecules, increases the content of hydroxyl (OH-) groups in the shallow layer, and enhances the photothermal weak absorption intensity. However, the presence of OH- groups reduces the bonding strength of Si-O, destroys the spatial network structure of silica bulk, and reduces the mechanical strength of silica surface, resulting in a decrease in its laser damage resistance performance. The paper reveals for the first time the mechanism of IBS to change the structure characteristics of silica material, accelerate the surface hydroxylation process, and thereby reduces the laser damage resistance performance. This work provides technical guidance for effectively suppressing chemical structure defects on silica surface and improving laser damage resistance performance of optical components under high-flux laser irradiation.

To realize the utilization of peanut shell, this study investigates the combustion behavior, chemical kinetics, and thermodynamic parameters of peanut shell using TGA under atmospheric air. Results indicate that increasing the heating rate leads to higher ignition, burnout, and peak temperatures, as observed in the TG/DTG curves shifting to the right. Analysis of combustion performance parameters suggest that higher heating rates can enhance combustion performances. Kinetic analysis using two model-free methods, KAS and FWO, shows that the activation energy (Eα) ranges from 93.30 to 109.65 kJ/mol for FWO and 89.72 to 103.88 kJ/mol for KAS. The data fit well with coefficient of determination values (R2) close to 1. Pre-exponential factors using FWO range from 2.19×106 to 8.06×107 s–1, and for KAS range from9.72×105 to 2.25×107 s–1. Thermodynamic analysis indicates a low-energy barrier (≤ ±6 kJ/mol) between activation energy and enthalpy changes, suggesting easy reaction initiation. Furthermore, variations in enthalpy (ΔH), Gibbs free energy (ΔG), and entropy (ΔS) upon conversion (α) suggest that peanut shell combustion is endothermic and non-spontaneous, with the generation of more homogeneous or well-ordered products as combustion progresses. These findings offer a theoretical basis and data support for the further utilization of agricultural biomass.

Carbon dioxide (CO2)miscible fracturing huff and puff technology plays a pivotal role in enhancing the recovery rate of crude oil, particularly in reservoirs with challenging physical properties, strong water sensitivity, high injection pressure, and complex water injection dynamics. In this study, the oil-increasing mechanism and huff and puff effect of CO2 miscible fracturing fluid are investigated through a comprehensive experimental approach. Specifically, experiments on PVT gas injection expansion, minimum miscible pressure, and CO2 miscible fracturing huff and puff are conducted on the G fault block reservoir in J Oilfield. The findings demonstrate that injecting CO2 into reservoirs leads to oil volume expansion, viscosity reduction, and saturation pressure increase. Additionally, the inclusion of solubilizers and viscosity reducers further enhances the efficiency of crude oil extraction. Solubilizers not only improve oil recovery but also reduce the minimum miscible pressure required for effective CO2 dispersion. Furthermore, the shut-in time, permeability, and huff and puff method all have considerable impacts on huff and puff recovery rate. This study offers valuable technical insights, supporting the application of CO2 miscible fracturing huff and puff technology to enhance oil recovery in low-permeability reservoirs.

Assessing corneal biomechanics in vivo has long been a challenge in the field of ophthalmology. Although recent wave-based optical coherence elastography (OCE) methods have shown promise in this area, the effect of intraocular pressure (IOP) on mechanical wave propagation in the cornea remains unclear. To address this, we constructed an artificial eye model and performed surface wave OCE measurements in the radial directions (54–324°) of the silicone cornea at varying IOP levels (10–40 mmHg). The results demonstrated increases in wave propagation speeds (mean ± STD) from 6.55 ± 0.09 m/s (10 mmHg) to 9.82 ± 0.19 m/s (40 mmHg), leading to an estimate of Young’s modulus, which increased exponentially from 145.23 ± 4.43 kPa to 326.44 ± 13.30 kPa. Our implementation of an artificial eye model highlighted that the impact of IOP on Young’s modulus (ΔE = 165.59 kPa, IOP: 10–40 mmHg) was more significant than the effect of stretching of the silicone cornea (ΔE = 15.79 kPa, relative elongation: 0.98%–6.49%). Our study sheds light on the potential of using an artificial eye model in OCE research for corneal biomechanics. Furthermore, it is critical to consider the impact of IOP on measurement results when utilizing wave-based OCE in clinical settings for enhanced assessment of corneal biomechanics.

Right ventricular remodeling and its function are closely related to the symptom severity and survival of hypoxia pulmonary hypertension, but molecular mechanisms of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and myocardial injury remain unclear. It evaluated the cardiac function (by right cardiac catheterization to measure right ventricular systolic pressure and mean pulmonary artery pressure), myocardial tissue morphology（Haematoxylin and Eosin）, myocardial hypertrophy (Wheat Germ Agglutinin Staining), then RNA sequencing was applied to explore the mechanism, which results were verified by western blot in final. Hypoxia developed pulmonary hypertension, right ventricular diastolic and systolic functions were enhanced in rats, such as the mean pulmonary artery pressure, systolic pressure of pulmonary artery, the max pressure of right ventricular, the mean right ventricular pressure, and the heart rate was significantly higher than that in control. We found that Hif-1 signaling pathway and p38-MAPK signaling pathway have been activated by hypoxia, and cardiomyocyte apoptosis also aggravated in the right ventricular, which might be one cause of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and myocardial injury, and targeted intervention might be one potential prevention for cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and myocardial injury induced by hypoxia.

Background: HMGA2 encodes a small non histone chromatin-associated protein that has no intrinsic transcriptional activity, but can modulate transcription by altering the chromatin architecture. HMGA2 was found overexpressed in a variety of epithelial and mesenchymal tumors and promoted invasion and metastasis in most malignant epithelial tumors. A recent study showed that P53 inhibited CRC progression by targeting HMGA2. However, the mechanism by which HMGA2 affect angiogenesis in CRC has not been clarified. Methods: The expression of HMGA2 was analyzed by IHC, WB and bio infomatic analysis. Cbioportal and mexpress online tools were applied to explore the CNV and methylation of HMGA2 in CRC patients. Single cell data from GEO was used to examine the specific cell type that contribute to the high HMGA2 expression in CRC. Lentivirus was used to knock down HMGA2 in CRC cells and HUVECs was used to study angiogenesis. Results: In the current study, we first detected the expression pattern of HMGA2 in CRC patients and evaluated its clinical values and CNV amplification could possibly contribute to the up regulation of HMGA2 in CRC patients. By analyzing CRC single cell data we found that HMGA2 was specifically up regulated in the colorectal epithelial cells. Furthermore, knocking down of HMGA2 suppresses angiogenesis via dual regulation of VEGF-A and SEMA3A in CRC through inactivating VEGRR2 pathway in HUVECs. Conclusions: HMGA2 might be a promising prognostic marker and target for treating advanced CRC patients.

Purpose: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a severe symptom of the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), especially for patients in a critical condition.This study explored the potential mechanism of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on AKI at the single-cell level. Methods: 15 normal human kidney samples were collected and analyzed using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). Subsequently, we analyzed the components and proportions of kidney cells expressing the host cellular receptor ACE2 and the key protease TMPRSSs family, and analyzed the expression differences in Occidental and Asian populations. Results: We drafted the currently available world's largest human kidney cell atlas with 42,589 cells and identified 19 clusters through unsupervised hierarchical clustering analysis. ACE2 and TMPRSSs genes were significantly co-expressed in podocytes and proximal convoluted tubules as potential host cells targeted by SARS-CoV-2. Comparative analysis showed that ACE2 expression in kidney cells was no less than that in the lung, esophagus, small intestine and colon, suggesting that the kidney may be an important target organ for SARS-CoV-2. In addition, given the high expression of ACE2 and kidney disease-related genes in Occidental donors relative to Asian donors, Occidental populations with SARS-CoV-2 infection might be a higher risk of of kidney injury.

Rhododendron chrysanthum Pall., live in Changbai Mountain being exposed to chilling temperature, high light intensities and water scarcity condition. To adapt to the harsh environment, the cold resistance mechanisms of R. chrysanthum have been successfully evolved in the long-term adaptive process. In our present work, the methods of proteomics combined with physiological and biochemical analyses were used to investigate the effects of cold stress on the photosynthesis and antioxidant system of Rhododendron chrysanthum Pall. and the molecular mechanisms involved in cold resistance of plants. A total of 153 photosynthesis related proteins were identified in present work, of which 7 proteins including Rubisco large subunit (rbcL) were up-regulated in experiment group (EG) compared with control group (CG). Simultaneously, four chlorophyll fluorescence parameters were measured in present study. The results showed that the maximum photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm), actual quantum yield of PSII (Y(II)) and photochemical quenching (qP) were significantly higher in EG, whereas the non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) was notably decreased. Cold stress could lead to a significant reduction in electron transport rate (ETR) accompanied with an increase in excitation pressure (1-qP). The abundance of PetE which involved in the plants photosynthetic electron transfer was also significantly influenced by cold stress. Moreover, the up-regulated expressions and higher levels of enzymatic activities of Glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and Ascorbate peroxidases (APXs) were detected in EG. All these changes which can help plants to survive in low temperature are considered as the crucial parts of cold tolerance mechanisms. These results revealed that photosynthesis and redox adjustment play significant roles in the defense of cold-induced damage.

The structure of arylpiperazine moieties as an important pharmacophore could generate wide pharmacological activities．Arylpiperazine derivatives referred in this paper possessed antitumor activity. The title compounds were crystallized by slow evaporation. 2-(4-(2-(4-Phenylpiperazin-1-yl)ethyl)benzyl)isoindoline-1,3-dione(1), 2-(4-(2-(4-(4-Bromophenyl)piperazin-1-yl)ethyl)benzyl)isoindoline-1,3-dione (2) and 2-(4-(2-(4-(4-Chlorophenyl)piperazin-1-yl)ethyl)benzyl)isoindoline-1,3-dione (3) crystallizes in the triclinic space group P-1 with two molecules in the unit cell. The unit cell parameters for 1 are a = 6.9159(14) Å, b = 9.999(2) Å, c = 16.925(3) Å, α = 88.25(3)°, β = 85.14(3) °, γ = 79.22(3) °. The unit cell parameters for 2 are a = 6.9995(14) Å, b = 9.919(2) Å, c = 17.671(4) Å, α= 97.55(3)°, β = 92.19(3) °, γ = 102.23(3) °. The unit cell parameters for 1 are a = 6.9872(14) Å, b = 9.863(2) Å, c = 17.557(4) Å, α=96.81(3)°, β = 91.89(3) °, γ = 101.74(3) °. Pi-pi interactions were observed between molecules, and compound 2 and 3 showed halogen interactions between molecules nearby, which was different from compound 1.

Using coherent optical detection and digital signal processing, laser phase noise and equalization enhanced phase noise can be effectively mitigated using the feed-forward and feed-back carrier phase recovery approaches. In this paper, theoretical analyses of feed-back and feed-forward carrier phase recovery methods have been carried out in the long-haul high-speed n-level phase shift keying (n-PSK) optical fiber communication systems, involving a one-tap normalized least-mean-square (LMS) algorithm, a block-wise average algorithm, and a Viterbi-Viterbi algorithm. The analytical expressions for evaluating the estimated carrier phase and for predicting the bit-error-rate (BER) performance (such as the BER floors) have been presented and discussed in the n-PSK coherent optical transmission systems by considering both the laser phase noise and the equalization enhanced phase noise. The results indicate that the Viterbi-Viterbi carrier phase recovery algorithm outperforms the one-tap normalized LMS and the block-wise average algorithms for small phase noise variance (or effective phase noise variance), while the one-tap normalized LMS algorithm shows a better performance than the other two algorithms for large phase noise variance (or effective phase noise variance). In addition, the one-tap normalized LMS algorithm is more sensitive to the level of modulation formats.

Abstract: Development of the fast neutron radiography with higher penetration capability in Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) techniques is rapidly. The detection efficiency and the imaging spatial resolution are the main problem of the radiography detector for many fast neutron imaging systems. In this paper, a detector composed of pixelated EJ200 scintillator array，an 16 × 16 silicon-photomultipliers (SiPM) array, and a capacitive multiplexing network readout electronics is designed. Using Monte-Carlo simulations，the main parameters of the detector was optimization. Then the detector prototype was fabricated and tested at a 14 MeV D-T neutron source. The preliminary test results showed that the prototype has spatial resolution of 1.26 mm. Using pixelated scintillator structure，the conflict between spatial resolution and detect efficiency could improved. Moreover, SiPMs offer a flexibility for the expansion of application field of the imaging system due to their excellent photon detection performance, relatively low price and joint possibility for large area.

Geothermal energy, being a clean energy source, has immense potential, and accurate wellbore modeling is crucial for optimizing the drilling process and ensuring safety. This paper presents a novel geothermal wellbore model based on the drift-flux approach, tested under three different temperature and pressure well conditions. The proposed model integrates the conservation equations of mass, momentum, and energy, incorporating the gas-liquid two-phase flow drift-flux model and heat transfer model. Key features include handling heat transfer between the for-mation and the wellbore, addressing the slip relationship between gas and liquid phases, and accounting for wellbore friction. The nonlinear equations are discretized using the finite differ-ence method, and the highly nonlinear system is solved using the Newton-Raphson method. Numerical simulation, validation, and comparison with existing models demonstrate the en-hanced accuracy of this model. In our tests, the model achieved high accuracy in calculating bottom hole pressure and temperature, with Mean Relative Errors (MRE) significantly lower than those of other models. These results offer valuable insights for optimizing drilling parameters and ensuring drilling safety. Comparisons indicate that this approach significantly outperforms others in capturing the complex dynamics of geothermal wellbores, making it a superior tool for geo-thermal energy development.

Microglia-related retinal inflammation is associated with a variety of retinal diseases. Lycium barbarum Glycopeptide (LBGP) is the main active component of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) isolated from Lycium barbarum, which possesses antioxidation, neuroprotection, and immunoregulation. However, whether LBGP has beneficial effects on LPS/IFN-γ (L/I) induced retinal microglial activation and its underlying mechanism remains to be elucidated. In this study, we observed the anti-inflammatory properties of LBGP in microglia activated by LPS and IFN-γ (L/I), examining both primary retinal microglia and BV2 microglial cells. Cells were pretreated with LBGP for 2h before stimulated with LPS/IFN-γ (L/I) for 24h. The dosages of LBGP for cells were evaluated by using the CCK-8 assay. The morphological changes were observed using an optical microscope. The changes in expression of cytokines and inflammatory mediators were measured with Griess assay, ELISA, qPCR, and immunofluorescence. Western blotting was used to assess MAPK, NF-κB signal transducer. LBGP pre-treatment significantly reversed L/I-induced microglia morphological alterations in area, perimeter, Feret's diameter, and roundness. LBGP significantly alleviated the L/I-induced microglial activation in primary and BV2 microglial cells. LBGP switched the M1 pro-inflammatory phenotype to the M2 anti-inflammatory phenotype by downregulating the expression of M1 markers (iNOS, IL-1β, IL-6, COX2, CD16, and CD86) and upregulating the expression of M2 markers (arginase 1 and CD206). Furthermore, LBGP attenuated the activation of NF-κB and MAPK pathways in L/I-activated BV2 cells. In summary, it is suggested that LBGP pretreatment significantly alleviated L/I-induced retinal inflammation by regulating microglial(M1/M2) polarization via NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways.

Land cover segmentation, a fundamental task within the domain of remote sensing, boasts a broad spectrum of application potential. In this article, we focus on the land cover segmentation tasks and complete the following research work: Firstly, to address the issues of uneven distribution of foreground and background and significant differences in target scales in remote sensing images, we propose a decoder called MDCFD based on multi-dilation rate convolution fusion. The decoder utilizes dilated convolution to expand the receptive field, enhancing the model's ability to capture global features and thus improving the model's ability to distinguish between foreground and background. Meanwhile, we design a multi-dilation rate convolution fusion module (MDCFM), which fuses the outputs of different dilation rate convolution layers. Secondly, aiming at the problems of diverse scenes, significant differences between categories, and many background interferences in remote sensing images, we propose a hybrid attention module called LKSHAM based on large kernel convolution. This module combines spatial attention and channel attention mechanisms and combines the two attention modules in series. By introducing large kernel convolution, the model's ability to extract contextual information is improved. At the same time, we adopt a strategy of decomposing large kernel convolution into multiple depthwise convolutions to reduce computational complexity. The improved network models designed by this paper can achieve an improvement of over 1.1% in the mIoU metric on segmentation tasks on the Potsdam and Vaihingen datasets.

Cybersecurity is a crucial concern for local governments, as they serve as the primary interface between public and government services, managing sensitive data and critical infrastructure. While technical safeguards are integral to cybersecurity, the role of well-structured policy is equally important, as it provides structured guidance to translate technical requirements into actionable protocols. This study reviews local governments’ cybersecurity policies to provide a comprehensive assessment of how these policies align with NIST CSF, which is a widely adopted and commonly used cybersecurity assessment framework. The review offers local governments a mirror to reflect on their cybersecurity stance, identifying potential vulnerabilities and areas needing urgent attention. The study further extends to developing a cybersecurity policy framework, which local governments can use as a strategic tool. It provides valuable information on crucial cybersecurity elements that local governments must incorporate into their policies to protect confidential data and critical infrastructure.

The NW-SE trending dextral strike-slip faults on the north side of the Tian Shan play an important role in accommodating the crustal shortening, which mainly includes the Karatau fault, Talas-Fergana fault, Dzhalair-Naiman fault, Aktas fault, Dzhungarian fault (also named Bolokenu-Aqikekuduk fault) and Chingiz fault. The classic viewpoint is that the strike-slip fault is the adjustment product caused by the difference of the crustal shortening from west to east. Another viewpoint attributes the dextral strike-slip fault to large-scale sinistral shearing. The Alakol Lake Fault is situated along the northern margin of the Dzhungarian Gate, stretching for roughly 150 km from Lake Ebinur to Lake Alakol. Our team utilized aerial photographs, Satellite Stereo-imagery, and field observation to map the distribution of the Alakol Lake fault. Our findings provided evidence supporting the assertion that the fault is a dextral strike-slip fault. In reference to its spatial distribution, Lake Alakol is situated in a pull-apart basin that lies between two major dextral strike-slip fault lines: the Chingiz and Dzhungarian faults. The Alakol Lake Fault serves as a connecting point for these two faults, resulting in the formation of a mega NW-SE dextral strike-slip fault zone. According to our analysis of the dating samples taken from the alluvial fan, as well as our measurement of the displacement of the riser and gully, it appears that the Alakol Lake fault has a dextral strike-slip rate of 0.8-1.5mm/yr. The strike-slip rate of the Alakol Lake fault is comparatively higher than that of the Chingiz fault in the northern region (~0.7 mm/yr), but slower than that of the Dzhungarian fault in the southern (3.2-5 mm/yr). The Chingiz-Alakol-Dzhungarian fault zone shows a gradual decrease in deformation towards the interior of the Kazakhstan platform. We contend that the rate of deformation observed is better explained by the crustal shortening adjustment model, rather than the large-scale sinistral shearing model.

At present, farmland abandonment（FA）is a severe phenomenon in China, imposing a serious restriction on agricultural production. In this context, it is of great significance to explore the logical relationship between high-standard farmland construction (HSFC) and FA to optimize land resource allocation and guarantee national food security. Based on 838 samples of farmers in the main rice production area of the Yangtze River Basin in China, this paper employs the Tobit model, the mediating effect model, and the moderated mediating effect model to analyze the impact of HSFC on FA at the micro level. The results show that (1) HSFC inhibits FA, and FA proportion decreases by 1.14% for every 1% increase in HSFC proportion, and the robustness test and endogeneity treatment also yield consistent conclusions. (2) Agricultural socialization services (ASS) play a positive mediating role in the influence path. HSFC promotes farmers' purchase of ASS, which in turn inhibits FA. (3) The agricultural labor transfer distance (ALTD) plays a positive moderating role in the relationship between HSFC and FA. The farther the distance, the more likely HSFC can promote farmers' purchase of ASS and inhibit FA. The results provide enlightenment on how to precisely implement HSFC policy, that is, to inhibit FA by improving the construction of high-standard farmland and the post-construction management as well as protection system. Moreover, this study helps guiding the development of ASS and optimizing the institutional environment for agricultural labor transfer, creating conditions for agricultural scale management.

Persistent land subsidence or uplift can cause serious latent hazards to urban infrastructure. To thoroughly investigate the causes and impacts of land surface deformation, this study examines the case of Wuxi City, focusing on the land fluctuation patterns in the region following the enforcement of the groundwater abstraction prohibition policy in 2005. This research utilizes the PS-InSAR technique to quantify land surface deformations in the Wuxi region from November 2015 to June 2023 and analyzes 100 SAR images to obtain comprehensive spatiotemporal evolution data of the land surface. Furthermore, this study conducts an in-depth analysis of the effects of various factors, including groundwater, precipitation, and soil geology, on the characteristics of land surface deformation. It pioneers the application of the GARCH (Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity) model to analyze the time-series displacement in the study area and innovatively introduces the "amplitude factor" index to assess land surface fluctuations. This study investigates the recent land surface deformation patterns and mechanisms in Wuxi City. By integrating the "amplitude factor", it provides a scientific foundation for future urban development and disaster mitigation strategies in Wuxi City, offering valuable insights for related research.

B4GALNT2 is a vital candidate gene that affects the growth traits litter size in and growth traits of sheep, but whether it has the same function in goats remains to be further investigated. In this study, we utilized 348 Nanjiang Yellow goats as experimental subjects, conducted a whole exon, and the conserved the non-coding region SNP scanning of the B4GALNT2 gene. Our results revealed the presence of a synonymous mutation, rs672215506, within the exon of the B4GALNT2 gene in the Nanjiang Yellow goat population. This mutation was found to be associated with reduced mRNA stability of the B4GALNT2 gene. The results of SNPs detection of conserved non-coding region of B4GALNT2 gene showed that there were five potential regulatory SNPs in the Nanjiang Yellow goat population, except for rs66095343, the ~500 bp fragments of four SNPs (rs649127714, rs649573228, rs652899012 and rs639183528) could significantly increase luciferase activity both in goat skeletal muscle cells and 293T cells . Genetic diversity indexes indicated low or intermediate levels for all six SNPs analyzed, each conforming to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium regarding genotypic frequencies. Association analysis indicated that rs660965343, rs649127714 and rs649573228 were significantly correlated with growth traits in the later stage of growth and development of Nanjiang Yellow goat. The haplotype combinations of H2H3 and H2H2 had higher body weight and greater body size; moreover, H2H2 haplotype combinations were significantly correlated with the litter size of Nanjiang Yellow goat. The results of our study demonstrate the potential utility of the B4GALNT2 gene as a functional genetic marker in breeding programs for Nanjiang Yellow goats.

Sarcomas are a heterogenous group of tumours that commonly carry poor prognosis with limited therapeutic options. Adolescents and young adults (AYA) with sarcoma are a unique and under-studied patient population that have only achieved modest survival gains compared to other groups. We present our institutional experience of AYA with sarcoma who underwent comprehensive molecular profiling (CMP) using either large-panel targeted DNA sequencing or whole genome and transcriptome sequencing and evaluated the feasibility and clinical impact of this approach. Genomic variants detected were determined to be clinically relevant and actionable following the Molecular Tumour Board evaluation. Clinicians provided feedback regarding the utility of testing three months after reporting. Twenty-five patients who were recruited for CMP are included in this analysis. The median time from consent to final molecular report was 45 days (interquartile range 37-57). Potentially actionable variants were detected for 14 patients (56%) and new treatment recommendations were identified for 12 patients (48%). Pathogenic germline variants were identified in three patients (12%), and one patient had a change of diagnosis. Implementation for CMP for AYA with sarcoma is clinically valuable, feasible and should be increasingly integrated into routine clinical practice as technologies and turnaround times continue to improve.

Ningxiang pigs exhibit a diverse array of fatty acids, making them an intriguing model for exploring the genetic underpinnings of Fatty acid metabolism. In this study, we conducted a genome-wide association study using a dataset comprising 50,697 SNPs and samples from over 600 Ningxiang pigs. Our investigation yielded novel candidate genes linked to five saturated fatty acids (SFAs), four monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), and five polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Re-markably, 37, 21, and 16 SNPs showed significant associations with SFAs, MUFAs, and PUFAs, respectively. Notably, ALGA0047587, H3GA0046208, DRGA0016063, and ALGA0031262 demonstrated substantial phenotypic variance (≥ 30%) in Arachidic acid (C20:0), Elaidic Acid (C18:1n-9(t)), and Arachidonic acid (C20:4n-6), respectively. Several significant SNPs were posi-tioned proximally to previously reported genes. In total, we identified 11, 6, and 5 candidate genes associated with SFAs, MUFAs, and PUFAs, respectively. These findings hold great promise for advancing breeding strategies aimed at optimizing meat quality and enhancing lipid metabolism within the intramuscular fat (IMF) of Ningxiang pigs.

Numerous dynamic and complicated processes characterize development from the oocyte to the embryo. However, given the importance of functional transcriptome profiles, long non-coding RNAs, single-nucleotide polymorphisms, and alternative splicing during embryonic development, the effect that these features have on the blastomeres of 2-, 4-, 8-, 16-cell, and morula stages of development have not been studied. Here, we conducted a scRNA-seq survey of cells from sheep from the oocyte to the blastocyst developmental stages. We then carried out experiments to identify and functionally analyze the transcriptome profiles, long non-coding RNAs, single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and alternative splicing (AS). We founded that between the oocyte and zygote groups significantly down-regulated genes and the second-largest change in gene expression occurred between the 8- and 16-cell stages. We used various methods to construct a profile to characterize cellular and molecular features and systematically analyze the related GO and KEGG profile of cells of all stages from the oocyte to the blastocyst. This large-scale, single-cell atlas provides key cellular information and will likely assist clinical studies in improving preimplantation genetic diagnosis.

Muscle is one of the most critical organs for mammals, which governs multiple movement and physiological functions. Circular RNA (circRNA) is a kind of novel endogenous RNA without 5'-Caps and 3'-poly(A) structures formed by pre-mRNA's back-splicing. RNA binding proteins (RBPs) control the production and degradation of circRNA, help nucleus-cytoplasm transport and locate circRNA, and regulate circRNA translation. Therefore, circRNAs and the chaperoned RBPs play critical roles in muscle growth, development, and disease progression. In this review, we systematically characterize the possible molecular mechanism of circRNA-protein interactions. Also, we summarize the latest researches on circRNA-protein interactions in muscle development and diseases. Besides, we provide several valid prediction methods and experimental verification approaches. Our review reveals the importance of circRNAs and their protein chaperones and provides a reference for further study in this field.

The signal transduction pathways of estrogen receptors (ER) mainly includes gene pathway and non-gene pathway. Studies have shown that the gene pathway of ER is related with the expression of nuclear proteins, and this is the key issue for our current research. With the GEO database analysis, Human centromere protein F (CENPF) is highly expressed in adenocarcinoma of lung (LUAD), and the co-expression of CENPF and ERβ was found in the nucleus of LUAD cells. Meanwhile, CENPF and ERβ2/5 were related with T stage and poor prognosis (P<0.05). Knockdown of CENPF gene significantly inhibited the biological effects of LUAD cells, the tumor growth of mice and the expression of ERβ2/5 (P<0.05). Further, group experiments showed that knockdown CENPF inhibits biological effects of LUAD cells mediated by ERβ pathway. All the results indicated that both CENPF and ERβ2/5 play important roles in the progression of LUAD, and knockdown of CENPF can inhibit the progression of LUAD by inhibiting the expression of ER2/5. Thus, the development of inhibitors against ERβ2/5 subtype and CENPF remained more effective in improving the therapeutic effect of LUAD.

Climate change is a global issue that draws widespread attention from the international society. As an important component of the climate system, the water cycle is directly affected by climate change. Thus, it is very important to study the influences of climate change on the basin water cycle with respect to maintenance of healthy rivers, sustainable use of water resources, and sustainable socioeconomic development in the basin. In this study, by assessing the suitability of multiple General Circulation Models (GCMs) recommended by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Statistical Downscaling Model (SDSM) and Automated Statistical Downscaling model (ASD) were used to generate future climate change scenarios. These were then used to drive distributed hydrologic models (Variable Infiltration Capacity, Soil and Water Assessment Tool) for hydrological simulation of the Yangtze River and Yellow River basins, thereby quantifying the effects of climate change on the basin water cycle. The results showed that suitability assessment adopted in this study could effectively reduce the uncertainty of GCMs, and that statistical downscaling was able to greatly improve precipitation and temperature outputs in global climate mode. Compared to a baseline period (1961–1990), projected future periods (2046–2065 and 2081–2100) had a slightly decreasing tendency of runoff in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River basin. In particular, a significant increase in runoff was observed during flood seasons in the southeast part. However, runoff of the upper Yellow River basin decreased continuously. The results provide a reference for studying climate change in major river basins of China.

Motion related human activity recognition using wearable sensors can potentially enable various useful daily applications. So far, most studies view it as a stand-alone mathematical classification problem without considering the physical nature of human motions. Consequently, they suffer from data dependencies and encounter the dimension disaster problem and the over-fitting issue, and their models are never human-readable. In this study, we start from a deep analysis on natural physical properties of human motions, and then propose a useful feature selection method to quantify each feature's classification contribution capability. On one hand, the "dimension disaster" problem can be avoid to some extent, due to the affined dimension of key features; On the other hand, over-fitting issue can be depressed since the knowledge implied in human motions are nearly invariant, which compensates the possible data inadequacy. The experiment results indicate that the proposed method performs superior to those adopted in related works, such as decision tree, k-NN, SVM, neural networks.

Distributed/semi-distributed models are considered to be sensitive to the spatial resolution of the data input. In this paper, we take a small catchment in high urbanized Yangtze River Delta, Qinhuai catchment as study area, to analyze the impact of spatial resolution of precipitation and the potential evapotranspiration (PET) on the long-term runoff and flood runoff process. The data source includes the TRMM precipitation data, FEWS download PET data, and the interpolated metrological station data. GIS/RS technique was used to collect and pre-process the geographical, precipitation and PET series, which were then served as the input of CREST (Coupled Routing and Excess Storage) model to simulate the runoff process. The results clearly showed that, the CREST model is applicable to the Qinhuai catchment; the spatial resolution of precipitation had strong influence on the modelled runoff results and the metrological precipitation data cannot be substituted by the TRMM data in small catchment; the CREST model was not sensitive to the spatial resolution of the PET data, while the estimation fourmula of the PET data was correlated with the model quality. This paper focused on the small urbanized catchment, suggesting the influential explanatory variables for the model performance, and providing reliable reference for the study in similar area.

Tellurium exhibits exceptional intrinsic electronic properties. However, investigations into the modulation of tellurium's electronic properties through physical modification are notably scarce. Here, we present a comprehensive study focused on the evolution of the electronic properties of tellurium crystal flakes under plasma irradiation treatment by employing conductive atomic force microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The plasma-treated tellurium experienced a process of defect generation through lattice broken. Prior to the degradation of electronic transport performance due to plasma irradiation treatment, a remarkable observation emerged: in the low-energy region of hydrogen plasma-treated tellurium, a notable enhancement in conductivity was unexpectedly detected. The mechanism underlying this enhancement in electronic transport performance was thoroughly elucidated by comparing it with the electronic structure induced by argon plasma irradiation. This study not only fundamentally uncovers the effects of plasma irradiation on tellurium crystal flakes, but also unearths an unprecedented trend of enhanced electronic transport performance at low irradiation energies when utilizing hydrogen plasma. This abnormal trend bears significant implications for guiding the prospective application of tellurium-based 2D materials in the realm of electronic devices.

With the global objectives of achieving a ‘carbon peak’ and ‘carbon neutrality’, along with the implementation of carbon reduction policies, China’s industrial structure has undergone significant adjustments, resulting in constraints on high-energy consumption and high-emission industries while promoting the rapid growth of green industries. Consequently, these changes have led to an increasingly complex power system structure and presented new challenges for electricity demand forecasting. To address this issue, this study proposes a 24-step multivariate time series short-term load forecasting algorithm model based on KNN data imputation and BiTCN bidirectional temporal convolutional networks combined with BiGRU bidirectional gated recurrent units and attention mechanism. The Kepler adaptive optimization algorithm (KOA) is employed for hyperparameter optimization to effectively enhance prediction accuracy. Furthermore, using real load data from a wind farm in Xinjiang as an example, this paper predicts the electricity load from January 1st to December 30th in 2019. Experimental results demonstrate that our comprehensive short-term load forecasting model exhibits lower prediction errors and superior performance compared to traditional methods, thus holding great value for practical applications.

An undesirable sensory attribute (“floral taint”) has been recently detected in red wines in some winegrowing jurisdictions in North America (e.g. Ontario, British Columbia, Washington), caused by introduction of frost-killed leaves and petioles [materials-other-than-grapes (MOG)] during mechanical harvest and winemaking. It was hypothesized that terpenes, norisoprenoids, and higher alcohols would be the main responsible compounds. Objectives were to investigate causative volatile compounds for floral taint, and explore threshold concentrations for this problem. Commercial wines displaying varying intensities of floral taints were subjected to GC-MS and sensory analysis. Several odor-active compounds were higher in floral-tainted wines, including terpenes (geraniol, citronellol, cis- and trans-rose oxide), norisoprenoids (β-damascenone, β-ionone), five ethyl esters, and three alcohols. Thereafter, fermentations of Cabernet franc (CF) and Cabernet Sauvignon (CS) (2016, 2017) were conducted. MOG treatments were (wt/wt): 0, 0.5%, 1%, 2% and 5% petioles, and 0, 0.25%, 0.5%, 1%, and 2% leaf blades. Terpenes (linalool, geraniol, nerol, nerolidol, citronellol, citral, cis- and trans-rose oxides, eugenol, myrcene), norisoprenoids (α- and β-ionone), and others (e.g. hexanol, octanol, methyl and ethyl salicylate) increased linearly/quadratically with increasing MOG levels in both cultivars. Principal components analysis separated MOG treatments from the controls with 5% petioles and 2% leaves as extremes. Increasing MOG levels in CF wines increased floral aroma intensity, and were primarily associated with terpenes, higher alcohols, and salicylates. Increased leaf levels in CF were associated with higher vegetal and earthy attributes. Increased petioles in CS were not correlated with floral aromas, but increased leaves increased floral, vegetal and herbaceous attributes. Overall, petioles contributed more to floral taint than leaves through increased terpenes and salicylates (floral notes), while leaves contributed norisoprenoids and C6 alcohols (green notes).

Ruminant animals naturally emit methane gas owing to anaerobic microbial fermentation in the rumen, and these gases are considered major contributors to global warming. Scientists worldwide are attempting to minimize methane emissions from ruminant animals. Some of these attempts include the manipulation of rumen microbes using antibiotics, synthetic chemicals, dietary interventions, probiotics, propionate enhancers, stimulation of acetogens, manipulation of rumination time, vaccination, and genetic selection of animals that produce low methane (CH4). The majority of synthetic additives are harmful to both beneficial rumen microbes and the host or only temporarily affect methanogenesis. Phytogenic feed additives (PFAs) have recently emerged as the best alternatives to antibiotics and synthetic chemicals because of growing public concerns regarding drug resistance and the negative impacts of antibiotics and synthetic chemicals on humans, livestock, and the environment. These additives reduce methane production and improve the volatile fatty acid profile. In this review, we provide an overview of PFA sources and how their bioactive components affect the rumen microbiome to reduce methane emissions. Additionally, we highlight the mechanisms of action of PFAs as a whole as well as some of their bioactive components.

With the development of deep learning, the Super-Resolution (SR) reconstruction of microscopic images has improved significantly. However, the scarcity of microscopic images for training, the underutilization of hierarchical features in original Low Resolution (LR) images, and the high-frequency noise unrelated with the image structure generated during reconstruction process are still challenges in the Single Image Super-Resolution (SISR) field. Faced with these issues, we first collected sufficient microscopic images through Motic, a company engaged in the design and production of optical and digital microscopes, to establish a dataset. Secondly, we proposed a Residual Dense Attention Generative Adversarial Network (RDAGAN). The network comprises a generator, an image discriminator, and a feature discriminator. The generator includes a Residual Dense Block (RDB) and a Convolutional Block Attention Module (CBAM), focusing on extracting the hierarchical features of the original LR image. Simultaneously, the added feature discriminator enables the network to generate high-frequency features pertinent to the image’s structure. Finally, we conducted experimental analysis and compared our model with six classic models. Compared with the best model, our model improved PSNR and SSIM by about 1.5dB and 0.2, respectively.

In this study, carbon-quantum-dot (CQD)-decorated TiO2 was prepared using an ultrasonic doping method and applied in the photocatalytic degradation of naphthalene under sunlight irradiation. The CQDs were synthesized from a typical macroalgae via diluted sulfuric acid pretreatment and hydrothermal synthesis using an optimal design, i.e., 3 wt% and 200 oC, respectively. The CQD/TiO2 composite remarkably enhanced the photocatalytic activity. The degradation of naphthalene under a visible light environment indicated that there is a synergistic mechanism between CQDs and TiO2, in which the generation of reactive oxygen species is significantly triggered; in addition, the N that originated from the macroalgae accelerated the photocatalytic efficiency. Kinetic analysis showed that the photo-catalytic behavior of the CQD/TiO2 composite followed a pseudo-first-order equation. Consequently, our combined experimental approach not only provides a facile pretreatment process for bio-CQDs synthesis, but also delivers a suitable TiO2 photocatalyst for up-conversion, along with critical insights into the development of harmful macroalgae resources.

{This study investigates the coordinated behaviors and the underlying collective intelligence in biological groups, particularly those led by informed leaders. By establishing new convergence criteria based on real biological group experiments, this research introduces the concept of a volitional term and heterogeneous networks, constructing a coupled force Cucker-Smale model with informed leaders. The inclusion of the informed leader aspect distinctively characterizes the dynamics of leaders and followers, enabling a more accurate representation of biological group behavior. The paper then proposes the Flock Leadership Hierarchy Network (FLH), a model reflecting real biological interactions. By employing time slicing and rolling time windows, the study methodically analyses group behavior stages, using volatility and convergence time as metrics to examine the relationship between group consistency and interactions. Comparative experiments show the FLH network's superior performance. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test indicates that the FLH network follows a power-law distribution, highlighting the evolutionary intelligence of biological groups. This research offers new perspectives on the evolution of biological groups, contributing to our understanding of both natural and artificial systems, such as animal migration and autonomous drone operations.

BACKGROUND Studies demonstrate that T cells secrete interleukin and other cytokines to promote the growth and activation of B cells, and B lymphocytes release antibodies that attach to the PLA2R and THSD7A surface antigens on podocytes to create immunological complexes that are deposited beneath the glomerular epithelium, which damage the filtration barrier and trigger proteinuria.The combination regimen of Calcineurin inhibitors（CNIs）and rituximab(RTX) could simultaneously inhibit the proliferation of T and B lymphocytes and reduced the production of immune complexes.This kind of therapeutic method for idiopathic membranous nephropathy may achieve better clinical results and less complications. METHODS Fifty-eight patients who were diagnosed as idiopathic membranous nephropathy（IMN）through a biopsy suffering from nephrotic syndrome (NS) were recruited, and were divided into RTX treatment group(RTX group), CNIs combined with RTX treatment group(CNIs+RTX group) and CNIs combined with glucocorticoids(GC) treatment group(CNIs+CG group) according to their treatment background. All patients in 3 groups were followed up for at least 12 months. Clinical composite remission(including complete or partial remission) at 12 months was the main result; safety and the incidence of adverse events were the secondary outcomes. RESULTS The PLA2R antibody level of RTX+CNIs group at the baseline much higher than RTX and CNIs+GC groups (240.30(84.56,386.99)RU/ml vs. 44.94(11.48,143.94)RU/ml, 7.72(2.00,102.68) RU/ml, respectively, p=0.006). The PLA2R antibody concentrations among the three groups become comparable at the end of 3 months(36.80(2.10,88.05) RU/ml vs.14.32(2.00,47.98)RU/ml, 2.60(2.00,24.50) RU/ml, respectively, p>0.05). At 12 months, all patients in the CNIs+GC group achieved immune remission, and the PLA2R-ab concentration was less than 14RU/ml. At 3 months, 33of 58 patients(56.90%) had a composite remission(complete or partial remission), including 4 of 14 patients (27.85%) in the RTX group, 11 of 17 patients(64.71%) in the CNIs+RTX group and 18 of 27 patients (66.67%) in the CNIs+GC group (p=0.048). At 12 months, 51 of 58 patients(87.93%) had a composite remission, including 12 of 14 patients (85.71%) in the RTX group, 15 of 17 patients(88.24%) in the CNIs+RTX group and 24 of 27 patients (88.89%) in the CNIs+GC group (p=0.957). During the 12-month study, 7 patients did not response for the treatment. 1 patient relapsed during the 12-month treatment with a re-elevation of antibodies. Adverse events occurred in 18(31.03%)patients in the whole study, including 3 patients(5.17%) in the RTX group, 2 patients(3.45%) in the CNIs+RTX and 13patients(22.41%) in the CNIs+GC group(p< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The combination of CNIs and RTX can effectively alleviate idiopathic membranous nephropathy with nephrotic syndrome in the first 3 months，as well as the combination of CNIs and GC, and the efficacy of both treatment methods for IMN was superior to that of RTX alone at the first 3 months. Furthermore, the RTX+CNIs group had less side effects compared with GC+CNIs group. So CNIs combined with RTX could be recommended as a superior therapeutic method for IMN treatment to shorten remission durion with less complications.

Intense climate change and rapid urbanization have increased the risk of urban flooding, seriously affecting urban economic and social stability. Enhancing the urban flood resilience (UFR) has required a new solution to cope with urban flood disasters. In this study, taking Yingtan city as an example, a system of indicators for evaluating UFR was constructed, with 17 representative indicators, comprising three subsystems: socio-economic, ecological and infrastructural. A hybrid (FAHP-EWM)-TOPSIS model was applied, to develop an index-based measurement to compare and evaluate UFR, and Gray Relational Analysis (GRA) was used to discover the main factors affecting UFR. In addition, the natural discontinuous method was innovatively used to divide the UFR grade interval into levels, and the grade change was evaluated based on the TOPSIS method. The results showed that (1) from 2010 to 2022, the UFR in Yingtan City increased by 80.69%, and the factors affecting UFR are highly correlated with urban infrastructure development. However, the ecological resilience in the subsystem showed a fluctuating downward trend, because of the influence of the surface area of lakes and rivers. (2) The grades of UFR for Yingtan City increased from Level III (2010 and 2016) to Level IV (2022), with local financial expenditures and the age structure of the population being the main factors currently limiting the development of UFR. The study provides a theoretical basis for the construction of an indicator system for assessing the UFR of Yingtan and proposes practical improvement directions for UFR.

Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) Score is useful for the nutritional screening. We aimed to explore whether the CONUT score may predict a 3-month functional outcome in hemorrhagic stroke (AHS). Totally, 349 patients with incident AHS were consecutively recruited, and their malnutrition risks were determined using a high CONUT score of ≥ 2. Poor functional outcomes were defined as the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of ≥ 3 at 3 months. A total of 328 patients (mean age, 60.4 ± 12.83 years; 66.8% male) were included, 172 (52.40%) patients at malnutrition risk and 104 (31.7%) patients with a poor prognosis. High-CONUT patients had lower total lymphocyte counts and total cholesterol levels than low-CONUT patients (p &lt; 0.001 and p = 0.012). At 3-month post discharge, patients with malnutrition risk had higher hospitalization costs (p = 0.021), lower Barthel Index (p = 0.001), and more infectious complications (p = 0.002) than those without, and there was a greater risk for poor functional outcomes in the high-CONUT compared with the low-CONUT patients at admission (adjusted odds ratio: 2.32, 95% confidence interval: 1.28-4.17). High-CONUT scores predict a 3-month poor prognosis in AHS, which may help identify the AHS patients who need additional nutritional managements.

For the different harvest targets, the requirement for the prolificacy trait of maize was also different, so prolificacy is of great significance for modern production. Although some QTLs and genes associated with prolificacy in teosinte have been reported, the genetic mechanism of prolificacy in maize has not been fully elucidated. In this study, two RIL populations and GWAS population were used to genetic research of prolificacy trait in maize, with multi-environment. Combine linkage analysis and Genome-wide association study has identified a total of 13 QTLs and 8 significant SNPs. There were two genes related to tissue differentiation in the stable QTL qP9-2, and two significant SNPs corresponding to three genes were in QTL qP5-1 and QTL qP7-1, respectively. Four candidate genes GRMZM2G317262, GRMZM2G317584, GRMZM5G882364 and GRMZM2G141679 were finally screened out by qRT-PCR analysis. Based on the function of candidate genes, ethylene signaling pathway plays an important role in the formation of prolificacy in maize. It has deepened our understanding of the formation mechanism of prolificacy and laid a foundation for breeding new varieties with various prolificacy in maize.

The reservoir water level fluctuation zones (RWLFZs) and the natural riparian zones (NRZs) are two riparian ecosystems with the dramatically opposite hydrological rhythms which notably influence the plant guilds. However, little is known about the discrepancy of functional traits and niche characteristics of plant guilds in the RWLFZ and NRZ under different flooding rhythms. Here the RWLFZs (degraded riparian zones) and NRZs were chosen in the Xiangxi River Basin of the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) to investigate the variation in plant community structure, the spatial patterns of diversity, key functional traits and niche characteristics of dominant plant populations. The results showed that a total of 78 vascular plant species were identified in the riparian zones of Xiangxi River Basin. Most of the dominant species were annual herbs in the two riparian ecosystems and the percentage of annual dominant species increased from 65.79% in the NRZ to 67.34% in the RWLFZ. Compared with the NRZ, the specific leaf area, vegetation coverage and the aboveground biomass in the RWLFZ significantly increased by 74%, 27% and 19.6% respectively, while the water use efficiency of the RWLFZ decreased by 59.6% and there was no significant difference in the net photosynthetic rate between them, which showed that annuals in the RWLFZ adopt the R adaptation strategy with fast-growing, short lifespan and quickly acquiring and investing resources by altering leaf morphology such as expanding leaf area. The Simpson dominance index of RWLFZ was significantly higher than that of NRZ. Thus counter-seasonally hydrological alterations had the significant effects on functional traits of dominant species in the RWFLZ. Moreover, the highly adaptable and widely distributed species with larger niche breadths and high important values usually had a higher niche overlap value in the RWLFZ than in the NRZ, which showed that the competition in the plant community after experiencing anti-seasonal flooding was much more intraspecific than interspecific and would facilitate the expansion of species niches. And the distribution of the plant community was mainly driven by elevation (flooding depth), flooding duration and TK in the WLFZs. Our findings imply that the species with large niche breadths and high important values should be prioritized in ecological restoration efforts in the newly formed hydro-fluctuation zone of the TGR.

To explore the effect of lily polysaccharide (LP) on immune function and intestinal flora in immunosuppressive mice.The immunosuppressive model was established by intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide (CTX) in mice, and the immunological indexes were measured. The cecal contents of mice were taken, and the DNA of intestinal flora was extracted for 16S DNA sequence analysis.Compared with CTX group, the body weight and thymus index of mice in each treatment group increased significantly, the liver index decreased significantly,the hepatocyte morphology, liver plate and hepatic sinus arrangement of mice in high and low concentration LP groups were relieved in varying degrees, and the contents of IgA and IgG in serum of mice in low concentration LP group and positive control group increased significantly; The contents of TNF-α and IL-6 in colon decreased, while the contents of IL-10 increased significantly. The contents of AST, ALT and MDA in liver decreased significantly, while the content of SOD increased significantly. Compared with the blank group, LP can improve the intestinal flora of immunosuppressive mice , mainly by increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as s24-7, Bacteroides and butyrimionas and reducing the abundance of harmful bacteria such as Prevotella, dorea and adlercreutzia.

Utilizing ecological engineering to manage pests by enhancing the biological control function of natural predators through the selection of high-efficiency bank plants and the establishment of bank plant systems within agricultural ecosystems is an optimal strategy. While bank plant systems have found widespread use in greenhouse crop cultivation, their application in rice fields remains limited. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of Leersia sayanuka as a bank plant for controlling planthoppers and to explore the potential of sesame as a complementary plant to enhance the effectiveness of the bank plant system through field trials. The findings revealed that planting a strip of L. sayanuka, at least 50 cm wide and extending over 1 m in length, had a notable impact on planthopper control in paddy fields. Moreover, the incorporation of Sesamum indicum, a nectar plant, into the bank plant system consisting of L. sayanuka, Nilaparvata muiri, and Anagrus nilaparvatae, led to a significant increase in the population of Anagrus spp. in rice fields. This increase was accompanied by a rise in the egg parasitism rate targeting rice planthoppers, resulting in a marked improvement in overall rice planthopper control in paddy fields. Thus, the combined system demonstrated efficiency as an effective bank plant system for managing rice planthoppers.

In order to understand the defense response of Sanchezia nobilis to biotic and abiotic stresses, this study investigated the phenomenon of S. nobilis under biotic of feeding by Achatina fulica, and measured the temporal changes of malondialdehyde content, catalase and peroxidase activities under biotic of feeding by Achatina fulica and abiotic stress of garden pruning conditions on S. nobilis. The results showed that: 1) S. nobilis was seriously damaged by A. fulica and the average hourly food intake of A. fulica is 0.22 ± 0.01 g. 2) Leaf cutting stimulation and snail feeding stress significantly affected the content of malondialdehyde, the activities of catalase and peroxidase in the leaves of S. nobilis. 3) Compared with the control group, the snail feeding and leaf cutting stimulated stress could induce the leaf of S. nobilis to synthesize more malondialdehyde under varying durations, and the activities of catalase and peroxidase were significantly enhanced in a short time, and the induction response of snail feeding biological stress was faster than that of leaf cutting stimulated abiotic stress. 4) After the defense enzyme was strengthened, the activities of catalase and peroxidase in the feeding stress group of snails showed a gradual downward trend, while the activities of catalase and peroxidase in the leaf cutting stimulation stress group showed a first upward and then downward trend, indicating that abiotic stress had more lasting effects on plants than biological stress. It can be seen that biotic stress and abiotic stress significantly affect the defense response of plants, and the defense-related substances malondialdehyde, catalase and peroxidase play an important role in plants' response to biotic and abiotic stress. This study has important production guidance significance for carrying out stress resistance breeding or cultivation management of garden plants.

Macadamia nut plantings in China are expanding year by year. In order to further promote the superior varieties, this study analyzed the effects of different varieties of rootstock and scion on the survival rate as well as the effects of 18 different ratios of substrate composition on seedling growth were analyzed. The results showed that: The survival rate of HAES788 varieties as rootstock and Guire No.1 as scion was the highest, reaching 96%. The optimal grafting time in December was better than that in March. Substrate formulations 12, 13, 15 and 16 had agglomerated soil and well-developed root systems compared to the controls. Plant height, stem diameter, leaf length, leaf width, and dry weight of aboveground and underground parts were significantly higher than those of the control. In addition, the substrate formulations 12, 13, 15 and 16 significantly improved the organic matter, total nitrogen, and total potassium content of the substrate soils, but little on total phosphorus content. All in all, macadamia grafting times are best in December, with HAES788 and Guire No.1 being the best rootstock and scion. Substrate formulations 12, 13, 15 and 16 are the optimal formula. This study provides a solid foundation to produce high-quality macadamia seedlings.

The branch prediction units (BPUs) generally have security vulnerabilities, which can be used by attackers to obtain the execution status, jump directions, and jump address of conditional branches, and the existing protection methods cannot defend against these attacks. Therefore, this article proposes a hardware security protection method for conditional branches of embedded systems. This method calculates the number of updates to the branch target buffer (BTB). When it exceeds the threshold, BTB is locked to prevent attackers from analyzing the execution status of branches based on the time difference of whether BTB is updated. Moreover, the hybrid physical unclonable function (PUF) circuit is designed to provide confidentiality protection for the jump directions, jump addresses, and their indexes, preventing attackers from stealing these critical data. If these mechanism fails and attackers successfully tamper with conditional branches, this paper proposes a control flow integrity (CFI) protection mechanism based on branch labels to timely detect tampering with instruction codes, jump addresses, and jump directions. The proposed method is implemented and tested on FPGA. The experimental results show that this method can achieve fine-grained security protection for conditional branches, with about 5.4% resource overhead and less than 5.5% performance overhead.

Microscopic vision plays an important role in automated micro-assembly. However, some uncertain factors in the assembly process, such as occlusion and stains can lead to the mistakes of feature extraction. Herein, to solve the problem, the deep learning techniques are introduced into the feature recognition tasks, focusing on the attention mechanism and visualizing CNNs for DL-based microscopic vision. The main contributions are summarized as follows: The CBAM attention mechanism is combined with the YOLOv5 algorithm to improve the accuracy and robustness of feature extraction. The micropart feature occlusion experiment results show that at 70% occlusion degree, YOLOV5-CBAM can reach 97.9% [email protected], which is 4.6% higher than the original one. Visualization analysis of DL-based model is conducted using Grad-CAM to make the decision result more transparent and avoid potential visual detection risks during assembly. The heatmap matching degree between GT area and high-light area is increased by 27.81% on average, which further verify the effectiveness of attention mechanism in micropart feature localization. Additionally, micropart surface stain and droplet quality classification models based on ResNet50 are trained to replace the manual sorting. The visual results are consistent with human eye discernment and judgement, confirming the reliability of parts and droplets sorting.

The state-of-the-art smart city has been calling for an economic but efficient energy management over large-scale network, especially for the electric power system. It is a critical issue to monitor, analyze and control electric loads of all users in system. In this paper, we employ the popular computer vision techniques of AI to design a non-intrusive load monitoring method for smart electric energy management. First of all, we utilize both signal transforms (including wavelet transform and discrete Fourier transform) and Gramian Angular Field (GAF) methods to map one-dimensional current signals onto two-dimensional color feature images. Second, we propose to recognize all electric loads from color feature images using a deep neural network with multi-scale feature extraction and attention mechanism. Third, we design our method as a cloud-based, non-intrusive monitoring of all users, thereby saving energy cost during electric power system control. Experimental results on both public and our private datasets have demonstrated our method achieves superior performances than its peers, and thus supports efficient energy management over large-scale Internet of Things.

Helical (frontier) molecular orbitals [Chem. Sci. 2013, 4, 4278] have been reported almost a decade ago. Yet, helical molecular spin densities [Mol. Phys. 2022, e2157774] have been observed by us only very recently. In this work, we have observed that some chiral boron clusters (B–16, B–20, B–24, and B–28) can simultaneously have helical molecular orbitals and helical spin densities. To our best knowledge, it is the first time we have discovered that inorganic boron clusters assume such an unprecedented property. We have unambiguously unraveled that it is chiral Jahn-Teller distortion of quasi-planar boron clusters that drives the formation of helical molecular spin densities. More interestingly, we have shown that elongation/enhancement of helical molecular orbitals can be achieved by simply adding more building blocks via a linker. Aromaticity properties of these boron clusters are also discussed. Implication of this work is straightforward that boron clusters may find potential applications in spintronics, such as molecular magnets.

Owing to the rising demand for vegetable soybean products, there is an increasing need for high-yield soybean varieties to raise the output. However, complex correlation patterns among quantitative traits with genetic interactions bring a challenge for vegetable soybean breeding. Here, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was applied for six yield-related traits with 188 vegetable soybean accessions. A total of 81 SNPs were identified for pod length, plant height, pods number, pod thickness, pod width, and seed weight per plant by Blink model. Among these significant SNPs, 79 were novel SNPs, while 2 overlapped with previously reported SNPs. A total of 220 genes were found in 100 kb upstream and downstream regions of significant SNPs, of which 17 genes were functional proteins. Among these function proteins, four candidate genes, Glyma.13G109100, Glyma.03G183200, Glyma.09G102200, and Glyma.09G102300 were analyzed as significant haplotype variations, which encode MYB-related transcription factor, auxin-responsive family protein, F-box protein and CYP450, respectively. In addition, the relative expression with four candidate genes in the V030 and V071 (Among them, the plant height, pod number and fresh pod weight of V030 were lower than V071 strains) vegetable soybean were significantly different and these genes could be involved in plant growth and development via various pathways. Therefore, we proposed four genes from vegetable soybean germplasm that could be the key candidate genes for pod yield and plant height and these studies will accelerate the process of high-yield vegetable soybean breeding.

In this paper, a semi-empirical model of air waves induced by falling rock is described. The model is composed of a uniform motion phase (velocity close to 0 m·s^-1) and an acceleration movement phase. The uniform motion phase was determined based on experimentally and the acceleration movement phase was derived by theoretical analysis. A series of experiments were performed to verify the semi-empirical model and elucidated the law of the uniform motion phase. The acceleration movement phase accounted for a larger portion with a greater height of the falling rock. Experimental results of different falling heights of the goaf showed close agreement with theoretical analysis values. The semi-empirical model could accurately and conveniently estimate the velocity of air wave induced by falling rock. Thus, the semi-empirical model can provide a reference and basis for estimating the speed of air waves and designing protective measures in mines.

This study aimed to solve the problems of sealing and tearing failure of packer’s rubber cylinders during CO2 downhole injection. Using the simulation software, Comsol, a rubber cylinder model in a supercritical CO2 (SC-CO2) environment was established. The thermal analogy method was used to simulate the CO2 diffusion and rubber cylinder swelling process, thus we analyzed the deformation and stress of the rubber cylinder caused by temperature, pressure and CO2 as swelling agent. Results showed that, in the SC-CO2 environment, under the influence of CO2 diffusion and the consequent swelling, the rubber cylinder body is prone to large deformation, and the maximum shear stress is significantly increased, leading to shear failure of the rubber cylinder. The reduction of the initial seating pressure can alleviate the impact of deformation, whereas the reduction of the maximum contact pressure could cause the rubber cylinder to lose its seal. We also analyzed the change rules between various factors and the maximum contact pressure of the rubber cylinder, which provides a theoretical basis and technical support for improving the sealing performance of the packer’s rubber cylinder in the SC-CO2 environment.

Deep learning methods paired with sidescan sonar (SSS) are commonly used in underwater search and rescue operations for drowning victims, wrecks, and airplanes. However, these techniques are primarily designed to detect mine-like objects and are rarely applied to identifying features in dynamic dredge pit environments, due to a lack of datasets. In this study, we present a Sandy Point Dredge Pit (SPDP) dataset, in which high-resolution SSS data were collected from the west flank of Mississippi bird foot delta of the Louisiana inner shelf. This dataset contains a total of 385 SSS images. We introduce an Effective Geomorphology Classification model (EGC). By ablation studies, we analyze the utility of transfer learning on different model architectures and the impact of data augmentations on model performance. This EGC model will make geomorphic features identification in dredge pit environments quick and efficient which requires extensive experience and professional knowledge. The combination of SSS images and EGC model is a cost-effective and valuable toolkit for hazards monitoring in marine dredge pit environment. The SPDP SSS images dataset, especially the feature of pit wall without rotational slump, is also valuable for other machine learning modelers.

Severe COVID-19 patients show impaired IFN-I response due to decreased IFN-β production, allowing persistent viral load and exacerbated inflammation. The SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein has been implicated in inhibiting IFN-I response through interfering with IFN-I signaling. This study reveals that SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein enhances interaction between human SUMO-conjugating enzyme UBC9 and MAVS. Increased MAVS-UBC9 interaction leads to enhanced SUMOylation of MAVS, inhibiting its ubiquitination, resulting in the inhibition of phosphorylation events involving IKKα, TBK1, and IRF3, disrupting IFN-I signaling. These results provide essential insights into the intricate regulation of the host's innate immunity during SARS-COV-2 invasion. Understanding these complex molecular mechanisms is crucial in developing effective therapeutic interventions against COVID-19 and potential future viral outbreaks.

The study comprehensively evaluated the prognostic roles of PLR, NLR, MLR, BLR, and ELR in patients with acute exacerbation chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). 619 patients with AECOPD and 300 healthy volunteers were retrospectively included into the study. The clinical characteristics containing laboratory findings of the AECOPD patients and the blood cell counts (CBCs) of the healthy volunteers were collected. Compared with the healthy volunteers, PLR, NLR, and MLR were elevated in COPD patients in stable condition, and were further ele-vated during exacerbation. ELR showed the opposite trend. PLR, NLR, and MLR were all posi-tively correlated with hospital LOS as well as CRP. In contrast, ELR was negatively correlated with hospital LOS as well as CRP. Elevated PLR, NLR, and MLR were all associated with more serious airflow limitation in AECOPD. Elevated PLR, NLR, and MLR were all associated with increased in-hospital mortality while Elevated ELR was associated with decreased in-hospital mortality in AECOPD. A nomogram was construct to predict in-hospital mortality in AECOPD. The nomo-gram had a C-index of 0.850 (95% CI: 0.799 – 0.901) with good predictive value and clinical ap-plicability. In summary, PLR, NLR, MLR, and ELR served as predictors for clinical outcomes in patients with AECOPD.

Objective: We determined, in stable ambulatory heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) subjects and matched controls, the capability of a novel blood based cardiac-specific cBIN1 Score (CS) to diagnose heart failure and prognosticate future hospitalization. Background: Heart failure (HF) poses a costly health care burden worldwide with rising prevalence. Abnormal calcium signaling is intrinsic to HF pathophysiology and correlates with reduced expression of a cardiac membrane scaffolding protein, cardiac bridging integrator 1 (cBIN1). We hypothesize that CS, a numerical score derived from plasma cBIN1 concentration, is a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker of HF. Methods: Plasma cBIN1 is quantified by an ELISA test, and CS is calculated as the natural log of the normalized reciprocal of plasma cBIN1 concentration. We determined CS among 52 clinically stable individuals with HFpEF (LVEF ≥ 50%) (mean age 57 ± 15 years old, 63% men) and 104 age and sex matched volunteers with no known history of HF. We obtained plasma concentrations of NT-proBNP, a marker of volume status, as comparison. Baseline co-morbidities and one year longitudinal clinical information were obtained through electronic medical records. Results: Median CS is 0 (IQR -0.4 – 0.6) in the control cohort and is increased to 1.8 in the HFpEF cohort (IQR 1.5 – 2.3, p < 0.0001). For HFpEF diagnosis, CS has a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) area under the curve (AUC) of 0.94 (95% CI 0.95 – 0.99) and NT-proBNP of 0.89 (95% CI 0.83 – 0.95). Kaplan-Meier analysis of one year cardiovascular hospitalizations reveals that HFpEF patients with CS ≥ 1.8 have a hazard ratio (HR) of 4.0 (95% CI 1.4 – 11.2, p=0.009). Combining CS ≥ 1.8 with NT-proBNP ≥ 300 pg/mL, increases HR to 21.4 (95% CI 2.7 – 171.6, p=0.004). Conclusions: In a cohort of stable ambulatory HF patients with cardiomyopathies of multiple etiologies and preserved ejection fraction, a positive CS correlates with worsening myocardial health and predicts future hospitalization. CS, a marker of cardiac muscle health, provides a novel index to informing the management of stable ambulatory HF patients.

Assessing carbon stocks in tropical forests is crucial for understanding their role in mitigating climate change. (1) Background: However, existing assessments have underestimated certain factors that can substantially influence carbon dynamics. (2) Methods: This study focuses on one such factor - buttress roots from a tropical forest. (3) Results: Our findings reveal that a significant proportion of trees (69.57%) had 3 to 5 buttress roots per tree. The total biomass of the buttress roots and the aboveground portion of the trees with buttress roots were calculated to be 8.5 tonnes/ha and 10.7 tonnes/ha respectively. The buttress root biomass accounted for 16.18% of the total tree biomass. It was observed that the presence of buttress roots during both the rainy and dry seasons increased the soil organic carbon content by an average of 20.8% in the upslope areas with buttress roots. During the rainy season, the presence of buttress roots did not affect the heavy fraction organic carbon in the soil layers in a statistically significant way. Regardless of the season, the soil respiration rate in the areas without buttress roots was higher than that in the areas with buttress roots. The presence of buttress roots had a positive effect on soil nutrient concentration in all seasons, creating a healthier environment for trees. Tree species with buttress roots had on average 20% higher organic carbon content during both the wet and dry seasons. (4) Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of considering buttress roots in carbon stock assessments and forest management strategies. By integrating buttress roots into carbon accounting models, we can obtain more accurate estimates of carbon stock potential and develop more effective conservation and restoration strategies for tropical forests.

A dynamic impact test was performed on as-rolled AZ31 alloy with gradient microstructure under various strains. The microstructural evolution and mechanical properties were systematically investigated. As the strain rate gradually increases, an increasing number of twins are formed, facilitating dynamic recrystallization (DRX), and the mechanical properties are also gradually improved as well. The microstructure becomes heterogeneous at higher strain rates, but the peak stress decreases. The impact process results in significantly higher performance due to microstructural refinement, work hardening by dislocations and precipitates. In addition, both the adiabatic shear band and the adjacent crack experience a temperature rise that exceeds the recrystallization temperature of the alloy. This observation also explains the presence of ultrafine recrystallized grains within the adiabatic shear band and the appearance of molten metal around the crack.

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex neuromodulatory network in the human body that have enormous impact in developing the central nervous system, as well as modulates various physiological processes. The ECS is made up of anandamide, 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), which are responsible for the synthesis and degradation of endocannabinoids, and enzymes such as FAAH and MAGL ensures the precise control over endocannabinoid levels. The ECS relies on CB1 receptors found in the central nervous system (CNS), and CB2 receptors found in the peripheral nervous system and immune cells. Dysregulation of the ECS has been associated with several health conditions, prompting investigations into its association with phytocannabinoids to harness their therapeutic potential. The ECS is intricately linked with the nervous system, and it is known to modulate neuronal activities in the CNS, influencing pain and mood modulation. The ECS is also associated with neuropathies-peripheral nerve damage leading to symptoms such as weakness, numbness and pain as evidenced in diabetic neuropathy, Guillain-Barré Syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, and postherpetic neuralgia. The focus of this review is on the interplay between 2-arachidonoylglycerol and anandamide amidohydrolase in neuropathy, elucidating their roles in pain regulation, inflammation, and specific neuropathies. The knowledge generated is expected to have broad implications, providing comprehensive insights into neuropathic conditions and how to improve on them. Ultimately, this understanding may lead to more effective treatments and improved quality of life for individuals affected by these conditions.

We report neutralization titer data against contemporary SARS-CoV-2 sublineages from an ongoing, open-label, phase 2/3 trial of a single 30-μg dose of monovalent Omicron XBB.1.5-adapted BNT162b2 vaccine. Healthy participants had previously received ≥3 doses of a US-authorized mRNA vaccine, with the most recent being a bivalent Omicron BA.4/BA.5-adapted vaccine administered ≥150 days before study vaccination. In this analysis, Omicron XBB.1.5, BA.2.86, and JN.1 serum neutralizing titers were assessed at baseline and 1 month after vaccination in a subset of ≥18-year-olds (N = 40) with evidence of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. Immunogenicity was also evaluated in a demographically matched group of participants who received bivalent BA.4/BA.5-adapted BNT162b2 in another study (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05472038). The XBB.1.5-adapted BNT162b2 vaccine elicited higher XBB.1.5, BA.2.86, and JN.1 neutralizing titers than those elicited by bivalent BA.4/BA.5-adapted BNT162b2. Overall geometric mean fold rises in neutralizing titers from baseline to 1 month after vaccination were higher among participants who received XBB.1.5-adapted BNT162b2 than those who received bivalent BA.4/BA.5-adapted BNT162b2 for XBB.1.5 (7.6 vs 5.6), slightly higher for JN.1 (3.9 vs 3.5), and similar for BA.2.86 (4.8 vs 4.9). ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05997290.

Plain lakes play a crucial role in the hydrological cycle of a watershed, but their interactions with adjacent rivers and downstream water bodies can create complex river-lake relationships, often leading to frequent flooding disasters. Taking Poyang Lake as an example, this paper delves into its interaction with the Yangtze River, revealing the spatiotemporal patterns of flood propagation within the lake and its impact on surrounding flood control measures. The aim is to provide insights for flood management in similar environments worldwide. This study employs a comprehensive approach combining hydrological statistical analysis and two-dimensional hydrodynamic modeling, based on extensive hydrological, topographic, and socio-economic data. The results indicate that the annual maximum outflow from Poyang Lake is primarily controlled by floods within the watershed, while the highest annual lake water level is predominantly influenced by floods from the Yangtze River. The peak discharge typically reaches the lake outlet within 48 hours, with the peak water level taking slightly longer at 54 hours. However, water storage in the lake can shorten the time for the peak discharge to arrive. When converging with floods from the Yangtze River, the peak water level may be delayed by up to 10 days due to the top-supporting interaction. Furthermore, floods from the "Five Rivers" propagate differently within the lake, affecting various lake regions to differing degrees. Notably, floods from the Fu River cause the most significant rise in lake water level under the same flow rate. The top-supporting effect from the Yangtze River also significantly impacts the water surface slope of Poyang Lake. When the Yangtze River flood discharge far exceeds that of the "Five Rivers" (i.e., when the top-supporting intensity f value exceeds 4), the lake surface becomes as flat as a reservoir. During major floods in the watershed, the water level difference in the lake can increase dramatically, potentially creating a "dynamic storage capacity" of up to 840 million cubic meters.

Efficient processing of end-of-life lithium-ion batteries of electric vehicles is important and a pressing challenge for a circular economy. Regardless of whether the processing strategy is recycling, repurposing or remanufacturing, the first processing step would usually involve disassembly. As battery disassembly is a dangerous task, efforts have been made to robotise it. In this paper, a robotic disassembly platform using four industrial robots is proposed to automate the non-destructive disassembly of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle battery pack into modules. The work was conducted as a case study to demonstrate the concept of autonomous disassembly of an electric vehicle battery pack. A two-step object localisation method based on visual information is used to overcome positional uncertainties from different sources and is validated by experiments. Also, the unscrewing system is highlighted, and its functions, such as handling untightened fasteners, loosening jammed screws, and changing the nutrunner adapters with square drives, are detailed. Furthermore, the time required for each operation is compared with that taken by human operators. Finally, the limitations of the platform are reported and future research directions are suggested.

Vaccination remains an important mitigation tool against COVID-19. We report 1-month safety and preliminary immunogenicity data from a substudy of an ongoing, open-label, phase 2/3 study of monovalent Omicron XBB.1.5-adapted BNT162b2 (single 30-μg dose). Healthy, participants ≥12 years old (N=412 [12‒17 years, N=30; 18‒55 years, N=174; >55 years, N=208]) who previously received ≥3 doses of a US-authorized mRNA vaccine, the most recent being an Omicron BA.4/BA.5-adapted bivalent vaccine ≥150 days before study vaccination, were vaccinated. Serum 50% neutralizing titers against Omicron XBB.1.5, EG.5.1, and BA.2.86 were measured 7 days and 1 month after vaccination in a subset of ≥18-year-olds (N=40) who were positive for SARS-CoV-2 at baseline. Seven-day immunogenicity was also evaluated in a matched group who received bivalent BA.4/BA.5-adapted BNT162b2 in a previous study (NCT05472038). There were no new safety signals; local reactions and systemic events were mostly mild to moderate in severity, adverse events were infrequent, and none led to study withdrawal. The XBB.1.5-adapted BNT162b2 induced numerically higher titers against Omicron XBB.1.5, EG.5.1, and BA.2.86 than BA.4/BA.5-adapted BNT162b2 at 7 days and robust neutralizing responses to all 3 sublineages at 1 month. These data support a favorable benefit-risk profile of XBB.1.5-adapted BNT162b2 30 μg. NCT05997290

This paper presents an optimized energy management strategy for Li-ion power batteries used on electric vehicles (EVs) at low temperatures. Under low-temperature environments, EVs suffer a sharp driving range loss resulted from the energy and power capability reduction of the battery. Simultaneously, because of Li plating, battery degradation becomes an increasing concern as temperature drops. All these factors could greatly increase the total vehicle operation cost. Prior to battery charging and vehicle operating, preheating battery to a battery-friendly temperature is an approach to promote energy utilization and reduce total cost. Based on the proposed LiFePO4 battery model, the total vehicle operation cost under certain driving cycles is quantified in the present paper. Then given a certain ambient temperature, a target temperature of preheating is optimized under the principle of minimizing total cost. As for the preheating method, a liquid heating system is also implemented on an electric bus. Simulation results show that the preheating process becomes increasingly necessary with a decreasing ambient temperature; however, the preheating demand declines as driving range grows. Vehicle tests verify that the preheating management strategy proposed in this paper is able to save total vehicle operation cost.

Three kinds of inorganic alkali are introduced into tetraethylenepentamine (TPEA) and polyethyleneimine (PEI) modified MCM-41 as the CO2 adsorbents. FT-IR and TGA are used to characterize the surface groups and the thermal stability of adsorbents. Chemical titration method is used to measure the alkali amounts of adsorbents. Thermo-gravimetric analysis with 10%CO2/N2 as the simulated flue gas is used to test the CO2 adsorption performance of adsorbents. The results show that all three kinds of inorganic alkali containing adsorbents exhibit promoted CO2 adsorption capability than traditional TPEA and PEI modified samples. Ca(OH)2 and PEI modified samples exhibit the highest adsorption capacity and stable regeneration property. The introduction of inorganic alkali changes the chemical adsorption mechanism between CO2 and increases the effective alkali amounts due to its hydroxyl groups. The CO2 adsorption capacities have a linear dependence relation with the alkali amounts of adsorbents, indicating that alkali amount is a critical factor for novel adsorbents exploring.

The insufficient of fish meal has been become a prominent problem with the development of the aquaculture industry. Therefore, it is great significance that replacement fish meal using other protein sources for the sustainable development of aquaculture industry. In this study, fermented cottonseed meal (FCM) and fermented rapeseed meal (FRM) were used to replace fish meal in Chinese mitten crab. The ratio of FCM and FRM were set according to 1:2, 1:1, and 2:1, and were supplemented into 25% fish meal (FM-25) and 15% fish meal (FM-15) diets, respectively, to formulated 6 kinds of experimental diets. The feeding duration was 8 weeks. The results showed that the weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR) of crabs fed the diets containing 25% fish meal were significantly higher than crabs fed 15% fish meal diets. At 25% fish meal level, the WG and SGR of crabs fed the diet with 1FCM:1FRM were significantly higher than those fed the 1FCM:2FRM and 2FCM:1FRM diets. At 25% fish meal level, the crude lipid (CL) content of crabs fed the diet with 1FCM:2FRM were significantly higher than those fed the 2FCM:1FRM and 1FCM:1FRM. At 25% fish meal level, the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and peroxidase (POD) of crabs fed the diet with 1FCM:2FRM were significantly higher than those fed the 2FCM:1FRM and 1FCM:1FRM. At 25% fish meal level, the relative expression of peroxiredoxin (PRX) of crabs fed the diet with 1FCM:1FRM were significantly higher than those fed the 2FCM:1FRM and 1FCM:2FRM. In summary, diets supplemented with a mixture of fermented cotton meal and fermented rapeseed meal (1:1) can significantly improve the growth and antioxidant capacity of Chinese mitten crab.

The Sanhetun tellurium-gold (Te-Au) deposit, located in the Duobaoshan polymetallic metallogenic belt (DPMB) within the eastern section of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB), is a newly discovered small scale gold deposit. The mineralization, with resource of ≥ 4t Au, is mainly hosted in 3 NNE-trending alteration zones between granitic mylonite and volcanogenic-sedimentary formations. It’s the genesis and timing of formation of this deposit are poorly constrained. Here, we report the results of petrographic studies, TESCAN Integrated Mineral Analyzer (TIMA), major and trace element concentrations, and in situ S isotope of pyrite and U-Pb ages of calcite. The results show that there are five species of telluride, including native tellurium, tetradymite, tsumoite, hessite and petzite and four types of pyrite, including coarse-grained euhedral Py1, fine-grained quartz-Py2 vein crosscutting Py1 and anhedral aggregated Py3 and Py4. The pre-ore Py1, containing negligible Au, Te and other trace elements, have a relatively narrow range of δ34S values ranging from -1.20 to -0.57‰. The Py2 have slightly high concentrations of Au and Te and distinctly high concentrations of Mo, Sb, Zn and Mn with markedly positive δ34S values of 4.67 to 14.43‰. The main ore stage Py3 contains high Au and Te concentrations and shows narrow δ34S values ranging from -5.69 to 0.19‰. The post-ore stage Py4 contains low Au concentrations with the δ34S values ranging from 2.66 to 3.86‰. Calcite from ore stage yield a U-Pb age of 135 ± 22 Ma, interpreted as the age of Te-Au mineralization. Our geochemical and geochronological data indicate that the Te was derived from partial melting of mantle metasomatized by the Te-rich fluids that originated from oceanic sediments. We correlate the tectonic setting with the subduction of Paleo Pacific plate in Early Cretaceous.

Aiming at the development of the application of massive and heterogeneous LEO constellations, the influence of typical perturbation forces on the orbit prediction of LEO satellites at different altitudes is analyzed. Firstly, the main perturbation force model of LEO satellites is introduced. Then experiments for analyzing the influence of orbit prediction on LEO satellites at different altitudes are designed. Finally, the influence of typical perturbation forces on the orbit prediction under different prediction durations by numerical analysis is assessed systematically, and the orbit prediction of LEO satellites with different non-spherical gravitational field orders, ocean tide orders and atmospheric density models were compared and calculated. The research results show that different orders of non-spherical gravitational fields should be considered when the altitude of satellites is different, the reasonable gravitational field orders for LEO satellites at 500km, 1000km, 1500km and 2000km under 1-hour forecast time are 140x140, 80x80, 60x60 and 40x40 orders, the reasonable orders of ocean tide perturbation for 1500km and 2000km satellites are 20x20 orders. Under the 24-hour forecast time, atmospheric resistance has a great influence on the precision of LEO satellites at orbit altitude below 1,000km. The forecast deviation of the LEO satellites orbit at 500km reaches 8751.576m. The difference of orbit precision between different atmospheric density models is in the meter level. The orbit deviation by the Standard Atmosphere 1976 and NRLMSISE 2000 atmospheric models respectively reaches 25.494m. Relevant conclusions provide support for the optimization and selection of dynamical models in high precision orbit determination and fast orbit prediction of LEO satellites.

Isothermal interrupted hot compression tests of 5754 aluminum were conducted on Gleeble-3500 thermo-mechanical simulator at temperature 350 °C and 450 °C, strain rate 0.1 s-1 and 1s−1. These tests simulated flat rolling to investigate how softening behaviors respond to controlled parameters, such as deformation temperature, strain rate and delay times. This data allowed the parameters for the hot rolling process to be optimized. The delay times during interrupted compression vary between 5s and 60s. The dynamic softening at each pass and metadynamic recrystallization at the intervals of deformation passes were analyzed in detail. 0.2% offset yield strength is applied to calculate the softening fraction undergoing metadynamic recrystallization. A kinetic model was developed to describe metadynamic recrystallization behaviors of the hot deformed 5754 aluminum alloy. Furthermore, the time constant for 50% recrystallization was expressed as functions related to the temperature and the strain rate. The experimental and calculated results were found to be in close agreement, which verified the developed model.