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Hepatoblastoma (HB) is a common primary liver malignant tumor in children. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are closely engaged in HB progression. The role and regulatory molecule mechanism of lncRNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 1 (SNHG1) in HB remain unclear. Through qRT-PCR or western blot, we found that SNHG1 and proviral integration site for moloney murine leukemia virus 3 (PIM3) were elevated but miR-6838-5p was decreased in HB cells. Cell biology experiments revealed that SNHG1 depletion or miR-6838-5p upregulation suppressed cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of HB cells. Mechanistically, luciferase activity assay validated that miR-6838-5p could interact with SNHG1 or PIM3. SNHG1 up-regulated PIM3 expression via sponging miR-6838-5p. Moreover, miR-6838-5p inhibitor abolished SNHG1 depletion-mediated suppression of malignant behaviors in HB cells. PIM3 overexpression neutralized miR-6838-5p mimics-mediated repression of malignant phenotypes in HB cells. Furthermore, miR-6838-5p overexpression suppressed RhoA activation, which was restored by PIM3 upregulation. What's more, the results at the cellular level were further verified by nude mice tumor formation experiment. In conclusion, SNHG1 regulated miR-6838-5p/PIM3/RhoA axis to promote malignant phenotypes of HB, which might provide novel therapeutic target for HB treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Blastocystis may cause diarrhea in humans and various animals. However, little information is available regarding the prevalence and genetic diversity of E. bieneusi and Blastocystis in donkeys. To fill this gap, we molecularly assessed E. bieneusi and Blastocystis in fecal samples from donkeys (n = 815) in Shanxi Province, north China. The overall prevalence of E. bieneusi and Blastocystis in donkeys was 8.1% and 0.2%, respectively. Region and age were risk factors associated with E. bieneusi infection in donkeys. Three internal transcribed spacer (ITS) genotypes of E. bieneusi were identified in the current study, including two previously described genotypes (D and Henan-IV) and one novel genotype (named SXD1). Of which, genotype D was found to be the most prevalent. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the three genotypes belonged to group 1, implying a potential of zoonotic transmission. Multilocus sequence typing showed that 19, 15, 13, and 22 types were identified at the loci MS1, MS3, MS4, and MS7, respectively, forming six multilocus genotypes (MLGs) distributed in the genotype D. One Blastocystis subtype (ST33) was identified, which has previously been reported only in horses. This is the first molecular-based description of E. bieneusi and Blastocystis infections in donkeys in Shanxi Province, north China, contributing to a better understanding of transmission dynamics and molecular epidemiological characteristics of the two intestinal protozoa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new compound, penicilliumone A (1) was isolated from Penicillium sp. HT-G-8, a fungal endophyte of Tripterygium hypoglaucum. The structure of 1 was elucidated by IR, MS, 1D and 2D NMR spectra. Monoamine oxidase (MAO), acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitory activities of 1 were also tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To explore the diagnostic potential of texture analysis applied to native T1 maps obtained from cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) images for the assessment of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) among patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Methods: This study, conducted from June 2018 to November 2020, included 119 patients (35 on hemodialysis, 55 on peritoneal dialysis, and 29 with kidney transplants) in Renji Hospital. Native T1 maps were assessed with texture analysis, using a freely available software package, in participants who underwent cardiac MRI at 3.0 T. Four texture features, selected by dimension reduction specific to the diagnosis of HFpEF, were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to examine the independent association between the selected features and HFpEF in ESRD patients. Results: Seventy-six of 119 patients were diagnosed with HFpEF. Demographic, laboratory, cardiac MRI, and echocardiogram characteristics were compared between HFpEF and non-HFpEF groups. The four texture features that were analyzed showed statistically significant differences between groups. In multivariate analysis, age, left atrial volume index (LAVI), and sum average 4 (SA4) turned out to be independent predictors for HFpEF in ESRD patients. Combining the texture feature, SA4, with typical predictive factors resulted in higher C-index (0.923 vs. 0.898, p = 0.045) and a sensitivity and specificity of 79.2% and 95.2%, respectively. Conclusions: Texture analysis of T1 maps adds diagnostic value to typical clinical parameters for the assessment of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in patients with end-stage renal disease. Key Points: • Non-invasive assessment of HFpEF can help predict prognosis in ESRD patients and help them take timely preventative measures. • Texture analysis of native T1 maps adds diagnostic value to the typical clinical parameters for the assessment of HFpEF in patients with ESRD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work is a continuation of our studies on the determination of activity coefficients at infinite dilution ( γ i ∞ ) for organic solutes (i ) in ionic liquids (ILs). New sets of experimental data for 32 organic solutes (alkanes, alkenes, aromatics, chlorinated alkanes, alcohols, and other polar organic solutes) in trialkyl-substituted imidazolium-based IL 1-propyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium thiocyanate ([PMMIM][SCN]) in the temperature range of 313.15–363.15 K were measured by gas–liquid chromatography (GLC). The partial molar excess enthalpies at infinite dilution ( H ¯ i E , ∞ ), entropies ( T ref S ¯ i E , ∞ ), and Gibbs free energies ( G ¯ i E , ∞ ) of organic solutes in [PMMIM][SCN] at a reference temperature T ref = 298.15 K were obtained from the γ i ∞ values. The density of [PMMIM][SCN] as a function of temperature at pressure p = 101.33 kPa was measured and gas–liquid partition coefficients ( K L ) were calculated. Moreover, the Hildebrand's solubility parameters of [PMMIM][SCN] were determined by the regular solution theory (RST) combined with Flory "combinatorial" equation. The selectivity ( S ij ∞ ) of [PMMIM][SCN] for n-hexane/benzene, cyclohexane/benzene, and the capacity ( k j ∞ ) at infinite dilution of benzene have been determined at T = 323.15 K and compared with literature data of [PDMIM][BF4], [PMMIM][NTf2], and of several ILs with thiocyanate anion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aiming at solving the trouble that digital image information is easily intercepted and tampered during transmission, we proposed a color image encryption scheme based on alternate quantum random walk and controlled Rubik's Cube transformation. At the first, the color image is separated into three channels: channel R, channel G and channel B. Besides, a random sequence is generated by alternate quantum walk. Then the six faces of the Rubik's Cube are decomposed and arranged in a specific order on a two-dimensional plane, and each pixel of the image is randomly mapped to the Rubik's Cube. The whirling of the Rubik's Cube is controlled by a random sequence to realize image scrambling and encryption. The scrambled image acquired by Rubik's Cube whirling and the random sequence received by alternate quantum walk are bitwise-XORed to obtain a single-channel encrypted image. Finally the three-channel image is merged to acquire the final encrypted image. The decryption procedure is the reverse procedure of the encryption procedure. The key space of this scheme is theoretically infinite. After simulation experiments, the information entropy after encryption reaches 7.999, the NPCR is 99.5978%, and the UACI is 33.4317%. The encryption scheme with high robustness and security has a excellent encryption effect which is effective to resist statistical attacks, force attacks, and other differential attacks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Valine-glutamine sequences (VQs) interact with WRKY transcription factors (TFs), forming VQ-WRKY protein complexes crucial for plant development and response to environmental changes. Cultivated peanut (Arachis hypogaea) is a tetraploid from A. duranensis and A. ipaensis cross. The Arachis spp. WRKY TFs have been identified, but Arachis VQs are largely unknown. This study identified VQs in A. duranensis, A. ipaensis, A. monticola, A. hypogaea cv. Fuhuasheng, A. hypogaea cv. Shitouqi, and A. hypogaea cv. Tifrunner. The study analyzed the homologous relationships between VQs in these Arachis spp. The VQ drought-tolerant genes were detected and VQ-WRKY interactions were determined in A. hypogaea cv. Tifrunner. The results showed that tetraploid Arachis spp. retained duplicated VQs, but lost ancestral VQs after allopolyploidization. The number of VQs in A. monticola, A. hypogaea cv. Fuhuasheng, and A. hypogaea cv. Shitouqi increased relative to their diploid ancestors. RNA-seq and quantitative real-time PCR experiments confirmed that three AhTVQs tolerate drought stress in A. hypogaea cv. Tifrunner. However, evidence of VQ-WRKY interaction for drought stress response is lacking in A. hypogaea cv. Tifrunner. Nevertheless, this study identified VQ-WRKY interactions, which possibly have multiple functions in A. hypogaea cv. Tifrunner. Altogether, this study dissected Arachis VQs, providing insights into Arachis VQ evolution and drought function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic, non-motile and rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated NY5T, was isolated from marine sediment collected from coastal area in Weihai, China (122°07′ 38.80′′ E, 37°33′ 57.60′′ N). Cells of strain NY5T were 0.6–0.7 μm width and 1.9–2.0 μm length, catalase-positive and oxidase-positive. Growth of NY5T was observed at 25–37 °C (optimum, 28 °C) and pH 6.5–9.5 (optimum, pH 7.5–8.0) and in the presence of 0.5–7.0% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 2.0%). The isoprenoid quinone was Q-8 and the predominant fatty acids were summed feature 8 (C18:1ω7c and/or C18:1ω6c), summed feature 3 (C16:1ω7c and/or C16:1ω6c) and C17:1ω8c. Diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol were the major polar lipids. The DNA G+C content of strain NY5T was 60.1%. Strain NY5T showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (98.2%) with Pseudohalioglobus lutimaris followed by Parahaliea aestuarii (96.9%), Parahaliea maris (96.7%), Parahaliea mediterranea (95.9%), and Halioglobus japonicus (94.9%). Given these phenotypic and chemotaxonomic properties and phylogenetic analyses, strain NY5T was considered to represent a novel species of the genus Pseudohalioglobus, for which the name Pseudohalioglobus sediminis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NY5T (=KCTC 72416T=MCCC 1H00401T). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tissue ischemia usually leads to necrosis and is a threatening condition associated with reconstructive surgery. Promoting the survival of ischemic tissue is critical for improving clinical outcomes. Although various solutions based on stem cells have been reported, there are still limitations to clinical translation. The aim of this study was to develop an effective method to promote the survival of ischemic tissue. Methods: Adipose-derived CD34 + and CD34- cells were obtained by magnetic bead sorting from the stromal vascular faction (SVF). Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) were collected by subculture. The angiogenic capacities of CD34 + cells, CD34- cells and ADSCs were evaluated in vitro by comparing mRNA and protein expression. Random axial flaps in nude mice were used to evaluate the efficacy of these cells in protecting tissue from necrosis. The effect of these cells in preventing inflammation was also evaluated. Results: Our data suggest that CD34 + cells expressed higher levels of angiogenetic factors and lower levels of inflammatory factors than the other cell types. More vessel branches were formed when human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with conditioned medium from CD34 + cells than conditioned medium from the other cell types. Compared to ADSCs, CD34 + cells showed significantly higher efficacy in promoting tissue survival. More CD31 + cells and higher levels of angiogenic factors were observed in tissues from the CD34 + group than in those from the other groups. Lower levels of the proinflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-1b and higher levels of anti-inflammatory factors were found in the CD34 + group than in the other groups. Conclusion: Adipose-derived CD34 + cells showed better efficacy in improving ischemic tissue survival than ADSCs by reducing tissue inflammation and promoting angiogenesis. CD34 + cells can be obtained easily and may be suitable for clinical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate the feasibility of automatic machine learning (autoML) based on native T1 mapping to predict late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) status in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Methods: Ninety-one HCM patients and 44 healthy controls who underwent cardiovascular MRI were enrolled. The native T1 maps of HCM patients were classified as LGE (+) or LGE (-) based on location-matched LGE images. An autoML pipeline was implemented using the tree-based pipeline optimization tool (TPOT) for 3 binary classifications: LGE (+) and LGE (-), LGE (-) and control, and HCM and control. TPOT modeling was repeated 10 times to obtain the optimal model for each classification. The diagnostic performance of the best models by slice and by case was evaluated using sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and microaveraged area under the curve (AUC). Results: Ten prediction models were generated by TPOT for each of the 3 binary classifications. The diagnostic accuracy obtained with the best pipeline in detecting LGE status in the testing cohort of HCM patients was 0.80 by slice and 0.79 by case. In addition, the TPOT model also showed discriminability between LGE (-) patients and control (accuracy: 0.77 by slice; 0.78 by case) and for all HCM patients and controls (accuracy: 0.88 for both). Conclusions: Native T1 map analysis based on autoML correlates with LGE (+) or (-) status. The TPOT machine learning algorithm could be a promising method for predicting myocardial fibrosis, as reflected by the presence of LGE in HCM patients without the need for late contrast-enhanced MRI sequences. Key Points: • The tree-based pipeline optimization tool (TPOT) is a machine learning algorithm that could help predict late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) status in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. • The TPOT could serve as an adjuvant method to detect LGE by using information from native T1 maps, thus avoiding the need for contrast agent. • The TPOT also detects native T1 map alterations in LGE-negative patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are composed of sensor nodes with sensing, computing and wireless communication abilities. All sensor nodes have the task of monitoring environmental conditions, collecting and transmitting data. In the field of WSNs, maximizing the coverage of the target region is a key optimization problem. Mayfly algorithm (MA) is a metaheuristic algorithm, which has been successfully implemented to solve various practical issues. This paper presents an elite opposition-based bare bones mayfly algorithm (EOBBMA), which introduces Gaussian distribution and Lévy flight, ameliorates the shortage of too many initial parameters of MA, and introduces an elite opposition-based learning (EOBL) strategy to enhance the exploration ability of the algorithm. Finally, we use EOBBMA to relocate the mobile sensors after the initial deployment, aiming at maximizing the coverage area, minimizing the redundant area and minimizing the moving distance. EOBBMA and seven other algorithms are tested in eight scales. The experimental results reveal that the coverage rate of the sensor deployment scheme obtained by EOBBMA is more than 85%, and the highest coverage is 99.6%. Considering all aspects of performance, compared with other algorithms, EOBBMA has significant superiority for WSNs coverage problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study employed traditional and advanced echocardiographic techniques to assess comprehensively age- and sex-related changes in cardiovascular structure and function in wildtype (WT) mice. Forty-five normal adult wildtype mice were apportioned to groups based on age and sex: 2-month (young) male or female, and 24-month (old) male or female (n = 13, 13, 13, and 6, respectively). Each underwent 2-dimensional (2D) imaging echocardiography, Doppler, tissue Doppler imaging echocardiography, and speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) for comparison of cardiovascular structure and function parameters. Compared to the young mice, the old had significantly higher body weight (BW), and lower diastolic and mean arterial pressure. The left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes, and left ventricular mass, were significantly higher in the old mice. Within each sex, the cardiac diastolic and systolic function parameters were comparable between the young and old. Isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT)/diastolic time interval (DT) and the maximum drop rate of pressure in LV (− dP/dtmax) were significantly lower in the old mice, while the LV relaxation time constant (Tau) was significantly higher. Spearman's rank correlation showed a positive association between IVRT/DT and − dp/dtmax (male r = 0.663; female r = 0.639). Among the males, the maximum rise rate of pressure in LV (+ dp/dtmax), and systolic global longitudinal strains and rates (S-GLS, S-GLSR) were significantly different between the young and old. Spearman's rank correlation showed positive association between S-GLS, S-GLSR and + dp/dtmax (r = 0.709 and r = 0.499). Regarding vascular structure, the ascending aorta systolic and diastolic diameters were significantly higher in the old mice compared with the young. The male mice had progressive, age-related aortic stiffness. Ageing in mice leads to changes in cardiovascular structure and cardiac diastolic function, but systolic function is relatively well preserved in females. Changes in cardiac function and arterial stiffness were more significant in males than females. Traditional ECG is better than STE for evaluating LV diastolic function; STE is better for LV systolic function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quorum sensing is a mechanism that facilitates cell-to-cell communication. Through signal molecular density for signal recognition, which leads to the regulation of some physiological and biochemical functions. Gluconacetobacter xylinus CGMCC 2955, which produces bacterial cellulose (BC), synthesizes the LuxR protein belonging to the LuxI/LuxR type QS system. Here, a luxR overexpression vector was transformed into G. xylinus CGMCC 2955. The overexpression of luxR increased the yield of BC by 15.6% after 16 days static culture and reduced the cell density by 15.5% after 120-h-agitated culture. The glucose was used up by G. xylinus-pMV24-luxR at 72-h-agitated fermentation, which 12 h earlier than the wild-type (WT). The total N-acylhomoserine lactones (AHL) content of the luxR-overexpressing strain and the WT strain attained 1367.9 ± 57.86 mg/L and 842.9 ± 54.22 mg/L, respectively. The C12-HSL and C14-HSL contents of G. xylinus-pMV24-luxR were 202 ± 21.66 mg/L and 409.6 ± 0.91 mg/L, which were significantly lower than that of WT. In contrast, C6-HSL showed opposite results. The difference of AHL content proved that overexpression of luxR improved the binding of AHL and showed preference for some specific AHL. The metabolic results demonstrated that upon glucose exhaustion, the consumption of gluconic acid was promoted by luxR overexpression, and the content of D- (+)-trehalose, an antiretrograde metabolite, increased significantly. Key points: • The overexpression of luxR increased the yield of bacterial cellulose • The content of signal molecules was significantly different • Differential metabolites were involved in multiple metabolic pathways [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dynamic research methods were used to assess the stability of non-Darcian seepage and verify that parameter changes are an important cause of mine water inrush due to a karst collapse pillar (KCP). A KCP is an infiltration system that contains a large amount of partially cemented crushed coal and rocks, and can be very dangerous. We analysed the influence of parameter changes on the stability, the initial permeability, the equilibrium flow velocity, and the deviation factor β to study the non-Darcian seepage characteristics of this crushed coal media system. The permeability parameters of the internal structure of a KCP were used to characterize the evolution of a KCP water inrush accident. In the physical tests, the porosity of the framework was the factor that determined the seepage state of the porous medium and the initial permeability of the framework. For mines with a risk of KCP water inrush, the permeability parameters also have a safe range. Numerical calculations verified that the system's equilibrium state was stable, and that it has two equilibrium flow rates vs2 (3.5 × 10−4 m/s) and vs3 (5.5 × 10−4 m/s); this interval will not cause a change in flow regime. Thus, the limiting value of the non-Darcian deviation factor β was defined given the experiment's initial conditions: when it is less than − 1.5 × 1011 kg/m4, the system is not in equilibrium, and the seepage system will lose stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of analytical chemistry relies on the ability for rapid and accurate determination of the substances and molecules. To date, tremendous efforts have been made to explore chemical and biological sensing systems for various related applications including chemical analysis, environmental monitoring, and medical care. Specifically, the rising of two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials promotes the exploration of advanced sensing systems with high sensitivity and responsivity owing to the novel properties and functions. In recent years, metal organic frameworks (MOFs) with pristine merits on adjustable chemical structure, large specific surface area, and accessible surface engineering behaviors have been rapidly developed as highly desired sensing materials. For biological sensors, functional designed 2D MOFs and MOF-based nanomaterials usually possess high sensitivity and responsivity for a broad variety of analytes, which provided great feasibility as the building blocks to achieve specific applications. However, only limited 2D MOFs and MOF-based nanomaterials are reported with abnormalities to operate in biological systems due to complex working phenomenon restrain its intrinsic performance. Therefore, we contribute a timely review on the current developments and researches that attributed to various biosensors and different biological sensing approaches (electrochemical, photoelectrochemical, luminescence, etc.) are necessary. This review provides a brief overview on the current challenges and new frontiers of fabrication as well as design on biosensing 2D MOFs and MOF-based nanomaterials, which would guide the exploration of novel 2D materials that capable of high selectivity and sensitivity in complex biological fluids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) is a rare bone marrow disorder characterized by a severe reduction or absence of erythroid precursor cells, without affecting granulocytes and megakaryocytes. Immunosuppressive therapies, particularly cyclosporine, have demonstrated efficacy as a primary treatment. This study aims to develop a predictive model for assessing the efficacy of cyclosporine in acquired PRCA (aPRCA). This retrospective study encompasses newly treated aPRCA patients at the General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University. Diagnosis criteria include severe anemia, and absolute reticulocyte count below 10 × 109/L, with normal white blood cell and platelet counts, and a severe reduction in bone marrow erythroblasts. Cyclosporine therapy was administered, with dose adjustments based on blood concentration. Response to cyclosporine was evaluated according to established criteria. Statistical analysis involved logistic multi-factor regression, generating a predictive model. The study included 112 aPRCA patients with a median age of 63.5 years. Patients presented with severe anemia (median Hb, 56 g/L) and reduced reticulocyte levels. Eighty-six patients had no bone marrow nucleated erythroblasts. Primary PRCA accounted for 62 cases (55.4%), and secondary PRCA accounted for 50 cases (44.6%). Univariate analysis revealed that ferritin, platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and CD4/CD8 ratio influenced treatment response. Multivariate analysis further supported the predictive value of these factors. A prediction model was constructed using ferritin, PLR, and CD4/CD8 ratio, demonstrating high sensitivity and specificity. The ferritin, PLR, and CD4/CD8-based nomogram showed good predictive ability for aPRCA response to cyclosporine. This model has potential clinical value for individualized diagnosis and treatment of aPRCA patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The goal of this study was to analyze long-term outcome of various pediatric short bowel syndrome (SBS) at an intestinal rehabilitation center in China. Methods: One hundred and fifty-seven children with SBS were enrolled in this study from October 1988 to July 2019. Their long-term follow-up outcome was analyzed according to the age of disease onset, parenteral nutrition (PN) duration, and anatomic types of short bowel, respectively. The clinical characteristics, which included demographics, the length of residual small bowel, PN duration, PN dependence, SBS-related complications such as IF-related liver disease (IFALD), catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBI), and mortality were compared among the groups. Results: The main etiology for SBS were intestinal atresia, NEC, and volvulus. Five of 157 patients did not wean off PN. The incidence of IFALD and CRBI was 24.2 and 22.3%, respectively. Sixteen cases died because of infection and liver failure and eight patients lost to follow-up. The survival rate of the 157 patients was 84.7%. PN duration was longer in the infants and children group (284 ± 457 d vs. 110 ± 64 d, P = 0.021; R = 0.264, P = 0.001) and more patients did not wean off PN than in the neonates group (11.6% vs. 0, P = 0.001; R = 0.295, P < 0.001). Patients with PN with a duration of longer than 90 days had more CRBIs (30.6%, P = 0.025; R = 0.236, P = 0.003). Additionally, the rate of CRBI was higher in patients with stoma (30.0%, P = 0.032). There was no difference in mortality among the groups. In five PN dependence patients, none was SBS onset in neonates. Conclusion: Pediatric patients with SBS could achieve favorable long-term survival and enteral autonomy. Different standards of SBS classification such as the age of disease onset, PN duration, and anatomic types of short bowel did not impact the overall mortality of pediatric SBS. Prolonged PN duration positively correlated with the age of disease onset and the incidence of CRBI. Patients with the complete continuity of intestinal tract suffered less from CRBI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dendritic cell (DC) vaccine has been proved to be an effective way in cancer immunotherapy in both preclinical and clinical studies. However, limitations in DC isolation and culture have hampered its practice and promoted the development of other antigen-presenting cells (APCs) sources to fulfill that role. Our previous studies have shown that B cells loaded by tumor cell-derived autophagosomes, which we named as DRibbles (defective ribosomal products-containing blebs), could reactivate DC-induced effector T cell response. In this study, the roles of DRibble-loaded B cells in priming naïve CD8+ T cell responses and controlling tumors were investigated. We found that high-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) on DRibbles was involved in DRibble-induced B cell activation, and the DRibble-triggered B cell phagocytosis via the caveolae-mediated endocytosis pathway. By using OT-I mouse-derived T cells, we demonstrated that DRibble-loaded B cells could activate specific naïve CD8+ T cells in vitro and ex vivo. In a tumor-bearing mouse model, DRibble-loaded B cells elicited systemic antitumor immunity and significantly suppressed the tumor growth. Moreover, the antitumor efficacy of DRibble-loaded B cells was enhanced when they were combined with CpG and anti-CD40 stimulation. These results suggest that DRibble-loaded B cells represent a viable and practical therapeutic vaccination strategy that might have important clinical implications for tumor immunotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Vitamins and trace elements are essential nutrients for growth and intestinal adaptation in children with short bowel syndrome (SBS). This study aimed to assess micronutrients' status during and after weaning off PN in pediatric SBS. Methods: This retrospective study evaluated the follow-up of 31 children with SBS between Jan 2010 and Sep 2019. Clinical data were reviewed from the patients' electric medical record. Serum electrolytes, trace elements, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and folate concentrations were collected before and after enteral autonomy. Results: Thirty-one SBS cases were reviewed (median onset age 11 days after birth, 51.6% boys, mean PN duration 4 months, and mean residual small intestine length 58.2 cm). Median duration of follow-up was 10 months (interquartile range [IQR]: 4, 19). The common micronutrient deficiencies were zinc (51.6%), copper (38.7%), vitamin D (32.3%), and phosphorus (25.8%) after the transition to EN. The proportion of patients deficient in vitamin D decreased dramatically from 93.5% to 32.3% (P < 0.001), and serum concentrations of vitamin D increased significantly (27.4 ± 12.3 vs. 60.3 ± 32.9 nmol/l, P = 0.03) after achieving full enteral feeding more than 1 month. Additionally, serum magnesium levels significantly increased (0.76 ± 0.17 vs. 0.88 ± 0.14 mmol/l, P = 0.03). Hemoglobin levels elevated significantly after weaning off PN (104.3 ± 10.7 vs. 117.8 ± 13.7 g/l, P = 0.03). Conclusions: Micronutrient deficiencies remain a common problem in pediatric SBS through intestinal rehabilitation. Therefore, we strongly recommend supplementation of more vitamin D and trace elements (zinc, copper, and phosphorus) under regular monitoring during long-term intestinal rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: Enhancing rate performance of cellulose-derived hard carbon anodes from the view of cellulose molecular, crystalline, and aggregation structure is explored. Relationship of storage sodium and rate performance according to theoretical calculation and characterization analysis is illustrated. Cellulose intrinsic microstructure, conversion relationship between the allotropes of cellulose, and the critical influences on cellulose-derived carbon structure are discussed. Cellulose-derived carbon is regarded as one of the most promising candidates for high-performance anode materials in sodium-ion batteries; however, its poor rate performance at higher current density remains a challenge to achieve high power density sodium-ion batteries. The present review comprehensively elucidates the structural characteristics of cellulose-based materials and cellulose-derived carbon materials, explores the limitations in enhancing rate performance arising from ion diffusion and electronic transfer at the level of cellulose-derived carbon materials, and proposes corresponding strategies to improve rate performance targeted at various precursors of cellulose-based materials. This review also presents an update on recent progress in cellulose-based materials and cellulose-derived carbon materials, with particular focuses on their molecular, crystalline, and aggregation structures. Furthermore, the relationship between storage sodium and rate performance the carbon materials is elucidated through theoretical calculations and characterization analyses. Finally, future perspectives regarding challenges and opportunities in the research field of cellulose-derived carbon anodes are briefly highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Generalized epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+) is a complex familial epilepsy syndrome. It is mainly caused by mutations in SCN1A gene, encoding type 1 voltage-gated sodium channel α-subunit (NaV1.1), and GABRA1 gene, encoding the α1 subunit of the γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor, while seldom related with SCN9A gene, encoding the voltage-gated sodium channel NaV1.7. In this study, we investigated a Chinese family with an autosomal dominant form of GEFS+. DNA sequencing of the whole coding region revealed a novel heterozygous nucleotide substitution (c.5873A>G) causing a missense mutation (p.Y1958C). This mutation was predicted to be deleterious by three different bioinformatics programs (The polyphen2, SIFT, and MutationTaster). Our finding reports a novel likely pathogenic SCN9A Y1958C heterozygous mutation in a Chinese family with GEFS+ and provides additional supports that SCN9A variants may be associated with human epilepsies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Internalized stigma, an adverse psychological process, severely impedes the lives of people diagnosed with schizophrenia and restricts them from social integration and recovery. The aim of this study was to empirically evaluate an integrative model of relationship between internalized stigma and patients' recovery-related outcomes among people diagnosed with schizophrenia in a rural Chinese community.Method: A total of 232 people diagnosed with schizophrenia in Xinjin, Chengdu, participated in this study and completed measures of internalized stigma, social interaction, perceived social support, social functioning, and symptoms. The internalized stigma of mental illness scale (ISMI) was used to measure the internalized stigma. Path analysis was used to test the association between internalized stigma and recovery-related outcomes.Results: There were no significant differences in mean scores of ISMI by gender, age (18-64 years and ≥ 65 years), education, marital status, or economic capacity. Internalized stigma was negatively associated with perceived social support and social interaction. Furthermore, higher level of internalized stigma was associated with impaired social functioning, and a lower level of social functioning was significantly associated with more severe symptoms.Conclusion: Internalized stigma is associated with poor social interaction and weakened perceived social support in people diagnosed with schizophrenia, and is linked negatively to outcomes in their recovery. It is essential to tailor interventions related to reducing internalized stigma within a Chinese context and evaluate the effectiveness of anti-stigma intervention on recovery for people diagnosed with schizophrenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given their vital roles in model-based software engineering, the performance of model-related operations (MOs, such as model transformations) must be systematically tested. However, how to produce a set of large input models that conform to structure-related constraints presents a major challenge to such test. This paper proposes a template-based approach to efficient model generation. Firstly, a DSL is provided to describe templates that specify how to generate a valid model that conforms to structure-related constraints. Secondly, a folding semantic is defined to convert templates into a wrapper metamodel. Thirdly, a wrapper model is generated using the existing model generators (e.g., a random model generator) according to the wrapper metamodel. Fourthly, an unfolding semantics is specified to translate the wrapper model into the desired test input. This paper also presents five case studies to evaluate the proposed approach, and the results demonstrate that such approach can generate large models based on structure-related constraints and facilitate the performance testing of MOs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: (R/S)-γ-Amino alcohols are the key intermediates for the preparation of Fluoxetine, Atomoxetine, Nisoxetine and Duloxetine. In this paper, we describe an effective method to obtain (S)-γ-amino alcohols by Ru/Rh/Ir catalyzed asymmetric transfer hydrogenation with tunable chiral tetraaza ligands (L1-L5) in HCOONa/H2O system. The asymmetric reduction of acetophenone with [Ru(p-cymene)Cl2]2/L1 was utilized as the model ATH reaction to achieve the optimum reaction conditions. The best results were obtained by [RhCp∗Cl2]2/L5 affording the corresponding (S)-γ-amino alcohol with a good 97% conversion and an excellent > 99% ee in the reduction of 3-(N-methyl, N-carbethoxy)-1-phenylpropan-1-one. The influence of electronic and steric effects of the substituents in the ligands on the catalytic activities was also discussed.Graphical Abstract: (S)-γ-Amino alcohols were prepared via asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of β-amino ketones catalyzed by Ru/Rh/Ir complexes in situ with tunable chiral tetraaza ligands in HCOONa/H2O system. A moderate to excellent conversion (~ 99%) and enantioselectivity (~ 99%) were obtained with varied electronic and steric effects of the substituents on ligands and substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ganoderma lucidum, which contains many pharmacologically active compounds, is regarded as a traditional medicinal fungus. Nevertheless, the scarcity of basic research limits the commercial value and utilization of G. lucidum. As a class of highly conserved, phosphopeptide-binding proteins present in all eukaryotes, 14-3-3 proteins play vital roles in controlling multiple physiological processes, including signal transduction, primary metabolism, and stress responses. However, knowledge of the roles of 14-3-3 proteins in Basidiomycetes is sparse. In this article, two homologs of 14-3-3 proteins, encoded by the two distinct genes GlBmh1 and GlBmh2, were distinguished in G. lucidum. We found that GlBmh1 and GlBmh2 were expressed at various developmental stages, including in vegetative mycelium cultivated on solid medium and in primordia and fruiting bodies. Moreover, we constructed GlBmh1 single-silenced strains, GlBmh2 single-silenced strains, and 14-3-3 double-silenced mutants for further study. When GlBmh1 and GlBmh2 were inhibited by RNA interference, the growth rate of mycelia was decreased, and the distance between the aerial hyphal branches was reduced; responses to various abiotic stresses such as oxidants and cell wall and osmotic stressors were also changed. Furthermore, the contents of secondary metabolite ganoderic acids (GAs) were increased after GlBmh1 and GlBmh2 were simultaneously silenced. Taken together, we provide evidence that implicates potential roles for the two 14-3-3 proteins in affecting growth and GA biosynthesis, thereby providing new insights into the basic functions of 14-3-3 proteins in G. lucidum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reuse of secondary municipal effluent from wastewater treatment plants in water bodies could effectively alleviate freshwater resource shortage. However, excessive nutrients must be efficiently removed to prevent eutrophication. Compared with other means of advanced wastewater treatment, microalgae-based processes display overwhelming advantages including efficient and simultaneous N and P removal, no requirement of additional chemicals, O generation, CO mitigation, and potential value-added products from harvested biomass. One particular challenge of microalgae-based advanced municipal wastewater treatment compared to treatment of other types of wastewater is that concentrations of nutrients and N:P ratios in secondary municipal effluent are much lower and imbalanced. Therefore, there should be comprehensive considerations on nutrient removal from this specific type of effluent. Removal of nutrients and organic substances, and other environmental benefits of microalgae-based advanced municipal wastewater treatment systems were summarized. Among the existing studies on microalgal advanced nutrient removal, much information on major parameters is absent, rendering performances between studies not really comparable. Mechanisms of microalgae-based nitrogen and phosphorus removal were respectively analyzed to better understand advanced nutrient removal from municipal secondary effluent. Factors influencing microalgae-based nutrient removal were divided into intrinsic, environmental, and operational categories; several factors were identified in each category, and their influences on microalgal nutrient removal were discussed. A multiplicative kinetic model was integrated to estimate microalgal growth-related nutrient removal based majorly on environmental and intrinsic factors. Limitations and prospects of future full-scale microalgae-based advanced municipal wastewater treatment were also suggested. The manuscript could offer much valuable information for future studies on microalgae-based advanced wastewater treatment and water reuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a study of the transfer orbits connecting landing points of irregular-shaped asteroids. The landing points do not touch the surface of the asteroids and are chosen several meters above the surface. The ant colony optimization technique is used to calculate the multiple-hopping trajectories near an arbitrary irregular asteroid. This new method has three steps which are as follows: (1) the search of the maximal clique of candidate target landing points; (2) leg optimization connecting all landing point pairs; and (3) the hopping sequence optimization. In particular this method is applied to asteroids 433 Eros and 216 Kleopatra. We impose a critical constraint on the target landing points to allow for extensive exploration of the asteroid: the relative distance between all the arrived target positions should be larger than a minimum allowed value. Ant colony optimization is applied to find the set and sequence of targets, and the differential evolution algorithm is used to solve for the hopping orbits. The minimum-velocity increment tours of hopping trajectories connecting all the landing positions are obtained by ant colony optimization. The results from different size asteroids indicate that the cost of the minimum velocity-increment tour depends on the size of the asteroids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The lack of randomized evidence makes it difficult to establish reliable treatment recommendations for patients with M2 occlusion. This study aims to compare the efficacy and safety of endovascular treatment (EVT) with best medical management (BMM) in patients with M2 occlusion, and to investigate whether the optimal treatment varies according to stroke severity. Methods: Comprehensive literature retrieval was conducted to identify studies that directly compared the outcomes of EVT and BMM. According to stroke severity, the study population were classified into those with moderate-severe stroke and those with mild stroke. National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores ≥ 6 was defined as moderate-severe stroke, and NIHSS scores 0–5 as mild stroke. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed to measure the symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) within 72 h, and the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores 0–2 and the mortality at 90 days. Results: Totally, 20 studies were identified, including 4358 patients. In the moderate-severe stroke population, the EVT had 82% higher odds for mRS scores 0–2 (OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.34–2.49) and a 43% lower odds for mortality (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.39–0.82) compared with the BMM. However, no difference was found in the sICH rate (OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.44–1.77). In the mild stroke population, no differences were observed in the mRS scores 0–2 (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.59–1.10) or mortality (OR 1.23, 95% CI 0.72–2.10) between EVT and BMM, whereas EVT was associated with higher sICH rate (OR 4.21, 95% CI 1.86–9.49). Conclusion: EVT may be only beneficial for patients with M2 occlusion and high stroke severity, but not for those with NIHSS scores 0–5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manchurian walnut ( Juglans mandshurica Maxim.) is a vulnerable, temperate deciduous tree valued for its wood and nut, but transcriptomic and genomic data for the species are very limited. Next generation sequencing (NGS) has made it possible to develop molecular markers for this species rapidly and efficiently. Our goal is to use transcriptome information from RNA-Seq to understand development in J. mandshurica and develop polymorphic simple sequence repeats (SSRs, microsatellites) to understand the species' population genetics. In this study, more than 47.7 million clean reads were generated using Illumina sequencing technology. De novo assembly yielded 99,869 unigenes with an average length of 747 bp. Based on sequence similarity search with known proteins, a total of 39,708 (42.32 %) genes were identified. Searching against the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes Pathway database (KEGG) identified 15,903 (16.9 %) unigenes. Further, we identified and characterized 63 new transcriptome-derived microsatellite markers. By testing the markers on 4 to 14 individuals from four populations, we found that 20 were polymorphic and easily amplified. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 8. The observed and expected heterozygosity per locus ranged from 0.209 to 0.813 and 0.335 to 0.842, respectively. These twenty microsatellite markers will be useful for studies of population genetics, diversity, and genetic structure, and they will undoubtedly benefit future breeding studies of this walnut species. Moreover, the information uncovered in this research will also serve as a useful genetic resource for understanding the transcriptome and development of J. mandshurica and other Juglans species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new metal borates, K[BO(OH)]·Hen ( 1, en = enthylenediamine) and NaCsBa[BO(OH)]·4(OH) ( 2) have been synthesized under solvothermal conditions. Their structures were determined by the single crystal X-ray diffraction and were further characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and powder X-ray diffraction, respectively. 1 crystallizes in the triclinic system, P-1 space group, a = 7.7152(6), b = 8.4057(6), c = 12.1319(10) Å, α = 92.505(6), β = 98.944(7), γ = 103.825(6)°, Z = 2. 2 crystallizes in the orthorhombic system, Pmn2 space group, a = 12.6972(6) Å, b = 13.7037(6) Å, c = 9.4968(5) Å, Z = 2. Compound 1 consists of isolated [BO(OH)] clusters which are held together through H-bonding interactions and K atoms to form a 3-D supramolecular framework. For 2, bowl-like isolated [BO(OH)] clusters were linked together to form a 3-D framework by different metal ions and H-bond system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Cancer survivors are often embroiled in various physical and psycho-social issues as a consequence of cancer diagnosis and treatment. Psycho-social support activities in the phase of rehabilitation were provided to enhance their quality of life. This study seeks to explore and understand their experience of engagement in Shanghai Cancer Rehabilitation Club (SCRC).Methods: Sixty-eight participants attended eight semi-structured focus group interviews. Data were transcribed verbatim, and thematic analysis framework was adopted for data analysis.Results: The participants reported benefits such as psychological support, informational provision and tangible support in the activities. Public services were reported to have restored their dignity and enabled them to rediscover their own meaning of life. Participants also pointed out challenges on functioning and opportunity for development of SCRC.Conclusions: The psycho-social support activities of SCRC had influenced cancer survivor's life. Public health resources and supportive policies should be in place to support local self-help cancer rehabilitation groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NaSrNbO lead-free piezoelectric ceramics were prepared by the sol-gel method, they were sintered at different temperatures with or without protective atmosphere. The influences of sintering temperature and protective atmosphere on the characterization and properties of the ceramics were investigated. All the ceramics showed the pure tungsten bronze structure and an intermediate relaxor-like behaviour between normal and ideal relaxor ferroelectrics according to the modified Curie-Weiss law. The sintering temperature affected significantly the properties of ceramics, with the sintering temperature increased both with and without protective atmosphere, the ε, d, K and P of these ceramics initially increased and decreased finally, whereas the variation of Q and E showed the opposite tendency. Furthermore, the protective atmosphere also significantly affected the properties of these ceramics, ε, d, K and P of such ceramics sintered with protective atmosphere were superior to those of the ceramics sintered without protective atmosphere, while the tan δ, Q and E gave the contrary results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper studies a codimension-4 resonant homoclinic bifurcation with one orbit flip and two inclination flips, where the resonance takes place in the tangent direction of homoclinic orbit. Local active coordinate system is introduced to construct the Poincaré returning map, and also the associated successor functions. We prove the existence of the saddle-node bifurcation, the period-doubling bifurcation and the homoclinic-doubling bifurcation, and also locate the corresponding 1-periodic orbit, 1-homoclinic orbit, double periodic orbits and some 2-homoclinic orbits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), a receptor tyrosine kinase, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several cancers. The small molecule ceritinib can overcome drugresistance mutations that are observed in crizotinib-resistant patients, although the detailed mechanism for this ability of ceritinib remains elusive. Here, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of six systems (including the apo ALK, the wild-type ALK–ceritinib complex, as well as four complexes of ceritinib with the I1171T, L1196M, S1206Y, and G1269A mutants of ALK, respectively) together with the subsequent molecular mechanics–generalized Born/surface area binding free energy calculations were performed to answer this question. Principal component analysis and domain crosscorrelation analysis of MD trajectories revealed that ceritinib binding stabilized the conformational dynamics of both the wild-type and the four mutated ALKs as compared to the apo ALK. Moreover, the mutations had subtle effects on the conformation of ALK compared to that of the wild-type ALK. Importantly, binding free energy calculations demonstrated that, compared its effect on the wild-type ALK, ceritinib showed slightly increased potency towards the I1171T, L1196M, S1206Y, and G1269A mutants. Therefore, the binding of ceritinib to the four mutants can overcome crizotinibresistant mutations. These data provide a structural and energetic explanation of how ceritinib overcomes mutationinduced drug resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to observe the changes in the ocular surface after phacoemulsification in patients with age-related cataracts with respect to the addition of varying concentrations of hyaluronate. Methods: Patients with dry eye syndrome were treated with 0.3% and 0.1% sodium hyaluronate eye drops to evaluate the clinical improvement in each treatment group. A total of 73 patients (91 eyes) with age-related cataracts suffering from dry eye syndrome after phacoemulsification were divided into treatment group A (30 eyes), undergoing conventional therapy and treatment with 0.3% sodium hyaluronate; treatment group B (31 eyes), undergoing conventional therapy and treatment with 0.1% sodium hyaluronate; and the control group (group C; 30 eyes), undergoing conventional therapy only. Two groups were given different concentrations of sodium hyaluronate eye drops four times a day (should be completed between 8 AM and 8 PM), one drop at a time. Results: Seven days, 2 weeks, 1 month, and 2 months postoperatively, there were significant differences in the Schirmer I test (SIt), first noninvasive tear film break-up time (NIBUTf), average noninvasive tear film break-up time (NIBUTav), tear meniscus height (TMH), and irregularity (when the refractive force of different parts of different meridians on the same meridian is different. The main manifestation is that the two meridians on the anterior surface of the cornea do not show a 90-degree vertical distribution, which cannot be corrected by conventional astigmatism lenses) between the three groups (p < 0.05). When compared with group C, there were significant differences in the SIt, NIBUTf, NIBUTav, TMH, and irregularity of group A and group B (p < 0.05). When compared with group B, there were significant improvements in the SIt, NIBUTf, NIBUTav, and TMH in group A (p < 0.05). Conclusions: In the early stage after phacoemulsification, the stability of the tear film is reduced. Adding sodium hyaluronate eye drops can restore tear film structure and improve corneal surface regularity, and a 0.3% solution of sodium hyaluronate eye drops is more effective than a 0.1% solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we obtain a sufficient and necessary condition for a simply connected Riemannian manifold ( M, g) to be isometrically immersed, as a submanifold with codimension p ≥ 1, into the product S × H of sphere and hyperboloid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this report, a new series of C2-symmetric bis(sulfonyl) tetraaza ligands were synthesized from (1S,2S)-1,2-diarylethylenediamine analogues and tested in the asymmetric transfer hydrogenation (ATH) of aromatic ketones by complexing with [Ru( η- p-cymene)Cl] employing sodium formate as hydrogen source in neat water. A moderate to excellent conversion (~99.8 %) and overall satisfying enantioselectivity (~92.8 %) were obtained with varied electronic and steric effects of the substituents on ligands and substrates. Graphical Abstract: A new series of C2-symmetric bis(sulfonyl) tetraaza ligands was synthesized from (1S,2S)-1,2-diarylethylenediamine analogues and tested in the asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of aromatic ketones by complexing with [Ru(η- p-cymene)Cl] employing formate sodium as hydrogen source in neat water. A moderate to excellent conversion (~99.8 %) and overall satisfying enantioselectivity (~92.8 %) were obtained with varied electronic and steric effects of the substituents on ligands and substrates.[Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reaction of (1 R,2 R)-1,2-di(4-methoxylphenyl)ethylenediamine with p-toluene sulfonyl chloride affords the title compound CHNOS, the structure of which is ascertained by X-ray diffraction. The title compound contains two chiral centre with each C atom in R configuration. Two adjacent molecules are linked by intermolecular hydrogen bonds through sulfonamide nitrogen and sulfonyl oxygen to form a one-dimensional chain alone a axis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let k be a positive integer and n a nonnegative integer, 0 < λ, ..., λ ≤ 1 be real numbers and w = ( λ, λ, ..., λ). Let $$q \geqslant \max \left\{ {\left[ {\frac{1} {{\lambda _i }}} \right]:1 \leqslant i \leqslant k + 1} \right\}$$ be a positive integer, and a an integer coprime to q. Denote by N( a, k, w, q,n) the 2 n-th moment of ( b ... b) with b ... b ≡ a (mod q), 1 ≤ b ≤ λ q ( i = 1, ..., k), 1 ≤ c ≤ λ and 2 ∤ ( b + ... + b + c). We first use the properties of trigonometric sum and the estimates of n-dimensional Kloosterman sum to give an interesting asymptotic formula for N( a, k, w, q, n), which generalized the result of Zhang. Then we use the properties of character sum and the estimates of Dirichlet L-function to sharpen the result of N( a, k, w, q, n) in the case of $$w = \left( {\tfrac{1} {2},\tfrac{1} {2}, \ldots ,\tfrac{1} {2}} \right)$$ and n = 0. In order to show our result is close to the best possible, the mean-square value of $$N\left( {a,k,q} \right) - \tfrac{{\varphi ^k (q)}} {{2^{k + 2} }}$$ and the mean value weighted by the high-dimensional Cochrane sum are studied too. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structural and elastic properties of orthorhombic $$\hbox {ZrO}_{2}\,(m\hbox {-ZrO}_{2})$$ as a function of temperature are investigated by the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) correction scheme in the framework of density functional theory (DFT) and the quasi-harmonic Debye model. The thirteen independent elastic constants of $$m\hbox {-ZrO}_{2}$$ at temperatures to 3200 K are theoretically investigated for the first time. It is found that with increasing temperature, all elastic constants change, especially $$C_{35}\hbox { and }C_{25}$$ change rapidly in the temperature range of 1400 K to 1600 K and 2200 K to 2600 K, respectively. We also obtain the bulk modulus $$B$$ , shear modulus $$G$$ , Young's moduli $$E$$ , as well as Poisson's ratio $$\sigma $$ of $$m\hbox {-ZrO}_{2}$$ at high temperatures. Our work suggests that it is very important to predict the melting properties of materials via the elastic constants at temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new chelating resin (CPS-DMA-SABA) was synthesized with the chloromethylated cross-linked polystyrene porous beads (CPS) as raw materials, which were bonded with salicylidene- o-aminobenzoic acid (SABA) on the surface via a quaternary ammonium unit as a linker. The results showed that CPS-DMA-SABA would easily change into a zwitterionic chelating resin (CPS-DMA-SABZ) when washed with distilled water. CPS-DMA-SABA was characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectra and thermo-gravimetric analysis. The ion sorption capacities of CPS-DMA-SABA were found to be 1916 μg/g for Zn with pH at 4.5, 1620 μg/g for Cu with pH at 6.2, 1291 μg/g for Ni with pH at 6.6 and 780 μg/g for Cr with pH at 5.5, respectively. The experiments showed CPS-DMA-SABA also changed its color when meeting with the metal ion in the aqueous solution. As a consequence, CPS-DMA-SABA can not only be used as a solid phase extractant but also an indicator for confirming the heavy metal ion in solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a relapsing autoimmune disease that can cause permanent neurological disabilities. However, the interleukin-6 (IL-6) signaling pathway is a promising therapeutic target for relapse prevention. Therefore, this study evaluated the long-term effectiveness of tocilizumab, a humanized anti-IL-6 receptor antibody, for NMOSD. We enrolled 65 patients with NMOSD who received regular intravenous administration of tocilizumab (8 mg/kg) between October 2017 and January 2022. Then, we retrospectively collected data on the clinical characteristics and baseline glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and neurofilament light chain levels. The primary outcome was the annualized relapse rate (ARR). Risk factors were assessed using a multivariable logistic regression model. During the median follow-up of 34.1 (interquartile range: 25.5–39.3) months, 23% (15/65) of patients relapsed during tocilizumab treatment, but the median ARR decreased from 1.9 (range 0.12–6.29) to 0.1 (range 0–1.43, p < 0.0001). A prolonged infusion interval (> 4 weeks, odds ratio [OR]: 10.7, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.6–71.4, p = 0.014) and a baseline plasma GFAP level of > 220 pg/mL (OR: 20.6, 95% CI 3.3–129.4, p = 0.001) were risk factors for future relapses. During treatment, the median Expanded Disability Status Scale score significantly decreased in aquaporin-4 antibody-positive and -negative patients, but the pain did not considerably improve. There were no severe safety concerns. Tocilizumab treatment significantly reduced the relapse rate in patients with NMOSD. However, prolonged infusion intervals and high baseline plasma GFAP levels may increase the relapse risk during tocilizumab therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ERBB2 gene (HER2/neu) is overexpressed in many human breast cancers. It is an important therapeutic target and its product protein is a key biomarker for breast cancer. A 28-bp GGA repeat sequence (Pu28-mer) in the nuclease hypersensitive site of the ERBB2 promoter region may play an important role in the regulation of ERBB2 transcription, possibly involving the formation of a G-quadruplex. In order to investigate this possibility, an affinity MALDI-MS approach was used for in vitro protein capture from nuclear extracts from cultured MCF-7 and BT-474 cancer cells at Pu28-mer and control oligonucleotide-modified surfaces. Captured proteins from MCF-7 cells were analyzed by LC-MS/MS. Based on these results, Western blot was then used to interrogate captured proteins from both MCF-7 and the Her-2/neu-positive BT-474 cells. Results support the formation of a G-quadruplex by Pu28-mer, indicated by circular dichroism spectroscopy, that selectively captures transcription factors including Ku70, Ku80, PURA, nucleolin, and hnRNP K. Chromatin immunoprecipitation confirmed binding of Ku70, Ku80, PURA, and nucleolin to ERBB2 promoter in the live BT-474 cells. These findings may lead to a better understanding of the role of non-duplex DNA structures in gene regulation and provide a more complete picture of the regulation of ErbB2 expression in breast cancer. The results also provide a blueprint for development of 'genome-inspired' aptamers based on the Pu28-mer sequence for in vitro and in vivo detection of proteins related to regulation of ERBB2 gene expression and breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The viscoelastic properties of the cell wall of the tropic hardwood Carapa procera are investigated by means of nanoindentation tests. Three types of nanoindentation tests are undertaken: creep, continuous stiffness measurement (CSM) and nanoscale dynamic mechanical analysis (Nano-DMA), corresponding to the increased loading rate and so the response of wood cell wall to the loading in a relatively large time scale. It is found that the creep rate is dependent on the applied stress and the relation can be described by the rule of power law. Regarding the dynamic properties (i.e., storage modulus and damping coefficient) in the frequency range of 10-240 Hz, it is shown that the storage modulus increases monotonically, while the damping coefficient decreases. By using the traditional dynamic mechanical thermal analysis as a reference method, the phase transition behavior of wood cell wall can be successfully characterized by the Nano-DMA in a large frequency scale. A dependence of the storage modulus and damping coefficient on the penetration depth is quantified by the CSM tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A growing paddy crop produces large quantities of parboiled rice mill wastewater (PRMWW), which contains several organic and inorganic compounds and nutrients (nitrogen and phosphate). Discharges of the rice industry's wastewater pose a substantial threat to aquatic bodies and the surrounding environment, so an eco-friendly treatment plan is necessary. Parboiling stands out among grain-processing methods due to its numerous nutritional and physical advantages. Fewer literatures have only mentioned about the severity of the organic rich liquid effluents generated after parboiling process. Generating renewable energy from anaerobic digestion (AD) is one of the most environmentally friendly technologies to address the growing energy demands. This study is intended to give a systematic and critical review of the parboiling process, solid and liquid fractions of wastes generated, and various treatment options, with special emphasis on scope of application of AD for treating PRMWW along with energy recovery. The study explains various glitches in the AD processes of PRMWW for biogas generation and also recommends co-digesting PBMWW with other carbonaceous organic substrates for improved digestibility, and to reduce the inhibitions caused by lack of alkalinity, acid accumulation, and pH imbalance. To this end, this literature review seeks to provide a broad overview of knowledge to laypeople, entrepreneurs, and researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aqueous colloids of graphene oxide nanosheets were produced from exfoliation of graphite oxide using a magnetic stirrer and heat treatment in the absence of ultrasonication. Laser particle measurements showed that the particle size distribution of graphite oxide dispersed in de-ionized water was significantly influenced by treatment time indicating an increasing exfoliation level of graphite oxide. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) confirmed that single-layer graphene oxide nanosheets with a thickness of ~1 nm were obtained after 72 h of magnetic stirring and heat treatment. These findings provide a new methodology for preparation of single-layer graphene oxide nanosheet colloids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of this paper is to use the properties of the Gauss sums, primitive characters and the mean value of Dirichlet L-functions to study the hybrid mean value of the error term E( n, 1, c, q) and the hyper-Kloosterman sums K( h, n+1 , q), the asymptotic property of the mean square value Σ E 2( n, 1, c, p), and give two interesting mean value formulae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concerns double homoclinic loops with orbit flips and two resonant eigenvalues in a four-dimensional system. We use the solution of a normal form system to construct a singular map in some neighborhood of the equilibrium, and the solution of a linear variational system to construct a regular map in some neighborhood of the double homoclinic loops, then compose them to get the important Poincaré map. A simple calculation gives explicitly an expression of the associated successor function. By a delicate analysis of the bifurcation equation, we obtain the condition that the original double homoclinic loops are kept, and prove the existence and the existence regions of the large 1-homoclinic orbit bifurcation surface, 2-fold large 1-periodic orbit bifurcation surface, large 2-homoclinic orbit bifurcation surface and their approximate expressions. We also locate the large periodic orbits and large homoclinic orbits and their number. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Open environmental software systems are often time-sensitive, as they need to respond to other entities within the systems and/or in the environments promptly. The timing requirements are therefore an essential part of the system correctness. Scenario-based specifications (SBS) such as message sequence charts and UML interaction models play an important role in specifying open environmental software systems since they intuitively model interactions between different entities. While modelling these systems, the timing requirements can be specified as timing constraints. In this paper, we study the problem of checking the timing consistency of SBS with timing constraints. Although this problem can be transformed into a reachability analysis problem, checking its reachability can still be time-consuming. Therefore, we propose a novel SAT and linear programming (LP) collaborative timing analysis approach named Tassat for the bounded timing analysis of SBS. Instead of using depth-first traversal algorithms, Tassat encodes the structures of the SBS into propositional formulas and adopts SAT solvers to find candidate paths. The timing analysis of candidate paths is then transformed to LP problems, where the irreducible infeasible set of the infeasible paths can be utilized to filter out candidate paths for checking. In addition, we propose an enhanced version of the approach that extends the bounded analysis results to the entire models if the infeasible path segments do not contain intermediate loops. The enhanced algorithm can prove that the given SBS satisfy the required properties on any bound condition. The experimental results show that Tassat is effective and has better performance than existing tools in terms of both time consumption and memory footprint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the continuous development of science and technology, people have begun to interact with computer equipment, and human–computer interaction has become more and more simple. The human–computer interaction page is very user-friendly, people can communicate with the machine naturally, and can send signals through touch or gestures. In the process of person-to-person communication, gestures are a very common method that can convey specific signals. If you want to use gestures to send signals in human–computer interaction, you need to use the knowledge of computer vision to pave the way for human–computer interaction. We can deploy a teaching platform on the network platform to guide the teaching of English, which has become one of the teaching methods in many schools. In our school's research, we have incorporated some multimedia teaching in the English classroom teaching, and use multimedia teaching to stimulate students' interest in learning and improve their learning efficiency. We have changed the traditional teaching mode, through the way of human–computer interaction, using people's body movements and gesture information to interact. We also use AI technology to obtain the feature value of the vector angle through the three-dimensional characteristics of people's bones, and propose a KNN rapid recognition method. When constructing the English teaching system, we used the popular SSH framework and the C/S structure to design, and then we used design patterns to realize the reusability of the software. Finally, we conducted performance tests and functional tests on the system. The results show that this system can assist English teaching and can meet the needs of teaching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]