Search

In this paper, we consider the initial value problems for multi-term time-fractional wave equations in the framework of Besov spaces, which can be described the Couette flow of viscoelastic fluid. Considering the initial data in Besov spaces, we obtain some results about the local well-posedness and the blow-up of mild solutions for the proposed problem. Further, we extend these results to Besov–Morrey spaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim of this study is to investigate whether the testing time for unstimulated whole salivary flow (UWSF) can be shortened to 5 min in patients with suspected Sjögren's syndrome (SjS); and which SjS patients can use UWSF to evaluate salivary gland (SG) secretory function. Method: A diagnostic cohort comprising suspected SjS patients was conducted to investigate the correlation between UWSF measurements taken at 10 min (UWSF_10 min) and those taken at 5 min (UWSF_5 min). A group of SjS patients was enrolled for a comparison between UWSF and stimulated whole salivary flow (SWSF). Results: In 734 suspected SjS patients, there was a remarkably high concordance between UWSF_10 min and UWSF_5 min (ICC 0.970, P < 0.001; r 0.973, P < 0.001). Reducing the testing time for UWSF to 5 min resulted in a high PPV of 83.8% and an exceptionally high NPV of 98.7%. In 408 SjS patients, the cut-off values of UWSF_10 min were investigated to classify SG secretory function. Using a threshold of > 0.2 mL/min (36.8%, 150/408) instead of SWSF > 0.7 mL/min (indicating mild secretory hypofunction), the specificity and PPV were found to be 94.2% and 94.0%, respectively; and using a threshold of < 0.05 mL/min (16.9%, 69/408) instead of SWSF ≤ 0.7 mL/min (indicating moderate to severe secretory hypofunction), the specificity was remarkably high at 97.6%, accompanied by a high PPV of 91.3%. Conclusions: This study supports the possibility of reducing UWSF testing time to 5 min; and the SWSF test may be skipped for SjS patients with USWF > 0.2 mL/min, indicating mild secretory hypofunction, or < 0.05 mL/min, indicating moderate to severe secretory hypofunction. Key Points •A diagnostic cohort of 734 patients with clinical suspicion of SjS provides compelling evidence for the potential to reduce the testing time for UWSF from 10 to 5 min. •Our finding challenges the 2019 treatment recommendation for SjS, which does not require SWSF measurement in SjS patients with UWSF ≥ 0.1 mL/min. •We propose that it may be feasible to consider utilizing UWSF instead of SWSF test for objective classification of SG secretory function in over half of SjS patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lysosomes are important cellular structures for human health as centers for recycling, signaling, metabolism and stress adaptation. However, the potential role of lysosomes in stress‐related emotions has long been overlooked. Here, it is found that lysosomal morphology in astrocytes is altered in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of susceptible mice after chronic social defeat stress. A screen of lysosome‐related genes revealed that the expression of the mucolipin 1 gene (Mcoln1; protein: mucolipin TRP channel 1) is decreased in susceptible mice and depressed patients. Astrocyte‐specific knockout of mucolipin TRP channel 1 (TRPML1) induced depressive‐like behaviors by inhibiting lysosomal exocytosis‐mediated adenosine 5′‐triphosphate (ATP) release. Furthermore, this stress response of astrocytic lysosomes is mediated by the transcription factor EB (TFEB), and overexpression of TRPML1 rescued depressive‐like behaviors induced by astrocyte‐specific knockout of TFEB. Collectively, these findings reveal a lysosomal stress‐sensing signaling pathway contributing to the development of depression and identify the lysosome as a potential target organelle for antidepressants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the impact of empathy on prosocial behavior and the underlying psychological mechanisms among college students, this study surveyed 840 participants using the Empathy Scale, the Prosocial behavior Scale, the Moral Identity Scale, and the Sense of Security Scale. The results revealed that (1) empathy significantly and positively predicted prosocial behavior among college students; (2) moral identity partially mediated the relationship between empathy and prosocial behavior; (3) a sense of security moderated the relationship between moral identity and prosocial behavior. These findings offer important theoretical and practical implications, enriching the theoretical framework and providing educators and students with valuable guidance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How animal embryos determine their early cell fates is an important question in developmental biology. In various model animals, asymmetrically localized maternal transcripts play important roles in axial patterning and cell fate specification. Cephalochordates (amphioxus), which have three living genera (Asymmetron, Epigonichthys , and Branchiostoma), are an early branching chordate lineage and thus occupy a key phylogenetic position for understanding the evolution of chordate developmental mechanisms. It has been shown that in the zygote of Branchiostoma amphioxus, which possesses bilateral gonads flanking both sides of their trunk region, maternal transcripts of germline determinants form a compact granule. During early embryogenesis, this granule is inherited by a single blastomere, which subsequently gives rise to a cluster of cells displaying typical characteristics of primordial germ cells (PGC). These PGCs then come to lie in the tailbud region and proliferate during posterior elongation of the larvae to join in the gonad anlagen at the ventral tip of the developing myomeres in amphioxus larvae. However, in Asymmetron and Epigonichthys amphioxus, whose gonads are present only on the right side of their bodies, nothing is known about their PGC development or the cellular/morphogenetic processes resulting in the asymmetric distribution of gonads. Using conserved germline determinants as markers, we show that similarly to Branchiostoma amphioxus, Asymmetron also employs a preformation mechanism to specify their PGCs, suggesting that this mechanism represents an ancient trait dating back to the common ancestor of Cephalochordates. Surprisingly, we found that Asymmetron PGCs are initially deposited on both sides of the body during early larval development; however, the left-side PGCs cease to exist in young juveniles, suggesting that PGCs are eliminated from the left body side during larval development or following metamorphosis. This is reminiscent of the PGC development in the sea urchin embryo, and we discuss the implications of this observation for the evolution of developmental mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background • This study assesses the efficacy of mirror visual feedback (MVF) combined with functional electrical stimulation (FES) in rehabilitating limb function and fine motor skills in hemiplegic patients after acute cerebral infarction (ACI). Given the limited research in this area, this study aims to provide insights into innovative rehabilitation techniques. Methods • A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 106 post-ACI hemiplegic patients, split into two groups of 53 each. One group received conventional training plus FES, while the other group underwent MVF combined with FES. Key metrics like walking parameters, the modified Lindmark score, center of gravity movement speed, Fugl-Meyer Motor function (FMA) score, fall index, Berg score, and Time-Up-Go Time (TUGT) were measured to evaluate the effectiveness. Results • In the study, significant improvements were observed in the observation group compared to the control group. The Modified Lindmark Scores for sensory function, motor coordination, and total scores in the observation group improved to 6.85±0.72, 15.77±2.25, and 22.62±2.78 respectively post-treatment, surpassing the control group’s scores of 5.77±0.68, 13.92±1.87, and 19.69±2.45. In terms of FMA score, fall index, Berg score, and TUGT time, the observation group showed remarkable improvement: the FMA score increased from 43.69±4.51 to 67.25±7.04, the fall index decreased from 55.74±8.76 to 42.08±5.97, the Berg score rose from 31.03±6.28 to 43.11±6.71, and the TUGT time was reduced from 30.78±6.59s to 18.57±3.26s. These changes were significantly better than those in the control group, with all P = .000, indicating statistically significant improvements. Conclusion • The results indicate that the combination of MVF and FES is more effective in improving limb function, hand fine movements, and balance in hemiplegic patients post-ACI compared to FES alone. This suggests that integrating MVF with FES may be a more beneficial approach in stroke rehabilitation. Future research is advised to explore larger sample sizes and long-term effects, offering guidance for developing more effective treatment and rehabilitation plans. This study suggests that integrating mirror visual feedback and functional electrical stimulation into stroke rehabilitation could significantly enhance recovery, potentially influencing clinical practices and rehabilitation policies. Future studies should explore the long-term effects, applicability to diverse patient groups, and cost-effectiveness of these combined therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The laccase activity of a low-temperature strain of Volvariella brumalis was studied using different lignocellulosic biomasses for liquid fermentation. The results showed that the laccase activity induced by wheat bran or pressed rapeseed residue was higher than the other auxiliary cultivation substrates. Compared to other primary cultivation substrates, Quercus acutissima sawdust and rice straw not only stimulated V. brumalis to produce more laccase in liquid fermentation, but also promoted better mycelial growth in solid-state fermentation. Therefore, these agricultural and forestry wastes should be prioritized as culturing materials of V. brumalis for laccase high-secretion and hyphal growth to increase production of V. brumalis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of the complex rheological properties of viscoelastic fluids in nanochannels will facilitate the application of nanofluidics in biomedical and other fields. However, the flow of viscoelastic fluids in nanochannels has significant instabilities, and numerical simulation failures are prone to occur at high Weissenberg numbers (Wi). In this study, the simplified Phan-Thien-Tanner viscoelastic fluid model is solved using the log-conformation tensor approach, and the effects of rheological parameters of the viscoelastic fluid, such as the Weissenberg number (Wi), extensibility parameter (ε), and viscosity ratio (β), on the flow characteristics and flow instability within the nanochannel are investigated. The results indicate that the variation of rheological parameters of viscoelastic fluids has a significant effect on the flow state and flow instability of fluids in nanochannels. When the rheological parameters are in a specific range, the flow velocity and outlet current in the nanochannel exhibit relatively regular periodic fluctuations. As the flow transitions from an up-and-down moving single-vortex state to a symmetric double-vortex state, the average velocity of the central axis in the nanochannel is increased by about 15%. Furthermore, when Wi increases from 150 to 400, the length and height of the vortex increase by 50% and 100%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence and mortality of breast cancer increase year by year, and it is urgent to find high-efficiency and low-toxicity anti-cancer drugs. Pterostilbene (PTE) is a natural product with antitumor activity, but the specific antitumor mechanism is not very clear. Aerobic glycolysis is the main energy supply for cancer cells. Pyroptosis is an inflammatory, programmed cell death. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of PTE on glycolysis and pyroptosis in EMT6 and 4T1 cells and the specific mechanism, and to elucidate the role of pyruvate kinase 2 (PKM2), a key enzyme in glycolysis, in the antitumor role of PTE. Our study suggested that PTE induced pyroptosis by inhibiting tumor glycolysis. PKM2 played an important role in both the inhibition of glycolysis and the induction of pyroptosis by PTE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tuberculosis (TB) is a global infectious threat, and the emergence of multidrug-resistant TB has become a major challenge in eradicating the disease that requires the discovery of new treatment strategies. This study aimed to elucidate the immune infiltration and molecular regulatory network of T cell-interacting activating receptors on myeloid cell 1 (TARM1)-related genes based on a bioinformatics analysis. The GSE114911 dataset was obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and screened to identify 17 TARM1-related differentially expressed genes (TRDEGs). Genes interacting with the TRDEGs were analyzed using a Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. A gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to identify the biological pathways significantly associated with a Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection. The key genes were obtained based on Cytoscape's cytoHubba plug-in. Furthermore, protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks were analyzed through STRING, while mRNA–RNA-binding protein (RBP) and mRNA–transcription factor (TF) interaction networks were developed utilizing the StarBase v3.0 and ChIPBase databases. In addition, the diagnostic significance of key genes was evaluated via receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and the immune infiltration was analyzed using an ssGSEA and MCPCounter. The key genes identified in the GSE114911 dataset were confirmed in an independent GSE139825 dataset. A total of seventeen TRDEGs and eight key genes were obtained in a differential expression analysis using the cytoHubba plug-in. Through the GO and KEGG analysis, it was found that these were involved in the NF-κB, PI3K/Akt, MAPK, and other pathways related to inflammation and energy metabolism. Furthermore, the ssGSEA and MCPCounter analysis revealed a significant rise in activated T cells and T helper cells within the Mtb infection group, which were markedly associated with these key genes. This implies their potential significance in the anti-Mtb response. In summary, our results show that TRDEGs are linked to inflammation, energy metabolism, and immune cells, offering fresh insights into the mechanisms underlying TB pathogenesis and supporting further investigation into the possible molecular roles of TARM1 in TB, as well as assisting in the identification of prospective diagnostic biomarkers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radioactive iodine (131I) with a short half-life of ~8.02 days is one of the most commonly used nuclides in nuclear medicine. However, 131I easily poses a significant risk to human health and ecological environment. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a secure and efficient strategy to capture and store radioactive iodine. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are a new generation of sorbents with outstanding physical and chemical properties, rendering them attractive candidates for the adsorption and immobilization of iodine. This review focuses on recent research advancements in mechanisms underlying iodine adsorption over MOFs and their derivatives, including van der Waals interactions, complexing interactions, and chemical precipitation. Furthermore, this review concludes by outlining the challenges and opportunities for the safe disposal of radioactive iodine from the perspective of the material design and system evaluation based on our knowledge. Thus, this paper aims to offer necessary information regarding the large-scale production of MOFs for iodine adsorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar-supported ZVI have received increasing attention for their potential to remove nitrobenzene in groundwater and soil. However, the capacity of this material to enhance the biological reduction of nitrobenzene and alter microbial communities in anaerobic groundwater have not been explored. In this study, the nitrobenzene removal performance and mechanism of modified biochar-supported zerovalent iron (ZVI) composites were explored in anaerobic soil. The results showed that the 700 °C biochar composite enhanced the removal of nitrobenzene and inhibited its release from soil to the aqueous phase. NaOH-700-Fe50 had the highest removal rate of nitrobenzene, reaching 64.4%. However, the 300 °C biochar composite inhibited the removal of nitrobenzene. Microbial degradation rather than ZVI-mediated reduction was the main nitrobenzene removal pathway. The biochar composites changed the richness and diversity of microbial communities. ZVI enhanced the symbiotic relationship between microbial genera and weakened competition between soil microbial genera. In summary, the 700 °C modified biochar composite enhanced the removal of nitrobenzene by increasing microbial community richness and diversity, by upregulating functional genes, and by promoting electron transfer. Overall, the modified biochar-supported ZVI composites could be used for soil remediation, and NaOH-700-Fe50 is a promising composite material for the on-site remediation of nitrobenzene-contaminated groundwater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Friedman's standards, developed almost 50 years ago, may no longer align with the needs of today's obstetric population and current pregnancy management practices. This study aims to analyze contemporary labor patterns and estimate labor duration in China, focusing on first-stage labor data from Chinese parturients with a spontaneous onset of labor. Methods: This retrospective observational study utilized data from electronic medical records of a tertiary hospital in Changsha, Hunan. Out of a total of 2,689 parturients, exclusions were made for multiple gestations, preterm, post-term, or stillbirth, cesarean delivery, non-vertex presentation, and neonatal intensive care unit admission. Average labor curves were constructed by parity using repeated-measure analysis, and labor duration was estimated through interval-censored regression, stratified by cervical dilation at admission. We performed an analysis to assess the impact of oxytocin augmentation and amniotomy on labor progression and conducted a sensitivity analysis using women with complicated outcomes. Results: Nulliparous women take over 180 minutes for cervical dilation from 3 to 4 cm, and the duration from 5 to 6 cm exceeds 145 minutes. Multiparous women experience shorter labor durations than nulliparous. Labor acceleration is observed after 5 cm in nulliparous, but no distinct inflection point is evident in the average labor curve. In the second stage of labor, the 95th percentile for nulliparous, with and without epidural analgesia, is 142 minutes and 127 minutes, respectively. Conclusions: These findings provide valuable insights for the reassessment of labor and delivery processes in contemporary obstetric populations, including current Chinese obstetric practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the significant increase in the scale of energy storage configuration in wind farms, improving the smoothing capability and utilization of energy storage has become a key focus. Therefore, a wind power fluctuation smoothing control strategy is proposed for battery energy storage systems (BESSs), considering the state of charge (SOC). First, a BESS smoothing wind power fluctuation system model based on model predictive control (MPC) is constructed. The objective function aims to minimize the deviation of grid-connected power from the target power and the deviation of the BESS's remaining capacity from the ideal value by comprehensively considering the smoothing effect and the SOC. Second, when the wind power's grid-connected power exceeds the allowable fluctuation value, the weight coefficients in the objective function are adjusted in real time using the first layer of fuzzy control rules combined with SOC partitioning. This approach smooths wind power fluctuations while preventing overcharging and overdischarging of the BESS. When the grid-connected power is within the allowable fluctuation range, the charging and discharging power of the BESS is further refined using a second layer of fuzzy control rules. This enhances the BESS's capability and utilization for smoothing future wind power fluctuations by preemptively charging and discharging. Finally, the proposed control strategy is simulated using MATLAB R2021b with actual operational data from a wind farm as a case study. Compared to the traditional MPC control method, the simulation results demonstrate that the proposed method effectively controls the SOC within a reasonable range, prevents the SOC from entering the dead zone, and enhances the BESS's ability to smooth wind power fluctuations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To enhance our understanding of teleost reproductive physiology, we identified six Sichuan bream (Sinibrama taeniatus) vitellogenin genes (vtg1-6) and characterized their sequence structures. We categorized them into type Ⅰ (vtg1,4,5 and 6), type Ⅱ (vtg2) and type Ⅲ (vtg3) based on differences in their subdomain structure. The promoter sequence of vtgs has multiple estrogen response elements, and their abundance appears to correlate with the responsiveness of vtg gene expression to estrogen. Gene expression analyses revealed that the vitellogenesis of Sichuan bream involves both heterosynthesis and autosynthesis pathways, with the dominant pathway originating from the liver. The drug treatment experiments revealed that 17β-estradiol (E2) tightly regulated the level of vtg mRNA in the liver. Feeding fish with a diet containing 100 μg/g E2 for three weeks significantly induced vtg gene expression and ovarian development, leading to an earlier onset of vitellogenesis. Additionally, it was observed that the initiation of vtg transcription required E2 binding to its receptor, a process primarily mediated by estrogen receptor alpha in Sichuan bream. The findings of this study provide novel insights into the molecular information of the vitellogenin gene family in teleosts, thereby contributing to the regulation of gonadal development in farmed fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

4 elderly care service stations in Zhanlan Road Street, Xicheng District, Beijing are selected, and questionnaires are designed and distributed to the surrounding elderly population to understand their needs and satisfaction with the station environment. By observing elderly care service stations on site, the characteristics, obstacles, and shortcomings of the environment are recorded, and relevant data are collected and analyzed, such as the characteristics of the elderly population being interviewed, the planning and design data of the station environment, and the distribution of service facilities. The overall characteristics of the spatial environment of elderly care stations are summarized, and renovation measures and optimization suggestions are provided for the current shortcomings, thereby providing some basis for the spatial design of community elderly care service stations in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This investigation, utilizing the Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS), explored the impact of dual fire source scenarios within tunnels, particularly focusing on temperature distribution and natural smoke exhaust in tunnels equipped with shaft ventilation. The study compared these scenarios against those involving a single fire source by varying the spacing between fire sources and adjusting longitudinal wind speeds. It was found that the speed of smoke propagation accelerated as the distance between fire sources increased, under a constant power of the individual fire sources. The temperature profiles of the tunnel ceiling under various scenarios exhibited considerable consistency. At lower longitudinal wind speeds, the temperature upstream of the fire source was higher compared to the downstream area, with the minimum temperature recorded at the shaft entrance. Notably, the critical wind speed, defined for a single fire source scenario with power equivalent to the combined power of two closely spaced fire sources, decreased with increasing distance between the fire sources, revealing a finite limit. In the shaft, a pattern was observed where the smoke temperature, gas mass flow, and carbon monoxide concentration initially increased and then decreased with a rise in longitudinal wind speed, reaching optimal efficiency in smoke exhaust at a wind speed of 2m/s. The complexities inherent in dual fire source scenarios were more pronounced compared to single fire source scenarios, presenting increased risks to safety and health during a fire. This study underscores the need for strategic planning in tunnel design, particularly in accommodating ventilation systems that can effectively respond to varying fire source scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To predict renewable energy sources such as solar power in microgrids more accurately, a hybrid power prediction method is presented in this paper. First, the self-attention mechanism is introduced based on a bidirectional gated recurrent neural network (BiGRU) to explore the time-series characteristics of solar power output and consider the influence of different time nodes on the prediction results. Subsequently, an improved quantum particle swarm optimization (QPSO) algorithm is proposed to optimize the hyperparameters of the combined prediction model. The final proposed LQPSO-BiGRU-self-attention hybrid model can predict solar power more effectively. In addition, considering the coordinated utilization of various energy sources such as electricity, hydrogen, and renewable energy, a multi-objective optimization model that considers both economic and environmental costs was constructed. A two-stage adaptive multiobjective quantum particle swarm optimization algorithm aided by a Lévy flight, named MO-LQPSO, was proposed for the comprehensive optimal scheduling of a multi-energy microgrid system. This algorithm effectively balances the global and local search capabilities and enhances the solution of complex nonlinear problems. The effectiveness and superiority of the proposed scheme are verified through comparative simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies the $ {H_\infty } $ H ∞ filtering problem for a class of discrete-time semi-Markov switching repeated scalar nonlinear systems with an event-triggered scheme. Considering the limitation of bandwidth, the mode-dependent event-triggered mechanism is introduced to determine whether the currently sampled sensor data is transmitted to the filter, in which the parameters of the event generator depend on the system mode. By means of a constructed time-varying Lyapunov function, the two stages of the systems jump instant and mode residence are analysed, and a linear matrix inequality technique is used to ensure the mean-square stability and $ {H_\infty } $ H ∞ performance of the filter error system. Accordingly, the co-design method of the mode-dependent time-varying filter and the event-triggered mechanism is derived for semi-Markov switching systems. Finally, a numerical simulation is given to illustrate the effectiveness and feasibility of the method proposed in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spermatogenesis was crucial for adult male animals to achieve reproductive function, and this complex physiological process required timely and moderate expression of related genes. A large number of epigenetic regulatory factors were involved, including cyclic RNA. Circular RNA had various characteristics such as rich expression, evolutionary conservation, cell or tissue specificity, and higher resistance to exonuclease or ribonuclease degradation. It can regulate the expression of parental genes and function as mRNA traps, miRNAs, or proteins in the corpus cavernous; it can also participate in the process of spermatogenesis through RNA-binding proteins, including the formation of reproductive stem cells, sperm formation, seminal plasma composition, and testicular tissue formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrochemical reduction of CO2 presents a persistent challenge in achieving high selectivity and stability, particularly in acidic electrolytes. Here, we successfully engineer an efficient armor-like catalyst, comprising Fe nanoparticles within nitrogen-doped carbon (Fe@NC) based on a solvent-free mechanochemistry method followed by pyrolysis. Porous nitrogen-doped carbon shells served as an effective protective layer for the Fe nanoparticles, facilitating the conversion of CO2 to CO with an impressive FECO of 99.0% in acidic electrolytes. As a result, the armored Fe@NC sustained its catalytic activity throughout 14 hours electrolysis period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the meiotic prophase, programmed DNA double-strand breaks are repaired by meiotic recombination. Recombination-defective meiocytes are eliminated to preserve genome integrity in gametes. BRCA1 is a critical protein in somatic homologous recombination, but studies have suggested that BRCA1 is dispensable for meiotic recombination. Here we show that BRCA1 is essential for meiotic recombination. Interestingly, BRCA1 also has a function in eliminating recombination-defective oocytes. Brca1 knockout (KO) rescues the survival of Dmc1 KO oocytes far more efficiently than removing CHK2, a vital component of the DNA damage checkpoint in oocytes. Mechanistically, BRCA1 activates chromosome asynapsis checkpoint by promoting ATR activity at unsynapsed chromosome axes in Dmc1 KO oocytes. Moreover, Brca1 KO also rescues the survival of asynaptic Spo11 KO oocytes. Collectively, our study not only unveils an unappreciated role of chromosome asynapsis in eliminating recombination-defective oocytes but also reveals the dual functions of BRCA1 in safeguarding oocyte genome integrity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influences of cooling rate on the phase constitution, microstructural length scale, and microhardness of directionally solidified Galvalume (Zn-55Al-1.6Si) alloy were investigated by directional solidification experiments at different withdrawal speeds (5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 400 µm·s-1). The results show that the microstructure of directionally solidified Galvalume alloys is composed of primary Al dendrites, Si-rich phase and (Zn-Al-Si) ternary eutectics at the withdrawal speed ranging from 5 to 400 µm·s-1. As the withdrawal speed increases, the segregation of Si element intensifies, resulting in an increase in the area fraction of the Si-rich phase. In addition, the primary Al dendrites show significant refinement with an increase in the withdrawal speed. The relationship between the primary dendrite arm spacing (λ1) and the thermal parameters of solidification is obtained: λ1=127.3V-0.31. Moreover, as the withdrawal speed increases from 5 to 400 µm·s-1, the microhardness of the alloy increases from 90 HV to 151 HV. This is a combined effect of grain refinement and second-phase strengthening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to investigate the effects of feeding mulberry leaf flavonoids on the serum amino acid metabolism, serum biochemical indexes, and lactation performance of lactating buffalo. Twenty buffalo with similar lactating yield were randomly divided into two groups with ten replicates in per group and one buffalo per replicate. The control group was fed with basic diet, while the experimental group was fed with basic diet + 45 g/(head·d) mulberry leaves flavonoids. The experiment period was five weeks. The results showed that feeding mulberry leaves flavonoids significantly decreased serum low density lipoprotein (P<0.05), significantly increased the serum insulin content (P<0.05), significantly decreased the contents of methionine in serum (P<0.05), and significantly increased the milk yield, milk protein content, and milk fat content (P<0.05). The study indicates that the mulberry leaves flavonoids can improve the lactating performance of buffalo by regulating the metabolism of amino acids and lipids in serum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Colorectal cancer standed as a global health challenge, ranking third in cancer incidence and second in cancer-related deaths worldwide. A deeper understanding of the intricate mechanisms driving colorectal cancer development was pressing need. STK16 had garnered attention in recent researches, while its involvement in cancer had been minimally explored. c-MYC had emerged as a key player in cancer biology. Due to its complex structure, multifunctionality, and intricate interactions, directly inhibiting the activity of c-MYC proves to be challenging. Hence, current research was directing efforts towards modulating c-MYC expression levels. Methods: Immunoblot, Immunohistochemistry and immunoprecipitation assays were conducted to assess the indicated protein expression levels. RT-PCR was performed to detect the corresponding mRNA expression levels. The proliferation, migration, invasion, and colony formation abilities of the specified cancer cells were investigated using CCK8 assays, Brdu assays, transwell assays, and colony formation assays, respectively. Cellular and animal experiments were performed to investigate the correlation between STK16 signaling and c-MYC signaling. Results: STK16 plays a positive regulatory role in the progression of colorectal cancer. Delving into the molecular mechanisms, we unveiled that STK16 phosphorylated c-MYC at serine 452, a pivotal event hindering the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway degradation of c-MYC. Importantly, colorectal cancer proliferation mediated by STK16 was found to be dependent on the phosphorylation of c-MYC at S452. Furthermore, the researchers demonstrated that STK16 knockout or pharmacological inhibition significantly curtailed colorectal cancer proliferation and c-MYC expression in in vivo animal models. Conclusion: We discovered that STK16 phosphorylates c-MYC at serine 452, hindering its degradation via the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. STK16 inhibition, either genetically or pharmacologically, effectively curtails cancer growth and c-MYC expression in vivo. These findings highlight STK16 as a potential therapeutic target for colorectal cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The influence of maternal diet on offspring's health is an area of study that is linked to epigenetics. Maternal diet contributes to determining the health status of offspring and maternally linked mechanisms and is a global health challenge that requires attention. The impact of gut microbiota on host metabolism and offspring health is still not established. Objective: In this review, we intend to discuss the evidence on the impact of maternal diet and the health of offspring gut microbiota. The paper focuses on the gut microbiome of animal models. It captures the maternal diet and its influence on the offspring's gut microbiota, behavior that is supported by cell experimental results. Both inflammation and immune status of offspring induced by maternal diet are discussed. Finally, this review used predicted biological pathways involved in maternal diet and offspring health, and the influence of maternal diet on gut microbiota and offspring behavior. Obesity, diabetes, asthma and allergies, and neurodegenerative disorders and prospects for maternal diet, and microbiota and offspring health were discussed. Conclusion: The review was able to gather that a high-fat diet during pregnancy created a long-lasting metabolic signature on the infant's innate immune system, altering inflammation in the offspring microbiota, which predisposed offspring to obesity and metabolic diseases in adulthood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We aimed to analyse the risk factors of complications after laparoscopic anterior resection of rectal cancer, and to establish a nomogram prediction model and evaluate its accuracy. Patients and Methods: We retrospectively analysed the clinical data of 180 patients undergoing laparoscopic anterior resection of rectal cancer. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to screen the potential risk factors of post-operative complications of Grade II and establish a nomogram model. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test were used to evaluate the discrimination and coincidence of the model, and the calibration curve was used to internally verify. Results: A total of 53 patients (29.4%) with rectal cancer had Grade II post-operative complications. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age (odds ratio [OR] =1.085, P < 0.001), body mass index ≥24 kg/m2 (OR = 2. 763, P = 0. 008), tumour diameter ≥5 cm (OR = 3. 572, P = 0.002), tumour distance from anal margin ≤6 cm (OR = 2.729, P = 0.012) and operation time ≥180 min (OR = 2.243, P = 0.032) were independent risk factors for Grade II post-operative complications. The area under the ROC was 0.782 (95% confidence interval: 0.706-0.858, sensitivity: 66.0%, specificity: 76.4%) in the nomogram prediction model. Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test showed χ2 = 9.350, P = 0.314. Conclusion: Based on five independent risk factors, the nomogram prediction model has a good predictive performance for post-operative complications after laparoscopic anterior resection of rectal cancer, which is helpful to early identify high-risk people and formulate clinical intervention measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The landscape environment of urban blocks plays a significant role in improving the comfort of urban thermal environment and promoting green and high-quality development. The 342 papers related to the research on the impact of urban block landscape environment on thermal comfort in China, collected by CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure) from 2002 to 2022, are used as the research object. Through bibliometric statistical analysis, LLR algorithm, and cluster analysis, the current research status of the impact of urban block landscape environment on thermal comfort in China is analyzed and processed, and its external characteristics are identified. Using the information visualization software CiteSpace, the research topics in the field of the impact of urban block landscape environment on thermal comfort are presented in the form of knowledge graphs. Through co-occurrence analysis of keywords and trend of word frequency changes, the development trends of research hotspots and cutting-edge fields of the impact of urban block landscape environment on thermal comfort are determined, hoping to provide reference for future research in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children obesity is a serious public health problem drawing much attention around the world. Recent research indicated that gut microbiota plays a vital role in children obesity, and disturbed gut microbiota is a prominent characteristic of obese children. Diet and exercise are efficient intervention for weight loss in obesity children, however, how the gut microbiota is modulated which remains largely unknown. To characterize the feature of gut microbiota in obese children and explore the effect of dietary and exercise on gut microbiota in simple obese children, 107 healthy children and 86 obese children were recruited, and among of the obese children 39 received the dietary-exercise combined weight loss intervention (DEI). The gut microbiota composition was detected by the 16S amplicon sequencing method. The gut microbiota composition was significantly different between obese children and the healthy cohort, and DEI significantly reduced the body weight and ameliorated the gut microbiota dysbiosis. After DEI, the abundance of the Akkermansia muciniphila was increased, while the abundance of the Sutterella genus was decreased in simple obese children. Our results may provide theoretical reference for future personalized obesity interventions based on gut microbiota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stroke is a clinical syndrome characterized by an acute, focal neurological deficit, primarily caused by the occlusion or rupture of cerebral blood vessels. In stroke, neuroinflammation emerges as a pivotal event contributing to neuronal cell death. The occurrence and progression of neuroinflammation entail intricate processes, prominently featuring mitochondrial dysfunction and adaptive responses. Mitochondria, a double membrane-bound organelle are recognized as the "energy workshop" of the body. Brain is particularly vulnerable to mitochondrial disturbances due to its high energy demands from mitochondria-related energy production. The interplay between mitochondria and neuroinflammation plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of stroke. The biological and pathological consequences resulting from mitochondrial stress have substantial implications for cerebral function. Mitochondrial stress serves as an adaptive mechanism aimed at mitigating the stress induced by the import of misfolded proteins, which occurs in response to stroke. This adaptive response involves a reduction in misfolded protein accumulation and overall protein synthesis. The influence of mitochondrial stress on the pathological state of stroke is underscored by its capacity to interact with neuroinflammation. The impact of mitochondrial stress on neuroinflammation varies according to its severity. Moderate mitochondrial stress can bolster cellular adaptive defenses, enabling cells to better withstand detrimental stressors. In contrast, sustained and excessive mitochondrial stress detrimentally affects cellular and tissue integrity. The relationship between neuroinflammation and mitochondrial stress depends on the degree of mitochondrial stress present. Understanding its role in stroke pathogenesis is instrumental in excavating the novel treatment of stroke. This review aims to provide the evaluation of the cross-talk between mitochondrial stress and neuroinflammation within the context of stroke. We aim to reveal how mitochondrial stress affects neuroinflammation environment in stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of the genus Leptobrachella, L. guinanensis sp. nov., is described in this study based on morphological, molecular, and bioacoustic data. The species was discovered in the Shiwandashan National Nature Reserve in Shangsi County, Guangxi, China. Phylogenetically, L. guinanensis sp. nov. is closely related to L. ventripunctata. However, there are distinct morphological differences between L. guinanensis sp. nov. and L. ventripunctata, as well as three other sympatric species (L. shangsiensis, L. shiwandashanensis, and L. sungi). These differences include body size (SVL 30.5–32.5 mm in males; 38.7–41.8 mm in females in the new species vs 25.5–28.0 mm in males, 31.5–35.0 mm in females in L. ventripunctata), the absence of brown spots on the ventral surface (vs chest and belly creamy white with many scattered brown spots in L. ventripunctata), 1/3 toe webbing and wide toe lateral fringes (vs no toe webbing and no lateral fringes in L. ventripunctata), and distinct dermal ridges under toes (vs absent in L. ventripunctata). Furthermore, the dominant vocal frequencies of the new species range from 7.3 to 8.3 kHz, which is unique compared to other Leptobrachella species and represents the highest dominant frequencies ever recorded. The Shiwandashan National Nature Reserve is now home to four known sympatric species of Leptobrachella. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The present study aims to examine whether secondhand smoke exposure (SHSE) in university students can affect three indices of self-satisfaction related to depression as indiced by appearance, weight, and freedom of life choice. Participants: We collected data from 740 nonsmoking students in the summer of 2018, of which 57.84% were exposed to secondhand smoke. Methods: Depressive symptoms, SHSE, smoking status, weight satisfaction, appearance satisfaction, and freedom of life choice were self-reported via a questionnaire. Results: The generalized linear analyses revealed that SHSE was linked to lower scores of perceived freedom of life choice but not significantly associated with weight nor appearance satisfaction. The mediation analyses indicated that perceived freedom of life choice fully mediated the association between SHSE and depressive symptoms. Conclusions: These findings shed light on the importance of SHSE and its effects on mental health in university students. Preventive strategies should therefore locally target university campuses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lacustrine shale oil and gas are important fields for unconventional exploration and development in China, and organic-rich shale deposition lays down the critical foundation for hydrocarbon generation. There are two sets of shale, the Dongyuemiao and Da'anzhai Members, in the Ziliujing Formation in the Sichuan Basin. To identify the differential enrichment characteristics of organic matter and clarify its controlling factors, geochemical analyses of organic and inorganic geochemical analyses were performed. The results showed that the total organic carbon content of the Dongyuemiao shale (1.36%) is slightly higher than that of the Da'anzhai shale (0.95%). The enrichment of organic matter in the two shales resulted from the comprehensive controls of paleoproductivity, paleoenvironment, and terrigenous input, but different factors have different effects. In addition, driven by climate, the change in the sulfate concentration in the bottom water further led to the different intensities of bacterial sulfate reduction in early diagenesis. This made a great difference regarding organic matter accumulation in the two members. In general, climate may have played a dominant role in organic matter enrichment in the two sets of shale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the continuous promotion of the construction of child friendly cities, the school commuting space is an important component of the construction of child friendly roads. Based on the background of child friendly cities, the commuting space of 11 primary and secondary schools in Bajiao Street is analyzed through literature analysis and field research methods. Firstly, the relevant literature on school commuting space is sorted out, and the characteristics of school commuting space are summarized, including transportation, landscape, culture, leisure, and security. Secondly, the characteristics of commuting space of primary and secondary schools in Bajiao Street are analyzed from three aspects: in front of the school gate, path space, and node space. This paper aims to provide reference and guidance for the future construction of children’s walking school commuting and promote the construction of a child friendly city [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban shrinkage has emerged as a widespread phenomenon globally and has a significant impact on land, particularly in terms of land use and price. This study focuses on 2851 county-level cities in China in 2005–2018 (excluding Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and 'no data' areas in Qinhai-Tibet Plateau) as the fundamental units of analysis. By employing nighttime light (NTL) data to identify shrinking cities, the propensity score matching (PSM) model was used to quantitatively examine the impact of shrinking cities on land prices, and evaluate the magnitude of this influence. The findings demonstrate the following: 1) there were 613 shrinking cities in China, with moderate shrinkage being the most prevalent and severe shrinkage being the least. 2) Regional disparities are evident in the spatial distribution of shrinking cities, especially in areas with diverse terrain. 3) The spatial pattern of land price exhibits a significant correlated to the economic and administrative levels. 4) Shrinking cities significantly negatively impact on the overall land price (ATT = −0.1241, P < 0.05). However, the extent of the effect varies significantly among different spatial regions. This study contributes novel insights into the investigation of land prices and shrinking cities, ultimately serving as a foundation for government efforts to promote the sustainable development of urban areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crosstalk between astrocytes and microglia plays a pivotal role in neuroinflammation following ischemic stroke, and phenotypic distribution of these cells can change with the progression of ischemic stroke. Peroxiredoxin (PRDX) 6 phospholipase A2 (iPLA2) activity is involved in the generation of reactive oxygen species(ROS), with ROS driving the activation of microglia and astrocytes; however, its exact function remains unexplored. MJ33, PRDX6D140A mutation was used to block PRDX6-iPLA2 activity in vitro and vivo after ischemic stroke. PRDX6T177A mutation was used to block the phosphorylation of PRDX6 in CTX-TNA2 cell lines. NAC, GSK2795039, Mdivi-1, U0126, and SB202190 were used to block the activity of ROS, NOX2, mitochondrial fission, ERK, and P38, respectively, in CTX-TNA2 cells. In ischemic stroke, PRDX6 is mainly expressed in astrocytes and PRDX6-iPLA2 is involved in the activation of astrocytes and microglia. In co-culture system, Asp140 mutation in PRDX6 of CTX-TNA2 inhibited the polarization of microglia, reduced the production of ROS, suppressed NOX2 activation, and inhibited the Drp1-dependent mitochondrial fission following OGD/R. These effects were further strengthened by the inhibition of ROS production. In subsequent experiments, U0126 and SB202190 inhibited the phosphorylation of PRDX6 at Thr177 and reduced PRDX6-iPLA2 activity. These results suggest that PRDX6-iPLA2 plays an important role in the astrocyte-induced generation of ROS and activation of microglia, which are regulated by the activation of Nox2 and Drp1-dependent mitochondrial fission pathways. Additionally, PRDX6-iPLA2 activity is regulated by MAPKs via the phosphorylation of PRDX6 at Thr177 in astrocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a new epidemic prediction model that hybridizes several models, such as the autoregressive integrated moving average model (ARIMA), random forest (RF), and response surface method (RSM). The modeling process based on ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) is particularly suitable for dealing with non-stationary and nonlinear data. ARIMA's timeliness and difference have strong deterministic information extraction ability. RF is robust and stable, with fast speed, and strong generalization ability. Under the adjustability and correspondence of the response surface, the comprehensiveness of the model is well demonstrated. Taking the United States as an example, the proposed ARIMA-RF-RSM model is used to explore the development mechanism of the early epidemic according to the data of the early epidemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The proposed model has high prediction accuracy (mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) is 1.97% and root mean square error (RSME) is 7.24%). It helps to take effective prevention and control measures in time. In addition, the model has universal applicability to the analysis of disease transmission in relevant areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR) is a severe inherited disease characterized by defective retinal vascular development. With genetic and clinical heterogeneity, FEVR can be inherited in different patterns and characterized by phenotypes ranging from moderate visual defects to complete vision loss. This study was conducted to unravel the genetic and functional etiology of a 4-month-old female FEVR patient. Targeted gene panel and Sanger sequencing were utilized for genetic evaluation. Luciferase assays, western blot, quantitive real-time PCR, and immunocytochemistry were performed to verify the functional defects in the identified candidate variant. Here, we report a 4-month-old girl with bilateral retinal folds and peripheral avascularization, and identified a novel frameshift heterozygous variant c.37dup (p.Leu13ProfsTer13) in NDP. In vitro experiments revealed that the Leu13ProfsTer13 variant led to a prominent decrease in protein levels instead of mRNA levels, resulting in compromised Norrin/β-catenin signaling activity. Human androgen receptor assay further revealed that a slight skewing of X chromosome inactivation could partially cause FEVR. Thus, the pathogenic mechanism by which heterozygous frameshift or nonsense variants in female carriers cause FEVR might largely result from a loss-of-function variant in one X chromosome allele and a slightly skewed X-inactivation. Further recruitment of more FEVR-affected females carrying NDP variants and genotype–phenotype correlation analysis can ultimately offer valuable information for the prognosis prediction of FEVR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Entity alignment is the task of identifying entities from different knowledge graphs (KGs) that point to the same item and is important for KG fusion. In the real world, due to the heterogeneity between different KGs, equivalent entities often have different relations around them, so it is difficult for Graph Convolutional Network (GCN) to accurately learn the relation information in the KGs. Moreover, to solve the problem regarding inadequate utilisation of relation information in entity alignment, a novel GCN-based model, joint Unsupervised Relation Alignment for Entity Alignment (URAEA), is proposed. The model first employs a novel method for calculating relation embeddings by using entity embeddings, then constructs unsupervised seed relation alignments through these relation embeddings, and finally performs entity alignment together with relation alignment. In addition, the seed entity alignments are expanded based on the generated seed relation alignments. Experiments conducted on three real-world datasets show that this approach outperforms state-of-the-art methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of relevant parameters of 18F-prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-1007 PET/CT in predicting the pathological grade of primary prostate cancer. Briefly, a prospective analysis was performed on 53 patients diagnosed with prostate cancer by systematic puncture biopsy, followed by 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT examination prior to treatment within 10 d. The patients were grouped in accordance with the Gleason grading system revised by the International Association of Urology Pathology (ISUP). They were divided into high-grade group (ISUP 4-5 group) and low-grade group (ISUP 1-3 group). The differences in maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), tumor-to-background ratio (TBR), intraprostatic PSMA-derived tumor volume (iPSMA-TV), and intraprostatic total lesion PSMA (iTLPSMA) between the high- and low-grade group were statistically significant (p < .001). No significant difference was found for mean standardized uptake value (SUVmean) between the high- and low-grade groups (Z = -1.131, p = .258). Besides, binary multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that only iPSMA-TV and iTL-PSMA were independent predictors of the pathological grading, for which the odds ratios were 18.821 [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.040-173.614, p = .010] and 0.758 (95% CI: 0.613-0.938, p = .011), respectively. The area under the ROC of this regression model was 0.983 (95% CI: 0.958-1.00, p < .001). Only iTL-PSMA was a significant parameter for distinguishing ISUP-4 and ISUP-5 groups (Z = -2.043, p = .041). In a nutshell, 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT has good application value in predicting the histopathological grade of primary prostate cancer. Three-dimensional volume metabolism parameters iPSMA-TV and iTL-PSMA were found to be independent predictors for pathological grade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the systems of industrial robotics and autonomous vehicles, instance segmentation is widely employed. However, manually labelling an object outline is time‐consuming. In order to reduce annotation costs, we present a weakly supervised instance segmentation method in this article. A deeply convolutional network is first used to construct multi‐scale feature maps for each object in the input image. After that, the encoder‐decoder framework with dynamic convolution is utilised to enhance model capacity and efficiency, while avoiding the issues of anchor design, proposal selection, and RoIAlign implementation. In particular, Dynamic Heads are used in the encoder to create dynamic convolution kernels, while Instance Heads are used in the decoder to provide the global feature map. With dynamic convolution, each instance can be segmented independently, reducing interference with other instances and improving segmentation accuracy. Under the supervision of projection loss and pixel point colour pairing loss, the contours of each object are finally outlined. On the PASCAL VOC and MS COCO datasets, the proposed method is competitive with more sophisticated approaches. In the VOC dataset, segmentation performance achieved 37.6% average precision with ResNet‐101 and FPN networks. The extensively visualised results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed encoder‐decoder framework with dynamic convolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various diseases seriously affect the quality and yield of tomatoes. Fast and accurate identification of disease types is of great significance for the development of smart agriculture. Many Convolution Neural Network (CNN) models have been applied to the identification of tomato leaf diseases and achieved good results. However, some of these are executed at the cost of large calculation time and huge storage space. This study proposed a lightweight CNN model named MFRCNN, which is established by the multi-scale and feature reuse structure rather than simply stacking convolution layer by layer. To examine the model performances, two types of tomato leaf disease datasets were collected. One is the laboratory-based dataset, including one healthy and nine diseases, and the other is the field-based dataset, including five kinds of diseases. Afterward, the proposed MFRCNN and some popular CNN models (AlexNet, SqueezeNet, VGG16, ResNet18, and GoogLeNet) were tested on the two datasets. The results showed that compared to traditional models, the MFRCNN achieved the optimal performance, with an accuracy of 99.01% and 98.75% in laboratory and field datasets, respectively. The MFRCNN not only had the highest accuracy but also had relatively less computing time and few training parameters. Especially in terms of storage space, the MFRCNN model only needs 2.7 MB of space. Therefore, this work provides a novel solution for plant disease diagnosis, which is of great importance for the development of plant disease diagnosis systems on low-performance terminals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The trade-off between hardness and stretchability is a cornerstone of materials science. Balancing this trade-off is important in the molecular design of both chemical and physical networks. In this study, we report the quantitative trade-off at the molecular level for physical networks. Namely, we analyze, based on the reversible gelation model, a scaling relationship between the characteristic terminal relaxation modulus Gc in linear viscoelasticity and the stretch ratio λmax at the stress overshoot during the nonlinear elongation flow for unentangled randomly associative polymers, i.e., λmax ∼ Gc−0.17 and λmax ∼ Gc−0.33 in the mean-field and critical-percolation regimes, respectively. We use sulfonated polystyrene having different alkali counterions as a model system to test the relationship. The exponent of λmax ∼ Gc−0.25 seen in the experiment is in between the two theoretical values. We also discuss the quantitative deviation with respect to the size distribution of the network strands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies have pointed to PARP1 trapping as a key determinant of the anticancer effects of PARP1 inhibitors (PARPi). We identified RNF114, as a PARylation-dependent, E3 ubiquitin ligase involved in DNA damage response. Upon sensing genotoxicity, RNF114was recruited, in a PAR-dependent manner, to DNA lesions, where it targeted PARP1 for degradation. The blockade of this pathway interfered with the removal of PARP1 from DNA lesions, leading to profound PARP1 trapping. We showed that a natural product, nimbolide, inhibited the E3 ligase activity of RNF114 and thus caused PARP1 trapping. However, unlike conventional PARPi, nimbolide treatment induced the trapping of both PARP1 and PARylation-dependent DNA repair factors. Nimbolide showed synthetic lethality with BRCA mutations, and it overcame intrinsic and acquired resistance to PARPi, both in vitro and in vivo. These results point to the exciting possibility of targeting the RNF114-PARP1 pathway for the treatment of homologous recombination-deficient cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Every year vast quantities of silver are lost in various waste streams; this, combined with its limited, diminishing supply and rising demand, makes silver recovery of increasing importance. Thus, herein, we report a controllable, green process to produce a host of highly porous metal–organic framework (MOF)/oligomer composites using supercritical carbon dioxide (ScCO2) as a medium. One resulting composite, referred to as MIL‐127/Poly‐o‐phenylenediamine (PoPD), has an excellent Ag+ adsorption capacity, removal efficiency (>99 %) and provides rapid Ag+ extraction in as little as 5 min from complex liquid matrices. Notably, the composite can also reduce sliver concentrations below the levels (<0.1 ppm) established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Using theoretical simulations, we find that there are spatially ordered polymeric units inside the MOF that promote the complexation of Ag+ over other common competing ions. Moreover, the oligomer is able to reduce silver to its metallic state, also providing antibacterial properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Every year vast quantities of silver are lost in various waste streams; this, combined with its limited, diminishing supply and rising demand, makes silver recovery of increasing importance. Thus, herein, we report a controllable, green process to produce a host of highly porous metal–organic framework (MOF)/oligomer composites using supercritical carbon dioxide (ScCO2) as a medium. One resulting composite, referred to as MIL‐127/Poly‐o‐phenylenediamine (PoPD), has an excellent Ag+ adsorption capacity, removal efficiency (>99 %) and provides rapid Ag+ extraction in as little as 5 min from complex liquid matrices. Notably, the composite can also reduce sliver concentrations below the levels (<0.1 ppm) established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Using theoretical simulations, we find that there are spatially ordered polymeric units inside the MOF that promote the complexation of Ag+ over other common competing ions. Moreover, the oligomer is able to reduce silver to its metallic state, also providing antibacterial properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective.To investigate the expression of mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) in airway of children with mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia(MPP), and to provide clinical value for early diagnosis and treatment of MPP mucus plug. Methods.A total of 94 children with MPP who were hospitalized for alveolar lavage from April 2022 to October 2022 were included in the MPP group. According to whether mucus plug was observed under the first fiberoptic bronchoscope, the MPP group was divided into mucus plug group (n = 41) and non-mucus plug group (n = 53). Relevant clinical data and laboratory examination data were collected. Results.Compared with non mucus plug group, the mucus plug group had a longer heat duration and hospital stay, and the levels of CRP, LDH,PCT, D-dimer, MP-DNA copy value of lavage fluid, IL-17, MUC5AC were all increased,with statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). MUC5AC was positively correlated with LDH and IL-17 levels (r = 0.54, P = 0.002, r = 0.39, P = 0.019). The ROC curve plotted based on the level of MUC5AC had an area under the ROC curve of 0.811, a sensitivity of 86.2% and a specificity of 71.4% for predicting formation of mucus plug in MPP. Conclusions.There was an increase in the level of MUC5AC in children with mucus plug group in MPP, and the level of MUC5AC had a certain value for predicting mucus plug formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adopting innovative technologies like machine learning is crucial for achieving our sustainability goals. It has great potential for improving waste management and energy generation. The development of energy systems with machine learning algorithms is advancing rapidly. By conducting an in-depth comparison between the linear and non-linear regression models, this study makes a significant contribution to the field of waste-to-energy systems. The focus of this research is to forecast the performance of a newly designed solid waste-to-multi-generation energy system. This multi-generational energy system is designed to provide multiple outputs simultaneously, including power, heat, hydrogen, oxygen, and distilled water. In order to estimate the outputs of this system, both linear and non-linear algorithms are utilized and their respective performances are thoroughly analyzed and compared. The linear algorithms demonstrate notable precision through the creation of models that exhibit R-square values exceeding 96 %. In contrast, the non-linear algorithms demonstrate increased precision with R-square values surpassing 97 %, and even suggesting R-square values as impressive as 99 %, thereby attesting to the superior performance of these algorithms. Linear regression models are capable of providing predictions and identifying trends. However, non-linear regression models exhibit enhanced accuracy in predicting outcomes and are more efficient in capturing dynamic trends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With intensifying global climate change and human activities, small-to-medium river ecosystems in the northern area of China are confronted with unparalleled thermal stress challenges. These rivers play a pivotal role in regional ecological balance, water resource provision, and biodiversity conservation. Although extant studies have addressed ecological restoration of rivers, most methodologies have predominantly focused on ecological responses under single-factor influences, overlooking the intricate coupling of multiple factors. Furthermore, exploration concerning the central role of biological activity and bio-regulation in thermal adaptability remains inadequate. This study aims to meticulously analyze the thermal equilibrium status of river ecosystems in northern China and proposes an optimized ecological restoration decision-making approach that considers multi-factor coupling. By assessing microbial activity indicators, conducting thermal equilibrium and bio-regulation analyses, and introducing a comprehensive decisionmaking framework, this research offers a scientific, systematic, and feasible strategy for the ecological restoration of small-to-medium rivers in northern China, serving also as a reference for parameter determination in wheat-corn Subsurface Drip Irrigation (SDI) in the North China Plain and for water-fertilizer management and decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]