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Assessing sampling biases caused by nonrandom specimen collecting is crucial in systematics, biogeography, and conservation. Nevertheless, research on the collecting biases of vascular plants in China remains limited. Here, we investigated the collecting status of gymnosperms in China using 48 673 herbarium specimens representing 180 Chinese gymnosperm species. The spatial and temporal patterns, collector and determiner biases, and phylogenetic and taxon biases were studied to comprehend the collecting bias of gymnosperms in China during 1900–2021. Meanwhile, we assessed the inventory completeness of gymnosperms to identify collecting hotspots and coldspots. The results showed that gymnosperms predominantly inhabit mountainous areas in China. The historical collecting of gymnosperms in China can be divided into two distinct stages with four peaks of collecting activities. The distribution of collected or identified specimens per individual displays significant skewness, and the collecting of gymnosperms has the issues of overcollecting or undersampling. Inventory completeness remains deficient, and collecting intensity is weak in both northern China and the range of 22°–25° N in the southern region (i.e., central Yunnan, southern Guangxi, and eastern Guangdong). Additionally, observation of the spatial distribution reveals both hotspots and coldspots scattered across mountain regions, lacking clustering. This study revealed a highly polarized collecting pattern for gymnosperms in China. Consequently, we recommend optimizing collecting measures, targeted specimen collecting, and continuous dynamic monitoring of gymnosperms in future collecting efforts. These recommendations hold relevance not only for gymnosperms in China but also for other land plants worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maintaining intracellular redox balance is essential for the survival, antibody secretion, and mucosal immune homeostasis of immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibody‐secreting cells (ASCs). However, the relationship between mitochondrial metabolic enzymes and the redox balance in ASCs has yet to be comprehensively studied. Our study unveils the pivotal role of mitochondrial enzyme PCK2 in regulating ASCs' redox balance and intestinal homeostasis. We discover that PCK2 loss, whether globally or in B cells, exacerbates dextran sodium sulphate (DSS)‐induced colitis due to increased IgA ASC cell death and diminished antibody production. Mechanistically, the absence of PCK2 diverts glutamine into the TCA cycle, leading to heightened TCA flux and excessive mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) production. In addition, PCK2 loss reduces glutamine availability for glutathione (GSH) synthesis, resulting in a decrease of total glutathione level. The elevated mtROS and reduced GSH expose ASCs to overwhelming oxidative stress, culminating in cell apoptosis. Crucially, we found that the mitochondria‐targeted antioxidant Mitoquinone (Mito‐Q) can mitigate the detrimental effects of PCK2 deficiency in IgA ASCs, thereby alleviating colitis in mice. Our findings highlight PCK2 as a key player in IgA ASC survival and provide a potential new target for colitis treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: At present, it is particularly important to reduce costs and improve economic efficiency in farm production. However, in intensive production, the situation of insufficient milk production in sows and the poor growth of piglets has become increasingly serious. In this context, how to increase sow milk production and improve piglet growth is the primary goal of researchers. Some studies have shown that feeding MSG to sows can enhance the growth of newborn pigs, but some researchers suspect that the addition of MSG is not safe for sows. Therefore, this experiment aims to study the impact of MSG on sows and piglets. Our research results prove that MSG is safe and effective, can reduce costs, improve economic benefits, and is suitable for intensive production. In most current farm operations, lactating sows need to overcome reproductive and environmental stresses that have resulted in poor sow production performance and piglet growth. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of in-feed supplementation of monosodium glutamate (MSG) in sows during late gestation lactation in regard to litter performance. The study subjects were 12 multi-parity sows (Landrace × Large White), farrowing sows with an average parity of four (three with three parities, seven with four parities, and two with five parities). They were randomly divided into the following two diet groups: the basal diet as a control (CON) group based on corn and soybean meal; and the basal diet + 2% MSG group. The experimental time ranged from 109 days before delivery to 21 days after delivery. There were six sows in each group, and each sow served as the experimental unit. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in body weight (BW), back fat (BF) thickness and estrus interval between sows supplemented with 2% MSG in their diets before and after farrowing and during weaning (p > 0.05). However, MSG-treated sows tended to increase BW loss at farrowing more than the CON group (p = 0.093) but lost less weight during lactation than the CON group (p = 0.019). There were no significant differences in the body condition scores (BCSs) and BF loss of the two groups of sows before and after farrowing and at weaning (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference in the weight of newborn piglets between the two groups of sows (p > 0.05). The weaning weight (p = 0.020) and average daily gain (ADG) (p = 0.045) of suckling piglets were higher in the MSG treated group compared to the CON group. The daily milk production of sows in the MSG treatment group was higher compared to the CON group (p = 0.045). The protein concentration of milk at week 3 (p = 0.060) and fat concentration of milk at week 5 (p = 0.095) of the MSG-supplemented sows tended to increase more than the CON group. In summary, the dietary inclusion of MSG supplementation had a beneficial effect on the late gestating sows and their piglet's growth and milk production. Our research has shown that the addition of 2% MSG in late gestation and lactation diet would be beneficial for both sow and piglet production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Positive journalism" is always emphasized in China, which is currently named as "ZhengNengLiang" (literally referring to "positive energy"). Such content is hoped to spread confidence, hope, and optimism. During public crises like the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is particularly highlighted. Since "ZhengNengLiang" is a term that is difficult to match perfectly with any existing concept of journalism, this study investigates its connotations by applying qualitative methods and taking Shanghai's lockdown for the COVID-19 as an example. Adopting grounded theory, semi-structured in-depth interviews with 15 practitioners of community media were conducted, and 3016 valid subjective questionnaires were collected from audiences. All materials were coded by applying thematic analysis. It is found that content producers tended to emphasize adherence to mainstream ideology, upholding opinion climate in communities, and promoting neighborly mutual assistance. Audiences' understandings of it were partially in line with the producers', but they placed priorities on practicality. These findings resonate with some established theories like constructive journalism. However, China's political system and cultural traditions make the connotations of "ZhengNengLiang" complex. We suggest policymakers provide content producers at grassroots level more room to create "ZhengNengLiang" content with more practical significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Laparoendoscopic single-site inguinal lymphadenectomy (LESS-IL), a minimally invasive technique, has been reported in patients with vulvar or vaginal cancer regarding its safety and feasibility. However, the long-term outcomes, especially oncologic outcomes, are still lacking. We aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes of LESS-IL to confirm its safety further. Patients and Methods: Data were prospectively collected from patients with vulvar or vaginal cancer who underwent LESS-IL at our institution between July 2018 and June 2021. The patients were followed up for at least 12 months. All procedures were performed according to treatment standards. Short- and long-term complications and oncologic outcomes were analysed. Results: A total of 16 patients undergoing 28 LESS-IL procedures were identified, amongst whom 4 underwent unilateral LESS-IL. The median numbers of excised groin lymph nodes were 9.0 (6.5-11.8) and 10.5 (8.3-12.0) in each left and right groin, respectively. Short-term complications occurred in 4 (25%) patients, including 18.7% lymphocele and 6.3% wound infection. Long-term complications regarding lower-limb lymphoedema appeared in 6 (37.5%) patients. Most short- and long-term complications were Clavien-Dindo 1 or 2, accounting for 90% of all post-operative issues. After a median follow-up of 27 (21.3-35.8) months, only 1 (6.3%) patient had isolated inguinal recurrence at 13 months postoperatively. No local or distant recurrence occurred. Conclusion: Our results suggest that LESS-IL is associated with little incidence of complications and promising oncologic outcomes, further demonstrating the safety and feasibility of the LESS-IL technique in patients requiring IL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we study the mixed system of boson stars (BSs) with wormholes at their center. The boson star is obtained by employing a complex scalar field without self-interaction or a complex scalar field with quartic self-interaction and the wormhole is obtained by employing a phantom field. Utilizing the numerical method, we successfully obtain both symmetric and asymmetric solutions within the two asymptotically flat regions. The key focus of our study involves the systematic exploration of variations in results by varying the throat parameter η0, and the parameter c, representing the quartic term in potential. In the ground state, we find the mass M and Noether charge Q versus the scalar field frequencies ω are multi-valued curves when the η0 is small or the self-interaction is strong, the multi-valued curves will turn into single-valued curves as η0 or c increases. Furthermore, we observe that asymmetric solutions can transition into symmetric solutions at specific scalar field frequencies ω for certain settings of η0 and c. In addition, when it comes to the excited state, the properties of symmetric solutions remain akin to those in the ground state, while asymmetrical results display different characteristics from the ground state. We also present the wormhole spacetime geometry to investigate the properties of this model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is a threat to public health. The P2 X 7purinergic receptor (P2X7R) is a modulator that responds to inflammation. Yet the role of P2X7R in the mediation of PM2.5-induced pulmonary cytotoxicity is rarely investigated. In this study, the expression of P2X7R and its effect on cell viability, oxidative damage, apoptosis, mitochondrial dysfunction and underlying mechanism following PM2.5 treatment in rat alveolar macrophages (NR8383) were analyzed. The outcome indicated that PM2.5 exposure significantly increased the expression of P2X7R, while P2X7R antagonist oATP markedly alleviate the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), Nitrite Oxidation (NO), mitochondrial membrane potential, apoptosis rate, and release of inflammatory cytokines. In contrast, P2X7 agonist BzATP showed opposite effect in PM2.5-treated NR8383 cells. Therefore, these results demonstrated that P2X7R participated in PM2.5-induced pulmonary toxicity, while the blockade of P2X7R is a promising therapeutic approach of treating PM2.5-induced lung diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hot‐core Heavy Reduction Rolling (HHR2) is a new technology that improves the core quality of blooms by using a heavy reduction roller at the solidification end. Dynamic recrystallization (DRX) is expected to optimize the microstructure in this process. But the difference of DRX characteristic between HHR2 and conventional hot rolling (CHR) is an unclear problem. Herein, the differences of DRX behavior between two rolling processes are studied. If two rolling processes are carried out under the same deformation temperature and strain rate, the work hardening in CHR samples is greater than that in HHR2. Moreover, DRX occurrence in HHR2 lags behind the CHR process due to lower growth rate of dislocation density achieved in HHR2. By using DRX models, the DRX area and DRX volume fractions in bloom are calculated. The great temperature gradient and low strain rate decrease the DRX critical strain in the HHR2 process. The DRX region is mainly around the core of the HHR2 bloom, where the DRX volume fraction achieves 41.8%. The maximum value of DRX volume fraction in CHR bloom only achieves 20.1% because the great strain rate and uniform temperature lead to a low level of deformation permeability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Municipal solid waste incineration fly ash was used to synthesize geopolymer foamed materials. • Municipal solid waste incineration fly ash addition improved the properties of foamed materials. • Stabilizing agent was needed to trap the foam and refine the cells in geopolymer foamed materials. • The high compressive strength of geopolymer foamed materials (4.3–11.9 MPa) was obtained. The existence of metallic aluminum in municipal solid waste incineration fly ash (MSWIFA) makes it challenging to recycle MSWIFA into cement materials because expansion occurs in the resultant matrices. Geopolymer-foamed materials (GFMs) are gaining attention in the field of porous materials due to their high-temperature stability, low thermal conductivity and low CO 2 emission. This work aimed to utilize MSWIFA as a foaming agent to synthesize GFMs. The physical properties, pore structure, compressive strength and thermal conductivity were analyzed to assess different GFMs which were synthesized with various MSWIFA and stabilizing agent dosages. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis were conducted to characterize the phase transformation of the GFMs. Results showed that when MSWIFA content was increased from 20 to 50%, the porosity of GFMs increased from 63.5 to 73.7%, and bulk density decreased from 890 to 690 kg/m3. The addition of stabilizing agent could trap the foam, refine the cell size, and homogenize the cell size range. With the stabilizing agent increase from 0 to 4%, the porosity increased from 69.9 to 76.8%, and the bulk density decreased from 800 to 620 kg/m3. The thermal conductivity decreased with increasing MSWIFA from 20 to 50%, and stabilizing agent dosage from 0 to 4%. Compared with the collected data from references, a higher compressive strength can be obtained at the same level of thermal conductivity for GFMs synthesized with MSWIFA as a foaming agent. Additionally, the foaming effect of MSWIFA results from the H 2 release. The addition of MSWIFA changed both the crystal phase and gel composition, whereas the stabilizing agent dosage had little impact on the phase composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cd248 has recently been associated with adipose tissue physiology, demonstrated by reduced weight gain in high fat diet-fed mice with genetic deletion of Cd248 relative to controls. Here we set out to determine the metabolic consequences of loss of Cd248. Strikingly, we find these to be sex specific; By subjecting Cd248-/- and Cd248+/+ mice to a high fat diet and indirect calorimetry study, we identified that only male Cd248-/- mice show reduced weight gain compared to littermate control wildtype mice. In addition, male (but not female) mice showed a lower respiratory exchange ratio on both chow and high fat diets, indicating a predisposition to metabolise lipid. Lipidomic studies on specific fat depots found reduced triglyceride and diglyceride deposition in male Cd248-/- mice, and this was supported by reduced expression of lipogenic and adipogenic genes. Finally, metabolomic analysis of isolated, differentiated preadipocytes found alterations in metabolic pathways associated with lipid deposition in cells isolated from male, but not female, Cd248-/- mice. Overall, our results highlight the importance of sex controls in animal studies and point to a role for Cd248 in sex- and depot-specific regulation of lipid metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of imaging technologies has been critical in deciphering biological phenomena, structures, and mechanisms across a wide range of spatial scales. The spatial resolution of traditional imaging modalities cannot meet the needs of high-precision research and diagnosis in biomedical fields. Plasmon resonance is the light–matter interaction that allows localizing far-field radiation in the near field with an intense electromagnetic field, enhancing the nanometric ablation, elastic/inelastic scattering of the adsorbate, and photoluminescence of the fluorophore nearby. Further, plasmon resonance scattering of nanoparticles can sensitively indicate the local environmental changes. This is accomplished by combining the spatially resolved capability with molecular spectrometry techniques such as Raman, infrared, fluorescence, etc., leading to a series of excellent imaging techniques to interrogate diverse biological processes from the tissue to subcellular level. In this tutorial review, we first provide the fundamental aspects of plasmonics. Then we give a systematic discussion of the working principle of these plasmon-based imaging techniques with an emphasis on the achievable spatial resolutions: surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (micrometre to nanometre), tip-enhanced ablation and ionization mass spectrometry (submicrometre), scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscopy (nanometre), tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (nanometre), tip-enhanced fluorescence spectroscopy (nanometre), and plasmon/molecular ruler microscopy (nanometre to angstrom). We also review the recent developments of the bioimaging applications of these techniques and expect that the plasmon-based techniques will not only pave a new way to decipher mysteries in life sciences but also hold great potential to be extended from fundamental research studies to real-life biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, geopolymer pastes with 60% metakaolin (MK) and 40% ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBFS) were synthesized. To determine the influence of the alkaline activator concentration, modulus, and the liquid/solid (L/S) ratio on setting time and compressive strength, the geopolymerization process and microstructures of MK/GGBFS-blended geopolymer pastes were analyzed using isothermal calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, mercury intrusion porosimetry, and scanning electron microscopy. Acid dissolution was employed to measure reaction extent. The results showed that the initial setting time of the geopolymer pastes was between 68 and 226 min, and the initial setting and final setting time was apart about by 10 min. For the same variable, the total heat released was positively correlated to the reaction extent. Available silicate content increased the reaction rate and intensity at the initial stage, whereas the OH− concentration controlled the reaction extent in the long term. A limited reaction extent existed in the geopolymeric reaction even if the system contained sufficient alkali content and medium. An increase in the L/S ratio increased the reaction extent. The highest reaction extent of 86.3% was found in the study. Additionally, increasing the L/S ratio reduced the compressive strength by increasing the porosity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a wideband cavity filter with a notched band. The wideband bandpass characteristics are obtained by a cylindrical cavity with two symmetrical conductive posts. The notch with the center frequency of 2 GHz is obtained by loading two symmetrical notched elements, and the notched elements consist of a stepped impedance structure. In addition, the two symmetrical notched elements are loaded at the bottom of the cavity, similar to the two symmetrical conductive posts. The proposed filter's notched frequency and notched bandwidth can be controlled. The cavity filter is designed, manufactured, and tested to be demonstrated in this paper. The whole bandwidth of the filter is from 1.7 to 2.7 GHz, and the notched band is over a frequency range from 1.9 to 2.1 GHz. The exhibited performance of the filter verifies the proposed concept. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calcium carbide residue (CCR) with high alkalinity favorably corresponds to the alkaline activator in the alkali-activated materials (AAMs) production. Its utilization could reduce the carbon footprint and facilitate cast-in-situ applications compared to traditional liquid alkaline activators. A high-volumed CCR from 10 % to 25 % as alkaline activators in an alkali activated-blast furnace slag system was investigated, in which sodium carbonate (Na 2 CO 3) and silica fume were used to improve the mechanical properties of CCR-activated blast furnace slag (CCR activated-BFS) pastes. Isothermal Calorimetry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), 29Si nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the reaction process, phase transformation, and gel structure. The results show that the highest compressive strength of CCR activated-BFS pastes was obtained when the CCR proportion was 20 %. Na 2 CO 3 addition significantly improved the compressive strength, especially at the CCR to Na 2 CO 3 mass ratio at 1:1.5. However, the compressive strength deterioration appeared at 28 d because of the gel structure decomposition in CCR activated-BFS pastes. The silica fume addition inhibited the structure decomposition, improved the connectivity of gel structure, favored the formation of gel, and thus suppressed the compressive strength deterioration. The study established a sustainable waste recycling from acetylene gas production by using CCR as feedstock to mitigate carbon emissions from AAMs production. • The calcium carbide residue (CCR) was used to prepare"one-part" geopolymer. • The gel decomposition caused the compressive strength to decrease of CCR activated blast furnace slag. • The addition of silica fume suppressed the compressive strength deterioration and inhibited the gel decomposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Macroalgae phycocolloid has great potency as biopolymer feedstock. • Dilute acid-assisted microbubbles-mediated ozonolysis (DAMMO) risen net galactose. • The optimum conditions for the DAMMO were at 80 °C with 0.15 M H 2 SO 4 for 75 min. • Mixed microbial culture exhibited a positive effect on L-lactic acid yield. • Fermented residues enhanced the growth and metabolism of lactic acid bacteria. Biobased L-lactic acid (L-LA) appeals to industries; however, existing technologies are plagued by limited productivity and high energy consumption. This study established an integrated process for producing macroalgae-based L-LA from Eucheuma denticulatum phycocolloid (EDP). Dilute acid-assisted microbubbles-mediated ozonolysis (DAMMO) was selected for the ozonolysis of EDP to optimize D-galactose recovery. Through single-factor optimization of DAMMO treatment, a maximum D-galactose recovery efficiency (59.10 %) was achieved using 0.15 M H 2 SO 4 at 80 °C for 75 min. Fermentation with 3 % (w/v) mixed microbial cells (Bacillus coagulans ATCC 7050 and Lactobacillus acidophilus -14) and fermented residues achieved a 97.67 % L-LA yield. Additionally, this culture approach was further evaluated in repeated-batch fermentation and showed an average L-LA yield of 93.30 %, providing a feasible concept for macroalgae-based L-LA production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Three novel tube-tube premixers were designed and their macromixing were simulated. • Micromixing efficiency in RPBs with tube-tube premixers were experimentally studied. • Coupling mechanism of tube-tube premixers and RPBs was revealed. • Micromixing times of RPBs with tube-tube premixers ranged from 2 to 10 ms. Rotating packed beds (RPBs), as the typical chemical intensification devices, have been widely applied in liquid-phase fast reactions and precipitation processes. In this study, three novel tube-tube premixers were designed, and three-dimensional CFD models of the flow and mixing processes for non-Newtonian fluids in tube-tube premixers were established. Meanwhile, the micromixing efficiency in RPBs with different tube-tube premixers was experimentally investigated. The results show that TG-2 premixer exhibits the best premixing performance. The segregation index decreases as the rotational speed or flow rate increases, indicating the increase in micromixing efficiency. With the increase of CMC mass fraction, the segregation index initially decreases and then increases. Moreover, the micromixing efficiency of TG-0-RPB is the highest in aqueous solution, the micromixing efficiency of TG-4-RPB is the highest in 0.2 wt.% CMC system, and the micromixing efficiency of TG-2-RPB is the highest when the CMC concentrations is equal to or greater than 0.4 wt.%. The micromixing times of non-Newtonian fluid in RPBs range from 2 to 10 ms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Layer-by-layer self-assembly of polyelectrolytes is one of the most promising methods for preparing nanofiltration membranes. Here poly (sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) (PSS) and poly (diallyldim-ethylammonium chloride) (PDADMAC) were chosen to prepare polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) membrane. The effects of background salt concentration, PSS concentration, background salt types, the number of layers and the outermost functional groups on the separation performance of the PEM were investigated systematically. Molecular dynamic simulation was employed to simulate the influence of background salt on the diffusion of PDADMAC. The simulation results agree well with the experimental results. The optimized (PSS/PDADMAC) 4.5 membrane with Na 2 SO 4 as background salt shows permeance of 15.9 LMH/bar, Na 2 SO 4 rejection of 98.2 %, and an excellent stability. Our study provides both theoretical and experimental supports for the preparation of PEM membranes using LBL method. [Display omitted] • Affecting factors were systematically investigated for polyelectrolyte membrane prepared by layer-by-layer self-assembly. • MD simulation results show that different ions influence the diffusion rate of polyelectrolyte. • The obtained membrane shows excellent separation performance for corresponding salts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) with tunable emission colors, especially white OLEDs, have rarely been observed with a single emitter in a single emissive layer. In this paper, we report a new compound featuring a D–A–D structure, 9,9′-(pyrimidine-2,5-diylbis(2,1-phenylene))bis(3,6-di-tert-butyl-9H-carbazole) (PDPC). A nondoped OLED using this compound as a single emitter exhibits unique voltage-dependent dual emission. The emission colors range from blue to orange–red with an increase in voltage, during which white electroluminescence with a Commission Internationale De L'Eclairage (CIE) coordinate of (0.35, 0.29) and a color render index (CRI) value of 93 was observed. A comparative study revealed that the dual emission simultaneously originates from the monomers and excimers of the emitter. This study provides insight into understanding the multimer-excited mechanism and developing novel color-tunable OLEDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigated the viscosity, squeeze-film damping, and a SiC-based capacitive micro-accelerometer in rarefied air. A specific expression for the effective viscosity coefficient of the air was derived, and when the air pressure drops from the standard atmospheric pressure, the viscosity of the air will decrease accordingly. Decreases in the air pressure and the viscosity of the air lead to the change in the squeeze-film air damping in the micro-accelerometer, and both the viscous damping force and the elastic damping force of the air film between the moving electrode plate and the fixed electrode plate will also decrease. The damping coefficient and relative damping ratio of the micro-accelerometer in rarefied air were calculated, which was also confirmed by simulations. The changes of the damping coefficient and the relative damping ratio of the system will directly affect the dynamic characteristics of the micro-accelerometer. When the air pressure in the working environment is below the standard atmospheric pressure, the micro-accelerometer will be in an underdamping state. With the decrease in the air pressure, the working bandwidth of the micro-accelerometer will decrease significantly, and the resonant phenomenon may appear. However, the decrease in the air pressure will not have a notable impact on the response time of the micro-accelerometer. Therefore, this work provides a theoretical basis for the study of the performance characteristics of a SiC-based capacitive accelerometer in rarefied air. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-temperature curing applied to varying stages of dissolution, polycondensation, and reorganization in geopolymerization would influence the reaction kinetics, microstructure, and mechanical properties of geopolymer. This work first investigated the influence and mechanism of the rest period before high-temperature curing on metakaolin-based geopolymers (MKGs) properties. MKGs cured with 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 20, and 40-hour rest periods before 60 °C curing were prepared, and those cured without high-temperature curing were the control group. The compressive strength of MKGs were measured characterizing the property macroscopically. X-ray diffraction (XRD), isothermal calorimetry, 29Si and 27Al nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), thermogravimetry-derivative thermogravimetry (TG-DTG), mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM-EDS) were used to characterize the microstructure of MKGs. A short rest period elevated the initial reaction rate but lowered the resulting reaction level, coarsened the average pore size, and increased the porosity, deteriorating the compressive strength MKGs. Prolonging rest period weakened the deterioration effect of the porosity structure of MKGs cured with a short rest period. Furthermore, prolonging the rest period elevated the reaction level and favored incorporating Al into N-A-S-H gel, modifying the gel structure and densifying the MKGs matrix. Compared with no high-temperature curing, although prolonging the rest period increased the porosity, the increase in reaction level dominated the improvement of mechanical properties of MKGs. The insights contribute to guiding the development of geopolymers from the theory to engineering applications. • The reaction kinetics and mechanism of MKGs under varying rest periods were analyzed. • A short rest period elevated the initial reaction rate but lowered the resulting reaction level. • Prolonging rest period favored incorporating Al into N-A-S-H gel and improved the compressive strength of MKGs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extracellular ATP is involved in disorders that cause inflammation of the airways and cough, thus limiting its release has therapeutic benefits. Standard luminescence-based ATP assays measure levels indirectly through enzyme degradation and do not provide a simultaneous readout for other nucleotide analogues. Conversely, mass spectrometry can provide direct ATP measurements, however, common RPLC and HILIC methods face issues because these molecules are unstable, metal-sensitive analytes which are often poorly retained. These difficulties have traditionally been overcome using passivation or ion-pairing chromatography, but these approaches can be problematic for LC systems. As a result, more effective analytical methods are needed. Here, we introduce a new application that uses microfluidic chip-based capillary zone electrophoresis-mass spectrometry (μCZE-MS) to measure ATP and its analogues simultaneously in biofluids. The commercially available ZipChip Interface and a High-Resolution Bare-glass microchip (ZipChip, HRB, 908 Devices Inc.) coupled to a Thermo Scientific Tribrid Orbitrap, were successfully used to separate and detect various nucleotide standards, as well as ATP, ADP, AMP, and adenosine in plasma and BALF obtained from naïve Brown Norway rats. The findings demonstrate that this approach can rapidly and directly detect ATP and its related nucleotide analogues, while also highlighting the need to preserve these molecules in biofluids with chelators like EDTA. In addition, we demonstrate that this μCZE-MS method is also suitable for detecting a variety of metabolites, revealing additional potential future applications. This innovative μCZE-MS approach provides a robust new tool to directly measure ATP and other nucleotide analogues in biofluids. This can enable the study of eATP in human disease and potentially contribute to the creation of ATP-targeting therapies for airway illnesses. [Display omitted] • This μCZE-MS method allows the simultaneous measurement of ATP and similar nucleotide analogues. • Biofluid collection with EDTA stabilizes fragile metabolites, such as ATP. • Processed standards libraries reveal additional potential metabolite applications. • The 6-min run time allows rapid analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adopting the Critical Discourse Analysis perspective, this study investigates the ideology reflected by the anti-Islam and anti-Muslim discourse in China, the power dynamics revealed by such discourse and how social media discourse differs from and utilises the government discourse. Four ways to disguise the anti-Muslims, anti-Islam prejudice are investigated: appealing to patriotism to demand cultural assimilation; claiming to defend secularism; framing Islam as incompatible with mainstream culture; appealing to consumer rights to reject halal food. Non-Muslims and assimilated Muslims (especially the elites) are found to have the prerogative to dictate who belong to the ingroup, what dietary restrictions are legitimate and whom to blame when undesirable situations arise, while Muslim non-elites are at the receiving end of such dictates. This study also argues that social media discourse expresses antagonism of higher intensity than the government discourse does, and may misappropriate the official narratives to express the interlocutor's hatred towards Muslims. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This observation aimed to investigate the effect of colorectal neoplasia differentially expressed (CRNDE) targeted miR-212-5p on cognitive impairment induced by isoflurane (ISO) anesthesia in rats. Methods: The cognitive function of rats was measured by Morris water maze test. QRT-PCR detection of CRNDE and miR-212-5p expression levels in rats in each group. Double luciferase was used to verify the targeting relationship between miR-212-5p and CRNDE, and commercial kits were used to detect the level of inflammatory cytokines in hippocampus. Results: The concentration of CRNDE was enhanced in rats treated by ISO anesthetic. The neurological severity score was elevated, the escape latency of rats was prolonged, the stay time in the quadrant of the platform, and the number of times crossing the platform decreased in the ISO group. The above indexes of rats in ISO + si-CRNDE were improved. MiR-212-5p is a mediator in the management of CRNDE on cognition and inflammation. Conclusion: CRNDE led to the deterioration of impairment on cognition induced by ISO through suppressing miR-212-5p expression and promoting neuroinflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problem of disseminating continuous data flow from a given source node to all other network nodes is known as the dynamic broadcast problem, which is also a fundamental problem in multi-hop wireless networks (e.g., wireless ad hoc and sensor networks). Due to link unreliability and node mobility, the topology of a network typically changes with time. Little work has been conducted to address the dynamic broadcast problem in time-varying wireless multi-hop networks, especially under the popular Signal-to-Interference-plus-Noise-Ratio (SINR) interference model. In this paper, we study the dynamic broadcast problem in SINR-based time-varying directed acyclic multi-hop wireless networks formed by point-to-point wireless links. We consider the SINR-based link transmission rate model involved in the slot-based link scheduling. We first prove a tight upper bound for the broadcast capacity of the multi-hop wireless networks under study. We then propose an online max-weight Throughput-Optimal Dynamic Broadcast algorithm (TODB) which performs link weight allocation, link scheduling, and data forwarding for each time slot according to the current network connectivity and data reception rates of nodes. We derive the throughput-optimality of the TODB algorithm by proving that the broadcast throughput of TODB can achieve the aforementioned upper bound of the broadcast capacity. We evaluate the performance of TODB in terms of throughput and latency via simulations and the results validate its effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper develops a 'light' total productive maintenance (TPM) model suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). By design, the system is rudimentary, using a relatively small sum of capital investment and resources. The model recommends TPM implementation in three stages, namely plan, improve and sustain. Design/methodology/approach: Literature review provides the inputs to the model development. Action research is used to demonstrate and verify the effectiveness and practicability of the framework, in a SME manufacturing hydraulic parts in China. Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and awareness of employees were studied before and after the implementation. Findings: The case study shows a significantly improved production efficiency of equipment. The framework structuralizes TPM deployment and binding different levels of organization into the program, from planning, implementation to sustaining the practices. To break the barrier of shop floor resistance, leader must drive many activities unassisted, it therefore necessitates an open endorsement of authority by the steering committee composed of top management. Prudent pilot run of TPM helped to accelerate the implementation at critical equipment, in addition to cultivating experience and hence confidence among staff. Research limitations/implications: This study provides a pragmatic reference to other researches and practitioners to promote a light TPM model in SMEs, without losing the essences of TPM. Being an action research with the case study in a specific manufacturing industry, the resultant evidence therefore is anecdotal. Originality/value: The model adopts a phased method to implement TPM, without aggravating the financial and human resource burden of the enterprise. It promotes the cultivation of employees' TPM awareness and active involvement, which can lay a solid foundation for the wide implementation of TPM in SMEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the geopolymerization process was simulated by molecular dynamics based on the NaOH-activated metakaolin system. The structural changes and reaction kinetics during geopolymerization were systematically studied. The results show that the layered structure of MK was gradually destroyed, and the SiO 4 and AlO 4 monomers were formed. These monomers then reacted with each other to form the network-structured geopolymer. The Alumunum was dissolved prior to silicon and preferentially participated in geopolymerization reaction. The Al3+ acted as a charge-balanced ion to attract the surrounding oxygen linked to Si, making the O-Si-O bond smaller. This study provides a theoretical basis for understanding the reaction kinetics and mechanism of geopolymerization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Impact of components on fluorescence properties of biomass CDs is firstly revealed. • The hydrothermal decomposition behavior strongly influences the structure of CDs. • The preservation of macromolecular structure contributes to the high quantum yield. • The SPI-CDs with high quantum yield exhibit the lowest ion detection limit. The complexity of biomass components leads to significant variations in the performance of biomass-based carbon dots (CDs). To shed light on this matter, this study presents a comparative analysis of the fluorescence properties of CDs using pure cellulose, lignin, and protein as models. Three CDs showed different fluorescent properties, resulting from the structure difference and carbonization behavior in the hydrothermal. The relatively gentle thermal degradation of proteins allows the macromolecular structure of amino acids to be preserved. This preservation results in a more regular lattice structure, a larger sp2 domain size, and N-doping, which contribute to the highest quantum yield (QY) of 8.7% of the CDs. In contrast, cellulose undergoes more severe thermal degradation with large amounts of small molecules generated, resulting in the CDs with fewer surface defects, more irregular lattice structures, and lower QY. These results provide a guideline for the design of carbon dots from different biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • s-NIPS as an alternative route for improved FO performance. • DMSO-based membranes deliver optimal water permeation performance. • PDA/GO-Fe3+-TA interlayer enhances the salt rejection performance of the membranes. • The TFN membrane exhibits a high water flux of 35.8 L m−2h−1 and a low reverse salt flux of 5.84 g m−2h−1. Cellulose triacetate (CTA) is commonly used as the material for forward osmosis (FO) membranes due to its good chlorine resistance, fouling resistance and wide availability. In this work, the implications of various solvents on the appearance and desalination capacity of CTA FO membranes were systematically investigated. CTA membranes with large pore size and high porosity were constructed by using spray-modified non-solvent induced phase separation (s-NIPS). The water flux of CTA membranes fabricated by s-NIPS using DMSO as the solvent was up to 34.4 L m−2h−1, which was 5.6 times higher than HTI commercial membranes, and the reverse salt flux was only 10.9 g m−2h−1. A poly-dopamine (PDA) /graphene oxide (GO) -Fe3+-tannic acid (TA) interlayer was introduced to adjust the cross-linking degree of the polyamide (PA). And thin-film nanocomposite (TFN) membranes (PA-PDA/GO-Fe3+-TA-CTA) were fabricated successfully. The water flux was 35.8 L m−2h−1 and the reverse salt flux decreased to 5.84 g m−2h−1. These experimental results propose an emerging approach to design and develop high performance FO membranes in a rational way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a new scheme to reconstruct the baryon acoustic oscillations (BAO) signal, which contains key cosmological information, based on deep convolutional neural networks (CNN). Trained with almost no fine tuning, the network can recover large-scale modes accurately in the test set: the correlation coefficient between the true and reconstructed initial conditions reaches |$90{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$| at |$k\le 0.2 \, h\mathrm{Mpc}^{-1}$|⁠ , which can lead to significant improvements of the BAO signal-to-noise ratio down to |$k\simeq 0.4\, h\mathrm{Mpc}^{-1}$|⁠. Since this new scheme is based on the configuration-space density field in sub-boxes, it is local and less affected by survey boundaries than the standard reconstruction method, as our tests confirm. We find that the network trained in one cosmology is able to reconstruct BAO peaks in the others, i.e. recovering information lost to non-linearity independent of cosmology. The accuracy of recovered BAO peak positions is far less than that caused by the difference in the cosmology models for training and testing, suggesting that different models can be distinguished efficiently in our scheme. It is very promising that our scheme provides a different new way to extract the cosmological information from the ongoing and future large galaxy surveys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A DNA (DeoxyriboNucleic Acid) algorithm is proposed to solve the job shop scheduling problem. An encoding scheme for the problem is developed and DNA computing operations are proposed for the algorithm. After an initial solution is constructed, all possible solutions are generated. DNA computing operations are then used to find an optimal schedule. The DNA algorithm is proved to have an O(n2) complexity and the length of the final strand of the optimal schedule is within appropriate range. Experiment with 58 benchmark instances show that the proposed DNA algorithm outperforms other comparative heuristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research was designed to investigate if antioxidant sulforaphane (SFN) alleviates methamphetamine (METH)-induced neurotoxicity by activation of the Nrf2-mediated pathway. Oxidative damage, apoptosis and mitochondrial membrane potential were evaluated in PC12 cells or the prefrontal cortex of SD rats post METH treatment with/without SFN. In addition, knockdown of Nrf2 expression in PC12 cells was used to further study the underlying mechanism. The results showed that METH exposure induced increased oxidative damage and apoptosis accompanied by decreased expressions of Nrf2, HO-1 and GCS in PC12 cells and the prefrontal cortex of SD rats. Meanwhile SFN effectively prevented METH-induced cell oxidative damage, apoptosis and mitochondrial membrane potential; however, the knockdown of Nrf2 expression partly reversed the protective effect of SFN in reducing METH-induced oxidative damage and apoptosis in PC12 cells. These results indicate that SFN might be a promising functional food-derived compound for preventing METH-induced neurotoxicity via the Nrf2-mediated pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid development of human society and the surge of engineering construction, the disturbance of the geological environment has grown substantial. The influence of extreme climatic factors and the frequency of geological disasters have increased. Landslide is an important geological disaster. The foundational research in geological disaster detection or monitoring involves studying the physical phenomena associated with the occurrence of landslides, analyzing their signal characteristics, and indirectly determining their development and changes. This scientific area is worthy of in-depth exploration. However, research on the key design and specific implementation of electromagnetic instruments tailored for landslide detection remains lacking. This study is based on the interdisciplinary theoretical system of electronic circuits, embedded computer science, digital signal processing technology, geophysics, and engineering geology. It independently develops a functional prototype of an electromagnetic detector for landslide detection. This design combines the current level of development of electronic disciplines and applies the embedded multicore Da Vinci industrial-grade computer system in the field of earth detection instruments. This study then designs and implements a landslide detection system with independent intellectual property rights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: NASH is one of the fastest growing liver diseases that leads to severe steatosis, inflammation and ultimately liver injury. However, the pathophysiological mechanisms of NASH remain unclear and pharmacological treatment against the disease is unavailable currently. Ferroptosis is a non‐apoptotic form of cell death induced by iron‐dependent lipid peroxidation. Since NASH progression is accompanied by massive lipid accumulation, which generates lipotoxic species, we investigated the role of ferroptosis in NASH progression. Method: Mice were fed on MCD‐diet to mimic NASH progression and gene expression in liver was analysed by RNA‐seq. The occurrence of hepatic ferroptosis was measured by lipid ROS level, electron microscopy and in vivo PI staining. The beneficial effects of ferroptosis inhibitors on NASH was evaluated by liver pathology analysis. The mechanism of lipid ROS induced lipid droplets accumulation was investigated by in vitro cell culture. Results: RNA‐seq analysis suggested that elevated arachidonic acid metabolism promotes ferroptosis in MCD‐diet fed mouse livers, which was further demonstrated by lipid ROS accumulation, morphological change of mitochondria and increased cell death. Iron accumulation was detected in the liver and the serum of MCD‐fed mice. Scavenging of ferroptosis‐linked lipid peroxides reduced lipid accumulation both in vivo and in vitro. Importantly, ferroptosis inhibitors alleviated MCD‐diet induced inflammation, fibrogenesis and liver injury. Finally, lipid ROS promotes liver steatosis by boosting lipid droplets formation. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate an important role of ferroptosis in the progression of MCD‐diet induced NASH and suggest that ferroptosis may serve as a therapeutic target for NASH treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isolation by spatial distance (IBD), environment (IBE), and historical climatic instability (IBI) are three common processes assessed in phylogeographic and/or landscape genetic studies. However, the relative contributions of these three processes with respect to spatial genetic patterns have seldom been compared. Moreover, whether the relative contribution differs in different regions or when assessed using different genetic markers has rarely been reported. Lindera obtusiloba has been found to have two sister genetic clades of chloroplast (cpDNA) and nuclear microsatellite (nSSR), both of which show discontinuous distribution in northern and southern East Asia. In this study, we used the Mantel test and multiple matrix regression with randomization (MMRR) to determine the relative contributions of IBD, IBE, and IBI with respect to L. obtusiloba populations. Independent Mantel tests and MMRR calculations were conducted for two genetic data sets (cpDNA and nSSR) and for different regions (the overall species range, and northern and southern subregions of the range). We found a significant IBI pattern in nSSR divergence for all assessed regions, whereas no clear IBI pattern was detected with respect to cpDNA. In contrast, significant (or marginal) divergent IBD patterns were detected for cpDNA in all regions, whereas although a significant IBE was apparent with respect to the overall range, the effect was not detected in the two subregions. The differences identified in nSSR and cpDNA population divergence may be related to differences in the heredity and ploidy of the markers. Compared with the southern region, the northern region showed less significant correlation patterns, which may be related to the shorter population history and restricted population range. The findings of this study serve to illustrate that comparing between markers or regions can contribute to gaining a better understanding the population histories of different genomes or within different regions of a species' range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isolation by spatial distance (IBD), environment (IBE), and historical climatic instability (IBI) are three common processes assessed in phylogeographic and/or landscape genetic studies. However, the relative contributions of these three processes with respect to spatial genetic patterns have seldom been compared. Moreover, whether the relative contribution differs in different regions or when assessed using different genetic markers has rarely been reported. Lindera obtusiloba has been found to have two sister genetic clades of chloroplast (cpDNA) and nuclear microsatellite (nSSR), both of which show discontinuous distribution in northern and southern East Asia. In this study, we used the Mantel test and multiple matrix regression with randomization (MMRR) to determine the relative contributions of IBD, IBE, and IBI with respect to L. obtusiloba populations. Independent Mantel tests and MMRR calculations were conducted for two genetic data sets (cpDNA and nSSR) and for different regions (the overall species range, and northern and southern subregions of the range). We found a significant IBI pattern in nSSR divergence for all assessed regions, whereas no clear IBI pattern was detected with respect to cpDNA. In contrast, significant (or marginal) divergent IBD patterns were detected for cpDNA in all regions, whereas although a significant IBE was apparent with respect to the overall range, the effect was not detected in the two subregions. The differences identified in nSSR and cpDNA population divergence may be related to differences in the heredity and ploidy of the markers. Compared with the southern region, the northern region showed less significant correlation patterns, which may be related to the shorter population history and restricted population range. The findings of this study serve to illustrate that comparing between markers or regions can contribute to gaining a better understanding the population histories of different genomes or within different regions of a species' range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increased prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which develops from hepatic steatosis, represents a public health challenge. Catalpol, a natural component extracted from the roots of Radix Rehmanniae, has several pharmacological activities. The present study is aimed at examining whether catalpol prevents hepatic steatosis in cell and animal experiments and elucidating the possible mechanisms. HepG2 cells were treated with 300 μM palmitate (PA) and/or catalpol for 24 h in vitro, and male C57BL/6J mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) were administered catalpol for 18 weeks in vivo. The results revealed that catalpol significantly decreased lipid accumulation in PA-treated HepG2 cells. Moreover, catalpol drastically reduced body weight and lipid accumulation in the liver, whereas it ameliorated hepatocyte steatosis in HFD-fed mice. Notably, catalpol remarkably promoted the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase. Subsequently, catalpol repressed the expressions of lipogenesis-associated genes such as sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c and fatty acid synthase but promoted the expressions of genes associated with fatty acid β-oxidation such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α together with its target genes carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 and acyl-CoA oxidase 1 (ACOX1). However, the preincubation of the HepG2 cells with compound C (10 μM), an AMPK inhibitor, prevented catalpol-mediated beneficial effects. These findings suggest that catalpol ameliorates hepatic steatosis by suppressing lipogenesis and enhancing fatty acid β-oxidation in an AMPK-dependent manner. Therefore, catalpol has potential as a novel agent in the treatment of NAFLD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adiponectin has been implicated to play a role in the pathophysiology of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Many studies have assessed serum adiponectin concentrations in COPD patients. However, results from different reports were not consistent. To assess the association of serum adiponectin concentrations and COPD, a meta-analysis was performed. Methods: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library were searched for eligible studies. Data were extracted, and then standard mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Results: Thirteen studies involving a total of 1131 cases and 689 controls were included in this meta-analysis. Combined data indicated that the serum adiponectin levels were higher in COPD patients than those in controls (SMD: 1.09, 95% CI [0.73-1.45], P < 0.001). In the subgroup analyses by disease period, there were similar results in stable COPD patients (SMD: 0.77, 95% CI [0.47-1.07], p <0.001; I² = 83.9%, P < 0.001), AECOPD patients (SMD: 2.51,95% CI [0.71-4.30], P = 0.006; I2 = 95.2%, P < 0.001) and mixed COPD patients (SMD: 1.21,95% CI [0.67-1.75], P < 0.001). Furthermore, the serum adiponectin levels were higher in AECOPD patients than those in stable COPD patients (SMD: 1.06, 95% CI [0.13-1.99], P = 0.026). Conclusions: This meta-analysis indicates that patients with COPD have higher serum adiponectin concentration than healthy controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fuel economy of hybrid electric vehicles is very closely associated with the energy management strategy (EMS). In this paper, a practicality-oriented adaptive EMS for a parallel hybrid electric bus is presented, which combines the adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) and equivalent consumption minimization strategy (ECMS). Considering the regular and fixed route of the city bus, the optimal control trajectories can be attained by the dynamic programming in advance. Using the rolling optimization method, a group of optimal equivalent factors is extracted from aforementioned control trajectories and used as the training samples. Then, a trained ANFIS model that produces the optimal equivalent factor online is constructed, showcasing striking superiority in self-learning and inference. By applying the derived equivalent factor in the framework of the ECMS, an adaptive energy management controller is available to achieve desirable power distribution online. Finally, the simulation and hardware in the loop (HIL) tests are used to validate the effectiveness and feasibility of the controller. The results demonstrate that, compared with other strategies, the fuel economy with the proposed strategy can be effectively improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies the molecular dissolution processes in lipid bilayers using molecular dynamics simulations. Calculation of various partition properties; Molar excess enthalpy and entropy; Molar free energy change for cavity creation; Position dependence of solute partition coefficients.

Presents the dynamic free-volume theory for molecular diffusion in fluids and interphases. Influence of solvent relaxation and solute kinetic rates on solute diffusion; Dependence of diffusion coefficient on the kinetic velocity of solute; Comparison with the Enskog kinetic theory.

One of modern biology’s great surprises is that the human genome encodes only ~20,000 protein-coding genes, which represents less than 2% of the total genome sequence, and the majority of them are transcribed into non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). Increasing evidence has shown that ncRNAs, including miRNAs, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), play important roles in regulating a wide range of biological processes of the human brain. They not only regulate the pathogenesis of brain tumors, but also the development of neuropsychiatric diseases. This review provides an integrated overview of the roles of ncRNAs in normal human brain function, brain tumor development, and neuropsychiatric disease. We discussed the functions and molecular mechanisms of miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs in normal brain function and glioma, respectively, including those in exosome vesicles that can act as a molecular information carrier. We also discussed the regulatory roles of ncRNAs in the development of neuropsychiatric diseases. Lastly, we summarized the currently available platforms and tools that can be used for ncRNA identification and functional exploration in human diseases. This study will provide comprehensive insights for the roles of ncRNAs in human brain function and disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This study conducted a 42-day feeding trial and a subsequent 14-day challenge test to Vibrio parahaemolyticus to determine the effects of Clostridium butyricum CBG01 on the growth, immune responses, intestinal histology and disease resistance of Litopenaeus vannamei (initial weight 1.60 ± 0.02 g). Shrimp were fed with seven experimental diets containing different doses of C. butyricum with 0, 1 × 107, 1 × 108, 1 × 109, 1 × 1010, 1 × 1011 and 1 × 1012 cfu/kg (the control, LA, LB, LC, LD, LE and LF, respectively). The result indicated that specific growth rate and weight gain of shrimp in LE and LF group were significantly improved while feed conversion ratio for all treatments were significantly reduced as compared to the control (P <.05). The intestinal villus height of shrimp in all treatments was significantly higher than the control (P <.05), and the intestinal wall thickness in treatments except LE were higher than the control (P <.05). The activities of alkaline phosphatase (AKP), acid phosphatase (ACP), lysozyme (LZM) and total nitric oxide synthase (TNOS) in the serum of shrimp for LE and LF group were all significantly enhanced (P <.05). However, no significant difference in the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was found among the control, LA, LB, LC, LD and LF. The respiratory burst activity of hemolymph for the shrimp in LB, LC, LE and LF significantly higher than the control (P <.05). The expression level of Toll, Imd and Relish gene in lymphoid organ of shrimp in LC, LD, LE and LF were higher significantly those in the control (P <.05). After injection of inactivated V. parahaemolyticus , Relish gene expression level in LE and LF was significantly up-regulated at 1 and 2 h (P <.05). In the challenge test to V. parahaemolyticus , the cumulative mortality of shrimp in LD, LE and LF were significantly lower than the control (P <.05). These results suggested that 1011 and 1012 cfu/kg C. butyricum supplemented into feed could significantly improve the growth performance, immunity capacity and resistance against V. parahaemolyticus of L. vannamei , also have a positive effect on the intestinal morphological structure. Highlights • Suitable adding dose of C. butyricum in feed improved the specific growth rate and reduced the feed conversion ratio significantly. • Enhancement in the serum and hemolymph immunity of L. vanamei by probiotic C. butyricum was dose dependent. • Dietary C. butyricum at dose of 109 -1012 cfu/kg increased the expression level of Toll, Imd and Relish genes in the lymphoid organ of L. vannamei. • Dietary supplemented C. butyricum significantly improved the resistance against Vibrio parahaemolyticus of L. vannamei. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Hydrogen bonds (HBs) in amorphous solid dispersions may influence physical stability through effects on both drug miscibility and mobility. Amorphous solid dispersions containing the HB-donor ibuprofen (IBP) alone or with one of four model polymers (poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) [PVP], poly(vinyl pyrrolidone/vinyl acetate) [PVP/VA], poly(vinyl acetate) [PVA], or polystyrene [PST]) were monitored by molecular dynamics simulation. HB distributions and contributions of electrostatic, van der Waals, and internal interactions to miscibility and mobility were analyzed versus drug concentration. The probability of IBP-IBP HBs decreases markedly (0.6→0.0) with dilution (100→10% drug) in PVP due to IBP-PVP HBs while dilution in the nonpolar PST has a more modest effect on IBP-IBP HB probability (0.6→0.3). Concentration-dependent Flory-Huggins interaction parameters (χ) were determined to assess drug-polymer miscibility. χ IBP-PVP values were −0.9 to −1.8 with a plateau near 50% w/w PVP, whereas χ IBP-PST fluctuated near zero (−0.1 to 0.3), suggesting that IBP is more soluble in PVP than in PST. χ IBP-polymer values in polymers varying in pyrrolidone/acetate composition were in the order PVP (most favorable) > PVP/VA > PVA (least favorable). Decreased local mobility of IBP measured by the atomic fluctuation correlates with more IBP-PVP HBs with increasing PVP content. The opposite trend in IBP-PST may arise from IBP-IBP HB disruption on dilution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Japanese whiting (Sillago japonica) is a commercially important demersal fish distributed along the coasts of East Asia and becomes recently an aquaculture species. Despite its commercial importance, the levels and patterns of population genetic variation remain poorly understood. In this study, 346 specimens were collected from 14 localities along the coastal waters of China, Korea and Japan and their genetic variation was analyzed with mtDNA control region (D-loop) sequences. A total of 131 polymorphic sites were detected which determined 294 haplotypes. A pattern with high levels of haplotype diversity (h = 0.999 ± 0.001) and nucleotide diversity (л = 0.030 ± 0.015) was detected in the examined range. Analyses of analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) and Fst showed that no significant genetic differentiation existed among China, Korea and Japan populations, excepting for the populations between Ise Bay (IBP) sample and the other ones. Minimum spanning tree (MST), neutrality tests, mismatch distribution and Bayesian skyline analyses indicated that the species along coastline of China, Korea and Japan have experienced population expansions originated in its most recent history at about 106-423 kya during the late Pleistocene glaciations and deglaciations periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Large amounts of data are generally produced from mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) experiments in obtaining the molecular and spatial information of biological samples. Traditionally, MS images are constructed using manually selected ions, and it is very challenging to comprehensively analyze MSI results due to their large data sizes and highly complex data structures. To overcome these barriers, it is obligatory to develop advanced data analysis approaches to handle the increasingly large MSI data. In the current study, we focused on the method development of using Multivariate Curve Resolution (MCR) and Machine Learning (ML) approaches. We aimed to effectively extract the essential information present in the large and complex MSI data and enhance the metabolomic data analysis of biological tissues. Multivariate Curve Resolution-Alternating Least Squares (MCR-ALS) algorithm was used to obtain major patterns of spatial distribution and grouped metabolites with the same spatial distribution patterns. In addition, both supervised and unsupervised ML methods were established to analyze the MSI data. In the supervised ML approach, Random Forest method was selected, and the model was trained using the selected datasets based on the distribution pattern obtained from MCR-ALS analyses. In the unsupervised ML approach, both DBSCAN (Density-based Spatial Clustering of Applications with Noise) and CLARA (Clustering Large Applications) were applied to cluster the MSI datasets. It is worth noting that similar patterns of spatial distribution were discovered through MSI data analysis using MCR-ALS, supervised ML, and unsupervised ML. Our protocols of data analysis can be applied to process the data acquired using many other types of MSI techniques, and to extract the overall features present in MSI results that are intractable using traditional data analysis approaches. Graphical abstract Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the effects of miR-210 on cardiac stem cells (CSCs) against hypoxia-induced injury.Methods: CSCs were isolated from rat ventricular wall and cultured until passage 4. After exposure to hypoxia for 6 h, the expression of miR-210 was determined. Thereafter, transfection of miR-210 mimic and inhibitor was carried out. 1 week later, in vitro experiments were performed to measure the expression of caspase-8-associated protein 2 (Casp8ap2), Caspase 8, protein tyrosine phosphatase, non-receptor type 2 (PTPN2) and CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4), as well as migration and apoptosis of CSCs under hypoxic condition.Results: Hypoxia induced a significant up-regulation of miR-210 expression in CSCs. Notably, the expression of Casp8ap2, Caspase8, PTPN2 was dramatically inhibited by overexpression of miR-210 in CSCsmiR-210 Group (P < .05), but no changes in CXCR4 (P > .05), compared with the control. Additionally, a decreased apoptosis of CSCs was detected in CSCsmiR-210 Group (26.22 ± 1.15%, P < .001), compared with Control Group (34.97 ± 0.63%). Moreover, the migration of CSCs was significantly promoted in CSCsmiR-210 Group (45.73 ± 2.4, P < .001), compared with Control Group (19.6 ± 1.11). Meanwhile, down-regulation of miR-210 reversed these results (P < .05).Conclusions: miR-210 was a hypoxia responsive element in CSCs, and its up-regulation inhibited apoptosis of CSCs and promoted their migration under hypoxic condition, through regulating its target genes Casp8ap2/Caspase 8 and PTPN2, which may provide a new strategy for cell therapy of ischemic heart disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the energy flow and trophic structure of different polyculture ecosystems of the swimming crab Portunus trituberculatus using an Ecopath with Ecosim (EwE) model. Specifically, we aimed to characterize the trophic structure and biomass interactions, in parallel to assessing the energy utilization efficiency, of different ecosystems. Four treatments were designed, including the monoculture of P. trituberculatus (P), bi-species polyculture of P. trituberculatus with white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei (PL), tri-species polyculture of P. trituberculatus with L. vannamei and short-necked clam Ruditapes philippinarum (PLR), and qua-species polyculture of P. trituberculatus with L. vannamei , R. philippinarum, and Gracilaria lichenoides (PLRG). Fourteen, 16, 17, and 18 functional groups were incorporated into models of the P, PL, PLR, and PLRG ecosystems, respectively. Macrozooplankton, macrobenthos, and Aloidis laevis consistently shared high keystoneness in all ecosystems, generating both bottom-up and top-down effects in all four ecosystems. Most of the total system throughput (TST) of the four ecosystems was distributed in trophic level I and II. The main energy flows were associated with benthic bacteria, bacterioplankton, L. vannamei , and P. trituberculatus in the PL, PLR, and PLRG ecosystems. The PLRG ecosystem has higher redundancy and overhead values than the other three ecosystems, indicating a stronger ability of resisting external perturbations. Overall, the PLRG ecosystem expressed the highest energy utilization efficiency, highest energy exports, and strongest ability of ecosystem stability among the four ecosystems, representing a sustainable P. trituberculatus polyculture pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a multitask convolutional neural network (CNN) for general no-reference image quality assessment (NR-IQA). We decompose the task of rating image quality into two subtasks, namely distortion identification and distortion-level estimation, and then combine the results of the two subtasks to obtain a final image quality score. Unlike conventional multitask convolutional networks, wherein only the early layers are shared and the subsequent layers are different for each subtask, our model shares almost all the layers by integrating a dictionary into the CNN. Moreover, it is trained in an end-to-end manner, and all the parameters, including the weights of the convolutional layers and the codewords of the dictionary, are simultaneously learned from the loss function. We test our method on widely used image quality databases and show that its performance is comparable with those of state-of-the-art general-purpose NR-IQA algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]