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The preparation of TC4/7075 composites for ultra-thin flyer plates is a significant challenge in the field of explosive welding. A weldability window for multi-layer metal explosive welding and a configuration for ultra-thin flyer plate explosive welding were established in this study. TC4/7075 composite materials were successfully prepared with a flyer plate thickness of only 0.3 mm. An analysis was conducted on the material bonding ability, element diffusion, crystal evolution, and microscopic morphology during the explosive welding process of TC4/7075, utilizing the weldability window, molecular dynamics algorithm, and electron backscattered diffraction testing. The results show that various dislocations are present at the interface, predominantly 1/6 ⟨112⟩ dislocations. Element diffusion primarily occurs during the unloading stage at high temperature and zero external pressure; the interface has the best bonding ability when titanium exhibits FCC lattice structure. The prepared composite material demonstrates high intra-grain and grain boundary stresses; the rolling texture is observed on the aluminum side while an equiaxed twin structure forms on the titanium side due to interactions between stacking faults, Stair-rod dislocations, and Hirth immovable dislocations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: The systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) is a novel immune inflammatory marker which has been proven to have excellent predictive value for many diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive value of SII at different time points after admission for functional outcome at discharge in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Methods: The clinical data of patients with ICH who were treated at a medical center for neurological diseases in China between October 2012 and April 2022 were analyzed in this retrospective study. The SII was calculated based on neutrophil×platelet/lymphocyte counts and collected within the first 14 days after admission to analyze the dynamic changes. Adverse outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 4-6 at discharge. The correlation between the SII and the outcome was assessed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. The ability of SII to predict outcome was evaluated by the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC). Results: A total of 1,569 patients with ICH were included, of whom 790 had adverse outcome (50.35%). The Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that SII at any time point within 14 days after admission was significantly associated with adverse outcome. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, the SII within 7 days after admission was found to be an independent predictor of adverse functional outcome in ICH patients at discharge. The ROC curve demonstrated that compared to other time points, the SII on day 2 after admission exhibited stronger predictive power for the functional outcome of patients with ICH at discharge (AUC:0.733, 95%CI = 0.679-0.787) (sensitivity 47.09%, specificity 87.02%) (OR 1.074, 95%CI = 1.033-1.126, p = 0.001). Conclusion: SII within 7 days after admission, especially on day 2, is independently associated with adverse functional outcome in ICH patients at discharge. This association could be utilized in clinical practice and warrants further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of the problem of the "fundamental differences" between Chinese and Western philosophy, it is essential to investigate the basic system on which the entirety of Western philosophy operates and the unique way it has developed within this system, so that concrete observation can help deepen understanding. The observation involves the issues of what metaphysics is; "transcendence"; the fourfold distinction in the history of Western metaphysics; Christianity as Platonism; and the "Onto-Theo-Logik" mechanism in metaphysics. In a general sense, there can be no metaphysics where there is no division or opposition between the supersensuous and the sensory worlds. Where the "Onto-Theo-Logik" mechanism of Western metaphysics fails to work or has no chance of working, the field is one in which Chinese philosophy should make active moves and undertake development. The divisions arising from this context essentially mark the fundamental difference between Chinese and Western philosophy. When it comes down to it, it is these differences that determine the differences in the nature, structure, and direction of Chinese and Western philosophy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glucosinolates (GSLs) and their hydrolytic products contribute to the quality traits of rapeseed flowering stalk tissues, such as taste, flavor and anticarcinogenic properties (Glucoraphanin). However, little is known about the genetic mechanisms of GSL accumulation in rapeseed flowering stalks. In this study, the variation and genetic architecture of GSL metabolites in flowering stalk tissues were investigated for the first time among a panel of 107 accessions. All GSL compounds exhibited continuous and wide variations in the present population. Progoitrin, glucobrassicanapin and gluconapin were the most abundant GSL compounds. Five quantitative trait loci (QTL) significantly associated with three GSL compounds were identified by genome-wide association study. GRA_C04 was under selected during modern breeding, in which the ratio of lower GSL haplotype (HAP2) in the accessions bred before 1990 (52.56%) was significantly lower than that after 1990 (78.95%). Four candidate genes, BnaA01. SOT16, BnaA06. SOT17, BnaA06. MYB51a, and BnaA06. MYB51b, were identified in the GTL_A01 and 4OH_A06 regions. These findings provide new insights into GSL biosynthesis in flowering stalk tissues and facilitate quality improvement in rapeseed flowering stalks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a common Malignant tumor of digestive tract which have a potential association with lysosomal pathway. The purpose of this study was to explore the correlation between lysosome pathway and immune infiltration of ESCC. Methods: The cell type annotation of ESCC patients and the distribution of their gene markers were analyzed by single cell data. They were also grouped according to the expression of lysosomal pathways. Gene set variation analysis (GSVA) enriched pathway scoring, Cellchat cell communication was performed to demonstrate the tumour-associated pathway scores and interactions of different cell populations. Relevant differential genes were screened, prognostic risk markers were constructed and direct associations of lysosomal pathway-related gene risk scores with immune infiltration and tumour treatment drug sensitivity were assessed by algorithms. In cellular experiments, qPCR and flow cytometry were used to assess the role of the lysosomal pathway gene- MT1X on tumour cell development. Results: ESCC single cell data were annotated into 7 Cluster clusters by t-sne downscaling analysis. Cellchat analysis revealed that the "MIF" cellular communication network is the main communication mode of the lysosomal pathway in ESCC cells. The lysosomal pathway genetic risk model was found to be significantly different from ESCC prognosis in both the training and validation groups. The lysosome pathway gene risk model was associated with treatment resistance in ESCC patients using oncopredict R package. The correlation between the expression of lysosomal-DEG and tumour immune infiltration and immune cell types by the MCPcounter method. Cellular assays showed that the lysosomal pathway gene MT1X was less expressed in oesophageal cancer cells than in normal oesophageal epithelial cells. Knockdown of MT1X significantly promoted the growth rate of oesophageal cancer cells. Conclusion: Based on the single cell sequencing technology and transcriptomic analysis, we confirmed that there is a close association between the lysosomal pathway and the immune infiltration and treatment sensitivity of ESCC, which may be a potential target for a new direction of ESCC therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 patients have a high incidence of thrombosis, and thromboembolic complications are associated with severe COVID-19 and high mortality. COVID-19 disease is associated with a hyper-inflammatory response (cytokine storm) mediated by the immune system. However, the role of the inflammatory response in thrombosis remains incompletely understood. In this review, we investigate the crosstalk between inflammation and thrombosis in the context of COVID-19, focusing on the contributions of inflammation to the pathogenesis of thrombosis, and propose combined use of anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant therapeutics. Under inflammatory conditions, the interactions between neutrophils and platelets, platelet activation, monocyte tissue factor expression, microparticle release, and phosphatidylserine (PS) externalization as well as complement activation are collectively involved in immune-thrombosis. Inflammation results in the activation and apoptosis of blood cells, leading to microparticle release and PS externalization on blood cells and microparticles, which significantly enhances the catalytic efficiency of the tenase and prothrombinase complexes, and promotes thrombin-mediated fibrin generation and local blood clot formation. Given the risk of thrombosis in the COVID-19, the importance of antithrombotic therapies has been generally recognized, but certain deficiencies and treatment gaps in remain. Antiplatelet drugs are not in combination with anticoagulant treatments, thus fail to dampen platelet procoagulant activity. Current treatments also do not propose an optimal time for anticoagulation. The efficacy of anticoagulant treatments depends on the time of therapy initiation. The best time for antithrombotic therapy is as early as possible after diagnosis, ideally in the early stage of the disease. We also elaborate on the possible mechanisms of long COVID thromboembolic complications, including persistent inflammation, endothelial injury and dysfunction, and coagulation abnormalities. The above-mentioned contents provide therapeutic strategies for COVID-19 patients and further improve patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with COVID-19 often have hypoxemia, impaired lung function, and abnormal imaging manifestations in acute and convalescent stages. Alveolar inflammation, pulmonary vasculitis, and thromboembolism synergistically damage the blood-air barrier, resulting in increased pulmonary permeability and gas exchange disorders. The incidence of low platelet counts correlates with disease severity. Platelets are also involved in the impairment of pulmonary microcirculation leading to abnormal lung function at different phases of COVID-19. Activated platelets lose the ability to protect the integrity of blood vessel walls, increasing the permeability of pulmonary microvasculature. High levels of platelet activation markers are observed in both mild and severe cases, short and long term. Therefore, the risk of thrombotic events may always be present. Vascular endothelial injury, immune cells, inflammatory mediators, and hypoxia participate in the high reactivity and aggregation of platelets in various ways. Microvesicles, phosphatidylserine (PS), platelets, and coagulation factors are closely related. The release of various cell-derived microvesicles can be detected in COVID-19 patients. In addition to providing a phospholipid surface for the synthesis of intrinsic factor Xase complex and prothrombinase complex, exposed PS also promotes the decryption of tissue factor (TF) which then promotes coagulant activity by complexing with factor VIIa to activate factor X. The treatment of COVID-19 hypercoagulability and thrombosis still focuses on early intervention. Antiplatelet therapy plays a role in relieving the disease, inhibiting the formation of the hypercoagulable state, reducing thrombotic events and mortality, and improving sequelae. PS can be another potential target for the inhibition of hypercoagulable states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hematologic malignancies, such as acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML), are cancers that start in blood-forming tissues and can affect the blood, bone marrow, and lymph nodes. They are often caused by genetic and molecular alterations such as mutations and gene expression changes. Alternative polyadenylation (APA) is a post-transcriptional process that regulates gene expression, and dysregulation of APA contributes to hematological malignancies. RNA-sequencing-based bioinformatic methods can identify APA sites and quantify APA usages as molecular indexes to study APA roles in disease development, diagnosis, and treatment. Unfortunately, APA data pre-processing, analysis, and visualization are time-consuming, inconsistent, and laborious. A comprehensive, userfriendly tool will greatly simplify processes for APA feature screening and mining. Results: Here, we present APAview, a web-based platform to explore APA features in hematological cancers and perform APA statistical analysis. APAview server runs on Python3 with a Flask framework and a Jinja2 templating engine. For visualization, APAview client is built on Bootstrap and Plotly. Multimodal data, such as APA quantified by QAPA/DaPars, gene expression data, and clinical information, can be uploaded to APAview and analyzed interactively. Correlation, survival, and differential analyses among user-defined groups can be performed via the web interface. Using APAview, we explored APA features in two hematological cancers, APL and AML. APAview can also be applied to other diseases by uploading different experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chlorophyll content has a direct effect on photosynthesis of crops. In order to explore a quick and convenient method for estimating the chlorophyll content of Brassica napus and facilitate efficient crop monitoring, we measured the actual value of chlorophyll with a SPAD-502 chlorophyll detector, and collected aerial images of B. napus with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) carrying a RGB camera in this study. The total number of 270 samples collected images were divided into regions according to the planting conditions of different B. napus varieties in the field. Then, according to the empirical formula, there were 36 colors' characteristic parameters calculated and combined. To estimate the chlorophyll content of rape, 189 samples were included in the modeling set, while the other 81 samples were enrolled in the validation set for testing the accuracy of this model. After the combination of R (red), G (green) and B (blue) color channels, the results showed that the color characteristics B/(R þ G), b, B/G, (G-B)/(G þ B), g-b were highly connected with the measured value of chlorophyll SPAD, and the correlation coefficient between the combination based on B/(R þ G) and SPAD value was 0.747. With R2 - 0.805, RMSE - 3.343, and RE - 6.84%, the regression model created using random forest had superior outcomes, according to the model comparison. This study offers a new method for quickly estimating the amount of chlorophyll in rapeseed and a workable reference for crop monitoring using the UAV platform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

InGaN-based multiple quantum well (MQW) green light-emitting diodes with a InGaN/GaN superlattice as a strain relief layer (SSRL) were grown on Si(111) substrates by metal organic chemical vapor deposition. The influences of the thickness ratio of InGaN to GaN in SSRL on the optoelectrical properties have been investigated. Electrical measurements show that the sample with a higher thickness ratio has a lower series resistance. This is mainly ascribed to the improvement of carrier vertical transport due to the thinner GaN in SSRL. However, it is found that the leakage current increases with the thickness ratio from 1:1 to 2.5:1, which could be attributed to the larger density of small size V-pits forming at the first few QW pairs. Compared with the smaller thickness ratio, the sample with a higher thickness ratio of InGaN to GaN in SSRL is found to exhibit larger strain relaxation (about 33.7%), but the electroluminescence measurement exhibits inferior emission efficiency. Carrier leakage via the small V-pits and the rougher interface of MQW are believed to be responsible for the reduction of emission efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role which the V-shaped pits (V-pits) play in InGaN/GaN multiple quantum well (MQW) light emitting diodes (LEDs) has been proposed to enable the formation of sidewall MQWs, whose higher bandgap than that of the c-plane MQWs is considered to act as an energy barrier to prevent carriers from reaching the dislocations. Here, with increasing proportion of current flowing via the V-pits, the emission of the c-plane MQWs broadens across the short-wavelength band and shows a blueshift successively. This phenomenon is attributed to hole injection from the sidewall of V-pits into the c-plane MQWs, which is a new discovery in the injection mechanism of InGaN/GaN MQW LEDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preliminary studies observed a lower growth activity during the vegetative stage with higher growth attributes at the pod-filling stage among the high nitrogen (N) utilisation efficiency (NUtE) oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) genotypes, compared with the low NUtE genotypes. Therefore, we hypothesised that there would exist a critical growth stage when distinctive phenotypic traits are exhibited to regulate yield formation and NUE. A field experiment and a hydroponic culture were conducted to characterise the differences in shoot and root physiological indicators of the high and low NUtE oilseed rape genotypes at seedling, bud, bolting, flowering and pod-filling stages. We found that flowering was the critical period when the reverse growth habit occurred between high and low NUtE genotypes. The high NUtE genotypes displayed larger values of root traits, stronger N uptake kinetics parameters, higher activity of leaf glutamine synthetase (GS) and glutamate synthetase (GOGAT), larger SPAD values and net photosynthetic rate, ultimately leading to higher seed yield and NUE. Our results indicate that flowering is the critical growth stage to distinguish the high from low NUtE oilseed rape genotypes, and plant breeders may focus on selecting root and shoot phenotypic traits from flowering stage onwards to achieve both high yields and NUE for oilseed rape genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study focused on the characteristics of the vaginal microbiomes in prepubertal girls with and without vulvovaginitis. We collected 24 vaginal samples and 16 fecal samples from 10 girls aged 3–9 years with vulvovaginitis and 16 healthy girls of the same age. The samples were divided into three groups: fecal swabs from healthy controls (HF), vaginal swabs from healthy controls (HVS), and vaginal swabs from girls with vulvovaginitis (VVS). Sequencing of the V3–V4 region of the 16S rDNA gene was performed with the NovaSeq PE250 platform to reveal the vaginal microbial community structure in healthy prepubertal girls and vulvovaginitis-associated microbiota. The intestinal microbiomes of healthy children were also analyzed for comparison. This study revealed that the healthy vaginal tract in prepubertal girls was dominated by Prevotella, Porphyromonas, Ezakiella, and Peptoniphilus species, with a high diversity of microbiota. The vulvovaginitis-associated microbiota were dominated by Streptococcus, Prevotella, Haemophilus, and Granulicatella, with lower diversity than that in healthy girls. Furthermore, the compositions of the vaginal and intestinal microbiomes were completely different. ANOSIM, MRPP, Adonis, and AMOVA were used to analyze the beta diversity, and the results showed that there were significant differences in the microbial communities among the three groups. Lactobacillus deficiency and high bacterial diversity were characteristics of the vaginal microbiome in healthy prepubertal girls; this is inconsistent with that in reproductive-age women. The vulvovaginitis-associated vaginal microbiota differed dramatically from normal microbiota, and the main causative agents were not fecal in origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of the electromagnetic distal targeting system in the treatment of humeral shaft fractures. Methods: From January 2012 to December 2018, we retrospectively reviewed 60 patients with humeral shaft fractures treated by intramedullary nailing. Among 60 cases, 41 were men and 19 were women. The average age at surgery was 48.5 years (range, 21–81 years). We performed the same surgical procedure for all patients. According to the different distal locking technique used, all patients were divided into two groups. The standard fluoroscopic freehand technique was used for Group FH, while the electromagnetic real‐time targeting technique was used for Group EM. All procedures were performed by two senior surgeons. Overall surgical time, cases of complications, failure of distal locking, union time, and shoulder function assessment were recorded intraoperatively and during follow‐up. Results: Twenty‐seven patients in Group FH and 33 patients in Group EM met the inclusion criteria. No significant difference was found in the demographic data of the two groups. The mean surgical time was 76.48 ± 10.73 min in Group FH and 65.61 ± 8.91 min in Group EM (P < 0.05), showing significant difference. Seven failures occurred in Group FH and two failures occurred in Group EM (P < 0.05). No relevant complications were noted. The average union time was 3.37 ± 0.49 months in Group FH and 3.39 ± 0.50 months in Group EM (P = 0.855). The mean follow‐up was 14.30 ± 2.28 months in Group FH and 15.27 ± 2.83 months in Group EM (P = 0.153). The disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand score (DASH) score, the range of motion (checked with the constant score), and the degree of functionality were, respectively, 21.52 ± 3.23, 27.04 ± 1.84, and 81.31% ± 3.88% in Group FH and 19.09 ± 2.40, 26.18 ± 1.70, and 77.97% ± 3.91% in Group EM (P = 0.233, 0.971, and 0.607). Conclusion: The electromagnetic real‐time targeting system reduced surgical time and improved accuracy, and there was no radiation exposure in the distal locking procedure for humeral shaft fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Study the effect of quality control circle (QCC) in promoting the usage of rubber dams (RD) in root canal treatment of chronic pulpitis in primary teeth. Methods. Set up a quality control group to increase the amount of rubber dams used in the treatment of chronic pulpitis in primary teeth. Monthly monitoring results of the usage amount were counted by the outpatient computer system. Relevant data were collected through questionnaires, and causes of low utilization were analyzed, and the improvement measurements were formulated and implemented. Quality control circle activity was evaluated. Results. Through the quality control circle activity, the consumption of rubber dams in the root canal treatment of chronic pulpitis was significantly improved, children in treatment became more cooperative, and operation time of root canal treatment has also been shortened. Conclusion. The quality control circle activities played a significant role in promoting the use of rubber dams in the root canal treatment of primary teeth, and it can be used as a method to promote new clinical treatment programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim of the Study: The role of direct‑acting oral anticoagulants in the treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in cancer patients compared with the current standard of low‑molecular‑weight heparin (LMWH) treatment remains unclear. This meta‑analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of direct factor Xa inhibitors compared with those of LMWH in the treatment of cancer‑associated VTE. Materials and Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane library, and Web of Science for potential randomized controlled clinical trials and retrospective cohort studies. Data on recurrent VTE (efficacy) and major and minor bleeding events (safety) were extracted, and the odds risks (OR) were analyzed using a random‑effect model. Results: A total of nine studies involving 4208 cancer patients with VTE were included in these analyses. Pooled analysis showed that direct factor Xa inhibitors were significantly superior to LMWH in reducing the risk of recurrent VTE (OR = 0.67; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.54–0.82). There was no significant difference in the rate of major bleeding between the direct factor Xa inhibitor and LMWH treatments (OR = 1.25; 95% CI: 0.94–1.65). However, the rate of minor bleeding events was higher when a direct factor Xa inhibitor was used instead of LMWH (OR = 1.80; 95% CI: 1.05–3.07). Conclusions: Direct factor Xa inhibitors are superior to LMWH in efficacy in the treatment of VTE in cancer patients, and the safety between the two regimens is comparable except for a slightly higher rate of minor bleeding when the former is used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is the major cause of kidney failure and mortality in humans. It has always been suspected that the development of cystic kidney disease shares features with tumorigenesis, although the evidence is unclear. Methods: We crossed p53 mutant mice (p53N236S, p53S) with Werner syndrome mice and analyzed the pathological phenotypes. The RNA-seq, ssGSEA analysis, and real-time PCR were performed to dissect the gene signatures involved in the development of disease phenotypes. Results: We found enlarged kidneys with fluid-filled cysts in offspring mice with a genotype of G3mTerc-/-WRN-/-p53S/S (G3TM). Pathology analysis confirmed the occurrence of PKD, and it was highly correlated with the incidence of tumorigenesis. RNA-seq data revealed the gene signatures involved in PKD development, and demonstrated that PKD and tumorigenesis shared common pathways, including complement pathways, lipid metabolism, mitochondria energy homeostasis and others. Interestingly, this G3TM PKD and the classical PKD1/2 deficient PKD shared common pathways, possibly because the mutant p53S could regulate the expression levels of PKD1/2, Pkhd1, and Hnf1b. Conclusions: We established a dual mouse model for PKD and tumorigenesis derived from abnormal cellular proliferation and telomere dysfunction. The innovative point of our study is to report PKD occurring in conjunction with tumorigenesis. The gene signatures revealed might shed new light on the pathogenesis of PKD, and provide new molecular biomarkers for clinical diagnosis and prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

and preventing fissuring. The ventilation control window for rewetting paddy was developed according to two conditions: (i) the average grain bulk temperature (tg) is higher than the dewpoint temperature (DPTa) of the atmosphere; and (ii) the equilibrium absolute humidity (EAHg) of grain moisture content plus 1 percentage point is lower than the absolute humidity (AHa) of the atmosphere. The ventilators were turned on when the atmosphere state point was within the ventilation windowand turned off outside that window. In a humid subtropical monsoon climate, during Oct. 8th to Nov. 1st, 2013, the system was used for a paddy depot of 1035 t in Dianjiang, Chongqing province. The natural humid air was introduced into the paddy bulk by negative pressure suction aeration during the 10-12 h night time period and allowed to equilibrate with grain kernels during the 12-14 h day time period. Aeration increased grain MC by 0.6 percentage points with two 1.5 kW axial flow ventilators and power consumption of 209 kW·h. The unit energy consumption was 0.336 KW·h (1% moisture·t)-1. The broken milled rice percentage was decreased by 2-3 percentage points. In the warm temperate semi-humid monsoon climate, during April 13th to June 16th, 2017, the system was used to rewet japonic paddy in a 2489 t depot in Qihe, Shandong province. The conditions for running two 0.85 kW axial flow fans were: (i) when the atmosphere relative humidity (RHa) is ≤80% and its temperature (ta) is <28°C, tg>DPTa, and EAHga; and (ii) when RHa >80% and ta <28°C. Whenever ta was >28°C, the two fans were switched off. This rewetting aeration increased grain MC from 13.5% to 14.0%, and the unit energy consumption was 0.455 kW·h (1% moisture·t)-1. The percentages of average head rice yield and damaged grains after aeration were 71.7% and 7.7%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the advent of “world history,” the world order has manifested itself theoretically, on the one hand, as international rights, and on the other, in actual practice, as power. This is exemplified in the Westphalian system. However, the Chinese approach (A New Model of Major Country Relations; A Community of Shared Future for Mankind, among others), which has been acclaimed as a constructive scheme for the new world order, is premised on transcending the Westphalian system; it is founded on a new type of civilization. The objective basis for this new type of civilization is China's socialist trajectory and the revival of China's pacifist tradition—these constitute the essential provisions of the Chinese approach to Global Governance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lodging is a persistent problem which severely reduce yield and impair seed quality in rapeseed (Brassica napus L.). Enhancing stem strength (SS) has proven to be an effective approach to decrease lodging risk. In the present study, four interrelated stem lodging-related traits, including stem breaking resistance (SBR), stem diameter (SD), SS, and lodging coefficient (LC), were investigated among 472 rapeseed accessions. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) using Brassica 60K SNP array for stem lodging-related traits identified 67 significantly associated quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and 71 candidate genes. In parallel, a gene co-expression network based on transcriptome sequencing was constructed. The module associated with cellulose biosynthesis was highlighted. By integrating GWAS and gene coexpression network analysis, some promising candidate genes, such as ESKIMO1 (ESK1, BnaC08g26920D), CELLULOSE SYNTHASE 6 (CESA6, BnaA09g06990D), and FRAGILE FIBER 8 (FRA8, BnaC04g39510D), were prioritized for further research. These findings revealed the genetic basis underlying stem lodging and provided worthwhile QTLs and genes information for genetic improvement of stem lodging resistance in B. napus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oilseed rape (Brassica napus) characteristically has high N uptake efficiency and low N utilization efficiency (NUtE, seed yield/shoot N accumulation). Determining the NUtE phenotype of various genotypes in different growth conditions is a way of finding target traits to improve oilseed rape NUtE. The aim of this study was to compare oilseed rape genotypes grown on contrasting N supply rates in pot and field experiments to investigate the genotypic variations of NUtE and to identify indicators of N efficient genotypes. For 50 oilseed rape genotypes, NUtE, dry matter and N partitioning, morphological characteristics, and the yield components were investigated under high and low N supplies in a greenhouse pot experiment and a field trial. Although the genotype rankings of NUtE were different between the pot experiment and the field trial, some genotypes performed consistently in both two environments. N-responder, N-nonresponder, N-efficient and N-inefficient genotypes were identified from these genotypes with consistent NUtE. The correlations between the pot experiment and the field trial in NUtE were only 0.34 at high N supplies and no significant correlations were found at low N supplies. However, Pearson coefficient correlation (r) and principal component analysis showed NUtE had similar genetic correlations with other traits across the pot and field experiment. Among the yield components, only seeds per silique showed strong and positive correlations with NUtE under varying N supply in both experiments (r = 0.47**; 0.49**; 0.47**; 0.54**). At high and low N supply, NUtE was positively correlated with seed yield (r = 0.45**; 0.53**; 0.39**; 0.87**), nitrogen harvest index (NHI, r = 0.68**; 0.82**; 0.99**; 0.89**), and harvest index (HI, r = 0.79**; 0.83**; 0.90**; 0.78**) and negatively correlated with biomass distribution to stem and leaf (r = -0.34**; -0.45**; -0.37**; 0.62**), all aboveground plant section N concentration (r from -0.30* to -0.80**), N distribution to the vegetative parts (silique husk, stem and leaf) (r from -0.40** to -0.83**). N-efficient (N-responder) genotypes produced more seeds per silique and had significantly higher NHI and HI than did N-inefficient (N-nonresponder) genotypes. In conclusion, across the pot and field experiments, the 50 genotypes had similar underlying traits correlated with NUtE and seeds per silique may be a good indicator of NUtE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant architecture is vital not only for crop yield, but also for field management, such as mechanical harvesting. The branch angle is one of the key factors determining plant architecture. With the aim of revealing the genetic control underlying branch angle in rapeseed (Brassica napus L.), the positional variation of branch angles on individual plants was evaluated, and the branch angle increased with the elevation of branch position. Furthermore, three middle branches of individual plants were selected to measure the branch angle because they exhibited the most representative phenotypic values. An association panel with 472 diverse accessions was estimated for branch angle trait in six environments and genotyped with a 60K Brassica Infinium® SNP array. As a result of association mapping, 46 and 38 significantly-associated loci were detected using a mixed linear model (MLM) and a multi-locus random-SNP-effect mixed linear model (MRMLM), which explained up to 62.2 and 66.2% of the cumulative phenotypic variation, respectively. Numerous highly-promising candidate genes were identified by annotating against Arabidopsis thaliana homologous, including some first found in rapeseed, such as TAC1, SGR1, SGR3, and SGR5. These findings reveal the genetic control underlying branch angle and provide insight into genetic improvements that are possible in the plant architecture of rapeseed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Time synchronization is a key technology for Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) and had been studied by many researchers. However, most of the proposed schemes employ hop-by-hop time synchronization and none of them can maintain the consistency of multi-hop error. In this paper, a mobile node is introduced to a fixed WSN, and the mobile node serves as the time source. Time information spreads across the whole network when the mobile node moves. The synchronization process does not depend on any special network topology. Because the synchronization information of the nodes in the network is directly derived from the mobile node, the time synchronization between nodes in the network keeps in good consistency. Experimental results show that our synchronization method greatly improves the stability and consistency of the time precision in compare with the traditional hop-by-hop synchronization methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The measurement of wellbore annulus gas-liquid two-phase flow in CBM (coalbed methane) wells is of great significance for reasonably developing gas drainage and extraction processes, estimating CBM output, judging the operating conditions of CBM wells and analyzing stratum conditions. Hence, a specially designed sensor is urgently needed for real-time measurement of gas-liquid two-phase flow in CBM wellbore annulus. Existing flow sensors fail to meet the requirements of the operating conditions of CBM wellbore annulus due to such factors as an inapplicable measurement principle, larger size, poor sealability, high installation accuracy, and higher requirements for fluid media. Therefore, based on the principle of a target flowmeter, this paper designs a new two-phase flow sensor that can identify and automatically calibrate different flow patterns of two-phase flows. Upon the successful development of the new flow sensor, lab and field tests were carried out, and the results show that the newly designed sensor, with a measurement accuracy of ±2.5%, can adapt to the operating conditions of CBM wells and is reliable for long-term work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) is one of the most important oil crops in the world. However, the yield and quality of rapeseed were largely decreased by clubroot (Plasmodiophora brassicae Woronin). Therefore, it is of great importance for screening more resistant germplasms or genes and improving the resistance to P. brassicae in rapeseed breeding. In this study, a massive resistant identification for a natural global population was conducted in two environments with race/pathotype 4 of P. brassicae which was the most predominant in China, and a wide range of phenotypic variation was found in the population. In addition, a genome-wide association study of 472 accessions for clubroot resistance (CR) was performed with 60K Brassica Infinium SNP arrays for the first time. In total, nine QTLs were detected, seven of which were novel through integrative analysis. Furthermore, additive effects in genetic control of CR in rapeseed among the above loci were found. By bioinformatic analyses, the candidate genes of these loci were predicted, which indicated that TIR-NBS gene family might play an important role in CR. It is believable that the results presented in our study could provide valuable information for understanding the genetic mechanism and molecular regulation of CR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sucrose is the principal transported product of photosynthesis from source leaves to sink organs. SUTs/SUCs (sucrose transporters or sucrose carriers) and SWEETs (Sugars Will Eventually be Exported Transporters) play significant central roles in phloem loading and unloading. SUTs/SUCs and SWEETs are key players in sucrose translocation and are associated with crop yields. The SUT/SUC and SWEET genes have been characterized in several plant species, but a comprehensive analysis of these two gene families in oilseed rape has not yet been reported. In our study, 22 and 68 members of the SUT/SUCs and SWEET gene families, respectively, were identified in the oilseed rape (Brassica napus) genome through homology searches. An analysis of the chromosomal distribution, phylogenetic relationships, gene structures, motifs and the cis-acting regulatory elements in the promoters of BnSUC and BnSWEET genes were analyzed. Furthermore, we examined the expression of the 18 BnSUC and 16 BnSWEET genes in different tissues of "ZS11" and the expression of 9 BnSUC and 7 BnSWEET genes in "ZS11" under various conditions, including biotic stress (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum), abiotic stresses (drought, salt and heat), and hormone treatments (abscisic acid, auxin, cytokinin, brassinolide, gibberellin, and salicylic acid). In conclusion, our study provides the first comprehensive analysis of the oilseed rape SUC and SWEET gene families. Information regarding the phylogenetic relationships, gene structure and expression profiles of the SUC and SWEET genes in the different tissues of oilseed rape helps to identify candidates with potential roles in specific developmental processes. Our study advances our understanding of the important roles of sucrose transport in oilseed rape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The parameters of gas-liquid two-phase flow bubbles in field coalbed methane (CBM) wells are of great significance for analyzing coalbed methane output, judging faults in CBM wells, and developing gas drainage and extraction processes, which stimulates an urgent need for detecting bubble parameters for CBM wells in the field. However, existing bubble detectors cannot meet the requirements of the working environments of CBM wells. Therefore, this paper reports findings on the principles of measuring the flow pattern, velocity, and volume of two-phase flow bubbles based on conductivity, from which a new bubble sensor was designed. The structural parameters and other parameters of the sensor were then computed, the “water film phenomenon” produced by the sensor was analyzed, and the appropriate materials for making the sensor were tested and selected. After the sensor was successfully devised, laboratory tests and field tests were performed, and the test results indicated that the sensor was highly reliable and could detect the flow patterns of two-phase flows, as well as the quantities, velocities, and volumes of bubbles. With a velocity measurement error of ±5% and a volume measurement error of ±7%, the sensor can meet the requirements of field use. Finally, the characteristics and deficiencies of the bubble sensor are summarized based on an analysis of the measurement errors and a comparison of existing bubble-measuring devices and the designed sensor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sensory neurons are particularly susceptible to neuronal damage in diabetes, and silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog 1 (Sirt1) has been recently identified as a key gene in neuroprotection and wound healing. We found that the expression of Sirt1 was downregulated in trigeminal sensory neurons of diabetic mice. A microRNA microarray analysis identified microRNA-182 (miR-182) as a Sirt1 downstream effector, and the expression level of miR-182 was increased by Sirt1 overexpression in trigeminal neurons; Sirt1 bound to the promoter of miR-182 and regulated its transcription. We also revealed that miR-182 enhanced neurite outgrowth in isolated trigeminal sensory neurons and overcame the detrimental effects of hyperglycemia by stimulating corneal nerve regeneration by decreasing the expression of one of its target genes, NOX4. Furthermore, the effects of miR-182 on corneal nerve regeneration are associated with a functional recovery of corneal sensation in hyperglycemic conditions. These data demonstrate that miR-182 is a key regulator in diabetic corneal nerve regeneration through targeting NOX4, suggesting that miR-182 might be a potential target for the treatment of diabetic sensory nerve regeneration and diabetic keratopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Relatively little information is available about phosphatidylserine positive (PS+) microparticles (MPs) and their originating cells in IgA nephropathy (IgAN) despite well-established intraglomerular coagulation. Our objectives were to detect PS exposure on MP membranes and MP-origin cells and to evaluate its role in procoagulant activity (PCA) and fibrin formation and their association with pathological lesions in the disease. Methods. Patients with IgAN and healthy controls were studied. Lactadherin was used to quantify PS exposure on MPs and MP-origin cells. PCA of MPs and MP-origin cells was evaluated by clotting time and purified coagulation complex assays. Fibrin production was determined by turbidity. PS exposure, fibrin strands and FVa/Xa binding were observed on MPs/cells using confocal microscopy. Results. Using flow cytometry, we found that IgAN patients had high levels of PS+ MPs derived from lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, platelets, erythrocytes and endothelial cells (ECs). The PS exposure on MP-origin cells also increased in these patients. MPs and MP-origin cells (leukocytes, platelets and erythrocytes) isolated from IgAN patients and ECs cultured with IgAN serum had a significantly shorter median coagulation time (P < 0.001), higher median intrinsic FXa (P < 0.001) and higher thrombin (P < 0.001) generation than controls. These coagulation functional assays were associated with the glomerular lesions. The lesions were also correlated with glomerular fibrin deposition (all P < 0.05). In the presence of patient MPs or their related cells, fibrin formation peaked faster with a higher maximum turbidity when compared with healthy controls. Blocking PS with lactadherin in the IgAN group prolonged coagulation time to control levels, inhibited the PCA up to 80% and markedly reduced fibrin formation. More importantly, we observed that fibrin strands formed on MPs and ECs in the same regions that bound lactadherin, similar to the FVa/Xa costaining. Conclusions. We find that high levels of PS+ MPs and the MP-origin cells are associated with the coagulation process in IgAN, and this may provide a previously unrecognized contribution to intraglomerular coagulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants have developed sophisticated systems to adapt to local conditions during evolution, domestication and natural or artificial selection. The selective pressures of these different growing conditions have caused significant genomic divergence within species. The flowering time trait is the most crucial factor because it helps plants to maintain sustainable development. Controlling flowering at appropriate times can also prevent plants from suffering from adverse growth conditions, such as drought, winter hardness, and disease. Hence, discovering the genome-wide genetic mechanisms that influence flowering time variations and understanding their contributions to adaptation should be a central goal of plant genetics and genomics. A global core collection panel with 448 inbred rapeseed lines was first planted in four independent environments, and their flowering time traits were evaluated. We then performed a genome-wide association mapping of flowering times with a 60 K SNP array for this core collection. With quality control and filtration, 20,342 SNP markers were ultimately used for further analyses. In total, 312 SNPs showed marker-trait associations in all four environments, and they were based on a threshold p-value of 4.06 × 10-4; the 40 QTLs showed significant association with flowering time variations. To explore flowering time QTLs and genes related to growth habits in rapeseed, selection signals related to divergent habits were screened at the genome-wide level and 117 genomic regions were found. Comparing locations of flowering time QTLs and genes with these selection regions revealed that 20 flowering time QTLs and 224 flowering time genes overlapped with 24 and 81 selected regions, respectively. Based on this study, a number of marker-trait associations and candidate genes for flowering time variations in rapeseed were revealed. Moreover, we also showed that both flowering time QTLs and genes play important roles in rapeseed growth habits. These results will be applied to rapeseed breeding programs, and they will aid in our understanding of the relation between flowering time variations and growth habits in plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a robust range-free localization algorithm by realizing best hop length optimization is proposed for node localization problem in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). This algorithm is derived from classic DV-Hop method but the critical hop length between any relay nodes is accurately computed and refined in space WSNs with arbitrary network connectivity. In case of network parameters hop length between nodes can be derived without complicated computation and further optimized using Kalman filtering in which guarantees robustness even in complicated environment with random node communication range. Especially sensor fusion techniques used has well gained robustness, accuracy, scalability, and power efficiency even without accurate distance or angle measurement which is more suitable in nonlinear conditions and power limited WSNs environment. Simulation results indicate it gained high accuracy compared with DV-Hop and Centroid methods in random communication range conditions which proves it gives characteristic of high robustness. Also it needs relatively little computation time which possesses high efficiency. It can well solve localization problem with many unknown nosed in the network and results prove the theoretical analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glyoxalase I (GLYI) is a ubiquitous enzyme in all organisms that catalyzes the conversion of the potent cytotoxin methylglyoxal to S-D-lactoylglutathione. Although many reports suggest the importance of GLYI in the plant response to stress, its function in seeds requires further study. Here, we identified a heat-induced GLYI from Brassica napus seeds, BnGLYI, using a comparative proteomics approach. Two-dimensional gel analyses revealed that BnGLYI protein expression upon heat treatment was significantly elevated in thermotolerant seeds but was diminished in heat-sensitive seeds. The BnGLYI-2 and BnGLYI-3 genes from the heat-sensitive and thermotolerant cultivars, respectively, were characterized, and analyzed. Only two amino acid residue variations were found between the amino acid sequences of the two genes. Moreover, overexpressing BnGLYI-3 in yeast cells enhanced tolerance to heat and cold stress and significantly increased GLYI activity compared to overexpressing BnGLYI-2. In addition, BnGLYI-3 transformants showed enhanced superoxide dismutase activities under heat and cold treatment, whereas these activities were diminished for BnGLYI-2 transformants. Taken together, these results indicate that overexpression of the BnGLYI- 3 gene imparts thermotolerance and cold tolerance in yeast and that the variations in BnGLYI-3 may play an important role in the responses to temperature stresses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Extremely low frequency pulsed magnetic fields (ELFPMF) have been shown to induce Faraday currents and measurable effects on biological systems. A kind of very high frequency electromagnetic field was reported that it improved the symptoms of diabetic nephropathy (DN) which is a major complication of diabetes. However, few studies have examined the effects of ELFPMF DN at the present. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of ELFPMF on DN in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetic rats.Methods: Adult male SD rats were randomly divided into three weight-matched groups: Control (non-diabetic rats without DN), DN + ELFPMF (diabetic rats with DN exposed to ELFPMF, 8 h/days, 6 weeks) and DN (diabetic rats with DN exposed to sham ELFPMF). Renal morphology was examined by light and electron microscopy, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) were measured by enzyme linked immune sorbent assay.Results: After 6 weeks' ELFPMF exposure, alterations of hyperglycemia and weight loss in STZ-treated rats with DN were not found, while both positive and negative effects of ELFPMF on the development of DN in diabetic rats were observed. The positive one was that ELFPMF exposure attenuated the pathological alterations in renal structure observed in STZ-treated rats with DN, which were demonstrated by slighter glomerular and tubule-interstitial lesions examined by light microscopy and slighter damage to glomerular basement membrane and podocyte foot processes examined by electron microscopy. And then, the negative one was that ELFPMF stimulation statistically significantly decreased renal expression of VEGF-A and statistically significantly increased renal expression of CTGF in diabetic rats with DN, which might partially aggravate the symptoms of DN.Conclusion: Both positive and negative effects of ELFPMF on the development of DN in diabetic rats were observed. The positive effect induced by ELFPMF might play a dominant role in the procession of DN in diabetic rats, and it is suggested that the positive effect should be derived from the correction of pathogenic diabetes-induced mediators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]