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Abstract An essential step for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection is the attachment to the host cell receptor by its Spike receptor‐binding domain (RBD). Most of the existing RBD‐targeting neutralizing antibodies block the receptor‐binding motif (RBM), a mutable region with the potential to generate neutralization escape mutants. Here, we isolated and structurally characterized a non‐RBM‐targeting monoclonal antibody (FD20) from convalescent patients. FD20 engages the RBD at an epitope distal to the RBM with a KD of 5.6 nM, neutralizes SARS‐CoV‐2 including the current Variants of Concern such as B.1.1.7, B.1.351, P.1, and B.1.617.2 (Delta), displays modest cross‐reactivity against SARS‐CoV, and reduces viral replication in hamsters. The epitope coincides with a predicted “ideal” vulnerability site with high functional and structural constraints. Mutation of the residues of the conserved epitope variably affects FD20‐binding but confers little or no resistance to neutralization. Finally, in vitro mode‐of‐action characterization and negative‐stain electron microscopy suggest a neutralization mechanism by which FD20 destructs the Spike. Our results reveal a conserved vulnerability site in the SARS‐CoV‐2 Spike for the development of potential antiviral drugs.

Adipose tissue plays critical roles in an individual's aging process. In this research, we use single-nucleus RNA sequencing to create highly detailed transcriptional maps of subcutaneous adipose tissue and visceral adipose tissue in young and aged mice. We comprehensively identify the various cell types within the white adipose tissue of mice, our study has elucidated seven distinct cell types within this tissue. Further analyses focus on adipocytes, fibro-adipogenic progenitors, and immune cells, revealing age-related declines in the synthetic metabolic activity of adipocytes, diminished immune regulation, and reduced maturation or proliferation of fibroblasts in undifferentiated adipocytes. We confirm the presence of distinct subpopulations of adipocytes, highlighting decreases in adipogenesis subgroups due to aging. Additionally, we uncover a reduction in immune cell subpopulations, driven by age-associated immune system dysregulation. Furthermore, pseudo-time analyses indicate that Adipocyte1 represents the 'nascent' phase of adipocyte development, while Adipocyte2 represents the 'mature' phase. We use cell–cell interaction to explore the age-dependent complexities of the interactions between FAPs and adipocytes, and observed increased expression of the inflammation-related Retn-Tlr4 interaction in older mice, while the anti-inflammatory Angpt1-Tek interaction was only detected in young mice. These transcriptional profiles serve as a valuable resource for understanding the functional genomics underlying metabolic disorders associated with aging in human adipose tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Rare Metals is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The Omicron subvariants BQ.1.1, XBB.1.5, and XBB.1.16 of SARS-CoV-2 are known for their adeptness at evading immune responses. Here, we isolate a neutralizing antibody, 7F3, with the capacity to neutralize all tested SARS-CoV-2 variants, including BQ.1.1, XBB.1.5, and XBB.1.16. 7F3 targets the receptor-binding motif (RBM) region and exhibits broad binding to a panel of 37 RBD mutant proteins. We develop the IgG-like bispecific antibody G7-Fc using 7F3 and the cross-neutralizing antibody GW01. G7-Fc demonstrates robust neutralizing activity against all 28 tested SARS-CoV-2 variants and sarbecoviruses, providing potent prophylaxis and therapeutic efficacy against XBB.1 infection in both K18-ACE and BALB/c female mice. Cryo-EM structure analysis of the G7-Fc in complex with the Omicron XBB spike (S) trimer reveals a trimer-dimer conformation, with G7-Fc synergistically targeting two distinct RBD epitopes and blocking ACE2 binding. Comparative analysis of 7F3 and LY-CoV1404 epitopes highlights a distinct and highly conserved epitope in the RBM region bound by 7F3, facilitating neutralization of the immune-evasive Omicron variant XBB.1.16. G7-Fc holds promise as a potential prophylactic countermeasure against SARS-CoV-2, particularly against circulating and emerging variants. In this study, the authors develop a potent bispecific antibody targeting two epitopes within the SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain and showing robust prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy against XBB.1 infection in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, as-received Zn powder and as-prepared Zn@(ZnWO4/ZnO) core–shell powder were used as feedstocks for plasma spraying to prepare Zn-based composite coatings and nano-ZnO was co-deposited by chemical vapor deposition induced by plasma spraying. The composition and morphology were controllable within certain range by plasma spraying power. The photocatalytic activities of the coatings were analyzed by the degradation efficiency of methyl orange (MO) solution. It was found the photocatalytic activity can be improved with ZnWO4 decoration. The Zn/ZnO/ZnWO4 coating which presented tremella-like surface morphology was testified to have the best photocatalytic activity under UV light irradiation among all coatings. On the other hand, the chemical surface modification with 1H,1H,1H,2H-perfluorodecyltriethoxysilane (FAS-17) was implemented to produce superhydrophobic coatings. Among all modified coatings, the ZnWO4-containing coating with tremella-like surface structure presented the best superhydrophobicity. By the cyclic wetting and tape adhesion experiments, the tremella-like structure was proved to make a great improvement on the robustness of the Zn-based superhydrophobic coatings. The superhydrophobic and photocatalytic properties provide the possibility for the application of the coating in the fields of antifouling, antibacterial, and photocatalytic degradation of organics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cold storage is a widely employed technique for prolonging the post-harvest shelf life of 'Nanguo' pear. Nonetheless, this method has been observed to diminish the fruit's aromatic properties. Given the significance of aroma in determining the volatile quality, this research endeavors to examine the impact of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) in preserving aroma content, while also delving into the underlying molecular mechanisms that contribute to its efficacy. Upon observing the metabolic changes, it was found that the pear, sprayed MeJA, could keep higher the content of aroma, ascorbic acid, polyphenol, oleic acid, linoleic acid, and linolenic acid than the control, but stearic acid and H2O2 were decreased. The enzyme activities of lipoxygenase (LOX), alcohol acyl transferase (AAT), and catalase (CAT) were enhanced by MeJA treatment, but the polyphenol oxidase (PPO) was inhibited. Moreover, the gene expression levels of LOX, AAT, CAT, stearoyl-ACP desaturase (SAD), and fatty acid desaturase 2 (FAD2) were promoted by MeJA. It is reasonable that sprayed MeJA was a reliable method for inhibiting aroma loss and triggered unsaturated fatty acid and reactive oxygen metabolisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastrin is an important intragastrointestinal hormone, but reports on its regulation of feeding behavior in fish are still scarce. This study aimed to determine the feeding regulatory function of gastrin in sturgeon. In this study, a gastrin/cholecystokinin-like peptide was identified in the genomes of sturgeon and proved to be gastrin by evolutionary tree analysis. Tissue distribution of gastrin and its receptor, cholecystokinin receptor B (CCKRB), showed that both had high mRNA abundance in the hypothalamus and gastrointestinal tract. In the duodenum, gastrin and CCKRB mRNAs were reduced at 1 h of fasting, and both were also observed in the stomach and hypothalamus in response to changes in feeding status. Sulfated gastrin 17 is the major form of gastrin in vivo. Therefore, we investigated the effect of sulfated gastrin 17 on feeding by intraperitoneal injection into Siberian sturgeon using sulfated gastrin 17. The results showed that gastrin 17 significantly reduced the cumulative feeding of Siberian sturgeon in the short term (1, 3 and 6 h) and long term (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 days). Finally, we explored the potential mechanism of feeding inhibition after intraperitoneal injection of gastrin 17 for 7 consecutive days. The results showed that gastrin 17 treatment significantly increased the mRNA levels of anorexigenic peptides (cart, cck and pyy), while it had no significant effect on the mRNA abundance of orexigenic peptides (npy and agrp). In addition, gastrin 17 treatment significantly affected the expression of appetite signaling pathways in the hypothalamus, such that the mRNA expression of ampkα1 was significantly reduced, whereas the mRNA abundance of stat3, mtor and s6k was significantly increased. In conclusion, the present study confirmed the anorectic effect of gastrin on Siberian sturgeon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Beautiful China Initiative (BCI) is a vivid embodiment of the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature during modernization. Implementing the BCI is an effective method for achieving the goals of building a beautiful China, while offering a "Chinese solution" to global sustainable development. This article summarizes the progress and main experiences of the BCI, as well as analyzing the primary challenges facing its future development. Finally, five policy recommendations are proposed, which emphasize the importance of top-level design, coordinated planning, and a robust support system in the implementation of the BCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neural tube defects (NTDs) represent a prevalent and severe category of congenital anomalies in humans. Cadmium (Cd) is an environmental teratogen known to cause fetal NTDs. However, its underlying mechanisms remain elusive. This study aims to investigate the therapeutic potential of lipophagy in the treatment of NTDs, providing valuable insights for future strategies targeting lipophagy activation as a means to mitigate NTDs.We successfully modeled NTDs by Cd exposure during pregnancy. RNA sequencing was employed to investigate the transcriptomic alterations and functional enrichment of differentially expressed genes in NTD placental tissues. Subsequently, pharmacological/genetic (Atg5-/- placentas) experiments confirmed that inducing placental lipophagy can alleviate Cd induced-NTDs. We found that Cd exposure caused NTDs. Further analyzed transcriptomic data from the placentas with NTDs which revealed significant downregulation of low-density lipoprotein receptor associated protein 1(Lrp1) gene expression responsible for positive regulation of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) transport. Correspondingly, there was an increase in maternal serum/placenta/amniotic fluid LDL-C content. Subsequently, we have discovered that Cd exposure activated placental lipophagy. Pharmacological/genetic (Atg5-/- placentas) experiments confirmed that inducing placental lipophagy can alleviate Cd induced-NTDs. Furthermore, our findings demonstrate that activation of placental lipophagy effectively counteracts the Cd-induced elevation in LDL-C levels. Lipophagy serves to mitigate Cd-induced NTDs by reducing LDL-C levels within mouse placentas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compacted graphite iron (CGI) is increasingly used in industrial production due to its excellent mechanical property, especially in the field of high-performance automotive engine manufacturing, and has become a substitute for gray cast iron (GCI). However, the hard-to-machine problem caused by its excellent physical properties was the main issue affecting the surface quality of the CGI workpiece. As a new type of tool, the wiper insert could effectively improve the surface quality. In order to develop a long lifespan and high-stability wiper insert tool for CGI milling, this study conducted a series of experiments, including tool design and simulation, coating preparation and testing, and tool cutting performance testing. In the optimization of simulation analysis of tool geometric parameters, it was found that the numerical value of curved cutting-edge radius had a more significant impact on the cutting performance of wiper insert. In the coating test, AlCrN-coated wiper insert C with a coating thickness of 2.84 µm had the best load bearing and fracture toughness performance in the coating mechanic test and had the best coating bonding performance in the scratch test. In the milling experiment with a cutting speed of 125.7 mm/min, a feed rate of 0.15 mm/r, and a cutting depth of 0.5 mm, the coated wiper insert C had the longest tool life and the best machined surface quality of the workpiece. Compared to other coated tools, the tool life was extended by at least 15.7%, and the effective cutting area was increased by 20%, which means it was the most suitable tool for machining CGI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Terrestrial geothermal springs are physicochemically diverse and host abundant populations of Archaea. However, the diversity, functionality, and geological influences of these Archaea are not well understood. Here we explore the genomic diversity of Archaea in 152 metagenomes from 48 geothermal springs in Tengchong, China, collected from 2016 to 2021. Our dataset is comprised of 2949 archaeal metagenome-assembled genomes spanning 12 phyla and 392 newly identified species, which increases the known species diversity of Archaea by ~48.6%. The structures and potential functions of the archaeal communities are strongly influenced by temperature and pH, with high-temperature acidic and alkaline springs favoring archaeal abundance over Bacteria. Genome-resolved metagenomics and metatranscriptomics provide insights into the potential ecological niches of these Archaea and their potential roles in carbon, sulfur, nitrogen, and hydrogen metabolism. Furthermore, our findings illustrate the interplay of competition and cooperation among Archaea in biogeochemical cycles, possibly arising from overlapping functional niches and metabolic handoffs. Taken together, our study expands the genomic diversity of Archaea inhabiting geothermal springs and provides a foundation for more incisive study of biogeochemical processes mediated by Archaea in geothermal ecosystems. Here, Qi et al. assembled ~3000 archaeal genomes from hot springs, capturing temporal dynamics and environmental diversity, and systematically explored functional niches and metabolic handoffs, shedding light on Archaea's role in biogeochemical cycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conventional repairing of CFRP (continuous fiber-reinforced polymer composites) includes complicated steps of patching, splicing, repairing, and post-curing. Intensive labor work needs to be conducted, and poor surface quality and weak interfacial adhesion are usually observed. This work mainly introduces an in situ online repairing method using AM (additive manufacturing) facilitated composite fabrication. With the advances of the robotic-assisted AM process, the surface roughness and accuracy during the repairing process can be evaluated online upon layer-by-layer process. In order to fulfill the efficient and on-site requirements for repairing damage in structural components, this study explores the method including in situ repairing, laser point clouds online collection, and repairing path planning based on multi-axial additive manufacturing of composites. A repair algorithm is proposed incorporating point clouds collection, measurement evaluation, and path planning. Furthermore, relevant mechanical measurements have been conducted, so as to assess the interface degree of recovery. A rapid online evaluation and surface conformal repairing method have been proposed to overcome the technical bottleneck of in situ automatic repairing of damaged composites. It expands the application of multi-axial robot-assisted CFRP AM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the wear resistance of 6061 aluminum alloys, we reported the fabrication of Fe–Al coatings by laser surface alloying with mixed Fe and Al powders. The alloyed coatings mainly consisted of Fe4Al13, FeAl, Fe3Al and α-Al phases. Due to its high specific gravity, the Fe-rich melt segregated at the bottom of the molten pool during the laser process, and special microstructures characterized by a bright white stripe at the interfacial zone were formed. Additionally, the nonuniform exothermic reactions occurring along the width of the interfacial zone resulted in the formation of a rough sawtooth interface. The typical microstructures from the top layer to the interfacial zone of the alloyed coatings were investigated to explore the formation and solidification processes of the molten pool. Additionally, the microhardness of the coatings markedly improved with increasing Fe concentration in the mixed powders, reaching 720 HV0.2. Moreover, a 92.3% reduction in the volume loss of the 70Fe–30Al coating compared with that of the substrate significantly enhanced the wear resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: To investigate the effect of combining Endostar with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (ECCRT) compared to concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) on the regression rate of retropharyngeal lymph nodes (RLNs) and the relationship between regression rate of RLNs and prognosis of patients with locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LANPC). Methods: A total of 122 LANPC patients with RLNs metastasis were included. Metastatic RLNs were delineated both before and after treatment slice by slice on the magnetic resonance images cross-section. The regression rate of RLNs, adverse effects (AE) were evaluated. The median regression rate of RLNs was taken as the cut-off value, and the patients were furtherly divided into high regression rate (HRR) group and low regression rate (LRR) group, then survival times were evaluated. Results: The median regression rates of RLNs in the ECCRT and CCRT groups were 81% and 50%, respectively (P < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of grade 3/4 AEs between the two groups, except for oral mucositis (ECCRT 26.23% vs. CCRT 44.26%, P = 0.037). The 3-year overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) and locoregional failure-free survival (LRFFS) rates in the HRR and LRR groups were 85.48% and 86.67% (P = 0.983), 80.65% and 68.33% (P = 0.037), 83.87% and 85% (P = 0.704), 93.55% and 81.67% (P = 0.033), respectively. Conclusions: Patients in the ECCRT group had higher regression rates of RLNs and lower incidence of severe oral mucositis. Furthermore, patients in the HRR group had a better 3-year PFS and LRFFS rate than those in the LRR group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Frontiers of Information Technology & Electronic Engineering is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The redox additive KI-modified and H2SO4-protonated polyvinyl alcohol gel polymer electrolyte (KI-H2SO4-PVA GPE) is used to match well with an activated carbon paper (ACP) electrode, which is adopted for solid-state pseudocapacitor applications. Enhanced hydrogen bonding interactions are established between oxygen-containing functional groups of ACP and multi-hydroxyl groups of PVA, promoting interfacial charge transfer. An intensified electrostatic adsorption is also promoted between H2SO4-protonated PVA and free iodide anions, enhancing the ionic and electrical conductivity of GPE. The electroactive iodide anion with polyvalent states of I−, I3− and IO3− in KI-H2SO4-PVA GPE participates in reversible redox reactions at the ACP electrode interface, which mostly contributes to Faradaic capacitance. The mass ratio of redox additive KI was optimized to be 0.166, which could balance the capacitance and the cyclability of KI-H2SO4-PVA GPE. The KI-H2SO4-PVA GPE reveals lower ohm resistance, charge transfer resistance and Warburg impedance, leading to its higher electrical and ion conductivity compared to H2SO4-PVA GPE. Theoretical simulations proved that the protonation of H2SO4-PVA and electrostatic interaction between H2SO4-protonated PVA and KI could cause an effective decrease in the interfacial energy of the activated carbon paper electrode. The KI-H2SO4-PVA GPE/ACP accordingly presents higher specific capacitance (24.75 mF cm−2) and rate capability (45.5%) than H2SO4-PVA GPE/ACP (12.93 mF cm−2, 15.6%). The redox-activated KI-H2SO4-PVA GPE exhibits a lowered cycling stability (64.5%) compared to H2SO4-PVA GPE (78.3%) in ACP supercapacitor applications due to the gradually decreasing irreversibility of the redox reactions of polyvalent iodide ions. The KI-H2SO4-PVA GPE matches well with ACP electrode and accordingly is suitable for solid-state pseudocapacitor applications with high capacitance performance. The KI-modified and H2SO4-protonated polyvinyl alcohol gel polymer electrolyte (KI-H2SO4-PVA GPE) is used to match well with the hydroxyl and epoxy groups activated carbon paper (ACP) electrode to form the intensified hydrogen bonding interface, contributing to superior Faradaic capacitance for the solid-state supercapacitor application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanjing Yunjin, a traditional Chinese silk weaving craft, is celebrated globally for its unique local characteristics and exquisite workmanship, forming an integral part of the world's intangible cultural heritage. However, with the advancement of information technology, the experiential knowledge of the Nanjing Yunjin production process is predominantly stored in text format. As a highly specialized and vertical domain, this information is not readily convert into usable data. Previous studies on a knowledge graph-based Nanjing Yunjin Question-Answering System have partially addressed this issue. However, knowledge graphs need to be constantly updated and rely on predefined entities and relationship types. Faced with ambiguous or complex natural language problems, knowledge graph information retrieval faces some challenges. Therefore, this study proposes a Nanjing Yunjin Question-Answering System that integrates Knowledge Graphs and Retrieval Augmented Generation techniques. In this system, the ROBERTA model is first utilized to vectorize Nanjing Yunjin textual information, delving deep into textual semantics to unveil its profound cultural connotations. Additionally, the FAISS vector database is employed for efficient storage and retrieval of Nanjing Yunjin information, achieving a deep semantic match between questions and answers. Ultimately, related retrieval results are fed into the Large Language Model for enhanced generation, aiming for more accurate text generation outcomes and improving the interpretability and logic of the Question-Answering System. This research merges technologies like text embedding, vectorized retrieval, and natural language generation, aiming to overcome the limitations of knowledge graphs-based Question-Answering System in terms of graph updating, dependency on predefined types, and semantic understanding. System implementation and testing have shown that the Nanjing Yunjin Intelligent Question-Answering System, constructed on the basis of Knowledge Graphs and Retrieval Augmented Generation, possesses a broader knowledge base that considers context, resolving issues of polysemy, vague language, and sentence ambiguity, and efficiently and accurately generates answers to natural language queries. This significantly facilitates the retrieval and utilization of Yunjin knowledge, providing a paradigm for constructing Question-Answering System for other intangible cultural heritages, and holds substantial theoretical and practical significance for the deep exploration and discovery of the knowledge structure of human intangible heritage, promoting cultural inheritance and protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The critical rainfall of runoff-initiated debris flows is utmost importance for local early hazard forecasting. This paper presents research on the critical rainfall of runoff-initiated debris flows through comparisons between slope gradients and three key factors, including topographic contributing area, dimensionless discharge, and Shields stress. The rainfall amount was estimated by utilizing in-situ rainfall records and a slope-dependent Shields stress model was created. The created model can predict critical Shields stress more accurately than the other two models. Furthermore, a new dimensionless discharge equation was proposed based on the corresponding discharge-gradient datasets. The new equation, along with factors such as contributing area above bed failure sites, channel width, and mean diameter of debris flow deposits, predicts a smaller rainfall amount than the in-situ measured records. Although the slope-dependent Shields stress model performs well and the estimated rainfall amount is lower than the in-situ records, the sediment initiation in the experiments falls within sheet flow regime due to a large Shields stress. Therefore, further sediment initiation experiments at a steeper slope range are expected in the future to ensure that the sediment transport belongs to mass failure regime characterized by a low level of Shields stress. Finally, a more accurate hazard forecast on the runoff-initiated debris flow holds promise when the corresponding critical slope-dependent dimensionless discharge of no motion, fluvial sediment transport, mass flow regime, and sheet flow regime are considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Sex hormones are thought to be responsible for the unique gender differences in papillary thyroid cancer(PTC). Most previous studies on these have focused on the expression of estrogen receptors, or have been limited to animal studies. The aim of our study was to explore the relationship between serum sex hormones and the pathological features of PTC in the clinical setting, as further evidence of the role of sex hormones in PTC. Methods: Retrospective data analysis of patients who underwent thyroid surgery at the Department of Thyroid Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital from January 2022 to September 2022 Correlation between serum sex hormone and pathological features was analyzed in male patients and in menopausal female patients. Serum sex hormones include luteinizing hormone(LH), follicle stimulating hormone(FSH), estradiol(E2), total testosterone(TT), progesterone(P), and prolactin(PRL). Tumor pathological characteristics include the number and size of tumor, presence of extrathyroidal extension(ETE), presence of lymph node metastasis(LNM). Results: Preoperative serum E2 in male patients was positively correlated with tumor size in PTC, LH was negatively correlated with LNM, while TT and P were negatively correlated with ETE. Similar findings were not observed in menopausal female patients. Conclusion: We observed that serum sex hormones correlate with the pathological features of PTC in male patients, for the first time in a clinical study. High serum estrogens may be a risk factor for PTC, while androgens are the opposite. This somewhat corroborates previous research and provides new variables for future PTC prediction models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most deadly human malignancies. Curcumin is a natural polyphenolic compound with wide-ranging pharmacological effects. Growing evidence suggests that curcumin has anticancer activity against PC, but the mechanism remains incompletely elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the effects and mechanisms of curcumin on the invasion and migration of PC cells. Methods: Effect of curcumin on tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI)-2 mRNA expression in PC cells was initially identified using qRT-PCR. Cytotoxicity of curcumin was assessed with MTT assays and IC50 was calculated. Involvement of ERK and JNK pathways, as well as protein expression of TFPI-2 and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related markers, were detected using immunoblotting. Invasion and migration of PC cells were examined using Transwell assays. TFPI-2 expression was manipulated by transfection with siRNA and shRNA. Rescue assays were used to validate the effect of curcumin on cell invasion and migration via TFPI-2. Results: Curcumin increased the expression of TFPI-2 mRNA and protein in PC cells and attenuated cell invasion and migration. Curcumin also inhibited ERK and JNK pathways and EMT in PC cells. Knockdown of TFPI-2 partially reversed the inhibition of ERK and JNK pathways and EMT by curcumin. Mechanistically, curcumin upregulated TFPI-2, thereby inhibiting the ERK and JNK pathways, leading to the inhibition of EMT in PC cells. Conclusion: Collectively, curcumin inhibits ERK- and JNK-mediated EMT through upregulating TFPI-2, which in turn suppresses the migration and invasion of PC cells. These findings provide new insights into the antitumor mechanism of curcumin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biosynthesis of isoprene offers a more sustainable alternative to fossil fuel-based approaches, yet its success has been largely limited to pure organic compounds and the cost remains a challenge. This study proposes a waste-to-wealth strategy for isoprene biosynthesis utilizing genetically engineered E. coli bacteria to convert organic waste from real food wastewater. The impact of organic compounds present in wastewater on E. coli growth and isoprene production was systematically investigated. The results demonstrated that with filtration pretreatment of wastewater, isoprene yield, and production achieved 115 mg/g COD and 7.1 mg/(L·h), respectively. Moreover, even without pretreatment, isoprene yield only decreased by ∼ 24%, indicating promising scalability. Glucose, maltose, glycerol, and lactate are effective substrates for isoprene biosynthesis, whereas starch, protein, and acetate do not support E. coli growth. The optimum C/N ratio for isoprene production was found to be 8:1. Furthermore, augmenting essential nutrients in wastewater elevated the isoprene yield increased to 159 mg/g COD. The wastewater biosynthesis significantly reduced the cost (44%–53% decrease, p-value < 0.01) and CO2 emission (46%–55% decrease, p-value < 0.01) compared with both sugar fermentation and fossil fuel–based refining. This study introduced a more sustainable and economically viable approach to isoprene synthesis, offering an avenue for resource recovery from wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is strong evidence that obesity is a risk factor for poor semen quality. However, the effects of multigenerational paternal obesity on the susceptibility to cadmium (a reproductive toxicant)-induced spermatogenesis disorders in offspring remain unknown. Here, we show that, in mice, spermatogenesis and retinoic acid levels become progressively lower as the number of generations exposed to a high-fat diet increase. Furthermore, exposing several generations of mice to a high fat diet results in a decrease in the expression of Wt1, a transcription factor upstream of the enzymes that synthesize retinoic acid. These effects can be rescued by injecting adeno-associated virus 9-Wt1 into the mouse testes of the offspring. Additionally, multigenerational paternal high-fat diet progressively increases METTL3 and Wt1 N6-methyladenosine levels in the testes of offspring mice. Mechanistically, treating the fathers with STM2457, a METTL3 inhibitor, restores obesity-reduced sperm count, and decreases Wt1 N6-methyladenosine level in the mouse testes of the offspring. A case-controlled study shows that human donors who are overweight or obese exhibit elevated N6-methyladenosine levels in sperm and decreased sperm concentration. Collectively, these results indicate that multigenerational paternal obesity enhances the susceptibility of the offspring to spermatogenesis disorders by increasing METTL3-mediated Wt1 N6-methyladenosine modification. The mechanisms through which multigenerational paternal obesity affects spermatogenesis in offspring remain poorly understood. Here, the authors show that it affects Wt1 m6A modifications, decreasing the fertility of offspring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading cause of cancer-associated death in the world. However, due to the complexity of HCC, it is urgent for us to find a reliable and accurate biomarker for HCC gene therapy.TopBP1-interacting checkpoint and replication regulator (TICRR), known as Treslin in vertebrate and sld3 in yeast, is involved in the tumorigenesis, progression, matastasis, diagnosis, and predicting prognosis of HCC. Disappointingly, the mechanism of TICRR expression in HCC is still not described in detail and requires further analysis. In this study, TCGA (www.tcga-data.nci.nih.gov/tcga/) datasets and GEO (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo) datasets were used to analyze the expression of TICRR in HCC, the relevance of TICRR mRNA expression and clinicopathological characteristics in patients with HCC, and the relationship between TICRR expression and immune infiltration level in Patients with HCC. Based on MethSurv database, the impact of TICRR in patients with HCC was investigated. In addition, GO/KEGG enrichment analysis of TICRR co-expression was performed using the R package. TICRR was found drastically highly expressed in a variety of cancer types including HCC.ROC curve analysis showed that TICRR had higher accuracy in predicting HCC compared with AFP. The expression level of TICRR was marked positively correlated with tumor stage and prognosis in Patients with HCC.GO/KEGG enrichment analysis showed that TICRR was associated with cell division and cell cycle as well as p53 signaling pathway. In addition, patients with high TICRR methylation of cg05841809, cg09403165, and cg03312532 CpG sites were significantly correlated with poor prognosis of HCC. This study demonstrated that increased TICRR expression in HCC might play an important role in the tumorigenesis, progression, diagnosis, and predicting prognosis of HCC. Therefore, TICRR might be used as a promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for HCC gene therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methane generation has a significant impact on climate change. Aquatic plants have been widely studied for their role in methane emissions. Most research has focused on the contribution of the plant itself whereas the potential involvement of the phyllosphere microbiota associated with aquatic plants in methanogenesis remains largely unexplored. This study investigated the phyllosphere microbiota on both the top and bottom sides of lotus (Nelumbo nucifera), a commonly found aquatic plant in Asia, sampled from two urban ponds, using sequencing for both the 16S rRNA gene and the methanogenesis functional marker gene. Methanogenesis potential was assessed through laboratory-based 13C labeling experiments. Results show that methanogenic archaea were successfully detected on the floating lotus leaves but not on the standing leaves. Among the methanogens detected, Methanobacterium was identified as the predominant group, with significantly higher relative abundance on the bottom sides of floating leaves compared to the surrounding pond water. This study demonstrates the metabolic activity of the phyllosphere methanogens of floating lotus. The microbiota associated with the bottom sides of floating leaves exhibited the ability to produce methane and incorporate 13C carbon into methane during incubation. Overall, this study provides the first compelling genetic and functional evidence for the existence of epiphytic methanogens on the phyllosphere of aquatic plants. Hence, the phyllosphere of floating-leaved macrophytes represents a previously unrecognized habitat for methanogens and a potential microbial source of methane at the water–atmosphere interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The transaxillary approach of breast augmentation is the most popular method in Asia, but longer period of recovery was observed in spite of the assistance of endoscope. Objectives: Introducing the ultrasonic dissection devices might be a solution to minimizing tisue damage thus relieving pain and shortening the period of recovery. Method: Between March 2020 and September 2022, we retrospectively reviewed the cases of 122 patients underwent endoscopic augmentation mammoplasty via the transaxillary approach using either the monopolar electrotome (ME) alone or assisted with Harmonic Scalpel (HS) in defining the retropectoral pocket and severing the pectoralis major muscle. Result: The total drainage volume was significantly lower in the HS group than ME group (74.33 ± 48.81 vs. 180.30 ± 125.10 mL; p < 0.0001). VAS score of the first 24 hour after surgery of the ME group was significantly higher than that of the HS group (6.10 ± 1.27 vs. 2.88 ± 1.29, p < 0.0001). Operation time in HS group was reduced compared to ME group (113.1 ± 14.46 mins vs. 131.3 ± 35.51 mins, p < 0.001). The duration of drainage placement (1.08 ± 0.27 vs. 2.72 ± 1.18 days) and hospital stay after surgery (3.08 ± 0.42 vs. 5.64 ± 2.78 days; p < 0.0001) were largely reduced in HS group. Conclusion: The assistance of Harmonic Scalpel significantly reduced total postoperative drainage, relieved pain and shortened operation time, length of drainage placement and hospital stay compared to using monopolar electrotome alone in endoscopic-assisted transaxillary dual-plane augmentation mammaplasty. Level of Evidence IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Quantifying the complementary characteristics of the wind-photovoltaic-hydro(W-PV-H) system under multiple uncertainties is very important for the planning and operation of W-PV-H system. Due to the randomness of hydrometeorological elements, W-PV-H system has multiple uncertainties which is difficult to describe. Besides, the complementarity of W-PV-H system with three energy sources cannot be directly clarified by the available indicators, which brings challenges to the development of W-PV-H system. To reveal the complementary mechanism of W-PV-H system under multiple uncertainties, the Asymmetric Archimedean Copula (AAC) based on the fully nested method and the maximum possible weight function are combined to characterize the multiple uncertainties of W-PV-H system. Then the comprehensive complementarity coefficient(CCC) is established by coupling spatial coordinates and compromise planningto quantify the complementary characteristics of W-PV-H system. The method proposed in this paper is applied to the upper reaches of the Yellow River. The results show that AAC has advantages in constructing joint probability distributions compared with Symmetric Archimedean Copula. The most probable solutions under multiple return periods are all located near the cumulative frequency contour. Under various joint probabilities, the CCCs in the study area are all greater than 0.5, which indicates that the W-PV-H system has certain complementarity in medium-long-term. The medium-long-term complementarity in wind-hydro and PV-hydro are better, and the complementarity in wind-PV is the worst. Morever, the medium-long-term compensation relationship in W-PV-H system is revealed through two models with the participation of wind and PV power or not. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional data-driven deep learning models often struggle with high training costs, error accumulation, and poor generalizability in complex physical processes. Physics-informed deep learning (PiDL) addresses these challenges by incorporating physical principles into the model. Most PiDL approaches regularize training by embedding governing equations into the loss function, yet this depends heavily on extensive hyperparameter tuning to weigh each loss term. To this end, we propose to leverage physics prior knowledge by "baking" the discretized governing equations into the neural network architecture via the connection between the partial differential equations (PDE) operators and network structures, resulting in a PDE-preserved neural network (PPNN). This method, embedding discretized PDEs through convolutional residual networks in a multi-resolution setting, largely improves the generalizability and long-term prediction accuracy, outperforming conventional black-box models. The effectiveness and merit of the proposed methods have been demonstrated across various spatiotemporal dynamical systems governed by spatiotemporal PDEs, including reaction-diffusion, Burgers', and Navier-Stokes equations. Most physics-informed deep learning models alleviate the poor generalizability of pure data-driven models by minimizing residuals of the governing equations. In this work the authors propose to leverage physics priors, by embedding the discretized governing equations into the neural network architecture, which improves the generalizability and long-term prediction accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the emergence of a novel subvariant of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant, called BA.2.86, which has raised concerns due to its high number of mutations in the spike protein. Studies have shown that BA.2.86 is able to evade immunity induced by vaccines and convalescent plasma. The fusogenicity of BA.2.86 and its sensitivity to fusion and replication inhibitors have not been thoroughly evaluated. The authors conducted experiments to assess the fusion kinetics of BA.2.86 and found that it exhibited increased fusogenicity compared to its ancestor subvariant. They also discovered a mutation in the HR1 region of the spike protein that promoted fusion and stabilized the protein in the prefusion state. The authors developed a prokaryotic expression system to produce a recombinant peptide called reEK1, which showed potent antiviral activity against BA.2.86 and other Omicron subvariants. The study suggests that the prokaryotic reEK1 expression system could be a cost-effective alternative to synthetic peptides for clinical use. [Extracted from the article]

Animal experiments have shown that high exposure to ethylene oxide (EO) can cause multiple system damages including the renal system. Recent studies have reported associations between exposure to EO and cancer, dyslipidemia, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. However, the impact of exposure to EO on the prevalence and prognosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in humans is scarcely investigated. The study was designed to investigate the associations between EO exposure and incidence and prognosis of CKD among 2900 US adults. Exposure to EO was measured by detecting the levels of hemoglobin adducts of EO (HbEO). The diagnosis of CKD was made according to an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and/or a urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) > 30 mg/g. Prognosis of CKD was assessed based on the evaluation system initiated by KDIGO that consists of eGFR and UACR. Survey-weighted generalized linear models and proportional odds models were constructed to assess the associations between HbEO and prevalence and prognosis of CKD, with odds ratios (ORs) and proportional odds ratios (PORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) reported, respectively. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) function was performed to depict the correlation between HbEO and CKD. The weighted median (interquartile range) of HbEO was 31.3 (23.1–60.3) pmol/g Hb. A total of 491 participants (16.9%) were diagnosed with CKD, and 153 participants (5.31%) were identified to be at high or very high risk. Referred to the first tertile of HbEO, the adjusted ORs (95% CIs) for CKD in the second and third tertile were 1.46 (0.85, 2.50) and 1.69 (1.00, 2.85), and the adjusted PORs (95% CIs) for prognosis of CKD in the second and third tertile were 1.37 (0.94, 1.99) and 1.58 (1.10, 2.26). When HbEO was analyzed as a continuous variable, the adjusted OR (95% CI) for CKD and POR (95% CI for prognosis of CKD were 1.24 (0.97, 1.58) and 1.22 (1.01, 1.47), respectively. RCS analysis revealed a non-linear positive correlation between HbEO and prevalence of CKD (P for nonlinearity < 0.05). Subgroup analysis indicated smoking status had a significant impact on this association, which remained significant among never smokers but lost significance among smokers. Among US adults, increased EO exposure was independently related to increased CKD prevalence and poor CKD outcomes, which was established in never smokers but not among ever smokers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although leader humor has been widely advocated in the workplace, the influence of leader humor on team creative outcomes remains to be explored. Drawing on social information processing theory and the superiority theory of humor, we proposed that leader humor, as the origin of relevant and significant information for team members, could nurture team psychological safety and subsequent team creativity. Moreover, due to the ambiguity nature of leader humor as well as the duality function of leader humor, leader behavioral integrity and leader humor differentiation act as the boundary conditions for the utility of leader humor in teams. Specifically, leader behavioral integrity strengthened, but leader humor differentiation weakened the positive relationship between leader humor and team psychological safety, as well as the positive indirect relationship between leader humor and team creativity through team psychological safety. Using a sample of 380 members and 110 team leaders, we found support for the first-stage moderated mediation model. Theoretical and managerial implications about leader humor are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the biodistribution, detection rate, and uptake of the [18F]FAPI-42 at two distinct time intervals. Methods: This prospective study enrolled 60 consecutive patients (median age 59; range 35–74) referred to [18F]FAPI-42 PET/CT. [18F]FAPI-42 PET/CT was performed early and late timepoint after tracer injection for staging or restaging. Positive lesions specified for anatomic locations (primary or recurrent tumor, LN metastasis and other metastasis) by visual analysis at both timepoints. Semiquantitative analysis of the tracer activity in lesions as well as normal tissues at both time points were measured and compared. In a subgroup analysis, eleven patients underwent 2-[18F]FDG PET/CT within 1 week, the detection rate and uptake of lesion were compared between early [18F]FAPI-42 and 2-[18F]FDG. Results: Uptake of [18F]FAPI-42 in the late timepoint was significantly lower than the early timepoint in most organs (all p < 0.05), except for bone (SUVmean 0.88 vs. 0.85; p = 0.218). Tracer retention at biliary system showed less frequent at early timepoint than late timepoint. A total of 194 lesions were detected in 60 patients. One lesion was only seen at early timepoint but not at late timepoint. Lesions on early [18F]FAPI-42 PET/CT had higher visual score than that of late image(23 vs. 6). The uptake of lesion decreased significantly from early to late timepoint (all p < 0.05). In subgroup analysis, early [18F]FAPI-42 illustrated higher detection rate, visual score, and uptake of lesion than that of 2-[18F]FDG PET/CT. Conclusion: Early [18F]FAPI-42 PET/CT provided consistent detection rates and lesion uptake, but less tracer retention in the biliary system compared to late images. Therefore, acquisition at early timepoint could be a feasible strategy for improving acquisition protocols of [18F]FAPI-42 PET/CT. Trial registration: ChiCTR2200063441. Registered 28 September 2022—Retrospectively registered, https://www.chictr.org.cn/bin/project/edit?pid=149714. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study published in the journal Cell Discovery investigated the immunological characteristics and pathogenic mechanisms of severe community-acquired pneumonia (Sev-CAP) caused by the low-virulence Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in elderly individuals. The study found that older adults with Sev-CAP had elevated inflammatory and antibody responses but diminished antiviral immunity. They also showed weak antibody neutralization against the Omicron variant. The study revealed impaired functions of innate immune cells and effector T cells in Sev-CAP, as well as an increased proportion of plasmacytes with immunoglobulin hyperproduction. The findings suggest that the Omicron variant can still cause severe outcomes in older adults due to age-related factors and impaired immune responses. [Extracted from the article]

Check dams have been widely used in China's Loess Plateau region due to their effectiveness in erosion and flood control. However, the safety and stability of the check dam decrease with the operation process, which increases the probability of dam failure during flood events and threatens local residents' life and property. Thus, this study simulated flood process of the check dam failure in the Wangmaogou watershed in Yulin City, Shaanxi Province, China, calculated different types of inundation losses based on the flood inundation area within the watershed, and determined the number of key flood protection check dams by classifying the flood risk levels of the check dams. The results showed that 5 dams in the watershed were subject to overtopping during different rainfall return periods, which was related to their flood discharge capacity. Dam failure flood process showed a rapid growth trend followed by slow decrease, and the time of flood peak advanced with increase in the return period. After harmonization of evaluation scales, the magnitude of flood inundation losses can be ranked as: economic losses (212.409 million yuan) > life losses (10.368 million yuan) >ecological losses (6.433 million yuan). The risk value for both individual dams and the whole dam system decreases as the return period increases. The number of key flood protection check dams in the Wangmaogou watershed was 2, 3, 3, 3, 4, and 5 for floods with return periods of 10, 20, 30, 50, 100, and 200 years, respectively. The results provided a theoretical basis for the safe operation and risk evaluation of check dams in the Loess Plateau Hills watershed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Extant research has identified various effects of leader humor on subordinates and work groups. In contrast, less research has explored the influence of leader humor on leaders themselves and leaders' subsequent behaviors. To address these issues, we drew from ego depletion theory and investigated when and how leader humor impacted leader workplace deviance. We argued that leader humor along with high impression management motive would bring increased ego depletion to leaders themselves and ultimately result in more leader workplace deviance. We tested our theoretical model using a three-wave time-lagged field survey data collected from 103 leaders and 595 subordinates, as well as an experiment involving 487 leader participants, which provided overall support for our hypotheses. Our findings revealed the possible dark side of leader humor influencing both leaders themselves and organizations. Theoretical contributions and new avenues for future research are addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The powerful parallel computing capability of GPU and the development of matrix processing unit in recent years provide more possibilities to improve the performance of convolutional neural network (CNN) on GPU. For the Winograd convolution algorithm, which is the most widely used in CNN and has the best performance, there are already some tuning results, but they all ignore the utilization of the matrix operation unit and fail to make full use of the computing resources of GPU. This paper introduces a single precision accelerated solution on GPU for CNN. According to the indicators of architecture, the optimal data layout, grid division and block division methods are derived. In order to adapt to a variety of padding in practical application, an efficient dynamic scheme for filling is designed, and by the use of matrix cores, a pipeline algorithm with operator fusion is implemented. The deep learning accelerated library MIOpen in AMD is used as the baseline. Taking several convolutional layers of ResNet50 as the experimental input, the evaluation shows that our approach outperforms MIOpen with the speedup of 1.41x on MI210, and reaches 74% of the peak value of single precision calculations. Applying this method to the training and inference of ResNet50, the speedup of 1.68x is obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The splitting field S F (Γ) of a mixed graph Γ is the smallest field extension of Q which contains all eigenvalues of the Hermitian adjacency matrix of Γ . The extension degree [ S F (Γ) : Q ] is called the algebraic degree of Γ . In this paper, we determine the splitting fields and algebraic degrees of mixed Cayley graphs over abelian groups. This generalizes the main results of Mönius (J Algebra 594(15):154–169, 2022). Additionally, we provide a characterization of integral mixed Cayley graphs over abelian groups, which implies the main result of Kadyan and Bhattacharjya (Electron J Combin 28(4):P4.46, 2021). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanjing Yunjin, one of China's traditional silk weaving techniques, is renowned for its unique local characteristics and exquisite craftsmanship, and was included in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2009. However, with rapid development in weaving technology, ever-changing market demands, and shifting public aesthetics, Nanjing Yunjin, as an intangible cultural heritage, faces the challenge of survival and inheritance. Addressing this issue requires efficient storage, management, and utilization of Yunjin knowledge to enhance public understanding and recognition of Yunjin culture. In this study, we have constructed an intelligent question-answering system for Nanjing Yunjin digital resources based on knowledge graph, utilizing the Neo4j graph database for efficient organization, storage, and protection of Nanjing Yunjin knowledge, thereby revealing its profound cultural connotations. Furthermore, we adopted deep learning algorithms for natural language parsing. Specifically, we adopted BERT-based intent recognition technology to categorize user queries by intent, and we employed the BERT + BiGRU + CRF model for entity recognition. By comparing with BERT + BILSTM + CRF, BERT + CRF and BILSTM + CRF models, our model demonstrated superior performance in terms of precision, recall, and F1 score, substantiating the superiority and effectiveness of this model. Finally, based on the parsed results of the question, we constructed knowledge graph query statements, executed by the Cypher language, and the processed query results were fed back to the users in natural language. Through system implementation and testing, multiple indices including system response time, stability, load condition, accuracy, and scalability were evaluated. The experimental results indicated that the Nanjing Yunjin intelligent question-answering system, built on the knowledge graph, is able to efficiently and accurately generate answers to user's natural language queries, greatly facilitating the retrieval and utilization of Yunjin knowledge. This not only reinforces the transmission, promotion, and application of Yunjin culture but also provides a paradigm for constructing other intangible cultural heritage question-answering systems based on knowledge graphs. This has substantial theoretical and practical significance for deeply exploring and uncovering the knowledge structure of human intangible heritage, promoting cultural inheritance and protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper devises the issue of machine learning rule-based methodology for uncovering the behavior-based rules of respective smart-phone users for purpose of providing context wise individualized notification services. Nowadays, the number of notifications arrived at an inappropriate moment of time or carried unrelated material, which can cause disruption. Previously Rule-based Classifier and Association Rule Mining (ARM) Techniques have been used to solve those problems. However, the classifier approach processes accuracy and reliability problems because of small data instances. ARM creates a vast number of redundant rules, which are pointless for creating context-aware decisions. Redundant rules can make the approach non-efficient and also make the dataset unnecessarily large, making decision-based problems more complicated. For those problems solution in this article, we propose a new Behavioral Adversarial Traversal Tree approach for extracting user behavioral rules with respect to different contexts. A real-world dataset is collected to make this approach more relevant. The Proposed approach effectively identifies and removes the redundant rules with individual behavior-oriented time slots, which are used in the proposed approach to make it more exact and efficient. Our experiments and comparisons on each individual contextual dataset exhibit that the following rule discovery approach is more adequate and more exact for context-aware notification services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Negative air ion (NAI) is an important index for measuring air quality and has been widely recognized to be influenced by photosynthesis processes. However, vegetation type and light intensity are also known to impact NAI, contributing to significant uncertainties in the relationship between light and NAI. In this paper, we selected Pinus bungeana, Platycladus orientalis and Buxus sinica as research subjects and obtained their NAI, light intensity, and meteorological data through synchronous observation under the relatively stable condition of the phytotron. We analyzed the change characteristics of NAI and the difference of NAI production ability in needle and broadleaf vegetation under different light intensities. Finally, we determined the relationship and underlying mechanism governing light intensity and NAI using diverse tree species. The results showed that the influence of light on NAI was significant. In the environment without vegetation, the influence of different light intensities on NAI was not significant, and the mean NAI concentration was 310 ions·cm-3. Conversely, in the presence of vegetation, NAI showed a "single-peak" trend with increasing light intensity. The NAI concentration of the three tree species was significantly higher than under different light intensities when vegetation was not present. The NAI promoting ability of P. bungeana was the highest (675 ions·cm-3), followed by P. orientalis (478 ions·cm-3) and B. sinica (430 ions·cm-3), which increased by 117.5%, 53.9% and 38.6% compared to the environment without vegetation. The NAI growth rate was significantly different between needle and broadleaf vegetation based on the specific tridimensional green biomass. Additionally, the NAI growth rates of P. bungeana and P. orientalis were 647 and 295 ions·cm-3·m-3, respectively, which were 3.06 and 1.39 times that of B. sinica (211 ions·cm-3·m-3). The piecewise equation fitting effect of NAI and light intensity was better for different tree species, the determination coefficients (R2) of P. bungeana, P. orientalis and B. sinica were 0.926, 0.916 and 0.880, and the root mean square errors (RMSE) were 7.157, 6.008 and 5.389 ion·cm-3, respectively. Altogether, our study provides a theoretical basis as well as technical support for the construction of healthy vegetation stands, the selection of preferred tree species, and the optimization of vegetation models, and promotes air quality and the provision of ecosystem functions and services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for infants, we used a medical polymer gel pad to assist ultrasonic positioning, so that the ultrasonic probe could be far away from the shock wave energy field. Although not affecting the ultrasonic positioning and monitoring effect, we discussed the protective effect of this method on the ultrasonic probe. A retrospective analysis was made on 21 infants (0–3 years old) who received ESWL in our hospital from June 2021 to February 2023. After the stones were accurately located by B-ultrasound before surgery, a 4 * 5 * 10 cm medical polymer gel pad was placed between the skin and the ultrasonic probe to keep the ultrasonic probe away from the shock wave energy field. The B-ultrasonic wave source locked the target stone through the gel pad, and the lithotripter Dornier Compact Delta II was used for lithotripsy. The extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy was completed under the whole process of B-ultrasonic monitoring. All patients completed the surgery under ultrasound monitoring, and there were no abnormalities in the ultrasound probe during the surgery. The average stone size was 0.60 ± 0.21 cm, the surgical time was 39.8 ± 13.8 min, and the total energy of lithotripsy was 7.41 ± 4.35 J. There were no obvious complications in all patients after the surgery. After 2 weeks of ultrasound examination, the success rate of lithotripsy in 21 patients reached 85.7%. We believe that the use of the gel pad increases the distance between the ultrasonic probe and the skin, leaving the probe away from the shock wave energy field, avoiding the damage of the shock wave source to the ultrasonic probe, and does not affect the monitoring effect of ultrasound on stones and the success rate of lithotripsy, which is worthy of further promotion in the field of children's urinary stones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study ground states of attractive Bose gases, which are confined in a harmonic trap V (x) = x 1 2 + Λ x 2 2 ( Λ ≥ 1 ) rotating at the velocity Ω . For any 0 ≤ Ω < Ω ∗ : = 2 , where Ω ∗ is called a critical rotational velocity, it is well known that ground states exist if and only if a < a ∗ for some critical constant 0 < a ∗ < ∞ , where a > 0 denotes the product for the number of particles times the absolute value of the scattering length. In this paper, we consider the critical rotating case, where the rotational velocity Ω = Ω ∗ , to study the existence and non-existence of ground states with respect to a > 0 . As imposed in Remark 2.2 of Lewin et al. (Blow-up profile of rotating 2D focusing bose gases. macroscopic limits of quantum systems, Springer, Berlin, 2018), we also analyze the limiting behavior of ground states as a ↗ a ∗ for the case where Ω = Ω a : = Ω ∗ 1 - C 0 (a ∗ - a) m ↗ Ω ∗ , 0 ≤ m < 1 2 and 0 < C 0 < 1 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Dahua Lou loom, pivotal to Nanjing Yunjin weaving, constitutes an integral part of global intangible cultural heritage. Its intricate weaving technique remains unmatched by modern machinery, marking it as a vital cultural artefact warranting protection. However, current virtual interactive systems grapple with adequately demonstrating its craftsmanship due to limitations like system iteration, multi-system integration, and data interoperability. To address these challenges, this study proposes a method that synergizes knowledge ontology, virtual reality technology, and data-driven design.Knowledge ontology enables enhanced management, reuse, and wide-ranging dissemination of domain knowledge, improving system interoperability. This methodology is utilized in constructing the loom model, animation demonstration, and in integrating it into the virtual interactive system. This multifaceted application of knowledge ontology significantly bolsters the system's efficiency and optimizes its development, maintenance, and integration processes.This research provides crucial advancements in domain knowledge modeling, 3D visualization, and virtual reality interactive systems, playing a significant role in preserving cultural heritage. Despite certain limitations, it offers an immersive, intuitive, and enriched design experience. The study concludes with a critique of the developed system, discussions on the encountered challenges, and future research directions include improving and expanding the knowledge ontology based on the opinions and practical experiences of domain experts, enhancing system compatibility, and conducting broader evaluations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lysine succinylation is one of the major post-translational modifications occurring on histones and is believed to have significant roles in regulating chromatin structure and function. Currently, histone desuccinylation is widely believed to be catalyzed by members of the SIRT family deacetylases. Here, we report that histone desuccinylation is in fact primarily catalyzed by the class I HDAC1/2/3. Inhibition or depletion of HDAC1/2/3 resulted in a marked increase of global histone succinylation, whereas ectopic expression of HDAC1/2/3 but not their deacetylase inactive mutants downregulated global histone succinylation. We demonstrated that the class I HDAC1/2/3 complexes have robust histone desuccinylase activity in vitro. Genomic landscape analysis revealed that histone succinylation is highly enriched at gene promoters and inhibition of HDAC activity results in marked elevation of promoter histone succinylation. Furthermore, our integrated analysis revealed that promoter histone succinylation positively correlates with gene transcriptional activity. Collectively, we demonstrate that the class I HDAC1/2/3 but not the SIRT family proteins are the major histone desuccinylases particularly important for promoter histone desuccinylation. Our study thus sheds new light on the role of histone succinylation in transcriptional regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]