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Abstract Vertical natural fractures (NFs) are prevalent in low-permeability sandstone reservoirs. Presently, the impact of NFs on the extension of hydraulic fractures (HFs) remains partially unveiled, which restricts the scientific development of strategies for low-permeability, fractured oil sandstones. In this study, taking the oil sandstone of the He-3 Member, Hetaoyuan Formation, southeastern Biyang Depression as an example, we conducted a comprehensive investigation into the factors influencing vertical fracture development and the interaction between natural and hydraulic fractures. The cohesive unit simulations indicate that geostress is the principal factor influencing HF expansion, more so than NFs, with this influence intensifying as natural fracture density increases. As natural fracture density grows, the potential for two sets of conjugate natural fractures to form short HFs arises, which are limited in expansion scope, suggesting a need to reduce well spacing accordingly. Conversely, areas with a single set of NFs are more prone to developing longer HFs, warranting an increase in well spacing to avoid water channeling. High natural fracture densities may constrain the effectiveness of HFs. In fractured reservoirs with a 10 MPa horizontal stress difference, the length of HFs is 1.52 times that of HFs with 0 MPa and 5 MPa differences. However, the hydraulic fracture effectiveness index (F E) of the latter is 1.74 times higher than the former. For fractured reservoirs, the expansion capacity of HF length within a 5 MPa horizontal stress difference remains relatively stable; beyond this threshold, the expansion capacity increases with the growing horizontal stress difference, and the fracturing effect eventually deteriorates. Furthermore, as the strength of NFs escalates, the length and modified area of HFs initially decrease significantly before stabilizing. The complexity and FE value of HFs formed under strong natural fracture conditions are heightened, indicating a more effective fracturing outcome.

Abstract Camellia oleifera is an important woody oil tree in China, in which the flowers and fruits appear during the same period. The endogenous hormone changes and transcription expression levels in different parts of the flower tissue (sepals, petals, stamens, and pistils), flower buds, leaves, and seeds of Changlin 23 high-yield (H), Changlin low-yield (L), and control (CK) C. oleifera groups were studied. The abscisic acid (ABA) content in the petals and stamens in the L group was significantly higher than that in the H and CK groups, which may be related to flower and fruit drops. The high N6-isopentenyladenine (iP) and indole acetic acid (IAA) contents in the flower buds may be associated with a high yield. Comparative transcriptome analysis showed that the protein phosphatase 2C (PP2C), jasmonate-zim-domain protein (JAZ), and WRKY-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) may play an important role in determining leaf color. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) comparison showed that jasmonic acid (JA) and cytokinin play an important role in determining the pistil of the H group. In this study, endogenous hormone and transcriptome analyses were carried out to identify the factors influencing the large yield difference in C. oleifera in the same year, which provides a theoretical basis for C. oleifera in the future.

Abstract Background Family with sequence similarity 109, member B (FAM109B) is involved in endocytic transport and affects genetic variation in brain methylation. It is one of the important genes related to immune cell-associated diseases. In the tumor immune system, methylation can regulate tumor immunity and influence the maturation and functional response of immune cells. Whether FAM109B is involved in tumor progression and its correlation with the tumor immune microenvironment has not yet been disclosed. Methods A comprehensive pan-cancer analysis of FAM109B expression, prognosis, immunity, and TMB was conducted. The expression, clinical features, and prognostic value of FAM109B in low-grade gliomas (LGG) were evaluated using TCGA, CGGA, and Gravendeel databases. The expression of FAM109B was validated by qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and Western blotting (WB). The relationship between FAM109B and methylation, Copy Number Variation (CNV), prognosis, immune checkpoints (ICs), and common chemotherapy drug sensitivity in LGG was explored through Cox regression, Kaplan–Meier curves, and Spearman correlation analysis. FAM109B levels and their distribution were studied using the TIMER database and single-cell analysis. The potential role of FAM109B in gliomas was further investigated through in vitro and in vivo experiments. Results FAM109B was significantly elevated in various tumor types and was associated with poor prognosis. Its expression was related to aggressive progression and poor prognosis in low-grade glioma patients, serving as an independent prognostic marker for LGG. Glioma grade was negatively correlated with FAM109B DNA promoter methylation. Immune infiltration and single-cell analysis showed significant expression of FAM109B in tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). The expression of FAM109B was closely related to gene mutations, immune checkpoints (ICs), and chemotherapy drugs in LGG. In vitro studies showed increased FAM109B expression in LGG, closely related to cell proliferation. In vivo studies showed that mice in the sh-FAM109B group had slower tumor growth, slower weight loss, and longer survival times. Conclusions FAM109B, as a novel prognostic biomarker for low-grade gliomas, exhibits specific overexpression in TAMs and may be a potential therapeutic target for LGG patients.

Abstract O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) has been demonstrated to be an important prognostic and predictive marker in glioblastoma (GBM). To establish a reliable radiomics model based on MRI data to predict the MGMT promoter methylation status of GBM. A total of 183 patients with glioblastoma were included in this retrospective study. The visually accessible Rembrandt images (VASARI) features were extracted for each patient, and a total of 14676 multi-region features were extracted from enhanced, necrotic, “non-enhanced, and edematous” areas on their multiparametric MRI. Twelve individual radiomics models were constructed based on the radiomics features from different subregions and different sequences. Four single-sequence models, three single-region models and the combined radiomics model combining all individual models were constructed. Finally, the predictive performance of adding clinical factors and VASARI characteristics was evaluated. The ComRad model combining all individual radiomics models exhibited the best performance in test set 1 and test set 2, with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.839 (0.709–0.963) and 0.739 (0.581–0.897), respectively. The results indicated that the radiomics model combining multi-region and multi-parametric MRI features has exhibited promising performance in predicting MGMT methylation status in GBM. The Modeling scheme that combining all individual radiomics models showed best performance among all constructed moels.

Abstract Background Recent studies have highlighted the significant role of the NF-κB signaling pathway in the initiation and progression of cancer. Furthermore, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been identified as pivotal regulators in sustaining the NF-κB signaling pathway’s functionality. Despite these findings, the underlying molecular mechanisms through which lncRNAs influence the NF-κB pathway remain largely unexplored. Methods Bioinformatic analyses were utilized to investigate the differential expression and prognostic significance of XTP6. The functional roles of XTP6 were further elucidated through both in vitro and in vivo experimental approaches. To estimate the interaction between XTP6 and NDH2, RNA pulldown and RNA Immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays were conducted. The connection between XTP6 and the IκBα promoter was examined using Chromatin Isolation by RNA Purification (ChIRP) assays. Additionally, Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays were implemented to analyze the binding affinity of c-myc to the XTP6 promoter, providing insights into the regulatory mechanisms at play. Results XTP6 was remarkedly upregulated in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) tissues and was connected with adverse prognosis in GBM patients. Our investigations revealed that XTP6 can facilitate the malignant progression of GBM both in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, XTP6 downregulated IκBα expression by recruiting NDH2 to the IκBα promoter, which resulted in elevated levels of H3K27me3, thereby reducing the transcriptional activity of IκBα. Moreover, the progression of GBM was further driven by the c-myc-mediated upregulation of XTP6, establishing a positive feedback loop with IκBα that perpetuated the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. Notably, the application of an inhibitor targeting the NF-κB signaling pathway effectively inhibited the continuous activation induced by XTP6, leading to a significant reduction in tumor formation in vivo. Conclusion The results reveal that XTP6 unveils an innovative epigenetic mechanism instrumental in the sustained activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway, suggesting a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of GBM.

Abstract While sanguinarine has gained recognition for antimicrobial and antineoplastic activities, its complex conjugated structure and low abundance in plants impede broad applications. Here, we demonstrate the complete biosynthesis of sanguinarine and halogenated derivatives using highly engineered yeast strains. To overcome sanguinarine cytotoxicity, we establish a splicing intein-mediated temperature-responsive gene expression system (SIMTeGES), a simple strategy that decouples cell growth from product synthesis without sacrificing protein activity. To debottleneck sanguinarine biosynthesis, we identify two reticuline oxidases and facilitated functional expression of flavoproteins and cytochrome P450 enzymes via protein molecular engineering. After comprehensive metabolic engineering, we report the production of sanguinarine at a titer of 448.64 mg L−1. Additionally, our engineered strain enables the biosynthesis of fluorinated sanguinarine, showcasing the biotransformation of halogenated derivatives through more than 15 biocatalytic steps. This work serves as a blueprint for utilizing yeast as a scalable platform for biomanufacturing diverse benzylisoquinoline alkaloids and derivatives.

Abstract Background The ricefield eel Monopterus albus undergoes a natural sex change from female to male during its life cycle, and previous studies have shown the potential mechanisms of this transition at the transcriptional and protein levels. However, the changes in protein levels have not been fully explored, especially in the intersexual stage. Results In the present study, the protein expression patterns in the gonadal tissues from five different periods, the ovary (OV), early intersexual stage gonad (IE), middle intersexual stage gonad (IM), late intersexual stage gonad (IL), and testis (TE), were determined by untargeted proteomics sequencing. A total of 5125 proteins and 394 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were detected in the gonadal tissues. Of the 394 DEPs, there were 136 between the OV and IE groups, 20 between the IM and IE groups, 179 between the IL and IM groups, and 59 between the TE and IL groups. Three candidate proteins, insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 3 isoform X1 (Igf2bp3), triosephosphate isomerase (Tpi), and Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase isoform X1 [(Cu-Zn) Sod1], were validated by western blotting to verify the reliability of the data. Furthermore, metal metabolite-related proteins were enriched in the IL vs. IM groups and TE vs. IL groups, which had close relationships with sex change, including Cu2+-, Ca2+-, Zn2+- and Fe2+/Fe3+-related proteins. Analysis of the combined transcriptome data revealed consistent protein/mRNA expression trends for two metal metabolite-related proteins/genes [LOC109953912 and calcium Binding Protein 39 Like (cab39l)]. Notably, we detected significantly higher levels of Cu2+ during the sex change process, suggesting that Cu2+ is a male-related metal metabolite that may have an important function in male reproductive development. Conclusions In summary, we analyzed the protein profiles of ricefield eel gonadal tissues in five sexual stages (OV, IE, IM, IL, and TE) and verified the plausibility of the data. After preforming the functional enrichment of metal metabolite-related DEPs, we detected the contents of the metal metabolites Zn2+, Cu2+, Ca2+, and Fe2+/Fe3+ at these five stages and screened for (Cu-Zn) Sod1 and Mmp-9 as possible key proteins in the sex reversal process.

A long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) is longer than 200 bp. It regulates various biological processes mainly by interacting with DNA, RNA, or protein in multiple kinds of biological processes. Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is activated during nutrient starvation, especially glucose starvation and oxygen deficiency (hypoxia), and exposure to toxins that inhibit mitochondrial respiratory chain complex function. AMPK is an energy switch in organisms that controls cell growth and multiple cellular processes, including lipid and glucose metabolism, thereby maintaining intracellular energy homeostasis by activating catabolism and inhibiting anabolism. The AMPK signalling pathway consists of AMPK and its upstream and downstream targets. AMPK upstream targets include proteins such as the transforming growth factor β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1), liver kinase B1 (LKB1), and calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase β (CaMKKβ), and its downstream targets include proteins such as the mechanistic/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex 1 (mTORC1), hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α), and silencing information regulatory 1 (SIRT1). In general, proteins function relatively independently and cooperate. In this article, a review of the currently known lncRNAs involved in the AMPK signalling pathway is presented and insights into the regulatory mechanisms involved in human ageing and age-related diseases are provided.

In this study, high-internal phase Pickering emulsions (HIPPEs) were prepared by high speed shearing using quinoa protein isolate (QPI) as interfacial particles, corn oil as dispersed phase, and beef bone broth or beef powder solution as continuous phase, and their rheological properties, thermodynamic properties, color and volatile components were analyzed. The results showed that all 5 emulsions exhibited obvious shear thinning behavior of a pseudoplastic fluid, and their apparent viscosities decreased with the increase in shear rate. However, at the same shear rate, the emulsion with fish gelatin added to the aqueous phase showed the highest viscosity, which was more conducive to simulating the sticky taste of beef tallow. Addition of fish gelatin or starch into the aqueous phase significantly increased the storage modulus (G’), loss modulus (G”) and viscoelastic properties of Pickering emulsions, and the emulsion with fish gelatin had better viscoelastic properties and rheological properties closer to those of beef tallow than the emulsion with starch. Adding fish gelatin to the aqueous phase containing beef bone broth significantly increased the brightness and whiteness of Pickering emulsion (P < 0.05), whereas the opposite effect was observed when the aqueous phase was beef powder solution. Moreover, adding starch or fish gelatin into the aqueous phase could significantly increase the melting point of quinoa protein-stabilized Pickering emulsion. The results of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) showed that using beef bone broth as the aqueous phase increased the contents of flavor components such as hexanal, 4-isopropyl toluene, and pentadecylene, imparting the emulsion with part of the flavor of beef tallow. The composition of flavor components in the emulsion with beef powder solution was similar to that in the emulsion with beef bone broth, but the content of flavor compounds was lower in the emulsion with beef powder solution than with beef bone broth. In summary, quinoa protein-stabilized Pickering emulsion with an aqueous phase containing bovine bone broth and fish gelatin showed similar rheological properties, appearance and volatile flavor composition to beef tallow, and it possessed higher melting point, showing its potential and sustained research value in simulating saturated fat.

Abstract Drought stress can significantly affect plant growth, development, and yield. Fewer comparative studies have been conducted between different species of pines, particularly involving Pinus yunnanensis var. pygmaea (P. pygmaea). In this study, the physiological indices, photosynthetic pigment and related antioxidant enzyme changes in needles from P. pygmaea, P. elliottii and P. massoniana under drought at 0, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 d, as well as 7 days after rehydration, were measured. The PacBio single-molecule real-time (SMRT) and Illumina RNA sequencing were used to uncover the gene expression differences in P. pygmaea under drought and rehydration conditions. The results showed that the total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) of P. pygmaea was significantly higher than P. massoniana and P. elliottii. TAOC showed a continuous increase trend across all species. Soluble sugar (SS), starch content and non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) of all three pines displayed a "W" pattern, declining initially, increasing, and then decreasing again. P. pygmaea exhibits stronger drought tolerance and greater recovery ability under prolonged drought conditions. Through the PacBio SMRT-seq, a total of 50,979 high-quality transcripts were generated, and 6,521 SSR and 5,561 long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) were identified. A total of 2310, 1849, 5271, 5947, 7710, and 6854 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified compared to the control (Pp0D) in six pair-wise comparisons of treatment versus control. bHLH, NAC, ERF, MYB_related, C3H transcription factors (TFs) play an important role in drought tolerance of P. pygmaea. KEGG enrichment analysis and Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) analysis showed that P. pygmaea may respond to drought by enhancing metabolic processes such as ABA signaling pathway, alpha-linolenic acid. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) revealed GST, CAT, LEC14B, SEC23 were associated with antioxidant enzyme activity and TAOC. This study provides a basis for further research on drought tolerance differences among coniferous species.

Abstract Background Gleditsia sinensis is a significant tree species from both ecological and economic perspectives. However, its growth is hampered by temporary droughts during the seedling stage, thereby impeding the development of the G. sinensis industry. Drought stress and rehydration of semi-annual potted seedlings using an artificial simulated water control method. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analyses were conducted on leaves collected from highly resistant (HR) and highly susceptible (HS) seedling families at five different stages during the process of drought stress and rehydration to investigate their gene expression patterns. Results The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were predominantly enriched in pathways related to “chloroplast” (GO:0009507), “photosynthesis” (GO:0015979), “plant hormone signal transduction” (map04075), “flavonoid biosynthesis” (map00941), “stress response”, “response to reactive oxygen species (ROS)” (GO:0000302), “signal transduction” (GO:0007165) in G. sinensis HR and HS families exposed to mild and severe drought stress. Additionally, the pathways related to “plant hormone signal transduction” (map04075), and osmoregulation were also enriched. The difference in drought tolerance between the two families of G. sinensis may be associated with “transmembrane transporter activity” (GO:0022857), “stress response”, “hormones and signal transduction” (GO:0007165), “cutin, suberine and wax biosynthesis” (map00073), “ribosome” (map03010), “photosynthesis” (map00195), “sugar metabolism”, and others. An enrichment analysis of DEGs under severe drought stress suggests that the drought tolerance of both families may be related to “water-soluble vitamin metabolic process” (GO:0006767), “photosynthesis” (map00195), “plant hormone signal transduction” (map04075), “starch and sucrose metabolism” (map00500), and “galactose metabolism” (map00052). Osmoregulation-related genes such as delta-1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthase (P5CS), Amino acid permease (AAP), Amino acid permease 2 (AAP2) and Trehalose-phosphate synthase (TPS), as well as the antioxidant enzyme L-ascorbate peroxidase 6 (APX6), may be significant genes involved in drought tolerance in G. sinensis. Five genes were selected randomly to validate the RNA-seq results using quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) and they indicated that the transcriptome data were reliable. Conclusions The study presents information on the molecular regulation of the drought tolerance mechanism in G. sinensis and provides a reference for further research on the molecular mechanisms involved in drought tolerance breeding of G. sinensis.

Abstract The genus Gleditsia has significant medicinal and economic value, but information about the chloroplast genomic characteristics of Gleditsia species has been limited. Using the Illumina sequencing, we assembled and annotated the whole chloroplast genomes of seven Gleditsia species (Gleditsia sinensis, Gleditsia japonica var. delavayi (G. delavayi), G. fera, G. japonica, G. microphylla, Fructus Gleditsiae Abnormalis (Zhū Yá Zào), G. microphylla mutant). The assembled genomes revealed that Gleditsia species have a typical circular tetrad structure, with genome sizes ranging from 162,746 to 170,907 bp. Comparative genomic analysis showed that most (65.8–75.8%) of the abundant simple sequence repeats in Gleditsia and Gymnocladus species were located in the large single copy region. The Gleditsia chloroplast genome prefer T/A-ending codons and avoid C/G-ending codons, positive selection was acting on the rpoA, rpl20, atpB, ndhA and ycf4 genes, most of the chloroplast genes of Gleditsia species underwent purifying selection. Expansion and contraction of the inverted repeat (IR)/single copy (SC) region showed similar patterns within the Gleditsia genus. Polymorphism analysis revealed that coding regions were more conserved than non-coding regions, and the IR region was more conserved than the SC region. Mutational hotspots were mostly found in intergenic regions such as “rps16-trnQ”, “trnT-trnL”, “ndhG-ndhI”, and "rpl32-trnL” in Gleditsia. Phylogenetic analysis showed that G. fera is most closely related to G. sinensis,G. japonica and G. delavayi are relatively closely related. Zhū Yá Zào can be considered a bud mutation of the G. sinensis. The albino phenotype of G. microphylla mutant is not caused by variations in the chloroplast genome, and that the occurrence of the albino phenotype may be due to mutations in chloroplast-related genes involved in splicing or localization functions. This study will help us enhance our exploration of the genetic evolution and geographical origins of the Gleditsia genus.

ABSTRACTLocal feature matching between images is a challenging task, particularly when there are significant appearance variations, such as extreme viewpoint changes. In this work, we present LoFTRS, a deep learning-based image matching framework that integrates semantic constraints into the matching process. Our key insight is that a local feature matcher with deep layers can capture more human-intuitive and simpler-to-match features. In addition to image segmentation module, we also propose a detector-free Transformer module. It uses vector-based attention to model relevance among all features and achieves efficient and effective long-range context aggregation. Transformer module applies a relative position encoding to explicitly disclose relative distance information, further improving the representation of features. We evaluate the performance of LoFTRS comparing to various popular handcrafted and deep learning-based methods. We investigate the relationship between matching quality and the performance of subsequent processing steps, such as the accuracy and completeness of the model generated by SfM. The experimental results show that the proposed LoFTRS achieves equal or better image matching performance in terms of matching score, average track length, RMSE, and the number of 3D points.

Abstract Aim To retrieve, analyse and summarize the relevant evidence on the prevention and management of bladder dysfunction in patients with cervical ancer after radical hysterectomy. Design Overview of systematic reviews. Methods 11 databases were searched for relevant studies from top to bottom according to the ‘6S’ model of evidence‐based resources. Two independent reviewers selected the articles, extracted the data and appraised the quality of the included reviews based on different types of evaluation tools. Results A total of 13 studies were identified, including four clinical consultants, four guidelines, four systematic reviews and one randomized controlled trial. 29 best evidence were summarized from five aspects, including definition, risk factors, assessment, prevention and management.

Due to the development and utilization of nuclear energy, the safe disposal of nuclear waste needs to be urgently addressed. In recent years, the utilization of microorganisms’ adsorption capacity to dispose of radioactive waste has received increasing attention. When compared with conventional disposal methods, microbial adsorption exhibits the characteristics of high efficiency, low cost, and no secondary pollution. In the long term, microbial biomass shows significant promise as specific chemical-binding agents. Optimization of biosorption conditions, identification of rare earth element binding sites, and studies on the sorption capacities of immobilized cells provide compelling reasons to consider biosorption for industrial applications in heavy metal removal from solutions. However, the interaction mechanism between microorganisms and radioactive nuclides is very complex. This mini-review briefly provides an overview of the preparation methods, factors affecting the adsorption capacity, and the mechanisms of microbial adsorbents.

As an important agricultural product, the endosperm portion of Gleditsia sinensis seeds, called “zào jiǎo mǐ” (ZJM) in Chinese, has gradually gained popularity and has been accepted by the public. However, there is limited information on the nutritional value and metabolic components of endosperm among Gleditsia. This study compared the endosperm composition among seven species. The types of metabolites, content of nutrients and amino acids were determined. A total of 4495 types of metabolites were detected. Galactose metabolism (gmx00052) was enriched in all combinations compared with G. sinensis. The polysaccharides content ranged from 51.49 to 80.37 g/100 g. Based on considerations of growth rate, seed yield, amino acid content, and interspecific differences, G. fera could be an alternative planting option to G. sinensis. These results can provide a reference for growers in selecting Gleditsia varieties and provide insights into the industrial applications of Gleditsia endosperm products.

Abstract Background Inflammasomes in astrocytes have been shown to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Cannabinoid Receptor 2(CB2R), a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), is considered a promising therapeutic target in inflammation-related disorders. This study aims to explore the role of CB2R in regulating NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3)-mediated neuroinflammation in astrocytes. Methods In an in vivo animal model, specific targeting of astrocytic CB2R was achieved by injecting CB2R-specific adenovirus (or fork head box g1(foxg1) adenovirus) to knock down CB2R or administering CB2R agonists, inhibitors, etc., in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) of mice. A PD mouse model was established using 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) induction. Animal behavioral tests, western blot, immunofluorescence, and other experiments were performed to assess the loss of midbrain tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) neurons, activation of astrocytes, and activation of the NLRP3 pathway. Primary astrocytes were cultured in vitro, and NLRP3 inflammasomes were activated using 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Western blot and ELISA experiments were conducted to assess the release of inflammatory factors. Transcriptomic sequencing and CUT&RUN techniques were employed to study the CB2R regulation of the foxg1 binding site on the autophagy molecule microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta (MAP1LC3B). Results Astrocytic CB2R knockdown impaired the motor abilities of MPTP-induced mice, exacerbated the loss of TH neurons, and induced activation of the NLRP3/Caspase-1/interleukin 1 (IL-1β) pathway. Activation of CB2R significantly alleviated motor impairments in mice while reducing NLRP3 deposition on astrocytes. In vitro cell experiments showed that CB2R activation attenuated the activation of the NLRP3/Caspase-1/IL-1β pathway induced by LPS + ATP or MPP+. Additionally, it inhibited the binding of foxg1 to MAP1LC3B, increased astrocytic autophagy levels, and facilitated NLRP3 degradation through the autophagy–lysosome pathway. Conclusion Activation of CB2R on astrocytes effectively mitigates NLRP3-mediated neuroinflammation and ameliorates the disease characteristics of PD in mice. CB2R represents a potential therapeutic target for treating PD.

To examine physical activity (PA) of post-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) patients and explore the demographic, clinical, and social psychological characteristics associated with PA levels.

Abstract As an economically important tree, Gleditsia sinensis Lam. is widely planted. A lack of background genetic information on G. sinensis hinders molecular breeding. Based on PacBio single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing and analysis of G. sinensis, a total of 95,183 non-redundant transcript sequences were obtained, of which 93,668 contained complete open reading frames (ORFs), 2,858 were long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) and 18,855 alternative splicing (AS) events were identified. Genes orthologous to different Gleditsia species pairs were identified, stress-related genes had been positively selected during the evolution. AGA, AGG, and CCA were identified as the universal optimal codon in the genus of Gleditsia. EIF5A was selected as a suitable fluorescent quantitative reference gene. 315 Cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYP450s) and 147 uridine diphosphate (UDP)-glycosyltransferases (UGTs) were recognized through the PacBio SMRT transcriptome. Randomized selection of GsIAA14 for cloning verified the reliability of the PacBio SMRT transcriptome assembly sequence. In conclusion, the research data lay the foundation for further analysis of the evolutionary mechanism and molecular breeding of Gleditsia.

Abstract Background Trachycarpus fortunei is a plant with significant economic and ornamental value. Both male and female flowers of T. fortunei originate as bisexual flowers, and selective abortion occurs during floral development. However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying this process remain unclear in T. fortunei. In this study, transcriptome sequencing with Illumina and Pacific BioSciences (PacBio) single-molecule real-time (SMRT) platforms were used to investigate gene expression differences between male and female T. fortunei plants. Results A total of 833,137 full-length non-chimeric (FLNC) reads were obtained, and 726,846 high-quality full-length transcripts were identified. A total of 159 genes were differentially expressed between male and female flowers at all development stages. Some of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) showed male bias, including serine/threonine-protein kinase (STPK), THUMP1 homolog and other genes. Through single-nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs) identification, 28 genes were considered as potential sex-associated SNPs. Time-Ordered Gene Co-expression Network (TO-GCN) analysis revealed that MADS2 and MADS26 may play important roles in the development of female and male flowers T. fortune plants, respectively. Conclusions These findings provide a genetic basis for flower development and differentiation in T. fortunei, and improve our understanding of the mechanisms underlying sexual differentiation in T. fortunei.

Abstract Sharp steering-braking at a high speed exposes sport utility vehicles with high gravity centers and narrow wheel tracks to the risks of tire locking, sideslip and rollover. To avoid these risks and ensure braking safety, yaw stability and roll stability upon steering-braking, a braking-yaw-roll stability integrated control strategy was proposed, which consists of a supervisor, an upper and a lower controller for the front and rear axle independent drive electric vehicle. In the supervisor, a nonlinear vehicle predictive model was constructed and four control modes were proposed according to the vehicle status and rollover indexes. The weight coefficients between braking force, yaw stability and roll stability are determined dynamically by the control mode and output to the upper controller. The upper controller used a nonlinear model predictive control to determine the longitudinal braking force distribution of the four wheels. And in the lower controller, the regenerative braking torque and friction braking torque of each wheel were distributed. Finally, simulation verifications were carried out on the high and low adhesion roads. The results show that the control strategy proposed in this study can effectively prevent the vehicle from rollover while ensuring braking safety and yaw stability.

Abstract G. sinensis is a crucial tree species in China, possessing important economic and ecological value, and having a wide geographical distribution. G. sinensis seedlings is highly vulnerable to the drought-rehydration-drought cycle during their growth, and there is a lack of quantitative and systematic research on the physiological mechanisms of drought resistance and rehydration in G. sinensis. There is also a lack of good drought-resistant families and reliable methods for evaluating drought resistance, which severely hinders the selection and promotion of drought-resistant G. sinensis families and the industry's development. Therefore, this study selection 58 families seedlings of G. sinensis to drought stress and rehydration using an artificial simulated water control method in potted seedlings. The aim was to compare the effects of different levels of drought and rehydration on the growth and physiological indices of seedlings from different families. Identification of drought-resistant families and dependable drought related indices and techniques, the explanation of divergence in drought stress effects on various drought-resistant seedlings and the mechanisms underpinning growth and physiological responses, and the provision of theoretical reference for G. sinensis drought-resistant variety selection and cultivation. The Drought Resistance Index (DRI) served as the primary indicator, supplemented by growth, leaf morphology, and photosynthetic physiological indicators, to thoroughly assess and identify five distinct drought tolerant taxa while also selecting five representative families. Soluble protein (SP), proline (Pro), and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents, as well as the activities of catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in seedlings from the five families, increased as the degree of drought intensified. The highest values were appeared during periods of severe drought, and gradually decreased after subsequent rehydration. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed MDA and soluble sugars (SS) as the primary predictors of drought and rehydration response in G. sinensis seedlings respectively. Changes in osmoregulatory substance content and increased antioxidant enzyme activity may be crucial for responding to drought tolerance mechanisms. Leaf morphological indicators, seedling height, soil plant analysis development (SPAD) value, photosynthetic indicators, and MDA are dependable parameters for assessing the drought tolerance of G. sinensis seedlings. When assessing the drought-resistance of seedlings using physiological indicators such as photosynthesis, a comprehensive analysis should incorporate multiple indicators and methods. This evaluation approach could serve as a reference for screening exceptional drought-resistant families of G. sinensis.

Energy management strategies typically employ reinforcement learning algorithms in a static state. However, during vehicle operation, the environment is dynamic and laden with uncertainties and unforeseen disruptions. This study proposes an adaptive learning strategy in dynamic environments that adapts actions to changing circumstances, drawing on past experience to enhance future real-world learning. We developed a memory library for dynamic environments, employed Dirichlet clustering for driving conditions, and incorporated the expectation maximization algorithm for timely model updating to fully absorb prior knowledge. The agent swiftly adapts to the dynamic environment and converges quickly, improving hybrid electric vehicle fuel economy by 5–10% while maintaining the final state of charge (SOC). Our algorithm’s engine operating point fluctuates less, and the working state is compact compared with Deep Q-Network (DQN) and Deterministic Policy Gradient (DDPG) algorithms. This study provides a solution for vehicle agents in dynamic environmental conditions, enabling them to logically evaluate past experiences and carry out situationally appropriate actions.

Reservoirs are an important source of methane (CH4) emissions, but the relative contribution of CH4 ebullition and diffusion fluxes to total fluxes has received little attention in the past. In this study, we systematically monitored the CH4 fluxes of nine cascade reservoirs (Dahejia, Jishixia, Huangfeng, Suzhi, Kangyang, Zhiganglaka, Lijiaxia, Nina, and Longyangxia) in the upper reaches of the Yellow River in the dry (May 2023) and wet seasons (August 2023) using the static chamber gas chromatography and headspace equilibrium methods. We also simultaneously measured environmental physicochemical properties as well as the abundance of methanogens and methanotrophs in sediments. The results showed the following: (1) All reservoirs were sources of CH4 emissions, with an average diffusion flux of 0.08 ± 0.05 mg m−2 h−1 and ebullition flux of 0.38 ± 0.41 mg m−2 h−1. Ebullition flux accounted for 78.01 ± 7.85% of total flux. (2) Spatially, both CH4 diffusion and ebullition fluxes increased from upstream to downstream. Temporally, CH4 diffusion flux in the wet season (0.09 ± 0.06 mg m−2 h−1) was slightly higher than that in the dry season (0.08 ± 0.04 mg m−2 h−1), but CH4 ebullition flux in the dry season (0.38 ± 0.48 mg m−2 h−1) was higher than that in the wet season (0.32 ± 0.2 mg m−2 h−1). (3) qPCR showed that methanogens (mcrA gene) were more abundant in the wet season (5.43 ± 3.94 × 105 copies g−1) than that in the dry season (3.74 ± 1.34 × 105 copies g−1). Methanotrophs (pmoA gene) also showed a similar trend with more abundance found in the wet season (7 ± 2.61 × 105 copies g−1) than in the dry season (1.47 ± 0.92 × 105 copies g−1. (4) Structural equation modeling revealed that the ratio of mcrA/pmoA genes, water N/P, and reservoir age were key factors affecting CH4 ebullition flux. Variation partitioning further indicated that the ratio of mcrA/pmoA genes was the main factor causing the spatial variation in CH4 ebullition flux, explaining 35.69% of its variation. This study not only reveals the characteristics and influencing factors of CH4 emissions from cascade reservoirs on the Qinghai Plateau but also provides a scientific basis for calculating fluxes and developing global CH4 reduction strategies for reservoirs.

Reservoirs are a hotspot for methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas. However, the microbial basis for methane production in the Qinghai Plateau reservoirs remains unclear. To explore the characteristics of methanogenic communities in reservoir sediments on the northeastern Qinghai Plateau, sediment samples were collected from 18 reservoirs in the Yellow River basin during May 2023 (dry season) and August 2023 (wet season). High-throughput sequencing technology was employed to analyze the community composition, diversity, and co-occurrence network of methanogens. Furthermore, FAPROTAX and Mantel analysis were used to assess the metabolic functions of methanogens and their influencing factors. The results showed that (1) the predominant genera of methanogens were Methanobacterium (28.87%) and Methanosarcina (21.67%). Hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis was the main pathway in the sediments. (2) Significant spatiotemporal differences were observed in the diversity of methanogenic communities (p < 0.05). The composition and diversity of these communities were found to be significantly influenced by temperature, pH, altitude, organic carbon, and total nitrogen (p < 0.05). (3) Methanosarcina, Methanobacterium, and Methanospirillum play crucial roles in maintaining the stability of methanogenic community networks. The co-occurrence network nodes are predominantly positively correlated (99.82%). These results provide data for further studies on carbon cycling in the Qinghai Plateau reservoirs.

In order to elucidate the response mechanisms of Gleditsia sinensis Lam. with different phosphorus (P) efficiencies to low P stress, this study set up low P treatment (0.01 mmol·L−1, LP) and normal P treatment (1.00 mmol·L−1, NP). The experimental materials included low P-tolerant G. sinensis families F10 and F13, and low P-sensitive G. sinensis families F21 and F29. This study aimed to investigate the effects of low P stress on the agronomic traits, nutrient content, and physiological indices of G. sinensis seedlings with different P efficiencies. The results showed that the agronomic traits, such as plant height, stem diameter, and so on, of the low P-tolerant family, were significantly higher than those of the low P-sensitive family under low P stress. Low P stress significantly increased the total root length, total root surface area, total root projected area, total root volume, and main root diameter of the tolerant family. The tolerant family exhibited significantly higher net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, intercellular CO2 concentration, and transpiration rate compared to the sensitive family. Low P stress significantly increased the activities of protective enzymes, acid phosphatase activity, and malondialdehyde content in the low P-tolerant family. The tolerant family exhibited higher P absorption efficiency and P utilization efficiency compared to the sensitive family. Low P stress significantly increased the P utilization efficiency of the tolerant family. In summary, compared to the sensitive family, the low P-tolerant G. sinensis family has stronger reactive oxygen species scavenging ability and can accumulate more osmotic regulatory substances to maintain cell osmotic potential and better protect cells; this improves P utilization efficiency and nutrient content, thereby alleviating the harm caused by low P stress and maintaining normal growth and metabolism.

Any country’s healthcare system is vital for its progress, quality of life, and long-term viability. During the pandemic, many developed countries encountered challenges of differing degrees in the administration of their healthcare systems. The overloading of healthcare services is common, leading to prolonged waiting times for medical services. Thus, the wastage of hospital resources must be taken seriously. In this paper, we examine the problem of no-shows and cancellations in outpatient clinics. By examining the literature and drawing from practical industry experience, we uncover the operational procedures of these clinics. We then suggest a robust optimization strategy for overbooking, incorporating both a conventional overbooking model and a resilient system approach. The proposed model seeks to address the substantial uncertainties in parameters encountered during the pandemic. Taking into account risk aversion, we develop an optimal overbooking policy that considers the associated costs. The primary contribution lies in introducing an alternative approach to manage the uncertainty of no-shows and cancellations through the utilization of an overbooking technique.

C20H16FNO5, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 9.5235(2) Å, b = 22.1323(2) Å, c = 8.95249(19) Å, β = 101.445(3)°, V = 1779.66(7) Å3, Z = 4, R gt(F) = 0.0410, wR ref(F 2) = 0.1194, T = 279.5 K.

Resource-based water shortages, uncoordinated irrigation, and fertilization are prevalent challenges in agricultural production. The scientific selection of appropriate water and fertilizer management methods is important for improving the utilization efficiency of agricultural resources and alleviating agricultural non-point source pollution. This study focused on wolfberry and compared the effects of four irrigation levels [full irrigation (W0, 75%–85% θf), slight water deficit (W1, 65%–75% θf), moderate water deficit (W2, 55%–65% θf), and severe water deficit (W3, 45%–55% θf)] and four nitrogen application levels [no nitrogen application (N0, 0 kg·ha−1), low nitrogen application (N1, 150 kg·ha−1), medium nitrogen application (N2, 300 kg·ha−1), and high nitrogen application (N3, 450 kg·ha−1)] on soil nitrate nitrogen (NO3−–N) transport, plant nitrogen allocation, and soil nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions during the harvest period of wolfberry. And this study used CRITIC-entropy weights-TOPSIS model to evaluate 16 water and nitrogen regulation models comprehensively. The results revealed the following: (1) The NO3−–N content of the soil decreased with increasing horizontal distance from the wolfberry. It initially decreased, then increased, and finally decreased with an increase in soil depth. The average NO3−–N content in the 0–100 cm soil layer ranged from 3.95–13.29 mg·kg−1, indicating that W0 > W1, W2, W3, and N3 > N2 > N1 > N0. (2) The soil NO3−–N accumulation ranged from 64.45–215.27 kg·ha−1 under varying water and nitrogen levels, demonstrating a decreasing trend with increasing horizontal distance. The NO3−–N accumulation at each horizontal distance increased with increasing irrigation and nitrogen application. The NO3−–N accumulation of W0N3 treatment increased by 5.55%–57.60% compared with the other treatments. (3) The total nitrogen content and nitrogen uptake in all wolfberry organs were W1 > W0 > W2 > W3, and N2 > N3 > N1 > N0. The maximum total nitrogen content and nitrogen uptake in W1N2 treatment were 3.25% and 27.82 kg·ha−1 in the roots, 3.30% and 57.19 kg·ha−1 in the stems, 3.91% and 11.88 kg·ha−1 in the leaves, and 2.42% and 63.56 kg·ha−1 in the fruits, respectively. (4) The emission flux and total emission of N2O increased with increasing irrigation and nitrogen application. The emission flux exhibited a transient peak (116.39–177.91 ug·m−2·h−1) after irrigation. The intensity of N2O emissions initially decreased and then increased with an increase in the irrigation amount. It also initially increased with increasing nitrogen application amount, then decreased, and finally increased again. The maximum emission intensity was observed under the W3N3 treatment (0.23 kg·kg−1). The N2O emission coefficients ranged from 0.17%–0.39%, in the order of W0 > W1 > W2 > W3 (except for N1) and N1 > N2 > N3. (5) Under varying water and nitrogen concentrations, N2O emission flux showed a positive linear correlation with soil pore water content and NO3−–N content and a negative linear correlation with soil temperature. The comprehensive evaluation revealed that a slight water deficit (65%–75% θf) combined with medium nitrogen application (300 kg·ha−1) decreased soil NO3−–N leaching, increased nitrogen uptake, and reduced N2O emission. These findings can serve as a reference for improving the efficiency and reducing emissions of wolfberry in the Yellow River irrigation region of Gansu Province and in similar climate zones.

Objective: Sepsis is linked to high morbidity and mortality rates. Consequently, early diagnosis is crucial for proper treatment, reducing hospitalization, and mortality rates. Additionally, over one-fifth of sepsis patients still face a risk of death. Hence, early diagnosis, and effective treatment play pivotal roles in enhancing the prognosis of patients with sepsis. Method: The study analyzed whole blood data obtained from patients with sepsis and control samples sourced from three datasets (GSE57065, GSE69528, and GSE28750). Commonly dysregulated immune-related genes (IRGs) among these three datasets were identified. The differential characteristics of these common IRGs in the sepsis and control samples were assessed using the REO-based algorithm. Based on these differential characteristics, samples from eight Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases (GSE57065, GSE69528, GSE28750, GSE65682, GSE69063, GSE95233, GSE131761, and GSE154918), along with three ArrayExpress databases (E-MTAB-4421, E-MTAB-4451, and E-MTAB-7581), were categorized and scored. The effectiveness of these differential characteristics in distinguishing sepsis samples from control samples was evaluated using the AUC value derived from the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) curve. Furthermore, the expression of IRGs was validated in peripheral blood samples obtained from patients with sepsis through qRT-PCR. Results: Among the three training datasets, a total of 84 common dysregulated immune-related genes (IRGs) were identified. Utilizing a within-sample relative expression ordering (REOs)-based algorithm to analyze these common IRGs, differential characteristics were observed in three reverse stable pairs (ELANE-RORA, IL18RAP-CD247, and IL1R1-CD28). In the eight GEO datasets, the expression of ELANE, IL18RAP, and IL1R1 demonstrated significant upregulation, while RORA, CD247, and CD28 expression exhibited notable downregulation during sepsis. These three pairs of immune-related marker genes displayed accuracies of 95.89% and 97.99% in distinguishing sepsis samples among the eight GEO datasets and the three independent ArrayExpress datasets, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve ranged from 0.81 to 1.0. Additionally, among these three immune-related marker gene pairs, mRNA expression levels of ELANE and IL1R1 were upregulated, whereas the levels of CD247 and CD28 mRNA were downregulated in blood samples from patients with sepsis compared to normal controls. Conclusion: These three immune-related marker gene pairs exhibit high predictive performance for blood samples from patients with sepsis. They hold potential as valuable auxiliary clinical blood screening tools for sepsis.

The permeability–selectivity trade‐off of membrane is a major challenge limiting the development of pervaporation (PV) technology. Rational design of high‐performance mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) has the potential to break off the trade‐off. Herein, a solvent‐assisted linker exchange‐based strategy is reported to introduce fluoroalkyl into metal–organic framework‐808 (MOF‐808). The pore size of fluorinated MOF‐808 can be adjusted with fluoroalkyl of different chain length (like trifluoromethyl and pentafluoropropyl). Then, the fluorinated MOF‐808/polyether block amide (PEBA) MMMs are prepared for the PV of n‐butanol/water. Compared with pristine PEBA membrane, 20 wt% 3F‐MOF‐808(P)/PEBA MMMs (3F = ‐CF3 group; P = postmodification method) exhibit 69% increase in permeation flux and 33% increase in separation factor in the PV of 2.5 wt% n‐butanol aqueous solutions at 70 °C. Based on Grand Canonical Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics simulations, fluorinated MOF‐808 shows better butanol affinity (pull effect) and stronger water repulsion ability (push effect). And the “push–pull effect” between fluorinated MOF‐808 with butanol/water is helpful to enhance the PV performance of MMMs. The application of “push–pull effect” provides a new strategy for the rational design of high‐performance MMMs, which is of great significance for the in‐depth research and application of PV technology.

In this paper, a pole-changing (PC) flux reversal permanent magnet (FRPM) motor is proposed for obtaining a wide speed range. According to the general air-gap field modulation theory, the permanent magnet (PM) magnetic field is modulated into a series of harmonics with different pole numbers by rotor teeth. By introducing an especial PM arrangement, two groups of working harmonics with different pole-pair numbers are generated in the proposed 12-7 PC-FRPM motor due to the modulation of rotor teeth. Based on the calculated slot pitch angles of these harmonics, two winding connections can be obtained for PC operation to achieve two operating modes. The electromagnetic performance of PC-FRPM motor before and after PC are analyzed using finite element analysis and verified by the experimental test results.

Abstract Aim To evaluate the efficacy of expressive writing (EW) versus positive writing (PW) in different populations focusing on mood, health and writing content and to provide a basis for nurses to carry out the targeted treatment. Design Systematic review and meta‐analysis. Methods This study was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines. Twelve electronic databases and references from articles were searched. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing EW and PW were included. Statistical analyses were executed using Stata 15.0 software. Results Twenty‐four RCTs and a total of 1558 participants were analysed. The results showed that for the general population, PW was more positive on mood than EW and could offer more changes in cognitive mechanisms. Among patients, although PW was more conducive to generating positive emotions, EW could stimulate cognitive changes more. Nursing staff should clarify the mechanism of PW and EW, combine the advantages of both and implement intervention according to the characteristics of different populations. No Patient or Public Contribution It does not apply to your work because this study is an analysis of published studies and does not involve patients or the public.

This paper presents a study to accurately evaluate defects in concrete decks using ultrasonic pulse-echo signals. A reinforced concrete deck with void defects was designed and evaluated for validation, and a commercial ultrasonic pulse-echo (UPE) device was used to obtain the 2D images of the void defect inside the deck. The UPE image is based on the ultrasonic shear-wave test method and an extended synthetic aperture focusing technique (SAFT). To enhance the accuracy of the defect location in the SAFT imaging, the recorded A-scan data from UPE was analyzed using an advanced denoising approach and defect echo peak extraction, which are based on empirical modal decomposition, Hurst exponent characterization, and Hilbert envelope estimation. The results demonstrated that the location and depth of the void defect in the deck can be accurately assessed by using the developed approach. The new method provides quantitative information of the anomalies inside the deck, which can be used to calibrate the qualitative images of UPC devices with the SAFT.

Abstract β-Elemene, an active ingredient found in medicinal plants like turmeric and zedoary, is a sesquiterpene compound with antitumor activity against various cancers. However, its current mode of production through plant extraction suffers from low efficiency and limited natural resources. Recently, there has been an increased interest in establishing microbial cell factories to produce germacrene A, which can be converted to β-elemene by a one-step reaction in vitro. In this study, we constructed an engineered Pichia pastoris cell factory for producing germacrene A. We rerouted the fluxes towards germacrene A biosynthesis through the optimization of the linker sequences between germacrene A synthase (GAS) and farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (ERG20), overexpression of important pathway genes (i.e., IDI1, tHMG1, and ACS), and multi-copy integration of related expression cassettes. In combination with medium optimization and bioprocess engineering, the final titer of germacrene A in a 1 L fermenter reached 1.9 g/L through fed-batch fermentation. This represents the first report on the production of germacrene A in P. pastoris and demonstrates its advantage in producing terpenoids and other value-added natural products. Graphical Abstract

To address the problems of extensive field management, low productivity, and inefficient water and fertilizer utilization in wolfberry (Lycium barbarum L.) production, an appropriate water and nitrogen regulation model was explored to promote the healthy and sustainable development of the wolfberry industry. Based on a field experiment conducted from 2021 to 2022, this study compared and analyzed the effects of four irrigation levels [75%–85% θf (W0, full irrigation), 65%–75% θf (W1, slight water deficit), 55%–65% θf (W2, moderate water deficit), and 45%–55% θf (W3, severe water deficit)] and four nitrogen application levels [0 kg·ha−1 (N0, no nitrogen application), 150 kg·ha−1 (N1, low nitrogen application), 300 kg·ha−1 (N2, medium nitrogen application), and 450 kg·ha−1 (N3, high nitrogen application)] on soil water distribution, soil nitrate nitrogen (NO3−–N) migration, yield, and water-nitrogen use efficiency of wolfberry. The soil moisture content of the 40–80 cm soil layer was higher than those of 0-40 cm and 80-120 cm soil layer. The average soil moisture content followed the order of W0 > W1 > W2 > W3 and N3 > N2 > N1 > N0. The NO3−–N content in the 0–80 cm soil layer was more sensitive to water and nitrogen regulation, and the cumulative amount of NO3−–N in the soil followed the order of W0 > W1> W2 > W3 and N3 > N2 > N1 > N0 during the vegetative growth period. There was no evidently change in soil NO3−–N accumulation between different treatments during the autumn fruit. The yield of wolfberry under the W1N2 treatment was the highest (2623.09 kg·ha−1), which was 18.04% higher than that under the W0N3 treatment. The average water consumption during each growth period of wolfberry was the highest during the full flowering period, followed by the vegetative growth and full fruit periods, and the lowest during the autumn fruit period. The water use efficiency reached a peak value of 6.83 kg·ha−1·mm−1 under the W1N2 treatment. The nitrogen uptake of fruit and nitrogen fertilizer recovery efficiency of fruit first increased and then decreased with increasing irrigation and nitrogen application. The treatment of W1N2 obtained the highest nitrogen uptake of fruit and nitrogen recovery efficiency of fruit, which were 63.56 kg·ha−1 and 8.17%, respectively. Regression analysis showed that the yield and water-nitrogen use efficiency of wolfberry improved when the irrigation amount ranged from 315.4 to 374.3 mm, combined with nitrogen application amounts of 300.0 to 308.3 kg·ha−1. Additionally, the soil NO3−–N residue was reduced, making it an optimal water and nitrogen management model for wolfberry planting. The present findings contribute novel insights into the production of wolfberry with saving water and reducing nitrogen, which helps to improve the level of wolfberry productivity in the Yellow River irrigation region of Gansu Province and other areas with similar climate.

In this paper, the performance of three-layer film composite (TFC) forward osmosis (FO) membrane for the retention of fluoride ions was investigated. A cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) interlayer was introduced on the porous substrate by coating method to enhance the hydrophilicity and retention capacity of the FO membrane. In order to improve the dispersibility of CNC, boric acid (BA) and (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) were used for chemical modification, respectively. The characterization results demonstrated the successful introduction of CNC, BA/CNC and APTES/CNC–CNC interlayers. The introduction of the interlayer enhanced the hydrophilicity of the membrane and increased the negative surface charge, which facilitated the transport of water molecules and the retention of fluoride ions. The FO tests indicated that the water flux of TFC/CNC membrane was increased by 46.4% compared to the original TFC membrane, and the water flux of TFC/APTES-CNC and TFC/BA-CNC membranes were higher than that of TFC/CNC membranes by 5.9% and 13.0%, respectively. 97.0% and 97.6% of the fluoride ions of TFC/BA-CNC and TFC/APTES-CNC could be retained. Based on the molecular simulation of adsorption, it was demonstrated that BA-CNC interlayer was more favorable for the adsorption of water molecules than CNC and APTES-CNC interlayer. This study contributes to the development of high-performance TFC-FO membrane for the treatment of wastewater containing fluoride.

This review summarized the domestic and abroad research progress of Zizania latifolia in recent years, from the aspects of its nutritional components, health effects, bioactive mechanisms and future research priorities. Moreover, the further research, development and comprehensive utilization of Z. latifolia were also prospected.

Objective:. Many studies have shown that blood glucose fluctuations (GFs) are more harmful to patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) than sustained hyperglycemia. However, the effect of GF on electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters and vulnerability to ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation (VT/VF) remains poorly characterized. This study aimed to assess the effect of GF on ECG parameters and induction of VT/VF in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic Sprague-Dawley rats. Methods:. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with STZ and randomly divided into 3 treatment groups: controlled STZ-induced diabetic rats (C-STZ) (n = 10); uncontrolled STZ-induced diabetic rats (U-STZ) (n = 10); and STZ-induced diabetic rats with glucose fluctuations (GF-STZ) (n = 10). After 12 weeks, baseline ECG recordings were taken and a VT/VF test was performed with the administration of caffeine and dobutamine. Hematoxylin & eosin and masson staining were used to evaluate pathological cardiac changes after intervention. Results:. No significant difference in heart rate, RR interval, P wave (duration and height), PR segment, PR interval, QRS wave duration, and T wave height was observed among the 3 groups (P > 0.05). Compared with the C-STZ group, the U-STZ and GF-STZ groups both had a longer T wave duration ((62.41 ± 2.38) ms vs. (78.37 ± 4.64) ms and (96.06 ± 4.60) ms, P < 0.05), QT interval ((83.66 ± 2.31) ms vs. (101.75 ± 4.56) ms and (119.14 ± 4.88) ms, P < 0.05), and QTc interval ((77.45 ± 1.36) ms vs. (91.36 ± 3.49) ms and (104.55 ± 3.01) ms, P < 0.05), all of which were longest in the GF-STZ group (P < 0.05). Additionally, the GF-STZ group had the highest VT/VF occurrence and duration and the highest arrhythmia score. Conclusion:. This study revealed GF can significantly prolong the QT interval, QTc interval, and T wave duration, as well as increase vulnerability to VT/VF in rats, which may be an important electrophysiological mechanism of GF-related ventricular arrhythmia.

Abstract Pinus elliottii used as rootstock instead of homologous rootstock, have been proved to accelerate early growth of the scion (Pinus massoniana), for cultivation of large diameter wood. However, the basal diameter of scions in heterologous grafts was significantly smaller than self-graft 10 years later, according to field investigation, which was opposed to cultivation objectives. Although advantage of heterologous grafts has been reported, less is known about the long term effect of heterologous rootstock on scions of P. massoniana. The aim of present study was to investigate the mechanism of the above difference. Toward this aim, the growth traits and physiological characteristics of scions in the two graft groups were studied, and the underlying mechanism was preliminarily explored through transcriptome sequencing technology. Results showed that scions of heterologous grafts had less TSCA compared to self-grafts, while no significant difference of plant height, number of branches and canopy volume between two graft groups. Besides, scion leaves of heterologous grafts displayed higher antioxidant enzyme activity and lower chlorophyll content. And interactions between rootstocks and scions had also changed the mineral element composition of scion leaves. Compared with homologous grafts, scion leaves of heterologous grafts accumulated more K+, Mg2+ and Zn2+, but less Ca2+,which have been proved to be conducive to the growth of stem diameter of P. massoniana. Moreover, a comparative transcriptome analysis of two graft groups showed that DEGs between them were mainly caused by the specificity of rootstock. GO and KEGG analysis found that heterologous rootstock had different gene expression preferences, and the gene expression level between rootstocks and scions were significantly different, such as auxin auxin-related genes and stress responsive genes. That may imply that auxin pathway played an important role not only in grafting healing process, but also in maintaining the growth between scion and stock. Summary of all above results, we concluded that the long term effect of heterologous rootstock on scions may be unsatisfactory with the later rapidly growth of scion, probably due to delayed graft incompatibility between scion and stock of heterologous grafts. This study may remind us that the long-term growth of the scion deserves attention as well as the healing process, which could also provide a basis for delayed graft incompatibility.

Abstract Background Ageing in place is the preferred choice for most older adults worldwide. The role of the family as a core care resource has diminished as a result of changes in family structure, thus extending the responsibility for caring for older adults from within the family to outside it and requiring considerably more support from society. However, there is a shortage of formal and qualified caregivers in many countries, and China has limited social care resources. Therefore, it is important to identify home care patterns and family preferences to provide effective social support and reduce government costs. Methods Data were obtained from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Study 2018. Latent class analysis models were estimated using Mplus 8.3. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was adopted to explore the influencing factors with the R3STEP method. Lanza’s method and the chi-square goodness-of-fit test were used to explore community support preferences among different categories of families of older adults with disabilities. Results Three latent classes were identified based on older adults with disabilities’ characteristics (degree of disability, demand satisfaction), caregivers’ characteristics (length of providing care, care performance) and living status: Class 1- mild disability and strong care (46.85%); Class 2- severe disability and strong care (43.92%); and Class 3- severe disability and incompetent care (9.24%). Physical performance, geographic region and economic conditions jointly influenced home care patterns (P 0). Families in the Class 3 subgroup preferred personal care support more than those in the other two subgroups (P

Despite their high surface reactivity, the gas sensor based on Co3O4 nanoparticles frequently suffers from a low response to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) due to high-temperature sintering and inefficient resistance modulation. Herein, halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) were incorporated as the additive into the Co3O4 nanoparticle matrix to enhance the sensing property toward VOCs in terms of gas response (Rg/Ra) and operation stability. Co3O4 nanoparticles intimately attached on HNTs were achieved by a facile deposition-precipitation method followed by calcination. The best-performing Co3O4/0.3HNTs-based sensor had a high gas response of 22.9 to 50 ppm triethylamine at 240 °C, which was 4.9 times than that of Co3O4 alone. The enhanced sensitivity could be attributed to the HNT incorporation that facilitated effective resistance modulation, surface property tuning, as well as surface defect formation. These results bring new insight into an enhancement of gas sensing property of a p-type metal oxide with insensitive materials. They also provide a potential to expand the application of aluminosilicate clays to gas sensors.

Abstract The introduction of vehicle automation, shared mobility, and vehicle electrification will bring about changes in urban transportation, land use, energy, and the environment. The accurate estimation of these effects is therefore essential for sustainable urban development. However, existing research on estimating the energy and environmental effects of shared autonomous electric vehicles generally ignores the interaction between land-use and transportation systems. This study, therefore, analyzes the long-term effects of shared autonomous vehicles (SAVs) from the perspective of land use and transportation integration. Different SAV pricing scenarios are also developed to explore the optimal pricing strategy for low carbon–oriented SAVs. Moreover, the study has further assessed the effect of vehicle electrification on vehicle emissions and energy consumption. The results have shown a nonlinear relationship between SAV fares and their transportation, land-use, energy, and environmental effects. Under an appropriate pricing strategy, SAV deployment could reduce PM2.5 emission and energy consumption by 56–64% and 53–61%, respectively. With the further introduction of vehicle electrification, these can rise to 76% and 74%.

The mesocotyl is of great significance in seedling emergence and in responding to biotic and abiotic stress in maize. The NAM, ATAF, and CUC2 (NAC) transcription factor family plays an important role in maize growth and development; however, its function in the elongation of the maize mesocotyl is still unclear. In this study, we found that the mesocotyl length in zmnac17 loss-of-function mutants was lower than that in the B73 wild type. By using transcriptomic sequencing technology, we identified 444 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between zmnac17-1 and B73, which were mainly enriched in the “tryptophan metabolism” and “antioxidant activity” pathways. Compared with the control, the zmnac17-1 mutants exhibited a decrease in the content of indole acetic acid (IAA) and an increase in the content of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Our results provide preliminary evidence that ZmNAC17 regulates the elongation of the maize mesocotyl.

Establishing lucerne field is an efficient way to protect natural steppes, alleviate conflicts between meadows and livestock, and promote the development of animal husbandry. However, problems such as extensive field management, valuing yield over quality, and low resource utilization are endemic in production. Exploring reasonable cultivation patterns can contribute to improving the current situation of artificial grassland production and promoting the high-quality development of husbandry and prataculture. Lucerne the field experiment was carried out in Jingtai, Gansu Province, China in 2021–2022; this study compared and analyzed the effects of three cultivation patterns—ridge tillage with plastic film mulching (PM), ridge tillage with biodegradable film mulching (BM), and traditional flat planting (FP)—on soil water, heat, and fertilizer, as well as lucerne growth, yield, quality, and water and nitrogen use efficiency. The results show that: (1) during the growth period of lucerne, PM and BM treatments augment the average moisture content of the soil layer of 0–120 cm by 31.19% and 24.03% compared to the FP treatment, respectively. In the soil layer of 0–40 cm, PM and BM treatments abate the soil moisture content of the ridges by an average of 19.29% and 7.89% compared to that in the ditches, respectively. In the soil layer of 40–120 cm, PM and BM treatments elevate the soil moisture content of the ridges by 4.40% and 4.65% on average compared to that in the ditches, respectively. The average soil temperature in a soil layer of 5–25 cm shows PM > BM > FP. In contrast with the FP treatment, PM and BM treatments increase the soil temperature of the ridges by an average of 1.87 °C and 0.96 °C and decrease that of the ditches by an average of 0.47 °C and 0.46 °C, respectively. After two years of planting, the three cultivation patterns all promote the soil nutrient content. Compared to the FP treatment, PM and BM treatments increase the organic matter content by 9.94% and 19.94%, respectively. (2) Ridge tillage with film mulching can evidently stimulate the growth of lucerne and enhance yield and quality. Compared to the FP treatment, PM and BM treatments enhance plant height by an average of 15.37% and 4.04%, stem diameter by an average of 34.14% and 14.58%, yield by an average of 21.20% and 14.77%, crude protein content by an average of 13.47% and 7.68%, and relative feed value by an average of 8.71% and 4.41%, respectively. (3) During the two-year growing period, the irrigation amount of lucerne was 508.60–615.30 mm, and the evapotranspiration was 563.70–761.80 mm. Compared to the FP treatment, PM and BM treatments hoist water use efficiency by an average of 43.50% and 17.56%, nitrogen partial factor productivity by an average of 21.20% and 15.22%, and net income by an average of 14.78% and 11.05%, respectively. In summary, in ridge tillage, both ordinary film mulching and biodegradable film mulching can create a favorable soil environment for lucerne growth and heighten production effect. The former has a better effect on advancing the lucerne production effect, and the latter exhibits superior performance in improving soil fertility.

In the production of economic forests, there are common issues such as excessive application of water and fertilizer, redundant plant growth, and low economic benefits. Reasonable water and fertilizer management can not only help address these problems but also improve the absorption and use efficiency of water and fertilizer resources by plants, promoting the green and efficient development of the fruit and forestry industry. In order to explore a suitable water and nitrogen management mode for Lycium barbarum, field experiments were conducted in this study from 2021 to 2022. Specifically, four irrigation modes (according to the proportion ratio of soil moisture content to field moisture capacity θf, 45–55% θf (W1, severe water deficiency), 55–65% θf (W2, moderate water deficiency), 65–75% θf (W3, mild water deficiency), and 75–85% θf (W4, sufficient irrigation)) and four nitrogen application levels (0 kg·ha−1 (N0, no nitrogen application), 150 kg·ha−1 (N1, low nitrogen application level), 300 kg·ha−1 (N2, medium nitrogen application level), and 450 kg·ha−1 (N3, high nitrogen application level)) were set up to analyze the influences of water and nitrogen control on the plant height, stem diameter, chlorophyll content, photosynthetic characteristics and yield, and economic benefits of Lycium barbarum in the Lycium barbarum + Alfalfa system. The study results show that the plant height and stem diameter increment of Lycium barbarum increase with the irrigation amount, increasing first and then decreasing with the increase in the nitrogen application level. Meanwhile, the chlorophyll contents in Lycium barbarum continuously increase throughout their growth periods, with Lycium barbarum treated with W4N2 during all growth periods presenting the highest contents of chlorophyll. In a Lycium barbarum + Alfalfa system, the daily variation curve of the Lycium barbarum net photosynthetic rate presents a unimodal pattern, with maximum values of the daily average net photosynthetic rate and daily carboxylation rate appearing among W4N2-treated plants (19.56 μmol·m−2·s−1 and 157.06 mmol·m−2·s−1). Meanwhile, the transpiration rates of Lycium barbarum plants continuously decrease with the increased degree of water deficiency and decreased nitrogen application level. W1N2-treated plants exhibit the highest leaf daily average water use efficiency (3.31 μmol·s−1), presenting an increase of 0.50–10.47% in efficiency compared with plants under other treatments. The coupling of water and nitrogen has significantly improved the yields and economic benefits of Lycium barbarum plants, with W4N2-treated and W3N2-treated plants presenting the highest dried fruit yield (2623.07 kg·ha−1) and net income (50,700 CNY·ha−1), respectively. Furthermore, compared with other treatment methods, these two treatment methods (W4N2 and W3N2) exhibit increases of 4.04–84.08% and 3.89–123.35% in dried fruit yield and net income indexes, respectively. Regression analysis shows that, in a Lycium barbarum + Alfalfa system, both high yields and economic benefits of Lycium barbarum plants can be achieved using an irrigation amount of 4367.33–4415.07 m3·ha−1 and a nitrogen application level of 339.80–367.35 kg·ha−1. This study can provide a reference for improving the productivity of Lycium barbarum plants and achieving a rational supply of water and nitrogen in Lyciun barbarum + Alfalfa systems in the Yellow River Irrigation Area of Gansu, China, and other similar ecological areas.

Identifying the parameters of multispan rigid frames is challenging because of their complex structures and large computational workloads. This paper presents a stiffness separation method for the static response parameter identification of multispan rigid frames. The stiffness separation method segments the global stiffness matrix of the overall structure into the stiffness matrices of its substructures, which are to be computed, thereby reducing the computational workload and improving the efficiency of parameter identification. Loads can be applied individually to each separate substructure, thereby guaranteeing obvious local static responses. The veracity and efficacy of the proposed methodology are substantiated by applying it to three- and eight-span continuous rigid frame structures. The findings indicate that the proposed approach significantly enhances the efficiency of parameter identification for multispan rigid frames.

In a high proportion of wind–photovoltaic–hydro hybrid power systems, fluctuation and dispersion make it difficult to accurately quantify the output characteristics. Therefore, in this study, a cloud model and copula correlation coefficient matrix were constructed for a hybrid power generation system based on the output data. Multiple backward cloud transformation based on the sampling-with-replacement method was proposed to calculate the improved entropy and hyperentropy to analyze the fluctuation range and dispersion degree quantitatively. A similarity index was proposed to evaluate the similarity between wind power, PV power, and hydropower. A suitable copula function was selected, and the Kendall and Spearman coefficients show the correlation relationships of the hybrid systems. The temporal and spatial characteristics of the hybrid systems were analyzed based on the two models. A typical example in Qinghai proved the effectiveness and applicability of the method. The results show that the correlation between photovoltaic power and hydropower is better and that, in summer, hydropower can be used to adjust the output of renewable energy.

Nowadays, it is highly desired to develop highly active and humidity-resistive ozone decomposition catalysts to eliminate the ozone contaminant, one of the primary pollutants in the air. In this work, a series of Cu2S hollow structured materials were rapidly synthesized using different structured Cu2O templates. The Cu2S from porous Cu2O showed the highest ozone catalytic decomposition efficiency of >95% to 400 ppm ozone with a weight hourly space velocity of 480,000 cm3·g−1·h−1 in dry air. Importantly, the conversion remained >85% in a high relative humidity of 90%. The mechanism was explored by diffusive reflectance infrared spectroscopy which showed the decomposition intermediate of O22−, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed the dual active site of both Cu and S. The EPR and UPS characterization results also explained the superiority of porous Cu2S catalysts from the material itself. All these results show the effective decomposition of ozone by Cu2S, especially in harsh environments, promising for active ozone elimination.

Accurate stroke assessment and consequent favorable clinical outcomes rely on the early identification and quantification of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) in non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT) images. However, hemorrhagic lesions can be complex and difficult to distinguish manually. To solve these problems, here we propose a novel Hybrid 2D/3D UNet deep-learning framework for automatic aSAH identification and quantification in NCCT images. We evaluated 1824 consecutive patients admitted with aSAH to four hospitals in China between June 2018 and May 2022. Accuracy and precision, Dice scores and intersection over union (IoU), and interclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated to assess model performance, segmentation performance, and correlations between automatic and manual segmentation, respectively. A total of 1355 patients with aSAH were enrolled: 931, 101, 179, and 144 in four datasets, of whom 326 were scanned with Siemens, 640 with Philips, and 389 with GE Medical Systems scanners. Our proposed deep-learning method accurately identified (accuracies 0.993–0.999) and segmented (Dice scores 0.550–0.897) hemorrhage in both the internal and external datasets, even combinations of hemorrhage subtypes. We further developed a convenient AI-assisted platform based on our algorithm to assist clinical workflows, whose performance was comparable to manual measurements by experienced neurosurgeons (ICCs 0.815–0.957) but with greater efficiency and reduced cost. While this tool has not yet been prospectively tested in clinical practice, our innovative hybrid network algorithm and platform can accurately identify and quantify aSAH, paving the way for fast and cheap NCCT interpretation and a reliable AI-based approach to expedite clinical decision-making for aSAH patients.