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A "signal-off" photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensing platform has been designed for the ultrasensitive detection of DNA methylation levels and multiple methylated sites. The platform employs tungsten trioxide and TpPa-1-COF loaded by gold nanoparticle (AuNPs@WO3@TpPa-1-COF) composite material as the photoactive component and p-type reduced graphene (rGO) as an efficient quencher. The PEC signal of AuNPs@WO3@TpPa-1-COF composite is effectively quenched in the presence of p-type rGO, because p-type rGO can compete with AuNPs@WO3@TpPa-1-COF to deplete light energy and electron donors. In addition, a hybrid strand reaction (HCR) amplification strategy fixes more target DNA and then combines with rGO-modified anti-5-methylcytosine antibody to facilitate ultrasensitive DNA methylation detection. Under optimal conditions, DNA methylation can be measured within a linear concentration range of 10–14 to 10–8 M, with an exceptionally low detection limit of 0.19 fM (S/N = 3). At the same time, the platform can conduct quantitative determination of multi-site methylation, with the linear equation △I = 44.19LogA + 61.43, and the maximum number of methylation sites is 5. The sensor demonstrates high sensitivity, excellent selectivity, and satisfactory stability. Furthermore, the proposed signal-off PEC strategy was successfully employed to detect DNA methylation in spiked human serum samples, with recoveries ranging from 93.17 to 107.28% and relative standard deviation (RSD) ranging from 1.15 to 5.49%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anaerobic digestion is a prevailing technology for the treatment and utilization of municipal organic solid waste (MOSW). In this technology, the macromolecular organic matter in waste degrades into small molecular substances through the anaerobic decomposition of microorganisms, producing biogas that can provide enormous energy. This paper focuses on the research progress of anaerobic digestion of various organic wastes for biogas production. The principle and process of anaerobic digestion for biogas production are introduced, along with the key factors affecting anaerobic digestion efficiency, such as temperature, pH, and sealing conditions. At the same time, the current cycle treatment technology and comprehensive treatment system of MOSW are also summarized. Furthermore, the paper explores biogas purification technologies, including desulfurization, deoxidation, drying, and decarbonization. Finally, the state-of-the-art of the utilization of MOSW for biogas production in the world and the problems faced by the utilization of MOSW for biogas production in China are reviewed. By summarizing the anaerobic digestion technology of MOSW, this review hopes to provide some reasonable solutions for the high-value utilization of MOSW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine associations between neurologic late effects and attainment of independence in adult survivors of childhood cancer treated with central nervous system (CNS)‐directed therapies. Methods: A total of 7881 survivors treated with cranial radiation therapy (n = 4051; CRT) and/or intrathecal methotrexate (n = 4193; IT MTX) ([CNS‐treated]; median age [range] = 25.5 years [18–48]; time since diagnosis = 17.7 years [6.8–30.2]) and 8039 without CNS‐directed therapy reported neurologic conditions including stroke, seizure, neurosensory deficits, focal neurologic dysfunction, and migraines/severe headaches. Functional independence was assessed using latent class analysis with multiple indicators (independent living, assistance with routine and personal care needs, ability to work/attend school, attainment of driver's license, marital/partner status). Multivariable regression models, adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, and chronic health conditions, estimated odds ratios (OR) or relative risks (RR) for associations between neurologic morbidity, functional independence, and emotional distress. Results: Among CNS‐treated survivors, three classes of independence were identified: (1) moderately independent, never married, and non‐independent living (78.7%); (2) moderately independent, unable to drive (15.6%); and (3) non‐independent (5.7%). In contrast to 50% of non‐CNS‐treated survivors and 60% of siblings, a fourth fully independent class of CNS‐treated survivors was not identified. History of stroke (OR = 2.50, 95% CI: 1.70–3.68), seizure (OR = 9.70, 95% CI: 7.37–12.8), neurosensory deficits (OR = 2.67, 95% CI: 2.16–3.31), and focal neurologic dysfunction (OR = 3.05, 95% CI: 2.40–3.88) were associated with non‐independence among CNS‐treated survivors. Non‐independence was associated with emotional distress symptoms. Interpretation: CNS‐treated survivors do not attain full independence comparable to non‐CNS‐treated survivors or siblings. Interventions to promote independence may be beneficial for survivors with treatment‐related neurological sequalae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eyebrows play a critical role in facial expression and appearance. Although the 3D digitization of faces is well explored, less attention has been drawn to 3D eyebrow modeling. In this work, we propose EMS, the first learning-based framework for single-view 3D eyebrow reconstruction. Following the methods of scalp hair reconstruction, we also represent the eyebrow as a set of fiber curves and convert the reconstruction to fibers growing problem. Three modules are then carefully designed: RootFinder firstly localizes the fiber root positions which indicate where to grow; OriPredictor predicts an orientation field in the 3D space to guide the growing of fibers; FiberEnder is designed to determine when to stop the growth of each fiber. Our OriPredictor directly borrows the method used in hair reconstruction. Considering the differences between hair and eyebrows, both RootFinder and FiberEnder are newly proposed. Specifically, to cope with the challenge that the root location is severely occluded, we formulate root localization as a density map estimation task. Given the predicted density map, a density-based clustering method is further used for finding the roots. For each fiber, the growth starts from the root point and moves step by step until the ending, where each step is defined as an oriented line segment with a constant length according to the predicted orientation field. To determine when to end, a pixel-aligned RNN architecture is designed to form a binary classifier, which outputs stop or not for each growing step. To support the training of all proposed networks, we build the first 3D synthetic eyebrow dataset that contains 400 high-quality eyebrow models manually created by artists. Extensive experiments have demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed EMS pipeline on a variety of different eyebrow styles and lengths, ranging from short and sparse to long bushy eyebrows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve robust estimation performance of fully correlated nonlinear error-in-variables model, three median robust estimate methods are discussed on base of Nonlinear Weighted Total Least Squares (NWTLS), namely, median parameter method, median parameter initial value method and median variance method. After the discussion of the median robust estimation theory and the derivation of the calculation formula of the three median robust estimation methods, three iterative algorithms are developed. Through two nonlinear regression examples, four schemes including no artificial outliers, different location of outliers, different degrees of correlation, and different ratios of outliers are adopted, which proves the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. The experimental results show that from the statistical point of view, although the three median methods have different antioutlier effects for different nonlinear models, they are more effective than RNWTLS and NWTLS; the robust estimation results of three median methods are related to the functional model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease with an increasing incidence every year. microRNAs (miRNAs) have been demonstrated to have implications for asthma. However, limited information is available regarding the effect of miR‐124‐3p on this disease. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the possible effects of miR‐124‐3p and S100A4 on inflammation and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in asthma using mouse models. Method: Ovalbumin was used to induce asthmatic mouse models. Lung injury in mouse models was assessed, and the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of mice was collected to determine the number of eosinophilic granulocytes and assess inflammation. The expression levels of miR‐124‐3p, S100A4, E‐cadherin, N‐cadherin, Snail1, vimentin, and TGF‐β1/Smad2 signaling pathway‐related proteins were measured using reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) and western blot analysis. In vitro experiments, cells were transfected with miR‐124‐3p mimics or inhibitors to test the expression of S100A4 by RT‐qPCR and western blot analysis, and the mutual binding of miR‐124‐3p and S100A4 was validated by dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay. Results: Overexpression of miR‐124‐3p or inhibition of S100A4 expression attenuated bronchial mucus secretion and collagenous fibers and suppressed inflammatory cell infiltration. Additionally, upon miR‐124‐3p overexpression or S100A4 suppression, eosinophilic granulocytes were decreased, interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) and IL‐13 expression levels were reduced in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, serum total IgE level was reduced, and the TGF‐β1/Smad2 signaling pathway was suppressed. Mechanically, a dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay verified the binding relationship between miR‐124‐3p and S100A4. Conclusion: miR‐124‐3p can negatively target S100A4 to attenuate inflammation in asthmatic mouse models by suppressing the EMT process and the TGF‐β/smad2 signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Allergic asthma is a growing burden on national public health services due to its high prevalence. The aim of this experiment was to investigate whether miR-26a-5p affects cellular fibrosis and thus airway remodeling in asthmatic mice through the regulation of target genes. Methods: Screening for differentially expressed miRNAs in asthma model mice was carried out by constructing a mouse model of allergic asthma. qRT-PCR was performed to determine candidate miRNAs in each group of bronchial tissues. Western blot detection of the expression levels of predicted candidate target genes in each group of bronchial tissues was conducted. A dual luciferase assay was performed to validate the binding of miR-26a-5p to target genes. Fibronectin, a marker of cellular fibrosis, was detected via flow cytometry. CCK8 and BrdU staining were used to detect the proliferation ability of each group of cells. Results: miR-26a-5p is able to target and bind to ABL2 3′-UTR, MMP16 3′-UTR and PDE7A 3′-UTR sequences. After interference with miR-26a-5p, improved bronchial histopathology and reduced peribronchial collagen deposition were found. Compared with the model group, interference with miR-26a-5p reduced lung fibrosis, decreased fibroblasts and increased apoptosis in mouse bronchial tissues; overexpression of miR-26a-5p decreased apoptosis in mouse bronchial tissues. Compared with the model group, the serum levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and I IFN-γ were decreased in the miR-26a-5p inhibitor group and increased in the miR-26a-5p mimic group. The immunohistochemical results showed that the expression of ABL2, MMP16 and PDE7A was significantly reduced after intervention with miR-26a-5p. Compared with the model group, the apoptosis rate of cells in the miR-26a-5p inhibitor group of the allergic asthma model was upregulated, the levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, IFN-γ and ROS were decreased, the expression of the miRNA and proteins of ABL2, MMP16 and PDE7A was decreased, the expression of LC3A and P62 was significantly increased and the expression of LC3B, Beclin1, Atg5 and fibrosis markers collagen I and α-SMA was decreased. Conclusion: miR-26a-5p affects cellular fibrosis and thus airway remodeling in asthmatic mice by regulating target genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soft Magneto-active Elastomer (MAE) with soft magnetic particles arranged in chains (chain-like structure) can be driven by homogenous magnetic fields, which has great application potential in the area of soft robots. It is important to reveal the relationship between the magneto-actuation characteristics and the arrangement of chain angle, which is one of the essential issues for the practical application of the MAE with chain-like structure. In this study, the kinetic deformation properties of centimeter-scale soft MAE samples with different chain angles subjected to applied homogenous magnetic fields will be investigated based on the designed experimental set-up, and then a mathematical model will be proposed to describe the kinetic deformation properties. The presented research work will provide fundamental investigation on the application of soft robots based on MAE type materials. Graphical Abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]