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Abstract Racing performance traits are the main indicators for evaluating the performance and value of sport horses. The aim of this study was to identify the key genes for racing performance traits in Yili horses by performing a genome-wide association study (GWAS). Breeding values for racing performance traits were calculated for Yili horses (n = 827) using an animal model. Genome-wide association analysis of racing performance traits in horses (n = 236) was carried out using the Blink, and FarmCPU models in GAPIT software, and genes within the significant regions were functionally annotated. The results of GWAS showed that a total of 24 significant SNP markers (P

Abstract M.A. Lohe first proposed the high-dimensional Kuramoto model with symmetry-breaking terms (Quantum synchronization over quantum networks, Journal of Physics A: Mathematical and Theoretical, 43:465301, 2010), which is the real form of a quantum network synchronization model. For the homogeneous case, by analyzing the limit set and the spectrum of the linearized model, the almost global synchronization is derived from the topology of some kind of connecting graphs.

Abstract Chromosome rearrangements may distort 3D chromatin architectures and thus change gene regulation, yet how 3D chromatin structures evolve in insects is largely unknown. Here, we obtain chromosome-level genomes for four butterfly species, Graphium cloanthus, Graphium sarpedon, Graphium eurypylus with 2n = 30, 40, and 60, respectively, and Papilio bianor with 2n = 60. Together with large-scale Hi-C data, we find that inter-chromosome rearrangements very rarely disrupted the pre-existing 3D chromatin structure of ancestral chromosomes. However, some intra-chromosome rearrangements changed 3D chromatin structures compared to the ancestral configuration. We find that new TADs and subTADs have emerged across the rearrangement sites where their adjacent compartments exhibit uniform types. Two intra-chromosome rearrangements altered Rel and lft regulation, potentially contributing to wing patterning differentiation and host plant choice. Notably, butterflies exhibited chromatin loops between Hox gene cluster ANT-C and BX-C, unlike Drosophila. Our CRISPR-Cas9 experiments in butterflies confirm that knocking out the CTCF binding site of the loops in BX-C affected the phenotypes regulated by Antp in ANT-C, resulting in legless larva. Our results reveal evolutionary patterns of insect 3D chromatin structures and provide evidence that 3D chromatin structure changes can play important roles in the evolution of traits.

ABSTRACTUrban vertical features are crucial for understanding urban morphology. However, long-term information on three-dimensional buildings, which are important fundamental data for studying on the historical urbanization processes, remains scarce in China. In this study, we proposed a Random Forest model to generate an annual 1-km resolution building volume dataset covering mainland China from 2001 to 2019, by integrating the nighttime light data, population demographics, electricity consumption records, carbon dioxide emissions data, and various optical and statistical datasets. This new building volume data are highly consistent with that derived from Baidu Maps on 1-km scale, with Pearson’s correlation coefficient (R) of 0.847, root mean square error (RMSE) of 9.17 × 105 m3/km2 and mean absolute error (MAE) of 5.86 × 105 m3/km2. Notably, cross-validation indicate that the blooming problem was greatly improved when compared with previous model-based building three-dimensional data. The proposed method holds significant advantages, benefiting form low-cost implementation based on free open-source data and providing extendable algorithm to estimate the 3D shape of cities in the future. The time-series historical building volume data offer comprehensive insights into the historical development of urban structures, and provide valuable fundmental data for future urban planning, urban climate models and land use projections.

This paper proposes an improved switching nonlinear proportional-derivative (S-NPD) control algorithm for a six-degree-of-freedom Stewart platform which has strong nonlinearity and uncertainty characteristics, designed to achieve vibration isolation and suppression over a wide bandwidth range while solving the problem of the difficulty in parameter tuning. The controller is designed based on the idea of variable-structure control, which achieves independent real-time adjustments of the control gains of the six legs and takes the sign of the proportional and differential errors as the switching function to realize the feed-forward correction of the proportional gain. This control input can track the expected value more precisely, thus strengthening the system's ability to cope with high dynamics. To validate the results of the proposed approach, numerical simulations are compared with those obtained from PD and NPD controls. The findings confirmed that the designed S-NPD controller shows commendable stability and robustness, and the vibration attenuation of the upper platform under low- and medium-frequency conditions is substantially improved. In addition, it obtains smoother vibration waveforms and lower control force under random disturbance conditions. Consequently, it is proved that the S-NPD control can obtain better regulation accuracy. Compared with the PD and NPD controls, the S-NPD control achieves up to 64% and 31.4% relative performance improvement in vibration attenuation rate, respectively.

PurposeThe inhibition of thrombin has proven to be an efficacious therapeutic approach for managing cardiovascular disease (CVD), with widespread implementation in clinical settings. Oral ingestion of peptides and protein drugs is influenced by gastrointestinal digestive enzymes. We aimed to evaluate the thrombin inhibitory properties of hirudo hydrolysates (HHS) produced by pepsin and propose a comprehensive approach to screen and evaluate thrombin inhibitors.MethodsWe evaluated the in vitro inhibitory properties of the hirudo extract, both before and after hydrolysis with pepsin, toward thrombin. We screened for the most potent thrombin inhibitory peptide (TIP) using nano liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (Nano LC-MS/MS) coupled with in silico analysis. Next, we employed the thrombin inhibition activity IC50 to investigate the interaction between TIP and thrombin, and conducted in vitro evaluations of its anticoagulant effects (APTT, TT, PT), as well as its ability to inhibit platelet aggregation. Furthermore, we utilized UV-Vis spectroscopy to explore structural changes in thrombin upon binding with TIP and employed molecular dynamics simulations to delve deeper into the potential atomic-level interaction modes between thrombin and TIP.ResultsThe retention rate of thrombin inhibition for HHS was found to be between 60% and 75%. A total of 90 peptides from the HHS were identified using LC-MS/MS combined with de novo sequencing. Asn-Asp-Leu-Trp-Asp-Gln-Gly-Leu-Val-Ser-Gln-Asp-Leu (NDLWDQGLVSQDL, P1) was identified as the most potent thrombin inhibitory peptide after in silico screening (molecular docking and ADMET). Then, the in vitro study revealed that P1 had a high inhibitory effect on thrombin (IC50: 2,425.5 ± 109.7 μM). P1 exhibited a dose-dependent prolongation of the thrombin time (TT) and a reduction in platelet aggregation rate. Both UV-Vis spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated that P1 binds effectively to thrombin.ConclusionOverall, the results suggested that HHS provides new insights for searching and evaluating potential antithrombotic compounds. The obtained P1 can be structurally optimized for in-depth evaluation in animal and cellular experiments.

BackgroundAging is marked by the gradual deterioration of cells, tissues, and organs and is a major risk factor for many chronic diseases. Considering the complex mechanisms of aging, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) could offer distinct advantages. However, due to the complexity and variability of metabolites in TCM, the comprehensive screening of metabolites associated with pharmacology remains a significant issue.MethodsA reliable and integrated identification method based on UPLC-Q Exactive-Orbitrap HRMS was established to identify the chemical profiles of Huan Shao Dan (HSD). Then, based on the theory of sequential metabolism, the metabolic sites of HSD in vivo were further investigated. Finally, a deep learning model and a bioactivity assessment assay were applied to screen potential anti-aging metabolites.ResultsThis study identified 366 metabolites in HSD. Based on the results of sequential metabolism, 135 metabolites were then absorbed into plasma. A total of 178 peaks were identified from the sample after incubation with artificial gastric juice. In addition, 102 and 91 peaks were identified from the fecal and urine samples, respectively. Finally, based on the results of the deep learning model and bioactivity assay, ginsenoside Rg1, Rg2, and Rc, pseudoginsenoside F11, and jionoside B1 were selected as potential anti-aging metabolites.ConclusionThis study provides a valuable reference for future research on the material basis of HSD by describing the chemical profiles both in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, the proposed screening approach may serve as a rapid tool for identifying potential anti-aging metabolites in TCM.

Abstract Nowadays, what captures consumers' primary attention is how to purchase electric vehicles with long range and desirable price. Lightweight construction stands as one of the most effective approaches for prolonging range and lowering costs. As a consequence, it is particularly imperative to undertake lightweight design optimization for the battery bracket of new energy vehicles by applying 3D printing technology. To actualize this goal, Rhino software was initially employed for 3D modeling to design the battery bracket system for a pure electric vehicle in China. Subsequently, topology optimization design of the battery bracket was carried out by adopting Altair Inspire software. Last but not least, manufacturing and assembly inspection were completed using a 3D printer. The results show that the maximum displacement of the battery lower tray bracket after topology optimization is 3.20 mm, which is slightly higher than before, but still relatively small. The maximum Mises equivalent stress rose to 240.7 MPa post-optimization, but brought about a uniform stress distribution at the bottom of the bracket. In comparison, the minimum factor of safety met design requirements at 1. The mass was lessened to 0.348 kg, representing a 49.2% decrease in comparison with pre-optimization levels. The 3D-printed bracket was fabricated by employing a 3D printer, thereby achieving the aforementioned mass abatement. The battery pack parts exhibited a bright surface with low roughness and no discernible warping or deformation defects. As revealed by the assembly results, the components of the battery pack bracket are tightly coordinated with each other, with no evident assembly conflicts, revealing that the dimensional accuracy and fit of the completed parts meet production requirements. These findings lay solid groundwork for the mass production of high-performance battery pack brackets.

Abstract Stag beetles (Coleoptera: Lucanidae) represent a significant saproxylic assemblage in forest ecosystems and are noted for their enlarged mandibles and male polymorphism. Despite their relevance as ideal models for the study of exaggerated mandibles that aid in attracting mates, the regulatory mechanisms associated with these traits remain understudied, and restricted by the lack of high-quality reference genomes for stag beetles. To address this limitation, we successfully assembled the first chromosome-level genome of a representative species Dorcus hopei. The genome was 496.58 Mb in length, with a scaffold N50 size of 54.61 Mb, BUSCO values of 99.8%, and 96.8% of scaffolds anchored to nine pairs of chromosomes. We identified 285.27 Mb (57.45%) of repeat sequences and annotated 11,231 protein-coding genes. This genome will be a valuable resource for further understanding the evolution and ecology of stag beetles, and provides a basis for studying the mechanisms of exaggerated mandibles through comparative analysis.

Abstract Background Amorphous silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) have been gradually proven to threaten cardiac health, but pathogenesis has not been fully elucidated. Ferroptosis is a newly defined form of programmed cell death that is implicated in myocardial diseases. Nevertheless, its role in the adverse cardiac effects of SiNPs has not been described. Results We first reported the induction of cardiomyocyte ferroptosis by SiNPs in both in vivo and in vitro. The sub-chronic exposure to SiNPs through intratracheal instillation aroused myocardial injury, characterized by significant inflammatory infiltration and collagen hyperplasia, accompanied by elevated CK-MB and cTnT activities in serum. Meanwhile, the activation of myocardial ferroptosis by SiNPs was certified by the extensive iron overload, declined FTH1 and FTL, and lipid peroxidation. The correlation analysis among detected indexes hinted ferroptosis was responsible for the SiNPs-aroused myocardial injury. Further, in vitro tests, SiNPs triggered iron overload and lipid peroxidation in cardiomyocytes. Concomitantly, altered expressions of TfR, DMT1, FTH1, and FTL indicated dysregulated iron metabolism of cardiomyocytes upon SiNP stimuli. Also, shrinking mitochondria with ridge fracture and ruptured outer membrane were noticed. To note, the ferroptosis inhibitor Ferrostatin-1 could effectively alleviate SiNPs-induced iron overload, lipid peroxidation, and myocardial cytotoxicity. More importantly, the mechanistic investigations revealed miR-125b-2-3p-targeted HO-1 as a key player in the induction of ferroptosis by SiNPs, probably through regulating the intracellular iron metabolism to mediate iron overload and ensuing lipid peroxidation. Conclusions Our findings firstly underscored the fact that ferroptosis mediated by miR-125b-2-3p/HO-1 signaling was a contributor to SiNPs-induced myocardial injury, which could be of importance to elucidate the toxicity and provide new insights into the future safety applications of SiNPs-related nano products. Graphical Abstract

BackgroundPulmonary fibrosis (PF) emerges as a significant pulmonary sequelae in the convalescent phase of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), with current strategies neither specifically preventive nor therapeutic. Licoricesaponin G2 (LG2) displays a spectrum of natural activities, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, and has been effectively used in treating various respiratory conditions. However, the potential protective effects of LG2 against PF remain underexplored.MethodsNetwork analysis and molecular docking were conducted in combination to identify the core targets and pathways through which LG2 acts against PF. In the model of bleomycin (BLM)-induced C57 mice and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-induced A549 and MRC5 cells, techniques such as western blot (WB), quantitative Real-Time PCR (qPCR), Immunohistochemistry (IHC), Immunofluorescence (IF), and Transwell migration assays were utilized to analyze the expression of Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and inflammation proteins. Based on the analysis above, we identified targets and potential mechanisms underlying LG2’s effects against PF.ResultsNetwork analysis has suggested that the mechanism by which LG2 combats PF may involve the TNF-α pathway. Molecular docking studies have demonstrated a high binding affinity of LG2 to TNF-α and MMP9. Observations from the study indicated that LG2 may mitigate PF by modulating EMT and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. It is proposed that the therapeutic effect is likely arises from the inhibition of inflammatory expression through regulation of the TNF-α pathway.ConclusionLG2 mitigates PF by suppressing TNF-α signaling pathway activation, modulating EMT, and remodeling the ECM. These results provide compelling evidence supporting the use of LG2 as a potential natural therapeutic agent for PF in clinical trials.

Silicon is considered one of the most promising anode materials owing to its high theoretical energy density, however, the volume expansion/contraction during electrochemical lithiation/delithiation cycles leads to instability of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), which ultimately results in capacity degradation. Herein, the local stress and deformation evolution status of an SEI layer on an anode particle are investigated through a quantitative electrochemical-mechanical model. The impacts of structural uniformity, mechanical strength, and operating conditions on the stability of the SEI layer are investigated in detail. The simulation results demonstrate that when the silicon particle radius decreases from 800 ​nm to 600 and 400 ​nm, the failure time increases by 29% and 65%, respectively, of the original failure time; When the structural defect depth ratio is reduced from 0.6 to 0.4 and 0.2, the failure time increases by 72% and 132%, respectively; For the discharge rate, the condition at 0.1 C has 34% and 139% longer time to failure than that at 0.2 C and 0.3 C, respectively. This work provides insight into the rational design of stable SEI layers and sheds light on possible methods for constructing silicon-based lithium-ion batteries with longer cycling lives.

Background: The prognosis and therapeutic response of patients with liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) can be predicted based on programmed cell death (PCD) as PCD plays a crucial role during tumor progression. We developed a PCD-related gene signature to evaluate the therapeutic response and prognosis for patients with LIHC. Methods: Molecular subtypes of LIHC were classified using ConsensusClusterPlus according to the gene biomarkers related to PCD. To predict the prognosis of high- and low-risk LIHC patients, a risk model was established by LASSO regression analysis based on the prognostic genes. Functional enrichment analysis was conducted using clusterProfiler package, and relative abundance of immune cells was quantified applying CIBERSORT package. Finally, to determine drug sensitivity, oncoPredict package was employed. Results: PCD was correlated with the clinicopathologic features of LIHC. Then, we defined four molecular subtypes (C1–C4) of LIHC using PCD-related prognostic genes. Specifically, subtype C1 had the worst prognosis with enriched T cells regulatory (Tregs) and Macrophage_M0 and higher expression of T cell exhaustion markers, meanwhile, C1 also had a relatively higher TIDE score and metastasis potential. A risk model was established using 5 prognostic genes. High-risk patients tended to have higher expression of T cell exhaustion markers and TIDE score and unfavorable outcomes, and they were more sensitive to small molecule drug 5.Fluorouracil. Conclusion: A PCD-related gene signature was developed and verified to be able to accurately predict the prognosis and drug sensitivity of LIHC patients.

The 2H‐MoTe2 is a well‐known layered 2D semiconductor that is considered as a promising material for next‐generation microelectronic and optoelectronic devices. Te‐deficiency‐induced defective structures, like Te vacancy and mirror twin boundary (MTB), would be generated at elevated temperatures. However, the temperature‐dependent evolution of such defects and their influence on the macroscopic electrical transport property of 2H‐MoTe2 is unclear. Herein, the semiconductor–metal transition phenomenon in 2H‐MoTe2−x mediated by the evolving disordered MTB network with increasing Te deficiency is reported on. The samples are grown by molecular beam epitaxy, while the Te deficiency is tuned by post‐growth flash annealing in ultra‐high vacuum. Low‐temperature scanning tunneling microscope investigation discloses the medium‐range disorder evolution of the MTB network incorporated in the 2H‐MoTe2, which eventually transforms to an ordered metallic Mo5Te8 metastable phase. The scanning tunneling spectroscopy shows rich in‐gap states localized at the MTBs, which provide a conducting channel in the semiconductor. The ultra‐high vacuum in situ transport measurement shows a gradual decrease of resistance of the sample upon flash annealing from 50 to 480 °C, confirming the influence of Te deficiency on the transport property, which would play an essential role in the device performance and durability.

Abstract Respiratory diseases, marked by structural changes in the airways and lung tissues, can lead to reduced respiratory function and, in severe cases, respiratory failure. The side effects of current treatments, such as hormone therapy, drugs, and radiotherapy, highlight the need for new therapeutic strategies. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a promising alternative, leveraging its ability to target multiple pathways and mechanisms. Active compounds from Chinese herbs and other natural sources exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, and immunomodulatory effects, making them valuable in preventing and treating respiratory conditions. Ferroptosis, a unique form of programmed cell death (PCD) distinct from apoptosis, necrosis, and others, has emerged as a key area of interest. However, comprehensive reviews on how natural products influence ferroptosis in respiratory diseases are lacking. This review will explore the therapeutic potential and mechanisms of natural products from TCM in modulating ferroptosis for respiratory diseases like acute lung injury (ALI), asthma, pulmonary fibrosis (PF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung ischemia–reperfusion injury (LIRI), pulmonary hypertension (PH), and lung cancer, aiming to provide new insights for research and clinical application in TCM for respiratory health.

Objectives. The necessity to develop a method for prognostication and to identify novel biomarkers for personalized medicine in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cannot be overstated. Recently, pathomics, which relies on quantitative analysis of medical imaging, has come to the forefront. CXCL8, an essential inflammatory cytokine, has been shown to correlate with overall survival (OS). This study examined the relationship between CXCL8 mRNA expression and pathomics features and aimed to explore the biological underpinnings of CXCL8. Methods. Clinical information and transcripts per million mRNA sequencing data were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)-HNSCC dataset. We identified correlations between CXCL8 mRNA expression and patient survival rates using a Kaplan-Meier survival curve. A retrospective analysis of 313 samples diagnosed with HNSCC in the TCGA database was conducted. Pathomics features were extracted from hematoxylin and eosin–stained images, and then the minimum redundancy maximum relevance, with recursive feature elimination (mRMR-RFE) method was applied, followed by screening with the logistic regression algorithm. Results. Kaplan-Meier curves indicated that high expression of CXCL8 was significantly associated with decreased OS. The logistic regression pathomics model incorporated 16 radiomics features identified by the mRMR-RFE method in the training set and demonstrated strong performance in the testing set. Calibration plots showed that the probability of high gene expression predicted by the pathomics model was in good agreement with actual observations, suggesting the model’s high clinical applicability. Conclusion. The pathomics model of CXCL8 mRNA expression serves as an effective tool for predicting prognosis in patients with HNSCC and can aid in clinical decision-making. Elevated levels of CXCL8 expression may lead to reduced DNA damage and are associated with a pro-inflammatory tumor microenvironment, offering a potential therapeutic target.

Abstract AcrIIA15 is an anti-CRISPR (Acr) protein that inhibits Staphylococcus aureus Cas9 (SaCas9). Although previous studies suggested it has dual functions, the structural and biochemical basis for its two activities remains unclear. Here, we determined the cryo-EM structure of AcrIIA15 in complex with SaCas9-sgRNA to reveal the inhibitory mechanism of the Acr’s C-terminal domain (CTD) in mimicking dsDNA to block protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) recognition. For the N-terminal domain (NTD), our crystal structures of the AcrIIA15-promoter DNA show that AcrIIA15 dimerizes through its NTD to recognize double-stranded (ds) DNA. Further, AcrIIA15 can simultaneously bind to both SaCas9-sgRNA and promoter DNA, creating a supercomplex of two Cas9s bound to two CTDs converging on a dimer of the NTD bound to a dsDNA. These findings shed light on AcrIIA15’s inhibitory mechanisms and its autoregulation of transcription, enhancing our understanding of phage-host interactions and CRISPR defense.

Lilium davidii var. unicolor is an important edible Llilium species in China. In this study, we investigated the regulatory proteins and pathways affecting bulblet development through analyzing the proteomes among three developmental stages using the isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation proteomics approach. A total of 4,802 proteins were detected, 529, 735, and 637 proteins were differentially expressed between the 0 d vs 15 d, 15 d vs 30 d, 0 d vs 30 d stages, respectively. The Gene Otology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis indicated that the metabolic pathway, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites and microbial metabolism in diverse environments were the most enriched pathways, which may promote energy formation and protein synthesis processes. Starch and sucrose metabolism was vital to Lilium bulblets development, and energy needed was opposite in the early and later stage of lily bulblets development. Many proteins were significantly regulated, among them LdGASA was detected as being extremely differentially expressed. We cloned the full length of LdGASA, analyzed its expression profile during lily bulblet development, and constructed its overexpression vector and transformed into Arabidopsis thaliana. The results showed that the full length of LdGASA was 725 bp, and the CDS sequence was 336 bp, LdGASA was mainly expressed at the morphogenesis and development stages of bulblets, and reached the highest at the basic morphogenesis of bulblets (35 d), Arabidopsis thaliana transformation with LdGASA presented stronger growth. These results not only deepened our understanding of the bulblets proteome, but also uncovered new insights into lily bulblet enlargement.

Abstract The increased adoption of lithium-iron-phosphate batteries, in response to the need to reduce the battery manufacturing process’s dependence on scarce minerals and create a resilient and ethical supply chain, comes with many challenges. The design of an effective and high-performing battery management system (BMS) for such technology is one of those challenges. In this work, a physics-based model describing the two-phase transition operation of an iron-phosphate positive electrode—in a graphite anode battery—is integrated with a machine-learning model to capture the hysteresis and path-dependent behavior during transient operation. The machine-learning component of the proposed “hybrid” model is built upon the knowledge of the electrochemical internal states of the battery during charge and discharge operation over several driving profiles. The hybrid model is experimentally validated over 15 h of driving, and it is shown that the machine-learning component is responsible for a small percentage of the total battery behavior (i.e., it compensates for voltage hysteresis). The proposed modeling strategy can be used for battery performance analysis, synthetic data generation, and the development of reduced-order models for BMS design.

Abstract Objective Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that affects elderly populations worldwide, causing pain and disability. Alteration of the fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) phenotype leads to an imbalance in the synovial inflammatory microenvironment, which accelerates the progression of OA. Despite this knowledge, the specific molecular mechanisms of the synovium that affect OA are still unclear. Methods Both in vitro and in vivo experiments were undertaken to explore the role of ADAM8 playing in the synovial inflammatory of OA. A small interfering RNA (siRNA) was targeting ADAM8 to intervene. High-throughput sequencing was also used. Results Our sequencing analysis revealed significant upregulation of the MAPK signaling cascade and ADAM8 gene expression in IL-1β-induced FLSs. The in vitro results demonstrated that ADAM8 blockade inhibited the invasion and migration of IL-1β-induced FLSs, while also suppressing the expression of related matrix metallomatrix proteinases (MMPs). Furthermore, our study revealed that inhibiting ADAM8 weakened the inflammatory protein secretion and MAPK signaling networks in FLSs. Mechanically, it revealed that inhibiting ADAM8 had a significant effect on the expression of migration-related signaling proteins, specifically FSCN1. When siADAM8 was combined with BDP-13176, a FSCN1 inhibitor, the migration and invasion of FLSs was further inhibited. These results suggest that FSCN1 is a crucial downstream factor of ADAM8 in regulating the biological phenotypes of FLSs. The in vivo experiments demonstrated that ADAM8 inhibition effectively reduced synoviocytes inflammation and alleviated the progression of OA in rats. Conclusions ADAM8 could be a promising therapeutic target for treating OA by targeting synovial inflammation.

With the increasing demands of urban populations, achieving a balance between the supply and demand in the spatial allocation of urban green park spaces (UGSs) is essential for effective urban planning and improving residents’ quality of life. The study of UGS supply and demand balance has become a research hotspot. However, existing studies of UGS supply and demand balance rarely simultaneously improve the supply side, demand side, and transportation methods that connect the two, nor do they conduct a comprehensive, multi-dimensional supply and demand evaluation. Therefore, this study evaluates the accessibility of UGS within Hefei’s built-up areas, focusing on age-specific demands for UGS and incorporating various travel modes, including walking, cycling, driving, and public transportation. An improved two-step floating-catchment area (2SFCA) method is applied to evaluate the accessibility of UGS in Hefei’s built-up areas. This evaluation combines assessments using the Gini coefficient, Lorenz curve, location entropy, and local spatial autocorrelation analysis, utilizing the ArcGIS 10.8 and GeoDa 2.1 platforms. Together, these methods enable a supply–demand balance analysis of UGSs to identify areas needing improvement and propose corresponding strategies. The research results indicate the following: (1) from a regional perspective, there are significant disparities in the accessibility of UGS within Hefei’s urban center, with the old city showing more imbalance than the new city. Areas with high demand and low supply are primarily concentrated in the old city, which require future improvement; (2) in terms of travel modes, higher-speed travel (such as driving) offers better and more equitable accessibility compared to slower modes (such as walking), highlighting transportation as a critical factor influencing accessibility; (3) regarding population demand, there is an overall balance in the supply of UGS, with local imbalances observed in the needs of residents across different age groups. Due to the high specific demand for UGS among older people and children, the supply and demand levels in these two age groups are more consistent. This study offers valuable insights for achieving the balanced, efficient, and sustainable development of the social benefits of UGS.

The mortality rate of gastric varices bleeding can reach 20% within 6 weeks. Isolated gastric varices (IGVs) refer to gastric varices without esophageal varices and typically arise as a common complication of left portal hypertension. Although IGVs commonly form in the setting of splenic vein occlusion, the combination of antiphospholipid syndrome and protein S deficiency leading to splenic vein occlusion is rare. We herein present a case of a 28-year-old woman with intermittent epigastric pain and melena. She was diagnosed with antiphospholipid syndrome based on the triad of pregnancy morbidity, unexplained venous occlusion, and positive lupus anticoagulant. Laparoscopic splenectomy and pericardial devascularization were performed for the treatment of IGVs. During the 6-month postoperative follow-up, repeated endoscopy and contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed disappearance of the IGVs. This is the first description of splenic vein occlusion associated with both antiphospholipid syndrome and protein S deficiency. We also provide a review of the etiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment methods of IGVs.

Due to the influence of storm surges, hard coastal protection structures may exacerbate beach erosion, hence beach nourishment methods are considered in coastal protection and restoration efforts. An experiment is conducted in a wave flume to compare the advantages and disadvantages of three types of beach nourishment methods (berm nourishment, profile nourishment, and bar nourishment) under non-storm and storm wave conditions. The experiment analyzes wave height distribution, beach morphology changes, net sediment transport, shoreline recession, beach width increase, and beach volume changes. The findings indicate that the implementation of bar nourishment strategies facilitates the pre-breaking of storm waves, thereby mitigating the disruption caused by wave breaking on water flow dynamics. Moreover, the application of berm and profile nourishment methods proves to be highly effective in expanding the width of the beach and bolstering its stability. However, it is worth noting that bar nourishment exhibits limited efficacy in terms of restoring beach berms and mitigating coastal erosion within the same duration of wave action. The study presents two equations incorporating hydrodynamic parameters to predict the erosion or accretion status of beaches, and compares the predicted results with experimental data, thereby refining the criteria and making the formulas more applicable to beach nourishment projects. These findings provide valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of different beach nourishment methods, which will contribute to the implementation of nourishment projects.

Abstract Periprosthetic osteolysis (PPO) induced by wear particles at the interface between the prosthesis and bone is a crucial issue of periprosthetic bone loss and implant failure. After wear and tear, granular material accumulates around the joint prosthesis, causing a chronic inflammatory response, progressive osteoclast activation and eventual loosening of the prosthesis. Although many studies have been conducted to address bone loss after joint replacement surgeries, they have not fully addressed these issues. Focusing on osteoclast activation induced by particles has important theoretical implications. Cannabinoid type II receptor (CB2) is a seven-transmembrane receptor that is predominantly distributed in the human immune system and has been revealed to be highly expressed in bone-associated cells. Previous studies have shown that modulation of CB2 has a positive effect on bone metabolism. However, the exact mechanism has not yet been elucidated. In our experiments, we found that NOX1-mediated ROS accumulation was involved in titanium particle-stimulated osteoclast differentiation. Furthermore, we confirmed that CB2 blockade alleviated titanium particle-stimulated osteoclast activation by inhibiting the NOX1-mediated oxidative stress pathway. In animal experiments, downregulation of CB2 alleviated the occurrence of titanium particle-induced cranial osteolysis by inhibiting osteoclasts and scavenging intracellular ROS. Collectively, our results suggest that CB2 blockade may be an attractive and promising therapeutic scheme for particle-stimulated osteoclast differentiation and preventing PPO.

Abstract Objective Investigate the sleep characteristics of patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) comorbidity with panic disorder (PD), exploring its potential association with serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. Patients and methods Fifty-four patients (25 OSAS patients with PD and 29 without PD) and 25 healthy controls (HCs) were included. The Self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), self-rating depression scale (SDS), and Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) were used to assess the mood and sleep quality of the subjects. All patients had circulating CRP levels and polysomnography was performed. Results OSAS with PD had higher SAS, SDS, PSQI than the OSAS without PD. Compared to OSAS without PD, OSAS with PD had higher percentage of non- rapid eye movement sleep 1 and 2 (N1 and N2%), sleep latency, and a lower percentage of rapid eye movement sleep (REM%). Respiratory-related microarousal index, AHI, and time below 90% oxygen saturation (T90) were low, and the lowest oxygen saturation (LO2) was high. Serum CRP levels in OSAS patients with PD were lower than that in OSAS patients without PD, but higher than that in HCs. In OSAS patients with PD, serum CRP levels were negatively correlated with wake time after sleep onset and SAS scores but positively correlated with sleep efficiency and N2%. Serum CRP levels were positively correlated with T90 and negatively correlated with LO2. Conclusion OSAS patients with PD had worse sleep quality, less severe OSAS, and low serum CRP levels. Serum CRP levels in OSAS patients with PD were associated with poorer sleep quality and duration of hypoxia rather than AHI.

Urban greenbelt soil is currently severely degraded and unable to meet the needs of sponge city construction. Therefore, this study involved adding modified materials, such as decomposed straw, straw biochar, and PAM (polyacrylamide), to greenbelt soil (collected from the Xixian New Area, a pilot city for sponge city construction in China). This study was conducted to explore the effects of adding modified materials on soil physical properties and pollutant adsorption capacity through indoor simulation experiments and dynamic leaching experiments (in the dynamic leaching experiments, the medium thickness was 40 cm, and a water outlet was set every 10 cm to collect the filtrate). In this study, three experimental treatments were set up: (1) soil–sand–decomposed straw + PAM (SSJ), (2) soil–sand–biochar + PAM (SSB), and (3) soil–sand–decomposed straw–biochar + PAM (SSBJ). In the three treatments, the addition amounts of soil, sand, and PAM (0.01 g·mL−1) were constant at 560 kg·m−3, 624 kg·m−3, and 76 L·m−3, respectively. The addition amounts of decomposed straw in the SSJ and SSBJ treatments were 100 kg·m−3 and 50 kg·m−3, respectively. The amounts of added biochar in the SSJ and SSBJ treatments were 32 kg·m−3 and 16 kg·m−3, respectively. The saturated hydraulic conductivity and saturated water content of the different treatments increased by 92.90–107.10% and 19.07–32.17%, respectively, compared with the background values. As the depth increased, the leaching concentrations of N and COD (chemical oxygen demand) at 40 cm in the different treatments increased by 282.66–1374.02% and 435.10–455.84%, respectively, compared with those at 10 cm. However, the leaching concentrations of Cu, Zn, Cd, and P changed little with increasing depth. As the flow load increased, the leaching concentration of the pollutant pattern was not obvious. After the leaching of pollutants stabilized, at 40 cm, the leaching concentrations of N, P, and COD for the SSJ, SSBJ, and SSB treatments were 5.46–56.30 mg·L−1, 0.14–2.06 mg·L−1, and 1034.23–1531.40 mg·L−1, respectively. The retention rates of Cu, Zn, and Cd showed a small trend over time, and the retention rates were all above 86%. Overall, the SSB treatment had a strong ability to intercept N, P, and COD, whereas the SSBJ treatment had a strong ability to intercept Cu, Zn, and Cd. These research results can provide a reference for the improvement of greenbelts in sponge city construction.

Abstract Although the biophysical effects of afforestation or deforestation on local climate are recognized, the biophysical consequences of seasonal and long-term dynamics in forests on understory microclimate, which creates microrefugia for forest organisms under global warming, remain less well understood. To fill this research gap, we combined a three-layered (i.e., canopy, forest air space and understory soil) land surface energy balance model and Intrinsic Biophysical Mechanism Model and quantify seasonal (warm minus cool seasons) and long-term changes (later minus former periods) in the biophysical effects of forest dynamics on understory air temperature (ΔT a) and soil surface temperature (ΔT s). We found that high latitudes forests show strongest negative seasonal variations in both ΔT a and ΔT s, followed by moderate latitudes forests. In contrast, low latitudes forests exhibit positive seasonal variations in ΔT a and weak negative seasonal variations in ΔT s. For the long-term variations, ΔT s increases systematically at all three latitudes. However, the situation differs greatly for ΔT s, with a weak increase at low and moderate latitudes, but a slight decrease at high latitudes. Overall, changes in sensible and latent heat fluxes induced by forest dynamics (such as leaf area index), by altering the aerodynamic resistances of canopy and soil surface layers, are the main factors driving changes in forest microclimate effects. In addition, this study also develops an aerodynamic resistance coefficient $${f}_{{\rm{r}}}^{1}$$ f r 1 to combine the air temperature effects and surface soil temperature effects and proposes an indicator – ΔT Su, that is, $$\Delta {T}_{{\rm{Su}}}=\Delta {T}_{{\rm{s}}}+(\frac{1}{{f}_{{\rm{r}}}^{1}}-1)\Delta {T}_{{\rm{a}}}$$ Δ T Su = Δ T s + ( 1 f r 1 − 1 ) Δ T a , as a possible benchmark for evaluating the total biophysical effects of forests on temperatures.

In this paper, we investigate some multivariate integral stochastic orderings of skew-normal random vectors. We derive the results of the sufficient and/or necessary conditions by applying an identity for $ Ef({\mathbf Y})-Ef({\mathbf X}) $, where $ {\mathbf X} $ and $ {\mathbf Y} $ are multivariate skew-normal random vectors, $ f $ satisfies some weak regularity condition. The integral orders considered here are the componentwise convex, copositive, completely-positive orderings and their corresponding increasing ones as well as linear forms of stochastic orderings, which play a vital role in transforming the unmanageable multivariate components into an easy-to-handle univariate variable.

Abstract This study develops an unstructured mesh generation tool for land surface modeling using a multi‐scale hexagon discrete mesh. The tool can automatically determine the required mesh resolution for different regions based on multi‐objective criteria such as elevation, slope, land cover, and land use. The refined unstructured meshes demonstrate significant enhancement in the representation of spatial heterogeneity. The tool is coupled with the Common Land Model (CoLM) to enable land surface simulations using unstructured meshes. Evaluations focused on runoff, river discharge, and inundation indicate improved model performance compared to traditional structured mesh‐based CoLM simulations under the same computational cost constraints. This tool provides new capabilities for more efficiently capturing localized land surface processes and extreme events.

BackgroundPostdoctoral researchers are critical to scholarly advancements, and promoting postdoctoral career growth is an endogenous path to help postdocs break through the “encircled city of scientific research”. However, further research is needed to fully explore the mechanisms that connect workplace support to postdoctoral career growth.MethodsDrawing from the Conservation of Resources theory, this study proposes a chain mediation model that demonstrates how workplace support enhances career growth by connecting psychological capital with work-life balance. To understand the motivation and career growth of postdocs in China, we conducted two questionnaires in 2021 and 2023 with the support of relevant stations.ResultsAnalyzing 367 questionnaires from Chinese postdocs, our research indicates that workplace support has a positive impact on career growth. Additionally, both psychological capital and work-life balance are key factors that contribute to career growth, serving as separate mediators and as part of a chain of mediators.DiscussionThis study validates the appropriateness of the Conservation of Resources theory in the study of the influence mechanism of postdoctoral career growth and proposes targeted strategies for academic institutions to improve support systems, promoting more effective career development pathways.

Abstract Introduction Myopia prevalence among adolescents is increasing annually. While orthokeratology (OK) is effective for controlling myopia progression, it may also be detrimental. We investigated tear film parameters [including tear mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) concentration] in children and adolescents with myopia treated with spectacles or OK compared with those with emmetropia. Methods This prospective case–control study enrolled children (aged 8–12 years; 29 and 39 with myopia treated with OK and spectacles, respectively, and 25 with emmetropia) and adolescents (aged 13–18 years; 38 and 30 with myopia treated with OK and spectacles, respectively, and 18 with emmetropia). We recorded the ocular surface disease index (OSDI), visual analog scale (VAS) score, tear meniscus height (TMH), noninvasive tear breakup time (NIBUT), meibomian gland score (meiboscore), ocular redness score, and tear MUC5AC concentration in the emmetropia, spectacle (after 12 months of spectacle wearing), and OK (baseline, and after 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month use) groups. We observed changes from baseline to 12 months in the OK group and compared parameters among the spectacle, 12-month OK, and emmetropia groups. Results The 12-month OK group differed significantly from the spectacle and emmetropia groups in most indicators among children and adolescents (P

Attelabidae insects have attracted much attention due to their unique leaf rolling behavior before oviposition. However, the lack of genomic data makes it difficult to understand the molecular mechanism behind their behavior and their evolutionary relationship with other species. To address this gap, we utilized Illumina and Nanopore sequencing platforms along with Hi-C technology to establish a highly accurate whole genome of A. dimidiatus at the chromosome level. The resulting genome size was determined to be 619.26 Mb, with a contig N50 of 50.89 Mb and GC content of 33.89%. Moreover, a total of 12,572 genes were identified, with 82.59% being functionally annotated, and 64.78% designated as repeat sequences. Our subsequent phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that Attelabidae’s divergence from Curculionidae occurred approximately 161.52 million years ago. Furthermore, the genome of A. dimidiatus contained 334 expanded gene families and 1718 contracted gene families. In addition, using Phylogenetic Analysis by Maximum Likelihood (PAML), we identified 106 rapidly evolved genes exhibiting significant signals and 540 positively selected genes. Our research endeavors to serve as an invaluable genomic data resource for the study of Attelabidae, offering fresh perspectives for the exploration of its leaf rolling behavior.

To effectively detect motion sickness induced by virtual reality environments, we developed a classification model specifically designed for visually induced motion sickness, employing a phase-locked value (PLV) functional connectivity matrix and a CNN-LSTM architecture. This model addresses the shortcomings of traditional machine learning algorithms, particularly their limited capability in handling nonlinear data. We constructed PLV-based functional connectivity matrices and network topology maps across six different frequency bands using EEG data from 25 participants. Our analysis indicated that visually induced motion sickness significantly alters the synchronization patterns in the EEG, especially affecting the frontal and temporal lobes. The functional connectivity matrix served as the input for our CNN-LSTM model, which was used to classify states of visually induced motion sickness. The model demonstrated superior performance over other methods, achieving the highest classification accuracy in the gamma frequency band. Specifically, it reached a maximum average accuracy of 99.56% in binary classification and 86.94% in ternary classification. These results underscore the model’s enhanced classification effectiveness and stability, making it a valuable tool for aiding in the diagnosis of motion sickness.

The hydrofoil plays a crucial role in tidal current energy (TCE) devices, such as horizontal-axis turbines (HATs), vertical-axis turbines (VATs), and oscillating hydrofoils. This study delves into the numerical investigation of passive chordwise and spanwise deformations and the hydrodynamic performance of a deformable hydrofoil. Three-dimensional (3D) coupled fluid–structure interaction (FSI) simulations were conducted using the ANSYS Workbench platform, integrating computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and finite element analysis (FEA). The simulation involved a deformable hydrofoil undergoing pitching motion with varying elastic moduli. The study scrutinizes the impact of elastic modulus on hydrofoil deformation, pressure distribution, flow structure, and hydrodynamic performance. Coefficients of lift, drag, torque, as well as their hysteresis areas and intensities, were defined to assess the hydrodynamic performance. The analysis of the correlation between pressure distribution and deformation elucidates the FSI mechanism. Additionally, the study investigated the 3D effects based on the flow structure around the hydrofoil. Discrepancies in pressure distribution along the spanwise direction result from these 3D effects. Consequently, different chordwise deformations of cross-sections along the spanwise direction were observed, contributing to spanwise deformation. The pressure difference between upper and lower surfaces diminished with increasing deformation. Peak values and fluctuations of lift, drag, and torque decreased. This study provides insights for selecting an appropriate elastic modulus for hydrofoils used in TCE devices.

Coastal beaches are vulnerable to microplastic pollution originating primarily from terrestrial and marine sources or the in situ weathering of plastic waste. The present study investigates the effects of rainfall events on the composition and diversity of microplastics on beaches in Xiamen City on a short-term scale. In the results, the quantity of microplastics in beach sediments was 245.83 ± 11.61 items·kg−1 (mean ± standard error). The abundance of microplastics did not differ after each rainfall event but significantly decreased after multiple rainfall events. When the diversity of microplastics in the coastal area was evaluated, the Shannon-Wiener index and Pielou’s index also decreased from 3.12 and 0.64 to 2.99 and 0.62, respectively, after multiple rainfall events. Rainfall had varying effects on microplastics depending on their size and shape, with particles smaller than 500 μm experiencing pronounced reductions. There was a significant negative correlation between the abundance of microplastics and the grain size of sand, but a positive correlation with sediment moisture content. We encourage the consideration of the potential impact of rainfall events during sample collection to ensure the reliability of the data. We also recommend using diversity indexes to help in understanding the influence of physical processes on microplastic distribution and their mechanisms.

Trust plays a crucial role in effectively responding to public health emergencies. Drawing on COVID-19 survey data conducted in Hubei, China, during August 2020 with a sample size of 5494, this study investigated the influence of individuals’ socioeconomic status on trust in acquaintances, strangers and institutions, and how this relationship is moderated by epidemic prevention, policy perception and family structure. The findings showed that individuals with higher socioeconomic status tend to have higher levels of trust. Those with higher income but being married demonstrate higher trust. When perceiving epidemic prevention policies as stringent, those with higher income display increased trust in acquaintances and institutions; similarly, those with lower education levels exhibit heightened trust in acquaintances and strangers. Individuals working in social organizations express higher trust in strangers; however, their trust is compromised under stringent epidemic prevention policies due to potentially heavier work burdens.

Nowadays, metal oxide semiconductor gas sensors have diverse applications ranging from human health to smart agriculture with the development of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. However, high operating temperatures and an unsatisfactory detection capability (high sensitivity, fast response/recovery speed, etc.) hinder their integration into the IoT. Herein, a ternary heterostructure was prepared by decorating WO3 nanoplates with Au and SnO2 nanoparticles through a facial photochemical deposition method. This was employed as a sensing material for 3-hydroxy-2-butanone (3H-2B), a biomarker of Listeria monocytogenes. These Au/SnO2–WO3 nanoplate-based sensors exhibited an excellent response (Ra/Rg = 662) to 25 ppm 3H-2B, which was 24 times higher than that of pure WO3 nanoplates at 140 °C. Moreover, the 3H-2B sensor showed an ultrafast response and recovery speed to 25 ppm 3H-2B as well as high selectivity. These excellent sensing performances could be attributed to the rich Au/SnO2–WO3 active interfaces and the excellent transport of carriers in nanoplates. Furthermore, a wireless portable gas sensor equipped with the Au/SnO2–WO3 nanoplates was assembled, which was tested using 3H-2B with known concentrations to study the possibilities of real-time gas monitoring in food quality and safety.

IntroductionAlthough the composition and succession of microbial communities in soy sauce fermentation have been well-characterized, the understanding of phage communities in soy sauce remains limited.MethodsThis study determined the diversity, taxonomic composition, and predicted function of phage communities and the phage-host interactions in two types of raw soy sauce (Cantonese-type fermentation, NJ; Japanese-type fermentation, PJ) using shotgun metagenomics.Results and discussionThese two raw soy sauces showed differences in phage composition (121 viral operational taxonomic units (vOTUs) in NJ and 387 vOTUs in PJ), with a higher abundance of the family Siphoviridae (58.50%) in the NJ phage community and a higher abundance of Myoviridae (33.01%) in PJ. Auxiliary metabolic functional annotation analyses showed that phages in the raw soy sauces mostly encoded genes with unknown functions (accounting for 66.33% of COG profiles), but the NJ sample contained genes mostly annotated to conventional functions related to carbohydrate metabolism (0.74%) and lipid metabolism (0.84%), while the PJ sample presented a higher level of amino acid metabolism functions (0.12%). Thirty auxiliary metabolism genes (AMGs) were identified in phage genomes, which were associated with carbohydrate utilization, cysteine and methionine metabolism, and aspartic acid biosynthesis for the host. To identify phage-host interactions, 30 host genomes (affiliated with 22 genera) were also recruited from the metagenomic dataset. The phage-host interaction analysis revealed a wide range of phage hosts, for which a total of 57 phage contigs were associated with 17 host genomes, with Shewanella fodinae and Weissella cibaria infected by the most phages. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the phage community composition, auxiliary metabolic functions, and interactions with hosts in two different types of raw soy sauce.

The northern part of the Jurassic Sichuan Basin has long been thought of as a foreland basin in relation to the post-collisional compression along the northern margin of the Yangtze block. However, the exact coupling mechanism between mountain building and basin formation remains unclear. Here, we integrate stratigraphic correlation, basin subsidence analysis and flexural simulation to quantitatively assess the extent to which the fold-thrust belts have controlled basin subsidence. Flexural backstripping of the stratigraphic record, spanning from 201 to 149 Ma, along two cross sections that are perpendicular to the Micangshan fold-thrust belt and the Dabashan fold-thrust belt, respectively, reveals a limited flexural control of mountain loading on basin subsidence. Owing to the short-wavelength nature of plate flexure, the basin-adjacent thrust belts exerted dominant control on basin subsidence only along its margin, with the width of the foredeeps not exceeding ca. 120 km, failing to drive subsidence in the forebulge and backbulge regions. Flexural modeling results suggest that crustal thickening was relatively weak during the Early to Middle Jurassic. This was followed by a more rapid and intense phase of crustal growth in the Late Jurassic, possibly extending into the earliest Early Cretaceous. Compared to the Micangshan region, the Dabashan region has experienced more intense compression during the Late Jurassic. Additionally, our results reveal spatial variations in plate rigidity along the northern margin of the Yangtze block, with greater plate stiffness in the Dabashan region. The presence of residual subsidence, an anomalous long-wavelength subsidence component corrected for both basin-adjacent thrust loading and associated sediment loading, highlights the necessity for an additional driving mechanism for basin subsidence. This residual subsidence was likely dynamic subsidence induced by the flat subduction of the Paleo-Pacific plate (the Izanagi plate) beneath East Asia as the flat slab progressively migrated inland.

BackgroundIn recent years, both society and employers have put forward higher requirements for the comprehensive quality of college students in the new era. Based on the conservation of resources theory and life-cycle approach, this study aimed to examine the relationship between the Big Five personality traits, the psychological capital, and the key competencies among college students and analyzed the mediating role of the psychological capital in this link.MethodsA total of 1,132 Chinese undergraduates (67.40% girls; 48.67% from key universities) participated. Participants completed self-report questionnaires that evaluated the five key characteristics of personality, psychological capital, and key competencies.ResultsThere were extremely significant university-type differences in key competencies of college students. And the mediating role of psychological capital in the link between Big Five personality traits and key competencies was validated according to PROCESS model 4. Psychological capital serves as a partial mediator in the relationships between neuroticism and critical thinking, openness and creativity, conscientiousness and creativity, openness and communication, conscientiousness and communication, extraversion and collaboration, as well as openness and collaboration. The proportion of mediating effects for the above models was 5.97, 10.89, 11.82, 12.24, 11.98, 12.39, and 22.72%, respectively.DiscussionThe findings provide a better understanding of the key competencies of college students from the perspectives of the Big Five personality traits and psychological capital and suggest a greater emphasis to focusing on personality and improving psychological capital.

In recent years, railway safety accidents have repeatedly occurred. Any omission in the process of management or operation can easily have very serious consequences. This study aimed to examine the causes and transmission mechanisms of safety risks in railway engineering departments. First, the multi-objective particle swarm optimization algorithm was employed to determine the key risk factors, allowing for indicator screening that was in line with the requirements of practical applications. Then, Bayesian networks were used, and their structure was optimized to analyze the propagation diagnosis and probability of key risk indicators, obtaining the causal logic chain that produces accidents and, from that, the four aspects (human, machine, environment, management) of the corresponding prevention of risk recommendations. Finally, in this article, it is shown that combining the indicators and Bayesian networks can improve the accuracy of risk prediction and provide more accurate results than using existing research and, hence, it can fill the gap in research on railway safety risks in risk transmission mechanisms.

Dispersion control is a critical aspect in nano-optical systems. Moreover, chromatic aberration significantly impacts image quality. Despite metasurfaces being a novel approach to tackle chromatic aberration in diffractive lenses, numerous challenges hinder their practical implementation due to the complexity of 3D fabrication techniques and high manufacturing costs. In contrast, ultra-thin graphene oxide lenses are simpler and less expensive to manufacture. The optical performance of graphene oxide lenses, such as high focusing efficiency, large depth of field, wide bandwidth, and zooming capability, depends on the design of the positional arrangement of reduced graphene oxide regions. In this study, we utilized the self-constructed datasets to train machine learning models based on the structure of the graphene oxide lens and combined it with intelligent optimization algorithms. This approach facilitated the design of the graphene oxide achromatic lens in multi-wavelengths with high-performance. Experimental results substantiate that the designed ultra-thin graphene oxide lens, with a thickness of ~200 nm, effectively controls dispersion across multiple incident wavelengths (450, 550, and 650 nm) and achieves super resolution with consistent intensity at the focal point. Our graphene oxide lens holds the potential for integration into micro-optical systems that demand dispersion control, providing broad applications in optical imaging, optical communication, the biomedical field, and beyond.

A sinusoidal phase modulation laser interferometer is proposed to detect water surface acoustic waves excited by underwater acoustic radiation, and an improved PGC-Arctan demodulation algorithm that combines prenormalization and Lissajous ellipse fitting is proposed to demodulate detection signals. In this paper, the effects of phase modulation depth, carrier phase delay, and interference signal visibility on the Lissajous figure formed by quadrature interference components are analyzed. The demodulation algorithm first uses the amplitudes of multiple Fourier spectral components of an interference signal to calculate the phase modulation depth C, and calculation of the carrier phase delay Vc is achieved through the introduction of a quadrature carrier signal. Then, certain coefficients regarding C and Vc are constructed for prenormalization of the two quadrature interference signal components to eliminate the local nonuniform widening phenomenon of Lissajous ellipse. Next, the outer and the inner contours are extracted from a uniformly widened Lissajous ellipse resulting from light intensity disturbance, and the axial ratio of the ellipse is obtained, which is used to correct the ratio of the quadrature interference signal to eliminate the effect of filter gain coefficients. At last, through the combination of an Arctan algorithm and a phase-unwrapping algorithm, high-precision demodulation of the interference signal is realized. A sinusoidal phase modulation interferometer was set up to detect water surface acoustic waves, and a series of detection experiments were carried out. The experiment results show that the detection method and demodulation algorithm described in this paper can accurately realize the measurement of weak water surface acoustic waves. The proposed algorithm shows less distortion in demodulation results, and its signal-to-noise distortion ratio is less than 20 dB at 500 Hz, which is significantly better than traditional algorithms. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness and accuracy of water surface acoustic wave detection using sinusoidal phase modulation interferometer.

The three distinct medicinal parts of Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels (Ang) roots are the head, body, and tail (ARH, ARB, and ART, respectively). How endophytic fungi shape the differences in metabolic components among these parts remains unclear. We quantified the distribution of active components and endophytic fungi along the ARH, ARB, and ART and their relationships. Based on the metabolic components and their abundances detected via non-target metabolism, the different medicinal parts were distinguishable. The largest number of dominant metabolic components was present in ART. The difference between ART and ARH was the greatest, and ARB was in a transitional state. The dominant active molecules in ART highlight their effects in haemodynamics improvement, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and hormone regulation, while ARH and ARB indicated more haemostasis, blood enrichment, neuromodulation, neuroprotection and tranquilisation, hepatoprotection, and antitumour activities than that of ART. The ARHs, ARBs, and ARTs can also be distinguished from each other based on the endophytic fungi at the microbiome level. The most dominant endophytic fungi were distributed in ART; the differences between ART and ARH were the largest, and ARB was in a transition state, which is consistent with the metabolite distributions. Structural equation modelling showed that the endophytic fungi were highly indicative of the metabolic components. Correlation analysis further identified the endophytic fungi significantly positively correlated with important active components, including Condenascus tortuosus, Sodiomyces alcalophilus, and Pleotrichocladium opacum. The bidirectional multivariate interactions between endophytic fungi and the metabolic components shape their spatial variations along the longitudinal direction in the Ang root.

Introduction Very preterm (VPT) infants may experience varying degrees of neurodevelopmental challenges. Lack of early markers for neurodevelopmental disorders may delay referral to early interventions. The detailed General Movements Assessment (GMA) could help us to identify early markers for VPT infants at risk of atypical neurodevelopmental clinical phenotype in the very early stage of life as soon as possible. Preterm infants with high risk of atypical neurodevelopmental outcomes will have the best possible start to life if early precise intervention in critical developmental windows is allowed.Methods and analysis This is a nationwide, multicentric prospective cohort study that will recruit 577 infants born

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) possesses unique advantages in the management of blood glucose and lipids. However, there is still a significant gap in the exploration of its pharmacologically active components. Integrated strategies encompassing deep-learning prediction models and active validation based on absorbable ingredients can greatly improve the identification rate and screening efficiency in TCM. In this study, the affinity prediction of 11,549 compounds from the traditional Chinese medicine system’s pharmacology database (TCMSP) with dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) based on a deep-learning model was firstly conducted. With the results, Gardenia jasminoides Ellis (GJE), a food medicine with homologous properties, was selected as a model drug. The absorbed components of GJE were subsequently identified through in vivo intestinal perfusion and oral administration. As a result, a total of 38 prototypical absorbed components of GJE were identified. These components were analyzed to determine their absorption patterns after intestinal, hepatic, and systemic metabolism. Virtual docking and DPP-IV enzyme activity experiments were further conducted to validate the inhibitory effects and potential binding sites of the common constituents of deep learning and sequential metabolism. The results showed a significant DPP-IV inhibitory activity (IC50 53 ± 0.63 μg/mL) of the iridoid glycosides’ potent fractions, which is a novel finding. Genipin 1-gentiobioside was screened as a promising new DPP-IV inhibitor in GJE. These findings highlight the potential of this innovative approach for the rapid screening of active ingredients in TCM and provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-diabetic activity of GJE.

Most high-protein nutrition bars (HPNBs) would harden during storage, seriously affecting the acceptability of consumers. In this work, soy protein isolate (SPI), extruded at 50, 75, 100, 125, and 150 ℃, was formulated for HPNBs to investigate whether extrusion protein could relieve hardening and improve quality characteristics of HPNBs during 45 days of storage at 37 ℃. HPNBs prepared with extruded SPI were notably softer. And they had higher sensory scores than HPNBs produced with unextruded SPI during storage (P < 0.05). But there were no significant differences in hardness and total color change with the increase of extrusion temperature after 45 days of storage (P > 0.05). According to the correlation analysis, HPNBs prepared by SPI extruded at 50 ℃ had the best physicochemical properties. This study provides an effective way to relieve the hardening of HPNBs during shelf life or even longer.

Background: Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is one of the most common and lethal cancer types worldwide. LINC0572 is a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) that has been associated with the clinical characteristics of several types of malignancy. However, the biological mechanism of LINC0572 in LUAD is still unclear and remains to be elucidated. Methods: R packages and online bioinformatic tools were used to investigate the biological characteristics of LINC01572, including its abnormal expression, oncogenic role, and clinical prognostic value. In vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted to investigate the biological functions of LINC01572 in tumorigenesis and development. These included colony formation assays, cell migration assays, flow cytometry, cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) cell proliferation and tumor transplant growth experiments. Results: Bioinformatics results showed that LINC01572 was overexpressed in both LUAD and lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) patients. LINC01572 overexpression was associated with shorter overall survival (OS) in LUAD. Further study of clinical specimens confirmed that LINC01572 was highly expressed in the tumor tissue of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. In vitro experiments also confirmed that LINC01572 was overexpressed in tumor cell lines. Inhibition of LINC01572 expression significantly impaired cell proliferation, cell migration, and clone formation. Experiments in nude mouse revealed that transplanted tumors with low expression of LINC01572 had significantly slower rates of growth in terms of volume and weight compared to the control group (p < 0.05). In addition, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and immune landscape profiling showed that LINC01572 can promote tumor initiation and progression by deregulating the cell cycle and immunocyte infiltration. Conclusions: LINC01572 is overexpressed in tumor tissue relative to adjacent normal tissue. Moreover, LUAD patients with high expression of LINC01572 showed a worse survival prognosis. LINC01572 is associated with tumor initiation, progression and immune dysregulation. It therefore has potential value as a novel biomarker and therapeutic target in LUAD.

Abstract Background Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is one of the world's most important crops, the cultivated potato is frost-sensitive, and low-temperature severely influences potato production. However, the mechanism by which potato responds to low-temperature stress is unclear. In this research, we apply a combination of second-generation sequencing and third-generation sequencing technologies to sequence full-length transcriptomes in low-temperature-sensitive cultivars to identify the important genes and main pathways related to low-temperature resistance. Results In this study, we obtained 41,016 high-quality transcripts, which included 15,189 putative new transcripts. Amongst them, we identified 11,665 open reading frames, 6085 simple sequence repeats out of the potato dataset. We used public available genomic contigs to analyze the gene features, simple sequence repeat, and alternative splicing event of 24,658 non-redundant transcript sequences, predicted the coding sequence and identified the alternative polyadenylation. We performed cluster analysis, GO, and KEGG functional analysis of 4518 genes that were differentially expressed between the different low-temperature treatments. We examined 36 transcription factor families and identified 542 transcription factors in the differentially expressed genes, and 64 transcription factors were found in the AP2 transcription factor family which was the most. We measured the malondialdehyde, soluble sugar, and proline contents and the expression genes changed associated with low temperature resistance in the low-temperature treated leaves. We also tentatively speculate that StLPIN10369.5 and StCDPK16 may play a central coordinating role in the response of potatoes to low temperature stress. Conclusions Overall, this study provided the first large-scale full-length transcriptome sequencing of potato and will facilitate structure–function genetic and comparative genomics studies of this important crop.

Abstract Background Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an advanced endoscopic procedure and requires deep sedation. Deep sedation with dexmedetomidine for the respiratory drive preserved has become popular in recent years. However, the use of dexmedetomidine in elderly patients is controversial because its adverse events are more common. The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a single loading dose of dexmedetomidine combined with propofol for deep sedation of ERCP in elderly patients. Methods In this prospective randomized trial, 49 elderly patients undergoing ERCP were randomly allocated to the dexmedetomidine (DEX) or propofol (PRO) groups. The single loading dose of dexmedetomidine was set at 0.5 μg/kg at the start of anesthesia induction and loading for 10 min. The primary outcome was the cumulative dose of propofol. Secondary outcomes included time to awake, the frequency of airway interventions, and hemodynamics. Results The intraoperative cumulative dose of propofol was lower in the DEX group (111.0 ± 12.6 μg/kg/min) than the PRO group (143.7 ± 23.4 μg/kg/min) (P