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Complex ion substitution is gaining more attention as an appealing method of modifying the structure and performance of microwave ceramics. In this work, Li2Zn[Ti1−x(Ni1/3Nb2/3)x]3O8 (LZTNNx, 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.3) ceramics were designed based on the complex ion substitution strategy, following the substitution rule of radius and valence to investigate the relationship among phase compositions (containing oxygen vacancies and Ti3+ ions), microstructures, and microwave dielectric characteristics of the LZTNNx ceramics. The samples maintained a single Li2ZnTi3O8 solid solution phase as x ≤ 0.2, whereas the sample of x = 0.3 produced a second phase with the LiNbO3 structure. The appropriate amount of (Ni1/3Nb2/3)4+ substitution could slightly improve the densification of the LZTNNx ceramics due to the formation of the Li2ZnTi3O8 solid solution accompanied by a decrease in the average grain size. The presence of a new A1g Raman active band at about 848 cm−1 indicated that local symmetry changed, affecting atomic interactions of the LZTNNx ceramics. The variation of the relative dielectric constant (εr) was closely related to the molar volume ionic polarizability (αDT), and the temperature coefficient of the resonant frequency (τf) was related to the bond valence (Vi) of Ti. The increase in density, the absence of the Ti3+ ions and oxygen vacancies, and the reduction in damping behavior were responsible for the decreased dielectric loss. The LZTNN0.2 ceramics sintered at 1120 ℃ exhibited favorable microwave dielectric properties: εr = 22.13, quality factor (Q×f) = 97,350 GHz, and τf = −18.60 ppm/℃, which might be a promising candidate for wireless communication applications in highly selective electronics.

Phytopathogenic fungi secretes a range of effectors to manipulate plant defenses. Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense tropical race 4 (Foc TR4) is a soil-borne pathogen that causes destructive banana wilt disease. Understanding the molecular mechanisms behind Foc TR4 effectors and their regulation of pathogenicity is helpful for developing disease control strategies. In the present study, we identified a novel effector, Fusarium special effector 1 (FSE1), in Foc TR4. We constructed FSE1 knock-out and overexpression mutants and investigated the functions of this effector. In vitro assays revealed that FSE1 was not required for vegetative growth and conidiation of Foc TR4. However, inoculation analysis of banana plantlets demonstrated that knock-out of FSE1 increased the disease index, while overexpression of FSE1 decreased it. Microscope analysis suggested that FSE1 was distributed in the cytoplasm and nuclei of plant cells. Furthermore, we identified an MYB transcription factor, MaEFM-like, as the target of FSE1, and the two proteins physically interacted in the nuclei of plant cells. In addition, Transient expression of MaEFM-like induced cell death in tobacco leaves. Our findings suggest that FSE1 is involved in the pathogenicity of Foc TR4 by targeting MaEFM-like.

This study investigated the effects of added eugenol on water quality and the metabolism and antioxidant capacity of the liver and gills of the greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili) during simulated transport. The juvenile fish (10.34 ± 1.33 g) were transported in sealed plastic bags containing different eugenol concentrations at a density of 24.79 kg/m3 for 8 h. The different eugenol concentrations were divided into five groups: 0 μL/mL (control group), 0.0125 μL/mL, 0.025 μL/mL, 0.0375 μL/mL, and 0.05 μL/mL, with three replicates of each. The results showed that 0.05 μL/mL of eugenol could significantly increase dissolved oxygen, but 0.025 μL/mL–0.0375 μL/mL resulted in a significant decrease in dissolved oxygen and significant increases in NH4+-N and NO2−-N. It was found that 0.05 μL/mL of eugenol caused significant up-regulation of the relative expression of CPT-1 in the liver, significant down-regulation of the relative expression of FAS and PK in the liver and gills, a significant increase in glycogen concentration, and a significant decrease in glucose concentration. This suggests that 0.05 μL/mL of eugenol could reduce the metabolic capacity of fish. In addition, 0.05 μL/mL of eugenol caused significant up-regulation of the relative expression of CAT and a significant decrease of MDA concentration in the liver. Meanwhile, the gills showed significant up-regulation of CAT relative expression, significant down-regulation of Keap1 relative expression, and a significant increase in GSH activity, resulting in a significant increase in MDA concentration when the concentration of eugenol reached or exceeded 0.025 μL/mL. This suggests that 0.05 μL/mL eugenol could improve the antioxidant capacity of fish and lipid peroxidation levels in the gills. In conclusion, the addition of 0.05 μL/mL eugenol could improve water quality, and the metabolic and antioxidant capacities of liver and gills, but it could also increase lipid peroxidation levels in the gills under transport conditions.

Randomness is a common uncertainty encountered in practical multi-objectives decision-making. But it is always a challenge for decision-makers to process randomness in multi-objective programming problems. This paper takes the decision-making objectives as fuzzy events and aims to solve numerical multi-objective programming problems under random environment. We first analyze the effects of randomness on multi-objective decision-making results. With the expectation value and the probability of fuzzy events as quantitative index of randomness, we then establish a two-stage random multi-objective programming model based on reliability (i.e., TS-MOPM). Specifically, we give several probability calculation methods of fuzzy events with common distributions, and further present the corresponding calculation procedures for solving TS-MOPM. Finally, a case study is implemented to test the proposed model TS-MOPM. Theoretical analysis and case study indicate that our model has better interpretability and operability. The research results enrich the existing random multi-objective programming methods to some extent.

Based on the advantages of telecom big data platform,the self-learning operation mode of artificial intelligence was utilized innovatively.The operational status of each IT system nodes were actively perceived by collecting and analyzing the massive log data of IT system.The influence,health and dependence of each IT system nodes were visualized by intelligent graph calculation and grid nebulae graph.The intelligent prediction of node failure was realized by Keras deep learning framework,and the big data grid intelligent operation system of telecom IT system was built.

Colletotrichum gloeosporioides from Hevea brasiliensis is the hemibiotrophic fungi which could cause anthracnose in rubber trees. Dicer like proteins (DCL) were the core enzymes for generation of small RNAs. In the present study, the knocking-out mutants of two dicer like proteins encoding genes of C. gloeosporioides were constructed; and functions of two proteins were investigated. The results showed that DCL play important roles in regulating the growth, conidiation and pathogenicity of C. gloeosporioides; and there is a functional redundancy between DCL1 and DCL2. Microscopy analysis and DAB staining revealed that loss of penetration ability into the host cells, instead of the decreased growth rate, was the main cause for the impaired pathogenicity of the ΔDcl1ΔDcl2 double mutant. Proteomics analysis suggested that DCL proteins affected the expression of functional proteins to regulating multiple biological processes of C. gloeosporioides. These data lead to a better understanding of the functions of DCL proteins in regulating the development and pathogenesis of C. gloeosporioides.

Herein, walnut shell (WS) was utilized as the raw material for the production of purified cellulose. The production technique involves multiple treatments, including alkaline treatment and bleaching. Furthermore, two nanocellulose materials were derived from WS by 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl radical (TEMPO) oxidation and sulfuric acid hydrolysis, demonstrating the broad applicability and value of walnuts. The micromorphologies, crystalline structures, chemical functional groups, and thermal stabilities of the nanocellulose obtained via TEMPO oxidation and sulfuric acid hydrolysis (TNC and SNC, respectively) were comprehensively characterized. The TNC exhibited an irregular block structure, whereas the SNC was rectangular in shape, with a length of 55−82 nm and a width of 49−81 nm. These observations are expected to provide insight into the potential of utilizing WSs as the raw material for preparing nanocellulose, which could address the problems of the low-valued utilization of walnuts and pollution because of unused WSs.

The hemibiotrophic fungi Colletotrichum gloeosporioides can cause anthracnose in rubber trees. By searching the genome of the fungal pathogen, the BAS2 encoding a biotrophy-associated secreted protein was identified. In the present study, the knockout mutants of BAS2 were constructed and the functions of BAS2 were investigated. The in vitro assays showed that BAS2 was not necessary for vegetative growth but was important for normal asexual reproduction in C. gloeosporioides. Pathogenicity assays suggested that BAS2 was involved in the process of the pathogen penetrating into the host tissue. Subcellular localization analysis revealed that BAS2 showed secretional characteristics in the fungi, and BAS2 mainly function as a cytoplasmic protein after being secreted into the host cell. Extracellular proteomics analysis revealed that BAS2 was required for the secretion of a series of proteins, which were important for the pathogenicity of C. gloeosporioides. These data lead to a better understanding of the biotrophy-associated secreted protein in regulating the pathogenesis of C. gloeosporioides.

When choosing the pavement maintenance scheme, the actual pavement condition cannot be truthfully reflected by traditional fixed indexes and weights, making accurately evaluating the pavement condition particularly important. This study aims to analyze the relationship between international roughness index (IRI) and pavement condition index (PCI), and propose the IRI-based pavement condition rating to improve the correctness of the maintenance decision. Based on the inspection data and maintenance data of large and medium-sized repair and maintenance projects in Shaanxi Province, representative road sections in northern Shaanxi, The Central Shaanxi Plain, and southern Shaanxi were selected to establish a simple model to examine the relationship between PCI and IRI. The model development data were selected from 312 different road sections, including 1665 data points. The model validation data were selected from 140 road sections, including 333 data points. The road sections selected for validation data and those for development data had the same data range. Results demonstrate that, the S-function could best express the relationship between PCI and IRI. The function established by data fitting had a high coefficient of determination (R2=0.959), and the deviation of the predicted IRI value was low. The model validation of different datasets all yielded relatively more accurate predictions (R2=0.973). Finally, the IRI-based pavement condition rating was proposed, and the pavement condition was divided into five grades, namely, excellent, good, fair, poor, and very poor, by using IRI detection data. This proposed rating provides double verification of the pavement condition with PCI rating and improves the correctness of the maintenance decision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the clinical value of intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) combined with concurrent chemoradiotherapy in the treatment of recurrent cervical cancer. Methods: This was a retrospective study. Eighty patients with recurrent cervical cancer were recruited and randomly divided into two groups: the experimental group and the control group, with 40 cases in each group at The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University from April, 2017 to April, 2022. Patients in the control group were only given IMRT, while those in the experimental group were given concurrent chemoradiotherapy with paclitaxel and cisplatin based on IMRT. All patients were evaluated for clinical efficacy, adverse drug reactions, and differences in the levels of SCCAg, CEA and CA724 and other tumor markers before and after treatment. Results: The total effective rate in the experimental group was significantly better than in the control group (p=0.02). The incidence of adverse reactions was 40% in the experimental group and 32.5% in the control group, with no statistically significant difference (p=0.48). After treatment, the levels of tumor markers in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group, with a statistically significant difference (p=0.00). The three years survival rate was 80% in the experimental group and 55% in the control group (p=0.03). The five years survival rate was 65% in the experimental group and 42.5% in the control group, with a statistically significant difference (p=0.04). Conclusion: Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) combined with concurrent chemoradiotherapy is a safe and effective regimen for recurrent cervical cancer, boasting significant clinical efficacy, reduced tumor markers, no significant increase in adverse reactions, and significantly improved three-years and five years survival rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the application value of interstitial brachytherapy in the treatment of recurrent cervical cancer. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 72 patients with recurrent cervical cancer admitted to The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University from September 2017 to April 2022. They were divided into two groups according to different brachytherapy methods: conventional after-load radiotherapy group and interstitial brachytherapy group. After treatment, regular outpatient reviews or telephone follow-ups were conducted to evaluate the efficacy, related toxic and side effects and prognostic factors. Results: The short-term efficacy of the interstitial brachytherapy group was significantly higher than that of the interstitial brachytherapy group (p<0.05). The one-year LC and two-year LC of the interstitial brachytherapy group were 94% and 90.6%, respectively, while those of the conventional after-load group were 74.5% and 67.8%, respectively, with a statistically significant difference (p<0.05). The clinical efficacy of peripheral recurrence was 13.9% in the interstitial brachytherapy group, and that in the conventional after-load group was 2.7%, with a statistically significant difference (p<0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in late toxic and side effects between the two groups (p<0.05). Prognostic factors: Multivariate analysis of the COX regression model showed that only the maximum tumor diameter was an independent prognostic factor for OS and PFS, while the recurrence site and brachytherapy method were the independent prognostic factors for LC. Conclusion: Interstitial brachytherapy radiotherapy touts various benefits in the treatment of patients with recurrent cervical cancer, such as good short-term efficacy, high local control rate, reduced incidence of advanced bladder and rectal toxicity, and improved quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Endometrial cancer (ECa) is a common gynecological malignancy. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been identified as key regulators of human tumorigenesis and development. Herein, we explored the role and mechanism of circular RNA intraflagellar transport 80 (circ- IFT80, also called circ_0067835) in ECa. Methods: Circ-IFT80, microRNA-545-3p (miR-545-3p), and family with sequence similarity 98 member A (FAM98A) were quantified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction or Western blot. The biological characteristics of ECa cells were evaluated via Cell Counting Kit-8, 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine, transwell, tube formation and flow cytometry assays. Dual-luciferase reporter assay or RNA pull-down assay was employed to verify the binding relationship between miR-545-3p and circ-IFT80 or FAM98A. Xenograft assays were conducted to analyze the effect of circ-IFT80 in vivo. Results: Circ-IFT80 and FAM98A were up-regulated, and miR-545-3p was down-regulated in ECa tissues and cells. Knockdown of circ-IFT80 blocked proliferation, migration, invasion and angiogenesis and promoted apoptosis in ECa cells. Moreover, circ-IFT80 harbored a binding site for miR-545-3p, and the effects of circ-IFT80 were mediated by miR-545-3p. FAM98A was a direct target of miR-545-3p, and miR-545-3p hindered ECa cell progression via targeting FAM98A. Circ-IFT80 induced FAM98A expression through miR-545-3p. Furthermore, silence of circ-IFT80 suppressed tumor growth in vivo. Conclusion: Circ-IFT80 may promote the malignant progression of ECa cells at least in part by modulating miR-545-3p/FAM98A axis, providing a potential therapeutic target for ECa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to improve the effect of the teaching method evaluation model, based on the grid model, this paper constructs an artificial intelligence model based on the grid model. Moreover, this paper proposes a hexahedral grid structure simplification method based on weighted sorting, which comprehensively sorts the elimination order of candidate base complexes in the grid with three sets of sorting items of width, deformation and price improvement. At the same time, for the elimination order of basic complex strings, this paper also proposes a corresponding priority sorting algorithm. In addition, this paper proposes a smoothing regularization method based on the local parameterization method of the improved SLIM algorithm, which uses the regularized unit as the reference unit in the local mapping in the SLIM algorithm. Furthermore, this paper proposes an adaptive refinement method that maintains the uniformity of the grid and reduces the surface error, which can better slow down the occurrence of geometric constraints caused by insufficient number of elements in the process of grid simplification. Finally, this paper designs experiments to study the performance of the model. The research results show that the model constructed in this paper is effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An extension of the Gerchberg-Saxton algorithm from two dimensions to three is used to configure a continuous optical trap geometry. Intensity tailoring in a continuous, three-dimensional (3D) volume rather than in multiple discrete two-dimensional planes yields flexible 3D holographic optical tweezers. A numerical simulation and optical demonstrations of continuous 3D beam shaping and particle trapping confirm the capabilities of the method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate a tunable broadband near-infrared absorber composed of VO2 /Al2O3/ITO layers with a facile lithography-free method. Simulated and experimental spectra show that absorption bands with above 90% absorptance can be tuned from 1.62 ∼ 2.42 μm to 1.2 ∼ 1.5 μm by thermally induced VO2 phase transition. Furthermore, the absorber with VO2 in the intermediate state can yield a broadband perfect absorption over the wavelength range of 1.2 ∼ 2.5 μm. Besides high absorption performance can still be remained at the incident up to 70° for both polarizations due to the presence of ultrathin layer of VO2 (λ/52) in the absorber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the clinical value of intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) combined with concurrent chemoradiotherapy in the treatment of recurrent cervical cancer., Methods: This was a retrospective study. Eighty patients with recurrent cervical cancer were recruited and randomly divided into two groups: the experimental group and the control group, with 40 cases in each group at The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University from April, 2017 to April, 2022. Patients in the control group were only given IMRT, while those in the experimental group were given concurrent chemoradiotherapy with paclitaxel and cisplatin based on IMRT. All patients were evaluated for clinical efficacy, adverse drug reactions, and differences in the levels of SCC-Ag, CEA and CA724 and other tumor markers before and after treatment., Results: The total effective rate in the experimental group was significantly better than in the control group (p=0.02). The incidence of adverse reactions was 40% in the experimental group and 32.5% in the control group, with no statistically significant difference (p=0.48). After treatment, the levels of tumor markers in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group, with a statistically significant difference (p=0.00). The three years survival rate was 80% in the experimental group and 55% in the control group (p=0.03). The five years survival rate was 65% in the experimental group and 42.5% in the control group, with a statistically significant difference (p=0.04)., Conclusion: Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) combined with concurrent chemoradiotherapy is a safe and effective regimen for recurrent cervical cancer, boasting significant clinical efficacy, reduced tumor markers, no significant increase in adverse reactions, and significantly improved three-years and five years survival rate., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interest: None., (Copyright: © Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences.)

Objective: To determine the application value of interstitial brachytherapy in the treatment of recurrent cervical cancer., Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 72 patients with recurrent cervical cancer admitted to The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University from September 2017 to April 2022. They were divided into two groups according to different brachytherapy methods: conventional after-load radiotherapy group and interstitial brachytherapy group. After treatment, regular outpatient reviews or telephone follow-ups were conducted to evaluate the efficacy, related toxic and side effects and prognostic factors., Results: The short-term efficacy of the interstitial brachytherapy group was significantly higher than that of the interstitial brachytherapy group (p<0.05). The one-year LC and two-year LC of the interstitial brachytherapy group were 94% and 90.6%, respectively, while those of the conventional after-load group were 74.5% and 67.8%, respectively, with a statistically significant difference (p<0.05). The clinical efficacy of peripheral recurrence was 13.9% in the interstitial brachytherapy group, and that in the conventional after-load group was 2.7%, with a statistically significant difference (p<0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in late toxic and side effects between the two groups (p<0.05). Prognostic factors: Multivariate analysis of the COX regression model showed that only the maximum tumor diameter was an independent prognostic factor for OS and PFS, while the recurrence site and brachytherapy method were the independent prognostic factors for LC., Conclusion: Interstitial brachytherapy radiotherapy touts various benefits in the treatment of patients with recurrent cervical cancer, such as good short-term efficacy, high local control rate, reduced incidence of advanced bladder and rectal toxicity, and improved quality of life., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest: None., (Copyright: © Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences.)