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Inspired by basic circuit connection methods, memristors can also be utilized in the construction of complex discrete chaotic systems. To investigate the dynamical effects of hybrid memristors, we propose two hybrid tri-memristor hyperchaotic (HTMH) mapping structures based on the hybrid parallel/cascade and cascade/parallel operations, respectively. Taking the HTMH mapping structure with hybrid parallel/cascade operation as an example, this map possesses a spatial invariant set whose stability is closely related to the initial states of the memristors. Dynamics distributions and bifurcation behaviours dependent on the control parameters are explored with numerical tools. Specifically, the memristor initial offset-boosting mechanism is theoretically demonstrated, and memristor initial offset-boosting behaviours are numerically verified. The results clarify that the HTMH map can exhibit hyperchaotic behaviours and extreme multistability with homogeneous coexisting infinite attractors. In addition, an FPGA hardware platform is fabricated to implement the HTMH map and generate pseudorandom numbers (PRNs) with high randomness. Notably, the generated PRNs can be applied in Wasserstein generative adversarial nets (WGANs) to enhance training stability and generation capability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quality assurance and maintenance play a crucial role in engineering construction, as they have a significant impact on project safety. One common issue in concrete structures is the presence of defects. To enhance the automation level of concrete defect repairs, this study proposes a computer vision-based robotic system, which is based on three-dimensional (3D) printing technology to repair defects. This system integrates multiple sensors such as light detection and ranging (LiDAR) and camera. LiDAR is utilized to model concrete pipelines and obtain geometric parameters regarding their appearance. Additionally, a convolutional neural network (CNN) is employed with a depth camera to locate defects in concrete structures. Furthermore, a method for coordinate transformation is presented to convert the obtained coordinates into executable ones for a robotic arm. Finally, the feasibility of this concrete defect repair method is validated through simulation and experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chinese classical gardens are a significant cultural heritage in the history of world gardening, with their central architectural principle of "scenes changing as steps move" (步移景异) embodying traditional Chinese aesthetic ideals. This study employed the variation of visual complexity during a tour as a representation of this principle, using Jingxinzhai (静心斋) Garden as a case study. The visual environmental characteristics were quantified using the Fraclab box-counting, Canny edge detection, and DeepLab V3 + model, and the spatial distribution of fractal dimension and visual index of landscape elements were analyzed. Through partial correlation analysis, hierarchical regression analysis, and one-way ANOVA, the relevant factors (BVI, RVI, GVI, WVI) and influencing factors (BVI, RVI, GVI) and the differences among landscape element combinations of visual complexity were identified. Furthermore, the distribution patterns and causes of visual complexity in Chinese classical gardens were then discussed. This study proposes an effective method for quantifying the visual environmental characteristics of Chinese classical gardens and provides an explanation of the concept of "scenes changing as steps move" from the perspective of visual environment. It offers important references for a deeper understanding of Chinese classical garden design and planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global population is ageing, life expectancy is gradually increasing, and employment is extended. We used an integrative literature review to study how using technological tools impacts the quality of working life among older workers.The integrative literature review method following PRISMA guidelines was used. The selection of articles in English was made according to the following inclusion criteria: scientific papers, content relevance, and topicality. The literature search covered the bibliographic-catalogue databases Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus. After selection, a qualitative content analysis was applied to the data. From the initial twelve articles, we gained insight into how using technological tools impacts the quality of working life among older workers through a substantive analysis of the articles. Two content categories were identified: health of older workers and technostress. Regarding the impact on health, studies have focussed on various health outcomes like sleeping quality, mental health, workability arthritis as a chronic condition, physical and quality of life in older community-dwelling low-income, diet, physical activity, stress and tobacco use, stress, and job quality. Studies regarding technostress that we identified show mixed effects of significant and non-significant effects. Digital technologies can potentially improve the quality of working life among older workers but are currently under-researched. Further research is needed to develop effective interventions and evaluate their impact on the quality of life of older workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic diversity studies not only improve the understanding of the wild genetic resources of species but also provide a theoretical basis for the protection, development, and utilization of species and formulation of reasonable protection measures. Fishing pressure on the near threatened fish Harpadon nehereus has recently increased, leading to the aging and miniaturization of its population. We determined the gene sequences of mitochondrial cytochrome b (Cytb) and nuclear recombination-activating 1 (RAG1) in eight populations of H. nehereus in the Northwest Pacific, analyzed their genetic diversity levels, and compared the effectiveness of these two markers for analyzing genetic diversity and population structure. Sequence analysis of Cytb revealed that the eight populations showed low haplotype diversity (Hd = 0.110–0.356) and low nucleotide diversity (pi = 0.00015–0.00053). No significant genetic differentiation was observed among the populations (Fst = − 0.0197–0.000, P > 0.05). The haplotype network diagram did not exhibit evident geographical clustering or a pedigree structure. Molecular variance analysis revealed that variation primarily occurred within populations. Further comparative analysis of the RAG1 and Cytb sequences revealed two differences. RAG1 showed high haplotype diversity (Hd = 0.780–0.900) and low nucleotide diversity (pi = 0.00355–0.00463). The genetic differentiation index value revealed a significantly low level of genetic differentiation among some populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The main objectives of this study were to investigate the distribution characteristics and evaluate the potential ecological hazard associated with rare earth elements (REEs) within the Pearl River Estuary (PRE) sediment. Furthermore, we still have not fully understood the contamination and potential ecological risks of REEs in aquatic sediments. Moreover, the factors influencing their distribution remain unidentified. Hence, we selected the PRE as the central focus for our case study in this paper. Materials and methods: Sediment samples in this study (0–20 cm) were collected from 156 locations. The total organic carbon (TOC) and grain size were measured. The concentrations of REEs were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Furthermore, contamination models, including geoaccumulation index (Igeo), enrichment factor (EF), contamination factor ( C f i ), and pollution load index (PLI), along with ecological risk assessment models potential ecological risk factors ( E r i ) and ecological risk index (RI) have been employed to evaluate pollution levels and ecological risks. Results: The concentrations of sum REEs (ΣREEs) were in the range of 51.21 to 567.08 mg kg−1, with an average of 299.06 mg kg−1. We identified two accumulation centers for REEs, indicating that these elements primarily originated from these two centers. It can be seen from the values of EF of REEs that these elements showed minimal enrichment. Moreover, the pollution load index (PLI), which assesses the combined contamination of REEs, was computed to evaluate the collective contamination in the study area. The PLI results indicate a slight multi-element contamination in the research region. Furthermore, based on the E r i values, it is evident that all studied REEs pose a low ecological risk. Conclusions: The distributions of REEs were mainly controlled by TOC and median grain size. The RI was also calculated to assess the combined potential risks on the ecology. The study's findings indicate that the PRE's sediments produce low ecological risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the effect of azilsartan on myocardial remodeling after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Methods: A total of 200 AMI patients under percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were selected from the Affiliated Huaian No.1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from Jan 2021 to Dec 2021. The subjects were randomly divided to take either azilsartan or benazepril. Serum C1q tumor necrosis factor-associated protein 1 (CTRP1) levels were detected in all subjects after admission, and the indices of left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were measured by using echocardiography. At the follow-up of 6 months and 1 year after PCI, the differences in CTRP1 and echocardiogram indices between the two groups were compared, and the influencing factors of myocardial remodeling after acute myocardial infarction were analyzed. Results: The levels of LVEDV and CTRP1 in all subjects at 6 months and 1 year after PCI were lower than those before discharge, and the LVEDV in the azilsartan group at 6 months and 1 year after PCI was lower than that in the benazepril group. An improvement in myocardial remodeling was obviously observed within 6 months after PCI, but the effect declined over time. Conclusions: Azilsartan can improve myocardial remodeling after acute myocardial infarction. CTRP1 may become an effective target for the prevention and treatment of myocardial remodeling after acute myocardial infarction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess the consistency of Ovarian-Adnexal Reporting and Data System (O-RADS) lexicon interpretation between senior and junior sonologists and to investigate its impact on O-RADS classification and diagnostic performance. Methods: We prospectively studied 620 patients with adnexal lesions, all of whom underwent transvaginal or transrectal ultrasound performed by a senior sonologist (R1) who selected the O-RADS lexicon description and O-RADS category for the lesion after the examination. Meanwhile, the junior sonologist (R2) analyzed the images retained by R1 and divided the lesion in the same way. Pathological findings were used as a reference standard. kappa (к) statistics were used to assess the interobserver agreement. Results: Of the 620 adnexal lesions, 532 were benign and 88 were malignant. When using the O-RADS lexicon, R1 and R2 had almost perfect agreement regarding lesion category, external contour of solid lesions, presence of papillary inside cystic lesions, and fluid echogenicity (к: 0.81–1.00). Substantial agreement in solid components, acoustic shadow, vascularity and O-RADS categories (к: 0.61–0.80). Consistency in classifying classic benign lesions in the O-RADS category was only moderate (к = 0.535). No significant difference in diagnostic performance between them using O-RADS (P = 0.1211). Conclusion: There was good agreement between senior and junior sonologists in the interpretation of the O-RADS lexicon and in the classification of O-RADS, except for a moderate agreement in the interpretation and classification of classic benign lesions. Differences in O-RADS category delineation between sonologists had no significant effect on the diagnostic performance of O-RADS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In bivalves, the heterogeneity of mitochondrial DNA and its unique mode of transmission have been the focus of attention, which is called doubly uniparental inheritance (DUI). Prohibitin-2 (phb2) is a mitochondrial inner membrane protein that is a key mitophagy receptor for parental mitochondrial removal. Hyriopsis cumingii is a freshwater bivalve in China, the full-length cDNA of H. cumingii phb2 (named Hcphb2) is 2917 bp and encodes a total of 300 amino acids, a highly conserved sequence. Hcphb2 was highly expressed in the ovary. In the gonadal tissues of 5- to 8-month-old female mussels, the expression level of Hcphb2 continued to significantly increase. After Hcphb2 siRNA interference in 6-month-old female mussels, the expression of M-COII, a marker gene on M-type mitochondria, showed a considerable increase (p < 0.05). In contrast, the expression of autophagosome formation and maturation-related genes, atg4b, atg5, atg12, and atg16l, in the ATG family genes was significantly decreased (p < 0.01). Subcellular localization showed that Hcphb2 appeared in spermatogonia, spermatocyte, spermatid, and sperm, and its location changes synchronize with the behavior of M-type mitochondria location changes in DUI species. And it was found that miR-184 negatively regulated Hcphb2. The above results suggest that the mitochondrial autophagy receptor gene Hcphb2 may be associated with the degradation of M-type mitochondria in the freshwater mussel. This process requires multiple genes to participate, of which Hcphb2 and autophagy genes are only some of those that may play a role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rice husk is the most silicon-rich renewable biomass and can be used as a raw material for producing silicon-based materials. With the increasing interest in utilizing rice husk as a renewable resource, the development of a robust silica extraction method is required. In this study, a one-pot alkali hydrothermal and ball-milling continuous silica extraction method was developed at the pilot scale. Results: Three residence times (50, 100, and 150 min) were selected to compare the performance of the continuous extraction process depending on the residence time. The silica production was 4.09, 2.67, and 2.22 kg day−1 while the silica extraction yield was 52.8, 69.1, and 86.0% at resident times of 50, 100, and 150 min, respectively. The energy consumption for producing 1 kg of silica from rice husk was 51.6, 47.7, and 47.4 MJ kg−1 at resident times of 50, 100, and 150 min, respectively. The one-pot continuous silica extraction process was performed for 150 h to verify the stability of the process. During long-term operation, the process exhibited a constant solid content and stable silica extraction yield. The silicate solution obtained by the one-pot continuous process was successfully used to synthesize size-controlled spherical silica particles, which had a purity of 99.1 wt% and amorphous structure. Conclusions: Overall, this study presents a novel continuous silica extraction method for the efficient recovery of silica from rice husk-based biorefineries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of the rapid development of low-carbon economy, there has been increasing interest in utilizing naturally abundant and cost-effective one-carbon (C1) substrates for sustainable production of chemicals and fuels. Moorella thermoacetica, a model acetogenic bacterium, has attracted significant attention due to its ability to utilize carbon dioxide (CO2) and carbon monoxide (CO) via the Wood–Ljungdahl (WL) pathway, thereby showing great potential for the utilization of C1 gases. However, natural strains of M. thermoacetica are not yet fully suitable for industrial applications due to their limitations in carbon assimilation and conversion efficiency as well as limited product range. Over the past decade, progresses have been made in the development of genetic tools for M. thermoacetica, accelerating the understanding and modification of this acetogen. Here, we summarize the physiological and metabolic characteristics of M. thermoacetica and review the recent advances in engineering this bacterium. Finally, we propose the future directions for exploring the real potential of M. thermoacetica in industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transformation kinetics, microstructure, and mechanical properties of medium-carbon bainitic steel with and without niobium (Nb) were investigated by dilatometric measurements, microstructural characterization, and mechanical testing. It was found that the addition of 0.018 wt.% of Nb can accelerate the bainite transformation kinetics (incubation time, completion time, transformation velocity, bainite volume fraction) of the medium-carbon steel. The completion time of isothermal bainite transformation was reduced from 813.6 to 424.8 s. Furthermore, Nb addition also refined bainitic ferrite plates from 140 ± 0.5 to 116 ± 0.6 nm. The higher volume fraction of finer bainitic ferrite resulted in higher steel strength and toughness. Due to bainitic ferrite refinement, more carbon atoms were discharged into film-like retained austenite. Hence, the Nb-containing medium-carbon steel had higher work hardening capability than the steel without Nb due to the presence of finer retained austenite with a high carbon concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Raindrop impact causes soil erosion and the transfer of solutes into surface runoff, leading to soil solute loss and water pollution. Accurately modelling this process in complex agricultural environments is challenging. A new prediction model was applied to illustrate mechanisms of soil solute transfer into surface runoff, addressing the underestimation of solute concentration in surface runoff but limited by uncertain model parameters. Two laboratory experiments were conducted, studying solute loss from soil to surface runoff under initially saturated and unsaturated soil conditions. An elasticity sensitivity analysis was used to identify crucial parameters. To improve prediction results, the ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) method was coupled with the model during the early stage of the simulation, assimilating observed solute concentrations in surface runoff to update model parameters. After the early stage, the model generated predicted solute concentrations in surface runoff without the observed data until the simulation ended. Four model parameters, including incomplete mixing parameters α and γ, soil mixing layer depth hmix,t(t), and moving rate of the soil mixing layer front imix, were updated. The inflation method was used to prevent filter divergence caused by the EnKF. The simulation results showed that the EnKF significantly improved the model's prediction accuracy, even when applied during specific periods throughout the simulation. Updating α, γ, hmix,t(t) and imix resulted in better predictions compared to updating only α, γ and imix. This further demonstrated that the hmix,t(t) must be updated using the EnKF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feature matching is determining true correspondences between image pairs, important for many computer vision applications. It is challenging to determine true correspondences quickly under scene changes in viewpoint, rotation, scaling and illumination. Higher accuracy and efficiency are required for feature matching. While other methods determine true correspondences by treating the images independently, we instead condition on image pairs to take account of the affine information between them.To achieve this, we propose AAM-ORB, an efficient and robust algorithm for feature matching in the scene-shift. The key to our approach is an affine attention module (AAM), which can condition the affine features on both images to boost robustness. AAM is integrated into the well-known ORB feature matching pipeline, resulting in a significant improvement. Although remarkably matching accuracy, AAM can reduce computation efficient. To overcome this, we select a grid-based motion statistics for separating true correspondences from false ones at high speed. Extensive experiments show that AAM-ORB surpasses state-of-the-art approaches for feature matching on benchmark datasets. Moreover, the proposed AAM-ORB has less time consumption. Finally, AAM-ORB achieves better performance and efficiency of feature matching under scene changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibiotics are emerging contaminants and widely used in human healthcare, livestock, and aquaculture. The toxicity posed by antibiotics and their mixtures in sediments depends on their bioavailability. Now, the bioavailability of organic materials can be determined accurately by the diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) technique. This technique was used for the first time ever in this study to evaluate in detail the integral toxicity of antibiotics in sediments to aquatic biota. Zhelin Bay was selected as a case study, because it is the largest mariculture area in eastern Guangdong, South China. Two antibiotics, chlortetracycline (CTC) (A) and sulfachlorpyridazine (SCP), were detected at average concentrations of 2.83 and 1.14 ng/ml, respectively. The other fifteen antibiotics were undetectable. The single risk assessment based on the risk quotient (RQ) of CTC and SCP shows that a relatively low risk has occurred. After this careful assessment of probabilistic ecotoxicological risks, the combined toxicity of antibiotic mixtures (CTC and SCP) clearly indicates that the toxicity probability of surface sediments to aquatic organisms was relatively low (0.23%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To establish a breast lesion risk stratification system using ultrasound images to predict breast malignancy and assess Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) categories simultaneously. Methods: This multicenter study prospectively collected a dataset of ultrasound images for 5012 patients at thirty-two hospitals from December 2018 to December 2020. A deep learning (DL) model was developed to conduct binary categorization (benign and malignant) and BI-RADS categories (2, 3, 4a, 4b, 4c, and 5) simultaneously. The training set of 4212 patients and the internal test set of 416 patients were from thirty hospitals. The remaining two hospitals with 384 patients were used as an external test set. Three experienced radiologists performed a reader study on 324 patients randomly selected from the test sets. We compared the performance of the DL model with that of three radiologists and the consensus of the three radiologists. Results: In the external test set, the DL model achieved areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUCs) of 0.980 and 0.945 for the binary categorization and six-way categorizations, respectively. In the reader study set, the DL BI-RADS categories achieved a similar AUC (0.901 vs. 0.933, p = 0.0632), sensitivity (90.98% vs. 95.90%, p = 0.1094), and accuracy (83.33% vs. 79.01%, p = 0.0541), but higher specificity (78.71% vs. 68.81%, p = 0.0012) than those of the consensus of the three radiologists. Conclusions: The DL model performed well in distinguishing benign from malignant breast lesions and yielded outcomes similar to experienced radiologists. This indicates the potential applicability of the DL model in clinical diagnosis. Key Points: • The DL model can achieve binary categorization for benign and malignant breast lesions and six-way BI-RADS categorizations for categories 2, 3, 4a, 4b, 4c, and 5, simultaneously. • The DL model showed acceptable agreement with radiologists for the classification of breast lesions. • The DL model performed well in distinguishing benign from malignant breast lesions and had promise in helping reduce unnecessary biopsies of BI-RADS 4a lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seabass (Lateolabraxjaponicus) is a major aquacultured fish species worldwide. The bioconcentration, bioaccumulation, and biomagnification of metals in water, sediments, and commercial feed were investigated in L. japonicus from an aquaculture pond in the Pearl River Delta of South China. Aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) were determined in the dorsal muscle, viscera, backbone, gill, and stomach contents of L. japonicus. The gill and stomach contents had higher levels of bioconcentration of most metals than other parts of fish. Based on the bioaccumulation factor, the gill and backbone exhibited the highest accumulation of Zn, while the viscera had the highest capacity to accumulate Cu. The mean biomagnification factor values exceeded for As in dorsal muscle, for Cu in the viscera, for Cr and Pb in the gill, and for Al, Cr, Fe, Cu, and Pb in the stomach contents, indicating efficient bioaccumulation from commercial feed and their habitat. Non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis revealed two groups that resulted from the accumulation of metals in various parts of L. japonicus. Moreover, health risk assessment indicated that no notable adverse health effects occurred from the ingestion of L. japonicus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Engineering microbes to produce plant-derived natural products provides an alternate solution to obtain bioactive products. Here we report a systematic approach to sequentially identify the rate-limiting steps and improve the biosynthesis of the cannabinoid precursor olivetolic acid (OLA) in Yarrowia lipolytica. We find that Pseudomonas sp LvaE encoding a short-chain acyl-CoA synthetase can efficiently convert hexanoic acid to hexanoyl-CoA. The co-expression of the acetyl-CoA carboxylase, the pyruvate dehydrogenase bypass, the NADPH-generating malic enzyme, as well as the activation of peroxisomal β-oxidation pathway and ATP export pathway are effective strategies to redirect carbon flux toward OLA synthesis. Implementation of these strategies led to an 83-fold increase in OLA titer, reaching 9.18 mg/L of OLA in shake flask culture. This work may serve as a baseline for engineering cannabinoids biosynthesis in oleaginous yeast species. A yeast host Yarrowia lipolytica is genetically engineered to overcome rate-limiting steps and synthesize the cannabinoid precursor olivetolic acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combination of Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) and the pET expression system is used extensively for the expression of various recombinant proteins (RPs). However, RP overexpression often introduces a growth burden for the host, especially in the case of toxic proteins. The key to solving this problem is to reduce the host burden associated with protein overproduction, which is often achieved by regulating the expression or activity of T7 RNAP or growth-decoupled systems. However, these strategies mainly relieve or interrupt the robbing of host resources, and do not eliminate other types of host burdens in the production process. In this study, we constructed a production system based on a dynamic equilibrium to precisely relieve the host burden and increase the RP production. The system is composed of three modules, including the overexpression of basic growth-related genes (rRNA, RNAP core enzyme, sigma factors), prediction and overexpression of key proteins using the enzyme-constrained model ec_iECBD_1354, and dynamic regulation of growth-related and key protein expression intensity based on a burden-driven promoter. Using this system, the production of many high-burden proteins, including autolysis protein and E. coli membrane proteins, was increased to varying degrees. Among them, the cytosine transporter protein (CodB) was most significantly improved, with a 4.02-fold higher production compared to the wild strain. This system can effectively reduce the optimizing costs, and is suitable for developing various types of RP expression hosts rapidly. Key points: • The basic growth-related resources can relieve the host burden from recombinant protein. • The enzyme-constrained model can accurately predict key genes to improve yield. • The expression intensity can be dynamically adjusted with changes in burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) exert important roles in host defense, tissue repair and inflammatory diseases. However, how ILC lineage specification is regulated remains largely elusive. Here we identify that circular RNA circTmem241 is highly expressed in group III innate lymphoid cells (ILC3s) and their progenitor cells. CircTmem241 deficiency impairs ILC3 commitment and attenuates anti-bacterial immunity. Mechanistically, circTmem241 interacts with Nono protein to recruit histone methyltransferase Ash1l onto Elk3 promoter in ILC progenitor cells (ILCPs). Ash1l-mediated histone modifications on Elk3 promoter enhance chromatin accessibility to initiate Elk3 transcription. Of note, circTmem241−/−, Nono−/− and Ash1l−/− ILCPs display impaired ILC3 differentiation, while Elk3 overexpression rescues ILC3 commitment ability. Finally, circTmem241−/−Elk3−/− mice show lower numbers of ILC3s and are more susceptible to bacterial infection. We reveal that the circTmem241-Nono-Ash1l-Elk3 axis is required for the ILCP differentiation into ILC3P and ILC3 maturation, which is important to manipulate this axis for ILC development on treatment of infectious diseases. Innate lymphoid cells (ILC) have been shown to be involved in a range of inflammatory contexts but how their cellular lineage is regulated is not fully established. Here the authors show a role for circular RNA circTmem241 in the differentiation of ILC3 via initiation of Elk3 transcription. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Studies on deep learning (DL)-based models in breast ultrasound (US) remain at the early stage due to a lack of large datasets for training and independent test sets for verification. We aimed to develop a DL model for differentiating benign from malignant breast lesions on US using a large multicenter dataset and explore the model's ability to assist the radiologists. Methods: A total of 14,043 US images from 5012 women were prospectively collected from 32 hospitals. To develop the DL model, the patients from 30 hospitals were randomly divided into a training cohort (n = 4149) and an internal test cohort (n = 466). The remaining 2 hospitals (n = 397) were used as the external test cohorts (ETC). We compared the model with the prospective Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System assessment and five radiologists. We also explored the model's ability to assist the radiologists using two different methods. Results: The model demonstrated excellent diagnostic performance with the ETC, with a high area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC, 0.913), sensitivity (88.84%), specificity (83.77%), and accuracy (86.40%). In the comparison set, the AUC was similar to that of the expert (p = 0.5629) and one experienced radiologist (p = 0.2112) and significantly higher than that of three inexperienced radiologists (p < 0.01). After model assistance, the accuracies and specificities of the radiologists were substantially improved without loss in sensitivities. Conclusions: The DL model yielded satisfactory predictions in distinguishing benign from malignant breast lesions. The model showed the potential value in improving the diagnosis of breast lesions by radiologists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) contain thousands of proteins and nucleic acids, playing an important role in cell–cell communications. Sertoli cells have been essential in the testis as a "nurse cell". However, EVs derived from human Sertoli cells (HSerCs) have not been well investigated. Methods: EVs were isolated from HSerCs via ultracentrifugation and characterized by transmission electron microscopy, tunable resistive pulse sensing, and Western blotting. The cargo carried by HSerCs-EVs was measured via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and GeneChip miRNA Arrays. Bioinformatic analysis was performed to reveal potential functions of HSerCs-EVs. Results: A total of 860 proteins with no less than 2 unique peptides and 88 microRNAs with high signal values were identified in HSerCs-EVs. Biological processes related to molecular binding, enzyme activity, and regulation of cell cycle were significantly enriched. Specifically, many proteins in HSerCs-EVs were associated with spermatogenesis and regulation of immune system, including Septins, Large proline-rich protein BAG6, Clusterin, and Galectin-1. Moreover, abundant microRNAs within HSerCs-EVs (miR-638, miR-149-3p, miR-1246, etc.) had a possible impact on male reproductive disorders such as asthenozoospermia and oligozoospermia. Conclusions: Our study has shown that HSerCs-EVs contain diverse components such as proteins and microRNAs. Further research is required to evaluate HSerCs-EVs in spermatogenesis, which are underutilized but highly potent resources with particular promise for male infertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The potential of uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery (U-VATS) to reduce chronic pain after thoracic surgery (CPTS) compared to open thoracotomy (OT) remains unexplored. This prospective study aims to assess the incidence of CPTS following U-VATS or OT and identify associated risk factors.Patients undergoing thoracic surgery were recruited from March 2021 to March 2022, categorized by surgical approach (U-VATS vs. OT). Standard clinical protocols for surgery, anesthesia, and analgesia were followed. Pain symptoms were assessed using the Short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire, with follow-ups up to 6 months. Perioperative factors influencing CPTS at 3 months were analyzed through univariate and multivariate methods.A total of 694 patients were analyzed. Acute pain after thoracic surgery (APTS) was significantly less severe in the U-VATS group (p < 0.001). U-VATS patients exhibited a lower incidence of CPTS at 3 months (63.4% vs. 80.1%, p < 0.001), with reduced severity among those experiencing CPTS (p = 0.007) and a decreased occurrence of neuropathic pain (p = 0.014). Multivariate analysis identified OT incision, moderate to severe APTS (excluding moderate static pain at 24 h postoperative), nocturnal surgery, and lung surgery as risk factors for CPTS.This study underscores the potential of U-VATS to reduce both the incidence and severity of CPTS at 3 months compared to OT. Furthermore, it highlights risk factors for CPTS, including OT incision, inadequately managed APTS, lung surgery, and nocturnal surgery. These findings emphasize the importance of considering surgical approach and perioperative pain management strategies to mitigate the burden of CPTS.Methods: The potential of uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery (U-VATS) to reduce chronic pain after thoracic surgery (CPTS) compared to open thoracotomy (OT) remains unexplored. This prospective study aims to assess the incidence of CPTS following U-VATS or OT and identify associated risk factors.Patients undergoing thoracic surgery were recruited from March 2021 to March 2022, categorized by surgical approach (U-VATS vs. OT). Standard clinical protocols for surgery, anesthesia, and analgesia were followed. Pain symptoms were assessed using the Short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire, with follow-ups up to 6 months. Perioperative factors influencing CPTS at 3 months were analyzed through univariate and multivariate methods.A total of 694 patients were analyzed. Acute pain after thoracic surgery (APTS) was significantly less severe in the U-VATS group (p < 0.001). U-VATS patients exhibited a lower incidence of CPTS at 3 months (63.4% vs. 80.1%, p < 0.001), with reduced severity among those experiencing CPTS (p = 0.007) and a decreased occurrence of neuropathic pain (p = 0.014). Multivariate analysis identified OT incision, moderate to severe APTS (excluding moderate static pain at 24 h postoperative), nocturnal surgery, and lung surgery as risk factors for CPTS.This study underscores the potential of U-VATS to reduce both the incidence and severity of CPTS at 3 months compared to OT. Furthermore, it highlights risk factors for CPTS, including OT incision, inadequately managed APTS, lung surgery, and nocturnal surgery. These findings emphasize the importance of considering surgical approach and perioperative pain management strategies to mitigate the burden of CPTS.Results: The potential of uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery (U-VATS) to reduce chronic pain after thoracic surgery (CPTS) compared to open thoracotomy (OT) remains unexplored. This prospective study aims to assess the incidence of CPTS following U-VATS or OT and identify associated risk factors.Patients undergoing thoracic surgery were recruited from March 2021 to March 2022, categorized by surgical approach (U-VATS vs. OT). Standard clinical protocols for surgery, anesthesia, and analgesia were followed. Pain symptoms were assessed using the Short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire, with follow-ups up to 6 months. Perioperative factors influencing CPTS at 3 months were analyzed through univariate and multivariate methods.A total of 694 patients were analyzed. Acute pain after thoracic surgery (APTS) was significantly less severe in the U-VATS group (p < 0.001). U-VATS patients exhibited a lower incidence of CPTS at 3 months (63.4% vs. 80.1%, p < 0.001), with reduced severity among those experiencing CPTS (p = 0.007) and a decreased occurrence of neuropathic pain (p = 0.014). Multivariate analysis identified OT incision, moderate to severe APTS (excluding moderate static pain at 24 h postoperative), nocturnal surgery, and lung surgery as risk factors for CPTS.This study underscores the potential of U-VATS to reduce both the incidence and severity of CPTS at 3 months compared to OT. Furthermore, it highlights risk factors for CPTS, including OT incision, inadequately managed APTS, lung surgery, and nocturnal surgery. These findings emphasize the importance of considering surgical approach and perioperative pain management strategies to mitigate the burden of CPTS.Conclusion: The potential of uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery (U-VATS) to reduce chronic pain after thoracic surgery (CPTS) compared to open thoracotomy (OT) remains unexplored. This prospective study aims to assess the incidence of CPTS following U-VATS or OT and identify associated risk factors.Patients undergoing thoracic surgery were recruited from March 2021 to March 2022, categorized by surgical approach (U-VATS vs. OT). Standard clinical protocols for surgery, anesthesia, and analgesia were followed. Pain symptoms were assessed using the Short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire, with follow-ups up to 6 months. Perioperative factors influencing CPTS at 3 months were analyzed through univariate and multivariate methods.A total of 694 patients were analyzed. Acute pain after thoracic surgery (APTS) was significantly less severe in the U-VATS group (p < 0.001). U-VATS patients exhibited a lower incidence of CPTS at 3 months (63.4% vs. 80.1%, p < 0.001), with reduced severity among those experiencing CPTS (p = 0.007) and a decreased occurrence of neuropathic pain (p = 0.014). Multivariate analysis identified OT incision, moderate to severe APTS (excluding moderate static pain at 24 h postoperative), nocturnal surgery, and lung surgery as risk factors for CPTS.This study underscores the potential of U-VATS to reduce both the incidence and severity of CPTS at 3 months compared to OT. Furthermore, it highlights risk factors for CPTS, including OT incision, inadequately managed APTS, lung surgery, and nocturnal surgery. These findings emphasize the importance of considering surgical approach and perioperative pain management strategies to mitigate the burden of CPTS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Internal jugular vein catheterization (IJVC) and subclavian vein catheterization (SCVC) have been the most preferred central venous catheterizations (CVC) clinically. Individual preference and institutional routine dominate the traditional CVC choice; however, it is lack of high-level evidence. We sought to provide better clinical strategy for CVC site choice based on anatomical landmark technique between IJVC and SCVC. Methods: We systematically reviewed eligible studies from PubMed, OVID, Cochrane and ClinicalTrials.Gov till February 2020. The primary outcomes were catheterization time and overall success rate, and the secondary outcomes were the first-attempt success rate and the instant mechanical complications. Ethical problems are not applicable. Results: A total of 3378 patients from 7 studies were included in the analyses. Neither difference was found on the catheterization time (SMD 95% CI: −0.095–0.124, p = 0.792), nor any difference on the overall success rate (RR = 1.017, 95% CI: 0.927–1.117, p = 0.721, I2 = 89.6%) between the 2 procedures. However, subgroup analyses showed overall success rate of IJVC was significantly lower than that of SCVC (RR = 0.906, 95% CI: 0.850–0.965, p = 0.002) in adults. The first-attempt success rate of IJVC group was higher in the adults (RR = 1.472, 95% CI: 1.004–2.156, p = 0.047). No significance was detected in arterial injury (RR = 1.137, 95% CI: 0.541–2.387, p = 0.735) and pneumothorax (RR = 0.600, 95% CI: 0.32–1.126, p = 0.112) between the two procedures. Hematoma was significantly more in IJVC group than that in SCVC group (RR = 2.824, 95% CI: 1.181–6.751, p = 0.02). Conclusions: Compared with IJVC, SCVC shows a higher overall success rate while a lower first-attempt success rate in adults, and has involved with less hematoma. PROSPERO Registration: CRD42020165444. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for the majority of primary liver cancers and is characterized by high recurrence and heterogeneity, yet its mechanism is not well understood. Here we show that N1-methyladenosine methylation (m1A) in tRNA is remarkably elevated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patient tumour tissues. Moreover, m1A methylation signals are increased in liver cancer stem cells (CSCs) and are negatively correlated with HCC patient survival. TRMT6 and TRMT61A, forming m1A methyltransferase complex, are highly expressed in advanced HCC tumours and are negatively correlated with HCC survival. TRMT6/TRMT61A-mediated m1A methylation is required for liver tumourigenesis. Mechanistically, TRMT6/TRMT61A elevates the m1A methylation in a subset of tRNA to increase PPARδ translation, which in turn triggers cholesterol synthesis to activate Hedgehog signaling, eventually driving self-renewal of liver CSCs and tumourigenesis. Finally, we identify a potent inhibitor against TRMT6/TRMT61A complex that exerts effective therapeutic effect on liver cancer. Metabolic adaptation has been reported to promote cancer, yet the underlying mechanisms are not clear. Here, the authors show that m1A methylation in tRNA regulates cholesterol metabolism in liver cancer stem cells and m1A inhibition decreases tumourigenesis in preclinical models of hepatocellular carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The ecotoxicological risk posed by metals and their mixtures in sediments depends on their bioavailability. Many methods for evaluating the bioavailability of metals in sediments/soils are time-consuming and expensive, and frequently result in equivocal outcomes. The diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) technique is a good measure of bioavailability for metals that can avoid the above drawbacks. Therefore, more effective approaches to this method should be developed that focus on metal bioavailability. No studies have been conducted using DGT to assess metal mixtures to aquatic biota in sediments. This study is therefore the first attempt to assess sediment toxicity of metals and their mixtures to aquatic biota based on the DGT technique. The intertidal zone of the Pearl River Estuary is selected as a case study. Results: The bioavailable (DGT-labile) concentrations of metals range as follows (μg/L): Cd, 0.34–3.62; Pb, 1.35–1.92; Ni, 0.67–92.83; Cu, 0.74–10.30; Zn, 28.60–296.94; Co, 0.03–58.85; Fe, 7.23–4539.36; and Mn, 19.40–6626.83. The risk quotient (RQ), which is the ratio between the measured metal concentrations in the environment (MEC) and the predicted no-effect concentration (PNEC), is conducted to evaluate the single metal risk. The RQ based on summing up the MEC/PNEC ratios (RQMEC/PNEC) and the RQ based on sum of toxic units (RQSTU) are used to assess risk of metal mixture. TheRQ values of Cd, Pb, Ni, Cu, Zn, Fe, and Mn significantly exceed 1, indicating that the adverse effects of the metals are not negligible. Regarding the toxicity of metal mixtures, the values of RQMEC/PNEC and RQSTU are both between 62.45 and 743.48, revealing that the possible risk has already occurred in the study area. Conclusions: The two methods of RQMEC/PNEC and RQSTU based on DGT-labile metal concentrations are effective and suitable to estimate the toxicity of metal mixtures in sediments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: In our previous study, citrate was used as auxiliary energy substance for improving cAMP fermentation performance, however, the regulation mechanism of citrate on improved cAMP contents was not clear. To elucidate the regulation mechanism, cAMP fermentations with/without citrate addition were conducted in a 7 L fermentor using Arthrobacter sp. CCTCC 2013431 and assays on key enzymes activities, energy metabolism level, amino acids contents and peroxidation level were performed. Results: With 3 g/L-broth sodium citrate added, cAMP concentration and conversion yield from glucose reached 4.34 g/L and 0.076 g/g which were improved by 30.7% and 29.8%, respectively, when compared with those of control. Citrate changed carbon flux distribution among different routes and more carbon flux was directed into pentose phosphate pathway beneficial to cAMP synthesis. Meanwhile, energy metabolism together with precursor amino acids levels were improved significantly owing to strengthened metabolic intensity of tricarboxylate cycle by exogenous citrate utilization which provided energy and substance basis for cAMP production. Moreover, higher glutamate synthesis and oxidative stress caused by citrate addition consumed excessive NADPH derived from pentose phosphate pathway by which feedback suppression for pentose phosphate pathway was relieved efficiently. Conclusion: Citrate promoted cAMP fermentation production by Arthrobacter sp. CCTCC 2013431 due to enhanced precursor amino acids, energy metabolism level and relieved feedback suppression for pentose phosphate pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study compared the clinical effectiveness and wound complications of a three-dimensional model-assisted spatial weaving screw fixation (3D-SWSF) versus open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) via an L-shaped extensile lateral approach for calcaneal fractures. Methods: This single-centre retrospective cohort study was conducted with two cohort groups in which patients with Sanders II and III calcaneal fractures underwent 3D-SWSF or conventional ORIF. The clinical outcome measures included operation duration, time to operation, wound complications, blood loss volume, hospital stays, American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot score, and visual analog scale (VAS) score. The pre-operative, post-operative, and one-year follow-up Gissane's angle (GA), Böhler's angle (BA), height, and width and length of the calcaneal fractures were also compared between the two groups. Results: From Oct 2015 to Oct 2019, 31 patients received 3D-SWSF and 41 received conventional ORIF. A total of 11 (26.8%) patients in ORIF group had wound complications, compared with only two (6.5%) in 3D-SWSF group (p = 0.032). Operative time, blood loss, and hospital stay in 3D-SWSF group were lesser than those in ORIF group. The patients treated with 3D-SWSF had better AOFAS and VAS scores than those treated with ORIF at the last follow-up. The post-operative and one-year follow-up radiographic indexes as well as the GA, BA, length, width, and height of the calcaneal fractures were relatively comparable between the two groups. Conclusion: Our study revealed that 3D-SWSF could effectively decrease the risk of wound complications, shorten operation time, reduce length of hospitalization, and improve post-operative rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: The "competition-trait similarity" and "competition-trait hierarchy" hypotheses can be used to predict competitive outcomes between terrestrial plant species in response to environmental variation. However, their validity in aquatic plants remains poorly understood, particularly in terms of variation in the water exchange rate (WER). Methods: We compared competitive outcomes and variation in functional traits in two pairs of submerged macrophytes (Vallisneria natans vs. Myriophyllum aquaticum and V. natans vs. Myriophyllum spicatum) at three levels of WER using the replacement series method. Results: We found that the relative competitive ability of V. natans consistently decreased with increasing WER and decreasing the planting proportion of V. natans. Under these conditions, V. natans experienced reduced plant nutrient content and the inhibition of dissolved carbon dioxide absorption, which eventually shifted this species from a stronger to weaker competitor. With increasing WER and decreasing the planting proportion of V. natans, the below-:above-ground biomass ratio and root diameter increased, while the root length and specific root length decreased, for V. natans. In contrast, all of these traits exhibited the opposite patterns for the co-cultured Myriophyllum species. In addition, the branch number per plant mass increased in V. natans but exhibited no change in co-cultured Myriophyllum species under the same conditions. Conclusions: Our results indicate that WER affected the outcome of interspecies competition between submerged macrophyte species. Moreover, the relative competitive ability of each species within a pair was more strongly linked to species competition-trait hierarchy than to competition-trait similarity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A primary-side regulation (PSR) constant current (CC) output and constant voltage (CV) output AC–DC converter is proposed and an adaptive high-precision closed-loop constant current control scheme is put forward in this paper. In the CC mode, the converter adopts the closed-loop control strategy to realize that the switching period adaptively converges to twice the demagnetization time, which realizes the CC output. In addition, exactly detecting the demagnetization time is a prerequisite for obtaining a high-precision output current. Therefore, a demagnetization time detection circuit is designed to provide accurate and reliable demagnetization information. The control IC was fabricated with the Nuvoton 0.5um BCD process, and a 5 V/2 A prototype circuit was implemented to verify its performance. Experimental results show that the CC deviation is within ± 1.4%, which is lower than the target value of ± 2.0%. Under different loads and AC inputs, the conversion efficiency in the CC mode varies between 76.3% and 80.7%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The existing methods of measuring combined toxicity of heavy metal mixtures in environment do not fully consider three major factors (i.e., number of heavy metal species, aquatic biota, all investigated sites as an entity). Herein, a new method named joint probabilistic risk (JPR) method is proposed for evaluating the combined toxicity of heavy metal mixtures to aquatic biota. In this new method, the above three factors are fully taken into account. In order to evaluate the feasibility of the new method, the Pearl River Estuary (PRE) is selected as a case study. Concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cr, Ni, Cu, and Zn) in surface sediments of PRE are investigated and toxic equivalent factors (TEFs) of these heavy metals are calculated. Based on TEFs, sedimental concentrations of heavy metals of PRE are converted to Cd toxic equivalent concentration (Cdeq), while the Cd toxicity data (Cdto) are extracted from the literature. The probability density curves for Cdeq and Cdto are constructed and the overlap area is quantified as 0.2497. This indicates that the surface sediments of PRE have a 24.97% probability of toxic effect towards aquatic biota. Finally, this new method is validated by two indirect methods of mERMq and mPELq. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gut microbial transformations of flavonoids, an enormous class of polyphenolic compounds abundant in plant-based diets, are closely associated with human health. However, the enzymes that initiate the gut microbial metabolism of flavones and flavonols, the two most abundant groups of flavonoids, as well as their underlying molecular mechanisms of action remain unclear. Here, we discovered a flavone reductase (FLR) from the gut bacterium, Flavonifractor plautii ATCC 49531 (originally assigned as Clostridium orbiscindens DSM 6740), which specifically catalyses the hydrogenation of the C2–C3 double bond of flavones/flavonols and initiates their metabolism as a key step. Crystal structure analysis revealed the molecular basis for the distinct catalytic property of FLR. Notably, FLR and its widespread homologues represent a class of ene-reductases that has not been previously identified. Genetic and biochemical analyses further indicated the importance of FLR in gut microbial consumption of dietary and medicinal flavonoids, providing broader insight into gut microbial xenobiotic transformations and possible guidance for personalized nutrition and medicine. Flavonoids are abundant polyphenols in plants but it is not well understood how their metabolism is initiated by microbes in the human gut. Here, the authors identify and characterise an ene-reductase from the gut bacterium, Flavonifractor plautii ATCC 49531 that catalyses the hydrogenation of the C2–C3 double bond of flavones and flavonols and present its crystal structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transition metal sulfides are the promising anode materials for high-capacity sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). However, the pitfalls of poor conductivity and large volume expansion still restrict their applications. Herein, NiS/C with a uniform flower-like structure was successfully synthesized via a glucose-assisted hydrothermal method coupled with post-annealing strategy. The petal-shaped configuration shortens the diffusion path of sodium ions in electrochemical reaction. Significantly, the formed uniform amorphous carbon is more effective in improving the electrical conductivity of electrode materials and buffering for the rapid volume change. When regarded as the anode of SIBs, the NiS/C electrode delivers a high reversible specific capacity of 1042.3 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1. The excellent electrochemical performance shows that the NiS/C offers great potential for the development and research of large-scale energy storage of metal sulfide electrodes in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As natural metabolites, organic acids have been widely applied in food, pharmaceutical, and bio-based materials industries. Particularly, the short-chain organic acids, including C2, C3, C4, C5, and C6 organic acids, are necessary intermediate metabolites in cells and are also alternatives to some commercial chemical products. As the necessary metabolites in cells, most major short-chain organic acids can be produced through microbial fermentation. Specifically, with the development of synthetic biology, metabolic engineering could endow cells with the ability to produce more short-chain organic acid products including propionic acid, pyruvate, lactic acid, 3-hydroxypropionic acid, malic acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, butyric acid, itaconic acid, α-ketoglutaric acid, glutaric acid, citric acid, gluconic acid, muconic acid, adipic acid, xylonic acid, and so on. The recent advances in the biological production of short-chain organic acids, as well as the challenges and perspectives, are summarized in this review to promote the generation of microbial cell factories for the production of short-chain organic acids. Key points • Outlines the production strategy of short-chain organic acids • Provide guidance for efficient synthesis of short-chain organic acids • Impacts the necessary factor of acid resistance on the successful production of host cells [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the long-term interest in solventogenic clostridia-based ABE (acetone-butanol-ethanol) fermentation, clostridial butanol tolerance and its underlying mechanism remain poorly understood, which is a major obstacle hindering further improvements of this important fermentative process. In this study, a two-component system (TCS), BtrK/BtrR, was identified and demonstrated to positively regulate butanol tolerance and ABE solvent formation in Clostridium acetobutylicum, a representative species of solventogenic clostridia. The transcriptomic analysis results showed that BtrK/BtrR has a pleiotropic regulatory function, affecting a large number of crucial genes and metabolic pathways. Of the differentially expressed genes, btrTM, encoding a putative ABC-type transporter (named BtrTM), was shown to be under the direct control of BtrR, the response regulator of the BtrK/BtrR TCS. Furthermore, BtrTM was shown to contribute to more butanol tolerance (46.5% increase) by overexpression, revealing a novel regulatory mechanism consisting of the BtrK/BtrR TCS and the BtrTM transporter in C. acetobutylicum. Based on these findings, we achieved faster growth and solvent production of C. acetobutylicum by overexpressing BtrK/BtrR or its direct target BtrTM, although no significant improvement in the final butanol titer and yield. These results further confirm the importance of BtrK/BtrR and BtrTM in this organism. Also, of significance, a specific number of btrR-btrT-btrM-btrK-like gene clusters were identified in other Clostridium species, including the pathogens Clostridium perfringens and Clostridium botulinum, indicating a broad role for this regulatory module in the class Clostridia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the clinical efficacy and safety of computed tomography-guided radiofrequency ablation(CT-RFA) combined with transarterial embolization(TAE) assisted by a three-dimensional visualization ablation planning system(3DVAPS) for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) in challenging locations. Methods: Data from 62 treatment-naive patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC), with 83 lesions in challenging locations, and who met the Milan criteria and underwent CT-RFA between June 2013 and June 2016 were reviewed. Patients were divided into one of two groups according to different treatment modalities: study group (TAE combined with RFA assisted by 3DVAPS [n = 32]); and control (RFA only [n = 30]). Oncological outcomes included ablation-related complications, local tumor progression (LTP), and overall survival (OS). Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were performed to assess risk factors associated with LTP and OS. Results: HCC lesions (mean size, 1.9 ± 1.0 mm in diameter) abutting the gastrointestinal tract (n = 25), heart and diaphragm (n = 21), major vessels (n = 13), and gallbladder (n = 3) were treated. A significant difference was detected in LTP between the two groups (P = 0.034), with no significant difference in OS between the two groups (P = 0.193). There were no severe complications related to ablation. Univariate analysis revealed that sex (P = 0.046) and child-turcotte-pugh (CTP) grade (P<0.001) were risk factors for OS, whereas CTP grade and treatment method (P<0.001) were risk factors for LTP. Multivariate analysis revealed that CTP grade B (P = 0.005) was independently associated with poor OS, and RFA alone (P<0.001) was independently associated with poor LTP. Conclusion: CT-RFA combined with TAE assisted by a 3DVAPS provided ideal clinical efficiency for HCC in challenging locations and was a highly safe treatment modality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We focus on the distribution and free energy of a wormlike polymer confined between two parallel hard walls. The variation in the distribution and free energy of the wormlike chain as the spacing between the walls decreases (or as the total contour length of the wormlike chain increases or as the persistence length of the chain increases) is simulated. The main reason for these changes is a degradation of the long wormlike chain into a Gaussian long chain under weak confinement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three sizes of CuO nanosheets were synthesized by hydrothermal method. The structure and morphology of CuO nanosheets were characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Dielectrophoresis nano-manipulation technique was employed to arrange the materials on pre-designed Ti/Au electrodes to fabricate the three humidity sensors, and the sensing properties were then tested. The experimental results show that the sensitivity greatly increases with the decreasing size of CuO nanosheets, the sensitivity of sensor a, b, c are 369%, 3278%, 22,611% in 97.3% RH, respectively. The smaller sized CuO nanomaterials have better response characteristic, the response time of sensor a, b, c under 11.3–97.3% RH are 53 s, 49 s, 32 s, respectively. And correspondingly, hysteresis properties and the repeatability are also a little influenced. In addition, based on complex impedance spectroscopy and multilayer adsorption theory, the impact of size on humidity sensing property was discussed. The results indicated the feasibility to obtain higher performance of humidity sensor, especially the higher sensitivity, via employment the smaller size sensing nanomaterials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

KxZn1−xO (X = 0%, 3%, 5%, 10%) nanowires have been synthesized through hydrothermal method and characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Dielectrophoresis nano-manipulation technique was employed to arrange the materials on pre-designed Ti/Au electrodes to fabricate the humidity sensors, and the humidity sensing properties of sensors were investigated. The experimental results show that K-doped ZnO humidity sensors exhibit more excellent humidity sensing than the undoped ZnO humidity sensor. Especially, 5% K-doped ZnO humidity sensor show the highest sensitivity, the response time reduced from 32 to 12 s, and have lower hysteresis and better reproducibility. The improvement of humidity sensing performance is explained by the increase of oxygen vacancy defects due to the K doping process. In addition, the sensing mechanism was analyzed by complex impedance spectroscopy and multilayer adsorption theory. These results demonstrate the potential application of K-doped ZnO nanowires for fabricating high performance humidity sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To determine the sizes and shapes of ablation zones in 4-antenna microwave ablation in ex vivo bovine liver model under different conditions of power delivery patterns, antenna spacings, and ablation durations, for further using of multi-antenna MWA strategies in the treatment of large hepatocellular carcinoma.Methods: We tested protocols of eight ablations each on ex vivo bovine livers, involving simultaneous or sequential activation of four microwave antennas, spaced either 3 cm, 4 cm, or 5 cm apart, for either 10 or 15 min, at 60-W power. We determined the diameters, shapes, and temperatures of the ablation zones.Results: Compared to sequential power delivery, simultaneous power delivery resulted in significantly larger ablation zone diameters (P < .001). The temperatures in ablation zones were significantly higher for simultaneous than for sequential power delivery. The largest ablation diameter (7.45 ± 0.06 cm) resulted from simultaneous delivery for 15 min using 4-cm antenna spacing.Conclusions: Simultaneous 4-antenna microwave ablation results in larger ablation zones than sequential ablation, and 4-cm antenna spacing with a 15-minute ablation duration creates the largest ablation zone. This information may provide multi-antenna MWA strategies for large HCC in the further clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Anti-programmed cell death-1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) therapy has shown promise in tumor immunotherapy. Our objectives were to measure pre-treatment serum-soluble PD-L1 (sPD-L1) levels and to assess the relationships between sPD-L1 levels and clinical characteristics, prognosis, and tumor tissue PD-L1 expression in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Methods: Pre-treatment serum sPD-L1 levels were measured with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 81 patients with HBV-related HCC and compared to those in 49 healthy controls. The association between serum sPD-L1 levels and prognosis was assessed using survival analysis. The correlation between paired serum sPD-L1 levels and tumor PD-L1 expression (in resected tissue homogenates) was assessed in a separate group of 20 patients with HBV-related HCC.Results: Median sPD-L1 concentration in patients with HBV-related HCC was 5.129 (range 0.140-12.391) ng/mL and in healthy controls was 0.836 (range 0.105-2.168) ng/mL (p < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, sPD-L1 levels were significant independent predictors of disease-free survival (hazard ratio [HR] 3.503; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.559-7.871; p = 0.002) and overall survival (HR 3.399; 95% CI 1.308-8.831; p = 0.012). Positive correlation (r = 0.527, p = 0.017) between serum sPD-L1 and tumor PD-L1 expression was observed. Tumor expression of PD-L1 was significantly higher in those with serum sPD-L1 concentrations above vs. below the median level of 5.471 ng/ml (p = 0.012).Conclusions: In patients with HBV-related HCC, serum sPD-L1 concentrations were elevated, and positively correlated with tumor PD-L1 expression. Lower pre-treatment serum sPD-L1 levels were predictors of more favorable disease-free and overall survival. Serum sPD-L1 testing has a potential role in HBV-related HCC disease assessment, systemic therapy choices and survival prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the analysis of faults with different scales and orientations reveals that the distribution of fractures always develops toward a higher degree of similarity with faults, and a method for calculating the multiscale areal fracture density is proposed using fault-fracture self-similarity theory. Based on the fracture parameters observed in cores and thin sections, the initial apertures of multiscale fractures are determined using the constraint method with a skewed distribution. Through calculations and statistical analyses of in situ stresses in combination with physical experiments on rocks, a numerical geomechanical model of the in situ stress field is established. The fracture opening ability under the in situ stress field is subsequently analyzed. Combining the fracture aperture data and areal fracture density at different scales, a calculation model is proposed for the prediction of multiscale and multiperiod fracture parameters, including the fracture porosity, the magnitude and direction of maximum permeability and the flow conductivity. Finally, based on the relationships among fracture aperture, density, and the relative values of fracture porosity and permeability, a fracture development pattern is determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, the problem of indoor localization based on WLAN signals is attracting increasing attention due to the development of mobile devices and the widespread construction of networks. However, no definitive solution for achieving a low-cost and accurate positioning system has been found. In most traditional approaches, solving the indoor localization problem requires the availability of a large number of labeled training samples, the collection of which requires considerable manual effort. Previous research has not provided a means of simultaneously reducing human calibration effort and improving location accuracy. This paper introduces fusion semi-supervised extreme learning machine (FSELM), a novel semi-supervised learning algorithm based on the fusion of information from Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) signals. Unlike previous semi-supervised methods, which consider multiple signals individually, FSELM fuses multiple signals into a unified model. When applied to sparsely calibrated localization problems, our proposed method is advantageous in three respects. First, it can dramatically reduce the human calibration effort required when using a semi-supervised learning framework. Second, it utilizes fused Wi-Fi and BLE fingerprints to markedly improve the location accuracy. Third, it inherits the beneficial properties of ELMs with regard to training and testing speeds because the input weights and biases of hidden nodes can be generated randomly. As demonstrated by experimental results obtained on practical indoor localization datasets, FSELM possesses a better semi-supervised manifold learning ability and achieves higher location accuracy than several previous batch supervised learning approaches (ELM, BP and SVM) and semi-supervised learning approaches (SELM, S-RVFL and FS-RVFL). Moreover, FSELM needs less training and testing time, making it easier to apply in practice. We conclude through experiments that FSELM yields good results when applied to a multi-signal-based semi-supervised learning problem. The contributions of this paper can be summarized as follows: First, the findings indicate that effective multi-data fusion can be achieved not only through data-layer fusion, feature-layer fusion and decision-layer fusion but also through the fusion of constraints within a model. Second, for semi-supervised learning problems, it is necessary to combine the advantages of different types of data by optimizing the model’s parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]