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Bicyclol, an innovative hepatoprotective drug, was approved by the Chinese National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) in 2001 to treat Hepatitis B and drug-induced liver injury. Two active metabolites of bicyclol have been identified as M2 and M3. To evaluate the impact on drug safety and efficacy of possible drug-drug interactions (DDIs) associated with these metabolites, a sufficient quantity of these metabolites is required. Herein, we report a concise novel route for the synthesis of M2 and M3 using the Suzuki-Miyaura coupling as the key step. Furthermore, we complete the gram-scale syntheses of M2 and M3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most predominant RNA epigenetic regulation in eukaryotic cells. Numerous evidence revealed that m6A modification exerts a crucial role in the regulation of tumor microenvironment (TME) cell infiltration in several tumors. Nevertheless, the potential role and mechanism of m6A modification in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) remains unknown. mRNA expression data and clinical information from GSE102349, and GSE53819 datasets obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) was used for differential gene expression and subsequent analysis. Consensus clustering was used to identify m6A-related molecular patterns of 88 NPC samples based on prognostic m6A regulators using Univariate Cox analysis. The TME cell-infiltrating characteristics of each m6A-related subclass were explored using single-sample gene set enrichment (ssGSEA) algorithm and CIBERSORT algotithm. DEGs between two m6A-related subclasses were screened using edgeR package. The prognostic signature and predicated nomogram were constructed based on the m6A-related DEGs. The cell infiltration and expression of prognostic signature in NPC was determined using immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis. Chi-square test was used to analysis the significance of difference of the categorical variables. And survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier plots and log-rank tests. The NPC samples were divided into two m6A-related subclasses. The TME cell-infiltrating characteristics analyses indicated that cluster 1 is characterized by immune-related and metabolism pathways activation, better response to anit-PD1 and anti-CTLA4 treatment and chemotherapy. And cluster 2 is characterized by stromal activation, low expression of HLA family and immune checkpoints, and a worse response to antiPD1 and anti-CTLA4 treatment and chemotherapy. Furthermore, we identified 1558 DEGs between two m6A-related subclasses and constructed prognostic signatures to predicate the progression-free survival (PFS) for NPC patients. Compared to non-tumor samples, REEP2, TMSB15A, DSEL, and ID4 were upregulated in NPC samples. High expression of REEP2 and TMSB15A showed poor survival in NPC patients. The interaction between REEP2, TMSB15A, DSEL, ID4, and m6A regulators was detected. Our finding indicated that m6A modification plays an important role in the regulation of TME heterogeneity and complexity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The proliferation and myogenic differentiation of muscle stem cells (MuSCs) are important factors affecting muscle development and beef quality. There is increasing evidence that circRNAs can regulate myogenesis. We found a novel circRNA, named circRRAS2 that is significantly upregulated in the differentiation phase of bovine MuSCs. Here, we aimed to determine its roles in the proliferation and myogenic differentiation of these cells. The results showed that circRRAS2 was expressed in several bovine tissues. CircRRAS2 inhibited MuSCs proliferation and promoted myoblast differentiation. In addition, chromatin isolation by using RNA purification and mass spectrometry in differentiated muscle cells identified 52 RNA-binding proteins that could potentially bind to circRRAS2, in order to regulate their differentiation. The results suggest that circRRAS2 could be a specific regulator of myogenesis in bovine muscle. CircRRAS2 expression is higher in DM cells than in GM cells. CircRRAS2 could significantly inhibit the proliferation and apoptosis of bovine MuSCs. CircRRAS2 promotes the differentiation of bovine MuSCs into myotubes. CircRRAS2 may exert regulatory effects through multiple RNA binding proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is crucial in induction of innate immune response through recognition of invading pathogens or endogenous alarming molecules. Ligand-triggered dimerization of TLR4 is essential for the activation of NF-κB and IRF3 through MyD88- or TRIF-dependent pathways. Saquinavir (SQV), an FDA-approved HIV protease inhibitor, has been shown to attenuate the activation of NF-κB induced by HMGB1 by blocking TLR4-MyD88 association in proteasome independent pathway. This study aims to define whether SQV is an HMGB1-specific and MyD88-dependent TLR4 signaling inhibitor and which precise signaling element of TLR4 is targeted by SQV. Materials and Methods: PMA differentiated human THP-1 macrophages or reconstituted HEK293 cells were pretreated with SQV before stimulated by different TLR agonists. TNF-a level was evaluated through ELISA assay. NF-κB activation was analyzed using NF-κB SEAP reporting system. The levels of MyD88/TRIF pathways-related factors were examined by immunoblot. TLR4 endocytosis was assessed by immunocytochemistry. TLR4 dimerization was determined using immunoprecipitation between different tagged TLR4 and an in silico molecular docking experiment was performed to explore the possible binding site of SQV on its target. Results: Our data showed that SQV suppresses both MyD88- and TRIF-dependent pathways in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a critical sepsis inducer and TLR4 agonist, leading to downregulation of NF-κB and IRF3. SQV did not suppress MyD88-dependent pathway triggered by TLR1/2 agonist Pam3csk4. In the only TRIF-dependent pathway, SQV did not alleviate IRF3 phosphorylation induced by TLR3 agonist Poly(I:C). Furthermore, dimerization of TLR4 following LPS or HMGB1 stimulation was decreased by SQV. Conclusion: We concluded that TLR4 receptor complex is one of the mammalian targets of SQV, and TLR4-mediated immune responses and consequent risk for uncontrolled inflammation could be modulated by FDA-approved drug SQV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the detailed mechanisms for how particulate matter (PM) causes adverse health effects in the lungs remain largely unknown, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has been implicated in PM-induced lung injury. The present study was undertaken to examine how/if ER stress might regulate PM-induced inflammation, and to begin to define potential underlying molecular mechanisms. Here, ER stress hallmarks were examined in human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells exposed to PM. To confirm roles of certain pathways, siRNA targeting ER stress genes and an ER stress inhibitor were employed. Expression of select inflammatory cytokines and related signaling pathway components by the cells were assessed as well. The results showed that PM exposure induced elevations in two ER stress hallmarks, i.e. GRP78 and IRE1a, in time-and/or dose-related manners in the HBE cells. Inhibition of ER stress by siRNA for GRP78 or IRE1a significantly alleviated the PM-induced effects. Further, ER stress appeared to regulate PM-induced inflammation -- likely through downstream autophagy and NF-jB pathways -- as implied by studies showing that inhibition of ER stress by siRNA of GRP78 or IRE1a caused significant amelioration of PM-induced autophagy and subsequent activation of NF-jB pathways. Moreover, the ER stress inhibitor 4-PBA were used to confirm the protective effects against PM-induced outcomes. Together, the results suggest ER stress plays a deleterious role in PM-induced airway inflammation, possibly through activation of autophagy and NF-jB signaling. Accordingly, protocols/treatments that could lead to inhibited ER stress could potentially be effective for treatment of PM-related airway disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High entropy alloys (HEAs), consisting of five or more elements with nearly equal atomic composition with one another (5–35%), are new-generation alloys that have attracted signifi)cant interest since their advent in 2004 because of their unique structural and mechanical properties and thermodynamic and chemical stability. Some characteristics, including high mechanical strength at elevated temperatures, high ductility and fracture toughness at cryo)genic temperatures and high corrosion, erosion and wear resistance, have been demonstrated for HEAs that outperform traditional alloys and superalloys. Laser-cladding (LC) is an additive manufacturing technique that has good feasibility in designing and processing HEAs for advanced structural components and protective coatings. This overview provides a glimpse of recent advances in LC of HEAs in terms of design fundamentals, metallurgical phase and microstructure, specific properties for advanced coating applications and the effect of ceramic particles reinforcement in LC deposition of HEA coatings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteosarcoma, originating from primitive bone-forming mesenchymal cells, is the most common malignant bone tumour among children and adolescents. N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most ubiquitous type of posttranscriptional modification, is a methylation that occurs in the N6-position of adenosine. m6A dramatically affects the splicing, export, translation, and stability of various RNAs, including mRNA and noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs). Increasing evidence suggests that ncRNAs, especially microRNAs (miRNA), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), regulate the m6A modification process by affecting the expression of m6A-associated enzymes. m6A modification interactions with ncRNAs provide new perspectives for exploring the underlying mechanisms of tumorigenesis and progression. In the current review, we summarized the expression and biological functions of m6A regulators in osteosarcoma. At the same time, the present review systematically elucidated the functional and mechanical interactions between m6A modification and ncRNAs in osteosarcoma. In addition, we discussed the effect of m6A and ncRNAs in the tumour microenvironment and potential clinical applications of osteosarcoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Lily bulb and Rehmannia decoction (LBRD), consisting of Lilium henryi Baker (Liliaceae) and Rehmannia glutinosa (Gaertn) DC (Plantaginaceae), is a specialized traditional Chinese medicine formula for treating depression. However, the underlying mechanisms, especially the relationship between LBRD efficacy and metabolomics, remains unclear. Objective: This study was aimed to investigate the metabolic mechanism of LBRD in treating depression. Materials and methods: Network pharmacology was conducted using SwissTargetPrediction, DisGeNET, DrugBank, Metascape, etc., to construct component-target-pathway networks. The depression-like model was induced by intraperitoneal injection with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (0.3 mg/kg) for 14 consecutive days. After the administration of LBRD (90 g/kg) and fluoxetine (2 mg/kg) for 14 days, we assessed behaviour and the levels of neurotransmitter, inflammatory cytokine and circulating stress hormone. Prefrontal metabolites of rats were detected by using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry metabolomics method. Results: The results of network pharmacology showed that LBRD mainly acted on neurotransmitter and second messenger pathways. Compared to the model group, LBRD significantly ameliorated depressive phenotypes and increased the level of 5-HT (13.4%) and GABA (24.8%), as well as decreased IL-1β (30.7%), IL-6 (32.8%) and TNF-α (26.6%). Followed by LBRD treatment, the main metabolites in prefrontal tissue were contributed to retrograde endocannabinoid signalling, glycerophospholipid metabolism, glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchor biosynthesis, autophagy signal pathway, etc. Discussion and conclusions: LBRD were effective at increasing neurotransmitter, attenuating proinflammatory cytokine and regulating glycerophospholipid metabolism and glutamatergic synapse, thereby ameliorating depressive phenotypes. This research will offer reference for elucidating the metabolomic mechanism underlying novel antidepressant agents contained LBRD formula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study develops two multi-label chain machine learning predictive models to anticipate patient punctuality and turnaround time. The first model uses an integrated model of clustering and classification where the check-in, service, and checkout times are clustered into three categories using the K-means algorithm. Then, patient punctuality and established clusters are used to develop a multi-label chain predictive model that utilizes Logistic Regression, Multi-Layer Perceptron, and tree-based classifiers. The second model predicts patient punctuality and turnaround time using a multi-label chain regression model that utilizes Linear Regression, Huber Regressor, ADR Regression, Multi-Layer Perceptron, and tree-based regressors. It was found that a patient’s age is a key driver for both patient punctuality and turnaround time. Also, there is a significant association between patient punctuality and turnaround time. The first proposed model predicted the punctuality and turnaround time with an average best F1-score of about 70.4% and 71.9%, respectively. The second model produced acceptable results with the best average R-squared of 0.67 for punctuality and 0.68 for turnaround time. The models can reduce the complexity and time of predicting several numerical outputs, enhance the interpretation of the results, and improve the understanding of the results by non-technical staff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a novel intelligent nanoplatform to integrate multiple imaging and therapeutic functions for targeted cancer theranostics. The nanoplatform, DOX@Gd-MFe3O4 NPs, was constructed Gd-doped mesoporous Fe3O4 nanoparticles following with the doxorubicin (DOX) loading in the mesopores of the NPs. The DOX@Gd-MFe3O4 NPs exhibited good properties in colloidal dispersity, photothermal conversion, NIR triggered drug release, and high T1/T2 relaxicity rate (r1=9.64mM-1s-1, r2= 177.71mM-1s-1). Benefiting from the high MR contrast, DOX@Gd-MFe3O4 NPs enabled simultaneous T1/T2 dual-modal MR imagining on 4T1 bearing mice in vivo and the MR contrast effect was further strengthened by external magnetic field. In addition, the DOX@Gd-MFe3O4 NPs revealed the strongest inhibition to the growth of 4T1 in vitro and in vivo under NIR irradiation and guidance of external magnetic field. Moreover, biosafety was also validated by in vitro and in vivo tests. Thus, the prepared DOX@Gd-MFe3O4 NPs would provide a promising intelligent nanoplatform for dual-modal MR imagining guided synergistic therapy in cancer theranostics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The GRACE and CHA2DS2-VASc risk score are developed for risk stratification in patients with acute coronary syndrome and AF, respectively. We aimed to assess the predictive performance of the GRACE score and CHA2DS2-VASc score among patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: Consecutive patients with a diagnosis of AF admitted to our hospital for PCI between January 2016 and December 2018 were included and followed up for at least 1 year. The primary endpoint was a composite of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) including all-cause mortality, repeat revascularization, myocardial infarction, or ischaemic stroke. Results: A total of 1452 patients were identified. Cox regression demonstrated that the GRACE (HR 1.014, 95% CI 1.008-1.020, p<0.001) but not the CHA2DS2-VASc score was associated with the risk of MACEs. Both GRACE and CHA2DS2-VASc scores were predictive of all-cause mortality with HR of 1.028 (95% CI 1.020-1.037, p<0.001) and 1.334 (95% CI 1.107-1.632, p<0.003). Receiver operating characteristic analyses showed both scores had similar discrimination capacity for all-cause mortality (C-statistic: 0.708 for GRACE vs. 0.661 for CHA2DS2-VASc, p<0.299). High GRACE score was also significantly associated with increased risk of ischaemic stroke (HR 1.018, 95% CI 1.005-1.031, p<0.006) and major bleeding (HR 1.012, 95% CI 1.001-1.024, p<0.039), whereas high CHA2DS2-VASc score was not. Conclusions: High GRACE score but not CHA2DS2-VASc score were both associated with an increased risk of MACEs after PCI in patients with AF. The GRACE and CHA2DS2-VASc scores have similar predictive performance for predicting all-cause mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 blockades is heterogeneous in different molecular subtypes of gastric cancer (GC). In this study, we analyzed relevant clinical trials to identify the molecular subtypes associated with the efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 blockades, and public datasets, patient samples, and GC cell lines were used for investigating potential mechanisms. We found that GC with EBV-positive, MSI-H/dMMR, TMB-H or PIK3CA mutant subtype had enhanced efficacy of PD-L1/PD-1 blockades. Also, differentially expressed genes of these molecular subtypes shared the same gene signature and functional annotations related to immunity. Meanwhile, CIBERSORT identified that the overlapping landscapes of tumor-infiltrating immune cells in the four molecular subtypes were mainly M1-like macrophages (M1). The relationships between M1 and clinical characteristics, M1, and gene signatures associated with PD-1/PD-L1 blockades also revealed that M1 was associated with improved prognosis and required for the efficacy of PD-L1/PD-1 blockades in GC. We identified that tumor-infiltrating CD68+CD163- macrophages could represent M1 calculated by CIBERSORT in clinical application, and CXCL9, 10, 11/CXCR3 axis was involved in the mechanism of CD68+CD163- macrophages in the enhanced efficacy of PD-L1/PD-1 blockades. In conclusion, CD68+CD163- macrophages are required for the efficacy of PD-L1/PD-1 blockades and expand the applicable candidates in GC patients without the molecular subtypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, mung beans were added to rice porridge as supplementary cereal at 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% (beans/100 g total mixture), respectively to investigate the effect of mung beans on the rheological and frictional properties of rice porridge. During the frequency scanning experiment, the storage modulus (G') of all samples was more substantial than the loss modulus (G"). Moreover, the data obtained from the creep-recovery tests were modeled using Berger's model. The addition of mung beans also increased the instantaneous elastic modulus (E1) and retarded elastic modulus (E2) values. In tribology test, the friction curves of the mung bean-rice porridge did not resemble the traditional Stribeck curve and with the increase of mung bean addition ratio and it was more difficult for the fluid (porridge) to enter the next zone. Furthermore, the sensory evaluation indicated that the rice porridge containing 25% and 50% mung beans represented the highest overall preference among evaluators. This study provided theoretical support for finding the relationship between rheology and sensory characteristics of porridges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Madhuca hainanensis Chun & F.C.How is an endangered and endemic species in Hainan Island, and it was ranked as a VU (Vulnerable) species in China. In this study, we reported its complete chloroplast (cp) genome sequence based on high throughput sequencing data. The complete cp genome was 159,630 bp in length, containing two short inverted repeat (IRs) of 26,093 bp, a large single copy (LSC) region of 88,846 bp and a small single copy (SSC) region of 18,598 bp. Totally, the cp genome contained 131 genes, including 86 protein coding genes (PCG), eight rRNA genes and 37 tRNAs. The GC contents of this genome was 36.8%. A maximum likelihood (ML) phylogenetic analysis indicates that M. hainanensis is closely related to Sinosideroxylon wightianum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rare earth elements are an important strategic resource. As one of the most valuable member, lanthanum plays a key role in lanthanide. However, trace Al(III) impurity in lanthanum materials can seriously damage the performance of lanthanum materials. In this paper, a nitrogen-containing activated carbon, AC-PN-700, was synthesized using pine needle as raw material and KOH as activator. The ACPN-700 was characterized by surface area analyzer, elemental analysis and FT-IR. The adsorption and selective ability of AC-PN-700 towards Al(III) were investigated. The BET specific surface area of AC-PN-700 was 596.4 m².g-1, and the average pore diameter was 2.7nm. Depend on its large specific surface, well-developed internal pore structure and abundant nitrogen-containing functional groups, the AC-PN-700 possesses strong adsorption affinity and excellent recognition selectivity towards Al(III). The adsorption capacity of AC-PN-700 towards Al(III) could reach to 3.89mg.g-1, removal rate towards Al(III) was almost 100%, and relative selectivity coefficients with respect to La(III) is 9.5. The empirical Freundlich isotherm was found to describe well the equilibrium adsorption data. In addition, AC-PN-700 possesses better regeneration ability and reusability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stock market volatility is caused by investors' expectations and behavior. To study the implication relationship, on the one hand, we present an investor's expectation-forming and decisionmaking model to summarize the key features of individual behavior. We think the individual expectation is determined mainly by the number of differences between positive signals and negative signals in the information flow. The behavior is determined by both the expectations of investors around him (her) and the expected returns from a potential action. On the other hand, we simulate an investor community to verify if the model is able to replicate the related stylized facts. Mainly, three conclusions are drawn from the simulation: (1) A relationship of asymmetrical conditional dependence exists between expectation consistency and behavior consistency. (2) Market volatility is caused mainly by the difference between expectation consistency and behavior consistency. As the density of connections in the investor community network increases, the difference between them grows. (3) Influential investors have profound impacts on the formation of normal investors' expectations and behavior. Thus influential investors play an important role in determining the degree of market volatility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, nanosheet-based MnO2 hollow capsules have been fabricated by a hydrothermal process using the pre-fabricated hollow SiO2 capsules as sacrificial templates. When the obtained nanosheet-based MnO2 hierarchical hollow capsules are tested as the electrode material of Li-ion batteries, they show a large discharge capacity of 1182.9 mAhg-1 for the initial cycle and 198.4 mAhg-1 after 500 cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CuO/SiO2 heterogeneous hollow cubes have been successfully fabricated under hydrothermal conditions. XRD, SEM and EDX under TEM studies confirm that CuO nanoparticles deposit on the surface of SiO2 hollow cubic templates. In virtue of their heterogeneous and hollow structures as well as higher specific surface area, CuO/SiO2 heterogeneous hollow cubes exhibit enhanced photocatalytic properties compared to P25 TiO2, SiO2 hollow cubes and CuO hierarchical microflowers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of plate wettability on the dispersed-phase holdup in a pulsed disc-and-doughnut solvent extraction column is presented. Teflon, nylon, and stainless steel plates have been used to simulate a change in the wetting characteristics of the plate material that can occur in an operating column due to ageing or deposits accumulating on the plate. Experimental holdup data have been measured over a range of operating conditions using a 1.0 m long glass column with an internal diameter of 72.5 mm containing alternating discs and doughnuts. The liquid-liquid system studied was tri-n-octylamine (TOA)-kerosene-water with sulphuric acid as the solute. Results show that there are noticeable changes in the characteristic velocity (determined from measured holdup) and operational regimes for the different plate materials, particularly at low pulsation intensities, when operating under dispersed aqueous conditions. Experimental holdup data from this study have also been compared to correlations from literature for predicting holdup. As none of these correlations for holdup incorporate plate wettability, a new correlation for predicting holdup has been proposed that incorporates the contact angle of the plate material to allow for changes in the wettability of the plate surface. This correlation is able to predict the holdup data from this study to within 10.5% for aqueous dispersed conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The metal tolerance and metabolic changes inBoehmeria niveacolonized in mining areas are not well known. A hydroponic experiment was conducted to evaluate the impact of antimony (Sb)+arsenic (As) in following combinations (control (no metal), 20+0, 10+10, 40+0, 20+20, and 40+40 mg/L) on phytotoxicity, metal tolerance index (MTI), and chlorophyll fluorescence inB. nivea. This constitutes an initial investigation of metal tolerance and chlorophyll fluorescence in Sb and Sb+As contaminatedB. nivea. The high Sb+As 40+40 mg/L produced significant phytotoxicity and MTI in the plant. Progressive higher Sb and Sb+As levels resulted in decreased chlorophyll fluorescence ofB. nivea. Exposure to intermediate and high Sb+As levels induced damage in the photosynthesis apparatus of the plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concepts of deteriorating jobs and learning effects have been individually studied in many scheduling problems. However, most studies considering the deteriorating and learning effects ignore the fact that production efficiency can be increased by grouping various parts and products with similar designs and/or production processes. This phenomenon is known as ‘group technology’ in the literature. In this paper, a new group scheduling model with deteriorating and learning effects is proposed, where learning effect depends not only on job position, but also on the position of the corresponding job group; deteriorating effect depends on its starting time of the job. This paper shows that the makespan and the total completion time problems remain polynomial optimal solvable under the proposed model. In addition, a polynomial optimal solution is also presented to minimise the maximum lateness problem under certain agreeable restriction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A facile approach has been developed to fabricate ZnO hierarchical architectures with different morphologies under hydrothermal conditions. ZnO nanorod-based whisks and nanorod-based dandelions have been synthesized through the adjustment of the ratio of Zn(NO3)2 to glycine. The structures of ZnO hierarchical architectures have been examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and the possible growth mechanism of these ZnO nanostructures has also been discussed. In addition, the photocatalytic properties of these ZnO nanostructures have been also investigated. Investigations confirm that the morphology and specific surface areas play important roles In the photocatalytic properties of these ZnO nanomaterials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article serves as a tool to set the scene in this special issue on the manner in which the European Union (EU) engages transnational policy networks (TPNs). It paints a canvas of the main themes to be treated in articles that span a variety of thematic areas. Six main lines of inquiry are developed to better feed into the various themes covered by the specific articles. The lines of inquiry used include modalities or ways in which the EU influences TPNs around the world, TPNs' influence of policy and decision-making within the EU, conditions under which engagement between the EU and TPNs can be considered successful, the identity and location of the TPNs, and the utility or otherwise of an EU strategy to weaken or strengthen engagement with TPNs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid development of automobile industry, the demand of tyre is increasing greatly. But tyre classification implementation is still not efficient and effective for tyre industry. This paper proposes a method of tyre classification using tyre marking points indicating shapes based on support vector machine (SVM). First, the tyre marking points printed on the profiles of tyre are acquired by a designed image acquisition device. Second, those tyre marking points images are handled by image preprocessing methods of image denoising, segmentation, and edge detection. After image preprocessing, the contour coordinates of tyre marking points are extracted. The Fourier transform method is further applied to the extracted contour coordinates to acquire the Fourier descriptors of tyre marking points as feature vectors. Followed, those extracted Fourier descriptors are inputted as SVM classifiers. Finally, the proposed classification techniques based on SVM is employed to classify tyre as corresponding types according to shape recognition of tyre marking points. The experimental results show that the proposed tyre classification method can meet the requirement of tyre industry by a mean shape recognition accuracy of 97.25%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The photorespiration metabolism in unicellular algae is different from that in higher plants because of the absence of peroxisomes, and conversion of glycolate to glyoxylate is catalyzed by glycolate dehydrogenase without the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). It has been reported that the glycolate-quinone oxidoreductase system (GQOS) also plays a role in the formation of glyoxylate from glycolate that is coupled to photosynthetic electron transport. In this study, we showed that production of ROS was associated with the oxidation of glycolate in chloroplasts of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii cells and that both ROS accumulation and photorespiration were promoted by NaCl stress. Salicylhydroxamic acid (SHAM) and methoxylamine (MOA) are inhibitors that block effectively the GQOS oxidation of glycolate and glycine decarboxylase complex, respectively. Our data showed that in the dark, whether or not the cells were treated with inhibitor, no remarkable difference was found in ROS levels under the same NaCl stress. In the light, however, the ROS level in the cells treated with SHAM or MOA was significantly lower than that in nontreated cells, with SHAM being more effective. The increase in serine:glyoxylate aminotransferase (SGAT) activity and glycine/ serine (Gly/Ser) ratio were 8.3% and 30.8% under 50 mM, and reached 34.4% and 1.5-fold under 100 mM NaCl stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bambusa rigida is a tropical woody bamboo widely distributed in Sichuan and southeastern of China with important economic and ecological values. We performed a complete chloroplast (cp) genome of B. rigida using Illumina NovaSeq PE150 platform. The length of complete cp sequence is 139,500 bp in size with a pair of inverted repeat (IR) regions of 43,587 bp, which separates a large single-copy (LSC) region of 83,036 bp and a small single-copy (SSC) region of 12,875 bp. Plastid genome contains 132 genes, including 84 protein-coding genes, 40 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis based on 30 cp genomes indicates that B. rigida is closely related to Bambusa ventricosa in Bambuseae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]