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In real scenarios, accurate and real‐time detection of traffic signs is of great significance to the automatic driving system. To meet the requirements of detection accuracy and speed, a new traffic sign detection method based on YOLOv5 and Swin‐Transformer is proposed in this paper. First, based on the traditional Focus structure, a lightweight shallow information enhancement module is designed. Second, to enhance the channel weights of useful information, an adjustable channel attention mechanism is proposed. Additionally, a Cross Stage Partial module based on Swin‐Transformer is designed to capture contextual information around traffic signs, thereby improving the detection accuracy of small‐scale traffic signs. Finally, to better fuse deep semantic features and shallow detail features, an adaptive feature fusion method is proposed. To verify the superiority of the proposed method, experimental verification was carried out on TT100K and DFG traffic sign detection datasets, and their mAP, AP50 and FPS were (75.3, 94.8, 82) and (79.7, 85.9, 118), respectively. The experimental results show that the proposed traffic sign detection method has high accuracy and real‐time performance, and can meet the needs of traffic sign detection in the actual scene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Kawasaki disease (KD) can lead to permanent damage to coronary structures, the pathogenesis of which remains unknown. This experiment was designed to investigate whether miR‐223‐3p secreted in the serum of KD patients affects the proliferation and apoptosis of HCAECs in KD by regulating FOXP3. Methods: Blood samples were collected in acute febrile phase of KD, after IVIG treatment, and from healthy controls. Transfected into HCAECs cells by synthetic FOXP3 siRNA/NC. A co‐culture system was established between HCAECs cells transfected with FOXP3 siRNA/NC and THP1 cells added with three sera. Results: Compared with the control group, the expressions of miR‐223‐3p, RORγt, and Th17 in serum of KD patients were significantly upregulated, and the expressions of TGF‐β1, FOXP3 and Treg were significantly downregulated. At the same time, the levels of IL‐6, IL‐17, and IL‐23 were significantly increased, and the levels of IL‐10 and FOXP3 were significantly decreased. After IVIG treatment, the patient's above results were reversed. The serum of KD patients increased the expression of miR‐223‐3p and inhibited the expression of FOXP3 in HCAECs cells. IVIG serum is the opposite. Overexpression of miR‐223‐3p also promoted the apoptosis of HCAECs. In addition, serum from KD patients promoted apoptosis, whereas serum after IVIG treatment inhibited apoptosis. KD patient serum downregulated the expression of FOXP3, Bcl2, TGF‐β1 and IL‐10 in cells, and upregulated the expression of caspase3, Bax, IL‐17, IL‐6, and IL‐23. The opposite results were obtained with IVIG‐treated sera. Conclusion: miR‐223‐3p secreted in serum of KD patients can regulate the expression of FOXP3 and affect the proliferation, apoptosis, and inflammation of cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we develop the physics informed neural networks (PINNs) coupled with small sample learning for solving the transient Stokes equations. Specifically, the governing equations are encoded into the networks to construct the loss function, which involves the residual of differential equations, the initial/boundary conditions, and the residual of a handful of observations. The approximate solution was obtained by optimizing the loss function. Few sample data can rectify the network effectively and improve predictive accuracy. Moreover, the method can simultaneously solve each variable of the equations separately in a parallel framework. The information of the numerical data is compiled into the networks to enhance efficiency and accuracy in practice. Therefore, this method is a meshfree and fusion method that combined data‐driven with model‐driven. Inspired by the Galerkin method, the paper proves the convergence of the loss function and the capability of neural networks. Furthermore, numerical experiments are performed and discussed to demonstrate the performance of the method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We disclose that the carbonates of 4‐hydroxy‐2‐cyclopentenones can form π‐allylpalladium‐based 1,2‐carbodipoles, which isomerize to interesting η2‐Pd0‐cyclopentadienone complexes. Compared with the labile parent cyclopentadienone, the HOMO energy of the related η2‐complex was significantly raised via the back‐bonding of Pd0 as a π‐Lewis base, rendering the uncoordinated C=C bond an electron‐richer dienophile in inverse‐electron‐demand aza‐Diels–Alder‐type reactions with diverse 1‐azadienes. The vinylogous (aza)Morita–Baylis–Hillman or cross Rauhut–Currier addition to (imine)carbonyls or activated alkenes, respectively, was also realized to afford chiral [4+2] or [2+2] cycloadducts, respectively, after trapping the re‐generated π‐allylpalladium species. New C1‐symmetric ligands from simple chiral sources were developed, exhibiting high stereoselectivity even with racemic substrates via an unusual dynamic kinetic resolution process. Besides, tropone could be similarly activated by a Pd0 complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: Neurotrophin receptor‐interacting MAGE homologue (NRAGE) plays a crucial role in the regulation of bone metabolism. The present study investigated the regulation role of NRAGE on autophagy activation and periodontitis process during experimental periodontitis. Materials and Methods: Six‐week‐old wild‐type (WT) and NRAGE−/− mice were randomly divided into three time points in the periodontitis groups (0, 2, and 4 weeks). Histopathological changes were determined using the tooth mobility, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, and micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT). Osteoclasts activation and number were investigated using tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining, immunohistochemistry, and real‐time quantitative PCR (RT‐PCR). The level of autophagy‐related gene expression was measured using immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and RT‐PCR. Results: H&E staining and Micro‐CT showed that the destruction of the alveolar bone was considerably more severe in the NRAGE−/− group than the WT group after ligation. Tooth mobility in the NRAGE−/− group was obviously higher than that in the WT group. The activation and number of osteoclasts and the level of autophagy‐related gene expression in NRAGE−/− group were significantly higher than that in WT group. Conclusions: The present study showed that knockout of NRAGE induced autophagy‐related gene expression and accelerated the process of periodontitis disease via increasing the activity and differentiation of osteoclast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the "powerhouse" of cells, mitochondrion is the main site of cellular aerobic respiration and plays a vital role in performing many important cellular functions. The consequence of mitochondrial dysfunction could lead to a wide range of disorders and diseases. Traditional mitochondria‐related cytobiology methods always require the isolation of organelles for biological components, followed by structural analysis and quantitative analysis. In this study, we tried to assess the feasibility and reliability of the isolation‐based method and the in situ approach from the spectral fingerprint characters. Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering spectroscopy (SERS) was employed to investigate the molecular information of mitochondria from cancer cells (HepG2 and MCF‐7 cells) in situ with the assistant of mitochondrion‐targeting nanoprobes, which was compared with the isolation‐based ex situ method. The results display two methods, which show high consistency in the spectral profiles of mitochondrion, proving the feasibility of both in bioanalysis. Abundant molecular information such as protein and DNA is disclosed, and protein is one of the main components. From spectral comparison between two cancer cells, differences in protein content are observed. We believe that this comparative study will provide a valuable and recommended reference for the selection of analytical methods for different study purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An atom‐economic and highly efficient vinylogous umpolung strategy is developed for deconjugated carbonyl compounds, which generate electron‐deficient π‐allylpalladium complexes with Pd(OAc)2 under ligand‐free conditions. In cooperation with a chiral‐phosphonium‐based phase‐transfer catalyst, the asymmetric direct oxidative allylic alkylations of 3‐substituted oxindoles are furnished under O2 atmosphere. The γ‐ or even remote ϵ‐regioselective alkylation products, with substantial substituents, are delivered with excellent enantioselectivity, and can be further used to access diverse chiral spirocyclic architectures effectively. The Mukaiyama dienol silyl ether can be utilized similarly, indicating that the current active π‐allylpalladium species results from tautomerization of the PdII‐dienolate intermediate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Verticillium dahliae is a broad host‐range pathogen that causes vascular wilts in plants. Interactions between three hosts and specific V. dahliae genotypes result in severe defoliation. The underlying mechanisms of defoliation are unresolved.Genome resequencing, gene deletion and complementation, gene expression analysis, sequence divergence, defoliating phenotype identification, virulence analysis, and quantification of V. dahliae secondary metabolites were performed.Population genomics previously revealed that G‐LSR2 was horizontally transferred from the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum to V. dahliae and is exclusively found in the genomes of defoliating (D) strains. Deletion of seven genes within G‐LSR2, designated as VdDf genes, produced the nondefoliation phenotype on cotton, olive, and okra but complementation of two genes restored the defoliation phenotype. Genes VdDf5 and VdDf6 associated with defoliation shared homology with polyketide synthases involved in secondary metabolism, whereas VdDf7 shared homology with proteins involved in the biosynthesis of N‐lauroylethanolamine (N‐acylethanolamine (NAE) 12:0), a compound that induces defoliation. NAE overbiosynthesis by D strains also appears to disrupt NAE metabolism in cotton by inducing overexpression of fatty acid amide hydrolase.The VdDfs modulate the synthesis and overproduction of secondary metabolites, such as NAE 12:0, that cause defoliation either by altering abscisic acid sensitivity, hormone disruption, or sensitivity to the pathogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Wilt caused by Verticillium dahliae significantly reduces cotton yields, as host resistance in commercially cultivated Gossypium species is lacking. Understanding the molecular basis of disease resistance in non‐commercial Gossypium species could galvanize the development of Verticillium wilt resistance in cultivated species. Nucleotide‐binding site leucine‐rich repeat (NBS‐LRR) proteins play a central role in plant defence against pathogens. In this study, we focused on the relationship between a locus enriched with eight NBS‐LRR genes and Verticillium wilt resistance in G. barbadense. Independent virus‐induced gene silencing of each of the eight NBS‐LRR genes in G. barbadense cultivar Hai 7124 revealed that silencing of GbaNA1 alone compromised the resistance of G. barbadense to V. dahliae isolate Vd991. In cultivar Hai 7124, GbaNA1 could be induced by V. dahliae isolate Vd991 and by ethylene, jasmonic acid and salicylic acid. Nuclear protein localization of GbaNA1 was demonstrated by transient expression. Sequencing of the GbaNA1 orthologue in nine G. hirsutum accessions revealed that all carried a non‐functional allele, caused by a premature peptide truncation. In addition, all 10 G. barbadense and nine G. hirsutum accessions tested carried a full‐length (∼1140 amino acids) homologue of the V. dahliae race 1 resistance gene Gbve1, although some sequence polymorphisms were observed. Verticillium dahliae Vd991 is a non‐race 1 isolate that lacks the Ave1 gene. Thus, the resistance imparted by GbaNA1 appears to be mediated by a mechanism distinct from recognition of the fungal effector Ave1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Fungal transcription factors (TFs) implicated in the regulation of virulence gene expression have been identified in a number of plant pathogens. In Verticillium dahliae, despite its agricultural importance, few regulators of transcription have been characterized. In this study, a T‐DNA insertion mutant with significantly reduced virulence towards cotton was identified. The T‐DNA was traced to VdFTF1, a gene encoding a TF containing a Fungal_trans domain. Transient expression in onion epidermal cells indicated that VdFTF1 is localized to the nucleus. The VdFTF1‐deletion strains displayed normal vegetative growth, mycelial pigmentation and conidial morphology, but exhibited significantly reduced virulence on cotton, suggesting that VdFTF1 is required exclusively for pathogenesis. Comparisons of global transcription patterns of wild‐type and VdFTF1‐deletion strains indicated that VdFTF1 affected the expression of 802 genes, 233 of which were associated with catalytic processes. These genes encoded 69 potentially secreted proteins, 43 of which contained a carbohydrate enzyme domain known to participate in pathogenesis during infection of cotton. Targeted gene deletion of one VdFTF1‐regulated gene resulted in significantly impaired vascular colonization, as measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, as well as aggressiveness and symptom severity in cotton. In conclusion, VdFTF1, which encodes a TF containing a Fungal_trans domain, regulates the gene expression of plant cell wall degradation enzymes in V. dahliae, which are required for full virulence on cotton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

* Verticillium dahliae isolates are most virulent on the host from which they were originally isolated. Mechanisms underlying these dominant host adaptations are currently unknown. We sequenced the genome of V. dahliae Vd991, which is highly virulent on its original host, cotton, and performed comparisons with the reference genomes of JR2 (from tomato) and VdLs.17 (from lettuce). * Pathogenicity-related factor prediction, orthology and multigene family classification, transcriptome analyses, phylogenetic analyses, and pathogenicity experiments were performed. * The Vd991 genome harbored several exclusive, lineage-specific (LS) genes within LS regions (LSRs). Deletion mutants of the seven genes within one LSR (G-LSR2) in Vd991 were less virulent only on cotton. Integration of G-LSR2 genes individually into JR2 and VdLs.17 resulted in significantly enhanced virulence on cotton but did not affect virulence on tomato or lettuce. Transcription levels of the seven LS genes in Vd991 were higher during the early stages of cotton infection, as compared with other hosts. Phylogenetic analyses suggested that G-LSR2 was acquired from Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum through horizontal gene transfer. * Our results provide evidence that horizontal gene transfer from Fusarium to Vd991 contributed significantly to its adaptation to cotton and may represent a significant mechanism in the evolution of an asexual plant pathogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glycoside hydrolase 12 (GH12) proteins act as virulence factors and pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) in oomycetes. However, the pathogenic mechanisms of fungal GH12 proteins have not been characterized. In this study, we demonstrated that two of the six GH12 proteins produced by the fungus Verticillium dahliae Vd991, VdEG1 and VdEG3 acted as PAMPs to trigger cell death and PAMP-triggered immunity (PTI) independent of their enzymatic activity in Nicotiana benthamiana. A 63-amino-acid peptide of VdEG3 was sufficient for cell death-inducing activity, but this was not the case for the corresponding peptide of VdEG1. Further study indicated that VdEG1 and VdEG3 trigger PTI in different ways: BAK1 is required for VdEG1- and VdEG3-triggered immunity, while SOBIR1 is specifically required for VdEG1-triggered immunity in N. benthamiana. Unlike oomycetes, which employ RXLR effectors to suppress host immunity, a carbohydrate-binding module family 1 (CBM1) protein domain suppressed GH12 protein-induced cell death. Furthermore, during infection of N. benthamiana and cotton, VdEG1 and VdEG3 acted as PAMPs and virulence factors, respectively indicative of host-dependent molecular functions. These results suggest that VdEG1 and VdEG3 associate differently with BAK1 and SOBIR1 receptor-like kinases to trigger immunity in N. benthamiana, and together with CBM1-containing proteins manipulate plant immunity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fully implicit schemes with second-order time evolutions have been applied to simulate nonlinear diffusion problems precisely for a long time, but there is seldom theoretical study for either their convergence properties or efficient iterations. Here, a second-order time evolution fully implicit scheme for two-dimensional nonlinear divergence diffusion problem is analyzed. The unique existence of its solution is given. Two new methods are provided to prove its L∞(H¹) convergence, including entire inductive hypothesis reasoning and a two-step reasoning process. Rigorous analysis shows the scheme is stable; its solution has secondorder convergence in both space and time to the exact solution of the problem. The convergence is applied to analyze a Newton iteration accelerating the computation and show its quadratic convergent speed and second-order accuracy. The reasoning techniques also adapt to first-order time accuracy schemes, and can be extended to analyze a wide class of nonlinear schemes for nonlinear problems. Numerical tests highlight the theoretical results and demonstrate the high performance of the algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]