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Abstract Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is frequently comorbid with anxiety disorders, yet whether alcohol abuse precedes or follows the expression of anxiety remains unclear. Rodents offer control over the first drink, an advantage when testing the causal link between anxiety and AUD. Here, we utilized a risk-avoidance task to determine anxiety-like behaviors before and after alcohol exposure. We found that alcohol’s anxiolytic efficacy varied among inbred mice and mice with high risk-avoidance showed heightened alcohol relief. While dopamine D1 receptors in the striatum are required for alcohol’s relief, their levels alone were not correlated with relief. Rather, the ratio between striatal D1 and D2 receptors was a determinant factor for risk-avoidance and alcohol relief. We show that increasing striatal D1 to D2 receptor ratio was sufficient to promote risk-avoidance and enhance alcohol relief, even at initial exposure. Mice with high D1 to D2 receptor ratio were more prone to continue drinking despite adverse effects, a hallmark of AUD. These findings suggest that an anxiety phenotype may be a predisposing factor for AUD.

Abstract Key message Dihydropinosylvin monomethyl ether (DPME) and pinosylvin monomethyl ether (PME) are pinosylvin derivatives that show high nematicidal activity against pine wood nematodes (PWNs). Here, we found that fungal elicitor treatment boosted the production of DPME and PME in cultured Pinus strobus L. cells and investigated the transcription factors (TFs) regulating the genes in the pinosylvin stilbenoid biosynthesis pathway. Context The discovery of TFs involved in the synthesis of DPME and PME provides an important clue to understanding the pinosylvin stilbenoid synthesis in pine plants. Aims We investigated the best fungal elicitor for the production of DPME and PME and the transcriptional activities of genes involved in PME and DPME biosynthesis in P. strobus L. cells after fungal elicitor treatment. Methods The content of DPME and PME in P. strobus cells was examined after treatment with fungal elicitors prepared from seven different species of fungi. Moreover, the role of fungal elicitors in the transcriptional activity of genes involved in DPME and PME biosynthesis was investigated by transcriptome analysis using RNA sequencing. Results Penicillium chrysogenum Thorn was the most efficient fungal elicitor for the production of DPME and PME in P. strobus cells among the other fungal species. The accumulation of DPME and PME in P. strobus cells after P. chrysogenum elicitor treatment increased 12.7-fold and 23.7-fold, respectively, compared to the control. Transcriptome analysis revealed that fungal elicitor treatment resulted in enhanced transcription of the PAL, 4CL, STS, PMT, and ACC genes, which are involved in PME and DPME biosynthesis. Some transcription factors belonging to the bHLH, MYB, WRKY, and ERF families showed a high transcription rate after fungal elicitor treatment. Conclusions We found that the fungal elicitor is a strong inducer of the accumulation of pinosylvin derivatives in the cells of P. strobus. We selected one unigene (c133966_g3_i1 in the MYB family) as the best candidate TF that regulates the DPME and PME biosynthesis in P. strobus by transcriptome analysis.

The study investigated whether omega-3 fatty acids could promote bacterial growth, acid and bile tolerance, and cell adhesion onto Caco-2 cells to develop a multifunctional enteric soft capsule containing probiotics and omega-3 fatty acids. The probiotic strains used were Enterococcus faecium IDCC 2102 and Bacillus coagulans IDCC 1201. Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids did not significantly affect the growth and viability of either strain at lower concentrations (i.e. 0.5-1.0 w/w %). In comparison, the adhesion ability to Caco-2 cells of both strains was significantly increased (up to 107.5%). Furthermore, Bacillus coagulans IDCC 1201 [1 × 1010 CFU (colony forming unit) per capsule] contained together with omega-3 fatty acids (600 mg per capsule) in the enteric soft capsules showed a stability of over 95% during 12 months of storage at room temperature, which was similar to that of unencapsulated lyophilised probiotics. Thus, these results indicate that multifunctional food supplements in the form of enteric soft capsules are feasible.

Germplasm resource innovation is a crucial factor for cultivar development, particularly within the context of hybrid rice breeding based on the three-line system. Quan 9311A, a cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) line, has been successfully cultivated using rice restoration materials and extensively employed as a female parent in hybrid breeding program in China. This line was developed by crossing the CMS line Zhong 9A with a two-line restorer line 93-11, with the intention of eliminating the restoring ability of 93-11 while retaining the sterility gene WA352c from Zhong 9A. Quan 9311A effectively amalgamates the most favorable agronomic traits from both parental lines. In this study, the relationship between phenotypic characteristics and the known functional genes of Quan 9311A were analyzed using the rice genome navigation technology based on whole-genome sequencing. The findings revealed that Quan 9311A harbors multiple superior alleles from both 93-11 and Zhong 9A, providing exceptional agronomic traits that are unavailable in earlier CMS lines. Despite the removal of the fertility restorer gene Rf3 from 93-11, numerous chromosomal segments from 93-11 persist in the Quan 9311A genome. Furthermore, the hybrid rice Quanyousimiao (QYSM) and the restorer line Wushansimiao (WSSM) were used as examples to illustrate the important role of Quan 9311A as the female parent in heterosis. It was found that QYSM carries a great number of superior alleles, which accounts for its high grain yield and wide adaptability. These insights not only advanced the utilization of hybrid rice pairing groups but also provided guidance for future breeding endeavors. The study introduced innovative concepts to further integrate genomics with traditional breeding techniques. Ultimately, Quan 9311A signified a significant milestone in rice breeding technology, opening up novel avenues for hybrid rice development.

The operation environment along the long-distance oil and gas pipelines is complex, and the abnormal external load during pipeline operation may lead to local stress concentration, which will increase the operation risk of pipeline.The coercivity-based stress measurement method is a new technology to evaluate the safety margin and prevent the safety accidents of pipeline. Herein, the magnetic properties of ferromagnetic materials, such as atomic magnetic moment, domain structure and hysteresis loop, were explored in depth. The mechanism of mechanical and magnetic coupling in coercivitybased stress measurement was clarified. The existing expressions of relationship between coercivity and stress in uniaxial stress state were introduced. The model of relationship between coercivity and stress in biaxial stress state was deduced.Besides, experiments were performed to verify the relationship between coercivity and stress of X80 pipeline steel in the uniaxial and biaxial stress states. The experimental results show that there is a good linear relationship between the coercivity and stress of X80 pipeline steel in uniaxial stress state, the coercivity is related to the biaxial stress in the biaxial stress state, and the laws are consistent with the models derived herein. The research result provides a theoretical and experimental basis for the field application of coercivity-based stress measurement method, which is proved to be capable of accurately measuring the stress of X80 pipeline steel, and it is a reliable method to evaluate the safety margin of in-service pipeline.

With the rapid development of the power grid， the overhigh short-circuit current becomes increasingly prominent， restricting the safe and stable power grid operation. Because of the shortcomings of the existing short-circuit current limiting methods， fast topology splitting and self-recovery current limiting scheme based on dynamic topology adjustment method in sectionalized connection mode is proposed. To meet the quickness of fault current limiting control system requirement， a control system architecture scheme based on FT3 communication is designed to increase data processing speed and reduce link transmission delay. A fast fault identification and phase control fault interruption method and its implementation scheme based on Kalman state estimation are proposed. Finally， the control system is verified by RTDS test. The results show that the short-circuit current limiting control scheme can quickly extract fault features and complete the splitting in the first cycle of short-circuit current to ensure the effectiveness of current limiting before conventional circuit breaker arcing.

The ideological and political education can be integrated into American Literature course from the perspectives of consolidation of the patriotism, cultivation of social responsibility, improvement of personal character and morality, culturing of humanity quality and training of international vision and cultural inheritance, which enable teachers to combine knowledge teaching and ability training with students’ thinking improvement, value guidance and moral training in class, thus achieving the profound exploration of the value of classic literary works and the maximization of teaching values.

This study aimed to explore the safety and properties of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei IDCC 3401 as a novel probiotic strain via genomic and phenotypic analyses. In whole-genome sequencing, the genes associated with antibiotic resistance and virulence were not detected in this strain. The minimum inhibitory concentration test revealed that L. paracasei IDCC 3401 was susceptible to all the antibiotics tested, except for kanamycin. Furthermore, the strain did not produce toxigenic compounds, such as biogenic amines and D-lactate, nor did it exhibit significant toxicity in a single-dose acute oral toxicity test in rats. Phenotypic characterization of carbohydrate utilization and enzymatic activities indicated that L. paracasei IDCC 3401 can utilize various nutrients, allowing it to grow in deficient conditions and produce health-promoting metabolites. The presence of L. paracasei IDCC 3401 supernatants significantly inhibited the growth of enteric pathogens (p < 0.05). In addition, the adhesion ability of L. paracasei IDCC 3401 to intestinal epithelial cells was found to be as superior as that of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG. These results suggest that L. paracasei IDCC 3401 is safe for consumption and provides health benefits to the host.

Abstract A newly designed TEMPO-FRIPS reagent, 4-(2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl) methyl benzyl succinic acid N-hydroxysuccinimide ester or p-TEMPO–Bn–Sc–NHS, was synthesized to achieve single-step free radical-initiated peptide sequencing mass spectrometry (FRIPS MS) for a number of model peptides, including phosphopeptides. The p-TEMPO–Bn–Sc–NHS reagent was conjugated to target peptides, and the resulting peptides were subjected to collisional activation. The peptide backbone dissociation behaviors of the MS/MS and MS3 experiments were monitored in positive ion mode. Fragment ions were observed even at the single-step thermal activation of the p-TEMPO–Bn–Sc–peptides, showing mainly a-/x- and c-/z-type fragments and neutral loss ions. This confirms that radical-driven peptide backbone dissociations occurred with the p-TEMPO–Bn–Sc–peptides. Compared to the previous version of the TEMPO reagent, i.e., o-TEMPO–Bz–C(O)–NHS, the newly designed p-TEMPO–Bn–Sc–NHS has better conjugation efficiency for the target peptides owing to its improved structural flexibility and solubility in the experimental reagents. An energetic interpretation using the survival fraction as a function of applied normalized collision energy (NCE) ascertained the difference in the thermal activation between p-TEMPO–Bn–Sc– and o-TEMPO–Bz–C(O)– radical initiators. This study clearly demonstrates that the application of the p-TEMPO–Bn–Sc– radical initiator can improve the duty cycle, and this FRIPS MS approach has the potential to be implemented in proteomics studies, including phosphoproteomics.

Metal halide perovskites (MHPs) have recently attracted significant interest, owing to their excellent optoelectronic properties and diverse applications, including photovoltaics, solid-state lighting emitting diodes (LEDs), and other optoelectronic applications. However, owing to the toxic nature of lead-based MHPs, lanthanide-based MHPs have recently emerged as an alternative, leading to new opportunities for emerging applications, such as in near-infrared (NIR) imaging, NIR cameras, white LEDs, photovoltaics, and information encryption. Moreover, lanthanide doping significantly enhances the stability and optical properties of MHPs. In this review, we have attempted to overview state-of-the-art synthesis strategies and investigate the structural, and optical properties of MHPs. Furthermore, several applications of MHPs, white LEDs, solar cells, and temperature sensors are discussed along with outlooks and future directions.

Abstract We propose a novel scheme of examining the host–guest–solvent interactions in solution from their gas phase structures. By adopting the permethylated β-cyclodextrin (perm β-CD)–protonated L-Lysine non-covalent complex as a prototypical system, we present the infrared multiple photon dissociation (IRMPD) spectrum of the gas phase complex produced by electrospray ionization technique. In order to elucidate the structure of perm β-CD)/LysH+ complex in the gas phase, we carry out quantum chemical calculations to assign the two strong peaks at 3,340 and 3,560 cm−1 in the IRMPD spectrum, finding that the carboxyl forms loose hydrogen bonding with the perm β-CD, whereas the ammonium group of L-Lysine is away from the perm β-CD unit. By simulating the structures of perm β-CD/H+/L-Lysine complex in solution using the supramolecule/continuum model, we find that the extremely unstable gas phase structure corresponds to the most stable conformer in solution.

Distal femur osteotomy (DFO) is a controlled surgical break of the femur performed to allow realignment of the limb. Redistribution of the load aims to correct the abnormal mechanical weight-bearing axes in patients with abnormal alignment of the lower extremities, and degenerative changes in the knee joint. This report describes a complex Korean medicine treatment for a patient complaining of knee pain and stiffness following a DFO. Post-operative care for the patient lasted 78 days with treatment including pharmacopuncture, acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping therapy, and physiotherapy. The effectiveness of the treatments was evaluated using the numerical rating scale, range of motion of the knee, and by physical examination. After treatment, these evaluation indicators improved, suggesting that the complex Korean medicine treatment received by the patient was an appropriate treatment for knee pain and stiffness following a DFO.

ABSTRACT: The aim of the present study was to investigate the antiinflammatory and antibiofilm effects of whey fermented by Enterococcus faecalis M157 (M157-W) against oral pathogenic bacteria. The M157-W significantly inhibited IL-1β, IL-6, and nitric oxide induced by the lipopolysaccharide of Porphyromonas gingivalis in RAW 264.7 cells. The M157-W also inhibited the production of IL-1β and IL-8 in human periodontal ligament cells. Treatment with M157-W suppressed the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases as well as the activation of nuclear factor-κB in RAW 264.7 cells stimulated by P. gingivalis lipopolysaccharide. Furthermore, M157-W dose-dependently inhibited Streptococcus mutans biofilm, whereas unfermented whey did not inhibit the biofilm. Treatment with M157-W significantly suppressed gtfB, gtfC, and gtfD gene expression in S. mutans compared with the control (0 μg/mL), indicating that M157-W inhibits S. mutans biofilm formation by reducing the synthesis of extracellular polymeric substances. Collectively, these results suggest that M157-W has antiinflammatory and antibiofilm activities against oral pathogenic bacteria.

This study presents a solvent-free headspace gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (SF-HS-GC/MS) method for robustly screening benzyl chloride, a mutagenic carcinogen, impurities in active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and drug products. The SF-HS-GC/MS method simplifies analysis by eliminating solvent use, reducing matrix interference. Optimized headspace parameters include incubation temperature, time, and sample amount. Validation, aligned with Q2(R1) ICH guidelines and ICH M7 recommendations, covers selectivity, linearity, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), precision, accuracy, system suitability, and robustness. Employing a DB-5MS column (30 m × 0.25 mm, 0.25 µm) with solvent-free split injection, the method’s calibration curve (0.05–5 μg/g) exhibits a strong correlation (>0.9998). The LOQ was 0.1 μg/g, with precision (%CV) consistently

Translation is a crucial process during plant growth and morphogenesis. In grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.), many transcripts can be detected by RNA sequencing; however, their translational regulation is still largely unknown, and a great number of translation products have not yet been identified. Here, ribosome footprint sequencing was carried out to reveal the translational profile of RNAs in grapevine. A total of 8291 detected transcripts were divided into four parts, including the coding, untranslated regions (UTR), intron, and intergenic regions, and the 26 nt ribosome-protected fragments (RPFs) showed a 3 nt periodic distribution. Furthermore, the predicted proteins were identified and classified by GO analysis. More importantly, 7 heat shock-binding proteins were found to be involved in molecular chaperone DNA J families participating in abiotic stress responses. These 7 proteins have different expression patterns in grape tissues; one of them was significantly upregulated by heat stress according to bioinformatics research and was identified as DNA JA6. The subcellular localization results showed that VvDNA JA6 and VvHSP70 were both localized on the cell membrane. Therefore, we speculate that DNA JA6 may interact with HSP70. In addition, overexpression of VvDNA JA6 and VvHSP70, reduced the malondialdehyde (MDA) content, improved the antioxidant enzyme activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD), increased the content of proline, an osmolyte substance, and affected the expression of the high-temperature marker genes VvHsfB1, VvHsfB2A, VvHsfC and VvHSP100. In summary, our study proved that VvDNA JA6 and the heat shock protein VvHSP70 play a positive role in the response to heat stress. This study lays a foundation for further exploring the balance between gene expression and protein translation in grapevine under heat stress.

Abstract Background Preterm birth (PTB) is one of major causes of perinatal mortality and neonatal morbidity, but knowledge of its complex etiology is still limited. Here we present cervicovaginal fluid (CVF) protein profiles of pregnant women who subsequently delivered at spontaneous preterm or term, aiming to identify differentially expressed CVF proteins in PTB and term birth. Methods The CVF proteome of women who sequentially delivered at preterm and term was analyzed using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) coupled with two-dimensional nanoflow liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (2D-nLC-MS/MS). We compared the CVF proteome of PTB (n = 5) and control subjects (term birth, n = 7) using pooled control CVF (term birth, n = 20) as spike-in standard. Results We identified 1294 CVF proteins, of which 605 were newly identified proteins. Of 990 proteins quantified in both PTB and term birth, 52 proteins were significantly up/down-regulated in PTB compared to term birth. The differentially expressed proteins were functionally associated to immune response, endopeptidase inhibitors and structural constituent of cytoskeleton. Finally, we confirm the down-regulation of SERPINB7 (a serine-type protease inhibitor) in PTB compared to control by Western blot. Conclusions Taken together, our study provide quantitative CVF proteome profiles of pregnant women who ultimately delivered at preterm and term. These promising results could help to improve the understanding of PTB etiology and to discover biomarkers for asymptomatic PTB.

It is very important to apply an effective method to predict the crystallization degree of laser 3D printed bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) for selecting and optimizing the processing parameters of laser 3D printing. In the present study, beginning with the kinetics of crystallization of amorphous alloys, the crystallization activation energy and Arrhenius factor were obtained by testing the characteristics of the temperature of the amorphous alloy under different heating rates, then a novel method of predicting the volume fraction of crystallization for the metallic glass produced by laser 3D printing was proposed combined with the finite element simulation technology. The validity of the method was verified by using Zr50Ti5Cu27Ni10Al8(Zr50) amorphous alloy as the model system. The result shows that the volume fraction of the crystalline phase of the single-track Zr50 BMG obtained by this method is 1.23%, which is very close to the experimentally obtained crystallization phase volume fraction of 1.65%. This strongly proves the effectiveness of the theoretical prediction method for the crystallization volume fraction of laser 3D printing BMGs.

In order to solve the problem of signal overlapping when communicating in ADS-B system, combined with the working characteristics of FPGA and the requirements of real-time system, the ADS-B overlapping detection algorithm and separating overlapped algorithm are optimized. Aiming at the problem that the overlapping detection algorithm needs to change the parameters to match the judgment threshold when verifying it with actual data, a method for calculating the dynamic threshold value of overlapping detection is designed, at the same time, the complex process such as eigenvector and generalized inverse matrix in the separating overlapped algorithm is optimized to invert the covariance matrix. The implementation results show that the optimized algorithm is suitable for real-time systems and can effectively separate ADS-B overlapped signals.

The high temperature resistant polymer derived ceramic (PDC-SiBCN) was used as a temperature sensitive dielectric material, and metal platinum was used as a resonant cavity material, and a coplanar antenna was formed by slotting on the surface of the ceramic to fabricate a wireless passive temperature sensor integrating the slot antenna and the resonator. The sensor can realize the wireless passive transmission of temperature information. The results show that the resonant frequency of the sensor is declined monotonically with the increase of the testing temperature, the dielectric constant of PDC-SiBCN ceramic is increased monotonously with increasing temperature, and the sensor with a pyrolysis temperature of 1000℃ is tested up to 1100℃, which has excellent high temperature resistance and dielectric temperature properties. At the same test temperature, the resonant frequency of the sensor is decreased with increasing diameter and also is reduced with increasing pyrolysis temperature. The sensitivity equation is obtained by performing a first-order partial derivative of the resonant frequency-temperature fitting curve of the sensor, and the sensor has a high sensitivity at a high temperature of 1100℃. The sensor has good cycle stability, and it has an actual wireless transmission distance of 42 mm at room temperature and a transmission distance of up to 8 mm when the testing temperature is 1100℃, which can be used for temperature monitoring of aero-engine in high temperature and harsh environments.

The interaction among proteins is one of the most fundamental methods of information transfer in the living system. Many methods have been developed in order to identify the interaction pairs or groups either in vivo or in vitro. The in vitro pulldown/coprecipitation assay directly observes the protein that binds to the target. This method involves electrophoresis, which is a technique of a low resolution as well as a low throughput. As a better alternative, we wish to propose a new method that is based on the NMR spectroscopy. This method utilizes the aggregation of the target protein and the concomitant signal disappearance of the interacting partner. The aggregation is accomplished by the elastin-like polypeptide, which is fused to the target. If a protein binds to this supramolecular complex, its NMR signal then becomes too broadened in order to be observed, which is the basic phenomenon of the NMR spectroscopy. Thus, the protein that loses its signal is the one that binds to the target. A compound that interferes with these types of bindings among the proteins can be identified by observing the reappearance of the protein signals with the simultaneous disappearance of the signals of the compound. This technique will be applied in order to find an interaction pair in the information transfer pathway as well as a compound that disrupts it. This proposed method should be able to work with a mixture of proteins and provide a higher resolution in order to find the binding partner in a higher throughput fashion.

Underwater detection is accomplished using an underwater ultrasonic sensor, sound navigation and ranging (SONAR). Stealth to avoid detection by SONAR plays a major role in modern underwater warfare. In this study, we propose a smart skin that avoids detection by SONAR via controlling the signal reflected from an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV). The smart skin is a multilayer transducer composed of an acoustic window, a double-layer receiver, and a single-layer transmitter. It separates the incident signal from the reflected signal from outside through the time-delay separation method and cancels the reflected wave from the phase-shifted transmission sound. The characteristics of the receiving and transmitting sensors were analyzed using a finite element analysis. Three types of devices were compared in the design of the sensors. Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), which had little effect on the transmitted sound, was selected as the receiving sensor. A stacked piezoelectric transducer with high sensitivity compared to a cymbal transducer was used as the transmitter. The active reflection control system was modeled and verified using 2D 360° reflection experiments. The stealth effect that could be achieved by applying a smart skin to a UUV was presented through an active reflection–control omnidirectional reflection model.

Postbiotics, including bacterial lysates, are considered alternatives to probiotics. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of bacterial lysates (BLs) extracted from Pediococcus acidilactici K10 (K10 BL) and P. acidilactici HW01 (HW01 BL) on the differentiation of 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes. Both K10 and HW01 BLs significantly reduced the accumulation of lipid droplets and the amounts of cellular glycerides in 3T3-L1 cells (p < 0.05). However, another postbiotic molecule, peptidoglycan of P. acidilactici K10 and P. acidilactici HW01, moderately inhibited the accumulation of lipid droplets, whereas heat-killed P. acidilactici did not effectively inhibit the lipid accumulation. The mRNA and protein levels of the transcription factors, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α, responsible for the differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells, were significantly inhibited by K10 BL and HW01 BL (p < 0.05). Both K10 and HW01 BLs decreased adipocyte-related molecules, adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein and lipoprotein lipase, at the mRNA and protein levels. Furthermore, both K10 and HW01 BLs also downregulated the mRNA expression of leptin, but not resistin. Taken together, these results suggest that P. acidilactici BLs mediate anti-adipogenic effects by inhibiting adipogenic-related transcription factors and their target molecules.

This study aimed to investigate whether bacterial lysates (BLs) extracted from Pediococcus acidilactici reduce Listeria monocytogenes biofilm formation, as well as adhesion to and invasion of human intestinal epithelial cells. Pretreatment with P. acidilactici BLs (20, 40, and 80 μg/mL) significantly inhibited L. monocytogenes biofilm formation on the surface of polystyrene (p < 0.05). Fluorescence and scanning-electron-microscopic analyses indicated that L. monocytogenes biofilm comprised a much less dense layer of more-dispersed cells in the presence of P. acidilactici BLs. Moreover, biofilm-associated genes, such as flaA, fliG, flgE, motB, degU, agrA, and prfA, were significantly downregulated in the presence of P. acidilactici BLs (p < 0.05), suggesting that P. acidilactici BLs prevent L. monocytogenes biofilm development by suppressing biofilm-associated genes. Although P. acidilactici BLs did not dose-dependently inhibit L. monocytogenes adhesion to and invasion of intestinal epithelial cells, the BLs effectively inhibited adhesion and invasion at 40 and 80 μg/mL (p < 0.05). Supporting these findings, P. acidilactici BLs significantly downregulated L. monocytogenes transcription of genes related to adhesion and invasion, specifically fbpA, ctaP, actA, lapB, ami, and inlA. Collectively, these results suggest that P. acidilactici BLs have the potential to reduce health risks from L. monocytogenes.

In order to meet the real-time and high-precision multi-channel acquisition requirements of a large rotating machinery equipment in the monitoring process, this paper proposes a design scheme of multi-channel vibration signal acquisition and detection system based on FPGA. The system adopts the master/slave FPGA architecture and realizes the 128-channel parallel real-time data acquisition function with a sampling frequency of 100 kHz in the strong noise environment. Then, by designing a random resonance signal detection system with adjustable parameters, the signal-to-noise ratio of the signal is improved and the accuracy of the system detection in the rotating environment is enhanced. The test shows that the system has good real-time performance, stability and effectiveness.

BACKGROUND With the rapid development of China's coastal economy, the intensity of human activity is increasing. The disturbance and damage to the marine ecosystem are becoming increasingly serious. In order to understand the water quality of the coastal waters of Haizhou Bay, the survey of surface seawater quality in Haizhou Bay was carried out in April and September, 2016. Hydrochemistry factors including temperature, salinity, pH, SS, DO, CODMn, NO2--N, NO3--N, NH4+-N, PO43--P, Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd and oils were surveyed. OBJECTIVES To explore the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics and pollution level in the coastal waters of Haizhou Bay. METHODS The indexes were analyzed by spectrophotometry and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Based on the single factor method, evaluation mode of eutrophication and organic pollution index, the water quality has been evaluated. RESULTS The average value of CODMn in the surface seawater of the study sea area was 1.34mg/L in April and 1.22mg/L in September. The average value of petroleum in April was 0.031mg/L, and that in September was 0.034mg/L. The average value of active phosphate was 0.013mg/L in April and 0.012mg/L in September. The average value of dissolved inorganic nitrogen in April was 0.34mg/L and in September was 0.16mg/L. The concentrations of CODMn, petroleum, active phosphate and dissolved inorganic nitrogen showed the decreasing trend from the southwest to the northeast. Moreover, the overall concentration of inorganic nitrogen was higher, which was the main pollutant in the sea area. CONCLUSIONS According to the eutrophication evaluation model and the results of organic pollution index calculation, this study demonstrates that the overall nutrient level of surface water quality in the coastal waters of Haizhou Bay is relatively high, and it reaches the potential eutrophication level of nitrogen limitation. The degree of organic pollution belongs to GradeⅡ, indicating the level of pollution in the water.

In order to meet the strict requirements of precision, real-time and synchronization of data acquisition in the process of precision equipment monitoring, a multi-channel, real-time and high-speed data acquisition system based on FPGA is designed. This system uses the Spartan6 series FPGA of Xilinx as the core control device, which realizes functions such as data acquisition control, data buffering, data processing, data storage, data transmission and synchronous clock control. The test shows that the scheme has the advantages of high precision, fast speed, good reliability, strong real-time performance and low cost.

Objective To conjugate Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) with drug-loaded poly styrene-co-maleic anhydride(PSMA)/poly (DL-lactic acid) and poly ethyleneglycol block copolymer (PELA) polymer micro-particles and investigate the ability of the micro-particles to target the hypoxic tumor environment. Methods PSMA and PELA were mixed at the ratio of 7 :3 or 5 :5 (m/m) to prepare doxorubicin (Dox)-loaded PSMA/PELA micro-particles through solvent evaporation method. The covalent binding was achieved by EDC-NHS catalytic reaction of the carboxyl groups on the surface of EcN with the amino groups on the surface of PSMA/PELA drug-loaded micro-particles. In an in vitro 3D tumor model constructed using HepG2 cells, we investigated the permeation of EcN-conjugated PSMA/PELA drug-loaded micro-particles into the hypoxic tumor area. We further tested the performance of the drug-loaded micro-particles for targeting the hypoxic tumor environment in a mouse model bearing subcutaneous hepatoma H22 cell xenograft. Results We successfully prepared Dox-loaded micro-particles with different PSMA/PELA ratios (DMP7/3 and DMP5/5) using solvent evaporation method, and both of the micro-particles showed a regular spherical shape with an average size of 700 to 800 nm. DMP7/3 and DMP5/5 micro-particles had comparable Dox-loading efficiency [(4.27±0.19)% vs (3.94±0.11)%] and encapsulation efficiency [(85.4± 2.6)% vs (78.8±3.5)%]. Confocal laser scanning microscopy showed that EcN was successfully conjugated on the surface DMP7/3 micro-particles. Compared with DMP microparticles without EcN conjugation, the EcN-conjugated micro-particles (EcN@DMP7/3) permeated efficiently into the central area in the in vitro 3D tumor model. In the tumor-bearing mice, bio-distribution analyses revealed that at 4 and 24 h after intravenous administration, EcN@DMP7/3 resulted in 3-folder and 6-folder increases in Dox accumulation in the tumors, respectively, as compared with the non-conjugated DMP7/3 micro-particles (P < 0.01). Conclusion EDC-NHS catalytic reaction allows the amino groups on the outer surface of EcN to covalently bind to anhydride on the surface of drug-loaded PSMA/PELA particles without affecting the growth activity of EcN, which effectively drives the drug-loaded particles to target the hypoxic region inside the tumor.

Purpose High self-awareness can promote communication and empathy. The Enneagram is a well-known personality tool to enhance self-awareness. We evaluated differences in empathy among medical students using the Enneagram typology. Methods This cross-sectional study included first and second grade students at the Inje University College of Medicine. The Jefferson Scale of Empathy was used to measure empathy and the Korean Enneagram Personality Type Indicator was used for examining personality characteristics. Empathy scores were analyzed according to the Triads, Hornevian group, Harmonic group, and each Enneagram type. Results The Instinctive triad, the Withdrawns, and the Positive outlook group were the most common, and the Feeling triad, the Assertives, and the Emotional realness group were the least common. Students in the Feeling triad and the Dutifuls had higher compassionate care (CC) scores as compared to their counterparts. Type 2 and 6 students showed the two highest empathy and CC scores. The empathy score of type 3 students was the lowest. Type 7 had the lowest CC score but the highest perspective taking score. Conclusion These differences in empathy according to Enneagram personality types can be applied to medical education to maintain and improve medical students’ empathy.