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Simple Summary: In this work, we focused on the synergistic antitumor effects of photodynamic therapy and ferroptosis. First, we briefly introduced the basic theory of ferroptosis and photodynamic therapy. We explored the synergistic anti-tumor effect of photodynamic therapy combined with ferroptosis from a mechanism perspective. Secondly, we introduced the application of photodynamic therapy combined with ferroptosis, which mainly includes the construction of nanomaterials and drug combination. Nanomaterials can exert synergistic effects by activating anti-tumor immunity, improving the hypoxic microenvironment, and inhibiting tumor angiogenesis. The drug combination strategy has good application prospects and clinical significance.We also discussed the shortcomings of existing combination treatment strategies and potential solutions. In conclusion, photodynamic therapy combined with ferroptosis is a promising combination anticancer strategy. Ferroptosis is a programmed death mode that regulates redox homeostasis in cells, and recent studies suggest that it is a promising mode of tumor cell death. Ferroptosis is regulated by iron metabolism, lipid metabolism, and intracellular reducing substances, which is the mechanism basis of its combination with photodynamic therapy (PDT). PDT generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) and 1O2 through type I and type II photochemical reactions, and subsequently induces ferroptosis through the Fenton reaction and the peroxidation of cell membrane lipids. PDT kills tumor cells by generating excessive cytotoxic ROS. Due to the limited laser depth and photosensitizer enrichment, the systemic treatment effect of PDT is not good. Combining PDT with ferroptosis can compensate for these shortcomings. Nanoparticles constructed by photosensitizers and ferroptosis agonists are widely used in the field of combination therapy, and their targeting and biological safety can be improved through modification. These nanoparticles not only directly kill tumor cells but also further exert the synergistic effect of PDT and ferroptosis by activating antitumor immunity, improving the hypoxia microenvironment, and inhibiting the tumor angiogenesis. Ferroptosis-agonist-induced chemotherapy and PDT-induced ablation also have good clinical application prospects. In this review, we summarize the current research progress on PDT and ferroptosis and how PDT and ferroptosis promote each other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Short-term load forecasting is a prerequisite for achieving intra-day energy management and optimal scheduling in integrated energy systems. Its prediction accuracy directly affects the stability and economy of the system during operation. To improve the accuracy of short-term load forecasting, this paper proposes a multi-load forecasting method for integrated energy systems based on the Isolation Forest and dynamic orbit algorithm. First, a high-dimensional data matrix is constructed using the sliding window technique and the outliers in the high-dimensional data matrix are identified using Isolation Forest. Next, the hidden abnormal data within the time series are analyzed and repaired using the dynamic orbit algorithm. Then, the correlation analysis of the multivariate load and its weather data is carried out by the AR method and MIC method, and the high-dimensional feature matrix is constructed. Finally, the prediction values of the multi-load are generated based on the TCN-MMoL multi-task training network. Simulation analysis is conducted using the load data from a specific integrated energy system. The results demonstrate the proposed model's ability to significantly improve load forecasting accuracy, thereby validating the correctness and effectiveness of this forecasting approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A lakeside is a functional transition zone that connects the lake aquatic ecosystem and the land ecosystem. Understanding the community assembly mechanism is crucial for regional ecological restoration, habitat management, and biodiversity conservation. However, research on the terrestrial plant community assembly in lakesides under anthropogenic disturbance is still lacking. The present study used phylogeny and functional traits to assess the community assembly of three habitat types with different anthropogenic disturbances in Dianchi lakeside. The factors that influenced the community assembly were also explored. Results indicated that the phylogenetic signals of all the examined functional traits of the dominant species were weak, suggesting that the traits were convergent. The community phylogenetic and functional structures of the different habitat types showed random patterns. Thus, the assembly of terrestrial plant communities in the three habitat types was driven by competitive exclusion and neutral processes in Dianchi lakeside. The trait trade-off strategies of species in the different habitats varied with the different habitat types. Anthropogenic disturbance played an important role in the process of community assembly. The present study provides a scientific basis for the assessment and management of ecological restoration in Dianchi lakeside and other plateau lakes and enriches the knowledge on the community assembly mechanism of disturbed plant communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Fang'an quartz-vein gold deposit is located in the eastern part of the Bengbu uplift. The eastern part of the Bengbu uplift is considered to be the western extension of the Zhaoyuan gold mineralization zone in the Jiaodong area of Shandong Province and has huge mineralization potential. The Fang'an deposit was a newly discovered, small-sized gold deposit, and the research in the area is relatively weak. In this study, samples of quartz-vein type ore were collected from the ZK141, ZK1549, and ZK1665 drill holes of the Fang'an gold deposit. Based on the study of the geological characteristics, the major and trace elements of pyrite in different stages were analyzed by electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA), to explore the compositional characteristics of pyrite, the occurrence of gold, and the source of ore-forming fluid. The studies indicate that the deposit experienced four ore-forming stages: the quartz stage, the quartz-pyrite stage, the polymetallic sulfide stage, and the carbonate stage. The pyrites are grouped into three stages, corresponding to the first three ore-forming stages. The EPMA analyses showed that the major elements of pyrite were high Fe and low S, indicating that the formation was hydrothermal. The high content of Ni indicated that the metallogenic materials were derived from between the mantle and the lower crust. The general Co/Ni ratio of >1, with an average of 5.34, indicated that the ore-forming fluid was derived from the magmatic–hydrothermal fluid and wall rock. The Fang'an gold deposit mainly contains nano-gold. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A heatwave (HW) is a spatiotemporally contiguous event that is spatially widespread and lasts many days. HWs impose severe impacts on many aspects of society and terrestrial ecosystems. Here, we systematically investigate the influence of the selected threshold method (the absolute threshold method ( A B S ), quantile-based method ( Q T L ), and moving quantile-based method ( Q T L m o v )) and selected variables (heat index ( H I ), air temperature ( T a i r )) on the change patterns of spatiotemporally contiguous heatwave (STHW) characteristics over China from 1961–2017. Moreover, we discuss the different STHW change patterns among different HW severities (mild, moderate, and severe) and types (daytime and nighttime). The results show that (1) all threshold methods show a consistent phenomenon in most regions of China: STHWs have become longer-lasting (6.42%, 66.25%, and 148.58% HW days ( HWD ) increases were found from 1991–2017 compared to 1961–1990 corresponding to A B S , Q T L , and Q T L m o v , respectively, as below), more severe (14.83%, 89.17%, and 158.92% increases in HW severity ( HWS ) increases), and more spatially widespread (14.92%, 134%, and 245.83% increases in the summed HW area ( HWA sum )). However, the HW frequency ( HWF ) of moderate STHWs in some regions decreased as mild and moderate STHWs became extreme; (2) for threshold methods that do not consider seasonal variations (i.e., A B S and Q T L ), the spatial H I exceedance continuity was relatively weak, thus resulting in underestimated STHW characteristics increase rates; (3) for different variables defining STHWs, the relative changing ratio of the H I -based STHW was approximately 20% higher than that of the T a i r -based STHW for all STHW characteristics, under the Q T L m o v threshold; (4) for different STHW types, the nighttime STHW was approximately 60% faster than the daytime STHW increase considering the Q T L threshold and approximately 120% faster for the Q T L m o v method. This study provides a systematic investigation of different STHW definition methods and will benefit future STHW research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies the influence of the annual cumulative earnings of Chinese listed TPA (targeted poverty alleviation) companies before 2004 on the companies' value using data from 2012 to 2019, measures the long-term earnings persistence of these companies with the variable of the cumulative earnings averaged by the market price of each company at the current year's end, and obtains a model of the company's value combined with each company's earnings persistence and the long-term competitive strength of its products. The cumulative data from 2004 to 2012, 2005 to 2013..., and 2011 to 2019 provide the data used for regression from 2012 to 2019. The TPA companies' value is affected by long-term cumulative net profits and long-term competitive advantage. The higher the company's accumulated net profit, the longer the duration of the long-term competitive advantage, the more stable the company's value increase, and the higher the quality of the value increase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents the construction and dielectric properties investigation of atomic-layer-deposition Al2O3/TiO2/HfO2 dielectric-film-based metal–insulator–metal (MIM) capacitors. The influence of the dielectric layer material and thickness on the performance of MIM capacitors are also systematically investigated. The morphology and surface roughness of dielectric films for different materials and thicknesses are analyzed via atomic force microscopy (AFM). Among them, the 25 nm Al2O3-based dielectric capacitor exhibits superior comprehensive electrical performance, including a high capacitance density of 7.89 fF·µm−2, desirable breakdown voltage and leakage current of about 12 V and 1.4 × 10−10 A·cm−2, and quadratic voltage coefficient of 303.6 ppm·V−2. Simultaneously, the fabricated capacitor indicates desirable stability in terms of frequency and bias voltage (at 1 MHz), with the corresponding slight capacitance density variation of about 0.52 fF·µm−2 and 0.25 fF·µm−2. Furthermore, the mechanism of the variation in capacitance density and leakage current might be attributed to the Poole–Frenkel emission and charge-trapping effect of the high-k materials. All these results indicate potential applications in integrated passive devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chiral metamaterials represent a special type of artificial structures that cannot be superposed to their mirror images. Due to the lack of mirror symmetry, cross-coupling between electric and magnetic fields exist in chiral mediums and present unique electromagnetic characters of circular dichroism and optical activity, which provide a new opportunity to tune polarization and realize negative refractive index. Chiral metamaterials have attracted great attentions in recent years and have given rise to a series of applications in polarization manipulation, imaging, chemical and biological detection, and nonlinear optics. Here we review the fundamental theory of chiral media and analyze the construction principles of some typical chiral metamaterials. Then, the progress in extrinsic chiral metamaterials, absorbing chiral metamaterials, and reconfigurable chiral metamaterials are summarized. In the last section, future trends in chiral metamaterials and application in nonlinear optics are introduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Described herein is an environmentally benign method for the synthesis of multisubstituted 3-alkoxylated-2-oxindoles 3 via direct alkoxylation of 3-halooxindoles 1. A wide variety of such multisubstituted 3-alkoxylated-2-oxindole scaffolds were smoothly obtained in good yields (up to 94%) by heating in an oil bath at 35 °C for 24 h. A particularly valuable feature of this method was the development of environment-friendly chemistry using alcohols 2 as both the substrates and solvents in the presence of a catalytic amount of base. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a multi-scale parameter identification algorithm for the lithium-ion battery (LIB) electric model by using a combination of particle swarm optimization (PSO) and Levenberg-Marquardt (LM) algorithms. Two-dimensional Poisson equations with unknown parameters are used to describe the potential and current density distribution (PDD) of the positive and negative electrodes in the LIB electric model. The model parameters are difficult to determine in the simulation due to the nonlinear complexity of the model. In the proposed identification algorithm, PSO is used for the coarse-scale parameter identification and the LM algorithm is applied for the fine-scale parameter identification. The experiment results show that the multi-scale identification not only improves the convergence rate and effectively escapes from the stagnation of PSO, but also overcomes the local minimum entrapment drawback of the LM algorithm. The terminal voltage curves from the PDD model with the identified parameter values are in good agreement with those from the experiments at different discharge/charge rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Described herein is the development of a facile and efficient methodology for the synthesis of novel turmerone motif-fused 3,30-pyrrolidinyl-dispirooxindoles 3-5 via a multicomponent 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of dienones 2 with azomethine ylides (thermally generated in situfrom isatins and proline or thioproline or sarcosine). Products bearing four or three consecutive stereocenters consist of two oxindole moieties and a pyrrolidinyl core, including vicinal spiroquaternary stereocenters fused in one ring structure were smoothly obtained in high yields (up to 93% yield) with good diastereoselectivity (up to >20:1). Another valuable application of this method was for the design of new hybrid architectures for biological screening through the adequate fusion of these sub-units of turmerone and 3,30-pyrrolidinyl-dispirooxindole, generating drug-like molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Greater contradiction and conflict among urban green space, the development of social economy and the environment have occurred in Beijing. However, few studies have been conducted that consider the three subsystems as a whole. In this study, we defined sustainable development of green space (SDGS) as the coordinated development of the urban green system, social economy, and environment. Based on the datasets from 2000 to 2015, we forecast the SDGS in Beijing under multiple scenarios based on real-world policies using a system dynamics model. We found that the historical SDGS value increased to its highest level in 2012, but declined slightly by 2015. Second, the forecasted SDGS values declined over time in all scenarios, but the decline was greater in scenarios placing a high priority on economic development. In these scenarios, the performance of the indices only improved in certain subsystems. The simulation shows the implementation of the four policies proposed by the government failed to improve the overall level of SDGS in Beijing. This study could provide support for decision-making designed to improve the overall condition of urban green space in Beijing through integrated forecast and scenario simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stipa purpurea (S. purpurea) is the dominant plant species in the alpine steppe of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, China. It is highly resistant to cold and drought conditions. However, the underlying mechanisms regulating the stress tolerance are unknown. In this study, a CIPK gene from S. purpurea (SpCIPK26) was isolated. The SpCIPK26 coding region consisted of 1392 bp that encoded 464 amino acids. The protein has a highly conserved catalytic structure and regulatory domain. The expression of SpCIPK26 was induced by drought and salt stress. SpCIPK26 overexpression in Arabidopsis thaliana (A. thaliana) plants provided increased tolerance to drought and salt stress in an abscisic acid (ABA)-dependent manner. Compared with wild-type A. thaliana plants, SpCIPK26-overexpressing plants had higher survival rates, water potentials, and photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm), as well as lower levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) following exposure to drought and salt stress. Gene expression analyses indicated stress-inducible genes (RD29A, RD29B, and ABF2) and a ROS-scavenger gene (CAT1) were upregulated in SpCIPK26-overexpressing plants after stress treatments. All of these marker genes are associated with ABA-responsive cis-acting elements. Additionally, the similarities in the gene expression patterns following ABA, mannitol, and NaCl treatments suggest SpCIPK26 has an important role during plant responses to drought and salt stress and in regulating ABA signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest Ecological Security (FES) means coordinated development of forest ecosystems, social economies, and the forest environment. In this paper, we evaluate FES in Beijing under different designed scenarios using a dynamic systems model and find that first, the initial FES index value (in Scenario 0) increased to its highest level of 0.529 in 2012, but declined slightly to 0.485 by 2020. Second, in Scenarios 1-4, the FES index value reached 0.545, 0.516, 0.585 and 0.637 respectively in 2020, which was enhanced in varying degrees when compared with Scenario 0. The simulation shows the implementation of forest management policies, socioeconomic development and environmental management combine to affect the FES in Beijing. The FES could develop into a good state when the productivity of forest resources, the stability of forest environments and the orderly development of the social economy are carefully maintained (in Scenario 4). This research could provide decision-making in support of the overall improvement of forest conditions while promoting sustainable forestry in Beijing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Automated segmentation and evaluation of carotid plaques ultrasound images is of great significance for the diagnosis and early intervention of high-risk groups of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. However, it remains challenging to develop such solutions due to the relatively low quality of ultrasound images and heterogenous characteristics of carotid plaques. To address those problems, in this paper, we propose a novel deep convolutional neural network, FRDD-Net, with an encoder–decoder architecture to automatically segment carotid plaques. We propose the feature remapping modules (FRMs) and incorporate them into the encoding and decoding blocks to ameliorate the reliability of acquired features. We also propose a new dense decoding mechanism as part of the decoder, thus promoting the utilization efficiency of encoded features. Additionally, we construct a compound loss function to train our network to further enhance its robustness in the face of numerous cases. We train and test our network in multiple carotid plaque ultrasound datasets and our method yields the best performance compared to other state-of-the-art methods. Further ablation studies consistently show the advancement of our proposed architecture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Underground displacement monitoring is an effective method to explore deep into rock and soil masses for execution of subsurface displacement measurements. It is not only an important means of geological hazards prediction and forecasting, but also a forefront, hot and sophisticated subject in current geological disaster monitoring. In previous research, the authors had designed a novel electromagnetic underground horizontal displacement sensor (called the H-type sensor) by combining basic electromagnetic induction principles with modern sensing techniques and established a mutual voltage measurement theoretical model called the Equation-based Equivalent Loop Approach (EELA). Based on that work, this paper presents an underground displacement inversion approach named "EELA forward modeling-approximate inversion method". Combining the EELA forward simulation approach with the approximate optimization inversion theory, it can deduce the underground horizontal displacement through parameter inversion of the H-type sensor. Comprehensive and comparative studies have been conducted between the experimentally measured and theoretically inversed values of horizontal displacement under counterpart conditions. The results show when the measured horizontal displacements are in the 0-100 mm range, the horizontal displacement inversion discrepancy is generally tested to be less than 3 mm under varied tilt angles and initial axial distances conditions, which indicates that our proposed parameter inversion method can predict underground horizontal displacement measurements effectively and robustly for the H-type sensor and the technique is applicable for practical geo-engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep displacement observation is one basic means of landslide dynamic study and early warning monitoring and a key part of engineering geological investigation. In our previous work, we proposed a novel electromagnetic induction-based deep displacement sensor (I-type) to predict deep horizontal displacement and a theoretical model called equation-based equivalent loop approach (EELA) to describe its sensing characters. However in many landslide and related geological engineering cases, both horizontal displacement and vertical displacement vary apparently and dynamically so both may require monitoring. In this study, a II-type deep displacement sensor is designed by revising our I-type sensor to simultaneously monitor the deep horizontal displacement and vertical displacement variations at different depths within a sliding mass. Meanwhile, a new theoretical modeling called the numerical integration-based equivalent loop approach (NIELA) has been proposed to quantitatively depict II-type sensors' mutual inductance properties with respect to predicted horizontal displacements and vertical displacements. After detailed examinations and comparative studies between measured mutual inductance voltage, NIELA-based mutual inductance and EELA-based mutual inductance, NIELA has verified to be an effective and quite accurate analytic model for characterization of II-type sensors. The NIELA model is widely applicable for II-type sensors' monitoring on all kinds of landslides and other related geohazards with satisfactory estimation accuracy and calculation efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eleven novel microsatellite markers were developed and characterized for the Omei treefrog (Rhacophorus omeimontis) using the fast isolation by AFLP of sequences containing repeats method. Polymorphism of each locus was tested in 24 individuals from two wild populations. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 4 to 15, the average observed and expected heterozygosity per locus ranged from 0.250 to 0.839 and from 0.562 to 0.914, respectively. Two of the 11 microsatellite loci showed significant deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Two locus pairs showed significant linkage disequilibrium. Neither evidence of scoring error due to stuttering nor evidence of large allele dropout was found at all of the 11 loci, but evidence of null alleles was indicated at two loci because of general excess of homozygotes for most allele size classes. These polymorphic loci will be useful markers in studying mate choice of the Omei treefrog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analyzing the impact of El Nilo Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on the number of tourists is essential in realizing the sustainable development of natural scenic spots. From the current research results, research on the effects of ENSO on tourism focuses on the impact of the formation of the natural environment. However, there is a lack of ENSO-related research on the number of people arriving at natural attractions. This paper considers the adjustment effects of personal disposable income, per capita GDP, and population size and constructs a new framework of ENSO's influence on tourism. This paper builds a system GMM (Gaussian Mixture Model) and analyzes the impact of ENSO on tourist flow by using Google Trend data (big data technology) to obtain annual passenger flow data of 48 natural scenic spots in the United States (mainly national parks and national forests). The empirical results show that the increase in ENSO has led to a significant decrease in visitors to natural attractions in the United States. Moreover, the increase in personal disposable income, per capita GDP, and population size can weaken the relationship between ENSO and the number of tourists. This research expands and enriches the theoretical perspective of ENSO and outdoor tourism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This review has comprehensively summarized the most recent studies in the last few years about exosomal microRNAs on metastasis of breast cancer (BC), systematically outlined and elucidated the pleiotropic roles that exosomal microRNAs take, and discussed the specific underlying mechanisms related. Besides, we also clearly demonstrate the clinical implications of exosomal microRNAs in various aspects, including early-stage discovery of BC, systematic and targeted therapy, and the selection of anti-cancer chemo-agents. This review clarifies the scope and extent of current studies about the relationship between exosomal microRNAs and metastasis of BC, laying a solid foundation for further laboratory studies. What's more, it links the theoretical researches and clinical features about exosomal microRNAs on metastasis of BC together, providing novel clues for BC diagnosis, chemotherapeutics and drug efficacy evaluation in clinical, which indicates the great potential of exosomal microRNAs in clinical significance. As a major threat factor for female health, breast cancer (BC) has garnered a lot of attention for its malignancy and diverse molecules participating in its carcinogenesis process. Among these complex carcinogenesis processes, cell proliferation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET), and angiogenesis are the major causes for the occurrence of metastasis and chemoresistance which account for cancer malignancy. MicroRNAs packaged and secreted in exosomes are termed "exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs)". Nowadays, more researches have uncovered the roles of exosomal miRNAs played in BC metastasis. In this review, we recapitulated the dual actions of exosomal miRNAs exerted in the aggressiveness of BC by influencing migration, invasion, and distant metastasis. Next, we presented how exosomal miRNAs modify angiogenesis and stemness maintenance. Clinically, several exosomal miRNAs can govern the transformation between drug sensitivity and chemoresistance. Since the balance of the number and type of exosomal miRNAs is disturbed in pathological conditions, they are able to serve as instructive biomarkers for BC diagnosis and prognosis. More efforts are needed to connect the theoretical studies and clinical traits together. This review provides an outline of the pleiotropic impacts of exosomal miRNAs on BC metastasis and their clinical implications, paving the way for future personalized drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Correlated spontaneous activity in the developing retina (termed "retinal waves") plays an instructive role in refining neural circuits of the visual system. Depolarizing (ON) and hyperpolarizing (OFF) starburst amacrine cells (SACs) initiate and propagate cholinergic retinal waves. Where cholinergic retinal waves stop, SACs are thought to be driven by glutamatergic retinal waves initiated by ON-bipolar cells. However, the properties and function of cholinergic and glutamatergic waves in ON- and OFF-SACs still remain poorly understood. In the present work, we performed whole-cell patch-clamp recordings and Ca2+ imaging from genetically labeled ON- and OFF-SACs in mouse flat-mount retinas. We found that both SAC subtypes exhibited spontaneous rhythmic depolarization during cholinergic and glutamatergic waves. Interestingly, ON-SACs had wave-induced action potentials (APs) in an age-dependent manner, but OFF-SACs did not. Simultaneous Ca2+ imaging and patch-clamp recordings demonstrated that, during a cholinergic wave, APs of an ON-SAC appeared to promote the dendritic release of acetylcholine onto neighboring ON- and OFF-SACs, which enhances their Ca2+ transients. These results advance the understanding of the cellular mechanisms underlying correlated spontaneous activity in the developing retina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new test method named "Trapezoidal hot" cracking test was developed to evaluate solidification cracking susceptibility of stainless steel during laser welding. The new test method was used to obtain the solidification cracking directly, and the solidification cracking susceptibility could be evaluated by the solidification cracking rate, defined as the ratio of the solidification cracking length to the weld bead length under certain conditions. The results show that with the increase in the solidification cracking rate, the solidification cracking susceptibility of SUS310 stainless steel was much higher than that of SUS316 and SUS304 stainless steels during laser welding (at a welding speed of 1.0 m/min) because a fully austenite structure appeared in the weld joint of the former steel, while the others were ferrite and austenitic mixed structures during solidification. Besides, with an increase in welding speed from 1.0 to 2.0 m/min during laser welding, the solidification cracking susceptibility of SUS310 stainless steel decreased slightly; however, there was a tendency towards an increase in the solidification cracking susceptibility of SUS304 stainless steel due to the decrease in the amount of ferrite under a higher cooling rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lung cancer is one of the most malignant cancers around the world, with high morbidity and mortality. Metastasis is the leading cause of lung cancer deaths and treatment failure. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), two groups of small non-coding RNAs (nc-RNAs), are confirmed to be lung cancer oncogenes or suppressors. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) critically regulates lung cancer metastasis. In this review, we summarize the dual roles of miRNAs and lncRNAs in TGF-β signaling-regulated lung cancer epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), invasion, migration, stemness, and metastasis. In addition, lncRNAs, competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs) can act as miRNA sponges to suppress miRNAs, thereby mediating TGF-β signaling-regulated lung cancer invasion, migration, and metastasis. Through this review, we hope to cast light on the regulatory mechanisms of miRNAs and lncRNAs in TGF-β signaling-regulated lung cancer metastasis and provide new insights for lung cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lung cancer is one of the most common and malignant cancers with extremely high morbidity and mortality in both males and females. Although traditional lung cancer treatments are fast progressing, there are still limitations. Caveolin-1 (Cav-1), a main component of caveolae, participates in multiple cellular events such as immune responses, endocytosis, membrane trafficking, cellular signaling and cancer progression. It has been found tightly associated with lung cancer cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis resistance and drug resistance. In addition to this, multiple bioactive molecules have been confirmed to target Cav-1 to carry on their anti-tumor functions in lung cancers. Cav-1 can also be a predictor for lung cancer patients' prognosis. In this review, we have summarized the valuable research on Cav-1 and lung cancer in recent years and discussed the multifaceted roles of Cav-1 on lung cancer occurrence, development and therapy, hoping to provide new insights into lung cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a highly heterogeneous malignancy, breast cancer (BC) has become the most significant threat to female health. Distant metastasis and therapy resistance of BC are responsible for most of the cases of mortality and recurrence. Distant metastasis relies on an array of processes, such as cell proliferation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET), and angiogenesis. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) refers to a class of non-coding RNA with a length of over 200 nucleotides. Currently, a rising number of studies have managed to investigate the association between BC and lncRNA. In this study, we summarized how lncRNA has dual effects in BC metastasis by regulating invasion, migration, and distant metastasis of BC cells. We also emphasize that lncRNA has crucial regulatory effects in the stemness and angiogenesis of BC. Clinically, some lncRNAs can regulate chemotherapy sensitivity in BC patients and may function as novel biomarkers to diagnose or predict prognosis for BC patients. The exact impact on clinical relevance deserves further study. This review can be an approach to understanding the dual effects of lncRNAs in BC, thereby linking lncRNAs to quasi-personalized treatment in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the evolution of the intra-industry trade of forest products between China and its main partner countries is a prerequisite for improving the flow of trade. The intra-industry trade status and the main influencing factors of Chinese forest products trade were measured and identified via use of bilateral forest product trade data between China and its 24 partners from 2000 to 2014, and use of static, marginal, and structural intra-industry trade indices. The results show that, firstly, intra-industry trade of the major Chinese forest products is exhibiting a low-level growth trend and has considerable growth potential. The top five countries with relatively high intra-industry trade levels are Italy, Germany, the United States, Vietnam, and Japan, and the bottom five are New Zealand, Chile, Brazil, Russia, and Spain. Secondly, the intra-industry trade among China and 13 countries, represented by South Korea, is low quality and vertical-type trade; the intra-industry trade among China and seven countries, represented by Thailand, is high quality and a vertical type of trade. Finally, the empirical analysis shows that trade openness and geographical distance are the key factors of intra-industry trade of forest products. The per capita gross domestic product gap, urbanization, foreign direct investment, forest area, and import and export value of forest products also have certain impacts on intra-industry trade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumors in females. Although the conventional treatment has demonstrated a certain effect, some limitations still exist. The Rho guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) Cdc42 (Cell division control protein 42 homolog) is often upregulated by some cell surface receptors and oncogenes in breast cancer. Cdc42 switches from inactive guanosine diphosphate (GDP)-bound to active GTP-bound though guanine-nucleotide-exchange factors (GEFs), results in activation of signaling cascades that regulate various cellular processes such as cytoskeletal changes, proliferation and polarity establishment. Targeting Cdc42 also provides a strategy for precise breast cancer therapy. In addition, Cdc42 is a potential target for several types of non-coding RNAs including microRNAs and lncRNAs. These non-coding RNAs is extensively involved in Cdc42-induced tumor processes, while many of them are aberrantly expressed. Here, we focus on the role of Cdc42 in cell morphogenesis, proliferation, motility, angiogenesis and survival, introduce the Cdc42-targeted non-coding RNAs, as well as present current development of effective Cdc42-targeted inhibitors in breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cdc42, a member of the Rho GTPases family, is involved in the regulation of several cellular functions including cell cycle progression, survival, transcription, actin cytoskeleton organization and membrane trafficking. Diabetes is a chronic and metabolic disease, characterized as glycometabolism disorder induced by insulin deficiency related to β cell dysfunction and peripheral insulin resistance (IR). Diabetes could cause many complications including diabetic nephropathy (DN), diabetic retinopathy and diabetic foot. Furthermore, hyperglycemia can promote tumor progression and increase the risk of malignant cancers. In this review, we summarized the regulation of Cdc42 in insulin secretion and diabetes-associated diseases. Organized researches indicate that Cdc42 is a crucial member during the progression of diabetes, and Cdc42 not only participates in the process of insulin synthesis but also regulates the insulin granule mobilization and cell membrane exocytosis via activating a series of downstream factors. Besides, several studies have demonstrated Cdc42 as participating in the pathogenesis of IR and DN and even contributing to promote cancer cell proliferation, survival, invasion, migration, and metastasis under hyperglycemia. Through the current review, we hope to cast light on the mechanism of Cdc42 in diabetes and associated diseases and provide new ideas for clinical diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) displacement sensor with high abrasion resistance for displacement monitoring of a steel spring floating slab damping track. A wedge-shaped sliding block and an equal-strength beam form a conversion mechanism to transfer displacement to the deflection of the beam, and the deflection-induced strain is exerted on two FBGs. A special linear guide rail-slider and a precision rolling bearing have been adopted onto the conversion mechanism, which turned sliding friction into rolling friction and thus significantly reduced the friction during frequent alternating displacement measuring. Sensing principle and the corresponding theoretical derivation have been demonstrated. Experiment results show that the sensor has a sensitivity of 34.32 pm/mm and a high resolution of 0.0029 mm within a measurement range of 0~90 mm. Besides, the sensor has also a good measurement capability for micro-displacement within a range of 0~3 mm. The repeatability error and hysteresis error are 1.416% and 0.323%, respectively. Good creep resistance and high abrasion resistance for alternating displacement measurement have also been presented by a performance test. These excellent performances satisfy the requirements of high precision and long-term stability in structural health monitoring for machinery equipment and civil engineering, especially in the displacement monitoring of a floating slab damping track. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite great improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of neoplasms, metastatic disease is still the leading cause of death in cancer patients, with mortality rates still rising. Given this background, new ways to treat cancer will be important for development of improved cancer control strategies. Cdc42 is a member of the Rho GTPase family and plays an important role in cell-to-cell adhesion, formation of cytoskeletal structures, and cell cycle regulation. It thus influences cellular proliferation, transformation, and homeostasis, as well as the cellular migration and invasion processes underlying tumor formation. Cdc42 acts as a collection point for signal transduction and regulates multiple signaling pathways. Moreover, recent studies show that in most human cancers Cdc42 is abnormally expressed and promoting neoplastic growth and metastasis. Regarding possible new treatments for cancer, miRNA and small molecules targeting Cdc42 and related pathways have been recently found to be effective on cancer. In this review, we analyze the newly recognized regulation mechanisms for Cdc42 and Cdc42-related signal pathways, and particularly new treatments using small molecules and miRNAs to inhibit the abnormal overexpression of Cdc42 that may slow down the metastasis process, improve cancer therapy and lead to novel strategies for development of antineoplastic drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allergic diseases, which include asthma, allergic rhinitis (AR), chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), atopic dermatitis (AD), food allergy (FA), allergic keratoconjunctivitis, seriously affect the quality of life of people all over the world. Recently, interleukin-33 (IL-33) has been found to play an important role in these refractory disorders, mainly by inducing T helper (Th) 2 immune responses. This article reviews the mobilization and biological function of IL-33 in allergic disorders, providing novel insights for addressing these hypersensitive conditions.

Euodia rutaecarpa is a common traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in clinical practice, having the ability to suppress pain and cease coughing; however, with the increasing reports showing that it is toxic, particularly hepatotoxic, the concerns raised by what cause its toxicity is growing. In the current study, an analysis method based on the spectrum effect has been employed to screen the major hepatotoxic components in Euodia rutaecarpa so that the toxic material's basis would be elucidated. A fingerprinting method of the Euodia rutaecarpa extracts (which were petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, n -butanol, and water) using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer (UHPLC-QTOF/MS) has been developed. Orthogonal partial least squares (OPLS) was used to establish the spectrum-toxicity relationship with the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in mice serum as evaluation indices for liver injury. The UHPLC-MS fingerprint was established and the OPLS analytical results suggested that coniferin, 1-methyl-2-undecyl-4(1 H )-quinolone, 1-methyl-2-[(6 Z ,9 Z ,12 E )-pentadeca triene]-4(1 H )-quinolone, evocarpine, 1-methyl-2-[( Z )-7-tridecenyl]-4(1 H )-quinolone, dihydroevocarpine, and 1-methyl-2-tetradecy-4-(1 H )-quinolone probably associated with the hepatotoxicity of Euodia rutaecarpa . This paper offered considerable methods and insight for the fundamental research of the toxic material basis of similar toxic TCMs., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Described herein is an environmentally benign method for the synthesis of multisubstituted 3-alkoxylated-2-oxindoles 3 via direct alkoxylation of 3-halooxindoles 1 . A wide variety of such multisubstituted 3-alkoxylated-2-oxindole scaffolds were smoothly obtained in good yields (up to 94%) by heating in an oil bath at 35 °C for 24 h. A particularly valuable feature of this method was the development of environment-friendly chemistry using alcohols 2 as both the substrates and solvents in the presence of a catalytic amount of base.

Described herein is the development of a facile and efficient methodology for the synthesis of novel turmerone motif-fused 3,3'-pyrrolidinyl-dispirooxindoles 3-5 via a multicomponent 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of dienones 2 with azomethine ylides (thermally generated in situfrom isatins and proline or thioproline or sarcosine). Products bearing four or three consecutive stereocenters consist of two oxindole moieties and a pyrrolidinyl core, including vicinal spiroquaternary stereocenters fused in one ring structure were smoothly obtained in high yields (up to 93% yield) with good diastereoselectivity (up to >20:1). Another valuable application of this method was for the design of new hybrid architectures for biological screening through the adequate fusion of these sub-units of turmerone and 3,3'-pyrrolidinyl-dispirooxindole, generating drug-like molecules.

Hypoxia inducible factor 1α ( HIF-1α ), a pivotal regulator of gene expression in response to hypoxia and ischemia, is now considered to regulate both pro-survival and pro-death responses depending on the duration and severity of the stress. We previously showed that chronic global cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) triggered long-lasting accumulation of HIF-1α protein in the hippocampus of rats. However, the role of the stabilized HIF-1α in CCH is obscure. Here, we knock down endogenous HIF-1α to determine whether and how HIF-1α affects the disease processes and phenotypes of CCH. Lentivirus expressing HIF-1α small hairpin RNA was injected into the bilateral hippocampus and bilateral ventricles to knock down HIF-1α gene expression in the hippocampus and other brain areas. Permanent bilateral common carotid artery occlusions, known as 2-vessel occlusions (2VOs), were used to induce CCH in rats. Angiogenesis, oxidative stress, histopathological changes of the brain, and cognitive function were tested. Knockdown of HIF-1α prior to 2VO significantly exacerbates the impairment of learning and memory after four weeks of CCH. Mechanically, reduced cerebral angiogenesis, increased oxidative damage, and increased density of astrocytes and microglia in the cortex and some subregions of hippocampus are also shown after four weeks of CCH. Furthermore, HIF-1α knockdown also disrupts upregulation of regulated downstream genes. Our findings suggest that HIF-1α -protects the brain from oxidative stress and inflammation response in the disease process of CCH. Accumulated HIF-1α during CCH mediates endogenous adaptive processes to defend against more severe hypoperfusion injury of the brain, which may provide a therapeutic benefit., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

The NLR pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome plays a crucial role in lung disease and may have a similar role in upper respiratory tract inflammation. We therefore constructed a C57BL/6 mouse model of acute rhinosinusitis induced by Staphylococcus aureus and investigated the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in this model. Mice were classified as non-inoculated group (group A) and inoculated groups (groups B, C, D and E, sacrificed 1, 3, 7 and 14 days after inoculation, respectively). Hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that each group had inflammatory cell infiltration, except group A. The damage of the nasal mucosa was aggravated gradually over time. Western blot and immunofluorescence showed that the structural proteins of the NLRP3 inflammasome (NLRP3, ASC (apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing CARD), procaspase-1) in groups B, C, D and E were increased gradually. But they were reduced in group B compared with group A, except for NLRP3. Western blot showed that the cleavage fragment of procaspase-1, p20 in groups B, C, D and E was increased gradually. Real-time PCR showed that the corresponding mRNAs of the structural proteins were changed the same as their proteins. IL-1β mRNA and mature IL-1β protein were increased gradually in groups A, B, C, D and E. These results indicate that NLRP3 inflammasome activation was associated with the acute rhinosinusitis, and that there was a positive correlation between the expression level of the NLRP3 inflammasome and the severity of acute rhinosinusitis.

In our search for environmentally benign insecticides with high activity, low toxicity and low residue, a novel series of amides containing N- pyridylpyrazole moieties were designed and synthesized. The structures of the title compounds were characterized and confirmed by 1H-NMR and elemental analysis. Furthermore, the structure of compound 7l was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The preliminary bioassay tests showed that some of them exhibited good insecticidal activities against Mythimna separata Walker, Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus, 1758) and Laphygma exigua Hübner.