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Most of the bilingual lexicon induction (BLI) models learn a mapping function that can transfer word embedding (WE) spaces from one language to another. This usually relies on the isomorphism hypothesis, which posits that words in different languages share the same structures and relationships (i.e. similar in geometric structure). However, WE's isomorphism weakens substantially in distant language pairs, resulting in low accuracy of BLI. To address this problem, we propose a novel BLI method incorporating synonymous knowledge. The main idea is to stabilize the distance between words to optimize the monolingual WE space, yielding higher isomorphism. Specifically, we first induce monolingual synonym pairs from Wordnet and construct monolingual synonym lexicons. We then generate pseudo-sentences by substituting words in the training corpus with synonyms. Finally, the original sentences and pseudo-sentences are jointly used to generate monolingual WEs, enabling the word vectors of synonyms to be closer naturally. Comprehensive experiments on standard BLI datasets in diverse distant languages demonstrate that our method significantly outperforms the strong BLI systems in word translation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to determine the service life of wind turbine blades (WTB) and extend their service life, a life extension assessment model for WTB is proposed based on support vector regression (SVR) considering stiffness degradation. First, the advantages of stiffness performance indexes are selected to assess the life of in-service blades. The stiffness degradation rule is studied about turbine blade. Furthermore, the relationship between WTB life and stiffness is discussed to clarify the factors of the life extension model. Based on stiffness indicator, the support vector regression algorithm (SVR) is used to establish a life extension assessment model for WTB. Particle swarm optimization (PSO) is used to optimize the model parameters. The optimized model is trained and validated using WTB degradation stiffness data. Finally, the results show that the proposed model is effective in life extension assessment of WTB. The model with radial basis as the kernel function has a high goodness of fit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cisplatin resistance is a major challenge for systemic therapy against advanced bladder cancer (BC). Little information is available on the regulation of cisplatin resistance and the underlying mechanisms require elucidation. Here, we detected that downregulation of the tumor suppressor, PPP2R2B (a serine/threonine protein phosphatase 2 A regulatory subunit), in BC promoted cell proliferation and migration. What's more, low PPP2R2B expression was correlated with cisplatin resistance. In vitro and in vivo experiments verified that PPP2R2B could promote BC sensitivity to cisplatin. In terms of mechanism, we identified a novel function of PPP2R2B as a nucleocytoplasmic transport molecule. PPP2R2B promoted ISG15 entry into the nucleus by mediating binding of IPO5 with ISG15. Nuclear translocation of ISG15 inhibited DNA repair, further increasing ISG15 expression through activation of the STING pathway. Besides, PPP2R2B was down-regulated by SUV39H1-mediated histone 3 lysine 9 trimethylation, which could be restored by the SUV39H1-specific inhibitor, chaetocin. Our data suggest that PPP2R2B expression level is a potential biomarker for chemotherapy response and that chemotherapy in combination with chaetocin may be a feasible treatment strategy for patients with BC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is crucial to propose an accurate fatigue life prediction method to ensure the structural integrity and operational reliability of engineering components in real-world service conditions. This paper considers how the uncertainty of fatigue failure in composite materials under variable amplitude loading conditions affects material fatigue life. It proposes an improved method to predict the residual fatigue life of a composite material by converting the number of loading cycles under different loading sequences. Firstly, the method suggests that the number of loading cycles for the same composite material, under variable amplitude loading conditions and at different stress levels, conforms to the assumptions of the Weibull cumulative distribution and the principle of probabilistic consistency. Using this assumption, a transformation model is established for the number of cyclic loading cycles in composite materials under variable amplitude loading conditions. Specifically, the model can convert the number of loading cycles under various loading sequences into an equivalent number of cycles under a uniform loading condition. Next, the residual fatigue life of the specimen at the final stress level was determined by analyzing fatigue test data under variable amplitude loading conditions. Finally, the proposed method is validated and compared using fatigue test data from the literature, which includes composites tested under two and three variable amplitude loading conditions. Validation results indicate that the proposed method for predicting residual fatigue life offers more accurate predictions, with all predicted life factors falling within ± 1.2 life factors. Additionally, compared to other existing models for predicting residual life, the proposed method effectively captures the impact of randomness and uncertainty in the fatigue failure process of composite materials using probabilistic statistical theory. This offers a more valuable reference for predicting fatigue life under variable amplitude load. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: There are undetectable levels of fat in fat-poor angiomyolipoma. Thus, it is often misdiagnosed as renal cell carcinoma. We aimed to develop and evaluate a multichannel deep learning model for differentiating fat-poor angiomyolipoma (fp-AML) from renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Methods: This two-center retrospective study included 320 patients from the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University (FAHSYSU) and 132 patients from the Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center (SYSUCC). Data from patients at FAHSYSU were divided into a development dataset (n = 267) and a hold-out dataset (n = 53). The development dataset was used to obtain the optimal combination of CT modality and input channel. The hold-out dataset and SYSUCC dataset were used for independent internal and external validation, respectively. Results: In the development phase, models trained on unenhanced CT images performed significantly better than those trained on enhanced CT images based on the fivefold cross-validation. The best patient-level performance, with an average area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.951 ± 0.026 (mean ± SD), was achieved using the "unenhanced CT and 7-channel" model, which was finally selected as the optimal model. In the independent internal and external validation, AUCs of 0.966 (95% CI 0.919–1.000) and 0.898 (95% CI 0.824–0.972), respectively, were obtained using the optimal model. In addition, the performance of this model was better on large tumors (≥ 40 mm) in both internal and external validation. Conclusion: The promising results suggest that our multichannel deep learning classifier based on unenhanced whole-tumor CT images is a highly useful tool for differentiating fp-AML from RCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, amino functionalized lotus seedpods-derived biochar (LSBC-NH2) was prepared for the removal of uranium (VI) from aqueous solution by using natural lotus seedpods as raw material and urea as nitrogen source through hydrothermal method. LSBC-NH2 showed a very thin sheet structure with rough porous surface and cluster structure and good thermal stability. Kinetics, isotherms and thermodynamics studies demonstrated that the adsorption of uranium (VI) by LSBC-NH2 was a spontaneous, endothermic, and single-layer chemisorption process, and the maximum uranium (VI) adsorption capacity on LSBC-NH2 could reach 367.99 mg g−1. Adsorption mechanism showed that the adsorption process of LSBC-NH2 for uranium (VI)was involved in amino, carboxyl and hydroxyl groups in LSBC-NH2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fatigue performance of composite structures degrades gradually under cyclic loading, making good performance prediction essential. This study proposes a two-parameter nonlinear fatigue damage accumulation model based on the stiffness degradation pattern of composite laminates, which is generalized at both the material and product levels. Firstly, a fatigue damage accumulation model is proposed to characterize the progression of fatigue damage caused by stiffness degradation of composite laminates. Secondly, a stiffness degradation model is proposed to represent the fatigue performance degradation of composite laminates. Existing composite laminate test data are used for validation. Finally, full-scale fatigue experiments on wind turbine blades were conducted using the developed prediction model. The results show that the predicted values of the model developed in this work are in good agreement with the experimental data. In addition, the material level-based prediction model for wind turbine blade stiffness degradation can explain the whole process of wind turbine blade stiffness degradation in full-scale fatigue experiments, which provides a new standard for wind turbine blade fatigue performance analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic radicals feature unpaired electrons, and these compounds may have applications in biomedical technology and as materials for solar energy conversion. However, unpaired electrons tend to pair up (to form chemical bonds), making radicals unstable and hampering their applications. Here we report an organic radical system that is stable even at 350 °C, surpassing the upper temperature limit (200 °C) observed for other organic radicals. The system reported herein features a sulfur-rich organic linker that facilitates the formation of the radical centers; on the solid-state level, the molecules are crystallized with Eu(III) ions to form a 3D framework featuring stacks of linker molecules. The stacking is, however, somewhat loose and allows the molecules to wiggle and transform into sulfur-stabilized radicals at higher temperatures. In addition, the resulting solid framework remains crystalline, and it is stable to water and air. Moreover, it is black and features strong broad absorption in the visible and near IR region, thereby enhancing both photothermal conversion and solar-driven water evaporation. Organic radicals have potential applications in a variety of fields, including energy conversion. Here, the authors report Eu-based coordination polymers that enable the stabilization of organic radicals up to 350 °C; these systems can be used to enhance solar steam generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a kind of renewable energy, the development and utilization of solar energy are valued by many countries. To accurately provide a basis for the use of solar energy in mainland China, the optimized empirical model is adopted to analyze the variation trends and spatial patterns in solar radiation (SR) during 1961–2016 based on the data of 31 SR sites and 500 sunshine duration (SD) stations. The results indicate that there are obvious discrepancies in the variation trends of annual SR and SD during 1961–2016, with trend conversion occurring in 1992 (SR) and 1980 (SD), respectively. Overall, annual SR decreases at the rate of −3.68 MJ/m2·a in China. Notably, SR declines at the rate of −16.95 MJ/m2·a during 1961–1989 ("dimming" stage), while it increases at the rate of 5.34 MJ/m2·a for 1990–2016 ("brightening" period). In addition, all seasons show a tendency of dimming first and then brightening except for autumn. Compared with SD, SR is more sensitive to changes in pollution, leading to a marked recovery with the reduction of pollution after the 1990s. This study provides a new perspective for the trend difference between SR and SD after the 1990s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The management of chronic empyema with persistent bronchopleural fistula (BPF) is a major challenge for surgeons. We report our experience of performing pedicle muscle flap transposition for chronic empyema with BPF in a clinical center in China. Methods: The subjects of this study were 13 patients with postoperative chronic empyema and persistent BPF. The surgical procedure performed was chosen according to the degree of infection in the empyema cavity. Patients with mild contamination underwent one-stage cavity decortication with flap transposition, whereas patients with severe infection underwent two-stage surgery including open-window thoracostomy and pedicle muscle flap transposition. Results: Five patients underwent one-stage surgery, followed by an uneventful postoperative course in all except one. The other eight patients underwent two-stage surgery. The fistulas closed spontaneously during the course of dressings and six of these eight patients underwent second-stage surgery uneventfully. A bronchopleurocutaneous sinus developed in the wounds of the other two patients. Conclusions: Pedicle muscle flap transposition is a viable option for chronic empyema with BPF; however, surgical procedures should be selected according to the degree of contamination. For two-stage surgery, obliteration of the cavity should be considered, preferably after closure of the fistula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new nonadride derivative, named (-)-byssochlamic acid imide ( 1), was isolated from the co-culture broth of two mangrove fungi (strain Nos. K38 and E33). Their structures were established by comprehensive spectroscopic analyses. Primary bioassays showed that 1 had moderate in vitro antifungal activities against Fusarium graminearum Schw. and Fusarium oxysporum Schlecht. f. sp. lycopersici (Sacc.) W. C. Snyder et H. N. Hansen, as compared with the positive control carbendazim. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this investigation, a novel Fe3O4-enhanced biochar derived from winter melon (Fe3O4@WBC) was synthesised by an innovative ethylene glycol reduction and thermal polymerisation approach for efficiently eliminating U(VI) from contaminated environments. The factors influencing uranium(VI) adsorption by Fe3O4@WBC, including pH, adsorbent dosage, time, temperature, and initial U(VI) concentration were explored. The material’s performance was characterised, and the underlying mechanism of U(VI) removal was analysed using various techniques. The results demonstrated that Fe3O4@WBC effectively removed U(VI), achieving a maximum adsorption capacity of 199.84 mg g−1 at a pH of 5.0. These findings provided a theoretical basis for the treatment of wastewater contaminated with U(VI). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organocatalysis is an important branch of catalysis for various organic transformations and materials preparation. Polymerizations promoted by organic catalysts can produce polymeric materials without any metallic residues, providing charming materials for high-value and sensitive domains such as biomedical applications, microelectronic devices and food packaging. Herein, we describe a fluorinated alcohol based catalytic system for polypeptide synthesis via catalytic ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of α-amino acid N-carboxyanhydride (NCA), fulfilling cocatalyst free, metal free, high rate and high selectivity. During polymerization, the fluorinated alcohol catalyst forms multiple dynamic hydrogen bonds with the initiator, monomer and propagating polymer chain. These cooperative hydrogen bonding interactions activate the NCA monomers and simultaneously protect the overactive initiator/propagating polymer chain-ends, which offers the whole polymerization with high activity and selectivity. Mechanistic studies indicate a monocomponent-multifunctional catalytic mode of fluorinated alcohol. This finding provides a metal free and fast approach to access well-defined polypeptides. Polymerizations promoted by organic catalysts can produce polymeric materials without any metallic residues contamination. Here the authors show a fluorinated alcohol based catalytic system for polypeptide synthesis from α-amino acid N-carboxyanhydride, fulfilling cocatalyst and metal free conditions with high rate and selectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MicroRNA (miRNA) studies are experiencing a transition from basic research applications to clinical applications. However, the lack of reliable and sensitive miRNA detection methods has become a bottleneck in the process. Here, we report an absolute quantification method based on the competitive PCR amplification of specific miRNAs and synthetic RNA spike-ins in a single reaction. RNA spike-ins are quantified as dynamic RNA copy number standards and are used to measure selected miRNAs free from the effects of intra-assay variables, including those from individual sample sources. Combined with the size differentiation power of capillary electrophoresis, the content of miRNAs was reproducibly measured, with verifiable detection limits of 10-46 copies over 5-log detection ranges. The direct measurements of miRNAs from 168 human serum samples and their considerable value as a diagnostic for bronchopneumonia and bronchiolitis demonstrate the potential of the assay in clinical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lysine β-hydroxybutyrylation (Kbhb) is a post-translational modification induced by the ketogenic diet (KD), a diet showing therapeutic effects on multiple human diseases. Little is known how cellular processes are regulated by Kbhb. Here we show that protein Kbhb is strongly affected by the KD through a multi-omics analysis of mouse livers. Using a small training dataset with known functions, we developed a bioinformatics method for the prediction of functionally important lysine modification sites (pFunK), which revealed functionally relevant Kbhb sites on various proteins, including aldolase B (ALDOB) Lys108. KD consumption or β-hydroxybutyrate supplementation in hepatocellular carcinoma cells increases ALDOB Lys108bhb and inhibits the enzymatic activity of ALDOB. A Kbhb-mimicking mutation (p.Lys108Gln) attenuates ALDOB activity and its binding to substrate fructose-1,6-bisphosphate, inhibits mammalian target of rapamycin signalling and glycolysis, and markedly suppresses cancer cell proliferation. Our study reveals a critical role of Kbhb in regulating cancer cell metabolism and provides a generally applicable algorithm for predicting functionally important lysine modification sites., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Limited.)