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This article presents a cooperative controller that is specifically designed to enhance the stability of a distributed-drive vehicle during steering. The controller focuses on improving lateral stability during steering and achieving optimal torque allocation to meet numerous objectives. The article proposes a novel approach to improve the performance of the sliding mode controller for transverse stability control during steering. This is achieved by designing a fractional-order non-singular fast terminal sliding mode surface function, a fractional-order double-power exponential convergence law, and introducing a weighted integration term. Furthermore, the vehicle's torque was fine-tuned by employing an ant colony optimization (ACO) technique within the acceptable range defined by the lateral and longitudinal control requirements. To prevent the ACO algorithm from being stuck in local optima, a pseudo-random rule was implemented based on the original state transfer probability. This rule helps accelerate the convergence of the algorithm. Additionally, an elite approach and a dynamic change strategy for pheromone concentration were devised. Ultimately, the performance of the co-controller that was built is evaluated by simulation experiments conducted under both accelerated and decelerated driving situations. The test findings indicate that the technique effectively improves the lateral stability, tracking control, and energy economy of electric cars, with promising potential for practical use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxoplasma gondii is an opportunistic protozoan parasite that is highly prevalent in the human population and can lead to adverse health consequences in immunocompromised patients and pregnant women. Noncoding RNAs, such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs), play important regulatory roles in the pathogenesis of many infections. However, the differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs and circRNAs implicated in the host cell response during the lytic cycle of T. gondii are unknown. In this study, we profiled the expression of miRNAs and circRNAs in human foreskin fibroblasts (HFFs) at different time points after T. gondii infection using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). We identified a total of 7, 7, 27, 45, 70, 148, 203, and 217 DEmiRNAs and 276, 355, 782, 1863, 1738, 6336, 1229, and 1680 DEcircRNAs at 1.5, 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 36, and 48 h post infection (hpi), respectively. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses revealed that the DE transcripts were enriched in immune response, apoptosis, signal transduction, and metabolism-related pathways. These findings provide new insight into the involvement of miRNAs and circRNAs in the host response to T. gondii infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dihedral structure, commonly found in various targets, exhibits strong backscattering, severely affecting their radar stealth performance. To address this issue, we propose an effective method for suppressing the electromagnetic scattering of dihedral structures using flexible stealth material (FSM) in this study. The electromagnetic scattering model encompassing the dihedral structure and FSM is established to explore the interaction between electromagnetic wave and dihedral structure coated with FSM, and the MLFMM is employed to calculate the monostatic RCS of the model from 8 to 12 GHz. The RCS of the dihedral structure, both before and after being coated with FSM under different loading conditions, is measured in an anechoic chamber. Notably, a relatively good agreement between the results of calculation and measurement is obtained, validating the reliability of the proposed model and calculation method. Furthermore, the effect of loading conditions and electromagnetic parameters of FSM on the RCS of the dihedral structure is investigated based on the proposed model. The results indicate the effectiveness of FSM in reducing the backscattering of dihedral structures. Specifically, when the direction of the incident wave's electric field is perpendicular to that of undulating units of FSM, FSM reduces the electromagnetic scattering of dihedral structures more significantly. Besides, the real part of FSM's permittivity and the imaginary of its permeability have a stronger influence on the RCS of dihedral structures. This study provides a useful method for suppressing electromagnetic scattering of dihedral structures and a valuable reference for FSM in practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Imaging the PARP expression using 18F probes has been approved in clinical trials. Nevertheless, hepatobiliary clearance of both 18F probes hindered their application in monitoring abdominal lesions. Our novel 68Ga-labelled probes aim for fewer abdominal signals while ensuring PARP targeting by optimizing the pharmacokinetic properties of radioactive probes. Methods: Three radioactive probes targeted PARP were designed, synthesized, and evaluated based on the PARP inhibitor Olaparib. These 68Ga-labelled radiotracers were assessed in vitro and in vivo. Results: Precursors that did not lose binding affinity for PARP were designed, synthesized, and then labelled with 68Ga in high radiochemical purity (> 97%). The 68Ga-labelled radiotracers were stable. Due to the increased expression of PARP-1 in SK-OV-3 cells, the uptake of the three radiotracers by SK-OV-3 cells was significantly greater than that by A549 cells. PET/CT imaging of the SK-OV-3 models indicated that the tumor uptake of 68Ga-DOTA-Olaparib (0.5 h: 2.83 ± 0.55%ID/g; 1 h: 2.37 ± 0.64%ID/g) was significantly higher than that of the other 68Ga-labelled radiotracers. There was a significant difference in the T/M (tumor-to-muscle) ratios between the unblocked and blocked groups as calculated from the PET/CT images (4.07 ± 1.01 vs. 1.79 ± 0.45, P = 0.0238 < 0.05). Tumor autoradiography revealed high accumulation in tumor tissues, further confirming the above data. PARP-1 expression in the tumor was confirmed by immunochemistry. Conclusion: As the first 68Ga-labelled PARP inhibitor, 68Ga-DOTA-Olaparib displayed high stability and quick PARP imaging in a tumor model. This compound is thus a promising imaging agent that can be used in a personalized PARP inhibitor treatment regimen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Partial bladder outlet obstruction (pBOO) often results in bladder tissue inflammation and remodeling. As human urine-derived stem cells (USCs) have demonstrated therapeutic benefits, we used a rat model to investigate the effect of USCs on bladder function and explore the miRNA and gene expression profiles in bladder tissue using RNA sequencing. Eighteen rats were assigned to a sham surgery group, pBOO group, and pBOO+USC group (six biweekly treatments). Routine urodynamic monitoring, analysis of detrusor muscle strips, and pathophysiology assessments were conducted. Finally, altered miRNA and mRNA expression profiles of bladder tissue were examined using RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. After USC treatment, elevated bladder compliance and maximal voiding pressure, declined end filling pressure and voided volume, and improved detrusor muscle contractility and carbachol sensitivity were found. Histology and TUNEL assay revealed reduced collagen deposition and muscle cell apoptosis in bladder tissue. The differential expression of eight miRNAs was reversed by USC treatment. Two large nodes (miR-142 and miR-9a) were identified in the miRNA-gene interaction network in the USC-treated group. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis revealed enrichment of multiple significant pathways, including those involved in necroptosis and cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions. This is the first study to demonstrate the protective effect of USCs on bladder function and remodeling in pBOO rats. The miRNA and mRNA expression levels differed in the bladder of pBOO rats with and without USC treatment. Although the mechanism underlying these effects has not been fully elucidated, necroptosis and cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction-related pathways may be involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large pore size of fibrous membrane (FM) deteriorates the cycle lifetime and rate capabilities, and the way of obtaining FM with improved electrolyte wettability and decreased pore size is still challenging. Herein, we report a facile method for the fabrication of the polydopamine modification polyacrylonitrile (PDA@PAN) FM via the combination of the spin coating and electrospinning techniques. The PDA coating increases the fiber diameter and the surface roughness of the PAN fibers, thus decreasing the pore size and mitigating the lithium dendrite formation by uniformly distributing Li-ion flux. Meanwhile, PDA modification not only improves the affinity for electrolyte and enhances the ion conductivity (1.39 mS cm−1), but also doubles the stress strength (13.92 MPa) because of the formation of more adhesion structure. Consequently, both the Li/LiFePO4 and Li/Li4Ti5O12 cells involving PDA@PAN FM demonstrate more stable cycle life and better rate capability compared with those of cells based on PAN FM and Celgard membrane. The work also provides a promising separator fabrication strategy for other energy storage systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ionic conductivity is an important separator parameter influencing the cycle life and rate capability of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). To improve the ionic conductivity of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVdF) fibers, polystyrene (PS) was added into the PVdF electrospinning solution for the fabrication of PVdF/PS hybrid fibers. The morphology and electrochemical property were regulating by tuning the PS dosage. Owing to the increasing mass ratio of the adhesion structure, not only the porosity, uptake, and average pore size of PVdF/PS hybrid fibers simultaneously decreased but also the mechanical strength enhanced (15.9 MPa) with the increasing PS content. In addition, the ionic conductivity increased with increasing PS content (1.58 mS cm−1 for PVdF/PS hybrid fiber with 20-wt% PS) ascribing to the increase of the amorphous region. Benefiting from the characteristic of PVdF, the as-prepared PVdF/PS hybrid fibers with non-flammability can significantly improve the LIBs safety. Significantly, the cells with PVdF/PS hybrid fibers (15-wt% PS) displayed satisfactory cycling performance (159.9 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C for 45 cycles after testing at 0.1 C for 5 cycles) and rate capability, indicating that PVdF/PS hybrid fibers are the promising separator candidates for the applications in LIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pigeon paramyxovirus type-1 (PPMV-1) is enzootic in pigeons, causing severe economic loss in the poultry industry in many countries. However, the exact epidemic process of PPMV-1 transmission is still unclear. In this study, we analyzed the complete genome of the PPMV-1/SX-01/15 isolate. Sequence results show that the virus genome contains 15,192 nucleotides, with the gene order 3'-NP-P-M-F-HN-L-5'. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that this genome belongs to subgenotype VIc in class II. The mean death time (MDT) and intracerebral pathogenicity index (ICPI) were 62.4 h and 1.13, respectively, indicating that this isolate is a mesogenic PPMV-1 strain. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a subgenotype VIc mesogenic PPMV-1 strain circulating in commercial pigeon flocks in the northwest region of China. In a comparative infection experiment, the morbidity and mortality rates were 100% and 80%, respectively, in 4-week-old pigeons, whereas they were 50% and 30%, respectively, in 5-week-old chickens. Furthermore, this virus caused severe neurological symptoms in a 4-week-old pigeon and mild neurological symptoms in a 5-week-old chicken. A histopathological examination of the brain showed a classical nonsuppurative encephalitis lesion. The pattern of viral shedding, and viral load, and virus distribution differed between infected chickens and pigeons. Genomic characteristics suggest that there was cross-species transmission of PPMV-1 subgenotype VIc in this region at least from the years 2006 to 2015. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pigeon paramyxovirus type-1(PPMV-1) is an enzootic in pigeon flocks and causes severe economic losses in the poultry industry in many countries. A PPMV-1 isolate, abbreviated as PPMV-1/QL-01/CH/15, was isolated from a great spotted woodpecker in the northwest region of China in 2015. The complete genome was sequenced, and the results showed that the virus genome was 15,192 nt in length, in the gene arrangement 3′-NP-P-M-F-HN-L-5′. Several amino acid mutations were identified in the functional domains of the F and HN proteins. The pathogenicity index of the isolate was evaluated, and the mean death time (MDT) was 72 h and the intracerebral pathogenicity index (ICPI) was 0.925, indicating that this isolate was mesogenic. Sequencing results showed that it had a virulent Newcastle disease virus cleavage motif R-R-Q-K-R-F at the fusion protein cleavage site. Morbidity and mortality were 70% and 50%, after inoculation of pigeons, whereas this virus was nonpathogenic in chickens. Different immune responses of pigeons and chickens were induced in vivo, which led to different HI serum antibody titers. The results of phylogenetic and evolutionary distance analysis showed that this PPMV-1 strain belonged to sub-genotype VIa in class II. To our knowledge, this is the first identification and analysis of PPMV-1 co-circulation among wild birds and domestic pigeon flocks in China. The data from this study highlight the important role of wild birds in the dissemination of PPMV-1 and provide useful references for improving our understanding of the distribution and evolution of PPMV-1 in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MicroRNA (miRNA) expression profile analysis indicated that miR-205 was upregulated in bladder cancer tissue compared to healthy tissue. The aim of this study is to analyze value of circulating miR-205 for the detection and prognosis evaluation of bladder cancer (BC). Eighty-nine patients with BC and 56 healthy controls (HC) were enrolled in the study. miR-205 expression was determined using TaqMan quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assay and further correlated with patients' clinicopathological parameters and follow-up data. The results indicated that plasma miR-205 was upregulated in BC compared with HC ( P < 0.001) and in muscle invasive BC (MIBC) compared to nonmuscle invasive BC (NMIBC) ( P = 0.016). miR-205 yielded an area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve of 0.950 with 76.4 % sensitivity and 96.4 % specificity in discriminating BC from HC, and 0.668 with 57.1 % sensitivity and 77.0 % specificity in distinguishing MIBC from NMIBC. Plasma miR-205 expression was significantly associated with tumor stage ( P < 0.001) and pathological grade ( P = 0.048). The results indicated that BC patients with high miR-205 expression experienced shorter disease-free survival and disease-specific survival ( P = 0.022 and P = 0.026; P = 0.027 and P = 0.034; respectively), which was not proven by multivariate Cox regression analysis (multi-Cox) ( P = 0.0765 and P = 0.279, respectively). Log-rank test showed that NMIBC patients with high miR-205 expression experienced shorter cancer-free survival ( P = 0.044). Log-rank test and univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses did not indicate that high miR-205 expression in NMIBC patients was associated with cancer-specific survival ( P = 0.079, P = 0.089, and P = 0.201, respectively). In conclusion, miR-205 may be a promising biomarker for the detection and prognosis evaluation of BC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accumulated evidence suggests a major role for the activation of the Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway in the development of neural crest stem cells that give rise to the sympathetic nervous system. We therefore investigated the involvement of SHH signaling in the pathogenesis of neuroblastoma (NB), a common childhood malignant tumor of the sympathetic nervous system. Inhibition of SHH signaling by cyclopamine induced apoptosis and blocked proliferation in all major types of NB cells, and abrogated the tumorigenicity of NB cells. Our study has revealed a molecular mechanism for the persistent activation of the SHH pathway which promotes the development of NB, and suggests a new approach for the treatment of this childhood malignant tumor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]