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Upon rapid evolution, ChatGPT can now generate content that is linguistically accurate and logically sound, while sidestepping ethical, social and legal concerns. This research seeks to investigate whether ChatGPT will employ different pragmatic strategies in its responses to (im)polite questions. In our experiment, this AI-powered tool was instructed to answer 200 self-made questions over four (im)politeness levels, and the 200 responses were collected to go through linguistic and sentiment analysis. Triangulated data, together with typical examples, show that ChatGPT tends to give shorter and less positive answers to less polite questions, appearing to be less responsive when confronted with more blunt and offensive inquiries. This, to some extent, resembles how human beings react when treated impolitely. A tentative explanation may be that, given its nature as a large language model, ChatGPT mirrors human interaction in various scenarios, and draws on prevalent human communication tendencies. Thus, interacting with ChatGPT is more of a human-society interaction than human-machine communication in the real sense. Our research sheds light on the coined “human-machine pragmatics”, i.e. how humans can best communicate with computers for the best informative and affective outcomes. The implications for language education are also discussed in the end. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The charging coil plays an important role in the wireless charging system system. However, there are still some problems in the design of the wireless charging coil, such as the low coupling coefficient. In order to improve the coupling effect, this paper proposes an optimized design scheme for the metal shielding layer structure of DD coil. Firstly, the influence of the structure size of DD coil metal plate on the coupling coefficient is studied by the mathematical modeling analysis. Futhermore, the maxwell simulation is used to study the metal plate coupling coefficients with varying structure sizes, addressing receiving uniformity issues. The optimal size of the shielding layer is designed for optimal magnetic coupling in wireless charging. Finally, this paper validates the feasibility of the improved metal shielding layer through experiments. The research in this paper may have a reference role in the wireless charging system of electric vehicles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Terrestrial water storage (TWS) is a fundamental component of the global hydrological cycle. Understanding changes in TWS is essential for assessing the characteristics of drought and flood events in a region. However, the discontinuity between Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) and GRACE Follow-On (GRACE-FO) severely affects and limits their applicability in long-term hydrological studies. In this study, a new variable filter reconstruction model (NVFRM) is proposed to reconstruct the TWS anomaly (TWSA) by combining the Gamma test (GT) and Long short-term memory (LSTM) neural network. The research findings reveal that the TWSA reconstructed by the NVFRM is consistent with the GRACE-FO during the testing period (June 2018–December 2020). It shows that the Pearson correlation coefficient (PR), Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient (NSE), and root mean square error (RMSE) are 0.91, 0.81, and 4.90 cm, respectively, which demonstrates the reliability of the NVFRM. More importantly, four drought events are identified by the drought severity index (DSI) derived from the reconstructed TWSA, including August 2003–April 20 April 200420 April 200411–September 20 June 2011,20 June 201118–September 2018, and September 2019–December 2019, respectively. Flood events are monitored based on the flood potential index (FPI), which is calculated by using the reconstructed TWSA and precipitation. Flood events in the Poyang Lake Basin are characterized by a high FPI index of 0.58, 0.52 and 0.32 in summer (June–August), indicating a greater probability of flooding. The NVFRM model proposed in this study provides an effective measure for filling the missing TWSA in regional hydrological research, which is of great significance for monitoring extreme hydrological events and facilitating disaster prevention and mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple one-pot method was developed to complete the α-diphenyl substitution and cyclization of acetophenone using acetophenone and substituted benzene as substrates, and a series of benzofuran derivatives was synthesized efficiently. It had the advantages of medium to excellent yield and easily obtained substrate. Compared with other methods, the method avoids the use of precious metals and cumbersome operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A three-dimensional (3D) fiber stress formula was developed to reduce the deviation of the two-dimensional (2D) fiber stress formula in calculating the 3D stress. The on-axis and off-axis stress–strain relationship was first presented. The 3D fiber stress formula was then derived analytically. Finite element method (FEM) of filament-wound (FW) thick-walled cylinders with symmetrical/balanced-layers was built, and numeric results were calculated and analyzed. Good agreement of the fiber stresses in the fiber direction and the strength ratios were achieved. It was found that the 3D fiber stress formula yields more accurate stress and lower strength ratio than the 2D formula in the triaxial stress state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is characterized by the presence of promyelocytic leukemia-retinoic acid receptor α (PML-RARα) fusion gene, which is formed following the specific chromosomal translocation t(15;17)(q22;q21). However, cases with PML-RARα generated by occult t(15;17) which are negative by both cytogenetics and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), are difficult to diagnose, leading to impaired treatment effectiveness. In the present study, we reported a case of a 66-year-old male patient, and bone marrow morphology, flow cytometry and cytogenetics did not support the diagnosis of APL. Molecular techniques, such as reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), showed the existence of a cryptic PML-RARα fusion gene, and sequence analysis revealed a new variable isoform. Hotspot gene mutation analysis showed a biallelic CEBPA mutation. He received IA chemotherapy and all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) treatment, and finally achieved complete remission. This case report provided valuable insights into the relevance of the correct identification of atypical PML–RARα fusion gene and biallelic CEBPA mutation. Moreover, combination of IA chemotherapy and ATRA treatment suggested a good clinical effect in this atypical PML–RARα. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We established an effective finite element model of knee joint for observation of stress and displacement of meniscus related changes after medial meniscus injury. Different types of medial meniscus injury can lead to varied meniscus stress and displacement changes. Stress and displacement concentration were found in fissure tip of meniscus tear compared to normal meniscus. The posterior horn injury of medial meniscus may initiate combined injury of medial meniscus posterior horn (MMPH) and that of medial meniscus body, and combined injury of MMPH and that of lateral meniscus anterior horn; fissure expansions regarding horizontal fissure, longitudinal fissure and grip-shaped fissure of MMPH were spotted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Treatment of melasma is challenging because its pathogenesis is unclear and it is prone to recurrence. We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of laser and laser compound therapy for melasma. Methods: We searched the Cochrane, Embase, and Medline databases for all relevant studies published from inception to July 2018. All randomized controlled trials of melasma describing treatment with lasers or laser compound therapy were included. Results: A total of 346 patients were enrolled in nine RCT studies. Laser therapy and laser compound therapy had better PGA (MD: 1.96 (95% CI: 0.17, 3.75); I2 = 0%) and mMASI scores (MD: −1.57 (95% CI: −3.08, −0.05); I2 = 19%) than drug and laser therapy, respectively. Four studies were assessed to be of low risk of bias. Subgroup analysis was consistent with the results of the meta-analysis, reflecting the reliability of our results. Linking evidence to action: The results of this meta-analysis provide evidence that laser and laser compound therapy can improve the area and severity of melasma. Further high-quality clinical studies should be carried out in the future to confirm this conclusion. Abbreviations: MASI: Melasma Area and Severity Index; mMASI: modified Melasma Area and Severity Index; PGA: patient global assessment; MI: melasma index [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The programmed death (PD) pathway is frequently present in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and suppresses tumor immunity by inhibiting the activity of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), particularly, CD8+ lymphocytes. PD immunotherapy involves stimulation of the immune response in the region surrounding the tumor but is insufficient to prevent tumor progression. Therefore, in this study, we examined the effects of combined PD immunotherapy with fractionated radiotherapy (RT) on antitumor immunity and tumor growth in lymphoma. The immune cell profiles of the TME, blood, and secondary lymphoid organs were determined 7 days after treatment. Four combination therapies were compared. The synergistic effects of αPD-1 mAb and fractionated RT on increased CD8+ lymphocytes in the TME, blood, and secondary lymphoid organs led to substantial tumor regression in mouse EL4 lymphoma, both locally and systemically. Fractionated RT for 4 days followed by αPD-1 mAb therapy was significantly superior to other schemes in terms of overall survival rates and curative rates in xenograft model mice. Our data indicated that substantial immune responses occurred following combination therapy with fractionated RT and αPD-1 mAb immunotherapy. Our findings provide important insights into the use of RT plus αPD-1 mAb as an efficacious combinatorial therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In gas metal arc welding, arc ignition significantly influences arc stability, droplet transfer, and the quality of welded joints. Cable-type welding wire (CWW) CO2welding is an innovative welding method. This paper analyzes the arc ignition procedure for this type of welding based on experiments with three different wire end conditions: an unsmooth wire end, a smooth wire end, and a preheated smooth wire end. Smaller contact areas between the CWW and the workpiece led to higher arc ignition currents, and higher wire tip temperatures led to shorter arc ignition times (AITs) with the same chemical composition, diameter, and extension. Based on the characteristics of the welding wire end structures and the contact resistance between the CWW and workpiece, a suitable mathematical model of the AIT was developed. The model was validated using experimental arc ignition images. The AITs for the unsmooth smooth and preheated smooth wire ends were 14, 20, and 11 ms, respectively, essentially consistent with the model calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A mild, efficient, and environmentally benign one-pot synthesis of functionalized chromeno[4,3-b]pyrrol-4(1H)-ones by a three-component domino reaction of 4-aminocoumarins, arylglyoxal monohydrates, and 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds in refluxing ethanol without the use of catalyst is reported. The present protocol features operational simplicity, short reaction time, good yields, and the absence of aqueous workup procedure and chromatographic separation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vortex-induced vibration (VIV) is a common flow–structure interaction phenomenon which occurs when a cylindrical riser in a fluid flow causes an unsteady flow pattern due to vortex shedding. The vibration mechanism is further complicated by wake interference. An experimental investigation was conducted to study the effectiveness of multiple control rods, in different configurations around two risers in suppressing wake interference and riser VIV. Strain responses were measured in the cross-flow and in-line directions. The test results showed a significant reduction in VIV, indicating that the control rods effectively suppressed transverse vibration of the riser. It was found that four control rods suppressed transverse VIV up to 90% more effectively than three control rods. The control rods also mitigated the in-line response. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Somatic embryogenesis receptor-like kinases (SERKs), a subfamily of receptor-like kinases, showed important roles in plant response to abiotic and biotic stresses in addition to embryogenesis and organogenesis in numerous plant species. In the present study, three orthologs ofSERKgenes (HvSERK1/2/3) were isolated from barley, and their expression patterns duringin vitroculture of microspores as well as their responses to different stresses including salinity and powdery mildew were characterized. Sequence analysis suggested that threeHvSERKgenes were highly conserved in the grass family. Subcellular localization showed the HvSERK1 protein located on the plasma membrane. TheHvSERK1transcript was up-regulated during the microspore culture period, suggesting its roles in microspore embryogenesis.HvSERK1andHvSERK3showed the highest expression level in the leaves; however no difference was detected forHvSERK2expression in different plants’ tissues. Under salt stress, all threeHvSERKgenes were quickly induced in microspore-derived embryogenic calli, whereas onlyHvSERK1was up-regulated in the roots of barley seedlings. Moreover, onlyHvSERK2was induced in the barley leaves upon powdery mildew inoculation. These results suggest that barleySERKgenes may participate in barley microspores’ development and plant response toward salt and fungal stress, and the function of them has some evolutionary changes. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A series ofα-aminophosphorus derivatives have been synthesized utilizing benzofuran-2-carbaldehyde, 2-aminobenzothiazole, and dialkyl phosphite as starting materials via Mannich reaction. The target compounds were characterized by MS techniques, elemental analysis, IR,1H NMR,13C NMR, and31P NMR. The results of bioassay revealed that all compounds exhibited good against tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) activity at the concentration of 500 mg/L, especially the compounds2fand2idisplayed bestin vivoprotective effect with an inhibition rate of 57.64% and 58.92%, which were superior to that of the commercial reference Ningnanmycin (54.12%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of α-aminophosphonates containing a benzothiophene moiety was designed and synthesized. All synthesized compounds were confirmed by1H NMR,13C NMR,31P NMR, infrared spectroscopy, and elemental analysis.The half-leaf method was used to determine the in vivo efficacy ofα-aminophosphonates bearing a benzothiophene moietyagainst the tobacco mosaic virus (TMV). Bioassay results showed that all compounds exhibited certain anti-TMV activity at 500 μg/mL concentration. Compound 2f exhibited a curative effect of up to 48.1%against TMV, which was almost similar to that obtained from the standard ningnanmycin (51.9%). [Supplementary materials are available for this article. Go to the publisher's online edition ofPhosphorus, Sulfer, and Silicon and the Related Elementsfor the following free supplemental files: Additional text, figures, and tables.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Norcantharidin (NCTD), a chemically modified form of cantharidin, is a potential anticancer drug. In this study, the effects of NCTD on the cellular viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and DNA damage in the human breast cancer cell line Bcap-37 were investigated with confocal and fluorescence microscopy. The cell cycle was further analyzed using the CellQuest software of a Becton-Dickinson FACS flow cytometer. The results indicated that the cellular viability was decreased with the growing concentrations of NCTD and time exposure. Moreover, the fluorescence intensity of ROS was increased, whereas the MMP was decreased in Bcap-37 cells with the growing concentrations of NCTD. NCTD induced a dose-dependent DNA damage and reduced the G1 peak in Bcap-37 cells. The G2/M peak of Bcap-37 was also decreased by the higher concentration of NCTD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rare-earth elements (REEs) have been widely used in agriculture for the growth of crops in China since the 1980s. As a secondary messenger, calcium ion (Ca2+) participates in physiological and biochemical reactions in plants via cellular or intercellular signal transduction networks. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of trivalent lanthanum (La3+) on the change of Ca2+ in the root cells of rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. Shengdao 16) with laser-scanning confocal microscopy. The results indicated that Ca2+ level in the root cells was affected by the concentrations of La3+. The level of Ca2+ slightly decreased in the root of rice treated with 0.2 mmol L–1 La3+, and Ca2+ oscillation was induced in the root of rice treated with 1.0 mmol L–1 La3+. However, Ca2+ level increased in the root of rice treated with 2.0 mmol L–1 La3+. In addition, the results indicated that Ca2+ level in the rice roots slightly decreased after Ca2+ inhibitors verapamil (VP), ruthenium red (RR), trifluperazine (TFP), and ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid (EGTA) were added. Moreover, the effects of 2.0 mmol L–1 La3+ on Ca2+ level in the root cells of rice were investigated after Ca2+ was inhibited with VP, TFP, RR, and EGTA. Inhibited with VP, TFP, RR, and EGTA, Ca2+ level slightly decreased or was not affected in the rice roots treated with 2.0 mmol L–1 La3+. The results showed that La3+ participated in the signal transduction networks via calmodulin (CaM) and that La3+ might enter into the root cells via the membrane and intracellular Ca2+ channels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[image omitted] A basic ionic liquid, [BmIm]OH was used as catalyst in the cyclocondensation of various kinds of vinylmalononitriles with nitroolefins in ethanol at reflux. A series of 2-amino-3-nitrobenzonitriles were obtained in reasonable yields. The straightforward and green protocol was found to be fairly efficient, and the catalyst could be recycled and reused in subsequent reactions with consistent activity. The mechanism of the reaction was discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acylation of imidazolidin-2-one with readily available N-acylbenzotriazoles, in the presence of K2CO3, produced 1-acylimidazolidin-2-ones and N,N'-diacyl-imidazolidin-2-one in moderate to good yields. The utilization of N-acylbenzotriazoles which make the reaction simple and mild, may be especially advantageous when the corresponding acid chlorides are not stable or not easily prepared. It's also an example of the reaction of N-acylbenzotriazoles and amide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We investigated whether or not there are autoantibodies for DKK1 (Dickkopf-1) in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and whether this autoantibody can be used for cancer detection. Methods: The levels of DKK1 autoantibodies were determined in 93 NSCLC patients and 87 healthy controls. Results: We found that, in the sera, the presence of autoantibody against DKK1 was highly correlated with NSCLC. High anti-DKK1 autoantibody titres were found in the sera of NSCLC patients, whereas low or negative titres were found in the control group. The ROC curve results showed that autoantibody immunoassay exhibited 62% sensitivity and 84% specificity. The sensitivity for the detection of NSCLC in stage I also reach 64.3%. Furthermore, a combined ELISA assays for both DKK1 and autoantibody DKK1 increased sensitivity and classified 81.7% (76/93) of the NSCLC patients as positive, whereas only 13.8 % (12/87) of healthy volunteers were falsely diagnosed as positive. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the detection of circulating DKK1 autoantibody could potentially serve as a useful non-invasive marker for determining lung cancer status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antitumor cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) are essential for immune surveillance, yet the blockade of eliciting such CTLs during oncolytic virotherapy remains incompletely understood. Here, we show that oncolysis of mesothelioma by modified vaccinia Tiantan (MVTT) induces damage-associated molecular patterns exposure. Although MVTT leads to regression of established mesothelioma dose-dependently, antitumor CTLs are rarely induced. Mechanistically, MVTT virotherapy generates C-X-C chemokines that recruit CXCR2-expressing polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells (PMN-MDSCs) into tumor microenvironment, where they suppress dendritic cells (DCs) by producing IL-10 and halt CTL responses. During the virotherapy, however, depletion of PMN-MDSCs but not of monocytic (M)-MDSCs results in the induction of potent antitumor CTLs that not only eradicate established mesothelioma but also prevent the second tumor challenge. Our findings suggest that vaccinia virotherapy may combine strategies that prevent the chemotactic recruitment of PMN-MDSCs, block their suppression on DCs or deplete PMN-MDSCs in order to induce potent CTLs for tumor eradication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]