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SUMMARY: The use of deep learning techniques to identify grape leaf diseases relies on large, high‐quality datasets. However, a large number of images occupy more computing resources and are prone to pattern collapse during training. In this paper, a depth‐separable multifeature generative adversarial network (DMFGAN) was proposed to enhance grape leaf disease data. First, a multifeature extraction block (MFEB) based on the four‐channel feature fusion strategy is designed to improve the quality of the generated image and avoid the problem of poor feature learning ability of the adversarial generation network caused by the single‐channel feature extraction method. Second, a depth‐based D‐discriminator is designed to improve the discriminator capability and reduce the number of model parameters. Third, SeLU activation function was substituted for DCGAN activation function to overcome the problem that DCGAN activation function was not enough to fit grape leaf disease image data. Finally, an MFLoss function with a gradient penalty term is proposed to reduce the mode collapse during the training of generative adversarial networks. By comparing the visual indicators and evaluation indicators of the images generated by different models, and using the recognition network to verify the enhanced grape disease data, the results show that the method is effective in enhancing grape leaf disease data. Under the same experimental conditions, DMFGAN generates higher quality and more diverse images with fewer parameters than other generative adversarial networks. The mode breakdown times of generative adversarial networks in training process are reduced, which is more effective in practical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatial information and dynamic locomotor behaviours are equally important for achieving locomotor goals during spatial navigation. However, it remains unclear how spatial and locomotor information is integrated during the processing of self‐initiated spatial navigation. Anatomically, the retrosplenial cortex (RSC) has reciprocal connections with brain regions related to spatial processing, including the hippocampus and para‐hippocampus, and also receives inputs from the secondary motor cortex. In addition, RSC is functionally associated with allocentric and egocentric spatial targets and head‐turning. So, RSC may be a critical region for integrating spatial and locomotor information. In this study, we first examined the role of RSC in spatial navigation using the Morris water maze and found that mice with inactivated RSC took a longer time and distance to reach their destination. Then, by imaging neuronal activity in freely behaving mice within two open fields of different sizes, we identified a large proportion of border cells, head‐turning cells and locomotor speed cells in the superficial layer of RSC. Interestingly, some RSC neurons exhibited conjunctive coding for both spatial and locomotor signals. Furthermore, these conjunctive neurons showed higher prediction accuracy compared with simple spatial or locomotor neurons in special navigator scenes using the border, turning and positive‐speed conjunctive cells. Our study reveals that the RSC is an important conjunctive brain region that processes spatial and locomotor information during spatial navigation. Key points: Retrosplenial cortex (RSC) is indispensable during spatial navigation, which was displayed by the longer time and distance of mice to reach their destination after the inactivation of RSC in a water maze.The superficial layer of RSC has a larger population of spatial‐related border cells, and locomotion‐related head orientation and speed cells; however, it has few place cells in two‐dimensional spatial arenas.Some RSC neurons exhibited conjunctive coding for both spatial and locomotor signals, and the conjunctive neurons showed higher prediction accuracy compared with simple spatial or locomotor neurons in special navigation scenes.Our study reveals that the RSC is an important conjunctive brain region that processes both spatial and locomotor information during spatial navigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) is a ligand of glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIPR) that plays an important role in the digestive system. In recent years, GIP has been regarded as a hormone‐like peptide to regulate the local metabolic environment. In this study, we investigated the antioxidant role of GIP on the neuron and explored the possible mechanism. Methods: Cell counting Kit‐8 (CCK‐8) was used to measure cell survival. TdT‐mediated dUTP Nick‐End Labeling (TUNEL) was used to detect apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were probed with 2', 7'‐Dichloro dihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH‐DA), and glucose intake was detected with 2‐NBDG. Immunofluorescence staining and western blot were used to evaluate the protein level in cells and tissues. Hematoxylin‐eosin (HE) staining, immunofluorescence staining and tract‐tracing were used to observe the morphology of the injured spinal cord. Basso‐Beattie‐Bresnahan (BBB) assay was used to evaluate functional recovery after spinal cord injury. Results: GIP reduced the ROS level and protected cells from apoptosis in cultured neurons and injured spinal cord. GIP facilitated wound healing and functional recovery of the injured spinal cord. GIP significantly improved the glucose uptake of cultured neurons. Meanwhile, inhibition of glucose uptake significantly attenuated the antioxidant effect of GIP. GIP increased glucose transporter 3 (GLUT3) expression via up‐regulating the level of hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (HIF‐1α) in an Akt‐dependent manner. Conclusion: GIP increases GLUT3 expression and promotes glucose intake in neurons, which exerts an antioxidant effect and protects neuronal cells from oxidative stress both in vitro and in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simulation and experimental studies are carried out on single‐layer and double‐layer embedded metal meshes (SLEMM and DLEMM) to assess their performance as transparent electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. The structures consist of silver meshes embedded in polyethylene terephthalate (PET). As a transparent electrode, SLEMMs exhibit a transparency of 82.7% and a sheet resistance of 0.61 Ωsq−1 as well as 91.0% and 1.49 Ωsq−1. This performance corresponds to figures of merit of 3101 and 2620, respectively. The SLEMMs achieve 48.0 dB EMI shielding efficiency (SE) in the frequency range of 8–18 GHz (X‐ and Ku‐bands) with 91% visible transmission and 56.2 dB EMI SE with 82.7% visible transmission. Samples exhibit stable performance after 1000 bending cycles with a radius of curvature of 4 mm and 60 tape test cycles. DLEMMs consist of fabricating SLEMM on opposite sides of the substrate where the distance can be varied using a spacer. Simulations are performed to investigate how varying spacer distance between two layers of metal meshes influences the EMI SE. DLEMMs are fabricated and achieved an EMI SE of 77.7 dB with 81.7% visible transmission. SLEMMs and DLEMMs may have a wide variety of applications in aerospace, medical, and military applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) and their derivatives have been extensively employed in Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER) catalysts due to their significantly larger specific surface areas, distinct metal centers, and well‐organized porous structures. However, the microporous structure of MOFs and their derivatives presents mass transfer resistance, limiting their further development. Drawing inspiration from hierarchical structures allowing for the transport and exchange of substances in the biological world, we designed and fabricated biomimetic layered porous structures within ZIF‐67 and its derivatives. Based on this, we achieved a three‐dimensional ordered layered porous nitrogen‐doped carbon‐coated magnetic cobalt catalyst (3DOLP Co@NDC) with a biomimetic pore structure. It is found that the 3DOLP Co@NDC (352 mV @10 mA cm−1) was better than Co@NDC (391 mV @10 mA cm−1). The introduction of a three‐dimensional ordered layered porous structure is conducive to increasing the specific surface area of the material, increasing the electrochemical active area, and improving the catalytic performance of the material. The introduction of a three‐dimensional ordered layered porous structure would help to build a bionic grade pore structure. The existence of biomimetic grade pore structure can effectively reduce the mass transfer resistance, improve the material exchange efficiency, and accelerate the reaction kinetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyperus rotundus is the dry rhizome of the Cyperaceae plant Cyperus. Although there are two types of processed products in clinics, their quality differences are not clear, and the identification methods are more complex. In this study, the chemical composition of different processed products of Cyperus rotundus was characterized using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography‐quadrupole‐time of flight‐mass spectrometry and molecular network analysis, to identify the potential chemical markers and to establish a quick and simple color‐based discrimination method. Among the 65 compounds analyzed, 12 showed significant differences. Observing the color, the surface brightness (L*) of Cyperus rotundus decreased after vinegar processing, while red (a*) and yellow (b*) values increased. These color values correlated significantly with chemical compositions. Finally, a color discriminant function was established and verified for raw Cyperus rotundus and vinegar‐processing Cyperus rotundus. Based on this study, Cyperus rotundus' quality can be effectively controlled and provides a method for the comprehensive characterization of chemical components and chemical markers of other traditional Chinese medicine and processed products, as well as new ideas and methods in identification and quality evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isolated nocturnal hypertension (INH) is a special type of out‐of‐office hypertension. Its determinants and pathophysiology remain unclear. In a nested case‐control study, we intend to investigate the host, environmental, and genetic factors in relation to INH. Among 2030 outpatients screened from December 2008 till June 2015, 128 patients with INH were identified, and then 128 normotensives were matched according to sex and age. INH was an elevated nocturnal blood pressure (BP ≥120/70 mmHg) in the presence of a normal daytime BP (< 135/85 mmHg). Host factors included age, sex, body mass index, smoking and drinking, sleep time and duration, heart rate, serum lipids, and serum creatinine. Environmental cues encompassed season, ambient temperature, atmospheric pressure, humidity, and wind speed, and genetic cues 29 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 12 clock genes. Daytime and nighttime BPs averaged 124.9/80.7 and 114.5/73.7 mmHg, respectively, in the INH patients and 121.0/76.5 and 101.8/63.3 mmHg in the normotensive controls. Stepwise logistic regression analyses revealed that INH was associated with nighttime heart rate (P =.0018), sleep duration (P =.0499), and relative humidity (P =.0747). The odds ratios (95% CI) for each 10 beats/min faster nighttime heart rate and 10% lower relative humidity were 1.82 (1.25‐2.65) and 0.82 (0.67‐1.00), respectively. Irrespective of the genetic models, no significant association was observed between INH and the SNPs (P ≥.054). In conclusion, INH was associated with host and environmental factors rather than genetic markers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supported nanoparticle catalysts are widely used to remove CO pollution in automobile emission control. During vehicle use, catalysts need to experience high‐temperature environments, leading to sintering of active phase and loss of activity. Synthesizing cost‐effective catalysts with simultaneously high catalytic activity and sintering resistance is of great importance but remains challenging. In this study, we show that Cu phase supported on commercial antimony‐doped tin oxide (ATO) is relatively resistant to sintering and can operate at temperatures below 200 °C without any performance degradation after high temperature aging. Specifically, T50 (the temperature of 50 % conversion) of CO conversion over the Cu/ATO sample is maintained at 148 °C before and after high‐temperature aging treatment at 800 °C. The strong active phase‐support interactions could be used to stabilize Cu active phase by taking advantage of extra interfacial bonding stability between Cu islands and surface antimony dopants in ATO, and finally tune activity and stability of the catalysts. The Cu‐on‐ATO ensemble shows excellent resistance against sintering, with conversion efficiency remaining nearly unchanged upon high‐temperature aging at 800 °C for 2 to 10 h. In contrast, strong sintering resistance characteristic of catalysts cannot be attained by supporting Cu on undoped tin oxide (SnO2) or conventional Al2O3 due to absence of specific anchoring sites on the support oxide surfaces. Our findings open up the path in heterogeneous catalysis for the design of active and sintering‐resistant catalysts utilizing surface engineering strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: SWI/SNF‐related matrix‐associated actin‐dependent regulator of chromatin subfamily B member 1 (SMARCB1) loss is associated with a poor prognosis in chordoma, while the mechanism remains largely unclear. Here, we aim to explore the function and regulatory mechanisms of SMARCB1 in chordoma. Materials and Methods: The effect of SMARCB1 on chordoma cells was investigated in vitro and in vivo. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) sequencing was used to investigate the mechanisms of SMARCB1 in chordoma. The association between SMARCB1 and autophagy was validated by Western blot, immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy. In addition, the ATG5 expression in chordoma tissue was assessed using immunohistochemistry and correlated with patient survival. Results: SMARCB1 inhibited the malignant phenotype of chordoma cells in vitro and in vivo, supporting a tumour suppressor role of SMARCB1 in chordoma. ATG5‐mediated autophagy was identified as a potential downstream pathway of SMARCB1. Mechanistically, SMARCB1 bound directly to the ATG5 promoter and epigenetically inhibited its transcription, which decreased ATG5 expression and impaired autophagy. Additionally, autophagy inhibitor chloroquine had a potential anti‐cancer effect on chordoma cells in vitro. Moreover, high ATG5 expression was observed in recurrent chordoma patients, which independently correlated with adverse outcomes. Conclusions: Taken together, our results revealed that the SMARCB1/ATG5 axis is a promising therapeutic target for chordoma and autophagy inhibitors may be effective agents for chordoma treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the main effectors for various types of hepatic fibrosis, including Schistosome‐induced hepatic fibrosis. Multiple inflammatory cytokines/chemokines, such as transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1), activate HSCs, and contribute to the development of hepatic fibrosis. MicroRNAs regulate gene expression at the posttranscriptional level and are involved in regulation of inflammatory cytokine/chemokine synthesis. In this study, we showed that soluble egg antigen (SEA) stimulation and Schistosoma japonicum infection downregulate miR‐27b expression and increase KH‐type splicing regulatory protein (KSRP) mRNA and protein levels in vitro and in vivo. miR‐27b regulates the stabilization of TGF‐β1 mRNA through targeting KSRP by interacting with their AU‐rich elements in hepatocytes and non‐parenchymal cells, which has an effect on the activation of HSCs. Importantly, our results have shown that either knockdown miR‐27b or overexpression of KSRP attenuates S. japonicum‐induced hepatic fibrosis in vivo. Therefore, our study highlights the crucial role of miR‐27b and KSRP in the negative regulation of immune reactions in hepatocyte and non‐parenchymal cells in response to SEA stimulation and S. japonicum infection. It reveals that manipulation of miR‐27b or KSRP might be a useful strategy not only for treating Schistosome‐induced hepatic fibrosis but also for curing hepatic fibrosis in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, a novel electrocatalysts of cobalt nanoparticles embedded in N, S co‐doped carbon matrix derived by in situ reducing Co9S8 are designed and prepared successfully through two‐calcination methods, and applied for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Due to the large surface area and pore volume, richness of defects existing the carbon nanotubes, interaction of S species and N species and special direction of electron transfers between Co and S ions, the earth‐abundant and low‐cost CoSMe‐0.5‐800 presents a highly efficient ORR activity and stability. The onset potential, half‐wave potential and limiting current density of CoSMe‐0.5‐800 are 0.95 V, 0.85 V, and 4.31 mA cm−2, which are higher than that of commercial Pt/C (0.93 V, 0.83 V, 4.19 mA cm−2). More importantly, the interaction between N and S heteroatoms in system gets revealed, that S resources can help to improve the degree of N doping and raise the ratio of pyridinic N species working as the active site for ORR. With the increase of S resources, electrons that should have been transferred from cobalt to sulfur have moved in the opposite direction, which has a negative effect on ORR active performance. This work shows the potential to design advanced Co‐based N, S co‐doped catalysts with high electrochemical performance and low cost, which could be applied for fuel cells and other devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, the performance of Ti single‐stabilized 409 ferritic stainless steel and Ti–Nb dual‐stabilized 409 ferritic stainless steels with Nb contents of 0.15 and 0.3 wt% are studied to develop low‐cost ferritic stainless steel for automotive exhaust systems. The results show that the performance of dual‐stabilized 409 Ti–Nb stainless steels is superior to 409Ti stainless steel in condensed liquid corrosion resistance, high temperature strength, and high temperature fatigue resistance. The investigation of mechanisms indicates that the refinement of inclusions by Nb addition can enhance the corrosion resistance significantly, and the better high‐temperature performance, that is, strength and fatigue resistance, can also be attributed to the precipitation of NbC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chiral hyper‐structure is a family of lightweight structure with negative Poisson's ratio, which leads benefit in mechanical properties and designability. In order to further improve some mechanical properties of chiral hyper‐structures, the concept of gradient is introduced into the structure. Five groups of gradient tetra‐chiral hyper‐structure with different gradient factors are fabricated based on waterjet cutting technology, and the in‐plane quasi‐static lateral compression tests are carried out. Finite element models are developed for the in‐plane linear elastic mechanical properties and plastic deformation modes under lateral compression condition. Theoretical prediction models of elastic modulus in gradient direction and Poisson's ratio of the gradient tetra‐chiral hyper‐structure is derived based on geometric assumptions and inhomogeneous deformation mode which are verified by experiments and finite element analysis. Simultaneously, the effects of gradient factors on the deformation characteristics and mechanical behaviors of the tetra‐chiral hyper‐structure are discussed and analyzed. A kind of gradient tetra‐chiral hyper structure has been proposed, and its elastic‐plastic mechanical properties have been studied by FEA, experimental and theoretical methods. The results show that the structure has good functionality and application prospects which proves that the gradient of the chiral structure is a meaningful exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]