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Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most common subtype of NSCLC, characterized by poor prognosis and frequently diagnosed at advanced. While previous studies have demonstrated pleckstrin‐2 (PLEK2) as aberrantly expressed and implicated in tumorigenesis across various tumor types, including LUAD, the molecular mechanisms underlying PLEK2‐mediated LUAD progression remain incompletely understood. In this study, we obtained data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database to assess PLEK2 expression in LUAD, a finding further confirmed through analysis of human tissue specimens. PLEK2‐silenced LUAD cellular models were subsequently constructed to examine the functional role of PLEK2 both in vitro and in vivo. Our results showed elevated PLEK2 expression in LUAD, correlating with poor patients' prognosis. PLEK2 knockdown led to a significant suppression of LUAD cell proliferation and migration, accompanied by enhanced apoptosis. Moreover, tumor growth in mice injected with PLEK2‐silencing LUAD cells was impaired. Gene expression profiling and Co‐IP assays suggested direct interaction between PLEK2 and SPC25, with downregulation of SPC25 similarly impairing cell proliferation and migration. Additionally, we revealed phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling activation as requisite for PLEK2‐induced malignant phenotypes in LUAD. Collectively, our findings underscore PLEK2's oncogenic potential in LUAD, suggesting its utility as a prognostic indicator and therapeutic target for LUAD management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Per‐ and poly‐fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are interfacially‐active contaminants that adsorb at air‐water interfaces (AWIs). Water‐unsaturated soils have abundant AWIs, which generally consist of two types: one is associated with the pendular rings of water between soil grains (i.e., bulk AWI) and the other arises from the thin water films covering the soil grains. To date, the two types of AWIs have been treated the same when modeling PFAS retention in vadose zones. However, the presence of electrical double layers of soil grain surfaces and the subsequently modified chemical potential of PFAS at the AWI may significantly change the PFAS adsorption at the thin‐water‐film AWI relative to that at the bulk AWI. Given that thin water films contribute to over 90% of AWIs in the vadose zone under many field‐relevant wetting conditions, it is critical to quantify the potential anomalous adsorption of PFAS at the thin‐water‐film AWI. We develop a thermodynamic‐based mathematical model to quantify this anomalous adsorption. The model couples the chemical equilibrium of PFAS with the Poisson‐Boltzmann equation that governs the distribution of electrical potential in a thin water film. Our model analyses suggest that PFAS adsorption at thin‐water‐film AWI can deviate significantly (up to 82%) from that at bulk AWIs. The deviation increases for lower porewater ionic strength, thinner water film, and higher soil grain surface charge. These results highlight the importance of accounting for the anomalous adsorption of PFAS at the thin‐water‐film AWI when modeling PFAS fate and transport in the vadose zone. Key Points: We develop a thermodynamic‐based model for per‐ and poly‐fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) adsorption at the thin‐water‐film air‐water interface (AWI)PFAS adsorption at thin‐water‐film AWIs can deviate significantly (up to 82%) from that at the bulk AWIThe deviation increases for lower ionic strength, thinner water film, and higher soil grain surface charge [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A noncomplete graph G $G$ of diameter d $d$ is called an antipodal r $r$‐cover if its vertex set can be partitioned into the subsets (also called fibres) V1,V2,...,Vm ${V}_{1},{V}_{2},\ldots ,{V}_{m}$ of r $r$ vertices each, in such a way that two vertices of G $G$ are at distance d $d$ if and only if they belong to the same fibre. We say that G $G$ is symmetric if for every u∈Vi,v∈Vj $u\in {V}_{i},v\in {V}_{j}$, there exist u′∈Vi $u^{\prime} \in {V}_{i}$ such that d(u,u′)=d(u,v)+d(v,u′) $d(u,u^{\prime})=d(u,v)+d(v,u^{\prime})$, where 1≤i≠j≤m $1\le i\ne j\le m$. In this paper, we prove that, for r≥2 $r\ge 2$, an antipodal r $r$‐cover which is not a cycle, has at least r3d2 $r\unicode{x0230A}\frac{3d}{2}\unicode{x0230B}$ vertices provided d≥3 $d\ge 3$, and at least 2r(d−1) $2r(d-1)$ vertices provided it is symmetric. Our results extend those of Göbel and Veldman. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The drug‐resistant bacterial‐infected skin wound is still a severe healthcare problem. Uncontrolled bacterial infection, abundant reactive oxygen species (ROS) content, and prolonged inflammatory response are detrimental to wound healing. Moreover, excessive vessel growth can result in unsatisfactory scar formation. Herein, a three‐step regenerative strategy based on a bilayered gelatin/acryloyl β‐cyclodextrin (BGACD) hydrogel containing physical host–guest complexations and chemical crosslinks is proposed. The hydrogel is loaded with humic acids (HAs) and astragaloside IV (AS) in the lower layer and verteporfin (Vt) in the upper layer. Different gelatin/acryloyl β‐cyclodextrin ratios endow the lower and upper layers of the hydrogel with different degradation rates. Under light irradiation, the combination of HAs‐induced photothermal therapy (PTT) and verteporfin‐induced photodynamic therapy effectively inhibits MRSA growth. The HAs and astragaloside IV are released from the lower layer to scavenge ROS and promote M2 macrophage polarization and angiogenesis during the inflammation and early proliferation phases, while verteporfin releases from the upper layer suppress excessive vessel growth during the late proliferation and remodeling phases. The HAs‐AS@Vt@BGACD hydrogel successfully achieves rapid and scarless wound healing in an MRSA‐infected wound model in rats. Therefore, the HAs‐AS@Vt@BGACD hydrogel shows promising potential for the treatment of drug‐resistant bacteria‐infected skin wound healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When live streamers sell products to consumers on live streaming platforms, their abilities and service efforts are private, and thus, the issues of identifying their true abilities, motivating them to use appropriate service efforts, and providing a mechanism to allocate profits remain to be resolved for live streaming platforms. Adopting a principal–agent model, we investigate the optimal contract design between a live streaming platform and live streamers. In addition, we study the impacts of the price and service competition between live streamers and the platform's corporate social responsibility on the optimal contract design. The results show that high commission rates and low signing bonuses are not always beneficial to platforms, and the optimal contract design to identify the types of live streamers can make it more profitable. In addition, the utility‐maximizing platform always sets lower commission rates and signing bonuses compared with the profit‐maximizing platform. Regardless of the platform's goal, total profits and commission rates are higher under competition compared with no competition. For the government, policies and subsidies should be provided, such as regulating commission rates by setting a limited range and increasing subsidies for the marginal costs of live streaming platforms, which can effectively motivate live streaming platforms to enhance corporate social responsibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phellodendron has always been of great significance in promoting human health and ecological restoration. However, human activities and climate change have severely affected habitat, population dynamics and sustainable use of Phellodendron. Little is known about the geographical distribution pattern and their responses to climate change of Phellodendron. In order to reveal the impact of climate change on Phellodendron, we conducted a study based on natural distribution data of two species (297 occurrence points), 20 environmental factors, and an optimized MaxEnt model. Our results identified the main environmental factors influencing Phellodendron, predicted their potential geographical distribution, and assessed migration trends under climate change in China. Our analysis showed that Ph. amurense and Ph. chinense have potential suitable habitats of 62.89 × 104 and 70.71 × 104 km2, respectively. Temperature and precipitation were found to play an essential role in shaping the present geographical distribution of Phellodendron populations. Based on two future climate scenarios, we forecasted that the potential suitable habitat of Ph. amurense would decrease by 12.52% (SSP245) and increase by 25.28% (SSP585), while Ph. chinense would decline by 19.61% (SSP245) and 15.78% (SSP585) in the late‐21st century. The potential suitable habitats of Ph. amurense and Ph. chinense would shift to northward and westward, respectively. Hydrothermal change was found to be the primary driver of the suitable habitat of Phellodendron populations in the future. We recommend establishing nature reserves for existing Phellodendron populations, especially Ph. chinense. Our study provided a practical framework for the impact of climate change on the suitable habitat of Phellodendron species and guided regional cultivation, long‐term conservation, and sustainable use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Irrigation & Drainage is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

With large‐scale wind farms connected to AC/DC network, the transient stability assessment (TSA) of the power system becomes more and more difficult. Among them, estimating the region of attraction (ROA) of the equilibrium point is a traditional but still challenging problem. Based on the Lyapunov stability theory, this paper proposes a new approach to obtain the enlarged estimation of the ROA. The optimization and updating strategy of shape function in the sum of squares (SOS) optimization problem are studied to reduce the conservatism of estimation result. In the proposed method, the gravitational search algorithm (GSA) is employed to optimize the coefficients of initial shape function to improve estimation performance. Based on the time‐domain simulation (TDS) of expected faults, the fitness value for shape function optimization is calculated using the values of state variables at the fault clearing time and the system stability information. Furthermore, the optimal Lyapunov function is computed by introducing the update condition of shape function and adjusting the iteration strategy of the ROA estimation algorithm. Finally, the proposed method is applied to a two‐machine‐infinite‐bus system and a more complex nine‐bus AC/DC system with wind power. And the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by comparing with the existing ROA estimation methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Irrigation & Drainage is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Machine learning methods have achieved outstanding results in the fault detection of industrial processes when the training and test data follow the same distribution or originate from the same situation. However, the pre‐trained detection model fails when the operation status changes or unknown fault occurs during the actual production. Therefore, this paper proposes a novel bilayer convolutional transfer learning neural network (BCTLNN) to improve the generalization of detection model. BCTLNN is a bilayer network (local and global level) in order to extract the fault features. Transfer learning strategies (fine‐tuning and domain adaptation) are introduced to learn the domain invariant features by minimizing the divergence between different domain data. Experiments on the benchmark bearing data and the agglomeration fault data from an actual polyethylene process are employed to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HONO concentrations in Beijing (BJ) and Sanmenxia (SMX) were simultaneously measured in winter with a duration of 1 month, and the sources and sinks of HONO in the two cities were comparably analyzed. BJ and SMX had different pollution characteristics. Direct vehicle emission made a contribution to observed HONO of about 28% in BJ, whereas it contributed to HONO only about 12% in SMX. Additionally, direct emission from coal combustion in SMX also made a significant contribution to atmospheric HONO, which could achieve to be 13%. In BJ, nighttime NO2 conversion on the aerosol and ground surfaces contributed to HONO sources of 15% and 27%, respectively. In SMX, nighttime NO2 conversion on the aerosol and ground surfaces contributed to HONO sources of 40% and 30%, respectively. Daytime NO2 heterogeneous conversion (including photo‐enhanced conversion) on the aerosol and ground surfaces was important in SMX. Daytime NO3− photolysis contributed 9% HONO in SMX and 4% in BJ. The primary OH production rates from photolysis of daytime HONO in both BJ and SMX were three orders of magnitude faster than those from photolysis of O3, revealing the dominant role of HONO in local atmospheric chemistry of the two cities in winter. Plain Language Summary: Gaseous nitrous acid (HONO), an important source of OH in polluted regions within the boundary layer, remains ambiguous on its formation mechanisms. Here, we chose two sites, Beijing (BJ, a city in the North China Plain) and Sanmenxia (SMX, a city in the Fenwei Plain) in China, for simultaneous measurement. In BJ and SMX, HONO sources mainly came from vehicle emission, homogeneous reaction, and NO2 heterogeneous conversion. Homogeneous reaction was an important HONO source during daytime at two sites. Direct vehicle emission contributed more to observed HONO in BJ than that in SMX. Besides, direct emission from coal combustion in SMX also significantly contributed to atmospheric HONO while BJ was not. In SMX, higher RH and PM2.5 can increase the NO2 uptake coefficient on the aerosol surface. Heterogeneous formation of HONO was more important on the aerosol surface than on the ground surface in SMX while BJ was on the contrary. The primary OH production rates from photolysis of daytime HONO in both BJ and SMX were higher than those from photolysis of O3. Key Points: Simultaneous measurement was carried out in Beijing and Sanmenxia with detailed observation dataThe most important HONO source was homogeneous reaction in the daytime and NO2 heterogeneous reactions in the nighttime at two sitesHONO from coal combustion and NO2 heterogeneous reaction on the aerosol surface was important in Sanmenxia [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: DNA polymerase β is one of the key enzymes involved in DNA damage repair and its proper expression is strictly controlled within different cells. We previously reported that three genetic mutations in the promoter region of the polb gene are prevalent in the Chinese Han population and two types of mutation are associated with thymic hyperplasia. The purpose of this study was to explore whether other mutated sites exist within the promoter region of the polb gene. Methods: Genomic DNAs of 421 healthy Chinese Han individuals were extracted from whole blood samples and used for gene amplification of the promoter region of the polb gene. After gel purification, PCR amplicons were sequenced by the Sanger sequencing method and used for sequence alignment with the Lasergene program. PCR products with novel mutations were then subcloned into luciferase reporter plasmid pGL4.10 and transfected into 293T cells for dual‐luciferase activity analysis. Results: In total, 11 mutated sites were detected in the Chinese Han population and eight of these were reported for the first time. Using a dual luciferase reporter system, it was found that one novel mutation −142 C > G could decrease the transcription activity of the polb gene, whereas two novel mutations, −152_−151insC and −218 C > G, could significantly increase the transcription activity of the polb gene. Conclusions: High polymorphic sites could be found in the promoter region of polb gene and approximately half of them could influence its transcription activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work proposes a nonsingular adaptive fixed‐time switching control method for a class of strict‐feedback nonlinear dynamics subject to full state constraints. The peculiarity of this design lies in overcoming the singularity issue that typically appears in the existing backstepping‐based fixed‐time control methods caused by the iterative differentiation of fractional power terms as tracking errors approach to zero, while guaranteeing the nonviolation of full state constraints. Crucial in solving such singularity issue is to skillfully introduce a smooth switching between fractional power and integer power terms, which guarantees that fractional power term is confined within a positive interval all the time. An asymmetric time‐varying barrier Lyapunov function is delicately incorporated into control design, rendering state variables to be within prescribed time‐varying bounds. Besides, radial basis function neural network is employed to handle system unknown nonlinearities. It is rigorously proved that all the closed‐loop signals eventually converge to small regions around origin within fixed‐time. Comparative simulation results are finally given to validate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed control strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Wiedemann–Steiner syndrome (WSS) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by short stature, hypertrichosis, intellectual disability, developmental delay, along with facial dysmorphism. WSS patients exhibit great phenotypic heterogeneities. Some variants in KMT2A (MLL) gene have been identified as the cause of WSS. Methods: Whole exome sequencing on the probands followed by Sanger sequencing validations in the family were applied to determine genetic variants. In silico analyses were used for predicting potential effects of the variants. Results: We identified three novel de novo heterozygous variants: c.883A>T (p.Lys295*), c.4171C>T (p.Gln1391*), and c.3499T>C (p.Cys1167Arg), in KMT2A gene from three unrelated Chinese WSS patients. According to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines, these three variants were classified as pathogenic, pathogenic and likely pathogenic variant, respectively. By reviewing all the available cases with same mutated KMT2A regions as the three patients had, we found that in addition to the representative symptoms, our patients exhibited some sporadically observed symptoms, such as severe ophthalmological symptoms, endocardial fibroelastosis, cytomegalovirus infection, and feet eversion. We also revealed that variants in different KMT2A regions contribute to the phenotypic heterogeneity of WSS, highlighting challenges in the diagnosis of syndromic disorders spanning a broad phenotypic spectrum. Conclusion: Our study would aid in further broadening our knowledge about the genotype–phenotype correlation of WSS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil properties and plants influence soil microbial community diversity, and their role in nutrient cycling could influence plant productivity; however, it is not clear the relationships between soil bacterial communities, soil moisture, and nitrogen (N) content, and whether these associations influence plant productivity. In this study, we investigated how the soil microbial community affects root zone productivity in winter wheat. We also verified whether productivity can be improved by water adjustment and N management in drip irrigation field experiments (I0, natural condition; I1, jointing to heading stage S1 55%–80%θf, field capacity, anthesis to mature stage S2 70%–80%θf; I2, S1 55%–90%θf, S2 70%–90%θf; and I3, S1 55%–100%θf, S2 70%–100%θf) and under different N application rates (N0, N1, N2, and N3 represent 0, 150, 200, and 250 kg N ha−1). Soil moisture and N application rate significantly influenced water use efficiency (WUE), N use efficiency (NUE), yield, and soil bacterial abundance and diversity in the wheat root zone. N application decreased the richness indices in un‐irrigated soils (I0), whereas it initially increased, and then decreased the indices in irrigated soils (I1, I2, and I3). The primary factor influencing the dominant bacterial taxa was soil moisture content (SMC), followed by root length density (RLD). The root system and soil bacterial diversity strong influenced wheat yield. The I1N1 treatment resulted in the highest root weight density (RWD), WUE, and NUE, and thus increased wheat yield; furthermore, it had the least influence on the diversity of soil bacteria. Our work suggests that the response of bacterial communities to soil moisture and nitrogen content largely regulates crop production in agro‐ecosystems, and that regulating soil moisture and nitrogen fertilizer use may provide a sustainable solution for maintaining farmland productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Hypertensive vascular remodelling is responsible for end‐organ damage and is the result of increased extracellular matrix accumulation and excessive vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation. MicroRNA‐26a (miR‐26a), a non‐coding small RNA, is involved in several cardiovascular diseases. We aimed to validate the effect and mechanisms of miR‐26a in hypertensive vascular remodelling. Experimental Approach Male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) were injected intravenously with recombinant adeno‐associated virus‐miR‐26a. Samples of thoracic aorta were examined histologically with H&E staining. In vitro, angiotensin II (AngII)‐induced VSMCs cultured from thoracic aortae of female Sprague‐Dawley rats, were transfected with miR‐26a mimic or inhibitor. Western blots, qRT‐PCR and immunohistological methods were used, along with chromatin‐immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assays. Specific siRNAs were used to silence Smad production in VSMCs Key Results: Levels of miR‐26a were lower in the thoracic aorta and plasma of SHRs than in WKY rats. Overexpression of miR‐26a inhibited extracellular matrix deposition by targeting connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and decreased VSMC proliferation by regulating the enhancer of zeste homologue 2 (EZH2)/p21 pathway both in vitro and in vivo. AngII‐mediated Smad3 activation suppressed miR‐26a expression, which in turn promoted Smad3 activation via targeted regulation of Smad4, leading to further down‐regulation of miR‐26a. Conclusion and Implications: Our data show that AngII stimulated a Smads/miR‐26a positive feedback loop, which further reduced expression of miR‐26a, leading to collagen production and VSMC proliferation and consequently vascular remodelling. MiR‐26a has an antagonistic effect on hypertensive vascular remodelling and can be a strategy for treating hypertensive vascular remodelling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The self‐imaging effect based on Airy beams with quadratic phase modulation (QPM) in 1 + 1 and 2 + 1 dimensions is studied both numerically and analytically. It is demonstrated that, in spite of spatial spectral shape being kept invariant, both the intensity pattern and the accelerating trajectory of this self‐imaging effect depend considerably on the QPM. When the QPM parameter is negative, the self‐imaging accelerating wave exhibits deceleration and then acceleration, and the self‐imaging scope can be expanded. In the opposite case, the self‐imaging extent would be narrowed and the self‐imaging accelerating wave will only accelerate during propagation. Numerical simulations agree with the theoretical results very well. This study shows the possibility of controlling the self‐imaging effect based on 1D and circular Airy beams, by purposely choosing appropriate QPM parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design of high‐efficiency and cost‐effective electrocatalysts is one of the most crucial factors for facilitating the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Therefore, we prepared CoxFe1‐xOOH with coral‐like nanonet arrays on carbon cloth (CC) as high‐performance OER catalysts by a facile hydrothermal method. The resulting CoxFe1‐xOOH was characterized by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectrometry. When serving as a catalyst electrode in the OER, Co0.875Fe0.125OOH/CC exhibits excellent catalytic activity. Co0.875Fe0.125OOH/CC has a low overpotential of 300 mV at a current density of 20 mA cm−2 (150 mV less than that of FeOOH/CC) and a small Tafel slope of 83 mV dec−1 in 1.0 M KOH in OER. Moreover, it also has a superior electrochemical durability for more than 50 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epigenetic dysregulation plays an important role in cancer. Histone demethylation is a well‐known mechanism of epigenetic regulation that promotes or inhibits tumourigenesis in various malignant tumours. However, the pathogenic role of histone demethylation modifiers in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), which has a high incidence of early lymphatic metastasis, is largely unknown. Here, we detected the expression of common histone demethylation modifiers and found that the histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4) and H3 lysine 9 (H3K9) demethylase KDM1A (or lysine demethylase 1A) is frequently overexpressed in PTC tissues and cell lines. High KDM1A expression correlated positively with age <55 years and lymph node metastasis in patients with PTC. Moreover, KDM1A was required for PTC cell migration and invasion. KDM1A knockdown inhibited the migration and invasive abilities of PTC cells both in vitro and in vivo. We also identified tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP1) as a key KDM1A target gene. KDM1A activated matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) through epigenetic repression of TIMP1 expression by demethylating H3K4me2 at the TIMP1 promoter region. Rescue experiments clarified these findings. Altogether, we have uncovered a new mechanism of KDM1A repression of TIMP1 in PTC and suggest that KDM1A may be a promising therapeutic target in PTC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the interconnection of large power networks, transient voltage stability of AC/DC power systems has been paid more attention in recent years. To investigate main influence of generating facility, high-voltage direct current (HVDC) and motor load for transient voltage stability, from the perspective of the generalised branch potential energy, the new indexes, and analysis method is proposed here. First, an energy function for AC/DC system is constructed with major dynamic components, namely classical HVDC control systems and motors in third-order model. Accordingly, the influence effects of the above major dynamic elements are investigated based on indexes from the corresponding generalised branch potential energy. With the rule of change in transient potential energy distribution in the network and information in stability margins, an evaluating procedure is established. Here, the judgment of transient voltage stability employs a heuristic energy function method. Finally, simulation tests on three-machine system with a HVDC transmission line are conducted in PSAT package, and the obtained results demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of residual stress on the stress corrosion cracking (SCC) behaviors of Z3CN20.09M, 304L and 316L austenitic stainless steels (SSs) in boiling magnesium chloride solution were investigated by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The residual stress of surface and the hardness tested on the cross section of specimens induced by milling operation was decreased with increasing annealing temperature. The crack densities were also decreased with increasing annealing temperature of the specimens, and the SCC did not occur after annealed at 600 °C for 3 h except 316L SS when tested in boiling magnesium chloride solution. Crack initiation mechanism related to the damaged effect on grain boundary during milling operation was analyzed. The double loop electrochemical potentiokinetic reactivation (DL‐EPR) tests indicated that the effect of annealing treatment up to 600 °C on intergranular (IG) corrosion susceptibility of 304L and 316L SSs was minor, while it remarkably increased of the Z3CN20.09M SS. The crack densities decreased with increasing the annealing temperature of the milled Z3CN20.09M, 304L and 316L stainless steels (SS). The crack initiation was not obvious decreased of specimens after annealed at 300 °C, while there was no crack initiated for specimens after annealed at 600 °C except 316L SS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives This study was to investigate the effect and mechanism of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound ( LIPUS) on the proliferation of human amnion-derived mesenchymal stem cells ( hAD- MSCs). Methods Human amnion-derived mesenchymal stem cells were isolated from the amnion of term placentas and identified by flow cytometry and differentiation culture. Proliferation of hAD- MSCs was investigated by Cell Counting Kit-8, cell cycle and EdU assays. Western blotting was used to determine the protein expression levels. Results Human amnion-derived mesenchymal stem cells were successfully isolated from the amnion and identified as multipotent mesenchymal stem cells. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound promoted the proliferation of hAD- MSCs. Cell cycle analysis showed that LIPUS promoted cells to enter S and G2/M phases from G0/G1 phase. Western blot results showed that LIPUS promoted the phosphorylation and activation of ERK1/2 and Akt and significantly upregulated expression of cyclin D1, cyclin E1, cyclin A2 and cyclin B1. ERK1/2 inhibitor (U0126) and PI3K inhibitor ( LY294002) significantly reduced LIPUS-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and Akt, respectively, which in turn reduced the LIPUS-induced proliferation of hAD-MSCs. Conclusions Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound can promote the proliferation of hAD- MSCs, and ERK1/2 and PI3K-Akt signalling pathways may play important roles in this process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intervention strategies in familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) patients and other high-risk colorectal cancer (CRC) populations have highlighted a critical need for endoscopy combined with safe and effective preventive agents. We performed transcriptome profiling of colorectal adenomas from FAP patients and the polyposis in rat colon (Pirc) preclinical model, and prioritized molecular targets for prevention studies in vivo. At clinically relevant doses in the Pirc model, the drug Clotam (tolfenamic acid, TA) was highly effective at suppressing tumorigenesis both in the colon and in the small intestine, when administered alone or in combination with Sulindac. Cell proliferation in the colonic crypts was reduced significantly by TA, coincident with increased cleaved caspase-3 and decreased Survivin, β-catenin, cyclin D1 and matrix metalloproteinase 7. From the list of differentially expressed genes prioritized by transcriptome profiling, Mmp7, S100a9, Nppb and Aldh1a3 were defined as key oncogene candidates downregulated in colon tumors after TA treatment. Monthly colonoscopies revealed the rapid onset of tumor suppression by TA in the Pirc model, and the temporal changes in Mmp7, S100a9, Nppb and Aldh1a3, highlighting their value as potential early biomarkers for prevention in the clinical setting. We conclude that TA, an 'old drug' repurposed from migraine, offers an exciting new therapeutic avenue in FAP and other high-risk CRC patient populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background We performed a retrospective analysis to evaluate whether a postoperative chemotherapy selection method based on four tumoral gene expression tests would improve prognosis in patients with stage IIIA non-small cell lung cancer ( NSCLC) after surgery. Methods Between January 2007 and July 2011, 148 patients with stage IIIA NSCLC underwent radical lobectomy with four cycles of adjuvant postoperative chemotherapy. Forty-five patients had tailored treatment plans based on the results of tumoral gene expression tests. The tests consisted of quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analyses to measure the messenger ribonucleic acid levels of the excision repair cross-complementing gene 1, ribonucleotide reductase Ml, type III β-tubulin, and thymidylate synthase genes in tumor tissues. One hundred and three patients received conventional chemotherapy. Disease responses were assessed after two cycles and every three months after the first four cycles of chemotherapy. The one and two-year survival rates and diesease-free survival ( DFS) rates were recorded, and the adverse effects documented. Results The one and two-year DFS rates in the genetically tested group were better than those in the non-tested group, and the differences were statistically significant ( P < 0.05). The two-year Kaplan- Meier DFS curve analysis results were significantly better in the genetically tested group ( X2 = 8.228, P = 0.004). The adverse effects during the treatments were not significantly different ( P > 0.05) between the two groups. Conclusions The chemotherapy selection method based on four tumoral gene expression tests demonstrated its feasibility to improve the efficacy of adjuvant postoperative chemotherapy and benefit stage IIIA NSCLC patients by yielding better DFS without increasing the adverse effects of chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two coordination polymers, Zn7O(cpda)3(OH)3 ( 1) and [Tb(H2cpda)(Hcpda)(H2O)] ·(H2O) ( 2) (H3cpda = 5-(4-carboxyphenyl)-2, 6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid), were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, FTIR spectroscopy, TGA, PXRD, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complex 1 has a 3D framework structure with high thermal stability and complex 2 exhibits 1D chain structure. Luminescent measurements indicate that complex 1 shows strong ligand-to-metal charge transfer (LMCT) luminescence, while complex 2 exhibits the characteristic emission of Tb3+ ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[B4O5(OH)42−] is a representative borate anion with a double six‐membered ring structure, but there is limited knowledge about the hydrolysis mechanisms of [B4O5(OH)42−]. Density functional theory‐based calculations show that the tetraborate ion undergoes three‐step hydrolysis to form [B(OH)4−] and an ring intermediate, [B3O2(OH)6−]. Other new structures, such as linear trimer, branched tetraborate, analogous linear tetraborate, are observed, but they are not stable in neutral systems and change to ring structures. [B3O2(OH)6−] hydrolyzes to [B(OH)4−] and [B(OH)3] in the last two steps. The structure of borate anion and the coordination environment of the bridge oxygen atom control the hydrolysis process. [B4O5(OH)42−] always participates in the hydrolysis reaction, even with a decrease in concentration. [B3O3(OH)4−], [B(OH)4−], and [B(OH)3] have different roles in "water‐poor" and "water‐rich" zones. Concentration and pH of solution are the key factors that affect the distribution of borate ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Acute type A aortic dissection involving the aortic sinus is often combined with varying degrees of aortic regurgitation, while the structure of the aortic valve is often undamaged. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical effects of reconstruction of the aortic sinus using patches in patients with acute type A aortic dissection., Methods: From January 2016 to December 2019, 52 patients with acute type A aortic dissection involving the aortic sinus were treated with aortic sinus reconstruction using pericardial or artificial vascular patches. The clinical and follow-up data were summarized., Results: Bovine pericardial patches were used in 31 cases and artificial vascular patches were used in 21 cases for aortic sinus reconstruction. Cardiopulmonary bypass time was (250.4 ± 65.7) min, aortic cross clamp time was (143.7 ± 42.3) min, and hypothermic circulatory arrest time was (9.6 ± 8.1) min. Three patients died in hospital, with a mortality rate of 5.8%. Fifteen patients (28.8%) had mild postoperative aortic regurgitation. The follow-up duration was 40 ± 12 (range, 21-66) months. Five patients (10.2%) developed moderate to severe aortic regurgitation and 3 (6.1%) died during the follow-up period., Conclusions: The application of patches for aortic sinus reconstruction is a relatively easy method in aortic valve-sparing root reconstruction for acute type A aortic dissection involving the aortic sinus. The clinical and follow-up results are favorable., (© 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Objectives: The frozen elephant trunk (FET) technique has become an important tool in the treatment of acute type A aortic dissection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of long FET on spinal cord injury (SCI) and distal aortic remodeling after acute type A aortic dissection based on clinical and radiological outcomes., Methods: From January 2018 to November 2019, 158 patients (mean age 51.8 years [range: 32-78 years], 88.6% male) with acute type A aortic dissection were treated by FET with 100 mm (n = 113) or 150 mm (n = 45) open hybrid stent graft prosthesis. Patients were divided into two groups according to the length of FET. The clinical and radiological outcomes of the patients were reviewed retrospectively., Results: Postoperative outcomes did not differ significantly: in-hospital mortality (9.7% vs. 6.7%, p = .758) and SCI (5.3% vs. 2.2%, p = .674). Aortic remodeling, which was evaluated by aortic diameter, true lumen diameter, false lumen (FL) diameter and the rate of FL complete thrombosis, was more positive in long FET group in the descending thoracic aorta during the follow-up period. At the abdominal level, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups., Conclusions: The long version of FET does not increase the risk of SCI in patients with acute type A aortic dissection. The application of long FET can achieve better results in terms of remodeling of the thoracic aorta in the short- and medium-term follow-up., (© 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background Hypertensive myocardial fibrosis (MF) is characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix and cardiac fibroblast proliferation, which can lead to heart failure, malignant arrhythmia, and sudden death. In recent years, with the deepening of research, microRNAs have been found to have an important role in blood pressure control and maintaining normal ventricular structure and function. Methods and Results In this study, we first documented the downregulation of microRNA-26a (miR-26a) in the plasma and myocardium of spontaneously hypertensive rats; more importantly, miR-26a-deficient mice showed MF, whereas overexpression of miR-26a significantly prevented elevated blood pressure and inhibited MF in vivo and angiotensin II-induced fibrogenesis in cardiac fibroblasts by directly targeting connective tissue growth factor and Smad4. miR-26a inhibited cardiac fibroblast proliferation by the enhancer of zeste homolog 2/p21 pathway. Conclusions Our study identified a novel role for miR-26a in blood pressure control and hypertensive MF and provides a possible treatment strategy for miR-26a to alleviate and reverse hypertensive MF.