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Purpose: Gastric cancer (GC) remains a prevalent aggressive tumor with high morbidity and mortality globally. The identification of GC subtypes based on molecular features improved the prediction of prognosis and the selection of targeted therapies. PTEN is a characteristic tumor suppressor, while its association with different GC subtypes was unknown. Patients and Methods: The cohort consisted of 248 patients diagnosed with gastric cancer who were hospitalized and received radical gastrectomy. In addition, PTEN gene expression matrix of STAD was retrieved from TCGA. The mRNA and protein levels of PTEN and PD-L1 were detected using qRT-PCR and IHC staining. Multivariate logistic regression and Kaplan–Meier analysis were used to examine the relationship between PTEN expression and clinical characteristics. Results: In our study, PTEN was downregulated in gastric tumors both in mRNA and protein levels. Its inactivation was closely linked to higher histological grade (P = 0.005), neural invasion (P = 0.012), depth of invasion (P = 0.021), lymph metastasis (P = 0.026), and TNM stage (P = 0.001) of GC in the present study. Moreover, according to the molecular subtypes, high PTEN expression was related to high TPS score of PD-L1 positively (P = 0.010) but was not associated with MSI and EBV infection. Further, TCGA data validated that PTEN was indeed correlated with histological grade and invasion depth and positively related to PD-L1 expression (R = 0.29, adjusted P < 0.001). Conclusion: The above results suggested that PTEN expression was a useful marker in gastric carcinogenesis and progression and in the selection of immunotherapy-based treatments for GC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article proposes a mesh-based magneto-electric coupling network model for prediction and reduction of permanent magnet (PM) eddy current loss in a flux-switching permanent magnet machine. The key is to couple the electromagnetic inductions between the eddy current network and the equivalent magnetic network (EMN) in stator PMs dynamically. First, the eddy current networks of PMs are established with electric meshes. The electromotive forces of electric mesh are induced by considering double-side effects based on Maxwell's equations. Second, the stator meshing method is propose with PM segments, and combined in the EMN matching to the eddy current mesh. High efficiency and accuracy with detailed magnetic field distributions can be obtained. Then, the magnetic fields generated from EMN PM nodes are coupled in eddy current network to accurately predict the flow directions and density distributions. Finally, the original design and two other structures with rotor magnetic barriers are analyzed for reduction of eddy current losses. The effectiveness of the proposed model is verified by finite-element analyses and experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article proposes a novel parametric equivalent magnetic network (EMN) modeling approach for multiobjective optimization of a surface-mounted permanent magnet (SPM) machine. The key is to apply variable meshes under adjustable topology to establish parametric EMN model. First, a novel adjustable cross-shape mesh method with variable sizes and regular permeance is proposed, which can flexibly vary with parameters. The meshes are combined in EMN model to simultaneously achieve high accuracy, high computing efficiency, and structural parameterization. Second, comprehensive sensitivity analyses are utilized to separate variable EMN parameters with the parametric feature. Significant variables are employed in multiobjective differential evolution algorithm with response surface models. Then, the optimal parameters are balanced and determined from Pareto front with improved torque performance. Finally, a prototype is manufactured, and the effectiveness of the proposed EMN-based optimization design method is verified by finite-element analysis and experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, a new equivalent thermal network (ETN) model for surface-mounted permanent magnet machines is proposed by applying a mesh-based method with bidirectional coupled winding solution. The key is to couple the winding temperature distributions with thermal network meshes in stator dynamically. First, the meshing method is proposed and combined in the lumped parameter thermal model to obtain temperature distributions instead of the average temperature. The mesh elements have identical shapes and unified thermal conductivity, which can greatly enhance the modeling flexibility and efficiency. Second, the slot winding is established by a 2-D analytical solution method under segmented boundaries with a temperature gradient. Then, the winding solution is coupled with mesh nodes and integrated in the ETN model to accurately predict the temperature distributions in slot including the maximum temperature and position offset. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed ETN model is verified by comparison with the finite-element analysis and experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a new equivalent magnetic network (EMN) model for vehicular dual-permanent-magnet vernier (DPMV) machines by applying a generalized modeling method. First, the magnetic circuit method and the meshing method are combined together to improve the modeling efficiency of the DPMV machine. The magnetic circuit method is used to generate conventional lumped parameter permeances to shorten time consumption, whereas the mesh method is utilized in disordered magnetic fields to obtain high precision. Second, a meshing solution for oblique region is proposed to enhance modeling flexibility. Moreover, the flux distributions in meshes are represented without magnetic field pre-delineation, which enables its utilization as a self-adaptive reluctance network model in design optimization. Finally, the proposed EMN model is used to predict the performance of the DPMV machine, considering leakage magnetic flux, local iron saturation, and magnetic field modulation effect simultaneously. Meanwhile, the effectiveness of the proposed EMN model is verified by comparison with finite-element analysis and experimental tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The natural phenolic substance, 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid (GRA), has shown enormous potential in the chemoprevention of cancers with rich resources and biological safety, but the GRA-regulated genetic and epigenetic profiles are unclear. Deregulated mitochondrial cellular energetics supporting higher adenosine triphosphate provisions relative to the uncontrolled proliferation of cancer cells is a cancer hallmark. The Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) signaling pathway has emerged as a key molecular component in gastric cancer (GC) cell proliferation and epithelial homeostasis. However, whether TLR2 influenced GC cell energy metabolism and whether the inhibition effects of GRA on GC relied on TLR2 signaling were not illustrated. In the present study, TLR2 mRNA and protein expression levels were elevated in gastric tumors in the K19-Wnt1/C2mE (Gan) mice model, GC cell lines and human GCs, and the overexpression of TLR2 was correlated with the high histological grade and was a poor prognostic factor in GC patients. Further gain and loss of function showed that TLR2 activation induced GC cell proliferation and promoted reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, Ca2+ accumulation, oxidative phosphorylation and the electron transport chain, while blocking TLR2 inhibited mitochondrial function and energy metabolism. Furthermore, GRA pretreatment inhibited TLR2-activated GC cell proliferation, energy metabolism and carcinogenesis. In addition, expression of TLR2 was found to be downregulated by GRA through methylation regulation. Collectively, the results demonstrated that GRA inhibited gastric tumorigenesis through TLR2-accelerated energy metabolism, suggesting GRA as a promising therapeutic agency targeting TLR2 signaling in GC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to their advantages of high efficiency, high power density, and strong fault-tolerance ability, fractional-slot concentrated-winding permanent-magnet (FSCW-PM) machines are of particular interest in the applications such as wind power generation and electric vehicles. However, FSCW-PM machines suffer from rich winding magnetomotive force (MMF) space harmonics by the armature reaction field, which may increase eddy current loss. In this paper, a new low harmonic FSCWPM machine is designed, which can reduce some space harmonics of low order in the air-gap flux density. A new magnetic equivalent circuit (MEC) model is developed to analyze the designed PM machine, which offers less computation time and more calculation accuracy. Finally, a prototype machine is built and the measured results verify the theoretical analysis and the developed MEC model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

4-vinyl-2, 6-dimethoxyphenol (canolol) is an antioxidant phenolic compound extracted from crude canola oil. In current research, K19-C2mE transgenic mice, developing hyperplastic tumors spontaneously in the glandular stomach, were used to study the mechanisms involved in the anti-inflammation and anti-tumor effects of canolol. Tg mice receiving canolol diet had a reduced tumor incidence, to 41.2%, compared with Non-treatment Tg mice, 77.8% of which had gastric tumor (P=0.002). Besides that, the mean tumor diameter was decreased from 6.5mm to 4.5mm (P<0.001) after canolol administration. COX-2/PGE2 pathway is known to play pivotal role in inflammation-induced gastric tumorigenesis. The neutrophils and lymphocytes infiltration was suppressed significantly, and the mRNA levels of the proinflammatory cytokines COX-2, IL-1β and IL-12b were also downregulated in gastric mucosa. Additionally, immunohistochemical analysis showed that COX-2, EP2, Gαs and β-catenin, key factors involving in PGE2 signal transduction, were positive staining with higher H scores in Non-treatment Tg mice, while the expressions were suppressed significantly by 0.1% canolol (P<0.001). In addition, tumor-suppressor miR-7 was reactivated after canolol administration, and COX-2 was showed to be a functional target of miR-7 to suppress the tumor progression. In conclusion, canolol could inhibit the gastritis-related tumor initiation and progression, and the suppression effect was correlated with the blocking up of canonical COX-2/PGE2 signaling pathway and might be regulated by miR-7. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity is a widespread environmental problem limiting productivity and growth of plants. Halophytes which can adapt and resist certain salt stress have various mechanisms to defend the higher salinity and alkalinity, and epigenetic mechanisms especially DNA methylation may play important roles in plant adaptability and plasticity. In this study, we aimed to investigate the different influences of various single salts (NaCl, Na2SO4, NaHCO3, Na2CO3) and their mixed salts on halophyte Chloris. virgata from the DNA methylation prospective, and discover the underlying relationships between specific DNA methylation variations and specific cations/anions through the methylation-sensitive amplification polymorphism analysis. The results showed that the effects on DNA methylation variations of single salts were ranked as follows: Na2CO3> NaHCO3> Na2SO4> NaCl, and their mixed salts exerted tissue-specific effects on C. virgata seedlings. Eight types of DNA methylation variations were detected and defined in C. virgata according to the specific cations/anions existed in stressful solutions; in addition, mix-specific and higher pH-specific bands were the main type in leaves and roots independently. These findings suggested that mixed salts were not the simple combination of single salts. Furthermore, not only single salts but also mixed salts showed tissue-specific and cations/anions-specific DNA methylation variations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA methylation has long been considered to play important roles in the regulation of plant response to multiple environmental stresses. As it is with saline soils, alkaline soils are important agricultural contaminants that have complex effects on plant metabolism and, in particular, on root physiology. However, there are no reports on epigenetic responses of plants to both salt and alkaline stresses. In this study, we report on the effects of salt stress (S, 1:1 molar ratio of NaCl to NaSO) as well as alkaline stress (A, 1:1 molar ratio of NaHCO to NaCO) on DNA methylation in an alkaline-resistant halophyte, Chloris virgate. A total of 959 and 1,040 DNA fragments were amplified in leaves and roots, respectively, by using 21 pairs of selective primers in methylation-sensitive amplified polymorphism analysis. The results showed that the overall level of methylation in leaves was 18.35%, and in roots, it was 12.40%. Furthermore, both salt and alkaline stress caused DNA methylation variations, predominantly in the roots. The variation ratio was 0.75% in leaves and 5.29% in roots under salt stress and 1.26% in leaves and 14.17% in roots under alkaline stress. The results suggested that alkaline stress was more destructive and complex than salt stress and that the DNA methylation regulation that occurred in the roots might play an important role in the acquirement and inheritance of salt and alkaline stress tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several excellent procedures for trapping tagged proteins have been devised, but many of these are expensive, cannot be used outside a limited pH range, fail to work in the presence of chaotropic agents, or are difficult to use. The chitin binding domain (CBD) of Bacillus circulans chitinase, which binds to chitin matrices prepared from inexpensive reagents isolated from crab shells, is an alternative tag that can be used under a variety of pH and denaturing conditions. Kits based on the interaction between the CBD and the chitin beads are available commercially. Here, we show that simultaneous treatment of microtiter plates with chitosan, a deacetylated form of chitin, and acetic anhydride produces a surface-bound film of chitin that also interacts tightly with the CBD. Chitin-coated microtiter well plates captured a CBD-tagged heterodimeric human glycoprotein hormone analog directly from mammalian cell culture media, even when present in trace amounts. Binding to the surface was stable in sodium dodecylsulfate and reversed only partially at low pH or in 8 M urea at 37 °C. This technique appears well suited to surface attachment and permits biochemical or other analyses of molecules that can be tagged with a CBD. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: 5-Hydroxymethylcytosine-enriched gene profiles and regions show tissue-specific and tumor specific. There is a potential value to explore cell-free DNA 5-hydroxymethylcytosine feature biomarkers for early gastric cancer detection. Methods: A matched case‒control study design with 50 gastric cancer patients and 50 controls was performed to sequence the different 5-hydroxymethylcytosine modification features of cell free DNA. Significantly differential 5-hydroxymethylcytosine modification genes were identified to construct a gastric cancer diagnostic model. Data set from GEO was used as an external testing set to test the robustness of the diagnostic model. Results: Accounting for more than 90% of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine peaks were distributed in the gene body in both the gastric cancer and control groups. The diagnostic model was developed based on five different 5-hydroxymethylcytosine modification genes, FBXL7, PDE3A, TPO, SNTG2 and STXBP5. The model could effectively distinguish gastric cancer patients from controls in the training (AUC = 0.95, sensitivity = 88.6%, specificity = 94.3%), validation (AUC = 0.87, sensitivity = 73.3%, specificity = 93.3%) and testing (AUC = 0.90, sensitivity = 81.9%, specificity = 90.2%) sets. The risk scores of the controls from the model were significantly lower than those of gastric cancer patients in both our own data (P < 0.001) and GEO external testing data (P < 0.001), and no significant difference between different TNM stage patients (P = 0.09 and 0.66). Furthermore, there was no significant difference between the healthy control and benign gastric disease patients in the testing set from GEO (P = 0.10). Conclusions: The characteristics of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine in cell free DNA are specific to gastric cancer patients, and the diagnostic model constructed by five genes' 5-hydroxymethylcytosine features could effectively identify gastric cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aberrant methylation of promoter CpG islands (CGIs) can inactivate the expression of many tumor suppressor genes and play an important role in the carcinogenesis of gastric cancer. The tumor suppressor gene RB1, which encodes a cell cycle regulator, is hypermethylated and downregulated in multiple kinds of cancer. Activation of RB1 expression through DNA demethylation is a potential strategy for the treatment of gastric cancer. Herein, we found that the methylation status of the RB1 promoter was negatively related to the development of gastric tumors, while its expression was positively correlated with TET2 and TET3 expression. Further reactivation of RB1 expression by curcumin could inhibit gastric cell viability and carcinogenesis both in vitro and in vivo. Molecular docking and other studies confirmed that curcumin could bind to and upregulate the expression of TET2 and TET3 with hydrogen bonds and arene-H bonds, suggesting that demethylation of RB1 was attributed to reactivation of the demethylation enzymes TET2 and TET3 after curcumin treatment. Thus, our findings reveal a promising therapeutic strategy for gastric cancer prevention and treatment through RB1 demethylation and reactivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accumulating evidence suggests that aberrant DNA methylation and gene silencing of tumor suppressors are pervasive in gastric malignancies, supporting reactivation of tumor suppressors through DNA demethylation as a potential therapeutic opportunity. Atp4a is an important tumor suppressor gene, encoding H+, K+-ATPase, and mediating gastric acid secretion in the stomach. Using transgenic gastric cancer model K19-Wnt1/C2mE (Gan) mice, by combining the transcriptome and MeDIP (methylated DNA immunoprecipitation) sequencing, together with qRT-PCR, we showed that Atp4a was expressed at low levels in tumor tissues and multiple GC cells, while both 5-aza-CdR and 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid (GRA) pharmacological treatment triggered Atp4a activation with downregulation of DNMT1. In addition, CpG island (CGI) search showed that the CpG rich region is absent in the promoter region but present in exons 9–14 of Atp4a. Methylation specific PCR (MSP) indicated that Atp4a was fully or partly methylated in multiple GC cells. Further MassArray suggested that the demethylation in the CpG site 75, 183, 196, 262–268 might be responsible for the reactivation of Atp4a. Our research identified that GRA, a bioactive component found in abundance in Radix Glycyrrhiza , reactivated Atp4a expression and inhibited gastric tumorigenesis as a potential demethylation agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThe cement-treated dredged mud mixture is suitable for backfill in earthwork projects because of its high water content and flowability. Incorporating geogrid can enhance the mixture’s tensile strength. Constructing with cement-treated mud at greater heights generates curing stress, affecting the interface with geogrid. Pullout tests were performed to analyze the impact of curing stress, water content, and cement content on the interface performance. Results showed similar pullout force-displacement curves regardless of curing stress, indicating strain-softening behavior. Higher water content resulted in decreased pullout forces, while higher cement content led to increased pullout forces. Samples under curing stress exhibited increased peak pullout forces ranging from 2% to 70% compared to samples without curing stress. The rate of increase in pullout force because of curing stress decreased with higher water or cement contents. Curing stress influenced the interface friction angle in specimens with water contents 1.5 and 2 times the liquid limit. It significantly affected the interface cohesion in samples with water contents 2.5 times the liquid limit. Samples subjected to curing stress demonstrated a higher apparent friction coefficient, with an average increase ranging from 4% to 43%, which decreased with higher water content and lower cement content, regardless of curing stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine whether the age‐Male‐ALBI‐Platelet (aMAP) score is applicable in community settings and how to maximise its role in risk stratification. A total of thousand five hundred and three participants had an aMAP score calculated at baseline and were followed up for about 10 years to obtain information on liver cancer incidence and death. After assessing the ability of aMAP to predict liver cancer incidence and death in terms of differentiation and calibration, the optimal risk stratification threshold of the aMAP score was explored, based on absolute and relative risks. The aMAP score achieved higher area under curves (AUCs) (almost all above 0.8) within 10 years and exhibited a better calibration within 5 years. Regarding absolute risk, the risk of incidence of and death from liver cancer showed a rapid increase after an aMAP score of 55. The cumulative incidence (5‐year: 8.3% vs. 1.3% and 10‐year: 20.9% vs. 3.6%) and mortality (5‐year: 6.7% vs. 1.1% and 10‐year: 17.5% vs. 3.1%) of liver cancer in individuals with an aMAP score of ≥55 were significantly higher than in those with a score of <55 (Grey's test p <.001). In terms of relative risk, the risk of death from liver cancer surpassed that from other causes after an aMAP score of ≥55 [HR = 1.38(1.02–1.87)]. Notably, the two types of death risk had opposite trends between the subpopulation with an aMAP score of ≥55 and < 55. To conclude, this study showed the value of the aMAP score in community settings and recommends using 55 as a new risk stratification threshold to guide subsequent liver cancer screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accumulating epidemiological and clinical evidence shows that inflammation is an important risk factor for gastrointestinal diseases. Glycyrrhiza glabra, a traditional Chinese medicine, has been shown to safely suppress gastric cancer; however, the anti-inflammatory mechanisms in gastric tumorigenesis have been poorly investigated. Therefore, this study is committed to demonstrate the in vivo anti-inflammatory effect of 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid (GRA), the main active component of G. glabra. The lymphocytes and macrophages were heavily infiltrated in the transgenic mice that highly expressed cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase (mPGES)-1; however, a significant reduction was observed after treatment with GRA. In addition, GRA downregulated the protein levels of COX-2, GαS, EP2, and β-catenin, which were involved in the arachidonic acid pathway. In conclusion, our study showed the potential protective effects of GRA against inflammatory environment that might be involved in gastric tumorigenesis in vivo through the PGE2-EP2 receptor-mediated arachidonic acid pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recent studies have focused on the diagnostic and prognostic significance of CD24 and CD44 expression in human cancers. This study aimed to explore changes in CD44 and CD24 expression levels in patients with gastric cancer and to assess their prognostic values.Methods: CD44 and CD24 expression levels were investigated immunohistochemically in tumor samples from 290 patients with non-cardia gastric adenocarcinoma, of whom 77 had paired adjacent normal gastric mucosa. CD24 and CD44 mRNA levels were determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction in 34 patients. Serum anti-Helicobacter pylori IgG was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Relationships between CD44 and CD24 protein expression levels and tumor parameters were analyzed and their prognostic values were evaluated by Cox proportional hazards models.Results: CD24 and CD44 expression levels were significantly higher in patients with gastric cancer compared with those in paired controls (45.5% vs. 0.0%, and 61.0% vs. 0.0%, P < 0.001). Among 290 patients, the overall survival rate was significantly higher in CD44(-) compared with CD44(+) patients (log-rank test, P = 0.035). However, there was no significant correlation between CD24 expression and overall survival time (log-rank test, P = 0.115). Multivariate regression analysis indicated that positive CD44 expression (P = 0.029), TNM staging (P < 0.001), and lymphovascular invasion (P = 0.016), but not CD24 expression (P = 0.065), were independent prognostic factors in gastric cancer.Conclusions: Individual expression of CD44 was associated with poor survival in patients with gastric carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most prominent global cancer-related health threats. Genes play a key role in the precise mechanisms of gastric cancer. SNPs in mi-RNAs could affect mRNA expression and then affect the risk and prognosis of GC. Firstly, we have decided to perform a case-control study which included 897 GC patients and 992 controls to evaluate the association of miR-219-1 rs213210, miR-938 rs2505901, miR-34b/c rs4938723, and miR-218 rs11134527 polymorphisms with gastric cancer susceptibility. Secondly, among the 897 GC patients above, 755 cases underwent a radical operation, without distant metastasis and with negative surgical margins included in the survival analysis to evaluate the association of the four SNPs above with gastric cancer prognosis. The C/T or C/C genotypes of rs213210 were related to a lower GC risk (OR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.62–0.93, P=0.009) compared to the T/T genotype. Rs11134527 in miR-218 was associated with GC survival, and the G/A and G/G genotypes of rs11134527 resulted in a decreased risk of death when compared with the A/A genotype (HR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.61–0.95, P=0.016). This study found that miR-219-1 rs213210 polymorphism was associated with GC susceptibility and rs11134527 in miR-218 was positively correlated with GC prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we propose an unconventional method, i.e., generalized finite difference method (GFDM), to analyze the electromagnetic performance of surface-mounted permanent magnet (SPM) machine with eccentric rotor shape. The remarkable characteristic of this method is that it is meshless. In this method, the solution region is discretized in the form of nodes, and the nodes can move with the moving structure. This is very helpful in modeling the SPM machine because there is no remeshing process during the rotation. However, mesh generation is required in the traditional finite-element analysis (FEA). First, the basic principle of the proposed GFDM is introduced. Second, the whole field domain is divided into five types of regions, viz., PMs, air gap, slot openings, slots, and stator core. Third, the differential equations satisfied by each region are discretized into algebraic equations by the GFDM. The interfaces need to be dealt with separately because of the discontinuity of the derivative of the vector potential. Then, the systems of equations are solved to analyze the electromagnetic performance of an SPM machine. Finally, this method is implemented on a 12-slot, 10-pole SPM machine. Meanwhile, the effectiveness of this method is verified by an FEA and experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Robotic excavators commonly are used in industrial and construction tasks to improve efficiency and shorten construction periods, but they have high energy consumption and vibration and shock problems, the greatest of which is impact phenomenon in contact with construction environment. A perfect construction task with low vibration and high precision can be achieved only by skilled operators, and requires very intense concentration. Due to the urgent labor shortage caused by the pandemic, tight schedules, and increasingly complex construction projects, it is important for construction management to have an intelligent control method that combines the force and position of excavators in the construction progress. This study developed an adaptive impedance control method to realize coordinated control of force and position. An adaptive impedance control was designed to adjust the impedance parameters indirectly. Three different simulations were conducted to compare the force tracking performance of the classic impedance control and the proposed adaptive impedance control, namely, environmental location changes, environmental stiffness changes, and dynamic force tracking. Blended contact surfaces were designed to validate the performance of the control algorithms. Results show that the proposed adaptive impedance control effectively improved the force tracking accuracy. This paper offers an original contribution to the intelligent control method of excavator construction, and will be of use to operators, especially in large ground, mine, earthquake, and other complex ground construction sites. In addition, the research also provides construction manager and other practitioners with an impedance control method in construction project management that can save labor cost, improve production efficiency, and accelerate the transformation to a digital and intelligent construction industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Primary Sjögren's syndrome is characterized by lymphocytic infiltration and dysfunction of exocrine glands. The persistent presence of lymphocytes in these glands is an important cause of injury to glandular epithelial cells. MicroRNAs play an important role in primary Sjögren's syndrome and regulate mRNA expression. This study evaluated the expression of microRNA related to lymphocyte infiltration in primary Sjögren's syndrome patients so as to find novel diagnostic and therapeutic targets for primary Sjögren's syndrome. We also explored the microRNA-mRNA networks related to lymphocyte infiltration.Methods: mRNA-seq and microRNA-seq of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were performed on samples from five primary Sjögren's syndrome patients and five matched healthy controls. Meanwhile, microRNA-mRNA network analysis was also conducted. RT-qPCR was used for validation of differentially expressed RNAs. Immunohistochemistry analysis was used to detect MMP2 expression in labial gland tissue. Hsa-miR-3202 mimics/inhibitor-transfected Jurkat cells were used to measure the effects of hsa-miR-3202 on the infiltration potential of T cells.Results: mRNA and microRNA sequencing revealed that 84 differentially expressed mRNAs and 49 differentially expressed microRNAs had a mutual regulatory relationship. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis indicated that differentially expressed MMP2 and its related microRNA, hsa-miR-3202, were enriched in the leukocyte transendothelial migration pathway. MMP2 was highly expressed in PBMC and labial gland tissue in primary Sjögren's syndrome patients. Hsa-miR-3202 was lower expressed in primary Sjögren's syndrome than healthy control. Furthermore, hsa-miR-3202 mimics transfection decreased MMP2 expression in Jurkat cells, and inhibited Jurkat cells invasion (p = 0.047).Conclusion: Large number of differentially expressed microRNAs and mRNAs were detected in primary Sjögren's syndrome, and these differentially expressed microRNAs and mRNAs had a mutual regulatory relationship and played an important role in primary Sjögren's syndrome. In the study, we found hsa-miR-3202 regulate MMP2 and inhibited the infiltration of T cells from peripheral blood into the gland, which played a protective role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) plays a pivotal role in maintaining DNA methylation status. Polymorphisms of DNMT1 may modify the role of DNMT1 in prognosis of gastric cancer (GC). Our aim was to test whether polymorphisms of DNMT1 gene were associated with overall survival of GC. Four hundred and forty-seven GC patients who underwent radical tumorectomy were enrolled in the study. Five tagging SNPs (rs10420321, rs16999593, rs2228612, rs2228611, and rs2288349) of the DNMT1 gene were genotyped by TaqMan assays. Kaplan-Meier survival plots and Cox proportional hazard regression were used to analyze the associations between SNPs of DNMT1 and survival of GC. Patients carrying rs2228611 GA/AA genotype tended to live longer than those bearing the GG genotype (HR 0.68, 95% CI: 0.51–0.91, P=0.007). Further multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that rs2228611 was an independent prognostic factor (GA/AA versus GG: OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.49–0.91, P=0.010). Nevertheless, other SNPs did not show any significant associations with survival of GC. Polymorphisms of the DNMT1 gene may affect overall survival of GC. The SNP rs2228611 has the potentiality to serve as an independent prognostic marker for GC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: DNA methyltransferase 3b (DNMT3b) plays an important role in abnormal methylation during tumorigenesis. Polymorphism of the DNMT3b gene may influence DNMT3b activity and be associated with cancer risk. This study aimed to investigate the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the DNMT3b gene and susceptibility and prognosis of gastric cancer. Methods: Four hundred and forty-seven histologically-confirmed gastric cancer cases, 111 gastric atrophy cases and 961 tumor-free controls were enrolled into the study. Five tag SNPs (rs6119954, rs1569686, rs4911107, rs4911259 and rs8118663) of the DNMT3b gene were genotyped by TaqMan assay. DNMT3b expression was evaluated in 104 cancer tissues by immunohistochemistry method. Results: The median follow-up time for 422 gastric patients with prognosis information was 55.1 (51.8–58.5) month. We found that individuals with the rs1569686 variant genotype (TG/GG) were significantly associated with poor prognosis in gastric cancer compared to those carrying the TT genotype (HR = 1.43, 95%CI: 1.02–1.99). This trend was more evident in the long-term survival of gastric cancer. Similar results were observed for the G allele carriers of rs4911107 and T allele carriers of rs4911259 as these two sites were in complete linkage disequilibrium with rs1569686. The rs8118663 GG carriers tended to live shorter than AA/AG genotype (HR = 2.72, 95%CI: 1.45–5.12) in patients living longer than 2.0 years. None of the five SNPs was associated with the risks of gastric cancer or gastric atrophy. And no relationship was found between each of the five SNPs and DNMT3b expression. Conclusions: This study provides evidence that DNMT3b polymorphisms may predict long-term survival of gastric cancer. However, further studies are needed to reveal the underlying biological roles of DNMT3b polymorphism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article proposes a new hybrid analytical model combining subdomain model and equivalent magnetic network for permanent magnet vernier machines, which are easy to get saturated due to the air-gap field modulation effect. The key is representing saturation effect by iterating equivalent surface current as part of interface conditions in the proposed subdomain model. First, five subdomains are divided to calculate magnetic field distribution. The equivalent surface current is utilized as the boundary constraint between subdomains and iron core. Second, the equivalent magnetic network is established based on stator structure, and the fluxes flowing into flux modulation poles are equivalent as the magnetic flux sources. Node magnetic potentials can be achieved with the application of Kirchhoff's law of current. Then, the equivalent surface current is updated for convergence by node magnetic potential to accurately predict saturated performance. Finally, a prototype is manufactured, and the effectiveness of the proposed hybrid model is verified by the finite-element analysis (FEA) and experimental results. The hybrid model combines the subdomain model and the equivalent magnetic network model to complement each other and it is demonstrated to be more efficient than the FEA model while maintaining high accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Human choriogonadotropin (hCG) and follitropin (hFSH) have been shown to contact different regions of the extracellular domains of G-protein coupled lutropin (LHR) and follitropin (FSHR) receptors. We report here that hCG and hFSH analogs interact with different regions of an FSHR/LHR chimera having only two unique LHR residues and that binds both hormones with high affinity. hCG and hFSH analogs dock with this receptor chimera in a manner similar to that in which they bind LHR and FSHR, respectively. This shows that although the FSHR does not normally bind hCG, it contains a cryptic lutropin binding site that has the potential to recognize hCG in a manner similar to the LHR. The presence of this cryptic site may explain why equine lutropins bind many mammalian FSHR and why mutations in the transmembrane domain distant from the extracellular domain enable the FSHR to bind hCG. The leucine-rich repeat domain (LRD) of the FSHR also appears to contain a cryptic FSH binding site that is obscured by other parts of the extracellular domain. This will explain why contacts seen in crystals of hFSH complexed with an LRD fragment of the human FSHR are hard to reconcile with the abilities of FSH analogs to interact with membrane G-protein coupled FSHR. We speculate that cryptic lutropin binding sites in the FSHR, which are also likely to be present in thyrotropin receptors (TSHR), permit the physiological regulation of ligand binding specificity. Cryptic FSH binding sites in the LRD may enable alternate spliced forms of the FSHR to interact with FSH. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper investigates the effects of eccentric magnet design on sideband electromagnetic force (SEMF) and hence high-frequency vibroacoustic performance of integral-slot surface-mounted permanent magnet (SPM) machines. Also, the tangential SEMF components are considered to investigate their contribution for high-frequency vibration and acoustic noise. Firstly, the mechanism of sideband current harmonics introduced by space vector pulse-width modulation technique of open-winding drive system is derived. Moreover, the critical components of sideband synthetic magnet field in air-gap are derived to obtain the radial and tangential SEMF density components, and the effects of concentric magnet design of that is discussed. Then, the vibration synthesis model and acoustic radiation model are used to predict the vibroacoustic performance of machines. The results shows the eccentric magnet design can reduce the high-frequency vibration and noise of integral-slot SPM machines. Finally, two integral-slot SPM machines with concentric and eccentric magnets are manufactured and tested to validate the theoretical investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single-objective optimal trajectory cannot adapt to the complex requirements of excavator construction. A comprehensive optimal trajectory planning method is proposed to optimize the working time, energy consumption, and operational impact of robotic excavators. Without fusing any performance indexes, a normalized multi-objective function and an improved particle swarm optimization algorithm are established to achieve a comprehensive optimization of multiple objectives, while considering joint angle, velocity, acceleration, and quadratic acceleration constraints. Typical deep pit excavation simulation and experimental results show that the multi-objective optimization method is feasible, can balance multi-objective constraints, and can avoid falling into extremely long working times or large impacts. This method offers a more efficient and effective solution for multi-objective trajectory planning and provides a method for planning excavation trajectories based on different operating scenarios and objectives. • Working time, energy consumption and operation impact are considered in trajectory planning. • A normalized multi-objective function is established to achieve a comprehensive optimization. • An improved particle swarm optimization algorithm is proposed to obtain the optimal solution. • Effectiveness of the trajectory planning method is validated by simulations and experiments. • The multi-objective optimization method can meet the actual construction requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to improve the trajectory tracking accuracy and robustness of a typical heavy electro-hydraulic position system, a fuzzy adaptive sliding mode controller is proposed. A potential-like function is introduced to design a new sliding surface with non-linear integral term. An adaptive controller is designed to approximate the equivalent controller in sliding mode control. Stability of the controller is demonstrated by Lyapunov method, and the chattering phenomenon caused by the nonlinear switching term is reduced by using the fuzzy switching method, 25 fuzzy rules are given to adjust the sliding mode switching controller. Simulations with sinusoidal, ramp and step signals, and experiments with leveling operation at different speeds are carried out. The proposed controller can follow the reference trajectory quickly and smoothly, and has certain anti-interference ability. Compared with the traditional sliding mode controller, the proposed controller has small tracking error, fast response and good tracking performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurological condition that progresses with age. Amyloid-β (Aβ) aggregation has been suggested to be a key pathogenic process in Alzheimer's disease. Ginseng polysaccharides (GP), the main biologically active components isolated from Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer (ginseng), may act as neuroprotective agents with potential benefits for AD patients. However, GP effects on Aβ pathology and AD symptoms are still unclear. Here, a 4.7-kDa GP termed GP4 was purified and subjected to basic physicochemical characterization. The biological effects of GP4 to prevent Aβ aggregation were then assessed with cross-species AD models, including Aftin-5-treated SH-SY5Y cells and cerebral organoids, and transgenic C. elegans overexpressing the full-length human Aβ 42 peptide. These analyses ultimately demonstrated that GP4 was capable of inhibiting Aβ accumulation both in vivo and vitro , and with early intervention of GP4 being sufficient to alleviate Aβ 42 -associated aging phenotypes and memory loss in C. elegans model of AD. Furthermore, neuroinflammation was significantly down-regulated in human cells and cerebral organoids. From a mechanistic perspective, the ability of GP4 to inhibit Aβ aggregation was found to be related to its ability to promote neuronal mitophagic activity. This finding offers a robust theoretical foundation for the further development of GP4 as a candidate drugs with the potential to treat AD. [Display omitted] • A 4.7-kDa ginseng polysaccharides termed GP4 was purified from Panax ginseng and subjected to basic physicochemical characterization using HPGPC, HPLC, FT-IR and NMR analyses. • GP4 was capable of inhibiting Aβ accumulation in cross-species AD models, including Aftin-5-treated SH-SY5Y cells and cerebral organoids, and transgenic C. elegans overexpressing the full-length human Aβ 42 peptide. • Early intervention of GP4 being sufficient to alleviate Aβ 42 -associated aging phenotypes and memory loss in vivo. • Neuroinflammation was significantly down-regulated in vitro models of AD. • GP4 repressed Aβ accumulation via promoting neuronal mitophagic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article proposes a new equivalent magnetic network (EMN) model for predicting the performances of interior permanent magnet (IPM) machines. The proposed EMN model incorporates the features of high accuracy and low time consumption in the reluctance network model and the magnetic equivalent circuit model, respectively, to achieve a tradeoff between the time consumption and calculation accuracy. A new air-gap model is also presented to make the dynamic analysis of the machine more efficient and easier. Moreover, the modeling approach of the rotor provides a standard for the modeling of IPM machines with permanent magnets (PMs) at different locations and of different shapes. In addition, the proposed EMN model takes into consideration the influence of flux leakage and iron saturation. Finally, the example machine is chosen, and the effectiveness of the EMN model is verified by comparison with the finite-element analysis and experimental tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The improved Stribeck model is used to establish the non-linear friction model of a electro-hydraulic system. • The improved genetic algorithm is used to identify four unknown parameters in the friction model. • A dynamic friction feedforward compensation method is designed based on the velocity observer and the structural invariance principle. • Effectiveness of the friction model and the friction feedforward compensation method is validated by experiment. It is necessary to identify and compensate the non-linear friction to improve the performances of the electro-hydraulic system of robotic excavators. The mathematical model of the electro-hydraulic system is established first, and the non-linear friction are described by the improved Stribeck model. The actual friction force is calculated by measuring the pressures of the two chambers of the hydraulic cylinder at different constant velocities. The fitness, crossover and mutation probabilities of the genetic algorithm are improved to overcome the shortcomings of stagnation and premature convergence. Four unknown parameters in the friction model are identified and verified by the improved genetic algorithm. According to the displacement signal from the sensor, a velocity observer is used to estimate the velocity signal in real time. Based on the principle of structural invariance, a dynamic friction feedforward compensation method is designed. On this basis, the experiments of friction compensation (FC) under three working conditions of sinusoidal trajectory, low and high velocities tracking were carried out for the arm electro-hydraulic system. The results show that the proposed Stribeck model and friction compensation control method effectively eliminates the low velocity crawling and amplitude flattening phenomena, and improves the control performances of the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: While the incidence and mortality of gastric cancer (GC) remains high, and prognosis of GC remains poor, molecules in programmed death‐1 (PD‐1), programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1), and programmed death‐ligand 2 (PD‐L2) pathway are promising prognostic biomarker of GC. The polymorphisms on PD‐1, PD‐L1, and PD‐L2 may be associated with their protein expressions and affect the survival of GC patient. Methods: Seven hundred fifty‐six GC patients who voluntarily supplied blood samples were enrolled in our study. We genotyped nine polymorphisms on PD‐1, PD‐L1, and PD‐L2, then evaluated the association of the single nucleotide polymorphisms with GC prognosis and analyzed the relationship between the PD‐1, PD‐L1, and PD‐L2 single nucleotide polymorphism genotypes and their protein expression. Results: We found that PD‐L1 rs822336 CC genotype was independently associated with a better survival of all GC patients and those without postoperative chemotherapy (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.504, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.283–0.897 and HR = 0.385, 95% CI = 0.189–0.786). AA+AG genotype of rs2297136 in 3'UTR of the PD‐L1 was correlated with the protein expression of PD‐L1 protein both in patients overall and those without postoperative chemotherapy (P = 0.013 and P = 0.012). AA+AG genotype of rs2297136 served as an independent factor of better prognosis in patients without postoperative chemotherapy (HR = 0.348, 95% CI = 0.125–0.968). Conclusions: Overall, PD‐L1 polymorphisms and protein expression were associated with the prognosis of patients with GC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The effects of different operating temperatures on the hydrogen production and electricity generation of devices were analyzed. • Propose an energy management strategy based on the operating characteristics of the devices. • The abandoned and deficit electricity of the coupled system is much lower than that of the uncoupled system. The world is rich in renewable energy, and wind power generation accounts for a large proportion of renewable energy generation. The coupling of hydrogen energy and wind power generation will effectively solve the problem of energy surplus. In this study, a simulation model of a wind-hydrogen coupled energy storage power generation system (WHPG) is established. The effects of different operating temperatures on the hydrogen production and electricity consumption of alkaline electrolyzer, and on the electricity generation and hydrogen consumption of the fuel cell are studied. The suitable operating temperatures of the electrolyzer and fuel cell are determined. The energy management strategy of the coupled system is proposed considering the operating characteristics of the electrolyzer, fuel cell and hydrogen storage tank. Finally the economics of hydrogen energy storage systems are analyzed. The study shows that: (1) At the various operating temperatures, the maximum difference the electrolyzer is at 40 °C and 100 °C electrolyzer reduces electricity consumption by 0.26% and increases hydrogen production by 3.7%. (2) At different operating temperatures, the maximum difference the electrolyzer is at 30 °C and 100 °C. Fuel cell increases electricity production by 30.2% and reduces hydrogen consumption by 14.4%. (3) When the users' demand for electricity is the same, the uncoupled system 1-hour surplus electricity is about 19.5 times the coupled system 1-hour surplus electricity, the uncoupled system 1-hour deficit electricity is about 1.54 times the coupled system 1-hour deficit electricity. (4) The hydrogen storage system has a net present value of 2347,681 ¥, a dynamic payback period of 15.3 a and an internal rate of return of 11%, the coupled system has a better economics. The WHPG improves wind power utilization and power supply stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine umbilical provides the remote control function for offshore oil and gas exploitation, which is usually integrated by different functional components that vary widely in their mechanical properties. Under the action of external load, unreasonable cross-sectional layouts may lead to large cross-sectional deformation and contact pressure between components thus affecting the service life of an umbilical. Therefore, how to design the cross-sectional layout is a very necessary research work in order to improve service life of the umbilical to withstand various loads during operation. At present, the research on the cross-sectional layout of an umbilical is not sufficient, and there is no standardized design method in the design specification. Considering the mechanical and geometrical properties as the quantitative design objectives, the mathematical optimization model of the cross-sectional layout of an umbilical is proposed. Meanwhile, the layering strategy is introduced because of the processing and manufacturing factors. Then, the genetic algorithm (GA) with good global search performance and the generalized Lagrange multiplier (GLM) with fast convergence speed are combined to solve the above model. Finally, taking an umbilical as an example, the optimal cross-sectional layout is obtained and the effectiveness of the algorithm is verified by the numerical simulation. The results show that the optimization method proposed in this paper can quickly obtain the optimal design cross-sectional layout, and supply a specific way for the fast design of an umbilical, which has the certain engineering application value. • The cross-sectional layout design of the umbilical is a typical multi-objective optimization problem. • The quantifiable multi-objective optimization model for the cross-sectional layout of the umbilical is proposed. • The GA-GLM optimization algorithm with good global search ability and fast convergence speed is introduced. • The effectiveness of the optimization algorithm GA-GLM is verified by the numerical simulation. • The proposed multi-objective optimization algorithm can improve the design efficiency and avoid the manual process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the deposition of SnO 2 and WO 3 thin films and WO 3 -SnO 2 dual-layer thin films using the sol-gel process. The microstructure and morphology of these three thin films were analyzed with FE-SEM and X-ray diffraction. The H 2 response characteristics, including response magnitude, time and transients of the three samples, were investigated at different operation temperatures and H 2 gas concentrations. Although the maximum response magnitude of 29.31 towards 1000 ppm H 2 gas appeared at 225 °C，the WO 3 -SnO 2 dual-layer films still had a response magnitude of 24.23 at 175 °C, which is much higher than those of the SnO 2 (4.19) and WO 3 (6.73) thin films. The linear response magnitude profile of the WO 3 -SnO 2 dual-layer thin films toward H 2 gas concentration was obtained. The mechanism of the enhanced gas response characteristics was explained by the band bending theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the earthmoving automation procedure, the properties of large inertia, strong nonlinearity and flow coupling of multiple actuators are not considered comprehensively in relevant studies, which restricts the accuracy and efficiency performance of leveling tasks. To solve the problem of limited accuracy caused by the difficulty in modeling hydraulic flow coupling and the hysteresis of terminal compensation, we proposed a coordinated motion control method for an automatic earth excavation robot, which reduced the contour error from the perspective of force preloading and terminal control compensation. Various experiments show that the motion coordination of the proposed controller is significantly better than the PID-based controller and the contour-based controller. Due to its stability in multiple conditions, we believe the system will provide an effective earthmoving automation solution for different types of excavators in control. For further study, the soil force estimation will be integrated to improve the system performance under more tasks. • A multi-system mathematical model is established to describe the robotic excavator. • Contour and orientation control are integrated to make the cutting angle trajectory controllable. • Force pre-load and cross-coupling compensation algorithms are designed to improve control performance. • Effectiveness of the controller is verified for different angles and loads in leveling tasks. • The controller has better responsiveness and accuracy than PID-based and contour-based controllers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

C. albicans is the most prevalent opportunistic fungal and can cause life-threatening systemic infections under certain circumstances. The inefficiency and resistance of traditional therapy make the development of novel techniques indispensable. The main components, proteins and glycoproteins, of the C. albicans cell wall are highly immunogenic and very different from those of the host, making it an ideal source of targets for antifungal drug development. This study aimed to screen and identify specific peptides that bind to the C. albicans cell wall using a phage-display peptide library, and to develop a peptide-based therapy targeted to C. albicans. After four rounds of screening, JC-1 ScFv was found to bind to the C. albicans cell wall specifically, inhibit C. albicans growth and viability in vitro , and protect mice from C. albicans infection in vivo. Further study showed that JC-1 could provoke an immune response in C. albicans -infected mice. These results indicated that JC-1 ScFv screened from a phage-display peptide library had the potential to be developed as a vector for targeting C. albicans. • After four rounds of screening, JC-1 ScFv was able to bind to C. albicans cell wall specifically • JC-1 mAb protect mice from C. albicans infection in vivo. • JC-1 provoked an immune response in C. albicans -infected mice. • JC-1 had the potential to be developed as a vector for targeting C. albicans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous researches have associated Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) with a prognosis of gastric cancer (GC), however, without a concert conclusion. This study aimed to study this issue further by a prospective cohort study and a meta-analysis.Methods: Histologically diagnosed gastric cancer (GC) patients were recruited into the primary prospective cohort study between January 2009 to December 2013. All the patients were followed-up periodically to record information on post-surgery therapy and overall survival status. The pre-surgery status of H. pylori was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A meta-analysis was conducted after retrieving related researches in the databases of PubMed and Embase up to April 2020. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were summarized to validate the relationship between H. pylori infection and the survival time of GC patients. I2 statistics and Q test were used to assess the heterogeneity. Sensitivity analyses were performed using Galbraith's plot, leave-one-out analysis, subgroup analyses and meta-regression to explore the sources of heterogeneity and the stability of the summary results.Results: A total of 743 GC patients with radical tumorectomy were included prospectively and 516 (69.4%) were positive on H. pylori. H. pylori-positive patients tended to survive longer than -negative ones (HR 0.92, 95%CI: 0.74-1.15), though the tendency was not statistically significant. Cohort studies on the prognosis of GC were retrieved comprehensively by assessing the full-text and 59 published studies, together with the result of our study, were included in the further meta-analysis. The summarized results related the positive status of H. pylori to better overall survival (HR 0.81, 95%CI: 0.72-0.90) and disease-free survival (HR 0.83, 95%CI: 0.67-0.99). Results from subgroup analyses indicated that the pooled magnitude of this association was relatively lower in studies not referring to H. pylori in title and abstract.Conclusions: In conclusion, gastric cancer patients with H. pylori have a better prognosis than patients of H. pylori negative. More stringent surveillance strategies may be necessary for patients with H. pylori negative at cancer diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Galectin-9 (Gal-9) induces adhesion and aggregation of certain cell types and inhibits the metastasis of tumor cells. T-cell immunoglobulin–and mucin domain-3–containing molecule 3 (TIM-3) plays a pivotal role in immune regulation. The aim of this study is to investigate Gal-9 and TIM-3 alterations in gastric cancer and their prognostic values. Methods: Gal-9 and Tim-3 expression was evaluated using a tissue microarray immunohistochemistry method in 305 gastric cancers, of which 84 had paired adjacent normal samples. Cell lines SGC-7901, BGC-823, MGC-803, MKN45 and GES-1 were also stained. Correlations were analyzed between expression levels of Gal-9 and Tim-3 protein and tumor parameters or clinical outcomes. Results: Gal-9 and Tim-3 stained positive on tumor cells in 86.2% (263/305), and 60.0% (183/305) patients with gastric cancer, respectively. Gal-9 expression was significantly higher in cancer than in normal mucosa (P<0.001). Reduced Gal-9 expression was associated with lymph-vascular invasion, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis and worse TNM staging (P = 0.034, P = 0.009, P = 0.002 and P = 0.043, respectively). In contrast, Tim-3 expression was significantly lower in cancer than in control mucosa (P<0.001). Patients with lymph-vascular invasion had higher expression levels of Tim-3 (P<0.001). Moreover, multivariate analysis shows that both high Gal-9 expression and low Tim-3 expression were significantly associated with long overall survival (P = 0.002, P = 0.010, respectively); the combination of Gal-9 and Tim-3 expression was an independent prognostic predictor for patients with gastric cancer (RR: 0.43; 95%CI: 0.20–0.93). H.pylori infection status was not associated with Gal-9 and Tim-3 expression (P = 0.102, P = 0.565). Conclusion: The results suggest that expression of Gal-9 and Tim-3 in tumor cells may be a potential, independent prognostic factor for patients with gastric cancer. Gal-9 and TIM-3 may play an important part in the gastric carcinogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this study, seedlings of tomato were treated with salt stress or alkali stress. The growth, photosynthesis and concentrations of solutes and inorganic ions in tissue sap of stressed seedlings were measured to investigate the physiological adaptive mechanisms by which tomato tolerates alkali stress. The alkali stress clearly inhibited growth and photosynthesis. With increasing salinity, the Na+ concentration and Na+/K+ ratio in leaves increased, with greater degrees of increase under alkali than under salt stress. This indicated that high-pH caused by alkali stress might affect the control of roots on Na+ uptake and increased the intracellular Na+ to a toxic level, which might be the main cause of reductions of stomatal conductance and net photosynthetic rates under alkali stress. Under salt stress, organic acids (OAs), Na+, K+ and Cl− were the main osmolytes in both roots and leaves. Under alkali stress, roots and leaves revealed different mechanisms of ion balance and osmotic regulation. Under alkali stress, in roots, OAs and Na+ were the main osmolytes, and the osmotic role of K+ was small; however, in leaves, OAs, Na+ and K+ all played important osmotic roles. The mechanisms governing ionic balance under both stresses were different. Under salt stress, the contribution of inorganic ions to keep ion balance was greater than that of OAs. However, under alkali stress, Cl−, H2PO4 − and SO4 2− concentrations decreased, and tomato might have enhanced OA synthesis to compensate for the shortage of inorganic anions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The N-linked oligosaccharides on human choriogonadotropin (hCG) and follitropin (hFSH) α-subunit loop 2 (α2) have a dominant influence on hormone efficacy. hCG analogs lacking this oligosaccharide retain approximately 40% the efficacy of the fully glycosylated hormone in cyclic AMP accumulation assays. Previous efforts to reduce efficacy further have involved removing the other N-linked oligosaccharides. We found that some intersubunit disulfide crosslinks reduced the efficacies of hCG analogs lacking only the α2 oligosaccharide. The least active analog was an hCG/hFSH chimera containing hFSH residues 95–108 in place of hCG residues 101–114 and a disulfide bond between α-subunit residue 37 and β-subunit residue 33. While it bound lutropin receptors 2- to 3-fold better than hCG and follitropin receptors 10–30% as well as hFSH, it had less than 10% and 5% the efficacies of either hormone. This suggests that complete deglycosylation will not be required to produce glycoprotein hormone analogs that have low efficacies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper presents an improved particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm to optimize the coefficients of the proportional integral derivative (PID) controller for trajectory tracking accuracy problems. Nonlinear adaptive methods are adopted on the inertia weight to built a balance between the local and global search areas, asynchronous change strategies are introduced into the learning coefficients to rationally use individual and group experience, an elite mutation method is designed to mutate the global best position in each iteration. Basic PSO (BPSO-PID) and Ziegler-Nichols PID controller (ZN-PID) are implemented with step, sinusoidal and slope references on a co-simulation platform. The simulation results illustrate that high accuracy and fast convergence can be obtained based on the improved PSO algorithm PID controller (IPSO-PID). Experimental results demonstrated that the IPSO-PID method can achieve the highest tracking accuracy, compared with the BPSO-PID method, this method can improve the tracking accuracy by 37.14% and 50.32%, respectively. • An improved PSO algorithm based PID is proposed for improving trajectory tracking accuracy. • Three aspects are presented to avoid the shortcomings of the basic PSO algorithm. • Effectiveness of the improved PSO algorithm is validated by simulations and experiments. • High accuracy and fast convergence can be obtained based on the improved PSO algorithm. • The highest tracking accuracy can be obtained based on the improved PSO algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coordination of human operation and automation of robotic excavators is a key problem in human-excavator interaction. To integrate the active decision of the operator and the accurate control of the machine system, flexible virtual fixtures are proposed to control trajectory of the robotic excavator. The flexible virtual fixtures rely on the current position at the bucket tip. The input signal of the restricted motion direction is weakened by introducing the flexibility coefficient k τ , and choosing k τ low imposes the additional constraint that the robotic excavator is stiffer in the restricted motion direction. In this way, a human-excavator cooperative system is built. Then, different tasks were designed to validate the performances of the proposed flexible virtual fixtures, and different operation ways were compared in terms of tracking accuracy, safety and operating time. The results have demonstrated that the flexible virtual fixtures in the trajectory tracking process not only guarantee the tracking precision, but also ensure a good obstacle avoidance ability. Also, the tele-operators can save a lot of time during the tele-operation process. In the future work, we will introduce the environmental identification results to assist the operator to choose a more reasonable k τ value. • A human-excavator cooperative system is built. • The active decision of the operator and the accurate control of the machine system are integrated. • A flexibility coefficient kτ is introduced to impose the additional constraint in the restricted motion direction. • Effectiveness of the proposed flexible virtual fixtures is validated by experiments. • A truly remote-controlled robotic excavator is built for the tele-operation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]