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Introduction Methods Results Conclusions This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of our own artificial intelligence (AI)‐generated model to assess automated segmentation and quantification of body composition‐derived computed tomography (CT) slices from the lumber (L3) region in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients.A total of 541 axial CT slices at the L3 vertebra were retrospectively collected from 319 patients with CRC diagnosed during 2012–2019 at a single Australian tertiary institution, Western Health in Melbourne. A two‐dimensional U‐Net convolutional network was trained on 338 slices to segment muscle, visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT). Manual reading of these same slices of muscle, VAT and SAT was created to serve as ground truth data. The Dice similarity coefficient was used to assess the U‐Net‐based segmentation performance on both a validation dataset (68 slices) and a test dataset (203 slices). The measurement of cross‐sectional area and Hounsfield unit (HU) density of muscle, VAT and SAT were compared between two methods.The segmentation for muscle, VAT and SAT demonstrated excellent performance for both the validation (Dice similarity coefficients >0.98, respectively) and test (Dice similarity coefficients >0.97, respectively) datasets. There was a strong positive correlation between manual and AI segmentation measurements of body composition for both datasets (Spearman's correlation coefficients: 0.944–0.999, P < 0.001).Compared to the gold standard, this fully automated segmentation system exhibited a high accuracy for assessing segmentation and quantification of abdominal muscle and adipose tissues of CT slices at the L3 in CRC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still a major threat to human health globally, with a disappointing prognosis. Regular monitoring of patients at high risk, utilizing abdominal ultrasonography combined with alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) serum analysis, enables the early detection of potentially treatable tumors. However, the approach has limitations due to its lack of sensitivity. Meanwhile, the current standard procedure for obtaining a tumor biopsy in cases of HCC is invasive and lacks the ability to assess the dynamic progression of cancer or account for tumor heterogeneity. Hence, there is a pressing need to develop non‐invasive, highly sensitive biomarkers for HCC which can improve the accuracy of early diagnosis, assess treatment response and accurately predict the prognosis. In contrast to the conventional method of tissue biopsy, liquid biopsy offers a non‐invasive approach that can be readily repeated. As a liquid biopsy approach, the analysis of cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) offers real‐time insights that can accurately portray the tumor burden and provide a comprehensive depiction of the genetic profile associated with HCC. In this review, we present a comprehensive summary of the recent research findings pertaining to the significance and potential practicality of cfDNA analysis in the early detection and effective management of HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Gold standard chemotherapy dosage is based on body surface area (BSA); however many patients experience dose-limiting toxicities (DLT). We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of BSA, two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) body composition (BC) measurements derived from Lumbar 3 vertebra (L3) computed tomography (CT) slices, in predicting DLT in colon cancer patients. Methods: 203 patients (60.87 ± 12.42 years; 97 males, 47.8%) receiving adjuvant chemotherapy (Oxaliplatin and/or 5-Fluorouracil) were retrospectively evaluated. An artificial intelligence segmentation model was used to extract 2D and 3D body composition measurements from each patients' single mid-L3 CT slice as well as multiple-L3 CT scans to produce a 3D BC report. DLT was defined as any incidence of dose reduction or discontinuation due to chemotherapy toxicities. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed on BSA and individual body composition measurements to demonstrate their predictive performance. Results: A total of 120 (59.1%) patients experienced DLT. Age and BSA did not vary significantly between DLT and non-DLT group. Females were significantly more likely to experience DLT (p = 4.9 × 10–3). In all patients, the predictive effectiveness of 2D body composition measurements (females: AUC = 0.50–0.54; males: AUC = 0.50–0.61) was equivalent to that of BSA (females: AUC = 0.49; males: AUC = 0.58). The L3 3D skeletal muscle volume was the most predictive indicator of DLT (AUC of 0.66 in females and 0.64 in males). Conclusion: Compared to BSA and 2D body composition measurements, 3D L3 body composition measurements had greater potential to predict DLT in CRC patients receiving chemotherapy and this was sex dependent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. Body composition analysis in colorectal cancer (CRC) typically utilises a single 2D-abdominal axial CT slice taken at the mid-L3 level. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) allows for analysis of the entire L3 vertebra (non-mid-L3 and mid-L3). The goal of this study was to determine if the use of an AI approach offered any additional information on capturing body composition measures. Methods. A total of 2203 axial CT slices of the entire L3 level (4–46 slices were available per patient) were retrospectively collected from 203 CRC patients treated at Western Health, Melbourne (97 males; 47.8%). A pretrained artificial intelligence (AI) model was used to segment muscle, visceral adipose tissue (VAT), and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) on these slices. The difference in body composition measures between mid-L3 and non-mid-L3 scans was compared for each patient, and for males and females separately. Results. Body composition measures derived from non-mid-L3 scans exhibited a median range of 0.85% to 6.28% (average percent difference) when compared to the use of a single mid-L3 scan. Significant variation in the VAT surface area (p = 0.02) was observed in females compared to males, whereas male patients exhibited a greater variation in SAT surface area (p < 0.001) and radiodensity (p = 0.007). Conclusion. Significant differences in various body composition measures were observed when comparing non-mid-L3 slices to only the mid-L3 slice. Researchers should be aware that considering only the use of a single midpoint L3 CT scan slice will impact the estimate of body composition measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mitochondrial succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), also known as electron transport chain (ETC) Complex II, is the only enzyme complex engaged in both oxidative phosphorylation and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. SDH has received increasing attention due to its crucial role in regulating mitochondrial metabolism and human health. Despite having the fewest subunits among the four ETC complexes, functional SDH is formed via a sequential and well-coordinated assembly of subunits. Along with the discovery of subunit-specific assembly factors, the dynamic involvement of the SDH assembly process in a broad range of diseases has been revealed. Recently, we reported that perturbation of SDH assembly in different tissues leads to interesting and distinct pathophysiological changes in mice, indicating a need to understand the intricate SDH assembly process in human health and diseases. Thus, in this review, we summarize recent findings on SDH pathogenesis with respect to disease and a focus on SDH assembly. [Display omitted] • Succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) connects oxidative phosphorylation and TCA cycle. • Four major assembly factors that facilitate the assembly and maturation of the SDH complex. • SDHA is the most commonly identified pathogenic variant in SDH deficiency. • Mutations related to SDH deficiency induce the loss of tumor suppressor function. • SDHAF4 was the most sensitive assembly factor under pathophysiological stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abnormal passenger behavior in rail transit has become a top priority, as it affects operational safety. Passenger travel time is the main basis for identifying abnormal behavior while considering the flexibility of travel time. Currently, the main method is to use absolute threshold discrimination based on the distribution of travel time. However, there is a problem of missing abnormal passenger behavior due to the large difference in travel time between the Origin-Destinations (ODs). Therefore, this paper proposes a method of setting corresponding thresholds for each OD. By analyzing the percentile curves of the overall and individual OD pairs, it was found that the turning point of the curve had a significant feature, and the difference between the two sides of the curve was obvious. This paper proposes a bilateral fitting method, and the results show that this method can calculate the relative threshold for different OD pairs. The significant advantages of this method are its low cost and wide coverage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Functional decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is impacted by impaired ability to integrate and modulate complex cognitive and motor abilities, commonly known as motor-cognitive integration. Impaired motor-cognitive integration occurs in the early stages of AD, prodromal AD (pAD), and may precede other symptoms. Combined motor and cognitive training have been recommended for people with pAD and need to be better researched. Our data suggest that partnered rhythmic rehabilitation (PRR) improves motor-cognitive integration in older adults with cognitive impairment. PRR is an ideal intervention to simultaneously target cardiovascular, social, and motor-cognitive domains important to AD. Objective/Methods: We propose to conduct a 1-year Phase II, single-blind randomized controlled trial using PRR in 66 patients with pAD. Participants will be assigned to three months of biweekly sessions, followed by nine months of weekly sessions of PRR or group walking (WALK) with 1 : 1 allocation. Group walking in the control group will allow us to compare physical exercise alone versus the added benefit of the cognitively engaging elements of PRR. Results/Conclusion: Using an intent-to-treat approach, this innovative pilot study will 1) Determine acceptability, safety, tolerability, and satisfaction with PRR; 2) Compare efficacy of PRR versus WALK for improving motor-cognitive integration and identify the most sensitive endpoint for a Phase III trial from a set of motor-cognitive, volumetric MRI, and cognitive measures. The study will additionally explore potential neural, vascular, and inflammatory mechanisms by which PRR affects pAD to derive effect size of these intermediary measures and aid us in estimating sample size for a future trial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cu(OTf)2/NBS promoted cyclization of 1‐cinnamyl alcohol‐o‐carboranes for synthesis of o‐carborane substituted oxetanes has been developed. A series of substituted oxetanes has been synthesized with moderate to good yields, which would be an important synthon for design novel reactions in oxetane chemistry as well as carborane chemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the sprays of isotropic curvature. We first determine the relationship between χ-curvatures of two projectively related sprays. Based on this, we find an approach to construct sprays of isotropic curvature and find infinitely many sprays of isotropic curvature via some known sprays of isotropic curvature. In particular, by using famous Funk metric Θ, we can construct infinitely many sprays of isotropic curvature, some of which can be induced by Finsler metrics, but others cannot be induced by any Finsler metric. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is a novel infectious disease caused by bunya virus. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics of SFTS patients and their virus-related immune disorders in vivo. Patients with SFTS admitted to Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital from 2017 to 2020 were retrospectively analyzed, and divided into survival group and death group according to the 28-day survival. Clinical characteristics and laboratory examination results of SFTS patients were recorded, and dynamic changes of immune function and inflammatory factors were statistically analyzed. Prolonged activated prothrombin time (APTT) (p = 0.001), high viral load (p = 0.001), and elevated human leukocyte antigen DR (HLA-DR) level (p = 0.002) were independent prognostic risk factors for SFTS patients. Compared to the survival group, the nonsurvival group was more prone to hemorrhagic and neurological symptoms (p < 0.05). Natural kill (NK) cell count, interleukin-10, interferon-α, and tumor necrosis factor-α scores in the nonsurvival group continued to increase after admission, while CD3+ T, CD4+ T, and CD8+ T cell counts continued to decrease. CD3+ T lymphocyte count was negatively correlated with viral load (R = 0.3883, p < 0.001), CD4+ T lymphocyte count was negatively correlated with viral load (R = 0.28933, p < 0.001), CD8+ T lymphocyte count was negatively correlated with viral load (R = 0.781, p < 0.001), and HLA-DR was positively correlated with viral load (R = 0.489, p < 0.001). High viral load, prolonged APTT time, and elevated HLA-DR level are independent prognostic risk factors for SFTS patients. The T lymphocyte subsets of SFTS patients continue to decrease after infection, and the number of T lymphocyte subsets can reflect the severity of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biscarboranes are comprised of two carborane units linked with a C−C, B−B or C−B bond, which have important applications in functional materials, coordination chemistry as well as metallacarboranes. Except the well‐developed 1,1′‐bis(o‐carborane), the biscarboranes linked with B−B and C−B bond are still rarely explored due to the limited synthetic methods. This review summarizes the methods for synthesis of biscarboranes in the past half century and recent advances thereof. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Strengthening methods are designed to protect the beam–column welds within the module under seismic. • Four full-scale modular structural joint hysteresis tests are investigated. • The working mechanism of module-to-module connections is explored. • Comparison with different simplified modeling methods for modular structural joints is conducted. • The lateral stiffness of modular frames is provided based on simplified modeling and the D-value method. The force-reliability of the modular structural joints is crucial for ensuring the structural integrity of modular steel buildings. However, the welds connecting the beam and column within the module are susceptible to tear during seismic events. This mode of failure greatly undermines the ability of these joints to withstand seismic forces. Four full-scale modular structural joints with bolted-cover plate connection were designed and conducted for seismic performance testing, emphasizing the significance of methods such as reinforcing diagonal braces and strengthening flanges on the protective effect of beam–column welds in the module. The simplified modular structural joint and frame finite element model were proposed based on experimental data, refined finite element modeling, and theoretical analysis. The findings suggest that the seismic behavior of the modular structural joint remains unaffected by variations in axial compression ratio within the designed range of parameters. The beam–column weld of the module in the reinforced joint exhibits almost no weld tearing, and both strengthening methods demonstrate exceptional capacity for energy dissipation. The proposed simplified modeling method facilitates the efficient determination of the modular structural joint bearing capacity and the lateral stiffness of the modular frame. The research findings presented in this paper can serve as a valuable reference point for the engineering design of modular steel structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emerging high-entropy alloy (HEA) films achieve high strength but generally show ineludible brittle fractures, strongly restricting their micro/nano-mechanical and functional applications. Nanolayered (NL) CoCrFeNi/graphene composites are elaborately fabricated via magnetron sputtering and the transfer process. It is uncovered that NL CoCrFeNi/graphene composite pillars exhibit a simultaneous ultra-high strength of 4.73 GPa and considerable compressive plasticity of over 20%. Detailed electron microscope observations and simulations reveal that the monolayer graphene interface can effectively block the crack propagation and stimulate dislocations to accommodate further deformation. Our findings open avenues for the fabrication of high-performance, HEA-based composites, thereby addressing the challenges and unmet needs in flexible electronics and mechanical metamaterials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Peach (Prunus persica) is an economically important stone fruit crop in Rosaceae and widely cultivated in temperate and subtropical regions, emerging as an excellent material to study the interaction between plant and environment. During its genus, there are four wild species of peach, all living in harsh environments. For example, one of the wild species, P. mira, originates from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) and exhibits strong cold/ultraviolet ray environmental adaptations. Although remarkable progresses in the gene discovery of fruit quality-related traits in peach using previous assembled genome were obtained, genomic basis of the response of these wild species to different geographical environments remains unclear. Results: To uncover key genes regulating adaptability in different species and analyze the role of genetic variations in resistance formation, we performed de novo genome assembling of four wild relatives of peach (P. persica), P. mira, P. davidiana, P. kansuensis, and P. ferganensis and resequenced 175 peach varieties. The phylogenetic tree showed that the divergence time of P. mira and other wild relatives of peach was 11.5 million years ago, which was consistent with the drastic crustal movement of QTP. Abundant genetic variations were identified in four wild species when compared to P. persica, and the results showed that plant-pathogen interaction pathways were enriched in genes containing small insertions and deletions and copy number variations in all four wild relatives of peach. Then, the data were used to identify new genes and variations regulating resistance. For example, presence/absence variations which result from a hybridization event that occurred between P. mira and P. dulcis enhanced the resistance of their putative hybrid, P. davidiana. Using bulked segregant analysis, we located the nematode resistance locus of P. kansuensis in chromosome 2. Within the mapping region, a deletion in the promoter of one NBS-LRR gene was found to involve the resistance by regulating gene expression. Furthermore, combined with RNA-seq and selective sweeps analysis, we proposed that a deletion in the promoter of one CBF gene was essential for high-altitude adaptation of P. mira through increasing its resistance to low temperature. Conclusions: In general, the reference genomes assembled in the study facilitate our understanding of resistance mechanism of perennial fruit crops, and provide valuable resources for future breeding and improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the research of network abnormal traffic detection, in view of the characteristics of high dimensionality and redundancy in traffic data and the loss of original information caused by the pooling operation in the convolutional neural network, which leads to the problem of unsatisfactory detection effect, this paper proposes a network abnormal traffic detection algorithm based on RIC-SC-DeCN to improve the above problems. Firstly, a recursive information correlation (RIC) feature selection mechanism is proposed, which reduces data redundancy through the maximum information correlation feature selection algorithm and recursive feature elimination method. Secondly, a skip-connected deconvolutional neural network model (SC-DeCN) is proposed to reduce the information loss by reconstructing the input signal. Finally, the RIC mechanism and the SC-DeCN model are merged to form a network abnormal traffic detection algorithm based on RIC-SC-DeCN. The experimental results on the CIC-IDS-2017 dataset show that the RIC feature selection mechanism proposed in this paper has the highest accuracy when using MSCNN as the detection model compared to the other three, which can reach 96.22%. Compared with the other five models, the SC-DeCN model has the highest detection accuracy, while the model training time is moderate and can reach 96.55%. Compared with the SC-DeCN model, the RIC-SC-DeCN model reduces the overall training time by 45.50%, while the accuracy rate is increased to 97.68%. It shows that the algorithm proposed in this paper has a good detection effect in the detection of network abnormal traffic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid development of high-speed railways, the continuous improvement of the road network, and the leapfrog increase in demand for cross-line passenger travel, the connectivity between cities is also increasing. The network structure has gradually evolved from a single line structure to a complex network structure, and the routes connecting city nodes are no longer unique. At this stage, there are multiple effective routes between destinations on the network, and the choice of train routes has diversified. Different options for interline trains have different degrees of impact on line and station operations. Therefore, this study constructed a deep learning CNN-GRU combined model to predict the traffic speed of railway logistics. The model used a convolutional neural network (CNN) to extract the spatial characteristics of speed data and GRU to extract the time characteristics of speed data. The experiment proved that the prediction accuracy of the combined model was better than that of the single GRU and CNN models. Finally, a multi-objective optimization model with the shortest total train running distance, the shortest total train running time, and the least influence on road sections is constructed using the prediction results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban landscape design as a contemporary art embodies postmodernist philosophical thinking, aesthetic thinking, and breaking the traditional concept of art, and it is a new way of creating and presenting art. Big data technology characterized by large scale, speed, variety, value, and uncertainty of data is used to achieve urban landscape design. In this article, during the research process, we strive to raise the revelation of the design layer rather than the brand new level of cross-fertilization and interaction between big data-driven discrete dynamic model and urban landscape design; we also reveal how the benefits of promoting urban development and harmonious life are achieved in the interactive expression of the urban landscape after the application of the big data-driven discrete dynamic model, which provides designers and related professionals with more detailed and novel design ideas at the theoretical level and makes the theory of big data-driven discrete dynamic models in landscape design interactive methods more enriched. Finally, this article puts forward its thinking and outlook on the design of the big data-driven discrete dynamic model in the interactivity of urban landscape design, hoping that artists will strengthen its functional and material design elements when creating performance. Moreover, more design means of emerging technologies of modern science and technology should be integrated so that modern urban landscape can achieve ordinary and uncommon benefits and promote the rapid development of the big data-driven discrete dynamic model in urban landscape design development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relatively low mechanical strength of concrete canvas (CC), one type of three-dimensional textile reinforced cementitious composites (3D TRC) manufactured by a cement powder impregnating process, limits its application in engineering. To achieve the goals of 4 h and 180d compressive strengths greater than 40 MPa and 110 MPa, respectively, the grouting technique is employed in this study to prepare 3D TRC based on modified calcium sulfoaluminate cement (CSA). Thermodynamic modeling is combined with compressive strength experiments to optimize the dosage of calcium sulfate hemihydrate (HH), Li 2 CO 3 and calcium carbonate (CC̅). Quantitative X-ray diffraction (QXRD) analysis is used to verify the reliability of the thermodynamic prediction. In addition, the time-dependent compressive strength of 3D TRC with the optimal mix proportions is tested after being exposed to accelerated carbonation of 20 % CO 2 , 5 % NaCl attack, and 5 % MgSO 4 attack. The corresponding aggressive mechanisms are explored via thermodynamic modeling and verified by QXRD analysis. The findings indicate that the 3D TRC with the optimal mixture proportion (CSA: HH: CC̅=69:23:8 by mass, 0.05 % Li 2 CO 3 by mass of binder) exhibits the highest 4 h and 180d compressive strengths (45.37 and 112.26 MPa, respectively) and the most effective resistance to chloride attack, but the least resistance to carbonation and sulfate attack. The developed 3D TRC products and the techniques employed in this study could be helpful to widen the application of 3D TRC in civil engineering. [Display omitted] • Thermodynamic modeling was used to optimize the mixture proportion of CSA systems. • Addition of Li 2 CO 3 promoted high early strength of the HH modified CSA-based 3D TRC. • Calcium carbonate improved the later-age strength of CSA-based 3D TRC. • The addition of modifier affected the duration of CSA-based 3D TRC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coexistence of microplastics (MPs) and arsenic (As) in terrestrial ecosystems presents challenges to controlling soil pollution and performing environmental risk assessments. In this study, the interactions among As, polystyrene MPs, and goethite in porous media were investigated and the individual and combined toxicities of MPs and As on wheat germination were evaluated. An additional experiment was conducted to assess the mitigating effect of goethite on the toxicity of the two contaminants. The results showed that the presence of MPs reduced As accumulation in wheat and decreased the acute lethal toxicity of As pollutants (the half-lethal concentration of As during wheat germination increased by 68.21%). However, MPs exhibited inhibitory effects on wheat germination and served as carriers to promote the migration of As within the plant body. The addition of goethite mitigated both individual and combined toxicities and further increased the half-lethal concentration for the combined pollution of As and MPs by 39.48%. This was primarily attributed to the adsorption and immobilization of arsenate and MPs on the medium and root surfaces. In our study, goethite reduced soluble As by 48.29% under the combined pollution scenarios and formed iron plaques on wheat roots, effectively obstructing pollutant entry. Thus, iron minerals serve as pioneering barriers to combined toxicity. Our findings contribute to the understanding of the combined toxicity of MPs and As in crops and offer potential strategies for managing combined pollution. [Display omitted] • The combined toxicity mechanisms of As and MPs on wheat seed were revealed. • MPs migration in wheat were visualized, quantified, and correlated with As. • Iron plaque acted as a barrier to prevent As and MPs from entering wheat. • Iron minerals could effectively against the combined toxicity of As and MPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article, titled "[Retracted] MicroRNA-138 suppresses proliferation, invasion and glycolysis in malignant melanoma cells by targeting HIF-1α," was published in the journal Experimental & Therapeutic Medicine in 2016. However, it has since been retracted due to concerns raised by a reader regarding similarities between the data presented in this article and data from other articles written by different authors at different research institutes. The authors were asked for an explanation but did not respond. The editor apologizes for any inconvenience caused. [Extracted from the article]

As a key organelle in eukaryotic cells, mitochondria play a central role in maintaining normal cellular functions. Mitochondrial dysfunction is reported to be closely related with aging and various diseases. Epigenetic modifications in nuclear genome provide a substantial layer for the modulation of nuclear-encoded gene expression. However, whether mitochondria could also be subjected to such similar epigenetic alterations and the involved mechanisms remain largely obscure and controversial. Recently, accumulating evidence has suggested that mitochondrial epigenetics, also known as mitoepigenetics may serve as an intriguing regulatory layer in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)-encoded gene expression. Given the potential regulatory role of mitoepigenetics, mitochondrial dysfunction derived from mitoepigenetics-induced abnormal gene expression could also be closely associated with aging and disease development. In this review, we summarized the recent advances in mitoepigenetics, with a special focus on mtDNA methylation in aging and metabolic-related diseases as well as the new methods and technologies for the study of mitoepigenetics. Uncovering the regulatory role of mitoepigenetics will help to understand the underlying mechanisms of mitochondrial dysfunction and provide novel strategies for delaying aging and preventing metabolic-related diseases. [Display omitted] • Mitochondrial dysfunction may participate in the development of aging and a series of human diseases. • Mitoepigenetics may regulate mitochondrial DNA-encoded gene expression and contribute to mitochondrial dysfunction. • New methodologies for the study of mitoepigenetics is under extensive developing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Myiasis is caused by dipterous larvae, and rarely affects the mouth. Diagnosis by traditional means is easy to be confused with other similar species. Here, we report a case of oral myiasis, in a 5-month-old infant who was diagnosed by morphological examination and molecular biological methods.Case Presentation: A 5-month old infant with acute myeloid leukemia was admitted due to recurrent skin masses for more than 4 months. The infant had lip swelling, which prevented him from closing the mouth and membranes were present in his mouth and there were also oral ulcers and erosions. Ten maggots were found in the mouth and one in the ear canal with pus flowing out and were confirmed as the third stage larvae of Sarcophaga ruficornis by morphological examination and a comparison of sequence of cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COX1) gene. After removal of the maggots and chemotherapy, the infant 's condition was gradually improved.Conclusions: To the best of our our knowledge, this is the first neonatal oral myiasis case reported in China and its diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion. Microscopy combined with specific DNA sequence analysis is an effective technological tool to provide rapid diagnoses of the larva specimen and cases of rare diseases, as illustrated in the current case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An iridium catalyzed selective B−H/C−H dehydrogenative coupling for arylation of electron deficient B(3)‐H of o‐carborane with benzamides has been developed. A plausible mechanism involving IrIII/IrV catalyzed BH/CH activation was proposed. This work has important value for selective functionalization of B(3,6)‐H bonds via dehydrogenative coupling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Peach (Prunus persica L. Batsch) is an economically important fruit crop worldwide. Although a high‐quality peach genome has previously been published, Sanger sequencing was used for its assembly, which generated short contigs. Here, we report a chromosome‐level genome assembly and sequence analysis of Chinese Cling, an important founder cultivar for peach breeding programs worldwide. The assembled genome contained 247.33 Mb with a contig N50 of 4.13 Mb and a scaffold N50 of 29.68 Mb, representing 99.8% of the estimated genome. Comparisons between this genome and the recently published one (Lovell peach) uncovered 685 407 single nucleotide polymorphisms, 162 655 insertions and deletions, and 16 248 structural variants. Gene family analysis highlighted the contraction of the gene families involved in flavone, flavonol, flavonoid, and monoterpenoid biosynthesis. Subsequently, the volatile compounds of 256 peach varieties were quantitated in mature fruits in 2015 and 2016 to perform a genome‐wide association analysis. A comparison with the identified domestication genomic regions allowed us to identify 25 quantitative trait loci, associated with seven volatile compounds, in the domestication region, which is consistent with the differences in volatile compounds between wild and cultivated peaches. Finally, a gene encoding terpene synthase, located within a previously reported quantitative trait loci region, was identified to be associated with linalool synthesis. Such findings highlight the importance of this new assembly for the analysis of evolutionary mechanisms and gene identification in peach species. Furthermore, this high‐quality peach genome provides valuable information for future fruit improvement. Significance Statement: A new high‐quality, chromosome‐scale genome of peach has the potential to perform a comprehensive comparative genomics analysis and discover variations associated with key agronomic traits. Using genome‐wide association analysis, we analyzed the molecular mechanism of changes in fruit volatile substances during domestication and identified a gene related to linalool content. This genome will be a valuable resource for genomic research and fruit improvement in peach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measures of β‐diversity are known to be biased by differences in γ‐diversity (i.e., γ‐dependence), making it challenging to compare β‐diversity across regions. Undersampling corrections have been designed to reduce effects of γ‐dependence on β‐diversity arising from the problem of incomplete sampling. However, no study has systematically tested the effectiveness of these corrections or examined how well they reflect β‐diversity patterns across ecological gradients. Here, we conduct these tests by comparing two undersampling corrections with the widely used individual‐based null model approach, using both simulated communities along an ecological gradient and empirical data across a wide range of γ‐diversity and sample sizes. We found that undersampling corrections using diversity accumulation curves were more effective than the null‐model approaches in removing γ‐dependence. In particular, the corrected β‐Shannon diversity index was least dependent on γ‐diversity, and was the most reflective of the β‐diversity pattern along a simulated ecological gradient. Moreover, a corrected Jaccard–Chao index applied to null model results removed γ‐dependence more effectively than either the correction alone or the null model alone. Undersampling corrections are effective tools for removing γ‐dependence bias, thus facilitating comparisons of β‐diversity across regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a sensitivity analysis and uncertainty estimation of small‐signal model for InP HBT is presented. Analytical expressions for sensitivity are derived in terms of the measured S‐parameters based on the direct intrinsic parameters extraction. Furthermore, the uncertainties of the intrinsic parameters vs frequency are discussed to give more reliable extraction results. The optimal solutions of the parameters are obtained by utilizing sensitivity analysis. In the frequency range of 45 MHz‐40GHz, good fits between the measured and modeled S‐parameters are achieved for 5 × 5μm2 InP HBT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome; acquired hemophilia A; autoimmunity; coagulation factor inhibitor EN Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome acquired hemophilia A autoimmunity coagulation factor inhibitor 1119 1122 4 07/05/21 20210701 NES 210701 Tingyan He, Ke Cao, and Zhongxiang Qi are co-first authors. Acquired hemophilia A (AHA) is a rare autoimmune disorder caused by autoantibodies (inhibitors) against FVIII with an incidence of 0.1~1.5 cases per one million individuals [[2]-[5]]. Other subsets of B cells and CD4 SP + sp T cells including memory B cells, plasma B cells, follicular helper (TFH)-like cells, and Th17 cells were almost normal. A perturbed B cell tolerance was confirmed by positive the circulating autoantibodies and the increased autoreactive B cells with low CD21 and CXCR5 expression [[11]], which possibly contribute to the production of FVIII inhibitor. [Extracted from the article]

Mitochondrial epigenetics is rising as intriguing notion for its potential involvement in aging and diseases, while the details remain largely unexplored. Here it is shown that among the 13 mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) encoded genes, NADH‐dehydrogenase 6 (ND6) transcript is primarily decreased in obese and type 2 diabetes populations, which negatively correlates with its distinctive hypermethylation. Hepatic mtDNA sequencing in mice unveils that ND6 presents the highest methylation level, which dramatically increases under diabetic condition due to enhanced mitochondrial translocation of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) promoted by free fatty acid through adenosine 5'‐monophosphate (AMP)‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation. Hepatic knockdown of ND6 or overexpression of Dnmt1 similarly impairs mitochondrial function and induces systemic insulin resistance both in vivo and in vitro. Genetic or chemical targeting hepatic DNMT1 shows significant benefits against insulin resistance associated metabolic disorders. These findings highlight the pivotal role of ND6 epigenetic network in regulating mitochondrial function and onset of insulin resistance, shedding light on potential preventive and therapeutic strategies of insulin resistance and related metabolic disorders from a perspective of mitochondrial epigenetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consensus problem with faster convergence rate of consensus problem has been considered in this paper. Adding more edges such as that connecting each agent and its second-nearest neighbor or changing the consensus protocol such as mixing asymptotic terms and terms of finite-time has been proved to be possible ways in increasing the convergence rate of multi-agent system in this paper. Based on analysis of Laplacian matrix, increasing of the convergence rate has been proved using the second-smallest eigenvalue for the first method. Concerning the second method, advantages of asymptotic consensus protocol and finite-time consensus protocol have been mixed together with the help of homogeneity function and theory of Lyapunov. Simulation results using matlab are also presented to illustrate the newly designed consensus protocols in increasing the convergence rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The AIBN initiated radical polymerization of o‐carborane functionalized styrenes has been developed. The styrene decorated on the cage boron or cage carbon vertex of o‐carboranes were all compatible with this polymerization. The Mw of the desired P[4‐(B3‐o‐carborane)‐styrene] and P[C1‐methylene‐o‐carborane‐4‐vinylbenzene] could up to 3.5×105 and 1.7×105, respectively. This work offers an efficient method for synthesis of o‐carborane functionalized polystyrenes, which has important reference for synthesis of o‐carborane containing polymers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The decline in species richness at higher latitudes is among the most fundamental patterns in ecology. Whether changes in species composition across space (beta-diversity) contribute to this gradient of overall species richness (gamma-diversity) remains hotly debated. Previous studies that failed to resolve the issue suffered from a well-known tendency for small samples in areas with high gamma-diversity to have inflated measures of beta-diversity. Here, we provide a novel analytical test, using beta-diversity metrics that correct the gamma-diversity and sampling biases, to compare beta-diversity and species packing across a latitudinal gradient in tree species richness of 21 large forest plots along a large environmental gradient in East Asia. We demonstrate that after accounting for topography and correcting the gamma-diversity bias, tropical forests still have higher beta-diversity than temperate analogues. This suggests that beta-diversity contributes to the latitudinal species richness gradient as a component of gamma-diversity. Moreover, both niche specialization and niche marginality (a measure of niche spacing along an environmental gradient) also increase towards the equator, after controlling for the effect of topographical heterogeneity. This supports the joint importance of tighter species packing and larger niche space in tropical forests while also demonstrating the importance of local processes in controlling beta-diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The decline in species richness at higher latitudes is among the most fundamental patterns in ecology. Whether changes in species composition across space (beta-diversity) contribute to this gradient of overall species richness (gamma-diversity) remains hotly debated. Previous studies that failed to resolve the issue suffered from a well-known tendency for small samples in areas with high gamma-diversity to have inflated measures of beta-diversity. Here, we provide a novel analytical test, using beta-diversity metrics that correct the gamma-diversity and sampling biases, to compare beta-diversity and species packing across a latitudinal gradient in tree species richness of 21 large forest plots along a large environmental gradient in East Asia. We demonstrate that after accounting for topography and correcting the gamma-diversity bias, tropical forests still have higher beta-diversity than temperate analogues. This suggests that beta-diversity contributes to the latitudinal species richness gradient as a component of gamma-diversity. Moreover, both niche specialization and niche marginality (a measure of niche spacing along an environmental gradient) also increase towards the equator, after controlling for the effect of topographical heterogeneity. This supports the joint importance of tighter species packing and larger niche space in tropical forests while also demonstrating the importance of local processes in controlling beta-diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) has been emerged as an effective method to explore the gene function and regulatory mechanisms. However, selecting appropriate reference gene (s) is a prerequisite for obtaining accurate qRT-PCR results. Peach is one of important fruit in Rosaceae and is widely cultivated worldwide. In this study, to explore reliable reference gene (s) in peach with different types during fruit ripening and softening (S1–S4), nine candidate reference genes (EF-1α, GAPDH, TBP, UBC, eIF-4α, TUB-A, TUB-B, ACTIN, and HIS) were selected from the whole-genome data. Then, the expression levels of the nine selected genes were detected using qRT-PCR in three peach types, including 'Hakuho' (melting type), 'Xiacui' (stony hard type), 'Fantasia' and 'NJC108' (non-melting type) cultivars were detected using qRT-PCR. Four software (geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper and RefFinder) were applied to evaluate the expression stability of these candidate reference genes. Gene expression was characterized in different peach types during fruit ripening and softening stages. The overall performance of each candidate in all samples was evaluated. The Actin gene (ACTIN) was a suitable reference gene and displayed excellent stability in 'Total' set, 'Hakuho' samples, S3 and S4 fruit developmental stages. Ubiquitin C gene (UBC) showed the best stability in most independent samples, including 'Fantasia', 'NJC108', S2 sets. Elongation factor-1α gene (EF-1α) was the most unstable gene across the set of all samples, 'NJC108' and S2 sets, while showed the highest stability in 'Xiacui' samples. The stability of candidate reference genes was further verified by analyzing the relative expression level of ethylene synthase gene of Prunus persica (PpACS1) in fruit ripening and softening periods of 'Hakuho'. Taken together, the results from this study provide a basis for future research on the mining of important functional genes, expression patterns and regulatory mechanisms in peach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fruit abortion is a major limiting factor for fruit production. In flat peach, fruit abortion is present in the whole tree of some accessions during early fruit development. However, the physiological factors and genetic mechanism underlying flat fruit abortion remain largely elusive. Results: In this study, we have revealed that the fertilization process was accomplished and the reduction of sucrose and starch contents might result in flat fruit abortion. By combining association and gene expression analysis, a key candidate gene, PpSnRK1βγ, was identified. A 1.67-Mb inversion co-segregated with flat fruit shape altered the promoter activity of PpSnRK1βγ, resulting in much lower expression in aborting flat peach. Ectopic transformation in tomato and transient overexpression in peach fruit have shown that PpSnRK1βγ could increase sugar and starch contents. Comparative transcriptome analysis further confirmed that PpSnRK1βγ participated in carbohydrate metabolism. Subcellular localization found that PpSnRK1βγ was located in nucleus. Conclusions: This study provides a possible reason for flat fruit abortion and identified a critical candidate gene, PpSnRK1βγ, that might be responsible for flat fruit abortion in peach. The results will provide great help in peach breeding and facilitate gene identification for fruit abortion in other plant species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flexible transparent conductive films are indispensable for nowadays wearable electronic devices with various applications. However, existing solutions such as ITO and metal mesh were limited by their poor intrinsic stretching ability. In this work, we designed and fabricated silver nanowires (AgNWs) on graphene hybrid films for enhanced mechanical and electrical performance. In situ TEM characterizations show that, beside conductive paths, silver nanowire network, can also contribute to the toughening mechanisms of the hybrid films. Furthermore, bending and electrical tests were applied to examine the corresponding flexible electronics' performance. Finally, we showed that the fabrication of our AgNW/graphene hybrid films could be scaled up for large film applications and extended to other 1D/2D hybrid systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In recent years, certain body composition measures, assessed by computed tomography (CT), have been found to be associated with chemotherapy toxicities. This review aims to explore available data on the relationship between skeletal muscle and adiposity, including visceral adipose tissue (VAT), subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), intramuscular and intermuscular adipose tissue and their association with chemotherapy toxicity in non‐metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Methods: A systematic literature search following PRISMA guidelines was conducted in Medline, Embase, Cochrane and Web of Science, for papers published between 2011 and 2023. The search strategy combined keywords and MESH terms relevant to 'body composition', 'chemotherapy toxicities', and 'non‐metastatic colorectal cancer'. Results: Out of 3868 studies identified, six retrospective studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria with 1024 eligible patients. Low skeletal muscle mass was strongly associated with increased incidence of both chemotherapy toxicities and dose‐limiting toxicity (DLT). The association of VAT, intramuscular and intermuscular adiposity was heterogeneous and inconclusive. There was no association between SAT and chemotherapy intolerance. No universal definitions or cut‐offs for sarcopenia and obesity were noted. All studies utilized 2‐dimensional (2D) CT slices for CT body composition assessment with varied selection on the vertebral landmark and inconsistent reporting of tissue‐defining Hounsfield unit (HU) measurements. Conclusion: Low skeletal muscle is associated with chemotherapy toxicities in non‐metastatic CRC. However, quality evidence on the role of adiposity is limited and heterogeneous. More studies are needed to confirm these associations with an emphasis on a more coherent body composition definition and an approach to its assessment, especially regarding sarcopenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work discloses an iridium-catalyzed selective arylation of B(6)–H of 3-Ar-o-carboranes with arylboronic acid via direct B–H activation for the first time. A series of unsymmetric and symmetric 3,6-diaryl-o-carboranes decorated with diverse active groups have been synthesized with moderate to excellent yields under mild conditions. This work offers an efficient approach for selective arylation of B(6)–H with arylboronic acid and has important value for selective functionalization of o-carboranes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Peach (Prunus persica L.) is a diploid species and model plant of the Rosaceae family. In the past decade, significant progress has been made in peach genetic research via DNA markers, but the number of these markers remains limited. Results: In this study, we performed a genome-wide DNA markers detection based on sequencing data of six distantly related peach accessions. A total of 650,693~1,053,547 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), 114,227~178,968 small insertion/deletions (InDels), 8386~12,298 structure variants (SVs), 2111~2581 copy number variants (CNVs) and 229,357~346,940 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were detected and annotated. To demonstrate the application of DNA markers, 944 SNPs were filtered for association study of fruit ripening time and 15 highly polymorphic SSRs were selected to analyze the genetic relationship among 221 accessions. Conclusions: The results showed that the use of high-throughput sequencing to develop DNA markers is fast and effective. Comprehensive identification of DNA markers, including SVs and SSRs, would be of benefit to genetic diversity evaluation, genetic mapping, and molecular breeding of peach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure of PC12 cells to 10 mM glutamate caused significant viability loss, cell apoptosis, decreased activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) as well as increased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA). In parallel, glutamate significantly increased the intracellular levels of ROS and intracellular calcium. However, pretreatment of the cells with acteoside and isoacteoside significantly suppressed glutamate-induced cellular events. Moreover, acteoside and isoacteoside reduced the glutamate-induced increase of caspase-3 activity and also ameliorated the glutamate-induced Bcl-2/Bax ratio reduction in PC12 cells. Furthermore, acteoside and isoacteoside significantly inhibited glutamate-induced DNA damage. In the mouse model, acteoside significantly attenuated cognitive deficits in the Y maze test and attenuated neuronal damage of the hippocampal CA1 regions induced by glutamate. These data indicated that acteoside and isoacteoside play neuroprotective effects through anti-oxidative stress, anti-apoptosis, and maintenance of steady intracellular calcium. Protective effect of acteoside and isoacteoside on glutamate-induced cytotoxicity in PC12 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Crop evolution is a long‐term process involving selection by natural evolutionary forces and anthropogenic influences; however, the genetic mechanisms underlying the domestication and improvement of fruit crops have not been well studied to date. Here, we performed a population structure analysis in peach (Prunus persica) based on the genome‐wide resequencing of 418 accessions and confirmed the presence of an obvious domestication event during evolution. We identified 132 and 106 selective sweeps associated with domestication and improvement, respectively. Analysis of their tissue‐specific expression patterns indicated that the up‐regulation of selection genes during domestication occurred mostly in fruit and seeds as opposed to other organs. However, during the improvement stage, more up‐regulated selection genes were identified in leaves and seeds than in the other organs. Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) using 4.24 million single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) revealed 171 loci associated with 26 fruit domestication traits. Among these loci, three candidate genes were highly associated with fruit weight and the sorbitol and catechin content in fruit. We demonstrated that as the allele frequency of the SNPs associated with high polyphenol composition decreased during peach evolution, alleles associated with high sugar content increased significantly. This indicates that there is genetic potential for the breeding of more nutritious fruit with enhanced bioactive polyphenols without disturbing a harmonious sugar and acid balance by crossing with wild species. This study also describes the development of the genomic resources necessary for evolutionary research in peach and provides the large‐scale characterization of key agronomic traits in this crop species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thin films of GeTe2 were deposited on glass substrates using radio-frequency magnetron sputtering with various hydrogen flow rates in the growth chamber. Transmission data of deposited films were taken and used to determine optical constants [refractive index (n), extinction coefficient (κ), and absorption coefficient (α)] and the energies corresponding to absorption coefficients of 104 and 103 cm-1 (E04,E03), Tauc band gap ETauc, and Urbach energy EU. An increase in these energies was observed as a function of the hydrogen flow rate. An increase in the disorder in the hydrogenated GeTe2 thin films was determined from Tauc’s slope B1/2 parameter, Urbach energy, and full width at half maximum of Raman vibrational modes. Crystallization of GeTe2 occurs via a phase separation into Te and GeTe crystalline phases. The crystallization temperature increases with the addition of hydrogen. A large change (∼60% decrease) in the optical transmission occurs after the phase change from amorphous to crystalline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A dosage optimization model for ozone-UV-chlorine disinfection was developed. • Enhancement coefficients were introduced to quantify the synergistic effects. • Software was developed to simulate and optimize synergistic disinfection process. • Synergistic disinfection with optimal dosage and minimized cost can be achieved. The ozone-ultraviolet (UV)-chlorine process is a highly effective method of disinfection in water reuse system, but currently still lacks precise quantification and accurate control. It is difficult to determine the dosage of each disinfectant because of the complex interactions that occur between disinfection units and the complicated mathematical calculation required. In this study, we proposed a dosage optimization model for ozone-UV-chlorine synergistic disinfection process. The model was able to identify the cost-effective doses of the disinfectants under the constraints of microbial inactivation, decolorization, and residual chlorine retention requirements. Specifically, the simulation of microbial inactivation rates during synergistic disinfection process was accomplished through quantification of the synergistic effects between disinfection units and the introduction of enhancement coefficients. In order to solve this optimization model rapidly and automatically, a MATLAB-based software program with graphical user interface was developed. This software consisted of calibration unit, prediction unit, assessment unit, and optimization unit, and was able to simulate synergistic ozone-UV-chlorine process and identify the optimal dose of ozone, UV, and chlorine. Validation experiments revealed good agreements between the experimental data and the results calculated by the developed software. The developed software is believed to help the water reclamation plants improve disinfection efficiency and reduce the operational costs of synergistic disinfection processes. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruit maturity is an important agronomic trait of fruit crops. Although in previous studies, several molecular markers are developed for the trait, the knowledge about its candidate genes is particularly limited. In this study, a total of 357 peach accessions were re-sequenced to obtain 949,638 SNPs. Combing with 3-year fruit maturity dates, a genome-wide association analysis was performed, and 5, 8, and 9 association loci were identified. To screen the candidate genes for those year-stable loci on chromosomes 4 and 5, two maturity date mutants were used for transcriptome sequencing. Gene expression analysis indicated that Prupe.4G186800 and Prupe.4G187100 on chromosome 4 were essential to fruit ripening in peaches. However, the expression analysis of different tissues showed that the first gene has no tissue-specific character, but transgenic studies showed that the latter is more likely to be a key candidate gene than the first for the maturity date in peach. The yeast two-hybrid assay showed that the proteins encoded by the two genes interacted and then regulated fruit ripening. Moreover, the previously identified 9 bp insertion in Prupe.4G186800 may affect their interaction ability. This research is of great significance for understanding the molecular mechanism of peach fruit ripening and developing practical molecular markers in a breeding program. [Display omitted] • Using re-sequencing data of 357 accessions and 3 years of the maturity date, a total of 22 associated signals were identified. • Two candidate genes for peach fruit maturity date on chromosome 4 were screened by using RNA-seq data. • Transgenic experiments indicated that Prupe.4G187100 may be a key candidate gene for peach fruit maturity date. • The interaction between these two NAC genes was proved to be involved in regulating fruit mature in peach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty-five sesquiterpenoids including seventeen guaiane-type sesquiterpenoids and glucose glycosides (1 – 17), six eudesmane-type sesquiterpenoids (18 – 23), and two germacrane-type sesquiterpenoids (24 and 25) were isolated from the aerial parts of Saussurea laniceps Hand.-Mazz. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods and comparison with previously reported spectral data. Among them, compounds (6 and 8) are new, and seven compounds (2 , 9 , 12 , 18 – 19 , 22 – 23) are reported for the first time from the genus Saussurea. This paper deals with the isolation, structural elucidation and chemotaxonomic significance of these sesquiterpenoids from S. laniceps. • Twenty-five sesquiterpenoids were isolated from Saussurea laniceps. • The structure of two new guaiane-type sesquiterpenoid lactoneswere elucidated by spectroscopic methods. • Seven compounds were first reported from the genus Saussurea. • Chemotaxonomic relationship between S. laniceps and the genus Saussurea was discussed. • Sesquiterpenoids could be considered as chemotaxonomic markers for the genus Saussurea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accumulating evidence has elucidated that hyperlipidemia is closely associated with an increasing prevalence of CVDs (cardiovascular diseases) because of endothelial dysfunction. In the present study, we investigated the effect and mechanism of PU (Punicalagin), a major ellagitannin in pomegranate, on endothelial dysfunction both in vivo and in vitro. In vivo , PU significantly ameliorated hyperlipidemia-induced accumulation of serum triglyceride and cholesterol as well as endothelial and mitochondrial dysfunction of thoracic aorta. Intriguingly, the FoxO1 (forkhead box O1) pathway was activated, which may account for prevention of vascular dysfunction and mitochondrial loss via upregulating mitochondrial biogenesis. In line, through in vitro cell cultures, our study demonstrated that PU not only increased the total FoxO1 protein, but also enhanced its nuclear translocation. In addition, silencing of FoxO1 remarkably abolished the ability of PU to augment the mitochondrial biogenesis, eNOS (endothelial NO synthase) expression, and oxidative stress, implying the irreplaceable role of FoxO1 in regulating endothelial function in the presence of PU. Conversely, suppression of excessive ROS (reactive oxygen species) secured the PA (palmitate)-induced decrease of FoxO1 expression, implying that there was a cross-talk between FoxO1 pathway and ROS. Concomitantly, the inflammatory response in current study was primarily mediated via p38 MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway besides of FoxO1 pathway. Taken together, our findings suggest that PU ameliorates endothelial dysfunction by activating FoxO1 pathway, a pivotal regulating switch of mitochondrial biogenesis. Image 1 • In vivo, PU ameliorated hyperlipemia-induced endothelial and mitochondrial dysfunction of thoracic aorta. • In vitro, PU attenuated free fatty acid-induced endothelial impairment and mitochondrial dysfunction. • PU ameliorated endothelial dysfunction by activating FoxO1, a pivotal regulating switch of mitochondrial biogenesis. • The anti-inflammatory response of PU was primarily mediated via p38 MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway besides of FoxO1 pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growing evidence suggests that long non‐coding RNAs NORAD and miR‐205 play a significant role in regulating cancer progression and metastasis. In this study, high expression of NORAD was firstly observed in melanoma tissues and human malignant melanoma cell lines, our aim was to study the interaction of them in the process of invasion and migration of malignant melanoma cells. NORAD, miR‐205, and EGLN2 mRNA level in MM cells was detected by qRT‐PCR. In situ hybridization (ISH) was performed to detect NORAD expression in MM tissues specimens. Effects of NORAD and miR‐205 on Prolyl hydroxylase 2 (EGLN2) expression was explored by western blot in MM cells line. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay was performed to verify the interaction relationship between NORAD and miR‐205, as well as, miR‐205 and EGLN2. Transwell assay was conducted to explore the effects of NORAD and miR‐205 in vitro. Xenografts in nude mice experiment were used to confirm the role of NORAD and miR‐205 in vivo. In vitro, NORAD knockdown significantly inhibited migration and invasion of malignant melanoma cells and elevated the expression of miR‐205, there was an interaction between miR‐205 and NORAD in the RNA‐induced silencing complex. Upregulation of miR‐205 induced significant inhibition of migratory and invasive ability compared with the scrambled control. However, downregulating NORAD largely reversed this effect. Furthermore, the regulatory effects of miR‐205 on EGLN2 levels and the induction of endoplasmic reticulum stress were reversed by NORAD. In vivo, deletion of miR‐205 induced tumor growth in nude mice. NORAD may play critical roles in tumorigenesis and progression of malignant melanoma by regulating of the miR‐205‐EGLN2 pathway, and may serve as a new therapeutic target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • The critical stage respond to water stress is 12 days without watering. • ABA signal transduction may be ubiquitous response to water stress in plants. • Auxin and cytokinine might exert a vital influence on drought resistance. Abstract Plant growth and productivity are adversely affected by water stress. Several genotypes of peach have evolved features that impart tolerance to water stress and other abiotic stresses. The aim of this study was to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between two peach cultivars, one resistant and one susceptible, at 0, 6, 12, 18 days without watering (dww), using the Illumina HiSeq 2000 platform. Transcriptome analysis indicated that plant response was vigorous at 12 dww, compared with other time points. Gene ontology (GO) analysis of the DEGs at 12 dww demonstrated that they were involved in metabolic and catalytic processes. Selecting of genes with obvious differences between the two cultivars revealed 48 genes involves in hormone signal transduction were up-regulated only in the resistant cultivar. Detailed analysis of gene expression profiles indicated auxin and cytokinine might exert a vital influence on signal transduction during water stress in the resistant cultivar. These results form a basis for understanding the mechanism of water stress resistance in peach and other plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A one pot deboronation/cyclization of 9-amide-o-carboranes for the synthesis of nido-7,8-carborane fused oxazole by cooperation of Pd(OAc)2, AgOAc and K2CO3 has been developed. A plausible mechanism involving an amide directed electrophilic palladation of the B–H bond and deboronation/cyclization process was proposed based on the successful isolation and structural characterization of the key deboronated intermediate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been recognized that drug addiction engages aberrant process of learning and memory, and substantial studies have focused on developing effective treatment to erase the enduring drug memories to reduce the propensity to relapse. Extinction, a behavioral intervention exposing the individuals to the drug-associated cues repeatedly, can weaken the craving and relapse induced by drug-associated cues, but its clinic efficacy is limited. A clear understanding of the neuronal circuitry and molecular mechanism underlying extinction of drug memory will facilitate the successful use of extinction therapy in clinic. As a key component of mesolimbic system, medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) has received particular attention largely in that PFC stands at the core of neural circuits for memory extinction and manipulating mPFC influences extinction of drug memories and subsequent relapse. Here, we review the recent advances in both animal models of drug abuse and human addicted patients toward the understanding of the mechanistic link between mPFC and drug memory, with particular emphasis on how mPFC contributes to the extinction of drug memory at levels ranging from neuronal architecture, synaptic plasticity to molecular signaling and epigenetic regulation, and discuss the clinic relevance of manipulating the extinction process of drug memory to prevent craving and relapse through enhancing mPFC function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modular steel-frame buildings (MSFBs) are a fast-evolving alternative to traditional on-site construction, providing factory-level quality and significant time savings. The main difference between sway-permitted MSFBs and traditional sway-permitted steel frames, which always have continuous columns in adjacent storeys, is that in the former the connections between the designed column and adjacent columns are semi-rigid. This paper reports on how governing equations on the effective length factor (K) of columns for sway-permitted MSFBs can be derived using a three-column sub-assemblage model. A simplified method is then proposed to determine K-factors. Through comparing governing equations and finite-element simulations of a six-storey building, the accuracy and effectiveness of the method were verified. The accuracy of the alignment chart method and the 'French rule' method were also studied and assessed. The results show that these traditional approaches are not applicable and may provide unconservative values. The influencing factors on the K-factors for sway-permitted MSFBs were studied. It was found that the boundary restraint parameters and their relative values will significantly affect the K-factor. The semi-rigid connections in sway-permitted MSFBs should be double-checked when the relative beam-to-column stiffness is either small or large. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]