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To understand the differences in material removal behavior during grinding for different ceramics, scratching of Al 2 O 3 , AlN, Si 3 N 4 and ZrO 2 (3Y-TZP) ceramics by a cube-corner diamond indenter was investigated in this paper. Scratching characteristics, including material deformation, scratching force, coefficient of friction (COF) and scratching damage of different ceramics were compared and analyzed. Elastic recovery rate model and stress field model were built to analyze the mechanism of material deformation and scratching damage during scratching on different ceramics. The results demonstrated that material deformation behaviors vary significantly, and depend on mechanical properties of the ceramics. Ceramics with higher hardness exhibit shallower penetration depth of scratching, while higher fracture toughness results in shorter maximum surface damage distance. Elastic recovery rate model can predict the extent of material deformation. The ceramic with the highest elastic recovery rate is Al 2 O 3 , followed by Si 3 N 4 , ZrO 2 , and finally AlN. Elastic recovery rate decreases with increase in force. In stress field model, AlN exhibits the highest maximum principal stress, followed by Al 2 O 3 and Si 3 N 4 , with ZrO 2 displaying the lowest stress. These distribution patterns are consistent with the results of scratching damage pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) can be treated with sorafenib, which is the primary choice for targeted therapy. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of sorafenib is greatly restricted due to resistance. Research has shown that exosomes and circular RNAs play a vital role in the cancer's malignant advancement. However, the significance of exosomal circular RNAs in the development of resistance to sorafenib in HCC remains uncertain. Methods: Ultracentrifugation was utilized to isolate exosomes (Exo-SR) from the sorafenib-resistant HCC cells' culture medium. Transcriptome sequencing and differential expression gene analysis were used to identify the targets of Exo-SR action in HCC cells. To identify the targets of Exo-SR action in HCC cells, transcriptome sequencing and analysis of differential expression genes were employed. To evaluate the impact of exosomal circUPF2 on resistance to sorafenib in HCC, experiments involving gain-of-function and loss-of-function were conducted. RNA pull-down assays and mass spectrometry analysis were performed to identify the RNA-binding proteins interacting with circUPF2. RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), RNA pull-down, electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), immunofluorescence (IF) -fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and rescue assays were used to validate the interactions among circUPF2, IGF2BP2 and SLC7A11. Finally, a tumor xenograft assay was used to examine the biological functions and underlying mechanisms of Exo-SR and circUPF2 in vivo. Results: A novel exosomal circRNA, circUPF2, was identified and revealed to be significantly enriched in Exo-SR. Exosomes with enriched circUPF2 enhanced sorafenib resistance by promoting SLC7A11 expression and suppressing ferroptosis in HCC cells. Mechanistically, circUPF2 acts as a framework to enhance the creation of the circUPF2-IGF2BP2-SLC7A11 ternary complex contributing to the stabilization of SLC7A11 mRNA. Consequently, exosomal circUPF2 promotes SLC7A11 expression and enhances the function of system Xc- in HCC cells, leading to decreased sensitivity to ferroptosis and resistance to sorafenib. Conclusions: The resistance to sorafenib in HCC is facilitated by the exosomal circUPF2, which promotes the formation of the circUPF2-IGF2BP2-SLC7A11 ternary complex and increases the stability of SLC7A11 mRNA. Focusing on exosomal circUPF2 could potentially be an innovative approach for HCC treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ochratoxin A (OTA), a globally abundant and extremely hazardous pollutant, is a significant source of contamination in aquafeeds and is responsible for severe food pollution. The developmental toxicity of OTA and the potential relieving strategy of natural products remain unclear. This study screened the substance curcumin (Cur), which had the best effect in alleviating OTA inhibition of myoblast proliferation, from 96 natural products and investigated its effect and mechanism in reducing OTA myotoxicity in vivo and in vitro. Methods: A total of 720 healthy juvenile grass carp, with an initial average body weight of 11.06 ± 0.05 g, were randomly assigned into 4 groups: the control group (without OTA and Cur), 1.2 mg/kg OTA group, 400 mg/kg Cur group, and 1.2 mg/kg OTA + 400 mg/kg Cur group. Each treatment consisted of 3 replicates (180 fish) for 60 d. Results: Firstly, we cultured, purified, and identified myoblasts using the tissue block culture method. Through preliminary screening and re-screening of 96 substances, we examined cell proliferation-related indicators such as cell viability and ultimately found that Cur had the best effect. Secondly, Cur could alleviate OTA-inhibited myoblast differentiation and myofibrillar development-related proteins (MyoG and MYHC) in vivo and in vitro and improve the growth performance of grass carp. Then, Cur could also promote the expression of OTA-inhibited protein synthesis-related proteins (S6K1 and TOR), which was related to the activation of the AKT/TOR signaling pathway. Finally, Cur could downregulate the expression of OTA-enhanced protein degradation-related genes (murf1, foxo3a, and ub), which was related to the inhibition of the FoxO3a signaling pathway. Conclusions: In summary, our data demonstrated the effectiveness of Cur in alleviating OTA myotoxicity in vivo and in vitro. This study confirms the rapidity, feasibility, and effectiveness of establishing a natural product screening method targeting myoblasts to alleviate fungal toxin toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neurodegenerative diseases are increasingly recognized for their association with oxidative stress, which leads to progressive dysfunction and loss of neurons, manifesting in cognitive and motor impairments. This study aimed to elucidate the neuroprotective role of peroxiredoxin II (Prx II) in counteracting oxidative stress-induced mitochondrial damage, a key pathological feature of neurodegeneration. Methods: We investigated the impact of Prx II deficiency on endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondrial dysfunction using HT22 cell models with knocked down and overexpressed Prx II. We observed alcohol-treated HT22 cells using transmission electron microscopy and monitored changes in the length of mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membranes and their contact with endoplasmic reticulum mitochondria contact sites (EMCSs). Additionally, RNA sequencing and bioinformatic analysis were conducted to identify the role of Prx II in regulating mitochondrial transport and the formation of EMCSs. Results: Our results indicated that Prx II preserves mitochondrial integrity by facilitating the formation of EMCSs, which are essential for maintaining mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis and preventing mitochondria-dependent apoptosis. Further, we identified a novel regulatory axis involving Prx II, the transcription factor ATF3, and miR-181b-5p, which collectively modulate the expression of Armcx3, a protein implicated in mitochondrial transport. Our findings underscore the significance of Prx II in protecting neuronal cells from alcohol-induced oxidative damage and suggest that modulating the Prx II-ATF3-miR-181b-5p pathway may offer a promising therapeutic strategy against neurodegenerative diseases. Conclusions: This study not only expands our understanding of the cytoprotective mechanisms of Prx II but also offers necessary data for developing targeted interventions to bolster mitochondrial resilience in neurodegenerative conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The organelle network is a key factor in the repair and regeneration of lesion. However, effectively intervening in the organelle network which has complex interaction mechanisms is challenging. In this study, on the basis of electromagnetic laws, we constructed a biomaterial-based physical/chemical restraint device. This device was designed to jointly constrain electrical and biological factors in a conductive screw-threaded microneedle (ST-needle) system, identifying dual positioning regulation of the organelle network. The unique physical properties of this system could accurately locate the lesion and restrict the current path to the lesion cells through electromagnetic laws, and dynamic Van der Waals forces were activated to release functionalized hydrogel microspheres. Subsequently, the mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum (ER) complex was synergistically targeted by increasing mitochondrial ATP supply to the ER via electrical stimulation and by blocking calcium current from the ER to the mitochondria using microspheres, and then the life activity of the lesion cells was effectively restored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human midbrain dopaminergic progenitors (mDAPs) are one of the most representative cell types in both basic research and clinical applications. However, there are still many challenges for the preparation and quality control of mDAPs, such as the lack of standards. Therefore, the establishment of critical quality attributes and technical specifications for mDAPs is largely needed. "Human midbrain dopaminergic progenitor" jointly drafted and agreed upon by experts from the Chinese Society for Stem Cell Research, is the first guideline for human mDAPs in China. This standard specifies the technical requirements, test methods, inspection rules, instructions for usage, labelling requirements, packaging requirements, storage requirements, transportation requirements and waste disposal requirements for human mDAPs, which is applicable to the quality control for human mDAPs. It was originally released by the China Society for Cell Biology on 30 August 2022. We hope that the publication of this guideline will facilitate the institutional establishment, acceptance and execution of proper protocols, and accelerate the international standardization of human mDAPs for clinical development and therapeutic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The popularization of electricity-gas systems leads to increasing demand for state management of systems. However, the existence of neglected measurement correlations brings uncertainties to the electricity-gas systems state estimation. In this paper, an interval state estimation method that considers measurement correlations existing in the electricity-gas systems is presented. We derive the linear measurement model for the electricity-gas systems through Taylor series expansion and estimate the measurement variance-covariance matrix with measurement correlations. The system parameter matrix and the measurement variance-covariance matrix containing measurement correlations are combined into an interval, and the interval state matrix considering measurement correlations is constructed. Then, the linear equations for the state estimation interval considering measurement correlations are established based on the measurement containing correlations and interval state matrix; as a result, the electricity-gas system state estimation model containing measurement correlations is established. In addition, a method for determining the range of state estimation intervals is proposed. Numerical tests on an integrated electricity-gas system comprising a 10-node natural gas network and IEEE 30-bus system indicate that the proposed approach has more advantages over the UT+KO approach in computation accuracy and computation efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mammalian orthoreoviruses (reoviruses) infect many mammals and provide a safe model to study enteric viruses. Knowledge of reoviruses is derived from prototypic lab strains, notably T1L and T3D. Based on these prototypic strains, reoviruses can efficiently utilize gut or lysosomal proteases for uncoating and penetration into host cytoplasm. To discover natural reovirus characteristics, we isolated four genetically diverse wastewater reovirus samples and compared their genetic and phenotypic characteristics to those of T1L/T3D. On L929 cells, the most commonly used model for reovirus studies, naturally derived reoviruses displayed lower fitness than T1L/T3D, evident from smaller plaques and higher relative particle-to-PFU ratios. In contrast to T1L/T3D, which are uncoated efficiently by lysosomal-mediated proteolysis, naturally derived reoviruses displayed poor uncoating kinetics. Exposure of naturally derived reoviruses to gut proteases led to rapid extracellular uncoating and significantly improved infectivity relative to T1L/T3D, indicating that wild reoviruses depended more on extracellular gut proteases. To discover if reovirus can adapt to new host proteases, naturally derived samples were passaged on L929 cells, and large and small plaqueforming isolates were evaluated. Larger plaque sizes correlate with faster intracellular uncoating. Whole-genome sequencing identified the outer capsid σ3 protein as the determinant of uncoating proficiency between wild reoviruses. Interestingly, mutations that permitted intracellular uncoating were found in 0.01% of the parental quasispecies, suggesting that variants with altered protease sensitivity were rapidly selected for during cell culture propagation. Altogether, these findings indicate that naturally circulating reoviruses are more reliant on gut proteases, but the genetic diversity of reovirus quasispecies bestows tremendous plasticity toward protease utility. IMPORTANCE Reoviruses infect many mammals and are widely studied as a model system for enteric viruses. However, most of our reovirus knowledge comes from laboratory strains maintained on immortalized L929 cells. Herein, we asked whether naturally circulating reoviruses possess the same genetic and phenotypic characteristics as laboratory strains. Naturally circulating reoviruses obtained from sewage were extremely diverse genetically. Moreover, sewage reoviruses exhibited poor fitness on L929 cells and relied heavily on gut proteases for viral uncoating and productive infection compared to laboratory strains. We then examined how naturally circulating reoviruses might adapt to cell culture conditions. Within three passages, virus isolates from the parental sewage population were selected, displaying improved fitness and intracellular uncoating in L929 cells. Remarkably, selected progeny clones were present at 0.01% of the parental population. Altogether, using reovirus as a model, our study demonstrates how the high genetic diversity of naturally circulating viruses results in rapid adaptation to new environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bats carry genetically diverse severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronaviruses (SARSr-CoVs). Some of them utilize human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) as a receptor and cannot efficiently replicate in wild-type mice. Our previous study demonstrated that the bat SARSr-CoV rRsSHC014S induces respiratory infection and lung damage in hACE2 transgenic mice but not wild-type mice. In this study, we generated a mouse-adapted strain of rRsSHC014S, which we named SMA1901, by serial passaging of wild-type virus in BALB/c mice. SMA1901 showed increased infectivity in mouse lungs and induced interstitial lung pneumonia in both young and aged mice after intranasal inoculation. Genome sequencing revealed mutations in not only the spike protein but the whole genome, which may be responsible for the enhanced pathogenicity of SMA1901 in wild-type BALB/c mice. SMA1901 induced age-related mortality similar to that observed in SARS and COVID-19. Drug testing using antibodies and antiviral molecules indicated that this mouse-adapted virus strain can be used to test prophylactic and therapeutic drug candidates against SARSr-CoVs. IMPORTANCE: The genetic diversity of SARSr-CoVs in wildlife and their potential risk of cross-species infection highlights the importance of developing a powerful animal model to evaluate the antibodies and antiviral drugs. We acquired the mouse-adapted strain of a bat-origin coronavirus named SMA1901 by natural serial passaging of rRsSHC014S in BALB/c mice. The SMA1901 infection caused interstitial pneumonia and inflammatory immune responses in both young and aged BALB/c mice after intranasal inoculation. Our model exhibited age-related mortality similar to SARS and COVID-19. Therefore, our model will be of high value for investigating the pathogenesis of bat SARSr-CoVs and could serve as a prospective test platform for prophylactic and therapeutic candidates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We aim to investigate the species composition of ticks and the pathogen characteristics they carry in the Argun port area of the China–Russia border. Materials and Methods: Ticks were collected in surrounding grassland, mixed forest land, and other different habitats around the Argun port area at the Sino-Russian Border of Inner Mongolia in China in April 2019. The presence of 16 potential pathogens, including Yersinia Pestis, Francisella tularensis, Coxiella burnetii (Cb), Anaplasma sp. (Ap), spotted fever group rickettsiae (SFG Rk), Borrelia sp. (Bl), Leptospira, Bartonella spp., Babesia, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, tick-borne encephalitis virus, Bhanja virus, West Nile Virus, severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome bunyavirus, Hantaan virus, and bocavirus (boca) was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction. The DNA and amino acid sequences of tick-borne pathogens were compared for homology, and the phylogenetic trees were constructed by using Mega and Lasergene software. Results: A total of 210 ticks were collected and they belonged to three species: Dermacentor nuttalli, Ixodes persulcatus, and Haemaphysalis verticalis. Among them, 165 (78.57%) ticks tested positive for 5 pathogens, namely Ap, SFG Rk, Cb, Bl, and boca. Fifteen (7.14%) ticks were detected coinfection with two pathogens, and none were coinfected with three or more pathogens. Conclusion: This study shows the prevalence of at least five tick-borne pathogens in Argun, and there is a risk of coinfection by two pathogens in one tick. This study reveals the great importance of controlling tick-borne diseases in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Defects, such as pores and cracks, can be found in parts fabricated by powder-bed additive manufacturing techniques. The origin of certain defects, such as some voids, can be linked to initial powder quality, which makes it an important factor in the process. Powders used in additive manufacturing processes are produced by different methods such as gas atomization (GA), plasma atomization (PA), and plasma rotating electrode process (PREP); each gives different powder quality. In this study, two different Al2024 powders, produced by electrode induction GA and PREP techniques, were used to investigate the effect of powder characteristics on defect formation during electron beam melting process (EBM). Powders were first characterized by using Hall flowmeter funnel and scanning electron microscope (SEM); then, the EBM process was carried out, and finally, samples were examined by density measurement using Archimedes method, SEM analysis, and tensile test. PREP powder showed higher levels of sphericity and surface smoothness without attached satellites. Consequently, a higher apparent density and decreased flowing time were achieved in PREP powder. Moreover, gas-induced internal pores were observed in GA particles. The results also revealed the average relative density of 96.7% and 99.4% for the parts built by GA and PREP powders, respectively. SEM micrographs confirmed the results of density measurement of the fabricated parts and showed higher degrees of both spherical and irregular-shaped pores in samples built by GA powder. Additionally, they showed deprived mechanical properties due to the higher porosity contents which can form stress-concentrated areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The proatlantal intersegmental artery (PIA) is a rare embryonic residual blood vessel of which there are two types: I and II. Type I originates from the internal carotid artery and type II originates from the external carotid artery. It passes into the skull via the occipital bone. We report a rare case of PIA reflux compensation. A 45-year-old-man was admitted with dysphasia and right hemiparesis for one day. We performed cerebral angiography. The right external carotid artery was blocked. There was no stenosis of the right vertebral artery. A right PIA was seen. In the lateral view of the right vertebral artery, contrast can be seen to flow backward into the external carotid artery and branches from the vertebral via the PIA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ten-eleven translocation protein 3 (TET3) is one of the key enzymes in DNA demethylation which can be expressed in liver tissues. However, the clinical value of TET3 for diagnosis and treatment of chronic liver disease have not been reported previously. We investigated the diagnostic accuracy of serum TET3 as a non-invasive screening tool for liver fibrosis. 212 patients with chronic liver disease from were enrolled in this study. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the serum levels of TET3. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) were determined to examine the diagnostic accuracy of TET3 and combination model for diagnosis fibrosis. Serum TET3 level in fibrosis cases was significantly higher than that in non-fibrosis and controls, respectively. The areas under the ROC curve of the TET3 and fibrosis-4 index for liver fibrosis were 0.863 and 0.813, and 0.916 and 0.957 for liver cirrhosis. The combination of TET3 and fibrosis-4 index had a highly promising positive predictive value for detecting liver fibrosis and cirrhosis different stages of (93.5% and 100%) as compared with each diagnostic tool alone. TET3 is related to the development of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. The TET3-fibrosis-4 model enhances discriminatory power and represents a promising non-invasive tool for the diagnosis and screening of liver fibrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) are recommended as aquaculture additives owing to their excellent antioxidant properties. In the present study, we examined the effects of dietary MOS on the head kidney and spleen of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) with Aeromonas hydrophila infection. Methods: A total of 540 grass carp were used for the study. They were administered six gradient dosages of the MOS diet (0, 200, 400, 600, 800, and 1,000 mg/kg) for 60 d. Subsequently, we performed a 14-day Aeromonas hydrophila challenge experiment. The antioxidant capacity of the head kidney and spleen were examined using spectrophotometry, DNA fragmentation, qRT-PCR, and Western blotting. Results: After infection with Aeromonas hydrophila, 400–600 mg/kg MOS supplementation decreased the levels of reactive oxygen species, protein carbonyl, and malonaldehyde and increased the levels of anti-superoxide anion, anti-hydroxyl radical, and glutathione in the head kidney and spleen of grass carp. The activities of copper-zinc superoxide dismutase, manganese superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione S-transferase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione peroxidase were also enhanced by supplementation with 400–600 mg/kg MOS. Furthermore, the expression of most antioxidant enzymes and their corresponding genes increased significantly with supplementation of 200–800 mg/kg MOS. mRNA and protein levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 also increased following supplementation with 400–600 mg/kg MOS. In addition, supplementation with 400–600 mg/kg MOS reduced excessive apoptosis by inhibiting the death receptor pathway and mitochondrial pathway processes. Conclusions: Based on the quadratic regression analysis of the above biomarkers (reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, and protein carbonyl) of oxidative damage in the head kidney and spleen of on-growing grass carp, the recommended MOS supplementation is 575.21, 557.58, 531.86, 597.35, 570.16, and 553.80 mg/kg, respectively. Collectively, MOS supplementation could alleviate oxidative injury in the head kidney and spleen of grass carp infected with Aeromonas hydrophila. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Developing accessible, affordable, and effective approaches to smoking cessation is crucial for tobacco control. Mobile health (mHealth) based interventions have the potential to aid smokers in quitting, and integrating treatments from multiple sources may further enhance their accessibility and effectiveness. As part of our efforts in smoking cessation, we developed a novel behavioral intervention delivery modality for smoking cessation that integrated three interventions using the WeChat app, called the "Way to Quit" modality (WQ modality). It is presented here the protocol for a randomized controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness, feasibility, and cost-effectiveness of the WQ modality in Chinese smokers. Methods: Eligible participants (n = 460) will be recruited via online advertisement in Beijing, China. They will be randomly assigned to receive either quitline-based treatment (QT, n = 230) or WQ modality-based treatment (WQ, n = 230) using a block randomization method. Participants in the QT group will receive telephone-assisted treatment over a four-week period (multi-call quitline protocol), while those in the WQ group will receive integrated interventions based on the WQ modality for four weeks. A four-week supply of nicotine replacement therapy (gums) will be provided to all participants. Participants will be asked to complete phone or online follow-up at 1, 3, 6, and 12-months. At 1-month follow-up, individuals with self-reported smoking abstinence for more than 7 days will be invited to receive an exhaled carbon monoxide (CO) test for biochemical validation. The primary aim is to determine whether the WQ modality is effective in assisting smokers in quitting smoking. The secondary aims are to evaluate the acceptability, satisfaction, and cost-effectiveness of the WQ modality. Discussion: If the WQ modality is determined to be effective, acceptable, and affordable, it will be relatively easy to reach and provide professional cessation treatments to the communities, thus helping to reduce the disparities in smoking cessation services between different regions and socioeconomic groups. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2200066427, Registered December 5, 2022. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal bond diamond tools have been extensively employed to grind a wide variety of hard and brittle materials. However, numerous heavy metal elements (e.g., Co, Cu, Ni, Cr, Sn and Zn) have been introduced into the metal bond to enhance the hardness and strength, so as to enhance the grinding performance of diamond tool. Some of the heavy metal elements pose a hazard to the environments and operators in the manufacturing and machining process of diamond tools. Herein, an environment-friendly metal bond was proposed for diamond tool based on the reactive sintered Fe 3 Al, which contained only the strengthening elements of Si, C, and Ti. The effect of sintering temperature on microstructure and mechanical properties of Fe 3 Al and the effect of adding C (graphite), Si, and Ti (TiH 2) on the properties of the metal bond were investigated. A diamond tool was prepared based on the optimized composition and sintering parameter, and its grinding performance on Al 2 O 3 and Si 3 N 4 ceramics was compared with a commercial diamond tool. The results indicated that the hardness and flexural strength of bonded material increased with the sintering temperature and the content of the additives. The highest hardness and flexural strength were obtained for the bond containing 0.5% of graphite, 1% of Si, and 3% of TiH 2 at the sintering temperature of 1250 °C. Compared with commercial diamond tool, the prepared diamond tool exhibited significantly lower grinding forces, similar grinding ratio for Al 2 O 3 ceramic, and a slightly lower grinding ratio for Si 3 N 4 ceramic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Boron is electron deficient and has strong bonding capacity, and thus it has given rise to several boron-based clusters with unique geometric structures and bonding properties. Inspired by the contemporary boron double-ring clusters, we are designing a tubular boron cluster doped with alkaline earth metals, which are considered promising ligands. Herein, we present a double-ring tubular BeB12+ cluster, in which the Be atom is located above one side of a B12 tube. It can be formally formulated as a charge transfer [Be]2+[B12]− complex, with minimal covalent interaction between the Be atom and B12 tube. The [B12]− tube is more stable than the quasi-planar configuration because of three-fold π/σ aromaticity and optimal electrostatic interaction. After sequential reduction, a structural transformation occurs dramatically changing from tubular shape to quasi-planar. The neutral and anionic BeB120/− clusters featured quasi-planar/planar geometries. The neutral BeB12 cluster was structurally robust and dynamically nonfluxional with an insurmountable rotational energy barrier. Chemical bonding analysis revealed that anionic BeB12− has 7π and 10σ delocalization. In particular, this series of BeB12+/0/− clusters is isoelectronic with LinB12 (n = 1–3) reported by Merino. However, they exhibit significantly different geometries due to the differences in electrostatic interaction. Therefore, optimal electrostatic interactions can tune the energetic preference between tubular and quasi-planar/planar structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We propose a novel Transformers and CNNs Fusion Network for SOD, which can efficiently extract and combine global semantic context and local detail features. • We design a Bi-Enhancement Fusion Module to effectively fuse the obtained features from Transformers and CNNs branches to make predictions jointly. • We design multi-modality fusion modules (CMST and DEM) for Transformers and CNNs branches to effectively integrate RGB cues and depth cues for RGB-D SOD. Recently, Salient Object Detection (SOD) has achieved promising results thanks to the rapid evolution of CNN architectures. However, those CNN-based methods show limited capacity in modeling long-range interaction among pixels. In this paper, we propose to combine the merits from CNN and Transformer and design a unified model for RGB and RGB-D SOD. First, we represent the image with a sequence-to-sequence perspective and use a Transformer-based branch to express long-distance relationships of image tokens to obtain global semantic information and predict a coarse saliency map. Second, we employ a CNN-based branch to extract multi-scale local detail features to predict contour prediction for auxiliary supervision at each level. Finally, we propose the Bi-enhancement Fusion Module to fuse multi-scale cues from two branches to predict a more accurate saliency map. In addition, for RGB-D SOD, to obtain effective cross-modality features, we propose a Cross-modality Multi-Scale Transformer Module and a Depth-induced Enhancement Module to fuse RGB and depth cues in the Transformers branch and the CNNs branch, respectively. Experiments on both RGB and RGB-D SOD datasets demonstrate that our proposed model achieves satisfactory performance compared with state-of-the-art methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mammalian orthoreovirus serotype 3 Dearing is an oncolytic virus currently undergoing multiple clinical trials as a potential cancer therapy. Previous clinical trials have emphasized the importance of prescreening patients for prognostic markers to improve therapeutic success. However, only generic cancer markers such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), Hras, Kras, Nras, Braf, and p53 are currently utilized, with limited benefit in predicting therapeutic efficacy. This study aimed to investigate the role of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling during reovirus infection. Using a panel of specific p38 MAPK inhibitors and an inactive inhibitor analogue, p38 MAPK signaling was found to be essential for establishment of reovirus infection by enhancing reovirus endocytosis, facilitating efficient reovirus uncoating at the endo-lysosomal stage, and augmenting postuncoating replication steps. Using a broad panel of human breast cancer cell lines, susceptibility to reovirus infection corresponded with virus binding and uncoating efficiency, which strongly correlated with status of the p38b isoform. Together, results suggest p38b isoform as a potential prognostic marker for early stages of reovirus infection that are crucial to successful reovirus infection. IMPORTANCE The use of Pelareorep (mammalian orthoreovirus) as a therapy for metastatic breast cancer has shown promising results in recent clinical trials. However, the selection of prognostic markers to stratify patients has had limited success due to the fact that these markers are upstream receptors and signaling pathways that are present in a high percentage of cancers. This study demonstrates that the mechanism of action of p38 MAPK signaling plays a key role in establishment of reovirus infection at both early entry and late replication steps. Using a panel of breast cancer cell lines, we found that the expression levels of the MAPK11 (p38b) isoform are a strong determinant of reovirus uncoating and infection establishment. Our findings suggest that selecting prognostic markers that target key steps in reovirus replication may improve patient stratification during oncolytic reovirus therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is caused by the novel coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is the most severe emerging infectious disease in the current century. The discovery of SARS-CoV-2-related coronaviruses (SARSr-CoV-2) in bats and pangolins in South Asian countries indicates that SARS-CoV-2 likely originated from wildlife. To date, two SARSr-CoV-2 strains have been isolated from pangolins seized in Guangxi and Guangdong by the customs agency of China, respectively. However, it remains unclear whether these viruses cause disease in animal models and whether they pose a transmission risk to humans. In this study, we investigated the biological features of a SARSr-CoV-2 strain isolated from a smuggled Malayan pangolin (Manis javanica) captured by the Guangxi customs agency, termed MpCoV-GX, in terms of receptor usage, cell tropism, and pathogenicity in wild-type BALB/c mice, human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)-transgenic mice, and human ACE2 knock-in mice. We found that MpCoV-GX can utilize ACE2 from humans, pangolins, civets, bats, pigs, and mice for cell entry and infect cell lines derived from humans, monkeys, bats, minks, and pigs. The virus could infect three mouse models but showed limited pathogenicity, with mild peribronchial and perivascular inflammatory cell infiltration observed in lungs. Our results suggest that this SARSr-CoV-2 virus from pangolins has the potential for interspecies infection, but its pathogenicity is mild in mice. Future surveillance among these wildlife hosts of SARSr-CoV-2 is needed to monitor variants that may have higher pathogenicity and higher spillover risk. IMPORTANCE SARS-CoV-2, which likely spilled over from wildlife, is the third highly pathogenic human coronavirus. Being highly transmissible, it is perpetuating a pandemic and continuously posing a severe threat to global public health. Several SARSCoV-2-related coronaviruses (SARSr-CoV-2) in bats and pangolins have been identified since the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak. It is therefore important to assess their potential of crossing species barriers for better understanding of their risk of future emergence. In this work, we investigated the biological features and pathogenicity of a SARSr-CoV-2 strain isolated from a smuggled Malayan pangolin, named MpCoV-GX. We found that MpCoV-GX can utilize ACE2 from 7 species for cell entry and infect cell lines derived from a variety of mammalian species. MpCoV-GX can infect mice expressing human ACE2 without causing severe disease. These findings suggest the potential of crossspecies transmission of MpCoV-GX, and highlight the need of further surveillance of SARSr-CoV-2 in pangolins and other potential animal hosts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we define the genuine multipartite coherence and genuine multipartite average coherence, discuss their properties and investigative the relationship between them and other quantum resources. Firstly, we prove that the genuine multipartite coherence can be represented by interaction information, and it can determine whether genuine multipartite discord exists. Secondly, comparing the global coherence and genuine multipartite coherence in noisy channels with different correlation strengths, the global coherence and genuine multipartite coherence are more stable with the increasing correlation strengths, and genuine multipartite coherence is more stable than global coherence. Finally, we find that the difference between genuine multipartite coherence and genuine multipartite average coherence can be expressed by quantum discord, and the genuine multipartite coherence is always greater than or equal to the genuine multipartite entanglement. For the tripartite pure states, we provide some trade-off relations between the total correlation, classical correlation, and quantum correlations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In recent years, the response of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) root morphology and rhizosphere processes to phosphorus (P) deficiency have attracted extensive attention. However, the dynamics of root morphology and physiology to shoot P concentration (SPC) under various P conditions remain unclear. Aim: We aimed to determine the changes in root morphology and physiology and their relationships with SPC under different levels of P supply. Method: The cotton cultivars XLZ13 and XLZ19 were grown in a hydroponic experiment with seven rates of P supply (0–2.0 mM P L−1) and in a root box experiment with seven P levels (0–400 mg P kg−1). Root morphological and physiological parameters were determined 60 days after planting (hydroponic experiment) and 75 days after transplanting (root box experiment). Results: Cotton plant growth, P uptake, and root morphology differed significantly between the two genotypes and among the P levels. Cotton plants had the maximum shoot biomass when the SPC of XLZ13 and XLZ19 were 4.6–5.9 mg g−1 and 3.9‐5.0 mg g−1, respectively. Total and specific root lengths initially increased with increasing SPC and peaked at an SPC of XLZ13 and XLZ19 about 6.0–7.0 mg g−1 and 4.0‐5.0 mg g−1, respectively. Root physiological responses (rhizosphere acidification, acid phosphatase [Apase] activity) decreased as the SPC increased. Conclusions: The critical SPC for optimal root morphology were 5–6 mg g−1. P deficiency did not induce rhizosphere acidification but promoted root and rhizosphere APase activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new regularity for internal pressure has been introduced based on the suggested potential energy function in liquid bismuth. Both the experimental data and the calculated quantities from the power law equation of state have been used to show the validity of the regularity. The quantity X 3 Z − 1 is a linear function of ln(X) with crossing points for all isotherms at high temperature, where X = V V m 0 , V, Vm0, and Z are molar volume, the molar volume at melting point and zero pressure, and compressibility factor. For the reduced isothermal bulk modulus B * = B T V R T and the quantity Z i n t = P i n t V R T , where BT, R, T and Pint are isothermal bulk modulus, the gas constant, temperature and internal pressure, the new regularities have been introduced that both calculated X 3 B * − 1 and X 3 Z i n t from the equation of state of a power law form versus ln(X) are nearly linear along each isotherm. However, those derived values from experiments become nonlinear functions of ln(X) at large pressure for all isotherms. Based on the new equation of state, analytical expression of thermodynamic properties of liquid bismuth can be obtained. The different extreme values exist along the isotherms for the calculated internal energy, isobaric heat capacity, and isochoric heat capacity for the new equation of state and the power law form equation of state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) provide promising prospects for replacing steel bars in traditional reinforced concrete structures. However, the use of FRP as tension bars in concrete beams leads to insufficient ductility because of its elastic characteristics. A newly developed compression-yielding (CY) beam has successfully solved this issue. Instead of tensile reinforcement yield, the ductile deformation of a CY beam is realized by the compression yield of a CY block in the compressive region. Another important feature is that the CY block is also the fuse of the beam, where material damage to the beam is concentrated in the CY block region and can be easily replaced. As a load-bearing recoverable and ductile structure, it is necessary to conduct a reliability-based design analysis and recommend reduction factors for this new structure. In this study, the function for calculating the failure probability of CY beams is proposed, semi-probabilistic design recommendations are presented, and Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) is adopted as a reliability analysis method. This study discusses the influence of the possible characteristics of the critical variables on reliability and provides the reliability index with different reduction factors to guide the design of the CY beam. These analyses indicate that the reliability index can be improved from the material design of the CY block in greater strength fb, smaller depth, smaller coefficient of variation of fb, and yield modulus ratio ξ. This study also shows that compared with the design of FRP concrete beams, the ductile failure mode of the CY beams allows a lower safety factor to meet safety requirements, which significantly reduces construction costs and avoids over-designing the load-bearing capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wide field of view (FOV) images and magnified images can be taken simultaneously by dual-sensor imaging systems. Here, we propose an approach for creating a bifocal flat lens with different imaging characteristics of its two foci, which makes dual-sensor imaging systems more integrated and miniaturized. That is, two special parts of two different conventional ZP are extracted and then combine the two elements in a specific way. So that there are two foci with different characteristics along the optical axis, one is long focus with higher resolution, the other is short focus with long depth of focus (DOF). Under the proposed approach, a thin and light bifocal diffractive lens (BDL) with thickness of 0.6 μm is developed. The long and short focal lengths of the BDL are ~ 81 mm and ~ 27 mm, respectively, with a diameter of 6 mm. We experimentally demonstrate that the long focus of the BDL is capable of taking high-resolution magnified images, and its resolution is up to 21.90″. The short focus is able to take wide FOV with long DOF images, and two objects spread 2880 mm apart can be imaged clearly. The experiment results demonstrate that all of these metrics are better than those of a conventional refractive lens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiovascular diseases are associated with platelet hyperactivity, and downregulating platelet activation is one of the promising antithrombotic strategies. This study newly extracted two polysaccharides (purified exopolysaccharides, EPSp and purified intercellular exopolysaccharides, IPSp) from Cordyceps sinensis Cs-4 mycelial fermentation powder, and investigated the effects of the two polysaccharides and their gut bacterial metabolites on platelet functions and thrombus formation. EPSp and IPSp are majorly composed of galactose, mannose, glucose, and arabinose. Both EPSp and IPSp mainly contain 4-Galp and 4-Glcp glycosidic linkages. EPSp and IPSp significantly inhibited human platelet activation and aggregation with a dose-dependent manner, and attenuated thrombus formation in mice without increasing bleeding risk. Furthermore, the EPSp and IPSp after fecal fermentation showed enhanced platelet inhibitory effects. The results have demonstrated the potential value of Cs-4 polysaccharides as novel protective ingredients for cardiovascular diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The calculational scheme for predicting the PCE of DSSC is constructed. • Power conversion efficiencies of PUB and PEB as sensitizers of DSSC are evaluated. • Highest Power conversion efficiencies of PUB and PEB can reach 11.05 % and 9.73 %. • Three different ways of PUB and PEB adsorbed on TiO 2 (1 0 1) surface are considered. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of phycoerythrobilin (PEB) and phycourobilin (PUB) as sensitizers of dye-sensitized solar cells is investigated by employing the first-principles calculations. We constructed a model for the adsorption of PEB/PUB on the surface of TiO 2 in three different ways. The geometrical configurations of the PEB/PUB-TiO 2 complexes are optimized, and the electronic properties are determined based on the first-principles calculations. The short-circuit current density, open-circuit voltage, and filling factor are obtained based on the band alignments of the complex and the optical absorptions of PEB/PUB. The D149 dye is used to assess the validity of our method. The obtained PCE of 5.56 % corresponds to the experimental 5.4 %, confirming the credibility of the current method. The highest PCEs of PUB and PEB are predicted at 11.05 % and 9.73 %, which implies that the two molecules are promising candidate sensitizers of the dye-sensitized solar cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although research on pricing and lot-sizing decisions concerning payment types has been extensive, almost all of it has been done from the buyer's perspective. In this study, we incorporate the following relevant and essential facts. If a seller allows a buyer to pay on credit, it increases sales volume. But if a seller asks a buyer for an advance payment, it decreases sales volume. Sometimes, a seller offers a buyer a price discount for an advance payment to increase sales and profitability. Asking a buyer for an advance payment bears interest earned and has no default risk. If a seller offers a buyer the opportunity to pay on credit, then a longer credit period may mean a higher the sales volume, but the default risk is higher, too. The seller wants to set an optimal selling price, replenishment time, and payment method simultaneously so that the profit per unit time is maximized. To achieve this, we develop and compare the seller's profit per unit time under each of three payment methods—advance, cash and credit. Through numerical analyses, the following managerial insights are highlighted: (1) Under certain conditions, a specific payment type obtains the seller's highest profit among all three payment types. (2) If advance payment is required, then it is critically important for a seller to offer a price discount. (3) An advance payment generates more profit than a credit payment provided that sales volume from a credit payment to an advance payment declines insignificantly and vice versa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Poorly differentiated colorectal cancers are more aggressive. Metabolism reprogramming is a significant hallmark in cancer, and aerobic glycolysis is common. However, how cancer cells reprogramming glucose metabolism contributes to cell differentiation was largely unknown. Previous studies have reported that tumor suppressor NDRG2 could promote colorectal cancers differentiation. Aims: This study aims to demonstrate that NDRG2 promotes the differentiation of colorectal cancers, potentially through the inhibition of aerobic glycolysis via TXNIP induction. Methods: Western blotting, qRT-PCR and immunohistochemical staining were used to detect the expression of related molecules. MTT assay was used to reflect cell viability and proliferation. Immunofluorescent assay was performed to identify the expression and distribution of molecules. Luciferase analysis and CHIP assays were used to investigate the mechanism. Bioinformatic analysis was performed to predict the relevance. Results: In colorectal cancers, NDRG2 could inhibit cell proliferation, reduce glucose uptake and decrease expression of key glycolysis enzymes. Upregulated NDRG2 is associated with differentiated cancer. However, deletion of TXNIP, a classic glucose metabolism inhibitor, could obviously alter the function of NDRG2 in differentiation, glucose uptake, expression of key glycolysis enzymes and proliferation. Mechanistically, high glucose flux promotes the activity of TXNIP promoter. And NDRG2 promotes the occupancy of transcription factor Mondo A on TXNIP promoter, predominantly through the suppression of c-myc, which could complete with Mondo A binding to TXNIP promoter. In clinical samples, high expression of TXNIP indicates good prognosis and outcome. Conclusions: NDRG2-dependent induction of TXNIP is critical for the aerobic glycolysis during colorectal cancers differentiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the battery recycling market in China is still in an embroynic stage, the mechanisms, channels, pricing, and efficiency of battery recycling are shrouded in opacity. Battery recycling in China is currently dominated by electric vehicle manufacturer, supplemented by other market players such as battery producers and electric vehicle retailers. Due to the lack of information, battery recycling lacks cooperation and communication, and the whole market is dealing with "Information Island." Therefore, based on information sharing and channel competition, this paper designs a Stackelberg game model with an electric vehicle manufacturer, an electric vehicle retailer, and a third-party recycler as the primary participants. This study found that effective information sharing can reduce intensified market competition and promote the transformation of market players into "collaboration state". To promote partnership in the battery recycling market, this paper proposes a revenue-sharing contract incentive for the electric vehicle retailer to share demand information about battery recycling. It finds a revenue-sharing contract based on information sharing can help companies and competitors make appropriate behavioral choices in the battery recycling market. This study demonstrates that information sharing benefits the electric vehicle manufacturer and the third-party recycler while offering no advantages to the electric vehicle retailer. The decreasing accuracy of demand signals results in the diminishing value of information sharing for the electric vehicle manufacturer and the third-party recycler. The revenue-sharing contract can incentivize the electric vehicle retailer to share information. [Display omitted] • A battery recycling mode of electric vehicles is constructed. • Effective information sharing would encourage market players to be more collaborative. • A revenue-sharing contract is designed to incentivize the electric vehicle retailer to share information. • Inaccurate information and channel competition reduce the attractiveness of information sharing. • Inter-firm information sharing is beneficial for building an efficient battery recycling system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal-bond diamond tools find extensive use in the grinding of hard and brittle materials. The mechanical properties and wear resistance of the metal bond are crucial for the grinding performance and life of diamond tools. However, Fe bonds exhibit insufficient hardness, strength, and wear resistance, and existing reinforcement methods are difficult to simultaneously improve the self-sharpness and wear resistance of diamond tools, leading to a trade-off between grinding performance and life. In this paper, a novel AlCoCrFeNi HEA particles reinforced Fe (HEA/Fe) alloy was proposed as the bond for diamond tool to address the aforementioned issue. The work considers materials science fundamentals related to the element diffusion mechanism and particle reinforcement mechanism in the design of the HEA/Fe bond. Through the mutual element diffusion between the HEA and Fe matrix, expanded HEA regions are formed, which not only enhance the strength and overall wear resistance of the HEA/Fe bond but also generate a composite structure with varying hardness. The distinct mechanical properties of composite structure form wear-resistant and non-wear-resistant areas within the diamond tool, effectively balancing the challenging trade-off between wear resistance and self-sharpness. This allows HEA/Fe bond diamond tools to achieve both prolonged service life and high grinding performance. The results reveal that the HEA/Fe bond diamond tool exhibits a lower grinding force, a superior surface finish, and a nearly equivalent grinding ratio compared to the commercial Fe-based alloy bond diamond tool in grinding of sapphire. [Display omitted] • The element diffusion and phase formation mechanisms of HEA/Fe alloys were investigated. • The influence of HEA content on the mechanical property of HEA/Fe alloys was investigated. • The HEA/Fe bond diamond tool exhibited a lower grinding force, a superior surface finish, and a nearly equivalent grinding ratio compared to the commercial Fe-based alloy bond diamond tool in grinding of sapphire. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pathogen infection does not directly cause host death. Secondary infection is the main factor that leads to severe damage. Nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1) is a nuclear transcription factor that regulate mitochondrial biogenesis. However, the function of NRF1 in antiviral immunity, especially its role in the process of co-infection is largely unknown. NRF1 inhibited virus infection by mediating apoptosis in arthropod, Procambarus clarkii. Notably, NRF1 expression was significantly induced in the early stage of white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) infection and reduced during the later stage of infection. NRF1 mediated apoptosis, phagocytosis, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production 24 h after WSSV infection. The number of culturable bacteria was significantly increased and induced hypoxia in vivo 72 h after WSSV infection. Hypoxia exposure resulted in a decrease in NRF1 expression led to a decrease in body immunity and a vicious cycle until the crayfish died. This study demonstrated that secondary infections may be a major cause of biological mortality in crustaceans. • NRF1 inhibited virus infection by mediating apoptosis. • WSSV infection induces the increase in bacteria, leading to hypoxia in hemolymph. • The hypoxia in hemolymph suppress the immune response of crayfish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypoxia in water environment is one of the important problems faced by intensive aquaculture. Under hypoxia stress, the effects of dietary thiamine were investigated on grass carp gill tissue damage and their mechanisms. Six thiamine diets with different thiamine levels (0.22, 0.43, 0.73, 1.03, 1.33 and 1.63 mg/kg) were fed grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) for 63 days. Then, 96-hour hypoxia stress test was conducted. This study described that thiamine enhanced the growth performance of adult grass carp and ameliorated nutritional status of thiamine (pyruvic acid, glucose, lactic acid and transketolase). Additionally, thiamine alleviated the deterioration of blood parameters [glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (GOT), glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT), glucose, cortisol, lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), erythrocyte fragility, and red blood cell count (RBC count)] caused by hypoxia stress, and reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) content and oxidative damage to the gills. In addition, thiamine alleviated endoplasmic reticulum stress in the gills, which may be related to its inhibition of RNA-dependent protein kinase-like ER kinase (PERK)/eukaryotic translation initiation factor-2α (eIF2α)/activating transcription factor4 (ATF4), inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1)/X-Box binding protein 1 (XBP1) and activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6) pathways. Furthermore, thiamine maintaining mitochondrial dynamics balance was probably related to promoting mitochondrial fusion and inhibiting mitochondrial fission, and inhibiting mitophagy may involve PTEN induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1)/Parkin-dependent pathway and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-Bcl-2 adenovirus E1B 19 kDa interacting protein 3 (BNIP3) pathway. In summary, thiamine alleviated hypoxia stress in fish gills, which may be related to reducing endoplasmic reticulum stress, regulating mitochondrial dynamics balance and reducing mitophagy. The thiamine requirement for optimum growth [percent weight gain (PWG)] of adult grass carp was estimated to be 0.81 mg/kg diet. Based on the index of anti-hypoxia stress (ROS content in gill), the thiamine requirement for adult grass carp was estimated to be 1.32 mg/kg diet. [Display omitted] • Hypoxia stress causes gill damage in fish. • Thiamine alleviates hypoxia-induced gill oxidative damage in fish. • Thiamine alleviates hypoxia-induced gill ER stress in fish. • Thiamine regulates hypoxia-induced gill mitochondrial fusion-fission in fish. • Thiamine alleviates hypoxia-induced gill mitophagy in fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lactobacillus rhamnosus is a probiotic, which not only promotes the growth of animals, but also has anti-inflammatory effects. However, the mechanism by which Lactobacillus rhamnosus regulates intestinal immunity is not well comprehended. Hence, the study aimed to research how Lactobacillus rhamnosus affects the intestinal immunity using juvenile grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) as a model. We selected 1800 juvenile grass carp for testing. They were divided into six treatments and fed with six gradients of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GCC-3 (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 g/kg) for 70 days. Enteritis was subsequently induced with dextroside sodium sulfate. Results indicated that dietary Lactobacillus rhamnosus GCC-3 addition improved growth performance. Meanwhile, appropriate levels of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GCC-3 alleviated excessive inflammatory response by down-regulating the expression of TLR4 and NOD receptors, up-regulating the expression of TOR, and then down-regulating the expression of NF-κB. Additionally, appropriate Lactobacillus rhamnosus GCC-3 improved intestinal immunity by reducing pyroptosis triggered by NLRP3 inflammasome and mediated by GSDME. Furthermore, 16 S rRNA sequencing showing appropriate levels of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GCC-3 increased Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium abundance and decreased Aeromonas abundance. These results suggest that Lactobacillus rhamnosus GCC-3 can alleviate intestinal inflammation through down-regulating NF-κB and up-regulating TOR signaling pathways, as well as by inhibiting pyroptosis. • GCC-3 may inhibited the TLR4/NF-κB and NOD/NF-κB to alleviate intestinal inflammation. • GCC-3 may alleviated intestinal inflammation by inhibiting pyroptosis. • GCC-3 improved gut microbiota composition and diversity. • The appropriate amount of GCC-3 in juvenile grass carp diet was 1.0–1.5 g/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Qingzhuan tea (QZT) is classified as compressed dark tea and has been an essential daily commodity for ethnic minority communities in China's border areas. It boasts unique flavor characteristics and health benefits, captivating the attention of consumers both domestically and internationally. However, the QZT industry's historical closed nature and lengthy processing cycle have impeded a comprehensive scientific understanding and evaluation of this tea, as well as hindered the overall healthy development of the industry. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the research progress on QZT, covering defluoridation techniques, processing technology, flavor characteristics, chemical composition, microbial communities, health benefits, and their underlying mechanisms. A technology system aimed at reducing fluoride levels in tea, known as "appropriate fertilization-selection of low-fluorine tea tree varieties-control of raw material tenderness and growing period," has been proposed. Through the implementation of specific processing techniques, QZT exhibiting an orange-red infusion color, a mellow taste, and an aged aroma. During the key pile fermentation process, microorganisms release extracellular enzymes that initiate enzymatic and moist heat reactions, resulting in oxidation, hydrolysis, polymerization, and secondary metabolic conversions. These reactions serve as the underlying foundation for the distinctive sensory attributes of QZT. The regulation of microorganisms plays a vital role in attaining the desired flavor of QZT. Moreover, QZT encompasses a diverse array of bioactive constituents, which offer numerous health advantages such as antioxidative properties, anti-obesity and anti-diabetes effects, modulation of the intestinal microbiota, and alleviation of non-alcoholic fatty liver. • A systematic approach to reduce fluoride in tea is proposed. • Specific techniques are used to create Qingzhuan tea (QZT) with vibrant color, taste and aroma. • The role of microorganisms in developing QZT's sensory traits is revealed. • Diverse bioactive compounds in QZT for health benefits are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: More than one-fifth of the world's population consumes Chinese cuisines regularly, but no evidence-based healthy diets fitting the Chinese food culture are available for implementation.Methods: A multicenter, patient- and outcome assessor-blind, randomized feeding trial was conducted among 265 participants with 130 to 159 mm Hg baseline systolic blood pressure (SBP) for 4 major Chinese cuisines (Shangdong, Huaiyang, Cantonese, Szechuan). After a 7-day run-in period on a control diet matching the usual local diets, participants were randomized to continue with the control diet or the cuisine-based Chinese heart-healthy diet for another 28 days. The primary outcome was SBP, and secondary outcomes included diastolic blood pressure and food preference score. Linear regression models were used to estimate the intervention effects and adjustments for the center. The incremental cost per 1 mm Hg reduction in SBP was also calculated.Results: A total of 265 participants were randomized (135 on the Chinese heart-healthy diet and 130 on the control diet), with 52% women, mean age of 56.5±9.8 years, and mean SBP and diastolic blood pressure of 139.4±8.3 and 88.1±8.0 mm Hg, respectively, at baseline. The change in SBP and diastolic blood pressure from baseline to the end of the study in the control group was -5.0 (95% CI, -6.5 to -3.5) mm Hg and -2.8 (95% CI, -3.7 to -1.9) mm Hg, respectively. The net difference of change between the 2 groups in SBP and diastolic blood pressure were -10.0 (95% CI, -12.1 to -7.9) mm Hg and -3.8 (95% CI, -5.0 to -2.5) mm Hg, respectively. The effect size did not differ among cuisines (P for interaction=0.173). The mean food preference score was 9.5 (with 10 the best preferred) at baseline, and the net change during intervention was 0.1 (95% CI, -0.1 to 0.2; P=0.558). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio per 1 mm Hg SBP reduction was CNY 0.4 (USD 0.06) per day. No difference in the number of adverse events was found between the 2 groups (P=0.259), and none of the adverse events was associated with the intervention.Conclusions: The Chinese heart-healthy diet is effective, palatable, and cost-effective in reducing blood pressure in Chinese adults with high blood pressure, with a clinically significant effect applicable across major Chinese cuisine cultures.Registration: URL: https://www.Clinicaltrials: gov; Unique identifier: NCT03882645. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Multiple liver metastases is considered a risk factor for overall survival of colorectal liver metastases patients (CRLM) after curative resection. However, whether the prognostic factors were constant in patients with various liver metastases (LM) numbers has not been adequately investigated. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the changing of prognostic factors on overall survival (OS) in CRLM patients with various LM after curative resection. Methods: Patients who underwent liver resection for CRLM between January 2000 and November 2020 were retrospectively studied. They were divided into three subgroups according to LM numbers by X-tile analysis. Multivariable analysis identified prognostic factors in each subgroup. Nomograms were built using different prognostic factors in three subgroups, respectively. Performance of the nomograms was assessed according to the concordance index (C-index) and calibration plots. The abilities of different scoring systems predicting OS were compared by calculating the area under the time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC). Results: A total of 1095 patients were included. Multivariable analysis showed tumor number increasing was an independent risk factor. Patients were subsequently divided into 3 subgroups according to the number of LM by X-tile analysis, namely solitary (n = 375), 2–4 (n = 424), and ≥ 5 (n = 296). The 3-year and 5-year OS rates were 64.1% and 54.0% in solitary LM group, 58.1% and 41.7% in 2–4 LM group, and 50.9% and 32.0% in ≥ 5 LM group, respectively (p < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, RAS mutation was the only constant independent risk factor in all subgroups. The nomograms were built to predict survival based on independent factors in three subgroups. The C-index for OS prediction was 0.707 (95% CI 0.686–0.728) in the solitary LM group, 0.695 (95% CI 0.675–0.715) in the 2–4 LM group, and 0.687 (95% CI 0.664–0.710) in the ≥ 5 LM group. The time-dependent AUC values of nomograms developed using different risk factors after stratifying patients by tumor number were higher than the traditional scoring systems without patient stratification. Conclusions: The prognostic factors varied among CRLM patients with different LM numbers. RAS mutation was the only constant risk factor. Building prediction models based on different prognostic factors improve patient stratification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate how the correlated actions of quantum channels affect the robustness of entangled states. We consider the Bell-like state and random two-qubit pure states in the correlated depolarizing, bit flip, bit-phase flip, and phase flip channels. It is found that the robustness of two-qubit pure states can be noticeably enhanced due to the correlations between consecutive actions of these noisy channels, and the Bell-like state is always the most robust one. We also consider the robustness of three-qubit pure states in correlated noisy channels. For the correlated bit flip and phase flip channels, the result shows that although the most robust and most fragile states are locally unitary equivalent, they exhibit different robustness in different correlated channels, and the effect of channel correlations on them is also significantly different. However, for the correlated depolarizing and bit-phase flip channels, the robustness of two special three-qubit pure states is exactly the same. Moreover, compared with the random three-qubit pure states, they are neither the most robust states nor the most fragile states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To investigate the effect of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) in a mouse calvarial osteolysis model and to explore the potential mechanisms involved. Methods. Eighty C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to four groups: Sham control (PBS treatment), Vehicle (titanium/PBS treatment), Low-LBP (titanium/50 mg kg-1 day-1 LBP), and High-LBP (titanium/100 mg kg-1 day-1 LBP). After 2 weeks, mouse calvariae were collected for microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) and histomorphometry analysis. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-6 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results. LBP significantly reduced titanium-particle-induced osteolysis compared with the Vehicle group as confirmed by micro-CT and histomorphometry data. Additionally, high osteoprotegerin (OPG) and low receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand (RANKL), TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 were noted in LBP treatment groups. Conclusion. LBP inhibited wear particle-induced osteolysis in mice and suppressed the expression of inflammation-related factors; this inhibitory effect of LBP may be achieved with the regulation of OPG/RANKL pathway and inhibition of inflammatory factor production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experimental and numerical studies of thermo-hydraulic characteristics of perforated wavy fin heat exchanger and unperforated wavy fin heat exchanger were conducted. Firstly, the two kinds of fins were studied under different air inlet velocity and constant inlet temperature. The results show that Nusselt number increases with Reynolds number and friction factor decreases with Reynolds number. Then, the performance of the two kinds of fins is numerically analyzed, and the simulation results are in good agreement with the experimental data. On this basis, the influence of different perforated fin parameters (fin height, H, fin pitch, s, wave amplitude, wa, perforation number, n, perforation diameter, d) on the thermal performance of wavy fin heat exchanger is discussed. It is indicated that friction factor and Nusselt number increase with increasing aperture, wave amplitude, fin pitch and perforation number or decreasing fin height under constant Reynolds number condition. Finally, the performance evaluation of heat exchangers with different parameters is carried out to obtain the best performance heat exchanger parameters, which can provide a reference for the design of the new wavy fin heat exchanger. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

State-owned enterprises (SOEs) play an important role in China. During the transformation from a planned to a market economy, plenty of Chinese SOEs fell into trouble. Dalian machine tool group (DMTG) who was once a leading enterprise in the Chinese machine tool industry bankrupted in 2017. To explore the causes of its collapse, we employ the interpretative structural model (ISM) to investigate the reasons for its failures from multi-aspect and at different levels. The results indicate that the root cause of this bankruptcy is the top manager's mismanagement; the lack of a reasonable strategic positioning and long-term product planning are also important factors of DMTG's failure, and the problems of human resource management accelerated the bankruptcy. Findings provide lessons to be learned from the bankruptcy for SOEs and offer managerial insight into SOEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate post-traumatic growth induced by COVID-19 pandemic in certain Yunnan residents and to analyze its influencing factors. A total of 581 permanent residents of Yunnan province completed the electronic questionnaire from 18 April 2020 to 26 April 2020. Logistic regression analysis showed that the educational levels, self-perceived health status, family history of infectious diseases, family history of infectious diseases, personality and frequency of going through COVID-19 related news were influencing factors of PTG (P < 0.05). As a traumatic event, the threat of COVID-19 may enable some people to gain positive psychological development in adversity. This will provide reference for public psychological crisis intervention following the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The compressive residual stress, and surface roughness increase with the increase in depth of cut and the feed speed. • The m -phase content increased with the increase in the depth of cut and decreased as the wheel speed increased. • The flexural strength of ground 3Y-TZP diminished with the increase in the cut depth. Grinding parameter effects on grinding forces, the surface phase transformation of tetragonal to monoclinic (t-m), surface residual stress, surface roughness, and flexural strength of 3 mol% Yttrium stabilized Tetragonal Zirconia Polycrystal (3Y-TZP) were investigated. The results have shown that the grinding force, compressive residual stress, and surface roughness increase with the increase in depth of cut and the feed speed. On the other hand, they decreased as the wheel speed increased. Additionally, grinding improved the 3Y-TZP surface t-m phase transformation. The m -phase content increased with the increase in the depth of cut and decreased as the wheel speed increased. Finally, the flexural strength of ground 3Y-TZP diminished with the increase in the cut depth. The fracture and smear were observed on the dry ground surface since it has a higher surface roughness compared to that of wet grinding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we report a copper‐catalyzed asymmetric cascade cyclization/[1,2]‐Stevens‐type rearrangement via a non‐diazo approach, leading to the practical and atom‐economic assembly of various valuable chiral chromeno[3,4‐c]pyrroles bearing a quaternary carbon stereocenter in generally moderate to good yields with wide substrate scope and excellent enantioselectivities (up to 99 % ee). Importantly, this protocol not only represents the first example of catalytic asymmetric [1,2]‐Stevens‐type rearrangement based on alkynes but also constitutes the first asymmetric formal carbene insertion into the Si−O bond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we report a copper‐catalyzed asymmetric cascade cyclization/[1,2]‐Stevens‐type rearrangement via a non‐diazo approach, leading to the practical and atom‐economic assembly of various valuable chiral chromeno[3,4‐c]pyrroles bearing a quaternary carbon stereocenter in generally moderate to good yields with wide substrate scope and excellent enantioselectivities (up to 99 % ee). Importantly, this protocol not only represents the first example of catalytic asymmetric [1,2]‐Stevens‐type rearrangement based on alkynes but also constitutes the first asymmetric formal carbene insertion into the Si−O bond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magneto-band structures of AA-stacked bilayer graphene nanoribbons with armchair and zigzag (BLAGNR and BLZGNR) edges are calculated by the p z -orbital tight-binding model. At zero field, BLAGNR is a semiconductor or metal determined by its width. Magnetic field can reduce band-gap and exhibit crossing bands. For metallic BLZGNRs, crossing bands shift and parabolic bands are separated more widely with magnetic field; however, partial flat bands keep unchanged. Temperature significantly increases plasmon frequency and strength for semiconducting BLAGNRs, but slightly affects those of metallic BLAGNRs and BLZGNRs. Magnetic field, for gapped BLAGNRs, can effectively reduce the threshold temperature for inducing plasmon. Whether magneto-plasmon frequency and critical momentum of dispersion relation increase or decrease is strongly sensitive to nanoribbon's geometry. Field-modulated plasmons with a wide range of frequency could provide potential applications in waveguides and optical sensors. • Band-gaps are determined by the edge geometry and width of BLGNRs. • Magnetic field significantly modulates energy dispersions and reduces band-gaps. • Plasmon frequency and strength increase with temperature and magnetic field for gapped BLAGNRs. • Plasmon spectra of metallic BLAGNRs and BLZGNRs have a weak temperature-dependence. • Plasmon frequency decreases with magnetic field for metallic BLAGNRs and BLZGNRs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Niacin deficiency decreased the growth performance of fish. • Niacin deficiency affected muscle amino acid and fatty acid compositions of fish. • Niacin deficiency exerted negative impacts on flesh physicochemical properties. • Niacin deficiency may quicken flesh pH drop by promoting glycolysis. • Niacin deficiency impaired mitochondrial homeostasis. Energy metabolism exerts profound impacts on flesh quality. Niacin can be transformed into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), which is indispensable to energy metabolism. To investigate whether niacin deficiency could affect energy metabolism and flesh quality, six diets with graded levels of 0.49, 9.30, 21.30, 33.30, 45.30 and 57.30 mg/kg niacin were fed to grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) for 63 days. The results showed that niacin deficiency declined flesh quality by changing amino acid and fatty acid profiles, decreasing shear force, increasing cooking loss and accelerating pH decline. The accelerated pH decline might be associated with enhanced glycolysis as evident by increased hexokinase (HK), pyruvate kinase (PK) and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) activities, and mitochondrial dysfunction as evident by destroyed mitochondrial morphology, impaired respiratory chain complex I and antioxidant ability. Based on PWG and cooking loss, the niacin requirements for sub-adult grass carp were 31.95 mg/kg and 29.66 mg/kg diet, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]