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Optimizing blasting parameters is of paramount importance in minimizing overbreak during tunneling. Hence, this paper proposed an intelligent approach, which integrates separate parameter optimization based on varying rock mass qualities, with the objective of reducing overbreak. This novel intelligent method constructs a comprehensive model with three distinct functions, which can provide precise overbreak prediction, analyze the mechanisms by which input parameters influence overbreak, and integrate feature importance into the blasting parameters optimization process. First, the hyperparameters of seven tree-based algorithms were optimized using the Sparrow Search Algorithm (SSA), and the best predictive model was selected by comparing various performance metrics. Then, the importance and influencing mechanisms of input features on overbreak were revealed through the utilization of the Shapley Additive Explanation. Subsequently, interactions among crucial parameters were investigated, and their design values were recommended. Finally, a novel parameter optimization method was employed to reduce overbreak, which combines the conclusions drawn from the importance analysis of input features with SSA through three key steps: modification of the initial position, expanding the search scope, and neighborhood perturbation. Compared to the unimproved methods, the proposed approach can significantly reduce post-blast overbreak areas in different sections of the tunnel by 12.8 % and 16.4 %, respectively.

China has abundant rice resources, and its processed product, rice bran oil (RBO), not only has a balanced fatty acid composition but is also rich in lipid-associated compounds such as γ-oryzanol, phytosterols, and vitamin E, which are highly beneficial to human health. This study primarily conducted a literature review and analysis of the nutritional research progress on rice bran oil and its γ-oryzanol. It systematically outlined the nutritional effects and potential mechanisms of RBO and its γ-oryzanol in areas such as blood lipids, blood glucose, mood/sleep, muscle strength/physical performance, and immune regulation. Among them, the effect of RBO on blood lipids were mostly studied with clinical trials. RBO consumption may effectively improve lipid parameters, and reduce the risk of dyslipidemia/hyperlipidemia, which could play a role in the prevention and control of cardiovascular disease in adults. This study has provided a reference for understanding the nutritional properties and potential applications of rice bran oil and γ-oryzanol. However, further research is needed to explore the health effects and mechanisms of RBO in different populations.

To enhance the accuracy of joint roughness coefficient (JRC) estimation in photogrammetry, this study employed a fixed-camera shooting strategy guided by a Structure-from-Motion-based shooting parameter selection algorithm to reconstruct 3D models of rock samples at 16 different shooting distances. The analysis at profile intervals of 0.25 mm, 0.5 mm, and 1 mm revealed a strong correlation between JRC accuracy and three parameters: object space resolution error, spatial distance between point cloud points, and spatial errors of checkpoints on the orientation board. Using these three parameters as input variables and JRC error as the output variable, five machine learning algorithms—Support Vector Regression, Gaussian Process Regression, Multilayer Perceptron, XGBoost, and CatBoost—were employed to predict JRC errors across different shooting distances. The Multilayer Perceptron model performed best at profile intervals of 0.25 mm and 0.5 mm, while XGBoost was optimal at the 1 mm interval. Under the predictions of these models, JRC accuracy improved by an average of 84.7% across the three intervals. Finally, the applicability and limitations of the proposed method were further discussed.

In practical asphalt pavement engineering, asphalt mixture experiences both tensile and compressive stresses, and the stress state plays a pivotal role in determining fatigue performance. This study thoroughly explores the fatigue damage characteristics of asphalt mixture, specifically emphasizing a meticulous analysis of the differences between tensile and compressive moduli. Initially, the compressive and tensile moduli of the asphalt mixture were calculated based on the dual modulus theory. Subsequently, differences in tensile and compressive moduli, along with fatigue performance characteristics, were evaluated through indirect tensile tests. Ultimately, a comprehensive fatigue damage model was proposed to ascertain the critical damage degree of the asphalt mixture, integrating both modulus decay and fatigue damage. The findings reveal that decay rates for the tensile modulus were higher than those observed for the compressive modulus. The tensile damage should be considered more in the design of pavement structures. Upon comparing the critical damage degree determined using the traditional modulus decay model with the comprehensive fatigue damage model, it can be deduced that the latter shows favorable applicability. The compressive fatigue modulus can better characterize the fatigue damage behavior. The model proposed in this study integrates modulus decay and fatigue damage information, offering a more comprehensive depiction of asphalt mixture damage behavior during fatigue processes.

Abstract Font classification of oracle bone inscriptions serves as a crucial basis for determining the historical period to which they belong and holds significant importance in reconstructing significant historical events. However, conventional methods for font classification in oracle bone inscriptions heavily rely on expert knowledge, resulting in low efficiency and time-consuming procedures. In this paper, we proposed a novel recurrent graph neural network (R-GNN) for the automatic recognition of oracle bone inscription fonts. The proposed method used convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to perform local feature extraction and downsampling on oracle bone inscriptions. Furthermore, it employed graph neural networks (GNNs) to model the complex topologiure and global contextual information of oracle bone inscriptions. Finally, we used recurrent neural networks (RNNs) to effectively combine the extracted local features and global contextual information, thereby enhancing the discriminative power of the R-GNN. Extensive experiments on our benchmark dataset demonstrate that the proposed method achieves a Top-1 accuracy of 88.2%, significantly outperforming the competing approaches. The method presented in this paper further advances the integration of oracle bone inscriptions research and artificial intelligence. The code is publicly available at: https://github.com/yj3214/oracle-font-classification .

Nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gasotransmitters exhibit potential therapeutic effects in the cardiovascular system. Herein, biomimicking multilayer structures of biological blood vessels, bilayer small-diameter vascular grafts (SDVGs) with on-demand NO and H2S release capabilities, were designed and fabricated. The keratin-based H2S donor (KTC) with good biocompatibility and high stability was first synthesized and then electrospun with poly (l-lactide-co-caprolactone) (PLCL) to be used as the outer layer of grafts. The electrospun poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL) mats were aminolyzed and further chelated with copper (II) ions to construct glutathione peroxidase (GPx)-like structural surfaces for the catalytic generation of NO, which acted as the inner layer of grafts. The on-demand release of NO and H2S selectively and synergistically promoted the proliferation and migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) while inhibiting the proliferation and migration of human umbilical artery smooth muscle cells (HUASMCs). Dual releases of NO and H2S gasotransmitters could enhance their respective production, resulting in enhanced promotion of HUVECs and inhibition of HUASMCs owing to their combined actions. In addition, the bilayer grafts were conducive to forming endothelial cell layers under flow shear stress. In rat abdominal aorta replacement models, the grafts remained patency for 6 months. These grafts were capable of facilitating rapid endothelialization and alleviating neointimal hyperplasia without obvious injury, inflammation, or thrombosis. More importantly, the grafts were expected to avoid calcification with the degradation of the grafts. Taken together, these bilayer grafts will be greatly promising candidates for SDVGs with rapid endothelialization and anti-calcification properties.

The integration of Digital Twin (DT) technology into the photovoltaic (PV) sector represents a significant advancement in energy management, optimization, servicing, and maintenance. This comprehensive literature review aims to enhance understanding, categorization, and adoption of DT and data fusion technologies within the PV industry to guide future research endeavors. The review categorizes PV models into three types: digital models, digital shadows, and digital twins, based on their data connection and integration attributes. It recognizes data fusion as the critical enabling technology for the development of complex DT models and proposes a framework for integrating data fusion with DT systems. A detailed examination of prevalent PV modeling methodologies is conducted to delineate their advantages and limitations, serving as a valuable resource for industry practitioners. The paper concludes that digital models and digital shadows are effective for initial PV system forecast and monitoring, while fully integrated DT models offer significant advantages, including real-time analysis, predictive capabilities, and active system optimization. However, implementing and maintaining DT models require advanced data analytics, high computational costs, and robust system security, presenting important challenges to be addressed in future research endeavors.

Abstract Objective This study aims to compare the feasibility and effectiveness of automatic deep learning network and radiomics models in differentiating low tumor stroma ratio (TSR) from high TSR in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on a total of 207 PDAC patients from three centers (training cohort: n = 160; test cohort: n = 47). TSR was assessed on hematoxylin and eosin-stained specimens by experienced pathologists and divided as low TSR and high TSR. Deep learning and radiomics models were developed including ShuffulNetV2, Xception, MobileNetV3, ResNet18, support vector machine (SVM), k-nearest neighbor (KNN), random forest (RF), and logistic regression (LR). Additionally, the clinical models were constructed through univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and log-rank tests were conducted to compare the overall survival time between different TSR groups. Results To differentiate low TSR from high TSR, the deep learning models based on ShuffulNetV2, Xception, MobileNetV3, and ResNet18 achieved AUCs of 0.846, 0.924, 0.930, and 0.941, respectively, outperforming the radiomics models based on SVM, KNN, RF, and LR with AUCs of 0.739, 0.717, 0.763, and 0.756, respectively. Resnet 18 achieved the best predictive performance. The clinical model based on T stage alone performed worse than deep learning models and radiomics models. The survival analysis based on 142 of the 207 patients demonstrated that patients with low TSR had longer overall survival. Conclusions Deep learning models demonstrate feasibility and superiority over radiomics in differentiating TSR in PDAC. The tumor stroma ratio in the PDAC microenvironment plays a significant role in determining prognosis. Critical relevance statement The objective was to compare the feasibility and effectiveness of automatic deep learning networks and radiomics models in identifying the tumor-stroma ratio in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Our findings demonstrate deep learning models exhibited superior performance compared to traditional radiomics models. Key points • Deep learning demonstrates better performance than radiomics in differentiating tumor-stroma ratio in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. • The tumor-stroma ratio in the pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma microenvironment plays a protective role in prognosis. • Preoperative prediction of tumor-stroma ratio contributes to clinical decision-making and guiding precise medicine. Graphical Abstract

The concept of disaster prevention and mitigation is vital for the safe development of urban underground space. Considering the coexistence of natural and engineering safety risks, the concept needs to be improved for further development of the urban underground space, and it is imperative to follow a disaster-adaptation-oriented concept that emphasizes post-disaster recovery resilience of the urban underground space. This study analyzes the implications and influencing factors of recovery resilience and summarizes the research on recovery resilience from the engineering and non-engineering perspectives. Moreover, the development status of recovery resilience research is analyzed from the aspects of structural system, evaluation method, management mechanism, space planning, and emergency plan. On this basis, a strategy that consists of three stages and an evaluation system is proposed; it categorizes post-disaster recovery into three stages—emergency rescue, recovery, and plan adaptation—and proposes recovery goals for each stage, providing a basis for the establishment of a recovery resilience evaluation system for the urban underground space.Furthermore, we suggest that the management regulations and emergency plans of the urban underground space should be optimized, the resilience planning improved, and intelligent management promoted, thereby realizing the orderliness and high efficiency of urban underground space recovery.

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder, and ferroptosis plays a significant role in the pathological mechanism underlying Parkinson’s disease. Rapamycin, an autophagy inducer, has been shown to have neuroprotective effects in Parkinson’s disease. However, the link between rapamycin and ferroptosis in Parkinson’s disease is not entirely clear. In this study, rapamycin was administered to a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-induced Parkinson’s disease mouse model and a 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium-induced Parkinson’s disease PC12 cell model. The results showed that rapamycin improved the behavioral symptoms of Parkinson’s disease model mice, reduced the loss of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta, and reduced the expression of ferroptosis-related indicators (glutathione peroxidase 4, recombinant solute carrier family 7, member 11, glutathione, malondialdehyde, and reactive oxygen species). In the Parkinson’s disease cell model, rapamycin improved cell viability and reduced ferroptosis. The neuroprotective effect of rapamycin was attenuated by a ferroptosis inducer (methyl (1S,3R)-2-(2-chloroacetyl)-1-(4-methoxycarbonylphenyl)-1,3,4,9-tetrahyyridoindole-3-carboxylate) and an autophagy inhibitor (3-methyladenine). Inhibiting ferroptosis by activating autophagy may be an important mechanism by which rapamycin exerts its neuroprotective effects. Therefore, the regulation of ferroptosis and autophagy may provide a therapeutic target for drug treatments in Parkinson’s disease.

ObjectiveTo compare the efficacy between the Mycob.T scanner system and manual microscopy for detecting acid-fast bacilli in sputum specimens.MethodsBetween January and November 2020， a total of 1 519 sputum samples from suspected primary tuberculosis patients from 5 designated tuberculosis hospitals in Shanghai were examined by Smear and BACTEC MGIT 960 liquid culture （liquid culture） methods. Each specimen was subiected to 2 direct smear slides. One slide was stained by Z-N method and examined with manual microscopic method. Another slide was stained and scanned by the Mycob.T system. The efficacy of manual microscopy and the Mycob.T scanner system for detecting acid-fast bacilli in sputum specimens was compared based on the result of liquid culture. Results of the repetitive scanning by the Mycob.T scanner system and the recheck of the manual microscopy were analyzed.ResultsThe average positive rate by the Mycob.T scanner system was 14.4% （219/1 519） while the average positive rate by manual microscopy was 16.3% （248/1 519）. No significant difference was observed （χ2=2.13， P=0.145）. Based on liquid culture confirmation results， the sensitivity of manual microscopy （60.36%） was higher than that of the Mycob.T scanner system （52.94%）， and the difference is statistically significant （χ2=4.38， P=0.036）. Both methods had high specificity （98.94%）. The concordance of the Mycob.T scanner system and manual microscopy was 95.46%， with the kappa value of 0.826. The results of repeatability test of the Mycob.T scanner system and the recheck results of the manual microscopy showed that the coincidence rate of scanning by the Mycob.T scanner system was 99.5% （436/438）， and the recheck coincidence rate by the manual microscopy was 98.6% （432/438）.ConclusionThe Mycob.T scanner system have high specificity for detecting acid-fast bacilli in sputum samples and good consistency with the results of manual microscopy. Compared with manual microscopic examination， the Mycob.T scanner system can greatly alleviate the work intensity.

To meet the requirement of numerical weather prediction for local severe convective weather, especially disastrous weather and extreme weather events, based on GRAPES-MESO 10 km system, many works have been completed, which include improving the calculation accuracy and stability of the model dynamic framework, selecting and testing the physical parameterization schemes suitable for high-resolution model, establishing a national radar quality control preprocess system, applying the national (SA/SB/CB) three-dimensional network mosaic data through the cloud analysis system, establishing a convective resolvable assimilation system and land surface data assimilation system for small and medium-scale systems, implementing the assimilation and application of unconventional local dense data such as radar radial wind, wind profile radar, FY-4A imager emissivity, satellite cloud motion wind, satellite GNSSRO, surface precipitation and the near surface data, and developing the rapid cycle technology. By integrating all the jobs mentioned above, the nationwide rapid analysis and forecast system CMA-MESO (GRAPES-MESO 3 km)has been established and put into operational run since June 2020 with 3 km horizontal resolution and 3 h time interval. The operational verification results in flood season from June to September of 2020 show that the forecasts of near surface elements (precipitation, 2 m temperature and 10 m wind) of CMA-MESO forecast surpass the results of GRAPES-MESO 10 km system, and the threat score for 3 h accumulated precipitation forecast is outstanding. The threat score for 24 h accumulated precipitation of CMA-MESO is slightly worse than the result of ECMWF, but the threat score for 3 h accumulated precipitation forecast is significantly better. For the precipitation exceeding 10.0 mm, CMA-MESO performs better than ECMWF within all the lead times, and the advantages are more obvious with the increase of precipitation threshold. Compared to ECMWF, CMA-MESO shows more obvious advantages on daytime forecast. For 25 mm precipitation threshold, the improvement rate exceeds 50% in most of the daytime and reaches about 100% in the later stage of forecast. The spatial distribution of mean 24 h accumulated precipitation predicted by CMA-MESO and ECMWF models is close to the observation, but the amount predicted by CMA-MESO is slightly larger. The frequency and intensity of precipitation simulated by CMA-MESO, which can characterize the ability of model to predict the spatial-temporal fine characteristics of precipitation, are consistent with observation in terms of both horizontal distribution and magnitude. The comprehensive performance of CMA-MESO in flood season in China exceeds that of ECMWF fine grid model.

The building materials industry is the foundation of national economy. Intelligent reforms and digital transformations have deepened the application of new technologies and brought about more digital scenarios, which drives the development of industrial software for the building materials industry and facilitates the high-quality development of the building materials industry. Industrial software is a link that connects industrial design and manufacturing processes with informatization, intelligence, and digitization. In this study, we categorize the industrial software for the building materials industry into the following four types based on industrial characteristics, technical processes, and core functions of the software: operation management; research, development and design; production control; and service support software. Subsequently, the development status of industrial software for the building materials industry in China and abroad is reviewed, and the gap between China and the advanced international level regarding industrial software development is analyzed. The key development directions are clarified from the perspectives of improving weak links, promoting replacement, and developing advantages. The research suggests that the industrial software for the building materials industry should be developed from the following technological perspectives: (1) breaking technical barriers in key areas, (2) ensuring the safety and control of key links, (3) promoting the application of information technology innovations, and (4) building an industry public service platform. Moreover, we propose the following development strategies: (1) optimizing the support policies, (2) improving the industrial software standards system, (3) encouraging industry–university–research–application collaboration to address key problems, (4) cultivating industrial software compound talents, and (5) establishing a good software application ecology.

BackgroundChronic diabetic complications are highly prevalent, which may be an underlying cause of diabetes-related disability and death. Regularly and continuously self-monitoring may contribute to early detection, diagnosis and treatment of various diabetic complications, which is essential to reducing the adverse consequences of diabetes, and is a key program in community-based management that should be highly valued.ObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence and associated factors (such as diabetes prevalence and monitoring and other factors) of behaviors of monitoring (self-observation and screening tests) to prevent chronic diabetic complications among type 2 diabetes patients receiving community-based management.MethodsThe convenience sampling was used to select 785 type 2 diabetes patients from Chengdu's central urban areas who received community-based type 2 diabetic management from May to November 2019. They were invited to attend a survey for understanding their socio-demographic information and monitoring behaviors to prevent chronic diabetic complications using a questionnaire developed by us.ResultsOnly 103 (13.1%) of the patients did not suffer from any chronic complications, and 435 (55.4%) suffered from both metabolic syndrome and chronic diabetic complications. The average total score for self-observation of chronic diabetic complications in the participants was (2.58±0.86) , but the average total score of regularly self-observation of pulsations of the dorsalis pedis artery was only (1.47±0.84) . The average total score of performing screening tests for chronic diabetic complications was (2.77±0.57) . The average score of diabetic retinopathy screening, peripheral neuropathy screening, and lower extremity vascular disease screening was (1.88±0.99) , (1.46±0.84) , and (1.47±0.84) , respectively. About 78.2% (614/785) of patients underwent screening tests following the doctors' advices. But only 9.9% (78/785) took the initiative to conduct regular tests. About 17.7% (139/785) and 49.0% (385/785) of the patients could not correctly manage the abnormal results of self-observation and the screening test results. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that the duration of diabetes since diagnosis, prevalence of chronic diabetic complications, and management of self-observed abnormalities were associated with the score of self-observation of chronic diabetic complications (P

Nowadays, there is a strong demand for underground space development in China. Meanwhile, underground space utilization has shown the characteristics of high construction difficulty, long construction period, high cost, and complex social impacts. A systematic and reliable management system for underground space development has not yet been established. Therefore, it is urgent to carry out strategic study on the comprehensive management of underground space development from both theoretical and practical aspects. By analyzing the current situation of underground space development in China, the problems in the comprehensive management of underground space are discussed from the aspects of laws and regulations, high-level design, management system, geological survey, equipment, information resource, intelligent level, and comprehensive benefit. Furthermore, the development strategy and countermeasures for underground space development in China are proposed. Considering long-term strategic objectives and development principles, the future main tasks include the establishment of a comprehensive management system, improvement in management capacity, intelligentization of space management, and reinforcement of emergency response safety management. Specifically, a national unified coordination system needs to be established for underground space comprehensive management; relevant laws and regulations, standards, and regulatory evaluation systems should be improved; technologies and professionals should be encouraged for key equipment development; and urban underground space survey and information management should be promoted.

Although the potential of metal-organic framework (MOF) nanoparticles as drug delivery systems (DDS) for cancer treatment has been established by numerous studies, their clinical applications are still limited due to relatively poor biocompatibility. We fabricated a multifunctional Cu-MOFs@Keratin DDS for loaded drug and chemodynamic therapy (CDT) against tumor cells. The Cu-MOFs core was prepared using a hydrothermal method, and then loaded with the anticancer drug DOX and wrapped in human hair keratin. The Cu-MOFs@Keratin was well characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Characterization and pharmacokinetic studies of Cu-MOFs@Keratin were performed in vitro and in vivo. The keratin shell reduced the cytotoxicity and potential leakage of Cu-MOFs to normal cells, and allowed the drug-loaded nanoparticles to accumulate in the tumor tissues through enhanced permeability and retention effect (EPR). The particles entered the tumor cells via endocytosis and disintegrated under the stimulation of intracellular environment, thereby releasing DOX in a controlled manner. In addition, the Cu-MOFs produced hydroxyl radicals (·OH) by consuming presence of high intracellular levels of glutathione (GSH) and H2O2, which decreased the viability of the tumor cells.

In this paper, the isothermal and non-isothermal crystallization and melting behaviors of rice bran oil (RBO) are studied, and the composition of the precipitates under cold temperatures from RBO is analyzed.The results show that the isothermal shear rheology is an effective method to characterize the cold performance of RBO. With the increasing of the cooling rate, the onset crystallization temperature of RBO gradually decreases, and the melting enthalpy gradually decreases before it finally becomes stable. The crystal form of the precipitates from RBO after stored at 4 ℃ for 90 days is mainly β form, and its melting peak temperature is at 21.5 ℃. The two crystallization peak temperatures are 5.6 ℃ and - 43.9 ℃,respectively. Compared with virgin RBO, the relative content of palmitic acid in the precipitates increases significantly, and the relative content of oleic and linoleic acids decreases obviously.

Since 2011, the Chinese government has been implementing a series of comprehensive rock desertification control projects. Concurrently, the relevant ecosystem service functions have been changing. However, few studies have quantitatively evaluated the variation of each ecosystem service function and its driving factors; moreover, the trade-off and synergistic relationships must be further explored. Therefore, the present study used a Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model to stimulate three ecosystem service functions of the surface/underground runoff and surface sediment yield of Dabang River (a typical karst basin in Southwest China); the driving factors of ecosystem service variation were examined using geographic detectors; and a Spearman correlation analysis was performed to explore the trade-off and synergy between ecosystem services. This study revealed the following results: (1) The determination coefficient (R2) and Nash efficiency coefficient (NS) are>0.5 during the calibration and validation periods; therefore, they meet the model evaluation requirements, verifying the applicability of the SWAT model for ecological service function evaluation in karst areas. (2) Surface/underground runoff decreased by approximately 64% and 66.53% and surface sediment yield decreased by 25.89% in the study area from 2010 to 2018. (3) The geographic detector results revealed significantly higher explanatory power for two-factor detection than for single-factor detection for the variation of ecosystem services. Changes in various ecosystem services are closely related to rainfall reduction, land use changes, and the succession of rocky desertification. (4) Trade-off relationships exist between surface and underground runoff and between underground runoff and surface sediment yield; a synergistic relationship exists between surface runoff and surface sediment yield. The results provide a theoretical reference for the control of rocky desertification/soil erosion as well as for ecological protection and restoration work in karst areas of Southwest China.

Tumors provide materials and energy for themselves through glucose metabolic reprogramming to meet the needs of their rapid growth. Studies have shown that a variety of metabolic enzymes and signal molecules involved in glucose metabolism play an important role in tumorigenesis and development, and are considered to be important targets for the diagnosis and treatment of malignant tumors. The detection technology based on tumor glucose metabolism has been widely used in basic research and clinical diagnosis and treatment of tumor. This paper summarizes the characteristics, driving factors and key regulatory targets of tumor glucose metabolism, and the detection techniques and functions of tumor glucose metabolism from the aspects of basic medical research and clinical diagnosis and treatment.

To remove typical herbicide diuron effectively, a novel sludge-derived modified biochar (SDMBC600) was prepared using sludge-derived biochar (SDBC600) as raw material and Fe-Zn as an activator and modifier in this study. The physico-chemical properties of SDMBC600 and the adsorption behavior of diuron on the SDMBC600 were studied systematically. The adsorption mechanisms as well as practical applications of SDMBC600 were also investigated and examined. The results showed that the SDMBC600 was chemically loaded with Fe-Zn and SDMBC600 had a larger specific surface area (204 m2/g) and pore volume (0.0985 cm3/g). The adsorption of diuron on SDMBC600 followed pseudo-second-order kinetics and the Langmuir isotherm model, with a maximum diuron adsorption capacity of 17.7 mg/g. The biochar could maintain a good adsorption performance (8.88–12.9 mg/g) under wide water quality conditions, in the pH of 2–10 and with the presence of humic acid and six typical metallic ions of 0–20 mg/L. The adsorption mechanisms of SDMBC600 for diuron were found to include surface complexation, π–π binding, hydrogen bonding, as well as pore filling. Additionally, the SDMBC600 was tested to be very stable with very low Fe and Zn leaching concentration ≤0.203 mg/L in the wide pH range. In addition, the SDMBC600 could maintain a high adsorption capacity (99.6%) after four times of regeneration and therefore, SDMBC600 could have a promising application for diuron removal in water treatment.

Delayed chest closure (DSC) is widely performed during the treatment of congenital heart diseases. However, the high prevalence of surgical site infection (SSI) in patients undergoing DSC affects prognosis negatively. Herein, we designed a suturable poly (vinyl alcohol)/keratin film loaded with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as an alternative material for DSC, which was named PVA/Keratin/AgNPs. The PVA/Keratin/AgNPs films exhibited significantly enhanced mechanical strength after crosslinking by sodium trimetaphosphate (STMP). These films were non-toxic, and cells proliferated with good morphology after 1 week of culture. In addition, PVA/Keratin/AgNPs films provided superior antibacterial ability, as evidenced by the eradication and lower growth rate of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Finally, the PVA/Keratin/AgNPs films were demonstrated to successfully cover the chest cavity temporarily and protect the chest cavity from bacterial infection. These results indicated that the PVA/Keratin/AgNPs films have great prospects to be further exploited for clinical applications in DSC.

Abstract Background Mutationally activated Ras proteins are closely linked to a wide variety of human cancers. Hence, there has been an intensive search for anti-Ras therapies for cancer treatment. The sole Ras gene, which encodes LET-60, in Caenorhabditis elegans regulates vulval development. While the loss of let-60 function leads to failure of vulva formation, the let-60(n1046gf) allele, which contains a missense mutation mimicking a Ras codon 13 mutation found in human cancers, results in extra vulval tissue, a phenotype named Muv (multiple vulvas). Methods By taking advantage of the easy-to-score Muv phenotype of let-60(n1046gf), we used a step-by-step screening approach (from crude extract to active fraction to active natural compound) to search for inhibitors of oncogenic Ras. Mutants of other key components in the Ras–mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway were used to identify other candidate targets. Results The natural compound harmine, isolated from the plant Peganum harmala, was found to suppress the Muv phenotype of let-60(n1046gf). In addition, harmine targets the hyper-activation of the Ras/MAPK pathway specifically caused by overexpression or mutated forms of LET-60/Ras and its immediate downstream molecule LIN-45/Raf. Finally, harmine can be absorbed into the worm body and probably functions in its native form, rather than requiring metabolic activation. Conclusion In sum, we have revealed for the first time the anti-Ras activity of harmine in a C. elegans model system. Our results revealed the potential anti-cancer mechanism of harmine, which may be useful for the treatment of specific human cancers that are associated with oncogenic Ras mutations.

Thrombospondin (TSP) proteins have been shown to impact T-cell adhesion, migration, differentiation, and apoptosis. Thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) is specifically upregulated in several inflammatory diseases and can effectively promote lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced inflammation. In contrast, thrombospondin-2 (TSP-2) has been associated with activation of “anti-inflammatory” T-regulatory cells (Tregs). In this study, we investigated the effects of both TSP-1 and TSP-2 overexpression on macrophage polarization and activation in vitro and in vivo. We analyzed the effects of TSP-1 and TSP-2 on inflammation, vascular endothelial permeability, edema, ultrastructural morphology, and apoptosis in lung tissues of an ARDS mouse model and cultured macrophages. Our results demonstrated that TSP-2 overexpression effectively attenuated LPS-induced ARDS in vivo and promoted M2 macrophage phenotype polarization in vitro. Furthermore, TSP-2 played a role in regulating pulmonary vascular barrier leakage by activating the PI3K/Akt pathway. Overall, our findings indicate that TSP-2 can modulate inflammation and could therefore be a potential therapeutic target against LPS-induced ARDS.

Objective: This study was conducted to determine whether regulatory T cells (CD4+CD25+T, Tregs) show abnormal mitophagy as well as the function of Tregs in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG).Methods: CD4+T cells and CD4+CD25+Treg cells were obtained from 15 patients with MG (MG group) and 15 controls (N group). Tregs from the MG group were subjected to rapamycin-induced culture for 48 h (Rapa group) and 3-methyladenine-induced culture for 48 h (3-MA group). The levels of mitophagy in Tregs were then observed through electron and confocal microscopy. Expression of the autophagy-related protein LC3-II was detected by western blotting, and mitochondrial function in each group was evaluated by flow cytometry. Inhibition of Treg cell proliferation was detected by flow cytometry.Results: Mitophagy in the MG group was lower than that in the N group; it was higher in the Rapa group compared to that in the MG group and lowered in the 3-MA group than in the MG group. Expression of the autophagy-related protein LC3-II was lower in the MG group than in the N group, higher in the Rapa group than in the MG group, and lower in the 3-MA group than in the MG group. The mitochondrial membrane potential was lower in the MG group compared to that in the N group; it was higher in the Rapa group than in the MG group and lowered in the 3-MA group than in the MG group. Inhibition of Treg proliferation was lower in the MG group than in the N group; it was higher in the Rapa group than in the MG group and lowered in the 3-MA group than in the MG group.Conclusion: The decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and mitophagy in Tregs in the MG group may be related to a decreased inhibition of Treg proliferation. The mitochondrial membrane potential was increased after adding the autophagy agent Rapa to enhance mitophagy, and the proliferation inhibition function of Tregs was also enhanced. The autophagy agent 3-MA down-regulated mitophagy, which decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential and inhibitory effect of Tregs. These results reveal the possible cellular immune mechanism of Treg dysfunction in MG.

Intermediate frequency (IF) electric power supply system has been widely applied in airplanes. Reignition after interruption of 360-850 Hz vacuum arc in axial magnetic field (AMF) is studied in this paper. According to the experimental results, the current interruption ability decreases from 22.4 kA at 360 Hz to 14.0 kA at 850 Hz. With the increase of frequency, the rate of change of current, di/dt, at current zero (CZ) reaches the breaking threshold at a smaller current value. Based on the least squares solution of the Mayr model, the time of decay of arc energy is prolonged when interruption fails, which is disadvantageous to the breaking process. On the other hand, the eddy effect is enhanced by higher frequency, which increases the residual magnetic induction intensity and the hysteresis phase of AMF after CZ. As a result, the diffusion of plasma is blocked. In the experiments, we find that the position of arc reignition always appears at the margin of contacts. It is shown by calculation that the electric field at the marginal area is twice as strong as that inside the contact. The current density is high, where the electric field is strong, leading to the higher probability of field emission. Arc images are analyzed by frame differential method. The sputtering velocity of macroscopic particles is estimated to be 10-20 m/s. The dissipation time of the macroscopic particles is longer than the arc time of IF vacuum arc, and the presence of macroscopic particles leads to the arc reignition. The findings of this paper would be beneficial to the parameter design of IF vacuum circuit breakers, such as the magnetic flux density of AMF, the chamfering of contact margin, and contact materials.