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Individuals vary significantly in their pain sensitivity, with contributions from the brain, genes, and psychological factors. However, a multidimensional model integrating these factors is lacking due to their complex interactions. To address this, we measured pain sensitivity (ie, pain threshold and pain tolerance) using the cold pressor test, collected magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data and genetic data, and evaluated psychological factors (ie, pain catastrophizing, pain-related fear, and pain-related anxiety) from 450 healthy participants with both sexes (160 male, 290 female). Using multimodal MRI fusion methods, we identified 2 pairs of covarying structural and functional brain patterns associated with pain threshold and tolerance, respectively. These patterns primarily involved regions related to self-awareness, sensory-discriminative, cognitive-evaluative, motion preparation and execution, and emotional aspects of pain. Notably, pain catastrophizing was negatively correlated with pain tolerance, and this relationship was mediated by the multimodal covarying brain patterns in male participants only. Furthermore, we identified an association between the singlenucleotide polymorphism rs4141964 within the fatty acid amide hydrolase gene and pain threshold, mediated by the identified multimodal covarying brain patterns across all participants. In summary, we suggested a model that integrates the brain, genes, and psychological factors to elucidate their role in shaping interindividual variations in pain sensitivity, highlighting the important contribution of the multimodal covarying brain patterns as important biological mediators in the associations between genes/psychological factors and pain sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Fourier law and its various modifications have been widely used to study various thermal problems with great success, but many thermal phenomena cannot yet be explained, for example, the effect of pore size and distribution on the heat transfer of a porous medium, the extremely high thermal conductivity of metasurfaces, and the moisture transfer through a fabric. This short article shows the current state of thermal science for modern science and technology, and its challenge in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researchers are excited about the latest advances in the long needle electrospinning and the bubble electrospinning, which have triggered widespread concern. This paper offers a new angle for modifying both methods, the former is developed into a modified one with an auxiliary helix needle, which is used for fabrication of super-hydrophobic polyvinylidene difluoride-copolypolyhexafluoropropylene nanofiber membrane (PH-E membrane for short), and the latter is extended to a bubble electrostatic spaying, which is used for spraying PDMS microspheres on the PH-E membrane surface, and the resultant membrane is called as the PDMSPH-E membrane. Both membranes hydrophobicity, surface roughness, porosity, and wetting property are measured and compared, and the drop impact dynamical property of the PDMS-PH-E membrane has opened the path for a new way to design of self-clearing and anti-fouling and antiwetting surfaces. Far-reaching applications of the membranes include energy harvesting devices and sensors. We anticipate this article to be a starting point for more sophisticated study of the bubble electrostatic spaying and PDMS-PH-E membrane advanced applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is to mimic the long transporting process of proteins in the spider spinning, and a long and helical needle electrospinning technology is proposed, the polyvinylidene fluoride solution is used to study the effects of needle helix spirals on the micromorphology, mechanical property, electrical property, porosity, and hydrophobic property of polyvinylidene fluoride nanofiber membranes. The results showed that there is a threshold value for the helix spirals helical pitch, and its spider-inspired mechanism is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct contact membrane distillation tests are carried out on four kinds of dye solutions using the superhydrophobic polyvinylidene difluron-copolymerized hexafluoropropylene nanofiber membrane (PH-E) and its modification coated with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) nanoparticles (PDMS-PH-E membrane). The test results show that PDMS-PH-E membrane has higher water flux, and the removal efficiency of four dyes reaches 100%. While the removal efficiency of the PH-E membrane reaches 100% only for two dyes. The loosely absorbed dye structure on PDMS-PH-E membrane roughens the surface, and stimulates the negatively charged droplets to bounce, resulting in an effective anti-fouling and self-cleaning effect and a long-term scaling prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

5G communication technology has been skyrocketing, and has changed everything in our daily lives, and its applications in various fields are also promising. However, the thermal conductivity/dissipation problems of highly integrated electronic devices and electrical equipment are becoming more and more prominent, and thermodynamics offers a solution, and fractal meta-surfaces provides an extremely efficient approach to transfer the generated waste heat, which can be used for thermal energy harvesting, and a fractal thermodynamic model is developed for thermal management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) is a pivotal enzyme that mediates the fixation of CO2. As the most abundant protein on earth, Rubisco has a significant impact on global carbon, water, and nitrogen cycles. However, the significantly low carboxylation activity and competing oxygenase activity of Rubisco greatly impede high carbon fixation efficiency. This review first summarizes the current efforts in directly or indirectly modifying plant Rubisco, which has been challenging due to its high conservation and limitations in chloroplast transformation techniques. However, recent advancements in understanding Rubisco biogenesis with the assistance of chaperones have enabled successful heterologous expression of all Rubisco forms, including plant Rubisco, in microorganisms. This breakthrough facilitates the acquisition and evaluation of modified proteins, streamlining the measurement of their activity. Moreover, the establishment of a screening system in E. coli opens up possibilities for obtaining high-performance mutant enzymes through directed evolution. Finally, this review emphasizes the utilization of Rubisco in microorganisms, not only expanding their carbon-fixing capabilities but also holding significant potential for enhancing biotransformation processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sex-biased genes offer insights into the evolution of sexual dimorphism. Sex-biased genes, especially those with male bias, show elevated evolutionary rates of protein sequences driven by positive selection and relaxed purifying selection in animals. Although rapid sequence evolution of sex-biased genes and evolutionary forces have been investigated in animals and brown algae, less is known about evolutionary forces in dioecious angiosperms. In this study, we separately compared the expression of sex-biased genes between female and male floral buds and between female and male flowers at anthesis in dioecious Trichosanthes pilosa (Cucurbitaceae). In floral buds, sex-biased gene expression was pervasive, and had significantly different roles in sexual dimorphism such as physiology. We observed higher rates of sequence evolution for male-biased genes in floral buds compared to female-biased and unbiased genes. Male-biased genes under positive selection were mainly associated with functions to abiotic stress and immune responses, suggesting that high evolutionary rates are driven by adaptive evolution. Additionally, relaxed purifying selection may contribute to accelerated evolution in male-biased genes generated by gene duplication. Our findings, for the first time in angiosperms, suggest evident rapid evolution of male-biased genes, advance our understanding of the patterns and forces driving the evolution of sexual dimorphism in dioecious plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A portable high-field asymmetric ion transfer spectrometer (FAIMS) was miniaturized to improve the design. The prototype consists of a main controller, a galvanometer, a high-voltage square-wave power supply, a Raspberry Pi module, and integrated circuitry. The new design eliminates a main power supply and meets the high- and low-voltage requirements. Qt, a cross-platform software package for creating graphical user interfaces, was used to map the molecular structure fingerprint. The timing, circuit structure, and mechanical assembly were optimized. The dimensions were 45 cm × 48 cm × 23 cm. 16 s were required to collect 1000 data points; the usage time exceeded 8 h, and the background noise was approximately 0.2 pA. The prototype offers excellent efficiency, stability, and multiple applications. The accuracy of FAIMS with the deep-learning model for data acquisition is good. This system is anticipated to evaluate the concentrations of volatiles in diverse types of samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pitot probe is commonly used for the disturbance quantification of a hypersonic freestream, but the pitot results cannot reflect the actual disturbance amplitudes due to the turbulence/shock-wave interactions as well as the disturbance resonances. In this work, we characterize the disturbance resonance in the postshock zone of a blunt body using both experimental and theoretical approaches. A one-dimensional interference model with four traveling sound waves is proposed to simulate the resonance phenomenon due to the reflection between the detached shock and the wall of the pitot probe. Subsequently, the total pressure fluctuation on the surface and the density fluctuation in the space along the centerline are investigated using a pressure sensor and a noninvasive focused laser differential interferometer. Both the experimental results and theoretical analysis show the resonance mechanism on the surface is dominated by the interference between the initial diverging sound wave and the shock-reflected sound wave. In contrast, the stationary wave formed by the initial diverging sound wave and the body-reflected wave plays a leading role in the space. Finally, an equation is proposed to approximate the destructive resonant frequency in the space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the influence of harpagide isolated from Scrophularia ningpoensis Hemsl. on human umbilical vascular endothelial cells damage induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein and its possible mechanism. Human umbilical vascular endothelial cells were cultured in vitro. Different doses (20, 40, 80 µmol/l) of harpagide were applied to treat human umbilical vascular endothelial cells induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein, human umbilical vascular endothelial cells overexpressing microRNA-140-5p were induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein, and 80 µg/ml harpagide was applied to treat oxidized low-density lipoprotein induced human umbilical vascular endothelial cells with microRNA-140-5p downregulation. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits were used to detect malondialdehyde content as well as superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities. Flow cytometry and Western blot were utilized to investigate cell apoptosis. Ribonucleic acid expression was analyzed by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Different doses of harpagide (20, 40, 80 µmol/l) reduced the malondialdehyde content and the rate of apoptosis in oxidized low-density lipoprotein-stimulated human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (p<0.05), while elevated superoxide dismutase as well as glutathione peroxidase activities (p<0.05). MicroRNA-140-5p overexpression reduced the malondialdehyde content and apoptosis in oxidized low-density lipoproteinstimulated human umbilical vascular endothelial cells while elevated superoxide dismutase as well as glutathione peroxidase activities (p<0.05). Harpagide promoted microRNA-140-5p expression in human umbilical vascular endothelial cells after oxidized low-density lipoprotein stimulation (p<0.05). MicroRNA-140-5p knockdown reversed the inhibitory effect of harpagide in human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (p<0.05). Harpagide up-regulates microRNA-140-5p to inhibit the oxidative stress and apoptosis of oxidized low-density lipoprotein-induced human umbilical vascular endothelial cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, graphene/g-C 3 N 4 in-plane heterojunctions (SGCN-x) with D-π-A structure are prepared by hydrothermal and pyrolysis carbonization methods. The interfacial bonded hydrothermal precursor can assist the synthesis of graphite carbon and g-C 3 N 4 at mild thermodynamic conditions. The characterizations indicated that graphene was stitched onto the edge of carbon nitride. The interface of the in-plane heterojunction is carbon-nitrogen heterocyclic rings with π conjugate property, which can be regarded as the transmission channel of electrons. That is, the separation/transport of photocarriers in SGCN-x heterostructure is accelerated, and the recombination time of photogenerated electrons and holes is prolonged. The highest yield of hydrogen production performance has reached up to 7446 μmol/(g·h) for the optimization of the photocatalyst, almost 6.73 times higher compared with pure g-C 3 N 4. This work opens new opportunities for the significant strategy for the in-situ preparation of graphene-based materials and construction of efficient photoactive material for catalysis. • In situ synthesis of microcrystalline graphite/g-C 3 N 4 in-plane heterojunctions. • Construct D-π-A structure and promote the separation and transfer of carriers. • Improve hydrogen production performance to 7446 μmol/(g·h). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat tiller angle (TA) is an important agronomic trait that contributes to grain production by affecting plant architecture. It also plays a crucial role in high-yield wheat breeding. An association panel and a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population were used to map quantitative trait loci (QTL) for TA. Results showed that 470 significant SNPs with 10.4%–28.8% phenotypic variance explained (PVE) were detected in four replicates by a genome-wide association study (GWAS). Haplotype analysis showed that the TA_Hap_4B1 locus on chromosome 4B was a major QTL to regulate wheat TA. Ten QTL were totally detected by linkage mapping with the RIL population, and QTA.hau-4B.1 identified in six environments with the PVE of 7.88%–18.82% was a major and stable QTL. A combined analysis demonstrated that both TA_Hap_4B1 and QTA.hau-4B.1 were co-located on the same region. Moreover, QTA.hau-4B.1 was confirmed by bulked segregant RNA-Seq (BSR-Seq) analysis. Phenotypic analysis showed that QTA.hau-4B.1 was also closely related to yield traits. Furthermore, TraesCS4B02G049700 was considered as a candidate gene through analysis of gene sequence and expression. This study can be potentially used in cloning key genes modulating wheat tillering and provides valuable genetic resources for improvement of wheat plant architecture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the efficacy and safety of apatinib in the treatment of advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients who failed first and second-line chemotherapy. Methods: The clinical data of 100 patients diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer were retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into two groups, with 50 patients in each group. One group was treated with apatinib mesylate (Apatinib group), while the other group was treated with gemcitabine (Gemcitabine group). Clinical efficacy, adverse reactions, and quality-of-life scores were were assessed, while the survival status of patients was recorded during follow-up. Results: After treatment, the objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) were 24.0 % (12/50) and 70.0 % (35/50) in Apatinib group, and 12.0 % (6/50) and 52.0 % (26/50) in Gemcitabine group. In terms of adverse reactions, the incidence of hand-foot syndrome and hypertension were significantly higher in Apatinib group than in Gemcitabine group, but the incidence of nausea and vomiting, anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia were significantly lower in Apatinib group than in Gemcitabine group (p < 0.05). Follow-up results revealed the median overall survival (OS) of patients to be 10.1 and 9.0 months, respectively, in Apatinib and Gemcitabine groups. Results of the log-rank test showed that OS in Apatinib group was significantly longer than that of Gemcitabine group. Conclusion: Apatinib demonstrates clear effectiveness and a superior safety profile than Gemcitabine in the management of patients with advanced ovarian cancer who did not respond effectively to multiple rounds of chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) affects nearly 40% of diabetic patients, often leading to end-stage renal disease that requires renal replacement therapies, such as dialysis and transplantation. the gut microbiota, an integral aspect of human evolution, plays a crucial role in this condition. Traditional chinese medicine (TCM) has shown promising outcomes in ameliorating DKD by addressing the gut microbiota. Objective: this review elucidates the modifications in gut microbiota observed in DKD and explores the impact of TCM interventions on correcting microbial dysregulation. Methods: we searched relevant articles from databases including web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, wiley, and Springer Nature. the following keywords were used: diabetic kidney disease, diabetic nephropathy, gut microbiota, natural product, TCM, chinese herbal medicine, and chinese medicinal herbs. Rigorous criteria were applied to identify high-quality studies on tcM interventions against DKD. Results: Dysregulation of the gut microbiota, including Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, and Clostridium, has been observed in individuals with DKD. Key indicators of microbial dysregulation include increased uremic solutes and decreased short-chain fatty acids. various TCM therapies, such as formulas, tablets, granules, capsules, and decoctions, exhibit unique advantages in regulating the disordered microbiota to treat DKD. Conclusion: this review highlights the importance of targeting the gut-kidney axis to regulate microbial disorders, their metabolites, and associated signaling pathways in DKD. The Qing-Re-Xiao-Zheng formula, the Shenyan Kangfu tablet, the Huangkui capsule, and the Bekhogainsam decoction are potential candidates to address the gut-kidney axis. TCM interventions offer a significant therapeutic approach by targeting microbial dysregulation in patients with DKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fractal thermodynamics deals with thermodynamical phenomena to find nature laws in a fractal space. Here is introduced a new concept of fractal entropy, and the traditional principle of entropy increase should be revised as the fractal entropy equilibrium. Additionally, the law of brachistofractality, or the minimal fractional dimensions law, is also introduced, it implies that an object remains its fractal dimensions unchanged without an external action, and it minimizes its fractal dimensions under an external perturbation. An example is given to measure the fractal dimensions of a fabric, so that a swimming vest with minimal friction can be optimally designed. This article offers a new angle for observing a thermodynamical phenomenon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The southern Sichuan Basin in China holds abundant shale gas resources; however, the shale gas bearing property shows great differences due to the multiple stages of tectonic transformation. The key to revealing the shale gas differential enrichment mechanism is to explore the thermal evolution characteristics during tectonic evolution. Therefore, taking the Luzhou and Changning blocks as an example, which have obvious differences in tectonic evolution, the organic geochemical conditions of Longmaxi shale were firstly compared with the test data. Then, the thermal evolution characteristics under the background differential tectonic uplift-erosion were recovered using basin modeling techniques. The results showed that the two blocks contain similar organic geochemical conditions of the Longmaxi shale. Moreover, the hydrocarbon generation condition in Luzhou Block is greater than that in the Changning Block. Influenced by the differential tectonic evolution, the study area experienced a complex burial history and the formation of multiple unconformities. As a result, the present burial depth of Longmaxi Formation in the Luzhou Block is significantly greater than that in the Changning Block. The thermal evolution history of Longmaxi shale in the study area could be divided into three stages, including a low-temperature stage from Caledonian to Hercynian, a middle-temperature stage from Hercynian to Indosinian, and a high-temperature stage from Yanshanian to Himalayan. In addition, it was found that the Himalayan period is the main stage resulting in the differential gas bearing property of Longmaxi shale in the southern Sichuan area. Under the differential structural modification, the peak time of hydrocarbon generation in the Luzhou Block occurred earlier and the conversion rate was slightly higher than that in the Changning Block. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous studies have investigated the impacts of common types of chronic pain (CP) on patients’ cognitive function and observed that CP was associated with later dementia. More recently, there is a growing recognition that CP conditions frequently coexist at multiple body sites and may bring more burdens on patients’ overall health. However, whether and how multisite CP (MCP) contributes to an increased risk of dementia, compared to single-site CP (SCP) and pain-free (PF), is largely unclear. In the current study, utilizing the UK Biobank cohort, we first investigated dementia risk in individuals (n = 354,943) with different numbers of coexisting CP sites using Cox proportional hazards regression models. We then applied generalized additive models to investigate whether MCP leads to excessive deterioration of participants’ (n = 19,116) cognition and brain structure. We found that individuals with MCP were associated with significantly higher dementia risk, broader and faster cognitive impairment, and greater hippocampal atrophy than both PF individuals and those with SCP. Moreover, the detrimental effects of MCP on dementia risk and hippocampal volume aggravated along with the number of coexisting CP sites. Mediation analyses further revealed that the decline of fluid intelligence in MCP individuals was partially mediated by hippocampal atrophy. Our results suggested that cognitive decline and hippocampal atrophy interact biologically and may underlie the increased risk of dementia associated with MCP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most metals adopt simple structures such as body-centered cubic (BCC), face-centered cubic (FCC), and hexagonal close-packed (HCP) structures in specific groupings across the periodic table, and many undergo transitions to surprisingly complex structures on compression, not expected from conventional free-electron-based theories of metals. First-principles calculations have been able to reproduce many observed structures and transitions, but a unified, predictive theory that underlies this behavior is not yet in hand. Discovered by analyzing the electronic properties of metals in various lattices over a broad range of sizes and geometries, a remarkably simple theory shows that the stability of metal structures is governed by electrons occupying local interstitial orbitals and their strong chemical interactions. The theory provides a basis for understanding and predicting structures in solid compounds and alloys over a broad range of conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of miRNA-21 and the regulating pathway that promotes the differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Methods: We used miR-21-OE, miR-21-KD, ajuba-OE and ajuba-KD plasmids to infect BMSCs. The expression of miRNA-21, ajuba, Isl1 and cTnI was detected by RT-qPCR, WB and immunofluorescence staining in groups. Results: MiRNA-21 over-expression increased the expression of Isl1, and vice versa. Ajuba over-expression decreased the expression of Isl1, and vice versa. Ajuba negatively regulated the differentiation of BMSCs into cardiomyocyte-like cells. Conclusions: MiRNA-21 could regulate differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) to cardiomyocyte-like cells through the ajuba/ Isl1 axis pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context • Idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias (IVAs) are a spectrum of ventricular arrhythmia (VA) without structural heart disease (SHD), that includes premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) and ventricular tachycardia (VT). The clinical characteristics of patients with PVCs or VT remain unclear, including distribution of the origin of arrhythmias, age and gender differences, comorbidities, laboratory tests, and electrocardiographic parameters. Objective • The study intended to compare the clinical characteristics of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT)- and left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT)-VT of a large group of consecutive patients, to investigate the distribution of the origin of the arrhythmias, age and gender differences, comorbidities, laboratory-examination results, and echocardiographic parameters. Methods • The research team designed a retrospective study to collect data on the above-mentioned variables. Setting • The study occurred at the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University in Shijiazhuang, China. Participants • Participants were 774 patients with symptomatic ventricular arrhythmias, 328 males and 446 females with the mean age of 48.6 ± 15.7 years, who underwent catheter ablation between January 2015 and January 2019. Participants were divided into the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) group and left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) group, according to the different origins of their arrhythmias, with 428 participants in the RVOT group and 180 in the LVOT group. Outcome Measures • The research team collected and analyzed the data for the original sites of the IVAs; ages; genders; comorbidities; laboratory examinations, including routine blood tests, liver function, kidney function, blood lipid and potassium; and echocardiographic parameters. Results • Among the 774 participants, 76 had experienced VTs and 698 PVCs. The original site of IVAs was 2.38 times more likely to be in the RVOT than the LVOT, with the ratio for RVOT/LVOT = 2.38. IVAs usually occurred in participants between 50 and 70 years old and exhibited a decreasing incidence after 70 years of age. IVAs derived from the His bundle were more common in older participants, with a mean age of 60.4 ± 10.4 years, while IVAs derived from the fascicular were more common in younger patients, with a mean age of 36.08 ± 16.01 years. Compared with the LVOT group, the RVOT group was younger, 51.91 ± 14.65 years vs 46.95 ± 14.95 years, respectively (P < .001). PVCs in the RVOT group were more common in women, with the ratio of females/males = 2.10, and no gender difference existed in the overall incidence of IVAs in the LVOT group (P > .05). The most common cardiovascular comorbidities of outflow tract ventricular arrhythmias (OTVAs) were hypertension, coronary heart disease, and hyperlipidemia, while the most common noncardiovascular comorbidities were diabetes, ischemic stroke, and thyroid disease. The redblood-cell counts, hemoglobin, creatinine, and gammaglutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) of the LVOT group were higher than those from the RVOT, with P=.008, P=.009, P=.001, and P<.001, respectively. The left atrial diameter (LAD), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), interventricular septal thickness (IVS), and left ventricular posterior wall thickness (LVPWT) in the LVOT group were larger than those in the RVOT group (P<.001), while the LVOT group’s left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF%) was lower than that of the RVOT group. Conclusions • The outflow tract served as the major original site of IVAs, and significant differences existed between participants in the LVOT and RVOT groups in age; gender; comorbidities; results of laboratory examinations, including red-blood-cell counts, hemoglobin, creatinine, and GGT; and echocardiographic parameters, including LVEF%, LAD, LVEDD, IVS, and LVPWT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study established a necroptosis model in vitro and investigated the role of HMGB1 in cell necroptosis. A combination of tumor necrosis factor-α and z-VAD-fmk was used to induce necroptosis in L929 cells with necroptosis inhibitor necrostatin-1 applied as an intervention. Flow cytometry and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to measure cell necroptosis. Western blotting assay was applied to detect the expression of receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 3 (RIPK3), mixed lineage kinase domain-like pseudokinase (MLKL) and HMGB1. Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) assay was used to confirm the interaction between HMGB1 and RIPK3. Our study demonstrated that HMGB1 migrated from the nucleus to the cytoplasm at the onset of necroptosis and was subsequently released passively to the extracellular matrix. Further experiments determined that the binding of HMGB1 with RIPK3 in the cytoplasm was loose during necroptosis. By contrast, when necroptosis was inhibited, the interaction in the cytoplasm was tight suggesting that this association between HMGB1 and RIPK3 might affect its occurrence. In conclusion, the transfer of HMGB1 from nucleus to cytoplasm, and its interaction with RIPK3 might be potentially involved in necroptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To achieve efficient ventilation and purification in the high-ceiling painting workshop is faced with the contradiction between effect and energy consumption. Understanding the characteristics of gaseous pollutants is of paramount importance for ventilation and purification system design. The composition and concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from aircraft painting workshop were sampled by Tenax-TA tubes and analyzed with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (CC-MS). Approximately 50 types of VOCs (detection rate > 50%) were detected in the aircraft spraying workshop, with percentages of 36.3% for esters, 31.9% for aldehyde ketones, 28.5% for biphenylenes, 1.9% for alcohols and 1.4% for alkanes. The TVOC concentrations in the workshop were 48.6 mg/m³ and 132.4 mg/m³, during the varnish painting and the finish painting processes, respectively, and these are several times higher than those observed in other industries (automobile painting and wooden furniture painting). The field test data of spraying workshops from 197 spraying factories in five industry sectors were collected from field measurement and existing iiterature. Some VOCs components are the general pollutants in the painting workshops, such as Acetic acid, butyl ester, Toluene, and 2-Butanone. A novel ventilation model using multiple target purification units is proposed to eliminate the pollutants in an aircraft spraying workshop. Compared with the original trench exhaust system, the air volume of the proposed targeted ventilation system is reduced by 75%, and the energy consumption is reduced by 45,000 kW-h per aircraft. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conditional degron technologies, which allow a protein of interest to be degraded in an inducible manner, are important tools for biological research, and are especially useful for creating conditional loss-of-function mutants of essential genes. The auxin-inducible degron (AID) technology, which utilizes plant auxin signaling components to control protein degradation in nonplant species, is a widely used small-molecular-controlled degradation method in yeasts and animals. However, the currently available AID systems still have room for further optimization. Here, we have improved the AID system for the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe by optimizing all three components: the AID degron, the small-molecule inducer, and the inducer-responsive F-box protein. We chose a 36-amino-acid sequence of the Arabidopsis IAA17 protein as the degron and employed three tandem copies of it to enhance efficiency. To minimize undesirable side effects of the inducer, we adopted a bulky analog of auxin, 5-adamantyl-IAA, and paired it with the F-box protein OsTIR1 that harbors a mutation (F74A) at the auxin-binding pocket. 5-adamantyl-IAA, when utilized with OsTIR1-F74A, is effective at concentrations thousands of times lower than auxin used in combination with wild-type OsTIR1. We tested our improved AID system on 10 essential genes and achieved inducible lethality for all of them, including ones that could not be effectively inactivated using a previously published AID system. Our improved AID system should facilitate the construction of conditional loss-of-function mutants in fission yeast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Malignant esophageal obstruction is usually caused by esophageal and other chest cancers. More than 80% of cases of obstructive esophageal cancer (OEC) have lost the chance of curative resection. Stent insertion is a first-line palliative approach used to treat incurable OEC. Aim: To gauge the relative clinical efficacy of I-125 seed-loaded stent (ISS) versus normal stent (NS) insertion as a treatment for OEC. Material and methods: Querying of the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases was conducted to find all relevant studies published up to November 2020. The meta-analysis was undertaken using RevMan v5.3. Results: We identified 158 studies initially, eight (4 randomized controlled trials and 4 retrospective studies) of which were used in this meta-analysis. We found that the two groups exhibited the comparable pooled dysphagia scores (MD = 0.02; p = 0.80), stent restenosis rates (OR = 0.97; p = 0.89), stent migration rates (OR = 0.81; p = 0.63), severe chest pain rates (OR = 1.05; p = 0.81), hemorrhage rates (OR = 1.53; p = 0.16), aspiration pneumonia rates (OR = 0.72; p = 0.38), and fistula formation rates (OR = 1.47; p = 0.44). The pooled time-to-restenosis and survival were both significantly longer in the ISS group (p = 0.04 and < 0.0001, respectively). Significant heterogeneity was detected in the endpoints of dysphagia scores and survival (I2 = 73% and 86%, respectively). Funnel plot analysis indicated an absence of publication bias related to the selected study endpoints. Conclusions: For patients with OEC, our meta-analysis indicated that ISS insertion could provide longer stent patency and survival than NS insertion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to realize selective isolation of fault lines in multi-terminal high voltage DC (MT-HVDC) grids, it is necessary to ensure that the sound lines can still transmit power normally after the grounding fault occurs in a DC power network. If the fault line needs to be cut before the converter is blocked, a DC circuit breaker (DCCB) with large switching capacity is often required. At present, the extreme fault over-current and the high cost of DCCBs have become the prominent contradiction in MT-HVDC projects. Reducing the breaking stress of power electronic devices of the circuit breaker and controlling its cutting-off time are the major difficulties in this research field. In this paper, a topology of a hybrid DCCB with an inductive current limiting device is proposed. By analyzing its working principle, the calculation method of key parameters is given, and a four-terminal HVDC grid is built in a PSCAD/EMTDC platform for fault simulation. The results show that compared with the traditional circuit breaker, this topology can effectively limit the rising speed and maximum current of fault current when the system fails, and quickly remove the fault line, so as to meet the suppression requirement of the HVDC system for fault current. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apple replant disease (ARD) causes enormous economic loss and threatens the survival of apple industry worldwide. Fusarium solani is one of the pathogens that has been proven to cause ARD. Samples were collected at different time periods to investigate the mechanism of defense responses of apple to F. solani infection by monitoring the biomass, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and antioxidant enzyme activities of the apple rootstock 'M.9T337'. In addition, the abundance of transcription of four pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins involved in antifungal defense was monitored. The results showed that the apple root system was normal and had small brown areas. However, there is a rapid burst of ROS during the early infection stage, and the activities of antioxidant enzymes and transcription of PRs increased during this period. With the extension in infection time, the infected root tissues displayed dark brown necrosis, and the activities of antioxidant enzymes and abundance of transcription of PRs decreased gradually after reaching their peak. Eventually, the plant biomass decreased, and the plant died. In conclusion, the levels of ROS and activities of antioxidant enzymes played an active role during the early stage of resistance of 'M.9T337' apples to infection by F. solani. Infection by F. solani can destroy the ROS scavenging system, causing oxidative damage and inhibiting the growth of apple rootstocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Live poultry markets (LPMs) are a source of avian influenza A(H5N6) virus in China. • A mass of A(H5N6) viruses can be detected in the LPMs in Changsha, China. • More stringent measures are required to prevent spread of H5N6 from LPMs. To understand the transmission mechanisms of the avian influenza A(H5N6) virus. This study explored the live poultry feeding and trading network (LPFTN) around Changsha city, China. Field epidemiological investigations were performed in Changsha to investigate the LPFTN with the environmental samples systematically collected during 2014–2015 to monitor and analyze the spread of the A(H5N6) virus. Two surveillance systems were also applied to find possible human cases of A(H5N6) infection. The information of all the 665 live poultry farming sites, five wholesale markets, and 223 retail markets in Changsha was collected to investigate the LPFTN. Moreover, about 840 environmental samples were systematically collected from the LPFTN during 2014–2015 to monitor the spread of the A(H5N6) virus, with 8.45% (71/840) positive for the N6 subtype. Furthermore, the full genome sequences of 10 A(H5N6) viruses detected from the environmental samples were obtained, which were then characterized and phylogenetically analyzed with the corresponding gene segments of the A(H5N6) virus obtained from GenBank, to determine the source of human infection. It was demonstrated that the LPFTN provided a platform for the H5N6 transmission, and formed an infectious pool for the spread of the virus to humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The pre‐swirl system can transfer the cooling air from the compressor to the turbine rotor blades with a lower relative total temperature to avoid extreme thermal shock. This work proposes a novel test rig to investigate the flow and aero‐thermal characteristics in a cover‐plate type pre‐swirl system. The performed experimental and numerical studies focus on the effects of the partial pre‐swirl nozzle closing modes on the mass flow rate of air supply, temperature, and uniformities in a pre‐swirl system by application of the pre‐swirl nozzle adjustable flow path. Especially, the transient problem of the pre‐swirl system with the time‐space variation characteristics is approximately explored by changing the rotor‐stator phases, within the framework of a frozen‐rotor formulation. Results show that the opening of the pre‐swirl nozzle is of great importance for flow uniformity. A pre‐swirl nozzle closing of 14.3% will result in a 10.9% decrease in the mass flow rate of the pre‐swirl nozzle and a 9.9% decrease in the mass flow rate of air supply at the system pressure ratio of 1.32 and the rotating Mach number of 0.678. The maximum amplitude of the non‐uniformity coefficient of mass flow rate increases from 1.1% to 5.4% for a single supply hole. Moreover, the relative total temperature of air supply decreases by about 1 K with the increase of the fluctuation from 0.5 to 1.5 K. Thus, the performance of the aero‐engine can be improved due to a reduction in the amount of cooling air into the rotating turbine blades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wall pressure fluctuations beneath a boundary layer are the main cause of structural vibration for hypersonic aircraft. To accurately predict the load environment of pressure fluctuations, a measurement in a hypersonic wind tunnel was carried out to investigate the characteristics of wall pressure fluctuations generated by different flow types. In the measurement, a linear sensor array was used to record the signal, and the beamforming algorithm was adopted to identify the spatial correlation of wall pressure fluctuations. The investigation discussed the main characteristics of the convective modes and acoustic modes for wall pressure fluctuations under different flow conditions, consisting of laminar flow, a transition, and fully developed turbulence. Two typical disturbances were found, both of which depend on the flow type and always reach their peak values during the transition period. Finally, a method was proposed to identify the acoustic modes and convective modes, and then an error analysis was performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive and invasive malignancy that presents at advanced clinical stage with no more effective treatments. Development of a method for its early detection would be useful, also new therapeutic target need to be discovered; however, there is a lack of information about its oncogenic driver gene mutations. Objectives. We aim to identify the SCLC-related genomic variants that associate with clinical staging and serum protein biomarkers observed in other types of lung cancer. Methods. We screened formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) biopsy tissues of 32 Chinese SCLC patients using the 303 oncogenic driver gene panel generated by Tiling PCR amplification sequencing (tPAS) and analyzed the patients' corresponding serum protein levels of CYFRA21-1 CEA, NSE, and SCCA. Results. In total, we found 147 SCLC-related mutant genes, among these, three important genes (TP53, RB1, KMT2D) as well as five novel genes LRRK2, BRCA1, PTCH1, ARID2, and APC that altogether occurred in 90% of patients. Furthermore, increased mutations to 6 genes (WT1, NOTCH1, EPHA3, KDM6A, SETD2, ACVR1B) significantly associated with higher serum NSE levels (P = 0.0016) and higher clinical stages II + III compared to stage I (P = 0.06). Conclusions. Our panel is relatively reliable in detecting the oncogenic mutations of Chinese SCLC patients. Based on our findings, it may be possible to combine SCLC-related mutations and serum NSE for a simple detection of clinical staging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic susceptibility is widely applied in geology, but its use in the study of metamorphic rocks has been limited due to the complex nature of metamorphism. In this study, analyzing a partially retrogressed mafic enclave within Archean TTG gneiss from the Jiaobei Terrane, North China craton, we incorporate magnetic susceptibility with conventional metamorphic (petrographic and major element) proxies in order to investigate profiles of metamorphic retrogression. The magnetic susceptibility results show more complete retrogression in the direction parallel to the tectonic fabric and partial retrogression perpendicular to it. This geophysical observation, which is broadly consistent with the petrological observations and P--T estimates, suggests that the availability of fluids and perhaps even non-lithostatic pressure play roles in the preservation of such differential retrogression. This study thus introduces magnetic susceptibility as a novel proxy in this context, revealing its utility in rapidly and quantitatively identifying variable retrogression gradients consistent with, but with more precision than, measured metamorphic pressures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we report a case study of a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak event during bus trips of an index patient in Hunan Province, China. This retrospective investigation suggests potential airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and the possibility of superspreading events in certain close contact and closed space settings, which should be taken into account when control strategies are planned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the effect of low-dose aspirin (ASP) on osteogenic differentiation and osteogenic effects in osteoporotic rats, and the associated mechanism. Methods: The bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were randomly divided into 4 groups: control group and 3 drug groups treated with graded doses of ASP i.e. 0.5, 1 and 2 mmol/L, with 4 wells in each group. The OPG, RANKL protein expression levels, OPG/RANKL ratio, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level, and ALP secretion at days 3, 5 and 7 were compared amongst the groups. Results: ALP secretion in BMSCs was markedly higher in the 1 mmol/L ASP group than in control (p < 0.05). The OPG protein concentration and OPG/RANKL ratio were markedly higher in ASP-treated BMSCs than in control, while RANKL protein expression level was significantly lower than that in control (p < 0.05). In BMSCs treated with ASP at doses of 0.5 and 2 mmol/L, OPG protein expression levels and ratio of OPG/RANKL were markedly lower than those in 1 mmol/L ASP group, while the mean level of RANKL protein expression was markedly higher than that in 1 mmol/L ASP group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Low-dose aspirin increases the expression of ALP, and promotes calcification which relates to upregulation of OPG and inhibition of the OPG/RANKL/RANK axis. This provides new leads for the development of new anti-osteoporosis drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study the movement characteristics and separation mechanism of rice and its impurities under the action of airflow, and lower the impurity rate in the cleaning operation process, rice and its impurities were modeled based on the "overlapping multi-sphere clump method", the DEM-CFD coupling method was used to simulate rice cleaning process under different airflow velocity and airflow inclined angle, and combined with aerodynamics, the motion state and separation behavior of rice and its impurities in the flow field. The results showed that under horizontal airflow conditions, the average impurity rate of rice was the lowest when the airflow velocity was 9 m/s. When the flow velocity remains unchanged and the airflow inclined angle was set at 10°, the average impurity rate decreased, while the entrainment loss rate increased. The airflow velocity was negatively correlated with the impurity rate and positively correlated with the entrainment loss rate, while the airflow inclined angle was negatively correlated with the impurity rate and positively correlated with the entrainment loss rate. By designing and setting up an experimental device, an experiment was carried out with airflow velocity and airflow inclined angle as the factors, and the experimental results were consistent with the simulation results, indicating that it was reliable to study the physical behavior of rice-straw separation in the airflow field by using the DEM-CFD coupling method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Noninvasive molecular imaging makes the observation and comprehensive understanding of complex biological processes possible. Photoacoustic imaging (PAI) is a fast evolving hybrid imaging technology enabling in vivo imaging with high sensitivity and spatial resolution in deep tissue. Among the various probes developed for PAI, genetically encoded reporters attracted increasing attention of researchers, which provide improved performance by acquiring images of a PAI reporter gene's expression driven by disease-specific enhancers/promoters. Here, we present a brief overview of recent studies about the existing photoacoustic reporter genes (RGs) for noninvasive molecular imaging, such as the pigment enzyme reporters, fluorescent proteins and chromoproteins, photoswitchable proteins, including their properties and potential applications in theranostics. Furthermore, the challenges that PAI RGs face when applied to the clinical studies are also examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vibration signals of rolling element bearings during operation are always very complex, random strongly and broadband. Adaptive Local Iterative Filtering Decomposition (ALIFD) can overcome the smoothness and adaptive flaws of Iterative Filtering Decomposition (IFD), but it is so susceptible to random noise that it's less effective. Here, spatial correlation was proposed. Firstly, the signal was denoised by spatial correlation and decomposed into several modes by ALIFD. Finally, the envelope demodulation was analyzed to extract fault feature. The simulating signal analysis and bearing fault simulator show that this method can be available for separating different frequencies of bearing fault vibration signals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nearly all motile cilia and flagella (terms here used interchangeably) have a '9+2' axoneme containing nine outer doublet microtubules and two central microtubules. The central pair of microtubules plus associated projections, termed the central apparatus (CA), is involved in the control of flagellar motility and is essential for the normal movement of '9+2' cilia. Research using the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, an important model system for studying cilia, has provided most of our knowledge of the protein composition of the CA, and recent work using this organism has expanded the number of known and candidate CA proteins nearly threefold. Here we take advantage of this enhanced proteome to examine the genomes of a wide range of eukaryotic organisms, representing all of the major phylogenetic groups, to identify predicted orthologues of the C. reinhardtii CA proteins and explore how widely the proteins are conserved and whether there are patterns to this conservation.We also discuss in detail two contrasting groups of CA proteins--the ASH-domain proteins, which are broadly conserved, and the PAS proteins, which are restricted primarily to the volvocalean algae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nearly all motile cilia contain a central apparatus (CA) composed of two connected singlet microtubules with attached projections that play crucial roles in regulating ciliary motility. Defects in CA assembly usually result in motility-impaired or paralyzed cilia, which in humans causes disease. Despite their importance, the protein composition and functions of the CA projections are largely unknown. Here, we integrated biochemical and genetic approaches with cryo-electron tomography to compare the CA of wild-type Chlamydomonas with CA mutants. We identified a large (>2 MD) complex, the C1a-e-c supercomplex, that requires the PF16 protein for assembly and contains the CA components FAP76, FAP81, FAP92, and FAP216. We localized these subunits within the supercomplex using nanogold labeling and show that loss of any one of them results in impaired ciliary motility. These data provide insight into the subunit organization and 3D structure of the CA, which is a prerequisite for understanding the molecular mechanisms by which the CA regulates ciliary beating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We prove that the classical Lambert theorem about the elapsed time on an arc of Keplerian orbit extends without change to the Kepler problem on a space of constant curvature. We prove that the Hooke problem has a property similar to Lambert's theorem, which also extends to the spaces of constant curvature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prenatal nicotinic exposure (PNE) reportedly sensitizes bronchopulmonary C-fibers (PCFs) and prolongs PCF-mediated apnea in rat pups, contributing to the pathogenesis of sudden infant death syndrome. Serotonin, or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), induces apnea via acting on 5-HT receptor 3 (5-HT3R) in PCFs, and among the 5-HT3R subunits, 5-HT3B is responsible for shortening the decay time of 5-HT3R-mediated currents. We examined whether PNE would promote pulmonary 5-HT secretion and prolong the apnea mediated by 5-HT3Rs in PCFs via affecting the 5-HT3B subunit. To this end, the following variables were compared between the control and PNE rat pups: 1) the 5-HT content in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, 2) the apneic response to the right atrial bolus injection of phenylbiguanide (a 5-HT3R agonist) before and after PCF inactivation, 3) 5-HT3R currents and the stimulus threshold of the action currents of vagal pulmonary C-neurons, and 4) the immunoreactivity (IR) and mRNA expression of 5-HT3A and 5-HT3B in these neurons. Our results showed that PNE up-regulated the pulmonary 5-HT concentration and strengthened the PCF 5-HT3R-mediated apnea. PNE significantly facilitated neural excitability by shortening the decay time of 5-HT3R currents, lowering the stimulus threshold, and increasing 5-HT3B IR. In summary, PNE prolongs the apnea mediated by 5-HT3Rs in PCFs, likely by increasing 5-HT3B subunits to enhance the excitability of 5-HT3 channels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The polymer reference interaction site model theory is used to investigate phase separation in star polymer nanocomposite melts. Two kinds of spinodal curves were obtained: classic fluid phase boundary for relatively low nanoparticle-monomer attraction strength and network phase boundary for relatively high nanoparticle-monomer attraction strength. The network phase boundaries are much more sensitive with nanoparticle-monomer attraction strength than the fluid phase boundaries. The interference among the arm number, arm length, and nanoparticle-monomer attraction strength was systematically investigated. When the arm lengths are short, the network phase boundary shows a marked shift toward less miscibility with increasing arm number. When the arm lengths are long enough, the network phase boundaries show opposite trends. There exists a crossover arm number value for star polymer nanocomposite melts, below which the network phase separation is consistent with that of chain polymer nanocomposite melts. However, the network phase separation shows qualitatively different behaviors when the arm number is larger than this value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The polymer reference interaction site model theory is used to investigate the radial distribution function, potential of mean force, depletion force, and second virial coefficient in star polymer nanocomposite melts. The contact aggregation of nanoparticles for relatively weak nanoparticle-monomer attraction and the bridging aggregation of nanoparticles for very large nanoparticle-monomer attraction are observed. The star architecture can well suppress the organization states of direct contact and bridging structure for the moderate nanoparticle-monomer attraction, and promote the bridging-type organization for relatively large nanoparticle-monomer attraction. At constant particle volume fraction, the arm length quantitatively affects the organization states of star polymer nanocomposite melt, and larger repulsive barriers are existent to prevent the contact aggregation of larger nanoparticles. These observations provide useful information for the development of new nanocomposite materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The polymer reference interaction site model from integral equation theory is used to investigate the structure and effective interactions in polymer nanocomposite melts where strong nanoparticle-monomer interactions are principally considered in this work. For finite particle volume fraction, the compromise for the interference between polymers and nanoparticles results in an optimum particle volume fraction for nanoparticle dispersion in polymer melts. At constant particle volume fraction, the effects of degree of polymerization become insignificant when it reaches a threshold value, below which quantitative effects on the organization states of polymer nanocomposite melts are found and help nanoparticles to well disperse in polymer. The aggregation of large nanoparticles decreases with the increase of the nanoparticle-monomer attraction strength. These observations may provide useful information for the development of new polymer materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predicting the comprehensive energy consumption is challenging for the complicated secondary air system. To solve this problem, a universal flow resistance element has been constructed to describe different components more accurately. And a novel flow resistance network is proposed to calculate the system's energy consumption. This network can be analyzed by the flow resistance characteristics of its components to estimate the energy consumption of each component and the energy loss of the system. Furthermore, a flow resistance parameter is defined as a unique factor to determine the magnitude of flow resistance for each component. Compared to experimental and numerical results, both models demonstrate sufficient accuracy in calculating mass flow rates and entropy increments, with the maximum deviation less than 1.2%. The above two models are also applied to predict flow losses of elements with changes in pressure and inlet total temperature, with the maximum deviation less than 4.5%. Based on the flow resistance network, the aerodynamic performance of each element can be easily computed by the inlet and outlet boundary of this system, regardless of whether the elements are arranged in series or parallel. [Display omitted] • A combined model is to evaluate energy consumption in the system. • Both MFR model and EI model can better reveal the essence of flow loss. • A novel flow resistance network is proposed for air network design. • The maximum deviation of the two models is less than 1.2%. • Performance analysis cases of flow resistance networks are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, an integral equation approach to investigate the atactic polystyrene (aPS) melt based on polymer reference interaction site model (PRISM) theory is proposed. The intramolecular structure factors, required as input to PRISM theory, are obtained from the semiflexible chain model. With a novel coarse-graining procedure and the explicit-atom molecular-dynamics (MD) simulations for aPS, the parameters needed for the coarse-grained model are obtained by using an automatic simplex optimization. These parameters can be used to describe the structure and thermodynamic properties of the complex aPS melt and good agreement is obtained between the theory and MD simulations. The proposed integral equation approach provides a basis for describing the structure and properties of PS nanocomposites where the application of molecular simulation is difficult. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 68-year-old male, who was undergoing XELOX plus trastuzumab therapy for gastric cancer, developed proteinuria, hematuria, and progressive increase in creatinine after 3 months. Subsequently, the patient also experienced hemoptysis, nasal bleeding. Chest CT examination shown pulmonary hemorrhage. The MRI of the nasopharynx ruled out nasopharyngeal cancer recurrence. The MPO and PR3 were elevated, and renal biopsy confirmed ANCA -related vasculitis, which affected the lungs, kidneys, and nasopharynx. Based on the review of the patient's medical history and medication, it is believed that ANCA -related vasculitis was caused by XELOX plus trastuzumab chemotherapy, but it is difficult to confirm which specific drug caused it. After stopping XELOX plus trastuzumab chemotherapy, glucocorticoids and cyclophosphamide was given, the patient's pulmonary hemorrhage and nasal bleeding stopped, and the lung lesions were absorbed. The renal function also improved. The patient later experienced pulmonary infection again, and tNGS indicated Legionella pneumophila and pulmonary tuberculosis infection. Despite anti-infection treatment, steroid dose was rapidly reduced. Ultimately, the patient gave up on treatment and eventually died. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To characterize non-mass breast lesions (NML) quantitatively by contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and to evaluate its additional diagnostic value based on the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) categories. Methods A prospective study was performed among consecutive patients with NMLs. All lesions were examined by grayscale ultrasound and CEUS and diagnosed on pathology. Standard mammograms were obtained in the patients over 30 years old. Three independent radiologists assessed the features on grayscale ultrasound and mammograms and classified NMLs according to BI-RADS categories. Combined with the quantitative analysis in CEUS, the BI-RADS categories were reassessed, and the sensitivity, specificity, positive-predictive value, negative-predictive value and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were calculated for the evaluation of the diagnostic performance. Results: 30 benign and 24 malignant NMLs were finally enrolled in this study, with ductal carcinoma in situ being the majority of malignant (15/24). Average contrast signal intensity (AI), wash-in rate (WiR) and enhancement intensity at 40 s (I40) were found to be the most efficient kinetic parameters to diagnose malignant NMLs. Combined with the cut-off values of 205.2 for AI, 127.8 for WiR and 136.4 for I40, the diagnostic accuracy was improved (AUC = 0.904), with the sensitivity of 95.8% and the specificity of 70.0%. Conclusion The results suggested that hyperenhancement and rapid wash-in and wash-out are the characteristics of malignant NMLs. The kinetic analysis using CEUS can reflect hypervascular nature of malignant NMLs, thus improving the diagnostic performance combined with grayscale ultrasound. Advances in knowledge: In this study, we quantified the enhancement characteristics of non-mass breast lesions with CEUS. We revealed that the combination of CEUS and conventional ultrasound provided higher sensitivity for diagnosing malignant NMLs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nearly all motile cilia have a "9+2" axoneme containing a central apparatus (CA), consisting of two central microtubules with projections, that is essential for motility. To date, only 22 proteins are known to be CA components. To identify new candidate CA proteins, we used mass spectrometry to compare axonemes of wild-type Chlamydomonas and a CA-less mutant. We identified 44 novel candidate CA proteins, of which 13 are conserved in humans. Five of the latter were studied more closely, and all five localized to the CA; therefore, most of the other candidates are likely to also be CA components. Our results reveal that the CA is far more compositionally complex than previously recognized and provide a greatly expanded knowledge base for studies to understand the architecture of the CA and how it functions. The discovery of the new conserved CA proteins will facilitate genetic screening to identify patients with a form of primary ciliary dyskinesia that has been difficult to diagnose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) and T helper 17 (Th17) cells contribute to cancer progression and prognosis. However, regulatory factors associated with Tregs–Th17 balance were not completely understood. We previously demonstrated an immune-modulatory capacity by Notch signaling inactivation to reverse Tregs–Th17 disequilibrium in chronic hepatitis C. Thus, the aim of current study was to assess the role of Notch signaling in modulation Tregs and Th17 cells function in gastric cancer (GC) patients. A total of 51 GC patients and 18 normal controls (NCs) were enrolled. Notch1 and Notch2 mRNA expressions were semiquantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Tregs/Th17 percentages, transcriptional factors, and cytokines production were investigated in response to the stimulation of Notch signaling inhibitor DAPT. Both Notch1 and Notch2 mRNA expressions were elevated in GC tissues and peripheral bloods in GC patients. CD4+CD25+CD127dim/− Tregs and Th17 cells percentage was also elevated in GC patients compared with in NCs. DAPT treatment did not affect frequency of either circulating Tregs or Th17 cells, however, reduced FoxP3/RORγt mRNA expression and interleukin (IL)-35/IL-17 production in purified CD4+ T cells from GC patients. Moreover, blockade of Notch signaling also inhibited the suppressive function of purified CD4+CD25+CD127dim/− Tregs from GC patients, which presented as elevation of cellular proliferation and IL-35 secretion. The current data further provided mechanism underlying Tregs–Th17 balance in GC patients. The link between Notch signaling and Th cells might lead to a new therapeutic target for GC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]