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To recommend useful information to users more efficiently, this paper proposes a dual-path recommendation algorithm which combines multilayer Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and attention-enhanced long short-term memory network (Attention-LSTM). Firstly, the matrix factorisation technique is used for learning the long-term preferences of users. Secondly, a dual-path network based on CNN and LSTM is constructed to perform feature extraction on the rating matrix. The dual-path network can learn the long-term preferences of users while capturing their dynamic preferences in changing preferences. The algorithm is tested on the public dataset MovieLens-1M, and the MAE value reflects the accuracy of the algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil salinization is a major abiotic stress factor that negatively impacts plant growth, development, and crop yield, severely limiting agricultural production and economic development. Cotton, a key cash crop, is commonly cultivated as a pioneer crop in regions with saline-alkali soil due to its relatively strong tolerance to salt. This characteristic renders it a valuable subject for investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying plant salt tolerance and for identifying genes that confer salt tolerance. In this study, focus was placed on examining a salt-tolerant variety, E991, and a salt-sensitive variety, ZM24. A combined analysis of transcriptomic data from these cotton varieties led to the identification of potential salt stress-responsive genes within the glutathione S-transferase (GST) family. These versatile enzyme proteins, prevalent in animals, plants, and microorganisms, were demonstrated to be involved in various abiotic stress responses. Our findings indicate that suppressing GhGSTF9 in cotton led to a notably salt-sensitive phenotype, whereas heterologous overexpression in Arabidopsis plants decreases the accumulation of reactive oxygen species under salt stress, thereby enhancing salt stress tolerance. This suggests that GhGSTF9 serves as a positive regulator in cotton's response to salt stress. These results offer new target genes for developing salt-tolerant cotton varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study described a full-length transcriptome of Neocaridina denticulata sinensis that was generated using third-generation sequencing technology. The resulting transcriptome assembly comprised 5831 transcripts, revealing 90.5% novel isoforms of known genes. A functional annotation showed that 24.8% of the transcripts can be searched across seven key databases. Additionally, 1236 alternative splicing events, 344 transcription factors, and 124 long non-coding RNAs were predicted. Notably, a RING finger protein NHL-1 coding gene was characterized with 15 transcripts, and a phylogenetic analysis underscored its evolutionary connection to NHL-1 in other crustaceans. This full-length transcriptome dataset constitutes a valuable genetic resource in Neocaridina denticulata sinensis and will facilitate functional genomic studies and investigations into environmental adaptations in this species. Neocaridina denticulata sinensis has emerged as a promising model organism for basic studies in Decapod. However, the current transcriptome information on this species is based on next-generation sequencing technologies, which are limited by a short read length. Therefore, the present study aimed to generate a full-length transcriptome assembly of N. denticulata sinensis utilizing the PacBio Sequel Ⅱ platform. The resulting transcriptome assembly comprised 5831 transcripts with an N50 value of 3697 bp. Remarkably, 90.5% of these transcripts represented novel isoforms of known genes. The transcripts were further searched against the NR, SwissProt, KEGG, KOG, GO, NT, and Pfam databases. A total of 24.8% of the transcripts can be annotated across all seven databases. Additionally, 1236 alternative splicing events, 344 transcription factors, and 124 long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) were predicted. Based on the alternative splicing annotation results, a RING finger protein NHL-1 gene from N. denticulata sinensis (NdNHL-1) was identified. There are 15 transcripts in NdNHL-1. The longest transcript is 4995 bp in length and encodes a putative protein of 1665 amino acids. A phylogenetic analysis showed its close relationship with NHL-1 from other crustacean species. This report represents the full-length transcriptome of N. denticulata sinensis and will facilitate research on functional genomics and environmental adaptation in this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a sliding mode control method based on improved intelligent decision (IID-SMC) algorithm is proposed to improve the accuracy of the puncture needle to reach the target and reduce the time required in the puncture process. First of all, around the straight line of the puncture needle and the direction of the rotation of the needle, the independent control law is designed to realise the mutual decoupling and reduce the mutual interference. Secondly, the error range of this method in the process of puncture is analysed, and the upper bound of the error in the process of puncture is given. Finally, the method is verified by simulation and experiment platform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract.Inspired by the idea of game learning, this paper studies the Cournot game model of the multi-oligopoly market and studies the realization of the Nash equilibrium by using adaptive differential evolution algorithm based on relaxation strategies. The realization path of Nash equilibrium is attained through an adaptive differential evolution based on a relaxation strategy procedure applied to an objective function with best response dynamics. Among them, the objective function is derived from the sum of the payoff changes of each oligopoly under best response decisions. And theoretically proved that the Nash equilibrium is the optimal solution of the objective function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Eu(DBM) 3 DETA is a newly synthesized, unreported lanthanide crystal complex. • Eu(DBM) 3 DETA has both excellent photoluminescence and triboluminescence properties. • Eu(DBM) 3 DETA can recover to its original PL and TL properties after recrystallization. • Piezoelectric effect on crystals during breakage provide excellent TL properties. • Eu(DBM) 3 DETA can display stress visualization differences of handwriting signatures. Investigation of photoluminescence (PL) and fracture-induced triboluminescence (TL) is necessary for the development of both fundamental theories and practical applications in mechanical energy conversion; however, most known PL/TL-emitting materials are confined to inorganic systems. In this study, a novel lanthanide-based crystalline complex (LnCC), Eu(DBM) 3 DETA was synthesized via the synergistic coordination of Eu3+ with DBM (Dibenzoylmethane) and DETA (Diethylenetriamine) units, leading to the formation of brighter LnCC with bright red emission, high PL quantum yields (57.19 %) and unique TL characteristics. The key to success in obtaining Eu(DBM) 3 DETA is the utilization of DETA molecule as synergistic ligand, presenting block crystals with higher coordination number of Eu3+ ions via recrystallization. Due to the dense accumulation of cross-linked three-dimensional frameworks through van der Waals interactions, the fracture-induced piezoelectric effect results in charge separation and excitation through the resultant electric field and discharge, triggering a fast TL response of Eu(DBM) 3 DETA and expanding the possibilities of the quantitative stress sensing. Importantly, amorphous powders can still recover to their original PL and TL emission intensities after recrystallization in cyclic crystal-to-amorphous phase transitions. The unique PL and TL characteristics of Eu(DBM) 3 DETA provide promising opportunities to display stress visualization differences of electronic signatures under different forces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Numerous previous reports have demonstrated the efficacy of Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in promoting growth and preventing disease in animals. In this study, Enterococcus faecium ZJUIDS-R1 and Ligilactobaciiius animalis ZJUIDS-R2 were isolated from the feces of healthy rabbits, and both strains showed good probiotic properties in vitro. Two strains (108CFU/ml/kg/day) were fed to weaned rabbits for 21 days, after which specific bacterial infection was induced to investigate the effects of the strains on bacterial diarrhea in the rabbits. Results: Our data showed that Enterococcus faecium ZJUIDS-R1 and Ligilactobaciiius animalis ZJUIDS-R2 interventions reduced the incidence of diarrhea and systemic inflammatory response, alleviated intestinal damage and increased antibody levels in animals. In addition, Enterococcus faecium ZJUIDS-R1 restored the flora abundance of Ruminococcaceae1. Ligilactobaciiius animalis ZJUIDS-R2 up-regulated the flora abundance of Adlercreutzia and Candidatus Saccharimonas. Both down-regulated the flora abundance of Shuttleworthia and Barnesiella to restore intestinal flora balance, thereby increasing intestinal short-chain fatty acid content. Conclusions: These findings suggest that Enterococcus faecium ZJUIDS-R1 and Ligilactobaciiius animalis ZJUIDS-R2 were able to improve intestinal immunity, produce organic acids and regulate the balance of intestinal flora to enhance disease resistance and alleviate diarrhea-related diseases in weanling rabbits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractWith the development of intelligent transportation, it has become mainstream for drivers and automated systems to cooperate to complete train driving tasks. Human-machine trust has become one of the biggest challenges in achieving safe and effective human-machine cooperative driving. Accurate evaluation of human-machine trust is of great significance to calibrate human-machine trust, realize trust management, reduce safety accidents caused by trust bias, and achieve performance and safety goals. Based on typical driving scenarios of high-speed trains, this paper designs a train fault judgment experiment. By adjusting the machine’s reliability, the driver’s trust is cultivated to form their cognition of the machine. When the driver’s cognition is stable, data from the Trust in Automated (TIA) scale and modes of physiological information, including electrodermal activity (EDA), electrocardiograms (ECG), respiration (RSP), and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), are collected during the fault judgment experiment. Based on analysis of this multi-modal physiological information, a human-machine trust classification model for high-speed train drivers is proposed. The results show that when all four modes of physiological information are used as input, the random forest classification model is most accurate, reaching 93.14%. This indicates that the human-machine trust level of the driver can be accurately represented by physiological information, thus inputting the driver’s physiological information into the classification model outputs their level of human-machine trust. The human-machine trust classification model of high-speed train drivers built in this paper based on multi-modal physiological information establishes the corresponding relationship between physiological trust and human-machine trust level. Human-machine trust level is characterized by physiological trust monitoring, which provides support for the dynamic management of trust. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic seriously affected people's lives. We evaluated anxiety and depression among patients with insomnia in northeast China during the first wave and release of COVID-19, providing a basis for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of insomnia. We enrolled 4211 patients with insomnia from January 2016 to February 2020, August 2020 to February 2022, August 2022 to December 2022, and January 2023 to February 2023, from our institution. Sleep quality was evaluated using the Athens Insomnia Scale, Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), while mood disorder and fatigue were evaluated using the Hhospital anxiety and depression scale (HAD), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), and Fatigue Scale-14 (FS-14). Insomnia with depression increased in prevalence after COVID-19 compared with before (12.8 % vs. 15.3 %, P < 0.05), while the age of patients decreased [(50.2 ± 15.2) vs. (47.5 ± 16.8), P < 0.05]. The number of patients with insomnia and severe depression increased compared with before COVID-19 (20.3 % vs. 25.3 %, P < 0.05). A higher proportion of patients with insomnia for >2 years had depression (P < 0.05). As the epidemic subsided, insomnia increased among young and male patients (young patients: 55.2 % vs. 37.0 %; male patients: 41 % vs. 27.4 %, respectively; P < 0.05). The proportion of patients with insomnia with anxiety and depression increased (53.8 % vs. 51.8 %， P < 0.05), the proportion with moderate to severe anxiety increased (7.6 % vs. 13.5 %, P < 0.05), and moderate and severe depression decreased (moderate: 25.6 % vs. 19.1 %, severe: 25.8 % vs. 20.3 %, P < 0.05, respectively). Middle-aged and elderly patients had higher PQSI scores in sleep latency, habitual sleep efficiency, subjective sleep quality, and use of sleep medications than young patients (P < 0.05). The PSQI score was positively correlated with the PHQ-9 score (r = 0.526), GAD-7 score (r = 0.563), and FS-14 score (r = 0.316) (P < 0.05). The study was single-center, the sample size was small, and assessment data were lacking from early in the epidemic. The scale is subjective, which may affect the accuracy. Insomnia with depression increased during COVID-19. The patients were younger than before the epidemic, and a higher proportion with insomnia for >2 years had depression. The proportion of patients with insomnia with anxiety and depression was higher after the epidemic period, and the degree worsened. The proportion of insomnia with depression decreased after the epidemic period, and the degree alleviated. The proportion of young male patients with insomnia increased. Middle aged and elderly patients with insomnia had poor sleep quality, which was positively correlated with anxiety, depression, and fatigue. • Insomnia with depression increased in prevalence after COVID-19, while the age of patients decreased. • As the epidemic subsided, insomnia increased among young and male patients. • Middle-aged and older patients had worse sleep quality than young patients, and sleep quality was associated with anxiety, depression, and fatigue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lower bound estimation plays an important role for establishing the minimax risk. A key step in lower bound estimation is deriving a lower bound of the affinity between two probability measures. This paper provides a simple method to estimate the affinity between mixture probability measures. Then we apply the lower bound of the affinity to establish the minimax lower bound for a family of sparse covariance matrices, which contains Cai–Ren–Zhou's theorem in [T. Cai, Z. Ren and H. Zhou, Estimating structured high-dimensional covariance and precision matrices: Optimal rates and adaptive estimation, Electron. J. Stat. 10(1) (2016) 1–59] as a special example. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying climate change risks, vulnerabilities of exposed populations, and implemented responses to climate change are crucial for developing effective strategies to mitigate climate hazards. However, existing climate change assessment indexes still have some limitations, such as insufficient consideration of policy response, limited coverage of countries, and lack of a multidimensional perspective. In this study, we developed a novel climate change impacts and responses (CCIR) index that incorporates comprehensive information on climate risks, disease burden, and mitigation actions in response to climate risks and damage. To our best knowledge, the CCIR index is the first of its kind that explores variations in climate risks, impacts, and responses across countries to identify vulnerabilities and find more targeted solutions. A positive correlation was found between the CCIR index and national Gross Domestic Product per capita, indicating that wealthier countries might allocate more resources toward mitigating climate impacts. Moreover, countries with better climate education tended to have a lower carbon footprint, highlighting the importance of climate education. Furthermore, countries with lower risks of emerging infectious diseases were more likely to consume more renewable energy. The results highlight the value of using a multidimensional CCIR framework to analyze the interactions among socioeconomic factors, environmental policies, and climate change risks in 158 countries. This comprehensive approach provides actionable insights to mitigate climate impacts and improve national climate resilience. It also streamlines monitoring efforts and promotes joint climate action across international boundaries. By identifying climate risks and opportunities, the CCIR index can help policymakers design, refine, and implement adaptation policies and measures to respond to the impacts of climate change. CCIR index evaluates countries' climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. Wealthier countries invest more in mitigating climate change. Lower-income and coastal nations are vulnerable to climate change impacts. Countries at lower risk of emerging infectious diseases consume more renewable energy. Climate change education is associated with a lower carbon footprint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ionospheric delay effect is inevitable when a radio signal propagates through the ionosphere. It has been extensively studied in the L-band. Typically, the influence of the ionosphere on the code phase and carrier phase is regarded as the same. In this study, a numerical ratio between the group delay time and phase advance time with reference to the study of the L-band is investigated in the short-wave band. The variation in the numerical ratio with frequency, critical frequency, and elevation angle is discussed in detail. There appears an interesting phenomenon wherein the elevation angle has a greater effect on the ratio than the frequency and critical frequency. The numerical ratio increases with an increasing elevation angle. On the other hand, a regression analysis is used to establish the mapping relation between the ratio and the three factors of frequency, critical frequency, and elevation angle, based on the simulation results obtained by a ray-tracing algorithm. The little relative errors between the fitted values and simulation values under different ionospheric models prove the relationship between the ratio and the three factors of frequency, critical frequency, and elevation angle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Intellectual disability (ID) is a con neurodevelopmental disorder in children. The genetic etiology of ID is complex, but more subtypes are defined due to the broad application of next‐generation sequencing. Methods: Whole‐exome sequencing (WES) and Sanger sequencing was applied in a family with ID. Results: We report a Chinese 7.5‐year‐old boy, born to non‐consanguineous parents. He showed severe intellectual disability, seizures and autistic features. Two previously unreported variants in MBOAT7, c.669C>G (p.(Tyr223*)) and c.1095C>G (p.(Ser365Arg)) were identified by trio‐WES. His mother is a heterozygous carrier of the c.1095C>G variant. The c.669C>G variant is a de novo variant which was undetected in his parents. By construction of the full‐length cDNA of the patient's MBOAT7, we verified that these two variants were trans‐compound heterozygous variants, which support the genetic etiology of this patient. Conclusion: This patient is the first Chinese case of intellectual developmental disorder (IDD), autosomal recessive 57 (OMIM:617188) with two unreported MBOAT7 variants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ulcerative colitis, an immune-mediated inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract, places a significant financial burden on patients and the healthcare system. Recently, reviews of the pomegranate and the abundant medicinal applications of its ellagitannins, as well as its pharmacological action, phytochemicals, metabolism, and pharmacokinetics, have been completed. However, summaries on their anti-ulcerative colitis effects are lacking. Numerous preclinical animal investigations and clinical human trial reports demonstrated the specific therapeutic effects of pomegranate and the effect of its ellagitannins against ulcerative colitis. According to the literature collected by Sci-finder and PubMed databases over the past 20 years, this is the first review that has compiled references regarding how the rich ellagitannins found in pomegranate have altered the ulcerative colitis. It was suggested that the various parts of pomegranates and their rich ellagitannins (especially their primary components, punicalagin, and ellagic acid) can inhibit oxidant and inflammatory processes, regulate the intestinal barrier and flora, and provide an anti-ulcerative colitis resource through dietary management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biomass electrochemical oxidation has attracted worldwide attention owning to its carbon-neutral and sustainable nature. Here, different morphologies of CoCu-carbonate hydroxides (CH) electrodes are prepared through one-step hydrothermal method for 5-hydroxymethylfurfural electrocatalytic oxidation (HMF-ECO) to high-valued 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) for the first time. The results illustrate that Cu can regulate CoCu–CH morphologies from 1D nanorods to 2D ultra-thin nanosheets besides modulating the catalytic compositions. The optimal Co 1 Cu 1 –CH exhibits hybrid nanostructures containing the 1D nanorods and 2D ultra-thin nanosheets, which has the largest ECSA and specific surface area, as well as the smallest Tafel slope and impedance. The oxidation potential of HMF-ECO is 1.42 V vs RHE with the conversion of HMF 99.57%, the selectivity for FDCA 99.91%, and the FE 98.88%. In addition, Cu can promote the conversion of Co2+ to the favorable Co3+ for HMF-ECO on the catalyst surface. Density functional theory calculation indicates that Cu can improve charges transfer to HMF and lower its adsorption energy. In situ Raman spectra tests indicate that cobalt species is the active site for HMF-ECO. Furthermore, at 1.42 V vs RHE, the coupling of HMF-ECO and hydrogen evolution reaction shows that the cathodic hydrogen evolution rate is 92.33 L h−1 m−2, which is 3.69 times more than water splitting. This work provides a special structures material to process intensification of HMF electrooxidation coupling hydrogen production. [Display omitted] • Cu can regulate Co–CH forming different morphologies and nanostructures. • CoCu–CH catalysts exhibit highly efficient for HMF-ECO to FDCA. • HMF-ECO boosts H 2 evolution rate at 92.33 L h−1 m−2, 3.69 times than water splitting. • DFT illustrates Cu can improve charge transfer to HMF and lower its adsorption energy. • In situ Raman shows the cobalt species is the active site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The optical contactless thermometer demonstrates remarkable advantages over traditional contact thermometers. However, maintaining a strong optical signal output across a wide temperature range poses a challenge due to the thermal quenching effect. In this study, we aimed to overcome the limitation of low signal intensity in high-temperature applications by developing a Pr3+-doped BaSc 2 Ge 3 O 10 (BSGO) phosphor with anti-thermal quenching properties. This phosphor was designed to ensure a stable and sufficiently strong light signal for accurate temperature measurements. The phosphor exhibited a negative thermal quenching effect, where the integrated emission intensity spanning from 450 nm to 800 nm increased from 173 K to 253 K, and the intensity at 353 K still remained stronger than at 173 K. Multiple 4f-4f transition emissions were observed in the phosphor, and the fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR) was utilized as a standard parameter for temperature evaluation ranging from 82 K to 353 K. At 82 K, the phosphor achieved maximum relative sensitivity (S r) of 2.3% K−1. The presence of multiple traps with depths ranging from 1.09 eV to 1.50 eV not only supported luminescence with a negative thermal quenching effect but also resulted in long persistent luminescence (LPL), which was systematically investigated in this study. Long persistent luminescence phosphor of BaSc 2 Ge 3 O 10 :Pr3+ with negative thermal quenching effect and temperature sensitive performance was designed and systematically investigated. [Display omitted] • BaSc 2 Ge 3 O 10 :Pr3+ luminescent thermometer with maximum relative sensitivity (S r) of 2.3% K−1 was designed. • Reverse thermal quenching effect is observed in temperature range of 173 K–353 K in BaSc 2 Ge 3 O 10 :Pr3+. • Long persistent luminescence (LPL) stemming from traps with varying depths was detected. • The Pr3+ dopant influences the distribution of traps and promotes the formation of shallow traps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The genus Sanicula comprises ca. 45 taxa, widely distributed from East Asia to North America, which is a taxonomically difficult genus with high medicinal value in Apiaceae. The systematic classification of the genus has been controversial for a long time due to varied characters in key morphological traits. China is one of the most important distributed centers, with ca. 18 species and two varieties. At present, chloroplast genomes are generally considered to be conservative and play an important role in evolutionary relationship study. To investigate the plastome evolution and phylogenetic relationships of Chinese Sanicula, we comprehensively analyzed the structural characteristics of 13 Chinese Sanicula chloroplasts and reconstructed their phylogenetic relationships. Results: In present study, four newly complete chloroplast genome of Sanicula taxa by using Illumina sequencing were reported, with the typical quadripartite structure and 155,396–155,757 bp in size. They encoded 126 genes, including 86 protein-coding genes, 32 tRNA genes and 8 rRNA genes. Genome structure, distributions of SDRs and SSRs, gene content, among Sanicula taxa, were similar. The nineteen intergenic spacers regions, including atpH-atpI, ndhC-trnM, petB-petD, petD-rpoA, petN-psbM, psaJ-rpl33, rbcL-accD, rpoB-trnC, rps16-trnQ, trnE-psbD, trnF-ndhJ, trnH-psbA, trnN-ndhF, trnS-psbZ, trnS-trnR, trnT-trnF, trnV-rps12, ycf3-trnS and ycf4-cemA, and one coding region (ycf1 gene) were the most variable. Results of maximum likelihood analysis based on 79 unique coding genes of 13 Chinese Sanicula samples and two Eryngium (Apiaceae-Saniculoideae) species as outgroup taxa revealed that they divided into four subclades belonged to two clades, and one subclade was consistent with previously traditional Sanicula section of its system. The current classification based on morphology at sect. Sanicla and Sect. Tuberculatae in Chinese Sanicula was not supported by analysis of cp genome phylogeny. Conclusions: The chloroplast genome structure of Sanicula was similar to other angiosperms and possessed the typical quadripartite structure with the conserved genome arrangement and gene features. However, their size varied owing to expansion/contraction of IR/SC boundaries. The variation of non-coding regions was larger than coding regions of the chloroplast genome. Phylogenetic analysis within these Chinese Sanicula were determined using the 79 unique coding genes. These results could provide important data for systematic, phylogenomic and evolutionary research in the genus for the future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of fungicide resistance severely threatens crop production by limiting the availability and application of established fungicides. Therefore, it is urgent to identify new fungicidal targets for controlling plant diseases. Here, we characterized the function of a conserved homoserine O-acetyltransferase (HOA) from the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae that could serve as the candidate antifungal target. Deletion of the MoMET2 and MoCYS2 genes encoding HOAs perturbed the biosynthesis of methionine and S-adenyl methionine, a methyl group donor for epigenetic modifications, and severely attenuated the development and virulence of M. oryzae. The ∆Momet2 mutant is significantly increased in 5-methylcytosine (5mC) modification that represses the expression of genes required for pathogenicity, including MoGLIK and MoCDH-CYT. We further showed that host-induced gene silencing (HIGS) targeting MoMET2 and MoCYS2 effectively controls rice blasts. Our studies revealed the importance of HOA in the development and virulence of M. oryzae, which suggests the potential feasibility of HOA as new targets for novel anti-rice blast measurements. Author summary: Despite the effectiveness of available antifungal agents in combating rice blasts, the emergence of resistance to these agents requires the reexamination of fungal pathogens, plant-fungi interactions, and virulence factors. Characterization of virulence factors is expected to improve the understanding of fungus pathogenesis and to help exploration for an antifungal drug target. We here reported that HOAs of the fungal original could serve as a potential target for antifungal agents. Specifically, we found that homoserine O-acetyltransferases MoMet2 and MoCys2 are important in the biosynthesis of methionine and S-adenyl methionine that are critical for the growth, development, and virulence of M. oryzae. We further demonstrated that MoMet2-mediated 5mC modification regulates gene expression and is required for infection by the rice blast fungus. Additionally, using host-induced gene silencing (HIGS) targeting MoMET2 and MoCYS2 genes provided protection against rice blasts. In all, the studies shed significant new insights in understanding the role of methionine synthesis in fungal pathogenicity and in identifying potential antifungal targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transcription factors (TFs) have been shown to play a key role in the occurrence and development of tumors, including triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), with a worse prognosis. Machine learning is widely used for establishing prediction models and screening key tumor drivers. Current studies lack TF integration in TNBC, so targeted research on TF prognostic models and targeted drugs is beneficial to improve clinical translational application. The purpose of this study was to use the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator to build a prognostic TFs model after cohort normalization based on housekeeping gene expression levels. Potential targeted drugs were then screened on the basis of molecular docking, and a multi-drug combination strategy was used for both in vivo and in vitro experimental studies. The machine learning model of TFs built by E2F8, FOXM1, and MYBL2 has broad applicability, with an AUC value of up to 0.877 at one year. As a high-risk clinical factor, its abnormal disorder may lead to upregulation of the activity of pathways related to cell proliferation. This model can also be used to predict the adverse effects of immunotherapy in patients with TNBC. Molecular docking was used to screen three drugs that target TFs: Trichostatin A (TSA), Doxorubicin (DOX), and Calcitriol. In vitro and in vivo experiments showed that TSA + DOX was able to effectively reduce DOX dosage, and TSA + DOX + Calcitriol may be able to effectively reduce the toxic side effects of DOX on the heart. In conclusion, the machine learning model based on three TFs provides new biomarkers for clinical and prognostic diagnosis of TNBC, and the combination targeted drug strategy offers a novel research perspective for TNBC treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PGE 7-2-5 (60.0 mg) and PGE 7-2-6 (78.4 mg) were prepared by pHPLC (CH SB 3 sb CN-1% AcOH, 10:90) to get ( I R i )-1 I O i -( I - i D I - i glucopyranosyl)-2-[2-methoxy-4-hydroxypropyl)-phenoxyl]-propan-3-ol ( B 25 b , 15.7 mg) and (6 I S i ,9 I R i )-roseoside ( B 28 b , 40.2 mg), respectively. To isolate chemical constituents, a 70% ethanol extraction of I P. granatum i peels was fractionated with various materials for chromatographic separation including D101 resin, silica gel, ODS, Sephadex LH-20 column chromatographies (CC) and preparative high-performance liquid chromatography (pHPLC). PGE 6-6-5 (101.0 mg) and PGE 6-6-7 (70.0 mg) were purified by pHPLC (CH SB 3 sb CN-H SB 2 sb O, 25:75) to give demethylpiperitol 4 I -O- - i D I - i glucopyranoside ( B 26 b , 14.1 mg) and luteolin-3' I O i I i -xylopyranoside ( B 3 b , 7.3 mg), respectively. PGE (400.0 g) was fractionated by silica gel CC [CHCl SB 3 sb -MeOH (100:5) -> CHCl SB 3 sb -MeOH-H SB 2 sb O (10:3:1->7:3:1->6:4:1, lower layer) -> MeOH] to yield PGE 1-PGE 10. [Extracted from the article]

This paper investigates the problem of sparse covariance matrix estimation while the sampling set contains sensitive information, and both the differentially private algorithm and locally differentially private algorithm are adopted to preserve privacy. It is worth noting that the requirement of the distribution assumption in our work is only the existing bounded 4 + ε (ε > 0) moment. Meanwhile, we reduce the error bounds by modifying the threshold of the existing differentially private algorithms. Finally, the numerical simulations and results from a real data application are presented to support our theoretical claims. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: FIGO 2018 IIIC remains controversial for the heterogeneity of its prognoses. To ensure a better management of cervical cancer patients in Stage IIIC, a revision of the FIGO IIIC version classification is required according to local tumor size. Material and methods: We retrospectively enrolled cervical cancer patients of FIGO 2018 Stages I–IIIC who had undergone radical surgery or chemoradiotherapy. Based on the tumor factors from the Tumor Node Metastasis staging system, IIIC cases were divided into IIIC‐T1, IIIC‐T2a, IIIC‐T2b, and IIIC‐(T3a+T3b). Oncologcial outcomes of all stages were compared. Results: A total of 63 926 cervical cancer cases were identified, among which 9452 fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in this study. Kaplan–Meier pairwise analysis showed that: the oncology outcomes of I and IIA were significantly better than of IIB, IIIA+IIIB, and IIIC; the oncology outcome of IIIC‐(T1‐T2b) was significantly better than of IIIA+IIIB and IIIC‐(T3a+T3b); no significant difference was noted between IIB and IIIC‐(T1‐T2b), or IIIC‐(T3a+T3b) and IIIA+IIIB. Multivariate analysis indicated that, compared with IIIC‐T1, Stages T2a, T2b, IIIA+IIIB and IIIC‐(T3a+T3b) were associated with a higher risk of death and recurrence/death. There was no significant difference in the risk of death or recurrence/death between patients with IIIC‐(T1‐T2b) and IIB. Also, compared with IIB, IIIC‐(T3a+T3b) was associated with a higher risk of death and recurrence/death. No significant differences in the risk of death and recurrence/death were noted between IIIC‐(T3a+T3b) and IIIA+IIIB. Conclusions: In terms of oncology outcomes of the study, FIGO 2018 Stage IIIC of cervical cancer is unreasonable. Stages IIIC‐T1, T2a, and T2b may be integrated as IIC, and it might be unnecessary for T3a/T3b cases to be subdivided by lymph node status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: A study was conducted to investigate the effects of different levels of physical activity and circadian rhythm differences on the nine factors of obsessive-compulsive disorder, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety, hostility, phobia, paranoia, and psychoticism on the SCL-90 scale. Methods: A questionnaire and mathematical and statistical methods were used to conduct the study. Data were collected through a web-based cross-sectional survey of college students from three universities in Anhui. A statistical analysis of the collected data was conducted using mathematical and statistical methods. Results: A total of 1248 students were included in the statistics of this study. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that low physical activity levels were associated with somatization (OR = 1.36, 95% CI = 0.95–1.94), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OR = 1.85, 95% CI = 1.25–2.75), interpersonal sensitivity (OR = 1.94, 95% CI = 1.30–2.88), depression (OR = 2.03, 95% CI = 1.31–3.16), anxiety (OR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.03–2.69), hostility (OR = 1.80, 95% CI = 1.12–2.89), phobia (OR = 1.88, 95% CI = 1.20–2.94), and paranoia (OR = 2.23, 95% CI = 1.43–3.46). Circadian rhythm differences were associated with somatization (OR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.87–0.96), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OR = 0.93, p < 0.01, 95% CI = 0.89–0.98), interpersonal sensitivity (OR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.85–0.94), depression (OR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.87–0.97), anxiety (OR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.83–0.95), hostility (OR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.86–0.97), phobia (OR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.82–0.93), and paranoia (OR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.85–0.95) were all negatively associated. In addition, gender was associated with somatization and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.57–0.98), depression (OR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.87–0.97), and paranoia (OR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.40–0.76). Conclusions: Low-intensity physical activity was more likely to be associated with somatization, obsessive-compulsive disorder, relationship sensitivity, depression, anxiety, hostility, terror, and paranoia than high-intensity and moderate-intensity physical activity, and circadian rhythm differences showed that people who slept later (known as nocturnal) were more likely to have these problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different scholars interpret the connotations and characteristics of the "Nationwide System" in quite different ways and fail to reach a consensus about whether some measures that Japan implements to tackle key problems are attributed to a "Nationwide System". On this basis, the work started with the connotations and characteristics of the "Nationwide System" in the field of science and technology, conducted a case study of measures taken by Japan to tackle key technical problems in the semiconductor technology, and analyzed whether these measures embody relevant characteristics of the "Nationwide System" from an empirical perspective, so as to demonstrate whether there is a "Nationwide System" in the field of science and technology in Japan. Last, its characteristics or relevant experience were summarized, to deepen the study and recognition of the Japanese model for tackling key technical problems in the hope of providing references for promoting and improving the "Nationwide System" in the field of science and technology in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A two‐scale method combined with micro‐CT is presented for the prediction of 3D printed continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites. The proposed method is verified by tensile experiments. The distribution of voids and fibers is reconstructed and quantified by two micro‐CT scans with different resolutions. Then the two‐scale models are established according to the scanned data. Effective properties of fiber‐rich region are predicted by the micro‐scale analysis of the representative volume element, and then transferred into the meso‐scale analysis. In meso‐scale analysis, the high‐fidelity generalized method of cells is applied to predicted elastic parameters of the printed samples. While maintaining the overall fiber volume fraction, the fiber volume fraction in the fiber‐rich region is very important for the accuracy of prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) renders cancer cells vulnerable to unrepaired double-strand breaks and is an important therapeutic target as exemplified by the clinical efficacy of poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors as well as the platinum chemotherapy drugs applied to HRD patients. However, it remains a challenge to predict HRD status precisely and economically. Copy number alteration (CNA), as a pervasive trait of human cancers, can be extracted from a variety of data sources, including whole genome sequencing (WGS), SNP array, and panel sequencing, and thus can be easily applied clinically. Here we systematically evaluate the predictive performance of various CNA features and signatures in HRD prediction and build a gradient boosting machine model (HRDCNA) for pan-cancer HRD prediction based on these CNA features. CNA features BP10MB[1] (The number of breakpoints per 10MB of DNA is 1) and SS[ > 7 & <=8] (The log10-based size of segments is greater than 7 and less than or equal to 8) are identified as the most important features in HRD prediction. HRDCNA suggests the biallelic inactivation of BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2, RAD51C, RAD51D, and BARD1 as the major genetic basis for human HRD, and may also be applied to effectively validate the pathogenicity of BRCA1/2 variants of uncertain significance (VUS). Together, this study provides a robust tool for cost-effective HRD prediction and also demonstrates the applicability of CNA features and signatures in cancer precision medicine. Analysis of copy number patterns of cancer genomes helps in devising a machine learning algorithm that can accurately predict homologous recombination deficiency status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine organic-rich shale is widely distributed in the Upper Ordovician Wufeng Formation (WF-F) and Silurian Longmaxi Formation (LMX-F), making it an important target for shale gas exploration and development. In order to clarify the paleoenvironment evolution characteristics and the effect of depositional environment on organic matter (OM) accumulation of the marine shale in the Wufeng and Longmaxi Formations, a series of geochemical and petrological experiments were carried out, including TOC, Rock-Eval pyrolysis, XRD, and major and trace element analyses. Research results show that based on the variation characteristics of TOC, mineral composition, and paleoenvironment evolution characteristics, four units can be identified from bottom to top: Wufeng Formation (WF-F), Lower Longmaxi Formation (L-LMX-F), Middle Longmaxi Formation (M-LMX-F) and Upper Longmaxi Formation (U-LMX-F). The high-quality marine shale developed in WF-F and LMX-F in the Zigong area (TOC: 0.65–4.56%, avg. 2.15%) contains type I kerogen (kerogen type index: 86.0–98.3, avg. 92.7) and OM in mature stage (average of Rb and Tmax are 2.94%, 646 °C, respectively). Clay minerals (avg. 42.5%) and quartz (avg. 37.7%) dominate the mineral compositions, with subordinated dolomite (avg. 6.3%), feldspar (avg. 6.0%), calcite (avg. 4.0%), and pyrite (avg. 3.5%). Paleoenvironment indicators suggest that during the sedimentary period of WF-F and L-LMX-F, the paleoclimate condition was humid; the weathering condition, paleosalinity, and redox conditions were the strongest; and there was a relatively high level of paleoproductivity and a relatively low level of terrigenous detritus influx. However, during the period of M-LMX-F and U-LMX-F, the climate gradually changed from warm and humid to hot and dry; the intensity of weathering conditions, paleosalinity, and redox conditions was relatively reduced; terrigenous detritus influx increased; and the paleoproductivity decreased. Relationships between TOC and paleoclimate condition, paleosalinity, redox condition, paleoproductivity, and terrigenous detritus influx suggest that redox condition is most important controlling factor for OM enrichment. A combination of anoxic bottom water conditions and high primary productivity and a relatively low terrigenous input resulted in the enrichment of OM in the WF-F and L-LMX-F, making it a potential exploration and development target. The research can provide scientific guidance for the selection of potential shale gas development targets in the Zigong area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, novel, loose, and porous graphite phase carbon nitride/porous carbon (g-C3N4@PC) composites were prepared by decorating cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). The characterization results demonstrate that the as-prepared composites presented high specific surface areas, porous structures, and abundant chemical groups, with the modification of CNCs. In view of the unique advantages, g-C3N4@PC was used as the coating material for the solid-phase microextraction (SPME) of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in water and juice samples. The g-C3N4@PC-coated fibers showed better extraction efficiencies than commercial fibers (100/7 μm PDMS and PA) toward the OCPs, with the enrichment factors of the g-C3N4@PC-coated fibers 5–30 times higher than the latter. Using a gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) instrument, the g-C3N4@PC-coated fibers exhibited a gratifying analytical performance for determining low concentrations of OCPs, with a wide linear range (0.1–1600 ng L−1 for water; 0.1–1000 ng L−1 for juice), low limits of detection (0.0141–0.0942 ng L−1 for water; 0.0245–0.0777 ng L−1 for juice), and good reproducibility and repeatability in optimal conditions. The established method showed good sensitivity and recovery in the determination of OCPs in the water and fruit juice samples, which displayed broad prospects for analyzing organic pollutants from environmental samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammation plays a crucial role in occurrence of kidney injury, and specific dietary patterns can influence systemic inflammation levels. However, the relationship between dietary inflammatory potential and early-stage kidney damage remains unclear. 2,108 participants was recruited from 2001–2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) is utilized to assess dietary inflammatory potential, calculated through a 24-h dietary recall questionnaire. Early renal injury was evaluated using urinary albumin to creatinine (UACR), cystatin C (CysC), β-2 microglobulin (β2M), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) based on serum creatinine (eGFRs), cystatin C (eGFRc), and both Scr and CysC (eGFRs&c). Participant characteristics were analyzed, and association between DII, hypertension, and early renal injury markers was explored using multiple linear and logistic regression models. The average age of participants was 53.9 years. DII exhibited a positive correlation with UACR (β = −0.048[0.017,0.078]), β2M (β = 0.019[0.010,0.027]), CysC (β = 0.012 [0.004,0.021]). Conversely, a negative correlation was observed between DII and eGFRc (β = −1.126[−1.554, −0.699]), eGFRs&c (β=-1.101[−1.653, −0.549]). A significant association was observed between hypertension and abnormality of early kidney damage markers. Subgroup analysis reveals that the positive correlation between DII and the occurrence of abnormal markers of early kidney damage is only observed in individuals with hypertension. Furthermore, an interaction between DII and hypertension was detected in eGFRs&c (OR:1.250[1.042, 1.499], p for interaction = 0.03). Higher levels of DII may be associated with occurrence of early kidney damage. For individuals with hypertension, avoiding excessive consumption of pro-inflammatory foods may reduce the risk of renal injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A film/substrate system is a common structural form. In its fabrication and/or operation process, diffusion is a basic and key procedure. However, there still exist unclear points in the diffusion process, i.e., the effects of stress, creep, and interface properties. To clarify these unclear points, in this paper, a coupled diffusion model including stress, creep, and interface property is established. The obtained results indicate that compressive stress retards the diffusion of guest atoms. Meanwhile, creep reduces the retardation of diffusion through releasing the induced compressive stress, and then the concentration of the guest atoms can reach the prescribed value, which overcomes the much lower concentration predicted by the previous models without creep. In addition, interfacial diffusivity affects diffusion and the maximum stress in the film. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Colon cancer is a common and highly malignant tumor. Its incidence is increasing rapidly with poor prognosis. At present, immunotherapy is a rapidly developing treatment for colon cancer. The aim of this study was to construct a prognostic risk model based on immune genes for early diagnosis and accurate prognostic prediction of colon cancer. Methods: Transcriptome data and clinical data were downloaded from the cancer Genome Atlas database. Immunity genes were obtained from ImmPort database. The differentially expressed transcription factors (TFs) were obtained from Cistrome database. Differentially expressed (DE) immune genes were identified in 473 cases of colon cancer and 41 cases of normal adjacent tissues. An immune-related prognostic model of colon cancer was established and its clinical applicability was verified. Among 318 tumor-related transcription factors, differentially expressed transcription factors were finally obtained, and a regulatory network was constructed according to the up-down regulatory relationship. Results: A total of 477 DE immune genes (180 up-regulated and 297 down-regulated) were detected. We developed and validated twelve immune gene models for colon cancer, including SLC10A2, FABP4, FGF2, CCL28, IGKV1-6, IGLV6-57, ESM1, UCN, UTS2, VIP, IL1RL2, NGFR. The model was proved to be an independent prognostic variable with good prognostic ability. A total of 68 DE TFs (40 up-regulated and 23 down-regulated) were obtained. The regulation network between TF and immune genes was plotted by using TF as source node and immune genes as target node. In addition, Macrophage, Myeloid Dendritic cell and CD4+ T cell increased with the increase of risk score. Conclusion: We developed and validated twelve immune gene models for colon cancer, including SLC10A2, FABP4, FGF2, CCL28, IGKV1-6, IGLV6-57, ESM1, UCN, UTS2, VIP, IL1RL2, NGFR. This model can be used as a tool variable to predict the prognosis of colon cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid and accurate molecular diagnosis is a prerequisite for precision medicine, food safety, and environmental monitoring. The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated (Cas)-based detection, as a cutting-edged technique, has become an immensely effective tool for molecular diagnosis because of its outstanding advantages including attomolar level sensitivity, sequence-targeted single-base specificity, and rapid turnover time. However, the CRISPR/Cas-based detection methods typically require a pre-amplification step to elevate the concentration of the analyte, which may produce non-specific amplicons, prolong the detection time, and raise the risk of carryover contamination. Hence, various strategies for target amplification-free CRISPR/Cas-based detection have been developed, aiming to minimize the sensitivity loss due to lack of pre-amplification, enable detection for non-nucleic acid targets, and facilitate integration in portable devices. In this review, the current status and challenges of target amplification-free CRISPR/Cas-based detection are first summarized, followed by highlighting the four main strategies to promote the performance of target amplification-free CRISPR/Cas-based technology. Furthermore, we discuss future perspectives that will contribute to developing more efficient amplification-free CRISPR/Cas detection systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mitigating the spread of global infectious diseases requires rapid and accurate diagnostic tools. Conventional diagnostic techniques for infectious diseases typically require sophisticated equipment and are time consuming. Emerging clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR‐associated proteins (Cas) detection systems have shown remarkable potential as next‐generation diagnostic tools to achieve rapid, sensitive, specific, and field‐deployable diagnoses of infectious diseases, based on state‐of‐the‐art microfluidic platforms. Therefore, a review of recent advances in CRISPR‐based microfluidic systems for infectious diseases diagnosis is urgently required. This review highlights the mechanisms of CRISPR/Cas biosensing and cutting‐edge microfluidic devices including paper, digital, and integrated wearable platforms. Strategies to simplify sample pretreatment, improve diagnostic performance, and achieve integrated detection are discussed. Current challenges and future perspectives contributing to the development of more effective CRISPR‐based microfluidic diagnostic systems are also proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficient differentiation of adventitious buds from in vitro leaves has been of great significance for improving Rhododendron traits via genetic transformation. Yet, the actual mechanism of leaf differentiation into adventitious buds remains unclear. In this study, morphological and transcriptome analyses revealed the mechanism by which exogenous thidiazuron effectively regulates the buds' regeneration from in vitro leaves of Rhododendron delavayi. The experimental treatment consisted of 0.36 µM thidiazuron combined with 0.05 µM 1-naphthaleneacetic acid; for the control, 0.05 µM 1-naphthaleneacetic acid was added to the medium. The results showed that s2 (15 to 22 d) was the key stage for leaf budding. At this stage, the content of endogenous zeatin riboside in leaves regulated by exogenous thidiazuron reached its peak value, and the leaves gained regeneration ability. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses revealed that differentially expressed genes associated with plant hormone signal transduction pathway, DNA replication, and amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism were predominantly enriched at four developmental stages between the control and treatment. During the adventitious bud formation induced by thidiazuron, the encoding histidine kinase gene (AHK4), type a Arabidopsis response regulator genes (ARR6, ARR9, ARR17), auxin-responsive protein genes (IAA13, IAA27), and auxin influx carrier protein genes (LAX2, LAX3) were up-regulated. Those genes initiate differential expression of a series of genes regulating DNA replication, cell wall formation and repair, promotion of cell proliferation, and differentiation, thereby effectively completing bud regeneration from in vitro leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycotoxins are generated by a series of fungal pathogens in postharvest fruit, resulting in serious health threat to consumers and great economic loss to the fruit storage industry. The microbial differences between rotten and healthy fruit during storage and their relationship with mycotoxin production have not been fully studied. In this study, differences in microbial diversity between rotten and healthy fruit after 30 days of storage at ambient temperature were investigated using high-throughput sequencing technology in 'Huangguan' pear (Pyrus bretschneideri Rehd cv. Huangguan) harvested from five different producing regions of Hebei province, China. The bacterial genus Gluconobacter was much more abundant in rotten fruit (76.24%) than that in healthy fruit (32.36%). In addition, Komagataeibacter and Acetobacter were also relatively higher in abundance in rotten fruit. In contrast, bacterial genera Pantoea, Alistipes, Muribaculaceae, Lactobacillus, and Ruminococcaceae_UCG were found to be more abundant in healthy fruit. Fungal genera including Botryosphaeria, Colletotrichum, Valsa, Alternaria, Rosellinia, Fusarium, and Trichothecium were found to be abundant in rotten fruit. The results of principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) showed that there were significant differences in the microbial diversity of different regions. PAT (patulin) was detected in all rotten fruit samples, while tenuazonic acid (TeA), alternariol (AOH), and alternariolmonomethyl ether (AME) were only detected in samples collected from one region (Weixian). Canonical correlation analysis (CCA) and Pearson correlation analysis showed that the abundance of Alistipes and Pantoea were negatively correlated with the contents of PAT, suggesting that bacterial genera Alistipes and Pantoea have potential in reducing mycotoxin production in 'Huangguan' pear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrochemical reactions are important method for reducing the carbon footprint of large-scale chemical processes. Highly selective conversion of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to 2,5-dihydroxymethylfuran (DHMF) is achieved under mild conditions through electrocatalytic hydrogenation (ECH) over AgCu nanoalloys supported by the pyrolyzed biomass alginic acid sodium (PA), with the advantage of utilizing the active hydrogen intermediates in the process. The Ag 1 Cu 1 /PA exhibits outstanding performance in ECH of HMF with a selectivity of 94% toward DHMF at a conversion of 93.2% and the Faraday efficiency (FE) of 61.8%, which are significantly superior to those over Ag/PA (selectivity of 53.89%, conversion of 90.6%, and FE 25.79%). The incorporation of Cu into Ag nanoparticles boosts the charge transferability and lowers the onset potential of ECH. Density functional theory calculations reveal that AgCu alloy provides more electron transfer to HMF and lowers the energy barrier for HMF hydrogenation. [Display omitted] • AgCu nanoalloys exhibit outstanding performance in electrocatalytic hydrogenation of HMF. • AgCu nanoalloys achieve high selectivity, conversion, and faraday efficiency. • Cu-doping boosts the charge transferability and lowers the onset potential. • AgCu alloy lowers the energy barrier for HMF hydrogenation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fitting method is proposed to estimate the anisotropic loss factors of the T700 carbon fibers. In this fitting method, the loss factors of fibers are taken as unknown variables, storage modulus of fibers is assumed to be invariant. The generalized method of cells (GMC) is combined with the correspondence principle to calculate the loss factors of unidirectional carbon fiber reinforced plastics, and the loss factors of fibers are obtained by fitting the loss factors of composite material with the least square method. The loss factors of the T700 carbon fibers obtained by the fitting method are compared with the experiment and verified by the finite element method based on the direct‐solution steady‐state dynamic analysis and the representative volume element. Results show that the fitting method based on the GMC can accurately calculate the anisotropic loss factors of the T700 carbon fibers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel all-in-one immune microfluidic chip-based visualized quantitative immunoassay system for detecting cardiac troponin I (cTNI). The proposed immunoassay has a minimal sample volume (4 μL), no need for external instruments, a total detection time of less than 3 min. The proposed biosensor was also successfully used to quantitatively detect cTNI in serum samples. [Display omitted] • An "all-in-one"immunoassay system for AMI detection was developed. • The system forms a user-friendly and easy to operate visual timely detection. • The system requires a small sample size and can achieve quantitative visual analysis. • The method exhibited high repeatability on a portable chip. Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a life-threatening condition with a narrow treatment window, necessitating rapid and accurate diagnostic methods. We present an "all-in-one" convenient and rapid immunoassay system that combines microfluidic technology with a colloidal gold immunoassay. A degassing-driven chip replaces a bulky external pump, resulting in a user-friendly and easy-to-operate immunoassay system. The chip comprises four units: an inlet reservoir, an immunoreaction channel, a waste pool, and an immunocomplex collection chamber, allowing single-channel flow for rapid and accurate AMI biomarker detection. In this study, we focused on cardiac troponin I (cTnI). With a minimal sample of just 4 μL and a total detection time of under 3 min, the chip enabled a quantitative visual analysis of cTnI concentration within a range of 0.5 ∼ 60.0 ng mL−1. This all-in-one integrated microfluidic chip with colloidal gold immunoassay offers a promising solution for rapid AMI diagnosis. The system's portability, small sample requirement, and quantitative visual detection capabilities make it a valuable tool for AMI diagnostics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To enhance the enzymatic digestibility of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is highly oriented and crystallized, a polyethylene glycol (PEG) surfactant of varying molecular weights was utilized to improve the stability of mutant cutinase from Humicola insolens (HiC) and to increase the accessibility of the enzyme to the substrate. Leveraging the optimal conditions for HiC hydrolysis of PET, the introduction of 1 % w / v PEG significantly increased the yield of PET hydrolysis products. PEG600 was particularly effective, increasing the yield by 64.58 % compared to using HiC alone. Moreover, the mechanisms by which PEG600 and PEG6000 enhance enzyme digestion were extensively examined using circular dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopy. The results from CD and fluorescence analyses indicated that PEG alters the protein conformation, thereby affecting the catalytic effect of the enzyme. Moreover, PEG improved the affinity between HiC and PET by lowering the surface tension of the solution, substantially enhancing PET hydrolysis. This study suggests that PEG holds considerable promise as an enzyme protector, significantly aiding in the hydrophilic modification and degradation of PET in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurodevelopmental cell communication plays a crucial role in neuroblastoma prognosis. However, determining the impact of these communication pathways on prognosis is challenging due to limited sample sizes and patchy clinical survival information of single cell RNA-seq data. To address this, we have developed the cell communication pathway prognostic model (CCPPM) in this study. CCPPM involves the identification of communication pathways through single-cell RNA-seq data, screening of prognosis-significant pathways using bulk RNA-seq data, conducting functional and attribute analysis of these pathways, and analyzing the post-effects of communication within these pathways. By employing the CCPPM, we have identified ten communication pathways significantly influencing neuroblastoma, all related to axongenesis and neural projection development, especially the BMP7-(BMPR1B-ACVR2B) communication pathway was found to promote tumor cell migration by activating the transcription factor SMAD1 and regulating UNK and MYCBP2. Notably, BMP7 expression was higher in neuroblastoma samples with distant metastases. In summary, CCPPM offers a novel approach to studying the influence of cell communication pathways on disease prognosis and identified detrimental communication pathways related to neurodevelopment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A graded porous supported symmetric (GPSS) flat ceramic membrane made of a K 2 NiF 4+δ type oxide (Pr 0.9 La 0.1) 2 (Ni 0.74 Cu 0.21 Ga 0.05)O 4+δ (PLNCG) is fabricated by aqueous tape casting. This membrane design stands out for its unique structure, consisting of a thin dense layer at its core and two graded porous substrates that adhere symmetrically to this middle layer. In comparison to previously reported PLNCG hollow fiber membranes, the GPSS membrane offers superior oxygen permeation flux, exceeding that of the hollow fiber membrane by more than four times. When using air as the feed gas and even when introducing CO 2 into the feed gas or sweep gas, the membrane maintains a consistent oxygen permeation flux of 4.41 mL min−1 cm−2 (STP). This work demonstrates that by paying close attention to membrane structure, the oxygen permeation flux of flat membranes can surpass that of hollow fiber membranes. Given its exceptional oxygen separation performance, the PLNCG-GPSS membrane holds great potential for practical applications such as high-purity oxygen production, pure hydrogen production, oxygen-involved catalytical reactions, and CO 2 capture and storage. [Display omitted] • A graded porous supported symmetric flat ceramic mixed conductor membrane is fabricated. • X-CT is employed for 3D reconstructed pore structure distribution. • The flat membrane exhibits 4.41 mL min−1 cm−2 of oxygen permeation flux at the presence of CO 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation of dual-layer asymmetric porous structures in surfactant-based systems is significantly influenced by emulsions. Surfactants self-assemble to alter the conformational arrangement of polysaccharides, while gravity disrupts the initial uniformity of the established equilibrium droplet concentration gradient in the emulsion, thus achieving delamination. Specifically, high-speed rotation and non-instantaneous freezing allow the gelatin solution to form two different states of foam layers. The integrated dual-layer asymmetric porous structure, composed of polysaccharides and tannic acid, is constructed with gelatin as a skeleton and surfactant. This innovative approach eliminates the need to consider the toxicity of chemically synthesized surfactants and expands the concept of gelatin utilization. This intriguing structure exhibits a variety of desirable characteristics within 30 days (e.g. , tailorable performance, ultrarapid antioxidant activity, efficient antibacterial activity, low differential blood clotting index, and good hemocompatibility and cytocompatibility), suggesting its potential as a valuable reference for applying hierarchical porous structures, thereby offering more formulation flexibility for biomaterials with adjustable properties. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• In-situ construction of symbiotic r-Fe 2 O 3 /NiO with robust interfaces. • Interface coherency enhances photogenerated charge separation and transport. • Enriched Ni–O–Fe asymmetric sites alleviate the dipole repulsion of C–C coupling. Photocatalytic non-oxidative coupling of methane is an attractive strategy for CH 4 to C 2 conversion, how to facilitate the photogenerated charge separation and accelerate the C–C coupling to promote the reaction kinetics remains a great challenge. Herein, a symbiotic r-Fe 2 O 3 /NiO heterostructure with robust interfaces is constructed in situ. The coherent interface not only provides unique Ni–O–Fe asymmetric sites, but also achieves the separation and transport of photogenerated charge. The unbalanced charge density distribution of two adjacent methyl or methylene at the Ni–O–Fe asymmetric site alleviates the dipole repulsion of the C–C coupling, and promotes C–C coupling to form C 2 hydrocarbons. Under visible light irradiation, the optimal r-Fe 2 O 3 /NiO performs a brilliant C 2 activity up to 71.00 μmol g−1h−1, and the C 2 H 4 yield can reach a high value of 40.46 μmol g−1h−1 and the selectivity of 56.98 %. This work provides new insights into the coupling of C–C to generate C 2 hydrocarbons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation of dual-layer asymmetric porous structures in surfactant-based systems is significantly influenced by emulsions. Surfactants self-assemble to alter the conformational arrangement of polysaccharides, while gravity disrupts the initial uniformity of the established equilibrium droplet concentration gradient in the emulsion, thus achieving delamination. Specifically, high-speed rotation and non-instantaneous freezing allow the gelatin solution to form two different states of foam layers. The integrated dual-layer asymmetric porous structure, composed of polysaccharides and tannic acid, is constructed with gelatin as a skeleton and surfactant. This innovative approach eliminates the need to consider the toxicity of chemically synthesized surfactants and expands the concept of gelatin utilization. This intriguing structure exhibits a variety of desirable characteristics within 30 days (e.g. , tailorable performance, ultrarapid antioxidant activity, efficient antibacterial activity, low differential blood clotting index, and good hemocompatibility and cytocompatibility), suggesting its potential as a valuable reference for applying hierarchical porous structures, thereby offering more formulation flexibility for biomaterials with adjustable properties. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the improved positioning capability from using dynamic positioning assisted mooring system (DPAM) in offshore drilling floating platforms, this paper proposes the application of DPAM to floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs), aiming to improve the traditional redundant mooring positioning (MP) system. The novel concept design principle is that the traditional MP is optimized to meet the positioning requirements under working sea conditions, while the dynamic positioning (DP) system is activated to assist the MP during only extreme sea conditions. To evaluate the DPAM system positioning capability, a fully coupled kinetic model of a FOWT with DPAM is built in MATLAB/Simulink, and the dynamic responses are analysed in the time domain. Only the low-frequency motions of the FOWT in the horizontal plane are considered in the design of DP control strategies, and the DP is turned on when the mooring line tension reaches the maximum allowable breaking limit. The results show that, compared with traditional MP, our proposed novel conceptual DPAM design leads to significant reductions in the total amount of steel and mooring radius of the DPAM system while maintaining a similar positioning capability under extreme sea conditions. • The concept design principle of DPAM system for FOWTs is proposed. • The DP system is only activated to assist MP system during the extreme sea conditions. • The fully coupled kinetic model of FOWT with DPAM is built to evaluate the positioning capability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Limited research exists on response mechanisms of BTRs exposure. This study reports multiple essential metabolic pathways disrupted by exposure to BTRs in liver. • Effect of benzotriazole, 6-chloro-1-hydroxi-benzotriazole and 1-hydroxy-benzotriazole on liver was studied by integrated omics analysis. • Exposure to BTRs affected mice organ, tissue weight and blood glucose level. • BTRs altered the metabolite content and gene expression profiles. • BTRs disrupted the immune system and xenobiotics response in mice. Benzotriazoles (BTRs) are a class of benzoheterocyclic chemicals that are frequently used as metal-corrosive inhibitors, both in industry and daily use. However, the exposure effect information on BTRs remains relatively limited. In this study, an integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic approach was utilized to evaluate the effect of three BTRs, benzotriazole, 6-chloro-1-hydroxi-benzotriazole, and 1-hydroxy-benzotriazole, in the mouse liver with results showing disrupted basal metabolic processes and vitamin and cofactor metabolism after 28 days. The expression of several genes that are related to the inflammatory response and aryl hydrocarbon receptor pathways, such as Gstt2 and Arntl, was altered by the exposure to BTRs. Exposure to BTRs also affected metabolites and genes that are involved in the immune system and xenobiotic responses. The altered expression of several cytochrome P450 family genes reveal a potential detoxification mechanism in the mouse liver. Taken together, our findings provide new insights into the multilayer response of the mouse liver to BTRs exposure as well as a resource for further exploration of the molecular mechanisms by which the response occurs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new voltammetric sensor, simultaneous electropolymerization of L-Citrulline (L-Cit) and β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) film modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was built for the first time. It was used to construct this sensor for quantification of these important pesticides and sensitive determination of metribuzin. The proposed metribuzin sensor displays excellent performance with wide linear range (3.0 × 10−8 ~ 1.0 × 10−6 mol L−1), ultralow detection limit of 10 nM (S/N = 3), and favourable specificity. Also, the sensor was applied for determination of metribuzin in the real samples, the satisfying results are achieved. The results imply that the proposed sensor can be potentially used for the environmental pollution science and environmental analytical chemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. To summarize the quantity and quality of evidence for using Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f. (TwHF) preparations in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to find the reasons of the disparity by comprehensively appraising the related systematic reviews (SRs). Methods. We performed an overview of evidence for the effectiveness and safety of TwHF preparations for patients with RA. We searched seven literature databases from inception to July 15, 2021. We included SRs of TwHF preparations in the treatment of RA. Four tools were used to evaluate the reporting quality, methodological quality, risk of bias, and the certainty of evidence for the included SRs, which are the PRISMA, the AMSTAR-2, the ROBIS, and the GRADE approach. Results. We included 27 SRs (with 385 studies and 33,888 participants) for this overview. The AMSTAR-2 showed that 19 SRs had critically low methodological quality and the remaining 8 had low methodological quality. The rate of overlaps was 68.31% (263/385), and the CCA (corrected covered area) was 0.53, which indicated the degree of overlap is slight. Based on the assessment of ROBIS, all 27 SRs were rated as low risk in phase 1; one SR was rated as low risk in domain 1, 9 SRs were in low risk in domain 2, 16 SRs were in low risk in domain 3, and 16 SRs were in low risk in domain 4 in phase 2; 7 SRs were rated as low risk in phase 3. Among 27 items of PRISMA, 15 items were reported over 70% of compliance, the reporting quality of 16 SRs was rated as "fair," and 11 were "good." Using GRADE assessment, moderate quality of evidence was found in 5 outcomes, and 5 outcomes were low quality. Conclusion. The use of TwHF preparations for the treatment of RA may be clinically effective according to the moderate-quality evidence. There are methodological issues, risk of bias, and reporting deficiencies still needed to be improved. SRs with good quality and further randomized clinical trials that focus on clinical important outcomes are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the complexity of objective world, as well as the ambiguity of human thinking, the practical decision-making issues become more and more difficult. Pythagorean fuzzy set is an effective tool for depicting uncertainty of the multi-criteria decision-making problems. This study aims to develop a Pythagorean fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making approach to deal with decision-making problem under uncertainty circumstance. Firstly, the concept, representation and related properties of Spearman rank correlation coefficient (SRCC) originated from statistical theory between two PFSs are introduced, which is used to measure the closeness degree between ideal alternative and each alternative. Then, a multi-criteria decision-making approach with Pythagorean fuzzy environment is developed based on the proposed SRCC. Finally, to illustrate the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed method, a real-world infrastructure project decision-making was demonstrated. The result shows that the main advantage of the proposed decision rule would reduce the complexity of the decision-making problem both in theory and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We aimed to develop and validate a nomogram model, which could predict metachronous liver metastasis in colorectal cancer within two years after diagnosis. Methods: A retrospective study was performed on colorectal cancer patients who were admitted to Beijing Shijitan Hospital from January 1, 2016 to June 30, 2019. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression model was used to optimize feature selection for susceptibility to metachronous liver metastasis in colorectal cancer. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was applied to establish a predictive model through incorporating features selected in the LASSO regression model. C-index, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration plot, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were employed to assess discrimination, distinctiveness, consistency with actual occurrence risk, and clinical utility of candidate predictive model. Internal validation was assessed with bootstrapping method. Results: Predictors contained in candidate prediction nomogram included age, CEA, vascular invasion, T stage, N stage, family history of cancer, and KRAS mutation. This model displayed good discrimination with a C-index of 0.787 (95% confidence interval: 0.728–0.846) and good calibration, whereas area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.786. Internal validation obtained C-index of 0.786, and AUC of validation cohort is 0.784. Based on DCA, with threshold probability range from 1 to 60%; this predictive model might identify colorectal cancer metachronous liver metastasis to achieve a net clinical benefit. Conclusion: We have developed and validated a prognostic nomogram with good discriminative and high accuracy to predict metachronous liver metastasis in CRC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]