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This article realizes an adaptive finite‐time sampled‐data output‐feedback stabilization for a class of fractional‐order nonlinear systems with unmodeled dynamics and unavailable states. K‐filters are constructed to estimate unavailable states, a dynamic signal is introduced to handle unmodeled dynamics and neural networks were used to approximate uncertain nonlinearities existed in stabilizer construction. With the help of backstepping technique, an adaptive sampled‐data output‐feedback stabilizer is exported, and such stabilizer with allowable design parameters and sampling period can render the corresponding closed‐loop system reaches practically finite‐time stable, which can be demonstrated by means of selected Lyapunov function candidates. In the end, two simulations with a numerical and an engineering examples are presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Linguistic preference relations with self-confidence (LPRs-SC) are the preference relation that can reflect the decision maker's (DM) confidence psychology and has received widespread attention for their simple form and multiple information. Currently, arithmetic studies of LPRs-SC are conducted separately for preference relations and self-confidence. In addition, personalized individual semantics (PIS) is an important tool in large-scale decision-making to reflect the differences in the semantic understanding of DMs. However, the confidence level in LPRs-SC limits the preference relation to a certain extent and the linguistic representations of these two components are usually different. This means that it is not only necessary to propose an arithmetic rule that can express the restrictive relationship between the two but also to construct a model that can extract the PIS of preference relation and confidence respectively. Besides, we constructed a two-stage consensus reaching process (CRP) based on the specificity of the LPRs-SC structure when enhancing group harmony. The process takes self-confidence as an independent source of information, delineates the adjusted categories in detail, and builds an adjustment model accordingly. Finally, the example and comparative analyses verify the merits of the proposed PIS in terms of consistency enhancement and CRP in terms of speed and accuracy harmonization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vortex shedding at the tail of a high-speed train changes the aerodynamic characteristics of the train, which affects the safety and stability of train operation. This paper takes CR400AF as the research object, and uses dynamic monitoring points to realize the whole process monitoring of the flow field at the tail of the train running in open air and in tunnel for the first time. The wake of the train in different infrastructure scenarios is analyzed by the proper orthogonal decomposition method. The study found that the wake vortex structure is quite different when the train runs in different scenarios, and the turbulent kinetic energy intensity of the wake in tunnel is higher than that of the open air running. Modal decomposition method can identify flow structures that have a large impact on train aerodynamics. Through frequency analysis, it is found that the modal frequency obtained from the decomposition is higher when running in open air than when running in tunnel. With the increase of train speed, the modal strouhal number increases when the train is running in open air, and decreases when the train runs in tunnel. After the train enters the tunnel, the reverse movement of the air around the train body suppresses the development and separation of the boundary layer, which is the main reason for the low frequency of wake vortex shedding in tunnel. The stability of the train running in tunnel is worse than that when running in open air, which is closely related to the more complex flow structure around the car body and the drastic change of aerodynamic force when running in the tunnel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the feasibility of implementing the joint guideline on integrative medicine for pain management in oncology, published by the Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO) and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), for integrative oncology (IO) services in supportive and palliative care. A qualitative research methodology was co-designed by the SIO-ASCO guideline committee, with the Society for Complementary Medicine, Israel Medical Association (IMA). A questionnaire with five open-ended questions exploring barriers and enablers to implementing the guideline was distributed to chairs and board members of nine IMA-affiliated medical societies; four deans of Israeli medical schools; and nurses from the Israeli Society for Oncology Nursing. Respondent narratives were qualitatively analyzed using ATLAS.Ti software for systematic coding. Questionnaires were completed by 52 physicians and nurses from medical oncology, hematology, gynecological oncology, pediatric oncology, palliative medicine, pain, family medicine, internal medicine, and integrative medicine. The SIO-ASCO guidelines were endorsed by nine IMA-affiliated societies. The domains identified included the importance of guideline implementation in clinical practice; barriers and facilitators to implementation; practical aspects required for this implementation (e.g., IO training); clinical indications for referral; budget-related issues; and clinical and administrative models enabling practical implementation of the guideline. We found across-the-board consensus among the nine IMA-affiliated societies supporting the current guideline. This, while identifying potential facilitators and barriers in order to address the implementation of the SIO-ASCO guideline recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous studies have suggested the potential association between air pollution and tuberculosis incidence, but this association remains inconclusive and evidence to assess causality is particularly lacking. We aimed to draw causal inference between fine particulate matter less than 2.5 μm in diameter (PM2.5) and tuberculosis in China. Methods: Granger causality (GC) inference was performed within vector autoregressive models at levels and/or first-differences using annual national aggregated data during 1982–2019, annual provincial aggregated data during 1982–2019 and monthly provincial aggregated data during 2004–2018. Convergent cross-mapping (CCM) approach was used to determine the backbone nonlinear causal association based on the monthly provincial aggregated data during 2004–2018. Moreover, distributed lag nonlinear model (DLNM) was applied to quantify the causal effects. Results: GC tests identified PM2.5 driving tuberculosis dynamics at national and provincial levels in Granger sense. Empirical dynamic modeling provided the CCM causal intensity of PM2.5 effect on tuberculosis at provincial level and demonstrated that PM2.5 had a positive effect on tuberculosis incidence. Then, DLNM estimation demonstrated that the PM2.5 exposure driven tuberculosis risk was concentration- and time-dependent in a nonlinear manner. This result still held in the multi-pollutant model. Conclusions: Causal inference showed that PM2.5 exposure driving tuberculosis, which showing a concentration gradient change. Air pollutant control may have potential public health benefit of decreasing tuberculosis burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) is an economical marine fish consumed in China. Theaflavins have antibacterial and antioxidant properties. However, there is a lack of research into their application in large yellow croakers during refrigerated storage. This study investigated the effect of theaflavins on the quality of large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) during 12 days of storage at 4 °C. RESULTS: The results showed that theaflavin treatment was able to inhibit microbial growth and reduce the production of total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N). Meanwhile, theaflavins were beneficial in reducing the unfolding of myofibrillar proteins, decreasing the degree of protein aggregation, and improving the stability of protein structure. The degree of protein oxidation was lower in a theaflavin‐treated group compared with an untreated group. Theaflavin treatment effectively inhibited increases in acid value (AV), peroxide value (PV), and malonaldehyde (MDA) content. The effect of theaflavin was positively correlated with an increase in concentration under refrigeration conditions. This study therefore suggests that the use of theaflavins is a viable method for extending the period for which refrigerated large yellow croaker can be preserved. CONCLUSIONS: Adding theaflavins to large yellow croaker can be an effective method for preserving quality during refrigerated storage. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article considers a finite‐time sampled‐data output feedback stabilization problem for a class of feed‐forward non‐holonomic systems. Due to that the states of the focused system are unavailable, a reduced‐order observer is designed to estimate the unavailable states with the sampled output detection of the non‐holonomic system, and two finite‐time sampled‐data stabilizers are respectively constructed by combining the backstepping and adding a power integral techniques. Based on the stepped and switching control strategies, the corresponding closed‐loop system can be globally finite‐time stable by the constructed stabilizers with allowable design constants and sampling period, and this can be proved by choosing an appropriate Lyapunov function candidate. In the end, two simulation examples, which include a numerical and a practical examples, are provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed finite‐time stabilization method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Understanding geospatial impacts of multi-sourced influencing factors on the epidemic of hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) is of great significance for formulating disease control policies tailored to regional-specific needs, yet the knowledge is very limited. We aim to identify and further quantify the spatiotemporal heterogeneous effects of environmental and socioeconomic factors on HFMD dynamics. Methods: We collected monthly province-level HFMD incidence and related environmental and socioeconomic data in China during 2009–2018. Hierarchical Bayesian models were constructed to investigate the spatiotemporal relationships between regional HFMD and various covariates: linear and nonlinear effects for environmental covariates, and linear effects for socioeconomic covariates. Results: The spatiotemporal distribution of HFMD cases was highly heterogeneous, indicated by the Lorenz curves and the corresponding Gini indices. The peak time (R2 = 0.65, P = 0.009), annual amplitude (R2 = 0.94, P<0.001), and semi-annual periodicity contribution (R2 = 0.88, P<0.001) displayed marked latitudinal gradients in Central China region. The most likely cluster areas for HFMD were located in south China (Guangdong, Guangxi, Hunan, Hainan) from April 2013 to October 2017. The Bayesian models achieved the best predictive performance (R2 = 0.87, P<0.001). We found significant nonlinear associations between monthly average temperature, relative humidity, normalized difference vegetation index and HFMD transmission. Besides, population density (RR = 1.261; 95%CI, 1.169–1.353), birth rate (RR = 1.058; 95%CI, 1.025–1.090), real GDP per capita (RR = 1.163; 95%CI, 1.033–1.310) and school vacation (RR = 0.507; 95%CI, 0.459–0.559) were identified to have positive or negative effects on HFMD respectively. Our model could successfully predict months with HFMD outbreaks versus non-outbreaks in provinces of China from Jan 2009 to Dec 2018. Conclusions: Our study highlights the importance of refined spatial and temporal data, as well as environmental and socioeconomic information, on HFMD transmission dynamics. The spatiotemporal analysis framework may provide insights into adjusting regional interventions to local conditions and temporal variations in broader natural and social sciences. Author summary: Hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) is one of the most common pediatric infectious diseases worldwide and it has affected up to two million children annually in China since 2008. This study used Bayesian spatiotemporal modeling to analyze provincial-level HFMD cases, environmental and socioeconomic data during 2009–2018. We found that both environmental (temperature, relative humidity and normalized difference vegetation index) and socioeconomic covariates (population density, birth rate, real GDP per capita and school vacation) are associated with HFMD occurrence under spatiotemporal scales. This model may help to (1) identify outbreaks of HFMD, including their timing, location and severity; (2) understand the transmission dynamics by mapping the spread of HFMD over time and space; (3) indicate areas of higher risk or the emergence of new outbreaks by detecting clusters of HFMD cases in specific geographic locations. Overall, this study provides valuable information for public health decision-makers and researchers, allowing them to better understand the spread of the disease and target their efforts more efficiently to control its transmission and prevent outbreaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Retinoblastoma (RB) is frequently occurring malignant tumors that originate in the retina, and their exact cause and development mechanisms are yet to be fully comprehended. In this study, we identified possible biomarkers for RB and delved into the molecular mechanics linked with such markers. Methods: In this study GSE110811 and GSE24673 were analyzed. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was applied to screen modules and genes associated with RB. By overlapping RB-related module genes with differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between RB and control samples, differentially expressed retinoblastoma genes (DERBGs) were acquired. A gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and a kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis were conducted to explore the functions of these DERBGs. To study the protein interactions of DERBGs, a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed. Hub DERBGs were screened using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis, as well as the random forest (RF) algorithm. Additionally, the diagnostic performance of RF and LASSO methods was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and single-gene gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was conducted to explore the potential molecular mechanisms involved with these Hub DERBGs. In addition, the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network of Hub DERBGs was constructed. Result: About 133 DERBGs were found to be associated with RB. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses revealed that the important pathways of these DERBGs. Furthermore, the PPI network revealed 82 DERBGs interacting with each other. By RF and LASSO methods, PDE8B, ESRRB, and SPRY2 were identified as Hub DERBGs in patients with RB. From the expression assessment of Hub DERBGs, it was found that the levels of expression of PDE8B, ESRRB, and SPRY2 were significantly decreased in the tissues of RB tumors. Secondly, single-gene GSEA revealed a connection between these 3 Hub DERBGs and oocyte meiosis, cell cycle, and spliceosome. Finally, the ceRNA regulatory network revealed that hsa-miR-342-3p, hsa-miR-146b-5p, hsa-miR-665, and hsa-miR-188-5p may play a central role in the disease. Conclusion: Hub DERBGs may provide new insight into RB diagnosis and treatment based on the understanding of disease pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought is a worldwide problem seriously influencing sugarcane (Saccharum L. spp. hybrids) production. The long-term domestication and selective breeding in artificial environments may have reduced the drought resistance of sugarcane. The objective of this study was to determine drought tolerance in a 138-genotype of elite sugarcane hybrids using the membership function value of drought tolerance (MFVD). Based on the drought-tolerant coefficient (DC) of four yield traits (biomass, stalk weight, stalk diameter and stalk height) and bud survival rate (SR) at different growth stage under well-watered (WW) and water-stressed (WS) conditions. As expected, genotype means decreased for all five traits with WS, and the decrease of biomass, stalk weight, stalk diameter, stalk height and bud survival rate (SR) was ≥ 24%. The broad sense heritability of five morphological traits (B, SW, SH, SD and SR) was relatively high. Correlation coefficients analysis revealed that the MFVD was significantly positively correlated with the DCB, DCSW, DCSH and DCSD at the growth stage and SR at the seedling stage. Results indicated that these characters were closely related to the drought resistance of sugarcane. Regression models built based on MFVD indicated that the variation of drought tolerant coefficient of 4 traits at the growth stage and SR at the seeding stage could explain the total variation. Thus, these five traits could be used as drought resistance indicators for screening drought resistance cultivars in sugarcane. The MFVD based on the DC of each yield traits and SR indicated that ten out of the138 sugarcane hybrids had high drought resistance, while 14 genotypes were highly susceptible to the drought, which can be used as ideal experimental materials to study the mechanism of sugarcane genotypes with contrasting drought sensitivities in response to drought stress. Our results help to fill the knowledge gap regarding to the sugarcane production under stress, shed light on sugarcane drought tolerance and provided useful information to the sugarcane breeders and producers which could be used in variety selecting and developing for dry prone regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we interpret the newly observed η 1 (1855) resonance with exotic J P C = 1 − + quantum numbers in the I = 0 sector, reported by the BESIII Collaboration, as a dynamically generated state from the interaction between the lightest pseudoscalar mesons and axial-vector mesons. The interaction is derived from the lowest order chiral Lagrangian from which the Weinberg–Tomozawa term is obtained, describing the transition amplitudes among the relevant channels, which are then unitarized using the Bethe–Salpeter equation, according to the chiral unitary approach. We evaluate the η 1 (1855) decays into the η η ′ and K K ¯ * π channels and find that the latter has a larger branching fraction. We also investigate its SU(3) partners, and according to our findings, the π 1 (1400) and π 1 (1600) structures may correspond to dynamically generated states, with the former one coupled mostly to the b 1 π component and the latter one coupled to the K 1 (1270) K ¯ channel. In particular, our result for the ratio Γ (π 1 (1600) → f 1 (1285) π) / Γ (π 1 (1600) → η ′ π) is consistent with the measured value, which supports our interpretation for the higher π 1 state. We also report two poles with a mass about 1.7 GeV in the I = 1 / 2 sector, which may be responsible for the K * (1680) . We suggest searching for two additional η 1 exotic mesons with masses around 1.4 and 1.7 GeV. In particular, the predicted η 1 (1700) is expected to have a width around 0.1 GeV and can decay easily into K K ¯ π π . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Germplasm innovation can provide materials for breeding sugarcane cultivars. Saccharum officinarum is the main source of high-sugar and high-yield genes in sugarcane breeding. 'Nobilization' is the theoretical basis for exploiting S. officinarum , and S. officinarum authenticity directly affects sugarcane nobility breeding efficiency. Herein, the authenticity of 22 SLC-series S. officinarum clones imported from Sri Lanka and preserved in the China National Germplasm Repository of Sugarcane (NGRS) was explored by four-primer amplification-arrested mutation PCR (ARMS PCR) and somatic chromosome number counting. The amplified bands from SLC 08 120 and SLC 08 131 were the same with those from S. officinarum clone Badila, i.e. a common band of 428 bp and a S. officinarum -specific band of 278 bp, hence they were tentatively assigned as S. officinarum clones. The other 20 SLC clones had both 278 bp (S. officinarum -specific) and 203 bp (S. spontaneum -specific) bands, which are hybrid characteristics. In addition, the chromosome numbers of SLC 08 120 and SLC 08 131 are both 80, belong to typical S. officinarum. While the chromosome numbers of the other 20 materials are ranging from 101 to 129, consistent with hybrids of S. officinarum and S. spontaneum. This molecular cytological characterization indicates that among the 22 introduced SLC-series clones, only two, SLC 08 120 and SLC 08 131, were S. officinarum. Future agronomic trait and resistance analyses could facilitate their use as crossing parents in sugarcane breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contribution of this investigation lies in solving a sampled‐data output feedback stabilization problem for a class of upper‐triangular stochastic nonlinear systems in p$$ p $$‐normal structure with unavailable states and uncertain time‐varying input delay. A reduced‐order observer with the available sampled output detection is developed for the focused system to estimate its unavailable states, and under such observer, a sampled‐data output feedback stabilizer is constructed by combining the backstepping and adding a power integral techniques. Through selecting the appropriate Lyapunov–Krasovskii functionals, we can demonstrate that the adverse influences caused by the uncertain time‐varying delays in the resulting closed‐loop system can be restricted effectively by the constructed stabilizer, and further, by following the stochastic differential theories, the global stability of the considered resulting closed‐loop system can be analyzed under the suitable design parameters and allowable sampling period. Finally, two examples are given to verify the effectiveness of the proposed control method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protein–protein interaction (PPI) plays an important role in biological processes such as signal transduction, immune response and membrane transport, etc. In this work, a protein sequence-based machine learning model, SeBPPI, to predict protein–protein binding was proposed. In this model, the descriptors were generated from three pre-trained models: Unirep, ESM and TAPE. The performance of SeBPPI with these pre-trained models was evaluated on several different test datasets. The accuracy of our binary prediction model shows improvement over the existing methods. We also compared the performance of two classification heads: The Recurrent convolution neural network (RCNN) and the fully connected neural network (FNN) and found that the use of RCNN is beneficial for the overall improvement in the accuracy of the model. This study helps to improve the accuracy in sequence-based protein–protein binding predictions. The model used in this work is integrated in the web server http://www.icdrug.com/ICDrug/SeBPPI. In this paper, a sequence-based protein-protein binding predictor was proposed. This machine learning model combined the RCNN model and the pre-trained models. Comparison between other machine learning models illustrated the SeBPPI model was a powerful tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article focuses on the sampled‐data output feedback stabilization for a class of upper‐triangular nonlinear systems with input delay and p$$ p $$‐normal structure, a reduced‐order observer with the detected sampled output measurement is constructed to evaluate the unavailable states of the considered system, and the backstepping method with adding a power integral technique are adopted to construct the sampled‐data output feedback stabilizer. By selecting a suitable Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional, we can demonstrate that the adverse effects caused by the uncertain input delay can be effectively constrained, and the resulting closed‐loop system with appropriate design constants and allowable sampling period can reach globally stable. Finally, two simulation examples are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the collaboration between the Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO) and the American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) to formulate the published pain management guideline. Topics include purpose of the guideline, recommendations by the Society for Acupuncture Research (SAR) on acupuncture, and importance of effective dissemination and implementation of the guideline.

Background: Methamphetamine (METH) abuse causes serious health problems, including injury to the immune system, leading to increased incidence of infections and even making withdrawal more difficult. Of course, immune cells, an important part of the immune system, are also injured in methamphetamine abuse. However, due to different research models and the lack of bioinformatics, the mechanism of METH injury to immune cells has not been clarified. Methods: We examined the response of three common immune cell lines, namely Jurkat, NK-92 and THP-1 cell lines, to methamphetamine by cell viability and apoptosis assay in vitro, and examined their response patterns at the mRNA level by RNA-sequencing. Differential expression analysis of two conditions (control and METH treatment) in three types of immune cells was performed using the DESeq2 R package (1.20.0). And some of the differentially expressed genes were verified by qPCR. We performed Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis of differentially expressed genes by the clusterProfiler R package (3.14.3). And gene enrichment analysis was also performed using MetaScape (www.metascape.org). Results: The viability of the three immune cells was differentially affected by methamphetamine, and the rate of NK-cell apoptosis was significantly increased. At the mRNA level, we found disorders of cholesterol metabolism in Jurkat cells, activation of ERK1 and ERK2 cascade in NK-92 cells, and disruption of calcium transport channels in THP-1 cells. In addition, all three cells showed changes in the phospholipid metabolic process. Conclusions: The results suggest that both innate and adaptive immune cells are affected by METH abuse, and there may be commonalities between different immune cells at the transcriptome level. These results provide new insights into the potential effects by which METH injures the immune cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently the LHCb Collaboration has observed a new pentaquark state, the P c (4337) + . Owing to its proximity to the χ c 0 (1 S) p , D ¯ ∗ Λ c , D ¯ Σ c and D ¯ Σ c ∗ thresholds, this new pentaquark might very well be a meson–baryon bound state. However its spin and parity have not been determined yet and none of the previous possibilities can be ruled out.We briefly explore a few of these options and the consequences they entail in the present manuscript: (i) the P c (4337) + might be a χ c 0 (1 S) p bound state, (ii) the P c (4312) + and P c (4337) + might be D ¯ ∗ Λ c and D ¯ Σ c states close to threshold, respectively, where the Breit–Wigner mass might not correspond to the location of the poles, (iii) the locations of the P c (4312) + and P c (4337) + might be explained in terms of the D ¯ ∗ Λ c - D ¯ Σ c and D ¯ ∗ Λ c - D ¯ Σ c ∗ coupled channel dynamics. This last option, though not the most probable explanation, is still potentially compatible with the double peak solution of the P cs (4459) 0 and with what we know of the P c (4312) + . As a byproduct of the previous explorations, we conjecture the existence of a series of anticharmed meson – antitriplet charmed baryon bound states and calculate their masses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a stabilization achievement for a switched nonlinear time-delay system through output-feedback control under the sampled-data and global senses. An observer with the sampled output measurement is constructed to evaluate the unavailable states, and then a controller formed from the sampled observer states is given. For the stability analysis, a merging virtual switching signal (MVSS) is created to express the asynchronous switching mechanism in the resultant closed-loop system. Through designating a positive-definite function as the Lyapunov function candidate, a proof is conducted to reveal that global stability can be ensured for the considered systems which work under the time-varying delay case and the developed sampled-data controller with a switching restriction. Finally, two examples are provided in this article to indicate the given control strategy usefulness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Designing a crosslinking strategy for tailoring high-value agricultural residues. • A type of amphoteric agricultural residues-based porous adsorbent was tailored. • The adsorbent possessed abundant amphoteric sites and developed micropore. • The adsorbent could completely remove multiple heavy metal ions within 10 min. • The adsorbents can be applied in groundwater and soil remediation. Converting agricultural residues into environmentally friendly adsorbents to address the problem of low removal efficiency of low-concentration heavy metal ions is an effective strategy for high-value utilization of agricultural residues. Herein, a simple general strategy is proposed for constructing amphoteric agricultural residues-based porous adsorbents by forming anisotropic cross-linked structures at the heterogeneous interface of agricultural residue, coconut shell carbon, and polyethyleneimine. This green preparation strategy can be widely adapted to agricultural residues with hydroxyl structures, such as bagasse fiber, corn cob, and peanut shell, to prepare high-performance adsorbents with high densities of amphoteric adsorption sites (The density of amino and carboxyl groups was 3.44 mmol·g−1 and 3.64 mmol·g−1) while maintaining a developed microporous structure (BET specific surface area of 760.68 m2·g−1), the reactant conversion rate was higher than 99 %. Interestingly, the synergistic effect of abundant amphoteric functional groups and developed microporous structures enabled the adsorbents to completely remove Cr(VI), Cu(II), Pb(II), and Cd(II) from water within 10 min, which exhibited a promising synchronous removal efficiency for multiple heavy metal ions. It provides a reference for the remediation of heavy metals contaminated groundwater and soil by agricultural residues-based adsorbent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a common malignancy the pathogenesis of which is terribly complicated and remains largely unclear. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a group of endogenous RNA molecules that are involved in various malignant processes. In this study, we explored the roles of lncRNA Human leukocyte antigen complex group 11 (HCG11) in LUAD. Our data revealed that lncRNA HCG11 expression was downregulated in LUAD, which was modulated by the hypermethylation of HCG11 promoter and Methyltransferase Like 14 (METTL14) mediated N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification. The m6A modification of HCG11 promoted its nuclear exportation and binding by Insulin Like Growth Factor 2 MRNA Binding Protein 2 (IGF2BP2), resulting in increased stability. HCG11 could recruit IGF2BP2 to target Large Tumor Suppressor Kinase 1 (LATS1) mRNA to enhance the stability and promote the expression of LATS1. HCG11 served as a tumor suppressor to restrain tumor growth in LUAD by regulating LATS1. In summary, this study demonstrated that HCG11 mediated by METTL14 inhibited the growth of lung adenocarcinoma via IGF2BP2/LATS1. [Display omitted] • HCG11 is decreased in LUAD and regulated by METTL14 mediated m6A modification. • IGF2BP2 modulates HCG11 stability depending on METTL14 mediated m6A modification. • HCG11 recruits IGF2BP2 to target LATS1 mRNA to raise LATS1 expression. • HCG11 suppresses LUAD growth via LATS1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The observation of the P cs (4459) by the LHCb collaboration adds a new member to the set of known hidden-charm pentaquarks, which includes the P c (4312) , P c (4440) and P c (4457) . The P cs (4459) is expected to have the light-quark content of a Λ baryon ( I = 0 , S = - 1 ), but its spin is unknown. Its closeness to the D ¯ ∗ Ξ c threshold – 4478 MeV in the isospin-symmetric limit – suggests the molecular hypothesis as a plausible explanation for the P cs (4459) . While in the absence of coupled-channel dynamics heavy-quark spin symmetry predicts the two spin-states of the D ¯ ∗ Ξ c to be degenerate, power counting arguments indicate that the coupling with the nearby D ¯ Ξ c ′ and D ¯ Ξ c ∗ channels might be a leading order effect. This generates a hyperfine splitting in which the J = 3 2 D ¯ ∗ Ξ c pentaquark will be lighter than the J = 1 2 configuration, which we estimate to be of the order of 5 - 15 MeV . We also point out an accidental symmetry between the P cs (4459) and P c (4440 / 4457) potentials. Finally, we argue that the spectroscopy and the J / ψ Λ decays of the P cs (4459) might suggest a marginal preference for J = 3 2 over J = 1 2 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Choroideraemia (CHM) is a rare X-linked progressive-inherited retinal disease. In this study, we diagnosed and explored the genetic cause in a Chinese pedigree exhibiting nyctalopia and decreased visual acuity in early life. Clinical data and peripheral blood samples were collected from available family members. Sanger sequencing of RPGR and RP2 genes, and subsequently whole-exome sequencing was carried out to investigate the molecular cause. The proband was initially diagnosed as retinitis pigmentosa and experienced night blindness at an early age and decreased visual acuity in teens. The other affected males in this family suffered from the same problem. Direct sequencing failed to reveal the genetic cause and hence a novel hemizygous mutation c.861_862insGCTT was detected by WES in CHM gene resulting in a premature stop codon and a truncated protein. Subsequently, it was confirmed by Sanger sequencing and co-segregation analysis. We describe a novel mutation c.861_862insGCTT in CHM gene in a Chinese pedigree with choroideraemia. Our study emphasizes the utilization of next-generation sequencing in the diagnosis and genetic analysis of retinal diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This investigation focuses on the sampled‐data output feedback consensus problem for a class of second‐order nonlinear multi‐agent systems with uncertain time‐varying control coefficient and input unmodeled dynamics. In the considered multi‐agent system, the nonlinearities are more stronger than those under the Lipschitz condition, and the existence of the uncertain time‐varying control coefficient causes the invalidation of the full‐order observer. Under such situation, the reduced‐order observers are designed, and the filters are introduced to handle the uncertainties of the input unmodeled dynamics. By adopting the backstepping method, the sampled‐data consensus protocols are developed, and by selecting an appropriate Lyapunov function candidate, we can demonstrate that the practical leader‐following consensus can be achieved for the considered multi‐agent system by the developed protocols with the suitable design constants and an allowable sampling period. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed consensus method is illustrated by two simulation examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article devotes a practical finite‐time sampled‐data output consensus investigation for a class of nonlinear multiagent systems with unavailable velocities and undirected topology via output feedback. Noticing that the focused multiagent system features nonlinearities with non‐Lipschitz restriction, and the outputs of the agents are detectable only at the sampling instants, a reduced‐order observer with the sampled output measurement is established for each follower to evaluate the unavailable velocity, and the distributed finite‐time sampled‐data consensus protocols, which are constructed by the established reduced‐order observer as well as the sampled output measurement of the agents, are developed by combining the techniques of adding a power integral and backstepping. By selecting a suitable Lyapunov function candidate, we can verify that the developed sampled‐data consensus protocols which work under the allowable sampling period and the appropriate design parameters can solve the considered practical finite‐time output consensus problem. Finally, two simulation examples, include a numerical and an engineering simulations, are provided to reveal the effectiveness and availability of the proposed consensus scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Maize/legume intercropping leads to overyielding and maintains soil nutrients. Rhizobium inoculation in maize/legume intercropping enhances soil nitrogen; however, its effects on overyielding and other soil nutrients in long-term intercropping systems is not well understood.We conducted a split-split-plot experiment with three factors in northwest China since 2009. The main plot treatments were without or with rhizobium inoculation in faba bean (-Rhizobium, +Rhizobium), while the sub-plot treatments were five nitrogen-application rates and the sub-sub-plot treatments were cropping system (monocultures of faba bean, maize and faba bean/maize intercropping). During 2018-2020, we measured the yield, soil nutrients in the 0-20 cm topsoil, calculated biodiversity effects, and quantified interspecific interaction of intercropping using the relative interaction index.The grain yields in intercropping with treatments of -Rhizobium and + Rhizobium increased by 8.9% and 32%, respectively, compared with the corresponding weighted means of monocultures. Rhizobium inoculation increased the land-equivalent ratio at high nitrogen application. The combination of rhizobium inoculation and nitrogen application significantly enhanced the complementarity effect and relative interaction index of maize. With rhizobium inoculation, intercropping increased the soil Olsen P concentration by 13.9-59.9%, compared with the corresponding weighted means of monocultures which may be associated with interspecific facilitation, indicated by relative interaction index of maize.Our study shows that rhizobium inoculation increased yield advantages and soil Olsen P concentration via enhanced interspecific facilitation of faba bean on maize in the intercropping system. Rhizobium inoculation can be used as an efficient strategy to enhance the benefits of intercropping, especially in low-fertility soil.Methods: Maize/legume intercropping leads to overyielding and maintains soil nutrients. Rhizobium inoculation in maize/legume intercropping enhances soil nitrogen; however, its effects on overyielding and other soil nutrients in long-term intercropping systems is not well understood.We conducted a split-split-plot experiment with three factors in northwest China since 2009. The main plot treatments were without or with rhizobium inoculation in faba bean (-Rhizobium, +Rhizobium), while the sub-plot treatments were five nitrogen-application rates and the sub-sub-plot treatments were cropping system (monocultures of faba bean, maize and faba bean/maize intercropping). During 2018-2020, we measured the yield, soil nutrients in the 0-20 cm topsoil, calculated biodiversity effects, and quantified interspecific interaction of intercropping using the relative interaction index.The grain yields in intercropping with treatments of -Rhizobium and + Rhizobium increased by 8.9% and 32%, respectively, compared with the corresponding weighted means of monocultures. Rhizobium inoculation increased the land-equivalent ratio at high nitrogen application. The combination of rhizobium inoculation and nitrogen application significantly enhanced the complementarity effect and relative interaction index of maize. With rhizobium inoculation, intercropping increased the soil Olsen P concentration by 13.9-59.9%, compared with the corresponding weighted means of monocultures which may be associated with interspecific facilitation, indicated by relative interaction index of maize.Our study shows that rhizobium inoculation increased yield advantages and soil Olsen P concentration via enhanced interspecific facilitation of faba bean on maize in the intercropping system. Rhizobium inoculation can be used as an efficient strategy to enhance the benefits of intercropping, especially in low-fertility soil.Results: Maize/legume intercropping leads to overyielding and maintains soil nutrients. Rhizobium inoculation in maize/legume intercropping enhances soil nitrogen; however, its effects on overyielding and other soil nutrients in long-term intercropping systems is not well understood.We conducted a split-split-plot experiment with three factors in northwest China since 2009. The main plot treatments were without or with rhizobium inoculation in faba bean (-Rhizobium, +Rhizobium), while the sub-plot treatments were five nitrogen-application rates and the sub-sub-plot treatments were cropping system (monocultures of faba bean, maize and faba bean/maize intercropping). During 2018-2020, we measured the yield, soil nutrients in the 0-20 cm topsoil, calculated biodiversity effects, and quantified interspecific interaction of intercropping using the relative interaction index.The grain yields in intercropping with treatments of -Rhizobium and + Rhizobium increased by 8.9% and 32%, respectively, compared with the corresponding weighted means of monocultures. Rhizobium inoculation increased the land-equivalent ratio at high nitrogen application. The combination of rhizobium inoculation and nitrogen application significantly enhanced the complementarity effect and relative interaction index of maize. With rhizobium inoculation, intercropping increased the soil Olsen P concentration by 13.9-59.9%, compared with the corresponding weighted means of monocultures which may be associated with interspecific facilitation, indicated by relative interaction index of maize.Our study shows that rhizobium inoculation increased yield advantages and soil Olsen P concentration via enhanced interspecific facilitation of faba bean on maize in the intercropping system. Rhizobium inoculation can be used as an efficient strategy to enhance the benefits of intercropping, especially in low-fertility soil.Conclusions: Maize/legume intercropping leads to overyielding and maintains soil nutrients. Rhizobium inoculation in maize/legume intercropping enhances soil nitrogen; however, its effects on overyielding and other soil nutrients in long-term intercropping systems is not well understood.We conducted a split-split-plot experiment with three factors in northwest China since 2009. The main plot treatments were without or with rhizobium inoculation in faba bean (-Rhizobium, +Rhizobium), while the sub-plot treatments were five nitrogen-application rates and the sub-sub-plot treatments were cropping system (monocultures of faba bean, maize and faba bean/maize intercropping). During 2018-2020, we measured the yield, soil nutrients in the 0-20 cm topsoil, calculated biodiversity effects, and quantified interspecific interaction of intercropping using the relative interaction index.The grain yields in intercropping with treatments of -Rhizobium and + Rhizobium increased by 8.9% and 32%, respectively, compared with the corresponding weighted means of monocultures. Rhizobium inoculation increased the land-equivalent ratio at high nitrogen application. The combination of rhizobium inoculation and nitrogen application significantly enhanced the complementarity effect and relative interaction index of maize. With rhizobium inoculation, intercropping increased the soil Olsen P concentration by 13.9-59.9%, compared with the corresponding weighted means of monocultures which may be associated with interspecific facilitation, indicated by relative interaction index of maize.Our study shows that rhizobium inoculation increased yield advantages and soil Olsen P concentration via enhanced interspecific facilitation of faba bean on maize in the intercropping system. Rhizobium inoculation can be used as an efficient strategy to enhance the benefits of intercropping, especially in low-fertility soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nature of the P c (4312) , P c (4440) and P c (4457) pentaquarks is a fascinating theoretical question. Within the molecular picture their more usual interpretation is that of I = 1 2 D ¯ Σ c and D ¯ ⁎ Σ c bound states. Here we argue in favor of interpreting the P c (4457) pentaquark as a I = 3 2 D ¯ ⁎ Σ c bound state (with spin J = 1 2) instead. Owing to isospin symmetry breaking effects, with this identification the partial decay width of the P c (4457) + into J / ψ p will be of the same order of magnitude as the P c (4312) + and P c (4440) + , in contrast with the considerably larger partial decay width in the I = 1 2 scenario. In turn, this leads to a different hidden-charm molecular pentaquark spectrum, in which there are only four or five P ψ N bound states instead of the usual seven, which might explain why the predicted J = 1 2 and 3 2 (I = 1 2) D ¯ ⁎ Σ c ⁎ molecular partners of the P c (4312) and P c (4440) have not been observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introns are highly variable in number and size. Sequence simulation is an effective method to elucidate intron evolution patterns. Previously, we have reported that introns are more likely to evolve through mutation-and-deletion (MD) rather than through mutation-and-insertion (MI). In the present study, we further studied evolution models by allowing insertion in the MD model and by allowing deletion in the MI model at various frequencies. It was found that all deletion-biased models with proper parameter settings could generate sequences with attributes matchable to 16 invertebrate introns from the microphthalmia transcription factor gene, whereas all insertion-biased models with any parameter settings failed to generate such sequences. We conclude that the examined invertebrate introns may have evolved from a longer ancestral sequence in a deletion-biased pattern. The constructed models are useful for studying the evolution of introns from other genes and/or from other taxonomic groups. (C++ scripts of all deletion- and insertion-biased models are available upon request.) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Z+-numbers, which carry more information than Z-numbers, are studied in this paper. Based on existed models, two more scientific and reasonable probability models of Z+-numbers are developed. In order to utilize Z+-numbers to solve practical problems, the α-cut set of Z+-numbers and corresponding utility function are proposed. Meanwhile, according to the structure of Z+-numbers, the entropy, cross-entropy and comprehensive cross-entropy are introduced to measure the uncertainty and fuzziness of Z+-numbers information. Furthermore, a linear programming model based on proposed three kinds of entropy is designed to obtain the weight vector of criteria in decision-making problems. Finally, we provide an example by selecting an optimal design of electricity vehicles charge station(DEVCS) combined the PROMETHEE method with Z+-numbers, and the feasibility of the proposed method are verified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The LHCb collaboration recently reported the observation of a narrow peak in the D - K + invariant mass distributions from the B + → D + D - K + decay. The peak is parameterized in terms of two resonances X 0 (2900) and X 1 (2900) with the quark contents c ¯ s ¯ u d , and their spin-parity quantum numbers are 0 + and 1 - , respectively. We investigate the rescattering processes which may contribute to the B + → D + D - K + decays. It is shown that the D ∗ - K ∗ + rescattering via the χ c 1 K ∗ + D ∗ - loop and the D ¯ 1 0 K 0 rescattering via the D sJ + D ¯ 1 0 K 0 loop can simulate the X 0 (2900) and X 1 (2900) with consistent quantum numbers. Such phenomena are due to the analytical property of the scattering amplitudes with the triangle singularities located to the vicinity of the physical boundary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Miniature/micro-drilling of holes is increasingly utilized in manufacturing. While non-conventional machining methods (laser and spark erosion) were applied successfully for micro-drilling, mechanical drilling still of interest to industry due to its unmatched geometrical accuracy. However, tool wear and burr formation would hinder the economics of mechanical drilling supremacy. Hence, the need for understanding of tool wear, burr formation and cutting forces progression with process variables is a step towards comprehensive modelling of micro-drilling mechanics and subsequent enhanced process economics. The current research details experimental trials involving mechanical drilling of steel 1008/CR4 using twin-fluted twist drills of diameters 0.5, 1 and 1.5 mm. Full factorial design of experiments was utilized, and analysis of variance was accomplished to study the effects of feed rate and tool diameter (each of them at 3 levels) on tool flank wear and drilled hole quality. Entry and exit burr heights were increased by 80–150% when tool diameter and feed rate were two times higher. Progression of tool flank wear and usage of bigger tool diameter conversely reduced hole surface roughness. In addition, tool flank wear was increased when reducing of feed rate and using larger tool diameter. Catastrophic failure of 0.5-mm-diameter tool was noticed (after drilling of 46 holes at high feed rate level and after drilling of 97 holes at low feed levels) due to chip packing/jamming in the insufficient flute area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Interact partners of Sorcin in cancer and in other diseases. • The function of Sorcin. • The role of Sorcin. Sorcin (Soluble resistance-related calcium binding protein) is a calcium binding oncoprotein. Sorcin is overexpressed in several human tumors and cancer cells lines which confers multidrug resistance (MDR) to these cells. This review summarizes the biochemical functions of Sorcin which includes modulation of calcium homeostasis, apoptosis, and cancer metastasis. Sorcin is involved in various biological processes by interacting with other proteins, such as p‐glycoprotein, programmed cell death protein 6, tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated protein 1, Annexin A7, polo-like kinase 1, HCV nonstructural 5A, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, presenilin 2, α–synuclein, Ca2+-release channel and others. A deeper look into the function and interacting partners of Sorcin sheds more light on the possible effects of its physical activity and more elaborately, exploring the role of Sorcin in future research prospects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The expensive tissue hypothesis predicts a trade-off between investments in the brain and other energetically costly organs due to the costs associated with their growth and maintenance within the finite energy resources available. However, few studies address the strength of relationships between brain size and investments in precopulatory (ornaments and armaments) and postcopulatory (testes and ejaculates) sexual traits. Here, in a broad comparative study, we tested the prediction that the relationship between brain size and investment in sexual traits differs among taxa relative to the importance of sperm competition within them. We found that brain size was negatively correlated with sexual size dimorphism (SSD) in anurans and primates, and it tended to decrease with SSD in ungulates and cetaceans. However, brain size did not covary significantly with armaments (e.g., canine length, horn, antler, and muscle mass). Brain size was not correlated with postcopulatory sexual traits (testes and ejaculates). The intensity of covariance between brain size and precopulatory sexual traits decreased with increasing relative testis size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates a global practical stabilisation problem of a class of switched nonlinear systems via sampled-data control, where all the subsystems are assumed to be in non-strict feedback form and all the z 0 -subsystems are not required to be input-to-state stable. Since the system states are unmeasurable and the output can only be measured at the sampling instants, an observer is designed to estimate the state. By adopting the multiple Lyapunov function method and the backstepping technique, a virtual controller is constructed, then a sampled-data controller is obtained by discretizing the designed virtual controller. With appropriate choice of a switching law and an allowable sampling period, it is proved that the designed sampled-data controller renders the corresponding closed-loop system to be globally practically stable. Finally, two examples are presented to illustrate effectiveness of the proposed methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Esophagogastric variceal bleeding (EVB) is one of the common digestive system emergencies with poor prognosis and high rate of rebleeding after treatment. To explore the effects of endoscopic therapy and drug therapy on the prognosis and rebleeding of patients with EVB, and then select better treatment methods to effectively improve the prognosis. From January 2013 to December 2022, 965 patients with EVB who were hospitalized in gastroenterology Department of the 940 Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Forces of PLA were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into endoscopic treatment group (ET, n = 586) and drug treatment group (DT, n = 379). Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was performed in both groups, and the general information, efficacy and length of hospital stay were recorded. The patients were followed up for 3 months after bleeding control to determine whether rebleeding occurred. There were 286 cases in each group after PSM. Compared with DT group, ET had higher treatment success rate (P < 0.001), lower rebleeding rate (P < 0.001), lower mortality rate within 3 months, and no significant difference in total hospital stay (P > 0.05). Compared with drug therapy, endoscopic treatment of EVB has short-term efficacy advantages, and can effectively reduce the incidence of rebleeding and mortality within 3 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The outbreak of COVID-19 has brought great threat to human health. Its causative agent is a severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus which has been officially named SARS-CoV-2. Here we report the discovery of extremely low CG abundance in its open reading frames. We found that CG reduction in SARS-CoV-2 is achieved mainly through mutating C/G into A/T, and CG is the best target for mutation. Meanwhile, 5′-untranslated region of SARS-CoV-2 has high CG content and is capable of forming an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) to recruit host ribosome for translating its RNA. These features allow SARS-CoV-2 to reproduce efficiently in host cells, because less energy is consumed in disrupting the stem-loops formed by its genomic RNA. Notably, genomes of cellular organisms also have very low CG abundance, suggesting that mutating C/G into A/T occurs universally in all life forms. Moreover, CG is the dinucleotide related to CpG island, mutational hotspot and single nucleotide polymorphism in cellular organisms. The relationship between these features is worthy of further investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of nectar-providing plants to nourish natural enemies of pest species has become a widely-used approach in conservation biological control to reduce pest damage without the indiscriminate use of insecticides. Choice of plant species is crucial to maximize benefits, but suitable species are yet to be identified for many important crop-pest systems. Here we explored the suitability of three candidate nectar plants for use in brassica vegetables to suppress the globally significant pest, Plutella xylostella L. (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), using the widely-distributed parasitoid, Cotesia vestalis (Haliday) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). Volatiles of alyssum (Lobularia maritima (L.) Desv) (Brassicaceae) were attractive to the parasitoid and access to flowering shoots increased adult longevity and realized fecundity of C. vestalis. Moreover, adult diamondback moth derived no benefit from this flower. In contrast, buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) (Polygonaceae), a species widely used in conservation biological control in other systems, increased the longevity and fecundity of both pest and parasitoid, rendering it less suitable. A third plant, heronsbill (Portulaca grandiflora Hook.) (Portulacaceae) denied benefit to the pest and promoted longevity of the parasitoid under no-choice conditions but did not improve fecundity and was repellent to female parasitoids under choice conditions. The contrasting effects of this set of plants illustrate the need to test multiple response variables and effects on both pest and natural enemy when seeking optimal nectar plants for use in a novel conservation biological control system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long noncoding RNA small nucleolus RNA host gene 14 (SNHG14) has been shown to exert oncogenic functions in seceral cancers, but its role in osteosarcoma still unclear. In this present study, we found that SNHG14 was significantly upregulated in osteosarcoma tissues and cell lines. Knockdown SNHG14 expression significantly inhibited osteosarcoma cell proliferation through inducing apoptosis. Further functional assays revealed that SNHG14 knockdown dramatically suppressed cell migration and invasion. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase assays identified that microRNA-433–3p (miR-433–3p) was a direct target of SNHG14, and directly targeted F-box only protein 22 (FBXO22). Mechanistic analysis demonstrated that SNHG14 acted as a ceRNA in modulating osteosarcoma proliferation, migration and invasion by decoying miR-433–3p to upregulate FBXO22 expression. We also observed that knockdown of FBXO22 and SNHG14 and overexpression of miR-433–3p both dramatically suppressed osteosarcoma cell proliferation, migration and invasion, but induced cell apoptosis. Moreover, the suppresive effect of SNHG14 knockdown on osteosarcoma cell proliferation, invasion and migration was attenuated by miR-433–3p inhibitor. Our findings demonstrated that SNHG14 promoted osteosarcoma progression by acting as a ceRNA for miR-433–3p to regulate FBXO22 expression, suggesting that SNHG14 may serve as a potential therapeutic target in osteosarcoma patients. • Knockdown of SNHG14 suppresses osteosarcoma cell proliferation, migration and invasion. • SNHG14 functioned as a sponge for miR-433–3p in osteosarcoma cells. • SNHG14 promotes FBXO22 expression through sponging miR-433-3p. • SNHG14 promotes the osteosarcoma cell invasion and migration through miR-433-3p / FBXO22 axis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sperm competition is often considered the primary selective force underlying the rapid and diversifying evolution of ejaculate traits. Yet, several recent studies have drawn attention to other forms of selection with the potential of exceeding the effects of sperm competition. Since ejaculates are complex, multivariate traits, it seems plausible that different ejaculate components vary in their responses to different selective pressures. Such information, however, is generally lacking as individual ejaculate traits tend to be studied in isolation. Here, we studied the macroevolutionary patterns of ejaculate volume, sperm number, sperm length and the proportion of viable normal sperm in response to varying levels of sperm competition, body size and the duration of female sperm storage in pheasants and allies (Phasianidae). Ejaculate volume, sperm number and sperm viability were all relatively higher in polygamous than in monogamous mating systems. However, whereas ejaculate volume additionally covaried with body size, sperm number instead increased with the female sperm-storage duration, in conjunction with a decrease in sperm length. Overall, our results revealed important details on how different forms of selection can jointly shape ejaculates as complex, composite traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chitosan is a bioactive macromolecule with a wide variety of applications due to its excellent biological properties such as biodegradability, biocompatibility, and antibacterial activity, and so forth. This highlight focuses on the preparation of photoactive chitosans, the formation of photocrosslinkable chitosan hydrogels, and the related photopolymerization mechanisms. Moreover, the great potential applications of photocrosslinkable chitosan hydrogels for human tissues are also discussed. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 1862–1871 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates an adaptive consensus problem of a class of nonlinear multiagent systems in which the states are unmeasurable and the dynamics of all agents are supposed to be in strict-feedback form with unknown time-varying control coefficients. Due to the presence of uncertain nonlinearities in agents’ dynamics, radial basis function neural networks are used to approximate the unknown nonlinear functions, and a neural-network-based observer is designed to estimate the unmeasured states. The adaptive observer-based protocols are based on the relative output information of neighbors, and are constructed by adopting the dynamic surface control technique. It is proved that practical consensus of the system can be achieved with the proposed protocols. A simulation example is given to show the effectiveness of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermoelectric materials have a large Peltier effect, making them attractive for solid-state cooling applications. Bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3)–based alloys have remained the state-of-the-art room-temperature materials for many decades. However, cost partially limited wider use of thermoelectric cooling devices because of the large amounts of expensive tellurium required. We report n-type magnesium bismuthide (Mg3Bi2)–based materials with a peak figure of merit (ZT) of ~0.9 at 350 kelvin, which is comparable to the commercial bismuth telluride selenide (Bi2Te3–xSex) but much cheaper. A cooling device made of our material and p-type bismuth antimony telluride (Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3) has produced a large temperature difference of ~91 kelvin at the hot-side temperature of 350 kelvin. n-type Mg3Bi2-based materials are promising for thermoelectric cooling applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the nonequilibrium dynamics of colloidal system with short-range depletion attraction and screened electrostatic repulsion on a disordered substrate. We find a growth-melting process of the clusters as the temperature is increased. By strengthening the screened electrostatic repulsion, a depinning transition from moving cluster to plastic flow is observed, which is characterized by a peak in threshold depinning force. The corresponding phase diagram is then mapped out. Due to the influences of disorder from substrate, the clusters are polarized by the strong external force, accompanied by the appearance of interesting orientational order parallel to the force and translational order perpendicular to the force. Under the condition of strong external force, the influences of density of pins and temperature are also studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This paper investigates a global sampled‐data output feedback stabilization problem for a class of switched stochastic nonlinear systems whose output and system mode are available only at the sampling instants. An observer is designed to estimate the unmeasurable state and thus a sampled‐data controller is constructed with the sampled estimated state. As a distinctive feature, a merging virtual switching signal is introduced to describe the asynchronous switching generated by detecting the system mode via a sampler. By choosing an appropriate piecewise Lyapunov function, it is proved that the proposed sampled‐data controller with allowable sampling period can stabilize the considered switched stochastic nonlinear systems under an average dwell‐time condition. Finally, two simulation results are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a new single-ended-to-balanced (SETB) impedance-transforming branch-line coupler with the arbitrary power division ratio is presented. By using the matrix transformation, the standard scattering matrix and corresponding odd- and even-mode matrices are deduced from the mixed-mode scattering matrix. A simple configuration composed of four quarter-wavelength and two half-wavelength microstrip lines is proposed to achieve desired functions of the SETB branch-line coupler with the arbitrary power division ratio and arbitrary terminated impedances. The parameter selection and design principle are given. Finally, three prototypes with different power division ratios and terminated impedances are designed to verify the theoretical prediction. Impedance matching, port isolation, and mode conversion suppression are all obtained successfully for all the three fabricated SETB branch-line couplers. The proposed configuration also offers other attractive advantages including simpler configuration and design method, lower insertion loss, and good compatibility with the planar circuit technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To evaluate the associations between polymorphisms in two genes, catechol-O-methyltransferase and T-cell leukemia/lymphoma 1 A, and acupuncture-mediated pain reduction among breast cancer survivors with aromatase inhibitor–associated arthralgia. Design, Setting, and Subjects Biospecimens were obtained from 38 patients enrolled in a clinical trial of acupuncture for aromatase inhibitor–associated arthralgia in postmenopausal hormone receptor–positive breast cancer survivors. Methods We used polymerase chain reaction to genotype the rs4680 (Val158Met) and rs4633 (His62His) variants in the catechol-O-methyltransferase gene and rs2369049 (A > G) and rs7158782 (A > G) variants in the T-cell leukemia/lymphoma 1 A gene. Response to acupuncture was defined by 30% reduction in end-of-treatment average pain, measured by the Brief Pain Inventory. We used Fisher exact tests to evaluate associations between genotype and treatment response. Results Among participants, all six (15.8%) subjects who expressed AA in locus rs4680 responded to acupuncture. In a combined analysis, the 18 (47.4%) subjects with the responder genotype at either rs4680 (AA) or rs2369049 (GG or AG) were significantly more likely to respond to acupuncture than those without (77.8% vs 45.0%, P  = 0.039). Conclusions Specific genetic variations at loci rs4680 and rs2369049 are associated with response to acupuncture-type intervention for management of arthralgia. These results serve as a proof of concept for applying a precision medicine framework to the study of cancer pain management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unmet symptom needs and a desire for holistic health approaches or even cure are among the motivations patients have for seeking out complementary and alternative medicine. Using complementary and alternative medicine instead of conventional cancer treatment can have a negative impact on clinical outcomes and survival. Integrative oncology is a patient-centered, evidence-informed field of comprehensive cancer care that uses mind-body practices, natural products, and lifestyle modifications from different traditions alongside conventional cancer treatments. It prioritizes safety and best available evidence to offer appropriate therapeutic interventions along with conventional care. This review summarizes the underlying principles of integrative oncology and how it is distinct from alternative medicine, and it provides a practical guide for the effective application of evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine interventions in patient-centered care. In addition, we recommend resources for patients and clinicians and provide algorithms for appropriate integrative medicine referrals. Finally, we offer suggestions on developing and implementing an integrative oncology program and addressing current challenges in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Soluble resistance-related calcium binding protein (Sorcin) is an oncoprotein expressed at high levels in human cancers and confers multidrug resistance (MDR) in several tumors. Sorcin participates in a number of neoplastic processing including metastasis and apoptosis. In this review, we summarize and discuss the relationship of Sorcin with tumors as well as its regulatory mechanisms. Sorcin is increasingly considered as a potential molecular target for therapeutic intervention. Highlights • Potential role of Sorcin in cancer [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]