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In response to the inability of the flexible DC transmission system connected to the AC grid under conventional control strategies to provide inertia to the system as well as to participate in frequency regulation, a virtual synchronous generator (VSG) control strategy is proposed for a voltage source converter (VSC)-based multi-terminal high-voltage direct current (VSC-MTDC) interconnection system. First, the virtual controller module is designed by coupling AC frequency and active power through virtual inertia control, so that the VSC-MTDC system can provide inertia response for AC grid frequency. Second, by introducing the power margin of the converter station into the droop coefficient, the unbalanced power on the DC side is reasonably allocated to reduce the overshoot of the DC voltage in the regulation process. Finally, the power regulation capability of the normal AC system is used to provide power support to the fault end system, reducing frequency deviations and enabling inter-regional resource complementation. The simulation model of the three-terminal flexible DC grid is built in PSCAD/EMTDC, and the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy is verified by comparing the conventional control strategy and the additional frequency control strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an important free energy source, the membrane voltage (Vm) regulates many essential physiological processes in bacteria. However, in comparison with eukaryotic cells, knowledge of bacterial electrophysiology is very limited. Here, we developed a set of novel genetically encoded bacterial Vm sensors which allow single-cell recording of bacterial Vm dynamics in live cells with high temporal resolution. Using these new sensors, we reveal the electrically "excitable" and "resting" states of bacterial cells dependent on their metabolic status. In the electrically excitable state, frequent hyperpolarization spikes in bacterial Vm are observed, which are regulated by Na+/K+ ratio of the medium and facilitate increased antibiotic tolerance. In the electrically resting state, bacterial Vm displays significant cell-to-cell heterogeneity and is linked to the cell fate after antibiotic treatment. Our findings demonstrate the potential of our newly developed voltage sensors to reveal the underpinning connections between bacterial Vm and antibiotic tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving the detection accuracy of hyperbola in B-scan images has been a considerable challenge for ground penetrating radar (GPR) to detect tree roots. In this paper, a method for data enhancement and target detection, both based on deep learning was proposed to identify hyperbolas in GPR B-scan images. First, the authors used a cyclic consistent adversarial network (CycleGAN) to augment the original data. In this procedure, the hyperbolic features of the images were preserved and created a wider variety of training samples. Then, the authors could apply the enhanced dataset to the YOLOv5 detection model to evaluate the effectiveness of their method. Meanwhile, the detection effects of Yolov3, Yolov5, Faster R-CNN, and CenterNet detection models on the enhanced dataset were compared. The results showed that applying the enhanced dataset to the Yolov5 detection model exhibited better detection accuracy compared to other combinations of datasets and detection models. The authors demonstrate that the proposed method increases data diversity and the number of samples, improving the precision and recall of hyperbolic curves. These results provide a new method for tree root localization with important effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study the influence of wind power grid connection on the small-signal stability of the multi-terminal VSC-HVDC system, based on the complete doubly-fed wind turbine model, damping characteristics of the multi-terminal VSC-HVDC system are qualitatively analyzed. Analyzed the influence of the doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG)-based wind turbine (WT) connection on the damping characteristics and stability of the multi-terminal VSC-HVDC system from multiple perspectives including the access point of the WT, the WT's capacity and transmission distance. The methods of the eigenvalue analysis and time-domain simulation analysis are adopted in this paper. Firstly, a complete three-terminal VSC-HVDC system model is built in PSCAD, and the systems after the WT connected to the grid are analyzed and compared. Then, based on the total least squares-estimation of signal parameters via rotational invariance techniques (TLS-ESPRIT) algorithm, some information of the system can be obtained such as eigenvalue, frequency, damping ratio and so on. The research results show that when the WT is connected to the inverter side, the damping ratio tends to be greater than connected to the rectifier side. In addition, within a certain range, as the capacity and transmission distance of the WT increase, the damping ratio also tends to increase. In this way, it provides a technical reference for the planning of wind farm access to multi-terminal VSC-HVDC system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the production of personalized, non-standard and trial products, orders are often single-piece or small-batch, and the processing parameters and BOM structure vary greatly between products. In such cases, it is necessary to consider processing and assembly in an integrated manner, and directly formulate flexible scheduling solutions according to the precedence constraints of BOM (PCB). To design such integrated scheduling method for personalized products with no-wait constraints (ISMPNC), firstly, a mathematical model considering both no-wait constraints and flexible machines is established, then, the event-based rescheduling rule (ERR) is used to deal with dynamic production tasks; finally, to solve the mathematical model, the artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm with enhancements is proposed. Hence, a virtual grouping-based encoding method is designed to handle the precedence constraints when the number of no-wait predecessors is greater than one; a first-time-fit decoding method based on overlapping time is proposed to guarantee that no-wait operations always meet the precedence and no-wait constraints after decoding; a discrete differential equation based on the Hemming distance is proposed so that the ABC is capable of handling discrete encoding spaces; a neighborhood action based on key product moving is proposed and embedded into the ABC to enhance the local search capability. The operation research solver OR-Tools is used to verify the correctness of the mathematical model. The proposed ISMPNC considers both no-wait constraints and flexible machines, which is more realistic than the control method and could obtain a better scheduling scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hand foot, and mouth disease (HFMI)) epidemic has become a serious public health problem worldwide with a high economic and health burden. In addition, the prevalence of (HFMI) varies greatly between cities. Therefore, this paper aims to reveal high-risk cities for HFMD and associated meteorological and air pollution factors in Guangdong Province during 2014-2018. Data on the incidence of HFMD mid meteorological and air pollution. factors were obtained from the Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention and Guangdong Meteorological Service. Three different grey incidence analysis (GIA) were used, namely Deng's grey incidence analysis, absolute degree of GIA, and second synthetic degree of GIA. Additionally, GMC (1,1) model was used to predict the trend of HFMD in 2019-2028. According to the second synthetic degree of GIA, the top three cities most affected by HFMD are Zhuhai, Guangzhou, and Foshan. However, the prediction model .found that the incidence of HFMD in Guangdong Province will generally decline in the next 10 years, indicating that the prevention and control measures are still relatively in place. Deng's grey incidence analysis found that CO, %O2, PM2.5, PM10), and wind scale are closely related to the incidence of HFMD. It is recommended to closely monitor weather change and urban air quality and take protective measures against HFMD in advance. The results of this study hare substantial implications for the control of HFMD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A significant barrier to include population variability in risk assessment is our incomplete understanding of inter-individual variability and the differential susceptibility to environmental exposures induced adverse outcomes. By combining genome editing tools with the population diversity model, this article intended to highlight a potential strategy to identify and characterize the inter-individual variability factors, the determinant gene anchoring to a particular phenotype. The goal could be achieved by integrating the perturbed CRISPR-based unbiased functional genomics screening, genomewide or a focused subset of genes, in a population-based in vitro model system (such as the lymphoblastoid cell lines, LCL, available from HapMap and 1000 Genomes project). Then data can be translated to genetic variability and individual (or subpopulation) susceptibility by incorporating ethnicity and corresponding genome-wide association studies (GWAS) with functional genomics screening results. This approach can provide complementary data for next-generation risk assessment, in particular, for environmental stressors. The current paper outlined the previous work conducted with a population-based in vitro model system, perturbed CRISPR-based functional toxicogenomic screening of environmental chemicals, and finally, the potential strategies to combine these two platforms with their opportunities and challenges to achieve a mechanistic understanding of population variability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Severe invasive aspergillosis infection occurs when human immune function is impaired. The interaction between Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) conidia and type II lung epithelial cells serves an important role in disease progression. The present study compared the proteomes of A549 human lung epithelial cells with and without A. fumigatus infection. Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and protein interaction analyses were performed, and differential protein expression was verified by western blotting and reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR (RT‑qPCR ). In addition, the RNA interference method, an internalization assay and ELISA were performed. Isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification analysis detected a total of 1,582 proteins, from which 111 proteins with differential expression were obtained (fold change >1.5 or <0.75). Among them, 18 proteins were upregulated and 93 proteins were downregulated in A549 cells challenged with A. fumigatus. GO and KEGG analyses revealed that the altered proteins were mainly involved in biological functions, such as cell metabolism, synthesis, the cellular stress response, metabolic pathways and pyruvate metabolism. N‑myc downstream‑regulated gene 1 (NDR G1) expression was upregulated 1.88‑fold, while CD 44 expression was downregulated 0.47‑fold following A. fumigatus infection. The expression levels of specific proteins were verified by western blotting and RT‑qPCR. The internalization efficiency was affected by NDRG1 gene silencing. The secretion of IL‑ 6 and IL‑8 was affected when CD 44 was inhibited. These results indicated that A. fumigatus affects lung epithelial cell metabolism and biological synthetic functions. A number of novel molecules, including NDR G1 and CD 44, were found to be related to A. fumigatus infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case of secretory carcinoma of the parotid gland in a 48-year-old male patient. It describes the ultrasonographic and pathological findings of the mass found behind the right ear of the patient. It also provides information on parotid secretory carcinomas, including treatment options.

Partially ordered Fe16N2 thin film with (001) texture is successfully grown on a Ag under layer using a facing target sputtering system. Fe16N2 phase is formed after post-annealing, which is detected by X-ray diffraction (XRD). High saturation magnetization (Ms) of Fe16N2 thin films is observed by vibrating sample magnetometry. It is found that Fe16N2 phase can be stable up to 225°C, which is demonstrated by the FeFe16N2 finger print peak (002) in XRD. After heating to 250°C, the Fe16N2 phase decomposes, which leads to low Ms and soft magnetic behavior. To further study Fe16N2 decomposition, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy is performed to detect the binding energy of nitrogen atoms. Differences of binding energy corresponding to before and after heat treatment show the variation of nitrogen atom in electronic state with surrounding Fe atoms, indicating nitrogen atomic migration during heat treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although some information is available for specific subsets of miRNAs and several factors have been shown to bind oligonucleotides (ONs), no general transport mechanism for these molecules has been identified to date. In this work, we demonstrate that the nuclear transport of ONs, siRNAs, and miRNAs responds to cellular stress. Furthermore, we have identified a stress-induced response complex (SIRC), which includes Ago-1 and Ago-2 in addition to the transcription and splicing regulators YB1, CTCF, FUS, Smad1, Smad3, and Smad4. The SIRC transports endogenous miRNAs, siRNAs, and ONs to the nucleus. We show that cellular stress can significantly increase ON- or siRNA-directed splicing switch events and endogenous miRNA targeting of nuclear RNAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A triflate-triggered intermolecular cyclization of carbodiimides to provide 2-amino-4-imino-quinazolines, which could be easily transformed to 2-aminoquinazolinones and 2,4-diaminoquinazolines in high yield, has been reported. A variety of functional groups are tolerated in the 2-amino-4-iminoquinazoline scaffolds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citrons have been widely used for medicinal purposes for a long time, but the application of citron in the food industry is still restricted. The extensive advantages of nanotechnology in the food industry have greatly broadened the application of foods. In this study, by employing nanotechnology, we prepared citron-extract nanoparticle with an average size of 174.11 ± 3.89 nm, containing protein peptide and/or liposome. In order to evaluate the toxicity of nanoparticles and to ensure food safety, biological cytotoxicity at the cell and genomic levels was also identified to examine the toxicity of citron extracts by using an in vitro system. Our results demonstrated that the cytotoxicity of citronliposome was dependent on cell type in high concentrations (1 and 5 mg/mL), selectively against primary human cardiac progenitor cells (hCPCs), and human endothelial progenitor cells (hEPCs) in MTT and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays. Interestingly, for the NIH-3T3 and H9C2 cell lines, cell cytotoxicity was observed with slight genotoxicity, especially from citronpeptide extract for both cell lines. Taken together, our study provides cytotoxicity data on nanoengineered citron extracts according to different cell type as is crucial for further applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesoporous silica films were synthesized with various concentrations of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) in precursor sols through the method of electro-assisted self-assembly (EASA). Oriented pore channels were observed in the films prepared with more CTAB in the precursor sols. Positronium time-of-flight (Ps-TOF) measurements were performed for the silica films with different porous structures. It is demonstrated that the Ps emission intensity and energies are well correlated to the apparent porosity, pore interconnectivity and possibly pore channel orientation. The results indicate that Ps-TOF can be a useful technique for probing the structures of porous films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Successfully expanding hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) is advantageous for clinical HSC transplantation. The present study investigated the influence of testosterone on the proliferation, antigen phenotype and expression of hematopoiesis-related genes in umbilical cord blood-derived cluster of differentiation (CD)34+ cells under normoxic or hypoxia conditions. Cord blood (CB) CD34+ cells were separated using magnetic activated cell sorting. A cytokine cocktail and feeder cells were used to stimulate the expansion of CD34+ cells under normoxic (20% O2) and hypoxic (1% O2) conditions for 7 days and testosterone was added accordingly. Cells were identified using flow cytometry and reconstruction capacity was determined using a colony-forming unit (CFU) assay. The effects of oxygen concentration and testosterone on the expression of hematopoietic-related genes, including homeobox (HOX)A9, HOXB2, HOXB4, HOXC4 and BMI-1, were measured using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The results indicated that the number of CFUs and total cells in the testosterone group increased under normoxic and hypoxic conditions compared with the corresponding control groups. Furthermore, the presence of testosterone increased the number of CFU-erythroid colonies. In liquid culture, the growth of CD34+ cells was rapid under normoxic conditions compared with under hypoxic conditions, however CD34+ cells were maintained in an undifferentiated state under hypoxic conditions. The addition of testosterone under hypoxia promoted the differentiation of CD34+ cells into CD34+CD38+CD71+ erythroid progenitor cells. Furthermore, it was determined that the expression of hematopoietic-related genes was significantly increased (P<0.05) in the hypoxia testosterone group compared with the other groups. Therefore, the results of the current study indicate that a combination of hypoxia and testosterone may be a promising cultivation condition for HSC/hemopoietic progenitor cell expansion ex vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the major challenges in environmental science is monitoring and assessing the risk of complex environmental mixtures. In vitro bioassays with limited key toxicological end points have been shown to be suitable to evaluate mixtures of organic pollutants in wastewater and recycled water. Omics approaches such as transcriptomics can monitor biological effects at the genome scale. However, few studies have applied omics approach in the assessment of mixtures of organic micropollutants. Here, an omics approach was developed for profiling bioactivity of 10 water samples ranging from wastewater to drinking water in human cells by a reduced human transcriptome (RHT) approach and dose-response modeling. Transcriptional expression of 1200 selected genes were measured by an Ampliseq technology in two cell lines, HepG2 and MCF7, that were exposed to eight serial dilutions of each sample. Concentration-effect models were used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and to calculate effect concentrations (ECs) of DEGs, which could be ranked to investigate low dose response. Furthermore, molecular pathways disrupted by different samples were evaluated by Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis. The ability of RHT for representing bioactivity utilizing both HepG2 and MCF7 was shown to be comparable to the results of previous in vitro bioassays. Finally, the relative potencies of the mixtures indicated by RHT analysis were consistent with the chemical profiles of the samples. RHT analysis with human cells provides an efficient and cost-effective approach to benchmarking mixture of micropollutants and may offer novel insight into the assessment of mixture toxicity in water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and screened for small molecular drugs as supplementary drugs to aid current therapy. Gene expression data of Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) DataSet GSE42221, which consists of 7 primary human B-precursor samples and 4 control B-cell progenitor lymphoblast samples from patients with pediatric ALL, were downloaded from the public GEO database. Linear Models for Microarray Analysis package for R statistical software was used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Subsequently, biclustering analysis of DEGs was performed using pheatmap package for R. Functional enrichment analysis of DEGs was conducted using the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery tool. Additionally, Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes software was used to screen protein-protein interactions (PPIs) of the DEGs, and Connectivity Map database was employed to obtain small-molecule drugs that were significantly associated with DEGs. In total, 116 genes were identified as DEGs in pediatric ALL, including 56 downregulated and 60 upregulated genes. Functional enrichment analysis identified that upregulated DEGs, including marker of proliferation Ki-67, cyclin F and nucleolar and spindle associated protein 1, were significantly enriched in mesenchymal cell differentiation and development processes, whilst downregulated DEGs, including bone marrow morphogenetic protein 2, semaphoring 3F and ephrin B1 were enriched in cell cycle process. Amongst the DEGs, 169 PPIs were identified. Notably, carbimazole and quinostatin were associated with DEGs. Additionally, a number of DEGs were targeted by the two drugs, including signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, nucleolar and spindle associated protein 1 and cell division cycle 20. Mesenchymal cell differentiation and development as well as cell cycle processes may be important for pediatric ALL. Quinostatin may be used as a potent supplementary drug for treating pediatric ALL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Objective: Paclitaxel (P) is a standard second-line chemotherapy in the treatment of advanced gastric cancer. This study compared the clinical outcome of a paclitaxel plus raltitrexed (RP) regimen as second-line treatment in metastatic gastric cancer (MGC) patients. Methods: An open, randomized, multi-center phase II clinical trial was conducted involving 148 patients who were randomly assigned and treated with RP [raltitrexed (3 mg/m2 on day 1) and paclitaxel (135 mg/m2 on day 1 every 3 weeks)] or P [paclitaxel (135 mg/m2 on day 1 every 3 weeks)] as 2nd-line chemotherapy. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). The secondary endpoints were the overall response rate (ORR), overall survival (OS), and safety. Results: PFS had a tendency to be prolonged with RP compared to P (2.7 months vs. 1.7 months; P = 0.148). OS was also prolonged with RP compared to P (10.2 months vs. 6.1 months; P = 0.140). The ORR was equal in the RP and P groups (6.8% and 4.0%; P = 0.72). The disease control rate (DCR) in the RP and P groups was 56.2% and 36.0%, respectively. Grade 3-4 treatment-related adverse events occurred in 36.2% (RP) and 28.2% (P) of patients. Frequent grade 3-4 toxicities for RP and P were neutropenia (11.0% and 4.0%), anemia (1.4% and 4.0%), and thrombocytopenia (1.4% and 5.3%), and all grades of peripheral neurotoxicity (12.3% vs. 17.3%). All grades of hepatic toxicity were demonstrated for the RP and P groups based on elevated aminotransferase levels (27.4% and 14.1%). Subgroup analysis shows if MGC was combined with ascites or peritoneal involvement, the OS of the RP regimen was longer (P = 0.05). Conclusions: Second-line palliative chemotherapy with RP was shown to prolong the PFS and OS, especially among patients with ascites or peritoneal involvement, which warrants confirmation using larger sample studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A highly efficient fluorescence switch system based on a closed bipolar electrode (C-BPE) system was proposed for the first time. Here, Au nanoclusters (Au NCs) were premodified on one pole of the BPE and acted as the fluorescent donor. On the basis of the spectral overlap between the absorbance of electrochromic material-Prussian blue (PB) and the fluorescence spectrum of Au NCs, fluorescence quenching ("off" state) induced by the inner filter effect was observed. Due to the electrochemical reversible redox reaction between PB and Prussian white, switching the polarity of driving voltage could easily achieve the fluorescence recovery of the Au NCs, corresponding to the "on" state. Through the reasonable design of C-BPE and optimization of driving voltage, the on-off ratio of the integrated fluorescence switch was up to 2.7 and a good fatigue resistance while performing 10 on-off cycles was obtained owing to the good stability of Au NCs and the reversible redox feature of PB. The introduction of BPE made the fluorescence switch more simple and controllable compared with the traditional three-electrode system, which will provide a new route for the design of the electrical-stimuli responsive fluorescence switch, especially for the integration of the miniaturized device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of light on Monascus and the underlying mechanism have received a great deal of interest for the industrial application of Monascus pigments. In this study, we have examined the effects of blue light on the culture morphology, mycelium growth, pigments, and citrinin yield of Monascus in liquid-state and oscillation fermentation, and explored the mechanism at a physiological level. It was found that blue light affected the colony morphology, the composition (chitin content), and permeability of the Monascus mycelium cell wall in static liquid culture, which indicates blue light benefits pigments secreting from aerial mycelium to culture medium. In liquid oscillation fermentation, the yields of Monascus pigments in fermentation broth (darkness 1741 U/g, blue light 2206 U/g) and mycelium (darkness 2442 U/g, blue light 1900 U/g) cultured under blue light and darkness are different. The total pigments produced per gram of Monascus mycelium under blue light was also higher (4663 U/g) than that in darkness (4352 U/g). However, the production of citrinin (88 μg/g) under blue light was evidently lower than that in darkness (150 μg/g). According to the degradation of citrinin caused by blue light and hydrogen peroxide, it can be concluded that blue light could degrade citrinin and inhibit the catalase activity of Monascus mycelium, subsequently suppressing the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, which is the active species that degrades citrinin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are thousands of chemicals used by humans and detected in the environment for which limited or no toxicological data are available. Rapid and cost-effective approaches for assessing the toxicological properties of chemicals are needed. We used CRISPR-Cas9 functional genomic screening to identify the potential molecular mechanism of a widely used antimicrobial triclosan (TCS) in HepG2 cells. Resistant genes at IC50 (the concentration causing a 50% reduction in cell viability) were significantly enriched in the adherens junction pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, and PPAR signaling pathway, suggesting a potential role in the molecular mechanism of TCS-induced cytotoxicity. Evaluation of the top-ranked resistant genes, FTO (encoding an mRNA demethylase) and MAP2K3 (a MAP kinase kinase family gene), revealed that their loss conferred resistance to TCS. In contrast, sensitive genes at IC10 and IC20 were specifically enriched in pathways involved with immune responses, which was concordant with transcriptomic profiling of TCS at concentrations of

Background: Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is one of the most important flaviviruses that targets the central nervous system (CNS) and causes encephalitides in humans. Although neuroinflammatory mechanisms may contribute to brain tissue destruction, the induction pathways and potential roles of specific chemokines in TBEV-mediated neurological disease are poorly understood.Methods: BALB/c mice were intracerebrally injected with TBEV, followed by evaluation of chemokine and cytokine profiles using protein array analysis. The virus-infected mice were treated with the CC chemokine antagonist Met-RANTES or anti-RANTES mAb to determine the role of RANTES in affecting TBEV-induced neurological disease. The underlying signaling mechanisms were delineated using RANTES promoter luciferase reporter assay, siRNA-mediated knockdown, and pharmacological inhibitors in human brain-derived cell culture models.Results: In a mouse model, pathological features including marked inflammatory cell infiltrates were observed in brain sections, which correlated with a robust up-regulation of RANTES within the brain but not in peripheral tissues and sera. Antagonizing RANTES within CNS extended the survival of mice and reduced accumulation of infiltrating cells in the brain after TBEV infection. Through in vitro studies, we show that virus infection up-regulated RANTES production at both mRNA and protein levels in human brain-derived cell lines and primary progenitor-derived astrocytes. Furthermore, IRF-3 pathway appeared to be essential for TBEV-induced RANTES production. Site mutation of an IRF-3-binding motif abrogated the RANTES promoter activity in virus-infected brain cells. Moreover, IRF-3 was activated upon TBEV infection as evidenced by phosphorylation of TBK1 and IRF-3, while blockade of IRF-3 activation drastically reduced virus-induced RANTES expression.Conclusions: Our findings together provide insights into the molecular mechanism underlying RANTES production induced by TBEV, highlighting its potential importance in the process of neuroinflammatory responses to TBEV infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of extraction methods (including maceration, microwave, ultrasound and magnetic field assisted extraction) and solvent evaporation methods (including water bath evaporation, vacuum freezing, vacuum and oven drying) on antioxidant activity of astaxanthin from H. pluvialis were studied. The potential antioxidant activities of extracts and dry astaxanthin samples were measured by 2, 2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH·), Hydroxyl (OH·) radical scavenging activity and linoleic acid emulsion. Being compared with the antioxidant activities of astaxanthin at concentration of 25 μg/ml, the magnetic field extracts and sample by treated water bath evaporation showed the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity of 60.76 and 57.6%, respectively. While magnetic field extract and vacuum freeze-drying sample of astaxanthin showed the highest hydroxyl radical scavenging activity of 18.8 and 16.78%, respectively. The results were found to be significantly higher than the other methods processed samples of the respective varieties (p <0.05). All extracts and drying samples exhibited good antioxidant activity against the linoleic acid emulsion system (p < 0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of tartaric acid on early hydration and mortar performance of Portland cement-calcium aluminate cement-anhydrite ternary binder is investigated in the presence of polycarboxylate-based superplasticizer. Tartaric acid delays the ettringite (AFt) formation and suppresses the early hydration of silicate. Good mortar fluidity is obtained only above a critical tartaric acid dosage that can inhibit AFt formation completely. However, the silicate hydration will be suppressed significantly at the same time, resulting in poor early strength. Tartaric acid delays the AFt formation mainly by the mechanism of poisoning nuclei growth. AFt amount is another factor that suppresses the early hydration of silicate. In the ternary binder system with higher CAC and C S ¯ content, less tartaric acid can suppress the early hydration of silicate completely until AFt transforms into monosulfoaluminate (AFm) to unlock it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past few decades, much attention has been drawn to large-scale incremental data analysis, where researchers are faced with huge amounts of high-dimensional data acquired incrementally. In such a case, conventional algorithms that compute the result from scratch whenever a new sample comes are highly inefficient. To conquer this problem, we propose a new incremental algorithm incremental regularized least squares (IRLS) that incrementally computes the solution to the regularized least squares (RLS) problem with multiple columns on the right-hand side. More specifically, for an RLS problem with c (c > 1) columns on the right-hand side, we update its unique solution by solving an RLS problem with a single column on the right-hand side whenever a new sample arrives, instead of solving an RLS problem with c columns on the right-hand side from scratch. As a direct application of IRLS, we consider the supervised dimensionality reduction of large-scale data and focus on linear discriminant analysis (LDA). We first propose a new batch LDA model that is closely related to the RLS problem, and then apply IRLS to develop a new incremental LDA algorithm. Experimental results on real-world datasets demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of our algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(001) textured Fe16N2 thin film with Ag under layer is successfully grown on GaAs substrate using a facing target sputtering (FTS) system. After post annealing, chemically ordered Fe16N2 phase is formed and detected by X-ray diffraction (XRD). High saturation magnetization (Ms) is measured by a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). In comparison with Fe16N2 with Ag under layer on MgO substrate and Fe16N2 with Fe under layer on GaAs substrate, the current layer structure shows a higher Ms value, with a magnetically softer feature in contrast to the above cases. In addition, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is performed to characterize the binding energy of N atoms. To verify the role of strain that the FeN layer experiences in the above three structures, Grazing Incidence X-ray Diffraction (GIXRD) is conducted to reveal a large in-plane lattice constant due to the in-plane biaxial tensile strain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we report a nanoscale multichannel closed bipolar electrode (BPE) array based on the poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) membrane for the first time. With our design, oxidants, coreactants, quenchers, and even biomarkers can be detected in a Ru(bpy)32+/TPA (tripropylamine) electrochemiluminescence (ECL) system. The multichannel PET membrane was etched according to our desire by NaOH, and then Au nanofibers were decorated in the inner region of the channel as a BPE array. Using ECL as a signal readout, a series of targets including TPA, Ru(bpy) 32+, dopamine, H2O2, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), and carcino-embryonic antigen (CEA) can be detected with this device. The practical application of the proposed multichannel closed BPE array was verified in the detection of AFP and CEA in human serum with satisfying results. This kind of nanoscale device holds promising potential for multianalysis. More importantly, as the PET membrane used in this device can be etched with a desirable diameter (nano- to microscale) and different BPE array densities (ion tracks of 108/cm2, 106/cm2, 104/cm2), our design can be served as a useful platform for future advances in nanoscale bipolar electrochemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report transition metal oxide nanocrystal formation in a liquid cell using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The growth of M-Fe-oxide (M = Ni, Mn, Co, or Zn) nanoparticles from a growth solution of metal acetylacetonates dissolved in oleylamine, oleic acid, and benzyl ether was studied. Nickel iron oxide nanocrystals with spinel structure were obtained under electron beam irradiation of the Ni-Fe growth solution, whereas iron oxide nanocrystals were achieved with Mn remaining in the Mn-Fe growth solution. Similarly, we achieved cobalt iron oxide nanocrystals in the Co-Fe precursor solution, while iron oxide nanoparticles were obtained in the Zn-Fe solution. By tracking nanoparticle size evolution as a function of time along the Ni-Fe-oxide nanoparticle growth trajectories, we found the growth kinetics follow a Lifshitz-Slyozov-Wagner (LSW) model suggesting surface reaction-limited growth. Ex situ characterization shows elemental distribution and structural and valence state of the different nanoparticles. The trend of nanoparticle growth in a liquid cell shares many similarities with those in "one-pot" flask synthesis by thermal heating. We compare reduction potentials (Er) of the metal ions and thermal decomposition temperatures (Td) of the precursors and correlate them with nanoparticle growth in a liquid cell under TEM. We found a tendency to form mixed metal ion oxide nanoparticles instead of single metal ion (iron) oxides when the two precursors have similar values of Td and metal ion reduction potential. The higher Td and smaller Er values of Mn and Zn precursors than those of Fe precursor, as well as Ni and Co precursors, may have resulted in the single metal ion (iron) oxide formation in M-Fe (M = Mn and Zn) precursor systems. This study sheds light on nanoparticle growth mechanisms by liquid cell TEM. In situ study of oxide nanocrystal growth using liquid cell TEM provides the opportunity to explore solution chemistry during nanocrystal growth beyond the nanoparticle growth that occurs in a TEM cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report an in situ study of Fe3Pt-Fe2O3 core-shell nanoparticle growth using liquid cell transmission electron microscopy. By controlling the Fe-to-Pt ratio in the precursor solution, we achieved the growth of nanoparticles with the formation of an iron-platinum alloy core followed by an iron oxide shell in the electron beam-induced reactions. There was no substantial change in the growth kinetics of the iron oxide shell after the Fe-Pt alloy core stopped growing. The core growth was arrested by depletion of the Pt precursor. Heteroepitaxy of Fe3Pt [101] (core)||α-Fe2O3 [111] (shell) was observed in most of the nanoparticles, while a polycrystalline iron oxide shell is developed eventually for strain relaxation. Our studies suggest that Pt atoms catalyze the reduction of Fe ions to form the Fe3Pt alloy core, and when Pt is depleted, a direct precipitation of iron oxide results in the core-shell nanostructure formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triethylamine (TEA), a common coreactant for electrochemiluminescence (ECL), is first utilized as a coreactant for chemiluminescence (CL). The CL intensity of carbon dots/K2S2O8 could be increased by ~20 times in the presence of TEA. On the basis of this fascinating phenomenon, a room temperature operated senor is constructed for the fast, selective, and sensitive determination of TEA. A wide linear relationship between CL intensity and TEA concentration from 1 μM to 1000 μM (R2 = 0.9995) was found with the detection limit down to 1 μM. The enhancement mechanism of TEA to this CL system is carefully investigated. Experimental results reveal that the forming of TEA free radical is what indeed induced the enhancement of the CL efficiency of CDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tissue engineering is a promising method that may be used to treat spinal cord injury (SCI). The underlying repair mechanism of tissue engineering involves the stable secretion of neurotrophins from seed cells, which eventually differentiate into neurons; therefore, the selection of appropriate seed cells, which stably secrete neurotrophins that easily differentiate into neurons requires investigation. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), which are adult SCs, are advantageous due to convenience sampling and easy expansion; therefore, ADSCs are currently the most popular type of seed cell. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) possess superior properties, when compared with other neurotrophic factors, in the maintenance of neuronal survival and promotion of SC differentiation into neurons. The present study used two lentiviruses, which specifically express BDNF and NT-3 [Lenti-BDNF-green fluorescent protein (GFP), Lenti-NT-3-red fluorescent protein (RFP)], to transfect third-generation ADSCs. Three types of seed cell were obtained: i) Seed cells overexpressing BDNF (ADSC/Lenti-BDNF-GFP); ii) seed cells overexpressing NT-3 (ADSC/Lenti-NT-3-RFP); and iii) seed cells overexpressing BDNF and NT-3 (ADSC/Lenti-BDNF-GFP and NT-3-RFP). The transfected cells were then induced to differentiate into neurons and were divided into a further four groups: i) The BDNF and NT-3 co-overexpression group; ii) the BDNF overexpression group; iii) the NT-3 overexpression group; and iv) the control group, which consisted of untransfected ADSCs. The results of the present study demonstrate that BDNF and NT-3 expression was higher 10 days after induction, as detected by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blotting. Neuron-specific enolase is a neuronal marker, the expression of which was highest in the BDNF and NT-3 co-overexpression group, followed by the BDNF overexpression group and then by the NT-3 overexpression group. The lowest expression levels of NSE were detected in the control group, as determined by RT-qPCR, western blotting and immunofluorescent staining. These results indicate that BDNF and NT-3 exert a synergistic effect, which may promote the neuronal differentiation of ADSCs. The present study provides a solid theoretical foundation for future experiments regarding the use of tissue engineering technology for the treatment of SCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wereport the observation of lithiation/delithiation of MoS2nanosheets in a LiPF6/EC/DEC commercial electrolyte forthe application of lithium-ion batteries using electrochemical liquidcell transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Upon discharge in a voltagerange of 1.8–1.2 V, MoS2on the Ti electrode underwentirreversible decomposition resulting in fragmentation of the MoS2nanosheets into 5–10 nm MoS2nanoparticles.Repeated experiments also show that some MoS2nanosheetsdo not decompose upon lithiation. Instead, lithiation induced structuralexpansion and deformation has been observed. A solid–electrolyteinterface (SEI) was formed on the anode side of the Ti electrode incontact with Li metal. The SEI layer is composed of LiF nanocrystalsdistributed within the entire layer with the constituent elementsC, O, and F. However, no passivation film was observed on the cathodeside of the Ti electrode with MoS2nanosheets on it. Suchan in situ electrochemical liquid cell TEM study sheds light on batterydegradation mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To analyze the value of combined detection of tumor markers, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), D-dimer and T lymphocyte in the diagnosis of colon cancer. Methods: This is a retrospective study. A total of 80 patients with colon cancer and 80 patients with benign colon mass admitted to Baoding NO.1 Central Hospital from June 10, 2021 to December 10, 2022 were divided into the study group and the control group. Further comparison was performed on the tumor markers, NLR, D-dimer and T-lymphocyte levels between the two groups, associated with the comparison of corresponding levels of colon cancer at different stages. In addition, correlation analysis was carried out focusing on the above indicators with colon cancer. Results: Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), CA199, NLR, D-dimer and CD8+ cell count levels in the study group were significantly higher than those in the control group, while CD4+ cell count and CD4+/CD8+ ratio were obviously lower (P<0.05). Among I-IV colon cancer, the highest levels of CEA, CA199, NLR, D-dimer, CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ ratio were found in patients with Stage-IV colon cancer, while the level of CD8+ was the lowest (P<0.05). Correlation analysis indicated that CEA, CA199, NLR, D-dimer and CD8+ were positively correlated with whether the patient had colon cancer (r=0.841, 747,991,889,565, all P<0.05), but negative correlations with CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ ratio (r=-0.999, -0.994, all P<0.05). Conclusion: The detection of tumor markers combined with NLR, D-dimer and T-lymphocytes has reference value in the diagnosis of colon cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we report a novel sensing strategy based on the closed bipolar system, in which we utilize a light emitting diode (LED) to connect a split bipolar electrode (BPE) and generate the luminescent signal in the presence of the target. With this design, we have constructed a BPE array for the quick and high-throughput determination of various electroactive substances with naked eyes. Due to the ultrahigh current efficiency of the closed bipolar system, the sample concentration can be reported by the luminous intensity of the inserted LED without the expensive luminescent agent and instruments. Besides, the stability of the signal is improved because of the electroluminescent property of the LED. To demonstrate the promising applications of the bipolar LED electrode (BP-LED-E), the rapid quantification of four model targets (H2O2, ascorbic acid (AA), glucose, and blood sugar) has been achieved based on different principles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A number of regulations have been implemented that aim to control the release of potentially adverse endocrine disrupters into the aquatic environment based on evidence from laboratory studies. Currently, such studies rely on testing approaches with adult fish because reliable alternatives have not been validated so far. Fish embryo tests have been proposed as such an alternative, and here we compared two species (medaka and zebrafish) to determine their suitability for the assessment of substances with estrogenic and anti-androgenic activity. Changes in gene expression (in here the phrase gene expression is used synonymously to gene transcription, although it is acknowledged that gene expression is additionally regulated, e.g., by translation and protein stability) patterns between the two species were compared in short term embryo exposure tests (medaka: 7-day post fertilization [dpf]; zebrafish: 48 and 96 h post fertilization [hpf]) by using relative quantitative real-time RT-PCR. The tested genes were related to the hypothalamic-gonadal-axis and early steroidogenesis. Test chemicals included 17α-ethinylestradiol and flutamide as estrogenic and anti-androgenic reference compounds, respectively, as well as five additional substances with endocrine activities, namely bisphenol A, genistein, prochloraz, linuron and propanil. Estrogenic responses were comparable in 7-dpf medaka and 48/96-hpf zebrafish embryos and included transcriptional upregulation of aromatase b, vitellogenin 1 as well as steroidogenic genes, suggesting that both species reliably detected exposure to estrogenic compounds. However, anti-androgenic responses differed between the two species, with each species providing specific information concerning the mechanism of anti-androgenic disruption in fish embryos. Although small but significant changes in the expression of selected genes was observed in 48-hpf zebrafish embryos, exposure prolonged to 96 hpf was necessary to obtain a response indicative of anti-androgenic activity. In contrast, for medaka clear anti-androgenic response, e.g. transcriptional downregulation of 11β-hydroxylase, 3β-hydroxysteroid-dehydrogenase, gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor 2, was already observed at the pre-hatch stage. Together, this data suggests that medaka and zebrafish embryos would provide a beneficial alternative testing platform for endocrine disruption that involves additive information on interspecies and exposure time variability when using both species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It was hypothesized that polychlorinated diphenyl sulfides (PCDPSs) can potentially interact with an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) and thereby cause adverse effects in wildlife like birds. A recently developed avian AHRl-luciferase report gene (LRG) assay was used to assess the interaction between avian AHR1 and 18 PCDPSs and to compare the interspecies sensitivity among chicken, ring-necked pheasant, and Japanese quail by PCDPSs. Most of the tested PCDPSs could activate the AHR1-mediated pathways in avian species, and the relative potency (ReP) of the PCDPSs increased with the increasing number of substituted Cl atoms. The rank orders of PCDPSs potency were generally similar among birds, although the ReP varied. In addition, not all the sensitivity rank orders of avian AHR1 constructs for PCDPSs were consistent with that of TCDD. ReP values of PCDPSs suggested that some PCDPSs like 2,3,3',4,5,6-hexa-CDPS and 2,2',3,3',4,5,6-hepta-CDPS are higher than the avian WHO-TEFs of OctaCDD, OctaCDF, and most of the coplanar PCBs. Our results report for the first time the activation of an AHR1-mediated molecular toxicological mechanism by PCDPSs, and provide the ranking of ReP and relative sensitivity values of different congeners, which could guide the further toxicity test of this group of potential high priority environmental pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three kinds of porous heterogeneous composite phase change materials were synthesized from expanded graphite (EG) and binary molten salts (LiNO3-KCl, LiNO3-NaNO3 and LiNO3-NaCl) through solution impregnation method. Binary molten salt content in the composite phase change materials was calculated to be between 77.8% and 81.5% and high encapsulation efficiency was calculated to be between 72.8% and 78.8%. The thermal conductivity of binary molten salts was enhanced by 4.9-6.9 times after impregnation with EG. SEM photographs showed that the prepared composites were more homogeneous in comparison to other salt/EG composites prepared by infiltration or compression. Phase change properties of the porous heterogeneous composite phase change materials showed great thermal stability, which was maintained after 100 cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on extensive literature search, the composition, pharmacology, clinical applications of Passiflora foetida L, ecological characteristics were summarized with the aim to provide scientific data for further research and exploitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we have developed a full-featured electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensing platform based on a multichannel closed bipolar system. Owing to the three-channel and double-bipolar electrode (BPE) configuration, all the oxidants, reductants, or chemicals that are directly related to the ECL process can be detected in a single device, which greatly expanded the application range of the Ru(bpy)32+-TPA (tripropylamine) anodic ECL reaction. First of all, a more universal and accurate mechanism for all the bipolar systems was proposed by observing the reactions that occurred in the device with universal pH indicator and ITO BPEs. On the basis of that, Pt was electrodeposited onto all the ITO cathodes to improve the signal stability and construct the multifunctional ECL sensor. With this design, the determination of H2O2, ascorbic acid (AA), TPA, glucose, and blood sugar were achieved in a single device. More importantly, we have demonstrated that the constructed sensor array can be used as a high-throughput molecular keypad lock in the visual ECL experiment. This design therefore shows great promise in various fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a novel and universal ion sensing platform was presented, which enables the visual detection of various ions with high sensitivity and selectivity. Coaxial potential signals (millivolt-scale) of the sample from the self-referencing (SR) ion selective chip can be transferred into the ad620-based amplifier with an output of volt- scale potentials. The amplified voltage is high enough to drive a light emitting diode (LED), which can be used as an amplifier and indicator to report the sample information. With this double amplification device (light emitting diode-based self-referencing-ion selective field-effect transistor, LED-SR-ISFET), a tiny change of the sample concentration can be observed with a distinguishable variation of LED brightness by visual inspection. This LED-based luminescent platform provided a facile, low-cost, and rapid sensing strategy without the need of additional expensive chemiluminescence reagent and instruments. Moreover, the SR mode also endows this device excellent stability and reliability. With this innovative design, sensitive determination of K+, H+, and Cl– by the naked eye was achieved. It should also be noticed that this sensing strategy can easily be extended to other ions (or molecules) by simply integrating the corresponding ion (or molecule) selective electrode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]