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Abstract The mass and volume of Rosa roxburghii fruits are essential for fruit grading and consumer selection. Physical characteristics such as dimension, projected area, mass, and volume are interrelated. Image-based mass and volume estimation facilitates the automation of fruit grading, which can replace time-consuming and laborious manual grading. In this study, image processing techniques were used to extract fruit dimensions and projected areas, and univariate (linear, quadratic, exponential, and power) and multivariate regression models were used to estimate the mass and volume of Rosa roxburghii fruits. The results showed that the quadratic model based on the criterion projected area (CPA) estimated the best mass (R2 = 0.981) with an accuracy of 99.27%, and the equation is M = 0.280 + 0.940CPA + 0.071CPA 2. The multivariate regression model based on three projected areas (PA 1, PA 2, and PA 3) estimated the best volume (R2 = 0.898) with an accuracy of 98.24%, and the equation is V = − 8.467 + 0.657PA 1 + 1.294PA 2 + 0.628PA 3. In practical applications, cost savings can be realized by having only one camera position. Therefore, when the required accuracy is low, estimating mass and volume simultaneously from only the dimensional information of the side view or the projected area information of the top view is recommended.

Porous diamond grinding tools are a new type tools that can provide a space for chip holding and coolant flowing during the grinding process. selective laser melting (SLM) is an effective method for manufacturing porous diamond grinding tools. However, due to the limitations of spot size and layer by layer fabricating process in SLM process, the designed porous diamond tools are difficult to be manufactured accurately. Therefore, it is necessary to study the formability of diamond composite materials feature geometry structures. Based on CuSn20/diamond composites, a series of feature structures such as overhang structures, thin-walled, holes, and sharp angle structures with different fabricating directions and sizes were fabricated by SLM technology. The formability, forming errors, and causes of these structures are analyzed. The results show that the optimal formable length of the overhang structure is 1.0～2.0 mm; The minimum formable size of thin wall structures is 0.70 mm; The minimum formable diameter size of hole structures perpendicular to the fabricating direction is 0.50 mm; The optimal forming diameter size for circular hole structures parallel to the fabricating direction is 1.00～4.00 mm; The formable angle of sharp angle structures should be greater than 10°. The forming error of feature structures is mainly affected by the thermal adsorption of laser on composite powder, the diffusion of laser spot heat affected zone, and the weak support of composite powder. This work provide a certain technical reference for the design and additive manufacturing of complex diamond tools.

BackgroundThe World Health Organization declared mpox an international public health emergency. Since January 1, 2022, China has been ranked among the top 10 countries most affected by the mpox outbreak globally. However, there is a lack of spatial epidemiological studies on mpox, which are crucial for accurately mapping the spatial distribution and clustering of the disease. ObjectiveThis study aims to provide geographically accurate visual evidence to determine priority areas for mpox prevention and control. MethodsLocally confirmed mpox cases were collected between June and November 2023 from 31 provinces of mainland China excluding Taiwan, Macao, and Hong Kong. Spatiotemporal epidemiological analyses, including spatial autocorrelation and regression analyses, were conducted to identify the spatiotemporal characteristics and clustering patterns of mpox attack rate and its spatial relationship with sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors. ResultsFrom June to November 2023, a total of 1610 locally confirmed mpox cases were reported in 30 provinces in mainland China, resulting in an attack rate of 11.40 per 10 million people. Global spatial autocorrelation analysis showed that in July (Moran I=0.0938; P=.08), August (Moran I=0.1276; P=.08), and September (Moran I=0.0934; P=.07), the attack rates of mpox exhibited a clustered pattern and positive spatial autocorrelation. The Getis-Ord Gi* statistics identified hot spots of mpox attack rates in Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Hainan. Beijing and Tianjin were consistent hot spots from June to October. No cold spots with low mpox attack rates were detected by the Getis-Ord Gi* statistics. Local Moran I statistics identified a high-high (HH) clustering of mpox attack rates in Guangdong, Beijing, and Tianjin. Guangdong province consistently exhibited HH clustering from June to November, while Beijing and Tianjin were identified as HH clusters from July to September. Low-low clusters were mainly located in Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang, Xizang, Qinghai, and Gansu. Ordinary least squares regression models showed that the cumulative mpox attack rates were significantly and positively associated with the proportion of the urban population (t0.05/2,1=2.4041 P=.02), per capita gross domestic product (t0.05/2,1=2.6955; P=.01), per capita disposable income (t0.05/2,1=2.8303; P=.008), per capita consumption expenditure (PCCE; t0.05/2,1=2.7452; P=.01), and PCCE for health care (t0.05/2,1=2.5924; P=.01). The geographically weighted regression models indicated a positive association and spatial heterogeneity between cumulative mpox attack rates and the proportion of the urban population, per capita gross domestic product, per capita disposable income, and PCCE, with high R2 values in north and northeast China. ConclusionsHot spots and HH clustering of mpox attack rates identified by local spatial autocorrelation analysis should be considered key areas for precision prevention and control of mpox. Specifically, Guangdong, Beijing, and Tianjin provinces should be prioritized for mpox prevention and control. These findings provide geographically precise and visualized evidence to assist in identifying key areas for targeted prevention and control.

The formation of autophagosomes mediating the sequestration of cytoplasmic materials is the central step of autophagy. Several phosphoinositides, which are signaling molecules on the membrane, are involved in autophagy. However, it is not always clear whether these phosphoinositides act directly at the site of autophagosome formation, or indirectly via the regulation of other steps or pathways. To address this question, we used a set of phosphoinositide probes to systematically examine their potential presence on autophagosomal membranes in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). We verified the specificity of these probes using mutant cells deficient in the production of the corresponding phosphoinositides. We then examined starved yeast cells co-expressing a phosphoinositide probe together with an autophagosomal membrane marker, 2Katushka2S-Atg8. Our data revealed that PtdIns(4,5)P2 and PtdIns(3,5)P2 were mainly present on the plasma membrane and vacuolar membrane, respectively. We observed only occasional co-localization between the PtdIns(4)P probe and Atg8, some of which may represent the transient passage of a PtdIns(4)P-containing structure near the autophagosomal membrane. In contrast, substantial colocalization of the PtdIns(3)P probe with Atg8 was observed. Taken together, our data indicate that only PtdIns(3)P is present in a substantial amount on the autophagosomal membrane. For other phosphoinositides involved in autophagy, either their presence on the autophagosomal membrane is very transient, or they act on other cellular membranes to regulate autophagy.

Abstract Background A large amount of evidence has shown the necessity of lowering blood pressure (BP) in patients with acute cerebral hemorrhage, but whether reducing BP contributes to lower short-term and long-term mortality in these patients remains uncertain. Aims We aimed to explore the association between BP, including systolic and diastolic BP, during intensive care unit (ICU) admission and 1-month and 1-year mortality after discharge of patients with cerebral hemorrhage. Methods A total of 1085 patients with cerebral hemorrhage were obtained from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III (MIMIC-III) database. Maximum and minimum values of systolic and diastolic BP in these patients during their ICU stay were recorded, and endpoint events were defined as the 1-month mortality and 1-year mortality after the first admission. Multivariable adjusted models were performed for the association of BP with the endpoint events. Results We observed that patients with hypertension were likely to be older, Asian or Black and had worse health insurance and higher systolic BP than those without hypertension. The logistic regression analysis showed inverse relationships between systolic BP-min (odds ratio (OR) = 0.986, 95% CI 0.983–0.989, P

This study investigates the corrosion characteristics of Q235 steel and 16Mn steel in the sulfur-containing alkaline solution. The composition and the morphology of the corrosion products were analyzed by XPS and SEM respectively. The electrochemical behavior of Q235 steel and 16Mn steel was evaluated by potentiodynamic polarization curve and EIS. The results indicated that the corrosion rate of Q235 steel is greater than 16Mn steel in the early corrosion. Pitting and selective corrosion appeared on the surface of the two steels, and the surface product layer was granular and defective. XPS and EDS indicate that the structurally stable iron oxide is formed on the surface of the two steels. Electrochemical results show the corrosion kinetics of Q235 steel and 16Mn steel are simultaneously controlled by the charge transfer and ion diffusion, and the formation mechanism of corrosion products was clarified.

Selective Laser Melting (SLM) is an effective technology for fabricating new types of porous metal-bonded diamond tools with complex geometries. However, due to the high cooling rate and internal stresses during SLM fabrication, defects such as high porosities and interface gaps still need to be resolved before it can be considered for use in other applications. The influence of heat treatment temperature on internal characterization, interface microstructures, and tensile properties of AlSi7Mg-bonded diamond composites fabricated by SLM were investigated in this work. From experimental results, the porosities of HT-200, HT-350, and HT-500 specimens were 12.19%, 11.37%, and 11.14%, respectively, showing a slightly lower percentage than that of the No-HT specimen (13.34%). Here, HT represents “Heat Treatment”. For No-HT specimens, an obvious un-bonding area can be seen in the interface between AlSi7Mg and diamond, whereas a relative closer interface can be observed for HT-500 specimens. After heat treatment, the elastic modulus of specimens showed a relative stable value (16.77 ± 2.79~18.23 ± 1.72 GPa), while the value of yield strength decreased from 97.24 ± 4.48 to 44.94 ± 7.06 MPa and the value of elongation increased from 1.98 ± 0.05 to 6.62 ± 0.51%. This difference can be attributed mainly to the disappearance of the solid-solution hardening effect due to the increase of Si content after heat treatment.

Background and aimsAlthough the association between low muscle mass and the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is well-known, it has not been explored in viscerally obese populations by gender. Besides, whether low muscle mass still increases the NAFLD risk in subjects with visceral obesity, independent of obesity, is still unknown. The aim of this study was to explore the gender-specific association between low muscle mass and the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in subjects with visceral obesity.MethodsOverall, 1,114 participants aged 19–89 years were recruited in this retrospective study. Liver disease was diagnosed by hepatic ultrasound. Skeletal muscle mass was estimated by bioimpedance analysis and defined by the appendicular skeletal muscle index (ASMI). Gender-specific differences in the ASMI value were compared between NAFLD and control groups. Restricted cubic spline and multivariate logistic regression were performed to analyze the association (stratified by gender and age) between the ASMI and the risk of NAFLD, respectively.ResultsMiddle-aged females (40–60 years) and males (of any age) with NAFLD had a significantly lower ASMI compared with controls (P-value < 0.05). An inverse linear association was found between the ASMI and risk of NAFLD (all Pfornon−linearity > 0.05). Lower quartiles of the ASMI conferred independent risk of NAFLD compared to higher quartiles (all P for trend < 0.001). Low muscle mass conferred a higher risk of NAFLD in middle-aged females (adjusted odds ratio = 2.43, 95% confidence interval: 1.19–4.95) and males [18–39 years: 3.76 (1.79–7.91); 40–60 years: 4.50 (2.16–9.39); and >60 years: 4.10 (1.13–14.84)]. Besides, Low muscle mass and low muscle mass with obesity increase the risk of developing NAFLD, independent of obesity.ConclusionAmong those with visceral obesity, low muscle mass increased the risk of NAFLD in males of any age, and middle-aged females, this may be explained by the postmenopausal decline in estrogen.

It is widely stated in the literature that closed mature autophagosomes (APs) fuse with lysosomes/vacuoles during macroautophagy/autophagy. Previously, we showed that unclosed APs accumulated as clusters outside vacuoles in Vps21/Rab5 and ESCRT mutants after a short period of nitrogen starvation. However, the fate of such unclosed APs remains unclear. In this study, we used a combination of cellular and biochemical approaches to show that unclosed double-membrane APs entered vacuoles and formed unclosed single-membrane autophagic bodies after prolonged nitrogen starvation or rapamycin treatment. Vacuolar hydrolases, vacuolar transport chaperon (VTC) proteins, Ypt7, and Vam3 were all involved in the entry of unclosed double-membrane APs into vacuoles in Vps21-mutant cells. Overexpression of the vacuolar hydrolases, Pep4 or Prb1, or depletion of most VTC proteins promoted the entry of unclosed APs into vacuoles in Vps21-mutant cells, whereas depletion of Pep4 and/or Prb1 delayed the entry into vacuoles. In contrast to the complete infertility of diploid cells of typical autophagy mutants, diploid cells of Vps21 mutant progressed through meiosis to sporulation, benefiting from the entry of unclosed APs into vacuoles after prolonged nitrogen starvation. Overall, these data represent a new observation that unclosed double-membrane APs can enter vacuoles after prolonged autophagy induction, most likely as a survival strategy.

ABSTRACT Genetically encoded tags, such as engineered ascorbate peroxidase APEX2, offer unique advantages for the specific labeling of subcellular structures in electron microscopy (EM). However, the use of APEX2 in EM investigation of yeast has been limited. Here we describe the development of APEX2-based organelle markers for Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We found that with regard to APEX2 -catalyzed formation of diaminobenzidine precipitation, cell wall removal was not essential during sample preparation, yet the presence of fluorescent proteins in APEX2 chimeras had a negative impact. We showed that major organelles including endoplasmic reticulum, early Golgi, late Golgi/early endosomes, late endosomes, mitochondria, peroxisomes, and lipid droplets could be labeled by appropriate APEX2 chimeras. The subcellular localization of our APEX2 chimeras was verified by EM visualization and supplemented with immunofluorescence colocalization analysis when necessary, validating their feasibility as organelle markers. IMPORTANCE Yeast is an excellent single cellular model system for studying basic cellular processes. However, yeast cells are much smaller than most animal and plant cells, making the observation and recognition of yeast subcellular structures challenging. Here we developed a set of yeast organelle markers for use in electron microscopy and documented our technical approach for using this method.

Abstract Background The vacuole/lysosome is the final destination of autophagic pathways, but can also itself be degraded in whole or in part by selective macroautophagic or microautophagic processes. Diverse molecular mechanisms are involved in these processes, the characterization of which has lagged behind those of ATG-dependent macroautophagy and ESCRT-dependent endosomal multivesicular body pathways. Results Here we show that as yeast cells gradually exhaust available nutrients and approach stationary phase, multiple vacuolar integral membrane proteins with unrelated functions are degraded in the vacuolar lumen. This degradation depends on the ESCRT machinery, but does not strictly require ubiquitination of cargos or trafficking of cargos out of the vacuole. It is also temporally and mechanistically distinct from NPC-dependent microlipophagy. The turnover is facilitated by Atg8, an exception among autophagy proteins, and an Atg8-interacting vacuolar membrane protein, Hfl1. Lack of Atg8 or Hfl1 led to the accumulation of enlarged lumenal membrane structures in the vacuole. We further show that a key function of Hfl1 is the membrane recruitment of Atg8. In the presence of Hfl1, lipidation of Atg8 is not required for efficient cargo turnover. The need for Hfl1 can be partially bypassed by blocking Atg8 delipidation. Conclusions Our data reveal a vacuolar membrane protein degradation process with a unique dependence on vacuole-associated Atg8 downstream of ESCRTs, and we identify a specific role of Hfl1, a protein conserved from yeast to plants and animals, in membrane targeting of Atg8.

Abstract Background Acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) causes high amounts of morbidity and mortality worldwide every year. Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a major pathogen of ARTIs in children. In this study, we aimed to investigate the epidemiology and genotypic diversity of HMPV in children hospitalized with ARTIs in Beijing, China. Methods Hospitalized children aged

Abstract Background When stressed, eukaryotic cells produce triacylglycerol (TAG) to store nutrients and mobilize autophagy to combat internal damage. We and others previously reported that in yeast, elimination of TAG synthesizing enzymes inhibits autophagy under nitrogen starvation, yet the underlying mechanism has remained elusive. Results Here, we show that disruption of TAG synthesis led to diacylglycerol (DAG) accumulation and its relocation from the vacuolar membrane to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). We further show that, beyond autophagy, ER-accumulated DAG caused severe defects in the endomembrane system, including disturbing the balance of ER-Golgi protein trafficking, manifesting in bulging of ER and loss of the Golgi apparatus. Genetic or chemical manipulations that increase consumption or decrease supply of DAG reversed these defects. In contrast, increased amounts of precursors of glycerolipid synthesis, including phosphatidic acid and free fatty acids, did not replicate the effects of excess DAG. We also provide evidence that the observed endomembrane defects do not rely on Golgi-produced DAG, Pkc1 signaling, or the unfolded protein response. Conclusions This work identifies DAG as the critical lipid molecule responsible for autophagy inhibition under condition of defective TAG synthesis and demonstrates the disruption of ER and Golgi function by excess DAG as the potential cause of the autophagy defect.

Abstract Background Washington University polyomavirus (WUPyV) is a novel human polyomavirus detected in childwith acute respiratory infection in 2007. However, the relationship between WUPyV and respiratory diseases has yet to be established for lacking of a suitable in vitro culture system. Methods To isolate WUPyV with human airway epithelial (HAE) cells, the positive samples were incubated in HAE, and then the nucleic acid, VP1 protein and virions were detected using real-time PCR, immunofluorescence and electron microscopy respectively. Results The result showed that WUPyV could replicate effectively in HAE cells and virions with typical polyomavirus characteristics could be observed. Additionally, the entire genome sequence of the isolated strain (BJ0771) was obtained and phylogenetic analysis indicated that BJ0771 belongs to gene cluster I. Conclusions Our findings demonstrated clinical WUPyV strain was successfully isolated for the first time in the world and this will help unravel the etiology and pathogenic mechanisms of WUPyV in respiratory infection diseases.

Bacterial Rhs proteins with toxic domains are often secreted by type VI secretion systems. Here, the authors show that one of these proteins self-cleaves into three fragments, with the Rhs core and the N-terminal domain facilitating secretion and function of the C-terminal toxic domain.

Phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PI(3)P) serves important functions in endocytosis, phagocytosis, and autophagy. PI(3)P is generated by Vps34 of the class III phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) complex. The Vps34-PI3K complex can be divided into Vps34-PI3K class II (containing Vps38, endosomal) and Vps34-PI3K class I (containing Atg14, autophagosomal). Most PI(3)Ps are associated with endosomal membranes. In yeast, the endosomal localization of Vps34 and PI(3)P is tightly regulated by Vps21-module proteins. At yeast phagophore assembly site (PAS) or mammalian omegasomes, PI(3)P binds to WD-repeat protein interacting with phosphoinositide (WIPI) proteins to further recruit two conjugation systems, Atg5-Atg12·Atg16 and Atg8-PE (LC3-II), to initiate autophagy. However, the spatiotemporal regulation of PI(3)P during autophagy remains obscure. Therefore, in this study, we determined the effect of Vps21 on localization and interactions of Vps8, Vps34, Atg21, Atg8, and Atg16 upon autophagy induction. The results showed that Vps21 was required for successive colocalizations and interactions of Vps8-Vps34 and Vps34-Atg21 on endosomes, and Atg21-Atg8/Atg16 on the PAS. In addition to disrupted localization of the PI3K complex II subunits Vps34 and Vps38 on endosomes, the localization of the PI3K complex I subunits Vps34 and Atg14, as well as Atg21, was partly disrupted from the PAS in vps21∆ cells. The impaired PI3K-PI(3)P-Atg21-Atg16 axis in vps21∆ cells might delay autophagy, which is consistent with the delay of early autophagy when Atg21 was absent. This study provides the first insight into the upstream sequential regulation of the PI3K-PI(3)P-Atg21-Atg16 module by Vps21 in autophagy.

The diversity of lipid structures, properties, and combinations in biological tissues makes their extraction and analysis an experimental challenge. Accordingly, even for one of the simplest single-cellular fungi, the budding yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), numerous extraction and analysis protocols have been developed to separate and quantitate the different molecular lipid species. Among them, most are quite sophisticated and tricky to follow. Herein, we describe a yeast total lipids extraction procedure with a relatively good yield, which is appropriate for subsequent thin-layer chromatography (TLC) or liquid chromatography-mass (LC-MS) analysis. We then discuss the most widely used solvent systems to separate yeast phospholipids and neutral lipids by TLC. Finally, we describe an easy and rapid method for silica gel staining by a Coomassie Brilliant Blue-methanol mixture. The stained lipid species can then be quantitated using imaging software such as ImageJ. Overall, the methods described in this protocol are time-saving and novice-friendly.

A corrosion inhibitor suitable for industrial production and field application was rapidly synthesized from benzene-1,2-diamine, benzaldehyde, methanol, hydrochloric acid, and FeCl3. The mechanism of corrosion and its inhibition was proposed. We investigated the effect of the main reactants on corrosion rate, and optimal synthetic composition (benzene-1,2-diamine 10 g, benzaldehyde 10 g and ferric chloride hexahydrate 8 g) of the inhibitor was determined by using an orthogonal experimental design. The corrosion inhibition performances for N80 and Q235 steel in acid medium and oilfield water-injection were studied by employing the weight loss method. The inhibition efficiency for N80 steel reached to 99.24% in 15 wt.% HCl solution for 4 hours at 90 °Cat the dosage of 1.2 wt.%, while in the water-injection, the efficiency for Q235 steel was 82.4% at 50 °C for 7 days at the concentration of 30 mg/L. Corrosion rates in acid medium and water-injection showed that the inhibitor has good corrosion inhibitive behavior for the steel surface and the inhibition efficiency increased with increasing concentration. Three kinds of compounds with synergistic corrosion inhibition were introduced to study, and ammonium bromide exhibited the best synergy. Attempts were made to fit the test values to different isotherms, it was found that the adsorption of the inhibitor on Q235 steel surface obeys Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The calculated value indicated that the adsorption reaction could spontaneously occur andthe inhibitor molecules could be well adsorbed on Q235 steel surface in oilfield water-injection at 50 °C.

Objectives This study aimed to investigate the knowledge–attitude–practice (KAP) of Chinese college students regarding COVID-19 and evaluate their psychological status against the background of the COVID-19 outbreak.Design This was a cross-sectional study.Setting This study covered 31 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions of mainland China.Participants The participants, who were college students with ordinary full-time status, were surveyed anonymously on their KAP regarding COVID-19 by using self-made questionnaires. In addition, the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale was used to assess the psychological status of the students.Methods The online cross-sectional study among Chinese college students was conducted in February 2020. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyse the predictors of anxiety symptoms.Primary outcome measures The level of KAP and anxiety symptoms.Results A total of 740 college students from 31 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions in China were recruited in the survey. Among them, 139 (18.78%) revealed having anxiety. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that female gender was the risk factor for anxiety symptoms with an increased 2.164-fold risk than male gender (OR=2.164, 95% CI=1.279 to 3.662). The knowledge (OR=0.825, 95% CI=0.779 to 0.873) and attitude (OR=0.822, 95% CI=0.762 to 0.887) regarding COVID-19 were protective factors against anxiety symptoms.Conclusions The level of KAP regarding COVID-19 was significantly negatively correlated with anxiety symptoms. Thus, understanding the level of KAP among college students during the early stages of major public health emergencies, such as a pandemic, is important. Such understanding plays an important role in adopting targeted health education strategies and reducing the psychological damage caused by these emergencies.

Aiming at the impact of the complex vibration environment generated by the integrated vibration equipment on the vibration testing equipment, this paper proposes a new method to solve the vibratory synchronization problem in the compound vibration environment. A new concept of the compound vibrating field is proposed, and a new simple vibrating system with a single counter-rotating exciter in a compound vibrating field is established. The motion differential equation of the system is established by the integral mean method with small parameters, and then the periodic coefficient differential equation is obtained through linearization. Based on the relevant theory of the second-order differential equation with periodic coefficient, the synchronization criterion and stability criterion of the vibrating system are derived. According to the theoretical criteria, the coupling characteristics of the exciter and the vibrating field are numerically simulated and analyzed, which supports the theoretical results. The proposed compound vibrating field provides a new way for studying vibratory synchronization.

This paper proposes a fault diagnosis method for miniature DC motors (MDCMs) in the presence of the uncertainties caused by material and random factors of the production process. In this method, the probability models of fault multiple features are established based on the advantage criterion of the maximum overall average membership to determine the distribution of fault multiple features. The fault diagnosis algorithm is synthesized to obtain the threshold ranges of fault multiple features according to different confidence levels. Experimental test results are presented and analyzed to validate the efficiency and performance of the proposed fault diagnosis method.

Fruit three-dimensional (3D) model is crucial to estimating its geometrical and mechanical properties and improving the level of fruit mechanical processing. Considering the complex geometrical features and the required model accuracy, this paper proposed a 3D point cloud reconstruction method for the Rosa roxburghii fruit based on a three-dimensional laser scanner, including 3D point cloud generation, point cloud registration, fruit thorns segmentation, and 3D reconstruction. The 3D laser scanner was used to obtain the original 3D point cloud data of the Rosa roxburghii fruit, and then the fruit thorns data were removed by the segmentation algorithm combining the statistical outlier removal and radius outlier removal. By analyzing the effects of five-point cloud simplification methods, the optimal simplification method was determined. The Poisson reconstruction algorithm, the screened Poisson reconstruction algorithm, the greedy projection triangulation algorithm, and the Delaunay triangulation algorithm were utilized to reconstruct the fruit model. The number of model vertices, the number of facets, and the relative volume error were used to determine the best reconstruction algorithm. The results indicated that this model can better reconstruct the actual surface of Rosa roxburghii fruit. The method provides a reference for the related application.

Abstract Meiosis increases genetic diversity, yet the genome complement needs to be stable to ensure offspring viability. Both small ubiquitin‐like modifier (SUMO) and ubiquitin have been reported to participate in meiotic regulation, yet functions of the SUMO‐ubiquitination crosstalk in meiosis remain unclear. Here, it is reported that a SUMO‐targeted ubiquitin ligase, Slx8p, promotes accurate chromosome segregation during meiosis, since the deletion of SLX8 leads to increased aneuploidy due to a defect in synaptonemal complex (SC) component degradation. Both the RING domain and SUMO interacting motifs of Slx8p are essential for meiotic progression and maintaining spore viability, and the expression of tetraubiquitin fused with SUMO partially rescues meiotic defects in the SLX8‐deletion strain. Furthermore, Slx5p‐Slx8p can directly add ubiquitin to SUMOylated Zip1p and Ecm11p, and forced degradation of Ecm11p partially rescues the sporulation defects of the SLX8 deletion strain. These findings provide a mechanism for SC disassembly and reveal that the crosstalk between SUMOylation and ubiquitination facilitates accurate chromosome segregation by promoting SC component degradation during meiosis.

IntroductionEtiology studies of severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) in adults are limited. We studied potential etiologies of SARI among adults in six countries using multi-pathogen diagnostics.MethodsWe enrolled both adults with SARI (acute respiratory illness onset with fever and cough requiring hospitalization) and asymptomatic adults (adults hospitalized with non-infectious illnesses, non-household members accompanying SARI patients, adults enrolled from outpatient departments, and community members) in each country. Demographics, clinical data, and nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal specimens were collected from both SARI patients and asymptomatic adults. Specimens were tested for presence of 29 pathogens utilizing the Taqman® Array Card platform. We applied a non-parametric Bayesian regression extension of a partially latent class model approach to estimate proportions of SARI caused by specific pathogens.ResultsWe enrolled 2,388 SARI patients and 1,135 asymptomatic adults from October 2013 through October 2015. We detected ≥1 pathogen in 76% of SARI patients and 67% of asymptomatic adults. Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae were most commonly detected (≥23% of SARI patients and asymptomatic adults). Through modeling, etiology was attributed to a pathogen in most SARI patients (range among countries: 57.3-93.2%); pathogens commonly attributed to SARI etiology included influenza A (14.4-54.4%), influenza B (1.9-19.1%), rhino/enterovirus (1.8-42.6%), and RSV (3.6-14.6%).ConclusionsUse of multi-pathogen diagnostics and modeling enabled attribution of etiology in most adult SARI patients, despite frequent detection of multiple pathogens in the upper respiratory tract. Seasonal flu vaccination and development of RSV vaccine would likely reduce the burden of SARI in these populations.

Abstract Background Pneumonia is a serious public health issue and is concerned around the world. This study is to investigate the association between viral load in children with human adenovirus (HAdV) pneumonia and disease severity. Methods A total of 1313 cases of children hospitalized in Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital due to community acquired pneumonia (CAP) from April 2011 to May 2014 were enrolled in this study. Samples of nasopharyngeal aspirate were collected for the cohort. WHO criteria for CAP grading was emerged for pneumonia severity classification. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to detect 12 kinds of respiratory viruses. HAdV types were identified by nested PCR. The relationship between HAdV load and severity of disease was there by analyzed. Results Finally, 174 cases (174/1313, 13.3%) were positive for HAdV, and HAdV type 7 (HAdV-7) was the main serotype (76/174, 43.7%). Among the 174 cases, 70 cases were with HAdV infection alone and 104 cases were accompanied by other viruses. The patients were divided into mild pneumonia group (n = 108 cases) and severe pneumonia group (n = 66 cases). HAdV load of children in severe pneumonia group was higher than that in mild pneumonia group. Similar result was obtained in the 70 cases with HAdV infection alone after subgrouping. Relevant factors analysis results showed that severe pneumonia children presented lower onset age, more prone to fever, longer fever time, and longer hospital stay compared with that of mild pneumonia children. Children with HAdV-7 infection developed more frequently severe pneumonia. Multivariate regression analysis showed that HAdV load, age, and fever time were risk factors for pneumonia severity. Conclusion The severity of HAdV infection is significantly correlated with viral load and serotype.

ABSTRACT Eukaryotic cells share a basic scheme of internal organization featuring membrane-based organelles. The use of fluorescent proteins (FPs) greatly facilitated live-cell imaging of organelle dynamics and protein trafficking. One major limitation of this approach is that the fusion of an FP to a target protein can and often does compromise the function of the target protein and alter its subcellular localization. The optimization process to obtain a desirable fusion construct can be time-consuming or even unsuccessful. In this work, we set out to provide a validated set of FP-based markers for major organelles in the budding yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). Out of over 160 plasmids constructed, we present a final set of 42 plasmids, the recommendations for which are backed up by meticulous evaluations. The tool set includes three colors (green, red, and blue) and covers the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), nucleus, Golgi apparatus, endosomes, vacuoles, mitochondria, peroxisomes, and lipid droplets. The fidelity of the markers was established by systematic cross-comparison and quantification. Functional assays were performed to examine the impact of marker expression on the secretory pathway, endocytic pathway, and metabolic activities of mitochondria and peroxisomes. Concomitantly, our work constitutes a reassessment of organelle identities in this model organism. Our data support the recognition that “late Golgi” and “early endosomes,” two seemingly distinct terms, denote the same compartment in yeast. Conversely, all other organelles can be visually separated from each other at the resolution of conventional light microscopy, and quantification results justify their classification as distinct entities. IMPORTANCE Cells contain elaborate internal structures. For eukaryotic cells, like those in our bodies, the internal space is compartmentalized into membrane-bound organelles, each tasked with specialized functions. Oftentimes, one needs to visualize organelles to understand a complex cellular process. Here, we provide a validated set of fluorescent protein-based markers for major organelles in budding yeast. Yeast is a commonly used model when investigating basic mechanisms shared among eukaryotes. Fluorescent proteins are produced by cells themselves, avoiding the need for expensive chemical dyes. Through extensive cross-comparison, we make sure that each of our markers labels and only labels the intended organelle. We also carefully examined if the presence of our markers has any negative impact on the functionality of the cells and found none. Our work also helps answer a related question: are the structures we see really what we think they are?

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The accident caused by the corrosion of steel in the production of alumina has become an important issue. The corrosion behaviour of 16Mn steel was investigated using weightlessness, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectrometry and grey system theory in the sulfur-containing alkaline solutions. This paper proposes three methods to improve prediction accuracy of GM(1, 1) model. Results indicated that corrosion time is the most important influence factor of the corrosion rate of 16Mn steel which satisfies the mathematical relationship of power function in the early stages of corrosion. The corrosion products is mainly composed of elements O, S, Fe, Al, Cr and C, and the particles with better crystallization are mainly oxides (Fe _3 O _4 ), while the bulk particles are mainly sulfides (FeS). The accuracy of four GM(1, 1) prediction models is better than that of the power function, among which metabolic GM(1, 1) model is the best.

In the conserved autophagy pathway, the double-membrane autophagosome (AP) engulfs cellular components to be delivered for degradation in the lysosome. While only sealed AP can productively fuse with the lysosome, the molecular mechanism of AP closure is currently unknown. Rab GTPases, which regulate all intracellular trafficking pathways in eukaryotes, also regulate autophagy. Rabs function in GTPase modules together with their activators and downstream effectors. In yeast, an autophagy-specific Ypt1 GTPase module, together with a set of autophagy-related proteins (Atgs) and a phosphatidylinositol-3-phosphate (PI3P) kinase, regulates AP formation. Fusion of APs and endosomes with the vacuole (the yeast lysosome) requires the Ypt7 GTPase module. We have previously shown that the Rab5-related Vps21, within its endocytic GTPase module, regulates autophagy. However, it was not clear which autophagy step it regulates. Here, we show that this module, which includes the Vps9 activator, the Rab5-related Vps21, the CORVET tethering complex, and the Pep12 SNARE, functions after AP expansion and before AP closure. Whereas APs are not formed in mutant cells depleted for Atgs, sealed APs accumulate in cells depleted for the Ypt7 GTPase module members. Importantly, depletion of individual members of the Vps21 module results in a novel phenotype: accumulation of unsealed APs. In addition, we show that Vps21-regulated AP closure precedes another AP maturation step, the previously reported PI3P phosphatase-dependent Atg dissociation. Our results delineate three successive steps in the autophagy pathway regulated by Rabs, Ypt1, Vps21 and Ypt7, and provide the first insight into the upstream regulation of AP closure.

We studied the effects of different ear removal treatments on the senescence order of functional leaves and the effects of removal of 3/4 ear on the chlorophyll content, net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomata conductance, malonaldehyde content and catalase activity in the functional leaves in wheat. The results showed that different ear removal resulted in different frequency of plants with leaf-color inversion (i.e., the green color of both the 2nd and 3rd leaf from the top or only the 2nd leaf was deeper than that of the flag leaf). Removal of 3/4 ear or whole ear, obviously increased the frequency of plants with leaf-color inversion. The chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomata conductance and catalase activity in the flag leaf of plants with leaf-color inversion were mostly lower than those in the 2nd and 3rd leaf from the top, but the malonaldehyde content of flag leaf was obviously higher than that of the 2nd and 3rd leaf from the top. The experiments demonstrated that removal of 3/4 ear accelerated the senescence of flag leaf, delayed the senescence of the 2nd and the 3rd leaf from the top and altered the senescence order of wheat functional leaves.

Basal progenitor cells serve as a stem cell pool to maintain the homeostasis of the epithelium of the foregut, including the esophagus and the forestomach. Aberrant genetic regulation in these cells can lead to carcinogenesis, such as squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). However, the underlying molecular mechanisms regulating the function of basal progenitor cells remain largely unknown. Here, we use mouse models to reveal that Hippo signaling is required for maintaining the homeostasis of the foregut epithelium and cooperates with p53 to repress the initiation of foregut SCC. Deletion of Mst1/2 in mice leads to epithelial overgrowth in both the esophagus and forestomach. Further molecular studies find that Mst1/2-deficiency promotes epithelial growth by enhancing basal cell proliferation in a Yes-associated protein (Yap)-dependent manner. Moreover, Mst1/2 deficiency accelerates the onset of foregut SCC in a carcinogen-induced foregut SCC mouse model, depending on Yap. Significantly, a combined deletion of Mst1/2 and p53 in basal progenitor cells sufficiently drives the initiation of foregut SCC. Therefore, our studies shed light on the collaborative role of Hippo signaling and p53 in maintaining squamous epithelial homeostasis while suppressing malignant transformation of basal stem cells within the foregut. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]