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The cap geometry and formation mechanism play a key role in influencing the hole-making quality on the bore exit side and must be the focus of research in orbital drilling of aeronautical metal materials. For a "bowl shape" cap geometry formed in orbital drilling process, the corresponding undeformed cap periphery geometry, generated by the cap periphery cutting edges, is simulated and given the parametric description. Especially, the cap periphery is simplified as a simply supported annular plate under uniform load with arbitrary loading radius based on the characteristics of the cap periphery shape and mechanical analysis of processing. Then its unified plastic limit analysis is developed. The ultimate load, stress field, and plastic deformation at the periphery of the cap are derived from the unified strength theory. Furthermore, the numerical solutions are obtained in terms of the Tresca yield, Huber–von Mises, and twin-shear yield criteria. The conclusions enabled an in-depth understanding of the cap periphery formation mechanism in the orbital drilling of holes from the unified plastic limit analysis perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ageing is an inevitable biological process characterized by progressive decline in physiological functions. It is a complex natural phenomenon that will cause structural and functional decline. Despite substantial progress in understanding the mechanism of ageing, both predictive biomarkers and preventive therapies remain limited. Using Weighted Gene Co‐expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) and machine learning techniques, we identified Carboxypeptidase E (CPE) as a pivotal marker of skin ageing, based on ageing‐related bulk transcriptome and single‐cell transcriptome data. Next, our investigation reveals downregulation of CPE in replicative, UVA‐induced, and H2O2‐induced senescent human dermal fibroblast cells (HDFs). Furthermore, shRNA‐mediated CPE knockdown induced HDFs senescence, and overexpression of CPE delayed HDFs senescence. Moreover, downregulated CPE inhibits collagen synthesis and induces inflammation, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target for skin ageing. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that CPE functions as a predictor and optional target for therapeutic intervention of skin ageing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) are essential in the processes of skin ageing and wound healing. However, the underlying mechanism of HDFs in skin healing of the elderly has not been well defined. This study aims to elucidate the mechanisms of HDFs senescence and how senescent HDFs affect wound healing in aged skin. Methods: The expression and function of sperm equatorial segment protein 1 (SPESP1) in skin ageing were evaluated via in vivo and in vitro experiments. To delve into the potential molecular mechanisms by which SPESP1 influences skin ageing, a combination of techniques was employed, including proteomics, RNA sequencing, immunoprecipitation, chromatin immunoprecipitation and liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry analyses. Clearance of senescent cells by dasatinib plus quercetin (D+Q) was investigated to explore the role of SPESP1‐induced senescent HDFs in wound healing. Results: Here, we define the critical role of SPESP1 in ameliorating HDFs senescence and retarding the skin ageing process. Mechanistic studies demonstrate that SPESP1 directly binds to methyl‐binding protein, leading to Decorin demethylation and subsequently upregulation of its expression. Moreover, SPESP1 knockdown delays wound healing in young mice and SPESP1 overexpression induces wound healing in old mice. Notably, pharmacogenetic clearance of senescent cells by D+Q improved wound healing in SPESP1 knockdown skin. Conclusions: Taken together, these findings reveal the critical role of SPESP1 in skin ageing and wound healing, expecting to facilitate the development of anti‐ageing strategies and improve wound healing in the elderly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three MnII complexes, named Mn2(HATNA)2(CH3OH)4 (1), {[Mn3(ATNA)2(DMF)2(H2O)2]·0.5DMF·0.5H2O}n (2, DMF = N,N-dimethylformamide), and {[Mn6(ATNA)4(H2O)10]·8DMSO·2.5H2O}n (3, DMSO = dimethyl sulphoxide), were successfully synthesized by the reaction of the ligand azotetrazole-3-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid (H3ATNA) and Mn(CH3COO)2 in CH3OH, DMF, and DMSO, respectively. A binuclear structure was found for complex 1, with the two Mn(II) ions doubly bridged through N–N linkers from the two tetrazole rings. Both 2 and 3 displayed one-dimensional structures. Magnetic studies show that antiferromagnetic interactions of Mn(II) ions existed in complexes 1–3. All the complexes exhibited luminescence emission peaks at room temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Huanglongbing (HLB) is one of the most severe citrus diseases in the world, causing huge economic losses. However, efficient methods of protecting citrus from HLB have not yet been developed. microRNA (miRNA)-mediated regulation of gene expression is a useful tool to control plant diseases, but the miRNAs involved in regulating resistance to HLB have not yet been identified. In this study, we found that miR171b positively regulated resistance to HLB in citrus. Upon infection with HLB bacteria, the bacteria were detected in the second month in the control plants. However, in the miR171b-overexpressing transgenic citrus plants, the bacteria could not be detected until the 24th month. RNA-seq data indicated that multiple pathways, such as photosynthesis, plant–pathogen interaction, the MAPK signaling pathway, etc., might be involved in improving the resistance to HLB in miR171b-overexpressing plants compared with the control. Finally, we determined that miR171b could target SCARECROW-like (SCL) genes to downregulate their expression, which then led to promoted resistance to HLB stress. Collectively, our results demonstrate that miR171b plays a positive regulatory role in resistance to citrus HLB, and provides a new insight into the role of miRNAs in the adaptation of citrus to HLB stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants has shown its promise in wastewater purification, however the photocatalytic activity on most catalysts are still unsatisfactory due to the poor reactive oxygen species production as a result of sluggish charge separation. Here, an innovative silicotungstic acid mediated charge transfer system over the Z-scheme g-C 3 N 4 /H 4 SiW 12 O 40 /Ag 3 PO 4 photocatalyst is proposed, exhibiting remarkable photocatalytic activity toward oxygen activation for reactive oxygen species generation. We verify that the H 4 SiW 12 O 40 with the unique Keggin units could serve as charge transfer mediator to speed up charge transportation between g-C 3 N 4 and Ag 3 PO 4 , as a result showing dramatically enhanced charge separation efficiency. By virtue of the aforementioned advantages, the as-prepared Z-scheme photocatalyst of g-C 3 N 4 /H 4 SiW 12 O 40 /Ag 3 PO 4 shows excellent photocatalytic performance toward carbamazepine degradation, where the pseudo-first-order rate constant is estimated to be 78, 18, and 9 times higher than that of g-C 3 N 4 , Ag 3 PO 4 , and g-C 3 N 4 /Ag 3 PO 4. The innovative design of using H 4 SiW 12 O 40 as solid charge transfer mediator offers new viewpoints in designing high-efficient photoctalysts for environmental related applications. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a hot topic today, ferroptosis is closely involved in the progression and treatment of cancer. Accordingly, we built a prognostic model around ferroptosis to predict the overall survival of OSCC patients. We used up to 6 datasets from 3 different databases to ensure the credibility of the model. Then, through differentially expressed, Univariate Cox, and Lasso regression analyses, a model composed of nine prognostic-related differently expressed ferroptosis-related genes (CISD2, DDIT4, CA9, ALOX15, ATG5, BECN1, BNIP3, PRDX5 and MAP1LC3A) were constructed. Moreover, Kaplan–Meier curves, Receiver Operating Characteristic curves and principal component analysis used to verify the model's predictive ability showed the model's superiority. To deeply understand the mechanism of ferroptosis affecting the occurrence, development and prognosis of OSCC, we performed enrichment analysis in different risk groups identified by the model. The results showed that numerous TP53-related, immune-related and ferroptosis-related functions and pathways were enriched. Further immune microenvironment analysis and mutation analysis have once again revealed the correlation between risk score and immunity and TP53 mutation. Finally, the correlation between risk score and OSCC clinical treatment, as well as Nomogram show the brilliant clinical application prospects of the prognostic model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uncontrolled growth of Zn dendrites is the main reason for the short‐circuit failure of aqueous Zn‐ion batteries. Using electrolyte additives to manipulate the crystal growth is one of the most convenient strategies to mitigate the dendrite issue. However, most additives would be unstable during cycling due to the structural reconstruction of the deposition layer. Herein, it is proposed to use 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium cation (BMIm+ ion) as an electrolyte additive, which could steadily induce the preferential growth of (002) plane and inhibit the formation of Zn dendrites. Specifically, BMIm+ ion will be preferentially adsorbed on (100) and (101) planes of Zn anodes, forcing Zn2+ ion to deposit on the (002) plane, thus inducing the preferential growth of the (002) plane and forming a flat and compact deposition layer. As a result, the Zn anode cycles for 1000 h at10 mA cm−2 and 10 mAh cm−2 as well as a high Coulombic efficiency of 99.8%. Meanwhile, the NH4V4O10||Zn pouch cell can operate stably for 240 cycles at 0.4 A g−1. The BMIm+ ion additive keeps a stable effect on the structural reconstruction of the Zn anode during the prolonged cycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new compound of azotetrazole-3-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid (H3ATNA) has been successfully synthesized and characterized. By controlling the ratio of metal ions to the ligand and the pH value of solution, mononuclear, dinuclear and tetranuclear dysprosium(III) complexes [Et3NH]3[Dy(HATNA)3]·5H2O (1), [Dy2(HATNA)3(DMF)(H2O)]·2DMF·CH3OH·2H2O (2) and [Et3NH]6[Dy4(ATNA)6(H2O)2]·DMF·2CH3CN·8H2O (3) were synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction crystallography (DMF = N,N-dimethylformamide). Crystallographic data demonstrate that the neutral H3ATNA exists as a hydrazone tautomer. Complex 1 is a mononuclear structure, in which the Dy(III) ion is a nine-coordinated ion surrounded by three tridentate HATNA− ligands. Complex 2 shows a dinuclear structure, which is bridged by three μ1,1-hydroxyl groups of three HATNA− ligands. In complex 2, the Dy(III)1 ion is a nine-coordinated ion surrounded by three tridentate HATNA− ligands, while Dy(III)2 is an eight coordinated atom with three tridentate HATNA− ligands, one DMF and one water molecule. Complex 3 displays a tetranuclear structure, which can be approximately considered as two μ1,3-carboxyl groups of ATNA3− ligands linking complex 2. The magnetic properties of 1–3 were investigated. Complexes 2 and 3 display slow magnetic relaxation in a zero dc field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, NiCo2S4–graphene hybrids (NCS@G) with high electrochemical performance were prepared using a hydrothermal method. The response surface methodology (RSM), along with a central composite design (CCD), was used to investigate the effect of independent variables (G/NCS, hydrothermal time, and S/Ni) on the specific capacitances of the NCS@G/Ni composite electrodes. RSM analysis revealed that the developed quadratic model with regression coefficient values of more than 0.95 could be well adapted to represent experimental results. Optimized preparation conditions for NCS@G were G/NCS = 6.0%, hydrothermal time = 10.0, and S/Ni = 6.0 of NCS@G (111) sample. The maximum specific capacitance of NCS@G (111)/Ni fabricated at the optimal condition is about 216% higher than the best result obtained using the conventional experimental method. The enhanced capacitive performance of the NCS@G (111) sample can be attributed to the synergistic effect between NCS nanoparticles and graphene, which has the meso/macropores conductive network and low diffusion resistance. Notably, the NCS@G (111) could not only provide numerous reaction sites but also prevent the restacking of graphene layers. Furthermore, a supercapattery cell was fabricated with an (G + AC)/Ni anode, a NCS@G (111)/Ni cathode, and a carboxymethyl cellulose–potassium hydroxide (CMC-KOH) gel electrolyte. The NCS@G (111)//(G + AC) demonstrates an outstanding energy density of 80 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 4 kW kg−1, and a good cycling performance of 75% after 5000 cycles at 2 A g−1. Applying the synthesis strategy of RSM endows remarkable capacitive performance of the hybrid materials, providing an economical pathway to design promising composite electrode material and fabricate high-performance energy storage devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two mixed-valence Co(II)/Co(III) complexes of [CoII(phen)3][CoIII(HATD)2]2·3DMA·3.5H2O (1), and [CoII(terpy)2][CoIII(HATD)2]2·4DMA·H2O (2), (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, terpy = 2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine, H3ATD = azotetrazolyl-2,7-dihydroxynaphthalene, DMA = N,N-dimethylacetamide) were synthesized and their crystal structures were characterized. Crystal structure analyses reveal that complexes 1 and 2 consist of CoIII and CoII ions in an octahedral environment where the CoII ion is coordinated by three phen ligands and two terpy ligands, respectively. Magnetic measurements show that complex 1 displays field induced single-molecule magnet behavior, whereas 2 undergoes a gradual thermal spin crossover (SCO). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The timing of the Lhasa–Qiangtang collision following the closure of the Bangong–Nujiang Tethys Ocean has not been well constrained. An integrated study of whole-rock geochemistry and zircon U–Pb–Hf isotopes was carried out for Early Cretaceous quartz diorite-porphyrites and granites from the Yilashan and Amdo areas, northern Tibet. LA–ICP–MS zircon U–Pb dating reveal that the Yilashan and Amdo granitoids were emplaced at ~121–110 Ma. These granitic rocks display selective enrichment of light rare earth elements, large ion lithophile elements (e.g., Rb, U) and Th, but depletion of Sr and high field strength elements (e.g., Nb, Ta, Ti) compared to its neighboring elements. These new data, combined with regional geological setting, show that these igneous rocks were formed under a geodynamic setting of the Lhasa and Qiangtang (–Amdo) collision with oceanic slab breakoff and asthenospheric upwelling. The BNTO had been closed at ~121–110 Ma in the study area. Yilashan-Amdo granitoids roughly yield high (87Sr/86Sr)i ratios and obvious negative εNd(t) and zircon εHf(t) values along with old Nd TDM and zircon Hf TDM2 ages. Together with their variable U–Pb ages, these features indicate a Precambrian "hidden" crustal source beneath the northern Lhasa and Amdo terranes. The YLSS S-type granophyres were derived from partial melting of Paleoproterozoic lower crustal metagraywackes, whereas the YLSZ quartz diorite–porphyrites and the Amdo I- and A-type granites were mainly derived from partial melting of Paleo–Mesoproterozoic lower crustal mafic rocks with a certain amount of addition of mantle-derived melts. Minor amounts of the materials originated from the Amdo orthogneisses may also be involved in the formation of the YLSZ quartz diorite–porphyrites and the Amdo I-type granites. In addition, the Yilashan ophiolite was intruded by the ~112–108 Ma granophyric and quartz diorite–porphyritic intrusions before its final emplacement into the surrounding strata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Cellulose has a wide range of sources, low price and abundant functional groups. • CSPGs-La prepared by crosslinking shows high loading capacity for phosphate due to its high swelling property. • Despite the presence of competitive anions, CSPGs-La exhibits high selectivity towards phosphates. • Phosphate was adsorbed mainly through ligand exchange and surface precipitation. • The phosphorus concentration in actual wastewater can be reduced to below 10 μg L−1 by CSPGs-La. Phosphorus exceeding the standard will destroy the ecological environment of the freshwater resources and endanger the survival of aquatic animals. Due to the intrinsic complexation between La(Ⅲ) and alginate, in this study, lanthanum hydroxide was first prepared from lanthanum nitrate, the chemical crosslinking agent was replaced by La(Ⅲ), and cellulose/lanthanum alginate/La(OH) 3 composite microspheres (CSPGs-La) were synthesized using polyethyleneimine (PEI) as a crosslinking agent through the emulsification process in one pot. In comparison, the adsorption capacity of 80 mg L−1 PO 4 3− treated with CSPGs-La, CSPGs-Ech (Samples where the chemical crosslinking agent was not replaced by La(Ⅲ)) and La(OH) 3 was 159.5 mg g−1, 57.51 mg g−1 and 137.4 mg g−1, respectively. CSPGs-La has good swelling performance, unique three-dimensional structure and mass transfer efficiency, which are the important reasons for its strong ability to capture phosphate. In the presence of coexisting anions, CSPGs-La can still accurately adsorb PO 4 3−, showing good adsorption selectivity. Intra-surface spherical complexation and electrostatic adsorption play an important role. When the dose of CSPGs-La is 1.35 g L−1, the phosphorus pollutants in the actual domestic sewage can be reduced to 10 μg L−1 below. After five adsorption cycles, the retention rate of phosphorus removal performance is 87.7 %. This study provides a green, easy to implement, and promising solution for the preparation of efficient and selective phosphorus removal adsorbent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The citrus industry has been threatened by Huanglongbing (HLB) for over a century. Here, an HLB-induced Arabidopsis RPM1-interacting protein 4 (RIN4) homologous gene was cloned from Citrus clementina, and its characteristics and function were analyzed to determine its role during citrus–Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas) interactions. Quantitative real-time PCR showed that RIN4 was expressed in roots, stems, leaves and flowers, with the greatest expression level in leaves. Its expression was suppressed by gibberellic acid, indole-3-acetic acid, salicylic acid and jasmonic acid treatments, but was induced by abscisic acid and salt treatments, as well as wounding. The transient expression of a RIN4-GFP showed that RIN4 was localized in the cell membrane. RIN4-overexpressing transgenic C. maxima cv. 'Shatianyou' plants were obtained, and some transgenic plants showed greater sensitivity to CLas infection and earlier HLB symptoms appearance than non-transgenic controls. Results obtained in this study indicated that the upregulated expression of RIN4 in HLB diseased citrus may aid CLas infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Golden gate/modular cloning facilitates faster and more efficient cloning by utilizing the unique features of the type IIS restriction enzymes. However, it is known that targeted insertion of DNA fragment(s) must not include internal type IIS restriction recognition sites. In the case of cloning CRISPR constructs by using golden gate (GG) cloning, this narrows down the scope of guide RNA (gRNA) picks because the selection of a good gRNA for successful genome editing requires some obligation of fulfillment, and it is unwanted if a good gRNA candidate cannot be picked only because it has an internal type IIS restriction recognition site. In this article, we have shown that the presence of a type IIS restriction recognition site in a gRNA does not affect cloning and subsequent genome editing. After each step of GG reactions, correct insertions of gRNAs were verified by colony color and restriction digestion and were further confirmed by sequencing. Finally, the final vector containing a Cas12a nuclease and four gRNAs was used for Agrobacterium-mediated citrus cell transformation. Sequencing of PCR amplicons flanking gRNA-2 showed a substitution (C to T) mutation in transgenic plants. The knowledge derived from this study could widen the scope of GG cloning, particularly of gRNAs selection for GG-mediated cloning into CRISPR vectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Although obesity affects human health and cognitive function, the influence of abdominal obesity on cognitive function is still unclear. Methods. The MoCA scale was used to evaluate the overall cognitive function and the function of each subitem of 196 subjects, as well as the SDMT and TMT-A scales for evaluating the attention and information processing speed. In addition, radioimmunoassay was used to detect the serum levels of Aβ40, Aβ42, and tau protein in 45 subjects. Subjects were divided into abdominal and nonabdominal obesity groups. Before and after correcting confounding factors, the differences in cognitive scale evaluation indexes and three protein levels between the two groups were compared. We also explore further the correlation between various cognitive abilities and the waist circumference/levels of the three proteins. Linear regression was used to identify the independent influencing factors of various cognitive functions and three protein levels. Results. After correcting for multiple factors, we observed the lower scores of visuospatial function, execution, and language in the MoCA scale, as well as higher levels of Aβ40 and tau protein in the abdominal obesity group, supported by the results of correlation analysis. Abdominal obesity was identified as an independent negative influencing factor of MoCA visual space, executive power, and language scores and an independent positive influencing factor of Aβ40, Aβ42, and tau protein levels. Conclusion. Abdominal obesity may play a negative role in visuospatial, executive ability, and language function and a positive role in the Aβ40, Aβ42, and tau protein serum levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post-collisional K-rich magmatic rocks of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau provide important information for understanding the continental collision and uplift of this plateau during the Cenozoic. However, the source of these K-rich rocks is still debated, and limited investigations have been conducted in the western Kunlun Mountains (WKM) in the northwestern margin of the plateau. In this paper, we present geochemical, geochronological, and Sr–Nd–Hf isotope data for Quanshuigou post-collisional K-rich igneous rocks from the WKM. Geochronological results show that these rocks were emplaced during two stages: (1) ca. 5.3 Ma, as an intrusive suite of granite porphyries; and (2) ca. 4.8 Ma, as a suite of shoshonites. These rocks are enriched in light rare earth elements (LREEs) and large-ion lithophile elements (LILEs), and depleted in heavy rare earth elements (HREEs) and high-field-strength elements (HFSEs). Compositions of the granite porphyries classify these rocks as high-K calc-alkaline peraluminous A-type granites. Combining the negative zircon εHf(t) values (−6.9 to −1.1) with Hf crustal model ages (TDM2) of 1.16–1.53 Ga and negative εNd(t) values (−5.31 to −4.96) with two-stage Nd model ages (TDM2) of 1.22–1.46 Ga, these signatures suggest that the granite porphyries most probably originated from partial melting of thickened lower crust with limited input of mantle-derived magmas. In contrast, the shoshonites have low SiO2 contents (50.84–53.94 wt.%), relatively high Mg# values (50–57), and εNd (t) values ranging from −6.18 to −5.34, with single-stage Nd model ages (TDM1) of 0.97–1.02 Ga. Our analyses show that the parental magma of the shoshonites probably formed by partial melting of EMII-type lithospheric mantle, with the addition of subducted and recycled oceanic sediments. Hence, we conclude that these granite porphyries and shoshonites formed in a post-collisional, extension-related geodynamic setting and that the melting was probably triggered by motion on the Altyn Tagh strike-slip fault system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Gibberellic Acid Stimulated Arabidopsis (GASA) proteins were investigated in the study to help understand their possible roles in fruit trees, particularly in Citrus. A total of 18 CcGASA proteins were identified and characterized in Citrus clementina via a genome-wide approach. It was shown that the CcGASA proteins structurally shared a conserved GASA domain but varied considerably in primary sequences and motif compositions. Thus, they could be classified into three major phylogenetic groups, G1~G3, and two groups, G1 and G3 could be further classified into subgroups. The cis- elements on all CcGASA promoters were identified and categorized, and the associated transcription factors were predicted. In addition, the possible interactions between the CcGASA proteins and other proteins were predicted. All the clues suggested that these genes should be involved in defense against biotic and abiotic stresses and in growth and development. The notion was further supported by gene expression analysis that showed these genes were more or less responsive to the treatments of plant hormones (GA3, SA, ABA and IAA), and infections of citrus canker pathogen Xanthomonas citri. It was noted that both the segmental and the tandem duplications had played a role in the expansion of the CcGASA gene family in Citrus. Our results showed that the members of the CcGASA gene family should have structurally and functionally diverged to different degrees, and hence, the representative group members should be individually investigated to dissect their specific roles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MicroRNA (miRNA) profiles were studied in roots of 'Sanhu' tangerine plants with and without Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas) infections by using solexa sequencing to investigate the possible involvement of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of Citrus Greening (Huanglongbing) disease. A total of 186 known miRNAs and 71 novel miRNAs were thus identified. Of them, 37 known and 18 novel miRNAs were significantly different in their expression patterns in roots of CLas-free and CLas-infected plants. CLas infection induced de novo expression of 6 known miRNAs and up-regulated the expression of 13 known miRNAs. It also prevented the expression of 11 known miRNAs and down-regulated the expression of 7 others. A total of 316 genes were predicted to be the targets of these differentially expressed miRNAs. Particularly, 34, 28, 21, and 20 genes were predicted to be the respective targets of cre-miR156a, cre-miR396b, cre-miR396g-5p, and cre-miRn70. The predicted putative target genes are known to be involved in stress response, plant growth and development, transcription, and metabolism. Quantitative analyses of the expression of several representative miRNAs and their target genes were generally in agreement with the predicted expression patterns (inverse proportion). Further research to unravel the interactions between these miRNAs and their target genes and determine the associated biological and pathological significance is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. An increasing number of studies have indicated that the abnormal expression of certain long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) is linked to the overall survival (OS) of patients with myeloma. Methods. Gene expression data of myeloma patients were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database (GSE4581 and GSE57317). Cox regression analysis, Kaplan-Meier, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis were performed to construct and validate the prediction model. Single sample gene set enrichment (ssGSEA) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis were used to predict the function of a specified lncRNA. Results. In this study, a seven-lncRNA signature was identified and used to construct a risk score system for myeloma prognosis. This system was used to stratify patients with different survival rates in the training set into high-risk and low-risk groups. Test set, the entire test set, the external validation set, and the myeloma subtype achieved the authentication of the results. In addition, functional enrichment analysis indicated that 7 prognostic lncRNAs may be involved in the tumorigenesis of myeloma through cancer-related pathways and biological processes. The results of the immune score showed that IF_I was negatively correlated with the risk score. Compared with the published gene signature, the 7-lncRNA model has a higher C-index (above 0.8). Conclusion. In summary, our data provide evidence that seven lncRNAs could be used as independent biomarkers to predict the prognosis of myeloma, which also indicated that these 7 lncRNAs may be involved in the progression of myeloma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Susceptible (S) genes are those plant genes that facilitate pathogen infection and disease. The loss of function of these genes primarily interrupts the growth and development of invading pathogens and thus makes plants resistant. The S-gene-targeted resistance may produce durable immunity in plants. Because, S gene-based resistance is derived from the inactivation of a host factor required for the survival of a pathogen in the host. To bypass the S gene-based resistance, a parasitic pathogen must evolve and develop the same or similar functions provided naturally by its host factors, which is far more difficult or even may be impossible. However, it is critical to identify and target the appropriate S gene(s) aiming to gain resistant capacity against a particular disease, because S genes may be pathogen-specific in many cases. The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) technology has shown great potential in manipulating S genes in plants. The CRISPR-TSKO (CRISPR-based tissue-specific knock-out) tool kit can provide an understanding of the exact function of an individual gene in a tissue and developmental stage-specific manner while also producing a heritable mutant allele. In this review, candidate S genes have been summarized for CRISPR-TSKO mediated tissue-specific gene knockdown to enhance host resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most of owls are nocturnal raptor and usually use their soft and fluffy feathers to flight silently to catch prey while other diurnal raptors prefer fierce attack and swift flight. For energy cost of these different hunting strategies can be greatly different, we speculate that mitochondrial gene of owls may undergo a different evolution pattern following raptors evolution. To test our hypothesis, we sequenced the mtDNA genome of Otus sunia and calculated the ratio of nonsynonymous to synonymous nucleotide substitutions (ω, Ka/Ks, dN/dS) of raptors. The mtDNA genome of O. sunia was 17,609 bp in length, containing 13 PCGs, 2 ribosomal RNAs, 22 transfer RNAs and a control region. Secondly structure of tRNAs and rRNAs were predicted and conserved sequence blocks (CSBs) on control region were identified. The Bayesian inference tree and maximum likelihood tree based on 13 PCGs and 2 rRNAs suggested the owls were related to other raptors. Finally, calculation of ω-values of each owls and other raptors mtDNA PCGs indicated that owls accumulated more nonsynonymous nucleotide substitutions relative to synonymous substitutions compared to other raptors. For mtDNA PCGs associated with energy metabolism, this finding may reveal the degeneration of flight abilities of owls. • The secondary structure of 22 transfer RNA genes and 2 ribosomal RNA genes of Otus sunia were firstly predicted and the conserved sequence blocks were identified. • We systematically compare and summarize the previous studies concentrated on the owls' family phylogeny and put forward our own views and basis. • We found the natural selective constrains of owls' CytB gene and ND5 gene were significantly relaxed when compared with other raptors indicating the flight ability of owls may degenerate during raptors evolution. • One reliable explanation for why the 13 PCGs on owls' mitochondrial genome selective constrains were not significantly relaxed was that the owls still needed a strong energy system to generate plenty of energy which was not all used on flight but used on insulation partly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of Dan'e Fukang soft extracts in moderate ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) for the simultaneous treatment of blood and fluid, guided by the traditional Chinese medicine principle of "triple prevention". Methods: This study conducted a retrospective analysis of clinical data from outpatients who underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection embryo transfer (ICSI-ET). A total of 2245 cases were included and divided into a treatment group (1002 cases) and a control group (1243 cases). Patients in the treatment group were administered Dan'e Fukang soft extracts orally in addition to conventional Western medicine. Comparative assessments were made between the two groups on pelvic ascites volume, maximum ovary diameter, dysmenorrhea incidence post-oocyte retrieval, and safety indicators. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the treatment group and the control group in terms of general characteristics or the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteotropic hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), or progesterone (P) at the time of gonadotropin (Gn) initiation. The groups did not differ significantly when we compared the levels of LH, E2, or P on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) injection and during ovarian hyperstimulation protocols (P > 0.05 for all indicators). The differences in the volume of pelvic ascites, the maximum ovarian diameter, and the incidence of dysmenorrhea after oocyte retrieval were statistically significant between the treatment group and the control group (P < 0.05 in both). There were no instances of adverse reactions in either group. Conclusion: Based on the traditional Chinese medicine principle of "triple prevention", the use of Dan'e Fukang soft extracts for the simultaneous treatment of blood and fluid in moderate OHSS significantly improved the absorption of pelvic ascites, promoted ovarian recovery, and reduced the incidence of dysmenorrhea after oocyte retrieval. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human serum globulin (GLB), which contains various antibodies in healthy human serum, is of great significance for clinical trials and disease diagnosis. In this study, the GLB in human serum was rapidly analyzed by near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy without chemical reagents. Optimal partner wavelength combination (OPWC) method was employed for selecting discrete information wavelength. For the OPWC, the redundant wavelengths were removed by repeated projection iteration based on binary linear regression, and the result converged to stable number of wavelengths. By the way, the convergence of algorithm was proved theoretically. Moving window partial least squares (MW-PLS) and Monte Carlo uninformative variable elimination PLS (MC-UVE-PLS) methods, which are two well-performed wavelength selection methods, were also performed for comparison. The optimal models were obtained by the three methods, and the corresponding root-mean-square error of cross validation and correlation coefficient of prediction (SECV, RP,CV) were 0.813 g L−1 and 0.978 with OPWC combined with PLS (OPWC-PLS), and 0.804 g L−1 and 0.979 with MW-PLS, and 1.153 g L−1 and 0.948 with MC-UVE-PLS, respectively. The OPWC-PLS and MW-PLS methods achieved almost the same good results. However, the OPWC only contained 28 wavelengths, so it had obvious lower model complexity. Thus it can be seen that the OPWC-PLS has great prediction performance for GLB and its algorithm is convergent and rapid. The results provide important technical support for the rapid detection of serum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

City-regionalism plays an increasingly important role in China's economic development. This paper analyses new forms of institutional arrangements that promote city-regional governance in the case of Hong Kong and Guangdong. Focusing on implementing the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA), we examine two research questions: Why are Guangdong and cities in the PRD strategically selected to implement CEPA and embed Hong Kong-based circulatory capital? How do governments at different scales build coordinated relationships to implement CEPA? Building upon the literature on state rescaling, we argue that governments have engaged in a scalar division of administration – a form of institutional infrastructure that aims to design and implement state strategies of urban and regional development. Within this division, the national government plays a role in steering and decision-making, Guangdong provincial government in coordination and facilitation, and urban governments in Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Zhuhai in actual implementation. CEPA implementation is built upon vertical linkages between governments at different levels in the Mainland and HKSAR government, and horizontal linkages between three free trade subzones (Qianhai, Nansha, and Hengqin) and Hong Kong-based firms and entrepreneurs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Preparation of MC using loofah as raw material. • The MC exhibits excellent physical and chemical properties. • The SnS 2 /MC photocatalyst exhibits excellent photocatalytic activity. Abstract In this study, a novel nanocomposite, carbon/SnS 2 with 3D hierarchical macroporous (MCS), was successfully prepared for rapid photocatalytic treatment of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)). The 3D macroporous carbon (MC) can be obtained through a simple carbonization process of loofah. Since the MCS has a large specific surface area, it can provide numerous photocatalytic active sites and has excellent adsorption properties for the Cr(VI). In addition, the excellent electrical conductivity and unique hierarchical nanoarchitecture of macroporous biomass carbon could rapidly absorb the Cr(VI) from wastewater and provide electron transport tunnel for rapid charge separation/transport to suppress hole electron recombination. It is confirmed that such three dimensional photocatalytic material can quickly purify Cr(VI)-containing wastewater under mild visible light irradiation, with a efficiency of 63.2% Cr(VI) reduction within 120 mins. Besides the high visible light-driven photocatalytic activity, MCS also exhibits excellent cycling stability. In addition, the SEM images of MCS before and after photocatalytic removal of Cr(VI) indicate that the morphology of composite was perfectly maintained and no peeling-off of SnS 2 was observed. More importantly, this study demonstrated that MCS can be used for practical applications due to its stability and economic availability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Although much research has been conducted on regulated deficit irrigation, there is little research on the regulated deficit irrigation of apple trees under the special irrigation method of surge-root irrigation in the Loess Plateau of China. • The water consumption of apple trees is higher than that of ordinary crops, and the water demand during the different growth periods is inflexible. • The main irrigation method employed in this region is flood irrigation, and the water use efficiency is low. • An appropriate irrigation system is urgently required to improve the water use efficiency of apple trees in this region. • This study investigated the response of the fruit quality, fruit yield, and water use efficiency to regulated deficit irrigation during the different growth stages of apple trees (Malus pumila Mill) in the Loess Plateau of northern China, to determine the optimal water deficit period of apple trees to provide a scientific basis for water management and the precise irrigation of apple trees. This study investigated the response of the fruit quality, fruit yield, and water use efficiency (WUE) to regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) during the different growth stages of apple trees (Malus pumila Mill) in the Loess Plateau of northern China. Different water deficit treatments were applied in 2016 and 2017 on a field planted with 5-year-old apple trees. The treatments included low (L), moderate (M), and severe (S) water deficit treatments during the bud burst to leafing (I), flowering to fruit set (II), and fruit growth (III) stages. Compared with full irrigation (FI), water deficit treatment during the different growth stages had significant effects on the fruit quality, fruit yield, and WUE of the apple trees. The L and M water deficit treatments during stage III significantly reduced the apple yield by 10.89% and 13.46% in 2016 and 3.66% and 10.10% in 2017, respectively. A water deficit during stage III decreased the single fruit weight, excellent-fruit percentage, and fruit water content by 2.79%–11.31%, 15.24%–20.36%, and 4.26%–10.07%, respectively, and increased fruit firmness, soluble solid content, and soluble reducing sugar content by 12.70%–21.31%, 13.83%–33.60%, and 10.13%–21.48%, respectively. The L and M water deficit treatments applied during stage I resulted in apple quality and yield that were similar to those resulting from the FI treatment, but the WUE was significantly higher in the L and M water deficit treatments than in the FI treatment. The optimal period for water deficit treatment is stage II, during which the highest yield and WUE were found. The L and M treatments during stage II increased the fruit yield by 13.93% and 13.28% in 2016 and 17.94% and 17.13% in 2017, respectively. The WUE of the apple trees was higher with the I I-L and I I-M treatments (greater than 7 kg m−3) than with other treatments. In addition, water deficit treatment during stage II caused a slight increase in fruit firmness and a slight decrease in fruit water content, which produces apples suitable for storage. Single fruit weight, excellent-fruit percentage, and soluble solid and soluble reducing sugar content were significantly improved, making the apples sweeter; thus, a water deficit during stage II had a significant positive effect on apple quality, with the I I-M treatment being optimal and the II-L treatment being second best. The optimal water deficit treatment of the II-M treatment enhances the fruit quality, yield, and WUE of apple trees in water-scarce environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • HPAs/CTAB@ZnIn 2 S 4 are fabricated for the first time by one-pot hydrothermal strategy. • HPAs and CTAB can promote e––h+ separation by their electron capture characteristics. • HPAs and CTAB can capture pollutants by acid-base interaction and hydrogen bonding. • Immobilized photocatalyst with engineering application value has also been prepared. In this article, a series of HPAs, including phosphotungstic acid (H 3 PW 12 O 40), silicotungstic acid (H 4 SiW 12 O 40), phosphomolybdic acid (H 3 PMo 12 O 40), and hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) co-modified ZnIn 2 S 4 photocatalysts (HPAs/CTAB@ZnIn 2 S 4) were successfully fabricated for the first time by a simple one-pot hydrothermal strategy. As a photogenerated electron capture tool, HPAs and CTAB can capture photogenerated electrons by W 5d (or Mo 4d) unsaturated electron orbitals and quaternary ammonium groups (–N+), thus improving the photogenerated carrier (e––h+) separation efficiency of the main photocatalyst ZnIn 2 S 4. As a pollutant molecule capture tool, HPAs and CTAB can capture pollutant molecules to the surface of photocatalyst through acid-base interaction and hydrogen bonding, so that the target pollutants can be efficiently degraded in the environment of high concentration hydroxyl radicals (·OH). In order to improve the engineering application value of as-prepared photocatalyst, we also successfully fabricated immobilized photocatalyst (H 3 PMo 12 O 40 /CTAB@ZnIn 2 S 4 @CC) by using clay ceramsite (CC) as a carrier. The photocatalytic activity of immobilized H 3 PMo 12 O 40 /CTAB@ZnIn 2 S 4 @CC is higher than that of H 3 PMo 12 O 40 /CTAB@ZnIn 2 S 4 due to the trapping effect of CC carrier on photons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Ultra-low cycle fatigue life of steel rod energy dissipaters is accurately predicted. • Constitutive model considering strain amplitude effect is incorporated in FE model. • Ductile fracture model is calibrated and validated against experiments. • Fatigue failure mechanism of steel rod dissipaters is scrutinized. • Configuration of steel rod energy dissipater is improved. • Key factors in predicting fatigue life of steel rod energy dissipaters are clarified. In recent decades, various bar-typed miniature energy dissipaters with buckling restrained mechanisms have been proposed for seismic mitigation of engineering structures. The recently proposed assembled steel rod energy dissipater (ASRED), incorporating equally divided tubes as filler components, have shown plump hysteretic loops and remarkable fatigue performance. For such miniature dissipaters with varied dimensions, its ultra-low-cycle fatigue (ULCF) life is correlated with the geometrical dimensions. However, no research concerning this issue has been found. To enable the fracture prediction of ASREDs under various loading situations, numerical models integrated with the ductile fracture model were established in this paper. A newly proposed constitutive model and the famous combined hardening model were both employed in the numerical models to comparatively investigate the key factors affecting the accuracy of the fracture prediction. Moreover, the possible influence of Lode angle was also investigated by employing two different ductile fracture models, namely, the cyclic Bai-Wierzbicki model (CBWM) and the cyclic void growth model (CVGM). Seven specimens with different lengths and loading protocols were simulated, and the results show that the strain amplitude distributes unevenly in the ASRED and increases cycle by cycle at the fixed ends, which leads to the necking-induced failure mode. Using the fracture model of CBWM, numerical simulations that considers the influence of strain amplitude could successfully predict the fracture of all specimens. The dissipaters behaved approximately in an axially loaded state throughout the entire fatigue life, therefore the influence of the Lode angle was negligible, and the fracture predictions given by the CVGM are same with that by the CBWM. Based on a comprehensive analysis of the extended numerical investigations, an improved configuration for ASRED is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Jurassic-Early Cretaceous Yilashan mafic-ultramafic complex is located in the middle part of the Bangong-Nujiang suture zone, central Tibet. It features a mantle sequence composed of peridotites and a crustal sequence composed of cumulate peridotites and gabbros that are intruded by diabases with some basalts. This article presents new whole-rock geochemical and geochronological data for peridotites, gabbros, diabases and basalts to revisit the petrogenesis and tectonic setting of the Yilashan mafic-ultramafic complex. Zircon laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (LA-ICP-MS) U-Pb ages of three diabase samples are 169.6 ± 3.3 Ma, 132.5 ± 2.5 Ma, and 133.6 ± 4.9 Ma, respectively. These ages together with previous studies indicate that the Yilashan mafic-ultramafic complex probably formed during the Jurassic-Early Cretaceous. The peridotites exhibit nearly U-shaped REE patterns and are distinct from abyssal peridotites. The diabase and basalt samples show arc features with selective enrichment in light rare earth elements (LREE) and large ion lithophile elements (LILEs; e.g. Rb, U, and Sr) and depletion in high field strength elements (HFSEs; e.g. Nb, Ta, and Ti). The gabbro samples display cumulate features with selective enrichment in LILEs (e.g. Rb, Ba, and Sr) but depletion in LREEs and HFSEs (e.g. Nb, Zr, and Ti). Combing the positive εNd(t) values (+6.1 to +10.0) and negative zircon εHf(t) values (-16.5 to -11.7 and -13.6 to -0.4) with older Hf model ages for the mafic rocks, these signatures suggest that the Yilashan mafic and ultramafic rocks likely originated from an ancient lithospheric mantle source with the addition of asthenospheric mantle materials and subducted fluids coupled with limited crustal contamination in a continental arc setting as a result of the southward subduction of the Bangong-Nujiang Tethys Ocean beneath the Lhasa terrane during the Jurassic-Early Cretaceous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The service industry in China has been undergoing rapid growth, especially since the early 1990s. However, little research has been conducted regarding its characteristics, spatial patterns and dynamics. Based on the theories of economic growth, economic transition and urban hierarchy, this paper develops an analytical framework for elucidating the growth of the service industry in China. We find that cities with a high increment in the service industry tend to be located in coastal areas, and mainly constitute megacities and large, highly developed cities. Cities with higher administrative rank, such as centrally administrated municipalities, cities designated in the State Plan and provincial capitals, maintain relatively high growth in the service industry. It is concluded that China's economic transition and urban hierarchy play significant roles in the growth of the service industry, suggesting that service industry growth in China does not strictly adhere to growth patterns observed in Western countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work aimed at evaluating the performance of a gas engine driven heat pump (GEHP) for cooling and hot water supply. A test prototype working with R134a was built, and the cooling performance with hot water supply were experimented in a range of evaporator water inlet temperature from 12 °C to 22 °C, ambient air temperature from 24.2 °C to 37 °C, and gas engine speeds from 1400 rpm to 2000 rpm. The results show that the effects of evaporator water inlet temperature and gas engine speed on the system performance are more significant than those of ambient air temperature. Average hot water outlet temperatures between 40.7 °C and 61.7 °C are obtained over the considered range of the external operating parameters and this met the temperature demand of domestic water for shaving, residential dish washing, and laundry. Moreover, the primary energy ratio (PER 2 ) of GEHP system is between 1.14 and 1.45 with waste heat recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two closely related pathogens of Phytophthora are responsible for stem gummosis and root rot diseases in Citrus worldwide. In this study, a neglected local mandarin called Guanggan ( Citrus reticulata ) was identified to be strongly resistant to one of the pathogens, P. nicotianae . No visible symptom was seen on all leaf explants within one week or on 50% of in vivo inoculated stems within one month after inoculation with the pathogen. Drenching of the soil with zoosporangial and zoospore suspensions did not cause any reduction in tree growth and leaf chlorophyll content of pot-grown Guanggan seedlings. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis suggested that its resistance to P. nicotianae may be associated with high basal and induced expression of some defense-related genes, particularly the PR3 gene. In conclusion, C. reticulata var. Guanggan is a promising material that can be exploited to improve Phytophthora resistance in Citrus . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Lanong ophiolitic mélange is a typical ophiolitic mélange in the middle section of the Bangong–Nujiang suture zone in northern Tibet. It mainly consists of ultramafic and mafic rocks, and its tectonic setting and formation age remain poorly constrained. In this paper, new geochemical and LA–ICP–MS (laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer) zircon U–Pb age data obtained from gabbro, gabbro–dolerite, dolerite and basalt of the Lanong ophiolitic mélange are provided. The pillow basalts exhibit N-MORB (normal mid-ocean ridge basalt)-like geochemical features with a zircon U–Pb age of 147.6 ± 2.3 Ma. They were generated by ~ 20–30% partial melting of a depleted mantle source composed of spinel lherzolite. The gabbro, massive basalt and gabbro–dolerite samples are characterised by more depleted and “V”-shaped REE (rare earth element) patterns, and they exhibit variable degrees of boninite-like geochemical characteristics, with a zircon U–Pb age of 149.1 ± 1.2 Ma (gabbro-dolerite). They were derived from the remelting of a significantly refractory mantle source following one or more episodes of previous basaltic melt extraction. Geochemical data of these mafic rocks indicate that they were developed in a continental fore-arc setting, and magmas were derived from depleted mantle sources modified by subducted slab-derived fluids and melts with minor crustal contamination. On the other hand, the dolerites show distinct OIB (oceanic island basalt)-like geochemical features, with a zircon U–Pb age of 244.1 ± 3.0 Ma. They were formed in a rift setting on a continental shelf-slope and originated from a low degree of partial melting of a depleted asthenospheric magma source mixed with some ancient sub-continental lithospheric mantle materials. The signatures presented here, combined with the results of previous studies, suggest that the Lanong ophiolitic mélange probably developed in a convergent plate margin under the southward subduction of the Bangong–Nujiang Tethys Ocean beneath the Lhasa terrane during the Middle Triassic–Early Cretaceous. Namely, the OIB-like dolerites likely reflect an extensional rift setting featuring thin continental crust in the Middle Triassic, and the gabbros, gabbro–dolerites and basalts represent a later stage of a fore-arc basin during the Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work is aimed at exploring the performance characteristics of a gas engine heat pump (GEHP) system in the aspect of the heating and domestic hot water. A test prototype was established using R134a as working fluid. The performance characteristics of the gas engine and the GEHP system working were studied by experiments in heating mode. The results showed that the output efficiency of the gas engine increased when the gas engine speed is constant. The coefficient of performance (COP) and primary energy ratio (PER) of the GEHP system decreased with the growing of the gas engine speed, but increased with increasing condenser water inlet temperature and ambient air temperature. And the PER of the GEHP system was between 1.23 and 1.48 under experimental condition. In addition, the energy of heat recovery accounted for about 30%–45% of the total heating capacity of the GEHP system, and the temperature of the domestic hot water which was heated by the waste heat could reach 40 °C–60 °C, thus ordinary families' demands for domestic hot water could be satisfied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Substrate engineering is very significant in the synthesis of the high-temperature superconductor (HTS) coated conductor. Here we design and synthesize several distinct and stable Cerium oxide (CeO 2 ) surface reconstructions which are used to grow epitaxial films of the HTS YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7-δ (YBCO). To identify the influence of annealing and post-annealing surroundings on the nature of nucleation centers, including Ar/5%H 2 , humid Ar/5%H 2 and O 2 in high temperature annealing process, we study the well-controlled structure, surface morphology, crystal constants and surface redox processes of the ceria buffers by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and field-emission scanning electronic microscopy (FE-SEM), respectively. The ceria film post-annealed under humid Ar/5%H 2 gas shows the best buffer layer properties. Furthermore, the film absorbs more oxygen ions, which appears to contribute to oxygenation of superconductor film. The film is well-suited for ceria model studies as well as a perfect substitute for CeO 2 bulk material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) plays a vital role in tumor proliferation, migration, and treatment. Since it is challenging to standardize the gene expression levels detected by different platforms, the signatures composed of many immune-related single lncRNAs are still inaccurate. Utilizing a gene pair formed of two immune-related lncRNAs and strategically assigning values can effectively meet the demand for a higher-accuracy dual biomarker combination. Methods: Co-expression and differential expression analyses were performed on immune genes and lncRNAs data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and the ImmPort database to obtain differentially expressed immune-related lncRNAs for pairwise pairing. The prognostic-related differentially expressed immune-related lncRNAs (PR-DE-irlncRNAs) pairs were then identified by univariate Cox regression and used for lasso regression to construct a prognostic model. Various methods were used to validate the predictive prognostic performance of the model. Additionally, we explored the potential guiding value of the model in immunotherapy and chemotherapy and constructed a nomogram suitable for efficient prognosis prediction. Mechanistic exploration of anti-tumor immunity and mutational perspectives are also included. We also analyzed the correlation between the model and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs)-related, N6-methyadenosine (m6A)-related, and multidrug resistance genes. Results: We used a total of 20 pairs of PR-DE-irlncRNAs to create a prognosis model. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction experiments further verified the abnormal expression of 11 lncRNAs in HNSCC cells. Various methods have confirmed the excellent performance of the model in predicting patient prognosis. We reasoned that lncRNAs/TP53 mutation might play a positive/negative anti-tumor role through the immune system by multi-perspective analyses. Finally, it was found that the prognostic model was closely related to immunotherapy and chemotherapy as well as the expression of ICIs/m6A/multidrug resistance-related genes. Conclusion: The prognostic model performs excellently in predicting the prognosis of patients and provides the potential value of practical guidance for treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a feasible and efficient approach was developed to produce Poly(lactic acid (PLA) ultrafiltration membrane with both high permeability and high rejection simultaneously. Poly(L-lactic acid)/Poly(D-lactic acid) (PDLA/PLLA) stereocomplex crystallites were thought to play the critical role different from the traditional pore forming agents or hydrophilic modification. The membrane morphology of the stereocomplex PDLA/PLLA membrane with high porosity and thin skin layer was observed by SEM. The addition of PDLA resulted in the thermodynamic enhancement for phase separation of PLLA casting solution as demonstrated by a rotational rheometer. The PDLA/PLLA stereocomplex crystallization behavior was investigated by DSC and XRD. With increasing the stereocomplex crystallites, the water permeability of PLA membrane significantly increased from ~482 L/m 2 ·h to ~3325 L/m 2 h, while with small loss in degree of rejection. Furthermore, the stereocomplex PLA membrane demonstrated the excellent separation efficiency for nano-TiO 2 and ink dispersion. Besides, the stereocomplex PLA membrane exhibited outstanding anti-protein fouling properties through the static and dynamic BSA antifouling tests. All results demonstrated that the stereocomplexation can effectively tune the pore size evolution and control the permeability, selectivity and fouling resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) cooperative task allocation under Manned Combat Aerial Vehicle’s (MCAV) limited control is one of the important problems in UCAV research field. Hereto, we analyze the key technical and tactical indices influence task allocation problem and build an appropriate model to maximize the objective function values as well as reflecting various constraints. A novel improved multigroup ant colony algorithm (IMGACA) is proposed to solve the model; the algorithm mainly includes random sequence-based UCAV selection strategy, constraint-based candidate task generation strategy, objective function value-based state transition strategy, and crossover operator-based local search strategy. Simulation results show that the built model is reasonable and the proposed algorithm performs well in feasibility, timeliness, and stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective: Ureteral fibroepithelial polyps (UFPs) are rare benign tumors and ureteroscopy has been used for treatment. We compared the effect of UFP by ureteroscopy combined with holmium laser or thulium laser. Methods: Twenty-five patients with UFPs were treated in our hospital between May 2003 and April 2013. All patients received ultrasound check and intravenous urography (IVU). We performed ureteroscopy operation and found ureteral polyps, so we resected the polypswith holmiumlaser (12 cases) or thuliumlaser (13 cases). During the 3-year follow-up, all patients received IVU2 or 3months after the double-J stent was removed, and ultrasonic checks every 3-6 months after that. Results: All patients had UFPs resected. Three patients in the holmium laser group had ureteral perforation during operation, and four patients in the holmium laser group developed ureterostenosis. No patients in thulium laser group experienced any severe complications during the procedure. Further, during followup, there was no indication of an increase of hydronephrosis in any patients. These findings lead to conclude there were no developments of ureterostenosis nor an experience of any reoccurrence in thuliumlaser group. Conclusions: Ureteroscopy operations, combinedwith holmiumor thuliumlaser resection, are effectivemethods for treatingUFP, but thulium laser does better in reducing the incidence of ureterostenosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How to effectively use the structural design on poly para-phenylene terephthalamide (PPTA) fabric to provide superior electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding performance while giving it hydrophobicity and comprehensive functions remains a significant issue. Herein, a layered assembly technique is demonstrated to construct a hollow hybrid separated structure with gradient electrical conductivity on PPTA fabric for achieving efficient electromagnetic radiation attenuation and excellent hydrophobic properties. Due to the difference in electrical conductivity between Ni and polyaniline (Pani), gradient conductivity is generated from top to bottom that highly conductive core-shell Ni provides excellent electromagnetic reflection capability, and Pani-Fe 3 O 4 forms a separated electromagnetic absorption network to achieve an "absorption-reflection-reabsorption" shielding mode. The EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) of the composite fabric is more than 65 dB, and the normalized specific SE (SSE) is as high as 2153 dB·cm2/g at a thickness of 0.221 mm, more than 20% of electromagnetic waves are absorbed, which can effectively alleviate the secondary contamination caused by reflection. The constructed hydrophobic structure enables the fabric to reach a large contact angle (CA) of 156.4° with excellent self-cleaning and antifouling properties. More, integrated functionalities are discovered in the composite fabric including flexibility, thermal stability and corrosion resistance, offering great potential for EMI shielding in complex environments. • Constructing a hollow hybrid separated structure with gradient conductivity on PPTA fabric. • Achieving an "absorption-reflection-reabsorption" EMI shielding mode. • Decreasing secondary pollution caused by reflection of electromagnetic waves. • Micro and nano columnar hydrophobic structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To enable accurate simulation of steel material under various loadings, cyclic behaviors of mild steel Q235 were extensively investigated through experimental analysis and constitutive modeling in this work. The studied steel was tested under cyclic loading protocols with constant strain amplitudes and variable strain amplitudes. The evolutions of stress amplitude, effective stress and back stress components, and elastic stiffness during the whole cyclic loading history are quantitatively scrutinized. The results demonstrate that mild steel exhibits cyclic capacity depended strongly on strain amplitude. Besides, the strain history effect depends on both the historical maximum strain amplitude and the target unloading strain amplitude, indicating the existence of a critical state for the incomplete evanescence of strain memory surface to be activated. An abrupt drop of effective stress at onset of plastic straining is observed in experimental tests and contributes to the early re-yielding of the reversed curve. Furthermore, elastic stiffness in the cyclic loading phase differs much from that in initial tension. Based on those observations, a new constitutive model with robust ability to predict hysteretic behavior of structural steel under complex loading paths is proposed. This model considers the strain range dependence and the strain history dependence effects. In addition, a new method to identify the yield points of hysteretic loops is proposed in this paper to enable simulations of back stress with the Armstrong-Frederick hardening model without considering the strain range dependence effect. The validity of this model is demonstrated through comprehensive comparison between simulated results and experimental data. • Systematic experimental study on the influence of strain history is conducted. • Strain range dependence effects of mild steel are scrutinized in this paper. • A new constitutive model for structural steel under cyclic loading is presented. • A new evolution rule for strain memory surface is presented. • The reduction of elastic range after plastic strain initiation is considered in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the influence of transverse static magnetic field (TSMF) on microstructure and properties of GCr15 bearing steel remelted by electroslag continuous casting (ESCC) method. The microstructure, inclusions, contents of elements (sulfur, phosphorus and oxygen) and mechanical properties in terms of tensile test, impact toughness and hardness had been analyzed. The overall results reveal that the presence of static magnetic field is beneficial for microstructure refinement as well as inclusion and harmful elements removal, thus achieving considerable improvement in mechanical properties of GCr15 bearing steel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premature ovarian failure (POF) is one of the most common causes of infertility in women. In our present study, we established cyclophosphamide- (CTX-) induced POF rat model and elucidated its effect on ovarian function. We detected the serum estrogen, follicle stimulating hormone, and anti-Müllerian hormone of mice models by ELISA and evaluated their folliculogenesis by histopathology examination. Our study revealed that CTX administration could severely disturb hormone secretion and influence folliculogenesis in rat. This study also detected ovarian cells apoptosis by deoxy-UTP-digoxigenin nick end labeling (TUNEL) and demonstrated marked ovarian cells apoptosis in rat models following CTX administration. In order to explore the potential of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSCs) in POF treatment, the above indexes were used to evaluate ovarian function. We found that human UCMSCs transplantation recovered disturbed hormone secretion and folliculogenesis in POF rat, in addition to reduced ovarian cell apoptosis. We also tracked transplanted UCMSCs in ovaries by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The results manifested that the transplanted human UCMSCs could reside in ovarian tissues and could survive for a comparatively long time without obvious proliferation. Our present study provides new insights into the great clinical potential of human UCMSCs in POF treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to an increased awareness of sustainable development and constructability, the construction industry is now facing challenges to reduce energy consumption, carbon emissions and other negative environmental impacts while maintaining high economic sustainability and constructability performance. This study investigates the performance of reinforced concrete framed (RC-framed) and structural steel framed (SS-framed) buildings on economic sustainability, environmental sustainability and constructability performance indicators in Singapore. The results suggest that economic sustainability, environmental sustainability and constructability performance are important in the decision making process for the selection of structural materials. While RC-framed buildings outperform SS-framed buildings in structural costs, maintenance costs and financial costs, SS-framed buildings outperform RC-framed buildings in increased area, flexibility of internal space, recycling rate, recyclability, waste rate, water consumption, labour saving, construction duration and construction quality. Both RC-framed buildings and SS-framed buildings performed on the same level in noise pollution and construction safety. The present study also provides a good guidance of selecting structural materials based on economic, environmental and constructable considerations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Baicalin, a flavonoid monomer derived from Scutellaria baicalensis called Huangqin in mandarin, is the main active ingredient contributing to S. baicalensis' efficacy. It is known in China that baicalin has potential therapeutic effects on inflammatory diseases. However, its anti-inflammatory mechanism has still not been fully interpreted. We aim to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of baicalin on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in HBE16 airway epithelial cells and also to explore the underlying signaling mechanisms. The anti-inflammatory action of baicalin was evaluated in human airway epithelial cells HBE16 treated with LPS. Airway epithelial cells HBE16 were pretreated with a range of concentrations of baicalin for 30 min and then stimulated with 10 μg/ml LPS. The secretions of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in cell culture supernatants were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The messenger RNA (mRNA) expressions of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α were tested by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time RT-PCR). Furthermore, Western blotting was used to determine whether the signaling pathway NF-κB was involved in the anti-inflammatory action of baicalin. The inflammatory cell model was successfully built with 10 μg/ml LPS for 24 h in our in vitro experiments. Both the secretions and the mRNA expressions of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α were significantly inhibited by baicalin. Moreover, the expression levels of phospho-IKKα/β and phospho-NF-κB p65 were downregulated, and the phospho-IκB-α level was upregulated by baicalin. These findings suggest that the anti-inflammatory properties of baicalin may be resulted from the inhibition of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α expression via preventing signaling NF-κB pathway in HBE16 airway epithelial cells. In addition, this study provides evidence to understand the therapeutic effects of baicalin on inflammatory diseases in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Root samples of ‘Sanhu’ red tangerine trees infected with and without Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas) were collected at 50 days post inoculation and subjected to RNA-sequencing and isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) to profile the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and proteins (DEPs), respectively. Quantitative real-time PCR was subsequently used to confirm the expression of 16 selected DEGs. Results showed that a total of 3956 genes and 78 proteins were differentially regulated by HLB-infection. Among the most highly up-regulated DEPs were sperm specific protein 411, copper ion binding protein, germin-like proteins, subtilisin-like proteins and serine carboxypeptidase-like 40 proteins whose transcript levels were concomitantly up-regulated as shown by RNA-seq data. Comparison between our results and those of the previously reported showed that known HLB-modulated biological pathways including cell-wall modification, protease-involved protein degradation, carbohydrate metabolism, hormone synthesis and signaling, transcription activities, and stress responses were similarly regulated by HLB infection but different or root-specific changes did exist. The root unique changes included the down-regulation in genes of ubiquitin-dependent protein degradation pathway, secondary metabolism, cytochrome P450s, UDP-glucosyl transferases and pentatricopeptide repeat containing proteins. Notably, nutrient absorption was impaired by HLB-infection as the expression of the genes involved in Fe, Zn, N and P adsorption and transportation were significantly changed. HLB-infection induced some cellular defense responses but simultaneously reduced the biosynthesis of the three major classes of secondary metabolites, many of which are known to have anti-pathogen activities. Genes involved in callose deposition were up-regulated whereas those involved in callose degradation were also up-regulated, indicating that the sieve tube elements in roots were hanging on the balance of life and death at this stage. In addition, signs of carbohydrate starvation were already eminent in roots at this stage. Other interesting genes and pathways that were changed by HLB-infection were also discussed based on our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nature of the Namco–Renco ophiolites in the northern Lhasa subterrane is widely disputed. To investigate their formation age, petrogenesis, and tectonic setting, the harzburgites, basalts, and metagabbros of the Namco ophiolite and the harzburgites, lherzolites, gabbros, and diabasic dikes of the Renco ophiolite were selected for whole-rock geochemical and zircon U-Pb dating andin situLu-Hf isotopic analyses. The geochemical and geochronological data indicate that the Namco metagabbros were generated at 178.0 ± 2.9 Ma, along with the Namco–Renco peridotites formed in the initial stage of a continental margin basin; whereas the Renco gabbros were developed at 149.7 ± 1.6 Ma, along with the Renco diabasic dikes and Namco basalts formed later in a mature back-arc basin. The Namco–Renco ophiolites were derived from a depleted mantle source with involvement of minor older crustal materials. Combined with the regional geological background, the Namco–Renco ophiolites were likely formed mainly associated with the southward subduction of the Bangong–Nujiang oceanic lithosphere beneath the Lhasa terrane. This study provides new constraints on the formation ages of the Namco–Renco ophiolites and the tectonic evolution of the Namco–Renco Ocean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]