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Since the 1990s, there has been a surge in ethnographic films by Han directors in China, highlighting the complex interplay of power dynamics between these filmmakers and the minority communities they portray. This study examines these dynamics through the lens of spirituality and cultural representation, focusing on the film “Ashiq: The Last Troubadour.” A case study and interviews with the director, Liu Xiangchen, reveal an essentialist portrayal of the Uygur Ashiq that emphasises their spiritual and cultural identity on Uighur language chant, inadvertently reinforcing Han dominance. The analysis suggests that while the director's intentions reflect a critical self‐awareness, the film perpetuates the marginalisation of the Ashiq. We argue that ethnographic cinema should offer a more nuanced depiction of ethnic minorities and their minority language to challenge social injustices further and promote inclusivity in China's diverse linguistic and cultural landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A nanoplatform capable of both self-supplying H 2 O 2 and generating NO is designed to enhance the effectiveness of chemodynamic therapy for biofilm eradication. • The nanoplatform can respond to the acidic microenvironment within biofilms to trigger a cascade of reactions that produce reactive species such as NO, hydroxyl radicals, and peroxynitrite. • The nanoplatform shows remarkable antibiofilm efficacy by dispersing the biofilm and reducing bacterial viability. Bacterial biofilms present a profound challenge to global public health, often resulting in persistent and recurrent infections that resist treatment. Chemodynamic therapy (CDT), leveraging the conversion of hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2) to highly reactive hydroxyl radicals (•OH), has shown potential as an antibacterial approach. Nonetheless, CDT struggles to eliminate biofilms due to limited endogenous H 2 O 2 and the protective extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) within biofilms. This study introduces a multifunctional nanoplatform designed to self-supply H 2 O 2 and generate nitric oxide (NO) to overcome these hurdles. The nanoplatform comprises calcium peroxide (CaO 2) for sustained H 2 O 2 production, a copper-based metal–organic framework (HKUST-1) encapsulating CaO 2 , and l -arginine (l -Arg) as a natural NO donor. When exposed to the acidic microenvironment within biofilms, the HKUST-1 layer decomposes, releasing Cu2+ ions and l -Arg, and exposing the CaO 2 core to initiate a cascade of reactions producing reactive species such as H 2 O 2 , •OH, and superoxide anions (•O 2 –). Subsequently, H 2 O 2 catalyzes l -Arg to produce NO, which disperses the biofilm and reacts with •O 2 – to form peroxynitrite, synergistically eradicating bacteria with •OH. In vitro assays demonstrated the nanoplatform's remarkable antibiofilm efficacy against both Gram-positive Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa , significantly reducing bacterial viability and EPS content. In vivo mouse model experiments validated the nanoplatform's effectiveness in eliminating biofilms and promoting infected wound healing without adverse effects. This study represents a breakthrough in overcoming traditional CDT limitations by integrating self-supplied H 2 O 2 with NO's biofilm-disrupting capabilities, offering a promising therapeutic strategy for biofilm-associated infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diversity of cyclodextrins and their derivatives is increasing with continuous research. In addition to monomolecular cyclodextrins with different branched chains, cyclodextrin-based polymers have emerged. The aim of this review is to summarize these innovations, with a special focus on the study of applications of cyclodextrins and their derivatives in nano-delivery systems. The areas covered include nanospheres, nano-sponges, nanogels, cyclodextrin metal–organic frameworks, liposomes, and emulsions, providing a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the design and development of nano-delivery systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we investigate the dynamics of Boolean networks by using their matrices of support. We derive properties about the transients, fixed points, and limit cycles. We also study the graph properties of the phase spaces of Boolean networks, and show how to use matrices of support to construct Boolean networks with prescribed dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beta diversity patterns along environmental gradients and underlying mechanisms constitute key research inquiries in biogeography. However, ecological processes often also influence the functional traits of biological communities, making the assessment of functional β‐diversity crucial. Ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) are one of the most species‐rich groups in the insect community, displaying strong habitat specificity and morphological differences. In this study, we explored the patterns of taxonomic and functional beta diversity in ground beetle communities along the altitudinal gradient of warm‐temperature forests. By partitioning beta diversity into turnover and nestedness components, we evaluated their relationship with spatial distance. Our findings indicate a decline in species and functional trait similarity with increasing elevation and geographic distance. Further analysis attributed both types of beta diversity in carabids to a combination of dispersal limitation and environmental filtering, with elevation and geographic distance emerging as significant factors. Interestingly, forest‐type variations were found to have no impact on the beta diversity of these communities. Our study reveals the impact of environmental filtering and dispersal limitation on both taxonomic and functional beta‐diversity, shedding light on carabid community assembly in localized warm‐temperature forest areas in eastern China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mitochondrial dysfunction is implicated in the neuropathology of bipolar disorder (BD). Higher circulating cell-free mitochondrial DNA (ccf-mtDNA), generally reflecting poorer mitochondrial health, has been associated with greater symptoms severity in BD. The current study examines the association of serum ccf-mtDNA and brain structure in relation to youth BD. We hypothesized that higher ccf-mtDNA will be associated with measures of lower brain structure, particularly in the BD group. Methods: Participants included 40 youth (BD, n = 19; Control group [CG], n = 21; aged 13–20 years). Serum ccf-mtDNA levels were assayed. T1-weighted brain images were acquired using 3T-MRI. Region of interest (ROI) analyses examined prefrontal cortex (PFC) and whole brain gray matter, alongside exploratory vertex-wise analyses. Analyses examined ccf-mtDNA main-effects and ccf-mtDNA-by-diagnosis interaction effects controlling for age, sex, and intracranial volume. Results: There was no significant difference in ccf-mtDNA levels between BD and CG. In ROI analyses, higher ccf-mtDNA was associated with higher PFC surface area (SA) (β = 0.32 p < 0.001) and PFC volume (β = 0.32 p = 0.002) in the overall sample. In stratified analyses, higher ccf-mtDNA was associated with higher PFC SA within both subgroups (BD: β = 0.39 p = 0.02; CG: β = 0.24 p = 0.045). Higher ccf-mtDNA was associated with higher PFC volume within the BD group (β = 0.39 p = 0.046). In vertex-wise analyses, higher ccf-mtDNA was associated with higher SA and volume in frontal clusters within the overall sample and within the BD group. There were significant ccf-mtDNA-by-diagnosis interactions in three frontal and parietal clusters, whereby higher ccf-mtDNA was associated with higher neurostructural metrics in the BD group but lower neurostructural metrics in CG. Conclusions: Contrasting our hypothesis, higher ccf-mtDNA was consistently associated with higher, rather than lower, regional neuralstructural metrics among youth with BD. While this finding may reflect a compensatory mechanism, future repeated-measures prospective studies evaluating the inter-relationship among ccf-mtDNA, mood, and brain structure across developmental epochs and illness stages are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beta diversity patterns along environmental gradients and underlying mechanisms constitute key research inquiries in biogeography. However, ecological processes often also influence the functional traits of biological communities, making the assessment of functional β‐diversity crucial. Ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) are one of the most species‐rich groups in the insect community, displaying strong habitat specificity and morphological differences. In this study, we explored the patterns of taxonomic and functional beta diversity in ground beetle communities along the altitudinal gradient of warm‐temperature forests. By partitioning beta diversity into turnover and nestedness components, we evaluated their relationship with spatial distance. Our findings indicate a decline in species and functional trait similarity with increasing elevation and geographic distance. Further analysis attributed both types of beta diversity in carabids to a combination of dispersal limitation and environmental filtering, with elevation and geographic distance emerging as significant factors. Interestingly, forest‐type variations were found to have no impact on the beta diversity of these communities. Our study reveals the impact of environmental filtering and dispersal limitation on both taxonomic and functional beta‐diversity, shedding light on carabid community assembly in localized warm‐temperature forest areas in eastern China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThe vibration character of piezoelectric semiconductor nano-plate is important for understanding the multi-fields coupling and optimizing the serving behavior. In this article, the nonlinear vibration of five-layered functionally graded piezoelectric semiconductor nano-plate based on Pasternak foundation is studied, and the nonlocal theory is used to analyze the size-dependent dynamic response of nano-plate. Combining the Von karman’s nonlinear deformation theory and the constitutive of piezoelectric semiconductor layers, Hamilton’s principle is introduced to derive the nonlinear governing equations. To solve the nonlinear governing equations, the updated iteration method for this problem is proposed. Through numerical examples, it is found that the initial electron concentration in piezoelectric semiconductor layer, the nonlocal parameter, the functionally graded index in the plate, the elastic modulus of Pasternak foundation and the geometrical parameters can be designed to effectively tune the dynamic nonlinear frequency and damping of layered functionally graded piezoelectric semiconductor nanoplate. The interaction of these parameters is also analyzed in detail. Comparison with existing numerical results is also presented. A new way is provided to tune the nonlinear vibration of multi-layered piezoelectric semiconductor nano-plate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the vital role of college teachers' teaching engagement in guaranteeing the quality of higher education, this study aimed to reveal the behavioral mechanism of Chinese college teachers' teaching engagement through qualitative study based on the grounded theory. It is found that the behavior of Chinese college teachers' teaching engagement is the result of the corresponding intention, which is affected by the three factors of the teaching engagement values, the perceived expectations from the significant others, and the professional knowledge and ability to teach through different ways of interaction. According to the findings, the teaching engagement of college teachers needs to be promoted from three paths: improve teachers' satisfaction of values demands in teaching engagement, reform policy regimes to create a cultural atmosphere that emphasizes teaching engagement, and enhance teachers' professional knowledge and ability of teaching. Practitioner points: The behavior of Chinese college teachers' teaching engagement is the result of the corresponding intention.The intention is affected by the three specific factors.The three specific factors have certain sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the lightest structural metal material, magnesium alloys possess good casting properties, high electrical and thermal conductivity, high electromagnetic shielding, and excellent damping properties. With the increasing demand for lightweight, high-strength, and high-damping structural materials in aviation, automobiles, rail transit, and other industries with serious vibration and noise, damping magnesium alloy materials are becoming one of the important development directions of magnesium alloys. A comprehensive review of the progress in this field is conducive to the development of damping magnesium alloys. This review not only looks back on the traditional damping magnesium alloys represented by Mg-Zr alloys, Mg-Cu-Mn alloys, etc. but also introduces the new damping magnesium materials, such as magnesium matrix composites and porous magnesium. But up to now, there have still been some problems in the research of damping magnesium materials. The effect of spiral dislocation on damping is still unknown and needs to be studied; the contradiction between damping performance and mechanical properties still lacks a good balance method. In the future, the introduction of more diversified damping regulating methods, such as adding other elements and reinforcements, optimizing the manufacturing method of damping magnesium alloy, etc., to solve these issues, will be the development trend of damping magnesium materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) harbored significantly suppressive tumor immune microenvironments (TIMEs). However, the immunological effects of neuroendocrine differentiation (NED) on non-NENs, such as gastric cancer (GC), were unknown. Methods: Between pure gastric cancer (PGC) and GC-NED, TIME features were scored based on expression data and validated on serial whole-tissue sections of surgical samples, with tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) and the extra-TLS zone evaluated independently using multi-marker immunohistochemical staining. Risk analyses of TIME features on tumor behaviors were performed in GC-NED. The universal immunological effects of NED were explored preliminarily in adenocarcinomas arising in other organs. Results: Based on over 11,500 annotated TLSs and 2,700 extra-TLS zones, compared with PGC, GC-NED harbored a distinctively more suppressive TIME characterized by increased but immature TLSs, with higher naïve B-cell and follicular regulatory T-cell densities and downregulated TLS maturation-related cell ratios inside TLSs; increased naïve B-cell and regulatory T-cell densities; and a high proportion of exhausted T cells in the extra-TLS zone. The upregulated tumor PD-L1 expression and its close correlations with TLS formation and maturation were remarkable exclusively in GC-NED. TIME features, especially those regarding TLSs, were significantly correlated with tumor growth and invasion. The desynchrony between TLS formation and maturation and increased naïve or regulatory immune cell infiltration was observed in adenocarcinomas of the colorectum, pancreas, lung, and prostate. Conclusion: NED highlighted a distinct GC entity with more suppressive TIME features correlated with tumor behaviors, indicating a cohort that would benefit more from immunotherapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent advances in generative models have shown remarkable progress in music generation. However, since most existing methods focus on generating monophonic or homophonic music, the generation of polyphonic and multi-track music with rich attributes remains a challenging task. In this paper, we propose a novel image-based music generation approach DiffuseRoll, which is based on the diffusion models to generate multi-track, multi-attribute music. Specifically, we generate music piano-rolls with diffusion models and map them to MIDI format files for output. To capture rich attribute information, we design the color-encoding system to encode music note sequences into color and position information representing note pitch, velocity, tempo and instrument. This scheme enables a seamless mapping between discrete music sequences and continuous images. We propose Music Mini Expert System (MusicMES) to optimize the generated music for better performance. We conduct subjective experiments in evaluation metrics, namely Coherence, Diversity, Harmoniousness, Structureness, Orchestration, Overall Preference and Average. The results of subjective experiments are improved compared to the state-of-the-art image-based methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The percent global glomerulosclerosis is a key factor in determining the outcome of renal transfer surgery. At present, the rate is typically computed by pathologists, which is labour intensive and nonstandardized. With the development of Deep Learning (DL), DL-based segmentation models can be used to better identify and segment normal and sclerosed glomeruli. Based on this, we can better quantify percent global glomerulosclerosis to reduce the discard rate of donor kidneys. We used 51 whole slide images (WSIs) from different institutions that are publicly available on the internet. However, the number of sclerosed glomeruli is much smaller than that of normal glomeruli in different WSIs, which can reduce the effectiveness of Deep Learning. For better sclerosed glomerular identification and segmentation performance, we modified and trained a GAN (generative adversarial network)-based image inpainting model to obtain more synthetic sclerosed glomeruli. Our proposed inpainting method achieved an average SSIM (Structural Similarity) of 0.8086 and an average PSNR (Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio) of 22.8943 dB in the area of generated sclerosed glomeruli. We obtained sclerosed glomerular segmentation performance improvement by adding synthetic sclerosed glomerular images and achieved the best Dice of glomerular segmentation in different test sets based on the modified Unet model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High levels of alcohol intake alter brain gene expression and can produce long-lasting effects. FK506-binding protein 51 (FKBP51) encoded by Fkbp5 is a physical and cellular stress response gene and has been associated with alcohol consumption and withdrawal severity. Fkbp5 has been previously linked to neurite outgrowth and hippocampal morphology, sex differences in stress response, and epigenetic modification. Presently, primary cultured Fkbp5 KO and WT mouse neurons were examined for neurite outgrowth and mitochondrial signal with and without alcohol. We found neurite specification differences between KO and WT; particularly, mesh-like morphology was observed after alcohol treatment and confirmed higher MitoTracker signal in cultured neurons of Fkbp5 KO compared to WT at both naive and alcohol-treated conditions. Brain regions that express FKBP51 protein were identified, and hippocampus was confirmed to possess a high level of expression. RNA-seq profiling was performed using the hippocampus of naïve or alcohol-injected (2 mg EtOH/Kg) male and female Fkbp5 KO and WT mice. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between Fkbp5 KO and WT at baseline and following alcohol treatment, with female comparisons possessing a higher number of DEGs than male comparisons. Pathway analysis suggested that genes affecting calcium signaling, lipid metabolism, and axon guidance were differentially expressed at naïve condition between KO and WT. Alcohol treatment significantly affected pathways and enzymes involved in biosynthesis (Keto, serine, and glycine) and signaling (dopamine and insulin receptor), and neuroprotective role. Functions related to cell morphology, cell-to-cell signaling, lipid metabolism, injury response, and post-translational modification were significantly altered due to alcohol. In summary, Fkbp5 plays a critical role in the response to acute alcohol treatment by altering metabolism and signaling-related genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Passiflora is a plant genus known for its extremely distinctive and colorful flowers and a wide range of genome size variation. However, how genome characteristics are related to flower traits among Passiflora species remains poorly understood. Here, we assembled a chromosome-scale genome of P. foetida, which belongs to the same subgenus as the commercial passionfruit P. edulis. The genome of P. foetida is smaller (424.16 Mb) and contains fewer copies of long terminal repeat retrotransposons (LTR-RTs). The disparity in LTR-RTs is one of the main contributors to the differences in genome sizes between these two species and possibly in floral traits. Additionally, we observed variation in insertion times and copy numbers of LTR-RTs across different transposable element (TE) lineages. Then, by integrating transcriptomic data from 33 samples (eight floral organs and flower buds at three developmental stages) with phylogenomic and metabolomic data, we conducted an in-depth analysis of the expression, phylogeny, and copy number of MIKC-type MADS-box genes and identified essential biosynthetic genes responsible for flower color and scent from glandular bracts and other floral organs. Our study pinpoints LRT-RTs as an important player in genome size variation in Passiflora species and provides insights into future genetic improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The successful development of a dual-mode sensing chip for deoxynivalenol (DON) detection using photoelectrochemical (PEC) and electrochromic visualization techniques is reported. By laser etching technology, different functional areas, including the photoanode, the cathode, and the electrochromic area, are fabricated on indium tin oxide (ITO) glass. Then, these three areas are further respectively modified with PEC active materials, platinum nanoparticles, and Prussian blue. Under light illumination, photocurrents generate between the photoanode and the cathode due to the separation of photo-induced electrons and holes in the TiO2/3DNGH material. Meanwhile, the photo-induced electrons are transferred to Prussian blue on the visualization area, which will be reduced to colorless Prussian white. The binding of DON molecules and aptamers can promote electron transfer and reduce the recombination of electrons and holes, allowing for simultaneous quantitative detection of DON using either the photocurrent or color change. The sensor chip has a broad detection range of DON concentrations of 1 fg⋅mL−1 to 100 pg⋅mL−1 in the PEC mode with the limit of detection of 0.37 fg⋅mL−1, and 1 to 250 ng⋅mL−1 in the visualization mode with the limit of detection of 0.51 ng⋅mL−1. This portable dual-mode sensor chip can be used in both laboratory and field settings without the need for specialized instruments, making it a powerful tool for ensuring food safety. At the same time, the analysis of the standard addition method of the actual sample by using the sensor chip shows that, in the PEC mode, the recoveries of the dual-mode aptasensor chip were 91.3 to 99.0% with RSD values of 1.73~2.55%, and in visualization mode, the recoveries of the dual-mode aptasensor chip were 99.2 to 102.0% with RSD values of 1.00~6.21%, which indicate good accuracy and reproducibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial infection is a major medical problem that seriously threatens public health. The abuse of antibiotics that help evolve the emergence of new drug‐resistance mechanisms has led to the wide‐spread and fast expansion of drug‐resistant bacteria, ultimately evolving into superbugs. This significantly impairs the timely and effective treatment of infections, thus threatening global human well‐being. Not all are pessimistic. Nanomaterials have emerged as an innovative choice. Due to their unique physical and chemical properties, superior bactericidal effects, and high biocompatibility, nanomaterials may help eradicate drug‐resistant bacteria to achieve complete remission of infectious diseases. As biological materials, nanomaterials can also improve the efficacy of existing drugs and treatments and even facilitate diagnostic efficiency. In this review, we aim to comprehensively summarize the antibacterial properties of different kinds of nanomaterials and their applications in other spheres related to treating infectious diseases (targeted therapy, phototherapy, vaccine development, and microbial diagnosis). We highlight the latest advances of nanomaterials in treating infectious diseases in different body systems. Finally, we conclude by discussing the weaknesses of currently available materials and unresolved scientific problems, which may provide insights into the development of approved agents that adequately overcome the notorious drug resistance and thereby provide unprecedented discoveries to improve treatments of the most severe bacterial infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lung cancer is a highly prevalent malignancy characterized by significant metabolic alterations. Understanding the metabolic rewiring in lung cancer is crucial for the development of effective therapeutic strategies. The hexosamine biosynthesis pathway (HBP) is a metabolic pathway that plays a vital role in cellular metabolism and has been implicated in various cancers, including lung cancer. Abnormal activation of HBP is involved in the proliferation, progression, metastasis, and drug resistance of tumor cells. In this review, we will discuss the function and regulation of metabolic enzymes related to HBP in lung cancer. Furthermore, the implications of targeting the HBP for lung cancer treatment are also discussed, along with the challenges and future directions in this field. This review provides a comprehensive understanding of the role and intervention of HBP in lung cancer. Future research focusing on the HBP in lung cancer is essential to uncover novel treatment strategies and improve patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We showed that isomorphism classes of idempotent evolution algebras are in bijection with the orbits of the semidirect product group of the symmetric group and the torus, considered the combinatoric problem of enumeration of isomorphism classes for these algebras over arbitrary finite fields, derived a general counting formula, and obtained explicit formulas for the numbers of isomorphism classes in dimensions 2, 3, and 4 over any finite field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

C10H14F6N2P, orthorhombic, Pbca (no. 61), a = 9.5929(10) Å, b = 15.9201(16) Å, c = 17.8640(19) Å, V = 2728.2(5) Å3, Z = 8, Rgt(F) = 0.0587, wRref(F2) = 0.1735, T = 296(2) K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A conventional oil and gas well does not have a natural production capacity, which necessitates a hydraulic fracturing operation. The effectiveness of the fracturing directly impacts the economic benefit of a single well. Among the various parameters, including fracture spacing, fracture width, and conductivity, fracture half-length is one of the main influencing factors on the productivity of horizontal wells. For conventional homogeneous reservoirs, research mainly focuses on fracture patterns with equal fracture lengths. However, in actual production processes, due to mutual interference and the superimposition of drainage areas between fractures, the production distribution of each fracture is non-uniform. Typical fracture distribution patterns mainly include uniform, staggered, dumbbell, and spindle. While many believe that the dumbbell-shaped fracture distribution pattern has the best effect, there has been no quantitative study on the length of each fracture under the dumbbell-shaped pattern. Based on this, this paper proposes a modeling approach for function-shaped fracture distribution that takes advantage of the high production of edge fractures and the low output of middle fractures in horizontal wells. The influence of this approach on production capacity is studied. Constant, linear, and parabolic functions are used to establish the relationship between fracture position and fracture half-length, optimizing the fracture distribution function to achieve the best production effect. This method can guide the horizontal well fracture distribution in the block to maximize productivity. The results show that the parabolic function-shaped model is better than the linear function-shaped model and the constant function-shaped model is the least effective. The research presented in this paper offers a new idea for optimizing on-site fracturing plans. It utilizes mathematical expressions to describe the parameters that affect productivity, which provides valuable guidance for designing multi-stage fractured horizontal wells in the field. In the future, this research will be extended by exploring the optimal fracture distribution function under different formation conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of allergic disorders has increased in recent years, lowering patients' quality of life and increasing the demand for drugs to treat these diseases. Western drugs such as glucocorticoids, antihistamines, and leukotrienes are routinely utilized in clinics. However, drawbacks like high recurrence rates and adverse effects limit their use. As one of the most promising natural medicine systems, traditional Chinese medicine offers distinct benefits in treating allergic illnesses, such as maintaining long-term treatment, preventing disease recurrence, and producing fewer adverse reactions. We analyzed and discussed recent developments in traditional Chinese medicine used in allergic diseases from three perspectives: Chinese herbal formula, Chinese patent medicine, and active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine, and explained their main components, efficacy, and mechanisms of action. We also reviewed the modification of Chinese herbal formulas and the combined application of Chinese medicine with Western medicine or nonpharmaceutical therapies. Traditional Chinese medicines are becoming increasingly important in treating allergic disorders. Improving traditional Chinese herbal formulas and developing safe and effective Chinese patent medicines are currently the most pressing and important aspects of research on traditional Chinese medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: SHR2554, a novel oral Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 inhibitor, shows broad‐spectrum anti‐tumor efficacy in preclinical studies. As SHR2554 is mainly metabolized by CYP3A4, it is helpful to conduct research on the effects of itraconazole, a strong inhibitor of CYP3A4‐metabolizing enzymes, on the pharmacokinetic characteristics and safety of SHR2554. Methods: We conducted a single‐center, open‐label pharmacokinetic study of itraconazole on SHR2554 in 18 healthy Chinese subjects. Subjects were orally administrated SHR2554 50 mg on Day 1, itraconazole 200 mg Quaque Die (QD) from Days 4 to 7, SHR2554 50 mg co‐administrated with itraconazole 200 mg on Day 8, and itraconazole 200 mg QD from Days 9 to 12. Then, 4 ml of venous blood was collected at predetermined time points. Plasma SHR2554 concentrations were analyzed using a validated high‐performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using Phoenix WinNonlin v8.1. Results: The Cmax of SHR2554 alone and in combination was 10.197 ± 7.0262 ng·ml−1 versus 70.538 ± 25.0219 ng·ml−1, AUC0–∞ was 50.99 ± 19.358 h·ng·ml−1 versus 641.53 ± 319.538 h·ng·ml−1, and AUC0–t was 28.70 ± 18.913 h·ng·ml−1 versus 612.13 ± 315.720 h·ng·ml−1. Co‐administration of SHR2554 and itraconazole caused 7.73‐, 12.47‐, and 23.75‐fold adjusted geometric mean ratios increases in SHR2554 Cmax, AUC0−∞ and AUC0−t respectively. The co‐administration regimen was well tolerated and had a good safety profile. Conclusions: Compared with a single dose of SHR2554 50 mg, the exposure of SHR2554 in vivo was significantly affected by the combined administration of itraconazole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cholesterol is crucial for tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) remodeling. Serum lipoprotein cholesterol is closely associated with gastric cancer (GC) progression, but whether it affects TIME remodeling is unknown. Methods: GC patients with differential serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels were collected. After balancing the baseline, immunohistochemical staining was performed on serial whole-tissue sections to detect B-cell and T-cell subsets, macrophages, and PD-L1. Features of tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) and the extra-TLS zone, including TLS distribution and maturation, immune cell density, and PD-L1 expression, were measured by annotating TLSs or regions of interest (ROIs) in the extra-TLS zone. Results: A total of 9,192 TLSs and over 300 ROIs from 61 patients were measured. Compared to HDL-normal patients, HDL-low patients had a decreased secondary-TLS fraction or density but an elevated NK-cell density in the extra-TLS zone. Compared to LDL-normal patients, LDL-low patients had a higher ratio of PD-1 + T follicular helper cells to CD20 + B cells in TLSs, a higher ratio of PD-1 + T cells to CD8 + T cells and increased PD-1 + T-cell density in the extra-TLS zone. Different correlations were found in groups with differential HDL or LDL levels. Cell dynamics in the immune response were weaker in patients with low lipoprotein cholesterol. TLS parameters reached their peak earlier than those of the extra-TLS zone along with tumor progression. Conclusion: Low serum lipoprotein cholesterol caused adverse effects on antitumor immunity in GC. Lipid management or immunometabolic drugs deserve more attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is controversial data on the impacts of bitter melon (Momordica charantia) supplementations on anthropometric indices. Thus, we aimed to clarify this role of bitter melon through a systematic review, and meta-analysis of the trials. All clinical trials conducted on the impact of bitter melon on anthropometric indices were published until August 2023 in PubMed, Web of Sciences, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane Library web databases included. Overall, 10 studies with 448 individuals were included in the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis of 10 trials with 448 participants revealed no significant reductions in body weight (BW) (WMD: 0.04 Kg; 95 %CI: −0.16–0.25; P =0.651), body mass index (BMI) (WMD: −0.18 kg/m2; 95 %CI: −0.43–0.07; P =0.171), waist circumference (WC) (WMD: −0.95 cm; 95 % CI: −3.05–1.16; p =0.372), and percentage of body fat (PBF) (WMD: −0.99; 95 % CI: −2.33–0.35; p =0.141) following bitter melon supplementation. There was no significant impact of bitter melon supplementation on BW, BMI, WC, and PBF. More large-scale and high-quality RCTs are necessary to confirm these results. • 10 studies, with 448 participants were included in meta-analysis. • Melon supplementation did not decrease the effect on anthropometric indices. • Most of the included studies were of moderate quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a novel magnetic photocatalyst Dy(OH) 3 /ZnO/SrFe 12 O 19 (DZS) was prepared by simple hydrothermal method. Especially, 15-DZS-5 (Dy(OH) 3 15 %, SrFe 12 O 19 5 %) had the highest photocatalytic activity, and could completely degrade RhB when exposed to simulative sunlight for 70 min. Furthermore, 15-DZS-5 has the widest photoresponse range, the narrowest band gap, the lowest electron hole recombination rate and the best conductivity due to the photosensitization effect of SrFe 12 O 19 and Dy(OH) 3 successfully separating the electrons and holes of ZnO by photoelectron capture. In addition, the saturation magnetization of 15-DZS-5 is 3.9 emu/g, and the degradation of RhB is over 88 % after five cycles, showing good magnetic recovery and stable photocatalytic activity. ·OH and ·O 2 − were the chief active groups in the photocatalytic RhB with 15-DZS-5 sample, and the influence of ·OH was more significant. • A novel magnetic photocatalyst Dy(OH) 3 /ZnO/SrFe 12 O 19 (DZS) is successfully fabricated by hydrothermal method. • DZS presents an excellent degradation rate of RhB, and is easily recovered with magnet. • DZS still maintains high photocatalytic performance after five cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are the predominant type of mycorrhizal fungi in roots and rhizosphere soil of grass species worldwide. Grasslands are currently experiencing increasing grazing pressure, but it is not yet clear how grazing intensity and host plant grazing preference by large herbivores interact with soil- and root-associated AMF communities. Here, we tested whether the diversity and community composition of AMF in the roots and rhizosphere soil of two dominant perennial grasses, grazed differently by livestock, change in response to grazing intensity. We conducted a study in a long-term field experiment in which seven levels of field-manipulated grazing intensities were maintained for 13 years in a typical steppe grassland in northern China. We extracted DNA from the roots and rhizosphere soil of two dominant grasses, Leymus chinense (Trin.) Tzvel. and Stipa grandis P. Smirn, with contrasting grazing preference by sheep. AMF DNA from root and soil samples was then subjected to molecular analysis. Our results showed that AMF α-diversity (richness) at the virtual taxa (VT) level varied as a function of grazing intensity. Different VT showed completely different responses along the gradient, one increasing, one decreasing, and others showing no response. Glomeraceae was the most abundant AMF family along the grazing gradient, which fits well with the theory of disturbance tolerance of this group. In addition, sheep-grazing preference for host plants did not explain much of the variation in AMF α-diversity. However, the two grass species exhibited different AMF community composition in their roots and rhizosphere soils. Roots exhibited a lower α-diversity and higher β-diversity within the AMF community than soils. Overall, our results suggest that long-term grazing intensity might have changed the abundance of functionally diverse AMF taxa in favor of those with disturbance-tolerant traits. We suggest our results would be useful in informing the choice of mycorrhizal fungi indicator variables when assessing the impacts of grassland management choices on grassland ecosystem functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: The abundant repeats in plant mitochondrial genomes can cause rapid genome rearrangements and are also a major obstacle in short‐read sequencing studies. Nuclear‐encoded proteins such as MSH1 are known to suppress the generation of repeat‐associated mitochondrial genome variants, but our understanding of these mechanisms has been constrained by the limitations of short‐read technologies. Here, we used highly accurate long‐read sequencing (PacBio HiFi) to characterize mitochondrial and plastid genome variants in Arabidopsis thaliana msh1 mutant individuals. The HiFi reads provided a global view of recombination dynamics with detailed quantification of parental and crossover recombination products for both large and small repeats. We found that recombination breakpoints were distributed relatively evenly across the length of repeated sequences and detected widespread internal exchanges of sequence variants between pairs of imperfect repeats in the mitochondrial genome of msh1 mutants. Long‐read assemblies of mitochondrial genomes from seven other A. thaliana wild‐type accessions differed by repeat‐mediated structural rearrangements similar to those observed in msh1 mutants, but they were all in a simple low‐heteroplasmy state. The Arabidopsis plastid genome generally lacks small repeats and exhibited a very different pattern of variant accumulation in msh1 mutants compared with the mitochondrial genome. Our data illustrate the power of HiFi technology in studying repeat‐mediated recombination in plant organellar genomes and improved the sequence resolution for recombinational processes suppressed by MSH1. Plant organellar genomes can undergo rapid rearrangements. Long‐read sequencing provides a detailed and quantitative view of mitochondrial and plastid genome variants normally suppressed by MSH1, advancing our understanding of plant organellar genome dynamics. Significance Statement: Plant organellar genomes can undergo rapid rearrangements. Long‐read sequencing provides a detailed and quantitative view of mitochondrial and plastid genome variants normally suppressed by MSH1, advancing our understanding of plant organellar genome dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study sought to characterize the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) of lung adenocarcinomas with ALK rearrangements (ALK+ LUAD), which responds poorly to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) therapy. Materials and methods: Immune score evaluation and immunohistochemical (IHC) validation of B cells, cytotoxic, helper, regulatory T cells, dendritic cells, and tumor-associated macrophages were performed on the TCGA cohort and the whole tissue sections of our matched surgical samples, respectively, between ALK+ and ALK− LUAD. The formation and spatial organization of TLS, intra- and extra-TLS immune cell features, and tumor PD-L1 expression were analyzed independently. Results: Immune scores and TLS-signature gene levels were found to be lower in ALK+ TCGA LUAD. Quantitative IHC comparison confirmed the lower densities of TLS (0.10/mm2 vs. 0.34/mm2, p = 0.026) and intra-TLS immune cells (CD4+ helper T cells: 57.65/mm2 vs. 274.82/mm2, p = 0.026; CD8+ cytotoxic T cells: 22.46/mm2 vs. 172.83/mm2, p = 0.018; and CD20+ B cells: 36.08/mm2 vs. 207.29/mm2, p = 0.012) in ALK+ surgical samples. The TLS formation was negatively correlated with tumor progression in ALK+ tumors. The proportion of intra-TLS CD8+ cytotoxic T cells was the independent protective factors of node metastasis (HR: 0.599, 95% CI: 0.414–0.868, p = 0.007), and the density of intra-TLS CD20+ B cells was the independent protective factor of pStage (HR: 0.641, 95% CI: 0.446–0.922, p = 0.016). Tumors with intratumoral TLS showed significantly higher expression of PD-L1 (p = 0.029). Conclusion: ALK+ LUAD harbored a cold TIME featured by decreased TLS formation, which closely correlated to tumor progression and might contribute to the poor efficiency of ICIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most studies of temporal and spatial distribution characteristics for droughts and floods analysis were conducted only from the perspective of a single factor (precipitation), while ignoring the impact of the underlying surface on the formation of droughts and floods. Based on the daily precipitation data of 88 meteorological stations in Hainan Island from 1970 to 2019, 30 m resolution DEM data and land use dataset, etc., the precipitation Z index was used to evaluate the level of drought and flood in Hainan Island. The analysis results were revised by underlying surface data to evaluate the spatiotemporal characteristics of the drought and flood areas. The drought- and flood-prone areas in Hainan Island were divided. The results show that the overall drought areas show an obvious downward trend, while the flood areas present an increasing trend. The drought-prone areas throughout the year are more concentrated in the northeast of Hainan Island, while the flood-prone areas are mainly distributed in the eastern coastal areas. The drought- and flood-prone areas before and after the revision by the underlying surface were compared. It can be seen that the overall trend is relatively similar and obvious before and after the revision. The drought- and flood-prone areas before revision are 7.97 and 2.91 times larger than that after revision, respectively. Finally, combining climate and underlying surface factors, suggestions for drought and flood prevention are put forward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work develops a novel magnetic photocatalysts ZnO/SrFe 12 O 19 (ZS) synthesized with hydrothermal process. The introduction of SrFe 12 O 19 not only enhances the photocatalytic behavior of ZnO towards Rhodamine B (RhB) decomposition, but also reinforces the recycling stability. Especially, ZS-5 composite exhibits the optimal photocatalytic performance, and the RhB decomposition reaches 99.5% after being exposed to simulative sunlight for 70 min, which is obviously superior to that of bare ZnO. Furthermore, the ZS-5 can be recovered from RhB solution by an extra magnet space and reused. After five recycles, the RhB removal efficiency can still be maintained over 90%. Such prominent photocatalytic property and stability of ZS-5 are associated with the greatly improved detachment efficiency of photoexcited carriers in a magnetic field. This study could provide a new-type recyclable photocatalyst that can effectively purify dye wastewater for convenient recovery. [Display omitted] • Novel magnetic composite ZnO/SrFe 12 O 19 (ZS) is fabricated successfully. • ZS shows prominent photocatalytic activity and recycling stability. • Intimate contact between ZnO and SFO flakes helps to high photocatalytic activity. • Enhanced separation of photoexcited charges lead to improved photodegradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a new suture method called the multi-gradient buried vertical mattress suture, which is used to close high-tension wounds. The method involves three buried vertical mattress sutures and an intradermal suture to reduce tension on wound edges and scar hyperplasia. However, the method does have the drawback of increased skin pigmentation and scarring at puncture points. The article provides a detailed description of the operative procedure and presents a typical case study to demonstrate the effectiveness of the suture method in reducing skin tension and improving aesthetic outcomes. [Extracted from the article]

The coordination of development efforts and ecological conservation in China's border regions is a significant challenge due to the overlap of biodiversity hotspots, ecologically fragile zones, and impoverished areas. Achieving the harmonious integration of ecological preservation and economic development relies on the fundamental assessment of ecological security (ES). However, comprehensive assessments of ES in border regions remain limited. This study introduces a new index, the multivariate ecological security index (MESI), which integrates ecosystem vigor, organization, elasticity, services and risk. Here, the MESI was utilized to assess the temporal and spatial changes in ES and its associated impact factors in the China-Myanmar border region (CMBR) from 2000 to 2020. The MESI provides a clear representation of the actual ES status in the CMBR, exhibiting a significant correlation with the eco-environmental quality index (EEQI; p < 0.01). The ES status exhibited notable spatial heterogeneity in the CMBR, consisting primarily of both relatively safe and safe levels, which accounted for approximately 85% of the total area. From 2000 to 2020, the CMBR experienced a gradual improvement in ES status, with the area experiencing an increase in the ES level accounting for 23.41% of the total area, which exceeded the proportion of the area experiencing a decrease in the ES level (4.71%). The combined impact of multiple factors exerted a greater influence on ES than did individual factors alone. Notably, human factors increasingly influenced the ES status during the study period. The results of this study provide valuable insights for ecological preservation and sustainable management in the CMBR, and the MESI can be extended to assess the ES of other regions. [Display omitted] • A MESI has been developed to assess ecological security status. • The CMBR shows spatial variability in ES with gradual improvement. • Multiple factors collectively influence ES, with human factors becoming increasingly impactful. • The MESI can be extended to assess the ES of other regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale and Objectives: Increased levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) are associated with mood symptoms in adults with bipolar disorder (BD). The few studies on this topic in youth with BD have not included controls. We, therefore, examined CRP levels in relation to symptomatic status in youth with and without BD.Methods: Participants included 154 youth (mean age 17 years; 48 asymptomatic BD, 39 symptomatic BD, 67 healthy controls (HC)). Rank analysis of covariance test examined group differences in CRP, controlling for age and sex. Correlation between CRP and mood symptom severity was examined using Spearman's correlation within the BD group.Results: There were significant group differences in CRP levels (F(2,151) = 5.06, p = 0.007, ηp2=0.06); post hoc analyses showed higher CRP levels in the symptomatic BD group compared with HC (p = 0.01). In sensitivity analyses, this finding was no longer significant after controlling for body mass index (BMI). CRP was not significantly associated with symptomatic severity.Conclusions: CRP levels are elevated among symptomatic youth with BD, partly related to BMI. As elevated BMI is associated with mood symptom burden, prospective studies are warranted to parse the associations among mood symptoms, BMI, and inflammation. Given the proportion of time that youth with BD are symptomatic, present findings raise concern about the long-term impact of elevated CRP on blood vessels, brain, and related clinical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fifth-generation (5G) communication technology, with its high speed, low latency, and wide coverage, will open up new possibilities for the extension of online collaborative learning as the society improves with the times. The 5G era's intelligent information environment has begun to influence our way of life and work, and it has now spread to include our learning habits. In today's world, with the rapid advancement of computer and communication technologies, a big number of high-tech subjects in our traditional curriculum have had a considerable influence. This study proposes a method of integrating soft computing techniques to the advancement of music education to enhance the mental health of college students in the conditions of 5G in order to help music education stay updated with the progress trends of the periods in this modern generation. Conventional control techniques and new accurate mathematical model control approaches both fail to accurately assess students' mental health. To enhance the assessment impact of mental health of the students, this study uses an intelligent fuzzy system as the regulation center and offers an assessment method based on an improved fuzzy neural network to assess the impact of music instruction in boosting mental health of the students. When compared to standard ways, the system developed in this work has a better effect, according to the empirical research findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agents face challenges to achieve adaptability and stability when interacting with dynamic counterparts in a complex multiagent system (MAS). To strike a balance between these two goals, this paper proposes a learning algorithm for heterogeneous agents with bounded rationality. It integrates reinforcement learning as well as fictitious play to evaluate the historical information and adopt mechanisms in evolutionary game to adapt to uncertainty, which is referred to as experience weighted learning (EWL) in this paper. We have conducted multiagent simulations to test the performance of EWL in various games. The results demonstrate that the average payoff of EWL exceeds that of the baseline in all 4 games. In addition, we find that most of the EWL agents converge to pure strategy and become stable finally. Furthermore, we test the impact of 2 import parameters, respectively. The results show that the performance of EWL is quite stable and there is a potential to improve its performance by parameter optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black holes immersed in magnetic fields are believed to be important systems in astrophysics. One interesting topic on these systems is their superradiant stability property. In the present paper, we analytically obtain the superradiantly stable regime for the asymptotically flat dyonic Reissner–Nordstrom black holes with charged massive scalar perturbation. The effective potential experienced by the scalar perturbation in the dyonic black hole background is obtained and analyzed. It is found that the dyonic black hole is superradiantly stable in the regime 0 < r - / r + < 2 / 3 , where r ± are the event horizons of the dyonic black hole. Compared with the purely electrically charged Reissner–Nordstrom black hole case, our result indicates that the additional coupling of the charged scalar perturbation with the magnetic filed makes the black hole and scalar perturbation system more superradiantly unstable, which provides further evidence on the instability induced by magnetic field in black hole superradiance process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to their biocompatibility and wear resistance, ceramic materials have gained significant attention as excellent options to meet the growing demand for scaffolds in bone-defect treatment. However, current ceramic materials suffer from high hardness and unfavorable structure for the flow of body fluids, thus requiring the design of porous scaffolds. In this study, β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP), hydroxyapatite (HA), and 45S5 Bioglass® (BG) were selected to prepare scaffolds with the gyroid structure using digital light processing (DLP) technology. Then the scaffolds' surface, structure, mechanical properties, and biological performance were characterized. The results verified that gyroid structures with different porosity could be well tailored by adjusting the original functions, meanwhile the details of the models were preserved during the DLP printing and sintering process. In addition, different shrinkage patterns were observed, with microscale shrinkage being larger than macroscale shrinkage. There was an excessive increase in the material width after the curing process, but the structure thickness decreased during the sintering phase. Notably, the elastic modulus increased as the porosity of the scaffold decreased. During the sintering process, the BG underwent crystallization reactions, while the HA experienced decomposition. In vitro experiments demonstrated that the scaffolds exhibited no toxicity and displayed excellent biocompatibility, making them suitable for cell growth and adhesion. And the ability of the scaffolds to promote cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation was better with the increase in porosity. Besides, the newly formed bone tissue within the scaffold exhibited characteristics similar to cortical bone, both after 3 and 6 months in vivo. This study showed that the gyroid scaffold with high porosity (65.67 %) has a remarkable capacity to promote cortical bone healing and holds great promises in the future treatment of bone defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are numerous ways to estimate the true number of species in a community based on incomplete samples. Nonetheless, comparable approaches to estimate the number of species shared between two incompletely sampled communities are scarce. Here, we introduce the 'total expected species shared' (TESS) measure and provide the R function for its calculation. Based on parametric asymptotic models, TESS provides estimates of the true number of species shared between incompletely sampled communities based on abundance data. We compare TESS results with abundance‐based non‐parametric methods in terms of precision and accuracy, using different simulated sampling scenarios. We further calculate TESS using an empirical dataset, highlighting changes in accuracy and precision with increasing sample size. We also demonstrate how TESS values can be combined with species richness estimators in turnover estimates using traditional β‐diversity indices. Our results show that mean values of TESS reliably approximate the true shared species number for varying sample completeness scenarios, with both accuracy and precision increasing with increasing sample completeness. Overall, we demonstrate the viability of TESS in estimations of the true number of species shared between two incompletely sampled communities. We also stress the importance of a sufficient sample size for the accuracy of estimates – requiring sampling designs that carefully balance sampling effort per site with the number of sampling sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The agglomeration of cohesive particles can deteriorate fluidization quality and cause the defluidization of a bed, which is a common issue found in the applications of fluidized beds. This study aims to gain a better understanding of particle cohesion on agglomeration/fluidization behaviors and the effective methods for achieving a better fluidization quality, through numerical simulations based on the coupled approach of computational fluid dynamics and discrete element method (CFD-DEM). The effects of particle cohesion, gas velocities or flow conditions, and the bed geometry on the agglomeration and fluidization behaviors are analyzed. It is shown that the increase of particle cohesion can lead to deteriorated particle mixing, significant agglomeration of particles, and defluidization of the bed; the agglomeration-induced defluidization of highly cohesive particles is difficult to mitigate in a conventional flat-bottom fluidized bed. As large-sized agglomerates are more frequently found in the bottom of the bed, the spouted gas flow is then utilized and demonstrated to be effective in assisting the deagglomeration and fluidization of highly cohesive particles. Through the comparison of various spouted beds and spouted fluidized beds, the effective design of the bed bottom is identified for achieving a higher fluidization quality. Corresponding mechanisms underlying spout-assisted deagglomeration and fluidization are found to be much related to not only the enhanced particle-fluid but also particle-wall interactions in the confined space of a conical bed bottom, thus explaining the effectiveness and the importance of the bottom conical geometry of spouted beds. The obtained findings may help to understand the agglomeration-induced defluidization of fluidized beds and assist the fluidization of highly cohesive particles by the effective design of spouted beds. [Display omitted] • Effects of particle cohesion on the mixing and agglomeration of particles are analyzed. • Defluidization of a bed due to large agglomerates is examined. • The effectiveness of spout-assisted fluidization of cohesive particles is demonstrated. • Effective design for the conical geometry of a spouted bed is identified. • Mechanisms underlying spout-assisted deagglomeration and fluidization are explained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intelligent mechanical fault diagnosis has developed very fast in recent years due to the advancement and application of deep learning technologies. Thus, there are many deep learning network models that have been explored in fault classification and diagnosis. However, there are still limitations in research on the relationship between fault location, fault type, and fault severity. In this paper, a novel method for diagnosis of bearing fault using hierarchical multitask convolution neural networks (HMCNNs) is proposed, taking into account the mentioned relationships. The HMCNN model includes a main task and multiple subtasks. In the HMCNN model, a weighted probability is used to reduce the classification error propagation among multitasks to improve the fault diagnosis accuracy. The validity of the proposed method is verified on bearing datasets. Experimental results show that the proposed method is very effective and superior to the existing methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exhumation and cooling rates of high-grade metamorphic rocks are crucial for inferring orogenic processes and understanding the regimes of heat transport in the Earth's crust. Quantification of these rates remains challenging for Precambrian terranes, because the temporal resolution of geochronology becomes coarser in deeper geological time. This limitation is partly reflected by a striking lack of Proterozoic or older short-duration events (<10 Myr); most documented cases of fast metamorphism are confined to the Phanerozoic. In this study, we use garnet geospeedometry to explore the metamorphic rates of Paleoproterozoic high-grade rocks from two representative areas within the long-lived (1·95–1·80 Ga) Jiao-Liao-Ji orogenic belt, North China Craton. The pelitic granulites in the Taipingzhuang area record high-pressure granulite-facies (HPG) metamorphism of ∼12 kbar and ∼800 °C, followed by a fast decompression-cooling to ∼5 kbar and ∼600 °C within ∼5 Myr, at c. 1·87 Ga. The pelitic granulites in the Rizhuang area document a brief (<1 Myr) thermal excursion to ultrahigh-temperature (UHT) metamorphism of ∼8 kbar and ∼940 °C at c. 1·85 Ga, followed by a fast cooling to ∼600 °C within 1–5 Myr. In light of available geological data, the fast decompression-cooling of HPG granulites is interpreted as the syn-collisional exhumation of thickened lower crustal segments at c. 1·87 Ga, most probably through tectonic extrusion. The thermal excursion transiently reaching UHT conditions is inferred to be triggered by localized syn-metamorphic mafic intrusions in association with magmatic underplating during post-collisional extension at c. 1·85 Ga. These metamorphic pulses were interspersed within the protracted Paleoproterozoic orogenesis and require geodynamic processes resembling modern plate tectonics. Notably, these ancient rapid events are beyond the temporal resolution of commonly used in situ geochronology, which tends to yield apparent longer durations given errors and uncertainties. We therefore note that most ancient metamorphic rates might be underestimated using geochronological data, and recommend garnet geospeedometry as a promising alternative approach. The largely similar rates recorded by Paleoproterozoic and Phanerozoic orogens, as well as high-pressure metamorphism at 1·9–1·8 Ga, support the operation of modern plate tectonics in Paleoproterozoic time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Huaier extract has been a part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for roughly 1600 years and may serve as a potential anti-cancer drug as it is associated with good efficacy and low toxicity. Individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at a higher chance of being diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC) and as Huaier extract may potentially influence tumorigenesis, we set out to determine the effect of Huaier extract on colitis-associated CRC. Methods: The CRC mouse model, established through azoxymethane (AOM) and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS), was administered Huaier extract. Weight loss, colon length, tumor number and tumor size were evaluated macroscopically. Pro-inflammatory cytokine expression and STAT3 phosphorylation were assessed in the colon using ELISA, Western blot and/or immunohistochemistry. Results: Huaier extract improved the severity of colitis-associated tumorigenesis compared with control group, with attenuated weight loss and longer colons. Tumor number, size and load were drastically decreased in mice treated with Huaier. Histological assessment suggested that Huaier could decrease histological injury of the colon tissue. Additionally, Huaier extract treatment led to reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine levels (TNF-α, IL-6, IFN-γ and IL-1β) and a decrease of STAT3 phosphorylation in colon tissue. Additionally, present findings demonstrated that Huaier extract inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in CRC cells HCT116 and HCT8. The migration and invasion of CRC cells were markedly inhibited upon exposure to Huaier treatment. The apoptosis-associated protein levels (P53, Bax, Bcl-2, pro-caspase-3 and cleavage caspase-3) showed significant differences after the administration of Huaier extract in HCT116 and HCT8 cells. In vivo, the administration of Huaier extract to mice inhibited tumor growth and yielded a similar profile of apoptotic proteins expression p53, Bcl-2, pro-caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-3 while no significant differences in Bax were observed. Moreover, the ratio of TUNEL-positive/apoptotic cells was markedly increased in the Huaier-treated mice. Conclusion: Huaier extract may reduce the IBD-associated tumor development by suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and STAT3 stimulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China reported a major outbreak of a novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV2, from mid-January till mid-March 2020. We review the epidemic virus growth and decline curves in China using a phenomenological logistic growth model to summarize the outbreak dynamics using three parameters that characterize the epidemic's timing, rate and peak. During the initial phase, the number of virus cases doubled every 2.7 days (range 2.2–4.4 across provinces). The rate of increase in the number of reported cases peaked approximately 10 days after suppression measures were started on 23–25 January 2020. The peak in the number of reported sick cases occurred on average 18 days after the start of suppression measures. From the time of starting measures till the peak, the number of cases increased by a factor 39 in the province Hubei, and by a factor 9.5 for all of China (range: 6.2–20.4 in the other provinces). Complete suppression took up to 2 months (range: 23-57d.), during which period severe restrictions, social distancing measures, testing and isolation of cases were in place. The suppression of the disease in China has been successful, demonstrating that suppression is a viable strategy to contain SARS-CoV2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Although biodiversity is in sharp decline around the globe, collectiing precise information on changes in overall species richness remains extremely challenging. Efficient and reliable proxy methods are therefore needed, with the diversity of higher taxa representing one such potential proxy for species‐level diversity. Nonetheless, the stability of using this measure across different regions and animal taxa at the global scale has never been investigated thoroughly. Location: Global. Time period: Up to 2016. Major taxa studied: Animalia. Methods: We used a large global dataset containing published studies on diversity in the terrestrial Animalia to analyse the relationship between diversity at the family, genus and species level across different orders. Results: Family and species diversity were positively correlated, with the strongest correlations in Diptera, Hemiptera and Coleoptera. Correlations were slightly weaker in family–species than in genus–species relationships, whereas differences were stronger in observed richness than in diversity indices. Across all taxa, family–species correlations of Shannon diversity index values were independent of sample size, and they showed limited variation across biomes for the three orders containing sufficient case studies for this analysis. Based on the Shannon diversity index, the species diversity per site increased linearly with the increase in family diversity, with an average species : family diversity index ratio of 2.5, slightly lower than the ratio of 2.7 for observed species and family richness values. Main conclusions: Our study confirmed that recording family‐level diversity can be a meaningful proxy for determining species‐level diversity patterns in biodiversity studies, and trade‐offs between identification costs and retained information content need to be considered when using higher taxon surrogacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, hot isostatic pressing (HIPing) process of pure tungsten powders was numerically reproduced using multi-particle finite element method (MPFEM) at a particulate scale level. The effects of pressure, temperature and particle size ratio on the densification behavior of the tungsten powders during HIPing were systematically investigated. Various macro- and microscopic properties including relative density, overall/local stress distributions, deformation status, pore filling behavior and densification mechanisms were characterized and analyzed. The results show that the HIPing process of tungsten components can be numerically realized from particulate scale by properly controlling the HIPing conditions such as pressure and temperature. The pressure and temperature during HIPing play a dominant role in determining both the final properties of the compacts and the microscopic properties of individual particles. Also, different particle size ratios of the tungsten powder mass can affect both the macro- and microscopic properties of the compacts during and after HIPing. It is indicated that MPFEM modelling used in this paper can effectively conquer the deficiencies in physical experiments and traditional FEM modelling on the HIPing of refractory tungsten metals, which can provide an effective way to reproduce the HIPing process and identify the densification dynamics and mechanisms more accurately and realistically. Unlabelled Image • Particulate-scale 3D MPFEM modelling on the HIPing process of pure tungsten powders. • Various macro- and microscopic properties of tungsten compacts were characterized and compared. • The effects of pressure, temperature and particle size ratio on the properties of powder mass were identified. • Densification dynamics and mechanisms were analyzed based on stress/deformation of individual particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the biocontrol potential of natural enemies is well established, it is largely unknown how landscape‐mediated effects on pest and natural enemy communities impact the cascade of biocontrol potential, crop injury, yield and profit, taking into account crop management and surrounding landscape composition.We compared natural biocontrol with chemical control according to local farmers' practice, across the 'full cascade' from natural enemy and pest abundance to crop injury, yield loss, yield and economic performance. This 2‐year study was conducted in 20 rice fields embedded in a gradient of landscapes from crop‐dominated to semi‐natural habitat‐dominated, in subtropical China, the world's largest rice‐producing region.Natural enemies suppressed brown planthopper population growth in unsprayed plots, irrespective of landscape composition. However, crop injury was lower in pesticide treated plots than in unsprayed plots, and yields in sprayed plots were 20% higher than in unsprayed plots. Nevertheless, pesticide applications were only profitable in less than half of the cases when only costs for pesticides were considered, and in less than one third of the cases when costs for pesticides and labour were considered.Synthesis and applications. Our findings question the cost‐effectiveness of current chemical‐based pest management in farming, and highlight opportunities for more ecologically based pest management strategies based on the widespread activity of natural enemies. Pest damage and biocontrol, however, are largely independent from the landscape context, which might be due to the small‐scale character of Chinese rice landscapes. To maintain high levels of biocontrol, conserving this small‐scale character appears more important than increasing the proportion of semi‐natural habitat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using density functional theory combined with the first principles calculation method of non-equilibrium Green's function (NEGF-DFT), we studied the thermoelectric (TE) characteristics of one-dimensional γ-graphdiyne nanoribbons (γ-GDYNRs). The study found that the thermal conductivity of γ-GDYNRs has obvious anisotropy. At the same temperature and geometrical size, the lattice thermal conductivity of zigzag-edged γ-graphdiyne nanoribbons (γ-ZGDYNRs) is much lower than that of armchair-edged γ-graphdiyne nanoribbons (γ-AGDYNRs). We disclose the underlying mechanism for this intrinsic orientation. That is, γ-AGDYNRs have more phonon dispersion over the entire frequency range. Furthermore, the orientation dependence increases when the width of the γ-GDYNRs decreases. These excellent TE properties allow armchair-edged γ-graphdiyne nanoribbons with a planar width of 1.639 nm (γ-Z(2)GDYNRs) to have a higher power factor and lower thermal conductivity, ultimately resulting in a significantly higher TE conversion rate than other γ-GDYNR structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]