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Chronic hypoxia (CH) is commonly associated with various cardiovascular diseases, with cardiac hypertrophy being the most frequently observed alteration. Metabolic remodeling is another consequence seen in the hypoxic heart. However, the mechanistic linkage between metabolic remodeling and cardiac hypertrophy in the hypoxic heart remains unclear. In this study, wild-type C57BL/6J mice were subjected to CH for 4 wk. Echocardiography and morphological analysis were used to assess the cardiac effects. We found that 4 wk of CH led to significant cardiac hypertrophy in the mice, whereas cardiac function remained unchanged compared with normoxic mice. In addition, CH induced an elevation in cardiac alpha-ketoglutarate (α-KG) content. Promoting α-KG degradation in the CH hearts prevented CH-induced cardiac hypertrophy but led to noticeable cardiac dysfunction. Mechanistically, α-KG promoted the transcription of hypertrophy-related genes by regulating histone methylation. Silencing lysine-specific demethylase 5 (KDM5), a histone demethylation enzyme, blunted α-KG-induced transcription of hypertrophy-related genes. These data suggest that α-KG is required for CH-induced cardiac remodeling, thus establishing a connection between metabolic changes and cardiac remodeling in hypoxic hearts. NEW & NOTEWORTHY: We reported that alpha-ketoglutarate (α-KG) is indispensable for chronic hypoxia (CH)-induced cardiac remodeling, which builds the bridge between metabolic intermediates and cardiac remodeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium-ion batteries, with their high energy density, long cycle life, and non-polluting advantages, are widely used in energy storage stations. Connecting lithium batteries in series to form a battery pack can achieve the required capacity and voltage. However, as the batteries are used for extended periods, some individual cells in the battery pack may experience abnormal failures, affecting the performance and safety of the battery pack. At the same time, as batteries operate in complex environments, the data collected by sensors are susceptible to random noise and drift interference, which can affect the accuracy of anomaly detection in individual battery cells. In order to solve this problem, this article proposes an anomaly detection method for battery cells based on Robust Principal Component Analysis (RPCA), taking the historical operation and maintenance data of a large-scale battery pack from an energy storage station as the research subject. Firstly, theRPCA is used to denoise the observed voltage data of the battery cells to an extreme degree, obtaining a baseline charging state curve for a cell consistency assessment. This also solves the problem of sensor outputs being affected by random noise. To further detect and identify abnormal battery cells, the RPCA is used to extract outlier components. Based on the Average Deviation-3σ principle and by utilizing Gaussian distribution probability characteristics, battery cells are conducted to screen, and the serial numbers of the anomaly cells are obtained. Finally, the effectiveness and accuracy of this anomaly detection method for battery cells are compared and verified through different statistical distributions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a coordinated control method used for wireless power transfer (WPT) systems. This method can improve WPT system transmission efficiency while maintaining the constant output voltage. First, the topology of the DC–DC converter is selected and the equivalent circuit model of the WPT system is established. Then, the WPT system characteristics are discussed and the mutual inductance estimation process is presented. Furthermore, the coordinated control method is proposed, where the constant voltage output is achieved by connecting the Buck–Boost converter after the diode rectifier. Meanwhile, the optimal phase shift angle is calculated and sent to the controller to achieve maximum transmission efficiency tracking control, according to the measured load voltage and current. Finally, simulations and experiments are adopted to verify the proposed coordinated control method. The experimental results indicate that the average system transmission efficiency is increased by 1.80% and the efficiency fluctuation is decreased by 2.67% when the system load resistance varies, while the average system transmission efficiency is increased by 1.80%, and the efficiency fluctuation is decreased by 3.14% when the mutual inductance changes. This means the proposed coordinated control method is effective under the conditions of the WPT load and mutual inductance variations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to clarify the effects of partial replacement of chemical fertilizer with organic fertilizer on the yield, quality and soil fertility of 'Cabernet Sauvignon' grape, 4 treatments were set in 2019-2020, including traditional water-fertilization (CK), optimized water and fertilizer management (Opt), and nitrogen fertilizer in the optimized water and fertilizer management replaced by bio-organic fertilizer with 20% (B1) and 40% (B2), respecteively. The nutrition content in soil and yield, quality of grape under different treatments were compared. The results showed that optimized water and fertilizer management and using bio-organic fertilizer to replace part of chemical fertilizer could improve soil physicochemical property, enhance soil fertility and promote the growth of grape. B1 treatment could significantly increase the economic profits of vineyards, and the average income in 2019 and 2020 increased by 33.59% compared with CK. B2 treatment could improve soil fertility better. Compared with CK, the pH and nitrate nitrogen content of B2 in 0-40 cm soil layer at maturity stage decreased, while organic matter increased significantly. Compared with Opt treatment, the contents of available phosphorus and available potassium of B2 in 0-40 cm soil layer at maturity stage significantly increased by 109.90% and 32.20%, respectively. Therefore, using bio-organic fertilizer to replace part of chemical fertilizer was an effective approach to achieve efficient, safe and sustainable production of orchards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common progressive neurodegenerative disease. The accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques is a distinctive pathological feature of AD patients. The aims of this study were to evaluate the therapeutic effect of chicoric acid (CA) on AD models and to explore its underlying mechanisms. APPswe/Ind SH-SY5Y cells and 5xFAD mice were treated with CA. Soluble Aβ1–42 and Aβ plaque levels were analyzed by ELISA and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Transcriptome sequencing was used to compare the changes in hippocampal gene expression profiles among the 5xFAD mouse groups. The specific gene expression levels were quantified by qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis. It was found that CA treatment reduced the Aβ1–42 levels in the APPswe/Ind cells and 5xFAD mice. It also reduced the Aβ plaque levels as well as the APP and BACE1 levels. Transcriptome analysis showed that CA affected the synaptic-plasticity-related genes in the 5xFAD mice. The levels of L1CAM, PSD-95 and synaptophysin were increased in the APPswe/Ind SH-SY5Y cells and 5xFAD mice treated with CA, which could be inhibited by administering siRNA-L1CAM to the CA-treated APPswe/Ind SH-SY5Y cells. In summary, CA reduced Aβ levels and increased the expression levels of synaptic-function-related markers via L1CAM in AD models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Normal ovarian development is necessary for the production of healthy oocytes. However, the characteristics of oocytes development at different stages and the regulatory relationship between oocytes and somatic cells remain to be fully explained. Here, we combined scRNA‐seq and spatial transcriptomic sequencing to profile the transcriptomic atlas of developing ovarian of the rat. We identified four components from developing granulosa cells including cumulus, primitive, mural, and luteal cells, and constructed their differential transcriptional regulatory networks. Several novel growth signals from oocytes to cumulus cells were identified, such as JAG1‐NOTCH2 and FGF9‐FGFR2. Moreover, we observed three cumulus sequential phases during follicle development determined by the key transcriptional factors in each cumulus phase (Bckaf1, Gata6, Cebpb, etc.), as well as the potential pinpointed roles of macrophages in luteal regression. Altogether, the single‐cell spatial transcriptomic profile of the ovary provides not only a new research dimension for temporal and spatial analysis of ovary development, but also valuable data resources and a research basis for in‐depth excavation of the mechanisms of mammalian ovary development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is a potential technology for harvesting water energy and serving as self‐powered sensors. Among the innovative designs of TENG, a droplet‐based electricity generator (DEG) has achieved high instantaneous power density under droplets impinging. However, the exposed top electrode is usually hydrophilic and subjected to water corrosion. This study reports an electrode‐grounded droplet‐based electricity generator (EG‐DEG) with graphene sheets embedded carbon (GSEC) electrode. Compared with traditional electrodes, the designed device with GSEC electrode exhibits great hydrophobicity, corrosion resistance under droplets impinging and better output performance. The working mechanism of the device is discussed in depth and the performance of EG‐DEG is systematically studied. To demonstrate the robust capability of EG‐DEG as self‐powered sensors, a three‐electrodes mode of EG‐DEG is developed to monitor droplet velocities on different triboelectric surfaces. Furthermore, the EG‐DEG can be assembled in the pipe to acquire the flow rate of fluid according to the frequency of the output signals. An intelligent system is further developed to display the flow rate of the fluid. Therefore, the EG‐DEG device also shows its great application prospects in particles detection and fluid analysis in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder characterized by dopaminergic neuron loss, which is related to excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. Endogenous peroxiredoxin-2 (Prdx-2) has potent anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic effects. Proteomics studies revealed plasma levels of Prdx-2 were significantly lower in PD patients than in healthy individuals. For further study of the activation of Prdx-2 and its role in vitro, SH-SY5Y cells and the neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) were used to model PD. ROS content, mitochondrial membrane potential, and cell viability were used to assess the effect of MPP+ in SH-SY5Y cells. JC-1 staining was used to determine mitochondrial membrane potential. ROS content was detected using a DCFH-DA kit. Cell viability was measured using the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. Western blot detected the protein levels of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), Prdx-2, silent information regulator of transcription 1 (SIRT1), Bax, and Bcl-2. The results showed that MPP+-induced accumulation of ROS, depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential, and reduction of cell viability occurred in SH-SY5Y cells. In addition, the levels of TH, Prdx-2, and SIRT1 decreased, while the ratios of Bax and Bcl-2 increased. Then, Prdx-2 overexpression in SH-SY5Y cells showed significant protection against MPP+ -induced neuronal toxicity, as evidenced by the decrease in ROS content, increase in cell viability, increase in the level of TH, and decrease in the ratios of Bax and Bcl-2. Meanwhile, SIRT1 levels increase with the level of Prdx-2. This suggests that the protection of Prdx-2 may be related to SIRT1. In conclusion, this study indicated that overexpression of Prdx-2 reduces MPP+-induced toxicity in SH-SY5Y cells and may be mediated by SIRT1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis (L.del) on vaginal microbiota (VM) dysbiosis and vaginal radiation injury in gynecologic cancer patients. The inhibitory effects of L.del on cervical cancer cells were also studied in vitro. Gynecologic cancer patients receiving radiotherapy were randomized into control and L.del intervention groups. The control group received radiotherapy, while the intervention group received radiotherapy and L.del intervention (1 capsule/day placed into the deep vagina from the first day of radiotherapy until the end of treatment). Vaginal swab samples were collected on the first day pre-treatment and the last day post-treatment. DNA from 54 patients was extracted and assessed by the 16S rRNA sequencing method. Radiotherapy resulted in vaginal microbiome dysbiosis characterized by increased phylogenetic diversity and increased abundance of Brevundimonas, Streptococcus and Prevotella, but a decreased abundance of Lactobacillus. Level 2 vaginal radiation injury was positively associated with the abundance of Brevundimonas and gram-negative non-fermenting bacteria. Administration of L.del attenuated the reduction of Lactobacillus while also inhibiting the abundance of Streptococcus and Prevotella, thereby ameliorating radiotherapy-related vaginal microbiota dysbiosis. CLD inhibited the in vitro proliferation of SiHa cells by altering the expression of BCL2, HPV16-E6, HPV16-E7, IL6, MAP7, BAX, Caspase-3, Caspase-9 and LTF. In conclusion, L. del application can alleviate radiation-induced vaginal dysbiosis and restore Lactobacillus dominance of the vaginal microbiome. Moreover, CLD was found to inhibit cell growth and promote the apoptosis of SiHa cells in vitro. The registration number for this clinical trial is ChiCTR1900021784. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a serious complication during in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. The upregulation of ovarian transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) is involved in the development of OHSS. The secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) is a secreted multifunctional matricellular glycoprotein. Although the regulatory effects of TGF-β1 on SPARC expression have been reported, whether TGF-β1 regulates SPARC expression in the human ovary remains unknown. In addition, the role of SPARC in the pathogenesis of OHSS is unclear. Methods: A steroidogenic human ovarian granulosa-like tumor cell line, KGN, and primary culture of human granulosa-lutein (hGL) cells obtained from patients undergoing IVF treatment were used as experimental models. OHSS was induced in rats, and ovaries were collected. Follicular fluid samples were collected from 39 OHSS and 35 non-OHSS patients during oocyte retrieval. The underlying molecular mechanisms mediating the effect of TGF-β1 on SPARC expression were explored by a series of in vitro experiments. Results: TGF-β1 upregulated SPARC expression in both KGN and hGL cells. The stimulatory effect of TGF-β1 on SPARC expression was mediated by SMAD3 but not SMAD2. The transcription factors, Snail and Slug, were induced in response to the TGF-β1 treatment. However, only Slug was required for the TGF-β1-induced SPARC expression. Conversely, we found that the knockdown of SPARC decreased Slug expression. Our results also revealed that SPARC was upregulated in the OHSS rat ovaries and in the follicular fluid of OHSS patients. Knockdown of SPARC attenuated the TGF-β1-stimulated expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and aromatase, two markers of OHSS. Moreover, the knockdown of SPARC reduced TGF-β1 signaling by downregulating SMAD4 expression. Conclusions: By illustrating the potential physiological and pathological roles of TGF-β1 in the regulation of SPARC in hGL cells, our results may serve to improve current strategies used to treat clinical infertility and OHSS. 66JbE8YWJdrsTB-WmCj_-w Video Abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Switchable adhesives have attracted widespread attention due to their strong reusability and adaptability to operate stably in complex environments. However, the simple fabrication of adhesive structures and reliable control of adhesion remain challenging. Here, we developed a neodymium iron boron/polydimethylsiloxane (NdFeB/PDMS) magnetic composite with optimal mechanical and magnetic performance. Then we fabricated lamellar structures and setal arrays using a molding and magnetic field-induced process, imitating the multi-level adhesion system of gecko feet. The lamellar can be deformed under the action of a magnetic field to control the adhesion, and the setal array is used to enhance adhesion and provide self-cleanability to the adhering surface. Switchable adhesion was realized by applying an external magnetic field, where the maximum adhesion strength was 5.1 kPa, and the switchable range was within 40%. Through finite element analysis simulations and experimental verification, it was proved that the adhesion force variation was ascribed to the magnetic field-induced surface deformation. Finally, we installed the adhesive on the end of the robotic arm, realizing the transfer of the target object. This work provides a simple method to fabricate a gecko-like surface and a practical strategy to realize switchable adhesion, which sheds light on broad application potential in production lines, medical products, and more. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The molecular mechanisms of skin pigmentation in Andrias davidianus are not clear. In this study, we identified two albino individuals and found that Andrias davidianus had distinct regulatory mechanisms of skin pigmentation that differed from other vertebrates. The key signaling pathway and transcription factors related to melanin synthesis in other vertebrates did not play a significant role in Andrias davidianus. MITF mRNA in Andrias davidianus had a unique splicing form that was not reported in other vertebrates and a unique mutation existed in the SLC24A5 gene in albino Andrias davidianus. The results contributed to understanding the molecular mechanism of skin pigmentation in Andrias davidianus and accelerating the acquisition process of Andrias davidianus species with specific body colors by genetic means, which will help to enrich the aquaculture market of Andrias davidianus. The Chinese giant salamander (Andrias davidianus) has been increasingly popular in the aquaculture market in China in recent years. In the breeding process of Andrias davidianus, we found that some albino individuals were extremely rare and could not be inherited stably, which severely limits their commercialization in the aquaculture market. In this study, we performed transcriptome and small RNA (sRNA) sequencing analyses in the skin samples of wild-type (WT) and albino (AL) Andrias davidianus. In total, among 5517 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), 2911 DEGs were down-regulated in AL, including almost all the key genes involved in melanin formation. A total of 25 miRNAs were differentially expressed in AL compared to WT, of which 17 were up-regulated. Through the integrated analysis, no intersection was found between the target genes of the differentially expressed miRNAs and the key genes for melanin formation. Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway analyses on DEGs showed that these genes involved multiple processes relevant to melanin synthesis and the key signal pathway MAPK. Interestingly, the transcription factors SOX10 and PAX3 and the Wnt signaling pathway that play a key role in other species were not included, while the other two transcription factors in the SOX family, SOX21 and SOX7, were included. After analyzing the key genes for melanin formation, it was interesting to note an alternative splicing form of the MITF in WT and a critical mutation of the SLC24A5 gene in AL, which might be the main reason for the skin color change of Andrias davidianus. The results contributed to understanding the molecular mechanism of skin pigmentation in Andrias davidianus and accelerating the acquisition process of individuals with specific body colors by genetic means. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Staged treatment for pilon fractures is widely accepted. It remains to be discussed how to reduce and fix posterior column fractures while avoiding clinical complications. We provided a staged treatment protocol with detailed surgical techniques for closed AO Foundation/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) C3 tibial pilon fractures with fibular fractures. In the first stage, the internal fixation of the fibula and distal tibial posterior column is accompanied by an external fixator. After swelling, the medial and anterior columns were fixed via the posteromedial approach in the second stage. We advocate early reduction and fixation of the posterior column and lateral column. The right timing of surgery can ensure well-reduced articular surface and alignment while minimizing soft tissue complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acute myocardial infarction is a major health problem and is the leading cause of death worldwide. Myocardial apoptosis induced by myocardial infarction injury is involved in the pathophysiology of heart failure. Therapeutic stem cell therapy has the potential to be an effective and favorable treatment for ischemic heart disease. Exosomes derived from stem cells have been shown to effectively repair MI injury-induced cardiomyocyte damage. However, the cardioprotective benefits of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cell (ADSC)-Exos remain unknown. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of exosomes from ADSC on the hearts of MI-treated mice and to explore the underlying mechanisms. Methods: Cellular and molecular mechanisms were investigated using cultured ADSCs. On C57BL/6J mice, we performed myocardial MI or sham operations and assessed cardiac function, fibrosis, and angiogenesis 4 weeks later. Mice were intramyocardially injected with ADSC-Exos or vehicle-treated ADSCs after 25 min following the MI operation. Results: Echocardiographic experiments showed that ADSC-Exos could significantly improve left ventricular ejection fraction, whereas ADSC-Exos administration could significantly alleviate MI-induced cardiac fibrosis. Additionally, ADSC-Exos treatment has been shown to reduce cardiomyocyte apoptosis while increasing angiogenesis. Molecular experiments found that exosomes extracted from ADSCs can promote the proliferation and migration of microvascular endothelial cells, facilitate angiogenesis, and inhibit cardiomyocytes apoptosis through miRNA-205. We then transferred isolated exosomes from ADSCs into MI-induced mice and observed decreased cardiac fibrosis, increased angiogenesis, and improved cardiac function. We also observed increased apoptosis and decreased expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor in HMEC-1 transfected with a miRNA-205 inhibitor. Conclusion: In summary, these findings show that ADSC-Exos can alleviate cardiac injury and promote cardiac function recovery in MI-treated mice via the miRNA-205 signaling pathway. ADSC-Exos containing miRNA205 have a promising therapeutic potential in MI-induced cardiac injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of application of biochar and microbial inoculants on the bioavailability of phosphorus and potassium, tomato growth, and the bacterial community in greenhouse soil. Materials and methods: The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse with tomato mono-cropped for 21 years at Yongqing County of Hebei Province from November 2018 to June 2019. The treatments included conventional fertilization control (CF), 2 t/ha of biochar application (B, manufactured from apricot shell), 75 L/ha of microbial inoculants application (M, containing effective strains of Bacillus megaterium and Paenibacillus mucilaginosus), the mixture of microbial inoculants and biochar application (BM). Results: The results showed that the application of 75 L/ha microbial inoculants in greenhouse tomato could increase the yields of tomato by 23.41%, vitamin C (Vc) and soluble sugar concentrations by 14.41% and 13.62%, respectively. The microbial inoculants combined with 2 t/ha biochar enhanced the effects of microbial inoculants on the growth promotion of tomatoes. The application of microbial inoculants combined with biochar increased the P and K accumulation in tomato plants by 28.72–57.14% and 19.53–29.03%, respectively, during the whole growing stage. Moreover, the application of microbial inoculants significantly increased the relative abundance of Bacillus, Paenibacillus, and Flavobacterium and decreased the relative abundance of Acidobacterium. Conclusions: The application of microbial inoculants improved the bioavailability of phosphorus and potassium and tomato growth by altering the composition of soil bacterial community. These results show the potential of co-application of biochar and microbial inoculants as a potential tool to sustain longer-term production of monoculture vegetable systems in greenhouses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) has been demonstrated to regulate RNA metabolism and various biological processes, including gametogenesis and embryogenesis. However, the landscape and function of m6A at single cell resolution have not been extensively studied in mammalian oocytes or during pre-implantation. In this study, we developed a single-cell m6A sequencing (scm6A-seq) method to simultaneously profile the m6A methylome and transcriptome in single oocytes/blastomeres of cleavage-stage embryos. We found that m6A deficiency leads to aberrant RNA clearance and consequent low quality of Mettl3Gdf9 conditional knockout (cKO) oocytes. We further revealed that m6A regulates the translation and stability of modified RNAs in metaphase II (MII) oocytes and during oocyte-to-embryo transition, respectively. Moreover, we observed m6A-dependent asymmetries in the epi-transcriptome between the blastomeres of two-cell embryo. scm6A-seq thus allows in-depth investigation into m6A characteristics and functions, and the findings provide invaluable single-cell resolution resources for delineating the underlying mechanism for gametogenesis and early embryonic development. Modification of RNA with N6-methyladenosine can regulate RNA metabolism. Here they developed scm6A-seq to profile the methylome and transcriptome in single cells, and reveal the functions of m6A modification during oocyte maturation and early embryo development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacillus megaterium is well known as a plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium, but the relevant molecular mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the effects of B. megaterium HT517 on the growth and development of and the control of disease in greenhouse tomato and its mechanism of action. A pot experiment was conducted to determine the effect of B. megaterium on tomato growth, and this experiment included the HT517 group (3.2 × 10 8 cfu/pot) and the control group (inoculated with the same amount of sterilized suspension). An antagonistic experiment and a plate confrontation experiment were conducted to study the antagonistic effect of B. megaterium and Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry was used to determine the metabolite composition and metabolic pathway of HT517. PacBio+Illumina HiSeq sequencing was utilized for map sequencing of the samples. An in-depth analysis of the functional genes related to the secretion of these substances by functional bacteria was conducted. HT517 could secrete organic acids that solubilize phosphorus, promote root growth, secrete auxin, which that promotes early flowering and fruiting, and alkaloids, which control disease, and reduce the incidence of crown rot by 51.0%. The complete genome sequence indicated that the strain comprised one circular chromosome with a length of 5,510,339 bp (including four plasmids in the genome), and the GC content accounted for 37.95%. Seven genes (pyk, aceB, pyc, ackA, gltA, buk, and aroK) related to phosphate solubilization, five genes (trpA, trpB, trpS, TDO2, and idi) related to growth promotion, eight genes (hpaB, pheS, pheT, ileS, pepA, iucD, paaG, and kamA) related to disease control, and one gene cluster of synthetic surfactin were identified in this research. The identification of molecular biological mechanisms for extracellular secretion by the HT517 strain clarified that its organic acids solubilized phosphorus, that auxin promoted growth, and that alkaloids controlled tomato diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aberrant chondrocyte apoptosis and inflammation are the most critical causes of osteoarthritis (OA) development. This study was designed to demonstrate the relationship between S100A10 and OA. In this study, S100A10 was overexpressed or silenced in rat chondrocytes. Cell viability, apoptosis, reactive oxidative species (ROS), and calcium ion detection were assessed using Cell Counting Kit‐8 assay and flow cytometry. The levels of key oxidation‐related enzymes and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) were quantified using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and Western blotting. S100A10 was highly expressed in patients with OA and positively correlated with TNF‐α level. Knockdown of S100A10 effectively counteracted TNF‐α‐induced ROS level, apoptosis, and calcium level and associated with decreased inflammation‐related metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1), MMP13, and nuclear necrosis factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB)‐p65 and increased survivin and cytoplasmic NF‐κB‐p65. Overexpression of S100A10 had an effect similar to TNF‐α, which was significantly counteracted by pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate, an NF‐κB inhibitor, or verapamil, a calcium‐channel blocker. S100A10 contributed to chondrocyte apoptosis through the ROS/NF‐κB pathway. This study has established the relationship between S100A10 and the NF‐κB pathway, thus providing novel perspectives for exploring S100A10 functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) belongs to the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family of growth factors. HB-EGF and its receptors, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and HER4, are expressed in the human corpus luteum. HB-EGF has been shown to regulate luteal function by preventing cell apoptosis. Steroidogenesis is the primary function of the human corpus luteum. Steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) plays a critical role in steroidogenesis. StAR expression and progesterone (P4) production in human granulosa-lutein (hGL) cells have been shown to be upregulated by a ligand of EGFR, amphiregulin. However, whether HB-EGF can achieve the same effects remains unknown. Methods: A steroidogenic human ovarian granulosa-like tumor cell line, KGN, and primary culture of hGL cells obtained from patients undergoing in vitro fertilization treatment were used as experimental models. The underlying molecular mechanisms mediating the effects of HB-EGF on StAR expression and P4 production were explored by a series of in vitro experiments. Results: Western blot showed that EGFR, HER2, and HER4 were expressed in both KGN and hGL cells. Treatment with HB-EGF for 24 h induced StAR expression but did not affect the expression of steroidogenesis-related enzymes, P450 side chain cleavage enzyme, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, and aromatase. Using pharmacological inhibitors and a siRNA-mediated knockdown approach, we showed that EGFR, HER4, but not HER2, were required for HB-EGF-stimulated StAR expression and P4 production. In addition, HB-EGF-induced upregulations of StAR expression and P4 production were mediated by the activation of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway. Conclusion: This study increases the understanding of the physiological role of HB-EGF in human luteal functions. 7G2SU9-j2App9A69cYCW26 Video Abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are currently the standard for energy storage in portable consumer electronic devices. They are also used in electric vehicles and in some large industrial settings and for grid power storage. The adverse consequences of a dramatic battery failure can be significant compared with the cost of timely replacement or maintenance. Consequently, accurate state-of-health (SOH) prediction is important to inform maintenance or replacement decisions. In this work, we address current challenges related to accuracy and interpretability in data-driven SOH prediction for LIBs by devising a novel physics-informed machine learning prognostic model, termed PIDDA. PIDDA includes three elements: an autoencoder, a physics-informed model training, and a physics-based prediction adjustment. We examine and benchmark our model against alternative data-driven SOH prediction models using the NASA battery prognostic dataset. The computational experiments demonstrate that PIDDA (1) provides significantly higher prediction accuracy; (2) requires less prior data for its predictions; (3) produces more informative and interpretable predictions than alternative models. We conclude with an ablation study of PIDDA to analyze the relative effectiveness of two of its elements, the physics equations in the model training and the physics-based prediction adjustment. The results show that the former (training) provides the heavy lifting in accuracy improvement, roughly two-thirds, and the latter (adjustment) the remaining incremental improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article proposes a primary-side linear control strategy to realize the constant current (CC)/voltage (CV) charging for the wireless power transfer system, based on the LCC-N magnetic integration and non-compensation circuit. Different from the conventional compensation topology used in control strategies, this article combines magnetic integration structure on the primary side and noncompensation topology on the secondary side, which reduces the size of the additional compensation inductor and makes the secondary side more compact. Moreover, the primary-side linear control strategy is studied by using the improved load parameters identification method, based on the LCC-N topology. First, the LCC-N magnetic integration and noncompensation topology is introduced. An improved load parameters identification method considering the non-pure resistive input impedance characteristics of the rectifier is proposed to identify the current, voltage and equivalent resistance of the load, based on the LCC-N topology. In the process of identification, the complicated relationship between the input impedance of the rectifier and the load is needless. Then, according to the LCC-N output characteristics and identified load parameters, the relationship between the input voltage and load current and voltage is simplified to linear through the linear superposition of fundamental wave and third harmonic. And a linear control strategy on the primary side is proposed to achieve CC/CV output. Finally, a 1 kW WPT prototype is built to verify the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy. The experimental results show that the maximum error of the output current is 1.8% during the CC charging, and the maximum error of the output voltage is 1.2% during the CV charging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rotating machinery is essential to modern life, from power generation to transportation and a host of other industrial applications. Since such equipment generally operates under challenging working conditions which can lead to untimely failures, accurate remaining useful life (RUL) prediction is essential for maintenance planning and prevention of catastrophic failures. In this work, we address current challenges in data-driven RUL prediction for rotating machinery. The challenges revolve around the accuracy and uncertainty quantification of the prediction, and the non-stationarity of the system degradation and RUL estimation given sensor data. We devise a novel computational architecture and RUL prediction model with uncertainty quantification, termed VisPro, which integrates time–frequency analysis, deep learning image recognition, and nonstationary Gaussian process regression. We analyze and benchmark the results obtained with our model against those of other advanced data-driven RUL prediction models using the PHM12 bearing vibration dataset. The computational experiments show that (1) the VisPro predictions are highly accurate and provide significant improvements over existing prediction models (three times more accurate than the second-best model), and (2) the RUL uncertainty bounds are valid and informative. We identify and discuss the architectural and modeling choices made that explain this predictive performance of VisPro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bergapten (BeG) is explored for its anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Myocardial infarction (MI) is reported to be one of the leading cardiovascular diseases characterized by mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis. The main purpose of this study is to assess the cardiopreventive effects of BeG (50 mg/kg) in isoproterenol (ISO)‐induced MI in Wistar rats. The increased infarct size after ISO induction was reduced simultaneously on treatment with BeG. Similarly, augmented levels of cardiac biomarkers, namely cardiac troponin T, creatine kinase (CK), cardiac troponin I, and CK‐MB were also suppressed by BeG. The increased rate of lipid hydroperoxides and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances owing to the oxidative stress caused by free radical generation in ISO‐induced rats were also inhibited by BeG. Antioxidants reduce oxidative stress by scavenging free radicals. ISO induction reduces these antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione, and levels causing oxidative cardiac damage to the heart tissue. BeG supplementation improved these enzymes synthesis preventing potential damage to the myocardium. Inflammation caused by ISO pretreatment increased the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines in ISO‐induced rats. Pretreatment with BeG suppressed these inflammatory cytokines to a normal level in ISO + BeG‐treated rats. The histopathological examination of the morphological characteristics showed that the intensity of cardiac damage caused by ISO induction was less in BeG pretreated rats with less inflammatory cells and no necrosis. BeG also showed promising results in the molecular alteration of AMP‐activated protein kinase/endothelial nitric oxide synthase/protein kinase B signaling molecules. These observations emphasize the cardioprotective effects of BeG and its potential use as a drug in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid rise of the Internet of things (IoT) have brought the progress of electronic skin (e-skin). E-skin is used to imitate or even surpass the functions of human skin. Thermoregulating is one of the crucial functions of human skin, it is significant to develop a universal way to realize e-skin thermoregulating. Here, inspired by the sweat gland structure in human skin, we report a simple method for achieving dynamic thermoregulating, attributing to the temperature of microencapsulated paraffin remains unchanged when phase change occurs. Combining with the principle of triboelectric nanogenerator, a deep learning model is employed to recognize the output signals of handwriting different letters on ME-skin, and the recognition accuracy reaches 98.13%. Finally, real-time recognition and display of handwritings are successfully implemented by the ME-skin, which provides a general solution for thermoregulating e-skin and application direction for e-skin in the field of IoT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-term exercise-induced metabolic adaptations occupy a central position in exercise-afforded cardiac benefits. Emerging evidence suggests that branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) catabolic defect contributes to cardiac dysfunction in multiple cardiometabolic diseases. However, the role of BCAA catabolism in exercise-afforded cardiac benefits remains unknown. Here, we show that exercise improves BCAA catabolism and thus reduce cardiac vulnerability to myocardial ischemic injury. Exercise increased circulating BCAA levels in both humans (male adolescent athletes) and mice (following an 8-week swimming intervention). It increased the expression of mitochondrial localized 2C-type serine-threonine protein phosphatase (PP2Cm), a key enzyme in regulating BCAA catabolism, and decreased BCAA accumulation in mouse hearts, indicating an increase in BCAA catabolism. Pharmacological promotion of BCAA catabolism protected the mouse heart against myocardial infarction (MI) induced by permanent ligation of the left descending coronary artery. Although cardiac-specific PP2Cm knockout showed no significant effects on cardiac structural and functional adaptations to exercise, it blunted the cardioprotective effects of exercise against MI. Mechanistically, exercise alleviated BCAA accumulation and subsequently inactivated the mammalian target of rapamycin in MI hearts. These results showed that exercise elevated BCAA catabolism and protected the heart against myocardial ischemic injury, reinforcing the role of exercise in the promotion of cardiac health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Remaining useful life (RUL) refers to the expected remaining lifespan of a component or system. Accurate RUL prediction is critical for prognostic and health management and for maintenance planning. In this article, we address three prevalent challenges in data-driven RUL prediction, namely the handling of high-dimensional input features, the robustness to noise in sensor data and prognostic datasets, and the capturing of the time-dependency between system degradation and RUL prediction. We devise a highly accurate RUL prediction model with uncertainty quantification, which integrates and leverages the advantages of deep learning and nonstationary Gaussian process regression (DL–NSGPR). We examine and benchmark our model against other advanced data-driven RUL prediction models using the turbofan engine dataset from the NASA prognostic repository. Our computational experiments show that the DL-NSGPR predictions are highly accurate with root mean square error 1.7 to 6.2 times smaller than those of competing RUL models. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that RUL uncertainty bounds with the proposed DL-NSGPR are both valid and significantly tighter than other stochastic RUL prediction models. We unpack and discuss the reasons for this excellent performance of the DL-NSGPR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Growth differentiation factor-11 (GDF-11) belongs to the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily. To date, the expression of GDF-11 in the ovary and its role in regulating ovarian function are completely unknown. Ovarian granulosa cell-mediated steroidogenesis plays a pivotal role in maintaining normal female reproductive function. GDF-11 and GDF-8 share high sequence similarity and exhibit many similar features and functions. Steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) regulates the rate-limiting step in steroidogenesis and its expression can be downregulated by GDF-8. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause of female infertility. The expression levels of GDF-8 are upregulated in the human follicular fluid and granulosa-lutein (hGL) cells of PCOS patients. However, whether similar results can be observed for the GDF-11 needs to be determined. Methods: The effect of GDF-11 on StAR expression and the underlying molecular mechanisms were explored by a series of in vitro experiments in a primary culture of hGL cells obtained from patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. Human follicular fluid samples were obtained from 36 non-PCOS patients and 36 PCOS patients. GDF-11 levels in follicular fluid were measured by ELISA. Results: GDF-11 downregulates StAR expression, whereas the expression levels of the P450 side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc) and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) are not affected by GDF-11 in hGL cells. Using pharmacological inhibitors and a siRNA-mediated approach, we reveal that ALK5 but not ALK4 mediates the suppressive effect of GDF-11 on StAR expression. Although GDF-11 activates both SMAD2 and SMAD3 signaling pathways, only SMAD3 is involved in the GDF-11-induced downregulation of StAR expression. In addition, we show that SMAD1/5/8, ERK1/2, and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways are not activated by GDF-11 in hGL cells. RT-qPCR and ELISA detect GDF-11 mRNA expression in hGL cells and GDF-11 protein expression in human follicular fluid, respectively. Interestingly, unlike GDF-8, the expression levels of GDF-11 are not varied in hGL cells and follicular fluid between non-PCOS and PCOS patients. Conclusions: This study increases the understanding of the biological function of GDF-11 and provides important insights into the regulation of ovarian steroidogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) is the most abundant and biologically active catechins extracted from green tea. The health benefits of EGCG have been extendedly studied. Ovarian steroidogenesis plays a pivotal role in maintaining normal reproductive function. Granulosa cells in the ovary are essential for steroid hormone production. To date, the effect of EGCG on steroidogenesis in human granulosa cells remains unclear. In the present study, we examine the physiological concentrations of EGCG on steroidogenesis in a steroidogenic human granulosa‐like tumor cell line, KGN. Our results demonstrate that treatment with EGCG upregulates steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) expression and increases progesterone (P4) production. EGCG does not affect the expression levels of other steroidogenesis‐related enzymes, such as P450 side‐chain cleavage enzyme, 3β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, and aromatase. In addition, we identify the expression of 67‐kDa laminin receptor (67LR) in KGN cells. Moreover, EGCG‐induced StAR expression and P4 production require the 67LR‐mediated activation of the PKA‐CREB signaling pathway. These results provide a better understanding of the function of EGCG on ovarian steroidogenesis, which may lead to the development of alternative therapeutic approaches for reproductive disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article proposes an receiver position identification (RPI) method based on magnetic integration compensation inductance, using the voltage and current of the magnetic integration compensation inductance, and the transmitter current. Compared with the conventional methods, the proposed method does not add additional detection coils and position sensors, and RPI is realized based on electric parameters of the primary magnetic integration compensation inductance and transmitter. First, the coupling relationships between the magnetic integration compensation inductance, transmitter and receiver with different wiring modes are analyzed. Meanwhile, an integration compensation inductance structure with minimal coupling impact on the receiver and transmitter coils is determined. Then, based on the magnetic integration compensation inductance structure, the RPI method is analyzed, which can detect the receiver position in the x–y plane without secondary-side information. Finally, the proposed RPI method is experimentally verified, and the results show that the proposed method can effectively identify the receiver position. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dynamic wireless power transfer (DWPT) technology is gradually making the prospect of charging on road of EVs (electirc vehicles) possible. However, DWPT system should be optimized in many aspects before it can really be utilized on road. For example, the control of energy transfer for a DWPT system is much complicated than a static wireless power transfer (WPT) system since the coupling of transceiving coils changes with the moving of the EV. In this article, an energy transfer control method based on the estimation of the load and mutual inductance of the segmented DWPT system is proposed. The relation between the load and the reflected impedance of the primary side is studied, and the parameters of the secondary-side LCC network are tuned to avoid the two-solution problems in the estimation of the load. Based on the results of estimation, a two-cases controlling strategy is proposed to switch between power-on station and detection station of the DWPT system according the target of energy transferring. A 800-W prototype of four-transmitting-coil dynamic WPT system is built and experiments show that the proposed energy-transfer control is proved to be efficient to regulate the energy and achieve fast response characteristics. Compared with the traditional controlling methods which usually aim to achieve maximum energy transfer, the method in this article can control the transferred energy according to the target value of energy, making the control more flexible without the use of communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a secondary side voltage and current estimation method in the wireless power transfer (WPT) systems on the basis of load parameter identification. In the application of limited space and weight, it is difficult to arrange sensors to monitor the high-frequency voltages and currents in the WPT secondary side. Compared with the conventional methods, joint estimation of several secondary side voltages and currents is achieved in this article to monitor WPT electrical stress, based on only the RMS value of one primary side measured voltage. First, an equivalent circuit model of the WPT system with the dual-side LCC compensation networks and rectifier load is established. Then, T-type equivalent circuit of the coils and compensation capacitors is adopted to simplify the model. Moreover, the relationship between the RMS value of the primary side measured voltage and system equivalent load resistance is obtained and simplified for the load parameter identification. Furthermore, the secondary side voltage and current estimation method are proposed based on the identified system equivalent load resistance. Finally, a WPT prototype is developed and the experimental results indicate that the proposed method can achieve high estimation accuracy under the conditions of battery load voltage change, inverter phase-shift angle variation, and coil misalignment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A variety of bone graft substitutes have been introduced into the treatment of bone non-unions. However, clinical outcomes from current evidences are various and conflicting. This study aimed to present the preliminary outcomes of a treatment protocol in which the combination of demineralized bone matrix (DBM) and platelet rich plasma (PRP) was used as a bone graft substitute for long bone non-unions.Methods: Data of this retrospective study were reviewed and collected from a consecutive case series involving 43 patients who presented with a long bone non-union and were treated in our department from October 2018 to May 2019. The combination of DMB and PRP was applied as a bone defect filler in 16 patients, whilst the other 27 patients were treated with iliac bone autografting. Patients' demographics, postoperative complications and the result of bone union were compared and evaluated.Results: The demographic data between the two groups were comparable. No significant difference was found with regard to the incidence of postoperative complications. No graft rejection, heterotopic ossification or other complications were noted. The distribution of bony healing time was rather scattered but did not differ significantly between the groups (7.533 ± 3.357 months vs. 6.625 ± 2.516 months; P=0.341). Union was identified radiographically in 15 of 16 patients in the DBM+PRP group and in 24 of 27 patients in autograft group.Conclusions: The present study identified that low incidence of postoperative complications and satisfactory bony healing rate could be achieved in the treatment of long bone non-unions augmented with the combination of DBM and PRP. Although these findings might indicate the promising future of this treatment protocol, larger and higher quality studies should also be executed to assess its routine use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insufficient invasion of trophoblast cells into the uterine decidua is associated with preeclampsia (PE). G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) is a membrane estrogen receptor involved in non-genomic estrogen signaling. GPER is expressed in human trophoblast cells and downregulated GPER levels are noted in PE. However, to date, the role of GPER in trophoblast cells remains largely unknown. Here, we applied RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to HTR-8/SVneo human trophoblast cells in response to G1, an agonist of GPER, and identified angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4) as a target gene of GPER. Treatment of trophoblast cells with G1 or 17β-estradiol (E2) activated Yes-associated protein (YAP), the major downstream effector of the Hippo pathway, via GPER but in a mammalian STE20-like protein kinase 1 (MST1)-independent manner. Using pharmacological inhibitors as well as loss- and gain-of-function approaches, our results revealed that YAP activation was required for GPER-stimulated ANGPTL4 expression. Transwell invasion assays demonstrated that activation of GPER-induced ANGPTL4 promoted cell invasion. In addition, the expression levels of GPER, YAP, and ANGPTL4 were downregulated in the placenta of patients with PE. Our findings reveal a mechanism by which GPER exerts its stimulatory effect on human trophoblast cell invasion by upregulating YAP-mediated ANGPTL4 expression. Cheng, Fan, Li et al. identified ANGPTL4 as a G1-induced target gene of GPER/YAP in HRT8 cells using RNA-seq and highlighted its importance in regulating trophoblast cell invasion. The authors also reported GPER downregulation in the placenta and lower estradiol levels in patients who developed preeclampsia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the analysis and design of the wireless power transfer (WPT) system based on the inductor‐capacitor‐capacitor/none (LCC/N) magnetic integration compensation circuit. Compared with the traditional compensation circuits, the proposed LCC/N compensation circuit features the magnetic integration and the secondary side without compensation network, which makes the WPT system more compact. First, the fundamental‐harmonic model considering the coupling relationship among magnetically integrated compensation inductor, transmitter coil, and receiver coil is established. Then, the reactive power and turn‐off current of the inverter, transmission power, and efficiency of the WPT system employing LCC/N compensation circuit are analyzed with varied coupling coefficient and load. Furthermore, based on the characteristics analysis of the LCC/N topology, the parameter design criterion of the LCC/N compensation circuit is given. Finally, the analysis and design of the WPT system based on the LCC/N magnetic integration compensation circuit are verified by simulations and experiments. The results show that the characteristics analysis of the WPT system employing the LCC/N compensation circuit is accurate, the inverter can realize zero‐voltage‐switch (ZVS) and the WPT system can achieve the rated power of 1 kW under different offset distances of coils and reach the maximum efficiency of 95.3%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the lower gate threshold voltage of silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFET as compared with the silicon (Si) MOSFET, crosstalk significantly limits the high‐speed switching performance of SiC MOSFET‐based inductive power transfer (IPT) systems. The paper studies the crosstalk characteristic and proposes a suppression method of crosstalk aiming at IPT systems with phase‐shifted control. Firstly, the generation mechanism of crosstalk is modeled and analyzed. Then, based on the analysis results, the special crosstalk problem for IPT systems with phase‐shifted control is discussed, and a crosstalk suppression method is analyzed based on the optimization of compensation network parameters. Finally, a 1‐kW IPT system prototype is built for experimental verification. The experimental results show that the optimization method can effectively suppress the crosstalk problem of the IPT system with phase‐shifted control and does not significantly affect the output power and transmission efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computational efficiency in simulation-based optimization algorithms is essential when the system objective functions are expensive to evaluate and computational resources are limited. This article proposes a hybrid Bayesian BFGS algorithm (HB2O) to address this efficiency problem. An adaptive expected improvement (AEI) acquisition function is developed to realize a self-adaptive sampling strategy by dynamically balancing the design space exploration and exploitation. A series of computational experiments is conducted on a diverse set of test functions to benchmark the optimization performance of the HB2O against six commonly used alternative optimizers, and to validate the effectiveness of AEI against four alternative acquisition functions. The computational results show that the proposed HB2O can robustly converge on the functions' optima with limited simulation samples, and it significantly outperforms other optimizers for various test functions. This article provides a sample-efficient solution to complex optimization problems where taking a large number of system simulations is computationally prohibitive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estradiol (E2), one of the main steroid hormones secreted by the ovaries, plays an important role in maintaining normal female reproductive function. Ovarian granulosa cells are the main source of E2 production because these cells express aromatase, which is encoded by the CYP19A1 gene and catalyzes the final step in E2 biosynthesis from androgens. Transforming growth factor‐beta 1 (TGF‐β1) and its receptors are expressed in human granulosa cells, and TGF‐β1 expression can be detected in human follicular fluid. To date, TGF‐β1 has been shown to regulate various ovarian functions. However, whether aromatase can be regulated by TGF‐β1 in human granulosa cells has not been determined. In the present study, we demonstrate that TGF‐β1 stimulates aromatase expression in primary human granulosa‐lutein cells and in the human ovarian granulose‐like tumor cell line, KGN. We used pharmacological inhibitors and small interfering RNA‐mediated knockdown approaches to reveal that the SMAD2 and ERK1/2 signaling pathways are involved in TGF‐β1‐induced aromatase expression and E2 production. These results not only provide important insights into the molecular mechanisms that mediate TGF‐β1‐induced aromatase expression and E2 production in human granulosa cells but also increase the understanding of the normal physiological roles of TGF‐β1 in the ovary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents battery parameter identification methods considering a rectifier and battery load in wireless power transfer (WPT) systems. In order to reduce the cost and complexity brought by the wireless communication, the load parameters are usually identified through WPT primary side measurement to control the system. Compared with the conventional methods, battery state estimation and load parameter identification are achieved in this article based on only one measured WPT primary side variable. First, the WPT equivalent load is quantitatively expressed, which contains both resistance and inductance components. Then, identification methods for the battery voltage and equivalent resistance are proposed. Meanwhile, selection criteria for the primary side variables are studied to achieve a simple process and high accuracy. Furthermore, a WPT prototype is developed, and the experimental results prove the effectiveness of the equivalent load analysis and the proposed identification methods under the conditions of both battery voltage change and phase shift angle variation. Additionally, the robustness of the proposed methods is studied, considering compensation parameter changes and coil misalignment. Finally, the proposed methods are applied to battery state-of-charge estimation, and the results suggest that the battery power shortage and full charge states can be estimated with high accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a multiple load parameter joint identification method, adopting only the measured dc input current and inverter phase-shift angle of the wireless power transfer (WPT) system. First, a WPT fundamental–harmonic model is established, considering the effects of the battery and rectifier load. This model can quantitatively describe WPT characteristics and parameter relationships according to the linear superposition of fundamental and harmonic components. Then, the identification method is proposed through the model, which can achieve the joint identification of multiple important load parameters, including battery voltage, equivalent resistance, charging current, and WPT equivalent load impedance. Furthermore, on the basis of the developed WPT prototype, the effectiveness of the proposed fundamental–harmonic model is proved and the parameter sensitivity is discussed. Finally, the proposed identification method is experimentally studied, and the results show that it can achieve high accuracy on the conditions of battery voltage change, phase-shift angle variation, and coil misalignment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

FBN1 encodes asprosin, a glucogenic hormone, following furin cleavage of the C‐terminus of profibrillin 1. Based on evolutionary conservation between FBN1 and FBN2, together with conserved furin cleavage sites, we identified a peptide hormone placensin encoded by FBN2 based on its high expression in trophoblasts of human placenta. In primary and immortalized murine hepatocytes, placensin stimulates cAMP production, protein kinase A (PKA) activity, and glucose secretion, accompanied by increased expression of gluconeogenesis enzymes. In situ perfusion of liver and in vivo injection with placensin also stimulate glucose secretion. Placensin is secreted by immortalized human trophoblastic HTR‐8/SVneo cells, whereas placensin treatment stimulates cAMP‐PKA signaling in these cells, accompanied by increases in MMP9 transcripts and activities, thereby promoting cell invasion. In pregnant women, levels of serum placensin increase in a stage‐dependent manner. During third trimester, serum placensin levels of patients with gestational diabetes mellitus are increased to a bigger extent compared to healthy pregnant women. Thus, placensin represents a placenta‐derived hormone, capable of stimulating glucose secretion and trophoblast invasion. Synopsis: This study identifies placensin as a glucogenic hormone that stimulates hepatic cAMP and glucose production, as well as invasion of placental cells. Serum placensin levels increase during pregnancy and this increase is higher in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus. Human placenta secretes a glucogenic hormone called placensin.Placensin stimulates hepatic glucose and cAMP production.Placesin also promotes placental cell invasiveness.Serum placensin levels increase during pregnancy.Patients with gestational diabetes mellitus display a more prominent increase in serum placensin levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Question: Does amphiregulin (AREG), the most abundant and important epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) ligand in the follicular fluid, regulate aromatase expression in human granulosa-lutein (hGL) cells?Summary Answer: AREG mediates the hCG-induced up-regulation of aromatase expression and estradiol (E2) production in hGL cells.What Is Known Already: AREG expression and secretion are rapidly induced by hCG in hGL cells and mediate physiological functions of LH/hCG in the ovary. EGFR protein is expressed in follicles not only in the pre-ovulatory phase but also throughout the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. After the LH surge, the human corpus luteum secretes high levels of E2, which regulates various luteal cell functions. Aromatase is an enzyme responsible for a key step in the biosynthesis of E2. However, whether AREG regulates aromatase expression and E2 production in hGL cells remains unexplored.Study Design, Size, Duration: This study is an experimental study performed over a 1-year period. In vitro investigations examined the role of AREG in the regulation of aromatase expression and E2 production in primary hGL cells.Participants/materials, Setting, Methods: Primary hGL cells were obtained from women undergoing IVF treatment in an academic research center. Aromatase mRNA and protein levels were examined after exposure of hGL cells to recombinant human AREG, hCG or LH. The EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor AG1478, PI3K inhibitor LY294002 and siRNAs targeting EGFR, LH receptor, StAR and AREG were used to verify the specificity of the effects and to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms. Reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blot were used to measure the specific mRNA and protein levels, respectively. Follicular fluid and serum were collected from 65 infertile women during IVF treatment. Pearson's correlation analysis was performed to examine the correlation coefficient between two values.Main Results and the Role Of Chance: Treatment of hGL cells with AREG-stimulated aromatase expression and E2 production. Using pharmacological inhibitors and specific siRNAs, we revealed that AREG-stimulated aromatase expression and E2 production via EGFR-mediated activation of the protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway. In addition, inhibition of EGFR activity and AREG knockdown attenuated hCG-induced up-regulation of aromatase expression and E2 production. Importantly, the protein levels of AREG in the follicular fluid were positively correlated with the E2 levels in serum after 2 days of oocyte pick-up and in the follicular fluid of IVF patients.Large-scale Data: N/A.Limitations, Reasons For Caution: The in vitro setting of this study is a limitation that may not reflect the real intra-ovarian microenvironment. Clinical data were obtained from a small sample size.Wider Implications Of the Findings: Our results provide the first evidence that hCG-induced AREG contributes to aromatase expression and E2 production in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. A better understanding of the hormonal regulation of female reproductive function may help to develop new strategies for the treatment of clinical infertility.Study Funding/competing Interest(s): This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China for Young Scientists (81601253), the specific fund of clinical medical research of Chinese Medical Association (16020160632) and the Foundation from the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University for Young Scientists to Lanlan Fang. This work was also supported by an operating grant from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81820108016) to Ying-Pu Sun. All authors declare no conflict of interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep convolutional neural networks (DCNN) are extensively used in image classification. However, it is typically impossible to receive ideal effects if directly using it in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) image target recognition. During the data acquisition process, it is difficult to acquire a large number of labeled training data and to ensure the image targets in the center. To extract the width and height features of SAR images and reduce the computational complexity, we constructed an asymmetric parallel convolution module. The module avoids severe over-fitting due to limited training samples and effectively deals with displacement changes with test samples. Meanwhile, the residual learning method is used in the algorithm to avoid the deep network degradation and improve algorithm recognition accuracy (RA). Experimental results show that the RA of the DCNN with residual-learning-based APCRLNet reaches 99.75% under standard operating conditions, which is superior to existing recognition methods. Furthermore, the algorithm also performs well for incomplete training samples and test samples with displacement changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Corneal epithelial cells (CECs) are required for corneal transparency and visual function, and corneal injuries may cause corneal blindness. Skin epidermal stem cells (SESCs), which share the same origin with CECs and have the potential of multi-directional differentiation are ideal seed cells for tissue engineered corneal construction to treat corneal blindness. Objective: This study aims to investigate critical genes and pathways that may modulate the transdifferentiation from SESCs to CECs. Methods: Isolated SESCs and CECs were used for gene expression analysis by microarray. GO and KEGG pathway of differently expressed genes (DEGs) were enriched using DAVID. The protein–protein interaction (PPI) network were then constructed using Cytoscape and highly interconnected module was subsequently isolated from the network by Molecular Complex Detection. Expression of the hub genes and other selected genes were then verified by qRT-PCR. Results: We found 112 upregulated and 105 downregulated genes in CECs compared with SESCs. These DEGs were significantly enriched in focal adhesion, PI3K–Akt and TNF signaling pathway. Highly interconnected module of PPI network contains ten genes. Further regulatory network of these genes showed that ESR1 and SLC2A4 were hub genes. Conclusion: Our study identified gene expression in SESCs and CECs and suggested that several crucial genes and pathways may play critical roles in transdifferentiation from SESCs to CECs. It may help uncover molecular mechanisms and offer a foundation for promoting tissue-engineered cornea into clinical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increase of the wind turbine capacity, failures occur on the drivetrain of wind turbines frequently. Since faults of bearings in the wind turbine can lead to long downtime and even casualties, fault diagnosis of the drivetrain is very important to reduce the maintenance cost of the wind turbine and improve economic efficiency. However, the traditional diagnosis methods have difficulty in extracting the impulsive components from the vibration signal of the wind turbine because of heavy background noise and harmonic interference. In this paper, we propose a novel method based on data‐driven multiscale dictionary construction. Firstly, we achieve the useful atom through training the K‐means singular value decomposition (K‐SVD) model with a standard signal. Secondly, we deform the chosen atom into different shapes and construct the final dictionary. Thirdly, the constructed dictionary is used to sparsely represent the vibration signal, and orthogonal matching pursuit (OMP) is performed to extract the impulsive component. The proposed method is robust to harmonic interference and heavy background noise. Moreover, the effectiveness of the proposed method is validated by numerical simulation and two experimental cases including the bearing fault of the wind turbine generator in the field test. The overall results indicate that compared with traditional methods, the proposed method is able to extract the fault characteristics from the measured signals more efficiently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accumulative reports have documented the critical functions of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the progression of malignant tumors, including bladder cancer (BCa). LncRNA ARAP1-AS1 was chosen to be the object of this study due to it was significantly upregulated in the BCa samples of TCGA database. qRT-PCR further validated the dysregulation of ARAP1-AS1 in 88 pairs of BCa tissues and six BCa cells. Kaplan Meier analysis was utilized to analyze the prognostic value of ARAP1-AS1 for patients with BCa. To evaluate the oncogenic property of ARAP1-AS1 in bladder cancer, loss-of-function assays were conducted in two BCa cells in which ARAP1-AS1 was expressed highest. Mechanically, ARAP1-AS1 was enriched in the cytoplasm of BCa cells, suggesting that ARAP1-AS1 might act as a ceRNA to regulate gene expression and biological processes in bladder cancer. It was certified that ARAP1-AS1 can bind with miR-4735-3p in BCa cells. Moreover, functional assays supported the hypothesis that miR-4735-3p is a tumor suppressor in BCa. Additionally, NOTCH2 mRNA could be targeted by miR-4735-3p in BCa cells. The results of all mechanism experiments indicated that ARAP1-AS1 regulated miR-4735-3p/NOTCH2 axis in BCa by acting as a ceRNA. All our research findings may bring novel insights into the treatment of bladder cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the analysis of a rectifier load used for an electric vehicle (EV) wireless charging system, as well as its applications on compensation network design and system load estimation. First, a rectifier load model is established to get its equivalent input impedance, which contains both resistance and inductance components, and can be independently calculated through the parameters of the rectifier circuit. Then, a compensation network design method is proposed, based on the rectifier load analysis. Furthermore, a secondary side load estimation method and a primary side load estimation method are put forward, which adopt only measured voltages and consider the influence of the rectifier load. Finally, an EV wireless charging prototype is developed, and experimental results prove that the rectifier equivalent load can be correctly calculated on conditions of different system load resistances, rectifier input inductances, dc voltages, and mutual-inductances. The experiments also show that rectifier load equivalent inductance will impact system performances, and the proposed methods have good accuracy and robustness in the cases of system parameter variations. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]