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The study of energy correlations in catalytic reactions plays a pivotal role in guiding catalyst development. This paper focuses on the investigation of energy linear relationships in methanol synthesis from CO2 hydrogenation on copper surfaces, systematically exploring energy parameters including activation energy, reaction energy and adsorption energy. A comparative analysis of the adsorption characteristics and reaction parameters in the formate, formic acid and reverse water–gas shift pathways is conducted, laying the data foundation for subsequent linear studies. Then, descriptors are extracted from electronic, energetic and structural information and further integrated using the sure independence screening and sparsifying operator (SISSO) method to establish an energy description paradigm characterized by interpretability and accuracy. Additionally, reactions are further categorized based on hydrogenation types to mitigate the adverse effects of redundant data points. Finally, the summarized reaction descriptors are extended to Cu-based alloy systems to highlight the rationality and transferability of the developed descriptors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nabla fractional-order uncertain difference equation with Caputo-type was analyzed in this article. To begin, the existence and uniqueness theorem of solutions for nabla Caputo uncertain difference equations with almost surely bounded uncertain variables was presented. Furthermore, the uncertainty distributions of the solutions for the proposed equations were obtained by establishing a connection between the solutions of equations and their α-paths based on new comparison theorems. Finally, an application of the uncertain difference equations in a logistic population model involving Allee effect was provided and examples were performed to demonstrate the validity of the theoretical results presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Root dentin formation is an important process in tooth development. We tried to identify potential genes that regulate root dentin formation which could be potentially used for the regeneration and repair of defective or damaged dental roots. Methods: Tissues harvested from the labial and lingual sides of mouse incisors were used for microarray analysis. Gene ontology (GO) analysis of differentially expressed genes indicated the critical role of extracellular matrix in the discrepancy of dentin formation between root and crown, for which hemicentin-1 (Hmcn1) was selected as the target gene. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis the expression pattern of Hmcn1 at different developmental stages in mouse molars. The spatiotemporal expression of HMCN1 in mouse incisors and molars was detected by immunohistochemical staining. The functions of HMCN1 in human dental pulp cells, including proliferation, differentiation and migration, were examined in vitro by CCK8 assay, BrdU assay, wound-healing assay, ALP staining and alizarin red staining, respectively. Results: It was showed that HMCN1 expression was more pronounced in papillapulp on the root than crown side in mouse incisors and molars. In vitro experiments presented inhibited dentinogenesis and migration after HMCN1-knockdown in human dental pulp cells, while there was no significant difference in proliferation between the HMCN1-knockdown group and control group. Discussion: These results indicated that HMCN1 plays an important role in dentinogenesis and migration of pulp cells, contributing to root dentin formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waterborne superhydrophobic coatings have attracted widespread attention. However, organic solvents, fluorine-containing compounds, and complex operational technologies hinder superhydrophobic coatings development severely. Herein, A simple method of preparing water-based superhydrophobic coatings by one-step spraying without organic solvent and fluorine is reported. The particles of silicon dioxide (SiO2) was modified by isobutyltriethoxysilane (IBTS), then combined with waterborne acrylic polyurethane (WPUA) and phenolic resin (PF), baked at 110°C to fabricate superhydrophobic coatings. According to the contact Angle (CA), hardness, adhesion, and other parameters, the ratio of SiO2 and PF of the composite coatings was optimized. Results showed that the superhydrophobicity and physical properties of the coating are the most exceptional at the content of SiO2 is 0.6 g, and the PF is 25%. In addition, related experimental results show that the coatings have good water resistance and self-cleaning ability, the special nano/micro structure of the coatings also endows it excellent abrasion resistance. Exceptional hydrophobicity and physical properties meeting the actual application conditions of superhydrophobic coatings. Therefore, the simple method for preparing superhydrophobic coatings has great application prospects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aims to develop an artificial intelligence model utilizing clinical blood markers, ultrasound data, and breast biopsy pathological information to predict the distant metastasis in breast cancer patients. Methods: Data from two medical centers were utilized, Clinical blood markers, ultrasound data, and breast biopsy pathological information were separately extracted and selected. Feature dimensionality reduction was performed using Spearman correlation and LASSO regression. Predictive models were constructed using LR and LightGBM machine learning algorithms and validated on internal and external validation sets. Feature correlation analysis was conducted for both models. Results: The LR model achieved AUC values of 0.892, 0.816, and 0.817 for the training, internal validation, and external validation cohorts, respectively. The LightGBM model achieved AUC values of 0.971, 0.861, and 0.890 for the same cohorts, respectively. Clinical decision curve analysis showed a superior net benefit of the LightGBM model over the LR model in predicting distant metastasis in breast cancer. Key features identified included creatine kinase isoenzyme (CKMB) and alpha-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase. Conclusion: This study developed an artificial intelligence model using clinical blood markers, ultrasound data, and pathological information to identify distant metastasis in breast cancer patients. The LightGBM model demonstrated superior predictive accuracy and clinical applicability, suggesting it as a promising tool for early diagnosis of distant metastasis in breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the finite-time projective synchronization (FTPS) problem of fractionalorder quaternion-valued fuzzy memristor neural networks (FOQVFMNNs) is studied. Through establishing a feedback controller with signed functions and an adaptive controller, sufficient conditions for FTPS for FOQVFMNNs are obtained. Furthermore, the synchronization establishment time is calculated. Finally, the practicability of the conclusions is verified by numerical simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research into the efficacy of blended EFL (English as a Foreign Language) teaching at the collegiate level holds significant importance for comprehending and implementing this novel pedagogical approach on a larger scale within universities. Within this domain, scholars have primarily concentrated on feedback mechanisms and quality assurance, while comparatively neglecting the advancement of college students' foreign language proficiency and the individual variances in the acceptance and rewards of blended teaching across distinct language proficiency groups. In light of this, leveraging micro-data from a provincial normal university's blended college English teaching, this study employs R 3.6.1 and R Studio to implement multiple linear regression and conditional quantile models so as to assess the impact of blended teaching on different language proficiency groups across four dimensions: listening, reading, writing, and overall language proficiency. To mitigate endogenous system risk, students admitted to the same major are selected as samples and their data undergoes additional screening, excluding learners who failed the CET4 exam or did not participate in the CET6 exam. After employing purposive sampling techniques, a valid sample of 676 learners is established, comprising 363 learners in the experimental group for blended teaching intervention and 313 learners in the control group receiving traditional teaching. The study results indicates that the samples had random characteristics. The study findings suggest the following: (1) Blended teaching has a significant positive impact on enhancing the efficiency of English acquisition. (2) The effectiveness of blended teaching in improving learners' reading, listening, and writing skills follows a sequential decrease, exhibiting a downward trend as students' language ability increases. This indicates that blended teaching facilitates the acquisition of foundational language knowledge, however, its impact on more advanced language processing abilities is limited. (3) Blended teaching demonstrates a range effect, primarily benefiting learners at the intermediate level and below in terms of enhancing their language proficiency. Conversely, learners at the medium-high and high proficiency levels derive comparatively lesser benefits from this approach. This study introduces a new methodology by employing multiple linear regression and conditional quantilemodels to assess the impact of blended teaching. This methodology not only enables us to examine the overall impact of blended teaching, but also allows assessment of its effect on different proficiency groups, helping to identify its effectiveness on individual learners across four dimensions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ocean is a source of atmospheric methane (CH4), but there are still large uncertainties in the estimations of global oceanic CH4 emission due to sparse data coverage. In this study, we investigated the spatial distribution and influencing factors of CH4 in the Western North Pacific (WNP) during May–June 2021. High-resolution continuous underway measurements showed that surface CH4 concentrations indicated an obvious spatial gradient with an increase from the south to the north due to the influence of water mixing between Kuroshio Extension (KE) and Oyashio. Surface water was generally oversaturated with respect to the atmospheric CH4, and high CH4 fluxes occurred in the Kuroshio-Oyashio transition region due to high productivity and intensive air-sea interaction, emphasizing the importance of the Kuroshio-Oyashio transition region in global oceanic CH4 emission. Vertically, subsurface CH4 maximums were observed around 50–300 m due to in situ production through multiple pathways, and their distributions in the water column were affected by subduction of North Pacific Intermediate Water (NPIW) and advective transport. Methylphosphonate (MPn) enrichment experiment and 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that in subtropical region and Kuroshio-Oyashio transition region, Vibrio spp. might produce CH4 by degrading MPn. Although this process was inhibited by inorganic phosphorus and regulated by iron stress, it might be a potential source of CH4 in the oxygenated water in the WNP. Our results contribute to better constrain the global oceanic CH4 emission, and help understanding the role of biological and physical processes in regulating CH4 emission in the WNP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Remorins (REMs) are plant-specific membrane-associated proteins that play important roles in plant-pathogen interactions and environmental adaptations. Group I REMs are extensively involved in virus infection. However, little is known about the REM gene family in sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hyrid), the most important sugar and energy crop around world. Methods: Comparative genomics were employed to analyze the REM gene family in Saccharum spontaneum. Transcriptomics or RT-qPCR were used to analyze their expression files in different development stages or tissues under different treatments. Yeast two hybrid, bimolecular fluorescence complementation and co-immunoprecipitation assays were applied to investigate the protein interaction. Results: In this study, 65 REMs were identified from Saccharum spontaneum genome and classified into six groups based on phylogenetic tree analysis. These REMs contain multiple cis-elements associated with growth, development, hormone and stress response. Expression profiling revealed that among different SsREMs with variable expression levels in different developmental stages or different tissues. A pair of alleles, ScREM1.5e-1/-2, were isolated from the sugarcane cultivar ROC22. ScREM1.5e-1/-2 were highly expressed in leaves, with the former expressed at significantly higher levels than the latter. Their expression was induced by treatment with H2O2, ABA, ethylene, brassinosteroid, SA or MeJA, and varied upon Sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV) infection. ScREM1.5e-1 was localized to the plasma membrane (PM), while ScREM1.5e-2 was localized to the cytoplasm or nucleus. ScREM1.5e-1/-2 can self-interact and interact with each other, and interact with VPgs from SCMV, Sorghum mosaic virus, or Sugarcane streak mosaic virus. The interactions with VPgs relocated ScREM1.5e-1 from the PM to the cytoplasm. Discussion: These results reveal the origin, distribution and evolution of the REM gene family in sugarcane and may shed light on engineering sugarcane resistance against sugarcane mosaic pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The need for adjuvant therapy (AT) following neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy (nICT) and surgery in esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC) remains uncertain. This study aims to investigate whether AT offers additional benefits in terms of recurrence-free survival (RFS) for ESCC patients after nICT and surgery. Methods: Retrospective analysis was conducted between January 2019 and December 2022 from three centers. Eligible patients were divided into two groups: the AT group and the non-AT group. Survival analyses comparing different modalities of AT (including adjuvant chemotherapy and adjuvant chemoimmunotherapy) with non-AT were performed. The primary endpoint was RFS. Propensity score matching(PSM) was used to mitigate inter-group patient heterogeneity. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox regression analysis were employed for recurrence-free survival analysis. Results: A total of 155 nICT patients were included, with 26 patients experiencing recurrence. According to Cox analysis, receipt of adjuvant therapy emerged as an independent risk factor(HR:2.621, 95%CI:[1.089,6.310], P=0.032), and there was statistically significant difference in the Kaplan-Meier survival curves between non-AT and receipt of AT in matched pairs (p=0.026). Stratified analysis revealed AT bring no survival benefit to patients with pathological complete response(p= 0.149) and residual tumor cell(p=0.062). Subgroup analysis showed no significant difference in recurrence-free survival between non-AT and adjuvant chemoimmunotherapy patients(P=0.108). However, patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy exhibited poorer recurrence survival compared to non-AT patients (p= 0.016). Conclusion: In terms of recurrence-free survival for ESCC patients after nICT and surgery, the necessity of adjuvant therapy especially the adjuvant chemotherapy, can be mitigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the finite-time projective synchronization (FTPS) problem of fractional-order quaternion-valued fuzzy memristor neural networks (FOQVFMNNs) is studied. Through establishing a feedback controller with signed functions and an adaptive controller, sufficient conditions for FTPS for FOQVFMNNs are obtained. Furthermore, the synchronization establishment time is calculated. Finally, the practicability of the conclusions is verified by numerical simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our focus of this paper is on global Mittag-Leffler synchronization (GMLS) of the Caputotype Inertial Cohen-Grossberg Neural Networks (ICGNNs) with discrete and distributed delays. This model takes into account the inertial term as well as the two types of delays, which greatly reduces the conservatism with respect to the model. A change of variables transforms the 2β order inertial frame into β order ordinary frame in order to deal with the effect of the inertial term. In the following steps, two novel types of delay controllers are designed for the purpose of reaching the GMLS. In conjunction with the novel controllers, utilizing differential mean-value theorem and inequality techniques, several criteria are derived to determine the GMLS of ICGNNs within the framework of Caputo-type derivative and calculus properties. At length, the feasibility of the results is further demonstrated by two simulation examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces the finite-time passivity (FTP) issue of the fractional-order delayed quaternion-valued neural networks (FOQVNNs). The notions of FTP, finite-time input strict passivity (FTISP), and finite-time output strict passivity (FTOSP) of FOQVNNs are presented on the groud of the existing definitions of FTP of fractional-order neural networks. Then, sufficient criteria to guarantee the FTP (FTISP, FTOSP) of the system are developed utilizing the given definitions, Lyapunov function theory, inequality technique, and an appropriate controller is established. Additionally, the presented finite-time stability criterion and setting-time are according to the concept of FTP. At last, the significance of the theoretical results are tested by a simulation experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider the problem of reconstructing one-dimensional point sources from their Fourier measurements in a bounded interval [\Omega, \Omega]. This problem is known to be challenging in the regime where the spacing of the sources is below the Rayleigh length \pi \Omega. In this paper, we propose a superresolution algorithm, called iterative focusing-localization and filtering, to resolve closely spaced point sources from their multiple measurements that are obtained by using multiple unknown illumination patterns. The new proposed algorithm has a distinct feature in that it reconstructs the point sources one by one in an iterative manner and hence requires no prior information about the source numbers. The new feature also allows for a subsampling strategy that can reconstruct sources using small-sized Hankel matrices and thus circumvent the computation of singular-value decomposition for large matrices as in the usual subspace methods. In addition, the algorithm can be paralleled. A theoretical analysis of the methods behind the algorithm is also provided. The derived results imply a phase transition phenomenon in the reconstruction of source locations which is confirmed in the numerical experiment. Numerical results show that the algorithm can achieve a stable reconstruction for point sources with a minimum separation distance that is close to the theoretical limit. The efficiency and robustness of the algorithm have also been tested. This algorithm can be generalized to higher dimensions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For over 40 years, the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) system has provided frequent snapshots of the Western Hemisphere, with its data used for a variety of tasks ranging from weather forecasting to wildfire detection. Located on the GOES-16, GOES-17, and GOES-18 platforms, the Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) is the first GOES-series imager that meets the precision requirements (e.g., = 10 bits per datum) for high-quality, aerosol-related research. Here, we present a pixel-level (up to 1 km) Multi-Angle Geostationary Aerosol Retrieval Algorithm (MAGARA) that leverages the ABI instruments on the GOES-16 and GOES-17 platforms, as well as the differences in autocorrelation time-scales between surface reflectance, aerosol type, and aerosol loading. MAGARA retrieves pixel-level aerosol loading and fine-mode fraction at up to the cadence of the measurements (10 minutes), fine-and-coarse mode aerosol particle properties at a daily cadence, and surface properties under a framework that combines the unique information content in multi-angle radiances (e.g., sensitivity to aerosol type from multiple scattering-angle observations) with the robust surface characterization inherent to temporally tiled algorithms such as the MAIAC method. We present three case studies, tiling radiances for several days over the Desert Southwest (2 cases) and the Pacific Northwest (1 case). We observed/retrieved smoke from the following major fires: the Camp Fire (November 5th-12th, 2018), the Williams Flats Fire (July 29th-August 8th, 2019), and the Kincade Fire (October 23rd-November 1st, 2019). Because GOES-17 was not making observations during the Camp Fire, we present this as a unique case demonstrating the efficacy of the multi-angle algorithm using only a single ABI sensor. We compare MAGARA retrievals of fine-mode (FM) AOD, coarse-mode (CM) AOD, and single-scattering albedo (SSA) with coincident AErosol RObotic NETwork (AERONET) spectral deconvolution algorithm (SDA) and inversion retrievals for the same period. We also compare MAGARA results against bias-corrected NOAA GOES-16 and GOES-17 retrieved 550 nm AOD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hair becomes white due to melanin deficiency, and hair dye can be used to restore hair color. Currently, commercial hair dyes are dominated by p-phenylenediamine (PPD) hair dyes, although PPD has been suspected of being carcinogenic. Natural plant polyphenols, when complexed with metals, produce a variety of colors that can be used for hair coloration. Gallic acid and ferrous ions self-assemble to form a network structure, and the addition of dopamine results in a composite hair dye. By using ethanolamine to unfold the natural white hair scales, dye molecules can penetrate through the hair scales to the hair cortex, and the dopamine oxidative self-polymerization in the hair dye forms an adhesion film in the hair cortex layer, thereby fixing the dye molecules. A hair washability test showed that the color difference value remained unchanged after 40 washes. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis of the hair after dyeing showed that the hair dye did not destroy the hair structure. Additionally, results from hair stretch tests displayed good stretch resistance to the hair. This study shows that hair dye based on a polyphenol-metal complexes containing dopamine could be used as an alternative to PPD-based hair dyes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work is concerned with the Dirac points for the honeycomb lattice with impenetrable obstacles arranged periodically in a homogeneous medium. We consider both the Dirichlet and Neumann eigenvalue problems and prove the existence of Dirac points for both eigenvalue problems at crossing of the lower band surfaces as well as higher band surfaces. Furthermore, we perform quantitative analyses for the eigenvalues and the slopes of two conical dispersion surfaces near each Dirac point based on a combination of the layer potential technique and asymptotic analysis. It is shown that the eigenvalues are in the neighborhood of the singular frequencies associated with the Green's function for the honeycomb lattice, and the slopes of the dispersion surfaces are reciprocal to the eigenvalues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is devoted to discussing the problem of global Mittag-Leffler synchronization (GMLS) for the Caputo-type fractional-order fuzzy delayed inertial neural networks (FOFINNs). First of all, both inertial and fuzzy terms are taken into account in the system. For the sake of reducing the influence caused by the inertia term, the order reduction is achieved by the measure of variable substitution. The introduction of fuzzy terms can evade fuzziness or uncertainty as much as possible. Subsequently, a nonlinear delayed controller is designed to achieve GMLS. Utilizing the inequality techniques, Lyapunov's direct method for functions and Razumikhin theorem, the criteria for interpreting the GMLS of FOFINNs are established. Particularly, two inferences are presented in two special cases. Additionally, the availability of the acquired results are further confirmed by simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mammalian cochlear epithelium undergoes substantial remodeling and maturation before the onset of hearing. However, very little is known about the transcriptional network governing cochlear late-stage maturation and particularly the differentiation of its lateral nonsensory region. Here, we establish ZBTB20 as an essential transcription factor required for cochlear terminal differentiation and maturation and hearing. ZBTB20 is abundantly expressed in the developing and mature cochlear nonsensory epithelial cells, with transient expression in immature hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons. Otocyst-specific deletion of Zbtb20 causes profound deafness with reduced endolymph potential in mice. The subtypes of cochlear epithelial cells are normally generated, but their postnatal development is arrested in the absence of ZBTB20, as manifested by an immature appearance of the organ of Corti, malformation of tectorial membrane (TM), a flattened spiral prominence (SP), and a lack of identifiable Boettcher cells. Furthermore, these defects are related with a failure in the terminal differentiation of the nonsensory epithelium covering the outer border Claudius cells, outer sulcus root cells, and SP epithelial cells. Transcriptome analysis shows that ZBTB20 regulates genes encoding for TM proteins in the greater epithelial ridge, and those preferentially expressed in root cells and SP epithelium. Our results point to ZBTB20 as an essential regulator for postnatal cochlear maturation and particularly for the terminal differentiation of cochlear lateral nonsensory domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This paper aimed to evaluate the clinical value of performing an endoscopic total parathyroidectomy through anterior chest approach with autotransplantation (EACtPTx+AT) in treating secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) to summarize and share the clinical experience. Methods: 24 patients with SHPT were retrospectively analyzed:11 patients underwent open total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation (OtPTx+AT Group) and 13 patients underwent endoscopic parathyroidectomy through anterior chest approach with autotransplantation (EACtPTx+AT Group). Comparing the two groups regarding the following factors: (1) operating conditions, such as the blood loss during the operation, the length of time spent on the operating table, the number of parathyroid glands removed, postoperative drainage volume and hospital stay. (2) clinical efficacy, parathyroid hormone (PTH) and serum calcium (Ca) levels. (3) postoperative complications. Results: First, there were no significant differences in the number of parathyroid gland resection, operation time, intraoperative blood loss and hospital stay between the two groups. While there were significant differences in postoperative drainage volume between the two groups. Second, the two groups preoperative PTH and preoperative serum calcium decreased significantly compared with those of the two groups after surgery and there was a statistically significant difference. Thirdly, there was no postoperative bleeding, hoarseness or choking in the two groups and no conversion to open surgery case in EACtPTx+AT group. Conclusion: Endoscopic treatment of SHPT using the anterior chest approach with forearm autotransplantation significantly improves clinical symptoms and lowers levels of PTH and serum calcium after the operation. The results confirm the operation’s safety and effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients undergoing conventional endoscopic thyroidectomy via the axillary approach, which is commonly used clinically, suffered from a range of postoperative complications. This study aimed to prevent postoperative complications and evaluate patients' satisfaction with cosmetic outcomes in endoscopic thyroidectomy via the axillary with the use of "Elastic Stretch Cavity Building" System. Methods: In this retrospective case series study, the clinical data of patients who were admitted to the Thyroid Surgery Department of Ningbo Medical Centre Lihuili Hospital between December 2020 and December 2021 for endoscopic thyroidectomy via the axillary approach under the "Elastic Stretch Cavity Building" System. Results: A total of 67 patients were included, all surgeries were successfully completed. The operation time was 75.61 ± 13.67 minutes; the postoperative drainage volume was 109.97 ± 37.54 ml; the average postoperative hospital stay was 4 (2-6) days. There was no skin ecchymosis, effusion or infection, hypocalcemia, convulsions, upper extremity dyskinesia, and temporary hoarseness after the surgery. The patients were satisfied with the cosmetic effects, and the cosmetic score was 4 (3-4). Conclusion: The "Elastic Stretch Cavity Building" System in endoscopic thyroid surgery via the axillary approach might reduce the risks of complications and achieve satisfactory results with the cosmetic outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses a class issue of finite-time lag projective synchronization (FTLPS) of delayed fractional-order quaternion-valued neural networks (FOQVNNs) with parameter uncertainties, which is solved by a non-decomposition method. Firstly, a new delayed FOQVNNs model with uncertain parameters is designed. Secondly, two types of feedback controller and adaptive controller without sign functions are designed in the quaternion domain. Based on the Lyapunov analysis method, the non-decomposition method is applied to replace the decomposition method that requires complex calculations, combined with some quaternion inequality techniques, to accurately estimate the settling time of FTLPS. Finally, the correctness of the obtained theoretical results is testified by a numerical simulation example. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

KRASG12D, the most common oncogenic KRAS mutation, is a promising target for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Herein, we identified four potent and noncovalent KRASG12D inhibitors (hits 1-4) by using structure-based virtual screening and biological evaluation. The in vitro assays indicated that the four compounds had sub-nanomolar affinities for KRASG12D and showed a dosedependent inhibitory effect on human pancreatic cancer cells. In particular, the hit compound 3 was the most promising candidate and significantly inhibited the tumor growth of pancreatic cancer in tumor-bearing mice. The hit compound 3 represented a promising starting point for structural optimization in hit-to-lead development. This study shows that hit compound 3 provides a basis for the development of the treatment of cancer driven by KRASG12D. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The (VNbTaMoW)C5–SiC high-entropy ceramics were prepared by spark plasma sintering at 1900°C and 40 MPa. The effects of SiC content (0–30 wt.%) on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and tribological properties were examined. The results showed that the matrix phase (VNbTaMoW)C5 exhibited a face-centered cubic structure, and the second phase (SiC) was uniformly distributed, inhibiting excessive grain growth. The relative density of (VNbTaMoW)C5– SiC composite ceramics decreased first and then dropped as SiC content increased. The fracture mode of (VNbTaMoW)C5–SiC composite ceramics changed from transgranular to mixed (transgranular fracture and intergranular) fracture with an increase in SiC content due to weak bonding between (VNbTaMoW)C5 and SiC. The grains of the (VNbTaMoW)C5 in multiphase ceramics were refined because of the grain growth-inhibiting effect of SiC. With the increase in SiC content, the hardness of (VNbTaMoW)C5–SiC multiphase ceramics increased, and the fracture toughness first increased and then decreased. The (VNbTaMoW)C5–20 wt.% SiC multiphase ceramics exhibited the best mechanical properties with Vickers' hardness and fracture toughness of 18.2 GPa and 5.7 MPa ∙ m1/2, respectively. Coupled with WC, (VNbTaMoW)C5–SiC multiphase ceramics exhibit good wear resistance with a specific wear rate of (5.7–8.1) ∙ 10–8 mm3/N ∙ m. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the rheumatoid arthritis (RA) microenvironment (RAM) and its persistent inflammatory nature can promote damage to joints, bones, and the synovium. Targeting strategies that integrate effective RAM regulation with imaging-based monitoring could lead to improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of RA. Here, we report the combined use of small interfering RNAs (siRNAsT/I) and Prussian blue nanoparticles (PBNPs) to silence the expression of proinflammatory cytokines TNF-a/IL-6 and scavenge the ROS associated with RAM. To enhance the in vitro and in vivo biological stability, biocompatibility, and targeting capability of the siRNAsT/I and PBNPs, macrophage membrane vesicles were used to prepare biomimetic nanoparticles, M@PsiRNAsT/I. The resulting constructs were found to suppress tumor necrosis factor-a/interleukin-6 expression and overcome the hypoxic nature of RAM, thus alleviating RA-induced joint damage in a mouse model. The M@P-siRNAsT/I of this study could be monitored via near-infrared photoacoustic (PA) imaging. Moreover, multispectral PA imaging without the need for labeling permitted the real-time evaluation of M@PsiRNAsT/I as a putative RA treatment. Clinical microcomputed tomography and histological analysis confirmed the effectiveness of the treatment. We thus suggest that macrophage-biomimetic M@P-siRNAsT/I and their analogs assisted by PA imaging could provide a new strategy for RA diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The protein encoded by dynein axonemal heavy chain 1 (DNAH1) is a part of dynein, which regulates the function of cilia and sperm flagella. The mutant of DNAH1 causes the deletion of inner dynein arm 3 in the flagellum, leading to multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF) and severe asthenozoospermia. However, instead of asthenozoospermia and MMAF, the result caused by the mutation of DNAH1 remains unknown. Here we report a male infertility patient with severe asthenozoospermia and teratozoospermia. We found two heterozygous mutations in DNAH1 (c.6912C>A and c.7076G>T) and which were reported to be associated with MMAF for the first time. We next collected and analyzed 65 cases of DNAH1 mutation and found that the proportion of short flagella is the largest, while the bent flagella account for the smallest, and the incidence of head deformity is not high in the sperm of these patients. Finally, we also analyzed 31 DNAH1 mutation patients who were treated with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and achieved beneficial outcomes. We hope our research will be helpful in the diagnosis and treatment of male infertility caused by DNAH1 mutation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While teachers’ knowledge is widely viewed as a key aspect of professional development in the new era, little research attention has been paid to one of its key components: teacher data literacy. Accordingly, this study aimed to combine teacher data literacy with TPACK (technological pedagogical content knowledge), a widely-used framework for understanding and assessing teachers’ knowledge. We first used qualitative methods to develop this integrated framework, then distributed a quantitative self-report survey based on the framework to teachers, and analyzed the resulting data. The qualitative phase highlighted five types of teachers’ knowledge required in an integrated core knowledge system incorporating data literacy and provided insights for reflecting on teaching and learning in smart learning environments. The quantitative analysis of data from the TDL-TPACK questionnaire indicated that most teachers were competent practitioners but had some areas for improvement. Experienced teachers in their 30s and 40s performed at higher levels, while some of those aged over 50 displayed incremental decreases in performance. Other factors such as the age, experience, academic qualifications, and role of teachers may affect different aspects of their knowledge, including their data literacy. The research findings provide useful insights for additional teacher training and development programs in the context of smart education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the aging population poses serious challenges to families and societies, the issue of dementia has also received increasing attention. Dementia detection often requires a series of complex tests and lengthy questionnaires, which are time-consuming. In order to solve this problem, this article aims at the diagnosis method of questionnaire survey, hoping to establish a diagnosis model to help doctors make a diagnosis through machine learning method, and use feature selection method to select important questions to reduce the number of questions in the questionnaire, so as to reduce medical and time costs. In this article, Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) is used as the data source, and various methods are used for modeling and feature selection, so as to combine similar attributes in the data set, reduce the categories, and finally use the confusion matrix to judge the effect. The experimental results show that the model established by the bagging method has the best effect, and the accuracy rate can reach 80% of the true diagnosis rate; in terms of feature selection, the principal component analysis (PCA) has the best effect compared with other methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purposes: We aimed to characterize the USH2A genotypic spectrum in a Chinese cohort and provide a detailed genetic profile for Chinese patients with USH2A-IRD. Methods: We designed a retrospective study wherein a total of 1,334 patients diagnosed with IRD were included as a study cohort, namely 1,278 RP and 56 USH patients, as well as other types of IEDs patients and healthy family members as a control cohort. The genotype-phenotype correlation of all participants with USH2A variant was evaluated. Results: Etiological mutations in USH2A, the most common cause of RP and USH, were found in 16.34% (n = 218) genetically solved IRD patients, with prevalences of 14.87% (190/1,278) and 50% (28/56). After bioinformatics and QC processing, 768 distinct USH2A variants were detected in all participants, including 136 disease-causing mutations present in 665 alleles, distributed in 5.81% of all participants. Of these 136 mutations, 43 were novel, nine were founder mutations, and two hot spot mutations with allele count =10. Furthermore, 38.5% (84/218) of genetically solved USH2A-IRD patients were caused by at least one of both c.2802T>G and c.8559-2 A>G mutations, and 36.9% and 69.6% of the alleles in the RP and USH groups were truncating, respectively. Conclusion: USH2A-related East Asian-specific founder and hot spot mutations were the major causes for Chinese RP and USH patients. Our study systematically delineated the genotype spectrum of USH2A-IRD, enabled accurate genetic diagnosis, and provided East Asian and other ethnicities with baseline data of a Chinese origin, which would better serve genetic counseling and therapeutic targets selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dysfunction of islet β-cells is one of the causes of diabetes, and lncRNA Gm10451 is also a participant in the occurrence and the development of various diseases. This study was carried out to reveal the correlation within β-cells and Gm10451. Our study was started with the cellular cultivation of MIN6 cells in vitro, where this islet β-cell line was randomly divided into the groups of control, hyperglycemia, Gm10451 siRNA tansfection, and Gm10451 tansfection. Of all these treatments, cells in the groups of Gm10451 siRNA tansfection and Gm10451 tansfection were given with lentiviral transfection under hyperglycemia condition. Further explorations were established using PCR assay and MTT method to evaluate Gm10451 expression and estimate cellular proliferation. It ended up with the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to assess Caspase 3 activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) content and the secretion of IL-10 and IL-1. It was found that Gm10451 expression in MIN6 cells under hyperglycemia cultivation was notably higher than the control group; likewise, a transfection with the lentivirus of Gm10451 also resulted in the upregulation of Gm10451 expression, succeeded with inhibiting cellular proliferation, enhancing Caspase 3 activity, and decreasing SOD activity. In the lentivirus transfection groups, transfection of Gm10451 elevated the ROS content and promoted IL-1 expression, and it also decreased both IL-10 expression and insulin secretion, leading to a consequence of statistically significant difference in contrast to the high-glucose group; on the contrary, transfection of Gm10451 siRNA in a high-glucose environment downregulated the expression of Gm10451 and inversed those change before, whose results were statistically significant when compared with the high-glucose group. Hyperglycemia promotes the expression of Gm10451. Targeting inhibition toward Gm10451 alleviates cellular apoptosis and the oxidative stress of islet cells, promoting proliferation and insulin secretion of islet cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, there has been emerging interest in constructing reproducing kernel Banach spaces (RKBS) for applied and theoretical purposes such as machine learning, sampling reconstruction, sparse approximation and functional analysis. Existing constructions include the reflexive RKBS via a bilinear form, the semi-inner-product RKBS, the RKBS with ℓ1 norm, the p-norm RKBS via generalized Mercer kernels, etc. The definitions of RKBS and the associated reproducing kernel in those references are dependent on the construction. Moreover, relations among those constructions are unclear. We explore a generic definition of RKBS and the reproducing kernel for RKBS that is independent of construction. Furthermore, we propose a framework of constructing RKBSs that leads to new RKBSs based on Orlicz spaces and unifies existing constructions mentioned above via a continuous bilinear form and a pair of feature maps. Finally, we develop representer theorems for machine learning in RKBSs constructed in our framework, which also unifies representer theorems in existing RKBSs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the visual positioning of Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV), the visual odometer based on direct sparse method (DSO) has the advantages of small amount of calculation, high real-time performance and high robustness, so it is more widely used than the visual odometer based on feature point method. Ordinary vision sensors have a narrower viewing angle than panoramic vision sensors, and there are fewer road signs in a single frame of image, resulting in poor road sign tracking and positioning capabilities, and severely restricting the development of visual odometry. Based on these considerations, this paper proposes a binocular stereo panoramic vision positioning algorithm based on extended DSO, which can solve these problems well. The experimental results show that the binocular stereo panoramic vision positioning algorithm based on the extended DSO can directly obtain the panoramic depth image around the UGV, which greatly improves the accuracy and robustness of the visual positioning compared with other ordinary visual odometers. It will have widely application prospects in the UGV field in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the pharmacodynamic material basis and mechanism of Danbei Yifei formula on pulmonary fibrosis. Methods: Starting with the clear absorbed components of Danbei Yifei formula or the potential effective components in line with the five rules of Ribinsky, the network pharmacology method and technology of traditional Chinese medicine were used to predict and analyze the action targets of Danbei Yifei formula in vivo, such as Salvia miltiorrhiza, PINBEI, Taoren, etc. On the basis of enrichment analysis, the core pathway of Danbei Yifei formula in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis was identified, and the binding energy of drug ligand and protein target was determined through molecular docking technology simulation and verification, and its affinity and stability were evaluated. To clarify the material basis and mechanism of Danbei Yifei formula in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. Result: The results of network pharmacology prediction of traditional Chinese medicine showed that Danbei Yifei formula contained 72 potential pharmacodynamic components and 26 corresponding targets, including CHRM1、 MAPK14、 CCL2、 ADRB1、 PTGS1、 PPARG、 ALOX5、 Pde3a、 CHRM2、 Adrb2、 TNF、 JUN、 Adora2a、 LTA4H、 CYP1A2、 OPRD1、 CHRM3、 DRD2、 OPRM1、 ARG1、 EDNRA、 Il6st、 TACR1、 MMP1、 MMP8、 Ptgs2, which were related to pulmonary fibrosis and pulmonary fibrosis Lung related diseases are highly correlated. There were 26 Go items (P < 0.05) in go functional enrichment analysis, including 22 biological process (BP), 9 cellular component (CC) and 3 molecular function (MF) categories. The results of network pharmacology showed that many components, such as protocatechuic acid and aminosuccinic acid, had direct effects on known targets of pulmonary fibrosis. Conclusion: Danbei Yifei formula contains many effective components which have inhibitory effect on pulmonary fibrosis, and it may play its role through the mechanism of multi-component and multi-target synergistic effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the pharmacodynamic material basis and mechanism of Danbei Yifei formula on pulmonary fibrosis. Methods: Starting with the clear absorbed components of Danbei Yifei formula or the potential effective components in line with the five rules of Ribinsky, the network pharmacology method and technology of traditional Chinese medicine were used to predict and analyze the action targets of Danbei Yifei formula in vivo, such as Salvia miltiorrhiza, PINBEI, Taoren, etc. On the basis of enrichment analysis, the core pathway of Danbei Yifei formula in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis was identified, and the binding energy of drug ligand and protein target was determined through molecular docking technology simulation and verification, and its affinity and stability were evaluated. To clarify the material basis and mechanism of Danbei Yifei formula in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. Result: The results of network pharmacology prediction of traditional Chinese medicine showed that Danbei Yifei formula contained 72 potential pharmacodynamic components and 26 corresponding targets, including CHRM1, MAPK14, CCL2, ADRB1, PTGS1, PPARG, ALOX5, Pde3a, CHRM2, Adrb2, TNF, JUN, Adora2a, LTA4H, CYP1A2, OPRD1, CHRM3, DRD2, OPRM1, ARG1, EDNRA, Il6st, ACR1, MMP1, MMP8 Ptgs2, which were related to pulmonary fibrosis and pulmonary fibrosis Lung related diseases are highly correlated. There were 26 Go items (P < 0.05) in go functional enrichment analysis, including 22 biological process (BP), 9 cellular component (CC) and 3 molecular function (MF) categories. The results of network pharmacology showed that many components, such as protocatechuic acid and aminosuccinic acid, had direct effects on known targets of pulmonary fibrosis. Conclusion: Danbei Yifei formula contains many effective components which have inhibitory effect on pulmonary fibrosis, and it may play its role through the mechanism of multi-component and multi-target synergistic effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Determine the urinary biomarkers and pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis rats, and elaborate the intervention mechanism of DanBei YiFei formula. Methods: Bleomycin was injected into the trachea to induce pulmonary fibrosis in rats after anesthesia, and the diagnostic indexes of clinical pulmonary fibrosis, including superoxide dismutase, glutathione and malondialdehyde, were measured. High-throughput metabolic data of rats with pulmonary fibrosis were obtained by the latest high-resolution liquid-mass spectrometry technology, the multidimensional data were processed by Chemometrics algorithm to screen biomarkers related to pulmonary fibrosis. While, metabolic function indexes of rats after administration was observed, and the effective mechanism of DanBei YiFei formula on pulmonary fibrosis was expounded. Results: The clinical biochemical indexes showed that there were significant differences in metabolism in the model group, which confirmed the success of the preparation of the model of pulmonary fibrosis. Metabolisms research showed that the metabolic contour of the rats with pulmonary fibrosis was found to be significantly deviated, and the metabolism in vivo was abnormal. After the DanBei YiFei formula was given, the overall metabolic contour of the rats showed a trend of back modulation, and developed in the direction of healthy rats. With database matching and data processing 12 biomarkers, including Fumaric acid, Arginine and Spermidine, were obtained which were radically different from those of healthy rats and pulmonary fibrosis rats. Conclusion: DanBei YiFei formula has definite therapeutic effect on pulmonary fibrosis rats. Regulation of Tricarboxylic acid cycle and Arginine metabolic pathway may be the mechanism of its treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inositol requiring mutant 80 (INO80) is a chromatin remodeler that regulates pluripotency maintenance of embryonic stem cells and reprogramming of somatic cells into pluripotent stem cells. However, the roles and mechanisms of INO80 in porcine preimplantation embryonic development remain largely unknown. Here, we show that INO80 modulates trophectoderm epithelium permeability to promote porcine blastocyst development. The INO80 protein is highly expressed in the nuclei during morula-toblastocyst transition. Functional studies revealed that RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated knockdown of INO80 severely blocks blastocyst formation and disrupts lineage allocation between the inner cell mass and trophectoderm. Mechanistically, single embryo RNA sequencing revealed that INO80 regulates multiple genes, which are important for lineage specification, tight junction assembly, and fluid accumulation. Consistent with the altered expression of key genes required for tight junction assembly, a permeability assay showed that paracellular sealing is defective in the trophectoderm epithelium of INO80 knockdown blastocysts. Importantly, aggregation of 8-cell embryos from the control and INO80 knockdown groups restores blastocyst development and lineage allocation via direct complementation of the defective trophectoderm epithelium. Taken together, these results demonstrate that INO80 promotes blastocyst development by regulating the expression of key genes required for lineage specification, tight junction assembly, and fluid accumulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The outbreak of the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has brought tremendous impact and influence on human health and social economy around the world. The lockdown implemented in China, starting on 23 January 2020, led to large reductions in human activities and the associated emissions. Sharp declines in primary pollution provided a unique chance to examine the relationships between anthropogenic emissions and air quality. Here, we report measurements of air pollutants and meteorological parameters at different heights on a tall tower in the Pearl River Delta, China, to investigate the response of the vertical scales of pollutants to reductions in human activities. Compared to the pre-lockdown period (starting from 16 December 2019), the observations showed that surface layer NOx, PM2.5 and mean values of the daily maximum 8 h average O3 (MDA8O3) had significant reductions of 76.8%, 49.4%, and 18.6% respectively, but the average O3 increased (9.7%) during lockdown period. The vertical profiles of NOx and O3 changed during the lockdown period, but not those of PM2.5. The correlation between PM2.5 and O3 was statistically significant, but not that between PM2.5 and NOx for data collected at four different heights during the lockdown period. The significance of these correlations was the opposite during the pre-lockdown period, indicating that the main composition of PM2.5 has changed dramatically since the lockdown, which is transited from primary aerosol dominating or nitrate dominating (affected by NOx) before lockdown to secondary organic aerosol dominant dominating (affected by O3) during the lockdown. We find weaker diurnal variation of O3 during the lockdown period is similar to the case at background regions. O3 concentrations were not sensitive to NOx concentrations during lockdown, which implies that O3 levels during the lockdown are more representative of the regional background, for which anthropogenic emissions are low and photochemical formation is not a significant ozone source. This evidence suggests that significant reductions of anthropogenic emissions are effective in simultaneous mitigation of PM2.5 and O3 levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]