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Background: In cases where the upper arm exhibits an irregular cylindrical appearance with subcutaneous fat concentrated primarily in the posterior lateral aspect, traditional localized fat suction techniques may lead to uneven or disharmonious results when addressing this concern. Many practitioners have turned to circumferential fat suction methods using multi-incision approaches to ensure effective results and fat removal. However, these methods often involve numerous incisions and complex procedures, necessitating the development of new, more efficient surgical techniques. Methods: We collected and screened patients who underwent upper arm circumferential liposuction with a double incision technique at our hospital from October 2020 to February 2023. A total of 496 cases were included in our retrospective analysis, in which we examined factors such as the length of surgery, arm circumference before and after surgery, subcutaneous tissue thickness before and after surgery, fat suction volume, postoperative satisfaction, and postoperative complications of the patients. Results: The average length of surgery was 71.7 min. 458 cases (92.3%) showed significant improvement, 23 cases (4.6%) reported satisfaction, and 10 cases (2.0%) were essentially satisfied. Additionally, 339 cases (68.3%) experienced an improvement in skin laxity. Four cases (0.8%) developed localized hard nodules with slight tenderness in the early postoperative period, which resolved without special treatment after observation and follow-up for 1–3 months. Three cases (0.6%) reported localized pain or numbness, and they were given oral medication. Their symptoms disappeared after 1–3 months of observation and follow-up. Three cases (0.6%) had localized pain or numbness, and their symptoms disappeared. All of these cases improved and resolved after one month of taking mecobalamin tablets. There were also three cases (0.6%) with mild pigmentation of the incision and two cases (0.4%) with mild limitation of unilateral upper arm abduction movement. However, upper arm activities were not affected after three months to one year of follow-up. No serious complications were reported, resulting in an overall satisfaction rate of 99.0%. Conclusion: The double incision upper arm liposuction is safe, effective, time-saving, with high satisfaction and fewer complications, and is worthy of clinical popularization and application. Level of Evidence III: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these evidence-based medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent increase in the frequency of extreme weather events and declining soil biodiversity in global agricultural ecosystems make it crucial to assess the daily dynamics of soil communities in fields. To elucidate the daily dynamics of ground-dwelling invertebrate communities, their communities were monitored temporally using infrared camera traps in field farmland during and following an extremely high-temperature (EHT) event in summer 2022 in Ningbo City, China. Nine taxa and 1,147 individuals of the ground-dwelling invertebrate community were photographed in the 176,256 images. There were no significant differences in the taxonomic richness and abundance of the total ground-dwelling invertebrate communities during and following the EHT event. The abundance of ants was significantly decreased following the EHT event, whereas the abundance of other taxa was not. Significantly daily dynamics and obvious differences between each day in taxonomic richness, abundance of ground-dwelling invertebrate community, and abundance of each taxon were not observed during and following the EHT event. The results of this study showed that the daily dynamics of richness and abundance of the ground-dwelling invertebrate community and the abundance of each taxon were not significant during and following the EHT event. Overall, this study provides a useful monitoring method to observe the daily dynamics of ground-dwelling invertebrates in field farmlands and suggests that the daily dynamics of soil fauna communities should be further studied when assessing the effects of climate change on soil biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia. Heart failure (HF) is a disease caused by heart dysfunction. The prevalence of AF and HF were progressively increasing over time. The co‐existence of AF and HF presents a significant therapeutic challenge. In order to provide new ideas for the diagnosis of AF and HF, it is necessary to carry out biomarker related studies. Methods and results: The training set and validation set data of AF and HF patient samples were downloaded from the GEO database, 'limma' was used to compare the differences in gene expression levels between the disease group and the normal group to screen for differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) identified the modules with the highest positive correlation with AF and HF. Functional enrichment and PPI network construction of key genes were carried out. Biomarkers were screened by machine learning. The infiltration of immune cells in AF and HF groups was evaluated by R‐packet 'CIBERSORT'. The miRNA network was constructed and potential therapeutic agents for biomarker genes were predicted through the drugbank database. Through WGCNA analysis, it was found that the modules most positively correlated with AF and HF were MEturquoise (r = 0.21, P value = 0.09) and MEbrown (r = 0.62, P value = 8e‐12), respectively. We screened 25 genes that were highly correlated with both AF and HF. Lasso regression analysis results showed 7 and 20 core genes in AF and HF groups, respectively. The top 20 important genes in AF and HF groups were obtained as core genes by RF model analysis. Four biomarkers were obtained after the intersection of core genes in four groups, namely, GLUL, NCF2, S100A12, and SRGN. The diagnostic efficacy of four genes in AF validation sets was good (AUC: GLUL 0.76, NCF2 0.64, S100A12 0.68, and SRGN 0.76), as well as in the HF validation set (AUC: GLUL 0.76, NCF2 0.84, S100A12 0.92, and SRGN 0.68). The highest correlation with neutrophils was observed for GLUL, NCF2, and S100A12, while SRGN exhibited the strongest correlation with T cells CD4 memory resting in the AF group. GLUL, NCF2, S100A12, and SRGN were most associated with neutrophils in the HF group. A total of 101 miRNAs were predicted by four genes, and GLUL, NCF2, and S100A12 predicted a total of 10 potential therapeutic agents. Conclusions: We identified four biological markers that are highly correlated with AF and HF, namely, GLUL, NCF2, S100A12, and SRGN. Our findings provide theoretical basis for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of AF and HF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cisplatin resistance is a major challenge for systemic therapy against advanced bladder cancer (BC). Little information is available on the regulation of cisplatin resistance and the underlying mechanisms require elucidation. Here, we detected that downregulation of the tumor suppressor, PPP2R2B (a serine/threonine protein phosphatase 2 A regulatory subunit), in BC promoted cell proliferation and migration. What's more, low PPP2R2B expression was correlated with cisplatin resistance. In vitro and in vivo experiments verified that PPP2R2B could promote BC sensitivity to cisplatin. In terms of mechanism, we identified a novel function of PPP2R2B as a nucleocytoplasmic transport molecule. PPP2R2B promoted ISG15 entry into the nucleus by mediating binding of IPO5 with ISG15. Nuclear translocation of ISG15 inhibited DNA repair, further increasing ISG15 expression through activation of the STING pathway. Besides, PPP2R2B was down-regulated by SUV39H1-mediated histone 3 lysine 9 trimethylation, which could be restored by the SUV39H1-specific inhibitor, chaetocin. Our data suggest that PPP2R2B expression level is a potential biomarker for chemotherapy response and that chemotherapy in combination with chaetocin may be a feasible treatment strategy for patients with BC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cooling systems provide a safe thermal environment for the reliable operation of IT equipment in data centers (DCs) while generating significant energy consumption. Therefore, to achieve energy savings in cooling system control under dynamic thermal distribution in DCs, this paper proposes a multi-setpoint cooling control approach based on deep reinforcement learning (DRL). Firstly, a thermal model based on the XGBoost algorithm is constructed to precisely evaluate the thermal distribution in the rack room to guide real-time cooling control. Secondly, a multi-set point cooling control approach based on the deep Q-network algorithm (DQN-MSP) is designed to finely regulate the supply air temperature of each air conditioner by capturing the thermal fluctuations to ensure the dynamic balance of cooling supply and demand. Finally, we adopt the extended CloudSimPy simulation tool and the real workload trace of the PlanetLab system to evaluate the effectiveness and performance of the proposed approach. The simulation results show that the proposed control solution effectively reduces the cooling energy consumption by over 2.4% by raising the average air supply temperature of the air conditioner while satisfying the thermal constraints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ground‐dwelling invertebrates are vital for soil biodiversity and function maintenance. Contemporary biodiversity assessment necessitates novel and automatic monitoring methods because of the threat of sharp reductions in soil biodiversity in farmlands worldwide. Using infrared camera traps (ICTs) is an effective method for assessing richness and abundance of ground‐dwelling invertebrates. However, the influence that the shooting area of ICTs has on the diversity of ground‐dwelling invertebrates has not been strongly considered during survey design. In this study, data from six ICTs with two shooting areas (A1, 38.48 cm2; A2, 400 cm2) were used to investigate ground‐dwelling invertebrates in a farm in a city on the Eastern Coast of China from 20: 00 on July 31 to 00:00 on September 29, 2022. Over the course of 59 days and 1420 h, invertebrates within 9 taxa, 2447 individuals, and 112,909 ind./m2 were observed from 222,912 images. Our results show that ICTs with relatively large shooting areas recorded relatively high taxonomic richness and abundance of total ground‐dwelling invertebrates, relatively high abundance of the dominant taxon, and relatively high daily and hourly abundance of most taxa. The shooting areas of ICTs significantly affected the recorded taxonomic richness and abundance of ground‐dwelling invertebrates throughout the experimental period and at fine temporal resolutions. Overall, these results suggest that the shooting areas of ICTs should be considered when designing experiments, and ICTs with relatively large shooting areas are more favorable for monitoring the diversity of ground‐dwelling invertebrates. This study further provides an automatic tool and high‐quality data for biodiversity monitoring and protection in farmlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Disulfidptosis is a novel form of programmed cell death induced by high SLC7A11 expression under glucose starvation conditions, unlike other known forms of cell death. However, the roles of disulfidptosis in cancers have yet to be comprehensively well-studied, particularly in ccRCC. Methods: The expression profiles and somatic mutation of DGs from the TCGA database were investigated. Two DGs clusters were identified by unsupervised consensus clustering analysis, and a disulfidptosis-related prognostic signature (DR score) was constructed. Furthermore, the predictive capacity of the DR score in prognosis was validated by several clinical cohorts. We also developed a nomogram based on the DR score and clinical features. Then, we investigated the differences in the clinicopathological information, TMB, tumor immune landscapes, and biological characteristics between the high- and low-risk groups. We evaluated whether the DR score is a robust tool for predicting immunotherapy response by the TIDE algorithm, immune checkpoint genes, submap analysis, and CheckMate immunotherapy cohort. Results: We identified two DGs clusters with significant differences in prognosis, tumor immune landscapes, and clinical features. The DR score has been demonstrated as an independent risk factor by several clinical cohorts. The high-risk group patients had a more complicated tumor immune microenvironment and suffered from more tumor immune evasion in immunotherapy. Moreover, patients in the low-risk group had better prognosis and response to immunotherapy, particularly in anti-PD1 and anti-CTLA-4 inhibitors, which were verified in the CheckMate immunotherapy cohort. Conclusion: The DR score can accurately predict the prognosis and immunotherapy response and assist clinicians in providing a personalized treatment regime for ccRCC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prior studies have revealed an increased susceptibility to epilepsy in hyperthyroid individuals, but the genetic basis of the hyperthyroidism–epilepsy relationship is not fully comprehended, prompting this study to explore this potential association. We conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (TSMR) study to explore the relationship between hyperthyroidism and epilepsy by utilizing aggregated statistics from Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS). Data for hyperthyroidism were derived from a GWAS encompassing 462,933 participants, while epilepsy data were sourced from the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) consortium. Five distinct methods were employed for TSMR analysis, which included the inverse variance weighting method, MR Egger method, weighted median method, simple model, and weighted model. In our sensitivity analysis, we employed the MR Egger and MR PRESSO methods to assess pleiotropy, and inverse variance weighting and MR Egger in Cochran's Q statistics to assess heterogeneity. In the IEU database, utilizing the MR-Egger method, we obtained an odds ratio (OR) of 2.631 (95% CI 0.608, 9.796) with a p-value of 0.122. Meanwhile, employing the Weighted Median method yielded an OR of 1.813 (95% CI 0.786, 4.181) with a p-value of 0.163. The IVW method exhibited an OR of 1.986 (95% CI 1.127, 3.502) with a p-value of 0.018. In the assessment of heterogeneity, the MR-Egger method produced a Q statistic of 65.205, accompanied by a p-value of 0.087, while the IVW method recorded a Q statistic of 66.668 with a p-value of 0.083. The multifactorial analysis results showed an intercept term with a standard error (SE) value of 0.009 and a p-value of 0.291. In the FinnGen database, employing the MR-Egger method for all epilepsy data, we observed an OR of 0.952 (95% CI 0.831, 1.093) with a p-value of 0.539. Simultaneously, the Weighted Median method produced an OR of 0.986 (95% CI 0.953, 1.021) with a p-value of 0.423. The IVW method indicated an OR of 0.992 (95% CI 0.965, 1.019) with a p-value of 0.541. The MR-Egger method's assessment of heterogeneity resulted in a Q statistic of 2.671, associated with a p-value of 0.445, while the IVW method generated a Q statistic of 3.011 with a p-value of 0.556. The multifactorial analysis results displayed an intercept term with a SE-value of 0.019 and a p-value of 0.601. Sensitivity analysis found no evidence of horizontal pleiotropy or heterogeneity. Hyperthyroidism was found to be causally related to all epilepsy but had no effect on other types of epilepsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the harsh space environment, burdensome tasks, and complex structure, space manipulators are vulnerable to joint failure, especially the free-swing joint failure during on-orbit operation. The unactuated units, including free-swing joint and free-floating base, lack driving source and need to be controlled by actuated joints. To determine the control input while executing the task, it is necessary to analyze the controllable degree of system input to the unactuated unit. In this paper, comprehensively considering the coupling effects of velocity and acceleration between free-floating base, fault joint, and actuated joint, the kinematic and dynamic coupling relationship of the space manipulator with free-swing joint failure is established first. Then, the controllability of the space manipulator is analyzed. Considering the factors affecting the coupling motion between the actuated joint and the unactuated unit, the controllable degree index of the actuated joint to the unactuated unit is constructed. Finally, taking a space manipulator with seven degrees of freedom as the object, the numerical simulation is carried out to analyze the influence of joint configuration, actuated joint combination, and joint velocity on the controllability of the space manipulator, so as to provide guidance for the subsequent fault-tolerant motion control of the space manipulator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reaction mechanism underpinning the operation of K–O2 batteries, particularly the O2 reactions at the positive electrode, is still not completely understood. In this work, by combining in situ Raman spectroelectrochemistry and density functional theory calculations, we report on a fundamental study of K–O2 electrochemistry at a model interface of Au electrode/DMSO electrolyte. The key products and intermediates (O2−, KO2 and K2O2) are identified and their dependency on the electrode potential is revealed. At high potentials, the first reduction intermediate of O2−* radical anions (* denotes the adsorbed state) can desorb from the Au electrode surface and combine with K+ cations in the electrolyte producing KO2via a solution-mediated pathway. At low potentials, O2 can be directly reduced to on the Au electrode surface, which can be further reduced to at extremely low potentials. The fact that K2O2 has only been detected in the very high overpotential regime indicates a lack of KO2 disproportionation reaction both on the Au electrode surface and in the electrolyte solution. This work addresses the fundamental mechanism and origin of the high reversibility of the aprotic K–O2 batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Understanding diel variations in ground-dwelling invertebrates is an important issue for agricultural ecology, which has been extensively studied at the population level. However, contemporary studies on hourly variations in the field are scarce at the community level owing to the lack of an effective method for collecting hourly data. Therefore, this study used a novel, automatic method using infrared camera traps to photograph a ground-dwelling invertebrate community at 5 min intervals from 31 July to 29 September in farmland in Ningbo City, China. In total, 9 taxa and 1147 individuals were identified across 42 d in 217,728 photographs. The taxonomic richness and abundance of the ground-dwelling invertebrate community did not show significant hourly variations within each day nor significantly preferred active hours. Only millipedes had significant hourly variations within each day, with a significant preference for activity between 1:00 and 4:00. Additionally, slugs, beetles, and grasshoppers showed preferred active hours around sunset and midnight. This study provides a useful method for monitoring hourly changes in ground-dwelling invertebrate communities in farmlands as well as fine temporal resolution data to understand the responses of ground-dwelling invertebrate communities to climate change and human management. We evaluated the hourly dynamics of ground-dwelling invertebrate communities in farmland using infrared camera traps between August and September 2022. No significant variations within 24 h nor between any two time points of each day were observed in the taxonomic richness and abundance of the entire community. However, the periods from 4:00 to 7:00 and 13:00 to 20:00 showed relatively high taxonomic richness, while those from 2:00 to 6:00 and 16:00 to 21:00 showed relatively high abundance. Millipede abundance varied significantly in a 24 h period, with higher abundance from 3:00 to 4:00 and 1:00 to 2:00. Additionally, slug, beetle, and grasshopper abundances were significantly higher from 22:00 to 23:00, 17:00 to 18:00, and 23:00 to 24:00, respectively. The abundance of other taxa did not show significant variations between any two time points of a day. Predominant generalist predators showed positive correlation in their activity times. These results suggest that significant variations within each 24 h period are uncommon at either community or taxa (except for millipedes) levels in farmland ground-dwelling invertebrates. Further, while most taxa had significantly preferred active hours, the total community did not. Therefore, hourly dynamics should be considered to understand biodiversity maintenance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) has provided the guidelines for diagnosing a patient with periprosthetic joint infection including the use of positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT). Systematic evidence focussing on periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) of hip is limited, which also contains limited number of studies. Hence, the current study aims to perform a pooled analysis of all studies that have assessed the diagnostic accuracy of PET/CT for PJI of hip. Methods: Searches were done in PubMed Central, EMBASE, MEDLINE, SCOPUS and Cochrane library until December 2022. Meta-analysis was carried out using random-effects model. With 95% confidence intervals (CIs), pooled sensitivity and specificity were reported. Results: Twenty-six studies met the inclusion criteria. The pooled sensitivity of PET/CT was 89% (95% CI 84–93%), while the pooled specificity was 86% (95% CI 79–91%). The AUROC was 0.94 (95% CI 0.72–0.99). There was statistically significant heterogeneity (p < 0.001) with I2 value of 96%. The diagnostic odds ratio was 52 (95% CI 26–106). Likelihood ratio positive was 6.5 (95% CI 4.1–10.3) and negative was 0.13 (95% CI 0.08–0.19). Conclusion: Our study found that PET/CT was found to have higher level of accuracy in terms of sensitivity and specificity. Further large-scale research can help to find answers for such questions and provide final conclusive evidence on the inclusion of the imaging modality into the routine clinical practice guidelines for suspected periprosthetic joint infection patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many recent studies have provided significant insights into polyploid breeding, but limited research has been carried out on trees. The genomic information needed to understand growth and response to abiotic stress in polyploidy trees is largely unknown, but has become critical due to the threats to forests imposed by climate change. Populus alba 'Berolinensis,' also known "Yinzhong poplar," is a triploid poplar from northeast China. This hybrid triploid poplar is widely used as a landscape ornamental and in urban forestry owing to its adaptation to adverse environments and faster growth than its parental diploid. It is an artificially synthesized male allotriploid hybrid, with three haploid genomes of P. alba 'Berolinensis' originating from different poplar species, so it is attractive for studying polyploidy genomic mechanisms in heterosis. In this study, we focused on the allelic genomic interactions in P. alba 'Berolinensis,' and generated a high‐quality chromosome‐level genome assembly consisting of 19 allelic chromosomes. Its three haploid chromosome sets are polymorphic with an average of 25.73 nucleotide polymorphism sites per kilobase. We found that some stress‐related genes such as RD22 and LEA7 exhibited sequence differences between different haploid genomes. The genome assembly has been deposited in our polyploid genome online analysis website TreeGenomes (https://www.treegenomes.com). These polyploid genome‐related resources will provide a critical foundation for the molecular breeding of P. alba 'Berolinensis' and help us uncover the allopolyploidization effects of heterosis and abiotic stress resistance and traits of polyploidy species in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As a novel type of the prevalent post-transcriptional modifications, N7-methylguanosine (m7G) modification is essential in the tumorigenesis, progression, and invasion of many cancers, including bladder cancer (BCa). However, the integrated roles of m7G-related lncRNAs in BCa remain undiscovered. This study aims to develop a prognostic model based on the m7G-related lncRNAs and explore its predictive value of the prognosis and anti-cancer treatment sensitivity. Methods: We obtained RNA-seq data and corresponding clinicopathological information from the TCGA database and collected m7G-related genes from previous studies and GSEA. Based on LASSO and Cox regression analysis, we developed a m7G prognostic model. The Kaplan–Meier (K-M) survival analysis and ROC curves were performed to evaluate the predictive power of the model. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was conducted to explore the molecular mechanisms behind apparent discrepancies between the low- and high-risk groups. We also investigated immune cell infiltration, TIDE score, TMB, the sensitivity of common chemotherapy drugs, and the response to immunotherapy between the two risk groups. Finally, we validated the expression levels of these ten m7G-related lncRNAs in BCa cell lines by qRT-PCR. Results: We developed a m7G prognostic model (risk score) composed of 10 m7G-related lncRNAs that are significantly associated with the OS of BCa patients. The K-M survival curves revealed that the high-risk group patients had significantly worse OS than those in the low-risk group. The Cox regression analysis confirmed that the risk score was a significant independent prognostic factor for BCa patients. We found that the high-risk group had higher the immune scores and immune cell infiltration. Furthermore, the results of the sensitivity of common anti-BCa drugs showed that the high-risk group was more sensitive to neoadjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy and anti-PD1 immunotherapy. Finally, qRT-PCR revealed that AC006058.1, AC073133.2, LINC00677, and LINC01338 were significantly downregulated in BCa cell lines, while the expression levels of AC124312.2 and AL158209.1 were significantly upregulated in BCa cell lines compared with normal cell lines. Conclusion: The m7G prognostic model can be applied to accurately predict the prognosis and provide robust directions for clinicians to develop better individual-based and precise treatment strategies for BCa patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Bladder cancer is a type of malignant tumor. Eighty percent of patients are diagnosed with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), which has a good prognosis, but it reoccurs often. The other patients are diagnosed with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), which is associated with high mortality and metastasis rates. We urgently need to explore novel early diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Our study reveals the anti-cancer role of EPHA3 and its potential value in immunotherapy. Purpose: To assess the mechanism of EPH receptor A3 (EPHA3) and its potential value for immunotherapy in BLCA. Materials and Methods: The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) bladder cancer (BLCA) database and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were used for assessing whether EHPA3 could be used to predict BLCA prognosis. This work carried out in vitro and in vivo assays for exploring how EPHA3 affected the biological behaviors. The downstream pathway was explored using a Western blotting technique. The CIBERSORT, ESTIMATE, TIMER, and TIDE tools were used to predict the immunotherapy value of EPHA3 in BLCA. Results: EPHA3 was poorly expressed in BLCA (p < 0.05), its high expression is related to a good survival prognosis (p = 0.027 and p = 0.0275), and it has a good predictive ability for the histologic grade and status of BLCA (area under curve = 0.787 and 0.904). Overexpressed EPHA3 could inhibit BLCA cell biological behaviors, and it be associated with the downregulation of the Ras/pERK1/2 pathway. EPHA3 was correlated with several immune-infiltrating cells and the corresponding marker genes. Conclusions: EPHA3 could be regarded as an acceptable anti-cancer biomarker in BLCA. EPHA3 plays an inhibiting role in BLCA, and it could be the candidate immunotherapeutic target for BLCA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Steel casing pipes used in the construction of deep oil wells usually require both high strength and corrosion-resistant behavior. Due to the exploration of deep H2S-bearing oil reservoirs, sulfide stress cracking (SSC) is becoming an increasingly serious concern for casing steel. The nonmetallic inclusions in the steel are among the key reasons for its service failure. The rare earth element Ce can be used to modify the inclusions in casing steel and improve its SSC resistance. Here, taking C110 grade casing steel (the highest class currently in service) as the investigated object, the modification behavior of Ce inclusions in the steel and the effect of the addition of Ce in varying amounts (0.01, 0.024, and 0.042 wt.%) on the modified products were studied through high-temperature tube furnace experiments and thermodynamic calculations. The results showed that Ce had an obvious modification effect on the CaO·Al2O3 inclusions in casing steel, and the diffusion of dissolved Ce in the steel was the limiting step of the modification reaction. With the extension of reaction time, the sequence describing the modification of inclusions in the steel was determined as follows: CaO·Al2O3 → CeAlO3 → Ce2O3/Ce2O2S. The final stable product after modification depended on the amount of Ce added. With 0.01 wt.% Ce, the stable phase in molten steel was Ce2O3; on the other hand, upon adding ≥0.024 wt.% Ce, the stable phase became Ce2O2S. In addition, the thermodynamic stability of Ce2O3 decreased, and it was transformed into CeAlO3, Ce2O2S, Ce2S3, and CeS during solidification. On the basis of our results and the considerations for smooth casting, the addition of a proper amount of a rare earth element is suggested for industrial trials, following the achievement of a significant and surprising improvement in the qualified rate of SSC resistance for the final steel products. The relevant mechanism is also analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for approximately 85% of all lung cancer cases and is the leading cause of cancer-related death. Despite advances in chemotherapy and immunotherapy, the prognosis for advanced patients remains poor. The discovery of oncogenic driver mutations, such as anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) mutations, means that a subset of patients has opportunities for targeted therapy. With the improvement of genetic testing coverage, more and more ALK fusion subtypes and ALK partners have been discovered, and more than 90 rare ALK fusion subtypes have been found in NSCLC. However, unlike the common fusion, echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4 (EML4)-ALK, some rare ALK fusions such as striatin (STRN)-ALK and huntingtin interacting protein 1 (HIP1)-ALK, etc., the large-scale clinical data related to its efficacy are still immature. The clinical application of ALK-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (ALK-TKIs) mainly depends on the positivity of the ALK gene, regardless of the molecular characteristics of the fusion partner. Recent clinical studies in the ALK-positive NSCLC population have demonstrated differences in progression-free survival (PFS) among patients based on different ALK fusion subtypes. This article will introduce the biological characteristics of ALK fusion kinase and common detection methods of ALK fusion and focus on summarizing the differential responses of several rare ALK fusions to ALK-TKIs, and propose corresponding treatment strategies, so as to better guide the application of ALK-TKIs in rare ALK fusion population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an ATON-type Hall effect thruster, a ring-shaped anode and a cusped magnetic field intersect the match between the anode shape and the field topology thus must be clarified to optimize the electron transport to the anode and consequently the design of a high-efficiency thruster. By changing the match pattern with both the change in the length of the anode ring and the axial displacement of the cusp magnetic field, this study experimentally investigated the influence of the match pattern on the discharge characteristics of an ATON-type thruster—P100—under the condition of a moderate discharge voltage. The experimental results show that there is a match pattern that always optimizes the performance of the P100 thruster. At the rated operation parameters (300 V of discharge voltage and 5 mg/s of propellant mass flow rate) and the rated magnetic field strength, the observed improvements on thrust (∼79 mN to ∼85 mN) and anode efficiency (∼46% to ∼55%) are significant. Through further theoretical analysis, this study revealed that the change in the characteristics of electron momentum and energy transfer in the near-anode region, induced by the change of the match pattern, is the basic reason. The findings of this work are instructive for both understanding the electron motion in a cusp magnetic field and guiding the design of the anode ring intersecting with a cusp magnetic field in an ATON-type Hall effect thruster. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Tropospheric attenuations can be significant in the millimeter wave (mmWave) frequency bands; hence, accurate prediction modeling of tropospheric attenuation is important for reliable mmWave communication. Several models have been established by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), yet estimation accuracy is limited due to the large spatial scales used for model input parameters. In this paper, we address this and apply local precipitation data to analyze tropospheric attenuation statistics and compare to results when using ITU regional input rain data. Specifically, tropospheric attenuation is predicted via simulations using the ITU method at 30, 60, and 90 GHz in four distinct geographic locations with different climate types. From our simulations, we gather statistics for annual average rain attenuation, worst month rain attenuation, and rain attenuation per decade. Our results indicate that when using local measured rain data, for 1 km link distance, mean rain event attenuation increases from 0.5 to 2 dB. Local rain data yield larger attenuations at essentially all percentages of time not exceeded (essentially corresponding to all probability values): for example, for 0.1% of time not exceeded, in Columbia, SC, rain attenuation for 30 GHz frequency increases to 9 dB with local rain data, compared to 5 dB with ITU's regional data, corresponding to rain rates of 38.2 and 17.5 mm/h, respectively; at the same probability and location, the 90 GHz attenuation increases by 10 dB, from 10 to 20 dB when local rain data are used. Fog attenuations are also appreciable, reaching 8 dB for the 90 GHz frequency. Moreover, for the example locations, peak rain attenuations have increased at a rate of approximately 2 dB/decade over the past 50 years. Our results indicate that actual tropospheric attenuations may be substantially larger than that predicted by the ITU model when using regional rain rate data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compared to the conventional deoxidation process with Al or Si-Mn for 55SiCr spring steel production, the possibility of using a Si-Ca-Ba compounded deoxidizer to control the behavior of non-metallic inclusions in spring steel was explored in this study. The effect of the addition sequence of deoxidizer and alloys into molten steel on the morphology, size, and composition of the inclusions was emphatically studied at 1873 K (1600 °C) using a high-temperature electric resistance furnace. The results indicate that adding alloy first can form less harmful inclusions in steel, which are roughly spherical and smaller than 3 μm in diameter, and its inclusion evolution path is MnO-SiO2-Al2O3→CaO-SiO2-Al2O3 and CaO-Al2O3-MgO. While adding deoxidizer first, the inclusions in steel are harmful due to its mostly irregular geometry and relatively large size over 5 μm. The inclusion evolution path is Fe-O→CaO-Al2O3(-SiO2) and CaO-Al2O3-MgO. The formation and evolution mechanism of inclusions under different addition sequences were discussed. In addition, the solubility limits of MgO from refractory into steel were studied to inhibit its corrosion by molten steel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In stent restenosis (ISR) is one of the major complications after stent implantation. Thus, there is a growing interest in identifying a biomarker for the onset of ISR. High levels of serum homocysteine (Hcy) have been associated with the progression of cardiovascular disease. Therefore, the study was carried out to quantify the correlation between serum Hcy and ISR severity. Compared with coronary angiography (CAG), Hcy levels provided a significantly better clinical detection of ISR severity after PCI. Methods: A total of 155 patients were recruited from Shanxi Bethune hospital, from 6 months to 2 years post PCI. Serum Hcy levels and postoperative angiography results were used to differentiate the patients into two experimental groups: ISR (>50% diametrical stenosis), and non-ISR. The non-ISR included two subgroups: intimal hyperplasia (10–50% diametrical stenosis), and recovery (<10% diametrical stenosis). In addition, a group of 80 healthy individuals was used as a negative control. The correlation between homocysteine level and ISR severity t was analyzed for all groups. In addition, the correlation between serum Hcy level and the severity of ISR in the experimental group was analyzed by the Pearson correlation test. Results: The serum Hcy level in the experimental group and control group was determined to be (20.21 ± 11.42) μmol/L and (15.11 ± 10.25) μmol/L respectively. The level of serum Hcy in the experimental group was significantly higher than in the control group (t -value of 2.385; p -value of 0.019). The serum Hcy level in the restenosis and the intimal hyperplasia group was (25.72 ± 13.71) μmol/L and (17.35 ± 7.70) μmol/L respectively. The serum Hcy level in the restenosis group was significantly higher than in the intimal hyperplasia group (t -value of 2.215; p -value of 0.033). The level of serum Hcy in the group without a plaque in the stent was (16.30 ± 6.08) μmol/L, whereas in the control group was (15.11 ± 10.25) μmol/L. The no plaque group had a slightly higher serum Hcy level than the control group (t -value of 0.634; p- value of 0.528). All included patients were divided into four quartiles based on the serum Hcy concentration: quartile 1 (8.90–13.20 μmol/L), quartile 2 (13.30–16.45 μmol/L), quartile 3 (16.60–24.25 μmol/L) and quartile 4 (24.30-65.30 μ mol/L). The incidence of ISR was 5, 6.25, 7.5 and 15%, in the 1,2,3 and four quartiles respectively. The serum Hcy level in the experimental group was (20.21 ± 11.42) μmol/L, the severity of in-stent restenosis was (0.25 ± 0.31), (R- value was 0.234; p- value was 0.037), indicating a correlation between serum Hcy and the severity of restenosis (p < 0.05). Taking coronary angiography as the gold standard, a ROC curve analysis was performed on the serum Hcy levels for the experimental group. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.718 (95% CI 0.585-0.854, p < 0.001), indicating that the serum Hcy concentration could predict ISR. On the ROC curve, the best critical value of serum Hcy concentration for predicting ISR was 20.05 μmol/L, with a sensitivity of 45% and specificity of 88.1%. Conclusion: A positive correlation was observed between homocysteine and the severity of restenosis after PCI, The level of Hcy could serve as a predictive biomarker for the severity of ISR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are vesicular bodies (40-1000 nm) with double-layer membrane structures released by different cell types into extracellular environments, including apoptosis bodies, microvesicles, and exosomes. Exosomes (30-100 nm) are vesicles enclosed by extracellular membrane and contain effective molecules of secretory cells. They are derived from intracellular multivesicular bodies (MVBs) that fuse with the plasma membrane and release their intracellular vesicles by exocytosis. Research has shown that almost all human cells could secrete exosomes, which have a certain relationship with corresponding diseases. In chronic liver diseases, exosomes release a variety of bioactive components into extracellular spaces, mediating intercellular signal transduction and materials transport. Moreover, exosomes play a role in the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of various chronic liver diseases as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Previous studies have found that mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (MSC-ex) could alleviate acute and chronic liver injury and have the advantages of high biocompatibility and low immunogenicity. In this paper, we briefly summarize the role of exosomes in the pathogenesis of different chronic liver diseases and the latest research progresses of MSC-ex as the clinical therapeutic targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study investigated the role of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in the pathogenesis of ameloblastoma (AB), identifying potential novel targets for future targeted therapy. Materials and Methods: CircRNA and microRNA (miRNA) profiling in AB were built with microarrays. Six novel circRNAs were validated, circ‐miRNA networks were delineated. Hsa‐miR‐608 was filtered over cross‐comparison between database screening, miRNA microarray and validated. Circ‐miRNA binding sponge was validated via luciferase reporter assay. Downstream mRNAs were screened. Regulation between miRNAs and mRNAs was confirmed in vitro. Gene interaction networks and circRNA–miRNA–mRNA interaction pathway enrichment analyses were established. Results: Six differentially expressed circRNAs were selected and validated. According to miRNAs and pathways predicted, six correlated miRNAs were selected, hsa‐miR‐608 was filtered and validated. The hsa_circ_0089153/hsa‐miR‐608 binding sponge was validated. Downstream gene interaction networks showed that EGFR and p53 had the strongest co‐expression. In vitro transfection results confirmed the suppressive function of miR‐608 and EGFR p53. Hsa_circ_0089153/hsa‐miR‐608/EGFR p53 interaction pathway enrichment analysis confirmed functions mainly enriched in MAPK and related signaling pathways regulating AB progression. Conclusions: Six novel circRNAs were identified. Hsa_circ_0089153/hsa‐miR‐608 sponging was validated, hsa‐miR‐608 downregulated EGFR and p53, which might further regulate cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and cell cycle processes via the MAPK signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ameloblastoma (AB) is a common epithelial odontogenic tumor. The Wnt/β‐catenin pathway has been found to be related to AB invasion. Methods: The alteration expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) was performed by miRNA and mRNA microarray analysis and validated by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). The effects of miR‐29a‐3p on migration and invasion in AB cells were evaluated by a transwell assay. Bioinformatic prediction was conducted using the miRSystem and validated by quantitative RT‐PCR, western blot, and a luciferase reporter assay. Results: miR‐29a‐3p was overexpressed in AB tissues, which promoted the migration and invasion of AB cells in vitro. Catenin beta interacting protein 1 (CTNNBIP1), a negative regulator of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway, was predicted to be a target of miR‐29a‐3p. miR‐29a‐3p inhibited the expression of CTNNBIP1 and promoted the expression of the downstream molecules of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway. Conclusions: miR‐29a‐3p promoted migration and invasion in AB via Wnt/β‐catenin signaling by targeting CTNNBIP1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study utilizes criteria and indicators to propose a set of sustainable evaluation methods for ecotourism destinations based on perception. The questionnaires are designed according to the index system of sustainable evaluation. Taking Malaysia's Pulau Perhentian and China's Weizhou Island as examples, the method is verified and the coordinated development path of island resource protection and ecotourism in two marine parks is proposed according to the results of sustainability evaluation. In this study, 126 valid questionnaires were gotten from Weizhou Island Marine Park (WZMP) in China and 125 from Pulau Perhentian Marine Park (PPMP) in Malaysia. The outcomes show that PPMP has a higher sustainable development index, and both resource protection index and ecotourism development index are higher than WZMP. To the extent the subtypes of coordinated development are concerned, PPMP is underdeveloped, that is, the broadness and profundity of the tourism industry advancement are insufficient to coordinate its resource level, while WZMP belongs to over-development type. In the decision of development path, WZMP ought to adopt a protection priority mode, while PPMP is suitable for the development priority mode. The effects of this study give valuable information for the planning and management of marine parks and establish a framework for effective management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spatial patterns of field arthropod communities are an essential part of ecology and can provide fundamental data regarding field ecological processes and reveal the mechanism of ecosystem biodiversity maintenance. This study investigated the spatial distribution pattern of field insect communities to detect the spatial relationships between insect communities in farmland. The study site was located at the Dehui Agro-ecological Experimental Station of Black Soil, Jilin, China. Insect communities and environmental factors were sampled at 121 uniformly distributed points in a 400 × 400 m plot in August, September, and October 2015. The analysis revealed that insect communities from June to October demonstrated significant spatial correlation, and 6085 samples of 47 species and 47 families in 11 orders were collected from the insect community in the farmland. The farmland insect community structure changes and dynamic changes of nutritional function groups occur with time. According to the 400 x 400 m plot, the diversity of farmland insect communities and functional groups is maintained at a relatively high and stable level. In this study, a total of 6085 samples of corn farmland insects were obtained using the fluke method and direct observation method, including 11 orders, 26 families and 47 species, 4 absolute dominant populations, 6 main dominant populations, and 37 other populations. These studies can provide help for pest control in the spring corn area of Northeast China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to systematically investigate and compare the post-treatment recurrence of intraosseous ameloblastoma in patients treated with conservative or aggressive approaches. Methods: Systemic searches of PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases from inception to October 28, 2020, were conducted. Studies that aimed to evaluate the recurrence of intraosseous ameloblastoma by conservative and aggressive treatment approaches were included. Results: A total of 20 studies with 942 ameloblastoma cases were included. Fourteen studies included patients with ameloblastoma who received conservative treatment, and 16 studies reported the overall recurrence rate for patients undergoing aggressive treatment. The pooled results indicated that the recurrence rate for aggressive treatment [0.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.09–0.16] was significantly lower than that for conservative treatment, with a recurrence rate of 0.30 (95% CI = 0.23–0.39). Similar results were obtained when stratifying the participants by the histological classification. When trying stratification analysis following the original included studies, multicystic ameloblastoma presented a much higher recurrence rate than solid and unicystic ameloblastomas. Conclusion: These findings supported the hypothesis that aggressive treatment might lead to a lower recurrence rate than conservative treatment. More studies and meta-analyses following the new histological classification of ameloblastomas are needed to validate and support the findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prior experiments have demonstrated that the pole in a magnetically shielded Hall thruster sputters and erodes visibly, in contrast with that in an unshielded thruster. To determine the reason for this, a particle-in-cell simulation was conducted, and the difference between shielded and unshielded thrusters in terms of plasma behavior near the exit plane was studied. The results show that in the case of the magnetically shielded thruster, the ion flux peak is on the magnetic pole face with higher ion energy, indicating severer erosion at the pole. By contrast, the flux peak of the unshielded thruster is on the head face of the channel wall, indicating severer bombardment at the wall and milder erosion at the pole. Therefore, pole erosion occurs in the magnetically shielded thruster, and channel head face erosion can be observed in the unshielded thruster. In addition, the simulation results indicate that the greater the outward shift of the magnetic field, the severer the pole erosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The underlying mechanisms of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hucMSCs) and their exosomes (hucMSC-Exs), which play significant roles in skin wound healing, remain poorly understood. By using a rat model of deep second-degree burn injury, the roles of hucMSC-Exs in angiogenesis and cutaneous wound healing in vivo were investigated. We found that hucMSC-Exs accelerated skin wound healing and angiogenesis, inducing a higher wound-closure rate and increased expression of CD31 in vivo. We also discovered that hucMSC-Exs contained angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2), and treatment with hucMSC-Exs enhanced the expression of the Ang-2 protein in the wound area and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) through exosomal-mediated Ang-2 transfer. Moreover, hucMSC-Exs promoted the proliferative, migratory, and tube-forming ability of HUVECs. Furthermore, overexpression of Ang-2 in hucMSC-Exs further enhanced HUVEC migration and tube formation and exerted therapeutic and proangiogenic effects in cutaneous wounds in rats, whereas knockdown of Ang-2 in hucMSC-Exs abrogated these therapeutic and proangiogenic effects. Taken together, our results indicated that hucMSC-Ex-derived Ang-2 plays a significant role in tube formation of HUVECs and promotion of angiogenesis, and further suggested that hucMSC-Ex-based therapy may serve as a promising therapeutic approach for promoting cutaneous wound healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To comprehensively analyze the global N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification pattern in ameloblastoma. Methods: m6A peaks in ameloblastoma and normal oral tissues were detected by MeRIP-seq. Differentially methylated m6A sites within messenger RNAs (mRNAs), long no-coding RNA (lncRNAs) and circular RNA (circRNAs) were identified, followed by functional enrichment analysis. By comprehensively analyzing MeRIP-seq and RNA-seq data, differentially expressed mRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs containing differentially methylated sites were identified. RNA binding proteins (RBPs) were then identified for differentially methylated m6A sites. Results: In total, 3,673 differentially methylated m6A sites within coding genes were detected, of which 16.2% (704/3,673) were significantly upmethylated sites in ameloblastoma compared to normal oral tissues. Furthermore, 4,975 differentially methylated m6A sites within lncRNAs were identified, of which 29.4% (1,465/4,975) were upmethylated sites in ameloblastoma. We also found 364 differentially methylated m6A sites within circRNAs, of which 22.5% (82/364) were upmethylated sites in ameloblastoma. Differentially methylated m6A was most often harbored in the CDS (54.10%), followed by 5'UTR (21.71%). Functional enrichment analysis revealed that m6A modification could be involved in the development of ameloblastoma by organism developmental processes. A total of 158 RBPs within differentially methylated m6A sites were identified, which were significantly involved in mRNA metabolic process, mRNA processing, RNA processing, RNA splicing and RNA transport. Conclusion: Our findings for the first time provide m6A landscape of human ameloblastoma, which expand the understanding of m6A modifications and uncover regulation of lncRNAs and circRNAs through m6A modification in ameloblastoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been recognized that the application of magnetic shielding technology deteriorates the plume divergence efficiency of a Hall thruster. To try to alleviate this effect, three magnetic shielding configurations with different inclination directions of the lines of force in the strong magnetic field region are designed via the introduction of a peripheral coil surrounding the thruster body, and their influence on the performance and plume divergence are experimentally evaluated in this study. The measured results show that the performance and plume distribution vary significantly with the change in the inclination direction of the lines of force. Particularly, different to the unshielded Hall thruster that exhibits the best performance and minimal divergence when the strong magnetic field lines are non-inclined (perpendicular to the thruster axis), the magnetically shielded Hall thruster has the largest thrust and the smallest divergence angle when the strong magnetic field lines are inclined inward. Further theoretical research indicates that this is mainly due to the change in the ion acceleration process under the magnetic shielding discharge. This study is significant and instructive for the optimized design of magnetically shielded Hall thrusters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A correction to the article "Diagnostic Accuracy of Positron Emission Tomography/Computerized Tomography for Periprosthetic Joint Infection of Hip: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," by Hongning Hua and Jinwen Liu, published on November 14, 2023 is presented.

Human hepatic C3A cells have been applied in bioartificial liver development, although these cells display low intrinsic cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) enzyme activity. We aimed to enhance CYP3A4 enzyme activity of C3A cells utilizing CRISPR gene editing technology. We designed two CYP3A4 expression enhanced systems applying clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) gene technology: a CRISPR-on activation system including dCas9-VP64-GFP and two U6-sgRNA-mCherry elements, and a light-controlled CRISPR-on activation system combining our CRISPR-on activation system with an optical control system to facilitate regulation of CYP3A4 expression for various applications. Results of enzymatic activity assays displayed increased CYP3A4 activity in C3A cells expressing the CRISPR-on activation system compared with C3A cells. In addition, CYP3A4 activity increased in C3A cells expressing the light-controlled CRISPR-on activation system under blue light radiation compared with C3A cells. Notably, there was no statistical difference in the increase of CYP3A4 protein amounts induced by these two methods. After expansion in culture, C3A cells with the light-controlled CRISPR-on activation system exhibited no statistical difference in CYP3A4 mRNA levels between generations. Our findings provide a method to stably enhance functional gene expression in bioartificial liver cells with the potential for large-scale cell expansion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatial distribution is an important topic in community ecology and a key to understanding the structure and dynamics of populations and communities. However, the available information related to the spatial patterns of soil mite communities in long-term tillage agroecosystems remains insufficient. In this study, we examined the spatial patterns of soil mite communities to explain the spatial relationships between soil mite communities and soil parameters. Soil fauna were sampled three times (August, September and October 2015) at 121 locations arranged regularly within a 400 m × 400 m monitoring plot. Additionally, we estimated the physical and chemical parameters of the same sampling locations. The distribution patterns of the soil mite community and the edaphic parameters were analyzed using a range of geostatistical tools. Moran’s I coefficient showed that, during each sampling period, the total abundance of the soil mite communities and the abundance of the dominant mite populations were spatially autocorrelated. The soil mite communities demonstrated clear patchy distribution patterns within the study plot. These patterns were sampling period-specific. Cross-semivariograms showed both negative and positive cross-correlations between soil mite communities and environmental factors. Mantel tests showed a significant and positive relationship between soil mite community and soil organic matter and soil pH only in August. This study demonstrated that in the cornfield, the soil mite distribution exhibited strong or moderate spatial dependence, and the mites formed patches with sizes less than one hundred meters. In addition, in this long-term tillage agroecosystem, soil factors had less influence on the observed pattern of soil mite communities. Further experiments that take into account human activity and spatial factors should be performed to study the factors that drive the spatial distribution of soil microarthropods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After biophysical drying, a novel biophysical dried sludge particle was obtained. This work aims to investigate the function and effects of particle sizes and moisture contents on the fast pyrolysis of biophysical dried sludge particles. The results showed that large particles (>4 mm) favoured the oil generation with a maximum value of 19.0%, and small particles (<0.27 mm) favoured the char yield with a maximum value of 60.6%. Medium particle fractions (between 0.27 mm and 4 mm) benefited syngas production and induced higher H2 and CO emission, owing to the well-developed microstructure, enrichment of cellulose, and enhanced catalytic effects during the charring process. The introduction of proper moisture content (53.9% to 62.6%) to biophysical dried sludge was found to dramatically enhance syngas yield, hydrogen production, and carbon conversion efficiency. H2 molar concentration reached a maximum of 46.02% at a moisture content of 53.9%, which was attributed to the steam reforming and steam gasification accompanying the initial biophysical dried sludge pyrolysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Treatments for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) are limited; intermediate-conductance calcium-activated potassium (SK4) channels are closely involved in tumor progression, but little is known about these channels in TNBC. We aimed to investigate whether SK4 channels affect TNBC. First, by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and western blotting (WB), increased SK4 protein expression in breast tumor tissues was detected relative to that in non-tumor breast tissues, but there was no apparent expression difference between various subtypes of breast cancer (p>0.05). Next, functional SK4 channels were detected in the TNBC cell line MDA-MB-231 using WB, real-time PCR, immunofluorescence and patch-clamp recording. By employing SK4 specific siRNAs and blockers, including TRAM-34 and clotrimazole, in combination with an MTT assay, a colony-formation assay, flow cytometry and a cell motility assay, we found that the suppression of SK4 channels significantly inhibited cell proliferation and migration and promoted apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells (p<0.05). Further investigation revealed that treatment with epidermal growth factor (EGF)/basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) caused MDA-MB-231 cells to undergo the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and to show increased SK4 mRNA expression. In addition, the down-regulation of SK4 expression inhibited the EMT markers Vimentin and Snail1. Collectively, our findings suggest that SK4 channels are expressed in TNBC and are involved in the proliferation, apoptosis, migration and EMT processes of TNBC cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient shoot regeneration method was developed using leaf explants of Populus alba × P. glandulosa, and the optimized shoot regeneration medium contained 0.1 mg L NAA, 0.5 mg L 6-BA and 0.002 mg L TDZ. The factors for Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of this hybrid were further optimized as follows: no preculture step, Agrobacterium cell suspension with an OD of 0.6, 20 min infection time and 2 d co-cultivation duration. To investigate Populus trichocarpa cellulose synthase A4 promoter ( PtrCesA4pro), we constructed the PtrCesA4pro:: β- glucuronidase (GUS) binary vector, in which the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S (CaMV35S) promoter of pBI121was replaced with the PtrCesA4pro to drive the expression of a GUS reporter gene. Forty-eight kanamycin-resistant plantlets were obtained through Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of this hybrid. Genomic DNA PCR and Southern blot analyses confirmed the integration of PtrCesA4pro::GUS into this hybrid and the expression of GUS gene was driven by the PtrCesA4 promoter. A histochemical GUS staining presented the activity of PtrCesA4 promoter in the transgenic lines. No GUS signal was observed in leaves, including the veins and petioles, and notably weak staining was detected in the secondary xylems of the roots. The PtrCesA4 promoter was highly active in the fibers, the vessels of developing xylems, and the fibers of mature phloems. Surprisingly, GUS staining was detected in the cambial cells of the highly lignified stems of these transgenic trees. Our results implicate PtrCesA4 promoter as a good genetic tool for controlling gene function in wood development and tree molecular breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple and highly sensitive fluorometric method has been developed for inorganic pyrophosphatase (PPase) activity detection based on the disaggregation and aggregation of graphene quantum dots (GQDs). Copper ions can trigger the severe aggregation of GQDs with rich carboxyl groups, which results in effective fluorescence quenching. While, with the addition of pyrophosphate (PPi), the quenched fluorescence is effectively recovered owing to the strong interaction between PPi and Cu2+. Furthermore, under the catalytic hydrolysis of PPase, the complex of PPi–Cu2+–PPi is rapidly disassembled, and the fluorescence is re-quenched. This method is highly sensitive and selective for PPase detection, with a linear correlation between the fluorescence intensity and the PPase concentration in the range from 1 to 200 mU mL−1 with a detection limit down to 1 mU mL−1 (S/N = 3). Additionally, the inhibition effect of NaF on the PPase activity is also studied. Thus, the proposed method may hold a potential application in the diagnosis of PPase-related diseases and screening of PPase inhibitors, to evaluate the function and inhibition of PPase in biological systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]