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Background: Somatic copy number alterations (SCNAs) are pivotal in cancer progression and patient prognosis. Dysregulated long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), modulated by SCNAs, significantly impact tumorigenesis, including colorectal cancer (CRC). Nonetheless, the functional significance of lncRNAs induced by SCNAs in CRC remains largely unexplored. Methods: The dysregulated lncRNA LOC101927668, induced by copy number amplification, was identified through comprehensive bioinformatic analyses utilizing multidimensional data. Subsequent in situ hybridization was employed to ascertain the subcellular localization of LOC101927668, and gain- and loss-of-function experiments were conducted to elucidate its role in CRC progression. The downstream targets and signaling pathway influenced by LOC101927668 were identified and validated through a comprehensive approach, encompassing RNA sequencing, RT-qPCR, Western blot analysis, dual-luciferase reporter assay, evaluation of mRNA and protein degradation, and rescue experiments. Analysis of AU-rich elements (AREs) within the mRNA 3’ untranslated region (UTR) of the downstream target, along with exploration of putative ARE-binding proteins, was conducted. RNA pull-down, mass spectrometry, RNA immunoprecipitation, and dual-luciferase reporter assays were employed to elucidate potential interacting proteins of LOC101927668 and further delineate the regulatory mechanism between LOC101927668 and its downstream target. Moreover, subcutaneous xenograft and orthotopic liver xenograft tumor models were utilized to evaluate the in vivo impact of LOC101927668 on CRC cells and investigate its correlation with downstream targets. Results: Significantly overexpressed LOC101927668, driven by chr7p22.3-p14.3 amplification, was markedly correlated with unfavorable clinical outcomes in our CRC patient cohort, as well as in TCGA and GEO datasets. Moreover, we demonstrated that enforced expression of LOC101927668 significantly enhanced cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, while its depletion impeded these processes in a p53-dependent manner. Mechanistically, nucleus-localized LOC101927668 recruited hnRNPD and translocated to the cytoplasm, accelerating the destabilization of RBM47 mRNA, a transcription factor of p53. As a nucleocytoplasmic shuttling protein, hnRNPD mediated RBM47 destabilization by binding to the ARE motif within RBM47 3'UTR, thereby suppressing the p53 signaling pathway and facilitating CRC progression. Conclusions: The overexpression of LOC101927668, driven by SCNAs, facilitates CRC proliferation and metastasis by recruiting hnRNPD, thus perturbing the RBM47/p53/p21 signaling pathway. These findings underscore the pivotal roles of LOC101927668 and highlight its therapeutic potential in anti-CRC interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Late Carboniferous–Early Permian granitoids are widespread in the Tianshan area and their tectonic setting is controversially discussed. Our research presents fresh whole-rock geochemical and Pb isotopic data, along with zircon U-Pb ages and Hf isotopic data for representative monzonitic and granitic intrusions in the Kumishi area. The aim is to decipher their magma sources and illuminate their geodynamic evolution. Zircon U-Pb dating results reveal that biotite monzonites in the Central Tianshan Belt were emplaced at 312.7 ± 2.9 Ma, while the quartz-monzonites and syenogranites in the South Tianshan Belt were formed at 284.5 ± 2.4 Ma and 283.4 ± 3.9 Ma, respectively. The biotite monzonites generally exhibit metaluminous and high-K calc-alkaline characteristics. They have a positive εHf(t) value (+4.9–+14.1), and are enriched in LREEs and LILEs but depleted in HREEs and HFSEs. These characteristics indicate that they were derived from a mixed magma source of the lower crust and the input of components derived from the mantle wedge above the subduction zone. The quartz-monzonites and syenogranites are high-K calc-alkaline to shoshonitic I-type granites, with εHf(t) values of +14.9–+15.5 and +6.6–+14.9, respectively. They are enriched in LREEs but depleted in HFSEs (e.g., Nb, Ta, and Ti), displaying relatively flat HREE patterns and negative Eu anomalies. The genesis of these rocks is attributed to a partial melting of the lower crust in which mantle-derived magmas participated, which was triggered by an upwelling asthenosphere in a post-collisional extensional geodynamic setting. These granitoids, together with regional analysis of other magmatism in the study area, suggest that the Kumishi area has experienced an evolution from subduction to post-collision from the Late Carboniferous to the Early Permian, which constrains the local closure of the Paleo-Asian Ocean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Increasing evidence suggests that DXS253E is critical for cancer development and progression, but the function and potential mechanism of DXS253E in colorectal cancer (CRC) remain largely unknown. In this study, we evaluated the clinical significance and explored the underlying mechanism of DXS253E in CRC. Methods: DXS253E expression in cancer tissues was investigated using the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. The Kaplan-Meier plot was used to assess the prognosis of DXS253E. The cBioPortal, MethSurv, and Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) databases were employed to analyze the mutation profile, methylation, and immune infiltration associated with DXS253E. The biological functions of DXS253E in CRC cells were determined by CCK-8 assay, plate cloning assay, Transwell assay, flow cytometry, lactate assay, western blot, and qRT-PCR. Results: DXS253E was upregulated in CRC tissues and high DXS253E expression levels were correlated with poor survival in CRC patients. Our bioinformatics analyses showed that high DXS253E gene methylation levels were associated with the favorable prognosis of CRC patients. Furthermore, DXS253E levels were linked to the expression levels of several immunomodulatory genes and an abundance of immune cells. Mechanistically, the overexpression of DXS253E enhanced proliferation, migration, invasion, and the aerobic glycolysis of CRC cells through the AKT/mTOR pathway. Conclusions: We demonstrated that DXS253E functions as a potential role in CRC progression and may serve as an indicator of outcomes and a therapeutic target for regulating the AKT/mTOR pathway in CRC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waterproof and breathable membranes have a huge market demand in areas, such as textiles and medical protection. However, existing fluorinated nanofibrous membranes, while possessing good waterproof and breathable properties, pose health and environmental hazards. Consequently, fabricating fluorine-free, eco-friendly waterborne membranes by integrating outstanding waterproofing, breathability, and robust mechanical performance remains a significant challenge. Herein, we successfully prepared waterborne silicone-modified polyurethane nanofibrous membranes with excellent elasticity, waterproofing, and breathability properties through waterborne electrospinning, using a small quantity of poly(ethylene oxide) as a template polymer and in situ doping of the poly(carbodiimide) crosslinking agent, followed by a simple hot-pressing treatment. The silicone imparted the nanofibrous membrane with high hydrophobicity, and the crosslinking agent enabled its stable porous structure. The hot-pressing treatment (120 °C) further reduced the pore size and improved the water resistance. This environmentally friendly nanofibrous membrane showed a high elongation at break of 428%, an ultra-high elasticity of 67.5% (160 cycles under 400% tensile strain), an air transmission of 13.2 mm s−1, a water vapor transmission rate of 5476 g m−2 d−1, a hydrostatic pressure of 51.5 kPa, and a static water contact angle of 137.9°. The successful fabrication of these environmentally friendly, highly elastic membranes provides an important reference for applications in healthcare, protective textiles, and water purification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicone-modified polyurethane (PUSX) refers to the introduction of a silicone short chain into the polyurethane chain to make it have the dual properties of silicone and polyurethane (PU). It can be used in many fields, such as coatings, films, molding products, adhesives, and so on. The use of organic solvents to achieve the fiberization of silicone-modified polyurethane has been reported. However, it is challenging to achieve the fiberization of silicone-modified polyurethane based on an environmentally friendly water solvent. Herein, we report a simple and powerful strategy to fabricate environmentally friendly waterborne silicone-modified polyurethane nanofiber membranes through the addition of polyethylene glycol (PEG) with different molecular weights using electrospinning technology and in situ doping with three crosslinking agents with different functional groups (a polyoxazoline crosslinking agent, a polycarbodiimide crosslinking agent, and a polyisocyanate crosslinking agent) combined with various heating treatment conditions. The influence of PEG molecular weight on fiber formation was explored. The morphology, structure, water resistance, and mechanical properties were analyzed regarding the effect of the introduction of silicone into PU. The effects of the type and content of crosslinking agent on the morphology and physical properties of PUSX nanofiber membranes are discussed. These results show that the introduction of silicone can improve the water resistance and high temperature resistance of waterborne PU, and the addition of a crosslinking agent can further improve the water resistance of the sample, so that the sample can maintain good morphology after immersion. Crosslinking agents with different functional groups had different effects on the mechanical properties of PUSX nanofiber membranes due to different reactions. Among them, the oxazoline crosslinking agent had a significant effect on improving tensile strength, while the isocyanate crosslinking agent had a significant effect on improving the elongation at break. The PUSX nanofiber membrane prepared in this work did not use organic solvents that were harmful to humans and the environment, and it can be used in outdoor textiles, oil–water separation, medical health, and other fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drones, or precisely quadrotors, have been increasingly used in the field of robotics and also in entertainment. Coordinated multiple drones that form visual presentations through their equipped LEDs are known as drone light shows (Waibel, M., Keays, B., Augugliaro, F.: in Drone shows: Creative potential and best practices. ETH Zurich, 2017). Such a performance offers visual enjoyment for a large audience, particularly in festivals. However, the majority of current drone light shows are manually coordinated by personnel using software. Drone light shows also have limited viewing range, thereby preventing the audience from getting a good view of the actual performance. This study proposes a method to provide multiple visual presentations in accordance with multiple viewing angles. We use visual hull to filter out the candidate areas that form input images, and takes projection error and classification values as weight for optimization. Consequently, the proposed method reduces the number of drones needed to form a multi-view structure for visual presentations. Furthermore, to meet the demands of performing the animation in multi-view structure, we implement the flight algorithm to locate the most suitable corresponding points between two different structures, and then generate the shortest flight paths without collision. Experiments conducted in our simulator provide additional insights and discussions, and each factor is visualized to provide an improved understanding of our approach for multi-view drone light shows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies leader-following consensus of second-order multi-agent systems with input delays. Firstly, a feedback tracking control protocol with the leaders delayed-state-derivative is proposed to guarantee the leader-following consensus. Secondly, considering the same input delay of the second-order multi-agent system, the explicit formula of the upper bound of delay for the asymptotic stability of the second-order multi-agent system is obtained by using the frequency domain analysis method. Compared with the latest existing controllers, the controller designed in this paper improves the convergence speed and tracking accuracy. Thirdly, a variety of diverse input delays are further considered, the feedback tracking controller is designed to improve the convergence speed and tracking accuracy, and the sufficient conditions of leader-following consensus are given by using the generalized Nyquist stability criterion. Finally, simulation examples are given to show the effectiveness of our control protocol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A finite-time adaptive tracking control algorithm based on non-singular terminal sliding mode (NTSM) is proposed to solve the consensus problem of second-order multi-agent system (MAS) with disturbance. Firstly, a finite-time disturbance observer based on NTSM is introduced to estimate and compensate the disturbance. Then, a NTSM adaptive controller is designed to enhance the robustness of the system, and improve the response speed and tracking accuracy. A proof of the finite-time convergence of the method is given by using Lyapunov theory. Finally, simulation experiments are carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the efficacy and feasibility of esophagectomy following combined neoadjuvant immunotherapy and chemotherapy for locally advanced esophageal cancer. Methods: We retrospectively identified patients who were treated with neoadjuvant immunotherapy and chemotherapy (NICT, n = 27) or chemotherapy alone (NCT, n = 95) at our institution between January, 2017 and April, 2021. The primary end point was 30-day complications. Major complications were defined as Clavien–Dindo classification grade ≥ 3. Secondary end points were interval to surgery, operation time, postoperative thoracic drainage, thoracic drainage tube stay, 30-day readmission rate, and 30-day mortality. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to reduce bias caused by potential confounding. Results: All patients included successfully completed neoadjuvant therapy and underwent McKeown minimally invasive esophagectomy negative margins. Out of 122 eligible patients, 26 patients in NICT group and 52 patients in NCT group were identified by 1:2 PSM. After PSM, the clinical stage was matched and demographic characteristics of the two groups were well balanced, including age, gender, BMI, ASA status, age-adjusted Charlson index, smoking, drinking, chemotherapy regimens, neoadjuvant cycle, tumor location, lymphadenectomy, pathological stage, histologic sub-type, anastomotic position, route of gastric conduit, procedure type, and operative approach were comparable between groups after PSM. Although NICT group had a higher incidence of pneumonia and pleural effusion, however, the CCI index, other complication and major complications were comparable between the two groups. There were no significant differences in operation time, intraoperative blood loss, thoracic drainage tube stays, thoracic drainage volume, ICU stay, postoperative hospital stay and hospital cost. Furthermore, 30-day mortality, 30-day readmission, ICU readmission were similar in both groups. Conclusions: Based on our preliminary experience, esophagectomy is safe and feasible following combined neoadjuvant immunotherapy with chemotherapy for locally advanced esophageal cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The combination of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and immunotherapy (nICT) is a novel treatment for locally advanced esophageal cancer. There is concern that nICT may increase operation difficulty, postoperative morbidity, and mortality. This study aimed to compare short-term outcomes among esophagectomy after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) and nICT and for locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Methods: A retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database was performed to identify patients (from January 2017 through July 2021) who underwent surgery for ESCC following neoadjuvant therapy. A 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) with a caliper 0.05 was conducted to balance potential bias. Results: A 1:1 PSM was conducted based on clinical stage, age, body mass index (BMI), and tumor location, and then 32 comparable pairs were matched. After PSM, age, gender, BMI, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) status, smoking history, clinical stage, tumor location, lymphadenectomy field, pathological stage, anastomotic position, route of gastric conduit, procedure type, and operative approach were comparable between groups. Compared with the nICT group (median, 300 min), the operation time was significantly longer in the nCRT group (median, 376 min). However, both groups were comparable in intraoperative blood loss, thoracic drainage volume, intensive care unit (ICU) stay, postoperative hospital stays, and hospital cost. Further, 30-day mortality, 30-day readmission, ICU readmission, and major complications were similar in both groups. The nCRT group had an advantage in pathological response. The pathological complete response (pCR) was 18.8% (6/32) in the nICT group and 43.8% (14/32) in the nCRT group (p = 0.03). The major pathological response (MPR) was 71.9% (23/32) in the nCRT group and 34.4% (11/32) in the nICT group (p = 0.03). Conclusions: Based on our preliminary experience, esophagectomy appears to be safe and feasible following combined neoadjuvant immunotherapy with chemotherapy for locally advanced esophageal cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Combination of neoadjuvant immunotherapy and chemotherapy (nICT) is a novel treatment for locally esophageal cancer squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). This study aimed to evaluate the potential effect of nICT on surgery safety by comparing short-term outcomes between the surgery alone group and the nICT followed by surgery group. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed to identify patients (from January 2017 to July 2021) who underwent surgery for ESCC with or without nICT. A propensity score matching (PSM) comparison (1:1) was conducted to reduce selection biases and balance the demographic and oncologic characteristics between groups. Results: After PSM, the nICT group (n = 38) was comparable to the surgery alone group (n = 38) in the following characteristics: age, sex, BMI, ASA status, smoking, tumor location, lymph node resection, clinical stage, anastomotic location, surgical approach, and surgical approach. The operation time and incidence of postoperative pneumonia in the nICT group were higher than those in the control group (p < 0.05). However, other complications and major complications were comparable between the two groups. There was no significant difference between the two groups in intraoperative blood loss, ICU stay time, postoperative hospital stay, and hospitalization cost. The 30-day mortality, 30-day readmission, and ICU readmission rates were also similar in the nICT and control groups. In the nICT group, the pathological complete response rate in primary tumor was 18.4%, and the major pathological response rate in tumor was 42.1%. Conclusions: Based on our preliminary experience, nICT followed by surgery is safe and effective with acceptable increased operation risk, manageable postoperative complications, and promising pathological response. Further multicenter prospective trials are needed to validate our results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Seedlessness in grapes is one of the features most appreciated by consumers. However, the mechanisms underlying seedlessness in grapes remain obscure. Here, we observe small globular embryos and globular embryos in Pinot Noir and Thompson Seedless from 20 to 30 days after flowering (DAF). From 40 to 50 DAF, we observe torpedo embryos and cotyledon embryos in Pinot Noir but aborted embryos and endosperm in Thompson Seedless. Thus, RNA‐Seq analyses of seeds at these stages from Thompson Seedless and Pinot Noir were performed. A total of 6442 differentially expressed genes were identified. Among these, genes involved in SA biosynthesis, VvEDS1 and VvSARD1, were more highly expressed in Thompson Seedless than in Pinot Noir. Moreover, the content of endogenous SA is at least five times higher in Thompson Seedless than in Pinot Noir. Increased trimethylation of H3K27 of VvEDS1 and VvSARD1 may be correlated with lower SA content in Pinot Noir. We also demonstrate that VvHDZ28 positively regulates the expression of VvEDS1. Moreover, over‐expression of VvHDZ28 results in seedless fruit and increased SA contents in Solanum lycopersicum. Our results reveal the potential role of SA and feedback regulation of VvHDZ28 in seedless grapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gene encoding the NUAK family kinase 1 (NUAK1) is frequently amplified and its expression is upregulated, activating oncogenic signaling in various cancers. However, little is known about its role in gastric cancer (GC). We investigate the mechanistic links among NUAK1, Hedgehog signaling, and tumorigenesis in GC. NUAK1 overexpression is validated in local and public GC cohorts. Patient-derived xenograft and transgenic mouse models demonstrate that NUAK1 depletion or inhibition dramatically ameliorates gastric tumorigenesis. NUAK1 upregulates GLI1 expression by activating STAT5-mediated transcription and stabilizing GLI1 protein. NUAK1 depletion or inhibition impairs cancer cell expansion, tumor formation, and chemotherapy resistance in in vitro and in vivo models. Clinicopathological analysis confirms that upregulated NUAK1 expression correlates with poor prognosis and chemotherapy resistance in human GC. Our findings demonstrate that the signaling axis NUAK1/STAT5/GLI1 promotes cancer cell expansion and tumorigenesis and indicate that NUAK1 is an attractive therapeutic target and prognostic factor in GC. [Display omitted] • High expression of NUAK1 correlated with poor survival and chemoresistance • NUAK1 promotes gastric tumorigenesis through Hedgehog signaling • NUAK1 triggers GLI1 signaling via transcriptional and post-transcriptional methods • NUAK1 inhibition effectively disrupts tumor progression and chemoresistance Cao et al. show that the overexpression of NUAK1 accelerates gastric tumorigenesis and fosters chemoresistance by activating the STAT5/GLI1 signaling axis. Their findings suggest that strategies focusing on inhibiting NUAK1, either alone or combined with chemotherapy, could represent an approach for gastric cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Power saving has always been an important research direction in the field of microcontrollers. Dozens of low power technologies have been proposed to achieve the goal of reducing their power consumption. However, most of them focus mostly on lowering the consumption rate. It is well known that energy is the integral of power over time. Thus, our view is that both power and time should be carefully considered to achieve better energy efficiency. We reviewed some commonly used low power technologies and proposed our assumptions and strategy for improving energy efficiency. A series of test sets are designed to validate our hypotheses for improving energy efficiency. The experimental results suggest that time has no less impact on energy consumption than power. To support the operation of the processor, some peripheral components consume a constant amount of power regardless of the clock frequency, but the power consumption will be reduced when the processor enters low-power modes. This results in some interesting phenomena that are different from the usual thinking that energy can be saved by increasing processor clock frequency. For STM32F407 and Xtensa LX6 processors, this article also analyzes and calculates the minimum sleep time required for achieving energy saving based on our analytical models. Our energy efficiency strategy has been verified, and in some cases, it can indeed improve energy efficiency. We also proposed some suggestions on hardware design and software development for better energy efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: The two designs proposed in this article were applied to the design of ACoreOS Lite energy saving modes. Energy consumption is a critical evaluation index of embedded systems, and it has impacts on battery-life, thermal design, as well as device security and reliability. Since energy is the time integral of power, power consumption should be considered, along with the impact of "time"; thus, we propose two designs of automatic energy consumption measuring platforms utilizing General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO). Using these designs, we developed software and introduced auxiliary hardware for solutions with better timing and synchronization. A series of test sets were designed to verify our designs' capabilities and accuracy levels. Both of our designs showed an accuracy similar to that of traditional measuring methods, which can satisfy the needs of different occasions. In addition, our designs provide real-time energy consumption data, as well as unattended automated measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A biomimetic vascular scaffold with excellent mechanical properties and biocompatibility is urgently needed, and designing such a scaffold is a challenge. The majority of vascular scaffolds have satisfactory biocompatibility, but poor mechanical properties. Herein, biodegradable poly(l-lactide-co-caprolactone) (PLCL) with biomimetic mechanical properties was used to prepare small-diameter (< 1.5 mm) PLCL/tussah silk fibroin (TSF) nanofiber vascular scaffolds grafted with TSF using the core-spun electrospinning technology. The morphology, biocompatibility, and mechanical properties of the PLCL/TSF nanofiber vascular scaffolds were characterized. The diameter of PLCL/TSF nanofibers was almost unchanged after grafting TSF with an average diameter of 408 ± 13 nm and a reduced water contact angle of 56 ± 8°. The protein adsorption was twice that of pure PLCL nanofiber vascular scaffolds. Remarkably, PLCL/TSF nanofiber vascular scaffolds displayed excellent mechanical properties. Their radial tensile strength and axial Young's modulus were twice and more than three times those of traditional nanofiber vascular scaffolds, respectively. The biological properties of PLCL/TSF nanofiber vascular scaffolds were evaluated by in vitro culture of vascular endothelial cells. The scaffolds effectively promoted vascular endothelial cell adhesion and proliferation. The developed PLCL/TSF nanofiber vascular scaffolds are potentially valuable for use as readily available vascular grafts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrospun electret filter material is widely studied because of its excellent removal effect on particulate matter from air streams. Here, a kind of high efficiency and low pressure drop nanofiber (NF) membrane with both electret effect and magnetic effect is developed, and compounded it with glass fiber mesh and polyester (polyethylene terephthalate) mesh to prepare a sandwich structure of NF anti‐haze window screen. Under the synergistic effect of magnetic particles, when the density is 2.06 g m−2, the filtration efficiency of NF anti‐haze window screen can reach 99.95% for the fine particles below 0.3 µm, while the filtration pressure drop is only 58.5 Pa, with good light transmittance and excellent breaking strength (6.32 MPa). Therefore, polyvinylidene fluoride/Fe3O4 composite NF membrane has a potential application prospect in the field of air filtration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carboniferous magmatism in the Darbut region is critical for understanding the evolutionary history of the accretionary orogenesis of the West Junggar area in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt. In this paper, zircon U–Pb geochronological, whole‐rock geochemical and Sr–Nd–Pb–Hf isotopic analyses of the basalts, basaltic andesite, and dacite from the Carboniferous Tailegula Formation, Darbut region, have been performed. The magmatic zircons from basalt, basaltic andesite, and dacite yield concordia U–Pb isotope ages of 344 ± 4, 347 ± 3, and 340 ± 5 Ma, respectively, which are interpreted as the crystallization ages of these rocks. The basalts and basaltic andesite are characterized by an alkali composition; high Nb/Yb, Th/Yb, Ta/Yb, La/Sm, and Sm/Yb trace element ratios and Pb isotopic ratios; moderate (87Sr/86Sr)i ratios; low (143Nb/144Nb)i ratios; and positive εNd(t) (+0.66 − +4.73) and εHf(t) (+1.7 − +15.2) values. These characteristics indicate that the magmas were derived from mixed mantle sources, that is, enriched mantle sources and high U/Pb ratio mantle (HIMU) component sources with ≤10% partial melting of garnet and spinel lherzolite. The samples display pronounced light rare earth elements (LREEs) and incompatible element enrichment patterns with positive Nb–Ta anomalies and a high Pb content and Nb/La ratios but low (Th/Nb)N ratios and a lower degree of partial melting, implying that these rocks were formed in a continental extensional setting. Based on our results and that of previous studies, we conclude that the early Carboniferous volcanic rocks in the Darbut region formed by mantle plume or regional‐scale mantle upwelling in a continental extensional setting after closure of the Junggar Ocean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accretionary orogeny of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) has been a popular topic over the past decades due to its complex tectonic process. The Carboniferous magmatism in the Sawur Mountains of the northern West Junggar plays an important role in understanding the accretionary process of West Junggar. Detailed geological mapping has revealed that the Carboniferous Heishantou Formation in the Sawur Mountains consists mainly of pillow lavas, basaltic andesites, dacites, tuffs and sedimentary rocks, which were intruded by the Lasite intrusion. The pillow lavas display low SiO2 and TiO2 as well as high MgO and FeOt contents and enrichment in light rare earth elements (LREEs) and Nb–Ta, suggesting derivation from an enriched lithospheric mantle in an oceanic island setting. With the oceanic crust subduction, they were scraped off and accreted in a fore-arc setting. Basaltic andesites exhibit high SiO2 and Al2O3 contents, low Mg#, Zr, and Nb contents as well as Nb/La ratios, and a clear depletion of Nb–Ta, indicating derivation from a mantle wedge affected by the inputs of slab-derived fluids in an island arc setting. Dacites possess calc-alkaline and adakitic geochemical features with high Sr and Ba contents, high Th/Yb ratios, enrichment in LREEs, low Nb/La ratios, a depletion of Nb–Ta and positive εHf(t) values (10.3–15.0). Accordingly, they are interpreted as being derived from the melting of subducted oceanic crust mixed with minor sediments in an island arc setting. Magmatic zircons from dacite yield a weighted 206Pb/238U mean age of 326.8 ± 1.6 Ma, constraining the crystallization age of the dacite as well as the timing of the oceanic crust subduction. The Lasite intrusion that intruded the Heishantou Formation is K-feldspar granite, exhibiting pronounced I-type affinity and a high potassic calc-alkaline series. This granite shows low Na2O and Mg# (36.9–40.3) values; low Zr and Y contents as well as 10,000 × Ga/Al ratios; high LREE, K and Pb contents; and a depletion of Nb and Ta. Altogether, the low (87Sr/86Sr)i (0.7037–0.7043) and positive εNd(t) (6.22–6.36) and εHf(t) (10.1–15.5) values suggest that the granites were derived from the partial melting of a juvenile lower crust affected by mantle materials in a subduction setting. The zircon weighted 206Pb/238U mean age of 316.6 ± 2.8 Ma represents the intrusive age of the granite and related subduction during the late Carboniferous. All of the above geochemistry and geochronology of the magmatic rocks constrain the subduction–accretion tectonics in the Sawur Mountains of the northern West Junggar during ~ 327–317 Ma and confirm the subduction of the Paleo-Asian Ocean (PAO) lasted until the late Carboniferous in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Downy mildew, resulted from Plasmopara viticola, is one of most severe fungal diseases of grapevine. Since Vitis vinifera is susceptible to downy mildew, much effort has been focused on improving the resistance of V. vinifera. The Chinese wild V. pseudoreticulata accession Baihe-35-1 (BH) shows resistance to P. viticola; however, the molecular mechanism underlying its resistance to P. viticola is largely unknown. In order to better understand the cellular processes, the transcriptomic changes were investigated at 0, 12, 24, 48, 96, and 120 h post infection (hpi). Transcriptome analysis identified a total of 175 differentially expressed genes. Most of them were found to be associated with oxidative stress, cell wall modification, and protein modification. Moreover, the BH resistance to P. viticola was involved in metabolism process, including terpene synthesis and hormone synthesis. In addition, we verified 12 genes to ensure the accuracy of transcriptome data using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). This study broadly characterizes a molecular mechanism in which oxidative stress and cell wall biosynthesis and modification play important roles in the response of BH to P. viticola and provides a basis for further analysis of key genes involved in the resistance to P. viticola. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How T cells differentiate in the neonate may critically determine the ability of the infant to cope with infections, respond to vaccines and avert allergies. Previously, we found that naïve cord blood CD4+ T cells differentiated toward an IL-4-expressing phenotype when activated in the presence of TGF-β and monocyte-derived inflammatory cytokines, the latter are more highly secreted by infants who developed food allergy. Here, we show that in the absence of IL-2 or IL-12, naïve cord blood CD8+ T cells have a natural propensity to differentiate into IL-4-producing non-classic TC2 cells when they are activated alone, or in the presence of TGF-β and/or inflammatory cytokines. Mechanistically, non-classic TC2 development is associated with decreased expression of IL-2 receptor alpha (CD25) and glycolysis, and increased fatty acid metabolism and caspase-dependent cell death. Consequently, the short chain fatty acid, sodium propionate (NaPo), enhanced IL-4 expression, but exogenous IL-2 or pan-caspase inhibition prevented IL-4 expression. In children with endoscopically and histologically confirmed non-inflammatory bowel disease and non-infectious pediatric idiopathic colitis, the presence of TGF-β, NaPo, and IL-1β or TNF-α promoted TC2 differentiation in vitro. In vivo, colonic mucosa of children with colitis had significantly increased expression of IL-4 in CD8+ T cells compared with controls. In addition, activated caspase-3 and IL-4 were co-expressed in CD8+ T cells in the colonic mucosa of children with colitis. Thus, in the context of colonic inflammation and limited IL-2 signaling, CD8+ T cells differentiate into non-classic TC2 that may contribute to the pathology of inflammatory/allergic diseases in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction The comprehensive complication index (CCI) is a new index to comprehensively and systematically evaluate complication severity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the predictive ability of CCI on short—and long-term overall survival(OS) in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) undergoing minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) based on a propensity Score Matching (PSM) analysis. Methods A total of 356 patients treated with radical MIE from 2013 to 2017 were included, and the primary outcome was OS, and the secondary outcomes were postoperative hospital stay and hospital costs. Firstly, the optimla cut-off value of CCI was determined by X-tile. PSM was used to balance the baseline characteristics. Second, we compared postoperative hospital stay and hospital costs between high- and low-CCI group. Third, the Kaplan–Meier survival curve was used to analyze survival difference. Fourth, univariate and multivariate Cox analysis was used to explore the independent risk factors of OS. Results The CCI > 24.2 was defined as high-CCI group and CCI≦24.2 was defined as low-CCI group. The high-CCI group had more hospital costs and longer hospital stay than the low-CCI group both before and after PSM (p < 0.001). The K-M analysis indicated that patients with high CCI had worse prognosis both before and after PSM (before matching: P < 0.001; after matching: P = 0.04). CCI was determined as independent prognostic factor both before and after PSM (before PSM, P = 0.002; after PSM, P = 0.025). Conclusion The CCI could quantify postoperative complications after esophagectomy. High CCI is associated with longer hospital stay and hospitalization costs, and is an independent risk factor for poor OS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy (nICT) is a promising therapy model for locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (LA-ESCC), which brought good pathological response. However, there is still a lack of large cohot to confirm the impact of additional impact of additional neoadjuvant immunotherapy on short-term outcomes. The objective of this study lies on assessing the additional neoadjuvant immunotherapy making a difference in patients' short-term outcomes, particularly the risk of anastomotic leakage (AL) and pathological response. Methods Patients with LA-ESCC who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy(nCT)/nICT combination with radical esophagectomy were enrolled from three medical centers in China. Baseline data were matched using propensity score matching (1:1, caliper = 0.01) and inverse probability processing weighting(IPTW). Conditional logistic regression and weighted logistic regression analysis were used to further evaluate whether additional neoadjuvant immunotherapy would increased the risk of postoperative AL. Results A total of 331 patients LA-ESCC receiving nCT or nICT were enrolled. The application of PSM as well as IPTW ensured baseline data equilibrium. After matching, there were no significant difference in the AL incidence between the two groups (p = 0.68, after PSM; p = 0.97 after IPTW), and the incidence of AL was 15.85% vs. 18.29%, and 14.79% vs. 15.01%, respectively. Weighted logistic regression analysis showed that additional neoadjuvant immunotherapy wasn't responsible for AL. The nICT group had dramatically higher pCR in primary tumor than the nCT group (9.76% vs. 28.05% after PSM and 7.72% vs. 21.17% after IPTW). Conclusions Additional neoadjuvant immunotherapy can benefit pathological reactions without increasing the risk of AL and pulmonary complications. We require further randomized controlled research to validate whether additional neoadjuvant immunotherapy would make a difference in other complications, and determine whether pathologic benefits could translate into prognostic benefits, which would require longer follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives/hypothesis: Rigid esophagoscopy is performed less frequently by resident trainees. Nonetheless, it remains important for certain indications, including foreign body extraction. This study describes the construction of a simulator and evaluates its utility in training residents.Study Design: Simulator development, fabrication, and procedural evaluation of postgraduate trainees.Methods: A simulator was developed and constructed in collaboration with a biomedical engineering team. Residents with varied experience in upper aerodigestive procedures performed rigid esophagoscopy on the model. Key steps and Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education's Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) criteria for rigid esophagoscopy were evaluated by a faculty surgeon. Pressure measurements were obtained from force sensors at the tip of the endoscope and incisors.Results: Fourteen trainees were evaluated. Operative rigid esophagoscopy and direct laryngoscopy case numbers were noted for each subject. OSATS scores and key steps of the procedure correlated with resident experience (R(2)  = 0.75, P < .0001 and R(2)  = 0.66, P < .001, respectively). Maximal pressure exerted on the simulator esophagus by the esophagoscope was inversely correlated with case number and was statistically significant (R(2)  = 0.51, P = .02), whereas length of procedure did not correlate (R(2)  = 0.04, P = .49). Maximal pressure on the incisors did not correlate (R(2)  = 0.25, P = .15).Conclusions: A simulator for training residents to perform rigid esophagoscopy was developed and utilized by a faculty proctor to objectively evaluate trainees. OSATS scores, performance of key procedural steps, and pressure exerted on the simulator tissue correlated with upper aerodigestive cases performed, demonstrating validity of the simulator.Level Of Evidence: NA Laryngoscope, 126:616-619, 2016. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple reaction monitoring (MRM)-based targeted metabolomics can simultaneously analyze up to hundreds of metabolites with high-throughput, good reproducibility, and wide dynamic range. However, when hundreds or thousands of MRM transitions are measured with tens to hundreds of biological samples, the complexity of MRM dataset acquired is no longer amenable to manual evaluation, and presents a challenge for targeted metabolomics. Here, we developed an R package, namely MRMAnalyzer, to process large set of MRM-based targeted metabolomics data automatically without any manual intervention. To demonstrate our MRMAnalyzer program, we first developed a targeted metabolomic method that simultaneously analyzes 182 metabolites in one 15-min LC run, and demonstrated the data processing procedures using MRMAnalyzer. The data processing steps include 'pseudo' accurate m/z transformation, peak detection and alignment, metabolite identification, quality control check and statistical analysis. Finally, a targeted metabolomic assay was designed and integrated with MRMAnalyzer to profile the metabolic changes in Escherichia coli subjected to the protein expression. The generated MRM dataset consisting of more than 8000 MRM transitions were readily processed using MRMAnalyzer within 20 min without any manual intervention. Fourty seven out of 140 detected metabolites, enriched in six metabolic pathways, were found significantly affected in E. coli metabolome. In summary, a targeted metabolomic platform is developed for high-throughput metabolite profiling and automated data processing, and the MRMAnalyzer program is a high efficient informatics tool for large scale targeted metabolomics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tidal power is pollution-free renewable energy and an effective way to reduce coal consumption and guarantee normal social electricity consumption in China. Bidirectional bulb turbine is widely used in tidal power station. Scholars at home and abroad have carried out extensive researches in bidirectional tubular turbine in terms of internal blade clearance flow, the occurrence and location of cavitation and blade airfoil optimization .Scholars in China firstly put forward improving the operating efficiency of the bidirectional tubular turbine under the reverse working condition by means of setting rear guide vanes. In order to solve the low efficiency problem under the reverse condition in bidirectional bulb turbine, how blade tail affected the units' hydraulic performance under reverse working condition by studying bade tails of different shapes and different thickness on the basis of a bidirectional bulb turbine unit with rear vanes was analyzed. The profile of computational domain was built with modeling software UG and the grid division was done with software ICEM, also the grid independence verification for runner parts was conducted. Based on the CFX software, the SST turbulence model was adopted to conduct numerical simulation on runners with blade tails of different shapes and thickness. Results showed, under reverse conditions, the efficiency of the units with circular blade tail was 59.55%, which was higher than 58.4% and 58.01% of units with rectangular and arched tailing edge respectively, indicating that the impact loss of runner with rectangular tail and curved tail was bigger. Moreover, increasing the thickness of the blade tail could improve the efficiency of the turbine relatively obvious under the reverse condition, and the efficiency could reach at 79%, but the method no longer worked when the blade tail thickness increased to a certain degree. The increase of the tail thickness changed pressure distribution on the blade suction surface, and the minimum pressure value reduced by 1 200 000 Pa under reverse condition on the blade tail, which greatly affected the cavitation performance under the reverse condition. Increasing the thickness of blade tail caused squeezing action to the passage channel, which increased the positive condition efficiency but the effect was not obvious. However, the increase of blade's tail thickness decreased the frequency of the Karman vortex at the tail outlet under positive conditions, as the frequency of the unit components was usually low frequency, the probability of the occurrence of Karman vortices on positive condition was increased. The results showed that compared with rectangular blade tail and arched blade tail, the unit with circular blade tail performed the best under reversal conditions. We can conclude that in order to improve the units efficiency under the reverse condition, thickness of blade tail can be appropriately increased. But that could been donein the premise of ensuring Karman vortices resonance wouldn't occur with other components of the unit under positive conditions. The research results provided references for optimization design of blade tail shape under the reverse condition in bidirectional turbine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Celiac disease (CD) is an immune-mediated disorder induced by the ingestion of gluten in genetically susceptible persons. The prevalence of CD in Malaysia is unknown. We aim to determine the seroprevalence of CD antibodies and also investigate the correlation between H. pylori infection and CD in the young and healthy multiracial Malaysian population. Methods: Healthy young adult volunteers between the ages of 18–30 years were consecutively recruited from June 2012 to May 2014 at the University of Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), Kuala Lumpur. Serum samples from all the participants were tested for anti-gliadin antibody immunoglobulin A/immunoglobulin G (IgA/IgG) and anti-tissue transglutaminase antibody (tTG) IgA/IgG. Samples positive for both anti-gliadin and anti-tTG were further validated for anti-human endomysial IgA antibodies (EmA). Serological diagnosis of CD was made when anti-gliadin, anti-tTG and anti-EmA were positive. Results: 562 qualified participants with mean age 24 ± 2.4 years old were recruited into our study. CD was found in 7 participants where most of them were asymptomatic and unaware of their CD status. The median of anti-gliadin and anti-tTG IgA/IgG value was 38.2 U/ml (interquartile range, 28.3–60.4 U/ml) and 49.2 U/ml (interquartile range, 41.1–65.9 U/ml), respectively. Seroprevalence of CD antibodies was 1.9% (6 out of 324) in female while only 0.4% (1 out of 238) in male. Seroprevalence among Malay was 0.8% (2 of 236), Chinese was 1.7% (3 of 177) and Indian was 1.3% (2 of 149). Overall, seroprevalence of CD antibodies in healthy asymptomatic adults in the Malaysian population was 1.25% (95% CI, 0.78%-1.72%). No significant relationship was discovered between CD and H. pylori infection. Conclusions: The seroprevalence of CD antibodies in healthy young adults in the Malaysian population was 1.25% (1 in 100). CD is underdiagnosed and it could be a much greater problem in Malaysia than previously thought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grid structures with bolted spherical joints suffer impairment because of the "fake tightened-up" phenomenon. To prevent the "fake tightened-up" phenomenon, this study presents a new type of visual bolt-ball joint system that visually and effectively estimates the length of threads inserted into the bolt hole after adjusting the position of the fixed trip bolt and the location of the chute. The ultimate bearing capacity of the high-strength bolt and sleeve are studied via experiments. Results show that the failure section of high-strength bolts is the inclined section, which has a 60° angle to the direction of the screw, and a formula for calculating the ultimate bearing capacity is derived. Sleeves are compressed as their bearing failure is strength failure, which is due to yielding of the net section. A design method of the visual bolt-ball joint system is put forward according to the experimental results, and the safety of the visual bolt-ball joint is verified. Finally, the ductility and the fatigue performance of the visual bolt-ball joint are discussed in the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pile positioning, for driving piles below the surface of water in a marine pier construction project, is typically a time-consuming task owing to the fact that the pile wharf is affected significantly by environmental limitation and marine meteorology. As a result, it is always a goal to minimize the positioning time while maintaining a desired level of accuracy. This study developed a global positioning system (GPS)-based information system, which integrated six major modules. This system was designed to provide a real-time positioning and guidance solution for pile-driving barge control in a marine pier construction project. In a case study, the developed system has been implemented successfully in a real project and proved this system can improve the horizontal accuracy of real-time pile positions by less than 1 cm. It also contributed to a 42% reduction in the construction time and thus an 11% reduction in the final budget. Consequently, the efficiency of a piling construction project could be improved significantly by incorporating such a system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Solid bitumen was found in the outcrops of laminated algal dolomite of the Middle Protozoic Jixian System in the southwest margin of the Ordos Basin. Bitumen was distributed through the Jixian System and migrated upward into the overlying purple sandstone of the Lower Cretaceous Luohandong Formation. Bitumen was distributed on rock bed surfaces and in rock pores and fractures as lamina and small veins. Distribution characteristics of chloroform bitumen A normal alkanes and the analysis of terpene and steroid biomarkers show that the bitumen is sourced from lower aquatic and algal organisms. The laminated algal dolomite of the Jixian System is the most probable source rocks of the bitumen. The measured bitumen reflectance is 2.7%–3.6%, which is very inconsistent with the degree of thermal maturation of the coal beds of the Jurassic Yan''an Formation in the study area (where the vitrinite reflectance (R o) is 0.6%–0.8%), suggesting that the bitumen maturity was controlled by local abnormal thermal events. The paleo-reservoir was destroyed by the Tongcheng alkaline magmatic intrusion and the oil and gas inside the paleo-reservoir was transformed to bitumen because of thermal cracking under high temperature. The study area has the source rock and accumulation conditions for the formation of oil and gas. The potential of hydrocarbon generation and exploration should be recognised and deserves further study. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study investigated stress and other factors associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) outpatients with temporary colostomies in Taiwan. Temporary colostomies have been incorporated as a defecation alternative to maintain physical function and are accompanied by chemotherapy/radiotherapy in CRC patients. A cross‐sectional study was conducted, and a convenience sampling approach was adopted to recruit 110 discharged CRC patients with temporary colostomies from a medical centre in southern Taiwan. The mean score of the Stress of Colostomy Patients Scale was 66.49 (out of 120). Demographic attributes were found to have an impact on different stress types. Stress of changes in familial and social interaction was affected by age, employment status, educational level and colostomy assistant caregiver. The stress of colostomy care was impacted by the factor of employment status, and the stress of changes of self‐concept was impacted by the factors of educational level and self‐perception of disease. The results provide post‐operative information regarding stress and stress types among CRC patients with temporary colostomies, serve as a reference for clinical assessment, practice and care, and generate up‐to‐date knowledge and comprehension of learning how to live with a temporary colostomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ophiolite in the southern Tianshan, Uzbekistan, is interrupted distributed along the northern border (NW‐trending) of the Nuratau Mountain. It's the suture zone between kyzylkum‐Alai and Kazakhstan paleo‐continents. In order to study the tectonic evolution of the Turkestan ocean during the Paleozoic, we present zircon U‐Pb ages, major element, trace element data for rocks from the ophiolite in the Nuratau segment. The ophiolite comprises the rock blocks of serpentinite, altered basalt, allalinite, altered diabase, pillowed basalt, limestone, etc and the matrix of quartz schist, forming the grid structure. The matrix suffers strong deformation and deterioration, while the mylonitization occurred in the western outcrop. New LA‐ICP‐MS zircon U‐Pb ages were determined for six magmatic rock blocks and two quartz schist matrix and these ages confirm the presence of Late Devonian‐Early Permian (ca. 411 to 294 Ma). Five zircon grains from greenschist facies metamorphic basic rock yielded a group minimum weighted mean age of 226 Ma, interpreted as the result of Late Triassic thermal event. The apex of zircon ages for 2 quartz schist is about 450 Ma (Late Ordovician). That indicates sedimentary material from the Late Ordovician. The basalt (SiO2=48.15‐49.93%) are Na‐enriched (average Na2O=2.32‐4.02%), with high HREE/LREE ratios (average=4.93), Weak positive anomalies (average Eu*/Eu=1.02) and convex‐type mantle‐normalized immobile trace elements patterns, which are similar to the geochemical characteristics of Alkaline Ocean island basalt (OIB) and subalkaline Oceanic plateau basalt (OPB). This ophiolite is characterized by Mantle (serpentinite) and Ocean crust (altered basalt, allalinite, pillowed basalt), formed in Early Devonian at the latest. During the evolution of the Turkestan ocean, the growth of OIB and OPB, Ordovician provided a large amount of sedimentary material. The earliest start time of the ocean closed and paleo‐continents assembly is the Early Permian. Afterward, a Late Triassic thermal event occurred on a region scale and is recorded by metamorphic zircon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]