Search

Limited by hardware conditions and complex degradation processes, aerial images obtained by drone reconnaissance are usually blurry data lacking high-frequency information. To address this problem, many image deblurring algorithms have been proposed. Although significant progress has been made, there are still some challenges in aerial image deblurring, such as low-performance deblurring and non real-time processing. In this work, we propose a progressive residual recurrent network (PRRN) for aerial image deblurring and make four contributions to overcoming the above challenges: (1) We design a lightweight encoder–decoder module (LEDM) which includes the progressive residual block and the feature recurrent structure (FRS), and we can control the number of LEDMs to balance the deblurring efficiency and performance. (2) We present the progressive residual block, which adopts simple gate to reduce the system complexity and introduces layer normalization to stabilize the training process. (3) We present the FRS composed of feature map recurrence and latent code recurrence to retain and remove the feature information of previous encoder–decoder modules. (4) We adopt aerial images from DOTA dataset as the initial data and use the motion blur kernel to generate blurry aerial images, aiming at forming a dataset named AID for aerial image deblurring. Extensive experiments on synthetic and our datasets prove the superior performance of PRRN in terms of quantitative and qualitative evaluation. Notably, our proposed network reaches 30.80 dB PSNR on AID dataset and 77.73% mAP on realistic blurry aerial images, which achieves state-of-the-art deblurring performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Typical weak signal search experiments rely on resonant effects, where the resonance frequency is scanned over a broad range, resulting in significant time consumption. In this study, we demonstrate an accelerated strategy that surpasses the typical resonance-bandwidth limited scan step without compromising sensitivity. We apply this method to an alkali-noble-gas spin system, achieving an approximately 30-fold increase in scanning step size. Additionally, we obtain an ultrahigh sensitivity of 1.29 fT ⋅ Hz−1/2 at around 5 Hz, corresponding to an energy resolution of approximately 1.8 × 10−23eV ⋅ Hz−1/2, which is among the highest quantum energy resolutions reported. Furthermore, we use this sensor to search for axion-like particles, setting stringent constraints on axion-like particles (ALPs) in the 4.5–15.5 Hz Compton-frequency range coupling to neutrons and protons, improving on previous limits by several-fold. This accelerated strategy has potential applications in other resonant search experiments. Weak signal detection, as in the case for the search of Dark Matter, relies on the resonant effect, when many frequencies are scanner in search of the signal, but this is very time consuming. The authors present a magnetometry method that combines high sensitivity and a wider parameter space coverage adopting an artificially enlarged resonance width, increasing the scanning efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge diffusion in regional innovation ecosystems is an important factor that influences the regional innovation efficiency. In regional innovation ecosystems under digital empowerment, the knowledge diffusion enables the optimal allocation of innovation resources and promotes the sustainable development and ecological evolution of regional innovation ecosystems. In this paper, a SEIR (Susceptible–Exposed–Infected–Recovered) model is proposed for knowledge diffusion in regional innovation ecosystems under digitization. The basic reproduction number of the proposed model is calculated and its stability is validated. Finally, the expressions for the optimal control system and the optimal control parameters are presented. According to the research conclusions of this paper, the knowledge-diffusion ability of innovation agents in an innovation ecosystem affects the knowledge diffusion in a system; the contact rate between innovation agents affects the efficiency of knowledge diffusion in the system and the structure of the system; the digital transmission ability of innovation agents affects the breadth of knowledge diffusion in the system; and the self-learning ability of innovation agents affects the efficiency of knowledge diffusion in the system.The digital technologies help heterogeneous innovation agents in regional innovation ecosystems to break down the knowledge silos. At the same time, the digital technologies enhance the ability of innovation agents to absorb and learn knowledge in regional innovation ecosystems under digitization, thereby increasing the infection rate of knowledge diffusion in such systems.These conclusions extend the theoretical boundaries of innovation ecosystems and knowledge diffusion and offer management implications for enterprises and governments in decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The treatment of PML/RARA+ acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) with all-trans-retinoic acid and arsenic trioxide (ATRA/ATO) has been recognized as a model for translational medicine research. Though an altered microenvironment is a general cancer hallmark, how APL blasts shape their plasma composition is poorly understood. Here, we reported a cross-sectional correlation network to interpret multilayered datasets on clinical parameters, proteomes, and metabolomes of paired plasma samples from patients with APL before or after ATRA/ATO induction therapy. Our study revealed the two prominent features of the APL plasma, suggesting a possible involvement of APL blasts in modulating plasma composition. One was characterized by altered secretory protein and metabolite profiles correlating with heightened proliferation and energy consumption in APL blasts, and the other featured APL plasma-enriched proteins or enzymes catalyzing plasma-altered metabolites that were potential trans-regulatory targets of PML/RARA. Furthermore, results indicated heightened interferon-gamma signaling characterizing a tumor-suppressing function of the immune system at the first hematological complete remission stage, which likely resulted from therapy-induced cell death or senescence and ensuing supraphysiological levels of intracellular proteins. Overall, our work sheds new light on the pathophysiology and treatment of APL and provides an information-rich reference data cohort for the exploratory and translational study of leukemia microenvironment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) is the most common complication of chimeric antigen receptor redirected T cells (CAR-T) therapy. CAR-T toxicity management has been greatly improved, but CRS remains a prime safety concern. Here we follow serum cytokine levels and circulating immune cell transcriptomes longitudinally in 26 relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma patients receiving the CAR-T product, ciltacabtagene autoleucel, to understand the immunological kinetics of CRS. We find that although T lymphocytes and monocytes/macrophages are the major overall cytokine source in manifest CRS, neutrophil activation peaks earlier, before the onset of severe symptoms. Intracellularly, signaling activation dominated by JAK/STAT pathway occurred prior to cytokine cascade and displayed regular kinetic changes. CRS severity is accurately described and potentially predicted by temporal cytokine secretion signatures. Notably, CAR-T re-expansion is found in three patients, including a fatal case characterized by somatic TET2-mutation, clonal expanded cytotoxic CAR-T, broadened cytokine profiles and irreversible hepatic toxicity. Together, our findings show that a latent phase with distinct immunological changes precedes manifest CRS, providing an optimal window and potential targets for CRS therapeutic intervention and that CAR-T re-expansion warrants close clinical attention and laboratory investigation to mitigate the lethal risk. Chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy has revolutionized the treatment of hematological cancers, however, immune related adverse effects, such as cytokine release syndrome (CRS) may limit therapeutic success. Here authors show that CRS is preceded by a latent stage, characterized by neutrophil activation and distinct cytokine signatures, and that CAR-T re-expansion might associate with severe CRS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: Seventeen PHS-QTLs and candidate genes were obtained, including eleven major loci, three under multiple environments and two with co-localization by the other mapping methods; The functions of three candidate genes were validated using mutants; nine target proteins and five networks were filtered by joint analysis of GWAS and WGCNA. Seed dormancy (SD) and pre-harvest sprouting (PHS) affect yield, as well as grain and hybrid quality in seed production. Therefore, identification of genetic and regulatory pathways underlying PHS and SD is key to gene function analysis, allelic variation mining and genetic improvement. In this study, 78,360 SNPs by SLAF-seq of 230 maize chromosome segment introgression lines (ILs), PHS under five environments were used to conduct GWAS (genome wide association study) (a threshold of 1/n), and seventeen unreported PHS QTLs were obtained, including eleven QTLs with PVE > 10% and three QTLs under multiple environments. Two QTL loci were co-located between the other two genetic mapping methods. Using differential gene expression analyses at two stages of grain development, gene functional analysis of Arabidopsis mutants, and gene functional analysis in the QTL region, seventeen PHS QTL-linked candidate genes were identified, and their five molecular regulatory networks constructed. Based on the Arabidopsis T-DNA mutations, three candidate genes were shown to regulate for SD and PHS. Meanwhile, using RNA-seq of grain development, the weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) was performed, deducing five regulatory pathways and target genes that regulate PHS and SD. Based on the conjoint analysis of GWAS and WGCNA, four pathways, nine target proteins and target genes were revealed, most of which regulate cell wall metabolism, cell proliferation and seed dehydration tolerance. This has important theoretical and practical significance for elucidating the genetic basis of maize PHS and SD, as well as mining of genetic resources and genetic improvement of traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter published in the Annals of Hematology discusses the correlation between anemia and depression. The authors conducted a study analyzing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2005 and 2018. They found that there was no causal relationship between anemia and depression overall. However, when analyzing gender subgroups, they found a strong positive correlation between hemoglobin and depression in males, but not in females. Other studies have also suggested a correlation between hemoglobin and depression. The authors emphasize the importance of considering the psychological status of anemic patients in clinical practice. [Extracted from the article]

Fairy shrimp are the most divergent taxon of large branchiopod crustaceans and have a worldwide distribution. Yet the diversity and distribution of fairy shrimps in the "Roof of the World" remain poorly known. Here, based on morphology, we identified three species of fairy shrimp (Branchinecta orientalis, Chirocephalus graziellae and Branchipodopsis affinis), among 14 fairy-shrimp populations from the Tibetan Plateau, China. Their phylogenetic relationships were verified based on mitochondrial DNA sequences (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene) and two nuclear markers (18S ribosomal RNA gene and internal transcribed spacer 2). Syntopy of different species of fairy shrimp was observed. Some haplotypes were shared among populations, and sequences from B. affinis exhibited a star-like pattern in haplotype networks, suggesting a recent rapid expansion. Finally, a high genetic diversity of fairy shrimp was detected on the Tibetan Plateau. Obtained results contribute to a better knowledge of the diversity of high-altitude fairy shrimps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to explore the potential risk factors of platinum allergy and follow-up treatment to provide a reference for the clinical prevention and treatment of platinum allergic reactions in patients with gynecological tumors.Methods: The study retrospectively analyzed 45 cases of platinum allergic reactions that occurred in Shengjing Hospital affiliated to China Medical University from August 2010 to July 2016. Analysis of risk factors included the cumulative dose, treatment course and time intervals.Results: The cumulative carboplatin dose in allergic patients ranged from 900 to 10250 mg (average 4845 mg). The 45 allergic reactions occurred between the 3rd and 25th course of treatment (average 11.4 courses). The average re-treatment interval of carboplatin-allergic patients was 28.1 months, including 93.3% of patients with platinum re-treatment interval of more than 1 year. The allergic reaction occurred in the 2nd or 3rd course of re-treatment in 26 patients, accounting for 70.3% of all patients with recurrence. Seventeen patients were subjected to desensitization therapy, among which 13 cases were well tolerated.Conclusions: Patients who received more than 8 courses of carboplatin or a cumulative dose of more than 3500 mg were the high-risk population for platinum allergy. The 2nd and 3rd treatment course after restarting carboplatin treatment after an interval time of more than 1 year was the high incident period of carboplatin allergy. Skin tests should be conducted in patients with high risk of carboplatin allergy. In cases of carboplatin allergy, patients could receive carboplatin or oxaliplatin desensitization therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the function and mechanism of lnc NEAT1 in regulating the growth, migration and invasion of endometrial carcinoma (EC) cells.Materials and Methods: NEAT1 and miR-214-3p levels were measured by qRT-PCR. The protein levels of HMGA1, β-catenin, c-myc and MMP9 were evaluated by Western blot. The effects of NEAT1, HMGA1, miR-214-3p on the viability, migration and invasion of HEC-1A cells were accessed by WST-1 assay and transwell migration/invasion assay. The effect of miR-214-3p on Wnt signaling activity was tested by luciferase reporter assay.Results: NEAT1, HMGA1 and β-catenin were significantly upregulated in EC tissues, and miR-214-3p was significantly downregulated. NEAT1 promoted the growth, migration and invasion of HEC-1A cells, and mRNA level of Wnt/β-catenin downstream genes c-myc and MMP9. In addition, HMGA1 upregualted the protein and mRNA levels of Wnt/β-catenin downstream genes c-myc and MMP9, and could improve cell viability, and increase numbers of migration and invasion of HEC-1A cells. miR-214-3p overexpression inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of HEC-1A cells, while NEAT1 overexpression reversed these effects. miR-214-3p overexpression inhibited the activity of Wnt/β-catenin pathway, while NEAT1 overexpression reversed this effect. Then, si-HMGA1 reduced the activity of Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Moreover, we found NEAT1 and HMGA1 bound to miR-214-3p by luciferase reporter assay, and NEAT1 and HMGA1 expression were negatively correlated with miR-214-3p.Conclusion: NEAT1 regulates HMGA1 via miR-214-3p to regulate Wnt/β-catenin pathway, thus promotes the growth, migration and invasion of HEC-1A cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposes a factorial inexact stochastic fuzzy chance constraint programming framework for dealing with uncertainties in municipal solid waste management under consideration of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission trading. It can reflect uncertainties expressed as fuzzy, interval, and random variables and generate desired management strategies for minimizing the integrated cost for solid waste disposal and purchasing GHG emission credit. Moreover, multilevel factorial analysis is conducted to reveal the main and interactive effects of uncertain parameters. The results show that effective waste allocation schemes can be obtained to meet the waste disposal demands and GHG emission requirements under different α-cut levels. The changes in the fuzzy confidence level have impacts on the waste allocation schemes, especially for the waste flow to the incinerator. The disposal cost differs across the three levels of 0.3, 0.5, and 0.7 for incinerator capacity constraint when the fuzzy confidence level of composting capacity constraint is equal to 0.5, implying the existence of the interaction between uncertainties in the incinerator and composting facility. Comparison between the waste management practices with and without considering GHG emission requirements indicates that the purchase of GHG emission credits would contribute about 10 % to the total cost, which would not be influenced significantly by the α-cut level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Koumine is an alkaloid separated from traditional Chinese herb Gelsemium elegans. In this study, anticancer activity and underlying mechanisms were investigated with an extract using human breast cancer cells. The survival rate was reduced in a concentration- and time-dependent manner as assessed by MTT assay. After incubation for 48 h, typical apoptotic morphological changes were observed by Hoechst 33258 dye assay. Flow cytometry result revealed that the treatment obviously induced G/M arrest and apoptosis in MCF-7 cells. Furthermore, Western blotting demonstrated the down-regulation of protein expression of Bcl-2, whereas Bax and caspase-3 expressions were up-regulated. Therefore, we propose that koumine has the potential to be a future breast cancer chemotherapeutic agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We recently demonstrated that co-administration of mouse zona pellucida 3 (mZP3) DNA and protein vaccine enhanced the contraception of mice by increasing humoral immune responses. In this study, we try to use granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) to further improve the humoral immune responses induced by mZP3 DNA and protein co-administration. BALB/c mice were intranasally pre-injected with GM-CSF 4 days before co-administration. Compared to DNA and protein coadministration without GM-CSF, the combination of GM-CSF and coadministration significantly enhances humoral immune responses, especially the level of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) in vaginal washes. The enhanced antibody responses are correlated with the upregulated level of interleukin 4 (IL-4) and enhanced maturation of dendritic cells (DCs). Thus, GM-CSF is a potential candidate adjuvant to be used for the development of a safe and effective contraceptive vaccine. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this study, visualizations and experiments are carried out on the influence of static and rotating magnetic fields on the characteristics of HCFC-141b gas hydrate formation, such as crystallization form, formation temperature and induction time. It has been found that a proper rotating magnetic field can considerably improve the low-pressure gas hydrate formation process, especially in increasing the formation temperature and shortening the induction time. The morphology of the gas hydrate formation appears rather complex and compact. However, a proper static magnetic field can make the gas hydrate crystal more organized, which will be benefit to heat transfer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Quantifying CO2 emissions from cities is of great importance because cities contribute more than 70% of the global total CO2 emissions. As the largest urbanized megalopolis region in northern China, the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (Jing-Jin-Ji, JJJ) region (population: 112.7 million) is under considerable pressure to reduce carbon emissions. Despite the several emission inventories covering the JJJ region, a comprehensive evaluation of the CO2 emissions at the prefectural city scale in JJJ is still limited, and this information is crucial to implementing mitigation strategies. Results: Here, we collected and analyzed 8 published emission inventories to assess the emissions and uncertainty at the JJJ city level. The results showed that a large discrepancy existed in the JJJ emissions among downscaled country-level emission inventories, with total emissions ranging from 657 to 1132 Mt CO2 (or 849 ± 214 for mean ± standard deviation (SD)) in 2012, while emission estimates based on provincial-level data estimated emissions to be 1038 and 1056 Mt. Compared to the mean emissions of city-data-based inventories (989 Mt), provincial-data-based inventories were 6% higher, and national-data-based inventories were 14% lower. Emissions from national-data-based inventories were 53–75% lower in the high-emitting industrial cities of Tangshan and Handan, while they were 47–160% higher in Beijing and Tianjin than those from city-data-based inventories. Spatially, the emissions pattern was consistent with the distribution of urban areas, and urban emissions in Beijing contributed 50–70% of the total emissions. Higher emissions from Beijing and Tianjin resulted in lower estimates of prefectural cities in Hebei for some national inventories. Conclusions: National-level data-based emission inventories produce large differences in JJJ prefectural city-level emission estimates. The city-level statistics data-based inventories produced more consistent estimates. The consistent spatial distribution patterns recognized by these inventories (such as high emissions in southern Beijing, central Tianjin and Tangshan) potentially indicate areas with robust emission estimates. This result could be useful in the efficient deployment of monitoring instruments, and if proven by such measurements, it will increase our confidence in inventories and provide support for policy makers trying to reduce emissions in key regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amyloid β (Aβ) oligomer-induced aberrant neurotransmitter release is proposed to be a crucial early event leading to synapse dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease (AD). In the present study, we report that the release probability (Pr) at the synapse between the Schaffer collateral (SC) and CA1 pyramidal neurons is significantly reduced at an early stage in mouse models of AD with elevated Aβ production. High nanomolar synthetic oligomeric Aβ42 also suppresses Pr at the SC-CA1 synapse in wild-type mice. This Aβ-induced suppression of Pr is mainly due to an mGluR5-mediated depletion of phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) in axons. Selectively inhibiting Aβ-induced PIP2 hydrolysis in the CA3 region of the hippocampus strongly prevents oligomeric Aβ-induced suppression of Pr at the SC-CA1 synapse and rescues synaptic and spatial learning and memory deficits in APP/PS1 mice. These results first reveal the presynaptic mGluR5-PIP2 pathway whereby oligomeric Aβ induces early synaptic deficits in AD. The underlying mechanism of amyloid β (Aβ) oligomer-induced aberrant neurotransmitter release remains unclear. Here, authors show that the release probability at the synapse between the Schaffer collateral and CA1 pyramidal neurons is significantly reduced at an early stage in mouse models of AD with elevated Aβ production and is mainly due to an mGluR5-mediated depletion of PIP2 in axons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]