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Background: Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) contractility is critical for blood pressure regulation and vascular homeostasis. Identifying the key molecule that maintains VSMC contractility may provide a novel therapeutic target for vascular remodeling. ALK3 (activin receptor-like kinase 3) is a serine/threonine kinase receptor, and deletion of ALK3 causes embryonic lethality. However, little is known about the role of ALK3 in postnatal arterial function and homeostasis. Methods: We conducted in vivo studies in a tamoxifen-induced postnatal VSMC-specific ALK3 deletion mice suitable for analysis of blood pressure and vascular contractility. Additionally, the role of ALK3 on VSMC was determined using Western blot, collagen-based contraction assay and traction force microscopy. Furthermore, interactome analysis were performed to identify the ALK3-associated proteins and bioluminescence resonance energy transfer assay was used to characterize Gαq activation. Results: ALK3 deficiency in VSMC led to spontaneous hypotension and impaired response to angiotensin II in mice. In vivo and in vitro data revealed that ALK3 deficiency impaired contraction force generation by VSMCs, repressed the expression of contractile proteins, and inhibited the phosphorylation of myosin light chain. Mechanistically, Smad1/5/8 signaling mediated the ALK3-modulated contractile protein expressions but not myosin light chain phosphorylation. Furthermore, interactome analysis revealed that ALK3 directly interacted with and activated Gαq (guanine nucleotide-binding protein subunit αq)/Gα11 (guanine nucleotide-binding protein subunit α11), thereby stimulating myosin light chain phosphorylation and VSMC contraction. Conclusions: Our study revealed that in addition to canonical Smad1/5/8 signaling, ALK3 modulates VSMC contractility through direct interaction with Gαq/Gα11, and therefore, might serve as a potential target for modulating aortic wall homeostasis.

Gene mutation has been a concern for researchers because it results in genetic variations with base changes in molecular structure. Researchers continue to explore methods to detect gene mutations, which may help in disease diagnosis, medication guidance, and so on. Currently, the detection methods, such as whole-genome sequencing and polymerase chain reaction, have some limitations in terms of cost and sensitivity. Ligase (an enzyme) can recognize base mismatch as a commonly used tool in genetic engineering. Therefore, the ligase-related nucleic acid amplification technology for detecting gene mutations has become a research hotspot. In this study, the main techniques explored for detecting gene mutations included the ligase detection reaction, ligase chain reaction, rolling circle amplification reaction, enzyme-assisted polymerase chain reaction, and loop-mediated isothermal amplification reaction. This review aimed to analyze the aforementioned techniques and mainly present their advantages and disadvantages, sensitivity, specificity, cost, detection time, applications, and so on. The findings may help develop sufficient grounds for further studies on detecting gene mutations.

Background General anesthesia with intubation is widely used for surgery. The factors responsible for pharyngeal discomfort after intubation need to be identified. This meta-analysis aimed to clarify the relationship between intraoperative use of muscle relaxants and postoperative pharyngeal discomfort in patients, which is important for postoperative perioperative care. Methods Publications in English were manually searched. After evaluating the quality of selected studies, a meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager 5.4 software and Endnote. Three reviewers independently selected the data from the selected studies. Results In the included literatures, muscle relaxants were used in the experimental group and normal saline was used in the control group. Ten randomized controlled trials (with a total of 1358 patients) were included in this meta-analysis. The risk of pharyngalgia and cough was lower in patients receiving muscle relaxants than in controls (RR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.53 to 0.86, P = 0.002; RR = 0.053, 95% CI: 0.007 to 0.381, P = 0.004). Risk of sore throat, and hoarseness were not significantly different between those receiving muscle relaxants and controls (RR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.68 to 1.23, P = 0.65; RR = 1.01, 95% CI: 0.81 to 1.27, P = 0.92). The preoperative first pass success was significantly higher in patients receiving muscle relaxants than in control patients (RR = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.14 to 0.98, P = 0.05). Conclusion The use of muscle relaxants during intubation anesthesia effectively reduced the development of upper respiratory complications, which also ruled out a negative effect of muscle relaxants in some patients with postoperative upper respiratory complications; however, the incidence of postoperative sore throat and hoarseness was quite high. However, the incidence of postoperative sore throat and hoarseness is quite high and requires continued exploration

Description of additional methods and procedures used in the study. Also includes Supplementary References.

Legends for Supplementary Figure S1-S7, and description of additional methods used in our study. Also includs Supplementary References.

LSD1 regulates liver CSCs tumour growth.

SIRT1 is an important histone deacetylase for regulates LSD1 expression and stability.

High MEF2D expression correlates with cancer cells mesenchymal and invasive features.

MEF2D expression in colorectal carcinoma, paired adjacent tissue and normal (S1); Associations of MEF2D expression with clinicopathological features in CRC (S2); Primers used in this study (S3); Antibodies used in this study (S4).

MEF2D transcriptionally regulates ZEB1.

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an essential mechanism of metastasis, including in colorectal cancer. Although EMT processes are often triggered in cancer cells by their surrounding microenvironment, how EMT-relevant genes control these processes is not well understood. In multiple types of cancers, the transcription factor MEF2D has been implicated in cell proliferation, but its contributions to metastasis have not been addressed. Here, we show MEF2D is overexpressed in clinical colorectal cancer tissues where its high expression correlates with metastatic process. Functional investigations showed that MEF2D promoted cancer cell invasion and EMT and that it was essential for certain microenvironment signals to induce EMT and metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, MEF2D directly regulated transcription of the EMT driver gene ZEB1 and facilitated histone acetylation at the ZEB1 promoter. More importantly, MEF2D responded to various tumor microenvironment signals and acted as a central integrator transducing multiple signals to activate ZEB1 transcription. Overall, our results define a critical function for MEF2D in upregulating EMT and the metastatic capacity of colorectal cancer cells. Further, they offer new insights into how microenvironment signals activate EMT-relevant genes and deepen the pathophysiologic significance of MEF2D, with potential implications for the prevention and treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. Cancer Res; 76(17); 5054–67. ©2016 AACR.

Legends for Supplementary Figures S1-S4.

MEF2D is involved in various microenvironmental factors induced EMT processes.

Notch signaling transcription regulates SIRT1 to modulate LSD1 expression.

Phenotype of isolated primary HCC associated fibroblasts.

Notch3 play an important role in LSD1 expression and protein stability.

MEF2D is essential for tumorigenesis in vivo.

Lysine acetylation modification in LSD1 protein.

Cancer stem-like cells (CSC) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are thought to mediate therapeutic resistance and poor survival outcomes, but their intrinsic and extrinsic control is not well understood. In this study, we found that the chromatin modification factor LSD1 is highly expressed in HCC CSC where it decreases during differentiation. LSD1 was responsible for maintaining CSC self-renewal and tumorigenicity in HCC, and its overexpression was sufficient to drive self-renewal of non-CSC. Levels of acetylated LSD1 were low in CSC with high LSD1 activity, and these CSC were capable of self-renewal. Notch signaling activated LSD1 through induction of the sirtuin SIRT1, leading to deacetylation and activation of LSD1 and CSC self-renewal. Notably, we found that LSD1 expression was increased in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) as an upstream driver of Notch3-mediated CSC self-renewal. In clinical specimens of HCC, the presence of CAF, LSD1, and Notch3 strongly associated with poor patient survival. Overall, our results reveal that CAF-induced expression of Notch3 is responsible for LSD1 activation in CSC, driving their self-renewal in HCC.Significance: These seminal findings illuminate a complex pathway in the tissue microenvironment of liver cancer, which is responsible for orchestrating the self-renewal of stem-like cancer cells, with potential implications to improve therapy and limit relapses. Cancer Res; 78(4); 938–49. ©2017 AACR.

PDF file - 150K, Supplementary Figures S3: The enriched biological processes or molecular pathways presented by genes significantly affected by MEF2D downregulation in Huh7 cells.

PDF file - 229K, Supplementary Table S1. Correlation of clinical features of the HCC patients and MEF2D expression analyzed by immunohistochemistry Supplementary Table S2. Correlation of pathological features of the HCC patients and MEF2Dexpression analyzed by immunohistochemistry Supplementary Table S3. Information of predicted MEF2 binding sites in the promoters of RPRM, CDKN1A, GADD45Aand GADD45B Supplementary Table S4. Lentiviruses and adenoviruses used in this study Supplementary Table S5. Sequences of primers used for qRT-PCR

PDF file - 195K, Supplementary Figures S1: Expression of MEF2D and miR-122 in HCC cell lines and patient-derived primary HCC cultures of tumor cells.

PDF file - 156K, Supplementary Figures S2: Expression and function of MEF2D in HCC cells.

PDF file - 102K, Supplementary Figures S4: A series of constructs containing that luciferase expression was driven by promoters of RPRM, CDKN1A,GADD45A andGADD45B.

PDF file - 637K, Supplementary Figures S5: The representative flow plots for cell cycle analysis.

Primary autosomal recessive microcephaly 5 (MCPH5) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder with a relatively high incidence in regions where consanguineous marriage is widely practiced; So far, only a few MCPH5 cases have been reported from China. Here, we report clinical and molecular characteristics of two Chinese MCPH5 patients, a 24-year-old woman proband and her brother, a 19-year-old man, from a nonconsanguineous family. Main manifestations in the proband were small head circumference, premature closure of fontanelles, impaired concentration and moderate intellectual disability. The proband's brother had similar symptoms, but he was hyperactive and had a more severe sloping forehead. Brain imaging revealed global reduction in brain size, especially in the frontal lobes bilaterally and anterior horns of lateral ventricles. Sequencing results revealed that both patients carried a novel nonsense variant p.Tyr2004* (c.6012_6013delTA) and a novel frameshift variant p.Arg2005Serfs*48 (c.6015_6016delGG) in the ASPM gene. These variants were interpreted to be pathogenic in the in-silico analysis. Our findings help to expand the mutation spectrum of ASPM and provide new opportunities for assisting the traditional clinical diagnosis on the cases with atypical characteristics.

Background: Octreotide has become a common choice for the treatment or prevention of carcinoid syndrome in route practice. However, its role in perioperative prevention and treatment of carcinoid crisis is controversial. Case Summary: We reported detailed perioperative management for a carcinoid crisis in a 28-year-old male patient diagnosed with duodenal carcinoid including anesthetic considerations and suggestions for applying octreotide. Approximately 30min after the induction of anesthesia, and immediately after manipulation of the duodenum, a carcinoid crisis was triggered. Soon after symptomatic treatment of this crisis, the vital signs and flushing gradually returned to normal. The surgical procedure lasted nearly 6 hours. As the patient did not have any clinical manifestations related to carcinoid syndrome, no octreotide was administered during this period. After the surgery, he was transferred to the intensive care unit. His postoperative course was uneventful with discharge 21 days after the initial procedure. Conclusion: Duodenal carcinoid crisis is rarely treated without octreotide. The patient had a good outcome after carefully preoperative preparation and timely symptomatic treatment. We hope to provide case support for standard perioperative management of carcinoid crisis in the future by summarizing the successful experience of this case.

Purpose This study aimed to investigate whether sitagliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor, improved endothelial function by modulating lncRNAs in obese mice and clarify the underlying molecular mechanism. Methods Male C57BL/6J mice were fed with high-fat diet for four months to induce obesity and some obese mice were treated with sitagliptin for the last one month. Levels of total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in plasma were detected by ELISA. LncRNA expression profile was analyzed via microarray. Aortic relaxations were examined by myograph. Protein expressions and phosphorylations were determined by Western blot. The differentially expressed lncRNAs were validated by qRT-PCR. Results Levels of TC and LDL were increased, concentrations of HDL and GLP-1 were decreased, and aortic endothelium-dependent relaxations were impaired in obese mice; sitagliptin reversed all above effects. Moreover, the altered expression profile of lncRNAs in the obese mouse aortae could be modulated by sitagliptin. qRT-PCR showed that lncRNA ENSMUST00000213271 was up-regulated in obese mouse aortae and endothelial cells but could be down-regulated by sitagliptin, which was consistent with microarray analysis. Importantly, we first revealed the regulatory effect of Creb5 on lncRNA ENSMUST00000213271. Furthermore, knockdown of either Creb5 or lncRNA ENSMUST00000213271 restored the activation of AMPK/eNOS in obese mouse aortic endothelial cells. Conclusion: Our results elucidate that sitagliptin ameliorated endothelial dysfunction by suppressing Creb5/lncRNA ENSMUST00000213271 and subsequently restoring AMPK/eNOS activation in obese mice. This study will provide the new evidence for the benefits of GLP-1 against vasculopathy in obesity.

Aiming at the aggregation problem of online multi-attribute interactive ratings, a decision-making method based on Pythagorean Fuzzy Bonferroni mean with weighted interaction (PFWIBM) operator is developed by mining the advantages of ratings driven decision-making and the quantitative advantages of Pythagorean fuzzy sets on linguistic ratings. First, the shortcomings of existing operators in criterion interactive representation are analyzed, and the improved Bonferroni mean with weighted interaction and its dual operator are defined, which are used to aggregate the membership information and non-membership information under the Pythagorean fuzzy environment, respectively, and then the PFWIBM operator is constructed. Second, a generation method of interaction coefficients embedded in the PFWIBM operator is designed by combining expert knowledge and user ratings to overcome the limitations of the method of relying on subjective setting parameter values. Third, based on the proposed operator and the transformation relationship between Pythagorean fuzzy sets and linguistic ratings, an online multi-dimensional rating aggregation decision-making approach for solving product raking problems is developed. Finally, the proposed method is applied to a passenger car ranking example to show the feasibility of the method, and through some comparative analysis, the advantages of the proposed operator are clarified, and the influence of operator parameters on the decision-making results is analyzed.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been implicated in multiple cellular processes, and an imbalance in redox homeostasis gives rise to diseases, therefore, reestablishing redox homeostasis is a way to cure. Here, copper-based metal-organic networks (Cu-MON) are generated by one-step reaction using anti-inflammatory and antioxidant baicalein as organic ligand and pro-angiogenic copper as metal ions. Phosphate buffered saline is required for triggering Cu-MON formation, and baicalein regulates the morphology and particle size of Cu-MON. Cu-MON are composed of Cu-baicalein complexes (82.08 wt%) and Cu

Background Cervical cancer is a major cause of cancer death in women worldwide. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection especially genotypes 16 and 18 is the main factor induces cervical lesions. Targeting HPV viral oncoproteins E6 and E7 is a new strategy for cervical cancer immunotherapy and has been associated with resolution of HPV-induced lesions. How to efficiently induce T cell target killing of HPV infected cervical cancer is of great potential benefit for cervical cancer treatment. Methods Fusion protein containing the extra domain A (EDA) from fibronectin, a natural ligand for TLR4, and HPVE7 (EDA-E7) has been shown to efficiently induce dendritic cells maturation and trigger specific antitumor CD8 + T cells response in mouse. In this study, we constructed EDA-E7 fusion protein of human origin and tested its function in dendritic cell maturation as well as specific antitumor T cell response. Results We found that EDA-E7 could be efficiently captured by human PBMC derived dendritic cells (DCs) in vitro and induce DCs maturation. Importantly, this effect can work in synergy with the TLR ligand anti-CD40 agonist, polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid [poly (I:C)], R848 and CpG2216. EDA-E7 matured DCs could activate T cells and trigger anti-tumor response in vitro. Single RNA sequencing and T cell target killing assay confirmed the activation of T cells by EDA-E7 matured DCs. Conclusions Therapeutic vaccination with EDA-E7 fusion protein is effective for human cervical carcinoma treatment.

Carbonic anhydrase II deficiency syndrome is an autosomal recessive osteopetrosis with renal tubular acidosis and cerebral calcifications. We tried to detect the causative mutation for carbonic anhydrase II deficiency syndrome in a five-generation Chinese family. Genomic DNA was extracted from whole blood of the proband, his grandmother, parents, aunt, uncle and sister. The exomes were sequenced by whole exon sequencing followed by genetic analysis and Sanger sequencing validation. Then, physical and chemical properties studies and structure analysis were performed on mutated protein. Finally, Minigene model of vector plasmids for wild type and mutant type was constructed and transfected into human embryonic kidney 293T cells to further explore the expression change of CA2 transcript and protein after mutation. Sequencing and genetic analysis have revealed the homozygous nonsense mutation of CA2 gene (c.368G > A, p.W123X) in the exon 4 of chromosome 8 of the proband, while it was not found in his grandmother, parents, aunt, uncle and sister. Furthermore, Sanger sequencing in the proband and his parents validated the mutation. Properties and structure of mutated CA2 proteins changed after mutation, especially in change of protein modification and hindrance of zinc ions binding, which may lead to decreased protein expression level of CA2. We found a new homozygous nonsense mutation in CA2 gene (c.368G > A, p.W123X), which may be valuable in the early diagnosis and therapy of carbonic anhydrase II deficiency syndrome.

High-temperature barrier coatings protect metals and alloys from oxidization, delay property degradation and increase their service lifetime. Here we demonstrate a vermiculite clay-based oxidation-resistant coating on metal, using copper as an example. Dispersions of few-layer vermiculite sheets with lateral dimension in the range of microns to tens of microns are obtained in a two-step mechanical–chemical exfoliation approach, using vermiculite mineral as the starting material. The dispersion of these high aspect ratio two-dimensional sheets can be directly spray-coated on Cu foils to form a continuous and transparent thermal barrier film without the need for any binder materials. After heating in air at 400 °C for 24 h, vermiculite protected Cu foils did not show any significant sign of oxidation or degradation in mechanical and electrical properties, while uncoated Cu foils were completely destroyed.

Current interdisciplinary medical training calls for reforms and innovations in the assessment of pathophysiology education. Formative assessment is used to monitor student learning to provide ongoing feedback that can improve both learning and teaching. Beginning in 2016, we implemented a formative assessment composed of case-based multiple-choice questions (MCQs) for all students in all majors. In 2017, case study questions began to be employed in the formative assessment, and student-set, case-based questions were further introduced. Aiming to gather the students’ suggestions and feedback on the mixed-method assessment, we conducted a survey on aspects such as the effectiveness of the assessment, assessment content and completion, opinions on student-set questions, and the impact on pathophysiology learning for students from 2017 to 2019. In addition, we compared students’ semesterly final scores with those of previous students and evaluated the relationship between formative and summative assessment scores. The results for 1,277 students clearly showed that the reformed formative assessment system was well received by the students. The students thought that the formative assessment not only allowed for the provision of real-time feedback on the effectiveness of teaching and learning but also nurtured self-motivation, the development of analytical and problem-solving skills, and collaborative efforts. Both the semesterly final scores and the proportions of students scoring in higher score ranges increased after the implementation of the formative assessment, and the summative assessment scores were positively related to the formative assessment scores. Consequently, the reformed formative assessment system significantly improved the quality of pathophysiology education.

More than 80% of maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) in Chinese is genetically unexplained. To investigate whether the insulin gene (INS) mutation is responsible for some Chinese MODY, we screened INS mutations causing MODY10 in MODY pedigrees and explored the potential pathogenic mechanisms. INS mutations were screened in 56 MODY familial probands. Structure-function characterization and clinical profiling of identified INS mutations were conducted. An INS mutation, at the position 2 alanine-to-threonine substitution (A2T), was identified and co-segregated with hyperglycemia in a MODY pedigree. The A2T mutation converted an α-helix into a β-sheet at the N-terminal of the signal peptide (SP) of preproinsulin. The A2T mutation did not affect preproinsulin translocation across endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane, but impaired its SP cleavage within the ER. In INS-1 cells transfected with an A2T mutant, glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) was significantly decreased, while BiP luciferase activities were significantly increased compared to that of wild type (WT). We identified an INS-A2T mutation cosegregating with diabetes in a Chinese MODY pedigree. This mutation severely impaired SP cleavage and thus blocked the formation of proinsulin, resulting in enhanced ER stress, which may be responsible for decreased insulin secretion and subsequently, the onset of MODY10.

Background: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is important for advanced laryngeal and hypopharyngeal carcinoma (LHC).Aims/objectives: To determine the efficacy and toxicity of the combination of docetaxel, ...

Puerarin (Pue) and tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) are often used in combination in the treatment of cerebrovascular diseases.To investigate the neuroprotective effect and synergic mechanism of Pue-Tan IIA on the treatment of ischaemic stroke (IS).IS was induced in rats by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Rats were intraperitoneally injected with Pue (36 mg/kg), Tan IIA (7.2 mg/kg), or Pue-Tan IIA (36 and 7.2 mg/kg) for five times [30 min before ischaemia, immediately after reperfusion (0 h), 24, 48, and 72 h after reperfusion]. After administration, neurological function assessment and histological changes in the brain were performed. S-100β and NSE levels were measured to determine the severity of brain injury. Oxidative stress parameters and inflammatory mediators were measured. The proteins involved in Nrf2/ARE signalling pathway were determined by qRT-PCR and western blot.After administration, the neurological function scores, infarct volume, S-100β, and NSE levels were significantly reduced in MCAO rats, especially with Pue-Tan IIA treatment (The combination of Pue and Tan IIA could alleviate ischaemic brain injury by activating Nrf2/ARE signalling pathway, providing an experimental basis for clinical applications.

BACKGROUND Allergic conjunctivitis, one of the frequently occurring ocular surface diseases, can cause mucus discharge, itchy sensation, conjunctival hyperemia, and papillary formation. Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC) is associated with xerophthalmia and instability of tear film. Meibomian gland (MG) can secrete lipids to avoid xerophthalmia. However, there have been few reports on MG morphological alterations of SAC patients. This study aimed to examine the morphological alterations of MG among SAC patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS Our study included 89 eyes from 89 patients with SAC and 112 eyes of healthy volunteers. The symptoms were assessed by ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire. Then, the tests shown below were carried out, including tear evaporation rate from the ocular surface (TEROS), slit-lamp examination, break-up time (BUT) of tear film, Schirmer test I, vital staining, meibography, and meibum expression grading. MG was examined with laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM). RESULTS Relative to the control group, the OSDI was significantly higher in the SAC group. TEROS values, BUT, vital staining, MG expression, MG distortion rates, and MG dropout grades were significantly worse in the SAC group compared with the control group. As suggested by LSCM, SAC patients had markedly worse averages of parameters compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS The patients with SAC have more significant morphological and cytological changes in the MG. The Keratograph 5M system and LSCM are effective methods for evaluating MG status and ocular surface diseases.

This work was aimed to investigate the action mechanism of berberine (BBR) on gluconeogenesis. The effects of BBR were examined in rat primary hepatocytes and confirmed in vivo in spontaneous diabetic rats. Protein levels were assessed by Western blot. Immunofluorescence staining was utilized for visualizing protein expression, while qRT-PCR helped for the determination of gene expression at the mRNA level. Besides, cGMP concentration was measured using ELISA, whereas NO level was assessed by spectrophotometry. BBR inhibited gluconeogenesis by downregulating G6Pase and PEPCK via inhibition of CREB phosphorylation. Moreover, BBR enhanced NO and cGMP concentrations, leading to the activation of the NO/cGMP/PKG signaling via activating AKT1/MAPK axis. The in vivo experiments were consistent with the findings obtained in vitro. Hence, BBR represents a drug candidate for diabetic patients and its mechanism of action may be driven via the AKT/MAPK/NO/cGMP/PKG pathway.

In recent years, the adoption of Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems (HRESs) is rapidly increasing globally due to their economic and environmental benefits. In order to ensure the smooth implementation of HRESs, it is important to systematically capture societal preferences. However, few studies focus on the effective integration of public opinion into energy planning decisions. In this study, a decision-making approach for public participation in HRES planning is proposed to optimize the configuration of off-grid HRESs. First, an HRES evaluation index system considering public participation was constructed; to address the situation where the public from different backgrounds may have limited and inconsistent understanding of indicators, the basic uncertain linguistic information (BULI) is introduced to express evaluations and associated reliability levels. The indicator weights were then determined through the evaluation of both the public and the expert opinions. Second, the BULI-EDAS decision approach was developed by extending the EDAS method to the BULI environment to optimize HRES planning. Finally, the proposed model was applied to identify the optimal configuration in rural China. The comparative analysis results show that the proposed method can avoid misunderstandings and facilitate realistic public judgments. The selected optimal plan has a standardized energy price of 0.126 USD/kWh and generates 45,305 kg CO2/year, resulting in the best overall performance. The proposed HRES planning method provides a practical approach for decision makers to conduct HRES planning in a public participation environment to promote clean energy transitions.

Photovoltaic (PV) power generation is the most widely adopted renewable energy source. However, its inherent unpredictability poses considerable challenges to the management of power grids. To address the arduous and time-consuming training process of PV prediction models, which has been a major focus of prior research, an improved approach for PV prediction based on neighboring days is proposed in this study. This approach is specifically designed to handle the preprocessing of training datasets by leveraging the results of a similarity analysis of PV power generation. Experimental results demonstrate that this method can significantly reduce the training time of models without sacrificing prediction accuracy, and can be effectively applied in both ensemble and deep learning approaches.

Bulk amorphous alloys, as a material with broad application prospects, are highly expected in many cutting-edge applications. However, its plastic deformation relies on highly localized shear bands, resulting in brittle fracture characteristics of materials with low plastic strain as a whole. Therefore, strengthening and toughening of amorphous alloys is one of the key topics in the research of amorphous applications. In this paper, the effects of different isothermal annealing temperature on the microstructure and uniaxial compression properties of Cu45Zr45Ag7Al3 amorphous alloy were studied by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results show that Cu10Zr7, AlCu2Zr, Cu8Zr3 and Al2Zr phases precipitated successively from the amorphous alloy matrix with the increase of annealing temperature, and the fracture strength and plastic strain increased first and then decreased; At an isothermal annealing temperature of 741 K, the precipitated nanocrystalline Cu10Zr7 phase can improve the fracture strength of the alloy; when the annealing temperature rises to 746 K, the strength of the alloy decreases slightly, but the plasticity increases; with the continuous increase of annealing temperature, the plasticity of the alloy decreases and the strength continues to increase; As the annealing temperature continues to increase, the fracture strength of the alloy decreases, exhibiting significant brittle fracture characteristics.