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Soft clay in the offshore area of the Yangtze River estuary has been investigated considering its basic physical properties. Forty-five unconfined compressive strength tests were conducted on the remolded marine soft clay to investigate the impacts of curing time T, water content w, plasticity index IP, and clay particle content ρc on the thixotropic static shear strength ratio As of the marine soft clay from the Yangtze River estuary. Results show that the stress–strain curves were primarily strain hardening and strain softening curve types. Unconfined compressive strength qu increased with an increase in T. All specimens with different basic physical properties were capable of thixotropic strength recovery. When T = 0–28 days, As increased rapidly, while for T > 28 days, As of most specimens increased slightly or tended to stabilize. The impacts of w, IP and ρc on As do not follow a consistent pattern, but there is a strong correlation between As and w/wL (wL is the liquid-limit water content). For w/wL < 0.75, As increased with increasing w/wL, whereas for w/wL ≥0.75, As decreased with increasing w/wL. We proposed a simple and widely applicable power function prediction model for the As of the soft clay from the Yangtze River estuary.

IntroductionThe Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) is a giant herbivore classified as an endangered wildlife species by the International Union for Conservation of Threatened Species.This study aims to investigate and compare the core gut microbiota of captive Asian elephants from three different locations in Yunnan Province, China, to explore the impact of environmental and husbandry factors on microbial diversity.MethodsWe collected fecal samples from 29 captive Asian elephants from three locations and performed full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Microbial diversity was assessed using alpha diversity (Chao1 and Shannon indexes) and beta diversity (Bray-Curtis and Euclidean distance metrics). Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) was used to visualize microbial variation among groups.ResultsAlpha diversity analysis showed that the microbial diversity in the Yexianggu group was higher than that in the other groups. Bray-Curtis and Euclidean metrics revealed significant differences among the microbial communities. Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes, which are key cellulose-degrading bacteria, were the dominant phyla in all groups. Synergistaceae was the most abundant family in the Menghai group, while Lachnospiraceae and Pirellulaceae were more abundant in the Yexianggu and Yuantongshan groups, respectively. Genus p-1008-a5-gut-group was more abundant in Yexianggu, and Prevotella was predominant in Menghai.DiscussionThese results indicate that habitat and husbandry practices significantly influence the gut microbiota of captive Asian elephants. The identification of bacterial species such as Lactobacillus fermentum, Clostridium neonatale, Enterococcus mundtii, Klebsiella huaxiensis, Corynebacterium nasicanis, and Streptococcus equinus highlights the potential role of specific microbes in maintaining host-microbial interactions. Promoting microbial diversity through improved captive conditions could enhance the health of these endangered animals.

Abstract Background Astroviruses (AstVs) are single-stranded RNA viruses that have been detected in a wide range of mammals and birds. They are associated with numerous interspecies transmissions and viral recombination events, posing a threat to human and animal health. Methods We collected 1,333 samples from wild animals, including bats, rodents, wild boars, and birds, from various states and cities in the Yunnan Province, China, between 2020 and 2023 to investigate the presence of AstVs. AstVs were detected using a polymerase chain reaction targeting the RdRp gene. Finally, the Molecular Evolutionary Genetics Analysis software was used to construct the phylogenetic tree. Results The overall positivity rate for AstVs was 7.12% in four species, indicating their widespread occurrence in the region. High genetic diversity among AstVs was observed in different animal species, suggesting the potential for interspecies transmission, particularly among rodents and birds. Additionally, we identified a novel AstV strain and, for the first time, provided information on the presence of bastroviruses in Yunnan, China. Conclusions The widespread distribution and high genetic diversity of AstVs, along with the observed potential for interspecies transmission, highlight the importance of further investigation and surveillance in the region. The findings emphasize the need for increased attention to AstVs and their potential impact on human and animal health in Yunnan and other regions.

Sand porosity is an important compactness parameter that influences the mechanical properties of sand. In order to evaluate the temporal variation in sand porosity, a new method of sand porosity evaluation based on the statistics of target sand particles (which refers to particles within a specific particle size range) is presented. The relationship between sand porosity and the number of target sand particles at the soil surface considering observation depth is derived theoretically, and it is concluded that there is an inverse relationship between the two. Digital image processing and the k-means clustering method were used to distinguish particles in digital images where particles may mask each other, and a criterion for determining the number of particles was proposed, that is, the criterion of min(Dao). The execution process was implemented by self-written codes using Python (2021.3). An experiment on a simple case of Go pieces and sand samples of different porosities was conducted. The results show that the sum of the squared error (SSE) in the k-means method can converge with a small number of iterations. Furthermore, there is a minimum value between the parameter Dao and the set value of a single-particle pixel, and the pixel corresponding to this value is a reasonable value of a single-particle pixel, that is, the min(Dao) criterion is proposed. The k-means method combined with the min(Dao) criterion can analyze the number of particles in different particle size ranges with occlusion between particles. The test results of sand samples with different densities show that the method is reasonable.

This study conducted experimental investigations into the effects of electrode material and potential gradient on the effectiveness of electro-osmotic consolidation (EO) in strengthening soft soils. Seven laboratory tests were conducted on high-water-content marine clayey soils through EO. In these experimental tests, four different types of electrodes made of steel, copper, aluminum, and composite carbon fiber (CCF) were employed in four tests each to evaluate the consolidation effectiveness. Additionally, four tests, one was the comparitive study for different eletrode materials, were carried out to determine the optimal gradient for the EO using CCF electrode. Several critical properties of the tested soils were examined and evaluated in this study, including the effective voltage utilization, potential distribution, water discharge, discharge rate, energy consumption, and soil bearing capacity. The test results indicated that the CCF electrode had superior performance in water discharge, discharge rate, and average soil water content compared to metal electrodes. Furthermore, CCF led to uniform enhancement of soil strength, with treated soil bearing capacities 6.3 to 12 times higher than initial values, and 1.9 to 2.5 times higher than those attained with metal electrodes. Additionally, an effective potential gradient of 1 V/cm was identified for the EO with the CCF electrode, providing a higher discharge rate and a larger soil strength in a uniform distribution. Moreover, the use of CCF electrode significantly reduced corrosion compared to metal electrodes during the consolidation process, further contributing to improved consolidation efficiency. This study offers valuable insights and recommendations for the utilization of CCF in marine clayey soils, effectively addressing the challenges posed by electrode corrosion and high energy consumption in EO applications.

Wildlife serve as potential microbial reservoirs, accounting for approximately 70% of emerging infectious diseases. Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), which causes Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) in humans, is a highly pathogenic tick-borne virus prevalent in several parts of Asia, Africa, and Europe with high case fatality rates. Several CCHFV cases have been reported in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Southern and Eastern Europe. The disease is endemic in several parts of western China, particularly Xinjiang. Ticks of the genus Hyalomma have been identified as a principal vector and reservoir for CCHFV, although other tick species may also have a crucial role in maintaining CCHFV in endemic regions. On infection, CCHF begins as a nonspecific febrile illness that can progress to severe hemorrhagic manifestations with a higher case fatality due to the unavailability of vaccines or other therapeutic agents. In this study, we collected tissue samples from a wild dead Chinese serow (Capricornis milneedwardsii) and three Naemorhedus griseuses from Deqin County, Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan, China, to investigate for contagious viruses that could be transmitted to humans. We identified a novel CCHFV strain, YNDQL-415G, in the liver tissue of a dead C. milneedwardsii. We performed nucleotide and amino acid sequence homology on the full-length viral genome. The results revealed significant homology between the viral S segment to that of the Africa1 strain, while the M and L segments showed similarity with the Asia CCHFV strain, indicating potential gene reassortment in the YNDQL-415G strain. The genetic characterization of a novel CCHFV strain from a dead C. milneedwardsii raises concerns about the possibility of a new zoonotic infection. A regular survey program is recommended to track the distribution of wild animals as well as the viruses they may transmit to humans and other domestic mammals in the region.

Rat species Rattus norvegicus, also known as the brown street rat, is the most abundant mammal after humans in urban areas, where they co-exist with humans and domestic animals. The reservoir role of R. norvegicus of zoonotic pathogens in cities among rodent-borne diseases that could endanger the lives of humans and other mammals. Therefore, understanding the normal microbiome of R. norvegicus is crucial for understanding and preventing zoonotic pathogen transmission to humans and animals. We investigated the intestinal microbiome of free-living R. norvegicus collected from the Ruili, Nujiang, and Lianhe regions of Yunnan, China, using 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. Proteobacteria, followed by Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes were abundant in the intestines of R. norvegicus; however, bacterial compositions varied significantly between samples from different locations. Following a similar trend, Gammaproteobacteria, Bacilli, and Clostridia were among the top bacterial classes in most intestinal samples. The situation differed slightly for the Lianhe and Nujiang samples, although Phyla Bacteroidota and Spirochaetota were most prevalent. The Alpha diversity, Chao1, and Simpson indexes revealed microbial richness among the R. norvegicus samples. A slight variation was observed among the samples collected from Ruili, Nujiang, and Lianhe. At species levels, several opportunistic and zoonotic bacterial pathogens, including Lactococcus garvieae, Uruburuella suis, Bartonella australis, Clostridium perfringens, Streptococcus azizii, Vibrio vulnificus, etc., were revealed in the R. norvegicus intestines, implying the need for a regular survey to monitor and control rodent populations. In conclusion, we explored diverse microbial communities in R. norvegicus intestines captured from different regions. Further, we identified several opportunistic and potential bacterial pathogens, which still need to be tested for their underlying pathogenesis. The findings of our current study should be considered a warning to the health authorities to implement rat control and surveillance strategies globally.

Abstract A low‐power wideband self‐biased phase‐locked loop (SPLL) is proposed for multi‐protocol SerDes applications in this letter. With the proposed adaptive fast‐locking current circuit (AFLCC) and self‐biased charge pump (CP), the settling time is reduced significantly, and no extra power and jitter contribution. In addition, a start‐up module is adopted to reset the system to an optimal initial operating frequency quickly. The proposed 1‐3‐GHz SPLL, fabricated in TSMC 28‐nm CMOS process, occupies a compact 0.028 mm2 area. It achieves a roughly constant settling time of 5 μs over all frequencies and division ratios range. Only 0.96 mW is consumed at 1 GHz frequency.

Ticks are obligatory hematophagous arthropods that harbor and transmit infectious pathogens to humans and animals. Tick species belonging to Amblyomma, Ixodes, Dermacentor, and Hyalomma genera may transmit certain viruses such as Bourbon virus (BRBV), Dhori virus (DHOV), Powassan virus (POWV), Omsk hemorrhagic fever virus (OHFV), Colorado tick fever virus (CTFV), Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), Heartland virus (HRTV), Kyasanur forest disease virus (KFDV), etc. that affect humans and certain wildlife. The tick vectors may become infected through feeding on viraemic hosts before transmitting the pathogen to humans and animals. Therefore, it is vital to understand the eco-epidemiology of tick-borne viruses and their pathogenesis to optimize preventive measures. Thus this review summarizes knowledge on some medically important ticks and tick-borne viruses, including BRBV, POWV, OHFV, CTFV, CCHFV, HRTV, and KFDV. Further, we discuss these viruses’ epidemiology, pathogenesis, and disease manifestations during infection.

Urban rats serve as reservoirs for several zoonotic pathogens that seriously endanger public health, destroy stored food, and damage infrastructure due to their close interaction with humans and domestic animals. Here, we characterize the core microbiomes of R. norvegicus’s stomach, gut, and lung using 16S rRNA next-generation Illumina HiSeq sequencing. The USEARCH software (v11) assigned the dataset to operational taxonomic units (OTUs). The alpha diversity index was calculated using QIIME1, while the beta diversity index was determined using the Bray–Curtis and Euclidean distances between groups. Principal component analyses visualized variation across samples based on the OTU information using the R package. Linear discriminant analysis, effect sizes (LEfSe), and phylogenetic investigation were used to identify differentially abundant taxa among groups. We reported an abundance of microbiota in the stomach, and they shared some of them with the gut and lung microbiota. A close look at the microbial family level reveals abundant Lactobacillaceae and Bifidobacteriaceae in the stomach, whereas Lactobacillaceae and Erysipelotrichaceae were more abundant in the gut; in contrast, Alcaligenaceae were abundant in the lungs. At the species level, some beneficial bacteria, particularly Lactobacillus reuteri and Lactobacillus johnsonii, and some potential pathogens, such as Bordetella hinzii, Streptococcus parauberis, Porphyromonas pogonae, Clostridium perfringens, etc., were identified in stomach, gut, and lung samples. Moreover, the alpha and beta diversity indexes revealed significant differences between the groups. Further analysis revealed abundant differential taxonomic biomarkers, i.e., increased Prevotellaceae and Clostridia in the lungs, whereas Campylobacteria and Lachnospirales were richest in the stomachs. In conclusion, we identified many beneficial, opportunistic, and highly pathogenic bacteria, confirming the importance of urban rats for public health. This study recommends a routine survey program to monitor rodent distribution and the pathogens they carry and transmit to humans and other domestic mammals.

In the process of measuring the resistivity of calcareous sand by the two-electrode method, the contact resistance between calcareous sand and electrodes is an unavoidable problem. In this paper, the effects of the particle size, relative density, current frequency, and saturation on the contact resistance of calcareous sand samples with different electrode spacings were studied. The results show that the larger the particle size and relative density are, the greater the contact resistance. The contact resistance decreases with an increasing current frequency, and the decreasing amplitude decreases with an increasing saturation. The contact resistance decreases with an increasing saturation. The relationship between the contact resistance and current frequency and saturation is established in this paper. When the two-electrode method is used to study the resistivity of calcareous sand, the influence of contact resistance should be considered, especially for samples with low saturation.

Coronaviruses (CoVs) continuously evolve, crossing species barriers and spreading across host ranges. Over the last two decades, several CoVs (HCoV-229E, HCoV-NL63, HCoV-HKU1, HCoV-OC43, SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2) have emerged in animals and mammals, causing significant economic and human life losses. Due to CoV cross-species transmission and the evolution of novel viruses, it is critical to identify their natural reservoiurs and the circumstances under which their transmission occurs. In this review, we use genetic and ecological data to disentangle the evolution of various CoVs in wildlife, humans, and domestic mammals. We thoroughly investigate several host species and outline the epidemiology of CoVs toward specific hosts. We also discuss the cross-species transmission of CoVs at the interface of wildlife, animals, and humans. Clarifying the epidemiology and diversity of species reservoirs will significantly impact our ability to respond to the future emergence of CoVs in humans and domestic animals.

Negative photoconductivity (NPC) exhibits great potential in the field of photodetection due to low power consumption and high response. Herein, the photodetectors based on InSe and multilayer graphene (MLG)/InSe van der Waals heterostructure are fabricated. The InSe photodetector shows a positive photoconductivity (PPC) behavior, while the MLG/InSe photodetector exhibits NPC behavior. The ultrahigh responsivity (1.88 × 105 A/W) is achieved for the NPC MLG/InSe photodetector, which is five orders of magnitude higher than that of the sole InSe photodetector based on PPC (6.97 A/W). The MLG/InSe photodetector also shows a high external quantum efficiency (6.41 × 107%) and a fast response time (22 ms). The proposed high-performance MLG/InSe heterostructure photodetector based on NPC for low-dimensional materials may extend applications in future optoelectronic devices.

Asphalt rubber shows good road performance. However, the compatibility and aging problems of asphalt rubber limit its application. The improvement of the solubility of crumb rubber in asphalt was investigated in this research, and the mechanism of its aging effect on the rheological properties of activated asphalt rubber was studied. First, the crumb rubber was activated by using a sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) solution, and the pore characteristics and microstructure of the activated crumb rubber were analyzed. Second, the influence of the crumb rubber’s activation characteristics on the rheological properties of the asphalt rubber before and after aging was analyzed. Finally, the aging mechanism of the activated asphalt rubber was revealed at a microscopic level. The results showed that with the increase in the activation degree, the pore characteristics of the crumb rubber decreased first and then increased. The surface stacking structure of the crumb rubber increased, and a dense gel film gradually formed. The asphalt rubber prepared by the activated crumb rubber had better rheological properties and had a more significant effect under higher stress conditions. This may have been due to the activation of the crumb-rubber surface, forming oxygen-containing functional groups, which, in turn, increased the combination of the crumb rubber and the asphalt. In addition, the activation degree and aging effect of crumb rubber can reduce the large-particle-size molecule (LMS) content of activated asphalt rubber. There is a significant correlation between LMS content and rheological properties, and LMS content can be used to predict the rheological properties of asphalt rubber.

Hard petroleum asphalt, which is a high modulus asphalt binder material, is used for improving asphalt pavement rutting distress. This property is attributed to the good high-temperature rheological characteristics of hard petroleum asphalt. The study investigates the performance of hard petroleum asphalt and Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene polymer modified asphalt (SBSPMA) based on three aspects: asphalt oil source, asphalt grade, and aging degree. The short-term and long-term aging of four hard petroleum asphalts and SBSPMA of comparative samples were measured using the rolling thin film oven test (RTFOT) and the pressure aging test (PAV). Firstly, the viscosity-temperature curve of hard petroleum asphalt was obtained using the Brookfield viscosity test at different temperatures combined with the improved REFUTAS formula. The complex shear modulus (G∗), phase angle (δ), and rutting factor (G∗/sin δ) of each asphalt sample were then measured by the dynamic shear rheometer test (DSR). Furthermore, the temperature sensitivity of each asphalt sample was calculated using the complex modulus index method (GTS). The compaction and paving temperature ranges of each asphalt were then confirmed. The results showed that the high-temperature rheological characteristics of hard petroleum asphalt were similar to those of SBSPMA. The temperature sensitivity of hard petroleum asphalt was basically the same as that of SBSPMA, while the influence of aging on the G∗ of hard petroleum asphalt was greater than that of SBSPMA. In addition, the hard petroleum asphalt construction temperature was lower than that of SBSPMA.

Astroviruses (AstVs) are single-stranded RNA viruses, including two main genera: Mamastroviruses (MAstVs) and Avastroviruses (AAstVs). AstVs have been detected in more than 80 different mammals and birds, with the characteristics of multiple cross-species transmission and gene recombination. All these have accelerated the process of virus mutation and posed a potential threat to human beings and animal husbandry. Yunnan province is a global hotspot with rich biodiversity and abundant animal resources and an important area with significance for public health and security because it neighbors a few Southeast Asian countries. This study collected 860 samples from 13 species of animals in Yunnan province for AstVs detection. The results showed that the positive rate of AstVs was 6.05%, and its extremely high genetic diversity was observed in different animal species. Potential cross-species transmission events were also detected from rodents to birds. Therefore, AstVs, which are widely distributed with highly diverse genes and the risk of cross-species transmission to people, deserve more attention in this region.

Background: Up to 80% of pancreatic cancer patients suffer from cachexia. White adipose tissue (WAT) browning caused by the tumorigenicity and progression aggravates the cancer-associated cachexia (CAC). Cancer-initiated changes in the protein-38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (p38 MAPK) pathway are likely involved in the development of CAC. Methods: p38 MAPK inhibitors, VCP979 or SB203580, were used in the in vitro and in vivo models of pancreatic cancer cachexia. Expression of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) in the p38 MARK pathway and the properties and level of white adipocytes were analyzed and correlated to browning, followed by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting validations. Changes in the volume and fat fraction of WAT in animals were monitored by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Results: The size of white adipocytes was increased after being treated with the p38 MAPK inhibitors, along with increase in the MRI-measured volume and fat fraction of WAT. Comparing two p38 MAPK inhibitors, the p38α subunit-specific inhibitor VCP979 had a better therapeutic effect than SB203580, which targets both p38α and β subunits. Conclusions: Blockade of p38 MAPK reduced the WAT browning that contributes to CAC. Thus, p38 MARK inhibitors can potentially be used as a therapy for treating CAC. Non-invasive MRI can also be applied to assess the progression and treatment responses of CAC.

Abstract A sandwich lateral flow strip assay (LFSA) using a couple of aptamers functionalized with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) was designed to assess the presence of rongalite in agrifood products. More specifically, a biotin-labeled primary A09 aptamer immobilized on a streptavidin-coated membrane and a secondary B09 aptamer conjugated with AuNPs were developed as capturing and signaling probes, respectively. This system allows the successful and direct detection of rongalite in food samples with concentrations as low as 1 μg/mL, simply by observing the color change of LFSA control and test line.

Abstract Background The overall success of Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) antiretroviral therapy (ART) was heavily challenged upon the occurrence of drug resistance. Dehong Prefecture witnessed not only the first report of HIV-1 infection but also the experimental adoption of antiviral treatment in China. The transmission and epidemic of HIV-1 in Dehong is impacted by cross-border activities. The characteristics of HIV-1 drug resistance among therapy-naïve Burmese entering travelers in Yunnan and their speculated origin are still not clarified. Methods Two hundred ninety-eight HIV-1 infected Burmese entering travelers at Dehong ports were recruited between 2003 and 2012. The partial HIV-1 pol gene fragments were amplified and sequenced for the analysis of drug-resistance mutations (DRMs). Phylogenetic analysis on gag-pol gene was conducted to elucidate phylogenetic and evolutionary characteristics of these drug resistant strains. Results It was figured out that the occurrence ratio of HIV-1 drug resistance among HIV-1 infected entering travelers from Myanmar was up to 12.8%. The resistant mutations covered several types, including one type of PI mutations (L33F), six types of NRTI mutations and seven types of NNRTI. Close genetic relationship was observed in the phylogenetic analysis on gag-pol gene among the drug resistant strains respectively from Dehong, other Yunnan areas, neighboring provinces (Guangxi) and neighboring countries (Thailand and Myanmar). Conclusions The findings in this study revealed that HIV drug resistant locus is spreading from the population who is receiving drug-resistance treatment to the new infectors, which indicates the urgency of surveillance work on drug resistance among the migrant population with high risks of HIV infection.

Bentonite slurry is widely used in underground and geotechnical engineering because of its strong ability of wall protection. Slurry penetration, which is of great significance for the soil stability, is difficult to observe directly during the soil and slurry interaction. Slurry penetration would change the electrical resistivity of soil, which provides an indirect method to monitor the degree of slurry penetration. This paper aimed to investigate the electrical resistivity characteristics of soil-bentonite mixtures. Several test groups with different material components were carried out. The effects of some factors including water environment, CMC (carboxymethyl cellulose) contents, soil particle gradation, and electrode distance on the electrical resistivity of slurry-soil mixtures were studied and the relationship between soil electrical resistivity and slurry concentration was established. The results in this paper can provide references for the application of the electrical method on slurry penetration.

Rabies virus is a highly neurophilic negative-strand RNA virus with high lethality and remains a huge public health problem in developing countries to date. The double-stranded RNA-binding protein Staufen1 (STAU1) has multiple functions in RNA virus replication, transcription, and translation. However, its function in RABV infection and its mechanism of action are not clear. In this study, we investigated the role of host factor STAU1 in RABV infection of SH-SY-5Y cells. Immunofluorescence, TCID50 titers, confocal microscopy, quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting were carried out to determine the molecular function and subcellular distribution of STAU1 in these cell lines. Expression of STAU1 in SH-SY-5Y cells was down-regulated by RNA interference or up-regulated by transfection of eukaryotic expression vectors. The results showed that N proficiently colocalized with STAU1 in SH-SY-5Y at 36 h post-infection, and the expression level of STAU1 was also proportional to the time of infection. Down-regulation of STAU1 expression increased the number of Negri body-like structures, enhanced viral replication, and a caused 10-fold increase in viral titers. Meanwhile, N protein and G protein mRNA levels also accumulated gradually with increasing infection time, which implied that STAU1 inhibited rabies virus infection of SH-SY-5Y cells in vitro. In conclusion, our results provide important clues for the detailed replication mechanism of rabies virus and the discovery of therapeutic targets.

Most off-the-shelf subspace learning methods directly calculate the statistical characteristics of the original input images, while ignoring different contributions of different image components. In fact, to extract efficient features for image analysis, the noise or trivial structure in images should have little contribution and the intrinsic structure should be uncovered. Motivated by this observation, we propose a new subspace learning method, namely, discriminant manifold learning via sparse coding (DML_SC) for robust feature extraction. Specifically, we first decompose each input image into several components via dictionary learning, and then regroup the components into a more important part (MIP) and a less important part (LIP). The MIP can be considered as the clean portion of the image residing on a low-dimensional submanifold, while the LIP as noise or trivial structure within the image. Finally, the MIP and LIP are incorporated into manifold learning to learn a desired discriminative subspace. The proposed method is general for both cases with and without class labels, hence generating supervised DML_SC (SDML_SC) and unsupervised DML_SC (UDML_SC). Experimental results on four benchmark data sets demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed DML_SCs on both image recognition and clustering tasks.

Objectives: About 2% of the world population is infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), a leading cause of hepatic cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The Niemann–Pick C1-like 1 cholesterol absorption receptor (NPC1L1) was recently identified to be an important factor for HCV entry into host cells. Whether genetic variations of the NPC1L1 gene are associated with HCV infection is unknown. Methods: In this study, five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the NPC1L1 gene were analyzed in 261 HCV-infected individuals and 265 general controls from Yunnan Province, China. Results: No significant differences were identified in genotypes or alleles of the SNPs between the two groups. After constructing haplotypes based on the five SNPs, a significant difference between HCV-infected individuals and general controls was shown for two haplotypes. Haplotype GCCTT appeared to be a protective factor and haplotype GCCCT was a risk factor for HCV-infected individuals. Genotypes of four SNPs correlated with biochemical characteristics of HCV-infected persons. Genotypes of SNPs rs799444 and rs2070607 were correlated with total bilirubin. Genotype TT of rs917098 was a risk factor for the gamma-glutamyltransferase level. Furthermore, HCV-infected individuals carrying genotype GG of rs41279633 showed statistically higher gamma-glutamyltransferase levels than HCV-infected persons with GT and TT. Conclusion: The results of this study identified the association between genetic susceptibility of the NPC1L1 gene and HCV infection, as well as biochemical characteristics of HCV-infected persons in Yunnan, China.

We report 301 dengue virus infections among cross-border travelers entering Yunnan Province, China, from Myanmar during 2017. Phylogenetic analysis of 99 strains found all 4 serotypes co-circulating; genetic characteristics have also changed. This finding highlights the urgent need for monitoring dengue virus cross-border transmission as early warning of severe dengue fever.

Background: Effective interventions to improve the outcome of patients subjected to myocardial ischemia reperfusion (MI/R) are urgent in clinical settings. Tanshinone IIA (TSA) is reported to attenuate myocardial injury and improve ventricular remodeling post MI/R. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of AFC1 compound that is similar to TSA structure in murine MI/R models. We found that AFC1 had a comparable effect of improving murine cardiac function after MI/R while it was superior to TSA in safety profile. Administration of AFC1 reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, inflammatory cells infiltration, and the expression of platelet derived growth factor receptors (PDGFR) in infarcted myocardium. Treatment with AFC1 also attenuated MI/R-induced cardiac remodeling and contributed to the recovery of cardiac function. Additionally, AFC1 reversed the elevation of PDGFR expression induced by PDGF-AB in both neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NCMs) and neonatal rat cardiac fibroblasts (NCFs) and suppressed PDGF-AB induced NCM hypertrophy via STAT3 pathway and NCF collagen synthesis through p38-MAPK signaling in vitro. Similarly, AFC1 may contribute to the recovery of cardiac function in mice post MI/R via suppressing STAT signaling. Our results confirmed that AFC1 exerts anti-hypertrophic and anti-fibrotic effects against MI/R-induced cardiac remodeling, and suggest that AFC1 may have a promising potential in improving the outcome of patients who suffered from MI/R.

Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) has been widely used in the detection of pathogens causing infectious diseases. However, mismatches between primers (especially in the 3′-end) and templates significantly reduced the amplification efficiency of LAMP, and limited its application to genetically diverse viruses. Here, we reported a novel mismatch-tolerant LAMP assay and its application in the detection of dengue viruses (DENV). The novel method features the addition of as little as 0.15 U of high-fidelity DNA polymerase to the standard 25 μl LAMP reaction mixture. This amount was sufficient to remove the mismatched bases at the 3′-end of primers, thereby resulting in excellent tolerance for various mismatches occurring at the 3′-end of the LAMP primers during amplification. This novel LAMP assay has a markedly improved amplification efficiency especially for the mutants forming mismatches with internal primers (FIP/BIP) and loop primers (FLP/BLP). The reaction time of the novel method was about 5.6–22.6 min faster than the conventional LAMP method regardless of the presence or absence of mismatches between primers and templates. Using the novel method, we improved a previously established pan-serotype assay for DENV, and demonstrated greater sensitivity for detection of four DENV serotypes than the previous one. The limit of detection (LOD) of the novel assay was 74, 252, 78, and 35 virus RNA copies per reaction for DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4, respectively. Among 153 clinical samples from patients with suspected DENV infection, the novel assay detected 94.8% samples being DENV positive, higher than that detected by the commercial NS1 antigen assay (92.2%), laboratory-based RT-PCR method (78.4%), and the conventional RT-LAMP assay (86.9%). Furthermore, the novel RT-LAMP assay has been developed into a visual determination method by adding colorimetric dyes. Because of its simplicity, all LAMP-based diagnostic assays may be easily updated to the newly improved version. The novel mismatch-tolerant LAMP method represents a simple, sensitive and promising approach for molecular diagnosis of highly variable viruses, and it is especially suited for application in resource-limited settings.

To make steel slag being reasonably used in geotechnical backfilling projects or soft foundation treatment projects, three kinds of steel slag such as fine, coarse, and gravel steel slag were studied through particle analysis tests, relative density tests, and specific gravity tests to obtain basic physical parameters. Considering the influence of relative density, gradation, and other factors, constant head permeability tests of pure steel slag and variable head permeability tests of modified silt soil with different mixing contents of steel slag were carried out to test permeability coefficients under various working conditions. Prediction formulas on the permeability coefficients of the three kinds of pure steel slag and steel slag-treated silt soil were, respectively, deduced. It was concluded that the permeability coefficient of pure steel slag was greatly influenced by particle size and relative density, similar to the case of permeability coefficients of fly ash and fine sand in their dense states, and the larger the relative density was, the smaller the permeability coefficient was. The permeability coefficient of steel slag-treated silt soil increased with increasing of mixing content of steel slag, showing that steel slag can obviously improve the permeability performance of silt soil. Research results provide reference for design and construction on the application of steel slag in roadbed backfill, steel slag modifying silt soil, and other projects.

Waste steel slag is a recycled industrial solid waste and is sometimes used as backfills, but the dynamic shear properties of waste steel slag have not been researched at present. To understand the dynamic shear properties of waste steel slag, the resonance column tests were carried out to investigate the dynamic shear modulus and damping ratio of the steel slag considering the effect of the relative density of steel slag and confining pressure. The maximum dynamic shear modulus was discussed, and the dynamic model of the steel slag was constructed by the Hardin–Drnevich model. The regression analysis of the normalized dynamic shear modulus ratio and damping ratio of the steel slag showed that the dynamic model was very fit for the steel slag. The comparisons of the dynamic shear properties of the steel slag with those of Nanjing fine sand and Fujian standard sand showed that the steel slag had similar dynamic shear resistance to Fujian standard sand and had potential to become a substitute for sand in the practical geotechnical engineering in the future.

It is difficult to directly measure the dynamic elastic modulus of soils when the strain is less than 10−4, though the dynamic shear modulus can be easily obtained by the free-vibration testing method. Some improvements were adapted to the traditional free-vibration column for measuring dynamic elastic modulus of soil precisely with lateral vibration in small strain (10−4∼10−6). Differing from the traditional lateral vibration theory, a new dynamic elastic modulus testing method based on bending vibration equation of cantilever beam was put forward based on the improved free-vibration column of GZZ-50. Firstly, some descriptions about calibration process of needed testing parameter (moment of inertia of drive board) were made, and then, Poisson’s ratio of standardized column was used to confirm the measured results. Four main improvements were applied, including the shape of drive board which made the bending vibration equation solved, laser displacement sensors for correcting specimen’s height parameter with uncontacted manner which can reduce the influence of specimen, a hoop with plug used to make the split mould be removed, and air duct used when installing drive board to increase the success rate of installing specimen. Finally, standard process of installing specimen was described, which can be used as reference of similar test.

Purpose: The number of universities offering Master of Translation and Interpreting (MTI) in China has increased to 316 in 15 years. This paper aims to take a closer look at the production patterns of experimental report theses in terms of total number, distribution across universities, supervision model and research content, reflects on the problems and suggests improvements, provides a reference for MTI education in China and beyond. Design/methodology/approach: This paper presents a bibliometric analysis of the published final theses of experimental reports for the MTI in China between the years 2012 and 2022, the period during which this type of thesis was produced, to identify the production patterns of these theses. Findings: The number of experimental reports published by the nine leading universities accounts for 80% of the total 296 papers. The uneven development is also reflected in the supervision model and research content. Most universities can structure the main content of theses according to the suggestions of the MTI Guidance Training Outline. However, there are still deficiencies in the areas of experimental design, experimental validity, research questions and academic standards. Originality/value: This paper reflects on the problems of MTI theses of experimental reports. Also, suggestions are made for linking top-level design and university education, for joint progress in faculty development and talent training and for integrating industrial aspects and international visions, to provide a reference for MTI education in China and beyond.