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Abstract The direct laser writing (DLW) of photoluminescent metal clusters is inspiring intensive research in functional glasses. However, understanding the influence of the host structure on cluster formation and visualizing DLW-induced clusters at the atomic scale remains challenging. In this work, we develop a highly photosensitive fluorophosphate glass through fluorine incorporation. The addition of fluorine establishes a conducive environment for Ag+ ions before DLW and enhances the availability of reducing agents and diffusion pathways during DLW. These advantages facilitate the formation of Ag clusters under low-energy single-pulsed DLW. Increasing laser energy results in a combination of Ag clusters and glasses defect, forming a dot + ring photoluminescent pattern. Atom probe tomography (APT), a technique capable of mapping the elemental spatial distribution and identifying clustering, is employed to gain more information on laser-induced clusters. Comparison of APT results between samples without and with DLW reveals the formation of Ag clusters after laser writing. The design concept and characterization enrich the understanding of Ag cluster behavior in glasses. This knowledge opens the possibility of rational design of clusters confined in glasses and inspires their synthesis for various applications.

Abstract Background Fusarium head blight (FHB) significantly impacts wheat yield and quality. Understanding the intricate interaction mechanisms between Fusarium graminearum (the main pathogen of FHB) and wheat is crucial for developing effective strategies to manage and this disease. Our previous studies had shown that the absence of the cell wall mannoprotein FgCWM1, located at the outermost layer of the cell wall, led to a decrease in the pathogenicity of F. graminearum and induced the accumulation of salicylic acid (SA) in wheat. Hence, we propose that FgCWM1 may play a role in interacting between F. graminearum and wheat, as its physical location facilitates interaction effects. Results In this study, we have identified that the C-terminal region of NADH dehydrogenase [ubiquinone] 1 alpha subcomplex subunit 9 (NDUFA9) could interact with FgCWM1 through the yeast two-hybrid assay. The interaction was further confirmed through the combination of Co-IP and BiFC analyses. Consistently, the results of subcellular localization indicated that TaNDUFA9 was localized in the cytoplasm adjacent to the cell membrane and chloroplasts. The protein was also detected to be associated with mitochondria and positively regulated complex I activity. The loss-of-function mutant of TaNDUFA9 exhibited a delay in flowering, decreased seed setting rate, and reduced pollen fertility. However, it exhibited elevated levels of SA and increased resistance to FHB caused by F. graminearum infection. Meanwhile, inoculation with the FgCWM1 deletion mutant strain led to increased synthesis of SA in wheat. Conclusions These findings suggest that TaNDUFA9 inhibits SA synthesis and FHB resistance in wheat. FgCWM1 enhances this inhibition by interacting with the C-terminal region of TaNDUFA9, ultimately facilitating F. graminearum infection in wheat. This study provides new insights into the interaction mechanism between F. graminearum and wheat. TaNDUFA9 could serve as a target gene for enhancing wheat resistance to FHB.

Abstract Terahertz frequency band (0.1 ~ 10 THz) can provide ultra-high transmitting rates for massive emerging applications. However, due to the radio frequency impairments and limited signal processing property of baseband devices, it is difficult for the current terahertz communication systems to be used in real applications. In this work, we report a 0.22 THz communication system, which can provide 84 Gbps air interface rate over 1.26 kilometers distance. Such a system is underpinned by three breakthroughs, namely, integrating the reported terahertz wireless communication system, redesigning the signal processing in baseband devices, and increasing the cut-off frequency and transmitting power of radio frequency component by parameter optimizing. Being applied to realize the real-time transmission of the uncompressed 8K ultra high-definition video in the 31st International University Sports Federation in Chengdu, China, this work is a leaping advancement to enable terahertz systems from experiment to promising applications.

Background: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a hematological malignancy with a heterogeneous prognosis. Novel markers are required to accurately assess the prognosis and formulate treatment plans. Methods: The association of ARHGAP family genes with prognostic value in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) was assessed using public databases (CCLE, GEPIA, TCGA, and GEO). Results: Elevated expression of ARHGAP43 (SH3BP1) was associated with poor prognosis in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. ARHGAP43 (SH3BP1) expression was higher in the poor/adverse prognosis (P

Abstract Tandem repeats (TRs) are genomic regions that tandemly change in repeat number, which are often multiallelic. Their characteristics and contributions to gene expression and quantitative traits in rice are largely unknown. Here, we survey rice TR variations based on 231 genome assemblies and the rice pan-genome graph. We identify 227,391 multiallelic TR loci, including 54,416 TR variations that are absent from the Nipponbare reference genome. Only 1/3 TR variations show strong linkage with nearby bi-allelic variants (SNPs, Indels and PAVs). Using 193 panicle and 202 leaf transcriptomic data, we reveal 485 and 511 TRs act as QTLs independently of other bi-allelic variations to nearby gene expression, respectively. Using plant height and grain width as examples, we identify and validate TRs contributions to rice agronomic trait variations. These findings would enhance our understanding of the functions of multiallelic variants and facilitate rice molecular breeding.

Abstract Genetic generalized epilepsies (GGE) exhibit widespread morphometric alterations in the subcortical structures. Subcortical structures are essential for understanding GGE pathophysiology, but their fine-grained morphological diversity has yet to be comprehensively investigated. Furthermore, the relationships between macroscale morphological disturbances and microscale molecular chemoarchitectures are unclear. High-resolution structural images were acquired from patients with GGE (n = 97) and sex- and age-matched healthy controls (HCs, n = 184). Individual measurements of surface shape features (thickness and surface area) of seven bilateral subcortical structures were quantified. The patients and HCs were then compared vertex-wise, and shape anomalies were co-located with brain neurotransmitter profiles. We found widespread morphological alterations in GGE and prominent disruptions in the thalamus, putamen, and hippocampus. Shape area dilations were observed in the bilateral ventral, medial, and right dorsal thalamus, as well as the bilateral lateral putamen. We found that the shape area deviation pattern was spatially correlated with the norepinephrine transporter and nicotinic acetylcholine (Ach) receptor (α 4 β 2 ) profiles, but a distinct association was seen in the muscarinic Ach receptor (M 1 ). The findings provided a comprehensive picture of subcortical morphological disruptions in GGE, and further characterized the associated molecular mechanisms. This information may increase our understanding of the pathophysiology of GGE.

Abstract Chloroplasts are key players in photosynthesis and immunity against microbial pathogens. However, the precise and timely regulatory mechanisms governing the control of photosynthesis-associated nuclear genes (PhANGs) expression in plant immunity remain largely unknown. Here we report that TaPIR1, a Pst-induced RING-finger E3 ubiquitin ligase, negatively regulates Pst resistance by specifically interacting with TaHRP1, an atypical transcription factor histidine-rich protein. TaPIR1 ubiquitinates the lysine residues K131 and K136 in TaHRP1 to regulate its stability. TaHRP1 directly binds to the TaHRP1-binding site elements within the PhANGs promoter to activate their transcription via the histidine-rich domain of TaHRP1. PhANGs expression induces the production of chloroplast-derived ROS. Although knocking out TaHRP1 reduces Pst resistance, TaHRP1 overexpression contributes to photosynthesis, and chloroplast-derived ROS production, and improves disease resistance. TaPIR1 expression inhibits the downstream activation of TaHRP1 and TaHRP1-induced ROS accumulation in chloroplasts. Overall, we show that the TaPIR1-mediated ubiquitination and degradation of TaHRP1 alters PhANGs expression to disrupt chloroplast function, thereby increasing plant susceptibility to Pst.

The flesh color of pummelo (Citrus maxima) fruits is highly diverse and largely depends on the level of carotenoids, which are beneficial to human health. It is vital to investigate the regulatory network of carotenoid biosynthesis to improve the carotenoid content in pummelo. However, the molecular mechanism underlying carotenoid accumulation in pummelo is not fully understood. In this study, we identified a novel histone methyltransferase gene, CgSDG40, involved in carotenoid regulation by analyzing the flesh transcriptome of typical white-fleshed pummelo, red-fleshed pummelo and extreme-colored F1 hybrids from a segregated pummelo population. Expression of CgSDG40 corresponded to flesh color change and was highly coexpressed with CgPSY1. Interestingly, CgSDG40 and CgPSY1 are located physically adjacent to each other on the chromosome in opposite directions, sharing a partially overlapping promoter region. Subcellular localization analysis indicated that CgSDG40 localizes to the nucleus. Overexpression of CgSDG40 significantly increased the total carotenoid content in citrus calli relative to that in wild type. In addition, expression of CgPSY1 was significantly activated in overexpression lines relative to wild type. Taken together, our findings reveal a novel histone methyltransferase regulator, CgSDG40, involved in the regulation of carotenoid biosynthesis in citrus and provide new strategies for molecular design breeding and genetic improvement of fruit color and nutritional quality.

Abstract Background Inherited antithrombin, protein C, and protein S deficiency increase the risk of venous thromboembolism. The presence of defects can be identified by clinical laboratory assays. In most Chinese clinical laboratories, the screening tests for antithrombin, protein C, and protein S deficiency are their activity assays. Ensuring appropriate pre-analytical storage conditions for activity tests is essential. This study aimed to assess the effects of storage conditions on antithrombin, protein C, and protein S activity in frozen plasma. Methods We collected the remaining plasma of 29 patients. The baseline of antithrombin, protein C, and protein S activity values were tested within 4 h. Then, each sample was sub-packaged into 4 EP tubes, and was stored at -20 °C for 3 days, -20 °C for 7 days, -80 °C for 3 days, and − 80 °C for 7 days, respectively. After thawing, samples were tested by two systems. Results The percentage deviation of antithrombin and protein C activity assay was 10%. Some samples, initially within the normal range, were classified as abnormal after freezing storage. Conclusions Our study indicated that antithrombin and protein C remain stable when stored at -20 °C or -80 °C in a week. We argued that Protein S activity is not stable in frozen plasma. The use of frozen-thawed plasma for PS activity assay may result in overdiagnosis of protein S deficiency.

Abstract The aim of this study was to conduct a thorough scientific investigation into the similarities and differences in the quality of the cellars of different Luzhou‐flavor liquor wineries in Yibin production area and the reasons for them. This study analyzed cellar mud samples from five wineries in Yibin production area. The analysis of volatile flavor compounds was carried out using headspace solid‐phase microextraction and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The bacterial and archaeal community structures and their correlations were analyzed by high‐throughput sequencing. The study indicates that the Distillery A had the highest levels of ammonium nitrogen and effective phosphorus, Distillery F had the highest humus levels, and Distillery I had the highest pH levels. The community structure of the principal bacterial and archaeal communities in the five subterranean clays exhibited similarity, and all samples were dominated by Firmicutes as the primary bacterial group. However, there was variation in bacterial abundance. The cellar mud also has obvious regional differences, and there are three genera of differentially dominant archaea in the archaea. In summary, significant differences were observed in the physicochemical indexes of bacterial and archaeal abundance across all five samples. These differences led to variations in both the content and composition of volatile constituents.

Abstract High thermal conductivity aluminium-based silicon carbide (Al/SiC) composites were successfully fabricated through post-oxidization of reaction-bonded silicon carbide preforms (RS preforms), utilizing vacuum pressure infiltration technology. The study investigated the regulation of interfacial reactions in conventional sintering and reaction sintering. Conventional sintering introduced a large amount of SiO2, which negatively impacted the thermal conductivity of the Al/SiC composite, but the reaction sintering not. The proposed post-oxidization treatment of RS preforms effectively removed residual carbon from the SiC particle surfaces, thereby forestalling the formation of Al4C3. Furthermore, the post-oxidization treatment effectively formed lightweight SiO2 deposits onto the surface of SiC particles, improving Al-SiC interfacial wettability and reducing thermal resistance, thereby enhancing composite thermal conductivity. Notably, the thermal conductivity of the post-oxidized sample exhibited an increase of 6.5% compared to the untreated sample. The study also evaluated the impact of particle size distribution on volume fraction and thermal properties. The optimized Al/SiC composites yielded thermal conductivity, coefficient of thermal expansion, bending strength, and Young’s modulus values of 237.3 W/m K, 8.5 × 10−6/°C, 325 MPa, and 75.9 GPa, respectively.

Abstract Background Few studies have been conducted on treating temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) with new digital occlusal splints, which has increasingly attracted wide attention. Methods To evaluate the clinical efficacy and quality of life (QoL) of Kovacs digital occlusal splint (KDOS) treatment in patients with TMD. Materials and methods Eighty-nine patients with TMD who were treated using KDOS were analyzed. The patients were divided into three groups according to the Wilkes stage. The clinical symptoms and QoL scores of the patients in each group were recorded before and at least three months after treatment, and the data were statistically analyzed and compared. The relationships between the disease severity, sex, age, and level of QoL before treatment and improvement in the clinical symptoms were analyzed using binary logistic regression. Results The mean age and follow-up period of the patients were 28.0 ± 10.4 years and 4.9 ± 2.1 months, respectively. After KDOS treatment, the improvement rates of joint noise and pain were 80.4% and 69.8%, respectively. Additionally, the patients’ maximum mouth opening and global QoL mean scores significantly improved compared to those before treatment (p

Adding corn straw to the anaerobic fermentation system of coal can significantly increase the gas production of coal-to-biomethane. However, the changes in substrate and microbial metabolism accompanying this combined fermentation are rarely studied. The Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) test was utilized to analyze the microbial adhesion characteristics of coal and corn straw, while the X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) test examined the changes in surface elements of coal. The results indicated that the optimal ratios of lean coal, weakly caking coal, and coking coal to corn straw were 2∶1, 2∶1, and 3∶1, respectively, and the corresponding methane yields were 17.28 mL/g, 12.51 mL/g, and 14.88 mL/g. The promotional effect of co-fermentation of different rank coal and straw was observed in the order of lean coal > coking coal > weakly caking coal. Microbial identification revealed that Sphaerochaeta and Proteiniphilum were the dominant bacterial genera in the mixed fermentation system, comprising 35.95% and 24.36% of the population, respectively. Additionally, Methanosarcina, Methanobacterium, and Methanoculleus emerged as the dominant archaea, constituting 49.71%, 31.83%, and 9.87%, respectively. In comparison with coking coal and weakly caking coal, the bacterial and archaeal genera, along with their associated gene functions responsible for carbohydrate metabolism in the combined fermentation broth of lean coal, coking coal, and weakly caking coal, were found to be dominant. This observation aligns with the principles governing methane production. Notably, in mixed substrate fermentation, as coal rank increased, bacterial presence on the coal surface gradually declined, while a substantial bacterial population consistently adhered to the surface of corn straw, indicating the latter's sustained advantage in degradation. After co-fermentation, the relative content of C element on the surface of coking coal and weakly caking coal decreased more significantly than that of lean coal, while the total relative content of oxygen-containing organic carbon ( C—O, C=O and O—C=O ) increased significantly, indicating that co-fermentation can promote the growth and metabolism of bacteria, so that more organic carbon can be converted into biological methane. The research results identified the effect of co-fermentation of different rank coal and corn straw at the micro level, which has reference significance for revealing the internal mechanism of co-fermentation of coal and corn straw.

Background:. With the accumulation of experience and evidence, guidelines for invasive intervention for acute pancreatitis (AP) have continuously evolved, followed in Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH). We aimed to review AP case series to help understand the impact of guideline evolution on the management and prognosis of AP in real-world practice. Methods:. This was a single-center study of AP patients who had received invasive interventions from 1988 to 2022. Patient demographics, baseline severity, imaging findings, and the indication, timing, and specific modalities of invasive interventions were collected. The composite primary endpoint was death during hospitalization or major complications after intervention. Other endpoints included pancreatic fistula, incision infection, number of interventions, length of intensive care stay, length of hospitalization, and total medical cost. Results:. A total of 195 patients were included. The most common indication for invasive intervention was suspected infection, followed by persistent symptoms. The step-up and delayed strategies reduced the incidence of major complications or death. Over 35 years, the number of patients requiring surgery has gradually declined, and more patients need only minimally invasive procedures for remission. The incidence of the primary outcome decreased as well as the duration of hospitalization. Conclusions:. The management of AP patients at PUMCH in the last 35 years has undergone therapeutic guideline changes that support the efficacy and safety of the deferred step-up strategy in real-world practice.

Stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), is a devastating disease in wheat worldwide. Discovering and characterizing new resistance genes/QTL is crucial for wheat breeding programs. In this study, we fine-mapped and characterized a stripe rust resistance gene, YRAYH, on chromosome arm 5BL in the Chinese wheat landrace Anyuehong (AYH). Evaluations of stripe rust response to prevalent Chinese Pst races in near-isogenic lines derived from a cross of Anyuehong and Taichung 29 showed that YrAYH conferred a high level of resistance at all growth stages. Fine mapping using a large segregating population of 9748 plants, narrowed the YRAYH locus to a 3.7 Mb interval on chromosome arm 5BL that included 61 annotated genes. Transcriptome analysis of two NIL pairs identified 64 upregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the resistant NILs (NILs-R). Annotations indicated that many of these genes have roles in plant disease resistance pathways. Through a combined approach of fine-mapping and transcriptome sequencing, we identified a serine/threonine-protein kinase SRPK as a candidate gene underlying YrAYH. A unique 25 bp insertion was identified in the NILs-R compared to the NILs-S and previously published wheat genomes. An InDel marker was developed and co-segregated with YrAYH. Agronomic trait evaluation of the NILs suggested that YrAYH not only reduces the impact of stripe rust but was also associated with a gene that increases plant height and spike length.

Abstract Background Wheat grain endosperm is mainly composed of proteins and starch. The contents and the overall composition of seed storage proteins (SSP) markedly affect the processing quality of wheat flour. Polyploidization results in duplicated chromosomes, and the genomes are often unstable and may result in a large number of gene losses and gene rearrangements. However, the instability of the genome itself, as well as the large number of duplicated genes generated during polyploidy, is an important driving force for genetic innovation. In this study, we compared the differences in starch and SSP, and analyzed the transcriptome and metabolome among Aegilops sharonensis (R7), durum wheat (Z636) and amphidiploid (Z636×R7) to reveal the effects of polyploidization on the synthesis of seed reserve polymers. Results The total starch and amylose content of Z636×R7 was significantly higher than R7 and lower than Z636. The gliadin and glutenin contents of Z636×R7 were higher than those in Z636 and R7. Through transcriptome analysis, there were 21,037, 2197, 15,090 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the three comparison groups of R7 vs Z636, Z636 vs Z636×R7, and Z636×R7 vs R7, respectively, which were mainly enriched in carbon metabolism and amino acid biosynthesis pathways. Transcriptome data and qRT-PCR were combined to analyze the expression levels of genes related to storage polymers. It was found that the expression levels of some starch synthase genes, namely AGP-L, AGP-S and GBSSI in Z636×R7 were higher than in R7 and among the 17 DEGs related to storage proteins, the expression levels of 14 genes in R7 were lower than those in Z636 and Z636×R7. According to the classification analysis of all differential metabolites, most belonged to carboxylic acids and derivatives, and fatty acyls were enriched in the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, niacin and nicotinamide metabolism, one-carbon pool by folate, etc. Conclusion After allopolyploidization, the expression of genes related to starch synthesis was down-regulated in Z636×R7, and the process of starch synthesis was inhibited, resulting in delayed starch accumulation and prolongation of the seed development process. Therefore, at the same development time point, the starch accumulation of Z636×R7 lagged behind that of Z636. In this study, the expression of the GSe2 gene in Z636×R7 was higher than that of the two parents, which was beneficial to protein synthesis, and increased the protein content. These results eventually led to changes in the synthesis of seed reserve polymers. The current study provided a basis for a greater in-depth understanding of the mechanism of wheat allopolyploid formation and its stable preservation, and also promoted the effective exploitation of high-value alleles.

Abstract Background Wheat is one of the important grain crops in the world. The formation of lesion spots related to cell death is involved in disease resistance, whereas the regulatory pathway of lesion spot production and resistance mechanism to pathogens in wheat is largely unknown. Results In this study, a pair of NILs (NIL-Lm5 W and NIL-Lm5 M) was constructed from the BC1F4 population by the wheat lesion mimic mutant MC21 and its wild genotype Chuannong 16. The formation of lesion spots in NIL-Lm5 M significantly increased its resistance to stripe rust, and NIL-Lm5 M showed superiour agronomic traits than NIL-Lm5 W under stripe rust infection.Whereafter, the NILs were subjected to transcriptomic (stage N: no spots; stage S, only a few spots; and stage M, numerous spots), metabolomic (stage N and S), and hormone analysis (stage S), with samples taken from normal plants in the field. Transcriptomic analysis showed that the differentially expressed genes were enriched in plant-pathogen interaction, and defense-related genes were significantly upregulated following the formation of lesion spots. Metabolomic analysis showed that the differentially accumulated metabolites were enriched in energy metabolism, including amino acid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, and lipid metabolism. Correlation network diagrams of transcriptomic and metabolomic showed that they were both enriched in energy metabolism. Additionally, the contents of gibberellin A7, cis-Zeatin, and abscisic acid were decreased in leaves upon lesion spot formation, whereas the lesion spots in NIL-Lm5 M leaves were restrained by spaying GA and cytokinin (CTK, trans-zeatin) in the field. Conclusion The formation of lesion spots can result in cell death and enhance strip rust resistance by protein degradation pathway and defense-related genes overexpression in wheat. Besides, the formation of lesion spots was significantly affected by GA and CTK. Altogether, these results may contribute to the understanding of lesion spot formation in wheat and laid a foundation for regulating the resistance mechanism to stripe rust.

Src homology 2 domain-containing tyrosine phosphatase 2 (SHP2) is an essential tyrosine phosphatase that is pivotal in regulating various cellular signaling pathways such as cell growth, differentiation, and survival. The activation of SHP2 has been shown to have a therapeutic effect in colitis and Parkinson's disease. Thus, the identification of SHP2 activators and a complete understanding of their mechanism is required. We used a two-step screening assay to determine a novel allosteric activator of SHP2 that stabilizes it in an open conformation. Oleanolic acid was identified as a suitable candidate. By binding to R362, K364, and K366 in the active center of the PTP domain, oleanolic acid maintained the active open state of SHP2, which facilitated the binding between SHP2 and its substrate. This oleanolic acid-activated SHP2 hindered Th17 differentiation by disturbing the interaction between STAT3 and IL-6Rα and inhibiting the activation of STAT3. Furthermore, via the activation of SHP2 and subsequent attenuation of the STAT3–Th17 axis, oleanolic acid effectively mitigated colitis in mice. This protective effect was abrogated by SHP2 knockout or administration of the SHP2 inhibitor SHP099. These findings underscore the potential of oleanolic acid as a promising therapeutic agent for treating inflammatory bowel diseases.

Abstract Two-dimensional layered organic-inorganic halide perovskites have successfully spread to diverse optoelectronic applications. Nevertheless, there remain gaps in our understanding of the interactions between organic and inorganic sublattices that form the foundation of their remarkable properties. Here, we examine these interactions using pump-probe spectroscopy and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. Unlike off-resonant pumping, resonant excitation of the organic sublattice alters both the electronic and lattice degrees of freedom within the inorganic sublattice, indicating the existence of electronic coupling. Theoretical simulations verify that the reduced bandgap is likely due to the enhanced distortion index of the inorganic octahedra. Further evidence of the mechanical coupling between these two sublattices is revealed through the slow heat transfer process, where the resultant lattice tensile strain launches coherent longitudinal acoustic phonons. Our findings explicate the intimate electronic and mechanical couplings between the organic and inorganic sublattices, crucial for tailoring the optoelectronic properties of two-dimensional halide perovskites.

Abstract Previous observational investigations suggest that structural and diffusion imaging-derived phenotypes (IDPs) are associated with major neurodegenerative diseases; however, whether these associations are causal remains largely uncertain. Herein we conducted bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization analyses to infer the causal relationships between structural and diffusion IDPs and major neurodegenerative diseases using common genetic variants-single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) as instrumental variables. Summary statistics of genome-wide association study (GWAS) for structural and diffusion IDPs were obtained from 33,224 individuals in the UK Biobank cohort. Summary statistics of GWAS for seven major neurodegenerative diseases were obtained from the largest GWAS for each disease to date. The forward MR analyses identified significant or suggestively statistical causal effects of genetically predicted three structural IDPs on Alzheimer’s disease (AD), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and multiple sclerosis. For example, the reduction in the surface area of the left superior temporal gyrus was associated with a higher risk of AD. The reverse MR analyses identified significantly or suggestively statistical causal effects of genetically predicted AD, Lewy body dementia (LBD), and FTD on nine structural and diffusion IDPs. For example, LBD was associated with increased mean diffusivity in the right superior longitudinal fasciculus and AD was associated with decreased gray matter volume in the right ventral striatum. Our findings might contribute to shedding light on the prediction and therapeutic intervention for the major neurodegenerative diseases at the neuroimaging level.

Scientific knowledge about the ancestral genome of core eudicot plant kingdom can potentially have profound impacts on both basic and applied research, including evolution, genetics, genomics, ecology, agriculture, forestry, and global climate. To investigate which plant conserves best the core eudicots common ancestor genome, we compared Arcto-Tertiary relict Nyssaceae and 30 other eudicot plant families. The genomes of Davidia involucrata (a known living fossil), Camptotheca acuminata and Nyssa sinensis, one per existent genus of Nyssaceae, were performed comparative genomic analysis. We found that Nyssaceae originated from a single Nyssaceae common tetraploidization event (NCT)– autotetraploidization 28–31 Mya after the core eudicot common hexaploidization (ECH). We identified Nyssaceae orthologous and paralogous genes, determined its chromosomal evolutionary trajectory, and reconstructed the Nyssaceae most recent ancestor genome. D. involucrata genome contained the entire seven paleochromosomes and 17 ECH-generated eudicot common ancestor chromosomes and was the slowest in mutation among the analyzed 42 species of 31 plant families. Combing both its high retention of paleochromosomes and its low mutation rate, D. involucrata provides the best case in conservation of the core eudicot paleogenome.

SRY‐box transcription factor 6 (SOX6) is a member of the SOX gene family and inhibits the proliferation of cervical cancer cells by inducing cell cycle arrest. However, the final cell fate and significance of these cell‐cycle‐arrested cervical cancer cells induced by SOX6 remains unclear. Here, we report that SOX6 inhibits the proliferation of cervical cancer cells by inducing cellular senescence, which is mainly mediated by promoting transforming growth factor beta 2 (TGFB2) gene expression and subsequently activating the TGFβ2–Smad2/3–p53–p21WAF1/CIP1–Rb pathway. SOX6 promotes TGFB2 gene expression through the MAP4K4–MAPK (JNK/ERK/p38)–ATF2 and WT1–ATF2 pathways, which is dependent on its high‐mobility group (HMG) domain. In addition, the SOX6‐induced senescent cervical cancer cells are resistant to cisplatin treatment. ABT‐263 (navitoclax) and ABT‐199 (venetoclax), two classic senolytics, can specifically eliminate the SOX6‐induced senescent cervical cancer cells, and thus significantly improve the chemosensitivity of cisplatin‐resistant cervical cancer cells. This study uncovers that the MAP4K4/WT1–ATF2–TGFβ2 axis mediates SOX6‐induced cellular senescence, which is a promising therapeutic target in improving the chemosensitivity of cervical cancer.

The Ordos Basin is a large cratonic basin with stable deposition in Northwest China. Given its mostly stable subsidence background and the urgent need for saline water disposal and carbon dioxide storage in the coal mining and coal chemical industries, the Ordos Basin has been chosen as a pilot demonstration site for carbon dioxide and saline water storage in China. However, few studies have been made to evaluate the sedimentary and sequence stratigraphy characteristics of this region, as well as their influence on carbon dioxide and saline water storage potential. To address this research gap, we conducted a sedimentary study of the Lower Triassic Liujiagou Formation in the northeastern Ordos Basin utilizing the stratigraphy theory, laboratory test analysis, and pilot project demonstration, to evaluate the area's viability for the deep geological storage of gas and liquid waste. We studied the tectonic setting, petrological features, and sedimentary characteristics of the favorable strata and predicted favorable areas based on sequence stratigraphy theory. The lithology predominantly consists of feldspathic graywacke, with a fine grain size and mostly fine-to-medium-grained sandstone. The distribution of thick-grained sandstone and fine-grained sediment was identified by dividing the sequence, and a favorable reservoir-cap assemblage configuration was formed. It's concluded that the Lower Triassic Liujiagou Formation exhibits suitable characteristics for the deep geological storage of carbon dioxide and saline water. This study demonstrates the importance of basic theory in guiding practical applications and provides a reference for the scientific selection of favorable areas for deep basin storage.

Abstract Precise identification of glioblastoma (GBM) microinfiltration, which is essential for achieving complete resection, remains an enormous challenge in clinical practice. Here, the study demonstrates that Raman spectroscopy effectively identifies GBM microinfiltration with cellular resolution in clinical specimens. The spectral differences between infiltrative lesions and normal brain tissues are attributed to phospholipids, nucleic acids, amino acids, and unsaturated fatty acids. These biochemical metabolites identified by Raman spectroscopy are further confirmed by spatial metabolomics. Based on differential spectra, Raman imaging resolves important morphological information relevant to GBM lesions in a label‐free manner. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for Raman spectroscopy combined with machine learning in detecting infiltrative lesions exceeds 95%. Most importantly, the cancer cell threshold identified by Raman spectroscopy is as low as 3 human GBM cells per 0.01 mm2. Raman spectroscopy enables the detection of previously undetectable diffusely infiltrative cancer cells, which holds potential value in guiding complete tumor resection in GBM patients.

Reservoir landslides in the Three Gorges Reservoir, China, exhibit prolonged slow motion and the potential for catastrophic events due to fluctuations in reservoir levels and intense rainfall episodes. Their distinct step-like deformation characteristics, involving rapid transformation processes of different states, pose challenges for accurate early warning and prediction. Previous forecasting models have often struggled with limited accuracy. This study introduces a mechanism-assisted deep learning model, leveraging the Informer architecture, to predict prolonged step-like reservoir landslide displacement. Utilizing a 15-year continuous monitoring dataset of the Baishuihe landslide, this model investigates the landslide mechanism, identifies influencing conditions underlying the step-wise behavior, and customizes input features for the prediction model by integrating optimized variational mode decomposition and wavelet analysis. Additionally, the dynamic correlation and hysteresis analysis between triggering factors and displacement offer valuable physical insights into the model and enhance the interpretability of the model. The model is further tailored to accommodate features of the monitoring dataset associated with landslide evolution by integrating a global multi-head attention mechanism and pooling layers, enabling the capture of both globe dependencies and local critical features of the model inputs. Through rigorous model training, performance evaluation, and tuning, the proposed model efficiently predicts step-wise landslide displacement, particularly during short-term rapid transitions between creep-mutation states.

A few observational neuroimaging investigations have reported subcortical structural changes in the individuals who recovered from the coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), but the causal relationships between COVID-19 and longitudinal changes of subcortical structures remain unclear. We performed two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to estimate putative causal relationships between three COVID-19 phenotypes (susceptibility, hospitalization, and severity) and longitudinal volumetric changes of seven subcortical structures derived from MRI. Our findings demonstrated that genetic liability to SARS-CoV-2 infection had a great long-term impact on the volumetric reduction of subcortical structures, especially caudate. Our investigation may contribute in part to the understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying COVID-19-related neurological and neuropsychiatric sequelae.

In various natural language processing tasks, significant strides have been made by Large Language Models (LLMs). Researchers leverage prompt method to conduct LLMs in accomplishing specific tasks under few-shot conditions. However, the prevalent use of LLMs’ prompt methods mainly focuses on guiding generative tasks, and employing existing prompts may result in poor performance in Named Entity Recognition (NER) tasks. To tackle this challenge, we propose a novel prompting method for few-shot NER. By enhancing existing prompt methods, we devise a standardized prompts tailored for the utilization of LLMs in NER tasks. Specifically, we structure the prompts into three components: task definition, few-shot demonstration, and output format. The task definition conducts LLMs in performing NER tasks, few-shot demonstration assists LLMs in understanding NER task objectives through specific output demonstration, and output format restricts LLMs’ output to prevent the generation of unnecessary results. The content of these components has been specifically tailored for NER tasks. Moreover, for the few-shot demonstration within the prompts, we propose a selection strategy that utilizes feedback from LLMs’ outputs to identify more suitable few-shot demonstration as prompts. Additionally, to enhance entity recognition performance, we enrich the prompts by summarizing error examples from the output process of LLMs and integrating them as additional prompts.

Cultivating Suaeda salsa (S. salsa) is a promising strategy for the improvement and development of saline wastelands. However, the absence of a scientifically reasonable water and fertilizer management system has long hindered the large-scale improvement and utilization of saline wastelands. Therefore, we performed field experiments for two consecutive years to investigate the effects of water-nitrogen coupling on biomass, forage quality, salt absorption capacity, soil improvement effect, and economic benefits of S. salsa. The optimal water and nitrogen dosages for multi-objective optimization were determined using multiple regression and spatial analysis methods. Three irrigation levels were established for the experiment based on 0.35 (W1), 0.50 (W2), and 0.65 (W3) of the local ETo (Where ETo denotes the reference evapotranspiration calculated based on the FAO-56 recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organization). The three nitrogen application levels were 150 (F1), 250 (F2), and 350 (F3) kg ha−1 in the complete combination design. At the same nitrogen application level, the biomass and economic benefits of the W3 irrigation level were the highest. However, the forage quality, salt absorption capacity, salt reduction, and water productivity at the W3 irrigation level were lower than those at the W2 irrigation level, and the water productivity at the W1 irrigation level was the highest. At the same irrigation level, when the nitrogen application level was F2, the biomass, forage quality, salt absorption, salt reduction, and net profit, all reached their maximum values, and water productivity was the highest at the F3 level. The optimal amount of water and nitrogen applied for each parameter was different, so it was impossible to obtain the highest biomass, forage quality, salt absorption, salt reduction, water productivity, and net profit at the same time. Therefore, multi-objective optimization was needed, the optimal irrigation volume range was 3350.11–3485.97 m3 ha−1, and the nitrogen application rate range was 273.49–326.66 kg ha−1. These findings provide a scientific basis for the large-scale cultivation of S. salsa in extreme arid region, which is helpful for the improvement and utilization of saline-alkali land.

Although significant amounts of methane are present in anthracite coal seams, coalbed methane resources cannot be extracted effectively and quickly. This study mainly focused on investigating the pore system and methane adsorption capacity to clarify the storage of coalbed methane. Anthracite coal samples from the Anzenan coalbed methane block in China were collected, and pore characterization methods (low-pressure N2 adsorption, mercury injection experiments, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations) and methane isothermal adsorption experiments were conducted. The results showed that few mesopores and nanoscale macropores were present in the anthracite coal samples. The volume of the 2–300 nm pores in these coal samples obtained from the N2 adsorption experiment was lower than 0.01 cm3/g. SEM observations also revealed that only a small number of mesopores and nanoscale macropores could be seen, and most of these pores were isolated. In terms of the methane isothermal adsorption data, it was found these anthracite coals have a large methane adsorption capacity, and the Langmuir volume ranges from 19.5 to 28.4 cm3/g, with an average of 22.2 cm3/g. With increasing ash yield, the Langmuir volume decreased linearly, indicating that methane molecules were mainly adsorbed in the organic matter of coal. As methane is mainly adsorbed in the micropores of coal organic matter and there are few mesopores and nanoscale macropores in the organic pores in coal, there are not enough tunnels to transport the adsorbed methane molecules to the outside. Thus, it is difficult to extract coalbed methane from anthracite. This study reveals the impact of pore system limitations on the storage and extraction of coalbed methane in anthracite coal. The findings can be applied to the extraction of coalbed methane from anthracite coal seams worldwide.

Abstract Introduction Recent studies have suggested a potential association between methotrexate use and an increased risk of dementia. However, the causal relationship between methotrexate and dementia remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the potential causal effect of methotrexate use on the risk of dementia using a two-sample Mendelian randomization (TSMR) approach. Methods We conducted a TSMR study using summary statistics from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of methotrexate use and dementia. We obtained genetic instruments for methotrexate use from a large-scale GWAS meta-analysis and genetic instruments for dementia from a separate GWAS meta-analysis. We performed several statistical analyses, including inverse-variance weighted (IVW), weighted median (WM1), weighted mode (WM2), and MR-Egger regression methods, to estimate the causal effect of methotrexate on dementia risk. Results Our TSMR analysis showed a significant positive association between genetic predisposition to methotrexate use and dementia risk. The IVW method estimated a causal odds ratio (OR) of 0.476 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.362–0.626] per unit increase in the log odds ratio of methotrexate use. WM1, WM2, and MR-Egger methods provided consistent results. Conclusion The findings of this mendelian randomization (MR) study suggest a potential causal effect of methotrexate use on the risk of dementia. However, further research is needed to validate these findings and explore the underlying mechanisms. Since methotrexate is widely prescribed for various autoimmune diseases, a better understanding of its potential impact on dementia risk is crucial for optimizing treatment strategies and addressing potential adverse effects.

Abstract Previous research has suggested a correlation between socioeconomic status (SES) and mental diseases, while personality traits may be associated with SES and the risk of mental disorders. However, the causal nature of these associations remains largely uncertain. Our Mendelian randomization (MR) study aims to explore the bidirectional causality between SES and mental disorders, as well as to evaluate the potential mediating role of personality in these associations. Using bidirectional MR approach, we assessed the causality between SES indicators and mental disorders. We then used a two-step MR method to further investigate whether and to what extent personality mediates the causal associations in Caucasians. The forward MR analyses identified that years of education, household income, age at first birth and the Townsend deprivation index had a causal association with at least one mental disorder. The reverse MR analyses identified causal effects of genetically predicted schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder on five SES indicators. Importantly, mediation analysis showed that neuroticism partly mediated the causality of household income and years of education on major depressive disorder, respectively. In brief, our study confirmed the bidirectional relationship between SES and mental disorders. We also revealed the role of neuroticism in mediating the association between SES and major depressive disorder, highlighting the importance of considering both socioeconomic and personality factors in mental health research and interventions.

Purposes Orthopedic insoles are an effective means of non-surgical correction of flatfoot, but there is no unified view on its rehabilitation mechanism, and most previous studies have focused on the improvement of plantar pressure. Methods Firstly, a 3D motion capture system, a force platform and a foot test system were used to test the subjects respectively, to obtain the kinematic and dynamic data of the flatfoot patients' lower limbs when walking naturally, and then Anybody software was used to establish the musculoskeletal model of the subjects and carry out inverse kinetic analysis, to compare and analyse the joint angles of the lower limbs, the ground reaction force, and the changes in parameters such as joint moment and muscle activation, etc. of the lower limbs of the patients with flatfoot when they walked naturally before and after the use of orthopaedic insoles, joint moments and muscle activation during natural walking before and after using orthotic insoles. Findings The results show that after wearing the orthopedic insoles, the plantar pressure distribution of flatfoot patients is im proved significantly, the ankle joint motion angle changed significantly during the walking cycle, the peak vertical and lateral ground reaction forces became smaller during the support period, and the joint moments and the activation of major muscles in the lower limbs change to different degrees. Conclusions This study may provide a valuable reference for the rehabilitation treatment of flatfoot patients in clinic.

Abstract To reveal the mechanism of the influence of the curing temperature on the strength of lime activated fly ash-GGBS cured silt soil, the curing of dredged silt was carried out by using fly ash and GGBS as the curing agent and lime as the activator. Unconfined compressive strength (UCS) experiments were carried out, and the micro-analysis of the cured silt was carried out by experimental methods including scanning electron microscope (SEM) tests, X-ray diffraction (XRD), etc. to reveal the mechanism of the curing temperature on the dredged silt. According to the test results, the hydration reaction and pozzolanic reaction between lime-fly ash-GGBS and silt soil were promoted with the increase of the curing temperature. when the curing temperature of the sample reached 40 ℃, a large amount of gel products such as hydrated calcium aluminate (C–A–H) and hydrated calcium silicate (C–S–H) were generated, which enhanced the bonding force between soil particles and filled up the inter-particle pore space, thereby improving the UCS of the sample. The results of SEM confirmed that C–A–H and C–S–H were the main substances for the construction of cured silt skeleton. C–S–H and C–A–H were detected by XRD. The results of the study fill the gap in the effect of curing temperature on the direction of lime-activated fly ash-GGBS cured silt soil.

Abstract Schizophrenia is a mental health disorder characterized by functional dysconnectivity. Eigenvector centrality mapping (ECM) has been employed to investigate alterations in functional connectivity in schizophrenia, yet the results lack consistency, and the genetic mechanisms underlying these changes remain unclear. In this study, whole-brain voxel-wise ECM analyses were conducted on resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data. A cohort of 91 patients with schizophrenia and 91 matched healthy controls were included during the discovery stage. Additionally, in the replication stage, 153 individuals with schizophrenia and 182 healthy individuals participated. Subsequently, a comprehensive analysis was performed using an independent transcriptional database derived from six postmortem healthy adult brains to explore potential genetic factors influencing the observed functional dysconnectivity, and to investigate the roles of identified genes in neural processes and pathways. The results revealed significant and reliable alterations in the ECM across multiple brain regions in schizophrenia. Specifically, there was a significant decrease in ECM in the bilateral superior and middle temporal gyrus, and an increase in the bilateral thalamus in both the discovery and replication stages. Furthermore, transcriptional analysis revealed 420 genes whose expression patterns were related to changes in ECM, and these genes were enriched mainly in biological processes associated with synaptic signaling and transmission. Together, this study enhances our knowledge of the neural processes and pathways involved in schizophrenia, shedding light on the genetic factors that may be linked to functional dysconnectivity in this disorder.

As an important spice species in Rutaceae, the Sichuan pepper (Zanthoxylum armatum) can provide pungent and numbing taste, as well as aroma in its mature fruit. Here we assembled a chromosome-level genome of green prickly ash which was widely cultivated in a major production area including Chongqing and Sichuan province, China. We generated 712 Gb (∼112 × ) PacBio long reads and 511 Gb (∼82 × ) Hi-C data, and yielded an assembly of 99 pseudochromosomes with total size of 5.32 Gb and contig N50 of 796 kb. The genomic analyses and cytogenetic experiments both indicated that the cultivar ‘Zhuye Huajiao’ was a triploid. We identified a Zanthoxylum-specific whole genome duplication event emerging about 24.8 million years ago (Mya). We also detected a transposition burst event (0.3–0.4 Mya) responsible for the large genome size of Z. armatum. Metabolomic analysis of the Zanthoxylum fruits during development stages revealed profiles of 39 volatile aroma compounds and 528 secondary metabolites, from which six types of sanshools were identified. Based on metabolomic and transcriptomic network analysis, we screened candidate genes encoding long chain acyl-CoA synthetase, fatty acid desaturase, branched-chain amino acid aminotransferase involved in sanshool biosynthesis and three genes encoding terpene synthase during fruit development. The multi-omics data provide insights into the evolution of Zanthoxylum and molecular basis of numbing and aroma flavor of Sichuan pepper.

This study delves into the intricate corrosion behavior of ferrous and non-ferrous alloys in the challenging Antarctic marine atmosphere. Despite the harsh conditions and exceptionally low anthropogenic emissions in Antarctica, materials are still susceptible to severe corrosion. The investigation focuses on two materials: Q235 carbon steel and T2 copper. Both display distinct corrosion cases between their skyward and groundward sides due to the abrasive impact of persistent strong winds carrying ice particles and grit. Electrochemical reactions at the anode and cathode drive surface corrosion processes, involving Cl− and SO42−, ultimately leading to the formation of various corrosion products. The study highlights the role of sulfur-containing aerosols, Methanesulfonic acid (MSA) and non-sea-salt sulfate (nss-SO42-) in corrosion processes, as well as the interaction between Cl− and copper in forming corrosion products. The findings emphasize the complex interplay of environmental factors like wind, ice cover, and aerosols with materials, leading to diverse corrosion products and surface transformations. Further research is crucial to gain a comprehensive understanding of corrosion challenges in extreme environments like Antarctica and to develop effective mitigation strategies.

Water and fertilizer losses have often affected wheat yield per unit area in China and Pakistan. The 2-year field experiments were conducted at six research stations. The experimental sites in China were Tongzhou, Qiliying and Yuanyang. In Pakistan were Faialsaabad, TandoJam and Dokri. Fertilizer treatments were: N275, N207 and N135 kg ha−1 in Tongzhou and N125, N105 and N90 kg ha−1 in Faisalabad. While the irrigation treatments were: W210–230, W160–190 and W110–140 mm ha−1 in Qiyliying, W350, W305 and W250 mm ha−1 in Yuanyang, W435, W400 and W365 mm ha−1 in TandoJam and W380, W340 and W300 mm ha−1 in Dokri. The grain yields, water and N losses were simulated using the WHCNS model. The model showed a good ability to capture the effects of management practices and read the environmental diversity. The study revealed that major contributors to water and N losses were N leaching (r=0.98), evaporation and drainage (r=0.77–0.96) rates. In Tongzhou, the N207 treatment maintained yield, NUE and decreased N loss. In Faisalabad, the N125 increased yield but led to higher N loss and reduced NUE. Furthermore, the decline in surface soil water content was a common issue in Pakistani sites and wheat yields were 27.48–41.60 % lower than in China. In Qiliying, the W160–190 and W110–140 and in Yuanyang, the W300 and W250 treatments decreased the annual average water loss by 33.49–12.38 mm and 66.06–55.01 mm, respectively. In TandoJam, the W400 and W365 and in Dokri, the W380 and W340 treatments decreased water loss by 72.34–45.87 mm and 56.84–37.82 mm compared to the full irrigation amount. Overall, results showed that 17.39–23.81 % of water use could be decreased without yield penalty in Qiliying and 14.29 % in Yuanyang. In Pakistani sites of TandoJam and Dokri, a decreased irrigation amount of 10.5 % is recommended.

BackgroundUnderstanding and mapping the distribution of sandflies and sandfly-associated pathogens (SAPs) is crucial for guiding the surveillance and control effort. However, their distribution and the related risk burden in China remain poorly understood.MethodsWe mapped the distribution of sandflies and SAPs using literature data from 1940 to 2022. We also mapped the human visceral leishmaniasis (VL) cases using surveillance data from 2014 to 2018. The ecological drivers of 12 main sandfly species and VL were identified by applying machine learning, and their distribution and risk were predicted in three time periods (2021-2040, 2041-2060, and 2061-2080) under three scenarios of climate and socioeconomic changes.ResultsIn the mainland of China, a total of 47 sandfly species have been reported, with the main 12 species classified into three clusters according to their ecological niches. Additionally, 6 SAPs have been identified, which include two protozoa, two bacteria, and two viruses. The incidence risk of different VL subtypes was closely associated with the distribution risk of specific vectors. The model predictions also revealed a substantial underestimation of the current sandfly distribution and VL risk. The predicted areas affected by the 12 major species of sandflies and the high-risk areas for VL were found to be 37.9-1121.0% and 136.6% larger, respectively, than the observed range in the areas. The future global changes were projected to decrease the risk of mountain-type zoonotic VL (MT-ZVL), but anthroponotic VL (AVL) and desert-type zoonotic VL (DT-ZVL) could remain stable or slightly increase.ConclusionsCurrent field observations underestimate the spatial distributions of main sandfly species and VL in China. More active surveillance and field investigations are needed where high risks are predicted, especially in areas where the future risk of VL is projected to remain high or increase.

BackgroundWith the increasing demand for joint replacement surgery in China, the government has successively issued the policies of national centralized procurement (NCP) and national volume-based procurement (NVBP) of artificial joints. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of NCP and NVBP policies on hospitalization cost, rehospitalization and reoperation rate of total hip arthroplasty (THA).MethodsIn total, 347 patients who underwent THA from January 2019 to September 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the implementation of NCP and NVBP, patients were divided into three groups: control group (n = 147), NCP group (n = 130), and NVBP group (n = 70). Patient-level data on the total hospitalization costs, rehospitalization rate, THA reoperation rate and inpatient component costs were collected before and after the implementation of the policies and Consumer Price Index was used to standardize the cost.ResultsAfter the implementation of NCP and NVBP, the total cost of hospitalization decreased by $817.41 and $3950.60 (p

Summary: The emergence of novel Omicron subvariants has raised concerns regarding the efficacy of immunity induced by prior Omicron subvariants breakthrough infection (BTI) or reinfection against current circulating Omicron subvariants. Here, we prospectively investigated the durability of antibody and T cell responses in individuals post Omicron BA.2.2 BTI, with or without subsequent Omicron BA.5 reinfection. Our findings reveal that the emerging Omicron subvariants, including CH.1.1, XBB, and JN.1, exhibit extensive immune evasion induced by previous infections. Notably, the level of IgG and neutralizing antibodies were found to correlate with subsequent Omicron BA.5 reinfection. Fortunately, T cell responses recognizing both Omicron BA.2 and CH.1.1 peptides were observed. Furthermore, Omicron BA.5 reinfection may alleviate immune imprinting induced by WT-vaccination, bolster virus-specific ICS+ T cell responses, and promote the phenotypic differentiation of virus-specific memory CD8+ T cells. Antigen-updated or T cell-conserved vaccines are needed to control the transmission of diverse emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants.

In order to reveal the correlation between the accelerated corrosion test of epoxy polysiloxane coating and the real sea environmental test, the real sea environmental test was carried out in the atmosphere and tidal range area of Zhairuoshan Island in the East China Sea, and the multi-factor coupling test I (Cycle of 7-day xenon lamp aging test + 7-day Wetting-drying test) and test II (Cycle of 7-day xenon lamp aging test + 3-day damp heat test + 4-day salt spray test) were designed with reference to the environment of the East China Sea. The correlation between indoor accelerated corrosion test and real sea environmental test was analyzed by using Grey Relation Analysis, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient and Acceleration factor conversion method. The results show that both the indoor accelerated corrosion test and the real sea environmental test have corrosive effects on the epoxy polysiloxane coating of concrete. In the indoor accelerated corrosion test, it was found that the Wetting-drying test caused the highest loss of light rate. In the real sea environmental test, the loss of light rate of the coating in the atmosphere is higher than that in the tidal area, and the color difference is slightly lower. When the loss of light rate is used as the criterion, the grey correlation coefficient between the multi-factor coupling test I and the tidal range test is 0.63, and the maximum acceleration factor during the test is 5.3, indicating a good correlation between the two tests. Through this study, an effective indoor accelerated corrosion test method with good correlation and acceleration characteristics to the loss of light rate of concrete epoxy polysiloxane coating in a real sea environment was obtained.

Understanding the spatiotemporal patterns and variations in vapor pressure deficit (VPD) is essential for effective water resource management in the face of climate change. VPD serves as a fundamental indicator of atmospheric dryness, directly impacting plant evapotranspiration rates, thereby affecting overall ecosystem functioning. In this study, VPD changes in five subregions and four ecological types of land in Yunnan from 1980 to 2021 were investigated using data from 108 meteorological stations. We found increasing trends in annual VPD that were larger during warmer spring and summer seasons. Among the subregions, the highland subtropical southern broadleaved evergreen forest ecoregion exhibited the largest drying trend (0.04 kPa / decade), while the subtropical (eastern) humid broadleaved evergreen forest ecoregion had the smallest drying trend (0.01 kPa / decade). Among the ecological barriers, the dry-hot valleys had significantly higher increases in VPD compared to other Yunnan regions. Increases in VPD from 1990s to 2000s in several regions of Yunnan exceeded atmospheric drying trends reported elsewhere. Additionally, we documented smaller VPD declines at higher elevations. Across different ecological land types, Shrubland exhibited the largest VPD trend (0.07 kPa / decade), while Forest displayed the smallest (0.03 kPa / decade). Decreased relative humidity through time explained 65% of the increase in VPD in Yunnan, while increasing temperatures accounted for 25%. These findings provide valuable insights into climatic dynamics of Yunnan, with implications for ecological, hydrological, and atmospheric studies.

Abstract Electrochemical activation usually accompanies in situ atom rearrangement forming new catalytic sites with higher activity due to reconstructed atomic clusters or amorphous phases with abundant dangling bonds, vacancies, and defects. By harnessing the pre‐catalytic process of reconstruction, a multilevel structure of CuNi alloy nanoparticles encapsulated in N‐doped carbon (CuNi nanoalloy@N/C) transforms into a highly active compound of Ni‐doped CuO nanocluster supported on (N/O‐C) co‐doped C. Both the exposure of accessible active sites and the activity of individual active sites are greatly improved after the pre‐catalytic reconstruction. Manipulating the Cu/Ni ratios of CuNi nanoalloy@N/C can tailor the electronic property and d‐band center of the high‐active compound, which greatly optimizes the energetics of oxygen evolution reaction (OER) intermediates. This interplay among Cu, Ni, C, N, and O modifies the interface, triggers the active sites, and regulates the work functions, thereby realizing a synergistic boost in OER.

IntroductionYunnan Xiaomila is a pepper variety whose flowers and fruits become mature at the same time and multiple times a year. The distinction between the fruits and the background is low and the background is complex. The targets are small and difficult to identify.MethodsThis paper aims at the problem of target detection of Yunnan Xiaomila under complex background environment, in order to reduce the impact caused by the small color gradient changes between xiaomila and background and the unclear feature information, an improved PAE-YOLO model is proposed, which combines the EMA attention mechanism and DCNv3 deformable convolution is integrated into the YOLOv8 model, which improves the model’s feature extraction capability and inference speed for Xiaomila in complex environments, and achieves a lightweight model. First, the EMA attention mechanism is combined with the C2f module in the YOLOv8 network. The C2f module can well extract local features from the input image, and the EMA attention mechanism can control the global relationship. The two complement each other, thereby enhancing the model’s expression ability; Meanwhile, in the backbone network and head network, the DCNv3 convolution module is introduced, which can adaptively adjust the sampling position according to the input feature map, contributing to stronger feature capture capabilities for targets of different scales and a lightweight network. It also uses a depth camera to estimate the posture of Xiaomila, while analyzing and optimizing different occlusion situations. The effectiveness of the proposed method was verified through ablation experiments, model comparison experiments and attitude estimation experiments.ResultsThe experimental results indicated that the model obtained an average mean accuracy (mAP) of 88.8%, which was 1.3% higher than that of the original model. Its F1 score reached 83.2, and the GFLOPs and model sizes were 7.6G and 5.7MB respectively. The F1 score ranked the best among several networks, with the model weight and gigabit floating-point operations per second (GFLOPs) being the smallest, which are 6.2% and 8.1% lower than the original model. The loss value was the lowest during training, and the convergence speed was the fastest. Meanwhile, the attitude estimation results of 102 targets showed that the orientation was correctly estimated exceed 85% of the cases, and the average error angle was 15.91°. In the occlusion condition, 86.3% of the attitude estimation error angles were less than 40°, and the average error angle was 23.19°.DiscussionThe results show that the improved detection model can accurately identify Xiaomila targets fruits, has higher model accuracy, less computational complexity, and can better estimate the target posture.

ObjectiveTo compare the effects of tofacitinib and adalimumab on the risk of adverse lipidaemia outcomes in patients with newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsData of adult patients newly diagnosed with RA who were treated with tofacitinib or adalimumab at least twice during a 3-year period from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2020, were enrolled in the TriNetX US Collaborative Network. Patient demographics, comorbidities, medications, and laboratory data were matched by propensity score at baseline. Outcome measurements include incidental risk of dyslipidemia, major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and all-cause mortality.ResultsA total of 7,580 newly diagnosed patients with RA (1998 receiving tofacitinib, 5,582 receiving adalimumab) were screened. After propensity score matching, the risk of dyslipidaemia outcomes were higher in the tofacitinib cohort, compared with adalimumab cohort (hazard ratio [HR] with 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.250 [1.076–1.453]). However, there is no statistically significant differences between two cohorts on MACE (HR, 0.995 [0.760–1.303]) and all-cause mortality (HR, 1.402 [0.887–2.215]).ConclusionTofacitinib use in patients with RA may increase the risk of dyslipidaemia to some extent compared to adalimumab. However, there is no differences on MACE and all-cause mortality.

Abstract Color is one of the most important indicators for the flue-cured tobacco quality. The color change of tobacco has a great relationship with the natural pigments in the tobacco. The relationship between color characteristics and the content of natural pigments in tobacco leaves during curing was investigated. The middle part of variety K326 tobacco was taken at each key time point during the curing process to determine the changes of color characteristics, moisture, pigment and polyphenol content. The results showed that moisture content of wet basis of tobacco gradually decreased from 72 to 18% during the curing process, the b* value increased and then decreased, and the a* value increased significantly. The lutein and β-carotene content decreased to 63.83 μg/g and 28.3 μg/g, respectively. The total polyphenols content increased to 50.19 mg/g. Meanwhile, the a* value was significantly and positively correlated with polyphenols content and negatively correlated with pigments content. Cluster analysis showed that the samples were divided into three categories: samples with the curing time of 0 h, 24–72 h, and 84–132 h. These results demonstrated that the color change of tobacco during curing process can be divided into three stages from the perspective of chemical composition, which are strongly related to the degradation of pigments and the transformation of polyphenols.

Abstract As the fifth most common cancer in the world, gastric cancer (GC) ranks as the third major cause of cancer-related death globally. Although surgical resection and chemotherapy still remains the mainstay of potentially curative treatment for GC, chemotherapy resistance and adverse side effects limit their clinical applications. Thus, further investigation of the mechanisms of carcinogenesis in GC and discovery of novel biomarkers is of great concern. We herein report that the elevated expression of GPR137 is correlated with GC. Overexpression of GPR137 potentiates human gastric cancer AGS cell malignancy, including proliferation, migration, invasion, colony formation and xenograft growth in nude mice in vivo, whereas knockout of GPR137 by CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing exerts the opposite effects. Mechanistically, GPR137 could bind to MST, the upstream kinases in Hippo pathway, which disrupts the association of MST with LATS, subsequently activating the transcriptional co-activators, YAP and TAZ, and thereby triggering the target transcription and the alterations in GC cell biological actions consequently. Therefore, our findings may provide with the evidence of developing a potentially novel treatment method with specific target for GC.

Abstract Background Norepinephrine transporter (NET) is encoded by the SLC6A2 gene and is a potential target for studying the pathogenesis of PTSD. To the best of our knowledge, no prior investigations have examined SLC6A2 polymorphism-related neuroimaging abnormalities in PTSD patients. Methods In 218 Han Chinese adults who had lost their sole child, we investigated the association between the T-182 C SLC6A2 genotype and gray matter volume (GMV). Participants included 57 PTSD sufferers and 161 non-PTSD sufferers, and each group was further separated into three subgroups based on each participant’s SLC6A2 genotype (TT, CT, and CC). All participants received magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and clinical evaluation. To assess the effects of PTSD diagnosis, genotype, and genotype × diagnosis interaction on GMV, 2 × 3 full factorial designs were used. Pearson’s correlations were used to examine the association between GMV and CAPS, HAMD, and HAMA. Results The SLC6A2 genotype showed significant main effects on GMV of the left superior parietal gyrus (SPG) and the bilateral middle cingulate gyrus (MCG). Additionally, impacts of the SLC6A2 genotype-diagnosis interaction were discovered in the left superior frontal gyrus (SFG). The CAPS, HAMA, and HAMD scores, as well as the genotype main effect and diagnostic SLC6A2 interaction, did not significantly correlate with each other. Conclusion These findings indicate a modulatory effect that the SLC6A2 polymorphism exerts on the SPG and MCG, irrespective of PTSD diagnosis. We found evidence to suggest that the SLC6A2 genotype-diagnosis interaction on SFG may potentially contribute to PTSD pathogenesis in adults who lost their sole child.

In order to improve the taste and antioxidant capacity of Tartary buckwheat. Using reducing power and SOD activity as main indexes, four strains of Lactobacillus plantarum (LBS8, MRS5), Lactobacillus paracareflora (MC6) and Lactobacillus paracei (SL1) were investigated to enhance the fermentation of Tartary buckwheat Jiaosu. An excellent strain was screened out and the effects of inoculation amount, initial sugar degree, fermentation temperature and solid-liquid ratio on the fermentation process of Tartary buckwheat were studied. The fermentation process of Tartary buckwheat was optimized by completely randomalized design and orthogonal experimental design. The results showed that LBS8 fermentation Tartary buckwheat had strong reducing ability and SOD activity. Inoculation amount of 6%, initial sugar degree of 16°Brix, fermentation temperature of 32 ℃, solid-liquid ratio of 1:7 were the optimum conditions. Under this condition, the reducing power of the obtained Jiaosu was 0.753 mg/mL, the SOD activity was 272.12 U/mL, the total content of flavone was 0.521 mg/mL, the total content of phenol was 2.75 mg/mL, and the content of glutathione was 0.273 mg/mL. Compared with the control group, there were significant improvements. Through GC-MS analysis, tartary buckwheat Jiaosu contained characteristic aroma substances such as ethyl acetate, ethyl linoleate, ethyl undecanoate, and butanedione, giving tartary buckwheat Jiaosu a unique flavor. Compared with commercially available starter cultures, the total flavonoids, polyphenols, glutathione, reducing power and antioxidant capacity of Lactobacillus plantarum enhanced fermentation increased by 247%, 2%, 36.5%, 30.73% and 30.09%, respectively. The flavor and taste of Lactobacillus plantarum enhanced fermentation was richer than that of commercially available starter cultures. The results indicated that inoculation with Lactobacillus plantarum fermentation was beneficial to improve the quality of Tartary buckwheat fermentation.