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Abstract In the article, a new type boost high‐voltage nanosecond pulse generator is proposed. The distributed inductance of the transmission line is utilised as the energy storage unit and cooperated with the variable impedance transmission line transformer to generate nanosecond pulses with extremely high‐voltage gain. What’s more, the isolation effect caused by the transmission line time delay is applied to achieve modular stacking. The demand for charging power supply can be greatly reduced, and few switches are used. Finally, the topological principle is verified by experiments, and a prototype of the five‐stage stacking prototype is built. With the charging voltage of 28 V, the generator can output pulse with a voltage amplitude of 10 kV and pulse width of 12 ns whose voltage gain is up to 357 times.

The traditional quaternion is used as the description parameter of the nonlinear state model of the aircraft, and the accuracy of the attitude estimation is presented. A square root cubature Kalman filter algorithm based on quaternion is proposed. The algorithm takes the attitude quaternion error and the gyro drift error as the state quantity, and measures the attitude quaternion of SINS/SLAM navigation. The square root cubature Kalman filter algorithm is used for pose estimation, which not only solves the standardization problem of traditional quaternion, but also reduces the state dimension and complexity of the square root UKF algorithm of traditional quaternion, and improves the numerical stability.

Abstract Background Plenty of clinical and biomedical research has unequivocally highlighted the tremendous significance of the human microbiome in relation to human health. Identifying microbes associated with diseases is crucial for early disease diagnosis and advancing precision medicine. Results Considering that the information about changes in microbial quantities under fine-grained disease states helps to enhance a comprehensive understanding of the overall data distribution, this study introduces MSignVGAE, a framework for predicting microbe-disease sign associations using signed message propagation. MSignVGAE employs a graph variational autoencoder to model noisy signed association data and extends the multi-scale concept to enhance representation capabilities. A novel strategy for propagating signed message in signed networks addresses heterogeneity and consistency among nodes connected by signed edges. Additionally, we utilize the idea of denoising autoencoder to handle the noise in similarity feature information, which helps overcome biases in the fused similarity data. MSignVGAE represents microbe-disease associations as a heterogeneous graph using similarity information as node features. The multi-class classifier XGBoost is utilized to predict sign associations between diseases and microbes. Conclusions MSignVGAE achieves AUROC and AUPR values of 0.9742 and 0.9601, respectively. Case studies on three diseases demonstrate that MSignVGAE can effectively capture a comprehensive distribution of associations by leveraging signed information.

ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the changes in physiological performance, mental state and sleep quality during the weight reduction phase prior to competition in male freestyle wrestlers.MethodsThis study included 16 male freestyle wrestlers from Sichuan Province, China. Participants were evaluated at three time points: the first day of slow weight reduction (T1, March 26), the first day of rapid weight reduction (T2, April 26) and the day before the competition (T3, May 3), and measurements were taken for physiological performance, mood state and sleep quality.ResultsThe most relevant findings indicated the following: Morning heart rate, creatine kinase and fatigue scores increased by 12.6, 64.6, and 19.0%, respectively, from T1 to T2 (p

ABSTRACT Background emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial strains is a public health concern that threatens global and regional security. Efflux pump-overexpressing MDR strains from clinical isolates are the best subjects for studying the mechanisms of MDR caused by bacterial efflux pumps. A Klebsiella pneumoniae strain overexpressing the OqxB-only efflux pump was screened from a clinical strain library to explore reverse OqxB-mediated bacterial resistance strategies. We identified non-repetitive clinical isolated K. pneumoniae strains using a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometry clinical TOF-II (Clin-TOF-II) and susceptibility test screening against levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin. And the polymorphism analysis was conducted using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Efflux pump function of resistant strains is obtained by combined drug sensitivity test of phenylalanine-arginine beta-naphthylamide (PaβN, an efflux pump inhibitor) and detection with ethidium bromide as an indicator. The quantitative reverse transcription PCR was performed to assess whether the oqxB gene was overexpressed in K. pneumoniae isolates. Additional analyses assessed whether the oqxB gene was overexpressed in K. pneumoniae isolates and gene knockout and complementation strains were constructed. The binding mode of PaβN with OqxB was determined using molecular docking modeling. Among the clinical quinolone-resistant K. pneumoniae strains, one mediates resistance almost exclusively through the overexpression of the resistance–nodulation–division efflux pump, OqxB. Crystal structure of OqxB has been reported recently by N. Bharatham, P. Bhowmik, M. Aoki, U. Okada et al. (Nat Commun 12:5400, 2021, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-25679-0). The discovery of this strain will contribute to a better understanding of the role of the OqxB transporter in K. pneumoniae and builds on the foundation for addressing the threat posed by quinolone resistance.IMPORTANCEThe emergence of antimicrobial resistance is a growing and significant health concern, particularly in the context of K. pneumoniae infections. The upregulation of efflux pump systems is a key factor that contributes to this resistance. Our results indicated that the K. pneumoniae strain GN 172867 exhibited a higher oqxB gene expression compared to the reference strain ATCC 43816. Deletion of oqxB led a decrease in the minimum inhibitory concentration of levofloxacin. Complementation with oqxB rescued antibiotic resistance in the oqxB mutant strain. We demonstrated that the overexpression of the OqxB efflux pump plays an important role in quinolone resistance. The discovery of strain GN 172867 will contribute to a better understanding of the role of the OqxB transporter in K. pneumoniae and promotes further study of antimicrobial resistance.

Abstract Background Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) is a common respiratory pathogen affecting the longevity of the elderly and the health of children. However, the human vaccine against MP has not been successfully developed till now due to the poor immunogenicity and side effects of MP inactivated or attenuated vaccine. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a MP genetic engineering vaccine with influenza virus strain as vector. Methods In this study, the major antigen genes P1a of MP adhesion factor P1(3862‐4554 bases) and P30a of P30(49‐822 bases) were inserted into the nonstructural protein (NS) gene of Influenza A virus strain A/Puerto Rio/8/34(H1N1), PR8 for short, to construct the recombinant vectors NS‐P1a or NS‐P30a. The recombinant pHW2000 plasmids containing NS‐P1a or NS‐P30a were cotransfected with the rest 7 fragments of PR8 into HEK293T cells. After inoculating chicken embryos, the recombinant influenza viruses rFLU‐P1a and rFLU‐P30a were rescued. RT‐PCR and sequencing were used to identify the recombinant viruses. The hemagglutination titers of rFLU‐P1a and rFLU‐P30a were determined after five successive generations in chicken embryos so as to indicate the genetic stability of the recombinant viruses. The morphology of recombinant influenza viruses was observed under electron microscopy. Results P1a or P30a was designed to be inserted into the modified NS gene sequence separately and synthesized successfully. RT‐PCR identification of the recombinant viruses rFLU‐P1a and rFLU‐P30a showed that P1a (693 bp), P30a (774 bp), NS‐P1a (1992bp) and NS‐P30a (2073 bp) bands were found, and the sequencing results were correct. After five successive generations, each virus generation has a certain hemagglutination titer (from 1:32 to 1:64), and the band of P1a or P30a can be seen in the corresponding positions. The virus particles under the electron microscope appeared as spheres or long strips connected by several particles, revealing a complete viral membrane structure composed of virus lipid bilayer, hemagglutinin, neuraminidase, and matrix proteins. Conclusion The recombinant viruses rFLU‐P1a and rFLU‐P30a which carried the advantaged immune regions of the P1 and P30 genes in MP were successfully constructed and identified. And the genetic stability of rFLU‐P1a or rFLU‐P30a was relatively high. The typical and complete morphology of influenza virus was observed under the electron microscope. Our research provided a foundation for the further development of MP vaccines for human.

Intercropping can improve light interception and crop yield on limited farmlands. The light interception rate in intercropping is determined by row configuration. Quantifying the spatio-temporal light interception of intercrops is very important for improving crop yields by optimizing the row configuration. A two-year field experiment was conducted at two sites to quantify the responses of the light interception rate of intercrops to five treatments: two rows of maize alternated with three rows of soybean (2M3S), two rows of maize alternated four rows of soybean (2M4S), two rows of maize alternated five rows of soybean (2M5S), sole soybean (SS), and sole maize (SM). We developed a multiple regression model based on the sine of the solar elevation angle (sin(h)) and crop leaf area density (LAD) to quantify the spatio-temporal light interception of intercrops. The predicted light interception rate was positively correlated with the measured values of photosynthetically active radiation (R2 > 0.814) and dry matter (R2 > 0.830). Increasing soybean rows led to an increase in light interception of both soybean and the lower layer of maize. However, this also resulted in a decrease in light interception in the upper layer of maize. At the two sites, compared to 2M3S, the annual average cumulative light interception of soybean in 2M5S increased by 44.73% and 47.18%, that of the lower layer of maize in 2M5S increased by 9.25% and 8.04%, and that of whole canopy of maize decreased by 13.77% and 17.74% respectively. The changes in dry matter and yield of intercrops were consistent with the change in light interception, which further verified the high accuracy of the light interception model. The annual average maize yield of 2M5S was 6.03% and 6.16% lower but the soybean yield was 23.69% and 28.52% higher than that of 2M3S. On the basis of system yield, the best performance was recorded in 2M4S at the two sites. In summary, the newly created light interception model performs well in the quantification of the temporal and spatial changes in crop light interception in strip intercropping and has potential applications in other configurations. Optimizing row configurations across climatic regions to enhance light interception and yield at the system level will become a future target.

Skeletal muscle aging in rats is a reduction in skeletal muscle mass caused by a decrease in the number or volume of skeletal muscle myofibers. Apoptosis has been recognized to play a key role in accelerating the process of skeletal muscle aging in rats. The thioredoxin (Trx) system is a widely expressed oxidoreductase system that controls the cellular reduction/oxidation state and has both potent anti-free radical damage and important pro-growth and apoptosis inhibitory functions. Previous studies have shown that exercise delays skeletal muscle aging. However, it is unclear whether exercise attenuates skeletal muscle aging via the Trx system. Therefore, the present study used the Trx system as an entry point to explore the effect of aerobic exercise to improve skeletal muscle aging in rats and its possible mechanisms, and to provide a theoretical basis for exercise to delay skeletal muscle aging in rats. It was shown that aerobic exercise in senescent rats resulted in increased gastrocnemius index, decreased body weight, increased endurance, decreased skeletal muscle cell apoptosis, increased activity and protein expression of the Trx system, and decreased expression of p38 and ASK1. Based on these findings, we conclude that 10 weeks of aerobic exercise may enhance the anti-apoptotic effect of Trx by up-regulating Trx and Trx reductase (TR) protein expression, which in turn increases Trx activity in rat skeletal muscle, and ultimately alleviates apoptosis in senescent skeletal muscle cells.

The reaction behavior between the carbon and mold fluxes during the heating process is vital for a successful continuous casting process and the high billet quality. A detailed investigation combined with thermogravimetry-mass spectrometry (TG-MS), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques was carried out to systematically investigate the transformation mechanistic of the macro physicochemical properties, melting behavior, viscosity, crystallization, and heat transfer performance caused by the reaction behavior. The results showed that the mold flux underwent carbonate decomposition (973–1223 K), solid reaction (1273–1573 K), and melting process (1473–1673 K) during the continuous casting process. The carbon-bearing mold flux exhibited an endothermic peak at approximately 1673 K, corresponding to a weight loss ratio of approximately 14.5% on the TG curve, confirming that carbon could react with the middle mineral phases Ca2SiO4, Ca2Al2SiO7, and Na6Ca3Si6O18 to form SiC, increasing the breaking temperature by approximately 293 K. SEM and TEM results indicated that the melting behavior was restrained by the carbon itself and the newly formed components. Besides, the addition of carbon increased the degree of polymerization of molten slag, the thickness of slag film and the proportion of small crystals in slag film, further leading to an increase in crystallization and heat transfer performances. The reaction mechanism between carbon and slag and the subsequent effects on melting point, viscosity, crystallization ratio and heat flux density were clearly understood, which is meaningful for the carbon blending process of the mold flux.

Abstract Objective This study aimed to identify features of white matter network attributes based on diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) that might lead to progression from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and construct a comprehensive model based on these features for predicting the population at high risk of progression to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in MCI patients. Methods This study enrolled 121 MCI patients from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI). Among them, 36 progressed to AD after four years of follow-up. A brain network was constructed for each patient based on white matter fiber tracts, and network attribute features were extracted. White matter network features were downscaled, and white matter markers were constructed using an integrated downscaling approach, followed by forming an integrated model with clinical features and performance evaluation. Results APOE4 and ADAS scores were used as independent predictors and combined with white matter network markers to construct a comprehensive model. The diagnostic efficacy of the comprehensive model was 0.924 and 0.919, sensitivity was 0.864 and 0.900, and specificity was 0.871 and 0.815 in the training and test groups, respectively. The Delong test showed significant differences (P 0.05) between the combined model and white matter network biomarkers. Conclusions A comprehensive model constructed based on white matter network markers can identify MCI patients at high risk of progression to AD and provide an adjunct biomarker helpful in early AD detection.

Abstract Plasmodiophora brassicae is one of the biggest threats to cruciferous plants and one of the most economically significant diseases worldwide. However, our current understanding of its pathogenic mechanisms remains limited. In this study, we have identified an effector, Pb257, which plays a crucial role in the virulence of P. brassicae. The expression pattern analysis revealed continuous induction of Pb257 during both primary and secondary infections. Ectopic expression of Pb257 strongly triggered cell death in Nicotiana benthamiana and several other plants, which was dependent on SOBIR1 and the salicylic acid pathway but not BAK1, a central molecular regulator, to mediate classical defense pathways. Overexpression of Pb257 increased susceptibility of Brassica rapa to P. brassicae. Silencing of the Pb257-encoding gene led to reduce root swelling. Further investigation showed that the conserved GOLD domain within Pb257 was essential for inducing root enlargement, which is similar to the mild symptoms of clubroot, indicating that it is an important effector for promoting root cell enlargement. GOLD domain-containing family proteins were widely present in the kingdoms of protozoa, fungi, and animalia, and Pb257 was clustered into a clade of protozoa, suggesting the encoding gene as a potential marker gene for classification of P. brassicae. The GOLD domain-containing proteins are known regulators involved in human cell proliferation and immune system disruption, however, no previous reports have described a pathogen-derived GOLD domain protein with elicitor activity. Our findings demonstrate that Pb257 functions as a crucial effector contributing to the virulence of P. brassicae and could be used as a potential molecular target for controlling clubroot disease.

Abstract Tryptophan (Trp) metabolism plays a crucial role in influencing the development of digestive system tumors. Dysregulation of Trp and its metabolites has been identified in various digestive system cancers, including esophageal, gastric, liver, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers. Aberrantly expressed Trp metabolites are associated with diverse clinical features in digestive system tumors. Moreover, the levels of these metabolites can serve as prognostic indicators and predictors of recurrence risk in patients with digestive system tumors. Trp metabolites exert their influence on tumor growth and metastasis through multiple mechanisms, including immune evasion, angiogenesis promotion, and drug resistance enhancement. Suppressing the expression of key enzymes in Trp metabolism can reduce the accumulation of these metabolites, effectively impacting their role in the promotion of tumor progression and metastasis. Strategies targeting Trp metabolism through specific enzyme inhibitors or tailored drugs exhibit considerable promise in enhancing therapeutic outcomes for digestive system tumors. In addition, integrating these approaches with immunotherapy holds the potential to further enhance treatment efficacy.

Abstract Background Lymphoma is the most common secondary cause of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) in adults. Lymphoma‐associated HLH (LA‐HLH) in the elderly population is not rare, however, little has been reported regarding clinicopathological characteristics, prognostic factors, and outcomes of LA‐HLH in the elderly population. Methods We retrospectively analyzed a multicenter cohort of elderly patients with LA‐HLH. Clinicopathological features and treatment information were collected. The impacts of baseline characteristics and treatments on survival outcomes were analyzed. Results A total of 173 elderly patients with LA‐HLH were included. Compared with young patients, elderly patients showed different clinical and laboratory features. Regarding lymphoma subtypes, B‐cell lymphoma was more common in elderly patients (elderly 61.3% vs. young 32.3%, p 1407 U/L), and a higher creatinine level (>96.8 μmol/L) were independent predictors of decreased overall survival and 60‐day survival. A prognostic index was established and demonstrated to be robust in predicting the overall survival and 60‐day survival of elderly patients with LA‐HLH. Conclusions LA‐HLH in elderly patients displayed heterogeneous clinicopathological features and survival outcomes. Treatments need to be optimized to improve the outcomes of elderly patients with LA‐HLH.

Among primary liver cancers, hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common pathological type. Its onset is insidious, and most patients have no obvious discomfort in the early stage, so it is found late, and the opportunity for surgical radical treatment is lost, resulting in a poor prognosis. With the introduction of molecular-targeted drugs represented by sorafenib, patients with middle- and late-stage liver cancer have regained the light of day. However, their therapeutic efficacy is relatively low due to the limited target of drug action, toxic side effects, and other reasons. At this time, the emergence of immunotherapy represented by immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) well breaks this embarrassing situation, which mainly achieves the anti-tumor purpose by improving the tumor immune microenvironment. Currently, ICI monotherapy, as well as combination therapy, has been widely used in the clinic, further prolonging the survival of patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. This article reviews the development of monotherapy and combination therapy for ICIs in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma and the latest research progress.

ObjectiveThis study investigated the relationships between job pressure, occupational burnout, organizational support and coping strategies among competitive sports coaches in Sichuan Province, China. It also assesses the impact of job pressure on occupational burnout and the mediating roles of organizational support and coping strategies.MethodsA survey was conducted with 207 competitive sports coaches from Sichuan Province, China. Basic information and data on job pressure, occupational burnout, organizational support and coping strategies were collected. Correlations between variables were analyzed, and a theoretical model for hypothesizing the mediating effects was established. A multiple regression model was used to predict the relationships between occupational burnout and job pressure, organizational support and coping strategies.Results(1) Job pressure was significantly positively correlated with occupational burnout (R = 0.436, p

IntroductionSoybeans are an important crop used for food, oil, and feed. However, China’s soybean self-sufficiency is highly inadequate, with an annual import volume exceeding 80%. RGB cameras serve as powerful tools for estimating crop yield, and machine learning is a practical method based on various features, providing improved yield predictions. However, selecting different input parameters and models, specifically optimal features and model effects, significantly influences soybean yield prediction.MethodsThis study used an RGB camera to capture soybean canopy images from both the side and top perspectives during the R6 stage (pod filling stage) for 240 soybean varieties (a natural population formed by four provinces in China: Sichuan, Yunnan, Chongqing, and Guizhou). From these images, the morphological, color, and textural features of the soybeans were extracted. Subsequently, feature selection was performed on the image parameters using a Pearson correlation coefficient threshold ≥0.5. Five machine learning methods, namely, CatBoost, LightGBM, RF, GBDT, and MLP, were employed to establish soybean yield estimation models based on the individual and combined image parameters from the two perspectives extracted from RGB images.Results(1) GBDT is the optimal model for predicting soybean yield, with a test set R2 value of 0.82, an RMSE of 1.99 g/plant, and an MAE of 3.12%. (2) The fusion of multiangle and multitype indicators is conducive to improving soybean yield prediction accuracy.ConclusionTherefore, this combination of parameters extracted from RGB images via machine learning has great potential for estimating soybean yield, providing a theoretical basis and technical support for accelerating the soybean breeding process.

Abstract Bacterial cystitis, a commonly occurring urinary tract infection (UTI), is renowned for its extensive prevalence and tendency to recur. Despite the extensive utilization of levofloxacin as a conventional therapeutic approach for bacterial cystitis, its effectiveness is impeded by adverse toxic effects, drug resistance concerns, and its influence on the gut microbiota. This study introduces Lev@PADM, a hydrogel with antibacterial properties that demonstrates efficacy in the treatment of bacterial cystitis. Lev@PADM is produced by combining levofloxacin with decellularized porcine acellular dermal matrix hydrogel and exhibits remarkable biocompatibility. Lev@PADM demonstrates excellent stability as a hydrogel at body temperature, enabling direct administration to the site of infection through intravesical injection. This localized delivery route circumvents the systemic circulation of levofloxacin, resulting in a swift and substantial elevation of the antimicrobial agent’s concentration specifically at the site of infection. The in vivo experimental findings provide evidence that Lev@PADM effectively prolongs the duration of levofloxacin’s action, impedes the retention and invasion of E.coli in the urinary tract, diminishes the infiltration of innate immune cells into infected tissues, and simultaneously preserves the composition of the intestinal microbiota. These results indicate that, in comparison to the exclusive administration of levofloxacin, Lev@PADM offers notable benefits in terms of preserving the integrity of the bladder epithelial barrier and suppressing the recurrence of urinary tract infections. Graphical Abstract

Abstract Background Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) mediate intercellular communication that contributes to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression via multifaceted pathways. The success of cell entry determines the effect of sEV on recipient cells. Here, we aimed to delineate the mechanisms underlying the uptake of sEV in HCC. Methods Macropinocytosis was examined by the ability of cells to internalize dextran and sEV. Macropinocytosis was analyzed in Na(+)/H(+) exchanger 7 (NHE7)‐knockdown and ‐overexpressing cells. The properties of cells were studied using functional assays. pH biosensor was used to evaluate the intracellular and endosomal pH. The expression of NHE7 in patients’ liver tissues was examined by immunofluorescent staining. Inducible silencing of NHE7 in established tumors was performed to reveal the therapeutic potential of targeting NHE7. Results The data revealed that macropinocytosis controlled the internalization of sEVs and their oncogenic effect on recipient cells. It was found that metastatic HCC cells exhibited the highest efficiency of sEV uptake relative to normal liver cells and non‐metastatic HCC cells. Attenuation of macropinocytic activity by 5‐(N‐ethyl‐N‐isopropyl)‐amiloride (EIPA) limited the entry of sEVs and compromised cell aggressiveness. Mechanistically, we delineated that high level of NHE7, a sodium‐hydrogen exchanger, alkalized intracellular pH and acidized endosomal pH, leading to the maturation of macropinosomes. Inducible inhibition of NHE7 in established tumors developed in mice delayed tumor development and suppressed lung metastasis. Clinically, NHE7 expression was upregulated and linked to dismal prognosis of HCC. Conclusions This study advances the understanding that NHE7 enhances sEV uptake by macropinocytosis to promote the malignant properties of HCC cells. Inhibition of sEV uptake via macropinocytosis can be exploited as a treatment alone or in combination with conventional therapeutic approaches for HCC.

Chlorophyll is a vital component of photosynthesis and must be produced throughout the plant life cycle. Light-dependent protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase (LPOR) is a pivotal enzyme in the chlorophyll biosynthesis pathway, catalyzing the conversion of Pchlide to Chlide. The presence of different types of LPOR ensures the efficient synthesis of chlorophyll in photosynthetic organisms during the dark-light transition. In addition to the transcriptional, translational, and post-translational regulation of LPOR function under different abiotic stresses, the nature of the substrate also influences LPOR function. Here, a perspective on chlorophyll synthesis and the development of chloroplasts is offered, the importance of LPOR in safeguarding plant light energy utilization is summarized, the gene expression pattern and structural-functional features of LPOR are outlined, as well as the role of LPOR in abiotic stress tolerance response, the catalytic mechanism of LPOR as well as the modulation of LPOR by light signals and other environmental factors are discussed. The aim is to provide references for the cultivation and innovation of plant germplasm resources with stress tolerance.

Objectives. Until now, limited knowledge remains regarding the association among childhood obesity, cognitive behavior, and brain networks. Utilizing a publicly available dataset, we aimed to investigate the relationships between childhood obesity and functional networks during the stop-signal task. Results. Given the huge conflict-monitoring and inhibitory control demands of the task, both enhanced network connectivity and properties were observed under the “No-go” compared to the “Go” condition for both obese and non-obese preadolescents. Obese preadolescents exhibited significantly increased frontal-parietal, frontal-occipital, and frontal-temporal linkages, as well as heightened network efficiency under both “Go” and “No-go” conditions compared to non-obese counterparts. Additionally, significant correlations were found between network connectivity and properties and preadolescents’ body mass index (BMI), with their combination predicting BMI scores successfully. Conclusions. These findings support that childhood obesity is not simply a deviant habit with restricted physical health consequences, but rather associated with the atypical development of frontal-based networks involved in inhibitory control and cognitive performance.

Abstract The ventilation work is an important step to be completed before the start of the positive pressure explosion-proof robot. The existing explosion-proof technology uses constant pressure inflation, which will cause explosive gas to accumulate in the corner area of the cavity for a long time. In order to solve this problem, a ventilation method with periodic pulse intake is proposed. Based on the finite element method, the cleaning and ventilation process of the positive pressure explosion-proof robot is simulated and analyzed. The concentration of explosive gas in the robot cavity with time under constant pressure intake and pulse intake with different periods and amplitudes is compared. The simulation results show that the pulse intake is beneficial to the ventilation of the corner position. The period and amplitude of the pulse intake has an effect on the ventilation efficiency, when the period is the same, the greater the amplitude of the pulse intake, the higher the ventilation efficiency; when the amplitude is the same, the smaller the period of the pulse intake, the higher the ventilation efficiency. After experimental verification, the validity of the simulation results is proved. This study helps to improve the ventilation efficiency of positive-pressure explosion-proof robots and provides guidance for practical applications.

Abstract Background A single injection of local anaesthetic (LA) in the erector spinae plane block (ESPB) can reduce pain after modified radical mastectomy (MRM) surgery, but the duration of analgesia is affected by the duration of the LA. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of continuous ESPB on acute and chronic pain and inflammatory response after MRM surgery. Methods In this prospective, randomised, controlled trial, we will recruit 160 patients, aged 18–80 years, scheduled for elective MRM surgery under general anaesthesia. They will be randomly assigned to two groups: a continuous ESPB group (group E) and a sham block group (group C). Both groups of patients will have a nerve block (group C pretended to puncture) and an indwelling catheter fixed prior to surgery. Electronic pumps containing LA are shielded. The primary outcome is the total consumption of analgesic agents. The secondary outcomes include the levels of inflammation-related cytokines; the occurrence of chronic pain (post-mastectomy pain syndrome, PMPS); static and dynamic pain scores at 2, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h postoperatively; and post-operative and post-puncture adverse reactions. Discussion Analgesia after MRM surgery is important and chronic pain can develop when acute pain is prolonged, but the analgesic effect of a nerve block with a single injection of LA is limited by the duration of drug action. The aim of this trial is to investigate whether continuous ESPB can reduce acute pain after MRM surgery and reduce the incidence of chronic pain (PMPS), with fewer postoperative analgesic drug-related complications and less inflammatory response. Continuous ESPB and up to 12 months of follow-up are two innovations of this trial. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ( https://www.chictr.org.cn/ ) ChiCTR2200061935. Registered on 11 July 2022. This trial is a prospective registry with the following registry names: Effect of ultrasound-guided continuous erector spinae plane block on postoperative pain and inflammatory response in patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer.

ABSTRACT: The Linpan cultural landscape has been a masterpiece of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature since the Dujiangyan Hydraulic Engineering more than 2,300 years ago. With the rapid urbanization of the Chengdu Plain over the past thirty years, Linpan has gradually declined and faced a disappearance crisis. The protection and utilization of Linpan have become an urgent public demand. Our case study area was in Dujiangyan City. We used detailed field investigations, questionnaires, and unstructured interviews to understand the villagers’ perceptions of the Linpan and explore how their socioeconomic and resource backgrounds affected their landscape perceptions. The study revealed typical population loss and aging trends in Linpan settlements, and it found that the villagers recognized Linpan as a “joint masterpiece of man and nature” and that most villagers supported the utilization in Linpan rural areas. This study further revealed that villagers’ socioeconomic and resource background factors had complex and selective impacts on their landscape perceptions. It also found that economic factor, especially monthly income, was the key variables affecting villagers’ landscape perceptions. The study enriched the perception study of Linpan, a unique agro-cultural landscape in the Chengdu Plain. It provided an essential reference for the subsequent sustainable development of Linpan based on villagers’ participation.

BackgroundNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which includes simple steatosis (SS) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), is a significant contributor to liver disease on a global scale. The change of immunity-related genes (IRGs) expression level leads to different immune infiltrations. However, the expression of IRGs and possible regulatory mechanisms involved in NAFLD remain unclear. The objective of our research is to investigate crucial genes linked to the development of NAFLD and the transition from SS to NASH.MethodsDataset GSE89632, which includes healthy controls, SS patients, and NASH patients, was obtained using the GEO database. To examine the correlation between sets of genes and clinical characteristics, we employed weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and differential expression analysis. Hub genes were extracted using a network of protein-protein interactions (PPI) and three different machine learning algorithms. To validate the findings, another dataset that is publicly accessible and mice that were subjected to a high-fat diet (HFD) or MCD diet were utilized. Furthermore, the ESTIMATE algorithm and ssGSEA were employed to investigate the immune landscape in the normal versus SS group and SS versus NASH group, additionally, the relationship between immune infiltration and the expression of hub genes was also examined.ResultsA total of 28 immune related key genes were selected. Most of these genes expressed reverse patterns in the initial and progressive stages of NAFLD. GO and KEGG analyses showed that they were focused on the cytokine related pathways and immune cell activation and chemotaxis. After screening by various algorithms, we obtained two hub genes, including JUN and CCL20. Validation of these findings was confirmed by analyzing gene expression patterns in both the validation dataset and the mouse model. Ultimately, two hub genes were discovered to have a significant correlation with the infiltration of immune cells.ConclusionWe proposed that there were dynamic changes in the expression levels of IRGs in different stages of NAFLD disease, which led to different immune landscapes in SS and NASH. The findings of our research could serve as a guide for the accurate management of various phases of NAFLD.

This paper presents a localization method for an underwater multitonal source by using a vertically distributed system in deep water. The system is composed of two kinds of nodes. One is a node at large depth, and the other is a node covering most of the water column. The former and latter are utilized to estimate the source range and depth, respectively. Specifically, the proposed method estimates the source range by matching the spatial arrival angle measured by the first kind of node with the replicas calculated by the acoustic model. Based on the estimation value of the source range, the second kind of node is utilized to estimate the source depth by using an incoherent time reversal method. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated through numerical simulations. The effects of the measurement error and the sound speed profile mismatch on the performance of the proposed method are also analyzed.

Efficient hydrogen storage and transportation are crucial for the sustainable development of human society. Ammonia, with a hydrogen storage density of up to 17.6 wt%, is considered an ideal energy carrier for large-scale hydrogen storage and has great potential for development and application in the “hydrogen economy”. However, achieving ammonia decomposition to hydrogen under mild conditions is challenging, and therefore, the development of suitable catalysts is essential. Metal oxide-based catalysts are commonly used in the industry. This paper presents a comprehensive review of single and composite metal oxide catalysts for ammonia decomposition catalysis. The focus is on analyzing the conformational relationships and interactions between metal oxide carriers and active metal sites. The aim is to develop new and efficient metal oxide-based catalysts for large-scale green ammonia decomposition.

The spline teeth fracture of separator plates in wet multi-plate clutches compromises driving safety and the vehicle’s lifespan. Tooth fracture is mainly caused by stress concentration at the tooth root and uneven circumferential load distribution. This paper considers parameters such as torque, teeth count, tooth profile, and misalignment errors, establishing the corresponding finite element (FE) model to analyze the impact of the above-mentioned parameters on the strength of the separator plates. Analysis under even and biased load circumstances demonstrated that an optimum tooth count and profile can significantly increase the strength of the separator plates, offering advice for the optimized design of wet multi-plate clutch separator plates.

Abstract Accurately identifies the cellular composition of complex tissues, which is critical for understanding disease pathogenesis, early diagnosis, and prevention. However, current methods for deconvoluting bulk RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) typically rely on matched single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) as a reference, which can be limiting due to differences in sequencing distribution and the potential for invalid information from single‐cell references. Hence, a novel computational method named SCROAM is introduced to address these challenges. SCROAM transforms scRNA‐seq and bulk RNA‐seq into a shared feature space, effectively eliminating distributional differences in the latent space. Subsequently, cell‐type‐specific expression matrices are generated from the scRNA‐seq data, facilitating the precise identification of cell types within bulk tissues. The performance of SCROAM is assessed through benchmarking against simulated and real datasets, demonstrating its accuracy and robustness. To further validate SCROAM's performance, single‐cell and bulk RNA‐seq experiments are conducted on mouse spinal cord tissue, with SCROAM applied to identify cell types in bulk tissue. Results indicate that SCROAM is a highly effective tool for identifying similar cell types. An integrated analysis of liver cancer and primary glioblastoma is then performed. Overall, this research offers a novel perspective for delivering precise insights into disease pathogenesis and potential therapeutic strategies.

Linpan has a long history of over 2,300 years and is a unique cultural landscape heritage of the Chengdu Plain derived from the Dujiangyan hydraulic engineering. As urbanization has gradually degraded the Linpan landscape over the past decades, the government is helping to revitalize the local countryside by preserving it. The purpose of this study was to understand the perceptions of Linpan indigenous villagers about its conservation and use, and to investigate the differences in their perceptions and the factors influencing them. The city of Dujiangyan, located at the source of the Dujiangyan Irrigation Area, was taken as the case study area, and a questionnaire survey and quantitative analysis were adopted. The study shows that Linpan indigenous villagers generally support the protection of water systems and fields; Linpan’s vacation and health and wellness functions are recognized by villagers; and regarding Linpan land use, villagers generally prefer to take the form of land market transfer and are willing to transfer arable land and homestead. This also confirms differences in the villagers’ perceptions of the conservation and utilization of Linpan in different locations due to their divergent characteristics. This study provides a reference for the villagers’ perspective on the planning and action of Linpan conservation and use, suggesting the importance of villagers’ distinguishing factors in cultural landscape revitalization.

Background: The cervical anterior transpedicular screw (ATPS) fixation technology can provide adequate stability for cervical three-column injuries. However, its high risk of screw insertion and technical complexity have restricted its widespread clinical application. As an improvement over the ATPS technology, the cervical anterior transpedicular root screw (ATPRS) technology has been introduced to reduce the risk associated with screw insertion. This study aims to use finite element analysis (FEA) to investigate the biomechanical characteristics of a cervical spine model after using the novel ATPRS intervertebral fusion system, providing insights into its application and potential refinement.Methods: A finite element (FE) model of the C3-C7 lower cervical spine was established and validated. After two-level (C4-C6) anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) surgery, FE models were constructed for the anterior cervical locked-plate (ACLP) internal fixation, the ATPS internal fixation, and the novel ATPRS intervertebral fusion system. These models were subjected to 75N axial force and 1.0 Nm to induce various movements. The range of motion (ROM) of the surgical segments (C4-C6), maximum stress on the internal fixation systems, and maximum stress on the adjacent intervertebral discs were tested and recorded.Results: All three internal fixation methods effectively reduced the ROM of the surgical segments. The ATPRS model demonstrated the smallest ROM during flexion, extension, and rotation, but a slightly larger ROM during lateral bending. Additionally, the maximum bone-screw interface stresses for the ATPRS model during flexion, extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation were 32.69, 64.24, 44.07, 35.89 MPa, which were lower than those of the ACLP and ATPS models. Similarly, the maximum stresses on the adjacent intervertebral discs in the ATPRS model during flexion, extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation consistently remained lower than those in the ACLP and ATPS models. However, the maximum stresses on the cage and the upper endplate of the ATPRS model were generally higher.Conclusion: Although the novel ATPRS intervertebral fusion system generally had greater endplate stress than ACLP and ATPS, it can better stabilize cervical three-column injuries and might reduce the occurrence of adjacent segment degeneration (ASD). Furthermore, further studies and improvements are necessary for the ATPRS intervertebral fusion system.

N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most abundant RNA modification within cells, participates in various biological and pathological processes, including self-renewal, invasion and proliferation, drug resistance, and stem cell characteristics. The m6A methylation plays a crucial role in tumors by regulating multiple RNA processes such as transcription, processing, and translation. Three protein types are primarily involved in m6A methylation: methyltransferases (such as METTL3, METTL14, ZC3H13, and KIAA1429), demethylases (such as FTO, ALKBH5), and RNA-binding proteins (such as the family of YTHDF, YTHDC1, YTHDC2, and IGF2BPs). Various metabolic pathways are reprogrammed in digestive tumors to meet the heightened growth demands and sustain cellular functionality. Recent studies have highlighted the extensive impact of m6A on the regulation of digestive tract tumor metabolism, further modulating tumor initiation and progression. Our review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the expression patterns, functional roles, and regulatory mechanisms of m6A in digestive tract tumor metabolism-related molecules and pathways. The characterization of expression profiles of m6A regulatory factors and in-depth studies on m6A methylation in digestive system tumors may provide new directions for clinical prediction and innovative therapeutic interventions.

The reduction of friction-induced noise is a crucial research area for enhancing vehicle comfort, and this paper proposes a method based on circular pit texture to achieve this goal. We conducted a long-term sliding friction test using a pin-on-disc friction and a wear test bench to verify the validity of this method. To compare the friction noise of different surfaces, texture units with varying line densities were machined on the surface of friction disk samples. The resulting friction-wear and noise characteristics of the samples were analyzed in conjunction with the microscopic morphology of the worn surfaces. The results indicate that surfaces with textures can delay the onset of squeal noise, and the pattern of its development differs from that of smooth surfaces. The noise reduction effect is most evident due to the proper distribution of textures that can form furrow-like wear marks at the wear interface. The finite element results demonstrate that this morphology can improve pressure distribution at the leading point and reduce the tendency of system instability.

As we conclude this Special Edition of “Energy Converter: Anaerobic Digestion”, a lingering sense of both achievement and anticipation accompanies us [...]