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How to enhance the desired signal with low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is a difficult problem in the estimation process of the direction-of-arrival (DOA) of the target scattering wave signal. In this paper, the feasibility of spatial spectrum estimation in the Range-Doppler (RD) domain is analyzed in principle, and the SNR gain expression of weak scattering wave signal is derived when constructing multi-snapshots virtual array data. On this basis, the mutual eigenvector singular value decomposition (MESVD) method based on RD domain mode excitation is proposed, which can robustly and effectively estimate the direction of the coherent weak signals. Simulation experiments verify that the RD domain spectral estimation method has the ability to simultaneously obtain the direction of multiple weak target scattering waves, and the direction-finding accuracy can reach the Cramer–Rao bound (CRB) of conventional spectral estimation method. The results of Monte Carlo experiments show that the root-mean-square-error (RMSE) of azimuth estimation of RD domain spatial spectrum estimation method is 5.76° lower than that of a conventional multiple signal classification (MUSIC) method. In addition, the practicability of the proposed method is demonstrated by comparing the DOA estimation results of a set of real data with Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zygotic genome activation (ZGA) is a pivotal event in mammalian embryogenesis, marking the transition from maternal to zygotic control of development. During the ZGA process that is characterized by the intricate cascade of gene expression, who tipped the first domino in a meticulously arranged sequence is a subject of paramount interest. Recently, Dux, Obox and Nr5a2 were identified as pioneer transcription factors that reside at the top of transcriptional hierarchy. Through co-option of retrotransposon elements as hubs for transcriptional activation, these pioneer transcription factors rewire the gene regulatory network, thus initiating ZGA. In this review, we provide a snapshot of the mechanisms underlying the functions of these pioneer transcription factors. We propose that ZGA is the starting point where the embryo's own genome begins to influence development trajectory, therefore in-depth dissecting the functions of pioneer transcription factors during ZGA will form a cornerstone of our understanding for early embryonic development, which will pave the way for advancing our grasp of mammalian developmental biology and optimizing in vitro production (IVP) techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the nonlocal piezoelectric semiconductor theory, the transient multi-fields coupling response of a nanosized piezoelectric semiconductor composite fiber is studied. The one-dimensional phenomenological theory of piezoelectric semiconductors is used to derive the coupling constitutive relation. Combining nonlocal piezoelectric semiconductor theory and coupling constitutive relation, the size-dependent governing equations for bending, the charge equation of electrostatics and the conservation of charge for electrons are obtained, and the multi-fields coupling response of the nanofiber under shear force is solved. The bending vibration, the electric potential, and the concentration of electrons along the nanofiber with different nonlocal effects are analyzed. It is found that the change of electric potential and concentration from positive and negative in the nanofiber can be used to control the performance of electronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective We tried to explore the optimal dose of esketamine combined sevoflurane for the daytime pediatric circumcision. Methods According to the random number table, children who underwent daytime circumcision were randomly divided into Group A (0.5 mL/kg esketamine), Group B (0.75 mL/kgesketamine), and Group C (1mL/kg esketamine) with 30 cases in each group. Each group were induced with sevoflurane inhalation anesthesia by mask and given a single intravenous dose of the corresponding esketamine after the eyelash reflex disappeared. The occurrence of intraoperative movement and esketamine bolus times was recorded. Heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), pulse oxygen saturation (SpO2) and respiratory rate (RR) were monitored at the time of entry (T0), the beginning of surgery (T1), intraoperative ligation (T2) and the end of surgery (T3). The times of opening eyes and talking after surgery were also recorded. Modified Alertness/Sedation Score (MOAA/S score) at 15 min, 30 min and 60 min after surgery, the Eastern Ontario Children's Hospital Pain Score (CHEOPS score), Bieri Modified Facial expression score and verbal rating scale (VRS) score at the time of awakening, 2 h and 6 h after surgery were all recorded. Moreover, intraoperative and postoperative adverse reactions (respiratory depression, laryngeal spasm, agitation, nausea and vomiting, dizziness and diplopia ect.) were all marked. Results The incidence of intraoperative body movement andesketamine bolus times in Group B and C were all less than that in Group A (P < 0.05). The time of opening eyes and talking in Group A and Group B were shorter than those in Group C (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in intraoperative vital signs, postoperative alertness score and pain score among the 3 groups (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions among the 3 groups (P < 0.05). Conclusion A does of 0.75 mg/kg esketamine combined with sevoflurane could effectively meet the anesthetic and analgesic needs of children's prepuce operation and shorten postoperative recovery time. It is the optimal dose and deserving promotion in daytime pediatric circumcision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After exposure to cold stress, animals enhance the production of beige adipocytes and expedite thermogenesis, leading to improved metabolic health. Although brown adipose tissue in rodents is primarily induced by β3-adrenergic receptor (ADRB3) stimulation, the activation of major β-adrenergic receptors (ADRBs) in pigs has been a topic of debate. To address this, we developed overexpression vectors for ADRB1, ADRB2, and ADRB3 and silenced the expression of these receptors to observe their effects on the adipogenic differentiation stages of porcine preadipocytes. Our investigation revealed that cold stress triggers the transformation of subcutaneous white adipose tissue to beige adipose tissue in pigs by modulating adrenergic receptor levels. Meanwhile, we found that ADRB3 promotes the transformation of white adipocytes into beige adipocytes. Notably, ADRB3 enhances the expression of beige adipose tissue marker genes, consequently influencing cellular respiration and metabolism by regulating lipolysis and mitochondrial expression. Therefore, ADRB3 may serve as a pivotal gene in animal husbandry and contribute to the improvement of cold intolerance in piglets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Death attitudes can have significant impacts on individuals' mental health. The present study used a person-centered approach to identify 588 Chinese college students' profiles of death attitudes (i.e., fear of death, death avoidance, neutral acceptance, escape acceptance, and approach acceptance), as well as their associations with socio-demographic factors and mental health outcomes. Latent profile analysis identified five subgroups of students: healthy (28.8%), acceptant (11.7%), indifferent (43.5%), paradoxical (10.7%), and avoidant (5.3%). The healthy profile had the most favorable mental health outcomes, whereas the paradoxical profile had the least favorable mental health outcomes. Moreover, women and students from better-resourced universities were more likely to report adaptive patterns of death attitudes. Our findings demonstrated the advantages of using a person-centered approach to achieve a more nuanced understanding of Chinese college students' death attitudes in relation to their mental health. The findings can inform death-related education and mental health interventions for college students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Angiosperms (flowering plants) are by far the most diverse land plant group with over 300,000 species. The sudden appearance of diverse angiosperms in the fossil record was referred to by Darwin as the "abominable mystery," hence contributing to the heightened interest in angiosperm evolution. Angiosperms display wide ranges of morphological, physiological, and ecological characters, some of which have probably influenced their species richness. The evolutionary analyses of these characteristics help to address questions of angiosperm diversification and require well resolved phylogeny. Following the great successes of phylogenetic analyses using plastid sequences, dozens to thousands of nuclear genes from next‐generation sequencing have been used in angiosperm phylogenomic analyses, providing well resolved phylogenies and new insights into the evolution of angiosperms. In this review we focus on recent nuclear phylogenomic analyses of large angiosperm clades, orders, families, and subdivisions of some families and provide a summarized Nuclear Phylogenetic Tree of Angiosperm Families. The newly established nuclear phylogenetic relationships are highlighted and compared with previous phylogenetic results. The sequenced genomes of Amborella, Nymphaea, Chloranthus, Ceratophyllum, and species of monocots, Magnoliids, and basal eudicots, have facilitated the phylogenomics of relationships among five major angiosperms clades. All but one of the 64 angiosperm orders were included in nuclear phylogenomics with well resolved relationships except the placements of several orders. Most families have been included with robust and highly supported placements, especially for relationships within several large and important orders and families. Additionally, we examine the divergence time estimation and biogeographic analyses of angiosperm on the basis of the nuclear phylogenomic frameworks and discuss the differences compared with previous analyses. Furthermore, we discuss the implications of nuclear phylogenomic analyses on ancestral reconstruction of morphological, physiological, and ecological characters of angiosperm groups, limitations of current nuclear phylogenomic studies, and the taxa that require future attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A variable universe fuzzy proportional‐integral‐differential (PID) algorithm was designed and first application for a laser power stabilization system. To validate the algorithm's effectiveness, it is applied to the simulation model of Simulink and the experimental system based on an acousto‐optic modulator. The results demonstrate that the variable universe fuzzy PID presents higher control precision, better robustness, and can suppress long‐term drift phenomena compared with the traditional feedback control algorithm. The algorithm design method in this paper has significant reference and guidance value for laser power stabilization system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the use of acupuncture and doxylamine-pyridoxine for the treatment of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP). The authors address comments from other experts, acknowledging that their sham acupuncture control intervention may actually have some physiological effects and that the true effect of active acupuncture may be underestimated. They also highlight the challenges of developing a standardized system for adjuvant acupoint regimens according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) due to the diversity in clinical presentation and the subjectivity of practitioners. The authors suggest that further research is needed to evaluate the most feasible acupuncture regimens for clinical practice. [Extracted from the article]

Metal oxide semiconductors (MOSs) hold great promise for electronic devices such as gas sensors. The utilization of ZnO as a conductometric gas sensor material can be traced back to its early stages; however, its application has primarily been limited to high-temperature environments. A gas sensor based on highly porous and interconnected 3D networks of ZnO tetrapod (ZnO-T) micro-nano structures was fabricated via an easy chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. Homemade instruments were utilized to evaluate the gas-sensing of the sample at room temperature. It exhibited good gas-sensing at room temperature, particularly with a response of up to 338.80% toward 1600 ppm ethanol, while also demonstrating remarkable repeatability, stability, and selectivity. Moreover, the unique gas-sensing properties of ZnO-T at room temperature can be reasonably explained by considering the effect of van der Waals forces in physical adsorption and the synergistic effect of carrier concentration and mobility. The aforementioned statement presents an opportunity for the advancement of gas sensors utilizing ZnO at room temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A detailed experimental and numerical investigation of the combustion characteristics of carbon-free NH 3 /H 2 blends in N 2 O was performed in the present work. The experiments with various hydrogen fractions (α = 0–1.0) and equivalence ratios (φ = 0.6–1.4) were performed at ambient pressure (1 atm) and temperature (283 K) in a standard 3.375-L cubic combustion vessel. The explosion behaviors (maximum explosion pressure P max and maximum pressure rise rate (d p / d t) max) were obtained from the pressure-time curves. Further, the combustion characteristics (e.g. laminar burning velocity (S L), thermal expansion ratio (σ), flame thickness (δ), effective Lewis number (L e e f f ) and Markstein length (L b)) were calculated numerically by means of chemical kinetic analysis using Zhang's mechanism (Zhang et al. , Combust. Flame, 2017, 182: 122–141). Besides, sensitivity analyses of the explosion pressure and laminar burning velocity were performed to identify the contribution of dominant elementary reactions. The results show that, for combustion supported by N 2 O, the flame instability and the potential of deflagration to detonation transition (DDT) should be considered for the evaluation of P max and (d p / d t) max. Moreover, the hydrodynamic instability of premixed H 2 /NH 3 /N 2 O flame reaches its peak near the stoichiometric ratio and increases monotonously with the hydrogen fraction. The diffusion-thermal instability is more significant in the leaner mixture, and it is not invariably enhanced with the increase of hydrogen fraction but is relevant to the composition of the mixture. In addition, the sensitivity analysis of explosion pressure demonstrates that R80 (N 2 O + H 2 N 2 +H 2 O) and R70 (N 2 O+(M) = N 2 +O (+M)) are the most dominant reactions contributing to the pressure rise. The sensitivity analysis of laminar burning velocity shows that R70 (N 2 O+(M) = N 2 +O (+M)), R71 (N 2 O + H N 2 +OH) and R80 (N 2 O + H 2 N 2 +H 2 O) are the most dominant reactions enhancing laminar burning velocity. • The combustion characteristics of NH 3 /H 2 blends in N 2 O were firstly investigated. • The flame instability and DDT were considered for the combustion supported by N 2 O. • The parameters of hydrodynamic and diffusion-thermal instability were analyzed. • The sensitivity analysis based on different mechanisms was performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cellular instabilities of expanding hydrogen-propane-nitrous oxide spherical flames were experimentally and theoretically investigated at various equivalence ratios (ϕ =0.4–1.6), hydrogen fractions (X H =0–0.8), and initial pressures (P u =1.1–1.5 bar). The experiments were conducted in a constant volume combustion chamber (CVCC) using high-speed schlieren technology to record the flame morphology, while the theoretical analysis was based on linear stability theory. The controlling parameters, critical conditions for the onset of instability, flame front oscillation intensity, logarithmic growth rate of perturbation, etc. were studied. The results indicate that the instability of premixed hydrogen-propane-nitrous oxide flames is dominated by hydrodynamic instability at X H ≤ 0.6 , while the competitive mechanism between thermal-diffusion and hydrodynamic instabilities is considered at X H = 0.8. The oscillation intensity in the horizontal direction of the flame profile is more prominent than those in other directions, and with the increasing hydrogen fraction, the equivalence ratio at which the highest oscillation strength occurs shifts from ϕ =1.0 to ϕ =0.6. The trends of the experimental critical radius and Peclet number with each initial condition are completely identical to that of the theoretical value, but the experimental value is somewhat underpredicted. The three main reasons are proposed in the paper. Novelty and Significance Statement: This work is the first study on the cellular instabilities of hydrogen-propane-nitrous oxide flames by experiment and theory. It is under a small scale and reduced initial pressure condition that the cellular destabilization of hydrogen-propane flames is realized in the nitrous oxide atmosphere, while in the air atmosphere, the initial condition at which flame cellular destabilization occurs is harsher. Flame front oscillation strength, growth rate of disturbance, etc. were used to characterize quantitatively the degree of wrinkles and instabilities. Some novel findings were presented in the study. The present work is of great significance for the combustion community to understand deeply the cellular instabilities characteristic of expanding spherical flames supported by nitrous oxide, as well as for the engineering community to optimize the engine, propulsion, and energy supply systems, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of grain orientation angle and processing parameters on the compressive flow stress and corrosion behaviour of 6061-T6 Al alloy was investigated in this study by altering the grain orientation angles in relation to the compressive direction. At relatively low processing temperatures (≤ 300 °C), an increase in the grain orientation angle from 0° to 90°reduced flow stress at low strain ranges (< 0.1) due to the facilitated slip of Al grains. As strain and processing temperature increased, changes in orientation angles had a negligible effect on the flow stress, attributed to the enhanced contribution of intermetallic particles (IMPs) and the occurrence of recrystallisation. Microstructural analysis revealed that higher processing temperatures resulted in a diverse range of IMPs, including Mg 2 Si (β phase) and Al 15 (Fe,Mn) 3 Si 2 phases. When the Al alloy was compressed at a high strain rate (25 s−1) and processed at 500 °C, submicron-scale β ", β ', and β phases coexisted. Corrosion tests indicated that a wider distribution of Al 15 (Fe,Mn) 3 Si 2 phases reduced the corrosion resistance of the Al alloy. This led to the formation of connected corrosion sites in specimens compressed at 500 °C, where a larger corrosion area and enhanced charge transfer ability were confirmed by equivalent circuit fitting. However, no significant variation in corrosion resistance was observed for Al alloys with various grain orientation angles, due to similar grain structure and precipitation behaviour at similar processing temperatures. • The microstructure of Al alloys with various orientation angles after compression was studied. • The flow behaviour of Al alloys with various orientation angles was revealed. • The corrosion mechanism of Al alloys with various orientation angles after compression was clarified. • Suggestion on manufacturing of Al alloy with high corrosion resistance was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• DFT and microkinetic modeling were performed to study the mechanism of the propane dehydrogenation over Pd(100), Pd(210), Pd 3 Bi 1 (100), Pd 2 Bi 1 (100), Pd 1 Bi 1 (100), and Pd 1 Bi 1 (210). • With the increase of the Bi concentration, the ε d of the surface layer moves to the lower energy, and the propylene bonding strength decreases. AIMD finds the temperature at which propylene begins to desorb also decreases. • Two selectivity descriptors (Δ E selec, 1 and Δ E selec,2) succeed in predicting the propylene selectivity on the pure Pd and Pd-Bi intermetallic compounds, because the barriers for both C-C crack and propylene deep dehydrogenation approximately increase with Bi concentration. • Under typical reaction conditions, the apparent activation energies are 1.04, 1.34, 1.78, and 2.07 eV on the Pd(100), Pd 3 Bi 1 (100), Pd 2 Bi 1 (100), and Pd 1 Bi 1 (100), respectively. And the propylene selectivity increases from 0.64 on the Pd(100) to 0.99 on the Pd 1 Bi 1 (100). • The isolated Pd sites on the Pd 1 Bi 1 (100) and Pd 1 Bi 1 (210) result in a relatively high e a eff for propane dehydrogenation and a lower TOF of propylene. As a compensation between activity and selectivity, the Pd 2 Bi 1 (100) may be more suitable for PDH. Propylene is an important industrial raw material. The high temperature needed by the propane dehydrogenation (PDH) on the pure Pt or Pd catalyst may give rise to hydrogenolysis and carbon deposition, which ultimately poisons the catalysts. Experiments synthesized a series of Pd-Bi intermetallic compounds loaded on SiO 2. The Pd-Bi/SiO 2 catalyst with a moderate Bi concentration bears high activity and selectivity. But the reason is unknown. In the present paper, the DFT calculation and microkinetic modeling were performed to study the reaction network of PDH on the Pd(100), Pd 3 Bi 1 (100), Pd 2 Bi 1 (100), Pd 1 Bi 1 (100), Pd(210), and Pd 1 Bi 1 (210). Due to the isolated Pd sites, Pd 1 Bi 1 (100) and Pd 1 Bi 1 (210) showed the highest propylene selectivity but low TOF of propylene. The Pd 2 Bi 1 (100) may be more suitable for PDH because of the compensation between activity and selectivity. Two selectivity descriptors (Δ E selec, 1 and Δ E selec, 2) could measure the influence of deep dehydrogenation and hydrogenolysis on the selectivity for propylene in the PDH, respectively. The barriers for both C-C crack and propylene deep dehydrogenation approximately increase with Bi concentration, which may be why both Δ E selec, 1 and Δ E selec, 2 succeed in predicting the propylene selectivity on the pure Pd and Pd-Bi catalysts. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is crucial to identify the structures of active sites to understand how catalysts function and to use that understanding to develop better catalytic materials. ZSM-5 zeolites with dominant Al(IV)-2 sites have been developed in this work. 1H-27Al 2D HMQC and 2D 1H TQ(DQ)-SQ NMR experiments have been performed to investigate the structural properties of this acidic site. The Al(IV)-2 sites have Brønsted and Lewis acid characteristics. The catalytic performance of Al(IV)-2 sites has been tested by n-dodecane cracking reactions. The catalytic results show that the Brønsted acidic strength of the Al(IV)-2 sites is comparable to that of the Al(IV)-1 sites, but the Al(IV)-2 sites' Lewis acid characteristics provide extra catalytic activity. We have gained valuable insights into the characteristics of Al(IV)-2 acid sites within these materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A broadband single‐layer reflectarray comprising three‐layer concentric split ring elements is proposed. The reflection phase is achieved by changing the flare angle of the inner and outer split rings. The resonance of the element is easily controlled by varying the relative relationships between the homomorphic patches. And the length of the split ring changes in the azimuth direction, which improves the utilization rate of unit space. The middle split ring acts as a parasitic structure with constant size, making the surface current distribution of the element more uniform to improve the element bandwidth. A reflectarray containing 256 elements is designed and tested. The measured results indicate that the peak gain is 25.3 dBi corresponding to the aperture efficiency of 42%. And the 1‐dB gain bandwidth of the reflectarray of 21.7% is achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The motion condition of a friction stir welding tool significantly affects weld formation and quality in dissimilar joining between Al alloy and steel owing to its direct effect on thermo-mechanical condition during the process. In this study, a finite element simulation based on the coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian formulation was used to investigate the thermomechanical field evolutions in the friction stir lap welding of Al and steel, focusing on the effect of tool revolutionary pitch on thermal energy generation and material flow. Simulation results indicated that an increasing revolutionary pitch increased the proportion of heat input generated by plastic deformation, exhibiting an approximately linear relationship under the adopted welding parameters. With a fixed revolutionary pitch, a high- parameter-matching of rotational created higher welding temperatures. A lower revolutionary pitch resulted in higher welding temperature, leading to a thicker intermetallic layer at the Al/steel interface. However, a high revolutionary pitch under high-matching parameters significantly weakened the mixing of two materials behind the pin by decreasing material migration from the Al alloy and steel at the pin bottom on the retreating side, due to reduced temperature and increased deformation resistance. A parabolic mathematical correlation between interfacial strength and revolutionary pitch was observed, suggesting that maintaining a revolutionary pitch within the range of 0.4 to 1.2 mm/rev could produce a robust Al/steel lapped interface with joining efficiencies of approximately 91% or higher compared to the Al alloy base metal. [Display omitted] • CEL modelling of Al/steel FSLW was developed to study the effect of revolutionary pitch on heat transfer and material flow. • A positive linear relationship was found between revolutionary pitch and plastic-deformation heat input proportion. • Higher revolutionary pitches with high-matching parameters significantly weakened the two materials mixing. • Higher-parameter-matchings for a fixed revolutionary pitch favor a higher joint strength. • The Al/steel interfacial strength demonstrated a parabolic relationship with revolution pitch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, both experiments and thermo-mechanical coupled simulations were conducted to characterise the diverse crystallisation behaviours and the processing parameter-microstructure-mechanical property relationships occurring in laser-assisted tape placement (LATP) manufacturing of carbon fibre (CF)/Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) laminates. Specifically, at various processing temperatures (350 °C or 400 oC), increasing the compaction pressure from 2 to 4 bar causes distinct defect distribution behaviours. However, variations in processing parameters show minimal effect on the morphology and size of crystallised spherulites, which were consistently around 2–3 μm in size, resulting in a final crystallinity of manufactured laminates within 30%–35%. It was found that the cold crystallisation processes occurring in PEEK during LATP play an important role in determining the final degree of crystallinity. Experimental measurements and simulations indicate that changes in processing parameters have a negligible effect on residual stress levels, especially regarding interlaminar residual stresses. A processing temperature of 400 °C was found to generate a diffuse, yet coherent, interphase spanning the fibre/matrix interface with a thickness approximately 70 nm. In contrast, at a processing temperature of 350 °C, a distinct, incoherent interface was confirmed between fibre and matrix. The formation of the interphase, coupled with fewer defects, leading to a relatively high interlaminar shear strength (78 MPa) of manufactured laminates under appropriate processing conditions. Therefore, it is suggested that regulating the degree of cold crystallisation in polymer matrices while ensuring a strong fibre/matrix interfacial bond by the optimisation of processing temperature, will enable the tailoring of microstructure and design of composites to meet specific strength property requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clostridium butyricum is an anaerobic heterotrophic Gram-positive Bacillus, which can produce butyric acid and lactic acid. As a kind of probiotics, Clostridium butyricum is widely found in the intestinal tract of humans and animals. The characteristics of Clostridium butyricum are safety, high temperature resistance, gastric acid resistance, bile salt resistance, and so on. Adding proper amount of Clostridium butyricum in diet can improve animal growth performance, enhance animal immunity and antioxidant function, improve livestock and poultry product quality, adjust intestinal microecological balance, and promote intestinal health. Compared with antibiotics, Clostridium butyricum can effectively reduce drug residue, which has the advantages of green environmental protection and no drug resistance. It is an ideal substitute for dietary antibiotics. The paper reviews the characteristics, biological functions and mechanism of Clostridium butyricum, and summarizes the applications of Clostridium butyricum in poultry production, in order to provide a reference for reasonable application of Clostridium butyricum in poultry production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the differences in pH between bacterial infection microenvironment and normal tissues, a series of pH-responsive drug-release amphiphilic polyurethane copolymers (DPU-g-PEG) have been prepared in this work. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and 1H NMR was selected to detect the structure of the condensed polymers. The DPU-g-PEG amphiphilic copolymers could form stable micelles with a hydrophilic shell of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and a hydrophobic core of polylactic acid (PLA). We loaded a model drug called triclosan onto DPU-g-PEG micelles and studied how pH affects their particle size, Zeta potential, and drug release performance. The results revealed that when exposed to acidic conditions, the surface potential of DPU-g-PEG micelles changed, the micelles' particle size increased, and the drug release performance was significantly enhanced. These results suggested that the micelles prepared in this study can release more antibacterial substances at sites of bacterial infection. Meanwhile, we also investigated the impact of different ratios of soft and hard segments on the properties of micelles, and the results showed that the pH responsiveness of micelles was strongest when the ratio of soft segments (PLLA diol + PEG 2000): 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI): 2,6-Bis-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-pyrrolo[3,4-f]isoindole-1,3,5,7-tetraone (DMA) = 1: 1.2: 0.2. Furthermore, the results of inhibition zone test, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) all confirmed the antibacterial activity of triclosan-load DPU-g-PEG micelles. In conclusion, the DPU-g-PEG micelles produced in this study have the potential to be used as intelligent drug delivery systems in the biomedical field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many structural applications are attracted to natural fibre-reinforced polymeric composites due to their eco-friendliness, recyclability, and cost-effectiveness. While significant progress has been made, their interface compatibility with the polymeric matrix is still challenging. Therefore, the present study proposed a method for improving the mechanical and dynamic mechanical performance of flax-reinforced novel methylmethacrylate (Elium®) and urethane acrylate (Crestapol®) composites. The technique involved the dispersion of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) in the matrix at different weight percentages (0.5–0.75%) to improve the fibre/matrix interface. Flax/Elium® (FE) and flax/Crestapol® (FC) composites with varying weight percentages of MCC were manufactured using the vacuum infusion method. The resulting improvements in mechanical and dynamic properties were evaluated through in-plane shear (± 45° tensile), flexural, short beam shear, and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The effects of MCC on these properties of flax/Elium® were compared to those of flax/Crestapol® composites. The addition of MCC improved the in-plane shear strength (FE: 13–20%, FC: 10–17%), flexural strength (FE: 6–13%, FC: 13%) and interlaminar shear strength (FE: 9–17%, FC: 10–20%). Also, FE composite showed 7–11%, 10–14% and 10–17% higher in-plane shear, flexural and interlaminar shear strengths, respectively, compared to FC composites. The DMA results confirmed the positive effect of Elium® resin and MCC on the dynamic storage and loss modulus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Mutualisms between plants and fruit‐eating animals were key to the radiation of angiosperms. Still, phylogenetic uncertainties limit our understanding of fleshy‐fruit evolution, as in the case of Solanum, a genus with remarkable fleshy‐fruit diversity, but with unresolved phylogenetic relationships.We used 1786 nuclear genes from 247 species, including 122 newly generated transcriptomes/genomes, to reconstruct the Solanum phylogeny and examine the tempo and mode of the evolution of fruit color and size.Our analysis resolved the backbone phylogeny of Solanum, providing high support for its clades. Our results pushed back the origin of Solanum to 53.1 million years ago (Ma), with most major clades diverging between 35 and 27 Ma. Evolution of Solanum fruit color and size revealed high levels of trait conservatism, where medium‐sized berries that remain green when ripe are the likely ancestral form. Our analyses revealed that fruit size and color are evolutionary correlated, where dull‐colored fruits are two times larger than black/purple and red fruits.We conclude that the strong phylogenetic conservatism shown in the color and size of Solanum fruits could limit the influences of fruit‐eating animals on fleshy‐fruit evolution. Our findings highlight the importance of phylogenetic constraints on the diversification of fleshy‐fruit functional traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both cancer and fibrosis are diseases involving dysregulation of cell signaling pathways resulting in an altered cellular microenvironment which ultimately leads to progression of the condition. The two disease entities share common molecular pathophysiology and recent research has illuminated the how each promotes the other. Multiple imaging techniques have been developed to aid in the early and accurate diagnosis of each disease, and given the commonalities between the pathophysiology of the conditions, advances in imaging one disease have opened new avenues to study the other. Here, we detail the most up-to-date advances in imaging techniques for each disease and how they have crossed over to improve detection and monitoring of the other. We explore techniques in positron emission tomography (PET), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), second generation harmonic Imaging (SGHI), ultrasound (US), radiomics, and artificial intelligence (AI). A new diagnostic imaging tool in PET/computed tomography (CT) is the use of radiolabeled fibroblast activation protein inhibitor (FAPI). SGHI uses high-frequency sound waves to penetrate deeper into the tissue, providing a more detailed view of the tumor microenvironment. Artificial intelligence with the aid of advanced deep learning (DL) algorithms has been highly effective in training computer systems to diagnose and classify neoplastic lesions in multiple organs. Ultimately, advancing imaging techniques in cancer and fibrosis can lead to significantly more timely and accurate diagnoses of both diseases resulting in better patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving the performance of thermoelectric (TE) materials and fabricating TE devices with higher conversion efficiency remains a significant challenge in materials research. The low figure of merit (ZT) value of n -type bismuth telluride has seriously hindered the development of TE devices based on bismuth telluride. Element doping and nanostructured defect introduction have commonly been employed to improve TE properties. Herein, we utilized high-pressure synthesis to fabricate n -type Bi 2 Se 0.3 Te 2.7 bulk nanomaterials and enhance their TE performance by adjusting the fabrication pressure and titanium doping concentration. Through this process, titanium effectively substituted bismuth to decrease carrier concentration and improve carrier mobility. As a result, the thermal conductivity was significantly decreased. By employing a fabrication pressure of 2.5 GPa and 10 at % Ti doping, a remarkable ZT value of 0.96 was achieved at 333 K, which was 2.8 times the undoped counterparts. These findings demonstrate a successful design methodology and fabrication process to generate n -type Bi 2 Te 3 with outstanding TE performance. This study provided valuable insights into the synthesis of high-performance TE materials and contributed to advancements in TE device technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: During the neonatal stage, the cardiomyocyte undergoes a constellation of molecular, cytoarchitectural, and functional changes known collectively as cardiomyocyte maturation to increase myocardial contractility and cardiac output. Despite the importance of cardiomyocyte maturation, the molecular mechanisms governing this critical process remain largely unexplored. METHODS: We leveraged an in vivo mosaic knockout system to characterize the role of Carm1 , the founding member of protein arginine methyltransferase, in cardiomyocyte maturation. Using a battery of assays, including immunohistochemistry, immuno-electron microscopy imaging, and action potential recording, we assessed the effect of loss of Carm1 function on cardiomyocyte cell growth, myofibril expansion, T-tubule formation, and electrophysiological maturation. Genome-wide transcriptome profiling, H3R17me2a chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing, and assay for transposase-accessible chromatin with high-throughput sequencing were used to investigate the mechanisms by which CARM1 (coactivator-associated arginine methyltransferase 1) regulates cardiomyocyte maturation. Finally, we interrogated the human syntenic region to the H3R17me2a chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing peaks for single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with human heart diseases. RESULTS: We report that mosaic ablation of Carm1 disrupts multiple aspects of cardiomyocyte maturation cell autonomously, leading to reduced cardiomyocyte size and sarcomere thickness, severe loss and disorganization of T tubules, and compromised electrophysiological maturation. Genomics study demonstrates that CARM1 directly activates genes that underlie cardiomyocyte cytoarchitectural and electrophysiological maturation. Moreover, our study reveals significant enrichment of human heart disease–associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the human genomic region syntenic to the H3R17me2a chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing peaks. CONCLUSIONS: This study establishes a critical and multifaceted role for CARM1 in regulating cardiomyocyte maturation and demonstrates that deregulation of CARM1-dependent cardiomyocyte maturation gene expression may contribute to human heart diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mendelian randomization analysis was applied to elucidate the causal relationship between the basal metabolic rate (BMR) and common cardiovascular diseases. Method: We choose BMR as exposure. BMR is the metabolic rate of the body when the basic physiological activities (blood circulation, breathing and constant body temperature) are maintained. The normal BMR is 1507 kcal/day for men and 1276 kcal/day for women. The dataset was drawn from the public GWAS dataset (GWAS ID: ukb‐a‐268), collected and analysed by UK biobank, containing 331,307 European males and females. SNPs independently and strongly associated with BMR were used as instrumental variables in the inverse variance weighted analysis. MR‐Egger, weighted median, MR pleiotropy residual sum, and outlier methods were also performed, and the sensitivity was evaluated using horizontal pleiotropy and heterogeneity analyses to ensure the stability of the results. Results: An increased BMR is associated with a higher risk of cardiomyopathy (odds ratio [OR] = 2.00, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.57–2.54, p = 1.87 × 10−8), heart failure (OR = 1.39, 95% CI, 1.27–2.51, p = 8.1 × 10−13), and valvular heart disease (OR = 1.18, 95% CI, 1.10–1.27, p =.00001). However, there was no clear association between BMR and the subtypes of other cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary disease (OR =.96, 95% CI,.85–1.08, p =.48651) and atrial fibrillation (AF) (OR = 1.85, 95% CI, 1.70–2.02, p = 6.28 × 10−44). Conclusion: Our study reveals a possible causal effect of BMR on the risk of cardiomyopathy, heart failure and valvular disease, but not for coronary disease and AF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laminin receptor (LR), which mediating cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix, plays a crucial role in cell signaling and regulatory functions. In the present study, a laminin receptor gene (SpLR) was cloned and characterized from the mud crab (Scylla paramamosain). The full length of SpLR contained an open reading frame (ORF) of 960 bp encoding 319 amino acids, a 5′ untranslated region (UTR) of 66 bp and a 3′ UTR of 49 bp. The predicted protein comprised two Ribosomal-S2 domains and a 40S-SA-C domain. The mRNA of SpLR was highly expressed in the gill, followed by the hepatopancreas. The expression of SpLR was up-regulated after mud crab dicistrovirus-1(MCDV-1) infection. Knocking down SpLR in vivo by RNA interference significantly down-regulated the expression of the immune genes SpJAK , SpSTAT , SpToll1 , SpALF1 and SpALF5. This study shown that the expression level of SpToll1 and SpCAM in SpLR -interfered group significantly increased after MCDV-1 infection. Moreover, silencing of SpLR in vivo decreased the MCDV-1 replication and increased the survival rate of mud crabs after MCDV-1 infection. These findings collectively suggest a pivotal role for SpLR in the mud crab's response to MCDV-1 infection. By influencing the expression of critical innate immune factors and impacting viral replication dynamics, SpLR emerges as a key player in the intricate host-pathogen interaction, providing valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying MCDV-1 pathogenesis in mud crabs. • Identified a Laminin Receptor gene in mud crab. • Silencing of SpLR in vivo decreased the MCDV-1 replication. • SpLR played a key player in the intricate host-pathogen interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the asymmetric wettability of the membrane due to its unique transmission features and functions, the application of oil-water separation achieved rapid development. Nevertheless, their practical application is severely restricted due to poor mechanical durability and low flux in the absence of external pressure. Herein, the Janus ZIF-8/stainless steel mesh/polydopamine (DZIF-8/SSM/PDA) membrane was successfully prepared using electrodeposition, in-situ growth, and shell ligand exchange reaction methods. The Janus membrane surface was created through the combination of 5, 6-dimethylbenzimidazole (DMBIM) modified superhydrophobic nanoparticles ZIF-8 (DZIF), and PDA, exhibiting underwater superoleophobicity (UWOCA 156°), superhydrophobicity (WCA 154°), and excellent anti-oil (light and heavy oil) pollutants ability. By manipulating the molecular repulsion forces on the Janus membrane surface, a stable interfacial hydration layer is created in conjunction with the micro-nano structure. This combination enables the achievement of interfacial demulsification and gravity-driven separation of emulsified oil, according to the Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulation process. The water-in-oil emulsion achieved an oil flux of 601 L m−2 h−1 with a separation efficiency of 99.1 %, while the oil-in-water emulsion demonstrated a water flux of 62 L m−2 h−1 with a separation efficiency of 99.7 %. The Janus DZIF-8/SSM/PDA demonstrated acid and alkali resistance, mechanical stability and reusability, and resistance to E. coli bacteria. Overall, this research anticipates advancing the production of durable asymmetric Janus membranes with superior separation efficiency under gravity, providing a novel solution for oil-water separation. [Display omitted] • The electrodeposition and in-situ growth methods were used to obtain Janus membrane. • Control the asymmetric wettability by manipulating hydrophobic ZIF-8 and PDA. • The Janus membrane showed excellent emulsion separation efficiency and flux. • Anti-fouling, stability, reusability, and antibacterial properties acquired. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The recommended treatment for limited‐stage small‐cell lung cancer (LS‐SCLC) is a combination of thoracic radiotherapy (TRT) and etoposide plus cisplatin (EP) chemotherapy, typically administered over 4–6 cycles. Nonetheless, the optimal duration of chemotherapy is still not determined. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of patients with LS‐SCLC who received either 6 cycles or 4–5 cycles of EP chemotherapy combined with TRT. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective analysis, we utilized data from our prior prospective trial to analyze the outcomes of 265 LS‐SCLC patients who received 4–6 courses of EP combined with concurrent accelerated hyperfractionated TRT between 2002 and 2017. Patients were categorized into two groups depending on their number of chemotherapy cycles: 6 or 4–5 cycles. To assess overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS), we employed the Kaplan–Meier method after conducting propensity score matching (PSM). Results: Among the 265 LS‐SCLC patients, 60 (22.6%) received 6 cycles of EP chemotherapy, while 205 (77.4%) underwent 4–5 cycles. Following PSM (53 patients for each group), the patients in the 6 cycles group exhibited a significant improvement in OS and PFS in comparison to those in the 4–5 cycles group [median OS: 29.8 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 23.6–53.1 months) vs. 22.7 months (95% CI, 20.8–29.1 months), respectively, p = 0.019; median PFS: 17.9 months (95% CI, 13.7–30.5 months) vs. 12.0 months (95% CI, 9.8–14.2 months), respectively, p = 0.006]. The two‐year and five‐year OS rates were 60.38% and 29.87% in the 6 cycles group, whereas 47.17% and 15.72% in the 4–5 cycles group, respectively. Conclusion: Patients diagnosed with LS‐SCLC who were treated with EP regimen chemotherapy combined with TRT exhibited notably enhanced survival when administered 6 cycles of chemotherapy, as compared to those who underwent only 4–5 cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Environmental stresses negatively impact reproductive development and yield. Drought stress, in particular, has been examined during Arabidopsis reproductive development at morphological and transcriptomic levels. However, drought-responsive transcriptomic changes at different points in reproductive development remain unclear. Additionally, an investigation of the entire transcriptome at various stages during flower development is of great interest. Results: Here, we treat Arabidopsis plants with well-watered and moderately and severely limiting water amounts when the first flowers reach maturity and generate RNA-seq datasets for early, middle, and late phases during flower development at 5, 6, and 7 days following treatment. Under different drought conditions, flowers in different developmental phases display differential sets of drought-responsive genes (DTGs), including those that are enriched in different GO functional categories, such as transcriptional regulation and response to stresses (early phase), lipid storage (middle phase), and pollen and seed development and metabolic processes (late phase). Some gene families have different members induced at different floral phases, suggesting that similar biochemical functions are carried out by distinct members. Developmentally-regulated genes (DVGs) with differential expression among the three floral phases belong to GO terms that are similar between water conditions, such as development and reproduction, metabolism and transport, and signaling and stress response. However, for different water conditions, such similar GO terms correspond to either distinct gene families or different members of a gene family, suggesting that drought affects the expression of distinct families or family members during reproductive development. A further comparison among transcriptomes of tissues collected on different days after treatment identifies differential gene expression, suggesting age-related genes (ARGs) might reflect the changes in the overall plant physiology in addition to drought response and development. Conclusion: Together, our study provides new insights into global transcriptome reprogramming and candidate genes for drought response, flower development, aging and coordination among these complex biological processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to consider a type of inverse optimal value problem in second-order conic programming, in which the parameter in its objective function needs to be adjusted under a given class that makes the corresponding optimal objective value closest to a target value. This inverse problem can be reformulated as a minimization problem with some second-order cone complementarity constraints. To tackle these bilinear constraints, we apply a penalty-type method and show that the associated penalty term is exact, which avoids the hurdles of penalty-type methods in the update strategy of the penalty parameter. Numerical results show that our method is suitable to solve the given inverse optimal value problem under different metric distances between the optimal value of the forward problem and a target objective counterpart. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous studies have shown an association between gut microbiota and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). However, the underlying causal relationship remains unclear. This study aims to elucidate the causal relationship between gut microbiota and CVDs and to explore the pathogenic role of gut microbiota in CVDs. Methods: In this two-sample Mendelian randomization study, we used genetic instruments from publicly available genome-wide association studies, including single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with gut microbiota (n = 14,306) and CVDs (n = 2,207,591). We employed multiple statistical analysis methods, including inverse variance weighting, MR Egger, weighted median, MR pleiotropic residuals and outliers, and the leave-one-out method, to estimate the causal relationship between gut microbiota and CVDs. Additionally, we conducted multiple analyses to assess horizontal pleiotropy and heterogeneity. Results: GWAS summary data were available from a pooled sample of 2,221,897 adult and adolescent participants. Our findings indicated that specific gut microbiota had either protective or detrimental effects on CVDs. Notably, Howardella (OR = 0.955, 95% CI: 0.913–0.999, P =.05), Intestinibacter (OR = 0.908, 95% CI:0.831–0.993, P =.03), Lachnospiraceae (NK4A136 group) (OR = 0.904, 95% CI:0.841–0.973, P =.007), Turicibacter (OR = 0.904, 95% CI: 0.838–0.976, P =.01), Holdemania (OR, 0.898; 95% CI: 0.810–0.995, P =.04) and Odoribacter (OR, 0.835; 95% CI: 0.710–0.993, P =.04) exhibited a protective causal effect on atrial fibrillation, while other microbiota had adverse causal effects. Similar effects were observed with respect to coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, and hypertension. Furthermore, reversed Mendelian randomization analyses revealed that atrial fibrillation and ischemic stroke had causal effects on certain gut microbiotas. Conclusion: Our study underscored the importance of gut microbiota in the context of CVDs and lent support to the hypothesis that increasing the abundance of probiotics or decreasing the abundance of harmful bacterial populations may offer protection against specific CVDs. Nevertheless, further research is essential to translate these findings into clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although abnormal heart rate variability (HRV) is frequently observed in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), its time course and presentation of different indices remain unclear, and few studies have focused on its association with clinical outcomes. Methods: We prospectively recruited consecutive patients with spontaneous ICH between June 2014 and June 2021. HRV was evaluated twice during hospitalization (within 7 days and 10–14 days after stroke). Time and frequency domain indices were calculated. A modified Rankin Scale score ≥ 3 at 3 months was defined as a poor outcome. Results: Finally, 122 patients with ICH and 122 age- and sex-matched volunteers were included. Compared with controls, time domain and absolute frequency domain HRV parameters (total power, low frequency [LF], and high frequency [HF]) in the ICH group were significantly decreased within 7 days and 10–14 days. For relative values, normalized LF (LF%) and LF/HF were significantly higher, whereas normalized HF (HF%) was significantly lower, in the patient group than in the control group. Furthermore, LF% and HF% measured at 10–14 days were independently associated with 3-month outcomes. Conclusions: HRV values were impaired significantly within 14 days after ICH. Furthermore, HRV indices measured 10–14 days after ICH were independently associated with 3-month outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruit functions in seed protection and dispersal and belongs to many dry and fleshy types, yet their evolutionary pattern remains unclear in part due to uncertainties in the phylogenetic relationships among several orders and families. Thus we used nuclear genes of 502 angiosperm species representing 231 families to reconstruct a well supported phylogeny, with resolved relationships for orders and families with previously uncertain placements. Using this phylogeny as a framework, molecular dating supports a Triassic origin of the crown angiosperms, followed by the emergence of most orders in the Jurassic and Cretaceous and their rise to ecological dominance during the Cretaceous Terrestrial Revolution. The robust phylogeny allowed an examination of the evolutionary pattern of fruit and ovary types, revealing a trend of parallel carpel fusions during early diversifications in eudicots, monocots, and magnoliids. Moreover, taxa in the same order or family with the same ovary type can develop either dry or fleshy fruits with strong correlations between specific types of dry and fleshy fruits; such associations of ovary, dry and fleshy fruits define several ovary‐fruit "modules" each found in multiple families. One of the frequent modules has an ovary containing multiple ovules, capsules and berries, and another with an ovary having one or two ovules, achenes (or other single‐seeded dry fruits) and drupes. This new perspective of relationships among fruit types highlights the closeness of specific dry and fleshy fruit types, such as capsule and berry, that develop from the same ovary type and belong to the same module relative to dry and fleshy fruits of other modules (such as achenes and drupes). Further analyses of gene families containing known genes for ovary and fruit development identified phylogenetic nodes with multiple gene duplications, supporting a possible role of whole‐genome duplications, in combination with climate changes and animal behaviors, in angiosperm fruit and ovary diversification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a chronic inflammatory disease, diabetes mellitus (DM) contributes to the development of atherosclerosis (AS). However, how the NLRP3 inflammasome participates in diabetes-related AS remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the mechanism through which NLRP3 uses high glucose (HG) levels to promote AS. Serum and coronary artery tissues were collected from coronary artery disease (CAD) patients with and without DM, respectively. The expression of NLRP3 was detected, and the effects of this inflammasome on diabetes-associated AS were evaluated using streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic apoE-/- mice injected with Adenovirus-mediated NLRP3 interference (Ad-NLRP3i). To elucidate the potential mechanism involved, ox-LDL-irritated human aortic smooth muscle cells were divided into the control, high-glucose, Si-NC, and Si-NLRP3 groups to observe the changes induced by downregulating NLRP3 expression. For up-regulating NLRP3, control and plasmid contained NLRP3 were used. TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, phosphorylated and total p38, JNK, p65, and IκBα expression levels were detected following the downregulation or upregulation of NLRP3 expression. Patients with comorbid CAD and DM showed higher serum levels and expression of NLRP3 in the coronary artery than those with only CAD. Moreover, mice in the Ad-NLRP3i group showed markedly smaller and more stable atherosclerotic lesions compared to those in other DM groups. These mice had decreased inflammatory cytokine production and improved glucose tolerance, which demonstrated the substantial effects of NLRP3 in the progression of diabetes-associated AS. Furthermore, using the siRNA or plasmid to downregulate or upregulate NLRP3 expression in vitro altered cytokines and the MAPK/NF-κB pathway. NLRP3 expression was significantly increased under hyperglycemia. Additionally, it accelerated AS by promoting inflammation via the IL/MAPK/NF-κB pathway. • It's the first time to find overexpressed NLRP3 in patients, diabetic apoE−/− mice and stimulated HASMCs. • Apoe-/- mice with small dose STZ combined standard feeding successfully exhibited the diabetic atherosclerosis mouse model. • NLRP3 gene silence ameliorated the high glucose induced atherosclerosis and inflammatory cytokines in vivo and in vitro. • Downregulating NLRP3 can decrease the expression of phosphorylation levels of p38, JNK, IκB-α and p65. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ga 2 O 3 is an ultra-wide bandgap semiconductor with various advantages but limited by its low carrier mobility. Utilizing charge separation in heterostructures to improve carrier mobility can be a solution. The narrow bandgap semiconductor Ge with high carrier mobility, potential for the construction of high-quality Ga 2 O 3 /Ge devices. Accordingly, Ga 2 O 3 films were deposited on Ge substrates by atomic layer deposition (ALD) in this study and its performance is characterized. The atomic force microscopy (AFM) of the resulting surface topographies showed atomically smooth appearances with excellent uniformity. The thickness, refractive index, and extinction coefficients of Ga 2 O 3 films measured by ellipsometry revealed unique adsorption properties in the solar-blind wavelength range. The band offset measured by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy displayed a valence band offset (VBO) of 3.26 ± 0.04 eV and a conduction band offset (CBO) of 0.87 ± 0.03 eV. To calculate the band alignment, a precise and visual XPS depth profile was presented, revealing the microstructures of Ga 2 O 3 /Ge heterojunctions through the etching process. The interfacial charge transfer characteristic was analyzed by Electronic density difference and the Work function calculated by density functional theory (DFT) allowed building carrier immigration mode at the interface of Ga 2 O 3 /Ge heterojunction when combined with the band alignment, providing a high-quality material basis and reference value for high performance optoelectronic and power electronic device design. [Display omitted] ● Abundant experimental and theoretical methods were investigated to study the performance of Ga 2 O 3 /Ge heterojunction about morphology, optical properties, microstructure, band alignment, and charge transfer characteristics. ● The deep etching profile accurately and intuitively shows the composition change from Ga 2 O 3 film to the Ge substrate. ● The interfacial charge transfer characteristics were analyzed by work function and electronic density difference based on DFT. ● The band configurations were depicted to explain the potential of Ga 2 O 3 /Ge heterojunction in optoelectronic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mildly elevated levels of transaminase and/or immunoglobulin G (IgG) are common in patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). It is still unclear whether adding immunosuppressive therapy to ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) benefits those patients who are not fulfilling the diagnostic criteria of PBC with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) features. Objectives: To assess the efficacy of adding immunosuppressive therapy to UDCA for patients with PBC and autoimmune phenomena but not fulfilling the diagnostic criteria of PBC with AIH features. Design: This is a retrospective–prospective cohort study in a tertiary medical center. Methods: Patients with PBC and autoimmune phenomena were defined by the elevation of IgG and/or transaminase but did not fulfill the diagnostic criteria of PBC with AIH features. We grouped these patients based on with and without add-on immunosuppressive therapy and balanced their baseline characteristics using inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW). Results: A total of 652 patients with PBC and autoimmune phenomena were included, with a median follow-up of 4.08 years. After IPTW, the pseudo sample size in the add-on therapy and monotherapy groups was 558 and 655, respectively. After 1 year of observation, patients in the add-on therapy group had a higher biochemical response rate (normalization of transaminase and IgG levels) (49% versus 17%, p < 0.001). Furthermore, add-on therapy improved the transplant-free survival in the subgroup of patients with PBC and transaminase ⩾3 × upper limit of normal (ULN) or IgG ⩾1.3 × ULN (p = 0.033). Conclusion: Add-on immunosuppressive therapy may improve the normalization rates of transaminase and IgG levels in all patients with PBC and mildly elevated transaminase and IgG levels and the long-term outcomes in the subgroup of the patients with transaminase ⩾3 × ULN or IgG ⩾1.3 × ULN. Plain language summary: A look at add-on immunosuppressive therapy in primary biliary cholangitis patients Adding immunosuppressive therapy may enhance the normalization of ALT, AST and IgG levels in all PBC patients with mild elevation and improve long-term outcomes in those with more severe elevation of ALT, AST and IgG. These findings contribute to our understanding of treatment options for PBC patients with autoimmune phenomena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: 'Let's Talk About Children' is a brief family focused intervention developed to improve mental health outcomes of children of parents with mental illness (COPMI). This study aims to assess the efficacy of LTC in improving mental health of children of parents with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder in China. Methods: The planned study is a multicentre parallel group randomized wait-list controlled trial. A total of 400 eligible families with children aged 8 to 18 years will be recruited, 200 each for families with parental schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. The intervention group will receive Let's Talk About Children delivered by a trained therapist, while the control group will receive treatment as usual. The primary outcomes are child mental health measured by the strengths and difficulties questionnaire and parent–child communication measured using the parent-adolescent communication scale. Parental mental health and family functioning are secondary outcomes. This study also plans to explore mediating factors for the effect of Let's Talk About Children on child mental health, as well as conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis on using Let's Talk About Children in China. Conclusion: The present study will provide evidence for the efficacy of Let's Talk About Children in families with parental schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in China. In addition, it will evaluate potential mechanisms of action and cost-effectiveness of Let's Talk About Children, providing a basis for future implementation. Trial registration: ChiCTR2300073904. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have developed a novel dual‐path multipass cell (DP‐MPC) for trace gas detection. The sealed Herriott cell, measuring 16 × 16 × 41.5 cm, has two input/output coupling holes. By adjusting the mirror position and incident angle of the beam, optical paths of 105 and 37.5 m can be obtained, respectively. To test its performance, we setup a methane (CH4) concentration detection system by combining the DP‐MPC with a 1.65 μm distributed feedback laser and carried out a methane gas detection experiment. The Allan variance analysis showed that the limit of detection for the two optical paths were 6 and 30 ppb, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in adolescents is becoming a widespread health issue. Recent studies have suggested that repetitive NSSI is crucial in NSSI adolescents and can be conceptualized as an “addictive behavior.” The aim of this cross-sectional study was to explore the network relationships among child maltreatment, anxiety, and addictive NSSI in adolescents. In total, 542 adolescents (14.07 ± 2.15 years old, 18.6% males) with NSSI behavior completed the related questionnaires. Two types of psychometric approaches were used to analyze the data. First, the network analysis showed that emotional abuse (Expected Influence: 1.20) had the most central role among the networks, and the edges of emotional abuse–anxiety (weight: 0.25), emotional abuse-addictive NSSI (weight: 0.20), and anxiety–addictive NSSI (weight: 0.19) showed stronger positive associations of trans-symptom edges. Second, the network comparison test was used to examine the network differences between the male and female groups; however, no network differences were found. Overall, among all types of childhood maltreatment, our results suggest that emotional abuse should be more emphasized to prevent long-term mental adverse outcomes and addictive NSSI, and that anxiety may also mediate emotional abuse and addictive NSSI in NSSI adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Ag nanoflakes are used to control Zn anode texture via a facile drop-casting method. • The nanoflake morphology allows for horizontal arrangement of Ag at Zn foil surface. • Horizontal Zn deposition is ensured with considerably inhibited parasitic reaction. • Zn metal corrosion can be suppressed and electrochemical kinetics can be enhanced. • The performance of Zn//Zn cell and Zn//MnO 2 battery is significantly improved. The escalating popularity of aqueous zinc-ion batteries has prompted substantial research efforts directed at mitigating zinc dendrites and parasitic reactions. Modifying Zn foil electrodes with Ag metal/alloy has emerged as an efficacious strategy owing to the exceptional zincophilicity and remarkable electrical conductivity of Ag. Nevertheless, previous studies predominantly rely on either 3D architectures or Ag nanowires/particles. The former approach may increase costs and compromise energy density, while the latter inadequately guides planar zinc deposition. In this work, Ag nanoflakes synthesized by a solution method are employed to control Zn anode texture through a facile drop-casting technique. The nanoflake morphology facilitates the horizontal arrangement of Ag modification layer, thereby readily promoting horizontal zinc deposition. It is also found that the Ag nanoflakes can improve electrolyte wettability, augment anti-corrosion ability, homogenize electric field, diminish nucleation overpotential, reduce desolvation activation energy, impede two-dimensional Zn2+ ion diffusion, reduce exchange current density, lower electrochemical impedances, and result in the formation of AgZn 3 alloy. Correspondingly, the zinc stripping/plating reversibility is significantly improved, accompanied by considerably inhibited parasitic reaction, contributing to the realization of deep cycling for both Zn//Zn cell and Zn//MnO 2 battery. This study unveils a viable morphology-tailored methodology to achieve dendrite-free characteristic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eriochloa villosa (Thunb.) Kunth is a troublesome weed widely distributed in maize (Zea mays L.) fields in Northeast China. Many populations of E. villosa have evolved resistance to nicosulfuron herbicides, which inhibit acetolactate synthase (ALS). The objectives of this research were to confirm that E. villosa is resistant to nicosulfuron and to investigate the basis of nicosulfuron resistance. Whole-plant dose–response studies revealed that the R population had not developed a high level of cross-resistance and exhibited greater resistant (25.62-fold) to nicosulfuron than that of the S population and had not yet developed a high level of cross-resistance. An in vitro ALS activity assay demonstrated that the I 50 of nicosulfuron was 6.87-fold greater in the R population than the S population. However, based on ALS gene sequencing, the target ALS gene in the R population did not contain mutations. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT–PCR) revealed that ALS gene expression between the R and S populations was significantly different after nicosulfuron application, but no differences were observed in the gene copy number. After the cytochrome P450 inhibitor malathion or the GST inhibitor NBD-Cl was applied, the resistant E. villosa population exhibited increased sensitivity to nicosulfuron. Based on the activities of GSTs and P450s, the activities of the R population were greater than those of the S population after nicosulfuron application. This is the first report that the resistance of E. villosa to ALS inhibitors results from increased target gene expression and increased metabolism. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for the effective control of herbicide-resistant E. villosa. [Display omitted] • Eriochloa villosa (Thunb.) Kunth developes resistance to nicosulfuron in Heilongjiang, China. • No genetic mutations or high-level cross-resistance were found in resistant E. villosa population. • Increase of target enzyme activity and target gene expression in resistant E. villosa. • NTSR mechanism from the improvement of metabolic detoxification ability was more important in resistant E. villosa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maspin is a serine protease inhibitor that is encoded by the human SERPINB5 gene. As a tumor inhibitor, it can inhibit the growth of tumor cells, increase adhesion between tumor cells and inhibit tumor angiogenesis. In the present study, a meta- and bioinformatics analysis was performed through the PubMed and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases including entries added until up to March 20, 2023. It was found that compared with normal breast tissue, maspin expression was downregulated in breast cancer tissue. Maspin expression was negatively associated with lymph node metastasis. According to Kaplan-Meier plotter, it was found that lower maspin expression was negatively associated with the overall and distant metastasis-free survival rate of patients with estrogen receptor-positive, luminal A and grade 2 breast cancer. High expression of maspin was also positively associated with the relapse-free survival rate of patients of the luminal A subtype. Low maspin expression was positively associated with the post-progression and distant metastasis-free survival rate of the progesterone receptor-negative subtype. According to the GEPIA database, SERPINB5 mRNA expression was higher in normal than breast cancer tissues and negatively correlated with the TNM stage. High expression of maspin was also positively associated with the overall survival rate. In the UALCAN database, it was found that the mRNA and promoter methylation levels of SERPINB5 were higher in normal than in breast cancer tissues. These findings suggest that the expression of maspin may serve as a potential marker to indicate the occurrence, subsequent progression and even prognosis of breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypoxia-inducible factors −1 (HIF-1) is a crucial transcription factor that regulates the expression of glycolytic genes. Our previous study proved that the Mud crab dicistrovirus-1 (MCDV-1) can induce aerobic glycolysis that favors viral replication in mud crab Scylla paramamosain. However, the role of HIF-1 on key glycolytic genes during the MCDV-1 infection has not been examined. In this study, the intricate interplay between HIF-1 and the key glycolysis enzyme, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), was investigated after MCDV-1 infection. The expression of LDH was significant increased after MCDV-1 infection. Additionally, the expression of HIF-1α was upregulated following MCDV-1 infection, potentially attributed to the downregulation of prolyl hydroxylase domains 2 expression. Subsequent examination of the SpLDH promoter identified the presence of hypoxia response elements (HREs), serving as binding sites for HIF-1α. Intriguingly, experimental evidence demonstrated that SpHIF-1α actively promotes SpLDH transcription through these HREs. To further elucidate the functional significance of SpHIF-1α , targeted silencing was employed, resulting in a substantial reduction in SpLDH expression, activity, and lactate concentrations in MCDV-1-infected mud crabs. Notably, SpHIF-1α -silenced mud crabs exhibited higher survival rates and lower viral loads in hepatopancreas tissues following MCDV-1 infection. These results highlight the critical role of SpHIF-1α in MCDV-1 pathogenesis by regulating LDH gene dynamics, providing valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the virus-host interaction. • The expression of SpHIF-1α and SpLDH is upregulated during MCDV-1 infection. • SpHIF-1α actively promotes SpLDH transcription through HREs. • SpHIF-1α plays a critical role in MCDV-1 pathogenesis by regulating LDH gene dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

First-phase ejection fraction (EF1) is a novel measurement of early left ventricular systolic dysfunction. We investigate its prognostic value in patients with heart failure (HF). Patients with HF were prospectively enrolled from July 2019 to September 2021. A total of 228 patients were included in the final analysis. The primary endpoint was the composite of all-cause mortality or rehospitalization for HF, which occurred in 74 patients (32.46%). EF1 as well as other parameters for left ventricular function were measured in echocardiography. Time-dependent ROC showed the cutoff value of EF1 was 18.55%. Kaplan–Meier analysis indicated a higher rate of adverse events in the lower EF1 group (EF1 ≤ 18.55%) (Log-rank test P < 0.001). Cox regression analyses showed EF1 was an independent predictor with adverse events as a continuous variable (Cox model 1: per 1% change in EF1: HR = 0.92, 95%CI: 0.87–0.97, P < 0.001), as well as a categorical variable (Cox model 2: EF1 > 18.55%: HR = 0.21, 95%CI: 0.08–0.53, P < 0.001) after adjustment for hypertension, coronary artery disease (CAD), Log10 (NT-proBNP), eGFR, E/e' and loop diuretics. Restricted cubic splines revealed a linear association between EF1 levels and the incidence of adverse events (P for non-linearity = 0.145). The subgroup analyses showed the predictive ability of elevated EF1 on the decreased risk of adverse events did not change substantially stratified by HF classification, age, CAD and hypertension. EF1, as a novel measurement of early systolic function, is a promising predictor of adverse events among HF patients. EF1 might be considered a new measurement for risk stratification of HF. • EF1 is significantly associated with adverse events in heart failure patients after adjusting for covariates. • The association of elevated EF1 and adverse events is consistent across different heart failure subgroups. • There is a linear association between EF1 levels and the incidence of adverse events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]