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The mechanisms of neuropathic pain (NP) are considered multifactorial. Alterations in the suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) play a critical role in neural damage and inflammation. Epigenetic RNA modifications, specifically N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation, have increasingly been observed to impact the nervous system. Nevertheless, there is a scarcity of studies investigating the connection between m6A methylation and SOCS1 in the molecular mechanisms of NP. This study investigates the roles and potential mechanisms of the m6A methyltransferase like 3 (METTL3) and SOCS1 in female rats with spinal nerve ligation (SNL)-induced NP. It was found that in NP, both METTL3 and overall m6A levels were downregulated, leading to the activation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1β, interleukin 6, and tumor necrosis factor-α. Notably, The SOCS1 mRNA is significantly enriched with m6A methylation modifications, with the most prevalent m6A methyltransferase METTL3 stabilizing the downregulation of SOCS1 by targeting m6A methylation modifications at positions 151, 164, and 966.Exogenous supplementation of METTL3 improved NP-related neuroinflammation and behavioral dysfunctions, but these effects could be reversed by the absence of SOCS1. Additionally, the depletion of endogenous SOCS1 promoted NP progression by inducing the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling pathway. The dysregulation of METTL3 and the resulting m6A modification of SOCS1 form a crucial epigenetic regulatory loop that promotes the progression of NP. Targeting the METTL3/SOCS1 axis might offer new insights into potential therapeutic strategies for NP. • METTL3 depletion is necessary for the development of neuropathic pain. • SOCS1 is downregulated in NP, and METTL3 regulates SOCS1 m6A methylation modification through targeted regulation. • Endogenous consumption of SOCS1 activates the TLR4 signaling pathway. • The abnormality induced by METTL3 and the subsequent SOCS1 m6A modification establish a crucial epigenetic regulatory mechanism, contributing to the development of NP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study conducts a comprehensive experimental and numerical investigation on the in-plane structural behavior of trapezoidal corrugated-web arches (TCWA) under uniform vertical loads. Three TCWA specimens were tested to examine their failure modes, stress distributions, and in-plane ultimate bearing capacities. The experimental results indicate that flanges primarily resist axial compression and bending moments, while the trapezoidal corrugated webs bear shear forces. The specimens failed due to flange yielding at sections experiencing maximum compression or bending moments. Using a finite element model validated against test data, this study further investigates the influence of various parameters on the in-plane structural behavior of TCWAs, including cross-sectional dimensions, geometric imperfections, corrugation dimensions, rise-to-span ratios, and in-plane slenderness ratios. The numerical analysis identified three failure modes of TCWAs: in-plane global buckling, flange compression buckling, and web shear buckling. It was found that the global geometric imperfection amplitude significantly affects the in-plane bearing capacity under full-span loading but has a minor impact under half-span loading. Additionally, when the in-plane global buckling governs the failure mode, the impact of corrugation dimensions is negligible. These findings establish a foundation for future design methods of TCWAs. • A novel steel arch —trapezoidal corrugated-web arch (TCWA)—was proposed, and its fabrication process was introduced. • Three TCWA specimens were investigated experimentally, revealing their stress distributions and failure modes. • The effect of various parameters on the in-plane structural behavior of TCWA was discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study utilized the hole-drilling method to determine the residual stress distribution in the sections of trapezoidal corrugated web I-members (TCWM). Then, using ABAQUS software, welding simulations and a parameter study of the longitudinal residual stress distribution for TCWM sections are conducted. Finally, a distribution model of the longitudinal residual stress for TCWM sections are proposed. The research findings indicate that the existing residual stress distribution models for flat web I-sections are unsuitable for predicting the residual stress distribution in TCWM sections. Moreover, the longitudinal residual stress distribution in the flanges of TCWMs varies with the position of trapezoidal corrugated webs (TCW). Specifically, the maximum residual tensile stress in the flanges with the parallel web fold surpasses that of the inclined web fold by approximately 10 %. With an increase in corrugation angle, the range of residual tensile stress in the flanges increases. Unlike the flat web of I-sections, there is almost no longitudinal residual stress in the middle area of the TCWs. The proposed models of residual stress distribution for TCWM sections consider the influence of corrugation and cross-sectional dimensions and align well with both experimental and numerical results. • The residual stresses in the flanges of the trapezoidal corrugated web I-members (TCWM) were measured by the hole-drilling method. • The effects of corrugation and cross-sectional size on the residual stress of TCWM sections were studied. • A new residual stress distribution model for TCMW sections is proposed, which is in good agreement with the test and numerical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper mulberry, a fast-growing and vigorous plant, is a potential substrate for producing lignocellulosic bioethanol and an important renewable alternative to fossil fuels. In order to improve the economic feasibility of ethanol production from paper mulberry, H 3 PO 4 /H 2 O 2 pretreatment was selected as the most suitable pretreatment method that could produce the highest glucose concentration (131 g/L) compared with other pretreatments (73.2–89.3 g/L) at high solid loading. Whereafter, the final solid loading of H 3 PO 4 /H 2 O 2 pretreatment was significantly increased to 40% (w/v) without any decrease in the final glucose concentration. Finally, a novel Fed-nonisothermal-simultaneous saccharification and fermentation was constructed using H 3 PO 4 /H 2 O 2 pretreated paper mulberry, which bypassed the inhibition caused by paper mulberry solid and high temperature on the traditional simultaneous saccharification and fermentation, improving ethanol concentration (63.9 g/L), ethanol productivity (1.33 g/L/h) and ethanol yield (0.160 g/g-biomass) by 30.4%, 30.4% and 30.1%, respectively, compared to those obtained from SSF (simultaneous saccharification and fermentation) process. Thus, we have opened up a novel way to produce ethanol or other biofuels using the paper mulberry as an outstanding alternative substrate. • We are the first to produce ethanol from paper mulberry. • An extremely high solid loading (40%) was used in the pretreatment process. • A novel Fed-nonisothermal-SSF was developed, improving ethanol yield by 30.1%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problem of event-based adaptive prescribed-time control for a class of nonlinear systems with uncertain time-varying parameters is considered in this paper. The existence of uncertain time-varying parameters makes the system in question intrinsically different from that in prescribed-time stabilization or event-triggered control. Moreover, the existing prescribed-time control methods require the real-time continuous control input. For this reason, a novel event-based adaptive prescribed-time control strategy is presented by skillfully utilizing a key scaling technique and a new event-triggering mechanism. It is proved that the proposed event-triggering mechanism can enlarge the trigger time interval and effectively reduce the number of trigger moments compared with the existing event-triggered control methods. An important stability criterion is proposed based on the defined prescribed-time adjustment function. Furthermore, the proposed control algorithm can effectively reduce the computational burden and save the control effort. Finally, a numerical simulation verifies the effectiveness of the proposed prescribed-time control algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A ratiometric two-photon fluorescent probe ( RN 3 ) for Pd 2+ was developed based on 7-substituted coumarin and rahodamine B through FRET mechanism. The probe exhibited highly sensitive and selective ratiometric fluorescent detection signal (575 nm/515 nm) for Pd 2+ in aqueous solution. The two-photon absorption cross-section of the probe under adding Pd 2+ was measured as 165 GM at 760 nm. RN 3 could detect Pd 2+ in living cells with low cytotoxicity under two-photon excitation (λ ex = 760 nm). The bio-imaging results indicated that RN 3 could work in deep tissue (∼130 μm) and in five-days-old zebrafish with ratiometric fluorescent signal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post-silking nitrogen (N) fluxes from vegetative tissues to developing kernels affect both N use efficiency (NUE) and grain yield in maize, while the impacts of various N applications at and especially after silking on temporal dynamics of post-silking N uptake and remobilization are poorly understood. Field experiments were conducted with N regimes ranging from low to high N levels. Nitrogen applications above optimal rates at and after silking neither increased late-season N uptake and leaf photosynthesis, nor reduced leaf N export during grain filling compared to the optimal N input, and thus significantly reduced the NUE. In most experiments, reductions in leaf N concentrations were observed around 15 days after silking (DAS). A 15 N labeling study revealed that remobilization of N taken up prior to silking from vegetative tissues during the entire grain-filling phase was 58%–60%, which contributed 53%–61% of the total grain N at maturity, and more than 60% of it was remobilized during the 0–30 DAS. N remobilization initially occurred preferentially from stems relative to leaves, while significant amounts of N were remobilized from leaves during late grain filling and deposited in the stem, particularly in high N treatments. No matter whether 15 N was applied before or at silking, a greater proportion of 15 N taken up was allocated to leaves under N deficient than under N sufficient conditions. At maturity, 70%–76% of the N taken up after silking was allocated to grain. Under N deficiency, direct N allocation to grains originating from post-silking uptake was 45%, 56%, 70% and 96% at 0–15, 15–30, 30–46 and 46–60 DAS, respectively, while these values were relatively lower and constant in N-sufficient plants (43%–50%). Overall, results indicated a strong developmental control over post-silking N fluxes with limited differences observed between N deficient and N sufficient maize, but no impact of high N applications to N-sufficient plants at or after silking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper considers the problem of prescribed-time control for a class of nonlinear uncertain time-delay systems. First, the definition of prescribed-time stability for nonlinear time-delay systems is given, and the necessary conditions to realize the finite-time (including fixed/prescribed-time) stabilization of the nonlinear time-delay system are illustrated. Then, the prescribed-time Lyapunov stability theorem is proposed by utilizing the prescribed-time adjustment function and Lyapunov–Krasovskii (L–K) functional method. The stability of the resulting closed-loop system is proved and the different situations for uncertain time-delay systems are discussed. For first-order fully actuated system, a continuous controller is designed. The effects of different prescribed-time adjustment functions on the controller are also studied. Finally, a simulation example is provided to show the effectiveness of the theoretical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of disability and mortality worldwide and a significant global burden. Many lines of evidence suggest complex remodeling responses to cardiovascular disease, such as myocardial ischemia, hypertension and valve disease, which lead to poor clinical outcomes, including heart failure, arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death (SCD). The mechanisms underlying cardiac remodeling are closely related to reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammation. Myeloid differentiation protein 1 (MD1) is a secreted glycoprotein known as lymphocyte antigen 86. The complex of MD1 and radioprotective 105 (RP105) is an important regulator of inflammation and is involved in the modulation of vascular remodeling and atherosclerotic plaque development. A recent study suggested that the expression of MD1 in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients is decreased compared with that in donor hearts. Therefore, MD1 may play an important role in the pathological processes of cardiovascular disease and have potential clinical value. Here, this review aims to discuss the current knowledge regarding the role of MD1 in the regulation of cardiac pathophysiology. [Display omitted] • The MD1 affects inflammatory response and regulates atherosclerosis via the impact of TLRs. • The MD1 inhibits inflammatory response, ROS, apoptosis via the impact of TLRs, thereby reducing infarct size and improving cardiac function after myocardial ischemia. • The MD1 inhibits inflammatory response, autophagy and cardiac fibrosis in heart failure via the impact of TLRs. • The MD1 regulates structural and electrical remodeling and affects arrhythmia via the impact of TLRs. • The role of MD1 in the interplay between TLR2, TLR7, TLR9 and RP105 should be further assessed in cardiac pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Maize grains are formed after silking, but not all dry matter (DM), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) deposited in grains are accumulated during grain filling. There is a conflict between sustaining post-silking photosynthesis and the remobilization and recycling of N, P and K from leaves to grain. To study the accumulation and partitioning patterns of DM, N, P and K after silking in maize with different leaf longevity, two field experiments with six maize varieties including early-senescing (old varieties) and stay-green leaves (new varieties) were conducted in successive years. The results demonstrated that new varieties had larger total leaf area and longer green leaf duration, and took up more N, P and K after silking than old varieties. Post-silking leaf appeared to provide sufficient assimilates for grain formation, while large amounts of N, P and K accumulated pre-silking were remobilized and exported from vegetative tissues, especially from leaves, in all varieties during grain filling. Post-silking leaf N export caused a large decrease in leaf N concentration in all maize varieties. Post-silking uptake of N and P account for 11–43% and 16–55% to total content of whole plants at maturity, but a post-silking loss of K from maize plants was observed, especially in old varieties. The export of N, P and K from leaves was similar in all varieties and an un-synchronized accumulation and partitioning of N, P and K during plant development was observed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: To differentiate the impacts of grains (reproductive tissues) and cob plus husks (vegetative tissues) on biomass accumulation, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) uptake and their distribution within maize plants, six Chinese maize varieties with different yield potentials released in last 60 years were employed in a two-year field experiment. Ears were either covered or removed at silking, the dry weight (DW) and NPK contents at silking and maturity in major sink organs of plants were closely observed. In comparison with control plants, covering ears reduced, and removing ears further decreased total DW and NP gains of whole plants, regardless of the larger root size and reduced shoot:root DW ratio. Since the total DW and NP gains of the new maize varieties after silking were more than that of the old varieties, the decrease of the total DW and NP gains caused by pollination-prevention and removing ears were also more in the new varieties. The uptake and distribution patterns of NP and K in maize plants were different. Developing grains and cob plus husks differentially reduced net post-silking K loss. The results suggested that the amount of nutrient uptake was not decided by the root size itself. Developing maize grains enhanced nutrient uptake rate of roots. The cob plus husks could partially substitute for grains as a strong nutrient sink to stimulate NP uptake by roots and reduce K loss from plants. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Angling method for antioxidant peptide extraction from rice dreg protein hydrolysate. • The sequences of antioxidant peptides are Gly-Asp-Met-Asn-Pro and Leu-Leu-Leu-Arg-Trp. • Angling method can be applied to other systems to get new antioxidant peptides. Selective enrichment of the highly active antioxidant peptides is required as the lack of an efficient method leads to long screening processes, hampering the research of antioxidant peptides. A simple synthetic metal–organic framework MIL-53 (Cr) was initially applied to extract specific antioxidant peptides from rice dreg protein hydrolysate. The highest active fraction was further purified by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. The antioxidant peptides with the highest antioxidant activities were identified as Gly-Asp-Met-Asn-Pro and Leu-Leu-Leu-Arg-Trp by LC–MS. These two peptides were synthesized and also exhibited good scavenging activity on the DPPH free radical, superoxide anion free radical and hydroxyl radical, and good chelating ability on Fe2+. The results confirmed that the angling method was effective for antioxidant peptide enrichment from protein hydrolysates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current studies on the evidential reasoning (ER) rule, a performance evaluation model that utilizes the ER rule to combine evidence constituted by a single observation indicator (Single indicator-based ER rule, SER) has been developed with excellent scalability. However, the belief distribution (BD) of SER-based evaluation model is composed of a set of single grades that describe the system performance and the corresponding belief degrees. This makes some common uncertain judgments with local ignorance unable to be considered in the inference process, resulting in a decrease in the accuracy and validity of the evaluation results. In this paper, a new SER-based performance evaluation model with extended BD is proposed. Firstly, on the basis of the existing BD in SER, some new elements capable of describing local ignorance are introduced. Secondly, by calculating and optimizing the relevant parameters, the new evaluation model is formed. Thirdly, according to the Stone–Weierstrass theorem and information entropy theory, the approximation ability and uncertainty of the evaluation model are discussed respectively. Finally, a practical example is given to illustrate the potential applications of the proposed model in engineering practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A Cu(OTf)2-catalyzed highly regio- and stereoselective coiodination of acetylenic ketones was reported, providing a mild and convenient method for the synthesis of (Z)-β-carbonyl-β-iodoenol ethers in good yields. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study presents an experimental study and a finite element analysis of the in-plane structural properties of steel arches with rectangular web openings under static loading. The failure mode, deflection, section stress distribution, and other mechanical properties of three steel arch specimens with equidistant rectangular web openings are investigated. It is found that the ultimate load capacity, ductility, and stiffness of the steel arch decrease owing to large-scale openings compared with small-scale openings. The ultimate loading capacity and stiffness of the web-opening steel arches can be improved by welding stiffeners on the edge of the opening. In addition, 52 finite element models are established for parametric analysis to investigate the influence of the steel arch and stiffener geometries on the structural performance. The results show that increasing the rise-span ratio and web and flange thickness increase the ultimate loading capacity of the steel arch. A larger opening will cause the ultimate loading capacity and ductility to decrease significantly. The ultimate loading capacity of the steel arch is affected by horizontal stiffeners, whereas ductility is affected by both horizontal and vertical stiffeners. Finally, this study provides design recommendations to serve as engineering design references. • The mechanical properties of three steel arch specimens with web openings are investigated. • The influence of rise-span ratio, opening, section and stiffener on ultimate loading capacity and ductility are discussed. • Design recommendations are provided in the study to serve as engineering design references. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • C1 compounds are sustainable nonfood sugar feedstocks for biomanufacturing. • Native and synthetic microbes utilizing C1 compounds are introduced. • Engineering strategies for C1 utilization are compiled and reviewed. • Application of C1 compound in the synthesis of valuable compounds is summarized. One-carbon (C1) compounds have emerged as a key research focus due to the growth of metabolic engineering and synthetic biology as affordable and sustainable nonfood sugar feedstocks for energy-efficient and environmentally friendly biomanufacturing. This paper summarizes and discusses current developments in C1 compounds for biomanufacturing. First, two primary groups of microbes that use C1 compounds (native and synthetic) are introduced, and the traits, categorization, and functions of C1 microbes are summarized. Second, engineering strategies for C1 utilization are compiled and reviewed, including reconstruction of C1-utilization pathway, enzyme engineering, cofactor engineering, genome-scale modeling, and adaptive laboratory evolution. Third, a review of C1 compounds' uses in the synthesis of biofuels and high-value compounds is presented. Finally, potential obstacles to C1-based biomanufacturing are highlighted along with future research initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A two-photon fluorescent probe ( NQ ) for cysteine (Cys) and homocysteine (Hcy) was developed based on twisted-intramolecular-charge-transfer (TICT) mechanism. NQ showed excellent “OFF–ON” fluorescence (at 540 nm) detection signal on addition of Cys/Hcy with high selectivity. The detection mechanism was successfully proved by theoretical calculations, viscosity dependent fluorescence and time resolved fluorescence spectra. NQ exhibits large two-photon absorption (TPA) cross-section with Cys/Hcy (580 and 710 GM) at nearly 800 nm, respectively. Cell-culture results indicated that NQ was cell-permeable and could be used to detect Cys/Hcy with low cytotoxicity under two-photon excitation in living cells. To our best knowledge, NQ is the first TICT based two-photon fluorescent probe for Cys/Hcy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intercropping increases resource capture due to species complementarities, but it is not clear to which extent intercropping also affects the redistribution of carbohydrates and nitrogen (N) within the plant. Here, we examined in two years field experimentation the accumulation and translocation of dry matter and N in maize and peanut in pure stands and intercrops at five N input levels. Post-anthesis dry matter accumulation in the cob was on average 117 g plant−1 in sole maize and 159 g plant−1 in intercropped maize, of which post-anthesis dry matter translocation contributed 9 and 19 g plant−1, respectively. Intercropping increased post-anthesis N accumulation of maize from 0.77 to 1.29 g N plant−1 and N translocation to cobs from 0.94 to 1.16 g N plant−1, but it decreased the contribution of post-anthesis N translocation to grain from 54.0% in sole maize to 46.9% in intercropped maize. The kernel number was 486 per cob in sole maize and 609 per cob in intercropped maize, and the thousand-kernel weight was 320 g and 336 g, respectively. In peanut, intercropping decreased post-anthesis dry matter accumulation from 14.8 to 9.4 g plant−1, post-anthesis N accumulation from 0.37 to 0.24 g N plant−1 and N translocation to the pods from 0.25 to 0.14 g N plant−1. The pod number per plant in peanut decreased from 10.6 in the sole crop to 8.6 in intercropping. Nitrogen fertilization increased dry matter accumulation and translocation in intercropped maize, but had little impact in sole maize or in sole or intercropped peanut. In both species, dry matter translocation to the reproductive organs contributed slightly to the yield, while the post-anthesis contribution of N translocation was of the same order of magnitude as that of N uptake. • Retranslocation of dry matter made a small contribution to yield. • Retranslocation of nitrogen made a large contribution to nitrogen yield. • Intercropped maize increased nitrogen and dry matter accumulation and translocation. • Intercropped peanut decreased dry matter accumulation and translocation. • Nitrogen fertilizer effects were minor, except in sole maize. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: There have been many studies to examine macronutrient depletion in the rhizosphere under controlled conditions. However, most cereal plants are grown in the field, which requires thorough investigation for nutrient use efficiency and crop yield. A two-year field study was conducted to investigate temporal dynamics of available nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), and potassium (K) in the rhizosphere and bulk soil of maize, and changes in root length density (RLD) and soil NPK concentrations in 0–60cm soil profile. The rhizospheric soil was collected by shaking the tightly attached soil after carefully removing the loosely held soil from the roots. During the vegetative growth stage, the RLD changed corresponding to shoot demand for nutrients. Maize plants accumulated NPK asynchronously during the whole growth period. More than 92% of total K was taken up during the vegetative growth stage, while approximately 65% of N and 55% of P were absorbed at the same time. There was significant N depletion in maize rhizosphere along soil profiles at each harvest; however, P or K depletion in maize rhizosphere could not be determined. Consistent with the obvious net K loss from maize plants in late reproductive growth stage, there was a significant K increase in the rhizosphere. These results indicated differential utilization strategies and accumulation patterns of mineral nutrients such as N, P, and K nutrients in the plant–soil rhizospheric system, laying a theoretical base for optimized fertilization practice. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The cross-coupling reaction of acetylenic sulfones with acetylenic Grignard reagents was realized by using Ni(acac)2 as catalyst to afford unsymmetrical 1,3-diynes under mild conditions without homocoupling byproducts. By using this method, 1,4-diaryl-1,3-diynes could be obtained in moderate to good yields (59–83%), whereas, the yields for alkyl substituted 1,3-diynes are lower (30–54%). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

An innovative design and screening methodology of blended extractants was proposed, for co-extracting phenolic, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and nitrogen heterocyclic compounds (NHCs) pollutants from coal chemical wastewater. The methodology includes two major issues, generating single-component candidate extractants and screening optimal binary extractants. In this work, two single-component extractant candidate sets, which present the potential to be good extractants of phenolic and PAHs/NHCs pollutants respectively, were generated by data searching of the Existing Commercial Compound Database (ECCD). The binary extractant candidate set was generated by traversal inter-combination between these two single-component candidate sets. To screen the target blended extractants from the generated candidates, a series of non-linear programming (NLP) models were set up and solved via special tailored strategy. Pseudo-component was introduced to represent various pollutants in coal chemical wastewater which reducing the size and complexity of NLP problems. Miscibility constraints of blended extractants and grid parallel computing method were adopted to reduce the time cost. Case study showed that the selected binary extractants can achieve co-extracting phenolic and PAHs/NHCs pollutants. It will benefit the sustainable development of coal chemical industry in China. Image 1 • An innovative design and screening method of blended extractants was proposed. • Pseudopollutant and parallel solving were used for high throughput screening. • The selected binary extractants can achieve co-extraction of phenolic, PAHs/NHCs. • The results show better performance than the widely used MIBK and DIPE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]