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Arma chinensis is a natural enemy that preys on various species and can suppress agricultural and forest pests in the orders Lepidoptera and Coleoptera. Here, we aimed to determine the genome of A. chinensis assembled at the chromosome-level using PacBio and Hi-C technologies. The assembled genome was 986 Mb, with a contig N50 of 2.40 Mb, scaffold N50 of 134.98 Mb, and BUSCO completeness of 96.10%. Hi-C data aided in anchoring the assembly onto seven chromosomes. A sequence of ~ 496.2 Mb was annotated as a repeat element, constituting 51.15% of the genome. We functionally annotated 84.79% of 20,853 predicted protein-encoding genes. This high-quality A. chinensis genome provides a novel genomic resource for future research on Pentatomidae insects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Creating an ecological security pattern is crucial for balancing the sustainable development of areas where human activities and the natural environment intersect. Using Hefei, an internationally recognized Wetland City, as a case study, we extracted ecological sources through ecological service function (ESF) analysis and morphological spatial pattern analysis (MSPA) core area connectivity analysis. Based on these ecological sources, we developed an ecological resistance surface system and identified ecological corridors and nodes using circuit theory. The findings are as follows: Ecological source areas: The primary ecological sources in Hefei are located in the water bodies, forested areas, and scattered grasslands in the central and eastern parts of the city. This ecological source area covers 978.96 km2, which constitutes 8.55% of the city's total area. Ecological corridors: Hefei contains 43 ecological corridors with a total length of 940.3 km, averaging 21.87 km each. These corridors are crucial for maintaining ecological connectivity and facilitating species movement. Ecological nodes: There are 13 significant ecological nodes in Hefei, including 6 ecological obstacle points and 7 ecological pinpoints. These nodes play a vital role in supporting ecological processes and ensuring habitat connectivity. Evaluation metrics: The α and β values for the source identification method that integrates MSPA with ecological service functions were 2.15 and 0.8, respectively, which are higher than those of the control group. Conversely, the γ-value was 0.18, lower than that of the control group. These results indicate that the combined ecological source extraction method provides significant advantages in terms of ecological corridor integrity, connectivity, and ecological flow management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rough set theory is an important approach to deal with uncertainty in data mining. However, Pawlak’s classical rough set has low fault-tolerance on concept approximation based on knowledge granules, which may influence the classification accuracy in practical application. To address this problem, the present paper proposes a novel sequential rough-set model that is proved to be a conservative extension of Pawlak’s classical rough set. As a result, it effectively improves the fault-tolerance ability, classification accuracy and concept approximation accuracy of the latter without any additional assumption. Based on the properties and theoretical analysis of the proposed model, an algorithm is presented to automatically determine the sequential thresholds and compute the three regions for the given concept. Experiments on real data verify the validity of the algorithm, and also show the stable improvement on the two types of accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Laparoscopic radical pancreatectomy is safe and beneficial for recectable pancreatic cancer, but the extent of resection for early-stage tumors remains controversial. Methods: Consecutive patients with left-sided pancreatic cancer who underwent either laparoscopic radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy (LRAMPS, n = 54) or laparoscopic distal pancreatosplecnectomy (LDP, n = 131) between October 2020 and December 2022 were reviewed. The preoperative radiological selection criteria were as follows: (1) tumor diameter ≤ 4 cm; (2) located ≥ 1 cm from the celiac trunk; (3) didn't invade the fascial layer behind the pancreas. Results: After 1:1 propensity score matching (LRAMPS, n = 54; LDP, n = 54), baseline data were well-balanced with no differences. LRAMPS resulted in longer operation time (240.5 vs. 219.0 min, P = 0.020) and higher intraoperative bleeding volume (200 vs. 150 mL, P = 0.001) compared to LDP. Although LRAMPS harvested more lymph nodes (16 vs. 13, P = 0.008), there were no statistically significant differences in lymph node positivity rate (35.2% vs. 33.3%), R0 pancreatic transection margin (94.4% vs. 96.3%), and retroperitoneal margin (83.3% vs. 87.0%) rate. Postoperative complications did not significantly differ between the two groups. However, LRAMPS was associated with increased drainage volume (85.0 vs. 40.0 mL, P = 0.001), longer time to recover semi-liquid diet compared to LDP (5 vs. 4 days, P < 0.001) and increased daily bowel movement frequency. Tumor recurrence pattern and recurrence-free survival were comparable between the two groups, but the adjuvant chemotherapy regimens varied, and the completion rate of the 6-month intravenous chemotherapy was lower in the LRAMPS group compared to the LDP group (51.9% vs. 75.9%, P = 0.016). Conclusions: LRAMPS did not provide oncological benefits over LDP for left-sided pancreatic cancer within the selection criteria, but it increased operation time, intraoperative bleeding, and postoperative bowel movement frequency. These factors impacted the regimen selection and completion of adjuvant chemotherapy, consequently compromising the potential benefits of LRAMPS in achieving better local control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, rapid technological advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) have brought significant transformations across various industries and sectors. These advancements have created unprecedented opportunities for leveraging data-driven insights and informed decision-making. Urban populations swiftly adopt information technology solutions to monitor and regulate noise levels and environmental pollutants effectively. This research aims to bridge the traditional gap between environmental science and economics by harnessing cutting-edge AI and IoT technologies. Support vector machine (SVM) is a robust machine learning algorithm known for its ability to decipher complex, non-linear relationships within large and intricate datasets. This study constructs a robust simultaneous equation model by integrating economic indicators, real-time IoT sensor data, and relevant covariates. Mitigate the health risks associated with air pollution and raise awareness of its detrimental impacts. Air pollution continues to pose challenges to intelligent and sustainable healthcare systems. The healthcare ecosystem, coupled with various machine learning techniques, seeks to mitigate pollution's impact and enhance residents' quality of life by offering intelligent services. The analysis of the reciprocal relationship and impact mechanisms between economic development and air pollution is substantiated by empirical data. Formulates an air pollution index using principal component analysis but also develops simultaneous equations that account for spatial effects, urban panel data, and interactions between economic development and air pollution. The experimental results highlight the efficacy of the proposed SVM, achieving an impressive accuracy rate of 84.5%. This performance outstrips alternative methods such as K-Nearest Neighbors, Random Forest, Decision Trees, Logistic Regression, and XGBoost algorithms, reaffirming SVM's prowess in accurately modeling the intricate relationship between economic development and air pollution, particularly when utilizing IoT data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper introduces a new model of three-way conflict analysis with similarity degree on an issue set. Specifically, we introduce an evaluation of similarity degree, from a relative quantitative point of view, to evaluate the attitude similarity between any two agents. Based on similarity degree, we define a trisection of all pairs of agents on an issue set, and propose a three-level conflict model induced by such a trisection. More importantly, we solve the threshold-selection problem for three-level conflict analysis on multiple issues. We prove that the trisection model (resp. the three-level conflict model) defined in this paper is a conservative extension of the corresponding trisection model (resp. three-level conflict model) defined in Yao 2019 on multiple issues. Therefore, the present paper extends and improves the results of Yao 2019 on multiple issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Restricted by its own environment and climate factors, the ecological environment in Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang, is very fragile. Heavy metal pollution caused by economic development has further deteriorated the regional ecological environment. This study is aimed at describing the spatial distribution of heavy metals in the soil of Altay Prefecture and at exploring the response of the ecological environment to heavy metal pollution. Materials and methods: Forty-one soil sampling points were arranged in Altay Prefecture, the collected soil samples were tested and analyzed, and a spatial distribution map of heavy metals in soil was drawn. The modified ecological risk index method was employed to evaluate the heavy metal ecological risk. Results and discussion: The spatial distribution of heavy metals in the soil of Altay Prefecture showed that Cu and Zn substantially exceeded the standard, accounting for 28.73% and 19.37%, respectively, of the soil background values. In addition, the ecological risk assessment results of heavy metals in the soil environment of Altay Prefecture showed that the low-risk area was the largest, accounting for 34.06%. The total high-risk area and very high-risk area accounted for approximately 1/4 of Altay Prefecture. The comprehensive evaluation results of eco-environmental sensitivity showed the following proportions of each ecological sensitivity level in Altay Prefecture from high to low: medium-sensitivity area (59.74%), > low-sensitivity area (18.79%), > high-sensitivity area (12.09%), > extremely sensitive area (9.38%). Conclusions: The spatial zone with frequent human activities was the main enrichment area of heavy metals. In addition, surface runoff and rivers will further expand the risk of heavy metal pollutants to the ecological environment, intensifying the ecological sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is threefold: (i) to identify the combinations of national culture dimensions that lead to high (or low) male or female retracted publications, (ii) to understand the role of personal trust as a relevant condition that combines with national culture dimensions to cause high (or low) male or female retraction, and (iii) to identify the differences in the configurations that lead to those outcomes. Based on framework of Hofstede's cross-cultural analysis and data from Hofstede Center, World Value, and Web of Science, this essay analyzes cultural complex causal relations between national culture and trust dimensions (conditions), and male and female retracted publications (outcomes) in 30 countries nationally and globally by fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis. This research provides three major insights: (i) Cultural dimensions (power distance, individualism, masculinity, uncertainty avoidance, long-term orientation) and trust are not necessary conditions for both male and female to cause retractions, (ii) different levels of personal trust (high/low) combine with national cultural dimensions in order to produce different configurations that can lead to high or low retractions, and (iii) Each gender causes retractions in a similar or identical way, but each also owns its unique way. Finally, we provide effective policy recommendations to specific countries based on our critical conclusions and discussions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liquids are perishable at ease during the long-term transportation and storage processes, non-invasive and in situ inspection method is urgent to be developed. In consideration of the important role of viscosity, one kind of sustainable natural product chlorogenic acid (CA) extracted from honeysuckle has been used as a versatile optical sensor for viscosity determination during the liquid spoilage process. The natural molecule was conducted by the O-diphenyl and carboxylic acid ester groups in coincidence, a typical twisted intramolecular charge transfer phenomenon was formed. This sensor features wide adaptability, high selectivity, good sensitivity, and excellent photo stability in various liquids. And CA displays a larger Stokes shift, high viscosity sensitive coefficient (0.62), and narrower energy band. The rotatable conjugate structure can be acted as the recognition site, and the bright fluorescent signal of CA is specifically activated when in the high viscous micro-environment. Inspired by this objective phenomenon, CA has been applied to detect the thickening efficiency of various food thickeners. More importantly, the viscosity fluctuations during the deterioration stage of liquids can be screened through non-invasive and in situ monitoring. We expected that more natural products can be developed as molecular tools for liquids safety investigation, and fluorescent analytical methods can be expanded toward interdisciplinary research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Life experience suggests that visual aesthetic fatigue (VAF) is quite common. However, few academic works have focussed on VAF in landscapes, thus our understanding of this issue is very poor, not to mention what measures can be taken to mitigate it. To address these gaps, this study investigated VAF using 16 photographs taken in urban green spaces in Xuzhou (local landscapes) and Hong Kong (non-local landscapes) as stimuli. The visual aesthetic quality (VAQ) of 16 photographs was evaluated four times by the same college students at an interval of one week. Statistical analysis demonstrated that VAF occurred in urban green spaces. Male respondents had a higher VAF than females. There were no significant differences in VAQ and VAF between local and non-local landscapes. No landscape characteristic significantly correlated to or predicted VAF, implying that it is very difficult to mitigate VAF through designing and managing static landscapes.Article Highlights: Effects of repeated occurrence of same stimuli on aesthetic quality were measured Visual aesthetic fatigue occurred in urban green spaces Male respondents' visual aesthetic fatigue is higher than that of females Similar impact of local and non-local landscapes on visual aesthetic fatigue No landscape characteristic significantly correlated to visual aesthetic fatigue [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study was to study the regulation of B lymphocytes in patients with autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA)/Evans syndrome. From October 2015 to May 2016, 35 patients with AIHA/Evans in the Department of Hematology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital were enrolled into this study. c-Myb mRNA and miR-150 expression in B lymphocytes were measured using real-time PCR (RT-PCR). Correlation between c-Myb and miR-150 and clinical parameters in patients with AIHA/Evans were analyzed. c-Myb mRNA expression in hemolysis patients was significantly higher than in remission patients and CLL patients, negatively correlated with hemoglobin (Hb) level and complement 3(C3) levels, and positively correlated with total bilirubin (TBIL) concentration and indirect bilirubin (IBIL) concentration. miR-150 expression in hemolysis patients was significantly lower than in patients in remission and CLL patients. miR-150 was negatively correlated with TBIL and IBIL, and positively correlated with Hb, C3. c-Myb mRNA expression levels in hemolytic episode patients were negatively correlated with the expression levels of miR-150. The expression of c-Myb, a regulatory factor of B lymphocytes, is increased in B lymphocytes of AIHA/Evans patients, while miR-150 expression is decreased. c-Myb was negatively correlated with miR-150. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the expression of activation molecules on CD5(+)B lymphocytes in peripheral blood of autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA)/Evans patients. The expression of CD80, CD86, and CD69 on CD5(+)B lymphocytes was detected using flow cytometry in 30 AIHA/Evans patients, 18 normal controls (NC) and nine chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients. CD80 on CD5(+)B lymphocytes in untreated patients was higher than that in remission patients (P < 0.05), NC (P < 0.01) and CLL patients (P < 0.01). CD80 on CD5(+)B lymphocytes was higher than that on CD5(-)B lymphocytes in untreated patients (P > 0.05), but lower than those of CD5(-)B lymphocytes in remission patients and NC (P < 0.05). CD86 on CD5(+)B lymphocytes of untreated patients was higher than that of remission patients (P < 0.05), NC (P < 0.01). CD86 on CD5(+)B lymphocytes of CLL was higher than that of NC, remission (P < 0.05), and untreated patients (P > 0.05). CD80 and CD86 on CD5(+)B lymphocytes was negatively correlated with hemoglobin (HB), C3, C4 (P < 0.05) and positively correlated with reticulocyte (Ret) (P < 0.05). CD69 on CD5(+) and CD5(-)B lymphocytes of CLL was higher than those of AIHA/Evans patients and NC (P < 0.05). The active molecules on CD5(+)B lymphocytes in peripheral blood of AIHA/Evans patients differ from those on CD5(-) and clonal CD5(+)B lymphocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

F-box and WD repeat domain-containing 7 (FBW7) is the substrate recognition component of the Skp1-Cul1-F-box (SCF) ubiquitin ligase complex and functions as a major tumor suppressor by targeting various oncoproteins for degradation. Genomic deletion or mutation of FBW7 has frequently been identified in many human cancers but not in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Thus it is important to know how the tumor suppressive function of FBW7 is impaired in pancreatic cancer. In this study, we first observed that low FBW7 expression correlated significantly with ERK activation in pancreatic cancer clinical samples, primarily due to KRAS mutations in pancreatic cancer. We further showed that ERK directly interacted with FBW7 and phosphorylated FBW7 at Thr205, which sequentially promoted FBW7 ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. Furthermore, the phospho-deficient T205A FBW7 mutant is resistant to ERK activation and could significantly suppress pancreatic cancer cell proliferation and tumorigenesis. These results collectively demonstrate how the oncogenic KRAS mutation inhibits the tumor suppressor FBW7, thus revealing an important function of KRAS mutations in promoting pancreatic cancer progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant cyclopeptides are a large group of small molecule metabolites found in a wide variety of plants, including traditional Chinese medicinal plants. Many of the cyclopeptides have highly unusual structures and potent biological activities. However, the majority of the cyclopeptides have not been studied for their biosynthetic mechanisms. In this study, we have established a culture system for the biosynthetic study of heterophyllin B (HB), a cyclopeptide produced by the medicinal plant Pseudostellaria heterophylla. We first developed a shoot culture of P. heterophylla that produced HB consistently under laboratory conditions. Using C-labeled proline as tracer, we showed that labeled HB was produced by the cultured shoots, indicating that this system has de novo biosynthetic activity. Next, we chemically synthesized HB's linear peptide precursor (LHB) and the N-acetyl cysteamine thioester of LHB (LHB-SNAC). When LHB-SNAC was incubated with total cell free extracts of the cultured shoots, a small amount of cyclized product (HB), in addition to the hydrolyzed product (LHB), was produced. The in vivo and in vitro results demonstrate the presence of an HB biosynthetic system, which provides insight into the molecular mechanism for plant cyclopeptide biosynthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iodine, Dragendorff's reagent, ninhydrin and Coomassie brilliant blue G-250 reagents were used to detect cyclotides from proteins, cyclopeptides, linear-peptides and amino acids in the thin layer chromatography (TLC). Cyclotides could be distinguished from the others by comparing the TLC coloring plots with G-250 and ninhydrin reagents. With this method, cyclotides were discovered in Viola labridorica, V. tricolor, V. hamiltoniana, Momordica charantia, and M. cochinchinensis and over 10 cyclotides were isolated, three of which were determined as known cyclotides cycloviolacin O2, kalata B1 and vary peptide A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]