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Raw point cloud (PC) data acquired by 3D sensors or reconstruction algorithms inevitably contain noise and outliers, which can seriously impact downstream tasks, such as surface reconstruction and target detection. To address this problem, this paper proposes an innovative denoising method including the adaptive feature extraction (AFE) module, the gradient field estimation (GFE) module, and the further accelerated gradient ascent (FAGA) module. The method is based on considering the noisy PC as a convolutional distribution of clean PC and noise, and denoising is achieved by updating the positions of the points through gradient ascent iterations. Specifically, for a given noisy PC as input, we first extract global features in the AFE module, which are used as conditions to dynamically guide the extraction of local and non-local features to achieve adaptive feature acquisition. Next, these adaptive features are used as input to the GFE module to estimate the gradient field of the PCs and combined with our proposed FAGA module for denoising operations. Extensive qualitative and quantitative experiments are conducted on synthetic and natural PC datasets, and the results show that the proposed method exhibits superior performance relative to previous state-of-the-art methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Femoral head necrosis (FHN) is a serious complication after femoral neck fractures (FNF), often linked to sclerosis around screw paths. Our study aimed to uncover the proteomic and metabolomic underpinnings of FHN and sclerosis using integrated proteomics and metabolomics analyses. We identified differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and metabolites (DEMs) among three groups: patients with FNF (Group A), sclerosis (Group B), and FHN (Group C). Using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and Gene Ontology enrichment analyses, we examined the roles of these proteins and metabolites. Our findings highlight the significant differences across the groups, with 218 DEPs and 44 DEMs identified between the sclerosis and FNF groups, 247 DEPs and 31 DEMs between the FHN and sclerosis groups, and a stark 682 DEPs and 94 DEMs between the FHN and FNF groups. Activities related to carbonate dehydratase and hydrolase were similar in the FHN and sclerosis groups, whereas extracellular region and lysosome were prevalent in the FHN and FNF groups. Our study also emphasized the involvement of the PI3K-Akt pathway in sclerosis and FHN. Moreover, the key metabolic pathways were implicated in glycerophospholipid metabolism and retrograde endocannabinoid signaling. Using western blotting, we confirmed the pivotal role of specific genes/proteins such as ITGB5, TNXB, CA II, and CA III in sclerosis and acid phosphatase 5 and cathepsin K in FHN. This comprehensive analyses elucidates the molecular mechanisms behind sclerosis and FHN and suggests potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets, paving the way for improved treatment strategies. Further validation of the findings is necessary to strengthen the robustness and reliability of the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an extremely prevalent neurodegenerative disease. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play pivotal roles in the regulation of AD. However, the function of most lncRNAs in AD remains to be elucidated. In this study, the effects of lncRNA ENST00000440246.1 on the biological characteristics of AD were explored. Differentially expressed lncRNAs in AD were identified through bioinformatics analysis and peripheral blood from thirty AD patients was collected to verify the expression of these lncRNAs by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The correlations between lncRNAs and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) or the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) were assessed by Pearson's correlation analysis. Immunofluorescence (IF), Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and flow cytometry assays were conducted to evaluate the biological effect of ENST00000440246.1 and protein phosphatase 2 A (PP2A) in SK-N-SH cells. Gene expression at the protein and mRNA levels was analyzed by Western blotting and RT-qPCR. The interaction between PP2A and ENST00000440246.1 was confirmed by IntaRNA and RNA pulldown assays. ENST00000440246.1 was upregulated and significantly negatively correlated with the MMSE and MoCA scores and the overexpression of ENST00000440246.1 inhibited cell proliferation and facilitated apoptosis and Aβ expression in SK-N-SH cells. Mechanistically, ENST00000440246.1 targeted PP2A and regulated AD-related gene expression. The silencing of ENST00000440246.1 had the opposite effect. Furthermore, PP2A overexpression reversed the influence of ENST00000440246.1 overexpression in SK-N-SH cells. In conclusion, ENST00000440246.1 could promote AD progression by targeting PP2A, which indicates that ENST00000440246.1 has the potential to be a diagnostic target in AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chorea-acanthocytosis (ChAc) is a rare clinical genetic disorder of the nervous system, which is characterized by choreiform movement disorder, cognitive decline, and psychiatric disorders. ChAc is mostly diagnosed based on its typical clinical manifestations and the increased number of acanthocytes in peripheral blood smears. Here, we report a patient, who has the characteristic clinical manifestations of ChAc with limb choreiform movements, involuntary lip and tongue bites, seizures, and emotional instability. However, her blood smear was negative for acanthocytes with scanning electron microscopy. We later identified two novel pathogenic mutations in the patient's vacuolar protein sorting homolog 13 A (VPS13A) on chromosome 9q21 by targeted gene sequencing, and she was definitively diagnosed with "ChAc." After treatment with carbamazepine, haloperidol, the patient's symptoms gradually improved. We consider that an acanthocyte negative blood smear cannot rule out ChAC diagnosis, and genetic testing is the "gold standard" for the diagnosis. Through a review of previous research, it is rare for a patient to have a clear diagnosis of ChAc by genetic testing, but whose blood smear is negative for acanthocytes with electron microscopy. In addition, in this report, we discovered two novel pathogenic mutations, which have not been reported previously, and extended the genetic characteristics of ChAc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the detection and monitoring of cadmium (Cd(II)) have gained considerable attention due to its widespread applications in various industries, such as electronics, batteries, and coatings, and its classification as a highly hazardous pollutant. This study presents the development of a novel electrochemical sensor based on ion-imprinted polymers (IIPs) and reduced graphene oxide-titanium oxide (rGO@TiO2) for the selective and sensitive detection of Cd(II). Under optimized experimental conditions, the electrochemical sensor displayed a satisfactory linear relationship in the concentration range of 10−8 to 10−5 mol L−1, with a lowest detection limit of 1.2 × 10−8 mol L−1. The sensor exhibited excellent repeatability, stability, high sensitivity, and strong selectivity. Finally, the electrochemical sensor was successfully applied to determine trace Cd(II) in practical samples. This novel electrochemical sensor based on IIPs and rGO@TiO2 holds great potential for practical applications in environmental monitoring and pollution control, providing a promising tool for the accurate and efficient detection of hazardous pollutants like Cd(II). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pilot-diesel-ignition ammonia combustion engines have attracted widespread attentions from the maritime sector, but there are still bottleneck problems such as high unburned NH3 and N2O emissions as well as low thermal efficiency that need to be solved before further applications. In this study, a concept termed as in-cylinder reforming gas recirculation is initiated to simultaneously improve the thermal efficiency and reduce the unburned NH3, NOx, N2O and greenhouse gas emissions of pilot-diesel-ignition ammonia combustion engine. For this concept, one cylinder of the multi-cylinder engine operates rich of stoichiometric and the excess ammonia in the cylinder is partially decomposed into hydrogen, then the exhaust of this dedicated reforming cylinder is recirculated into the other cylinders and therefore the advantages of hydrogen-enriched combustion and exhaust gas recirculation can be combined. The results show that at 3% diesel energetic ratio and 1000 rpm, the engine can increase the indicated thermal efficiency by 15.8% and reduce the unburned NH3 by 89.3%, N2O by 91.2% compared to the base/traditional ammonia engine without the proposed method. At the same time, it is able to reduce carbon footprint by 97.0% and greenhouse gases by 94.0% compared to the traditional pure diesel mode.Pilot-diesel-ignition ammonia combustion engines effective adoption is still limited by high unburned emissions and low thermal efficiency. Here, authors propose an in-cylinder reforming gas recirculation concept to improve engine thermal efficiency while reducing unburned NH3, NOx, N2O and GHG emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a recently discovered group of non-coding RNAs that play a crucial role in the regulation of various human diseases, especially in the study of nervous system diseases which has garnered significant attention. However, there is limited knowledge on the identification and function of lncRNAs in hepatolenticular degeneration (HLD). The objective of this study was to identify novel lncRNAs and determine their involvement in the networks associated with HLD. We conducted a comprehensive analysis of RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and computational biology to identify novel lncRNAs and explore their potential mechanisms in HLD. We identified 212 differently expressed lncRNAs, with 98 upregulated and 114 downregulated. Additionally, 32 differently expressed mRNAs were found, with 15 upregulated and 17 downregulated. We obtained a total of 1131 pairs of co-expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs by Pearson correlation test and prediction and annotation of the lncRNA-targeted miRNA-mRNA network. The differential lncRNAs identified in this study were found to be involved in various biological functions and signaling pathways. These include translational initiation, motor learning, locomotors behavior, dioxygenase activity, integral component of postsynaptic membrane, neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway, cholinergic synapse, sphingolipid signaling pathway, and Parkinson's disease signaling pathway, as revealed by the Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses. Six lncRNAs, including XR_001782921.1 (P < 0.01), XR_ 001780581.1 (P < 0.01), ENSMUST_00000207119 (P < 0.01), XR_865512.2 (P < 0.01), TCONS_00005916 (P < 0.01), and TCONS_00020683 (P < 0.01), showed significant differences in expression levels between the model group and normal group by RT-qPCR. Among these, four lncRNAs (TCONS_00020683, XR_865512.2, XR_001780581.1, and ENSMUST00000207119) displayed a high degree of conservation. This study provides a unique perspective for the pathogenesis and therapy of HLD by constructing the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network. This insight provides a foundation for future exploration in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we have synthesized and characterized a series of Donor−Acceptor (D–A) conjugated polymers (PffBT4T-2DT) with different molecular weights, introduced a microwave method into the synthesis process, shortened the experimental cycle time by over 5 days and increased the molecular weight of the polymers. The conditions affecting the molecular weight of the polymers were investigated. It is shown that the prepared conjugated polymers have excellent thermal stability and solubility, higher molecular weight polymers have broader absorption spectra and stronger inter-chain aggregation, and the strong aggregation ability of polymer chains is dependent on molecular weight and solution temperature, with lower polymer molecular weight and higher solution temperature both causing weaker polymer chain aggregation. The polymer films of the three molecular weights have a uniform surface with a roughness of about 0.83 and good crystallinity. Transistor test results show that the higher molecular weight polymers perform better when applied to field effect transistors, with mobilities as high as 0.124 cm2 V−1 s−1 and threshold voltages as low as 2 V. A series of donor-acceptor conjugated polymers (PffBT4T-2DT) with different molecular weights were synthesized by introducing the microwave method. The thermodynamic, optical, electrochemical and photovoltaic properties of the polymers were characterized, and the effect of molecular weight on the performance of organic field effect transistors (OFETs) was investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soot generation is a major challenge in industries. The elimination of soot is particularly crucial to reduce pollutant emissions and boost carbon conversion. The mechanisms for soot oxidation are complex, with quantified models obtained under in situ conditions still missing. We prepare soot samples via noncatalytic partial oxidation of methane. Various oxidation models are established based on the results of in situ transmission electron microscopy experiments. A quantified maturity parameter is proposed and used to categorize the soot particles according to the nanostructure at various maturity levels, which in turn lead to different oxidation mechanisms. To tackle the challenges in the kinetic analysis of soot aggregates, a simplification model is proposed and soot oxidation rates are quantified. In addition, a special core-shell separation model is revealed through in situ analysis and kinetic studies. In this study, we obtain important quantified models for soot oxidation under in situ conditions. In this work, authors investigate mechanisms of noncatalytic soot oxidation and establish models applicable to different types of soot based on the particles oxidation behaviour using in-situ transmission electron microscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

N4-acetylcytidine (ac4C), a significant modified nucleoside, participates in the development of many diseases. Messenger RNAs (mRNAs) contain most of the information of the genome and are the molecules that transmit information from genes to proteins. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease in which fibrillar amyloid plaques are present. However, it remains unknown how mRNA ac4C modification affects the development of AD. In the current study, ac4C-modified mRNAs were comprehensively analyzed in AD mice by ac4C-RIP-seq and RNA-seq. Next, a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed to examine the relationships between the genes with differential ac4C modification levels and their RNA expression levels. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) acquired above were subjected to Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis to further analyze the molecular mechanisms in AD. In total, 3312 significant ac4C peaks were found on 2512 mRNAs, 1241 of which were hyperacetylated and 1271 of which were hypoacetylated. In addition, 956 mRNAs with differential expression were found, including 520 upregulated mRNAs and 436 downregulated mRNAs. Overall, 134 mRNAs with simultaneous changes at the ac4C levels as well as RNA expression levels were identified via joint analysis. Then, through PPI network construction and functional enrichment analysis, 37 key mRNAs were screened, which were predominantly enriched in GABAergic synapses and the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. The significant difference in the abundance of mRNA ac4C modification indicates that this modification is associated with AD progression, which may provide insight for more investigations of the potential mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A micro fluidized bed reactor was used to study the self-sustaining catalytic combustion of carbon monoxide (CO). The Cu1−xCexOy catalyst, as well as the pure CuO and CeO2, are used to investigate the contributing mechanism of different active sites including dispersed CuO and Cu—Ce solid solutions. The ignition temperature (Ti) of CO over these catalysts at a flow rate of 2000 mL/min followed the order: 74 °C (Cu0.5Ce0.5Oy) < 75 °C (Cu0.25Ce0.75Oy) < 84 °C (Cu0.75Ce0.25Oy) < 105 °C (CuO) < 500 °C (CeO2). Furthermore, the lean combustion limits (equivalence ratio ϕ) over these catalysts under the flow rates of 750–3000 mL/min (through fixed, bubbling, and fluidized bed) were also measured, which are Cu0.5Ce0.5Oy < Cu0.25Ce0.75Oy < Cu0.75Ce0.25Oy < CuO < CeO2. The fluidized bed was simulated using the Eulerian two-fluid model (TFM) coupled with a diffusion/kinetic-limited reaction model to evaluate the influence of operation conditions on the self-sustained combustion of CO. The predicted maximum temperature agreed with the experimental measurements, demonstrating the validity of the kinetic model and simulation parameters. The results of catalytic combustion with increasing CO concentrations suggest that the catalytic combustion reaction could co-exist with the flamed combustion. When a high concentration of CO is used, a blue-purple flame caused by CO combustion appears in the upper part of the fluidized bed, indicating that the range of CO-containing exhaust gas purification could be expanded to a larger range using the fluidized-bed catalytic combustion technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare neurodegenerative disease involving upper motor neurons (UMN) and lower motor neurons (LMN), which can be caused by mutations of pathogenic genes such as superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), sarcoma fusion (FUS), and TAR-DNA binding protein (TARBDP/TDP-43). Among these pathogenic genes, TARBDP mutation accounts for approximately 1% of sporadic ALS (sALS). The clinical phenotype of ALS is heterogeneous owing to different mutant genes and sites. Here, we report a case of sALS from China, the pathogenic site (c.800A > G) of TARDBP in this patient was identified by whole-exome sequencing. But his clinical symptoms involve only the LMN, presented with progressive limb weakness, and dyspnea, without obvious limb muscle atrophy. We considered this patient as a possible LMN-dominant ALS variant and this report further explores the genotype–phenotype correlations of ALS10. Furthermore, interestingly, the pathogenic site in this person was previously reported in a Parkinson's disease (PD) patient and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) patient. Our findings illustrate the clinical heterogeneity and the types of diseases which carry p.Asn267Ser TDP-43 mutation were broadened furtherly. Meanwhile, considering that the range of neurodegenerative diseases associated with this mutant site may be expanding, the mechanism of different neurodegenerative changes mediated by the same pathogenic site still needs to be further studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS), an alternative to diverting stoma (DS), has been used as a "bridge to surgery" (BTS) to decompress acute obstruction of colorectal cancer (CRC) for decades. However, whether SEMS is a safe technique for obstruction of CRC without compromising the long-term survival of patients remains unidentified compared to those of DS. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the safety and survival outcomes of SEMS and DS. Methods: Embase, PubMed, and Medline were searched for qualified studies published until October, 2020, in which SEMS or DS was performed as a BTS without resection at the same stage. The last search was on December 5th, 2020. The Newcastle–Ottawa scale (NOS) was used to assess the quality of included studies. The major complication rate, mortality, 3-year overall survival (OS), and permanent stoma rate were estimated as outcomes. Results: The present study was registered on INPLASY (No. 2020100079). Seven eligible studies were included, involving 646 and 712 patients who underwent SEMS and DS treatments, respectively. The Clavien-Dindo I/II grade complication rate was significantly lower in the SEMS group than in the DS group (8.68 vs. 16.85%; RR, 0.59; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.41–0.84; P = 0.004). The Clavien-Dindo III/IV grade complication rate was comparable in two groups (7.69 vs. 8.79%; RR, 0.82; 95% CI 0.54–1.27; P = 0.37). There were no statistical differences in the short-term mortality (5.16 vs. 4.53%; RR, 1.25; 95% CI 0.75–2.08; P = 0.39), 3-year OS (71.91 vs. 76.60%; RR, 0.93; 95% CI 0.86–1.01; P = 0.10), and permanent stoma rate (22.08 vs. 27.54%; RR, 0.84; 95% CI 0.67–1.06; P = 0.14) between the two groups. Conclusions: To some extent, SEMS is a safe BTS technique for acute obstructive CRC, without significant adverse effect on the survival of patients. Given the advantage of minimal invasion, SEMS may be a better alternative to DS for obstructive CRC. However, the conclusions remain to be discussed because of lacking high-quality randomized controlled trails. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an attractive electrode material of supercapacitors, metal organic frameworks (MOFs) have been greatly exploited. However, the nearly exclusive microporous structure prevented their advantages from being fully utilized, restraining their electrochemical performance. In this work, a hierarchical porous Zr-MOF (HP-Zr-MOF) was prepared via ligand thermolysis method, and its electrochemical performance was investigated. HP-Zr-MOF exhibits a high specific capacitance (492.7 F g−1, 1 A g−1), and good rate performance (362.5 F g−1, 10 A g−1). An asymmetric supercapacitor based on HP-Zr-MOF and activated carbon electrodes was assembled, which delivers a specific capacitance of 107.5 F g−1, and an energy density of 38 Wh kg−1 with a power density of 1341 W kg−1 at 1 A g−1, showing prospective prospect of hierarchical porous MOFs-based electrodes in energy storage application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we introduced molecular imprinting combined with electrochemical method to determine trace 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) herbicide in standard solution and actual samples. For this purpose, we synthesis of vinyl silica coated MWCNTs in alkaline environment with surfactant, molecularly imprinted polymers were prepared on the surface of MWCNTs by free radical polymerization, following the composite materials were dissolved in chitosan solution and dropped on the glassy carbon electrode. The functionalized materials were characterized by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetry and nitrogen adsorption desorption. Electrochemical performance of molecularly imprinted membrane was characterized by cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and differential pulse voltammetry. Selectivity, stability and reproducibility of the sensors were also studied and discussed. A good linear relationship for supervising 2,4-D from 1.0 × 10−4 to 1.0 × 10−8 mol L−1 with the correlation coefficient of 0.994 and a low LOD of 4.270 nmol L−1 (S/N = 3). The electrochemical sensor has been successfully applied to detect 2,4-D with a recovery rate ranges from 96.2 to 102.4% and a relative standard deviation of less than 4.74%. This work provides potential ideas for detection of trace 2,4-D in real samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fluorescent probe based on the functionalized carbon quantum dots (CQDs-OPD) was successfully synthesized for selective and sensitive detection of Cu2+. Using O-phenylenediamine (OPD) as the carbon resource and N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) as the solvent, the CQDs-OPD was prepared by the hydrothermal method. The fluorescence mechanism of CQDs-OPD was studied by the intercept method. Furthermore, the probe was characterized by TEM, UV–Vis, FT-IR and Zeta potentiometric analysis, the fluorescent probe exhibits a good fluorescence properties and stability. The prepared ratio-fluorescent probe shows a good linear range from 0 to 25 μmol/L with a lower LOD of 40 nmol/L. Moreover, the probe also has been successfully applied to the detection of Cu2+ in the real samples with the recovery rate of 96.92–97.80% and the RSD of less than 2.0%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fluorescent probe based on the functionalized carbon quantum dots (CQDs-OPD) was successfully synthesized for selective and sensitive detection of Cu2+. Using O-phenylenediamine (OPD) as the carbon resource and N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) as the solvent, the CQDs-OPD was prepared by the hydrothermal method. The fluorescence mechanism of CQDs-OPD was studied by the intercept method. Furthermore, the probe was characterized by TEM, UV–Vis, FT-IR and Zeta potentiometric analysis, the fluorescent probe exhibits a good fluorescence properties and stability. The prepared ratio-fluorescent probe shows a good linear range from 0 to 25 μmol/L with a lower LOD of 40 nmol/L. Moreover, the probe also has been successfully applied to the detection of Cu2+ in the real samples with the recovery rate of 96.92–97.80% and the RSD of less than 2.0%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An innovative molecular imprinted polymer based on KH-570 modified SiO2-coated cadmium telluride quantum dots was prepared as fluorescence sensor for sulfadimidine (SM2) sensitive and selective detection. The quantum dots were firstly encapsulated in silica by sol–gel process, and then the double bond was modified on the surface of silica with KH-570. Finally, the molecular imprinted layer was synthesized on the surface of silica by template molecule, methacrylic acid (MAA) and ethylene glycol dimethyl acrylate. The fluorescence sensors showed good structure when characterized by SEM. Besides, the fluorescence sensors showed a good linear range from 10 to 80 μmol.L−1 with a lower LOD of 0.42 μmol.L−1. These sensors were successfully applied to detect SM2 in the water samples with a recovery rate from 91.6% to 97.8% and the relative standard deviation less than 2.5%, indicating that fluorescence sensors have the potential application in the detection of real samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A magnetic, core–shell structured pH-responsive molecularly imprinted polymer was prepared by surface imprinting technique and free radical polymerization for selective extraction of sulfamethoxazole. The imprinted polymer shell was prepared using 2-(Dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate as pH-sensitive monomer, a certain amount of 4-vinylphenylbronic acid and methacrylic acid as common monomer to increase selectivity, sulfamethoxazole as template molecules. Excellent adsorption capacity (39.06 mg g−1) and selectivity (IF = 2.19) were achieved and the capture/release process can be regulated by pH value. In addition, it has been successfully applied to the detection of sulfamethoxazole in water samples and the recovery rate reached 96.2%. This study provides a new method and idea for the selective separation and detection of sulfamethoxazole in actual samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wilson's Disease (WD), an ATP7B-mutated inherited disease that affects copper transport, is characterised by liver and nervous system manifestations. Long non-coding (ln-c) RNAs are widely involved in almost all physiological and pathological processes in the body, and are associated with numerous diseases. The present study aimed to elucidate the lncRNA-mRNA regulation network in a TX WD mouse model using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). lncRNA expression profiles were screened using RNA-seq and real-time polymerase chain reaction, and differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs were identified. To analyse the biological functions and pathways for the differentially expressed mRNAs, gene ontology and pathway enrichment analyses were performed. A significantly correlated lncRNA-mRNA relationship pair was calculated by CNC analysis to construct differential lncRNA and mRNA co-expression networks. A total of 2564 significantly up-regulated and 1052 down-regulated lncRNAs, and 1576 up-regulated and 297 down-regulated mRNAs, were identified. These genes were found to be associated with key processes such as apoptosis, and KEGG analysis revealed enrichment in the drug metabolism-cytochrome P450 pathway, PPAR signalling pathway, Notch signalling pathway, and MAPK signalling pathway. The identified differential lncRNAs may be involved in the pathogenesis and development of WD liver injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Minimizing the voltage of corona discharges, especially when using nanomaterials, has been of great interest in the past decade or so. In this paper, we report a new corona discharge device by using ZnO nanowires operated in atmospheric air to realize continuous corona discharge excited by hundreds of volts. ZnO nanowires were synthesized on microelectrodes using electric-field-assisted wet chemical method, and a thin tungsten film was deposited on the microchip to enhance discharging performance. The testing results showed that the corona inception voltages were minimized greatly by using nanowires compared to conventional dischargers as a result of the local field enhancement of nanowires. The corona could be continuously generated and self-sustaining. It was proved that the law of corona inception voltage obeyed the conventional Peek's breakdown criterion. An optimal thickness of tungsten film coated over ZnO nanowires was figured out to obtain the lowest corona inception voltage. The ion concentration of the nanowire-based discharger attained 10/m orders of magnitude, which is practicable for most discharging applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil salinity is a serious threat to agriculture sustainability worldwide. Seed germination is a critical phase that ensures the successful establishment and productivity of soybeans in saline soils. However, little information is available regarding soybean salt tolerance at the germination stage. The objective of this study was to identify the genetic mechanisms of soybean seed germination under salt stress. One natural population consisting of 191 soybean landraces was used in this study. Soybean seeds produced in four environments were used to evaluate the salt tolerance at their germination stage. Using 1142 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), the molecular markers associated with salt tolerance were detected by genome-wide association analysis. Eight SNP-trait associations and 13 suggestive SNP-trait associations were identified using a mixed linear model and the TASSEL 4.0 software. Eight SNPs or suggestive SNPs were co-associated with two salt tolerance indices, namely (1) the ratio of the germination index under salt conditions to the germination index under no-salt conditions (ST-GI) and (2) the ratio of the germination rate under salt conditions to the germination rate under no-salt conditions (ST-GR). One SNP (BARC-021347-04042) was significantly associated with these two traits (ST-GI and ST-GR). In addition, nine possible candidate genes were located in or near the genetic region where the above markers were mapped. Of these, five genes, Glyma08g12400.1, Glyma08g09730.1, Glyma18g47140.1, Glyma09g00460.1, and Glyma09g00490.3, were verified in response to salt stress at the germination stage. The SNPs detected could facilitate a better understanding of the genetic basis of soybean salt tolerance at the germination stage, and the marker BARC-021347-04042 could contribute to future breeding for soybean salt tolerance by marker-assisted selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soybean ( Glycine max) is an important economic crop worldwide that has been affected by common cutworm ( Spodoptera litura Fabricius) in southern China. In this study, RNA-Seq was applied to extend our understanding of the functional complexity of the soybean transcriptome in response to insects. Totals of 1004 and 1580 unigenes were differentially expressed in resistant and susceptible soybean lines, respectively. The functional classification of these unigenes identified the same significant categories as in the previous microarray results, most of which were related to stress and defense responses. A qRT-PCR analysis of 21 selected genes confirmed the results of the RNA-Seq analysis. The integration of RNA-Seq, microarray and qRT-PCR data highlighted GmVSPβ and GmN:IFR as two candidate genes that may confer insect resistance. A functional analysis of GmVSPβ and GmN:IFR revealed a certain degree of resistance to common cutworm in overexpressing tobacco lines, and GmVSPβ was more efficient in this role, which may be associated with JA signaling regulation and nicotine biosynthesis. Taken together, our studies provide an overview and survey of the genes that are involved in insect resistance. Transgenic studies of two herbivory-regulated genes demonstrated their function in insect resistance and indicated their potential application to enhance insect resistance in crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel surface molecular imprinting approach was used to synthesize a desulfurization imprinting polymer (MIP-SiO/TiO). Its structure and characters were investigated by using infrared spectrophotometry, X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and nitrogen sorption measurements. The structural superiority of MIP-SiO/TiO was reflected by the above measurements. The adsorption behavior of MIP-SiO/TiO was evaluated by using batch static adsorption experiments by the kinetic, isotherm, and thermodynamic analyses. The experimental results show that the adsorption process follows a pseudo-second-order kinetic model and that the experimental data are well fitted with the Freundlich isothermal equation. The thermodynamic analysis indicate that the adsorption process is endothermic in nature. Meanwhile, it was further demonstrated that the prepared adsorbent has high specificity for dibenzothiophene. The approach we described would provide a new opportunity in the deep desulfurization field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to determine and address the problems which appear when enterprise implement mass customization products, the conception about mass customization diagnosis is confirmed, and basal thought and process on mass customization diagnosis are presented. According to the characteristics of customization system and the intention of diagnostic, a multi-layer corporation customization diagnosis model based on fuzzy mathematics theory and set-covering technology is built. The consistency and coverage of this customization diagnosis model are analyzed, and solving strategies are given. Finally, the customization diagnostic model is applied to two bike companies and occurred cause of the problems is positioned by comparing with standard enterprise, using mass customization capability evaluating index, combined with factors of corporation mass customization ability, from the top to the lower layer, step by step going fault location, finally positioning occurred cause of the problem. According to this, the improvement measures and methods are proposed for the two enterprises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective surface is considered as the scattering plane; frequency spectrum of a digital hologram transmission light is studied when the reference light and reconstruction wave are spherical waves. The relation between relevant parameters and the object light, conjugate object light and zero-order diffraction wave frequency spectrum distribution. The research results show that: each frequency spectrum of the diffracted wave broadens to various degrees as the radius of the reconstruction wavefront decreases, and frequency aliasing is generated under certain conditions. Based on the research results, a new method that carries out high-pass filtering processing without zero-order diffraction interference upon digital hologram is proposed and the reconstruction experimental proof for eliminating the interferential changeable magnification wave is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on the synthesis of magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers (m-MIPs) for the selective adsorption and separation of dibenzothiophene (DBT) from oil solution. The m-MIPs were characterized by Fourier transform infrared analysis, transmission electron microscopy, surface area and porosity analysis, and vibrating sample magnetometry. Batch mode adsorption studies were carried out to investigate the adsorption kinetics, adsorption isotherms and selective recognition. The adsorption kinetics were modeled with the pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order kinetics, and the adsorption isotherms were fitted with Langmuir and Freundlich models. The m-MIPs can selectively recognize DBT over similar compounds. Static adsorption experiments showed that the m-MIPs display excellent recognition capacity, selective affinity for DBT, and superparamagnetism in presence of an external magnetic field. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The surface of poly(methyl methacrylate) nanospheres (PMMA-NSs) was molecularly imprinted with sulfadiazine by a surface imprinting method. Simultaneously, Mn(II)-doped ZnS quantum dots were incorporated into the imprinted PMMA-NSs. The morphology of the fluorescent nanoprobe was characterized by transmission electron microscopy which revealed good spheroidal core-shell structure and a homogeneous distribution of the QDs. Following binding of sulfadiazine, fluorescence (best measured at excitation/emission maxima of 335/592 nm) is increasingly quenched. The detection range is 5–40 μmol·L−1 of sulfadiazine, and the detection limit is 0.24 μmol·L−1. The fluorescence quenching mechanism is discussed, and a photo-induced electron transfer process is shown to account for quenching. The fluorescent probe was applied to the determination of sulfadiazine in spiked tap water with recoveries and RSDs of 96.6–100.2% and 2.7–3.9%, respectively. The detection of sulfadiazine in spiked lake water exhibited the recoveries and RSDs with 99.3–104.8% and 1.8–4.2%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple chargers, based on needle-to-plate configuration with micro gap distance of several hundred micrometers, for the direct charging of aerosol particles, have been designed and constructed. Charging efficiency and particle deposition loss (electrostatic and diffusional) of this type of chargers have been evaluated systematically for particles (polystyrene) with diameters ranging from 28.9 to 287 nm, at different applied voltages, different aerosol flow rates, and different gap distances. The charging efficiency increases with particle size, applied voltage, and mean residence time of aerosol particles in the charger, while decreases with gap distance. As a consequence of the small effective volume of the chargers, a negligible diffusional loss of particles was obtained. The electrostatic loss of charged particles within the chargers was relatively large for smaller particles at higher applied voltage, but a charging efficiency of 82% was achieved for 28.9-nm particles using the charger with a gap distance of 150 μm. The chargers can charge nanoparticles effectively and are easy to be integrated into minimized devices such as sensor chips. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An electrochemical and colorimetric dual-readout method is described for the determination of thrombin. A platinum nanoparticle (Pt NP) modified metal organic framework (MOF) acts as a peroxidase (POx) mimic that causes the formation of a blue product from 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) and hydrogen peroxide, with an absorption maximum at 650 nm. In addition, gold nanoparticles enrich initiators that trigger the hybridization chain reaction for dual signal amplification to generate an electrochemical current typically measured at 0.31 V (from −0.5 to −0.1 V) and allow quantitation of thrombin with high sensitivity and over a wide detection range. The colorimetric and electrochemical (dual) thrombin assay produces two kinds of signals which warrants accuracy, diversity, and an option for visual inspection. The dual-channel sensor allows for the quantitative determination of thrombin with a low detection limit (0.33 fM) for the electrochemical method and 0.17 pM for the colorimetric method) and over a wide detection range (1 fM to 10 nM for electrochemical method and 0.5 pM to 1 nM for colorimetric method). The electrochemical detection limit is lower than that of colorimetry, and the linear range is wider, which is more suitable for further quantitative analysis of the target.Schematic representation of a colorimetric and electrochemical (dual) thrombin assay based on the use of a platinum nanoparticle modified metal-organic framework for color development and hybridization chain reaction for electrochemical signal. C-TBA: complementary sequences of thrombin aptamer, TBA: thrombin aptamer, I-Au NPs: initiators enriched by gold nanoparticles, S-AuE: sensing gold electrode, RS-AuE: reacted sensing gold electrode, TB: thrombin, MB: Methylene Blue, HCR: hybridization chain reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]