Search

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a group of systemic disorders threatening human health with complex pathogenesis, among which mitochondrial energy metabolism reprogramming has a critical role. Mitochondria are cell organelles that fuel the energy essential for biochemical reactions and maintain normal physiological functions of the body. Mitochondrial metabolic disorders are extensively involved in the progression of CVD, especially for energy-demanding organs such as the heart. Therefore, elucidating the role of mitochondrial metabolism in the progression of CVD is of great significance to further understand the pathogenesis of CVD and explore preventive and therapeutic methods. In this review, we discuss the major factors of mitochondrial metabolism and their potential roles in the prevention and treatment of CVD. The current application of mitochondria-targeted therapeutic agents in the treatment of CVD and advances in mitochondria-targeted gene therapy technologies are also overviewed.

Solar radio observation is an important way to study the Sun. Solar radio bursts contain important information about solar activity. Therefore, real-time automatic detection and classification of solar radio bursts are of great value for subsequent solar physics research and space weather warnings. Traditional image classification methods based on deep learning often require considerable training data. To address insufficient solar radio spectrum images, transfer learning is generally used. However, the large difference between natural images and solar spectrum images has a large impact on the transfer learning effect. In this paper, we propose a self-supervised learning method for solar radio spectrum classification. Our method uses self-supervised training with a self-masking approach in natural language processing. Self-supervised learning is more conducive to learning the essential information about images compared with supervised methods, and it is more suitable for transfer learning. First, the method pre-trains using a large amount of other existing data. Then, the trained model is fine-tuned on the solar radio spectrum dataset. Experiments show that the method achieves a classification accuracy similar to that of convolutional neural networks and Transformer networks with supervised training.

Solar radio observation is a method used to study the Sun. It is very important for space weather early warning and solar physics research to automatically classify solar radio spectrums in real time and judge whether there is a solar radio burst. As the number of solar radio burst spectrums is small and uneven, this paper proposes a classification method for solar radio spectrums based on the Swin transformer. First, the method transfers the parameters of the pretrained model to the Swin transformer model. Then, the hidden layer weights of the Swin transformer are frozen, and the fully connected layer of the Swin transformer is trained on the target dataset. Finally, parameter tuning is performed. The experimental results show that the method can achieve a true positive rate of 100%, which is more accurate than previous methods. Moreover, the number of our model parameters is only 20 million, which is 80% lower than that of the traditional VGG16 convolutional neural network with more than 130 million parameters.

Patients with advanced-stage or treatment-resistant colorectal cancer (CRC) benefit less from traditional therapies; hence, new therapeutic strategies may help improve the treatment response and prognosis of these patients. Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent type of regulated cell death characterized by the accumulation of lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS), distinct from other types of regulated cell death. CRC cells, especially those with drug-resistant properties, are characterized by high iron levels and ROS. This indicates that the induction of ferroptosis in these cells may become a new therapeutic approach for CRC, particularly for eradicating CRC resistant to traditional therapies. Recent studies have demonstrated the mechanisms and pathways that trigger or inhibit ferroptosis in CRC, and many regulatory molecules and pathways have been identified. Here, we review the current research progress on the mechanism of ferroptosis, new molecules that mediate ferroptosis, including coding and non-coding RNA; novel inducers and inhibitors of ferroptosis, which are mainly small-molecule compounds; and newly designed nanoparticles that increase the sensitivity of cells to ferroptosis. Finally, the gene signatures and clusters that have predictive value on CRC are summarized.

Recent years have witnessed a tremendous development in shrimp farming around the world, which, however, has raised a variety of issues, possibly due to a lack of knowledge of shrimp behavior in farms. This study focused on the relationship between shrimp behavior and the various factors of natural farming environment through situ surveys, as distinguished from the majority of laboratory studies on shrimp behavior. In the survey, the behaviors of kuruma prawn (Penaeus japonicus) were investigated in the groups of swimming in the water, crawling on the sand, resting on the sand, and hiding in the sand, followed by the quantification of the sex ratio, water quality, density, and light intensity. The results showed the average proportions of resting, hiding, crawling, and swimming activities of 69.87%, 20.85%, 8.24%, and 1.04%, respectively, of P. japonicus. The behavior of hiding, resting, and crawling is significantly affected by the sex ratio of the shrimp (p < 0.05). The proportions of hiding behavior exhibited a negative connection with density and a positive connection with light intensity, while the proportions of resting behavior showed the opposite according to both Pearson correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis. The light intensity was the only factor that significantly influenced the swimming behavior, in which the probability of the swimming behavior was reduced from 48% to 5% when light intensity varied from 0 to 10 lx, as determined by the generalized linear model. It could be speculated that P. japonicus prefers a tranquil environment. Female shrimp might exhibit less aggression and more adventure compared to male shrimp. The findings suggested light intensity, followed by density, as the most crucial element influencing the behavior of P. japonicus in the culture environment. These findings will contribute to the comprehension of the behavior of P. japonicus and provide a novel perspective for the formulation of its culture management strategy.

Concerns about the environment and renewable energy are growing. Improving the perception of renewable energy in urban and rural households is required to promote green development and to learn about consumer preferences for renewable energy based on the gradual reduction in financial subsidies for photovoltaic (PV) power generation. This paper aims to estimate the willingness of consumers to pay for a Household PV system and explores the factors that affect consumers’ product selection, which is conducive to optimizing Household PV products and policies and is important for achieving the carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals. Using a discrete choice model, this paper surveyed 765 urban and rural residents without installing Household PV systems in Tianjin, China. Subsequently, the respondents’ attribute preferences and willingness to pay (WTP) for a Household PV system were analyzed using a logit regression analysis model. The influence of respondents’ socio-economic characteristics on WTP was analyzed. The empirical results showed that (1) price significantly impacts consumers’ PV adoption behaviors and consumers tend to choose cheaper PV products; (2) consumers are more willing to pay for the after-sales service (3959 USD/level) and traceable information (2176 USD/level), indicating their preference for these two attributes when considering options; (3) socio-economic variables, including gender and the number of minor children (i.e., children under the age of 18) at home, significantly impact consumers’ PV adoption behaviors. Males and consumers without minor children at home will pay more attention when selecting the products. Our research findings will provide valuable insights into policy making and the wide-ranging use of Household PV systems.

Based on the existing research results, a theoretical fracture model of strata under the compound impact of static and harmonic dynamic load is improved, and the fracture characteristic parameters (stress intensity factor, T-stress, and fracture initiation angle) under the two far-field stress are determined according to the crack dip angle. Additionally, the effects of harmonic dynamic load on the distribution of the stress field and the fracture characteristic (the crack initiation angle, the fracture degree, the number of fracture units, and the fracture area) are further calculated and discussed by theoretical model solution, extended finite element simulation, and the secondary development of the simulation module, respectively. The research results show that the far-field stress, stress intensity factor, and T-stress vary in harmonic form with time under the compound impact of static and harmonic dynamic loads. The frequency of dynamic load affects the number of reciprocal fluctuations of stress intensity factor and T-stress as well as the crack initiation time, but has less influence on the crack initiation angle and fracture degree. While the amplitude of dynamic load affects the stress intensity factor, the extreme value of T-stress and fracture characteristics of the crack. This study has theoretical guiding significance for parameters’ optimization and realization of resonance impact drilling technology.

Marnaviridae viruses are abundant algal viruses that regulate the dynamics of algal blooms in aquatic environments. They employ a narrow host range because they merely lyse their algal host species. This host-specific lysis is thought to correspond to the unique receptor-binding mechanism of the Marnaviridae viruses. Here, we present the atomic structures of the full and empty capsids of Chaetoceros socialis forma radians RNA virus 1 built-in 3.0 Å and 3.1 Å cryo-electron microscopy maps. The empty capsid structure and the structural variability provide insights into its assembly and uncoating intermediates. In conjunction with the previously reported atomic model of the Chaetoceros tenuissimus RNA virus type II capsid, we have identified the common and diverse structural features of the VP1 surface between the Marnaviridae viruses. We have also tested the potential usage of AlphaFold2 for structural prediction of the VP1s and a subsequent structural phylogeny for classifying Marnaviridae viruses by their hosts. These findings will be crucial for inferring the host-specific receptor-binding mechanism in Marnaviridae viruses.

This paper details the design and realization of a high-isolation multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) antenna tailored for fifth-generation (5G) wireless applications. The antenna consists of a 2-element array, with each unit being a patch antenna loaded with six uniformly sized complementary split ring resonators (CSRRs). These CSRRs are strategically etched to minimize the antenna's overall size. In addition, the fragment-type split ring resonators (SRRs) are horizontally positioned between the antenna units to further improve isolation. The placement and structure of these fragment-type SRRs are optimized through a combined use of High-Frequency Structure Simulator (HFSS) and genetic algorithm (GA) techniques, which enables significant isolation levels exceeding-40 dB between antenna units. The proposed MIMO antenna operates within the 5G C-band with a -10 dB bandwidth ranging from 4.84 to 5.00 GHz, while the isolation at 4.9 GHz improves from 14.73 dB to 42.88 dB. Moreover, the maximum Envelope Correlation Coefficient is 0.0042, and the antenna dimensions are 50 mmx44 mmx1.6 mm. Antenna samples are fabricated using wet etching on an FR4 substrate. The measured and simulated values are found to be in good agreement. Compared to the traditional antenna design method, which relies on parameters sweeping, the algorithmic approach used in this paper significantly enhances both the design's effectiveness and efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

English auctions, renowned for their blend of economic and entertainment elements, serve as dynamic platforms for selling goods. This research, grounded in Game Refinement Theory and the Motion in Mind Model, delves into bidder behavior to elucidate its impact on entertainment perceptions at varying levels of rationality. Our findings uncover distinct patterns of behavior across completely irrational, partially rational, and fully rational bidders, highlighting how these differences influence the entertainment value. Specifically, we examine participants' bidding frequency, proficiency in information gathering, enforcement of beliefs, and rationality, all of which are perceived differently by viewers of live-streamed auctions. The study significantly deepens our understanding of English auctions' psychological and strategic foundations. It gives auction organizers crucial insights into enhancing economic and entertainment outcomes, emphasizing the strategic importance of timing and patience in bidding. This multifaceted approach not only underscores the economic indicators such as price dynamics and bidder competition but also integrates social and psychological perspectives, revealing how social interactions and cognitive processes influence auction dynamics and participant behavior. Such insights are invaluable for designing auctions that are both economically efficient and engaging, ensuring a balanced experience for all participants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chiral liquid crystal (CLC) microcavity lasers have gotten a lot of interest because of their very sensitive response to external stimuli and ability to produce both whispering gallery mode (WGM) lasing and photonic band gap (PBG) lasing. In this work, we report a CLC microcavity laser based on Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET). By introducing FRET, energy transfer of a WGM laser is achieved. And PBG laser emission with a tuning range of 584-696 nm is achieved by temperature modulation. By changing the pump position, a lasing mode switch between FRET of the WGM laser and FRET of the PBG laser can be achieved. The application of energy transfer in CLC microcavities has expanded the spectral range of PBG lasers. The WGM laser generated by energy transfer demonstrated a sensitivity of 2.17 nm 1C1 in a CLC microdroplet with a diameter of 22 mm. This work extends the application of CLC microcavities in the field of optical devices and sensing technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Researching Second Language Acquisition in the Study Abroad Learning Environment: An Introduction for Student Researchers" is a book that provides a comprehensive overview of second language acquisition (SLA) research in study abroad (SA) contexts. The book is aimed at novice researchers and covers various aspects of SLA in SA experiences, including factors such as sojourners, academic programs, and accommodation. It also explores theories and approaches to SLA, learner factors, the effects of SA on language proficiency, research methodology, and future directions for SA studies. The book is praised for its reader-friendly approach and is recommended for researchers, language instructors, and administrators interested in SLA in SA contexts. [Extracted from the article]

The paper is concerned with the study of adaptation of words from the Chinese language to the Russian language; these loanwords are related to the daily life and culture of China. The relevance of the study is determined by the increasing popularity of the Chinese culture and daily phenomena within the Russian society. Therefore, the formation of a scientific image of relevant loanwords and the analysis of their derivational potential in the Russian language seem very necessary and important. This paper aims to identify the derivational, formal-structural, and semantic features of the studied units in the process of their development in the Russian language. The trans­cription method is mainly used when borrowing words from the Chinese language; thus, the loanwords receive a Russian form and pronunciation along with grammatical characteristics. Based on the results of the semantic assimilation, the following conclusions were made: when loanwords came to the Russian language, the semantics of their prime words can be changed; the semantic volume of some words can be expanded with their further functions in the Russian language, which indicates their full semantic development. According to the results of the derivational-semantic analysis, 149 derivatives were formed on the basis of the studied units in the Russian language. It was revealed that kniga ('book'; 50 derivatives), chai ('tea'; 45 derivatives), zhemchug ('pearl'; 11 derivatives) possess the highest derivative ability. The study of word-formation adaptation allows us to conclude that the realization of the derivational potential of loanwords indicates their importance for the native speakers of the Russian language. The paper presents a model for analysis of adaptation of loanwords from China. The obtained results may be of interest to researchers investigating words borrowed from other languages.

Aberrant expression of genes contributes to the chemoresistance of colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment. This study aimed to identify genes associated with the chemoresistance of oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy in CRC patients and to construct a signature. Oxaliplatin resistance-related genes were screened by analyzing the gene profiles of cell lines and tissue samples that underwent oxaliplatin-based treatment. Oxaliplatin resistance-related genes were used to establish a signature. The association of the signature had clinical significance, so the prognostic value of the signature was analyzed. Independent cohorts and CRC cell lines were used to validate the value of the gene signature and the oxaliplatin-resistant genes. There were 64 oxaliplatin resistance-related genes identified after overlapping the genes from the dataset of oxaliplatin-treated CRC cells and the dataset of patients treated with oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy. A gene signature based on five oxaliplatin resistance-related genes was established. This gene signature effectively predicted the prognosis of CRC patients who underwent chemotherapy. No significant associations were found between the gene mutations and survival of the patients; however, two genes were associated with microsatellite instability status. Two external independent cohorts and CRC cell line experiments validated the prognostic values of the signature and expression of the genes after oxaliplatin treatment. In conclusion, the oxaliplatin resistance-related gene signature involving five genes was a novel biomarker for the prediction of the chemotherapy response and prognosis of CRC patients who underwent oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy.

As the transportation industry develops new forms of energy and electrification, expressway dynamic wireless charging has become an attractive technology that has the potential to completely solve a range of anxieties associated with electric vehicles. The main objective of this paper was to analyze the economic feasibility of dynamic wireless charging projects on highways. First, the roadside cost of dynamic wireless charging was estimated in terms of equipment, construction, and maintenance costs. Then, various indicators of the national economy of expressway dynamic wireless charging were analyzed. Finally, using the GM (1,1) model, a prediction model for evaluating the associated economic benefits is proposed in this study. As a case study, a national economic evaluation of retrofitting a dynamic wireless charging infrastructure on the Guiyang to Xinzhai Expressway was calculated with the following results: the economic internal rate of return (EIRR) is 11.27% to 29.11%, the economic net present value (ENPV) is 321.59 million RMB to 733.51 million RMB, the economic benefit to cost ratio (EBCR) is 1.02 to 1.32, and the payback period is 3.15 years to 6.35 years. All indicators are higher than the benchmark value for the national economic evaluation, and the sensitivity analysis results are also higher than the benchmark. The results of this paper show that the project is economically feasible and has certain economic benefits. From the perspective of economic benefits, it is necessary to provide more effective information for investors and decision-makers to build dynamic wireless charging highway projects.

AlGaN nanorods have attracted increasing amounts of attention for use in ultraviolet (UV) optoelectronic devices. Here, self-assembled AlGaN nanorods with embedding quantum disks (Qdisks) were grown on Si(111) using plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy (PA-MBE). The morphology and quantum construction of the nanorods were investigated and well-oriented and nearly defect-free nanorods were shown to have a high density of about 2 × 1010 cm−2. By controlling the substrate temperature and Al/Ga ratio, the emission wavelengths of the nanorods could be adjusted from 276 nm to 330 nm. By optimizing the structures and growth parameters of the Qdisks, a high internal quantum efficiency (IQE) of the AlGaN Qdisk nanorods of up to 77% was obtained at 305 nm, which also exhibited a shift in the small emission wavelength peak with respect to the increasing temperatures during the PL measurements.

Background: To determine the possible risk factors of recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula (rTEF) after Gross type C esophageal atresia (EA) and tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) repair.Methods: The medical records of 343 pediatric patients with Gross type C EA/TEF who underwent surgical repair were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were retrospectively divided into two groups according to whether they had rTEF. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis were performed to identify risk factors for rTEF.Results: After the diagnosis of EA/TEF, 343 patients (221 boys) underwent primary repairs after birth. According to the follow-up results (257 patients survived, 42 died, and 43 were lost to follow-up), 259 patients (257 survived and two died after rTEF repair) were included in the analysis. rTEF occurred in 33 patients (33/259, 12.74%), with a median onset time to recurrence of 3.8 (2.2, 8.2) months. Multivariate analysis showed that closing the original TEF with ligation and hospital stay ≥ 28.5 days were significant risk factors of rTEF with OR of 4.083 (1.481, 11.261) and 3.228 (1.431, 7.282).Conclusions: Surgical closure technique of original TEF and the length of initial stay could influence the occurrence of rTEF after Gross type C EA/TEF repair.

RAS genes are commonly mutated in human cancer. Despite many possible mutations, individual cancer types often have a ‘tropism’ towards a specific subset of RAS mutations. As driver mutations, these patterns ostensibly originate from normal cells. High oncogenic RAS activity causes oncogenic stress and different oncogenic mutations can impart different levels of activity, suggesting a relationship between oncoprotein activity and RAS mutation tropism. Here, we show that changing rare codons to common in the murine Kras gene to increase protein expression shifts tumors induced by the carcinogen urethane from arising from canonical Q61 to biochemically less active G12 Kras driver mutations, despite the carcinogen still being biased towards generating Q61 mutations. Conversely, inactivating the tumor suppressor p53 to blunt oncogenic stress partially reversed this effect, restoring Q61 mutations. One interpretation of these findings is that the RAS mutation tropism of urethane arises from selection in normal cells for specific mutations that impart a narrow window of signaling that promotes proliferation without causing oncogenic stress.

Background: This study aims to identify the risk factors and reasons for treatment abandonment for patients with esophageal atresia (EA) in a tertiary care hospital in China.Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 360 patients with EA admitted to Beijing Children's Hospital between January 1, 2007 and June 1, 2020. Medical records for treatment abandonment and non-treatment abandonment patients were compared. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify potential risk factors for treatment abandonment.Results: After the diagnosis of EA, parents of 107 patients refused surgical repair and discharged against medical advice, and 253 patients underwent surgical repair. Among these 253 patients, parents of 59 patients abandoned treatment after surgery; 52 patients were discharged in an unstable condition, and parents of seven patients abandoned resuscitation leading to death in the hospital. By comparing clinical characteristics between treatment abandonment before surgery (n = 107) and non-treatment abandonment (n = 253) groups, we found that mother's parity >1, unplanned admission to intensive care unit before surgery, associated anomalies, and Gross type A/B were significant independent risk factors for treatment abandonment before surgery. Furthermore, birth weight 133 min, admission before 2016, pneumothorax, and anastomotic leakage were significant independent risk factors for treatment abandonment after surgery. The reasons for treatment abandonment included financial difficulties, multiple malformations with poor prognosis, belief of incurability and concerns about the prognosis of the diseases, postoperative complications, and extensive length of intensive care unit stay.Conclusions: Treatment abandonment of children with EA/TEF is still a common and serious problem in China. This study showed that EA/TEF patients in critical conditions, with associated anomalies, Gross type A/B, and who had occurrence of complications had high-risk for treatment abandonment.

Accumulating evidence suggests that the breakdown of immune tolerance plays an important role in the development of myocarditis triggered by cardiotropic microbial infections. Genetic deletion of immune checkpoint molecules that are crucial for maintaining self-tolerance causes spontaneous myocarditis in mice, and cancer treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors can induce myocarditis in humans. These results suggest that the loss of immune tolerance results in myocarditis. The tissue microenvironment influences the local immune dysregulation in autoimmunity. Recently, tenascin-C (TN-C) has been found to play a role as a local regulator of inflammation through various molecular mechanisms. TN-C is a nonstructural extracellular matrix glycoprotein expressed in the heart during early embryonic development, as well as during tissue injury or active tissue remodeling, in a spatiotemporally restricted manner. In a mouse model of autoimmune myocarditis, TN-C was detectable before inflammatory cell infiltration and myocytolysis became histologically evident; it was strongly expressed during active inflammation and disappeared with healing. TN-C activates dendritic cells to generate pathogenic autoreactive T cells and forms an important link between innate and acquired immunity.

The expansion mechanism of magnesium oxide expansive hydraulic cement as a novel expansive hydraulic cement was reviewed. Anisotropic crystallization results in crystal growth pressure, causing volume expansion while also increasing the porosity of the whole system. The theoretical relationship between porosity and expansion was analyzed. A basic method is given for predicting the expansion rate considering the expansive agent content in MgO expansive hydraulic cement. A concise equation is proposed for calculating the ultimate expansion. A theoretical relationship between porosity and expansion is presented. The compressive strength and durability of magnesium oxide expansive hydraulic cement were analyzed considering porosity changes and compared with hydraulic cement. If the expansion rate exceeds 0.8%, the mechanical properties and durability changes caused by porosity should be considered. If magnesium oxide expansive concrete is used with restraining in real structure, extra compressive stress is generated and the porosity decreases, compared with that during free expansion. In particular, for strain-hardening cementitious composites, expansion confined with the fibers present in the composite is beneficial for refining cracks and improving the self-healing ability of these materials whenever exposed to humid environments. This paper describes the expansion mechanism and properties of magnesium oxide expansive hydraulic cement for engineering applications.

There has been growing consumer interest in sheep and goat milk products as alternatives to cow milk products. The physicochemical characteristics of milk vary not only between ruminant species, but also during different seasons; they determine the nutritional quality and processing properties of the milk. In this study, we characterized sheep and goat milks from New Zealand over the seasons for their composition (macronutrients, macro- and micro-minerals, fatty acids, and proteins) and physicochemical properties (e.g., ionic calcium, fat globule size, casein micelle size, viscosity, and melting behavior of milk fat). Heat-induced (95 °C for 5 min) protein interactions and changes in the physical properties of the milks were also investigated. The compositional and structural features of sheep and goat milks were identified and compared with those reported for cow milk. Seasonal variations in the milk characteristics were more pronounced for sheep milk than goat milk and were probably affected by the production systems. Sheep milk, particularly in the late season, had the largest heat-induced increases in casein micelle size and viscosity, probably arising from the greater casein–whey protein and casein–casein interactions during heat treatment. This study provides comprehensive information on the properties of sheep and goat milks and highlights the interaction effects between species, season, and processing.

Streptococcus suis (S. suis) is a zoonotic bacterial pathogen causing lethal infections in pigs and humans. Identification of virulence-related genes (VRGs) is of great importance in understanding the pathobiology of a bacterial pathogen. To identify novel VRGs, a transposon (Tn) mutant library of S. suis strain SC19 was constructed in this study. The insertion sites of approximately 1700 mutants were identified by Tn-seq, which involved 417 different genes. A total of 32 attenuated strains were identified from the library by using a Galleria mellonella larvae infection model, and 30 novel VRGs were discovered, including transcription regulators, transporters, hypothetical proteins, etc. An isogenic deletion mutant of hxtR gene (ΔhxtR) and its complementary strain (CΔhxtR) were constructed, and their virulence was compared with the wild-type strain in G. mellonella larvae and mice, which showed that disruption of hxtR significantly attenuated the virulence. Moreover, the ΔhxtR strain displayed a reduced survival ability in whole blood, increased sensitivity to phagocytosis, increased chain length, and growth defect. Taken together, this study performed a high throughput screening for VRGs of S. suis using a G. mellonella larvae model and further characterized a novel critical virulence factor.