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BACKGROUND: Omicron VOC (BF.7) is a variant of SARS-CoV-2 that is currently spreading globally as a dominant strain. BF.7 is more infectious than existing Omicron variants, and to date there are no specific therapeutic agents for this variant. METHODS: The active compounds were collected by TCMSP, ETCM database and literature mining method, and the targets of the compounds were searched by Swiss Target Prediction and SUPERPRED database, while the targets of Omiron virus were collected by DisGeNET and GEO database, and then the intersecting targets were compared and analyzed. In this study, Swiss-Model was applied to construct the Spike RBD structure of Omicron variant BF.7 by replacing mutant amino acids into the Native Spike (S) structure, and the structural changes of Native S were compared. The four active compounds screened were docked with Omicron S protein and Omicron S-hACE2 complexes. To evaluate the structural stability of the complexes in a physiological environment, we also performed molecular dynamics simulations of the docked complexes and compared them to the control drug, chloroquine. The affinity of ligands and protein complexes was determined by free energy analysis using the MM-PBSA algorithm, and the structural changes of S proteins in combination with ligands were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 12 mongolic medicines were screened and 310 active ingredient predictions were made, with a total of 55 genes overlapping with Omicron variants and 14 targets with the largest differences being conserved. Once these 14 targets were mapped to the active ingredients of 12 mongolic herbs, four more precise active ingredients were filtered out. Of these four phytochemicals, Berberine was the most potent inhibitor of Omicron S protein. In addition, molecular docking simulations revealed that Berberine can bind stably to Omicron S protein and the Omicron S-hACE2 complex. Using molecular dynamics simulations, Berberine was shown to be able to form a stable complex with Omicron S in a physiological environment with better results than the control drug chloroquine. Free energy analysis by the MM-PBSA algorithm and evaluation of S protein structural changes following ligand binding also demonstrated a higher affinity of Berberine for Omicron S compared to the other small molecule compounds. CONCLUSION: Berberine was found to have the most substantial inhibitory potential against Omicron VOC (BF.7) S protein and could be further investigated and developed as a potential inhibitor of Omicron.

Objective To analyze the feasibility and results of up-and-over access (UOA) for catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) in acute iliofemoral popliteal venous thrombosis (IFPVT). Methods From June 2020 to June 2021, a total of 26 patients (26 lower limbs) undergoing CDT for IFPVT were included. According to the vascular access, the patients were divided into UOA group ( n = 11, 10 left limbs and 1 right limb) and ipsilateral popliteal vein (ILPV) ( n = 15, 15 left limbs) access group. The differences in preoperative characteristics and technical details between the two groups were compared. Results Patients in UOA group were older than those in ILPV access group (67.64 ± 4.11 years VS. 52.73 ± 15.63 years, p = .003). The BMI of UOA group was significantly higher than that of ILPV access group (26.03 ± 1.62 kg/m2 VS 24.71 ± 1.46 kg/m2, p = .039). There were significantly more patients with simultaneous three comorbidities in UOA group than in ILPV access group (45.5% vs. 0, p = .043). Compared with ILPV access group, the duration of operation and fluoroscopy of UOA group were significantly longer (20.64 ± 3.41 min vs. 10.20 ± 1.42 min, p < .001; 18.18 ± 2.99 min vs. 6.13 ± 0.92 min, p < .001), but the technical success rate was significantly lower (54.5% vs. 100%, p = .007). In UOA group, the operation-related complications occurred, including catheter straying into lateral sacral vein (9.1%), retroperitoneal hematoma (9.1%), and thrombus shedding into filter (9.1%). Conclusion The UOA may be attempted in patients who are unable to be prone, but this access is not an optimal pathway for CDT.

Reliable global solar radiation (R

Reliable global solar radiation (Rs) information is crucial for the design and management of solar energy systems for agricultural and industrial production. However, Rs measurements are unavailable in many regions of the world, which impedes the development and application of solar energy. To accurately estimate Rs, this study developed a novel machine learning model, called a Gaussian exponential model (GEM), for daily global Rs estimation. The GEM was compared with four other machine learning models and two empirical models to assess its applicability using daily meteorological data from 1997–2016 from four stations in Northeast China. The results showed that the GEM with complete inputs had the best performance. Machine learning models provided better estimates than empirical models when trained by the same input data. Sunshine duration was the most effective factor determining the accuracy of the machine learning models. Overall, the GEM with complete inputs had the highest accuracy and is recommended for modeling daily Rs in Northeast China.

Breast cancer is the most prevalent malignancy among women worldwide. Paclitaxel (Taxol) is a widely applied chemotherapeutic agent against breast cancer. Although Taxol therapy has achieved improvements recently, development of chemoresistance of breast cancer patients is a major obstacle, leading to therapeutic failure. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play pivotal roles in tumorigenesis and progresses of breast cancer. However, the biological roles and molecular targets of lncRNA NEAT1 in Taxol-resistant breast cancer remain unclear. Here, we report that NEAT1 is significantly upregulated in breast tumors and cell lines. In addition, silencing NEAT1 effectively sensitizes breast cancer cells to Taxol. Bioinformatical analysis and luciferase assay demonstrated that miR-23a-3p could be sponged and downregulated by NEAT1. We demonstrated that miR-23a-3p was downregulated and functioned as a tumor suppressor in breast cancer. Furthermore, in the established Taxol-resistant MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line, we detected significantly increased NEAT1 expression and downregulated miR-23a-3p expression. Importantly, FOXA1 was identified and validated as a direct target of miR-23a-3p in breast cancer cells. Rescue experiments demonstrated that the restoration of miR-23a-3p in NEAT1-overexpressing Taxol-resistant breast cancer cells successfully overcame the NEAT1-promoted Taxol resistance. Taken together, our results revealed the clinical roles and molecular mechanisms for the NEAT1-mediated chemoresistance, providing new insights into the development of non-coding RNA-based therapeutic strategies for enhancing the anti-cancer effects of traditional chemotherapeutic drugs.

Obtaining accurate data on reference crop evapotranspiration (ET0) is important for agricultural water management. A novel Gaussian exponential model (GEM) was developed in this study to predict ET0 with limited climatic data. The GEM was further compared with the M5 model tree (M5T), extreme learning machine (ELM), and boosted trees (BT) model under local and regional scenarios. Daily meteorological data during 1997-2016 from four stations in Northeast China were used to develop and validate the model. The results showed that the models considering solar radiation and relative humidity demonstrated considerably higher accuracy than those using other inputs. The GEM demonstrated higher accuracy among the four machine learning models for different stations. The accuracy of GEM under local scenarios was higher than that under regional scenarios with the root mean square error (RMSE) reducing by 0.025-0.046 mm/d, relative root mean square error (RRMSE) reducing by 0.879-2.022%, coefficient of efficiency (Ens) increasing by 0.008-0.026, the coefficients of determination (R2) increasing by 0.008-0.026, and mean absolute error (MAE) reducing by 0.015-0.033 mm/d. The GEM considering solar radiation had the highest accuracy with the global performance indicator (GPI) of 1.876. It can also be seen from the Taylor diagrams that the GEM has the the lowest standard deviation and mean square error and the highest correlation coefficient with the standard values. In general, the GEM considering solar radiation had the lowest error and the highest consistency and could be recommended for ET0 simulation for Northeast China.

Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network is becoming an increasingly hot topic in satellite communication since it provides shorter round-trip delays compared with Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) satellites. Due to the rapid topology changes in the LEO constellation, its routing protocol should be different from existing protocols harnessed for the terrestrial networks. Based on the periodicity and predictability characteristics of LEO network, static routing algorithms are most commonly used. The topology snapshots and corresponding forwarding tables are calculated in advance so as to save the on-board computing resources. However, the static routing algorithm is not compatible with sudden link failure, which reduces its robustness. In this paper, a static-dynamic combined routing strategy is proposed as an adaptive routing scheme to LEO satellite networks. The new scheme captures both the higher robustness compared with static routing algorithms and lower packet loss, higher throughput compared with dynamic routing algorithms.

Environmental managers and policy makers are increasingly discussing trade-offs between ecosystem services, but few studies have analyzed these trade-offs with a view to informing land-use planning. Using specialized models, we quantify ecosystem services in several land-use scenarios relative to actual land-use change over a 9-year period. These scenarios were developed in an effort to maintain agricultural production while improving water quality and increasing water quantity in the watershed of the Miyun Reservoir, the only source of surface water currently available for domestic use in Beijing, China. Within the watershed, from 2000 to 2009, forest cover and urban area increased by 33% and 280%, while water provision and water purification services declined by 9% and 27%, respectively. Under a hybrid scenario of agricultural expansion with riparian grassland buffers, three services – water provision, water purification, and sediment retention – as well as agricultural production all improved as compared with 2009 levels. Riparian grassland protection zones, seldom used in China, can effectively resolve trade-offs among multiple ecosystem services and are now being considered and implemented in several locations.

Household welfare is inseparable from the environment because of its dependence on ecosystems and their services. However, linking household welfare and ecosystems in order to inform differentiated household livelihood development in spatially heterogeneous regions is still a great challenge. Based on a field survey of 1754 households, we grouped the relationships between household welfare (defined by total income) and ecosystem reliance (expressed by an index of dependence on ecosystem services) in the Watershed of Miyun Reservoir, the only source of surface water for domestic use in Beijing, China. The relationships can be grouped into four types: high welfare and high dependency; low welfare and low dependency; high welfare and low dependence; and low welfare and high dependency. Family structure, households’ education and skill level, and the proximity to Beijing have significant impacts on household welfare, while the quantity of natural capital and eco-compensation fund significantly contribute to the ecosystem dependence. Maintaining suitable family size and age structure, improving education and skill levels, and strengthening payment for ecosystem services within low welfare households would be effective approaches to their welfare improvement. The above classification can help design tailored policy and management options to promote sustainable livelihoods based on different household subgroups.

Paeoniflorin (PAE), a principal bioactive component of Paeonia lactiflora Pall., appears to have antitumor properties. However, the pharmacological activity of PAE in endometrial cancer and the specific mechanisms have remained largely elusive. The present study aimed to determine the antitumor activity of PAE in the human endometrial cancer cell line RL95-2 and explore the potential mechanisms. Cell proliferation was assessed to evaluate the antitumor effect of PAE towards RL95-2 cells via a Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. Protein expression was examined to investigate changes in the signaling pathways of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and nuclear factor (NF)-κB in RL95-2 cells during PAE treatment by western blot analysis. The results revealed that PAE significantly and dose- and time-dependently inhibited the proliferation of RL95-2 cells. In addition, PAE activated MAPK signaling pathways (p38, JNK and ERK) and the NF-κB signaling pathway. Furthermore, p38 MAPK and NF-κB inhibitors (SB203580 and MG-132, respectively) prevented PAE-induced proliferative inhibition in RL95-2 cells. However, ERK and JNK inhibitors (PD98059 and BI-78D3, respectively) did not produce such an inhibition. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that PAE exerts its anti-proliferative activity via activating p38 MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways in endometrial cancer cells, providing a potential new drug of choice for endometrial cancer therapy.

Background A popliteal cyst is a benign swelling with synovial fluid located behind the knee joint. Popliteal cysts are often asymptomatic; however, symptomatic cysts may cause pain and may need surgery interventions. Here, we performed a perspective study to compare the clinical efficacy of different surgical approaches, including traditional open excision and advanced arthroscopic treatment. Methods A total of 76 patients with popliteal cysts were assigned into three groups by a randomized complete block design. Group A included 32 patients (15 males and 17 females, age 55.3 ± 9.8 years) who received arthroscopic internal drainage of the cysts. Group B included 19 patients (9 males and 10 females, age 55.4 ± 7.6 years) who received open excision after arthroscopic treatment. Group C included 25 patients (11 males and 14 females, age 54.2 ± 8.5 years) who received open excision. All patients were followed up for an average of 13.7 ± 2.4 months. The following parameters were compared: the time of surgery, during surgery, the length of incision, the incision healing rate, the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, the hospitalization time, the rate of recovery to level 0–1 cysts, the recurrence rate, and the Lysholm score. Results Group A exhibited significant better outcomes compared to groups B and C in the length of incision (1.6 ± 0.1 cm), the incision healing rate (100%), the postoperative VAS score (2.7 ± 1.2), the hospitalization time (7.8 ± 2.8 days), and the Lysholm score at the last follow-up (85.8 ± 5.2). The recurrence rate is significantly lower in groups A (3.1%) and B (5.2%) than group C (40%) (P

Recently, increasingly sophisticated studies have investigated the relationship between agrarian livelihoods and the environment, as well as rural–urban interactions in developing countries. The policies developed to respond to these dynamics can constrain livelihood options or provide additional opportunities. In the present study, using a modified version of the telecoupled sustainable livelihood framework to generalize dynamic livelihood strategies in the context of rural–urban transformation and by focusing on recent research in China, we review important factors that shape rural livelihood strategies as well as the types of strategies that typically intersect with livelihood and environmental dynamics. We then examine telecoupled rural–urban linkages given that the dynamics of the livelihood strategies of farmers can cause flows of labor, capital, ecosystem services, and other processes between rural and urban areas, thereby placing livelihood strategies in a dynamic context, which has not been considered widely in previous research. We show that most previous studies focused on the reduction of environmental impacts via livelihood diversification and rural–urban migration. We propose several areas for future policy development and research.

Background: Laparoscopic repair of perforated ulcers has been recently proposed as an alternative to the conventional (open) technique. However, the advantages of the laparoscopic m

In this paper, polyaniline (PANI) microfibers with average diameter of 250 nm were synthesized by utilizing H 4 SiW 12 O 40 /polyacrylamide (HPA/PAM) microfibers seeding template method. The PANI microfibers were characterized by element analyses, FT–IR spectra, X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD), and Scanning electron micrograph (SEM). The microfibers seeding template significantly affected the fibrous morphology of the resulting PANI. However, the diameter of the PANI microfibers was almost not affected by the diameter of the microfibers seeding template in the experimental range. In addition, the conductivity of the PANI microfibers was also investigated. The result showed that the best conductivity of the PANI microfibers doped with H 4 SiW 12 O 40 was 27.1 S/cm.

Polyaniline (PAn) microrods doped with H 4 SiW 12 O 40 (HPA) were obtained by a H 4 SiW 12 O 40 /Poly(vinyl alcohol) microfibers template method. The morphology of the polyaniline microrods was observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) photograph. The average diameter of the polyaniline microrods was between 200 and 250 nm. IR spectra and X-ray diffraction characterized the structure of the polyaniline doped with H 4 SiW 12 O 40 . The conductivity of the polyaniline microrods was measured by a four-probe method. The highest conductivity of the polyaniline microrods was 3.9 S/cm.

Household livelihood strategies are embedded in the natural and socioeconomic contexts in which people live. Analyzing the factors that influence household livelihood choice and defining their consequences can be beneficial for informing rural household policies. In turn, this has great significance for fostering sustainable livelihood strategies. We grouped household livelihood strategies based on the income distribution of 756 households and analyzed their influencing factors and possible livelihood consequences in the watershed of Miyun Reservoir, the only source of surface water currently available for domestic use in Beijing, China. Local farmers’ livelihood strategies can be grouped into three types: farming, local off-farm, and labor-migrant. Farming households have the lowest livelihood capitals, other than natural capital, compared with labor-migrant households and off-farm households, the latter having better livelihood capital status. Geographical location, natural capital, household structure, labor quality, and ecological policies are the main factors affecting farmers’ choice of livelihood strategy. Local off-farm households have a significantly lower dependency on firewood, land resources, and investment than that of farming and labor-migrant households, and have the highest reliance on fossil fuel. This household classification can help us understand the livelihood characteristics, impact factors, and consequences of different types of household strategies, which also suggest tailored policy and management options to promote sustainable livelihoods based on different household types.

In order to solve the problem of LMS algorithm, a new variable step-size LMS algorithm is studied. The algorithm is based on the sigmoid function which builds the non-linear functional relationship between step and error. By introducing the error feedback strategy to adjust the parameters adaptively, the algorithm solves the problem of setting parameters in the function. Compared with other algorithms, simulation results show that the algorithm performs perfect at convergence rate and steady-state error with a better applicability.

Elaborate the exploration of modern teaching methods and approaches in teaching activities of optoelectronic information material professional courses in higher education. Shortages of traditional teaching methods and approaches were explored, formation of innovative teaching methods and philosophy were discussed, implementation effects of innovative teaching methods and approaches were analysed, and the technology of making modern courseware, website and examination database with using modern information technology were also discussed.

ZrO 2 ferrule, the core component of the optical fiber connector, plays an important role in the properties of ZrO 2 ferrule. In this paper, the nano-sized ZrO 2 ceramic powder was prepared by chemical precipitation process. According to this method, ZrOCl 2 ·8HO, water and PEG-6000 was separately selected as the raw material, solvent and additive. Best processing conditions was determined: consistence of ZrO 2 was 0.5mol/L, reaction temperature was 80° and sintering temperature was 600°. The ceramic sintering body was prepared at different pressure and temperature with using the nano-sized ceramic powder which were prepared under the best processing conditions. The structure of the nano-sized ZrO 2 ceramic powder was characterized by X-ray diffraction(XRD) and it proved that nano-sized ZrO 2 ceramic powder sintered at 600° was mainly the tetragonal phase; Porosity was characterized by Scanning electron microscope(SEM) and it proved that the porosity of sintering body decreased with the increasing temperature. The wearability was tested on MPX-2000 friction pin-disk testing machine and it proved that within a certain temperature range, wearability increased with the increasing molding pressure. Finally, the best sintering temperature was determined as 1450° and the best molding pressure was determined as 600MPa.

Food Traceability is regarded as a critical capability to enable and improve food safety both in public and private sector. However, the market practice to food traceability system (FTS) is not perfect. In lots of cases, the inefficient traceability supply is attributed to the gap of public's demand on higher traceability level and private companies' insufficient supply as expected. The fact is that public sector is less informed about quality and safety attributes of food than private sector, but private sector does not have adequate incentive to cover the gap. In order to explore how to mitigate the gap, this paper reviewed the key concepts and adoption history of FTS, compared the different incentives of each role in the ecosystem to adopt FTS, and analyzed the impacts of those incentives on the system design. Then a conceptual framework is developed to guide the FTS design with insight in the architecture design, functionality collection and business model design. Finally, theoretical and practical implications are discussed and future research opportunities are suggested.

Polyaniline nanorods and hollow-microspheres have been successfully prepared by using copper wires and rings, respectively, as template in the presence of H4SiW12O40 and ammonium persulfate, which used as dopant and oxidant, respectively in this system. Different morphology of the resulting products can be obtained and controlled by using corresponding different shape of the objects. Furthermore, the template of this method not only needn't contain or react with chemicals but also the removal of it is extremely easy and facile without solvent or extra disposal. Meanwhile, possible formation processes of polyaniline nanorods and hollow-microspheres are proposed. The structure and morphology of the polyaniline nanorods and hollow-microspheres were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer spectra, X-ray diffraction patterns, Scanning Electron Microscope images, and Transmission Electron Microscopy images. Prompted by the high surface areas, small diameter, and porous structure of the prepared polyaniline, we constructed the polyaniline gas sensors and found that the polyaniline hollow-microspheres had better sensitivity than the polyaniline nanorods to NH3 gas.

Proposal of Cloud Computing is tightly coupled withlow cost. Reduction of cost is considered as an importantadvantage of Cloud. However, there are no availabletools proper for cost calculation and analysis in Cloudenvironment. This paper presents our efforts towardsfilling in the gap. We format suits of metrics and formulasfor the calculation of Cloud Total Cost of Ownership(TCO) and Utilization Cost, considering the elasticfeature of Cloud infrastructure and widely adoptedvirtualization technology in Cloud. This provides afoundation for evaluating economic efficiency of Cloudand provides indications for cost optimization of Cloud.We have developed our calculation and analysisapproach into a web tool which is used in the internalCloud environment and demonstrate initially its analysiscapability on the cost distribution and utilizationimbalance factor.

The photorefractive BGO crystal shows rapid respond (second level) when applied by external electric field, but it has weak photorefractive effect. CeO 2 and CuO co-doped BGO (Bi 12 GeO 20 ) crystal has been grown by Czochralski method for the first time. The diffraction efficiency and respond time of Ce:Cu:BGO and BGO crystals are determined with two-wave-coupling technology. The phase conjugate reflectivity and respond time are also determined in four-wave-fixing optical path. The results indicate that diffraction efficiency and phase conjugate reflectivity of Ce:Cu:BGO is 30% higher than those of non-doped BGO and the response time exhibits in second level with 6kv/cm 2 external electric field. The improvement mechanism of photorefractive effect of Ce:Cu:BGO crystal is investigated systematically.