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Abstract Exploring the relationship between land use cover/change (LUCC) and ecosystem service value (ESV) under different future scenarios can provide guidance for selecting future development patterns and for the scientific utilization of land resources in the region. In this study, LUCC under different scenarios in the North Slope of Tianshan Mountain (NSTM) was simulated using the PLUS model. The ESV coefficients were adjusted for regional differences and social development factors to better reflect the actual situation in the study area. The interactions between LUCC, landscape pattern (LSP), and ESV were systematically analyzed, while at the same time, ESV and the level of economic development were fitted to the Ecological Kuznets Curve, which was then used to determine its trend and inflection point. The following conclusions were drawn: (1) Cropland and unused land are the main types of land use change in the NSTM, both historically and in the future. Cropland shows an increase in the natural development scenario and a decrease in the ecological protection scenario. Unused land shows an increase in the different development scenarios, indicating that unused land has higher development potential in the NSTM. NSTM shows a continuous decrease in ESV in the natural development scenario and a continuous increase in ESV in the ecological protection scenario. (2) LSP in both historical and future NSTM have evolved to show fragmentation, heterogeneity, and complexity in patch forms. However, this trend is slower in the ecological protection scenario than in the natural development scenario. LUCC, LSP, and ESV form an integrated framework of interactions, where LUCC influences ESV through LSP, and changes in ESV feedback to LUCC through LSP, which acts as a bridging mediator. (3) The Ecological Kuznets Curve of NSTM exhibits an N-shape, showing a clear overall rightward trend across different development scenarios at the annual level. At the interannual level, the curves for the natural development scenario are situated in the middle of the declining phase of the N-shape, with no ecological inflection point occurring during the study period. In contrast, the curves for the ecological protection scenario display a declining-ascending trend, with the ecological inflection point occurring when per capita GDP reaches 2.5 × 10^6 CNY.

Abstract Colonizing in the gastrointestinal tract, Escherichia coli confronts diverse acidic challenges and evolves intricate acid resistance strategies for its survival. The lysine-mediated decarboxylation (Cad) system, featuring lysine decarboxylase CadA, lysine/cadaverine antiporter CadB, and transcriptional activator CadC, plays a crucial role in E. coli’s adaptation to moderate acidic stress. While the activation of the one-component system CadC and subsequent upregulation of cadBA operon in response to acid and lysine presence have been proposed, the molecular mechanisms governing the transition of CadC from an inactive to an active state remain elusive. Under neutral conditions, CadC is inhibited by forming a complex with lysine-specific permease LysP, stabilized in this inactive state by a disulfide bond. Our study unveils that, in an acidic environment, the disulfide bond in CadC is reduced by the disulfide bond isomerase DsbC, exposing R184 to periplasmic proteases, namely DegQ and DegP. Cleavage at R184 by DegQ and DegP generates an active N-terminal DNA-binding domain of CadC, which binds to the cadBA promoter, resulting in the upregulated transcription of the cadA and cadB genes. Upon activation, CadA decarboxylates lysine, producing cadaverine, subsequently transported extracellularly by CadB. We propose that accumulating cadaverine gradually binds to the CadC pH-sensing domain, preventing cleavage and activation of CadC as a feedback mechanism. The identification of DegP, DegQ, and DsbC completes a comprehensive roadmap for the activation and regulation of the Cad system in response to moderate acidic stress in E. coli.

Objective Spine fixation surgery affects the biomechanical environment in the sacroiliac joint (SIJ), which may lead to the SIJ pain or degeneration after surgery. The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of the number and position of fixed segments on the SIJs and provide references for surgeons to plan fixation levels and enhance surgical outcomes. Methods The intact lumbar‐pelvis finite element (FE) models and 11 fixation FE models with different number and position of fixed segments were developed based on CT images. A 400N follower load and 10° range of motion (ROM) of the spine were applied to the superior endplate of L1 to simulate the flexion, extension, bending and torsion motion after surgery. The peak stress on the SIJs, lumbar intervertebral discs, screws and rods were calculated to evaluate the biomechanical effects of fixation procedures. Results With the lowermost instrumented vertebra (LIV) of L5 or S1, the peak stress on SIJs increased with the number of fixed segments increasing. The flexion motion led to the greater von Mises stress on SIJ compared with other load conditions. Compared with the intact model, peak stress on all fixed intervertebral discs was reduced in the models with less than three fixed segments, and it increased in the models with more than three fixed segments. The stress on the SIJ was extremely high in the models with all segments from L1 to L5 fixed, including L1‐L5, L1‐S1 and L1‐S2 fixation models. The stress on the segment adjacent to the fixed segments was significant higher compared to that in the intact model. The peak stress on rods and screws also increased with the number of fixed segments increasing in the flexion, extension and bending motion, and the bending and flexion motions led to the greater von Mises stress on SIJs. Conclusion Short‐term fixation (≤2 segments) did not increase the stress on the SIJs significantly, while long‐term segment fixation (≥4 segments) led to greater stress on the SIJs especially when all the L1‐L5 segments were fixed. Unfixed lumbar segments compensated the ROM loss of the fixed segments, and the preservation of lumbar spine mobility would reduce the risks of SIJ degeneration.

Abstract This study integrates pharmacology databases with bulk RNA-seq and scRNA-seq to reveal the latent anti-PDAC capacities of BBR. Target genes of BBR were sifted through TargetNet, CTD, SwissTargetPrediction, and Binding Database. Based on the GSE183795 dataset, DEG analysis, GSEA, and WGCNA were sequentially run to build a disease network. Through sub-network filtration acquired PDAC-related hub genes. A PPI network was established using the shared genes. Degree algorithm from cytoHubba screened the key cluster in the network. Analysis of differential mRNA expression and ROC curves gauged the diagnostic performance of clustered genes. CYBERSORT uncovered the potential role of the key cluster on PDAC immunomodulation. ScRNA-seq analysis evaluated the distribution and expression profile of the key cluster at the single-cell level, assessing enrichment within annotated cell subpopulations to delineate the target distribution of BBR in PDAC. We identified 425 drug target genes and 771 disease target genes, using 57 intersecting genes to construct the PPI network. CytoHubba anchored the top 10 highest contributing genes to be the key cluster. mRNA expression levels and ROC curves confirmed that these genes showed good robustness for PDAC. CYBERSORT revealed that the key cluster influenced immune pathways predominantly associated with Macrophages M0, CD8 T cells, and naïve B cells. ScRNA-seq analysis clarified that BBR mainly acted on epithelial cells and macrophages in PDAC tissues. BBR potentially targets CDK1, CCNB1, CTNNB1, CDK2, TOP2A, MCM2, RUNX2, MYC, PLK1, and AURKA to exert therapeutic effects on PDAC. The mechanisms of action appear to significantly involve macrophage polarization-related immunological responses.

Abstract The characterization of protein complex is vital for unraveling biological mechanisms in various life processes. Despite advancements in biophysical tools, the capture of non-covalent complexes and deciphering of their biochemical composition continue to present challenges for low-input samples. Here we introduce SNAP-MS, a Stationary-phase-dissolvable Native Affinity Purification and Mass Spectrometric characterization strategy. It allows for highly efficient purification and characterization from inputs at the pico-mole level. SNAP-MS replaces traditional elution with matrix dissolving during the recovery of captured targets, enabling the use of high-affinity bait-target pairs and eliminates interstitial voids. The purified intact protein complexes are compatible with native MS, which provides structural information including stoichiometry, topology, and distribution of proteoforms, size variants and interaction states. An algorithm utilizes the bait as a charge remover and mass corrector significantly enhances the accuracy of analyzing heterogeneously glycosylated complexes. With a sample-to-data time as brief as 2 hours, SNAP-MS demonstrates considerable versatility in characterizing native complexes from biological samples, including blood samples.

Based on the insufficient intelligent perception capability of coal mine heading face in China, this paper proposes a three-dimensional spatial mapping method of coal mine roadways based on multi-sensor fusion. This method utilizes 3D sensors such as LiDAR to capture and preview the environmental information of the coal mine roadways, and constructs a real-time autonomous mapping model to provide spatial perception information for large-scale coal mine heading equipment. By optimizing the Extended Kalman Filter algorithm based on the attitude perception theory and implementing the multi-sensor fusion technology, the method achieves fast updates of global maps and high-precision mapping in the geometrically degraded mine heading environment. The main contribution of this study lies in the fusion of multiple sensor data to construct a high-precision underground three-dimensional map and improve the intelligent perception capability and autonomous operation level in the mine heading environment. Firstly, some advanced LiDAR sensors are used to capture point cloud data within the mine heading face, extract point cloud features, and establish inter-frame feature mapping models to create a centimeter-level underground three-dimensional map. Meanwhile, by fusing data from LiDAR with inertial navigation using an iterated error state Kalman filter, the robustness of the system is improved, ensuring the accuracy and stability of the underground three-dimensional map. Additionally, this paper considers the influence of factors such as underground dust and water mist on the accuracy of three-dimensional spatial mapping of mine roadways. The Kalman filter gain is optimized to adjust the weight of LiDAR odometry, enhancing the environmental adaptability of three-dimensional spatial mapping under low dust concentration conditions. Experimental results show that comparing to the LeGO-LOAM and LINS, the proposed three-dimensional spatial mapping method outperforms in terms of trajectory estimation accuracy, point cloud quantity, and point cloud density in mapping the environment. The method presented in this paper can be utilized to achieve high-precision and fast-updating three-dimensional maps for autonomous mine heading equipment, thus improving the intelligence level of coal mine heading face and providing a data support for the intelligent perception and autonomous operation in the mine heading environment.

Introduction: Several approaches to expand human hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) have been reported, but the ability of these methods to expand long-term hematopoietic stem cells (LT-HSCs) remains to be improved, which limits the application of HSCs-based therapies. Methods: CD34+ cells were purified from umbilical cord blood using MacsCD34 beads, and then cultured for 12 d in a serum-free medium. Flow cytometry was used to detect phenotype, cell cycle distribution, and apoptosis of the cultured cells. Colony-forming cell (CFC) assays can evaluate multi-lineage differentiation potential of HSCs. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was employed to detect the expression of genes related to self-renewal programs and antioxidant activity. DCFH-DA probes were used to evaluate intracellular production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Determination of the effect of different culture conditions on the balance of cytokine by cytometric bead array. Results: Here, we show a combination, Nicotinamide (NAM) combined with pyrimidoindole derivative UM171, can massively expand LT-HSCs ex vivo, and the expanded cells maintained the capability of self-renewal and multilineage differentiation. Additionally, our data indicated that UM171 promoted self-renewal of HSCs by inducing HSCs entry into the cell cycle and activating Notch and Wnt pathways, but the infinite occurrence of this process may lead to mitochondrial metabolism disorder and differentiation of HSCs. NAM kept HSCs in their primitive and dormant states by reducing intracellular ROS levels and upregulating the expression of stemness related genes, so we believed that NAM can act as a brake to control the above process. Conclusions: The discovery of the synergistic effect of NAM and UM171 for expanding LT-HSCs provides a new strategy in solving the clinical issue of limited numbers of HSCs.

Abstract Ultra-low-power consumption and high-speed integrated switches are highly desirable for future data centers and high-performance optical computers. In this study, we proposed an ultra-low-power consumption silicon electro-optic switch based on photonic crystal nanobeam cavities on a foundry platform. The proposed switch showed an ultra-low static-tuning power of 0.10 mW and a calculated dynamic switching power of 6.34 fJ/bit, with a compact footprint of 18 μm × 200 μm. Additionally, a 136-Gb/s four-level pulse amplitude modulation signal transmission experiment was carried out to verify the capability of the proposed electro-optic switch to support high-speed data transmission. The proposed device has the lowest static-tuning power consumption among silicon electro-optic switches and the highest data transmission rate. The results demonstrate the potential applications of this switch in high-performance optical computers, data center interconnects, optical neural networks, and programmable photonic circuits.

Coal mine rescue robots perform search and rescue tasks in unstructured underground tunnel environments. Traditional path planning algorithms may encounter issues such as low efficiency, non-optimal paths, and poor smoothness when applied to search spaces that are large or complex. Additionally, tunnels feature complex environmental characteristics such as intersections, where robots are prone to deviating from preset routes or scraping against tunnel walls. To address these challenges and enhance the navigation accuracy of robots, improvements to the path planning algorithm for wheeled coal mine rescue robots are proposed: ① The heuristic global path planning A* algorithm is enhanced by employing layered neighborhood search and pruning techniques to optimize the search process. The cost function is refined to better balance the influence of actual cost and heuristic cost, thus more accurately assessing the cost of each node, adapting to real situations, reducing computational complexity, and smoothing the path using B-spline methods. ② The Random Sample Consensus (RANSAC) fitting algorithm is utilized to construct a geometric model of coal mine tunnel walls, facilitating the extraction of feature point coordinates of intersections for inclusion in the planning system. The path is optimized using the local support property of B-spline basis functions. When additional path optimization points are added subsequently, only the shape of the curve in the corresponding interval is affected, leaving the rest of the path unaffected. ③ A comprehensive local force field is established based on the constructed environmental geometric model and extracted feature points. Adjustment coefficients are introduced to optimize the distribution of the force field, and motion control is achieved using the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) optimized PID (Proportion Integral Differential) algorithm, enhancing the robot's adaptability to complex environments such as tunnel intersections. The feasibility of the algorithm principles and applications is validated through MATLAB and ROS (Robot Operating System) simulations. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method can realize functions such as path planning and autonomous driving in complex intersection environments.

Abstract The exploration of traumatic spinal fractures (TSFs) within the senior demographic has not been thoroughly scrutinized, particularly with respect to variations across genders, age groups, seasonal periods, and causative factors. This retrospective analysis aimed to dissect differences in the prevalence and characteristics of TSFs among the elderly, factoring in gender, age, seasonal timing, and causation. A retrospective analysis was conducted on the medical and imaging records of 1,415 patients, all aged 60 years or older, who were diagnosed with TSFs from 2013 to 2019. This study categorized the data by gender, age groups (60–70, 70–80, and 80 years or older), seasons, and the cause of injuries, including road traffic crashes (RTCs), falls from low heights (LHF), falls from high heights (HHF), and injuries incurred during everyday activities and agricultural labor (DFI). Male patients exhibited notably higher incidences of RTCs, high-height falls (HHFs), outdoor incidents, comas post-injury, fractures of the lower limbs (LLFs), pelvic fractures (PFs), rib fractures (RFs), intra-thoracic injuries (ITIs), intra-abdominal injuries (IAIs), cervical fractures, and spinal cord injuries (SCIs). With advancing age, there was a marked decline in occurrences of RTCs, HHFs, outdoor incidents, RFs, craniocerebral injuries (CCIs), ITIs, cervical fractures, and SCIs, while the incidences of DFIs, indoor incidents, and thoracic and lumbar (T + L) fractures notably increased. During autumn, LLF occurrences were significantly reduced, whereas the winter season saw an increase in thoracic fractures. Spring time was associated with a higher frequency of lumbar fractures and noncontiguous spinal fractures (NSFs). Significant distinctions were observed in the age distribution, injury circumstances, associated injuries, and SCIs between high-energy impacts (RTCs and HHFs) and low-energy traumas (LHFs and DFIs). In the elderly demographic, TSFs exhibited discernible distinctions based on gender, age, seasonal variations, and etiological factors, impacting the nature and circumstances of injuries, associated traumas, complications, fracture sites, and the occurrence of SCIs.

In order to study the seismic performance of bottom-frame masonry structures under complex three-dimensional vibration characteristics, six types of ground shaking records with complex characteristics were selected from the ground shaking database of the Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research Center (PEERC) and inputted into the numerical models of bottom-frame masonry structures and their seismic isolation structures with two different storeys, and the seismic response parameters were calculated under the dynamical-elastic-plastic time course to evaluate their seismic performance under complex ground shaking. The results show that the impulse-type earthquake can cause more intense seismic response for the base frame masonry structure, and the soft soil impulse-type earthquake can cause more seismic response for the base frame masonry isolation structure. Analyzed from the point of view of velocity impulse effect, velocity impulse effect reduces the damping rate of base frame masonry isolation structures at all storeys. Foundation isolation has a certain effect on improving the seismic performance of the bottom frame masonry structure, considering the seismic performance and economic rationality, the foundation isolation design is not recommended for the low bottom frame masonry structure, while for the higher bottom frame masonry structure, the foundation isolation can effectively reduce the tensile damage of the brick masonry on the upper part of the structure.

Abstract Background Approximately 40–70% of older adults who have experienced falls develop fear of falling (FOF), with the incidence rate in nursing home residents reaching as high as 79.4%. An increasing number of studies have focused on the effect of the Otago Exercise Programme (OEP) on reducing FOF among older adults, yet comprehensive analysis is lacking due to regional and demographic variations. Therefore, this study integrates the relevant literature to provide evidence supporting interventions aimed at alleviating FOF among older adults. Objective To evaluate the impact of OEP on FOF in older adults through meta-analysis. Methods We searched ten databases using computer systems, covering all records up to May 1, 2024. Two researchers independently conducted the literature screening, bias risk assessment, and data extraction. We performed data analysis using RevMan 5.3 and Stata 15.0 software, assessed result stability through sensitivity analysis, and examined publication bias with funnel plots and Egger’s test. Results Sixteen RCTs were included. Meta-analysis revealed that the OEP significantly reduced FOF among older adults [SMD = 0.96, 95%CI (0.68, 1.23), P

Cancer cachexia is a multifactorial syndrome characterized by progressive weight loss and a disease process that nutritional support cannot reverse. Although progress has been made in preclinical research, there is still a long way to go in translating research findings into clinical practice. One of the main reasons for this is that existing preclinical models do not fully replicate the conditions seen in clinical patients. Therefore, it is important to understand the characteristics of existing preclinical models of cancer cachexia and pay close attention to the latest developments in preclinical models. The main models of cancer cachexia used in current research are allogeneic and xenograft models, genetically engineered mouse models, chemotherapy drug-induced models, Chinese medicine spleen deficiency models, zebrafish and Drosophila models, and cellular models. This review aims to revisit and summarize the commonly used animal models of cancer cachexia by evaluating existing preclinical models, to provide tools and support for translational medicine research.

Recombinant adenovirus (rAdV) is a commonly used vector system for gene transfer. Efficient initial packaging and subsequent production of rAdV remains time-consuming and labor-intensive, possibly attributable to rAdV infection-associated oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Here, we show that exogenous GAPDH expression mitigates adenovirus-induced ROS-associated apoptosis in HEK293 cells, and expedites adenovirus production. By stably overexpressing GAPDH in HEK293 (293G) and 293pTP (293GP) cells, respectively, we demonstrated that rAdV-induced ROS production and cell apoptosis were significantly suppressed in 293G and 293GP cells. Transfection of 293G cells with adenoviral plasmid pAd-G2Luc yielded much higher titers of Ad-G2Luc at day 7 than that in HEK293 cells. Similarly, Ad-G2Luc was amplified more efficiently in 293G than in HEK293 cells. We further showed that transfection of 293GP cells with pAd-G2Luc produced much higher titers of Ad-G2Luc at day 5 than that of 293pTP cells. 293GP cells amplified the Ad-G2Luc much more efficiently than 293pTP cells, indicating that exogenous GAPDH can further augment pTP-enhanced adenovirus production. These results demonstrate that exogenous GAPDH can effectively suppress adenovirus-induced ROS and thus accelerate adenovirus production. Therefore, the engineered 293GP cells represent a superfast rAdV production system for adenovirus-based gene transfer and gene therapy.

Abstract A 2 × 2 thermo‐optic (TO) switch using dual topological photonic crystal nanobeam (PCN) cavities on the silicon‐on‐insulator (SOI) platform is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. A Fano resonance is observed due to the interference between the topological interface state of the 1D topological PCN cavity and the Fabry‐Perot (F‐P) cavity mode formed between the two facets of the finitely long nanobeam waveguide. Thanks to the sharp rising edge of the spectral response of the Fano resonance and the high confinement of light in the topological PCN cavities, a 2 × 2 TO switch is realized with short switching time and low power consumption. The measured switching power is only 1.55 mW, and the rising time and the falling time are 3 and 5.6 µs, respectively in the on‐off switching experiments. To the best of the knowledge, this is the first time that a dual topological PCN structure is utilized to realize a high‐speed and low‐power TO switch, revealing the possibility of designing high‐performance reconfigurable optical devices and networks using topological photonics.

BackgroundInternet-based cognitive behavioral therapy(ICBT) improves the impact of breast cancer through online platforms, modular learning, goal setting, relaxation exercises, and other techniques. Compared to traditional cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), ICBT offers advantages such as the convenience of flexible time and location choices and reduced manpower requirements. In recent years, research exploring the impact of ICBT on breast cancer patients has been increasing, with conflicting results across different studies. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to comprehensively examine the impact of ICBT on the psychological health and quality of life of breast cancer patients through a systematic review and meta-analysis.MethodsWe searched ten databases in both English and Chinese, with the search period extending from the inception of the databases to December 30, 2023. Literature screening, bias risk assessment, data extraction, and evidence level evaluation were independently conducted by two researchers. All the data were analyzed using RevMan 5.4 and Stata 17.0 software.ResultsA total of 2079 breast cancer patients were included in this study, of which 1171 patients received ICBT treatment. The results show that ICBT can reduce anxiety [SMD=-0.19, 95%CI (-0.37, -0.01), P=0.0008] and depression [SMD=-0.20, 95%CI (-0.37, -0.02), P=0.001], alleviate fatigue [SMD=-0.34, 95%CI (-0.67, -0.01), P=0.04], and improve quality of life [SMD=0.20, 95% CI (0.03, 0.38), P=0.02] in breast cancer patients. However, the intervention effects of ICBT on insomnia [SMD=-0.44, 95%CI (-0.93, 0.06), P=0.08] and sleep quality [SMD=-0.14, 95%CI (-0.30, 0.01), P=0.06] in breast cancer patients are not significant. The subgroup analysis showed that when the intervention period is longer than 8 weeks, the number of intervention modules exceeds 6, and a waitlist control group is included, there is a significant effect on reducing patients’ anxiety and depression. However, the method of guidance and whether the intervention period exceeds 12 weeks are not related.ConclusionICBT can alleviate anxiety and depression in breast cancer patients, with the intervention effects being independent of the guidance method. Significant results were obtained when the intervention period was >8 weeks and the number of modules was >6. ICBT can reduce fatigue and improve quality of life in breast cancer patients, but its impact on sleep quality was not significant. More high-quality research is needed in the future.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO, identifier CRD42024494744.

In Northeast China, permafrost is controlled by a combination of biotic, climatic, physiographic, and anthropogenic factors. Due to the complexity of these governing or influencing factors, it is challenging to exactly describe the features of the Xing’an permafrost in Northeast China. By integrating remote sensing (RS) and geographic information system (GIS) technologies, we have quantified these influencing factors of permafrost changes as an important approach to understanding the nature of latitudinal and mountain permafrost in Northeast China at the mid-latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere. In this study, we combine Geographical Detector (Geodetector) model, trend analysis, and multi-source RS data to quantify the controlling or influencing factors of permafrost thermal state and of permafrost changes, and explain the interactions among permafrost, environment, and climate. The results indicate that, at the regional scale, changes in the thermal state of permafrost are primarily governed or influenced by mean annual land surface temperature (MALST), precipitation, and snow cover duration (SCD). Topographic factors also affect the spatial patterns of permafrost development. Additionally, in the context of climate warming, the insulation effect of snow cover on the permafrost is weakened, or has been weakening. Moreover, the interactive effects among various factors significantly enhance their explanatory power for changes in the thermal state of permafrost. The study emphasizes the complexity of the interactions among permafrost, climate, and the environment, and highlights the significance of understanding these interactions for regional socio-economic development, ecological management, carbon pool stabilization, and research on future climate change in Northeast China.

The study of spatial conflicts of land use (SCLU) is an important breakthrough to reveal the evolution mechanism of regional human-land relationship. Accurate identification of SCLU and scientific exploration of its spatio-temporal characteristics of their driving factors are pivotal for regional sustainable development. However, the basic theoretical system of SCLU still needs to be improved, and the spatio-temporal characteristics of SCLU at different spatial scales and landforms as well as the spatio-temporal correlation effects of its driving factors need to be further studied. This study utilizes theoretical models for the identification of SCLU. Employing a comprehensive index approach involving ArcGIS, FRAGSTATS landscape pattern analysis, and the multi-scale geographically weighted regression model, the spatio-temporal characteristics of SCLU are analyzed across different administrative scales and Macro-landforms. The investigation unveils the intrinsic mechanisms of spatio-temporal differentiation driven by various factors from 2000 to 2020 in the arid and semiarid region of Xinjiang, China. Results indicated that: (1) SCLU is a sensitive indicator of human-land interaction, measurable using conflict risk and effect; (2) The SCLU in Xinjiang presents a spatial pattern of “severe conflict around the three mountains and mild conflict around the two basins” and the SCLU transitioned from an outbreak to a relief stage over the past two decades; (3) SCLU varies significantly among landform types, with conflict intensity in Plain > Mountains > Platform > Hill areas; (4) Elevation and slope in natural environmental factors, human footprint and distance of patches from water, from roads, and from railroads in social activity factors have inhibitory effects on SCLU, and GDP, population density, and human impact index in economic development factors have positive effects on SCLU, and focusing on controlling potentially high-conflict risk areas and enhancing the upgrading of ecological quality are key to mitigating SCLU. The results validate the proposed theoretical framework and provide theoretical and practical references for accurately identifying SCLU and optimizing national territory spatial patterns.

The standardization of river system structures has reduced hydrological connectivity, exerting significant pressure on both river ecology and urban development. The precise diagnosis and proposal of optimization strategies remain key challenges. This study utilizes graph theory to delineate the river network topology in Chengdu city and establishes an evaluation index system (α, β, and γ) for hydrological connectivity. Spatiotemporal changes in Chengdu's hydrological connectivity from 2000 to 2020 are analyzed, alongside a validated optimization scheme focusing on “pressure dispersion” among river network nodes. The findings reveal a simplification of Chengdu's river network structure over the past two decades, marked by a reduction of 72 nodes and 81 river segments. Particularly in the city center (region II), these changes have significantly diminished overall connectivity. Following the implementation of the “pressure dispersion” optimization method, the distribution of critical nodes in Region II has been more equitably, enhancing resilience against disasters like floods by diversifying the burden on key nodes. Furthermore, the hydrological connectivity indices in Region II showed improvements post-optimization, with the α, β, and γ indices rising by 75%, 7.26%, and 7.26%, respectively, thereby validating the efficacy of the approach. Analyzing variations in hydrological connectivity parameters across river systems identifies vulnerable links and fundamental issues, laying groundwork for future improvements. The proposed optimization methodology offers insights applicable to cities worldwide grappling with similar connectivity challenges.

The accurate identification and positioning of the anchor position of the coal mine tunneling roadway is the key technology that the drilling anchor robot urgently needs to break through to achieve intelligent permanent support. An intelligent identification and positioning method for roadway anchor hole position based on visual image and laser point cloud fusion is proposed, which includes three steps: image target recognition, point cloud image feature fusion, and positioning coordinate extraction: ① In order to solve the problem of blurred image of anchor hole contour caused by environmental factors such as low illumination, water mist and dust in coal mines, the IA (Image-Adaptive)-SimAM-YOLOv7-tiny network was used to visually identify the position of the anchor hole to be anchored in the roadway, which can adaptively enhance the image brightness and contrast, recover the high-frequency information at the edge of the anchor hole, and make the model focus on the characteristics of the anchor hole, so as to improve the success rate of anchor hole detection; ② The Region of Interest (ROI) of image detection is generated by perspective projection relationship to generate a cone-shaped area of interest to obtain the corresponding target point cloud cluster; ③ The point cloud processing algorithm is used to extract the anchor hole boundary point cloud, obtain the central coordinates of the hole position and its normal vector, and judge the correctness of the anchor hole recognition by comparing the coordinate depth difference. In this paper, a drilling and positioning system for bolting trolley manipulator is built to verify the accuracy and accuracy of the algorithm's autonomous positioning, and the experimental results show that the mean average precision (mAP) of the IA-SimAM-YOLOv7-tiny model is 87.3%, which is 4.6% higher than that of the YOLOv7-tiny model. Compared with the single vision method, the fusion algorithm proposed in this paper has a positioning error of 3 mm, and the average recognition time of the system in the case of a single anchor hole is 0.77 s, compared with the single vision method, the fusion of laser and visual multi-source can not only reduce the influence of environment and small sample training on positioning performance, but also obtain the normal vector of the anchor hole position, which provides a basis for the manipulator to adjust the drilling posture to achieve accurate anchoring.

Introduction: In this study, we aim to describe the radiological characteristics of degenerative cervical kyphosis (DCK) with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) and discuss the relationship between DCK and the pathogenesis of spinal cord dysfunction. Methods: In total, 90 patients with CSM hospitalized in our center from September 2017 to August 2022 were retrospectively examined in this study; they were then divided into the kyphosis group and the nonkyphosis group. The patients' demographics, clinical features, and radiological data were obtained, including gender, age, duration of illness, cervical Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, cervical lordosis (CL), height of intervertebral space, degree of wedging vertebral body, degree of osteophyte formation, degree of disc herniation, degree of spinal cord compression, and anteroposterior diameter of the spinal cord. In the kyphosis group, kyphotic segments, apex of kyphosis, and segmental kyphosis angle were recorded. Radiological characteristics between the two groups were also compared. Correlation analysis was performed for different spinal cord compression types. Results: As per our findings, the patients in the kyphosis group showed more remarkable wedging of the vertebral body, more severe anterior compression of the spinal cord, and a higher degree of disc herniation, while the posterior compression of the spinal cord was relatively mild when compared with the nonkyphosis group. CL was related to the type of spinal cord compression, as cervical kyphosis is an independent risk factor for anterior spinal cord compression. Conclusions: DCK might play a vital role in the pathogenesis of spinal cord dysfunction. In patients with DCK, it was determined that the anterior column is less supported, and more severe anterior spinal cord compression is present. The anterior approach is supposed to be preferred for CSM patients with DCK.

Abstract Gastric cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors, and chemotherapy is the main treatment for advanced gastric cancer. However, chemotherapy resistance leads to treatment failure and poor prognosis in patients with gastric cancer. Multidrug resistance (MDR) is a major challenge that needs to be overcome in chemotherapy. According to recent research, ferroptosis activation is crucial for tumor therapeutic strategies. In this work, we explored the solution to chemoresistance in gastric cancer by investigating the effects of the Chinese medicine monomer baicalin on ferroptosis. Baicalin with different concentrations was used to treat the parent HGC27 and drug-resistant HGC27/L cells of gastric cancer. Cell viability was measured by CCK8, and synergistic effects of baicalin combined with oxaliplatin were evaluated using Synergy Finder software. The effects of baicalin on organelles and cell morphology were investigated using projective electron microscopy. Iron concentration, MDA production and GSH inhibition rate were measured by colorimetry. ROS accumulation was detected by flow cytometry. The ferroptosis-related genes (IREB2, TfR, GPX4, FTH1), P53, and SLC7A11 were analysed by Western blot, and the expression differences of the above proteins between pretreatment and pretreatment of different concentrations of baicalin, were assayed in both parental HGC27 cells and Oxaliplatin-resistant HGC27/L cells. Mechanically, Baicalin disrupted iron homeostasis and inhibits antioxidant defense, resulting in iron accumulation, lipid peroxide aggregation, and specifically targeted and activated ferroptosis by upregulating the expression of tumor suppressor gene p53, thereby activating the SLC7A11/GPX4/ROS pathway mediated by it. Baicalin activates ferroptosis through multiple pathways and targets, thereby inhibiting the viability of oxaliplatin-resistant gastric cancer HGC27/L cells and enhancing the sensitivity to oxaliplatin chemotherapy.

Abstract Background The significance of A-to-I RNA editing in nervous system development is widely recognized; however, its influence on retina development remains to be thoroughly understood. Results In this study, we performed RNA sequencing and ribosome profiling experiments on developing mouse retinas to characterize the temporal landscape of A-to-I editing. Our findings revealed temporal changes in A-to-I editing, with distinct editing patterns observed across different developmental stages. Further analysis showed the interplay between A-to-I editing and alternative splicing, with A-to-I editing influencing splicing efficiency and the quantity of splicing events. A-to-I editing held the potential to enhance translation diversity, but this came at the expense of reduced translational efficiency. When coupled with splicing, it could produce a coordinated effect on gene translation. Conclusions Overall, this study presents a temporally resolved atlas of A-to-I editing, connecting its changes with the impact on alternative splicing and gene translation in retina development.

The hydraulic support is the core of the stability of the ‘surrounding rock and equipm ent’ system in the pitching oblique working face of steeply dipping coal seam. The existing hydraulic support structure can not meet the requirements of spatial stability of pitching oblique mining, which seriously affects the safe and efficient mining of working face under such conditions. Taking the pitching oblique working face of steeply dipping coal seam as the research background, the comprehensive research methods of engineering analogy, structural kinematics analysis and numerical simulation are used to analyze the stability characteristics of ‘support-surrounding rock’ in the pitching oblique working face of steeply dipping coal seam. Based on ZY7000/22/45 hydraulic support, a new parallelogram hydraulic support is invented, the structural rationality design is carried out, and the kinematic response characteristics of key components are analyzed.The research shows that the non-uniform filling of the caving gangue and the crushing, pressing and pushing effect of the gangue on the support are the key factors affecting the stability of the support. The parallelogram top beam and the base are more suitable for the pitching oblique working face. The arrangement of the top beam, base and column of the parallelogram support is parallelogram. The special-shaped shield beam, the rear connecting rod, the oil cylinder connecting rod and the base constitute a flexible four-link structure. The column of the parallelogram support is the main bearing structure, and the cylinder connecting rod is the main motion mechanism. The main influencing factors of its motion characteristics are the distance between the upper and lower column sockets and the distance between the front and rear connecting rods and the hinged position of the shield beam. The shield beam and the rear connecting rod are the key to the position and posture control of the support, and there is no double torsion line during the movement of the support. The research results provide a type selection for the support of this kind of working face, which ensures the safe production of this kind of coal seam to a certain extent.

The construction of intelligent fully mechanized mining faces in China’s coal mines is in its early stages, and the automation technology of hydraulic support electro-hydraulic control has been widely applied. However, at present, the automation control logic of a single solidification of hydraulic supports is difficult to adapt to complex, ever-changing, and dynamic production scenarios. The actual control process in mine face still mostly adopts a collaborative approach of automation and manual intervention. In response to the demand for human-machine interaction and cooperation tasks in the complex scenarios of fully mechanized mining faces, a theoretical method and technical principle of a multimodal human-machine collaborative control system for hydraulic supports following the shearer in the middle range mining face (hereinafter referred to as hydraulic supports following) was proposed. Firstly, four human-machine collaborative modes, namely manual, division of labor, approval, and veto, were designed. Based on the factors such as coal seam geology, gas and dust, shearer speed, hydraulic support intelligence level, system status, job technical level, and task load, an AND-OR graph model for hydraulic support human-machine collaborative mode selection was constructed, which achieved a modal selection with manual or machine preferences. Then, a human-machine collaborative control decision-making mechanism for hydraulic supports following was designed. On this basis, an AI inference technology for the secondary control strategy of hydraulic supports following was proposed. Specifically, using on-site data to learn manual operation experience, a decision tree classification model for whether the hydraulic support should be secondary controlled and a Bayesian regression model for estimating the secondary control time of pulling hydraulic support were constructed. Based on the above model, a human-machine collaborative control decision-making program for the hydraulic support following was developed, which achieved human-machine collaborative control of hydraulic supports following based on AND/OR inference for modal selection and AI inference for secondary control strategy. Finally, using cloud edge end architecture software and hardware technology, a multimodal human-machine collaborative control system for hydraulic supports following was developed, which achieved the control functions such as model evolution, operational reasoning, and program execution. The system has undergone industrial trial operation on the 3404 mining face of Shaqu No.2 Mine. The result shows the efficiency of the hydraulic support following has increased by an average of 2% compared to that before. This paper forms an efficient and safe human-machine interactive decision-making mechanism for the comprehensive mining equipment group, which will provide practical theoretical methods and feasible technical paths for the development of intelligent comprehensive mining working faces.

Objective The CBTC (communication-based train control) system on urban rail transit lines has certain limitations in specific scenarios: when there are multiple protection sections along a route, the interlocking system cannot flexibly select protection sections based on the train forward direction, causing inability to meet the requirements of flexible and automatic route arrangement establishment. Therefore, there is a need to optimize the protection section trigger strategy. Method The basic principles of route triggering and protection section setup in CBTC system are briefly introduced, highlighting two typical problem scenarios under existing protection section control schemes. An optimization scheme for the protection section trigger strategy is proposed, where ATS (automatic train supervision) automatically selects the protection section direction and delegates it to the interlocking system. Taking scenario I (train skip-stop and turn-back to depot) as example, according to train dynamics characteristics, the train skip-stop performance before and after optimization is compared and analyzed. Result & Conclusion The case analysis results of train skip-stop and turn-back to depot scenario show that after optimizing the protection section control strategy, the time performance of train skip-stop is greatly improved. The proposed optimization method is feasible and can significantly enhance the flexibility of protection section handling, improving the efficiency of train skip-stop.

Abstract Background To compare the outcomes of hypospadias repair using tubularized incised plate (TIP) urethroplasty and modified TIP with lateral skin to widen the urethral plate (WTIP). Materials and methods Data were obtained from pre-pubertal boys who underwent primary hypospadias repair between May 2018 and July 2023. The cases were divided into two groups; one group underwent TIP with urethral plate ≥ 6 mm width and the other group with urethral plate width

Abstract Despite that surgical resection is widely regarded as the most effective approach to the treatment of liver cancer, its safety and efficacy upon centrally located hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unsatisfactory. In consequence, seeking an integrated treatment, like combined with adjuvant radiotherapy, to enhance the prognosis of patients is of critical importance. By recruiting patients undergoing surgical resection for centrally located HCC ranging from June 2015 to 2020, they were divided into liver resection combined with adjuvant radiotherapy (LR + RT) and mere liver resection (LR) groups. The calculation of propensity score and model of Cox proportional hazards regression were utilized. 193 patients were recruited in aggregation, containing 88 ones undergoing LR + RT, while 105 handled with LR. RT was verified to be an independent factor of prognosis for relapse (HR 0.60). In propensity-score analyses, significant association existed between adjuvant radiotherapy and better disease-free survival (DFS) (Matched, HR 0.60; Adjustment of propensity score, HR 0.60; Inverse probability weighting, HR 0.63). The difference of DFS was apparent within two groups (p value = 0.022), and RT significantly down-regulated early relapse (p value

The structure and stress environment of the surrounding rock at the longwall mining area in the steeply dipping coal seam are alienated, and the composition factors and disaster modes of the ”support and surrounding rock” system in the working face are affected. This leads to some frequent safety accidents in the working face, low coal extraction rate, and high roadway excavation rate. This paper analyzes the mining mechanics behavior of surrounding rock of in the steeply dipping coal seam and proposes a technological concept of partial backfill non-pillar mining in the longwall faces of steeply dipping coal seam. During the process of advancing the working face, partial backfill is carried out along the inclined direction in the lower part of the goaf. The filling body not only forms a gob-side roadway with the support effect of the roadway side, but also eliminates the protection coal pillar, achieving a non-pillar mining. At the same time, the length of the filling and compaction area at the lower dip of the working face is increased, enhancing the stability of the ”support and surrounding rock” system of the working face. Based on the characteristics of the longwall mining area in the steeply dipping coal seam, the partial backfill process of the steeply dipping coal seam paste was optimized and determined. And the partial backfill recovery system and mining and filling process in the steeply dipping coal seam were designed. By using a combination of theoretical analysis, simulation experiments, and numerical calculations, the regulatory mechanism of partial backfill on the mechanical behavior of surrounding rock at the longwall mining area in the steeply dipping coal seam was analyzed. The results show that the filling body affects the deformation and failure of the main roof rock beam, as well as the bearing characteristics of the coal and rock mass on the lower side of the mining area. The deformation of the main roof and the roof of the head entry, as well as the constraints on the coal and rock mass on the lower side of the head entry, all decrease with the increase of filling length. In order to prevent the hanging roof disaster in the unfilled area of the goaf, the filling length should not exceed 1/3 of the working face length. The partial backfill body restricts the fracture of the roof in the lower area of the working face, reduces the formation layer of the critical zone of the overlying rock, forms a stable roadway, and reduces the deformation of the surrounding rock gob-side roadway retained. At the same time, the length of the filling area at the lower part of the working face increases, and the length of the unstable area of the middle and upper surrounding rock structures decreases, improving the stability of the ”support and surrounding rock” system. The filling body changes the stress transmission path of the surrounding rock in the mining area, bearing part of the overlying rock load. The side abutment pressure on the lower side of the working face and the front advanced pressure both decrease with the increase of filling length, and the front support pressure in the lower filling area of the working face has the greatest decrease. The stress state of the gob-side roadway and the working face is improved. Technology of partial backfill non-pillar mining in the longwall faces of steeply dipping coal seam has the advantages of effectively improving resource recovery rate, reducing the roadway drivage ratio, alleviating the tension of mining and replacement, and strengthening the stability of the ”support and surrounding rock” system in the working face. It is of great scientific significance for guiding the green, safe, and efficient mining in the steeply dipping coal seam.

Abstract Isorhamnetin is a natural flavonoid compound, rich in brass, alkaloids, and sterols with a high medicinal value. This study investigated the effects of isorhamnetin on liver injury and oxidative and inflammatory responses in heat-stroke-affected rats in a dry-heat environment. Fifty Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups: normal temperature control (NC, saline), dry-heat control (DHC, saline), low-dose isorhamnetin-pretreated (L-AS, 25 mg/Kg), medium-dose isorhamnetin-pretreated (M-AS, 50 mg/Kg), and high-dose isorhamnetin-pretreated (H-AS, 100 mg/Kg) group. Saline was administered to the NC and DHC groups and corresponding concentrations of isorhamnetin were administered to the remaining three groups for 1 week. Blood and liver tissue were analyzed for oxidative stress and inflammation. The liver histopathological injury score, serum liver enzyme (alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and lactate dehydrogenase), liver oxidative stress index (superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT], and malondialdehyde), and inflammation index (tumor necrosis factor α [TNF-α], interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-6, and lipopolysaccharides) were significantly higher in the DHC group than in the NC group (P

[Objective] In order to strengthen the passive safety design ability of urban rail transit trains during operation, it is necessary to study the effects of train crash dynamics parameters on climbing behavior. [Method] Based on the vehicle-track coupling crash dynamics model, Hertz contact theory and rigid nonlinear connection model, a three-dimensional train crash dynamics simulation platform is built. Speed, acceleration and maximum wheelset lift are selected as comparison parameters, and the finite element model of train crash is used to verify the precision of the three-dimensional dynamic model of train crash. Based on the established simulation platform, some important parameters of the train structure are selected to study their effects on the wheelset lift. Five relatively more sensitive parameters, including the vertical distance from the installation points of the devices such as energy absorbing anti-climbing device, head car coupler, middle car coupler to the barycenter of the car body, the mass of the car body, the height of the barycenter of the car body, the vertical stiffness of the secondary suspension device and the vertical stiffness of the primary suspension device, are screened out to analyze the sensitivity of the above parameters to the train crash dynamics. [Result & Conclusion] Based on the finite element model of train crash, the precision of the three-dimensional dynamic model of train crash meeting the requirements is verified. The sensitivity analysis shows that when the parameter ratio varies within the range of 0.8~1.0, the five sensitive parameters of sensitivity is in the sequence of the vertical stiffness of the secondary suspension device, the mass of the car body, the height of the barycenter of the car body, the vertical distance from the installation point to the barycenter of the car body, and the vertical stiffness of the primary suspension device. When the parameter ratio varies within the range of 1.0 to 1.2, the above parameters of sensitivity is in the sequence of the vertical stiffness of the primary suspension device, the vertical distance from the installation point to the barycenter of the car body, the height of the barycenter of the car body, the mass of the car body, and the vertical stiffness of the secondary suspension device.

Abstract “Golden Hook” beans turn purple to different degrees due to the different compositions and contents of flavonoids during storage. At the same time, quality losses due to softening or pathogen invasion, and the deteriorations of flavor associated with carbohydrate metabolism occur. To reveal the effect of nitric oxide (NO) generated from sodium nitroprusside (SNP) on the postharvest quality of “Golden Hook” beans, we used metabolome, transcriptome, and assay for transposase‐accessible chromatin with high‐throughput sequencing approaches to compare beans at the time of treatment with untreated and SNP‐treated beans stored at 8°C for 12 days. The results showed that NO induced the expression of CERK1, FLS2, JAZ, and MYC2, stimulated the expression of polyphenol oxidase, CAT, and l‐ascorbate oxidase, the accumulation of flavonoids, and the synthesis of lignin in the antioxidant system, improving the ability of beans to resist stress while maintaining the balance of reactive oxygen species. High expressions of F3′H, FLS, INV, SUS, BCAT, and the accumulation of 6‐C‐methylquercetin‐3‐O‐rutinoside were associated with the maintenance of the fresh purplish red appearance of the beans in the SNP‐12d group, without loss of flavor. SNP treatment downregulated the transcription factors blimp‐1, OBP1, COG1, and AT1G6957 associated with bean senescence. These results provide insight into the postharvest quality control of “Golden Hook” beans.

Abstract To solve the problem that the macroscopic deformation and failure of coal–rock medium under external loads are easy to be observed while the internal stress transfer mode and path are unclear. Based on the discrete element idea, the numerical models for pure coal or rock samples and coal–rock combination samples with different lithologies and combination methods under concentrated force are established by PFC2D software. Then the influence of coal or rock strength and combination methods on the internal stress transfer law and distribution evolution characteristics of coal–rock medium are discussed from the perspectives of macroscopic stress and mesoscopic force chain, respectively. The results showed that under concentrated load, the macroscopic stress transfer paths within pure coal or rock samples and coal–rock combination samples are primarily in the form of ‘point source radiation’. However, when transferring between coal–rock interfaces, there is a certain interface effect. For pure coal or rock samples, differences in lithology does not change the transfer rules and macro distribution patterns of internal stress, but it can cause changes in internal unit transfer stress value and local area transfer direction. For coal–rock combination samples, the greater the difference in lithology between the two sides of the interface, the more likely the interface effect will occur. In addition, the internal stress transfer is also influenced by the relative stratigraphic relationships of coal and rock. When the stress is transferred from a higher-strength rock to a lower-strength coal mass, the interface effect will be more significant. However, regardless of the combination pattern, the locations where significant stress surges occur are always within the higher strength rock mass near the interface. The findings are helpful to understand the mechanical properties and failure mechanism of mining coal and rock mass, and provide a theoretical basis for the study of the mining-induced mechanical behavior of the floor under the action of the coal pillar.

Anti-interferon-γ autoantibodies (AIGAs) syndrome is susceptible to disseminated opportunistic infections due to increased AIGAs, but its clinical immunological characteristics remain unrecognized. We conducted a prospective cohort study between January 2021 and December 2023, recruiting patients with opportunistic infections who were categorized into AIGAs-positive and AIGAs-negative groups. Clinical immunological data and outcomes were documented. A subset of AIGAs-positive patients received glucocorticoid treatment, and its effectiveness was evaluated. A total of 238 patients were enrolled, with 135 AIGAs-positive and 103 AIGAs-negative patients. AIGAs-positive patients showed higher rates of multiple pathogen dissemination, shorter progression-free survival (PFS), and increased exacerbation frequency. They also showed elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), globulin (GLB), immunoglobulin (Ig)G, IgE, and IgG4 levels. Among the 70 AIGAs-positive patients monitored for at least six months, three subtypes were identified: high AIGAs titer with immune damage, high AIGAs titer without immune damage, and low AIGAs titer without immune damage. Of the 55 patients followed for 1 year, decreasing AIGAs titer and immune indices (GLB, IgG, IgE, IgG4) were observed. Among the 31 patients with high AIGAs titer and immune damage treated with low-dose glucocorticoids at the stable phase, reductions were observed in immune indices and AIGAs titer in 67.74% of cases. In summary, AIGAs-positive patients exhibit infectious and immunological characteristics. Elevated AIGAs, IgG, IgG4, and IgE indicate abnormal immune damages. AIGAs titer generally decrease over time. Stable-phase AIGAs-positive patients can be categorized into three subtypes, with those having high AIGAs titer and increased immune indices potentially benefitting from glucocorticoid treatment.

To solve the problem of stability control of coal pillar in steeply dipping coal seam (SDCS), based on the characteristics of surrounding rock structure and stress environment of the coal pillar, a special bearing structure of ‘roof-coal pillar’ combination is proposed through theoretical analysis. The mechanical model of inclined ‘roof-coal pillar’ structure is established, and the stress and strength characteristics of each element in the structure are deduced. Combining numerical calculations (PFC2D-FLAC2D coupling model) and physical similarity simulation, the stress evolution characteristics and failure mechanism of the ‘roof-coal pillar’ structure under the influence of mining were revealed. The results show that the coal pillar of SDCS is easy to form a ‘roof-coal pillar’ combined bearing structure with the roof strata. Under the influence of mining, the stress distribution and deformation evolution within the ‘roof-coal pillar’ structure show strong non-uniform and asymmetric characteristics. Among them, the stress distribution shows an ‘ellipse’ shape which is offset to the upper section, and the main deformation zone of the structure is a diagonal deformation distribution zone that runs through the coal and rock in the same direction as the stress offset. The failure of the ‘roof-coal pillar’ structural firstly occurs in the coal area near the coal-rock interface on the side of the lower section, and finally forms a diagonal failure crack running through the coal and roof, which is manifested as a diagonal shear failure mode. The findings can provide a theoretical basis for the stability control of coal pillars in multi-section mining of SDCSs and improve the safety production technology level of the working face.

AbstractWhen the working face of a steeply dipping coal seam crosses a fault, the dynamic disturbance caused by the mining load induces fault activation, causing large deformation and failure of the roadway. In this study, a physical similarity simulation and numerical calculation method were used to determine the main factors that the deformation and failure of fault zone roadway and reveal the underlying mechanisms. The results show that when crosses a fault, the high static load formed by the coupling of mining stress and fault pillar stress induces mining stress-type fault activation, which leads to large deformation and damage to the roadway in the fault zone. The main controlling factors are the fault location and mining load intensity. In terms of fault location, the vertical stress concentration away from the roadway side of the fault surface was high, the principal stress deflection angle was large, and the surface deformation of the fault on the roadway left side was the greatest. In terms of mining load intensity, the deflection angle of the principal stress of the surrounding rock initially increased and then decreased, and tensile failure easily occurred near the fault surface. These results provide a reference for roadway support.

Objective: Chronic wounds are costly and difficult to treat, resulting in morbidity and even mortality in some cases due to a high methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) burden contributing to chronicity. We aimed to observe the antimicrobial activity and healing-promoting effect of a novel photosensitizer Shengtaibufen (STBF)-mediated antibacterial photodynamic therapy (PDT) on MRSA-infected chronic leg ulcers. Patients and methods: This was a retrospective, comparative, single-center clinical study. A total of 32 patients with chronic lower limb wounds infected with MRSA from January 2022 to December 2023 were finally included in this study by searching the electronic medical records of the dermatology department of Huadong Hospital, including a group of red light combined with iodophor (control+iodophor, n=16, receiving red light once a week for 8 weeks and routine dressing change with iodophor once a day) and a group of STBF-mediated PDT (STBF-PDT) combined with iodophor (STBF-PDT+iodophor, n=16, receiving STBF-PDT and routine dressing change with iodophor once a day). STBF-PDT was performed once a week (1 mg/ml STBF, 1 h incubation, 630 nm red light, 80 J/cm2) for 8 weeks. The primary endpoints included wound clinical signs, wound size, wound-related pain, re-epithelialization score, MRSA load and wound-related quality of life (wound-QoL). Any adverse events were also recorded. Results: We found that STBF-PDT+iodophor could effectively alleviate clinical infection symptoms, accelerate wound closure, reduce average biological burden and improve wound-QoL without severe adverse events in comparison to the control+iodophor group. The STBF-PDT+iodophor group obtained a mean percentage reduction of 65.22% in wound size (from 18.96±11.18 cm2 to 6.59±7.94 cm2) and excellent re-epithelialization scores, as compared with a decrease of 30.17% (from 19.23±9.80 cm2 to 13.43±9.32 cm2) for the control+iodophor group. Significant differences in wound area were observed at week 6 (p=0.028*) and week 8 (p=0.002**). The bacterial load decreased by 99.86% (from 6.45 × 107±2.69 × 107 to 8.94 × 104±1.92 × 105 CFU/cm2, p

Platelet-derived growth factor receptor β (PDGFRβ) plays a crucial role in murine haematopoiesis. Baicalein (BAI), a naturally occurring flavonoid, can alleviate disease damage through anti-oxidative, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. However, whether BAI attenuates oxidative damage in murine haematopoietic cells by PDGFRβ remains unexplored. In this study, we utilized a tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP)-induced BaF3 cell injury model and an ionising radiation (IR)-induced mice injury model to investigate the impact of the presence or absence of PDGFRβ on the pharmacological effects of BAI. In addition, the BAI-PDGFRβ interaction was characterized by molecular docking and dynamics simulations. The results show that a specific concentration of BAI led to increased cell viability, reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) content, upregulated nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) expression, and its downstream target genes heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and NAD(P)H Quinone Dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1), and activated protein kinase B (AKT) pathway in cells expressing PDGFRβ plasmid and experiencing damage. Similarly, BAI elevated lineage−Sca1+cKIT+ (LSK) cell proportion, promoted haematopoietic restoration, enhanced NRF2-mediated antioxidant response in PDGFRβ+/+ mice. However, despite BAI usage, PDGFRβ knockout mice (PDGFRβ−/−) showed lower LSK proportion and less antioxidant capacity than the total body irradiation (TBI) group. Furthermore, we demonstrated an interaction between BAI and PDGFRβ at the molecular level. Collectively, our results indicate that BAI attenuates oxidative stress injury and helps promote haematopoietic cell recovery through regulation of PDGFRβ.

The ecological sustainability of arid and semi-arid areas is under increasing threat due to global climate change, and well-established ecological networks are essential for improving landscape connectivity and conserving biodiversity. This study takes the Tacheng-Emin Basin in China as an example. Based on the “source-resistance-corridor” research paradigm and sustainable development theory, the “contribution-organization-vitality-resilience” and circuit theory of the ecosystem are incorporated into the construction of the ecological networks. The results show that (1) the ecosystem service value of the Tacheng-Emin basin is 5.85 × 1010 Yuan, the ecosystem of the basin is of medium health level, and the ecological security hierarchy has low level and uncoordinated problems. (2) The total integrated resistance surface in the basin is of medium level, dominated by natural resistance, and characterized by evident fragmentation. (3) 25 ecological sources, 58 ecological corridors, 32 ecological stepping stones, 39 obstacle points, and 46 ecological fracture points were extracted at the threshold of 10,000 in the circuit model. (4) The reconstruction cost of the ecological network is 1,007.41 × 104 Yuan, and the reconstructed ecological network have increased 2 ecological sources, 1 stepping stone, and reduced 3 obstacle points, while the closure of the ecological networks structure has been significantly improved and the ecological networks has developed toward a stable multi-grid structure. (5) The ecological zoning protection and restoration scheme of “one ring, one belt, one sink, multiple zones, and multiple corridors” is conducive to the sustainable ecological development of the basin. The results of this study can serve as a reference for ecological management and sustainable development in arid and semi-arid regions of Central Asia.

Genetic mutations in TP53 contribute to human malignancies through various means. To date, there have been a variety of therapeutic strategies targeting p53, including gene therapy to restore normal p53 function, mutant p53 rescue, inhibiting the MDM2-p53 interaction, p53-based vaccines, and a number of other approaches. This review focuses on the functions of TP53 and discusses the aberrant roles of mutant p53 in various types of cancer. Recombinant human p53 adenovirus, trademarked as Gendicine, which is the first anti-tumor gene therapy drug, has made tremendous progress in cancer gene therapy. We herein discuss the biological mechanisms by which Gendicine exerts its effects and describe the clinical responses reported in clinical trials. Notably, the clinical studies suggest that the combination of Gendicine with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy may produce more pronounced efficacy in slowing tumor growth and progression than gene therapy/chemotherapy alone. Finally, we summarize the methods of administration of recombinant human p53 adenovirus for different cancer types to provide a reference for future clinical trials.

The dynamic properties of concrete structures after being exposed to high temperatures play a crucial role in post-disaster repair and accident prevention measures. This study examined three different mixture ratios of Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete (SFRC) with matrix strength of C60 and steel fiber contents of 0%, 1%, and 2%. A Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) with a diameter of 75 mm, along with a heating furnace, was employed to comprehensively investigate the dynamic compression behavior of materials. The specimens were exposed to temperatures ranging from 200 °C to 600 °C. In addition to evaluating the extent of mechanical degradation in SFRC after cooling, auxiliary impact experiments were also carried out at ambient temperature. The experimental data revealed that the dynamic peak stress and peak strain initially increased but eventually decreased as the loading rates continued to rise. The degree of strengthening, toughening, and energy absorption capacity of concrete materials progressively decreased as the escalation of strain rate after the cooling process. Moreover, the inclusion of steel fibers proved effective in preventing cracking and damage to the concrete, preserving the integrity of specimens even at higher temperatures. Simultaneously, the residual stress and deformation capacity of SFRC showed considerable enhancement after exposure to elevated temperatures.

BackgroundPrevious studies reported that variations in dietary intake patterns substantially impact human health, specifically tumorigenesis. However, confounding factors in previous cohort studies have obscured the relationship between dietary differences and the risk of oral cancer (OC).Materials and methodsWe developed an outcome dataset from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) data on three OCs within the GAME-ON project, using GWAS-META merging. We extracted 21 dietary exposures, including 10 dietary patterns, 6 vitamins, and 5 micronutrients, from the UK Biobank database, using the inverse variance weighting method as the primary statistical method. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to detect heterogeneity and pleiotropy. Serum metabolite concentrations were adjusted using multivariate Mendelian randomization.ResultsOf the 10 analyzed dietary patterns, 8 showed no significant association with the risk of developing OC. Consumption of dark chocolate (inverse variance weighted [IVW]: Odds ratio (OR) = 0.786, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.622–0.993, p = 0.044) and sweet pepper exhibited an inverse relationship with OC risk (IVW: OR = 0.757, 95% CI: 0.574–0.997, p = 0.048). Reverse MR analysis revealed no reverse causality. Furthermore, no significant correlation was observed between the intake of 6 vitamins and 5 micronutrients and the risk of developing OC. After using multivariable MR to adjust for serum caffeine, linoleate, theophylline, and theobromine metabolism levels, consuming dark chocolate was unrelated to a decreased risk of OC. After adjusting each serum metabolite individually, the observed p-values deviated from the original values to varying degrees, indicating that the components of dark chocolate could have different effects. Among these components, theophylline demonstrated the most significant inhibitory effect.ConclusionThis study demonstrated a causal relationship between the intake of dark chocolate and sweet peppers and a lower risk of OC. The components of dark chocolate could have different effects.

This study evaluates the effectiveness of GN (Graphene Nanoplatelets) salt inhibitor-treated concrete in inhibiting chloride ion diffusion and corrosion compared to untreated concrete under various erosion conditions. Through an accelerated indoor chloride erosion test lasting 180 days, we examined the temporal changes in internal chloride ion concentration with and without the GN salt inhibitor. Quantitative assessment of the inhibitor's impact was achieved by introducing reduction factors for surface chloride concentration and diffusion coefficient. Our findings reveal a significant reduction of 31.3 % in chloride ion diffusion coefficient and 22.67 % in surface chloride concentration in concrete treated with GN salt inhibitor. This indicates the inhibitor's potential to extend the service life of gearbox and substation foundations exposed to chloride ion erosion environments.

Study Design Retrospective clinical trial. Purpose To establish a morphological classification of the cervical spinal canal using its parameters. Overview of Literature Cervical spine computed tomography (CT) data of 200 healthy volunteers in 2 years were analyzed. The morphology of the spinal cord was also analyzed. Methods The median sagittal diameter and transverse diameter of the spinal canal from C2 to C7 were measured on CT images. The ratio of the median sagittal diameter to the transverse diameter was calculated. Accordingly, the spinal canal shape of each segment was classified into four, and the specific criteria of lunar phase classification were determined through linear discriminant analysis based on the ratio of the median sagittal diameter to the transverse diameter. The inter-rater reliability of the classification was explored using Kappa coefficients. Finally, the morphology of the different segments of the cervical spinal canal in healthy volunteers was revised and compared. Results According to the ratio of the median sagittal diameter and the transverse diameter of the cervical spinal canal, the lunar phase classification of the cervical bony spinal canal was determined as follows: full-moon >0.65, 0.55< convex-moon ≤0.65, 0.46≤ quarter-moon ≤0.55, and residual-moon 0.05). The frequency of the spinal canal of the residual-moon type was the highest, and the full-moon (6.5%) and residual-moon (7.5%) types of C7 were rare. Conclusions The morphological classification of the cervical spinal canal was established to present anatomical variations. The classification showed good inter-rater reliability.

To address challenges such as missed detection and low recognition rates in multi-target detection within coal mining excavation scenes, attributed to factors like low illumination, high dust and fog, multi-target occlusion and large target scale spans, we propose a multi-target detection method based on LDSI-YOLOv8 specifically designed for such environments. Firstly, the method improves image clarity and reduces the difficulty of effective feature extraction through restricted histogram equalization. Moreover, by using depth-wise convolutional layer with large kernels and dilation-wise residual module with a two-step method, it enhances the extraction and fusion abilities of multi-scale target features. In addition, the relationship between feature maps is utilized to recall occluded features, which enhances the detection of occluded targets. Finally, the idea of fusing auxiliary borders and focusing on the shape and scale of the bounding box makes the bounding box regression faster and more accurate, further enhancing the detection ability for multi-targets. The proposed network is trained and evaluated on a dataset of excavation scenes derived from real mining production videos. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed LDSI-YOLOv8 detection algorithm is capable of overcoming harsh environments and improving the detection accuracy of occluded and multi-scale targets. With an average detection accuracy of 91.4%, which is 4.3% higher than the original YOLOv8 algorithm, it reduces the number of parameters by 12.2%. Furthermore, it achieves a detection speed of 88.2 FPS, meeting the requirements of real-time detection.