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The difference in the shear strength and other characteristics of the cohesive soil containing calcareous nodules (CSCN) between samples with large size and corresponding scaling size, which is called scaling effect, is significantly affected by its calcareous nodule content (CNC) of the gradation composition. However, current researches rarely reveal the influence of the CNC on the scaling effect in shear strength of samples. In this study, how and why the CNC affects the scaling effect in shear strength were explored. Then a method to reduce the scaling effect based on the reason for influence was proposed. Results show that the correlation between the scaling effect in shear strength and the CNC presents a step curve. This is attributed to that it is easier to form a skeleton effect in samples with scaling size for the same CNC. Considering the skeleton effect, a calculation model for the shear strength parameters of CSCN samples with large size is proposed to reduce the scaling effect. This paper demonstrates that the proposed calculation model provides an access to obtain calculated shear strength parameters of CSCN samples with large size by using measured results of samples with corresponding scaling size.

Multitarget detection is very challenging, especially when targets are densely distributed. In conventional constant false alarm rate (CFAR) detection algorithms, the detection threshold is determined based on a pre-estimated background level (BL). However, interfering targets inevitably lead to inaccurate BL estimation, resulting in degraded detection performance. In our previous work, a new solution was developed and verified to be effective; in that solution, compressed sensing (CS)-based detector performs target detection without relying on BL estimation, and a subsequent CFAR regulation processor achieves the desired false alarm rate based on the statistical information of the reduced samples obtained by removing the detected targets and adjacent guard cells from the original samples. However, for scenes with a high target density, the CS-based detector suffers from performance degradation while acquiring the correlation between linear measurements of the signal and the sensing matrix due to the high local signal sparsity. To address this shortcoming, this article proposes a deep neural network (DNN)-based detector that further improves the detection performance by converting the target detection into a problem of peak sequence classification of frequency intensity (FI) measurements from radar. A DNN detector trained on augmented simulated data shows excellent generalization ability for deployment in real scenes. In addition, to achieve better computational efficiency, a Taylor-series-based approximate maximum likelihood estimator with an explicit expression is applied in the CFAR regulation process for the first time. Both simulation and field tests are performed to verify the superiority of the proposed algorithm over conventional algorithms.

Magnonics is a fascinating and emerging field, which mainly studies processing information with spin waves. Magnonic devices with in-plane magnetization have recently been realized. Because of the isotropic propagation, magnonic devices based on perpendicular magnetization are attracting extensive interesting. Here, we numerically demonstrate two magnonic filters with out-of-plane magnetization by micromagnetic simulations. The band-pass and the band-stop functions have been realized in two structurally modulated waveguides, respectively. The intensity of spin waves is manipulated when they arrive at the uniformly/non-uniformly magnetized modulators, which result in the variation of transmission coefficients. It is found that the proposed filters can work at multiple frequencies, which can be further adjusted by the external magnetic field. Our results of designing magnonic devices with Néel-type skyrmion could promote the development of spin wave computing using spin textures.

The fall armyworm (FAW, Spodoptera frugiperda) is an important polyphagous insect pest in many crops. This highly invasive pest species originates from the Americas and recently spread rapidly across more than 100 countries worldwide. It poses a major threat to food security in a number of developing countries due to its rapid spread and distinctive ability to inflict widespread damage across multiple crops. Chemical insecticides are used as the main management strategy to control FAW in many parts of the world, particularly in the recently invaded areas in Africa and Asia. However, concerns over the adverse effects on environment and humans, and the development of resistance against insecticides have intensified efforts to develop alternatives that are effective and low-risk, while at the same time cost effective. Given that microbials are generally considered desirable options for pest management, this review compiles information on microbials in all phases of their development including entomopathogenic fungi, entomopathogenic nematodes, bacteria and baculoviruses, with a special focus on their efficacy against FAW. In addition, combinations of microbial agents and also mixtures with compatible insecticides for improved control of FAW are reviewed. The findings are discussed in light of improving management programs of FAW

Background Synovial sarcoma (SS) is a type of soft tissue sarcoma (STS) of undetermined tissue origin, which is characterized by the recurrent pathognomonic chromosomal translocation t (X;18)(p11.2; q11.2). Studies have shown that SS is a malignant tumor originating from cancer stem cells or pluripotent mesenchymal stem cells and may be related to fusion genes. In addition, some studies have indicated that the induction of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) via the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway leads to SS metastasis. Methods We analyzed the effects of SYT-SSX1 on the stemness of SS cells via TGF-β1/Smad signaling in vitro. The SYT-SSX1 fusion gene high expression cell was constructed by lentiviral stable transfer technology. SYT-SSX1 and SW982 cells were cultured and tested for sphere-forming ability. The transwell migration assay and flow cytometry were used to assess the migration ability of the sphere cells as well as the expression of CSC-related markers. We treated SYT-SSX1 cells with rhTGF-β1 (a recombinant agent of the TGF-β1 signaling pathway) and SB431542 and observed morphological changes. A CCK-8 experiment and a western blot (WB) experiment were conducted to detect the expression of TGF-β1 signaling pathway- and EMT-related proteins after treatment. The SYT-SSX1 cells were then cultured and their ability to form spheres was tested. Flow cytometry, WB, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were used to detect the expression of CSC surface markers on SYT-SSX1 sphere cells. Results It was found that SYT-SSX1 has stronger sphere-forming ability, migration ability, and higher expression of CSC-related molecules than SW982 cells. Through treating SYT-SSX1 and SW982 cells with rhTGF-β1 and SB431542, we found that TGF-β1 enhanced the proliferation of cells, induced EMT, and that TGF-β1 enhanced the characteristics of tumor stem cells. Conclusions Our results suggest that SYT-SSX1 enhances invasiveness and maintains stemness in SS cells via TGF-β1/Smad signaling. These findings reveal an effective way to potentially improve the prognosis of patients with SS by eliminating the characteristics of cancer stem cells (CSCs) during treatment.

Supplemental material, sj-docx-3-ict-10.1177_15347354211002919 for Exploring the Safety, Effectiveness, and Cost-Effectiveness of a Chinese Patent Medicine (Fufang E’jiao Syrup) for Alleviating Cancer-Related Fatigue: A Protocol for a Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled, Multicenter Trial by Zhuo Song, Ling-yun Sun, Shan-shan Gu, Xiao-shu Zhu, He-zheng Lai, Fang Lu, Ning Cui, Qiong-yang Li, Yu Wu and Yun Xu in Integrative Cancer Therapies

Supplemental material, sj-docx-2-ict-10.1177_15347354211002919 for Exploring the Safety, Effectiveness, and Cost-Effectiveness of a Chinese Patent Medicine (Fufang E’jiao Syrup) for Alleviating Cancer-Related Fatigue: A Protocol for a Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled, Multicenter Trial by Zhuo Song, Ling-yun Sun, Shan-shan Gu, Xiao-shu Zhu, He-zheng Lai, Fang Lu, Ning Cui, Qiong-yang Li, Yu Wu and Yun Xu in Integrative Cancer Therapies

Supplemental material, sj-docx-4-ict-10.1177_15347354211002919 for Exploring the Safety, Effectiveness, and Cost-Effectiveness of a Chinese Patent Medicine (Fufang E’jiao Syrup) for Alleviating Cancer-Related Fatigue: A Protocol for a Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled, Multicenter Trial by Zhuo Song, Ling-yun Sun, Shan-shan Gu, Xiao-shu Zhu, He-zheng Lai, Fang Lu, Ning Cui, Qiong-yang Li, Yu Wu and Yun Xu in Integrative Cancer Therapies

Supplemental material, sj-docx-1-ict-10.1177_15347354211002919 for Exploring the Safety, Effectiveness, and Cost-Effectiveness of a Chinese Patent Medicine (Fufang E’jiao Syrup) for Alleviating Cancer-Related Fatigue: A Protocol for a Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled, Multicenter Trial by Zhuo Song, Ling-yun Sun, Shan-shan Gu, Xiao-shu Zhu, He-zheng Lai, Fang Lu, Ning Cui, Qiong-yang Li, Yu Wu and Yun Xu in Integrative Cancer Therapies

Supplemental material, sj-doc-5-ict-10.1177_15347354211002919 for Exploring the Safety, Effectiveness, and Cost-Effectiveness of a Chinese Patent Medicine (Fufang E’jiao Syrup) for Alleviating Cancer-Related Fatigue: A Protocol for a Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled, Multicenter Trial by Zhuo Song, Ling-yun Sun, Shan-shan Gu, Xiao-shu Zhu, He-zheng Lai, Fang Lu, Ning Cui, Qiong-yang Li, Yu Wu and Yun Xu in Integrative Cancer Therapies

To study the effect of N-P-K fertilization on Phoebe bournei seedlings’ organs dry biomass, and nutrients accumulation and allocation, and to further uncover how nutrients regulating dry biomass formation through fertilization, we utilized the “3414” experiment design. The results showed that N, P, and K fertilizer promoted dry biomass accumulation, and root, stem, and total plant N, P, and K content and accumulation in seedlings. The dry biomass accumulations of root, stem, and total plant increased first and then decreased with the increase of N, P, and K application rates, which was basically consistent with the change in dry biomass allocations and N, P, and K contents, accumulations, and allocations. Root N accumulation, root P accumulation, and total plant K accumulation were the key indicators for seedlings growth. N fertilizer had the greatest effect on total dry biomass and root N accumulation, was the most important fertilizer for the growth of Phoebe bournei seedlings, can regulate the growth of root and leaves, is beneficial to root growth at medium-low N fertilizer levels (N: 0.266–0.532 g·plant−1), and leaves growth at high N fertilizer level (N: 0.798 g·plant−1). P fertilizer rate can regulate the seedling stem growth, reaching the maximum at the medium level P application (P2O5: 0.1332 g·plant−1). K fertilizer had the greatest effect on the root P accumulation and total K accumulation, promoting K transport from leaves to root, improved root and stem growth, and inhibited leaves growth. The N, P, and K fertilizer three-factor application can better promote nutrient uptake than double-factor and single-factor fertilization, with highest dry biomass accumulation at the medium level of N, P, K fertilizer (N: 0.532 g·plant−1; P2O5: 0.1232 g·plant−1; K2O: 0.356 g·plant−1). In conclusion, N, P, and K fertilization promoted the N, P, and K absorption, increased root, stem, and leaves N, P, and K content and accumulation, and promoted the seedling dry biomass accumulation, but reversed under excessive application of N, P, and K fertilizer; and N fertilizer was beneficial to root and leaves growth, P fertilizer to stem growth, and K fertilizer to material transfer, which provided a theoretical basis for robust Phoebe bournei seedling cultivation.

Introduction: Synovial sarcoma (SS) is one of the most invasive soft tissue sarcomas, prone to recurrence and metastasis, and the efficacy of surgical treatment and chemotherapy for SS remains poor. Therefore, the diagnosis and treatment of SS remain a significant challenge. This study aimed to analyze the mutated genes of primary SS (PSS) and recurrent SS (RSS), discover whether these sarcomas exhibit some potential mutated genes, and then predict associated microRNAs (miRNA) and circular RNAs (circRNA) by analyzing the mutated genes. We focused on the regulation mechanism of the circRNA-miRNA-mutated hub gene in PSS and RSS.Methods: We performed a comprehensive genomic analysis of four pairs of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples of PSS and RSS, using Illumina human exon microarrays. The gene ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) function, and pathway enrichment of the mutated genes were analyzed, and the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was forecast using String software 11.0. The hub genes were then obtained using the Molecular Complex Detection (MCODE) plug-in for Cytoscape 3.7.2 and were used to analyze overall survival (OS) using the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) database. The corresponding miRNAs were obtained from the miRDB 5.0 and TargetScan 7.2 databases. The corresponding circRNAs of the hub genes were found through the miRNAs from these databases: Circbank, CircInteractome, and StarBase v2.0. Thereafter we set up a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network with circRNA-miRNA and miRNA-messenger RNA (mRNA) pairs.Results: Using the chi-squared test, 391 mutated genes were screened using a significance level of p-values < 0.01 from the four pairs of PSS and RSS samples. A GO pathway analysis of 391 mutated genes demonstrated that differential expression mRNAs (DEmRNAs) might be bound up with the “positive regulation of neurogenesis,” “cell growth,” “axon part,” “cell−substrate junction,” or “protein phosphatase binding” of SS. The PPI network was constructed using 391 mutated genes, and 53 hub genes were identified (p < 0.05). Eight variant hub genes were discovered to be statistically significant using the OS analysis (p < 0.05). The circRNA-miRNA-mRNA (ceRNA) network was constructed, and it identified two circRNAs (hsa_circ_0070557 and hsa_circ_0070558), 10 miRNAs (hsa-let-7a-3p, hsa-let-7b-3p, hsa-let-7f-1-3p, hsa-let-7f-2-3p, hsa-mir-1244, hsa-mir-1197, hsa-mir-124-3p, hsa-mir-1249-5p, hsa-mir-1253, and hsa-mir-1271-5p) and five hub genes (CENPE, ENPP3, GPR18, MDC1, and PLOD2).Conclusion: This study screened novel biological markers and investigated the differentiated circRNA-miRNA-mutated hub gene axis, which may play a pivotal role in the nosogenesis of PSS and RSS. Some circRNAs may be deemed new diagnostic or therapeutic targets that could be conducive to the future clinical treatment of SS.

Fluorination and N-doping are two feasible routes to modify the properties of graphene. However, it’s difficult to modulate the F-distribution and N-configuration. Here, we found that by the mutual influence between F and N atoms, F-distribution and N-configuration can be facilely modulated. In brief, by annealing F and N dual-functionalized graphene, (i) F-distribution tended to be discrete, and (ii) graphitic N-configuration was progressively converted to pyridinic, and pyridinic to pyrrolic N-configuration. Theoretical calculations indicated that the modulation of F-distribution was due to the adsorptive ability of N atoms, and N-configuration was modulated because F decreased the stability of N-configuration. Furthermore, we found that the mutual modulation of F-distribution and N-configuration could reinforce the radiative recombination of electron-hole pairs, which increased the photoluminescence intensity to 320.69%. This work provides a facile strategy to modulate the distribution and configuration of heteroatoms, broadening the potential applications of dual-functionalized graphene.

Eight undescribed diterpenoids, euphorfinoids E-L, together with twelve known analogues, were isolated from the roots of wild Euphorbia fischeriana. Their structures and absolute configurations were elucidated by a combination of NMR, MS, ECD, and X-ray diffraction analyses. The plausible biosynthetic pathway of 1 was also proposed. The isolated compounds displayed moderate inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) with 50% inhibiting concentration (IC50) values of 6.23–192.38 μM.

Supplemental material, sj-docx-2-ict-10.1177_15347354211002919 for Exploring the Safety, Effectiveness, and Cost-Effectiveness of a Chinese Patent Medicine (Fufang E’jiao Syrup) for Alleviating Cancer-Related Fatigue: A Protocol for a Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled, Multicenter Trial by Zhuo Song, Ling-yun Sun, Shan-shan Gu, Xiao-shu Zhu, He-zheng Lai, Fang Lu, Ning Cui, Qiong-yang Li, Yu Wu and Yun Xu in Integrative Cancer Therapies

This paper presents a 0.5–3GHz full-duplex (FD) self-interference (SI) canceling receiver based on a unique Cartesian canceller which scales the phase and amplitude of TX replica to generate a cancellation signal with the same amplitude but opposite phase to SI leakage, and injects this reconstructed signal to the receiver (RX) input for subtracting the SI leakage in RF domain. A prototype FD receiver (FD-RX) is implemented in CMOS 65nm technology. The RX has an IB-IIP3 of −5dBm at 2MHz offset, and OOB-IIP3 of 25dBm at 60MHz offset from 2GHz carrier. In FD mode, TX and RX are operating simultaneously at the same frequency band, more than 27dB self-interference-cancellation (SIC) is achieved in single RF domain, and the effective IB-IIP3 is improved from −5dBm to 5dBm with less than 1.2dB noise degradation. The noise figure (NF) is better than 7.8dB in FD mode. The area of proposed canceller is only 0.07mm2, and the core area of FD-RX is 0.45mm2. The power consumption of entire FD-RX including canceller is 25–54mW from 1.2V power supply.

Phoebe bournei is a rare and endangered woody species and the success of its plantation development is dependent upon proper seedling cultivation. This study explored the regulation of N, P and K fertilizer and the interaction of these macronutrients on the growth of Phoebe bournei seedlings. To determine the optimum rate and ratio of N&ndash, P&ndash, K fertilizer in seedling cultivation, we used the unique &ldquo, 3414&rdquo, incomplete orthogonal regression design to evaluate the effects of N&ndash, K fertilization on seedling morphological development. One-year-old Phoebe bournei bareroot seedlings were grown for one growing season under the defined fertilization regime, with their morphological development determined by measuring seedling attributes&mdash, root, stem, leaves and total biomass, root collar diameter and seedling height. These attributes were then combined to calculate the following indices: height-diameter ratio, shoot-root ratio and the seedling quality index (QI). Results showed that the N&ndash, K fertilizer had significant and beneficial effect on seedling cultivation. N effect was highest, followed by K and P. The three-way N&times, P&times, K interaction effect was strong, and the two-way interactions effect was highest for N&times, P, followed by P&times, K and N&times, K. At the &ldquo, 2&rdquo, level of N (0.532 g&middot, plant&minus, 1), P (P2O5, 0.133 g&middot, 1), and K fertilizer (K2O, 0.356 g&middot, 1), seedling growth and biomass accumulation were at their maximum. Unary, binary, and ternary quadratic fertilizer effect function equations of QI were established. Through comparative analysis, the ternary quadratic model was the optimal model and through a simulation&ndash, optimization, the optimal N&ndash, K fertilizer rates were 0.373~0.420 g&middot, 1 (N), 0.086~0.106 g&middot, 1 (P2O5), 0.243~0.280 g&middot, 1 (K2O), with a N&ndash, K ratio of 1:0.20:0.43~1:0.65:0.75.