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Imbalanced domain prediction analysis is currently one of the hot research topics. Many real‐world data mining analyses involve using imbalanced data to obtain predictive models. In the context of imbalance, research on classification problems has been extensive, but research on regression problems is negligible. Rare values rarely occur in imbalanced regression problems, but the focus is on accurately predicting the continuous target variables of rare instances. One of the challenges in imbalanced regression is finding a suitable strategy to rebalance the original dataset in order to improve the predictive performance of the model in rare instances. In this study, two algorithms are proposed: sigma nearest over‐sampling based on convex combination for regression (SNOCCR) and affine combination‐based over‐sampling (ACOS). ACOS rebalances the original dataset by generating new instances through the affine combinations of the original examples. The region where the new instances are generated can be adjusted based on the distribution of the data, ensuring that the generated cases better mimic the distribution of the original examples. The comparison among ACOS, SNOCCR, and other preprocessing methods was conducted on 15 datasets to validate the predictive performance of models trained on rebalanced datasets for rare instances. The experimental results indicate that ACOS outperforms other existing methods. In this study, two over‐sampling algorithms are proposed: sigma nearest over‐sampling based on convex combination for regression (SNOCCR) and affine combination‐based over‐sampling (ACOS) in order to improve the predictive performance of the model in imbalanced regression. The experimental results indicate that ACOS outperforms other existing methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of semi-quantum protocols reduces the conditions for the implementation of quantum signatures, so that users without quantum capabilities can communicate securely. As a kind of quantum signature, ring signature has been widely concerned in recent years because of its excellent characteristics such as unconditional anonymity. Combining the conception of semi-quantum with the characteristics of ring signature scheme, a semi-quantum ring signature protocol based on multi-particle GHZ state is proposed in this paper. It is achieved through the correlation between particles in GHZ state. In this protocol, only the trusted third-party arbitrator Trent has full quantum ability, called quantum party. The other users are classical parties with specific quantum capabilities, and there is no need for direct communication between the signer and the verifier, which makes the protocol has lower complexity and greatly reduces the dependence on quantum resources. In addition, the results of security analysis show that the proposed semi-quantum ring protocol scheme has the ability to reliably resist various attacks and has good security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many indexes have been demonstrated to evaluate the lodging resistance of rice, but most of them are complex or not representative. Thus, we propose a simple and low-cost index, called relative culm wall thickness (RCWT), which can be calculated as the ratio of the basal internode wall thickness to its diameter, to measure the lodging characteristics of rice. A field experiment with 20 indica hybrid rice varieties was conducted in Dayi, Sichuan, China, in 2017 and 2018. The results show that RCWT was significantly negatively correlated with the lodging index, visual lodging rate, plant inclination angle, and bending moment, while it was significantly positively correlated with culm wall thickness, breaking resistance, cellulose, and lignin. Compared with the middle and low RCWT types, the high RCWT type had a lower plant height and center of gravity. Meanwhile, the short basal internodes, thick culm wall thickness, and small pith diameter increased the fullness of the stem, which increased the content of cellulose and lignin in the stem, and thus enhanced the bending resistance and decreased lodging index of the stem. These results indicate that the RCWT can be used as an important index to evaluate the lodging resistance of rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a four-participant scheme for the asymmetric circular controlled quantum states transmission. David is the controller, Alice, Bob and Charlie can complete the transmission of single-qubit, two-qubit and three-qubit states respectively. The scheme is discussed in ideal and noisy environments respectively. In an ideal environment, we first construct a quantum channel by using quantum gate operations. Secondly, the senders and controller choose an appropriate measurement basis to measure their own particles, and the receiver can use appropriate unitary operations to restore the quantum state according to the measurement results. All the measurement results and corresponding recovery operations are given. In the noise environment, we calculate the fidelities of the output states in the amplitude damping and phase damping noise environments, and observe the effect of noise according to the different values of the quantum state coefficient and noise factor. Finally, through the analysis of the scheme performance, it can be seen that our scheme has obvious advantages in quantum state transmission, including increasing the number of quantum state particles transmitted, reducing the consumption of classical communication and higher communication efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Characterized by integrity and non-repudiation, digital signatures play an essential role in real life. Quantum digital signatures, which outperform classical types generally in safety, have been widely used in secure communications. In this paper, a novel quantum signature scheme based on quantum encryption, XOR encryption and secret sharing without entanglement is designed. Furthermore, it can be extended to a quantum multi-signature scheme. Unlike existing schemes, it is more efficient in guaranteeing safety, more practical and does not need to prepare a large number of entanglements or operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the crystal structure, physical properties, photoelectric conversion efficiency and large-area development of CsPbI 3 all-inorganic perovskite solar cells are comprehensively analyzed. The research results of the material in photoelectric conversion efficiency, large-area development and preparation technology are summarized. In addition, through theoretical prediction and simulation, this study simulated a CsPbI 3 all-inorganic perovskite solar cell with a photoelectric conversion efficiency of 28.29 %, which provided a theoretical basis for the preparation of high-performance devices. In this paper, the physical properties, photoelectric conversion efficiency, large area and preparation methods of CsPbI 3 all-inorganic perovskite solar cells are summarized in detail. In addition, the theoretical efficiency of the device was predicted, and the CsPbI 3 all-inorganic perovskite solar cell with a theoretical photoelectric conversion efficiency of 28.29 % was successfully obtained. [Display omitted] • CsPbI 3 all-inorganic perovskite solar cells. • Physical Properties of CsPbI 3 Materials. • Research status and preparation methods. • The theoretical efficiency of simulation prediction reaches 28.29 %. • Challenge and strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biological resistance of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has pushed synthetic antibiotics to the forefront. To combat the resistance of MRSA, our new effort directed towards the development of novel structural candidates of enone-bridged indole nitroimidazole scaffolds, and wished to shed some light on the combination of some single pharmacophore with different biological activities. Bioassay revealed that the active compound 4b gave a satisfactory inhibition on MRSA (MIC = 1 μg/mL) and could effectively prevent the development of bacterial resistance. Mechanism exploration indicated that molecule 4b could not only intercalate into MRSA deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), but also permeate MRSA membrane and bind with penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a), then decreased the expression of three relevant genes in MRSA. Furthermore, it was able to be stored and carried by human serum albumin (HSA), and the participation of metal ions in 4b -HSA system was helpful to improve the supramolecular transport behavior. Hybrid 4b also exhibited low cytotoxicity towards normal lung epithelial cell line BEAS-2B. Image 1 • Indole-nitroimidazole new structural conjugates were developed by a convenient and efficient method. • Compound 4b could intercalate into MRSA DNA and block DNA replication, thus inhibit the growth of MRSA. • Hybrid 4b was able to permeate MRSA membrane and decrease the expression of three MRSA genes. • Molecule 4b can be stored and carried by human serum albumin and the metal ions could increase the supramolecular transport capacity. • The cell toxicity of 4b is relatively low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The vein quartz has early CL-bright Q1 and late CL-dark Q2 generations. • In situ analysis reveals obvious difference in oxygen isotopes between Q1 and Q2. • Molybdenite precipitated coeval with Q2, but later than Q1. • Formation of Q2 resulted from a significant input of meteoric water. • Fluid cooling by incursion of meteoric water caused Mo precipitation. There has been a long-term debate about the timing of the incursion of meteoric water into porphyry systems and whether it plays an important role in ore precipitation. To evaluate the role of meteoric water in the mineralization in porphyry Mo deposits, typical hydrothermal veins of different stages from the Chalukou giant porphyry Mo deposit are selected for combined scanning electron microscope cathodoluminescence (SEM-CL), fluid inclusion microthermometry and high-resolution secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS) oxygen isotope analyses. Multiple generations of quartz are identified in almost all of the veins. The barren quartz veins and quartz-magnetite veins of the early Mo mineralization stage are dominated by granular CL-bright quartz (EMQ1), which usually shows dissolution and re-deposition textures and are overprinted by CL-dark quartz (EMQ2)-filled healed fractures. The molybdenite precipitation in the quartz-molybdenite veins of the main Mo mineralization stage is synchronous with small volumes (<15%) of CL-dark quartz (MMQ2) and postdates the large volume (>85%) of CL-bright quartz (MMQ1). Similar to the quartz-molybdenite veins, the precipitation of pyrite in the quartz-pyrite veins during the transitional stage and sphalerite in the quartz-sphalerite-pyrite veins during the Zn-Pb mineralization stage are also directly associated with CL-dark quartz (TSQ2, ZPQ2). The SIMS oxygen isotopic values of EMQ1 and MMQ1 fall into the range of 5.42–9.79‰ with calculated equilibrium fluid compositions of 2.07–6.45‰, indicating a magma-dominated fluid composition, whereas MMQ2, TSQ2 and ZPQ2 have very low oxygen isotopic values from −4.68 to 4.29‰ with corresponding fluid compositions of −13.64 to −5.94‰, implying that the fluid formed by the mixing of magmatic water and a large proportion of meteoric water. The contrasting SEM-CL features and oxygen isotopic compositions of the two generations of quartz in the quartz-molybdenite veins demonstrate that the incursion of meteoric water into the hydrothermal system occurred earlier than the molybdenite precipitation. Based on these results and the crosscutting relationships and spatial distribution of the veins, we reconstructed the quartz evolutionary sequence during the vein development process. After the early precipitation of barren quartz, the reduction in fluid pressure from lithostatic to hydrostatic conditions allowed the incursion of convecting cool meteoric water into the relatively hot hydrothermal system, and the temperature of the evolved Mo-rich fluid decreased rapidly from >500 °C to <400 °C, leading to concentrated molybdenite precipitation with small volumes of quartz. Fluid cooling resulting from the incursion of meteoric water may have played a greater role in the metal precipitation in the Chalukou Mo deposit than wallrock interactions and fluid boiling. Moreover, this process may have also occurred in other porphyry Mo deposits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Neoproterozoic magmatism at ∼685 Ma and Paleozoic volcanism at ∼475 Ma are recognized. • Paleozoic volcanism were generated by the subduction of the Paleo-Asian Oceanic lithosphere. • The Precambrian basement exists in the Xing'an Block but is not widely distributed. • Refertilization of juvenile lower crust is essential for the formation of the Chalukou deposit. Abstract To constrain the pre-mineralization tectonic evolutionary history and the nature of the magma source of the Chalukou Mo deposit, which is located on the western margin of the Xing'an block, we recognized and studied a period of Neoproterozoic magmatism and a suite of Early Paleozoic volcanic rocks in this ore district. The magmatic zircons of quartz chlorite schist collected from the Wolegen Group yielded a concordant 206Pb/238U age of 685.1 ± 4.5 Ma (MSWD = 0.21), and they show very high εHf(t) values (+15.5 to +17.3) and young Hf modal ages (573–664 Ma) close to the formation age, indicating that the protolith was generated during the Neoproterozoic, and was most likely derived from a depleted mantle region. This Neoproterozoic magmatism might represent an important crustal growth event within the Xing'an Block. The host wallrocks in the Chalukou deposit mainly consist of rhyolite, dacite, andesite and volcanic tuff which have undergone slight deformation and metamorphism. The results of zircon LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating indicated that they were generated during 472–475 Ma. The results of whole-rock geochemical analysis indicate that they have arc-affinity features characterized by LREE enrichment with moderate to strong fractionation between LREE and HREE (La N /Yb N = 7.7–13.6), intense negative Eu anomalies (δEu = 0.36–0.71), pronounced positive Ba, Th, U, Pb and La anomalies and negative Nb-Ta, P and Ti anomalies. Hf isotopes show various εHf (t) values ranging from −2.0 to +5.9 and slightly old two-stage model ages ranging from 1070 Ma to 1573 Ma. Combined with discrimination diagrams, these data indicate that they were derived from the partial melting of a slightly older lower crust with the addition of a juvenile crust component in an active continental margin setting related to the subduction of the Paleo-Asian Ocean between the Xing'an and Songliao blocks. The existence of Neoproterozoic magmatic activity and Mesoproterozoic lower crustal materials obtained from the Hf model ages of the Paleozoic volcanic rocks in the Chalukou ore district demonstrated that Precambrian basement exists in the Xing'an Block, but its distribution area may be limited. As the largest porphyry Mo deposit in China, the ore-forming materials might have multiple sources, considering the long-term and multiple magmatic events that occurred under different tectonic settings in the ore district. The previous modification and refertilization of the lower crust and/or lithospheric mantle by the subduction of the Paleo-Asian Ocean might be important in the generation of the fertile lower crust, which is the direct source of the ore-related porphyries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of new azoalkyl ether imidazo[2,1- b ]benzothiazoles were developed via a convenient synthetic procedure. The antimicrobial assays showed that a good number of the prepared derivatives exhibited significant inhibitory properties against most of the tested strains. Especially 2-methyl-5-nitroimidazole derivative 5a presented superior inhibit activity against MRSA and B. typhi with MIC = 4 μg/mL and MIC = 1 μg/mL, respectively. The highly active compound 5a showed low toxicity against mammalian cells without obvious triggering of the development of bacterial resistance, and it also possessed rapid bactericidal efficacy. Molecular docking study exposed that the active molecule 5a could interact with the active site of S. aureus gyrase through hydrogen bond. Quantum chemical studies were also performed to explain the high antibacterial activity. Further investigation revealed that compound 5a could significantly associate with gyrase–DNA complex by mean of hydrogen bonds and could efficiently intercalate into MRSA DNA to form 5a –DNA supramolecular complex, which impart potent bioactivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We identify by ab initio calculations a stable three-dimensional carbon allotrope that constructed by inserting benzene rings into the carbon-carbon bonds in a previously reported oC8 carbon. This new carbon phase has a 24-atom orthorhombic unit cell in C m m m ( D 2 H 19 ) symmetry and thus termed oC24. Phonon mode analysis confirms its dynamical stable. Total-energy calculations show that it is energetically stable comparable with (5,5) carbon nanotube. Detailed electronic band calculations reveal that oC24 is a topological node-line semimetal with two mirror-inversion symmetric nodal lines that go through the whole Brillouin zone in bulk and a projected surface flat band around the Fermi level. The present results establish a new type of carbon phases and offer insights into their outstanding structural and electronic properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantum fully homomorphic encryption (QFHE) allows arbitrary computations which is performed by each server on encrypted quantum states without decrypting them. However, the existing QFHE schemes are not capable to handle the volatility problem with the servers: once a dynamic server wants to leave or join the protocol, it must be updated. Consequently, a dynamic quantum fully homomorphic encryption (DQFHE) scheme based on universal quantum circuit (UQC) is proposed in this paper. Firstly, our scheme could extend the two-part QFHE scheme to m-part. Secondly, the dynamic property means the completed protocol could be retained when involved servers changed which means we allow new servers to join our scheme and the absence of elder servers. Thirdly, UQC enables arbitrary quantum transformations on the encrypted quantum states and could be proved to be perfectly secure, and the key-updating algorithms are also based on the UQC so that the keys could not be revealed. Finally, due to the property of QFHE, compared with the quantum secret sharing, we could finish the sharing procedure efficiently because we cancel the security check procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of nitroimidazole enols as new bacterial DNA-targeting agents were for the first time designed, synthesized and characterized by NMR, IR and HRMS spectra. The antimicrobial screening revealed that 2-methoxyphenyl nitroimidazole enol 3i possessed stronger anti- P. aeruginosa efficacy (MIC = 0.10 μmol/mL) than reference drugs Norfloxacin and Metronidazole. Time-kill kinetic assay manifested that the active molecule 3i could rapidly kill the tested strains. Molecular docking indicated that the interactions between compound 3i and topoisomerase II were driven by hydrogen bonds. Quantum chemical study was also performed on 3i to understand the structural features essential for activity. Further research found that compound 3i was not able to effectively intercalate into bacterial DNA but could cleave DNA isolated from the standard P. aeruginosa strain, which might block DNA replication to exert the efficient bioactivities, and this active molecule was also able to be stored and carried by human serum albumin via hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a novel near-infrared electrochemiluminescence signal amplification strategy was fabricated based on SiO 2 photonic crystals nanomembrane as the ECL electrodes for sensitive and specific detection of SFTSV. The photonic crystal structure of the SiO 2 nanomembrane has an excellent light scattering effect, which significantly increases the photon flux in the luminescent molecule and improves the excitation of the ECL molecule (CdTe@CdS QDs) by the re-radiation dipole electromagnetic field. In addition, the increase of the effective electroactive area of the photonic crystals modified electrode also prominently contributes to the ECL intensity. The results manifested that the SiO 2 photonic crystals nanomembrane modified electrode constructed in this work can effectively improve the ECL intensity by about 7 times. Subsequently, a sandwich-type SFTSV immunosensor with a very low limit of detection of 0.0014 fg/mL was constructed. Due to the low cost and easy preparation of SiO 2 photonic crystal solid-state electrodes, this work can not only effectively detect the SFTSV virus, but also provides an effective ECL signal amplification strategy. • The ECL signal amplification mechanism of QDs based onphotonic crystals nanomembrane is firstly studied. • The NIR ECL immunosensor for SFTSV determination was firstly fabricated. • The enhanced NIR ECL immunosensor can sensitively detect SFTSV with an extremely low detection limit (0.0014 fg/mL). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. This study investigated mRNA and protein expression of four renal aquaporin isoforms [AQP1, 2, 3 and 4 (AQP1–4)] in congenital hydronephrotic kidneys (HK) due to pelviureteral junction obstruction and normal control kidneys. Material and methods. The expression of AQP1–4 was evaluated in 22 children (15 boys, seven girls, aged 58.9±54.3 months) using semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) techniques, immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. Hydronephrosis was graded by ultrasound according to the Society for Fetal Urology. Results. Both RT-PCR and immunoblotting showed significantly reduced mRNA and protein expression of AQP1–4 in grade IV compared with those in grade III HK and controls. Sequencing demonstrated 99% homology of AQP1–4 with those in GenBank. Positive immunoreactivity of AQP1 was found in plasma membranes of the proximal tubule, thin descending limb of Henle and descending vasa recta; AQP2 in the apical membrane of collecting duct principal cells; and AQP3 and 4 in the basolateral membrane of the same cells. In kidneys with grade IV hydronephrosis there was reduction in the protein abundance of all four AQP isoforms which was more pronounced compared with the protein abundance seen in kidneys with grade III hydronephrosis and control kidneys. Conclusion. The expression of AQP1–4 mRNA and protein abundance is reduced in proportion with the degree of hydronephrosis graded by ultrasound in human congenital HK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: This study compared the prevalences of metabolic syndrome and of cardiac or kidney comorbidities among patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) associated with metabolic dysfunction-related fatty liver disease (MAFLD), chronic infection with hepatitis B or C virus (HBV or HCV), or the combination of MAFLD and chronic HBV infection. Methods: Medical records were retrospectively analyzed for patients with HCC who underwent hepatectomy between March 2013 and March 2023. Patients with HCC of different etiologies were compared in terms of their clinicodemographic characteristics and laboratory data before surgery. Results: Of the 2422 patients, 1,822 (75.2%) were chronically infected with HBV without MAFLD and HCV, 415 (17.2%) had concurrent MAFLD and chronic HBV infection but no HCV infection, 121 (5.0%) had MAFLD without hepatitis virus infection, and 64 (2.6%) were chronically infected with HCV in the presence or absence of MAFLD and HBV infection. Compared to patients chronically infected with HBV without MAFLD and HCV, those with MAFLD but no hepatitis virus infection showed significantly lower prevalence of cirrhosis, ascites, portal hypertension, alpha-fetoprotein concentration ≥ 400 ng/mL, tumor size > 5 cm, multinodular tumors and microvascular invasion. Conversely, they showed significantly higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, abdominal obesity, history of cardiovascular disease, T-wave alterations, hypertriglyceridemia and hyperuricemia, as well as higher risk of arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Compared to patients with MAFLD but no hepatitis virus infection, those with concurrent MAFLD and chronic infection with HBV showed significantly higher prevalence of cirrhosis, ascites and portal hypertension, but significantly lower prevalence of hypertension and history of cardiovascular disease. Compared to patients with other etiologies, those chronically infected with HCV in the presence or absence of MAFLD and HBV infection, showed significantly higher prevalence of cirrhosis, portal hypertension, ascites, and esophagogastric varices. Conclusion: Patients with HCC associated with MAFLD tend to have a background of less severe liver disease than those with HCC of other etiologies, but they may be more likely to suffer metabolic syndrome or comorbidities affecting the heart or kidneys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: This study compared the prevalences of metabolic syndrome and of cardiac or kidney comorbidities among patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) associated with metabolic dysfunction-related fatty liver disease (MAFLD), chronic infection with hepatitis B or C virus (HBV or HCV), or the combination of MAFLD and chronic HBV infection. Methods: Medical records were retrospectively analyzed for patients with HCC who underwent hepatectomy between March 2013 and March 2023. Patients with HCC of different etiologies were compared in terms of their clinicodemographic characteristics and laboratory data before surgery. Results: Of the 2422 patients, 1,822 (75.2%) were chronically infected with HBV without MAFLD and HCV, 415 (17.2%) had concurrent MAFLD and chronic HBV infection but no HCV infection, 121 (5.0%) had MAFLD without hepatitis virus infection, and 64 (2.6%) were chronically infected with HCV in the presence or absence of MAFLD and HBV infection. Compared to patients chronically infected with HBV without MAFLD and HCV, those with MAFLD but no hepatitis virus infection showed significantly lower prevalence of cirrhosis, ascites, portal hypertension, alpha-fetoprotein concentration ≥ 400 ng/mL, tumor size > 5 cm, multinodular tumors and microvascular invasion. Conversely, they showed significantly higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, abdominal obesity, history of cardiovascular disease, T-wave alterations, hypertriglyceridemia and hyperuricemia, as well as higher risk of arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Compared to patients with MAFLD but no hepatitis virus infection, those with concurrent MAFLD and chronic infection with HBV showed significantly higher prevalence of cirrhosis, ascites and portal hypertension, but significantly lower prevalence of hypertension and history of cardiovascular disease. Compared to patients with other etiologies, those chronically infected with HCV in the presence or absence of MAFLD and HBV infection, showed significantly higher prevalence of cirrhosis, portal hypertension, ascites, and esophagogastric varices. Conclusion: Patients with HCC associated with MAFLD tend to have a background of less severe liver disease than those with HCC of other etiologies, but they may be more likely to suffer metabolic syndrome or comorbidities affecting the heart or kidneys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presented two methods, multi-line superposition and multi-pixel rendering, for drawing contour based on visual characteristics to improve results generated by traditional methods. The multi-line superposition method referred to a number of different transparency straight line superimposed drawing, and the multi-pixel rendering referred to regard a straight line as a rectangle having a certain area. Then it gave transparency value of pixels based on the distance between the pixels and the center straight-line. The experimental results show that contour image generated by these two contour methods are visually softer and more attractive for human-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different from traditional digital signatures, quantum blind signatures can implement a signature without knowing the specific content, and their security is guaranteed by the basic principles of quantum mechanics with unconditional security. Based on the blind signature, multi-proxy signature can avoid internal attacks efficiently by dispersing the authority of proxy signers. In this paper, we propose a new quantum multi-proxy blind signature scheme based on cluster states. We apply the quantum teleportation to transmit data using the four-particle cluster state as a channel. Then, a quantum multi-proxy blind signature scheme is designed. According to the security analysis, blindness, undeniability and unforgeability are all equipped in our scheme. Meanwhile, compared with existing schemes, four-particle cluster states are required as quantum channels in our scheme which uses fewer resources to transmit data and has higher efficiency of signatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The neural cells in the brains of patients with Parkinson’s disease (PWP) display aberrant synchronized oscillatory activity within the beta frequency range. Additionally, enhanced gamma oscillations may serve as a compensatory mechanism for motor inhibition mediated by beta activity and also reinstate plasticity in the primary motor cortex affected by Parkinson’s disease. Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) can synchronize endogenous oscillations with exogenous rhythms, thereby modulating cortical activity. The objective of this study is to investigate whether the addition of tACS to multidisciplinary intensive rehabilitation treatment (MIRT) can improve symptoms of PWP so as to enhance the quality of life in individuals with Parkinson’s disease based on the central-peripheral-central theory. Methods: The present study was a randomized, double-blind trial that enrolled 60 individuals with Parkinson’s disease aged between 45 and 70 years, who had Hoehn-Yahr scale scores ranging from 1 to 3. Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the tACS + MIRT group or the sham-tACS + MIRT group. The trial consisted of a two-week double-blind treatment period followed by a 24-week follow-up period, resulting in a total duration of twenty-six weeks. The primary outcome measured the change in PDQ-39 scores from baseline (T0) to 4 weeks (T2), 12 weeks (T3), and 24 weeks (T4) after completion of the intervention. The secondary outcome assessed changes in MDS-UPDRS III scores at T0, the end of intervention (T1), T2, T3, and T4. Additional clinical assessments and mechanistic studies were conducted as tertiary outcomes. Discussion: The objective of this study is to demonstrate that tACS can enhance overall functionality and improve quality of life in PWP, based on the framework of MIRT. Additionally, it seeks to establish a potential correlation between these therapeutic effects and neuroplasticity alterations in relevant brain regions. The efficacy of tACS will be assessed during the follow-up period in order to optimize neuroplasticity and enhance its potential impact on rehabilitation efficiency for PWP. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2300071969. Registered on 30 May 2023. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the principal security threat, pollution attacks also seriously affect the security of quantum network coding, just like they do for the classical network coding. Based on this, we first propose two secure quantum homomorphic message authentication schemes based on quantum circuit, which well resist the pollution attacks launched by outside attackers and the attackers including inside untrusted nodes over the general quantum network. Then, we apply this authentication method into our extended quantum network coding scheme over the multi-unicast network N, solving the quantum k-pair problem securely and perfectly. Analysis results show that our proposed quantum network coding scheme has higher security and higher quantum communication rate, compared with the existing secure scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to explore the effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in tropoelastin gene on tropoelastin mRNA and elastin expressions in human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs). Two SNP loci, rs2071307 (G/A) and rs1785598 (G/C), were selected to construct recombinant lentivirus vectors carrying wild-type and mutant tropoelastin gene. Recombinant plasmids including pWSLV-02-ELN, pWSLV-02-ELN-mut1, and pWSLV-02-ELN-mut2 were constructed, before being amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequenced. The prepared plasmids and the packaging plasmids (pVSV-G and psPAX2) were cotransfected into HEK293T cells to obtain recombinant lentiviruses carrying tropoelastin gene. Afterward, HASMCs were infected with recombinant lentiviruses, and the positive cells sorted by flow cytometry were amplified. Four stable HASMCs cell lines including pWSLV-02-ELN, pWSLV-02-ELN-mut1, pWSLV-02-ELN-mut2, and pWSLV-02 vector were constructed. The expressions of tropoelastin mRNA and elastin in HASMCs were detected by real-time quantitative reverse transcription-PCR and western blot, respectively. Recombinant plasmids including pWSLV-02-ELN-mut1, pWSLV-02-ELN-mut2, and pWSLV-02-ELN were successfully constructed. Recombinant lentiviruses carrying tropoelastin gene were obtained via lentivirus packaging. After infection for 24 h, 3 days and 5 days in HASMCs, tropoelastin mRNA expressions in pWSLV-02-ELN-mut1 and pWSLV-02-ELN-mut2 groups were significantly lower than that of pWSLV-02-ELN group. Besides, after infection for 24 h, 3 days, and 5 days, elastin levels in pWSLV-02-ELN-mut1 and pWSLV-02-ELN-mut2 groups were significantly lower than that in pWSLV-02-ELN group. In conclusion, SNPs mutation of tropoelastin gene affected the expression of tropoelastin mRNA and elastin, suggesting that the polymorphisms of rs2071307 and rs17855988 in tropoelastin gene might be important factors for AD development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An orthorhombic carbon allotrope with all six-membered-ring in s p 3 bonding networks is discovered and termed as O16 carbon. • O16 carbon is potential for superhard materials. • XRD pattern of O16 carbon matches well with the experimental data of diamond-rich coatings on stainless steel substrate. We identify by first-principles calculations a new diamond-like carbon phase with a 16-atom orthorhombic primitive cell in P b c n ( D 2 h 14) symmetry. This new carbon allotrope consists of all s p 3 six-membered rings like as the reported BC8, BC12 and R16 carbon, while energetically more stable than these carbon phases. Its dynamical stability has been confirmed by phonon mode analysis and molecular dynamics simulations. The calculated bulk modulus (435 GPa) and Vickers hardness (93 GPa) are comparable to that of diamond, showing as a superhard carbon material. Electronic band calculations reveal that it is an insulator with an indirect band gap of 4.35 eV. Simulated X-ray diffraction spectrum presents a complicated pattern, showing an amorphous form of diamond, reflecting its structural complexity stemming from its multiple bond lengths and bond angles, but matches well with the diffractions peaks found in the diamond-rich coatings on stainless steel substrate. These findings lay a foundation for further study of this new diamond-like carbon allotrope and its outstanding properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Chronic stress promoted tumor growth and redistributed splenic myeloid cells. • Splenectomy could inhibit tumor growth induced by stress. • β-Adrenergic signaling was responsible for tumor growth and redistribution of splenic myeloid cells induced by stress. • Stress recruited myeloid cells to tumor tissues through CXCR2-CXCL2/CXCL3 axis. Psychological stress promotes tumor progression and has a large impact on the immune system, particularly the spleen. The spleen plays an important role in tumor behavior. However, the role and mechanism of the spleen in hepatocellular carcinoma progression induced by stress is unclear. Here, we showed that the spleen plays a critical role in hepatocellular carcinoma growth induced by restraint stress. Our results demonstrated that restraint stress promoted hepatocellular carcinoma growth, changed the spleen structure, and redistributed splenic myeloid cells to tumor tissues. Interestingly, we found that splenectomy could inhibit hepatocellular carcinoma growth and prevent increases in myeloid cells and macrophages in tumor tissues in stressed mice. Restraint stress significantly elevated the concentration of norepinephrine in the spleen, serum and tumor tissues. Meanwhile, propranolol, an inhibitor of β-adrenergic signaling, could inhibit hepatocellular carcinoma growth and prevent the redistribution of splenic myeloid cells induced by restraint stress, suggesting that restraint stress promotes hepatocellular carcinoma growth and redistributes splenic myeloid cells through β-adrenergic signaling. Mechanistic studies revealed that restraint stress upregulated the expressions of CXCL2/CXCL3 in tumor tissues and changed the expression of CXCR2 in myeloid cells. SB225002, an inhibitor of CXCR2, could prevent the recruitment of myeloid cells in tumor tissues and inhibit tumor growth in stressed mice. Together, these data indicate that chronic restraint stress promotes hepatocellular carcinoma growth by mobilizing splenic myeloid cells to tumor tissues via activating β-adrenergic signaling. The CXCR2-CXCL2/CXCL3 axis contributed to the recruitment of myeloid cells in tumor tissues induced by restraint stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The O -carbamoyltransferase VtdB catalyzes the carbamoylation of venturicidin B, which is essential for the biosynthesis of the antibiotic venturicidin A. Here, the crystal structures of VtdB and VtdB in complex with the intermediate carbamoyladenylate (VtdBCAO) were determined at resolutions of 2.99 Å and 2.90 Å, respectively. The structures resemble the conserved YrdC-like and specific Kae1-like domains. A magnesium ion and the intermediate carbamoyladenylate were also observed in the Kae1-like domain of VtdB. The structure of VtdBCAO in complex with the substrate venturicidin B was modeled by a molecular docking method to better understand the substrate binding mode, revealing a novel venturicidin B binding pocket. • The crystal structures of VtdB and VtdB in complex with the intermediate carbamoyladenylate (VtdBCAO) are determined. • The magnesium ion binds in the Kael-like domain, which is necessary to catalyze the synthesis of venturicidin A. • The intermediate carbamoyladenylate fits tightly into a pocket of the Kae1-like domain in VtdB and VtdBCAO. • The model complex structure of the VtdBCAO−VentB predicts the binding mode of the substrate VentB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immune system is sensitive to stress. Spleen is the largest peripheral immune organ innervated with sympathetic nerves and controlled by adrenomedullary system in the body. However, the alterations and mechanism of spleen immune cell subsets caused by repetitive restraint stress (RRS) is poorly understood. In this study, we found that RRS reduced spleen index in mice, and induced an expansion of white pulp and involution of the red pulp. Meanwhile, the percentage of CD3 + CD8 + T lymphocytes, CD11b + F4/80 + macrophages, CD11b + Ly-6G − Ly-6C hi monocytic myeloid derived suppressor cells (mMDSCs) and CD11b + Ly-6G + Ly-6C int granulocytic myeloid derived suppressor cells (gMDSCs) in spleen were significantly changed by RRS. Mechanistically, we found that the expression of norepinephrine (NE) and β-adrenergic receptor (β-AR) in spleen were up-regulated after 21 days of RRS, but not 7 days. The expression of corticosterone (CORT) and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in spleen were up-regulated after 7 days of RRS but were lower after 21 days of RRS, even though they were still higher than that in mice without stress. By treating the stressed mice with RU486 (antagonist of GR) or propranolol (antagonist of β-AR), we demonstrated that GR was responsible for the changes of spleen induced by 7 days of RRS and β-AR was for 21 days of RRS. Our data suggest that RRS changes spleen immune cell subsets through GR or β-AR in a stage dependent manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To probe into the needs and barriers underlying patients' participation in shared decision-making related to rehabilitation nursing for hemophilic arthropathy. Patients and Methods: The phenomenological research approach was adopted to conduct a series of semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 15 patients with hemophilic arthropathy undergoing rehabilitative treatments, 10 caregivers, and 7 healthcare providers from a hemophilia treatment center in Shanxi province, China. Colaizzi's seven-step method of data analysis was applied to organize, analyze, and extract the themes from the interview materials. Results: Three main themes emerged from the analysis: the status quo of the healthcare system (insufficient decision support systems and mismatch between healthcare providers' and patients' resources), circumstances of provider–patient interactions (lack of information exchange and unbalanced power structure between healthcare providers and patients), and patient-related factors influencing participation in decision-making (lack of self-efficacy, personal characteristics, family and social decision support, and attitude toward participation in decision-making). Conclusion: Participation in rehabilitation decision-making among patients with hemophilic arthropathy is affected by multiple barriers. Healthcare professionals should improve their understanding of shared decision-making, offer patients active guidance on participating in the decision-making process, prioritize their affective needs, and formulate professional and effective solutions to support shared decision-making as early as possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few studies have tested the influence of climatic factors on yields by adjusting sowing dates at both low and high altitudes. We investigated the influence of the synergistic effects of temperature and solar radiation by conducting field experiments using different rice varieties and sowing dates in the low-altitude plains of Chongzhou and the high-altitude mountainous region of Hanyuan, Sichuan Province, China, in 2017 and 2018. The results showed that from transplanting to maturity, biomass yield and grain yield were significantly (p < 0.01) correlated with the average daily temperature and solar radiation. The Hanyuan site experienced higher solar radiation and lower temperature than those of Chongzhou, which contributed to higher dry matter accumulation (DMA) and crop growth rate values pre- and post-anthesis and more panicles per m2, leading to higher biomass yields and grain yields at Hanyuan. The rice sowed earlier was subjected to higher solar radiation and lower temperature at Chongzhou and Hanyuan, resulting in increased DMA post-anthesis, panicles per m2, and spikelet filling, improving biomass yield and grain yield. These results indicate that the high potential yield from the early sowing date in the high-altitude region was primarily due to increased solar radiation and decreased temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase (TyrRS) is an aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase family protein that possesses an essential role in bacterial protein synthesis. The synthesis, structure-activity relationship, and evolution of a novel series of adenosine-containing 3-arylfuran-2(5 H )-ones as TyrRS inhibitors are described. Advanced compound d3 from this series exhibited excellent affinity for TyrRS with IC 50 of 0.61 ± 0.04 μM. Bacterial growth inhibition assays demonstrated that d3 showed submicromolar antibacterial potency against Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa , and compared to the marketed antibiotics ciprofloxacin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eight new lindenane sesquiterpenoid dimers, chlojapolides A–H ( 1 – 8 ), along with 11 known analogues were isolated from the whole plant of Chloranthus japonicus . Their structures including absolute configurations were elucidated by spectral and chemical methods. All the compounds were examined for their inhibitory effects on the nitric oxide (NO) production induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in RAW 264.7 macrophages, and compounds 1 , 11 , 13 , and 17 exhibited pronounced inhibition with IC 50 values in the range of 6.91–15.75 μM, being more active than the positive control, quercetin (IC 50 = 15.90 μM). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A quantum sealed-bid auction (QSA) with post-confirmation can realize the public verification of the honesty of bidders. In this paper, we apply the quantum secret sharing (QSS) into the post-confirmation. Surprisingly, it shows that a QSS protocol with information leakage can better ensure the security of the protocol when applied to a quantum auction. We consider a QSS scheme based on quantum state discrimination, and use the stabilizer operation of quantum state to prevent bidders from tampering his/her bids. Moreover, an improved QSA protocol based on Bell states is present, which can resist all types of collusion attack. Compared with the previous protocol whose post-confirmation realized by quantum properties, the proposed protocol has the advantages of secure and efficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SARS‐CoV‐2 wreaks havoc around the world, triggering the COVID‐19 pandemic. It has been confirmed that the endoribonuclease NSP15 is crucial to the viral replication, and thus identified as a potential drug target against COVID‐19. The NSP15 protein was used as the target to conduct high‐throughput virtual screening on 30,926 natural products from the NPASS database to identify potential NSP15 inhibitors. And 100 ns molecular dynamics simulations were performed on the NSP15 and NSP15‐NPC198199 system. In all, 10 natural products with high docking scores with NSP15 protein were obtained, among which compound NPC198199 scored the highest. The analysis of the binding mode between NPC198199 and NSP15 found that NPC198199 would form H‐bond interactions with multiple key residues at the catalytic site. Subsequently, a series of post‐dynamics simulation analyses (including RMSD, RMSF, PCA, DCCM, RIN, binding free energy, and H‐bond occupancy) were performed to further explore inhibitory mechanism of compound NPC198199 on NSP15 protein at the molecular level. The research strongly indicates that the 10 natural compounds screened can be used as potential inhibitors of NSP15, and provides valuable information for the subsequent drug discovery of anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2. Practical applications: Natural products play an important role in the treatment of many difficult diseases. In this study, high‐throughput virtual screening technology was used to screen the natural product database to obtain potential inhibitors against endoribonuclease NSP15. The binding mechanism between natural products and NSP15 was investigated at the molecular level by molecular dynamics technology so that it is expected to become candidate drugs for the treatment of SARS‐CoV‐2. We hope that our research can provide new clue to combat COVID‐19 and overcome the epidemic situation as soon as possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To reveal the hydrothermal evolution from porphyry Mo to vein-style Zn-Pb mineralization, the Chalukou deposit in NE China with these two typical mineralization overprinted is selected for detailed research. From early to late hydrothermal veins, the quartz cathodoluminescence intensities change from bright to dark and the textures also evolve. The Ti concentrations of quartz in these veins change from high to moderate and then to low values. The fluid inclusion petrography, microthermometry and stable isotope analyses indicate intermediate-density magma-derived fluids (δ18Owater = +4.7 to + 6.2‰, δD = −132 to −136‰) exsolved at high temperatures (560° to 600 °C) with low to moderate salinity (2.4 to 8.0 wt% NaCl equiv) containing minor CO 2 (<5.7 mol %). Early minor molybdenite occurred under lithostatic conditions at high temperatures (540° to 580 °C) during fluids pH change and early magnetite precipitation. Later main molybdenite precipitation at moderate temperatures (350° to 430 °C), result from fluid cooling and involving of meteoric water under the transition from lithostatic to hydrostatic conditions. The precipitation of pyrite in transitional veins at moderate temperatures (330° to 420 °C), and the late sphalerite-galena from a lower-temperature fluid (180° to 300 °C) is consistent with the cooling of magmatic fluid, and gradually dilution with meteoric water under hydrostatic conditions. It is deduced the transition from porphyry Mo to vein-style Zn-Pb mineralization is likely driven by progressive decrease in temperature of the magmatic fluids and the increasing influx of meteoric water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pathogenesis of atherosclerosis is closely related to endothelial cell injury caused by lipid peroxidation-induced ferroptosis. Tanshinone IIA (TSA) protects endothelial tissues from damage. In this study, we investigated whether TSA exerts its protective effect on endothelial cells by inhibiting ferroptosis. Ferroptosis was induced in human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs), and cells were treated with TSA. Morphological examination indicated that TSA exerted a significant protective effect on the HCAECs. This was further confirmed by LDH release and cell death detection assays. Flow cytometry revealed that TSA significantly reduced the excessive accumulation of total cellular ROS and lipid ROS caused by ferroptosis inducers. TSA also restored the reduction of glutathione (GSH), a potent and abundant reductant in cells. In addition, we found that TSA promoted the expression of NRF2, an essential player in response to oxidative stress, and its downstream genes. Immunofluorescent staining revealed that TSA promoted the nuclear translocation of NRF2. Increased nuclear translocation of NRF2 was validated by Western blot evaluation of cytoplasmic and nuclear protein extracts. Furthermore, NRF2 inhibition abolished the protective effects of TSA on HCAECs. These data demonstrate that TSA represses ferroptosis via activation of NRF2 in HCAECs. • TSA inhibits Erastin/RSL3-induced cell death in HCAEC cells. • TSA reverses Erastin/RSL3-induced ROS increase in HCAEC cells. • TSA may attenuate ferroptosis by reducing iron in HCAEC cells. • TSA protects the HCAEC cells from ferroptosis by activating the NRF2 pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation of fat-laden foam cells plays an important role in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis (AS). Amentoflavone (AF) is found in various traditional Chinese medicines, such as ginkgo biloba, which are used to treat cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). We aimed to explore the potential effects and mechanisms of AF on lipid accumulation, and its possible application in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Cellular models of lipid accumulation were established by treatment of HUASMCs and THP-1 cells with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL). Cell viability, lipid accumulation, and ox-LDL uptake were assessed. Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and overexpression plasmids were used to reveal the hierarchical correlations of regulatory pathways. AF reduced the lipid accumulation and ox-LDL uptake induced by ox-LDL, and reduced the expression levels of cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) proteins, while the expression level of ATP binding cassette subfamily A member 1 (ABCA1) increased. Knockdown of PPARγ or CD36 with siRNAs prevented ox-LDL-induced lipid accumulation. Overexpression of CD36 or PPARγ promoted the lipid accumulation induced by ox-LDL and eliminated the effect of AF on ox-LDL-induced lipid accumulation. Overall, AF prevents ox-LDL-induced lipid accumulation by suppressing the PPARγ/CD36 signaling pathway. • Amentoflavone prevents oxidized low-density lipoprotein-induced lipid accumulation. • Amentoflavone prevents oxidized low-density lipoprotein uptake. • Amentoflavone exerts these effects by suppressing PPARγ/CD36 signaling. • Amentoflavone upregulated ABCA1 expression in low-density lipoprotein-induced HUASMCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the effects of Mucins (MUC)1-shRNA on the proliferation and hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1alpha expression of human cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) QBC939 cells in vitro. MUC1-shRNA was constructed and transfected with Lipofectamine™ 2000 into cultured CCA cells. MUC1 mRNA and protein expression levels were determined by RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. The cellular proliferation and HIF-1alpha expression of QBC939 cells were evaluated by the MTT assay and Western blot, respectively. After transfection, the expression levels of MUC1 mRNA and protein in the experimental group decreased significantly in QBC939 ( P < 0.01). The proliferation of MUC1 shRNA-transfected group was 0.30 ± 0.05, 38.32 ± 1.43%, 15.18 ± 1.32%, and there were remarkable differences when compared with the control groups ( P < 0.05). Significant inhibition of HIF-1alpha protein expression in MUC1 shRNA-transfected group was also discovered ( P < 0.05). MUC1-shRNA could inhibit proliferation and significantly weaken HIF-1alpha protein expression of QBC939 cells, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target of CCA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with neuropathic pain often experience comorbid psychiatric disorders. Cellular plasticity in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is assumed to be a critical interface for pain perception and emotion. However, substantial efforts have thus far been focused on the intracellular mechanisms of plasticity rather than the extracellular alterations that might trigger and facilitate intracellular changes. Laminin, a key element of the extracellular matrix (ECM), consists of one α-, one β-, and one γ-chain and is implicated in several pathophysiological processes. Here, we showed in mice that laminin β1 (LAMB1) in the ACC was significantly downregulated upon peripheral neuropathy. Knockdown of LAMB1 in the ACC exacerbated pain sensitivity and induced anxiety and depression. Mechanistic analysis revealed that loss of LAMB1 caused actin dysregulation via interaction with integrin β1 and the subsequent Src-dependent RhoA/LIMK/cofilin pathway, leading to increased presynaptic transmitter release probability and abnormal postsynaptic spine remodeling, which in turn orchestrated the structural and functional plasticity of pyramidal neurons and eventually resulted in pain hypersensitivity and anxiodepression. This study sheds new light on the functional capability of ECM LAMB1 in modulating pain plasticity and identifies a mechanism that conveys extracellular alterations to intracellular plasticity. Moreover, we identified cingulate LAMB1/integrin β1 signaling as a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of neuropathic pain and associated anxiodepression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The renin–angiotensin system (RAS) and inflammation may play a decisive role in hypertensive end organ damage (EOD) including left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy and vascular remodeling. It is not clear whether the local RAS and inflammatory factors are involved in hypertensive EOD, and which RAS or inflammatory factors (systematic or local) is more important in EOD. Hemodynamics, cardiovascular hypertrophy, angiotensin II (Ang II) concentration and inflammatory factors in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were measured. mRNA expression of tissue RAS and inflammatory factors in SHR was assayed by real-time PCR. The independent effects and relative importance of hemodynamic factors and mRNA expression of RAS and inflammatory factors in local tissue on cardiovascular hypertrophy were assessed by stepwise multivariate regression analysis. It was found that blood pressure (BP), blood pressure variability, circulating Ang II, inflammatory factors, cardiac and aortic gene expressions of all the components of RAS and some inflammatory factors were elevated, and baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) was decreased in SHR. Changes of mRNA expressions of RAS components and inflammatory factors was unidirectional in the heart and aorta in SHR. It is the tissue RAS, rather the circulating RAS and inflammatory factors, that contributed to hypertensive cardiovascular hypertrophy. Statistically, LV hypertrophy was mainly determined by diastolic blood pressure and the cardiac angiotensin-converting enzyme gene expression, and aortic hypertrophy was mainly correlated with baroreflex sensitivity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background. Extramedullary disease (EMD), an infrequent manifestation of multiple myeloma (MM), can present at diagnosis or develop during the disease course. EMD can be clinically divided into bone-related EMD (EMD-B) and soft tissue-related EMD (EMD-S). The purpose of our study is to investigate the clinical characteristics, survival outcomes, and prognostic factors of MM patients with EMD. Methods. A total of 155 MM patients with EMD were ultimately enrolled in our study by retrieving the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. The Kaplan–Meier survival curves and log-rank test for overall survival (OS) and myeloma-specific survival (MSS) were conducted to compare each potential variable. Variables with a p value <0.1 in the univariate Cox regression were incorporated into the multivariate Cox model to determine the independent prognostic factors, with a hazard ratio (HR) >1 representing adverse prognostic factors. Results. The median age at diagnosis was 63 years old. EMD-B occurred in 99 patients (63.90%), while EMD-S occurred in 56 cases (36.10%). Patients with EMD-S had a significant survival disadvantage in MSS (HR = 1.844, 95% CI 1.117–3.042, p = 0.017) and OS (HR = 1.853, 95% CI 1.166–2.942, p = 0.009) compared to those with EMD-B. Patients with EMD interval ≤24 months were at higher risk of death than those with EMD at diagnosis in MSS (HR = 1.885, 95% CI 1.175–3.346, p = 0.042) and in OS (HR = 1.33, 95% CI 1.119–2.529, p = 0.036). Patients with EMD interval >24 months were at a lower risk of death as opposed to those with EMD at diagnosis. Conclusion. Age at MM diagnosis, site of EMD, and time interval from diagnosis to EMD occurrence were independent prognostic factors in MM patients with EMD. EMD-B bore a better prognosis than EMD-S. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, perovskite solar cells have achieved significant progress in photovoltaic conversion efficiency, mainly using organic/inorganic hybrid materials as the perovskite absorption layer. However, this type of material has defects in thermal stability. In contrast, all-inorganic perovskite materials can effectively solve this problem, and the prepared solar cells have higher stability and longer lifespan than hybrid perovskite solar cells. Therefore, the emergence of all-inorganic perovskite solar cells has attracted widespread attention, and achieved an efficiency of 21.15% in a short period of time. However, due to the short development time of all-inorganic perovskite solar cells but with many reported articles, many researchers cannot clearly understand its current development status. Therefore, this article provides a systematic discussion on the photovoltaic conversion efficiency, working principle and structure, characterization methods, preparation process, and simulation software of all-inorganic perovskite solar cells, in order to provide readers with a clearer understanding. Finally, this article summarizes the current achievements of all-inorganic perovskite solar cells, clarifies the challenges faced in this field, and looks forward to its future development prospects. This article provides a comprehensive summary of all-inorganic perovskite solar cells and introduces their development history, structure, and working principles. In addition, the preparation process and characterization methods are also emphasized. At the end of the article, the existing problems and achievements of all-inorganic perovskite solar cells are also discussed in detail. [Display omitted] • Development of all-inorganic perovskite solar cells. • Preparation and characterization methods. • All inorganic perovskite solar cells involve simulation software. • Achievements and challenges of all-inorganic perovskite solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many strategies have been used in treatment of cancer, but currently the chemotherapy is still the main force, unfortunately, general agents exhibit inevitable toxicity and inferior selectivity. Therefore, less toxic and high selectivity anticancer reagents have been extensively sought and developed. Here we report a series of Copper (II) complexes CuP1~CuP5 which have good biological activities. Due to the influence of the molecular size, CuP1 displayed the strongest bound with ct-DNA. All of the complexes show positive anticancer activities toward A549, H1975, HepG2 and T47D cancer cells. Additionally, flow cytometry experiments indicated that complexe CuP2 arrest cell cycles at S and G2 phase and mitochondrial membrane potential tests were also performed to explore the mechanism of action. Our findings disclosed that this type of complex represents a potent platform for development of metal anticancer drugs. Five Cu (II) complexes (CuP1 – CuP5) have been appeared and evaluated for their DNA binding and potential selectivity antitumor activities. Image 1 • Copper (II) complexes CuP1~CuP5 with water-soluble porphyrin have been prepared. • All the complexes investigated their binding ability with ct-DNA. • The in vitro antitumor activity of Copper (II) complexes and ligand were investigated. • Flow cytometry experiments were carried out to explore the mechanism of anticancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Pollen + yeast powder supplementation enhances E. nicholsi development and reproduction. • The full-length TOR gene, a key gene in the TOR signal pathway related to nutrition, was cloned and its expression profile was investigated. • Pollen + yeast supplementation promotes TOR expression in female E. nicholsi mites. • E. nicholsi fertility and egg hatch rates are decreased when EnTOR is silenced. Euseius species are good predators and can control infestations of non-web producing spider mites (e.g., Panonychus); they face difficulties, though, in controlling web producing spider mite species such as Tentranychus urticae. Euseius nicholsi has not yet been mass reared using an alternative diet. Here we investigated the effects of nutrient supplementation to a diet of pollen on the growth, development, and reproduction of Euseius nicholsi and the underlying molecular mechanisms. When Euseius nicholsi groups fed pollen were compared to groups fed pollen + yeast powder or pollen + sugar, yeast supplementation shortened the immature stages, but sugar supplementation lengthened the immature stages. The oviposition of Euseius nicholsi reared on pollen + yeast was higher than those in the other treatments. Based on these findings, we propose that the combination of pollen and yeast powder can enhance the reproduction in Euseius nicholsi females and could be used as an alternative diet. We also characterized the expression profile of the Euseius nicholsi target of rapamycin (EnTOR) gene, which was expressed in all developmental stages tested. The EnTOR expression levels were highest in adults when reared on pollen + yeast powder. When EnTOR was silenced using RNA interference, expression of the Euseius nicholsi vitellogenin (Vg) genes was significantly decreased, reducing the oviposition period, fecundity, and egg hatching rate. Based on these findings, we conclude that protein supplementation (yeast powder) in Euseius nicholsi enhances TOR gene expression, there by promoting the expression of the vitellogeningenes and thus improving fecundity. These data provide a foundation for further research on TOR function and provide a theoretical basis for exploring the reproduction mechanism of Euseius nicholsi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Norfloxacin (NFX)-layered double hydroxide (LDH) intercalated nanocomposite was synthesized by delamination/restacking process. In this method, LDH particles were first delaminated to well-dispersed two-dimensional nanosheets in formamide, and then the LDH nanosheets and NFX anions co-assembled into NFX-LDH nanocomposite. Characterization by powder x-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and thermogravimetry revealed that the product had an expanded LDH structure. This finding indicated that NFX was successfully intercalated into LDH layers, and NFX had both horizontal and vertical orientation in the interlayers of NFX-LDH nanocomposite. Additionally, the delamination/restacking method displayed various remarkable advantages such as simple procedure, short reaction time, and mild conditions compared with the conventional methods of ion exchange, co-precipitation, and reconstruction. Results further showed that the thermal stability of NFX greatly improved after intercalation into LDH layers and that NFX release of the NFX-LDH nanocomposite was gradual, suggesting potential use as an effective drug delivery system. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The title compound shows nitric oxide production inhibitory activity: IC50 = 14.87 μM (comparable to quercetin). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Halasheng Ag-Pb-Zn ores comprise skarns and intermediate sulfidation epithermal veins. • Sulfide trace elements and δ34S of ore sulfides support a magmatic-hydrothermal relationship. • Three generations of sphalerites with complex textures indicate temporal fluid evolution. • There is strong enrichment of Ag in sphalerite and Ag sulfosalts late in mineralization. • There is exploration potential for a district-scale porphyry mineral system at Halasheng. The Early Cretaceous Halasheng Ag-Pb-Zn deposit in NE China, which is mainly hosted in Jurassic rhyolitic tuff, andesite, and volcanoclastic rocks, comprises both proximal skarns and more distal hydrothermal discordant ore veins and stockworks with associated Fe-Mn-carbonate, illite, and silica alteration in NNW-trending extensional faults. Suggestions of a magmatic-hydrothermal relationship are tested by LA-ICP-MS trace-element and sulfur isotope studies of ore minerals, particularly sphalerite which is a major ore mineral. Sphalerite has at least three types: SpS, anhedral, mainly dark red sphalerite in skarns; Sp1, euhedral, normally pale yellow coarse-grained, and rarely oscillatory zoned sphalerite formed in Stage 2 of hydrothermal vein mineralization; and Sp2, fine-grained, red, non-zoned sphalerite formed in Stage 3 of hydrothermal mineralization. Sphalerite with different textures has As, Ag, Cd, Sb, and Pb contents that increase from proximal skarn to distal hydrothermal mineralization consistent with the increase in sulfosalt minerals in the late hydrothermal stage. In situ time-resolved depth profiles, together with tangential profiles, and LA-ICP-MS element mapping of sphalerite indicate that trace elements are largely in solid solution in Halasheng sphalerite with substitution mechanisms including: Zn2+ ↔ Fe2+, Cd2+, Mn2+, and 3Zn2+↔ (As3+, Sb3+) + Ag++Pb2+. Enrichment of In and Sn, and depletion of Ga and Ge, together with In/Sn ratios indicate the high-temperature ore-forming fluids at Halasheng that are most likely closely related to intrusions. In situ mean δ34S values of SpS, Sp1, and Sp2 sphalerites are 5.3‰, 7.6‰, and 8.3‰, respectively, indicating that sulfur was derived both from magmatic-hydrothermal fluids and from wall rocks with higher (>10‰) values. These data help confirm that the Halasheng Ag-Pb-Zn deposit is an intrusion-related deposit with local proximal skarn mineralization at the contact of Tamulangou Formation andesite with Ergunahe Formation crystalline limestone, and more distal vein-type volcanic-hosted hydrothermal mineralization, with both ore and gangue mineral assemblages and available fluid inclusion data suggesting an intermediate-sulfidation epithermal association. As ore-forming hydrothermal fluids cooled and evolved they became enriched in silver, with silver-bearing sulfosalt minerals and silver-rich sphalerite precipitated in the latter stages of deposition. In terms of future exploration, there is potential for the concealed Lower Cretaceous Pb-Zn skarns and intermediate sulfidation Ag-Pb-Zn epithermal deposits at Halasheng to be part of a larger porphyry-related mineral system with porphyry Cu-Au-Mo deposits, similar to those of Middle Triassic to Early Jurassic age in the same metallogenic belt, at deeper crustal levels than the known deposits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractChemotherapeutic drugs can enhance an immune response of the host against the tumor in addition to killing cancer cells by direct cytotoxicity. Therefore, the combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy is a promising approach for eliminating tumors, particularly in advanced stages. A strategic medication is to use a bispecific antibody format that is capable of recruiting polyclonal T cells around antibody-target-expressing tumor cells. Recently, we have constructed a bispecific antibody, anti-CD3×anti-CD19, in a diabody configuration. In this study, we measured B7 family members B7.1 (CD80) and B7.2 (CD86) expressed on a CD19+human leukemia cell line, Nalm-6, stimulated by cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C). We found that a low concentration of Ara-C could upregulate CD80 expressed on CD19+Nalm-6 cells. The cytotoxicity of T lymphocytes against Nalm-6 cells in vitroand in vivomediated by the anti-CD3×anti-CD19 diabody with or without a low dose of Ara-C was compared. The combination of the anti-CD3×anti-CD19 diabody and Ara-C showed the greatest effectiveness in enhancing the cytotoxicity of T cells against the tumor cells in vitroand in vivo. Activated T cells expressed higher levels of CD25 and CD69 and released more interleukin 2. Both perforin/granzyme B system and Fas/FasL pathway were involved in the diabody-induced T-cell cytotoxicity. Moreover, the activated T cells could upregulate ICAM-3 expression on Nalm-6 cells, and inhibition of LFA-1–ICAM-3 interaction impaired cytotoxicity of T cells. It was noted that Ara-C could upregulate CD80 expressed on two of five specimens of acute B lymphoblastic leukemia patient-derived cells. Cytotoxicity of T cells against these two patient-derived cells was enhanced in the presence of the anti-CD3×anti-CD19 diabody. These findings indicate that treatment strategy using both cytotoxic lymphocyte-based immunotherapy and chemotherapy may have synergistic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate the voiding pattern in <4-week-old newborns by 12-h daytime observation periods. Methods: Twenty-one healthy 1- to 28-day-old newborns were included (10 full term, 11 preterm). The 12-h free voiding parameters, including voiding frequency (VF), voiding volume (VV), post-voiding residual volumes (PRV) and status at voiding (awake/sleep), were recorded at day 1, 4, 7, 14 and 28 after birth. Results: Voiding was recorded 778 times. VF increased in the full-term and preterm newborns between day 4 and 7, decreased in preterms between day 14 and 28, but remained higher than in the full terms. VV increased twice in full terms and once in preterms during 28 days and PRV fluctuated. In contrast, VV was higher in the full term than in the preterms at days 4, 7, 14 and 28. PRV was higher at days 4 and 28. Interrupted voiding was less frequent in the full term than in the preterms. Conclusion: Voiding pattern in the preterms differed in many ways from that of the full-term newborns. Frequent interrupted and incomplete voiding pattern in the preterm newborns indicates a disrupted coordination of the detrusor-sphincter and a delayed maturation of the neural micturition centre. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To summarize the clinical features and follow-up, the effects of melamine-tainted milk powder (MMP) consumption on kidney and body growth in children who suffered from melamine-related urinary stones (MUS) 2 years earlier were checked. Measurements: Body height and weight, kidney and bladder morphology monitored by ultrasound, urinalysis and renal function were recorded. Plain abdominal radiography was performed for differential diagnosis. The first follow-up was carried out at 15 months and the second 2 years later for patients who showed any abnormality at the first follow-up. Two hundred age- and gender-matched cohorts were included. Results: All cases received conservative treatment in hospital. Fifteen months of follow-up was successfully carried out in 167 cases. 91 children had residual MUS at the time of discharge, 58 MUS disappeared completely, 25 dissolved partially, 1 increased in size, and 7 did not change. At 2 years of follow-up, the residual stones all disappeared except for 1 case; the patient who showed a delayed development with regard to height caught up at 24 months of follow-up. Conclusions: Conservative treatment shows a high effectiveness in cases with residual MUS. Consumption of MMP with timely treatment did not demonstrate an evident impact on kidney and bladder although body height is slightly affected in a few cases. Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) materials have become a hot topic in fields of organic light-emitting dioes, biological sensing and imaging. The present work reports firstly that 1,3,5-trifluoro-2,4,6-triiodobenzene (TITFB) can act as a simple pure organic NIR phosphor due to its novel function in promoting n-π∗ transition. Also, TITFB crystal has longer phosphorescence lifetime than other ordinary multiiodoluminophors and TITFB powder. Based on the TITFB crystal structure, σ-hole and π-hole capture mechanism of n-electron is proposed, i.e., the excited state energy is decreased and n-electrons are stabilized to cause slower radiative decay rate due to the restriction of σ-hole and π-hole bond. Both computational and experimental studies support the mechanism. The new electron-capture mode is more conducive to understanding pure organic ultralong lifetime RTP. TITFB as a simple pure organic NIR phosphor from n-π∗ transition and σ- and π-hole capture state of excited electron. Unlabelled Image • The phosphorescence and its phosphorescent mechanism of TITFB and its analogues are firstly studied in detail. • σ-hole and π-hole capture mechanism is proposed, which is conducive to understanding pure organic ultralong lifetime RTP. • The bonding mode of bromine or iodine as an electron donor is more favorable for long-wavelength emission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the inappropriate use of antibiotics in children in China. Topics mentioned include the issues associated with the misuse of such drug, such as the shortage of national surveillance systems for children's infectious diseases and the parental situation of those who self-medicate, the ways to improve the use of antibiotics in Chinese children, including multisector cooperation, use of databases, and establishment of antibiotic resistance.