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Abstract Weather forecasting is crucial for scientific research and society. Recently, deep learning (DL) methods have achieved significant advancements in medium-range weather forecasting. However, they generally depend on the initial fields generated by the computationally expensive four-dimensional variational (4DVar) data assimilation (DA) technique, which limits their real-time applicability in multivariate three-dimensional (3D) weather forecasting. Here we propose 4DVarFormer by exploring the potential of integrating the 4DVar constraint into an attention-based neural network. 4DVarFormer eliminates the need for background error covariance statistics and the complex adjoint model development. It can generate multivariate 3D weather states within 0.37 s. Moreover, 4DVarFormer can capture inter-variable relationships, allowing the assimilation of observed variables to correct unobserved variables. Hence, medium-range forecasts initiated by 4DVarFormer outperform those of DL-based DA methods and achieve performance comparable to the forecasts initiated by ERA5 reanalyses. These promising findings contribute to future advancements in integrated end-to-end DL weather forecasting systems.

BackgroundThis study analyzed the risk factors associated with positive surgical margins (PSM) and five-year survival after prostate cancer resection to construct a positive margin prediction model.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 148 patients treated with prostatectomy. The patients were divided into PSM group and Negative surgical margins (NSM) group. Several parameters were compared between the groups. All patients were followed up for 60 months. The risk factors for PSM and five-year survival were evaluated by univariate analysis, followed by multifactorial dichotomous logistic regression analysis. Finally, ROC curves were plotted for the risk factors to establish a predictive model for PSM after prostate cancer resection.Results(1) Serum PSA, percentage of positive puncture stitches, clinical stage, surgical approach, Gleason score on puncture biopsy, and perineural invasion were significantly associated with the risk of PSM (P < 0.05). Serum PSA, perineural invasion, Gleason score on puncture biopsy, and percentage of positive puncture stitches were independent risk factors for PSM. (2) Total prostate-specific antigen (tPSA) by puncture, nutritional status, lymph node metastasis, bone metastasis, and seminal vesicle invasion may be risk factors for five-year survival. Lymph node metastasis and nutritional status were the main risk factors for the five-year survival of patients with prostate cancer. (3) After plotting the ROC curve, the area under the curve (AUC) [AUC: 0.776, 95%, confidence interval (CI): 0.725 to 0.854] was found to be a valid predictor of PSM; the AUC [AUC: 0.664, 95%, confidence interval (CI): 0.576 to 0.753] was also a valid predictor of five-year survival (P < 0.05). (4) The scoring system had a standard error of 0.02 and a cut-off value of 6. It predicted PSM after prostate cancer resection with moderate efficacy.ConclusionsSerum PSA, perineural invasion, puncture biopsy Gleason score, and percentage of positive puncture stitches were independent risk factors for positive surgical margins (PSM). Also, lymph node metastasis and nutritional status were the main risk factors for the five-year survival of patients with prostate cancer. Overall, the prediction efficacy of this scoring system concerning the risk of PSM after prostate cancer resection was moderate.

Objective: The roles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the diagnosis of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) are still not well-defined. We aimed to identify differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs in plasma of ccRCC patients and health controls systematically.Methods: Expression profile of plasma lncRNAs and mRNAs in ccRCC patients and healthy controls was analyzed based on microarray assay. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway-based approaches were used to investigate biological function and signaling pathways mediated by the differentially expressed mRNAs. SOCS2-AS1 was selected for validation using Real-Time PCR. The differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs were further compared with E-MTAB-1830 datasets using Venn and the NetworkAnalyst website. The GEPIA and ULCAN websites were utilized for the evaluation of the expression level of differentially expressed mRNA and their association with overall survival (OS).Results: A total of 3,664 differentially expressed lncRNAs were identified in the plasma of ccRCC patients, including 1,511 up-regulated and 2,153 down-regulated lncRNAs (fold change ≥2 and P < 0.05), respectively. There were 2,268 differentially expressed mRNAs, including 932 up-regulated mRNAs and 1,336 down-regulated mRNAs, respectively (fold change ≥2 and P < 0.05). Pathway analysis based on deregulated mRNAs was mainly involved in melanogenesis and Hippo signaling pathway (P < 0.05). In line with the lncRNA microarray findings, the SOCS2-AS1 was down-regulated in ccRCC plasma and tissues, as well as in cell lines. Compared with the E-MTAB-1830 gene expression profiles, we identified 18 lncRNAs and 87 mRNAs differently expressed in both plasma and neoplastic tissues of ccRCC. The expression of 10 mRNAs (EPB41L4B, CCND1, GGT1, CGNL1, CYSLTR1, PLAUR, UGT3A1, PROM2, MUC12, and PCK1) was correlated with the overall survival (OS) rate in ccRCC patients based on the GEPIA and ULCAN websites.Conclusions: We firstly reported differentially expressed lncRNAs in ccRCC patients and healthy controls systemically. Several differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs were identified, which might serve as diagnostic or prognostic markers. The biological function of these lncRNAs and mRNAs should be further validated. Our study may contribute to the future treatment of ccRCC and provide novel insights into cancer biology.

Aliphatic glucosinolates are an abundant group of plant secondary metabolites in Brassica vegetables, with some of their degradation products demonstrating significant anti-cancer effects. The transcription factors MYB28 and MYB29 play key roles in the transcriptional regulation of aliphatic glucosinolates biosynthesis, but little is known about whether BoMYB28 and BoMYB29 are also modulated by upstream regulators or how, nor their gene regulatory networks. In this study, we first explored the hierarchical transcriptional regulatory networks of MYB28 and MYB29 in a model plant, then systemically screened the regulators of the three BoMYB28 homologs in cabbage using a yeast one-hybrid. Furthermore, we selected a novel RNA binding protein, BoRHON1, to functionally validate its roles in modulating aliphatic glucosinolates biosynthesis. Importantly, BoRHON1 induced the accumulation of all detectable aliphatic and indolic glucosinolates, and the net photosynthetic rates of BoRHON1 overexpression lines were significantly increased. Interestingly, the growth and biomass of these overexpression lines of BoRHON1 remained the same as those of the control plants. BoRHON1 was shown to be a novel, potent, positive regulator of glucosinolates biosynthesis, as well as a novel regulator of normal plant growth and development, while significantly increasing plants’ defense costs.

Recently, the application of cryogenic hoses in the field of cryogenic media has become a hot topic, especially in the industry of offshore liquefied natural gas and aerospace field. However, the structure of cryogenic hoses is complex, and reasonable structural properties are required due to the harsh working conditions. There is still plenty of scope for further development to improve the performance in all aspects. In this paper, the current development status of cryogenic hoses for liquefied natural gas (LNG) transportation is reviewed first, including the types, manufacturers, structural forms, performance, and key technical challenges. And then, the recent progress and prospect of cryogenic hoses for cryogenic liquid transportation (such as LNG and liquid oxygen) are summarized, including structure design, low-temperature resistant polymers, liquid oxygen compatible polymers, and leakage monitoring technologies. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the research development and application of cryogenic hoses. Moreover, future research directions have been proposed to facilitate its practical applications in aerospace.

To solve the chattering problem caused by discontinuous switching function in traditional sliding mode observer, a piecewise square root switching function with continuously varying characteristics is designed, and its stability is analyzed by using Lyapunov stability criterion. Secondly, according to the relationship among bus current, switching state and phase current, a single bus resistance sampling current reconstruction scheme without current sensors is adopted, which effectively reduces the cost of motor system. Finally, the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed scheme are verified by simulation.

Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) is a vascular bacteria pathogen causing black rot in cabbage. Here, the resistance mechanisms of cabbage against Xcc infection were explored by integrated metabolome and transcriptome analysis. Pathogen perception, hormone metabolisms, sugar metabolisms, and phenylpropanoid metabolisms in cabbage were systemically re-programmed at both transcriptional and metabolic levels after Xcc infection. Notably, the salicylic acid (SA) metabolism pathway was highly enriched in resistant lines following Xcc infection, indicating that the SA metabolism pathway may positively regulate the resistance of Xcc. Moreover, we also validated our hypothesis by showing that the flavonoid pathway metabolites chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid could effectively inhibit the growth of Xcc. These findings provide valuable insights and resource datasets for further exploring Xcc–cabbage interactions and help uncover molecular breeding targets for black rot-resistant varieties in cabbage.

Abstract Background Many cancers evade immune surveillance by overexpressing PD-L1. PD-L1 interacted with its receptor PD-1, resulting in reduction of T cell proliferation and activation and thereafter cancer cell death mediated by T-lymphocyte. Understanding the mechanisms that regulate PD-L1 was of vital importance for immune checkpoint blockade therapy (ICBT). Methods Human non-small cell lung cancer cells and 293FT cells were used to investigate the function of USP22 upon PD-L1 and CSN5 by WB, Immunoprecipitation, Immunofluorescence and Flow cytometry analysis. B16-F10 cells were used to explore the role of USP22 on tumorigenesis and T cell cytotoxicity. The relationship between USP22 and PD-L1 expression was investigated by Immunohistochemistry analysis in human non-small cell lung cancer samples. Results Our data showed that USP22 interacted with PD-L1 and promoted its stability. USP22 deubiquitinated PD-L1 and inhibited its proteasome degradation. Moreover, USP22 also interacted with CSN5 and stabilized CSN5 through deubiquitination. Either USP22 or CSN5 could facilitate the interaction of PD-L1 with the other one. Furthermore, USP22 removed K6, K11, K27, K29, K33 and K63-linked ubiquitin chain of both CSN5 and PD-L1. In addition, USP22 depletion inhibited tumorigenesis and promoted T cell cytotoxicity. Besides, USP22 expression positively correlated with PD-L1 expression in human non-small cell lung cancer samples. Conclusions Here, we suggested that USP22 is a new regulator for PD-L1. On the one hand, USP22 could directly regulate PD-L1 stability through deubiquitination. On the other hand, USP22 regulated PD-L1 protein level through USP22-CSN5-PD-L1 axis. In addition, USP22 depletion inhibited tumorigenesis and promoted T cell cytotoxicity. Besides, USP22 expression positively correlated with PD-L1 expression in human non-small cell lung cancer samples. Together, we identified a new regulator of PD-L1 and characterized the important role of USP22 in PD-L1 mediated immune evasion. Targeting USP22 might be a new solution to ICBT. Video abstract Graphical abstract

Intracellular transport: Identifying how apple pigment is sent for storage The mystery of how pigmenting anthocyanins are transported to intracellular storage is starting to be revealed. Alongside giving fruit their color, anthocyanins confer benefits to plant and human health. Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are responsible for transporting anthocyanins to storage vacuoles, yet research is lacking on how GSTs are regulated. Xuesen Chen, from China’s Shandong Agricultural University, and his team analyzed the activity of 23 GST genes in apple, finding one, MdGSTF6, was most highly active in the fruit-coloration stage of apple development. MdGSTF6 expression correlated with fruit anthocyanin levels and also restored anthocyanin levels in transport-suppressed plants, confirming its function. Chen’s team then discovered that MdGSTF6 expression is activated by the protein MdMYB1. The MdMYB1 gene is the major regulatory gene in anthocyanin synthesis, and is now revealed to also influence their transport.

Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L. ssp. pekinensis) is an important leafy vegetable crop cultivated worldwide. Drought is one of the most important limiting factors for the growth, production and quality of Chinese cabbage due to its weak drought tolerance. In order to deepen the understanding of drought stress response in Chinese cabbage, metabolomics studies were conducted in drought−tolerant (DT) and drought−susceptible (DS) genotypes of Chinese cabbage under water deficit−simulated mild and severe drought stress conditions. A total of 777 metabolites were detected, wherein 90 of them were proposed as the drought−responsive metabolites in Chinese cabbage, with abscisic acid (ABA), serine, choline alfoscerate, and sphingosine as potential representative drought stress biomarkers. We also found that drought−tolerant and drought−susceptible genotypes showed differential metabolic accumulation patterns with contrasting drought response mechanisms. Notably, constitutively high levels of ABA and glutathione were detected in drought−tolerant genotype in all tested and control conditions. In addition, proline, sucrose, γ−aminobutyric acid, and glutathione were also found to be highly correlated to drought tolerance. This study is the first metabolomic study on how Chinese cabbage responds to drought stress, and could provide insights on how to develop and cultivate new drought−resistant varieties.

The South-to-North Water Diversion Project consists of long-distance water delivery channels and a complicated geological environment along the way. To deal with the operation safety of the water conveyance channels in the middle route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project, this study analyzes six failure modes: structural cracks, poor water delivery during ice periods, instability of canal slopes, material aging, abnormal leakage, and foundation defects. Based on FMEA, a multigranularity language evaluation method that can be converted into interval intuitionistic fuzzy numbers is used to evaluate the severity (S), occurrence (O), and detection difficulty (D) of the six failure modes. Interval intuitionistic fuzzy entropy is used to calculate the weights of the risk factors. Finally, a ranking model of each failure mode is built based on the TODIM method. The final ranking results show that the risk of abnormal leakage is the largest, and the risk of poor water delivery during ice periods is the smallest. The feasibility and validity of the calculation results are verified by comparing them with the ranking results of the traditional RPN and TOPSIS methods. The TODIM-FMEA risk assessment model offers a new solution to the problem of risk assessment for water transfer projects.

This paper proposes an efficiency optimization method for the permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) based powertrain by using field-circuit coupled finite-element method (FEM) for electric vehicle or hybrid electric vehicle applications. In this paper, an alterable flux-weakening (FW) angle is employed in the armature current control strategy for the FW operation. The optimal FW angle for each certain operating condition can be obtained through the pre-selection, which improves the system efficiency compared to conventional FW methods. Then, the lookup table (LUT) for optimal armature current control commands is obtained. Through using this optimal LUT in the drive system, the system efficiency can be significantly improved for the entire operation range. The time-stepping FEM is used to simulate the PMSM system, which integrates the electromagnetic field analysis of the motor prototype and the control algorithm of the drive system. A 2-D transient FEM model is built for a 15 kW PMSM in ANSYS Maxwell, and a vector control circuit model is set up in ANSYS Simplorer. Experiments are carried out on the 15 kW PMSM prototype to verify the accuracy of the simulation results and the effectiveness of the proposed design method.

This paper presents a technical overview for low-noise switched reluctance motor (SRM) drives in electric vehicle (EV) applications. With ever-increasing concerns over environmental and cost issues associated with permanent magnet machines, there is a technical trend to utilize SRMs in some mass production markets. The SRM is gaining much interest for EVs due to its rare-earth-free characteristic and excellent performance. In spite of many advantages compared with conventional adjustable-speed drives, SRMs suffer from torque ripple and radial distortion (and thus noise and vibration) by their nature. Therefore, for high-performance vehicle applications, it is important and urgent to optimize the SRM system to overcome the drawbacks of the noise and vibration. In order to present clear solutions to the acoustic noise in SRMs, this paper starts by analyzing the mechanism of the radial vibration and torque ripples inherent in the motors, and then focuses on the state-of-the-art technologies to mitigate the radial force and torque ripples. It highlights two categories for low-noise SRMs, including the machine topology improvement and control strategy design for radial vibration mitigation and torque ripple reduction. Advanced technologies are reviewed, classified, and compared accordingly. In addition to these methodologies, the schemes that have been developed by authors are also presented and discussed. Finally, the research status on this topic is summarized and forecast research hotspots are presented. It is our intention that this paper provides the guidance on performance improvements for low-noise SRM drives in EV applications.

Double-stator switched reluctance motors (DSSRMs) are gaining much attention due to advantages of higher power/torque density and lower acoustic noise compared to conventional SRMs. In this paper, a novel three-phase 12/8/12-pole DSSRM design method is proposed by multiple pole arcs optimization for higher torque and lower torque ripple applications. A constrained quadrilateral is first presented to restrict the combinations of pole arcs according to motor operation conditions. Then, multiple parametric analysis processes are employed to analyze the effects of pole arcs on static torque in 3-D finite-element modeling environment. In order to select the optimal combinations of pole arcs generating higher torque, an effective torque evaluation principle is presented. Instead of the conventional 22.5° rotor position range, 15° range is adopted to calculate the average torque according to the static torque profiles, which is more effective to evaluate the torque capability. The selected torque range considers not only the excitation and demagnetization processes of phase currents but also the optimal range for torque generation. Finally, in order to achieve a lower torque ripple, the transient simulation is further carried out to identify the optimal pole arcs by comparing the torque ripple, average torque, and efficiency.