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Single image raindrop removal aims at recovering high-resolution images from degraded ones. However, existing methods primarily employ pixel-level supervision between image pairs to learn spatial features, thus ignoring the more discriminative frequency information. This drawback results in the loss of high-frequency structures and the generation of diverse artifacts in the restored image. To ameliorate this deficiency, we propose a novel frequency-oriented Hierarchical Fusion Network (HFNet) for raindrop image restoration. Specifically, to compensate for spatial representation deficiencies, we design a dynamic adaptive frequency loss (DAFL), which allows the model to adaptively handle the high-frequency components that are difficult to recover. To handle spatially diverse raindrops, we propose a hierarchical fusion network to efficiently learn both contextual information and spatial features. Meanwhile, a calibrated attention mechanism is proposed to facilitate the transfer of valuable information. Comparative experiments with existing methods indicate the advantages of the proposed algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen is one of the most important mineral elements for plant growth and development. Excessive nitrogen application not only pollutes the environment, but also reduces the quality of crops. However, are few studies on the mechanism of barley tolerance to low nitrogen at both the transcriptome and metabolomics levels. In this study, the nitrogen-efficient genotype (W26) and the nitrogen-sensitive genotype (W20) of barley were treated with low nitrogen (LN) for 3 days and 18 days, then treated with resupplied nitrogen (RN) from 18 to 21 days. Later, the biomass and the nitrogen content were measured, and RNA-seq and metabolites were analyzed. The nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) of W26 and W20 treated with LN for 21 days was estimated by nitrogen content and dry weight, and the values were 87.54% and 61.74%, respectively. It turned out to have a significant difference in the two genotypes under the LN condition. According to the transcriptome analysis, 7926 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 7537 DEGs were identified in the leaves of W26 and W20, respectively, and 6579 DEGs and 7128 DEGs were found in the roots of W26 and W20, respectively. After analysis of the metabolites, 458 differentially expressed metabolites (DAMs) and 425 DAMs were found in the leaves of W26 and W20, respectively, and 486 DAMs and 368 DAMs were found in the roots of W26 and W20, respectively. According to the KEGG joint analysis of DEGs and DAMs, it was discovered that glutathione (GSH) metabolism was the pathway of significant enrichment in the leaves of both W26 and W20. In this study, the metabolic pathways of nitrogen metabolism and GSH metabolism of barley under nitrogen were constructed based on the related DAMs and DEGs. In leaves, GSH, amino acids, and amides were the main identified DAMs, while in roots, GSH, amino acids, and phenylpropanes were mainly found DAMs. Finally, some nitrogen-efficient candidate genes and metabolites were selected based on the results of this study. The responses of W26 and W20 to low nitrogen stress were significantly different at the transcriptional and metabolic levels. The candidate genes that have been screened will be verified in future. These data not only provide new insights into how barley responds to LN, but also provide new directions for studying the molecular mechanisms of barley under abiotic stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acne treatment may fail or cause undesirable side effects due to inaccurate evaluation. High‐frequency ultrasound (HFUS) can monitor systemic treatment in patients with moderate‐to‐severe acne vulgaris. Materials and methods: In this prospective study, consecutive patients with moderate‐to‐severe acne vulgaris were recruited. Patients were graded by a comprehensive clinical assessment before and after therapy. Simultaneous HFUS grading was independently evaluated according to the sonographic scoring system for acne (SSSA). Clinical and HFUS grades were compared through kappa analysis. Results: A total of 70 patients were enrolled. At baseline, 36 (51.4%) and 34 (48.6%) patients were graded as moderate and severe, respectively, through clinical assessment. However, 27 patients (38.6%) scored SSSA‐Grade II and 43 (61.4%) scored SSSA‐Grade III in the HFUS grading. Sixty‐one patients (87.1%) were in the consistent category as per clinical assessment and HFUS grades, with Kappa1 = 0.745, whereas higher HFUS grades were observed in nine patients. By the end of the observation, 65 of all patients (92.9%) showed significant improvement and 5 (7.1%) showed no apparent improvement after the treatment. According to the clinical assessment, 14, 52, and 4 patients were graded as mild, moderate, and severe, respectively. On the other hand, 11, 51, and 8 patients had SSSA‐Grade I, II, and III, respectively. Of all patients, 63 (90.0%) had consistent evaluation results, with Kappa2 = 0.762, whereas the remaining seven patients had an HFUS grade higher than the clinical. Conclusion: HFUS is a useful tool for dermatologists to monitor the treatment of moderate and severe acne vulgaris. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past few decades, numerous clinical and experimental studies have confirmed that oxidative stress is enhanced in heart failure (HF). We recently found that inhibition of highly expressed dynamin2 can protect myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice and inhibit oxidative stress in ischemic cardiomyocytes. However, the specific mechanisms are still not fully understood. In this study, we hypothesized that oxidative stress induces cardiomyocyte apoptosis through IGF2BP2 regulation, which is regulated through the dynamin2 expression. H2O2-treated cardiomyocytes were observed for the regulatory effect of reactive oxygen species (ROS) on IGF2BP2 and the effect of IGF2BP2 on dynamin2 gene expression was determined by lentiviral-mediated IGF2BP2 overexpression. Then, siRNA knockdown of dynamin2 was used to observe whether it can alter the effect of IGF2BP2 on myocardial cells. Finally, IGF2BP2 was knocked down in ischemic rats using shRNA to determine the effects of IGF2BP2 on myocardial ischemia. ROS can promote dynamin2 expression by inducing IGF2BP2 expression and dynamin2 knockdown could reduce the injury of IGF2BP2 to cardiomyocytes. Inhibition of IGF2BP2 expression in myocardial ischemic rats ameliorated cardiac fibrosis in ischemic myocardium. Oxidative stress can induce cardiomyocyte apoptosis through the IGF2BP2-dynamin2 pathway. Inhibition of IGF2BP2 expression significantly improves the fibrosis and remodeling that occurs in ischemic myocardium. • Oxidative stress induces cardiomyocyte apoptosis through IGF2BP2-dynamin2 pathway. • IGF2BP2-dynamin 2 pathway was enhanced in myocardial ischemia rats. • Inhibition of IGF2BP2 can improve cardiac insufficiency after myocardial ischemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salt stress is a major abiotic stress factor affecting crop production, and understanding of the response mechanisms of seed germination to salt stress can help to improve crop tolerance and yield. The differences in regulatory pathways during germination in different salt-tolerant barley seeds are not clear. Therefore, this study investigated the responses of different salt-tolerant barley seeds during germination to salt stress at the proteomic and metabolic levels. To do so, the proteomics and metabolomics of two barley seeds with different salt tolerances were comprehensively examined. Through comparative proteomic analysis, 778 differentially expressed proteins were identified, of which 335 were upregulated and 443 were downregulated. These proteins, were mainly involved in signal transduction, propanoate metabolism, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, plant hormones and cell wall stress. In addition, a total of 187 salt-regulated metabolites were identified in this research, which were mainly related to ABC transporters, amino acid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism and lipid metabolism; 72 were increased and 112 were decreased. Compared with salt-sensitive materials, salt-tolerant materials responded more positively to salt stress at the protein and metabolic levels. Taken together, these results suggest that salt-tolerant germplasm may enhance resilience by repairing intracellular structures, promoting lipid metabolism and increasing osmotic metabolites. These data not only provide new ideas for how seeds respond to salt stress but also provide new directions for studying the molecular mechanisms and the metabolic homeostasis of seeds in the early stages of germination under abiotic stresses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A dimension-reduction SRM is proposed for simulating soil spatial variability. • Seismic reliability of tunnels is analyzed by non-intrusive random dynamic FEM. • (3) Outcomes offer a more representative depiction of random phenomena. Reliability analysis of tunnels considering soil spatial variability was traditionally carried out using Monte Carlo simulations, which are computationally expensive. This study proposes a dimension-reduction spectral representation method (SRM) for simulating parameter stochastic fields to capture uncertainties in soil properties, which can be coupled with the probability density evolution method (PDEM). Additionally, the PDEM is employed to conduct seismic reliability assessments of tunnels in a more efficient manner. By integrating a non-intrusive dynamic random finite element method (FEM), this study explores the horizontal drift angle and vertical relative settlement of tunnel dynamic response under different coefficient of variations (COVs) and horizontal autocorrelation lengths of elastic modulus (E). Results show the changes in COVs have more pronounced effects on the mean and standard deviation of horizontal drift angle and vertical relative settlement of tunnel than alterations in horizontal autocorrelation lengths. A limit state pertaining to the horizontal drift angle and vertical relative settlement is established through the use of a probability density function (PDF) and cumulative distribution function (CDF). The results suggest that the combination of soil spatial variability and PDEM can serve as an effective approach for practical tunnel design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) NCK1-AS1 plays important roles in human cancer, its function in atherosclerosis (AS) remains unclear. Method: The expression of NCK1-AS1 in AS blood samples was detected by qRT-PCR. Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) was used to construct the AS cell model, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assay was used to evaluate NCK1-AS1 level. Cell phenotypes including proliferation and apoptosis were assessed by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and flow cytometer, respectively. The malondialdehyde level was measured to evaluate oxidative stress. The expression of apoptosis-related proteins was evaluated by western blot. The expression of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNK-α) was measured by qRT-PCR and ELISA assays. The relationship among NCK1-AS1, miR-1197 and COX10 was determined by bioinformatic analysis and luciferase reporter assay. Results: NCK1-AS1 was significantly upregulated in AS blood samples and ox-LDL stimulated vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Knockdown of NCK1-AS1 increased cell viability, reduced cell apoptosis and MDA level, and also inhibited the expression of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNK-α) in ox-LDL stimulated VSMCs. NCK1-AS1 could positively regulate COX10 expression by directly sponging miR-1197. Moreover, co-transfection of sh-NCK1-AS1 and miR-1197 inhibitor, or co-transfection of sh-NCK1-AS1 and pc-COX10 (COX10 overexpressing plasmid) obviously reduced cell viability, promoted cell apoptosis, and increased MDA level in VSMCs followed by ox-LDL treatment for 24 h compared to that in sh-NCK1-AS1 transfected VSMCs. Conclusion: Our study revealed that knockdown of NCK1-AS1 attenuated the development of AS by regulating miR-1197/COX10 axis, suggesting that this lncRNA might be a potential therapeutic target for AS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common cutaneous malignancy. Occasionally, it may have an appearance similar to that of some benign pigmented skin lesions. Therefore, additional information is needed to differentiate these lesions. Materials and Methods: A diagnostic accuracy study was performed from February 2018 to April 2019. All lesions underwent ultrasound examination with 50 and 20 MHz probes. The high‐frequency ultrasound (HFUS) images were evaluated independently by 2 experienced doctors for the presence of predefined features, including the depth, shape, margin, anechoic area, hyperechoic spots, epidermal interrupted echo, mushroom sign, flat‐bottom sign, and superficial hyperechoic focus (SHEF). Results: A total of 54 BCCs, 51 melanocytic nevi and 55 seborrheic keratoses (SK), were included. BCCs often involved the subcutaneous tissue (11/54, 20.4%; P <.001) and had an irregular shape (26/54, 48.1%; P <.001) and ill‐defined borders (26/54, 48.1%; P <.001), while most benign pigmented lesions had a regular shape (101/106, 95.3%; P <.001) and well‐defined borders (95/106, 89.6%; P <.001). BCCs occasionally showed anechoic areas (10/54, 18.5%; P <.001) and epidermal interrupted echo (18/54, 33.3%; P <.001). Moreover, hyperechoic spots could be found in BCCs (43/54, 79.6%), nevi (27/51, 52.9%), and SK (30, 54.5%) (P =.001), with mean number of 7.3, 5.5, and 8.0, respectively. The mushroom signs were all present in melanocytic nevi (18/51, 35.3%), while the flat‐bottom sign (43/55, 78.2%; P <.001) and SHEF (40/55, 72.7%; P <.001) presented mainly in SKs. Conclusions: Based on the typical features, HFUS could improve the accuracy of BCC identification and should be considered when dermatologists are unsure about the lesion type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Halogeton glomeratus (H. glomeratus) is one of the most important halophytes in Asia, and the research on the genes and salt-tolerant mechanisms of this species is limited because of the lack of an optimal and efficient in vitro regeneration system. Here, we developed an efficient plant regeneration protocol using H. glomeratus leaves as explants, which has not been previously reported. High-quality calli were successfully obtained from the H. glomeratus leaves at a frequency of 100% supplemented with 2.00 mg/L 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, 0.50 g/L PVP, 5.00 g/L agar, and 30.00 g/L sucrose; the optimum callus subculture medium is 1.00 mg/L 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, 0.50 g/L PVP, 5.00 g/L agar, and 30.00 g/L sucrose. Shoots were regenerated on shoot induction medium at a frequency of 100% added with 0.50 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine, 2.00 mg/L kinetin, 0.20 mg/L naphthaleneacetic acid, 0.50 g/L PVP, 5.00 g/L agar, and 30.00 g/L sucrose; then, shoots grew up on shoot regeneration medium. Finally, roots were regenerated from the shoots on Murashige and Skoog medium with high efficiency. This study firstly offers a rapid and efficient system for plantlet regeneration from leaves of H. glomeratus. Whether our protocol applies well to other tissue regeneration of H. glomeratus needs further confirmation. This work will facilitate basic research and salt-tolerant mechanisms of this important halophyte species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A terahertz sensor based on graphene metamaterial with double plasmon-induced transparency is proposed, which mainly consists of four graphene elliptical rings and four graphene rectangular strips. The theoretical spectra of the three-resonant oscillator model fit well with the transmission spectra. A double PIT window is formed by the coupling between the bright mode and two quasi-dark modes, and the dynamic tunability of graphene can be used to control the frequency shift and the switch of the double PIT phenomenon. The number of windows can be adjusted by changing the size and Fermi level of different structures. The sensor is unaffected by polarization angle changes. The maximum sensitivity and FOM of the PIT window are 1.50 THz/RIU and 6.89/RIU. In addition, the sensor has a good slow light effect. This terahertz sensor can be used in complex experimental environments due to its flexible tunability. • The double PIT window can be obtained and it is insensitive to polarization. • The frequency shift and switch of the double PIT phenomenon can be controlled. • The number of the window can be changed by changing the size or Fermi level. • The device shows high sensitivity and has a good slow-light performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Phytoremediation by halophytes has been widely advocated as an alternative approach to remediate salt-affected and heavy metal-contaminated soils. The present study was the first to evaluate the phytoremediation potential of halophyte H. glomeratus in heavy metal-contaminated saline soils using a field trial. Materials and methods: H. glomeratus seeds were sown in heavy metal-contaminated saline soil plots and plots without plants were used as the control. The effects of phytoremediation on heavy metal-contaminated saline soils were measured in the following parameters: the plant performance in heavy metal-contaminated saline soil, the exchangeable cation and heavy metal composition of salt samples, the selected chemical properties in soil after planting H. glomeratus, and the oil composition and content in seeds. Results: After one growth season, the survival of plants, dry biomass, seed, and total salt yields of plants were 92.36%, 9806.30 kg ha−1, 619.81 kg ha−1, and 2105.35 kg ha−1, respectively. A large amount of salts and heavy metals accumulated in H.glomeratus plants growing on the heavy metal-contaminated saline soil plots. The salt samples extracted from H. glomeratus plants showed high Na levels (83.33%) and heavy metal concentrations, including Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and Hg. After sowing H. glomeratus seeds in heavy metal-contaminated saline soil plots, the levels of salt, Na, and heavy metals in test soils were significantly decreased compared with unsown plots. In addition, the oil content of seeds harvested from H. glomeratus was 19.2% and contained 91.8% unsaturated fatty acids. Conclusions: Our pilot results showed H. glomeratus can potentially hyperaccumulate not only salts but also heavy metals, and the seed oil contained a favorable ratio of fatty acids. Therefore, H. glomeratus is a promising candidate for phytoremediation of salt-affected and heavy metal-contaminated soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a polarization-insensitive dual plasmon-induced transparency (PIT) sensor based on graphene metamaterial in the terahertz band. The double PIT window results from the coupling of the bright mode and quasi-dark modes, and the theoretical results fit well with the simulated results by using the three-particle coupling system. The sensor exhibits excellent sensing performance with sensitivity and the figure of merit (FOM) of the two transmission peaks can reach 1.3 THz/RIU and 6.259 RIU−1. The sensor is insensitive to the changes in the polarization angle, and the transmission spectra of the sensor remain essentially constant in two polarization directions for incident angles less than 60°, which reduces the impact of the experimental environment on the results. The resonant frequency of the PIT window can be turned by adjusting the Fermi level of graphene. The sensor proposed in this paper is an active advance in improving the reliability of analyte detection results. • A refractive index sensor based on graphene metamaterial is proposed. • The dual plasmon-induced transparency (PIT) is excited and applied to highly sensitive sensing in the terahertz band. • The sensitivity and the figure of merit (FOM) of the dual transmission peaks can reach 1.3 THz/RIU and 6.259 RIU−1. • The metamaterial for terahertz PIT is insensitive to polarization wave angle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient transformation of biomass into fuel and chemicals under mild conditions with cost-effective and environmentally friendly characters is highly desirable but still challenging. Herein, a scalable and Earth-abundant cobalt catalyst was used for selective catalytic transfer hydrogenation (CTH) of unsaturated fatty acids to fatty alcohols with sustainable isopropanol as a hydrogen donor. By tuning the surface Co composition by varying the reduction temperature, the catalytic performance could be easily boosted. At 200 °C in 4 h, the optimal catalyst Co-350 (reduced at 350 °C) gives 100% oleic acid conversion with 91.9% octadecanol selectivity. Various characterization studies reveal that the co-existence of Coδ+ and Co0 over the cobalt core might be responsible for its high performance for CTH of oleic acid. This catalyst could be magnetically separated and is highly stable for reusing ten times. Moreover, this cobalt catalyst is relatively cheap and easy to scale-up, thus achieving a low-cost transformation of biomass into high value-added chemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Compartmentalization of Na+ into vacuoles is considered to be the most critical aspect of salt tolerance in H. glomeratus , an annual, succulent halophyte. Previous analysis of transcriptome involved in the H. glomeratus salt stress response relied on next-generation sequencing technologies that limit the capture of accurately spliced, full-length isoforms. To gain deeper insights into its salt stress response, we used the H. glomeratus Iso-Seq transcriptome database as a reference, and subsequent next-generation sequencing was subjected to various NaCl concentrations of leaves from plants revealed 115 upregulated and 87 downregulated differentially expressed isoforms (core DEIs). The majority of the core DEIs were involved in carbohydrate metabolism and energy production and conversion. In contrast, levels of known isoforms encoding Na+ transporters did not change significantly under salt stress. However, 16 core DEIs of unknown function were predicted to possess transmembrane domains, suggesting that these candidate isoforms could be involved in Na+ transport in H. glomeratus. These results suggest a potential means for identification of novel Na+ transporters, in addition to providing a foundation for further investigation of Na+ transport networks in halophytes. Highlights • Na+ Compartmentalization of into vacuoles is the most critical aspect of salt tolerance in H. glomeratus. • In H. glomeratus , ion transporters that are involved in vacuolar Na+ compartmentalization differ from other halophytes. • Results suggest a potential means for identification of novel Na+ transporters in H. glomertaus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although Halogeton glomeratus ( H . glomeratus ) has been confirmed to have a unique mechanism to regulate Na + efflux from the cytoplasm and compartmentalize Na + into leaf vacuoles, little is known about the salt tolerance mechanisms of roots under salinity stress. In the present study, transcripts were sequenced using the BGISEQ-500 sequencing platform (BGI, Wuhan, China). After quality control, approximately 24.08 million clean reads were obtained and the average mapping ratio to the reference gene was 70.00%. When comparing salt-treated samples with the control, a total of 550, 590, 1411 and 2063 DEIs were identified at 2, 6, 24 and 72 h, respectively. Numerous differentially-expressed isoforms that play important roles in response and adaptation to salt condition are related to metabolic processes, cellular processes, single-organism processes, localization, biological regulation, responses to stimulus, binding, catalytic activity and transporter activity. Fifty-eight salt-induced isoforms were common to different stages of salt stress; most of these DEIs were related to signal transduction and transporters, which maybe the core isoforms regulating Na + uptake and transport in the roots of H . glomeratus . The expression patterns of 18 DEIs that were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction were consistent with their respective changes in transcript abundance as identified by RNA-Seq technology. The present study thoroughly explored potential isoforms involved in salt tolerance on H . glomeratus roots at five time points. Our results may serve as an important resource for the H . glomeratus research community, improving our understanding of salt tolerance in halophyte survival under high salinity stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We show that for any von Neumann measurement, we can construct a logically reversible measurement such that Shannon entropies and quantum discords induced by the two measurements have compact connections. In particular, we prove that quantum discord for the logically reversible measurement is never less than that for the von Neumann measurement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How to measure ac currents in a bundle of inaccessible, enclosed conductors has been a challenging problem but with many potential applications. This paper presents a method to solve the problem using an array of magnetic field sensors. The proposed method consists of two novel ideas. The first idea is to use an off-site calibration method to establish sensor parameters including sensing position and angle, which provides more accurate sensor parameter estimation than their nominal values. The second idea is to “measure” (i.e., calculate) conductor currents and positions based on the sensed magnetic fields and preestablished sensor parameters. This process is simplified since the sensor information is obtained by the first idea. Both calibration and measurement tasks are formulated as nonlinear least square problems and solved efficiently. The proposed method is demonstrated for the cases involving ideal three-conductor system and practical residential service cable enclosed in a plastic conduit. The method has the potential for contactless current measurement of Romex cables and overhead distribution lines. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The dimension reduction spectral representation method (SRM) is generally employed with the generalized probability density evolution method (GPDEM) to implement the seismic reliability assessment, where a noticeable non-zero value in the mean value of ground motion would be obtained. This study proposed an updated spectral representation method (U-SRM) to improve the simulated mean values, which coupled with GPDEM to investigate the nonlinear responses and seismic reliability assessment of a tunnel. Results obtained from the numerical study were compared between SRM and U-SRM. The horizontal displacement at the tunnel crown is more conservative using U-SRM than SRM in the reliability assessment of tunnels. Results indicated that U-SRM coupled with GPDEM is an efficient method to analyze the nonlinear responses and the seismic reliability of tunnels, and could serve as a reference for tunnel design in seismically active zones. • An updated dimensional reduction spectral representation method is proposed. • U-SRM coupled with GPDEM is an efficient method to do the seismic reliability of tunnels. • The horizontal displacement at the tunnel crown is more conservative using U-SRM than SRM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low phosphorus (LP) stress leads to a significant reduction in wheat yield, primarily in the reduction of biomass, the number of tillers and spike grains, the delay in heading and flowering, and the inhibition of starch synthesis and grouting. However, the differences in regulatory pathway responses to low phosphorus stress among different wheat genotypes are still largely unknown. In this study, metabolome and transcriptome analyses of G28 (LP-tolerant) and L143 (LP-sensitive) wheat varieties after 72 h of normal phosphorus (CK) and LP stress were performed. A total of 181 and 163 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) were detected for G28CK vs. G28LP and L143CK vs. L143LP, respectively. Notably, the expression of pilocarpine (C07474) in G28CK vs. G28LP was significantly downregulated 4.77-fold, while the expression of neochlorogenic acid (C17147) in L143CK vs. L143LP was significantly upregulated 2.34-fold. A total of 4023 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were acquired between G28 and L143, of which 1120 DEGs were considered as the core DEGs of LP tolerance of wheat after LP treatment. The integration of metabolomics and transcriptomic data further revealed that the LP tolerance of wheat was closely related to 15 metabolites and 18 key genes in the sugar and amino acid metabolism pathway. The oxidative phosphorylation pathway was enriched to four ATPases, two cytochrome c reductase genes, and fumaric acid under LP treatment. Moreover, PHT1;1, TFs (ARFA, WRKY40, MYB4, MYB85), and IAA20 genes were related to the Pi starvation stress of wheat roots. Therefore, the differences in LP tolerance of different wheat varieties were related to energy metabolism, amino acid metabolism, phytohormones, and PHT proteins, and precisely regulated by the levels of various molecular pathways to adapt to Pi starvation stress. Taken together, this study may help to reveal the complex regulatory process of wheat adaptation to Pi starvation and provide new genetic clues for further study on improving plant Pi utilization efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occurs rarely in children and adolescents (C&A), and its clinical characteristics, prognostic factors, and treatment were rarely explored.Methods: This retrospective study focused on 65 HCC patients aged ≤20 years from August 1994 to August 2012. Cox regression models and Kaplan-Meier curves were used to investigate prognostic factors and compare overall survival (OS), respectively.Results: We found 61.5% of patients to have multiple tumors, 30.8% to have portal vein tumor thrombus, and 16.9% to have distant metastasis. Diameter of tumors was 10.2 ± 4.1 cm. OS at 5 years was 15.8%. Multivariate analyses showed initial treatment (P < 0.001) to be a predictor for OS. For moderate-stage HCC, the median OS of patients who underwent resection was longer than that of patients who underwent transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) or supportive treatment (ST) (P < 0.001). For advanced-stage HCC, the median OS of patients who underwent TACE was longer than that of patients who underwent ST (P = 0.045).Conclusions: HCC in C&A tends to be more advanced than that in adults, and resection remains the mainstay of treatment for those patients. Moreover, compared with ST, TACE may benefit C&A with moderate- and advanced-stage HCC, which needs further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of coagulation on the removal efficiency of different fractions of effluent organic matter (EfOM) from wastewater treatment plants were investigated to identify changes in their structural characteristics and the influences on trihalomethane formation potential (THMFP) and haloacetic acid formation potential (HAAFP). The results indicated that coagulation performed better for the removal of hydrophobic base (HOB) and hydrophobic neutral (HON) fractions than hydrophilic (HI) and hydrophobic acid (HOA) fractions. The removal efficiency was higher under neutral than under acidic conditions for all fractions. As a result, lower levels of THMFP and HAAFP were detected at pH7. The excitation-emission matrix spectra indicated that the HI fraction contained humic acid-like substances that reacted with chlorine to form THMs. The HON fraction contained soluble microbial byproduct-like substances with a higher potential to create HAAs. The results of Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and high-pressure size exclusion chromatography (HP-SEC) of the raw and coagulated water indicated that a higher molecular weight, α-carbon, COOH, aromatic structures, and polysaccharides were associated with a higher production of disinfection byproducts (DBP). These results elucidate the coagulation efficiencies of EfOM fractions associated with different mechanisms and facilitate the prediction of DBP formation by each fraction based on specific structural characteristics. [Display omitted] • Removal and DBPFP of EfOM fractions for different coagulation mechanism were studied. • Neutral conditions showed higher coagulation efficiencies in THMs and HAAs removal. • HON with soluble microbial byproduct-like substance was more likely to form HAA. • HI contained humic acid-like substance contributed largely to the formation of THM. • COOH, aromatic structures, polysaccharide and α-carbon were primary DBP precursors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Halogeton glomeratus (H. glomeratus) is categorized as a halophyte, it can potentially endure not only salt but also heavy metals. The aim of this work was to study the molecular mechanisms underlying the Cd2+ tolerance of halophyte H. glomeratus seedlings. For that we used a combination of physiological characteristics and data-independent acquisition-based proteomic approaches. The results revealed that the significant changes of physiological characteristics of H. glomeratus occurred under approximately 0.4 mM Cd2+ condition and that Cd2+ accumulated in Cd2+-treated seedling roots, stems and leaves. At the early stage of Cd2+ stress, numerous differentially abundant proteins related to "phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase", "transmembrane transporters", and "vacuolar protein sorting-associated protein" took important roles in the response of H. glomeratus to Cd2+ stress. At the later stage of Cd2+ stress, some differentially abundant proteins involved in "alcohol-forming fatty acyl-CoA reductase", "glutathione transferase", and "abscisic acid receptor" were considered to regulate the adaptation of H. glomeratus exposed to Cd2+ stress. Finally, we found various detoxification-related differentially abundant proteins related to Cd2+ stress. These biological processes and regulators synergistically regulated the Cd2+ tolerance of H. glomeratus. The halophyte, H.glomeratus , has a strong tolerance to salinity, also survives in the heavy metal stress. At present, there are few reports on the comprehensive characterization and identification of Cd2+ response and adaption related regulators in H.glomeratus. This research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of H. glomeratus tolerance to Cd2+ stress at proteome levels to uncover the novel insight of the Cd2+-related biological processes and potential candidates involved in the response and adaption mechanism. The results will help elucidate the genetic basis of this species' tolerance to Cd2+ stress and develop application prospect of wild genetic resources to heavy metal phytoremediation. [Display omitted] • Halogeton glomeratus (H. glomeratus) is categorized as a halophyte, but it has robust resistance to Cd2+ stress. • A DIA-based proteomic technique was used to investigate the molecular mechanisms for Cd2+ stress in H. glomeratus. • Numerous biological processes and regulators were related to Cd2+ stress in H. glomeratus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) and organic solar cells (OSCs) face device efficiency losses and instability challenges with existing hole transport materials (HTMs). The development of new universal HTMs is in great demand to promote their practical applications. Herein, a versatile self‐assembled molecule (SAM) based HTM is designed for record‐high efficiency wide‐bandgap (WBG, Eg >1.75 eV) PSCs, all‐perovskite tandem solar cells (TSCs) and OSCs. The SAM exhibits high transmission and a lower‐lying energy level, enabling enhanced interfacial charge transfer and suppressed non‐radiative recombination losses. SAM based WBG PSCs deliver a maximum power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18.63% with over 90% efficiency retention after 250 h continuous work. By stacking the optimal WBG PSC and a narrow‐bandgap PSC bottom cell, the 4‐terminal all‐perovskite TSC achieves a remarkable 26.24% PCE. More importantly, this SAM based HTM exhibits impressive generality in bulk heterojunction OSCs rivalling PEDOT:PSS, with an impressive PCE of 18.84% obtained for PM6:BTP‐eC9 based devices. When scaling up the PM6:BTP‐eC9 device to 0.5 cm2 in area (0.71 cm × 0.71 cm), the SAM based OSCs afford a highest PCE of 16.33%. This work provides a perspective for the design of universal SAM based charge transport materials targeting PSCs and OSCs for facile large‐area fabrication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) plays an important role in plant growth and development, and in the response to various abiotic stresses. However, its role in the responses of barley to low phosphorus (LP) stress remains largely unknown. In the present study, we investigated the root phenotypes and metabolic patterns of LP-tolerant (GN121) and LP-sensitive (GN42) barley genotypes under normal P, LP, and LP with exogenous melatonin (30 μM) conditions. We found that melatonin improved barley tolerance to LP mainly by increasing root length. Untargeted metabolomic analysis showed that metabolites such as carboxylic acids and derivatives, fatty acyls, organooxygen compounds, benzene and substituted derivatives were involved in the LP stress response of barley roots, while melatonin mainly regulated indoles and derivatives, organooxygen compounds, and glycerophospholipids to alleviate LP stress. Interestingly, exogenous melatonin showed different metabolic patterns in different genotypes of barley in response to LP stress. In GN42, exogenous melatonin mainly promotes hormone-mediated root growth and increases antioxidant capacity to cope with LP damage, while in GN121, it mainly promotes the P remobilization to supplement phosphate in roots. Our study revealed the protective mechanisms of exogenous MT in alleviating LP stress of different genotypes of barley, which can be used in the production of phosphorus-deficient crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Very little is known about the adaptation mechanism of Chenopodiaceae H alogeton glomeratus, a succulent annual halophyte, under saline conditions. In this study, we investigated the morphological and physiological adaptation mechanisms of seedlings exposed to different concentrations of NaCl treatment for 21 d. Our results revealed that H . glomeratus has a robust ability to tolerate salt; its optimal growth occurs under approximately 100 m m NaCl conditions. Salt crystals were deposited in water-storage tissue under saline conditions. We speculate that osmotic adjustment may be the primary mechanism of salt tolerance in H . glomeratus, which transports toxic ions such as sodium into specific salt-storage cells and compartmentalizes them in large vacuoles to maintain the water content of tissues and the succulence of the leaves. To investigate the molecular response mechanisms to salt stress in H . glomeratus, we conducted a comparative proteomic analysis of seedling leaves that had been exposed to 200 m m NaCl for 24 h, 72 h and 7 d. Forty-nine protein spots, exhibiting significant changes in abundance after stress, were identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization tandem time-of-flight mass spectrometry ( MALDI- TOF/ TOF MS/ MS) and similarity searches across EST database of H . glomeratus. These stress-responsive proteins were categorized into nine functional groups, such as photosynthesis, carbohydrate and energy metabolism, and stress and defence response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epigenetic evolution occurs over million-year timescales in Cryptococcus neoformans and is mediated by DNMT5, the first maintenance type cytosine methyltransferase identified in the fungal or protist kingdoms, the first dependent on adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and the most hemimethyl-DNA-specific enzyme known. To understand these novel properties, we solved cryo-EM structures of Cn DNMT5 in three states. These studies reveal an elaborate allosteric cascade in which hemimethylated DNA binding first activates the SNF2 ATPase domain by a large rigid body rotation while the target cytosine partially flips out of the DNA duplex. ATP binding then triggers striking structural reconfigurations of the methyltransferase catalytic pocket to enable cofactor binding, completion of base flipping, and catalysis. Bound unmethylated DNA does not open the catalytic pocket and is instead ejected upon ATP binding, driving high fidelity. This unprecedented chaperone-like, enzyme-remodeling role of the SNF2 ATPase domain illuminates how energy is used to enable faithful epigenetic memory. [Display omitted] • Structures of DNMT5 reveal the mechanism of ATP-dependent DNA methylation • Hemimethylated CpG recognition triggers partial base flipping of the target cytosine • Hemimethylated DNA induces rigid body rotation to activate the SNF2 ATPase domain • SNF2 ATPase regulates the MTase activity to achieve ultrahigh specificity With an elegant set of three cryo-EM structures, Wang et al. reveal the mechanism of ATP-dependent DNA methylation in the DNA methyltransferase DNMT5. SNF2 ATPase regulates the methyltransferase activity to achieve ultrahigh specificity, which is critical for epigenome maintenance over million-year timescales in the human pathogenic fungus Cryptococcus neoformans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Human papillomavirus (HPV) positivity is a favorable prognostic factor in the general population of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. However, its impact on the survival of metastatic HNSCC of pharynx (mHNSC-P) patients is unclear. This study aims to investigate the associations between HPV status and survival in mHNSC-P patients.Methods: 735 mHNSC-P patients diagnosed at first presentation from 2010 to 2016 were retrieved from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Result database (SEER). Chi-Squared test, univariate and multivariate cox proportional hazards model, Kaplan-Meier analysis, and log-rank test were applied to compare HPV-positive and -negative mHNSC-P patients.Result: Using univariate cox proportional hazards analysis, HPV status, primary site, T stage, treatment and distant metastatic site correlate with the overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) in mHNSC-P patients. Multivariate cox regression analysis shows that HPV-positive mHNSC-P patients experienced significantly better OS (HR: 0.62 CI: 0.51-0.76, p < 0.001) and DSS (HR: 0.73 CI: 0.58-0.91, p < 0.01) as compared to HPV-negative mHNSC-P patients. Subgroup analysis indicates that HPV-associated OS and DSS benefits exist in patients with metastatic HNSCC of oropharynx (mHNSC-OP) but not in patients with metastatic HNSCC of non-oropharynx (mHNSC-non-OP). Among mHNSC-OP patients, HPV positivity confers disease-specific survival benefit in patients with oligometastatic rather than polymetastatic patients. Furthermore, HPV associated OS and DSS advantages in mHNSC-OP with lung metastasis was observed.Conclusion: HPV-positive mHNSC-OP patients with lung metastasis show better survival than HPV-negative mHNSC-OP patients, providing key information to guide patient treatment approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Immune score was related to clinical characteristics of patients with HNSCC. • TP53 mutation was immunosuppressive in head and neck tumor microenvironment. • Functional analysis of microenvironmental gene module showed an immune activation status in HNSCC. • Immune microenvironmental gene signatures associated with an improved prognosis value in patients with HNSCC. Tumor cells influencing the microenvironment are essential for restrained immunity in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). There has been considerable progress in the research on monoclonal antibodies for antigen-specific immunotherapy that overcome immunosuppressive checkpoint receptor/ligand signaling in patients with HNSCC. However, alteration of immunogenicity and formation of neoantigens that lead to dysregulation and immunosuppression in the HNSCC microenvironment is not well-defined. The aim of this study was to quantify the Immune, Stromal, and ESTIMATE scores based on the gene matrix of patients with HNSCC reported in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). We examined the association of the Immune, Stromal, and ESTIMATE scores with the pathologic characteristics of patients with HNSCC, using weighted gene co-expression network (WGCNA) and protein–protein interaction (PPI) analyses, and selected 17 hub gene signatures from the key gene module that was mostly correlated to immunocyte infiltration. Gene functional enrichment showed that this key gene module was closely related to the regulation of immune cell activation and its relevant pathways. In the prognostic analysis, high expression of CD3E, SASH3, CD2, SIRPG, UBASH3A, IKZF1, SPN, IL10RA, SLA, and CD3G was significantly associated with a good prognosis. Consequently, these prognosis-related genes were validated via analysis of mRNA expression in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and matched peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) in ten patients with HNSCC, and the expression of these genes was significantly higher in TILs compared to that in PBLs. These findings provide a novel understanding of the tumor immune targets for improved therapeutic regimes in patients with HNSCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The analytical stochastic errors of power spectral density functions for dimension-reduction representation methods are given. • The Gaussianity of sample processes is discussed from the from the view of the first four statistical moments. • The Type I orthogonal function set is recommended to be utilized in practice. The simulation of random vector process is of great importance, particularly for the nonlinear dynamic analysis and reliability evaluation of large-scale structures. Combining the probability density evolution method, which provides an efficient way to perform the structural dynamic reliability analysis, reducing the randomness degree of the simulation method becomes a new challenge task. In order to address this issue, dimension-reduction representation methods for simulating stationary vector processes were proposed recently. However, the features regarding the stochastic error of power spectral density functions and the Gaussianity of vector processes generated by the dimension-reduction representation methods remain unclear. In this paper, the analytical stochastic errors of power spectral density functions for dimension-reduction representation methods will be given, and be proved through the numerical example. Moreover, the Gaussianity of the generated vector processes will be discussed from the view of the first four statistical moments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wide‐bandgap (WBG) perovskite solar cell (PSC) plays a pivotal role as the top subcell in all‐perovskite tandem solar cells (TSCs), facilitating the absorption of high‐energy photons and affording a large open‐circuit voltage (VOC). Nonetheless, the stability and efficiency of WBG PSCs are constrained by light‐induced halide segregation and non‐radiative recombination losses. In this study, this work presents an approach of utilizing 2‐methylpiperazinium bromide (2‐MePBr) via interfacial engineering to realize high‐efficiency WBG (1.77 eV) PSCs. The C─NH─C functional group in 2‐MePBr, serving as an electron donor, can interact with under‐coordinated lead defects at the perovskite surface. Consequently, the treatment with 2‐MePBr mitigates interfacial non‐radiative recombination, enhances charge transport, inhibits ion migration, and thus delivers an improved power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 19.30% with a VOC of 1.29 V, and a fill factor of 83.08%. Notably, the WBG PSCs manifest enhanced stability, preserving 80% of the initial PCE after 337 h of continuous operation under 1 sun illumination at the maximum power point. Furthermore, the all‐perovskite TSCs based on this WBG subcell achieve a PCE of 27.47%, showing its promising application in perovskite‐based tandem solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Halophyte Halogeton glomeratus mostly grows in saline desert areas in arid and semi‐arid regions and is able to adapt to adverse conditions such as salinity and drought. Earlier transcriptomic studies revealed activation of the HgS2 gene in the leaf of H. glomeratus seedlings when exposed to saline conditions. To identify the properties of HgS2 in H. glomeratus, we used yeast transformation and overexpression in Arabidopsis. Yeast cells genetically transformed with HgS2 exhibited K+ uptake and Na+ efflux compared with control (empty vector). Stable overexpression of HgS2 in Arabidopsis improved its resistance to salt stress and led to a notable rise in seed germination in salinity conditions compared to the wild type (WT). Transgenic Arabidopsis regulated ion homeostasis in plant cells by increasing Na+ absorption and decreasing K+ efflux in leaves, while reducing Na+ absorption and K+ efflux in roots. In addition, overexpression of HgS2 altered transcription levels of stress response genes and regulated different metabolic pathways in roots and leaves of Arabidopsis. These results offer new insights into the role of HgS2 in plants' salt tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A McAb named LF8 specific to bovine lactoferrin was screened by hybridoma. • The purified LF8 mAb showed high specificity and affinity(about 0.65 × 109 L/mol) to bovine LF. • The linear range of ic-ELISA to detect bovine LF was 9.76 ~ 625 ng/mL, with a lower detection limit (LOD) of 0.01 ng/mL. • The LOD of colloidal gold strip and AuNFs-based strip by naked eye were 9.7 and 2.4 ng/mL, respectively. • The colloidal- and AuNFs-based strip can be used for bovine LF monitoring in cow mlik. Lactoferrin (LF), a bioactive multifunctional protein of the transferrin family, is found mainly in the secretions of all mammals, especially in milk. In the present study, a hybridoma cell (LF8) secreting IgG against bovine LF was screened, and the purified LF8 mAb showed high specificity and affinity to bovine LF. The linear range of ic-ELISA to detect LF was 9.76 ~ 625 ng/mL, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.01 ng/mL. The average recovery of intra- and inter-assay were (104.45 ± 4.12)% and (107.13 ± 4.72)%, respectively. The LOD of colloidal gold- and AuNFs-based strip by naked eye were 9.7 and 2.4 ng/mL, respectively, and the detection time was less than 10 min without any samples pretreatment and expensive equipment. The developed ELISA and lateral flow immunosensors based on specific IgG could be used directly for rapid detection of the bovine LF content in cow milk samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Cu m Ni n /CoO x was used for oleic acid hydrodeoxygenation with isopropanol. • 100% conversion and 91.3% heptadecane yield were obtained at 240 °C for 8 h. • Strong synergy between Cu, Ni and CoO x favored H 2 production ability. • The rate determining step relied on octadecanol dehydrogenation. • Oleic acid hydrodeoxygenation occurred via decarbonylation of stearaldehyde. Bifunctional Cu m Ni n /CoO x catalysts were fabricated by co-precipitation method and applied in in-situ hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of biomass derived oleic acid to n-heptadecane with isopropanol as hydrogen source. Upon incorporating Cu or Ni into CoO x , the catalytic performance could be easily boosted. By varying Cu/Ni ratio, reduction temperature as well as catalyst loading, the optimized Cu 1 Ni 1 /CoO x exhibited >99% conversion and 91.3% n-heptadecane yield at 240 °C in 8 h. Characterizations showed that synergistic effect between Cu, Ni and CoO x was existed, thus strengthening H 2 production ability towards isopropanol and favoring the generation of n-heptadecane. Kinetic studies revealed HDO of oleic acid to alkane mainly proceeded via decarbonylation of stearaldehyde rather than direct decarboxylation of stearic acid, and the rate determining step relied on octadecanol dehydrogenation. This catalyst could be magnetically separated for 5 times recycling and was versatile for in situ HDO of various fatty acids, thus achieving a low-cost, energy-saving biomass-to-biofuel conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

B Introduction: b Excessive intraoperative hemorrhage is a critical factor of poor prognoses after liver resection, especially for laparoscopic hepatectomy (LH) in hepatocellular carcinoma, because of the high technical requirements. Moreover, low central venous pressure (CVP) during parenchymal transection is accepted to reduce intraoperative hemorrhage in open procedures. Compared with patients in the control group, those in the CLCVP group had a significantly lower CVP during resection (4.83±3.41 cm H SB 2 sb O vs. 9.26±3.38 cm H SB 2 sb O; P<0.001) and significantly reduced total intraoperative blood loss (188.00±162.00 mL vs. 346.00±336.00 mL; P<0.001). [Extracted from the article]

Background: Given the superior performance of various therapies over sorafenib in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the absence of direct comparisons, it is crucial to explore the efficacy of these treatments in phase III randomized clinical trials. Objectives: The goal is to identify which patients are most likely to benefit significantly from these emerging therapies, contributing to more personalized and informed clinical decision-making. Design: Systematic review and network meta-analysis Data sources and methods: PubMed, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov, and international conference databases have been searched from 1 January 2010 to 1 December 2023. Results: After screening, 17 phase III trials encompassing 18 treatments were included. In the whole-population network meta-analysis, the newly first-line tremelimumab plus durvalumab (Tre + Du) was found to be comparable with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (Atezo + Beva) in providing the best overall survival (OS) benefit [hazard ratio (HR) 1.35, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.93–1.92]. Concerning OS benefits, sintilimab plus bevacizumab biosimilar (Sint + Beva), camrelizumab plus rivoceranib (Camre + Rivo), and lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab (Lenva + Pemb) appear to exhibit similar effects to Tre + Du and Atezo + Beva. In the context of progression-free survival, Atezo + Beva seemed to outperform Tre + Du (HR: 0.66 CI: 0.49–0.87), while the effects are comparable to Sint + Beva, Camre + Rivo, and Lenva + Pemb. Upon comparison between Asia-Pacific and non-Asia-Pacific cohorts, as well as between hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected and non-HBV-infected populations, immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-based treatments seemed to exhibit heightened efficacy in the Asia-Pacific group and among individuals with HBV infection. However, combined ICI-based therapies did not show more effectiveness than molecular-targeted drugs in patients without macrovascular invasion and/or extrahepatic spread. As for grades 3–5 adverse events, combined therapies showed comparable safety to sorafenib and lenvatinib. Conclusion: Compared with sorafenib and lenvatinib, combination therapies based on ICIs significantly improved the prognosis of advanced HCC and demonstrated similar safety. At the same time, the optimal treatment approach should be tailored to individual patient characteristics, such as etiology, tumor staging, and serum alpha-fetoprotein levels. With lower incidence rates of treatment-related adverse events and non-inferior efficacy compared to sorafenib, ICI monotherapies should be prioritized as a first-line treatment approach for patients who are not suitable candidates for ICI-combined therapies. Trial registration: PROSPERO, CRD42022288172. Plain language summary: Lay summary/Key points The efficiency of various systemic therapies in advanced HCC patients with specific characteristics remains to be explored. This study revealed that the efficacy of ICI combined therapies is influenced by factors such as tumor staging, etiology, patient demographics, and more. Additionally, ICI monotherapies should be prioritized as a first-line treatment approach for patients who are not suitable candidates for ICI combined therapies. Complementing to recent guidelines, this study indicated that several critical factors needed to be took into consideration for patients with advanced HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An accurate and cost-effective islanding detection is in a great need for distributed generation (DG) integration. An onsite contactless islanding detection scheme is proposed in this article, based on a small number of tiny and portable electric field (EF) sensors. In contrast to the existing mainstream detection techniques, which are heavily depended on the instrument transformer measurement in substations, the proposed contactless scheme is able to be deployed on the ground below the overhead feeders, enabled by a compact EF sensor and the associated accurate frequency measurement algorithm. The effectiveness, robustness, efficiency, and security advantages of the proposed method are investigated and verified by the simulations using various feeder configurations. It is further supported by the laboratory experiments based on a scale-down overhead feeder testbed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we propose a novel cumulative-damage model based on continuum damage mechanics under situations where the mechanical components are subjected to variable loading. The equivalent completely reversed stress amplitude accounting for the effect of mean stress, stress gradients, loading history, and additional hardening behavior related to nonproportional loading paths on high-cycle fatigue under variable loading is elaborated. The effect of mean stress, stress gradients, loading history, and additional hardening behavior related to nonproportional loading paths is considered by averaging the superior limit of the intrinsic damage dissipation work in the critical domain. We developed a novel cumulative-damage model by introducing the equivalent completely reversed stress amplitude into the damage-evolution model. For better comparison, existing cumulative-damage models, including the Palmgren–Miner law, corrected Palmgren–Miner law, Morrow's plastic work interaction rule, and Wang's rule, were employed to predict the fatigue life under variable loading. The proposed model performed better, considering the error scatter band obtained by plotting the predicted and experimental fatigue life on the same coordinate system. The model precisely predicts fatigue life under variable loading and easily identifies its material constants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metal Cr3+ has been regarded as a threat to the environment and human health. So it is crucial to find a rapid method for detecting Cr3+, especially for the trace amounts. Here, HgS/ZnS core/shell quantum dots (HgS/ZnS QDs) with a quantum yield of 22.6% were synthesized as a fluorescent nanoprobe for detection of Cr3+ with a detection limit of 0.19 nM. With captopril as stabilizer, the formation of the core/shell structure of HgS/ZnS QDs was demonstrated by high-resolution high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HR-HAADF-STEM). The substantial fluorescence (580 nm) quenching of HgS/ZnS QDs which could be seen immediately by the naked eyes was induced selectively and sensitively by Cr3+, even in the case of Cr3+ mixed with other interfering ion. The HgS/ZnS QDs exhibited a stable visual response to Cr3+ from 1 μM, which just conformed to World Health Organization (WHO) standards for drinking water. Moreover, further experiments indicated that the mechanism of fluorescence quenching lied on the aggregation of the HgS/ZnS QDs. These results provide a novel insight for in situ rapid visual detection of heavy metal ions. Graphical abstract A rapid visual method was developed for in-situ detection of Cr3+ from 1 μM (WHO standards for the drinking water) through the orange fluorescence quenching (seen by naked eyes) which resulted from the Cr3+ induced the aggregation of captopril coated HgS/ZnS core/shell QDs [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An elastoplastic phase field model was employed for simulations to investigate the influence of external loading on the martensitic phase transformation kinetics in steel. The phase field model incorporates external loading and plastic deformation. During the simulation process, the authenticity of the phase field model is ensured by introducing the relevant physical parameters and comparing them with experimental data. During the calculations, loads of various magnitudes and loading conditions were considered. An analysis and discussion were conducted concerning the volume fraction and phase transition temperature during the phase transformation process. The simulation results prominently illustrate the preferential orientation of variants under different loading conditions. This model can be applied to the qualitative phase transition evolution of Fe-Ni alloys, and the crystallographic parameters adhere to the volume expansion effect. It is concluded that uniaxial loading promotes martensitic phase transformation, while triaxial compressive loading inhibits it. From a dynamic perspective, it is demonstrated that external uniaxial loading accelerates the kinetics of martensitic phase transformation, with uniaxial compression being more effective in accelerating the phase transformation process than uniaxial tension. When compared to experimental data, the simulation results provide evidence that under the influence of external loading, the martensitic phase transformation is significantly influenced by the applied load, with the impact of external loading being more significant than that of plastic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract The introduction of chiral enantiomers generated chiral β-HgS QDs, which showed chirality inversion compared with the corresponding chiral ligands. Their chiroptical activity, good cytocompatibility, near-infrared optical absorption, near-infrared fluorescence emission and high-performance photothermal conversion implied that these chiral β-HgS quantum dots have potential to be applied in biotechnology and bio-medicine. Abstract β-HgS quantum dots (QDs) have drawn enormous attention due to the size-tunable bandgap and the lowest quantum state in conduction band which have been applied to semiconductor transistor and photodetector. Though β-HgS is the essential component of Tibetan medicine, the potential toxicity of β-HgS limits its applications, especially in bio-application. Herein, chiral biomolecule enantiomers N -isobutyryl- L (D)-cysteine (L (D)-NIBC) and L (D)-cysteine (L (D)-Cys) were introduced into HgCl 2 and Na 2 S aqueous solution to synthesize chiral β-HgS QDs in one-pot, which significantly improved their water-solubility and cytocompatibility. Notably, all chiral β-HgS QDs showed none cytotoxicity even at high concentration (20 mg·L−1), and the cytocompatibility of D -β-HgS QDs was better than corresponding L -β-HgS QDs at the concentration of 20 mg·L−1. This cytotoxicity discrimination was associated with the chirality inversion of chiral β-HgS QDs compared with the corresponding chiral ligands. In-situ real-time circular dichroism (CD) monitoring indicated that the chirality of β-HgS QDs originated from the asymmetrical arrangement of chiral ligands on the achiral core surface. Their chiroptical activity, near-infrared optical absorption (800 nm), fluorescence emission (900–1000 nm), high-performance photothermal conversion and good cytocompatibility, implied chiral β-HgS QDs could be used as a candidate material for photothermal therapy or a near-infrared fluorescent probe in organism, which brings a novel insight for bio-application of β-HgS QDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Catalytic mechanism of NiO on the conversion fructose to methyl lactate (MLA) has been evaluated in this work. NiOs were calcined at various temperatures. NiOOH was detected on the surface of NiO. The amount of NiOOH as well as the product yield of MLA decreased with an increase in the calcination temperature of NiO. We have demonstrated that NiOOH could facilitate the catalytic conversion of fructose to MLA. This work provides some new insights into the NiO catalytic production of MLA. These results will guide the preparation of nickel based solid catalysts for the MLA production. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Catalytic mechanism of NiO for the production of methyl lactate has been evaluated. • NiOOH was detected on the surface of NiO. • Concentration of NiOOH decreased with the increase of calcination temperature. • NiOOH on the surface of NiO could facilitate the production of methyl lactate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both tolerogenicity and immunogenicity of dendritic cells (DCs) are regulated by their intracellular metabolism. As a rate-limiting enzyme of tryptophan (Trp) metabolism, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) is involved in regulating the functions of numerous cell types, including DCs, a subset of which has a high capacity for producing IDO to control over-activated inflammation. To identify the mechanisms of IDO in DCs, stable DC lines with both gain- and reduction-of-function of IDO were established using a recombinant DNA technique. Although the IDO variation did not affect DC survival and migration, it altered Trp metabolism and other features of DCs analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography and flow cytometry. On the surface of the DCs, IDO inhibited co-stimulatory CD86 but promoted co-inhibitory programmed cell death ligand 1 expression, and suppressed the antigen uptake, which ultimately led to the compromised ability of DCs to activate T cells. Furthermore, IDO also suppressed IL-12 secretion but enhanced that of IL-10 in DCs, which eventually induced T cells into tolerogenic phenotypes by inhibiting the differentiation of Th1 but promoting that of regulatory T cells. Collectively, the findings of the present study demonstrated that IDO is a key molecule for tolerogenic DC induction by metabolically regulating surface molecule and cytokine expression. This conclusion may lead to the targeted development of therapeutic drugs for autoimmune diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Lenvatinib is recommended as a first-line therapy in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Combination therapy with local therapy (LT) or PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors (PI) might improve the antitumor effect of lenvatinib. The objective of this study was to investigate the antitumor effect of lenvatinib-based combination therapies. Methods: The study retrospectively analyzed 215 HCC patients who received lenvatinib therapy. The outcomes of patients treated with lenvatinib monotherapy as well as combination strategies were compared. Progression-free survival (PFS) by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) v1.1 was the primary endpoint, while PFS by mRECIST, overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR) and safety were the secondary endpoints. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was performed to overcome the bias of baseline characteristics. Results: Compared with lenvatinib monotherapy, combination therapy prolonged PFS (by RECIST v1.1, 7.77 vs. 4.43 months, P = 0.045; by mRECIST, 6.97 vs. 5.27 months, P = 0.067). A higher ORR was also recorded in the combined-therapy group, according to both RECIST v1.1 (37 vs. 5%, P < 0.001) and mRECIST (53 vs. 11%, P < 0.001). Similar outcomes were obtained after PSM. Moreover, triple therapy (combined with both PI and LT) was significantly superior to dual therapy (combined with either PI or LT) in terms of better PFS according to RECIST v1.1 (8.90 vs. 6.43 months, P = 0.023). However, adverse events occurred in more patients receiving combined therapy and triple therapy. No difference was observed in OS between groups. Conclusion: Combination therapies based on lenvatinib were associated with significantly better PFS and tumor response rates than lenvatinib monotherapy in HCC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) with fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX), lenvatinib and programmed death receptor-1 signaling inhibitors (PD1s) all alone have been proven effective in treating advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), yet the efficacy and safety of the tri-combination therapy in treating HCC patients with portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) remains unknown. Methods: In this retrospective study, HCC patients with PVTT received either induction therapy of HAIC and lenvatinib plus PD1s in the initial period of treatment and then dual maintenance therapy of lenvatinib and PD1s (HAIC-Len-PD1) or continuous lenvatinib combined with PD1s (Len-PD1). Results: In total, 53 and 89 patients were enrolled into the Len-PD1 group and HAIC-Len-PD1 group, respectively. The median overall survival times were 13.8 months in the Len-PD1 group and 26.3 months in the HAIC-Len-PD1 group (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.43, P < 0.001). The median progression-free survival (PFS) time was significantly longer in the HAIC-Len-PD1 group than in the Len-PD1 group (11.5 months versus 5.5 months, HR = 0.43, P < 0.001). Induction therapy showed an objective response rate (ORR) 3 times higher than lenvatinib combined with PD1s therapy (61.8% versus 20.8%, P < 0.001), and exhibited inspiring intra- and extra-hepatic tumor control ability. Induction therapy led to more adverse events than lenvatinib combined with PD1s therapy, most of which were tolerable and controllable. Conclusion: The induction therapy of FOLFOX-HAIC and lenvatinib plus PD1s is an effective and safe treatment for HCC patients with PVTT. The concept of induction therapy could be applied to other local–regional treatments and drugs combinations in HCC management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) is now widely performed in treating primary liver cancer (PLC) and yields equal long-term and superior short-term outcomes to those of open liver resection (OLR). The optimal surgical approach for resectable PLC (rPLC) remains controversial. Herein, we aimed to develop a nomogram to determine the most appropriate resection approach for the individual patient. Methods: Patients with rPLC who underwent hepatectomy from January 2013 to December 2018 were reviewed. Prediction model for risky surgery during LLR was constructed. Results: A total of 900 patients in the LLR cohort and 423 patients in the OLR cohort were included. A history of previous antitumor treatment, tumor diameter, tumor location and resection extent were independently associated with risky surgery of LLR. The nomogram which was constructed based on these risk factors demonstrated good accuracy in predicting risky surgery with a C index of 0.83 in the development cohort and of 0.76 in the validation cohort. Patients were stratified into high-, medium- or low-risk levels for receiving LLR if the calculated score was more than 0.8, between 0.2 and 0.8 or less than 0.2, respectively. High-risk patients who underwent LLR had more blood loss (441 ml to 417 ml) and a longer surgery time (183 min to 150 min) than those who received OLR. Conclusions: Patients classified into the high-risk level for LLR instead undergo OLR to reduce surgical risks and complications and patients classified into the low-risk level undergo LLR to maximize the advantages of minimally invasive surgery. Trial registration: This study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (registration number: ChiCTR2100049446). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The optimal intervals for follow‐up after hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients undergo curative liver resection (LR) remain unclear. This study aimed to establish a risk‐based post‐resection follow‐up strategy. Methods: Patients that were diagnosed with HCC and received LR from three hospitals in China were included. The risk‐based strategy was established based on the random survival forest model and compared with a fixed strategy both internally and externally. Results: In total, 3447 patients from three hospitals were included. The authors' strategy showed superiority in the early detection of tumor relapse compared with fixed surveillance. Under fewer total visits, risk‐based strategy achieved analogous survival time compared to the total 20 times follow‐ups based on fixed strategy. Twelve total visits (five, three, one, two, and one visits in years 1–5, respectively) for American Joint Committee on Cancer/International Union Against Cancer T1a stage patients, 13 total visits (five, four, one, two, and one visits in years 1–5, respectively) for T1b stage patients, 15 total visits (eight, three, three, zero, and one visits in years 1–5, respectively) for T2 stage patients, and 15 total visits (eight, four, one, one, and one visits in years 1–5, respectively) for T3 stage patients were advocated. The detailed follow‐up arrangements were available to the public through an interactive website (https://sysuccfyz.shinyapps.io/RiskBasedFollowUp/). Conclusion: This risk‐based surveillance strategy was demonstrated to detect relapse earlier and reduce the total number of follow‐ups without compromising on survival. Based on the strategy and methodology of the authors, surgeons or patients could choose more intensive or flexible schedules depending on the requirements and economic conditions. Plain language summary: A risk‐based post‐resection follow‐up strategy was established by random survival forest model using a larger hepatocellular carcinoma populationThe strategy was demonstrated to detect tumor relapse earlier and reduce the total number of follow‐ups without compromising on survivalOur strategy and methodology could be widely applied by other surgeons and patients A risk‐based postresection follow‐up strategy was established by random survival forest model using a larger hepatocellular carcinoma population. The strategy was demonstrated to detect tumor relapse earlier and reduce the total number of follow‐ups without compromising on survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Liver cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors, and worldwide, its incidence ranks sixth, and its morality third. Post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) is the leading cause of death in patients who have undergone liver resection. This retrospective study investigated the risk factors for PHLF by predicting and constructing an index to evaluate the risk. This was achieved by combining the lab tests with an indocyanine green (ICG) clearance test. Methods: The study analyzed 1081 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients who had received liver resection at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center between 2005 and 2020. The patients were divided into a PHLF group (n = 113) and a non-PHLF group (n = 968), according to the International Study Group of Liver Surgery (ISGLS) criteria. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves were then used to estimate the optimal cut-off values. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the independent risk factors. Finally, a nomogram was constructed where the calibration plot, the areas under the ROC curve (AUC), and the decision curve analysis (DCA) showed good predictive ability. Results: Correlation analysis revealed that body mass index (BMI) was positively correlated with ICG-R15 and with effective hepatic blood flow (EHBF). Univariate and multivariate logistics regression analysis revealed that BMI, ICG-R15, international normalized ratio (INR), tumor size, hepatic inflow occlusion (HIO) time, and operation method were independent predictive factors for PHLF. When these factors and EHBF were included in the nomogram, the nomogram showed a good predictive value, with a C-index of 0.773 (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.729–0.818). The INR had the largest ROC areas (AUC INR = 0.661). Among the variables, ICG-R15 (AUC ICG-R15 = 0.604) and EHBF (AUC EHBF = 0.609) also showed good predictive power. Conclusions: The risk of PHLF in HCC patients can be precisely predicted by this model prior to the operation. By integrating EHBF into the model, HCC patients at higher risk for PHLF can be identified more effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: To investigate the prognostic significance of liver tumor markers, the hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte, and platelet (HALP) score; neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR); and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), for predicting the specific site of recurrence or metastasis after surgery in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). Methods: In total, 162 patients with pathologically proven ICC who underwent curative surgery at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center between April 2016 and April 2020 were analyzed. Clinicopathological characteristics were collected retrospectively. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to analyze the overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS). Significant clinical factors were examined by univariate analysis and multivariate analysis and analyzed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results: The cutoff values for the HALP score, NLR, and PLR were determined to be 43.63, 3.73, and 76.51, respectively, using the surv_cutpoint function of survminer using RFS as the target variable. In multivariate analysis, vascular invasion, pathology nerve tract invasion, and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) levels were independent prognostic factors of OS, whereas the tumor number, pathology microvascular invasion, pathology differentiation, CA19-9 levels, and NLR were independent prognostic factors of RFS. For the whole recurrence analysis, the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) index exhibited the largest ROC curve area of all (AUC = 0.590), and the alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) index exhibited the smallest ROC curve area (AUC = 0.530). The HALP score exhibited the largest ROC curve area of all in predicting intrahepatic recurrence (AUC = 0.588), the NLR showed the best predictive value in predicting lymph node metastasis (AUC = 0.703), and the AUC of the CA19-9 index was the largest of all variables in predicting distant metastasis (AUC = 0.619). Conclusions: Our study showed that CA19-9, CEA, HALP score, and NLR are easily accessible, reliable, cost-effective indexes for predicting the specific site of recurrence or metastasis after surgery in ICC patients. Patients with high HALP scores and NLR have a higher risk of intrahepatic and lymph node metastasis recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cuticular waxes comprise the hydrophobic layer that protects crops against nonstomatal water loss and biotic and abiotic stresses. Expanding on our current knowledge of the genes that are involved in cuticular wax biosynthesis and regulation plays an important role in dissecting the processes of cuticular wax metabolism. In this study, we identified the Cer-GN1 barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) mutant that is generated by ethyl methanesulfonate mutagenesis with a glossy spike phenotype that is controlled by a single recessive nuclear gene. A physiological analysis showed that the total cuticular wax loads of Cer-GN1 were one-third that of the progenitor wild-type (WT), and its water loss rate was significantly accelerated (p < 0.05). In addition, Cer-GN1 was defective in the glume's cuticle according to the toluidine blue dye test, and it was deficient in the tubule-shaped crystals which were observed on the glume surfaces by scanning electron microscopy. Using metabolomics and transcriptomics, we investigated the impacts of cuticular wax composition and waxy regulatory genes on the loss of the glaucous wax in the spikes of Cer-GN1. Among the differential metabolites, we found that 16-hydroxyhexadecanoic acid, which is one of the predominant C16 and C18 fatty acid-derived cutin monomers, was significantly downregulated in Cer-GN1 when it was compared to that of WT. We identified two novel genes that are located on chromosome 4H and are downregulated in Cer-GN1 (HvMSTRG.29184 and HvMSTRG.29185) that encode long-chain fatty acid omega-monooxygenase CYP704B1, which regulates the conversion of C16 palmitic acid to 16-hydroxyhexadecanoic acid. A quantitative real-time PCR revealed that the expression levels of HvMSTRG.29184 and HvMSTRG.29185 were downregulated at 1, 4, 8, 12, and 16 days after the heading stage in Cer-GN1 when it was compared to those of WT. These results suggested that HvMSTRG.29184 and HvMSTRG.29185 have CYP704B1 activity, which could regulate the conversion of C16 palmitic acid to 16-hydroxyhexadecanoic acid in barley. Their downregulation in Cer-GN1 reduced the synthesis of the cuticular wax components and ultimately caused the loss of the glaucous wax in the spikes. It is necessary to verify whether HvMSTRG.29184 and HvMSTRG.29185 truly encode a CYP704B1 that regulates the conversion of C16 palmitic acid to 16-hydroxyhexadecanoic acid in barley. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]