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Objective To analyze the relationship between dietary intake of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) and the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) among residents in selected districts of Chongqing, and to provide recommendations for the prevention of T2DM. Methods Using cross-sectional survey data collected in Chongqing as part of the 2021 China National Nutrition and Health Survey (CNNHS), and in combination with energy and nutrient intake calculated from the Chinese Food Composition Tables, single-factor and multi-factor Logistic regression models were employed to investigate the association between n-3 PUFA intake and the incidence of T2DM. Results This study included a total of 1 511 participants, of which 280 were diagnosed with T2DM, accounting for 18.80% of the total. When compared to participants in the lowest quartile of animal-derived n-3 PUFA intake, those in the highest quartile had a significantly lower risk of developing T2DM (OR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.42-0.88). The results from adjusted Model 1 were consistent with those of Model 2 (Model 1: OR = 0.64, 95% CI : 0.44-0.94; Model 2: OR = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.44-0.98). Notably, in Model, the risk of developing T2DM was even lower in the Q4 group of plant-derived n-3 PUFA compared to Q1 (OR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.24-0.98). Conclusion The dietary intake of animal-derived n-3 PUFA and plant-derived n-3 PUFA is negatively correlated with the incidence of T2DM. The association between animal-derived n-3 PUFA and T2DM weakens after adjusting for confounding factors, with the highest quartile of plant-derived n-3 PUFA showing the strongest protective effect against T2DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through a series of static mechanical tests and (SHPB) dynamic impact tests, the static and dynamic mechanical parameters of rock as represented by yellow sandstone are determined, and the Holmquist-Johnson-Cook model parameters of the rock are calibrated using the test data and theoretical calculations. The feasibility of a numerical model is verified, and numerical analysis of the SHPB impact process under different radial pressure pre-loading is carried out on the basis of good verification. The results show that with increasing impact load, the degree of rock breakage increases, as does the dynamic tensile strength. With the application of increasing pre-static pressure, the dynamic tensile strength of the rock decreases gradually, and the maximum radial cumulative strain increases continuously under a given impact pressure, indicating that micro-cracks in the rock develop initially and then expand under the influence of pre-static pressure; the rock is more easily broken, and its weakening degree increases. Under coupled dynamic and static loading, the energy utilization rate of rock in the Brazilian splitting process is jointly affected by axial compression ratio and impact load. Too large a pressure ratio will reduce the strain-rate sensitivity of rock, resulting in low energy utilization rate, while too low an axial compression ratio will make the dynamic tensile strength of rock relatively high, which is not conducive to tensile failure. Therefore, on the premise of clear fracture form requirements, a suitable combination of axial compression ratio and impact velocity can improve the rock crushing effect and energy utilization rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gathering and transportation pipelines often appear shutdown condition due to damage, leakage, and other reasons. The reasonable maintenance time should be controlled by closely combined with the change law of the oil-water temperature in the pipeline. This paper established a multi-field coupling 3-D heat transfer mathematical model of the oil-water pipeline environment based on the two-phase shutdown pipeline as the research object. According to the changing law of the oilwater temperature field and flow field under a typical pipe diameter, the evolution behavior of the gelation layer in the pipe and the transformation process of heat transfer mode were analyzed, and the heat transfer characteristics between oilwater phase and its interface in the pipe were defined. With the liquid phase ratio of the oil phase changing the rule, reasonable maintenance time suggestions were given for gathering and transporting pipelines with different water content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to further understand the artistic characteristics of green-glazed pottery in the Ming Dynasty and the value of modern painting, this study takes the green-glazed pottery of the Ming Dynasty as the research object, such as the blue and white twined lotus flat bottle and the blue and white twig lid jar, etc., and uses the test 4K microscope to observe the tire glaze and blue and white pigments, and the Microsoft viso software compares the production style, decoration and style of the green-glazed pottery patterns to analyze, and classifies the artistic characteristics of the green-glazed pottery with reference to relevant literature. The results showed that the dyes of green-glazed pottery were mainly iron, manganese, cobalt and other elements, and the patterns were mainly arc-shaped lines, and there were halos and crystalline spots in the dyeing, and the color was gray-blue. At the same time, the green-glazed pottery of the Ming Dynasty are more artistic, and the bottle mouth and shape are mainly streamlined, and the proportion is close to the golden ratio. Therefore, the artistic characteristics of green-glazed pottery in the Ming Dynasty and the value of modern painting have the characteristics of the Ming Dynasty, which have a certain influence on modern painting and visual art, and promote the promotion of the value of modern painting and visual art. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulmonary fibrosis is an often fatal lung disease. Immune cells such as macrophages were shown to accumulate in the fibrotic lung, but their contribution to the fibrosis development is unclear. To recapitulate the involvement of macrophages in the development of pulmonary fibrosis, we developed a fibrotic microtissue model with cocultured human macrophages and fibroblasts. We show that profibrotic macrophages seeded on topographically controlled stromal tissues became mechanically activated. The resulting co-alignment of macrophages, collagen fibers, and fibroblasts promoted widespread fibrogenesis in micro-engineered lung tissues. Anti-fibrosis treatment using pirfenidone disrupts the polarization and mechanical activation of profibrotic macrophages, leading to fibrosis inhibition. Pirfenidone inhibits the mechanical activation of macrophages by suppressing integrin αMβ2 and Rho-associated kinase 2. These results demonstrate a potential pulmonary fibrogenesis mechanism at the tissue level contributed by macrophages. The cocultured microtissue model is a powerful tool to study the immune-stromal cell interactions and the anti-fibrosis drug mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of phase change heat transfer of crude oil melting is important for preheating and restarting of pipelines. Combining the characteristics of waxy crude oil characteristics of waxy crude oil melting, a novel mathematical model was established, which can accurately describe the non-linear release of latent heat, liquid-solid interface changes, natural convection, and other key heat transfer problems. In the process of heating and melting, the variation law of the solid-phase interface position in the pipe at different initial solidification states was analyzed. The results showed that in the partially solidified pipeline, the liquid crude oil in the pipeline has a higher temperature at the initial heating stage, and continuously loses heat to the low temperature crude oil, resulting in a decline in the liquidphase ratio at the initial stage. Because crude oil was affected by different degrees of radial thermal resistance, latent heat release and porous medium characteristics at different positions of the pipeline, the temperature drop curves of the crude oil varies greatly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The application of podocyte antigen M-type phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R, GAg) and serum anti-PLA2R antibody (SAb) in predicting the prognosis of membrane nephropathy (MN) was controversial. Method: 328 biopsy-proven MN patients were divided into three phenotypes, 182 MN patients with GAg+/SAb+, 118 MN patients with GAg+/SAb-, and 28 MN patients with GAg-/SAb-. The baseline clinicopathological characteristics, therapy response, and prognosis were compared among the three groups. Cox regression analysis was performed to assess predictors of remission. Anti-PLA2R antibody was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic curve to find the optimal titer for MN diagnosis. Result: Lower eGFR (p = 0.009), higher UPCR (p < 0.001), and lower serum albumin (p < 0.001) were observed in GAg+/SAb+ MN patients, compared to GAg+/SAb-MN patients. More GAg+/SAb+ MN patients received cyclophosphamide (CTX) combined with glucocorticoids and calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) based therapy than the other two groups (p = 0.015 and p = 0.023, respectively). No significant difference was observed among the three groups in terms of complete remission, relapse, and developing ESRD. SAb+ status was an independent predictor for no remission (hazard ratio 1.378, 95% confidence interval 1.023 to 1.855; p = 0.035). The optimal cutoff value for anti-PLA2R antibody to predict MN was 2.055 RU/mL (sensibility 0.802, specificity 0.970). Conclusion: GAg+/SAb+ MN patients were related to more severe clinical manifestations and more requisition of immunosuppressive treatment. Positive anti-PLA2R antibody was an independent predictor for no remission. An anti-PLA2R antibody above 2.055 RU/mL can be a suggestive indicator of MN diagnosis in patients with proteinuria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Cavariella is distinguished from other Macrosiphini genera (Aphididae, Aphidinae) because it has a supra-caudal process on abdominal tergite VIII which possesses two setae distally. It is Holarctic in distribution, and half of its species are Asian. The Chinese fauna of this genus, 17 species, have been restudied, morphologically and through DNA barcodes. As a result: Cavariella hidaensis Takahashi is transferred to Elatobium; Cavariella sculptura Qiao & Xu, sp. nov. is described from specimens collected on Torilis and Cryptotaenia (Apiaceae); Cavariella cessana Zhang, Chen, Zhong & Li, syn. nov. and Cavariella largispiracula Zhang, Chen, Zhong & Li, syn. nov. are respectively junior synonyms of Cavariella aquatica (Gillette & Bragg) and Cavariella sapporoensis Takahashi; Cavariella gilgiana Zhang, Chen, Zhong & Li and Cavariella lhasana Zhang are confirmed as valid species and complete descriptions are provided; Cavariella bhutanensis Chakrabarti & Das, Cavariella nigra Basu, Cavariella pastinacae (Linnaeus), and Cavariella pustula Essig are recorded for the first time from China. Additionally, keys for species of Cavariella known in China are provided and modifications to the key by Blackman and Eastop of aphid species on Angelica (Aphids on World's Plants) are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Migration of the embryonic thymus is thought to be the basis for the formation of ectopic thymic tumors. Thymic ectopy may be a result of the abnormal migration of the third or fourth branchial cleft to the anterior mediastinum during weeks 5--6 of embryonic development. However, ectopic thymic carcinoma has highly nonspecific histologic features and occurs in variable and unpredictable locations making it difficult to diagnose. However, the clinical diagnosis and treatment should not overlook the possibility of ectopic thymic tumors. Here, we report a case of ectopic thymic carcinoma diagnosed as thyroid cancer before surgery occurring in a location consistent with current assumptions. Furthermore, we briefly review the literature on ectopic thymic carcinoma and discuss current diagnostic and treatment approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To promote the application of rubber-cement composites as the main bearing structure and key components in practical engineering under frequent dynamic disturbances, in this work, the split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) cyclic impact tests of rubber-cement composite specimens with four different confine modes were carried out in which the impact load increased sequentially. The relationship between average strain rate, ultimate strain and impact times and the relationship between peak stress, damage energy, ultimate strain and incident energy were analyzed. The results showed that the appropriate confine reinforcement treatment can make rubber-cement composite give full play to its deformation ability when it was completely damaged. Carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) sheet and steel cylinder can work together with the rubber-cement composite matrix to resist impact load, which effectively improves the structural strength, damage fracture energy, and cyclic impact resistance of the rubber-cement composite. Finally, based on the effect difference of confine modes, the simplified plane force models of rubber-cement composite specimens with four different confine modes were established, which clearly revealed the completely different impact resistance mechanism of the rubber-cement composites with different constraints under cyclic impact loading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Doublesex (DSX) proteins are members of the Doublesex/mab-3-related (DMRT) protein family and play crucial roles in sex determination and differentiation among the animal kingdom. In the present study, we identified two Doublesex (Dsx)-like mRNA isoforms in the brine shrimp Artemia franciscana (Kellogg 1906), which are generated by the combination of alternative promoters, alternative splicing and alternative polyadenylation. The two transcripts exhibited sex-biased enrichment, which we termed AfrDsxM and AfrDsxF . They share a common region which encodes an identical N-terminal DNA-binding (DM) domain. RT-qPCR analyses showed that AfrDsxM is dominantly expressed in male Artemia while AfrDsxF is specifically expressed in females. Expression levels of both isoforms increased along with the developmental stages of their respective sexes. RNA interference with dsRNA showed that the knockdown of AfrDsxM in male larvae led to the appearance of female traits including an ovary-like structure in the original male reproductive system and an elevated expression of vitellogenin. However, silencing of AfrDsxF induced no clear phenotypic change in female Artemia. These results indicated that the male AfrDSXM may act as inhibiting regulator upon the default female developmental mode in Artemia. Furthermore, electrophoretic mobility shift assay analyses revealed that the unique DM domain of AfrDSXs can specifically bind to promoter segments of potential downstream target genes like AfrVtg. These data show that AfrDSXs play crucial roles in regulating sexual development in Artemia, and further provide insight into the evolution of sex determination/differentiation in sexual organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transmembrane protein TMEM206 was recently identified as the molecular basis of the extracellular proton-activated Cl- channel (PAC), which plays an essential role in neuronal death in ischemia-reperfusion. The PAC channel is activated by extracellular acid, but the proton-sensitive mechanism remains unclear, although different acid-sensitive pockets have been suggested based on the cryo-EM structure of the human PAC (hPAC) channel. In the present study, we firstly identified two acidic amino acid residues that removed the pH-dependent activation of the hPAC channel by neutralization all the conservative negative charged residues located in the extracellular domain of the hPAC channel and some positively charged residues at the hotspot combined with two-electrode voltage-clamp (TEVC) recording in the Xenopus oocytes system. Double-mutant cycle analysis and double cysteine mutant of these two residues proved that these two residues cooperatively form a protonsensitive site. In addition, we found that chloral hydrate activates the hPAC channel depending on the normal pH sensitivity of the hPAC channel. Furthermore, the PAC channel knock-out (KO) male mice (C57BL/6J) resist chloral hydrate-induced sedation and hypnosis. Our study provides a molecular basis for understanding the proton-dependent activation mechanism of the hPAC channel and a novel drug target of chloral hydrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microcosmic characteristics of wax evolution of waxy crude-oil directly affect the heat transfer process of crude-oil. A microscopic experiment was carried out on the wax deposit process of waxy crude-oil by polarized light microscopy. The phase change characteristics of wax crystals during wax deposit process were analyzed, and the process of wax crystal precipitation was quantitatively analyzed by the image analysis software ImageProPlus. The results show that the wax deposit process mainly includes wax crystal nucleation, growth and bonding, which together lead to the formation of wax crystal network. The sample oil particle number and the wax crystal area fraction curves have inflection points at 41 °C and 38 °C, respectively, which are caused by different carbon number alkane content and wax crystal bonding. By analyzing the particle size and particle area curves, it is known that nucleation precipitation and growth are alternately dominant in the early stage of wax crystal growth. Through the wax roundness study, it is found that the growth of wax crystals in the early stage is mainly in the longitudinal direction, and the growth in the late stage is not directional. According to the phase change process of wax crystal, it is proposed that the temperature of the crude-oil with porous media grid structure is coalescence point. By using the position point tracking of wax crystal and analysis of the variation characteristics of microscopic parameters, the coalescence point temperature of the sample crude-oil in this experiment is 38°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is prevalent among elderly women. This study aimed to discuss the potential of muscle-derived stem cells (MDSCs)-based therapy in treating SUI by exploring the effect of Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) on transplanted MDSC and urethral sphincter function. Materials and Methods: Bilaterally pudendal nerve-transected (PNT) female rats were divided into four groups: sham, PNT+ phosphate buffered solution (PBS) injection, PNT+IGF-1/MDSCs and PNT+ green fluorescent protein (GFP)/MDSCs. IGF-1 was expressed in MDSCs by lentiviral vector. Viable MDSCs were detected by laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM). The expression of Myosin heavy chain (MyHC), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR-2), microvessel density (MID) and urethral resistance function were assessed. Results: IGF-1 promoted the survival and differentiation of MDSCs. IGF-1-expressing MDSCs facilitated local angiogenesis and muscle fiber regeneration, and alleviated symptoms of SUI. Conclusion: IGF-1-expressing MDSCs may be used as a novel treatment for patients with SUI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, polymyxin B-associated acute kidney injury (PB-AKI) in critically ill patients has been reported frequently, but polymyxin B (PB) is mainly cleared through non-renal pathways, and the reasons of PB-AKI remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the serum concentration of PB and PBAKI. We conducted a prospective cohort study in an intensive care unit between May 2019 and July 2021. Over the study period, 52 patients were included and divided into an AKI group (n = 26) and a non-AKI group (n = 26). The loading dose of PB in the AKI group was significantly higher than that in the non- AKI group. The C1/2, Cmin, and estimated area under the concentration--time curve (AUC)0-24 of PB in the AKI group were dramatically increased compared with those in the non-AKI group, but the Cmax between the two groups showed no differences. Upon obtaining the ROC curve, the areas for the C1/2, Cmin, and estimated AUC0-24 were 0.742, 0.710, and 0.710, respectively. The sensitivity was ascertained to be 61.54%, and the specificity was 76.92% when the cutoff value for the estimated AUC0-24 of 97.72 mg·h/L was used preferentially. The incidence of PB-AKI is high and related to the loading dose of PB. PB- AKI could be predicted when the estimated AUC0-24 of PB was greater than 97.72 mg·h/L. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oral microbiota reported to be associated with pancreatic diseases, including pancreatic cancer. However, the association of oral microbiome and pancreatic cancer has not been reviewed systematically. Objectives: To systematically investigate the association between the oral microbiome and pancreatic cancer risk. Design: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Data Sources and Methods: Systemic searches were conducted using PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases without any language restriction from conception to August 29, 2020. The studies that evaluated the association of oral microbiome and pancreatic cancer risk were included in this meta-analysis. Results: The six included studies encompassed a total of 863 pancreatic cancer cases and 906 controls. Four studies reported the overall oral microbiome in pancreatic cancer cases. A total of 12-17 species/clusters were correlated with pancreatic cancer. Three studies reported the odds ratios (ORs) or relative abundance of several oral microbiomes pieces/clusters, and the majority were associated with pancreatic cancer. Conclusions: Overall, this study supports the hypothesis of associations of variations of patients' oral microbiota to pancreatic cancer. Nonetheless, due to all included studies were conducted in USA or Europe, additional original studies and meta-analysis particular studies from other countries are essential for an in-depth investigation into the role of oral bacteria in pancreatic cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In deep rock blasting, there are different constraint conditions such as unidirectional loading, bidirectional loading and tridirectional loading due to in-situ stress. The similar model test of rock blasting under unidirectional load was carry out to study the law of crack propagation in rock by blasting in this study. A transparent material which conformed to the mechanical properties of hard rock is used to make specimens. A high-speed camera was used in some model blasts. After blasting the surface cracks on the specimen were measured, including the near zone and middle zone of blasting. The results showed that: (1) the radial main cracks in the specimens under initial static load propagated along the principal stress direction, which is different from that without initial stress, and there is almost no radial main crack in the direction perpendicular to the principal stress. (2) The average length of radial crack and diameter of circumferential fracture circle gradually decrease with the increase of unidirectional initial stress, but the diameter of compression crushing circle increase. (3) The maximum and average initial velocity of radial crack growth decrease with the increase of unidirectional initial stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invigorating blood circulation to remove blood stasis is a primary strategy in TCM for treating vascular dementia (VaD). Danggui-Shaoyao San (DSS), as a traditional prescription for neuroprotective activity, has been proved to be effective in VaD treatment. However, its precise molecular mechanisms remain incompletely understood. The specific mechanism underlying the therapeutic effects of DSS on VaD was explored by employing network pharmacology as well as in vivo and in viro experiment validation. We downloaded components of DSS from the BATMAN-TCM database for target prediction. The intersection between the components of DSS and targets, PPI network, as well as GO and KEGG enrichment analysis were then performed. Subsequently, the potential mechanism of DSS predicted by network pharmacology was assessed and validated through VaD rat model induced by 2VO operation and CoCl 2 -treated PC12 cells. Briefly, the DSS extract were first quantified by HPLC. Secondly, the effect of DSS on VaD was studied using MWM test, HE staining and TUNEL assay. Finally, the molecular mechanism of DSS against VaD was validated by Western blot and RT-QPCR experiments. Through network analysis, 137 active ingredients were obtained from DSS, and 67 potential targets associated with DSS and VaD were identified. GO and KEGG analysis indicated that the action of DSS on VaD primarily involves hypoxic terms and HIF-1 pathway. In vivo validation, cognitive impairment and neuron mortality were markedly ameliorated by DSS. Additionally, DSS significantly reduced the expression of proteins related to synaptic plasticity and neuron apoptosis including PSD-95, SYP, Caspase-3 and BCL-2. Mechanistically, we confirmed DSS positively modulated the expression of HIF-1α and its downstream proteins including EPO, p-EPOR, STAT5, EPOR, and AKT1 in the hippocampus of VaD rats as well as CoCl 2 -induced PC12 cells. HIF-1 inhibitor YC-1 significantly diminished the protection of DSS on CoCl 2 -induced PC12 cell damage, with decreased HIF-1α, EPO, EPOR expression. Our results initially demonstrated DSS could exert neuroprotective effects in VaD. The pharmacological mechanism of DSS may be related to its positive regulation on HIF-1α/EPO pathway. [Display omitted] • The mechanistic effects of classic famous formula DSS in the treatment of VaD was firstly validated through network pharmacology approaches, in viro and in vivo validation. • DSS could significantly improve the cognitive impairment, hippocampal neurons injury induced by chronic hypoperfusion, and improved synaptic plasticity in VaD rats. • DSS activated hippocampal HIF-1α/EPO/EPOR signaling pathway both in VaD rats and CoCl 2 -induced PC12 cell injury models, as contributed to alleviating cognitive impairment. • HIF-1α inhibitor YC-1 significantly weakened the neuroprotective function of DSS on CoCl 2 -induced PC12 cell injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nonlinear, time correlation, and non-Gaussian features in data present significant challenges for effective fault detection. While the Gate Recurrent Unit (GRU) network is renowned for its capacity to manage time correlation, it falls short in capturing non-Gaussian features in process data, which can likely lead to suboptimal monitoring results. To address this limitation, the Enhancement Gate Recurrent Unit (ENGRU) is developed to perfect the fault detection accuracy of the network. Specifically, The ENGRU effectively extracts high order statistics information by employing the overcompleted independent component analysis method, thereby augmenting its ability to capture non-Gaussian properties. The extracted features information are then entered into the ENGRU model further to uncover additional hidden features beyond what the GRU can achieve. The ENGRU network, which is built upon the extracted characteristic information, even farther enhances the accuracy of the fault detection. The merits of the proposed model are demonstrated by comparing it with excellent fault detection algorithms on a benchmark platform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the possible effects of Brucea javanica oil emulsion in the progression of glioma, and elucidate the possible regulatory mechanism. Methods: MTT assays were performed to assess the effects of BJOE on the viability of glioma cells, and flow cytometry (FCM) was conducted to evaluate its effect of the oil on cell apoptosis. Immunoblot assays were carried out to investigate its effects on glioma cell autophagy and LincRNA-p21/miR-17- 5p/PTEN axis of glioma cells. Results: Administration of BJOE (1, 2 and 4 mg/mL) increased the protein levels of LC3 II/ LC3 I and Beclin-1, but decreased the protein levels of p62 (p < 0.05). These changes were reversed by knockdown PTEN. Moreover, the expression of lncRNA-p21 and PTEN mRNA were significantly elevated, while the expression of miR-17-5p significantly decreased in BJOE-treated U251MG cells (p < 0.05). Conclusion: BJOE may serve as a novel therapeutic drug for the treatment of glioma; The antitumor effect of BJOE is based on its ability to regulate lncRNA-p21/miR-17-5p/PTEN pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bicycle flow widely has group behavior (i.e., cyclists have a tendency to ride in groups), which may have some significant effects on the bicycle's motion. However, the existing studies on bicycle flow rarely consider this factor. Generally, bicycle flow has two kinds of group behaviors, i.e., shoulder group behavior and following group behavior. In this paper, we propose an improved social force (SF) model to describe the two kinds of group behaviors. Then, we use the improved SF model to, respectively, explore the effects of the two kinds of group behaviors on the bicycle's motion from the simulation perspective. The numerical results show that (i) shoulder group behavior has some negative impacts on the bicycle's motion, i.e., the critical density (where the through capacity can reach the maximum value), the jam density, and the through capacity will be reduced; (ii) following group behavior has some positive impacts on the bicycle's motion, i.e., the critical density, the jam density, and the through capacity will be enhanced; (iii) the impacts of coexistence of shoulder and following group behavior are related to the density. Besides, increasing group size and group probability will enlarge the negative impacts of shoulder group behavior and alleviate the positive impacts of following group behavior. These results can guide administrators to better manage bicycle flow (especially reasonably control the negative impacts of group behaviors). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chrysoeriol is a flavonoid with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacities against inflammatory diseases. Inflammation and apoptosis participate in the pathogenesis of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. The role of chrysoeriol on acute kidney injury in a cisplatin induced rat model was investigated in this study. An evaluation of the effect of chrysoeriol on cisplatininduced nephrotoxicity by measuring histopathological changes and proinflammatory biomarkers revealed activation of PI3K/AKT and inactivation of NF-κB pathways in the reno-protection by chrysoeriol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

4-Nitrophenol, a priority pollutant, is degraded by Gram-positive and Gramnegative bacteria via 1,2,4-benzenetriol (BT) and hydroquinone (HQ), respectively. All enzymes involved in the two pathways have been functionally identified. So far, all Gramnegative 4-nitrophenol utilizers are from the genera Pseudomonas and Burkholderia. But it remains a mystery why pnpG, an apparently superfluous BT 1,2-dioxygenase-encoding gene, always coexists in the catabolic cluster (pnpABCDEF) encoding 4-nitrophenol degradation via HQ. Here, the physiological role of pnpG in Burkholderia sp. strain SJ98 was investigated. Deletion and complementation experiments established that pnpG is essential for strain SJ98 growing on 4-nitrocatechol rather than 4-nitrophenol. During 4-nitrophenol degradation by strain SJ98 and its two variants (pnpG deletion and complementation strains), 1,4-benzoquinone and HQ were detected, but neither 4-nitrocatechol nor BT was observed. When the above-mentioned three strains (the wild type and complementation strains with 2,29-dipyridyl) were incubated with 4-nitrocatechol, BT was the only intermediate detected. The results established the physiological role of pnpG that encodes BT degradation in vivo. Biotransformation analyses showed that the pnpA-deleted strain was unable to degrade both 4-nitrophenol and 4-nitrocatechol. Thus, the previously characterized 4-nitrophenol monooxygenase PnpASJ98 is also essential for the conversion of 4-nitrocatechol to BT. Among 775 available complete genomes for Pseudomonas and Burkholderia, as many as 89 genomes were found to contain the putative pnpBCDEFG genes. The paucity of pnpA (3 in 775 genomes) implies that the extension of BT and HQ pathways enabling the degradation of 4-nitrophenol and 4-nitrocatechol is rarer, more recent, and likely due to the release of xenobiotic nitroaromatic compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims Achalasia is a rare disease, but the incidence is increasing recently. Peroral esophageal myotomy (POEM) is an effective treatment. Regurgitation is a common symptom before and after POEM. Our aim is to investigate the factors related to preoperative and postoperative reflux symptoms. Methods Our study was retrospective. The achalasia patients diagnosed by high-resolution manometry and gastroscopy were divided into reflux group and non-reflux group before and after POEM, respectively. General information, symptoms, POEM information, and manometric results were compared. Results (1) Ninety-six of 130 patients had reflux symptoms before POEM. The lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LESP) in the reflux group was significantly higher than the non-reflux group ( P = 0.023), while integrated relaxation pressure (IRP) was similar. The reflux group had longer esophagus than the non-reflux group ( P = 0.006). Reflux symptoms were not related to subtypes of achalasia. (2) Twenty-five of 84 patients had reflux symptoms after POEM. Postoperative Eckardt scores, LESP, and 4-second IRP (4sIRP) were significantly lower than the preoperative values ( P < 0.001). The preoperative values and POEM information were similar between the postoperative 2 groups and there was no significant difference in the presence of preoperative reflux symptoms between 2 groups. The postoperative LESP and 4sIRP were similar between the 2 groups, however, the postoperative UESP was significantly higher in the reflux group than the non-reflux group ( P = 0.042). The non-reflux group had more declines in Eckardt scores and LESP than the reflux group. Conclusions The reflux symptoms of achalasia patients without treatment were mainly due to food retention. The postoperative reflux symptoms were not the sign of the excessive relaxation of lower esophageal sphincter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a water-soluble polymer, the widely used polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is produced from hydrolysis of polyvinyl acetate. Microbial PVA carbon backbone cleavage via a two-step reaction of dehydrogenation and hydrolysis has been well studied. The content of the acetyl group is a pivotal factor affecting performance of PVA derivatives in industrial applications, and deacetylation is a nonnegligible part of PVA degradation. However, the genetics and biochemistry of its deacetylation remain largely elusive. Here, Comamonas sp. strain NyZ500 was isolated for its capability of growing on acetylated PVA from activated sludge. The spontaneous PVA utilization-deficient mutant strain NyZ501 was obtained when strain NyZ500 was cultured in rich media. Comparative analysis between the genomes of these two strains revealed a fragment (containing a putative hydrolase gene, dacApva) deletion in strain NyZ501, and in the dacApva-complemented strain NyZ501 the ability to grow on PVA was restored. DacApva, which shares 21% identity with xylan esterase AxeA1 from Prevotella ruminicola 23, is a unique deacetylase catalyzing the conversion of acetylated PVA and its derivatives to deacetylated counterparts. This indicates that strain NyZ500 utilizes acetylated PVA via acetate as a carbon source to grow. DacApva also possesses the ability to deacetylate acetylated xylan and the antibiotic intermediate 7-aminocephalosporanic acid (7ACA), but the enzymes responsible for the conversion of those two compounds have no activity against PVA derivatives. This study enhanced our understanding of the diversity of microbial degradation of PVA, and DacApva characterized here is also a potential biocatalyst for the eco-friendly biotransformation of PVA derivatives and other acetylated compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is widely acknowledged that the reported numbers of infected cases with COVID-19 were not complete. A structured approach is proposed where we distinguish cases reflected later in the numbers of confirmed cases and those with mild or no symptoms thus not captured by any systems at all. The number of infected cases in the US is estimated to be 220.54% of that reported as of Apr 20, 2020. This implies an overall infection ratio of 0.53%, and a case mortality rate at 2.85% which is close to the 3.4% suggested by WHO in March 2020. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurately obtaining the temperature distribution of the medium in the shutdown pipe-line of waxy crude-oil has important guiding significance for making maintenance plan and restart plan. The phase transition process of waxy crude-oil involves complex problems such as natural-convection heat transfer, latent heat release, and difficulty in tracing liquid-solid interface. In this paper, the concept and significance of breaking point were proposed. Taking the breaking point and the freezing point as dividing point, a new zonal partition model was established based on the influence of phase change of crude-oil wax crystal on heat transfer mode, with the corresponding governing equations being established for different regions. With the proposed model, the effects of natural-convection on heat transfer, latent heat release, location change of condensate reservoir, heat transfer mechanism, and other key issues in the process of oil phase transition were analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Process monitoring models play an increasingly indispensable role in promptly differentiating faults within the wastewater treatment process to maintain a safe state. The accuracy and time overhead are crucial indicators in judging whether models results are excellent or not. In terms of accuracy, deep learning methods excel, because of their generalized approximation and strong learning capabilities that enable them to infinitely approach an ideal level of monitoring accuracy. Meanwhile, they also have large computational loads that generates significant time overhead, which poses challenges for real-time monitoring of the wastewater treatment process. Hence, a novel process monitoring method called Time-Stacked Broad Learning System (Time-SBLS) is developed to alleviate these concerns in an effective and accurate manner. Time-SBLS leverages the efficiency of the BLS while incorporating the residual mechanism and time lag idea to capture necessary nonlinear features and time correlation associated with the fault detection accuracy better. Furthermore, another advantage of Time-SBLS is its inherited efficiency from BLS regarding time overhead, which is minimized by utilizing the pseudo-inverse technique to calculate weight parameters. Experimental findings on the Benchmark platform reveal that Time-SBLS offers considerable advantages in terms of accuracy and network time overhead compared to other state-of-the-art approaches. • Time-SBLS is applied for the first time to the wastewater treatment process. • Time-SBLS model can achieve satisfactory monitoring accuracy. • Time-SBLS overcomes the limitations of some deep learning networks. • Time-SBLS is compatible with accuracy and time overhead simultaneously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The physical parameters of crude oil are one of the main factors affecting the heat transfer of phase change. A mathematical model for a hot oil overhead pipeline was established, taking latent heat impact, the non-Newtonian properties of crude oil, and nature convection heat transfer into account. Compared with the experimental data, the model and the solution method were correct. A criterion was made to estimate the crude oil total freezing in a pipeline by tracking the change trajectory of the maximum temperature point. The effects of the crude oil with average properties on the total freezing time in a pipeline were analyzed, and the sensitivity of the different influencing factors was investigated by orthogonal test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the major obstacles in using deep belief network (DBN) is the structure design. Numerous studies, both empirically and theoretically, show that choosing suitable structure can improve the performance of DBN. In this paper, a self-organizing DBN (S-DBN), based on the information relevance strategy (IRS), was proposed to design the structure of DBN. For this IRS, the maximal information coefficient was designed to measure the input and output information relevance of hidden neurons. Meanwhile, the mutual information was introduced to measure the information relevance among the hidden layers. Then, a novel self-organizing strategy was developed to grow and prune both the hidden neurons and layers during the training process. Moreover, a contrastive divergence algorithm was used to adjust the parameters of S-DBN. Finally, several benchmark problems were used to illustrate the effectiveness of S-DBN. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed S-DBN owns better performance for classification problems and modeling nonlinear systems than some existing methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to explore the mechanical properties of rock with deep in-situ stress under explosive impact, cemented sand material (artificial material) instead of rock was used to carry out impact dynamics test under the condition of confining pressure. The experimental results show that the stress-strain curve of cemented sand specimens tested by triaxial impact compression changes significantly compared with those tested by uniaxial impact compression. The dynamic failure mode of cemented sand specimens placed under confining pressure constraints is one of axial tensile failure, while the dynamic compressive growth factor, peak strain, dynamic elastic modulus, and specific energy absorption of cemented sand specimens all have the characteristics correlated with confining pressure. The research results in this study can be as an important basis for the mechanism analysis of rock breaking by blasting in deep rock mass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) is a well characterized transcriptional regulator functioning on the chromatin to remove mono- and di-methyl groups from lysine 4 or lysine 9 of histone 3 (H3K4 or H3K9). LSD1 also has non-transcriptional activities via targeting non-histone substrates that participate in diverse biological processes. In this report, we determined that LSD1 negatively regulates autophagy in skeletal muscle cells by promoting PTEN degradation in a transcription-independent mechanism. In C2C12 cells, LSD1 inhibition or depletion significantly induced the initiation of autophagy; and autophagy resulted from LSD1 inhibition is associated with AKT/mTORC1 inactivation. Notably, the proteins of PTEN, a prominent repressive AKT modulator, are stabilized by LSD1 inhibition despite a decrease of its mRNA levels. Further data demonstrated that LSD1 interacts with PTEN protein and enhances its ubiquitination and degradation. Together, our findings identify a novel biological function of LSD1 in autophagy, mediated by regulating the stability of PTEN and the activity of AKT/mTORC1. • LSD1 facilities PTEN degradation in a transcription-independent mechanism. • LSD1 negatively regulates autophagy in skeletal muscle cells via AKT/mTORC1 pathway. • LSD1 interacts with PTEN and enhances its ubiquitination. • Demethylase activity of LSD1 is required for regulating PTEN stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Escherichia coli K-12 and some other strains have been reported to be capable of utilizing 3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)propionate (3HPP), one of the phenylpropanoids from lignin. Although other enzymes involved in 3HPP catabolism and their corresponding genes from its degraders have been identified, 3HPP 2-hydroxylase, catalyzing the first step of its catabolism, has yet to be functionally identified at biochemical and genetic levels. In this study, we investigated the function and characteristics of MhpA from E. coli strain K-12 (MhpAK-12). Gene deletion and complementation showed that mhpA was vital for its growth on 3HPP, but the mhpA deletion strain was still able to grow on 3-(2,3-dihydroxyphenyl)propionate (DHPP), the hydroxylation product transformed from 3HPP by MhpAK-12. MhpAK-12 was overexpressed and purified, and it was likely a polymer and tightly bound with an approximately equal number of moles of FAD. Using NADH or NADPH as a cofactor, purified MhpAK-12 catalyzed the conversion of 3HPP to DHPP at a similar efficiency. The conversion from 3HPP to DHPP by purified MhpAK-12 was confirmed using highperformance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that MhpAK-12 and its putative homologues belonged to taxa that were phylogenetically distant from functionally identified FAD-containing monooxygenases (hydroxylases). Interestingly, MhpAK-12 has approximately an extra 150 residues at its C terminus in comparison to its close homologues, but its truncated versions MhpAK-12 400 and MhpAK-12 480 (with 154 and 74 residues deleted from the C terminus, respectively) both lost their activities. Thus, MhpAK-12 has been confirmed to be a 3HPP 2-hydroxylase catalyzing the conversion of 3HPP to DHPP, the initial reaction of 3HPP degradation. IMPORTANCE Phenylpropionate and its hydroxylated derivatives resulted from lignin degradation ubiquitously exist on the Earth. A number of bacterial strains have the ability to grow on 3HPP, one of the above derivatives. The hydroxylation was thought to be the initial and vital step for its aerobic catabolism via the meta pathway. The significance of our research is the functional identification and characterization of the purified 3HPP 2-hydroxylase MhpA from Escherichia coli K-12 at biochemical and genetic levels, since this enzyme has not previously been expressed from its encoding gene, purified, and characterized in any bacteria. It will not only fill a gap in our understanding of 3HPP 2-hydroxylase and its corresponding gene for the critical step in microbial 3HPP catabolism but also provide another example of the diversity of microbial degradation of plantderived phenylpropionate and its hydroxylated derivatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A protocell is a synthetic form of cellular life that is constructed from phospholipid vesicles and used to understand the emergence of life from a nonliving chemical network. To be considered 'living', a protocell should be capable of self-proliferation, which includes successive growth and division processes. The growth of protocells can be achieved via vesicle fusion approaches. In this review, we provide a brief overview of recent research on the formation of a protocell, fusion and division processes of the protocell, and encapsulation of a defined chemical network such as the genetic material. We also provide some perspectives on the challenges and future developments of synthetic protocell research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: 1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene (TATB) is a typical insensitive energetic material. It can be used in explosive formulations, such as PBX-9502 and LX-17-0. TATB is an intriguing and unusual explosive for another reason: it crystallizes into a wide array of planar hydrogen bonds, forming a graphite-like layered structure. Therefore, TATB is one of the important research objects, and its surface structure needs to be deeply understood. In this research work, the electronic and energetic properties of TATB (001) surface are explored. Methods: In this paper, the structural, electronic, energetic properties and impact sensitivity of TATB (001) surface structure at 0 and −3 GPa along with x-axis were calculated in this study using the first-principles calculations. The calculations in this paper are performed in the CASTEP code, which is based on the density functional theory with the first-principles calculation method using the plan-wave pseudopotential approach. The exchange-correlation interaction was adopted by the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) with the Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof (PBE) functional. The DFT-D method with the Grimme correction accurately models van der Waals interactions. To model the surface structures of TATB, the planar slab method was employed. We constructed TATB (001) periodic slabs including three layers with a 15-Å vacuum layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the formation of zonal disintegration phenomenon in deep rock mass under high axial geostress, 3D geomechanical model tests for two rock strengths are carried out via capacity of deep rock breakage mechanics and supporting technique model test. Considering the maximum principal stress along the tunnel axis, 3D geomechanical model tests are carried out in a loading procedure of first loading to initial geostress, then excavating the tunnel with blasting construction, and finally overloading the stress along the tunnel. Due to unloading effect, radial strain is tensile and tangential strain is compressive around excavated tunnel after excavation complete, which indicates a radial tension and circumferential compression stress state. With continuous overloading of axial stress, values of both radial tensile strain and tangential compressive strain increase, then ring fracture appears due to large radial tensile strain. After axial overloading, an interval distribution of peaks and troughs is shown in radial tensile strain distribution around excavated tunnel, which indicates a formation of zonal disintegration. By cutting the rectangular cemented sand model, a distinct zonal disintegration phenomenon emerges, and an apparent shrinkage of excavated tunnel is also shown due to radial deformation towards excavated tunnel. The larger the rock strength is, the less the tunnel shrinkage is, the smaller the radius of fracture zone. After statistical analyses of three ring tensile fracture zones, the radius scale factor of fracture zone in zonal disintegration is about 1.28. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim of the study was to further explore the pathogenesis of idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN), gene-sequencing was used to analyze the differentially expressed circRNAs in exosomes of patients with IMN, which may lay the foundation for the research of circRNAs as a new class of exosome-based IMN diagnosis biomarkers.Material and Methods: Ten patients with IMN and ten normal controls were recruited as experimental subjects in our study. The exosomes were extracted from the collected serum and urine. Then, pure circRNAs were extracted from the exosomes with a series of enzymatic reactions. Afterwards, the significantly differentially expressed circRNAs were chosen by the method of gene-sequencing.Results: Compared with normal controls, the circRNAs were reduced in the exosomes from serum of patients with IMN, which mostly originated from intron gene regions. Meanwhile, a total of 89 circRNAs were significantly differentially expressed, which were also mostly derived from intron gene regions, including 49 up-regulated and 40 down-regulated genes. However, the species were increased in the exosomes from the urine of patients with IMN compared to normal controls, and they mainly originated from exon gene regions. Simultaneously, 60 circRNAs were significantly differentially expressed, which primarily belonged to intron gene regions, including 54 up-regulated and 6 down-regulated regions.Conclusions: The significant differential and specific expression of circRNAs in the exosomes from patients with IMN were observed. For example, MUC3A, which originated from chr7:100550808|100551062, could be considered a potential diagnostic biomarker of IMN. Furthermore, these figures may be used as a reference or supplement in the research of the pathogenesis of IMN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Although the interferon α (IFNα) signaling and the paired-like homeodomain transcription factor 2 (PITX2) have both been implicated in the progression of breast cancer (BCa), it remains obscure whether these two pathways act in a coordinated manner. We therefore aimed to elucidate the expression and function of PITX2 during the pathogenesis of endocrine resistance in BCa. Materials and Methods PITX2 expression was assessed in BCa tissues using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and immunohistochemistry and in experimentally induced letrozole-resistant BCa cells using RT-qPCR and immunoblotting. Effects of PITX2 deregulation on BCa progression was determined by assessing MTT, apoptosis and xenograft model. Finally, using multiple assays, the transcriptional regulation of interferon-inducible transmembrane protein 1 (IFITM1) by PITX2 was studied at both molecular and functional levels. Results PITX2 expression was induced in letrozole-resistant BCa tissues and cells, and PITX2 induction by IFNα signaling powerfully protected BCa cells against letrozole insult and potentiated letrozole-resistance. Mechanistically, PITX2 enhanced IFNα-induced AKT activation by transactivating the transcription of IFITM1, thus rendering BCa cells unresponsive to letrozoleelicited cell death. Additionally, ablation of IFITM1 expression using siRNA substantially abolished IFNα-elicited AKT phosphorylation, even in the presence of PITX2 overexpression, thus sensitizing BCa cells to letrozole treatment. Conclusion These results demonstrate that constitutive upregulation of PITX2/IFITM1 cascade is an intrinsic adaptive mechanism during the pathogenesis of letrozole-resistance, and modulation of PITX2/IFITM1 level using different genetic and pharmacological means would thus have a novel therapeutic potential against letrozole resistance in BCa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

'Akizuki' (Pyrus pyrifolia Nakai) is a dominant Asian pear cultivar with gradually increasing cultivation area in Shandong province. However, this cultivar is found susceptible to cork spot disorder in recent years. In this study, we explored the physiological-biochemical mechanism of cork spot disorder in pear fruit, and investigated the effectiveness of spraying calcium (Ca), boron (B) solution or prohexadione calcium (P-Ca) on cork spot incidence. Cork spotted fruit had the characteristics of significantly larger fruit size with shorter fruit pedicels. Compared with normal fruit, cork spotted fruit had lower content of total soluble solids, soluble and reducing sugar, and vitamin C. In addition, cork spotted fruit accumulated much higher levels of N and Mg, and lower levels ofKand P. However, Ca deficiency was not observed in cork spotted fruit, on the contrary, we determined high concentrations of Ca and free Ca2+ in disordered fruit. At the same time, the ratios of K/Ca, Mg/Ca, and (K+Mg)/Ca were significantly lower in cork spotted fruit as compared with normal fruit. Among all treatments, spraying with 3500 times dilution of P-Ca at 15-day intervals from 30 to 90 days after full bloom showed promise for reducing cork spot incidence in 'Akizuki' pear without affecting fruit quality attributes. This research herein reveals the physiologicalbiochemical characteristic of cork spot disorder, and implicates P-Ca as a potential tool to reduce cork spot incidence in Asian pear cultivar Akizuki. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intimal hyperplasia is a reaction to vascular injury, which is the primary reason for vascular restenosis caused by the diagnostic or therapeutic procedure for cardiovascular diseases. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are known to be associated with several cardiovascular conditions, but the expression of circRNAs in the neointima has not been reported in detail. In this study, we established the balloon-injured rat carotid artery model and detected the expression of circRNAs in the carotid arteries with a microarray. We found that the circRNA expression profile of the healthy carotid arteries and the injured arteries were significantly different. We investigated the role of rno-circ_005717 (circDiaph3) in the differentiation of rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). We found that knockdown of circDiaph3 up-regulated the level of diaphanous-related formin-3 and promoted the differentiation of VSMCs to contractile type. In addition, circDiaph3 up-regulated the transcription of Igf1r and supported the proliferation and migration of VSMCs. circDiaph3 could be a molecular target to combat intimal hyperplasia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Bicycle’s riders widely have group behaviors due to the bicycle’s features and the group behaviors may have significant impacts on bicycle flow (especially at a signalized intersection). In this paper, we propose a cellular automaton (CA) model to explore the impacts of shoulder group behavior and following group behavior of bicycles during the process that bicycles pass through a signalized intersection. In the proposed model, the acceleration/waiting phenomenon (caused by the two group behaviors at the intersection) is explicitly considered. The numerical results indicate that the proposed model can effectively reproduce the actions of group bicycles at the intersection and that the two group behaviors have prominent negative impacts on the operational efficiency of the intersection, which shows that the group behaviors should be controlled at the intersection. Highlights • Bicycle’s shoulder group behavior and following group behavior at a signalized intersection are defined. • Some rules are proposed to describe each bicycle’s motion under the two kinds of group behaviors. • The impacts of the two group behaviors on each bicycle’s motion and the operational efficiency are studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Se doping MWCNTs-graphene hybrids are prepared and used for supporting substrate. • Y-shaped DNA-aided target recycling signal amplification and hemin/G-quadruplex is used for signal amplification. • The biosensor used for PDGF-BB detection shows linear range of 0.1 pM-10 nM and detection limit of 27 fM. Abstract A highly sensitive electrochemical biosensor for detection of platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) is developed by using Se-doped multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)-graphene hybrids as electrode supporting substrate, hemin/G-quadruplex as trace labels and Y-shaped DNA-aided target recycling as signal magnifier. The aptamer-containing hairpin probes were first immobilized on the electrode. When target PDGF-BB was added, the aptamer binded PDGF-BB to trigger catalytic assembly of two other hairpins to form many G-quadruplex Y-junction DNA structures, which released PDGF-BB to again bind the intact aptamer to initiate another assembly cycle. G-quadruplex/hemin complexes were produced when hemin was added to generate substantially amplified current output. The developed assay showed a linear range toward PDGF-BB from 0.1 pM to 10 nM with a detection limit of 27 fM (S/N = 3). The method showed excellent specificity and repeatability, and could be expediently applied for sensitive detection of other molecules by simply changing the aptamers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a sandwich-type electrochemical biosensing platform is developed based on carbon sphere-MoS 2 (CS-MoS 2 ) and target recycling amplification of catalyzed hairpin assembly (CHA) strategy for ultrasensitive determination of microRNA (miRNA). The CS-MoS 2 is prepared and used as sensing substrate, which shows high specific surface area, enhanced stability and good dispersibility. The capture probe is first modified on Au nanoparticles/CS-MoS 2 modified glassy carbon electrode through Au-S band, and hairpin DNA1 (H1) then reacts with it and unfolds its loop domain by hybridizing with target miRNA-21. The opened H1 subsequently assembles with biotin labeled hairpin DNA 2 (H2) to displace the target. The liberated miRNA-21 is free and backs to the original solution to proceed next circulation, resulting in the generation of large amounts of H1–H2 duplex. Massive signal indicators horseradish peroxidase are then immobilized on electrode, and catalyze hydrogenperoxide + hydroquinone (H 2 O 2  + HQ) system to produce a strong electrochemical response. The proposed assay benefits from advantages of sandwich-type structure, favorable electrochemical properties of CS-MoS 2 and CHA target recycling amplification strategy. Therefore, it exhibits a wide linear relation between 1 × 10 −16 and 1 × 10 −10  M with a low detection limit of 1.6 × 10 −17  M for miRNA-21 detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Risk behavior often seems 'self-defeating' to the observers. Most people understand the basic health-related knowledge, but some of them still choose to continue risk behaviors, especially for the young. This study aimed to examine time perspective, optimism bias and self control correlated with smoking behavior in Chinese college students. A cross-sectional survey enrolling 3016 university students in Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, China. Influence Factors were identified using multiple logistic regression analyses. Prevalence of current smoking was 20.92% (631 smokers), including 272 daily smokers (9.02%) and 359 non-daily smokers (11.90%). Future-oriented time perspective, general capacity for self-discipline, reliability and ethnicity were protective factors of smoking behavior. Possibility of self-suffering diseases and gender were risk factors of smoking behavior. Smoking in University of Chengdu, China is a severe problem. Results in this research have suggested that irrespective of the smoking level, improving health-related knowledge, time management awareness and self-control ability may contribute to reducing the prevalence of smoking behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 150 kJ/100 kW conduction-cooled HTS superconducting magnetic energy storage magnet, which consists of 17 double pancake coils and operates at 20 K, was developed and manufactured in the Huazhong University of Science and Technology. To evaluate the thermal characteristic of the magnet, this paper conducts a series of experiments and carries out the loss analyses. When the maintaining time and peak value of the flat top current in the magnet are constant, the maximum temperature rise will first decrease and then increase with the continuous augment of the current ramp rate, and it means that there is a valley value for the maximum temperature rise during an operational cycle time including charging, standby, and discharging stages. Similarly, the total losses, which include the ac heat loss and the resistive loss caused by the joints between every two double pancakes and extra resistance of the high temperature superconducting (HTS) coils, will fall with the increase of the ramp rate to its valley value, and then it will increase with the ramp rate. Experimental results show that the temperature variation of the magnet is in keeping with the heat loss variation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the risk factors and risk groups of malaria imported into the Great Britain. It mentions the incidence of malaria among peacekeepers is significantly lower than among the Congolese population. It also mentions the epidemic of malaria among peacekeepers has its own unique characteristics compared with the local population.

Background/Aims: Emerging evidence points towards an important role of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the tumorigenesis and progression of gastric cancer (GC). MT1JP has recently been reported to be differentially expressed and act as a tumor suppressor in different tumors, with its mechanisms not fully understood in GC. Methods: RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression of MT1JP, miR-214-3p and RUNX3 in tumor tissues and cell lines of GC. The CCK-8 assay, colony formation, Transwell assay and wound healing assay were used to evaluate the proliferation, invasion and migration of GC cells, respectively. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assay were performed to disclose the interaction between MT1JP, miR-214-3p and RUNX3. Western blot and immunofluorescence were applied to assess the downstream signaling of RUNX3. Results: MT1JP was found downregulated in GC tissues and cells. Low expression of MT1JP was significantly correlated with advanced TNM stage and lymphatic metastasis. The expression of plasma MT1JP was also found decreased in GC patients compared to healthy controls, with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.649 for diagnosis of GC. Gain- and loss-of-function of MT1JP revealed that MT1JP functioned as a ceRNA for miR-214-3p to facilitate RUNX3 expression and then upregulated p21 and Bim levels suppressing GC cell proliferation, invasion and migration, and promoting apoptosis. Furthermore, MT1JP overexpression suppressed tumor growth and inhibited the expression of miR-214-3p and proliferation antigen Ki-67, but increased the expression of RUNX3, p21 and Bim in vivo. Conclusions: Our results suggest a potential ceRNA regulatory network involving MT1JP regulates RUNX3 expression by competitively binding endogenous miR-214-3p in tumorigenesis and progression of GC. This mechanism may contribute to a better understanding of GC pathogenesis and provide potential therapeutic strategy for GC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]