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This study examines the extent to which verb argument construction (VAC) based indices of syntactic complexity could predict four different writing task conditions: a simple task with no repetition (S + NR), a simple task with repetition (S + R), a complex task with no repetition (C + NR), and a complex task with repetition (C + R). Ninety-six high-intermediate second language (L2) learners of English performed two argumentative writing tasks and repeated them at one-week intervals, with the order of the tasks counterbalanced. The 384 essays collected at four different time points were analyzed in terms of VAC sophistication measures using the Tool for the Automatic Analysis of Syntactic Sophistication and Complexity (Kyle 2016). Results indicated that S + R as well as C + NR and C + R conditions led to more lower-frequency VAC-verb combined structures used in the essays. Further analyses revealed a significant average association strength between verbs and VACs for the C + R group, showing the superiority of this condition over the others in developing syntactically complex argumentative essays. The implications for L2 writing pedagogy and assessment will be discussed.

Investigating links between temporal features of the writing process (e.g., bursts and pauses during writing) and the linguistic features found in written products would help us better understand intersections between the writing process and product. However, research on this topic is rare. This article illustrates a method to examine associations between the writing process and linguistic features and provides an illustrative study that examines whether features of L2 writing fluency can be predicted by cohesive devices produced in argumentative essays. Seventy-five L2 undergraduate students at a U.S. university wrote two independent essays spaced about five months apart on two different prompts. Students' writing fluency was calculated using keystroke logging techniques and was analyzed using a multi-dimensional model that condensed processing into four process components (production, process variance, revision, and pause behavior). The cohesion features in students' essays were analyzed using natural language processing (NLP) approaches that measured three types of cohesive devices (reference, conjunction, lexical cohesion). Results from linear mixed effects models showed that writing fluency components were significantly predicted by a set of cohesive devices found in L2 writers' essays. The findings indicated links between certain cohesive devices and specific temporal features in L2 writers' text production (e.g., more unattended demonstratives related to more productivity). The proposed method affords opportunities for future research investigating links between the writing process and product using keystroke logging and NLP.

The gear friction pairs in RV reducer always withstand a broad range of temperature, sliding velocity and heavy load. In the research, three types of heat treatment methods (carburizing + quenching, nitrocarburizing and high concentration nitrocarburizing) are applied on the 20CrMo (cycloidal gear material) disc to study the tribological behavior and wear mechanism. The friction coefficient, wear depth and wear rate of the three types of friction pairs under various temperature (−20 °C, 25 °C, 50 °C, 100 °C) are measured and the microstructure characteristics are analyzed by SEM and EDS. The results reveal that high temperature can dramatically decrease the wear scar dimensions and wear rate due to the more active lubricant. Although the lubricant lost its activity at −20 °C, the friction coefficient and maximum wear depth for GCr15/20CrMo (carburizing + quenching) and GCr15/20CrMo (high concentration nitrocarburizing) are relatively less than 0.1 and 4 μm. The wear rate of GCr15/20CrMo (carburizing + quenching) and GCr15/20CrMo (high concentration nitrocarburizing) are 14.49 μm3/N·m and 17.20 μm3/N·m, which are only 28.7% and 34.1% of GCr15/20CrMo (nitrocarburizing). With the temperature increases to 25 °C, tribofilm is more likely to form on the 20CrMo specimen after nitrocarburizing, leading to better wear resistance. At high temperature (50 °C and 100 °C), GCr15/20CrMo (high concentration nitrocarburizing) system presents excellent tribological behavior by the combination of good lubricant activity, formation of tribofilm and refined nitrides. The wear rate even reaches 0.45 μm3/N·m and 0.43 μm3/N·m at the sliding velocity of 300 mm/s and 562 mm/s under 100 °C. Overall, specimen with high concentration nitrocarburizing process exhibits exceptional wear performance under full operating conditions of RV reducer.

Abstract Background Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked disorder caused by mutations in the DMD gene, with large deletions being the most common type of mutation. Inversions involving the DMD gene are a less frequent cause of the disorder, largely because they often evade detection by standard diagnostic methods such as multiplex ligation probe amplification (MLPA) and whole exome sequencing (WES). Case presentation : Our research identified two intrachromosomal inversions involving the dystrophin gene in two unrelated families through Long-read sequencing (LRS). These variants were subsequently confirmed via Sanger sequencing. The first case involved a pericentric inversion extending from DMD intron 47 to Xq27.3. The second case featured a paracentric inversion between DMD intron 42 and Xp21.1, inherited from the mother. In both cases, simple repeat sequences (SRS) were present at the breakpoints of these inversions. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that LRS is an effective tool for detecting atypical mutations. The identification of SRS at the breakpoints in DMD patients enhances our understanding of the mechanisms underlying structural variations, thereby facilitating the exploration of potential treatments.

Abstract Using surfactants to extract oil, the anionic surfactant Karamay petroleum sulfonate (KPS), the zwitterionic surfactant octadecyl betaine (BS-18) and the nonionic surfactant coconut oil fatty acid diethanolamide (6501) were selected for adsorption experiments with minerals contained in the conglomerate reservoir with different mineral compositions to study the adsorption law of different types of surfactants. Zeolite and montmorillonite, which have the highest specific surface area and zeta potential among the minerals in the conglomerate reservoir, have the most obvious adsorption effect on surfactants, resulting in a large amount of adsorption of KPS and BS-18. The three types of surfactants were then used to conduct physical simulation oil recovery experiments with conglomerate core samples, and the results showed that 6501 had better overall performance, the best adsorption resistance, and a higher degree of recovery in oil recovery experiments, which provided a basis for the selection of surfactants in the process of chemical drive in conglomerate reservoirs.

Dipterocarpus retusus Blume is an endangered species on the IUCN Red List. In this study, we reported the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of D. retusus (GenBank accession number: OP271853). The cp genome was 154,303 bp long, with a large single-copy (LSC) region of 85,586 bp and a small single-copy (SSC) region of 20,273 bp separated by a pair of inverted repeats (IRs) of 24,222 bp. It encodes 128 genes, including 84 protein-coding genes, 36 tRNA genes, and eight ribosomal RNA genes. We also reconstructed the cp genome phylogeny of Dipterocarpus, which indicated D. retusus was closely related with the sympatric species D. gracilis. This study may contribute valuable information to the phylogenetic relationships within the genus Dipterocarpus.

Abstract Cellular senescence (CS), a permanent and irreversible arrest of the cell cycle and proliferation leading to the degeneration of cellular structure and function, has been implicated in various key physiological and pathological processes, particularly in cancer. Initially, CS was recognized as a barrier to tumorigenesis, serving as an intrinsic defense mechanism to protect cells from malignant transformation. However, increasing evidence suggests that senescent cells can promote tumor progression to overt malignancy, primarily through a set of factors known as senescence-associated secretory phenotypes (SASPs), including chemokines, growth factors, cytokines, and stromal metalloproteinases. These factors significantly reshape the tumor microenvironment (TME), enabling tumors to evade immune destruction. Interestingly, some studies have also suggested that SASPs may impede tumor development by enhancing immunosurveillance. These opposing roles highlight the complexity and heterogeneity of CS and SASPs in diverse cancers. Consequently, there has been growing interest in pharmacological interventions targeting CS or SASPs in cancer therapy, such as senolytics and senomorphics, to either promote the clearance of senescent cells or mitigate the harmful effects of SASPs. In this review, we will interpret the concept of CS, delve into the role of SASPs in reshaping the TME, and summarize recent advances in anti-tumor strategies targeting CS or SASPs.

Abstract Background Early detection and treatment are effective methods for the management of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), which can be facilitated by the detection of tumor-specific OSCC biomarkers. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) are important therapeutic targets for OSCC. Multispectral fluorescence molecular imaging (FMI) can facilitate the detection of tumor multitarget expression with high sensitivity and safety. Hence, we developed Nimotuzumab-ICG and Atezolizumab-Cy5.5 imaging probes, in combination with multispectral FMI, to sensitively and noninvasively identify EGFR and PD-L1 expression for the detection and comprehensive treatment of OSCC. Methods The expression of EGFR and PD-L1 was analyzed using bioinformatics data sources and specimens. Nimotuzumab-ICG and Atezolizumab-Cy5.5 imaging probes were developed and tested on preclinical OSCC cell line and orthotopic OSCC mouse model, fresh OSCC patients’ biopsied samples, and further clinical mouthwash trials were conducted in OSCC patients. Results EGFR and PD-L1 were specifically expressed in human OSCC cell lines and tumor xenografts. Nimotuzumab-ICG and Atezolizumab-Cy5.5 imaging probes can specifically target to the tumor sites in an in situ human OSCC mouse model with good safety. The detection sensitivity and specificity of Nimotuzumab-ICG in patients were 96.4% and 100%, and 95.2% and 88.9% for Atezolizumab-Cy5.5. Conclusions EGFR and PD-L1 are highly expressed in OSCC, the combination of which is important for a precise prognosis of OSCC. EGFR and PD-L1 expression can be sensitively detected using the newly synthesized multispectral fluorescence imaging probes Nimotuzumab-ICG and Atezolizumab-Cy5.5, which can facilitate the sensitive and specific detection of OSCC and improve treatment outcomes. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2100045738. Registered 23 April 2021, https://www.chictr.org.cn/bin/project/edit?pid=125220

Abstract In the framework of double holography, we investigate the entanglement behavior of a subregion of the defect on the boundary of a CFT3. The entanglement entropy of this defect subregion is determined by the quantum extremal surface (QES) anchored at the two endpoints of the subregion from the brane perspective. We further analyze the entanglement entropy of the quantum matter within this QES, which can be extracted from the total entanglement entropy. We find there are two phases of the QES. To numerically distinguish these phases, we design a strategy for approaching the QES by progressively reducing the width of a semi-ellipse-like region within the CFT3, which is bounded by the defect. During this process, we discover an entanglement phase transition driven by the degree of freedom on the brane. In the shrinking phase, the entanglement wedge of the defect subregion sharply decreases to zero as the removal of the CFT3. In contrast, in the stable phase, the wedge almost remains constant. In this phase, the formulas of entanglement measures can be derived based on defect and CFT3 central charges in the semi-classical limit. For entanglement entropy, the classical geometry only contributes a subleading term with logarithmic divergence, but the matter entanglement exhibits a dominant linear divergence, even in the semi-classical limit. For the reflected entropy within the defect subregion, classical geometry contributes a leading term with logarithmic divergence, while the quantum matter within the entanglement wedge only contributes a finite term.

Abstract Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are pivotal in cancer progression, influencing tumor growth, angiogenesis, and immune evasion. This review explores the spatial and temporal heterogeneity of TAMs within the tumor microenvironment (TME), highlighting their diverse subtypes, origins, and functions. Advanced technologies such as single-cell sequencing and spatial multi-omics have elucidated the intricate interactions between TAMs and other TME components, revealing the mechanisms behind their recruitment, polarization, and distribution. Key findings demonstrate that TAMs support tumor vascularization, promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and modulate extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, etc., thereby enhancing tumor invasiveness and metastasis. Understanding these complex dynamics offers new therapeutic targets for disrupting TAM-mediated pathways and overcoming drug resistance. This review underscores the potential of targeting TAMs to develop innovative cancer therapies, emphasizing the need for further research into their spatial characteristics and functional roles within the TME.

Abstract Background Neoadjuvant therapy (NT) has increased survival rates for patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer (EC), but estimating the impact of NT treatment prior to surgery is still very difficult. Methods A retrospective study of the clinical information of 150 patients with locally advanced EC who got NT at Qilu Hospital of Shandong University between June 2018 and June 2023. Patients were randomized into training and internal validation groups at a 3:1 ratio. Furthermore, an external validation cohort comprised 38 patients who underwent neoadjuvant therapy at Qianfoshan Hospital in the Shandong Province between June 2021 and June 2023. Independent risk factors were identified using univariate and multivariate logistic regression (forward stepwise regression). Predictive models and dynamic web nomograms were developed by integrating these risk factors. Results A total of 188 patients with locally advanced EC were enrolled, of whom 118 achieved stage I of neoadjuvant pathologic TNM (ypTNM) after receiving NT and 129 achieved grades 0-1 in the tumor regression grade (TRG). Logistic regression analysis identified five independent predictors of TRG grades 0-1: pulmonary function tests (PFT), prognostic nutritional index (PNI), triglyceride (TG) levels, squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC-Ag) levels, and combination immunotherapy. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for the training, internal validation, and external validation groups were 0.87, 0.75, and 0.80, respectively. Meanwhile, two independent predictors of stage I of ypTNM were identified: prealbumin (PA) and SCC antigen. The areas under the ROC curves for the training, internal validation, and external validation groups were 0.78, 0.67, and 0.70, respectively. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test for both predictive models showed excellent calibration, with well-fitted calibration curves. Decision curve analysis (DCA) and clinical impact curves (CIC) have demonstrated that nomograms are of clinical utility. Conclusion The nomograms performed well in predicting the likelihood of stage I of ypTNM and TRG grade 0-1 after NT in patients with locally advanced EC. It helps thoracic surgeons to predict the sensitivity of patients to NT before surgery, which enables precise treatment of patients with locally advanced EC.

Abstract The functions of natural killer (NK) and T cells in innate and adaptive immunity, as well as their functions in tumor eradication, are complementary and intertwined. Here we show that utilization of multi-specific antibodies or nano-antibodies capable of simultaneously targeting both NK and T cells could be a valuable approach in cancer immunotherapy. Here, we introduce a tri-specific Nano-Antibody (Tri-NAb), generated by immobilizing three types of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), using an optimized albumin/polyester composite nanoparticle conjugated with anti-Fc antibody. This Tri-NAb, targeting PDL1, 4-1BB, and NKG2A (or TIGIT) simultaneously, effectively binds to NK and CD8+ T cells, triggering their activation and proliferation, while facilitating their interaction with tumor cells, thereby inducing efficient tumor killing. Importantly, the antitumor efficacy of Tri-NAb is validated in multiple models, including patient-derived tumor organoids and humanized mice, highlighting the translational potential of NK and T cell co-targeting.

Abstract Pulmonary Fibrosis (PF) is a fatal disease in the interstitial lung associated with high mortality, morbidity, and poor prognosis. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is a fibroblast-activating protein that promotes fibrous diseases. Herein, an inhalable system was first developed using milk exosomes (M-Exos) encapsulating siRNA against TGF-β1 (MsiTGF-β1), and their therapeutic potential for bleomycin (BLM)-induced PF was investigated. M-siTGF-β1 was introduced into the lungs of mice with PF through nebulization. The collagen penetration effect and lysosomal escape ability were verified in vitro. Inhaled MsiTGF-β1 notably alleviated inflammatory infiltration, attenuated extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, and increased the survival rate of PF mice by 4.7-fold. M-siTGF-β1 protected lung tissue from BLM toxicity by efficiently delivering specific siRNA to the lungs, leading to TGF-β1 mRNA silencing and epithelial mesenchymal transition pathway inhibition. Therefore, M-siTGF-β1 offers a promising avenue for therapeutic intervention in fibrosis-related disorders.

Abstract Nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-ĸB) plays a crucial role in both innate and adaptive immune systems, significantly influencing various physiological processes such as cell proliferation, migration, differentiation, survival, and stemness. The function of NF-ĸB in cancer progression and response to chemotherapy has gained increasing attention. This review highlights the role of NF-ĸB in inflammation control, biological mechanisms, and therapeutic implications in cancer treatment. NF-ĸB is instrumental in altering the release of inflammatory factors such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, which are key in the regulation of carcinogenesis. Specifically, in conditions including colitis, NF-ĸB upregulation can intensify inflammation, potentially leading to the development of colorectal cancer. Its pivotal role extends to regulating the tumor microenvironment, impacting components such as macrophages, fibroblasts, T cells, and natural killer cells. This regulation influences tumorigenesis and can dampen anti-tumor immune responses. Additionally, NF-ĸB modulates cell death mechanisms, notably by inhibiting apoptosis and ferroptosis. It also has a dual role in stimulating or suppressing autophagy in various cancers. Beyond these functions, NF-ĸB plays a role in controlling cancer stem cells, fostering angiogenesis, increasing metastatic potential through EMT induction, and reducing tumor cell sensitivity to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Given its oncogenic capabilities, research has focused on natural products and small molecule compounds that can suppress NF-ĸB, offering promising avenues for cancer therapy.

Abstract Alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) for scalable hydrogen production largely hinges on addressing the sluggish bubble‐involved kinetics on the traditional Ni‐based electrode, especially for ampere‐level current densities and beyond. Herein, 3D‐printed Ni‐based sulfide (3DPNS) electrodes with varying scaffolds are designed and fabricated. In situ observations at microscopic levels demonstrate that the bubble escape velocity increases with the number of hole sides (HS) in the scaffolds. Subsequently, we conduct multiphysics field simulations to illustrate that as the hole shapes transition from square, pentagon, and hexagon to circle, where a noticeable reduction in the bubble‐attached HS length and the pressure balance time around the bubbles results in a decrease in bubble size and an acceleration in the rate of bubble escape. Ultimately, the 3DPNS electrode with circular hole configurations exhibits the most favorable HER performance with an overpotential of 297 mV at the current density of up to 1000 mA cm−2 for 120 h. The present study highlights a scalable and effective electrode scaffold design that promotes low‐cost and low‐energy green hydrogen production through the ampere‐level alkaline HER.

Abstract Background Smoking rationalisation beliefs are a huge barrier to quitting smoking. What types of rationalisations should be emphasised in smoking cessation interventions? Although past literature has confirmed the negative relationship between those beliefs and motivation to stop smoking, little is known regarding the importance and performance of those beliefs on motivation with varying cigarette dependence. The study aimed to ascertain rationalisations that are highly important for motivation yet perform poorly in different cigarette dependence groups. Methods The cross-sectional study was conducted from November 19 to December 9, 2023 in Guiyang City, China. Adult male current smokers were enrolled. Partial least squares structural equation modelling was used to test the hypothesis. The multi-group analysis was used to determine the moderating effect of cigarette dependence, and the importance-performance map analysis was utilised to assess the importance and performance of rationalisations. Results A total of 616 adult male current smokers were analysed, and they were divided into the low cigarette dependence group (n = 297) and the high cigarette dependence group (n = 319). Except for risk generalisation beliefs, smoking functional beliefs (H1: -β = 0.131, P

Abstract Background Astragaloside IV is a main medicinal active ingredient in Astragalus membranaceus Bge. var. mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao, which is also the key biomarker of A. membranaceus quality. Ethylene has been well-documented to involve in secondary metabolites biosynthesis in plants. Nevertheless, how ethylene regulates astragaloside IV biosynthesis in A. membranaceus is still unclear. Therefore, in the present study different dosages and time-dependent exogenous application of ethephon (Eth) were employed to analyze astragaloside IV accumulation and its biosynthesis genes expression level in hydroponically A. membranaceus. Results Exogenous 200 µmol·L− 1Eth supply is most significantly increased astragaloside IV contents in A. membranaceus when compared with non-Eth supply. After 12 h 200 µmol·L− 1 Eth treatment, the astragaloside IV contents reaching the highest content at 3 d Eth treatment(P ≤ 0.05). Moreover, After Eth treatment, all detected key genes involved in astragaloside IV synthesis were significant decrease at 3rd day(P ≤ 0.05). However, SE displayed a significant increase at the 3rd day under Eth treatment(P ≤ 0.05). Under Eth treatment, the expression level of FPS, HMGR, IDI, SS, and CYP93E3 exhibited significant negative correlations with astragaloside IV content, while expression level of SE displayed a significant positive correlation. Conclusions These findings suggest that exogenous Eth treatment can influence the synthesis of astragaloside IV by regulating the expression of FPS, HMGR, IDI, SS, CYP93E3 and SE. This study provides a theoretical basis for utilizing molecular strategies to enhance the quality of A. membranaceus.