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Oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia (OAT), which is a common cause of male infertility, can be caused by genetic factors. This study reports on a case of a male patient suffering from infertility concomitant with OAT. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) confirmed the presence of a homozygous variant (NM_003462: c.464-1G > A) in the DNALI1 gene via Sanger sequencing. Immunofluorescence staining demonstrated that the DNALI1 signal was nearly undetectable in the patient's sperm. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that this mutation could reverse the splicing of the exon 4 acceptor splice site. A minigene experiment was performed to verify the mutation and the results confirmed that the mutation disrupted the splicing. Our findings show that this rare mutation in DNALI1 contributes to male infertility and OAT in humans, thereby expanding our understanding of the causes and pathogenesis of male infertility. This knowledge facilitates genetic counseling, clinical diagnosis, and therapeutic development of male infertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, most primary hospitals cannot routinely perform liver stiffness measurements (LSMs) and spleen stiffness measurements (SSMs), which are recommended by guidelines to exclude high-risk varices (HRVs). We tried to find more convenient indicators for HRV screening. We enrolled 213 cirrhosis patients as the training cohort (TC) and 65 primary biliary cirrhosis patients as the validation cohort (VC). We included indicators such as SSM by two-dimensional shear wave elastography, LSM by transient elastography, and other imaging and laboratory tests. Variable analysis revealed SSM, platelets (PLT), and spleen thickness (ST) as independent risk indicators for HRV. In TC, ST+PLT (ST < 42.2 mm and PLT > 113.5 × 109/L) could avoid 35.7% of the esophagogastroduodenoscopies (EGDs), with a 2.4% missed HRV rate. Although the proportion of EGDs spared by ST+PLT was less than SSM+PLT (SSM < 29.89 kPa + PLT > 113.5 × 109/L) (35.7% vs. 44.1%), it was higher than that of the Baveno VI criteria (B6) (35.7% vs. 28.2%). We did not validate SSM+PLT in VC considering our aims. ST+PLT safely spared 24.6% of EGDs in VC, identical to B6. Conclusions: The ability of ST+PLT to exclude HRVs was superior to B6 but slightly inferior to SSM+PLT. When SSM cannot be routinely performed, ST+PLT provides an extra option for patients to exclude HRVs as a more convenient model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Link prediction aims at inferring missing links or predicting future ones based on the currently observed network. This topic is important for many applications such as social media, bioinformatics and recommendation systems. Most existing methods focus on homogeneous settings and consider only low-order pairwise relations while ignoring either the heterogeneity or high-order complex relations among different types of nodes, which tends to lead to a sub-optimal embedding result. This paper presents a method named Heterogeneous Hypergraph Variational Autoencoder (HeteHG-VAE) for link prediction in heterogeneous information networks (HINs). It first maps a conventional HIN to a heterogeneous hypergraph with a certain kind of semantics to capture both the high-order semantics and complex relations among nodes, while preserving the low-order pairwise topology information of the original HIN. Then, deep latent representations of nodes and hyperedges are learned by a Bayesian deep generative framework from the heterogeneous hypergraph in an unsupervised manner. Moreover, a hyperedge attention module is designed to learn the importance of different types of nodes in each hyperedge. The major merit of HeteHG-VAE lies in its ability of modeling multi-level relations in heterogeneous settings. Extensive experiments on real-world datasets demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data mules are extensively used for data collection in wireless sensor networks (WSNs), which significantly reduces energy consumption at sensor nodes but increases the data delivery latency. In this paper, we focus on minimizing the length of the traveling path to reduce the data delivery latency. We first model the shortest path planning of a data mule as an optimization problem, and propose an optimal model and corresponding solving algorithm. The optimal model solution has high time complexity, mainly due to the parallel optimization of node visit arrangements and data access point (DAP) settings during the solution process, which is to obtain the shortest path result. In order to improve the computational efficiency, we next give the approximate model and its solving algorithm, which is mainly to decompose the path planning problem into the Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP) and nonlinear optimization problem, and optimize the two parts separately. The proposed approach is capable of expressing the influence of the communication range of each sensor node, which is suitable for more general application scenarios than the existing methods. Theoretical analysis and simulation results show that the solution has good performances in terms of path length and computational efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) was quantitatively measured and its relationship with age, semen quality, and infertility conditions was investigated. Methods: Semen routine test and sperm DFI were performed in 2760 infertile male and 2354 male whose spouse experienced at least one unexplained miscarriage to analyze the correlation between sperm DNA damage, semen routine parameters, and age. Results: Sperm DFI was significantly lower from patients whose wife experienced unexplained miscarriage compared to infertility males (p = 0.000). An inverse correlation between sperm DFI and sperm progressive motility was observed (rs = − 0.465, p = 0.000) and sperm DFI was positively correlated with age (rs = 0.255, p = 0.000). However, the correlation between sperm DFI and sperm concentration, semen volume, total sperm count, and motile sperm count were not proved. Conclusions: Sperm DFI is an important indicator for evaluating the quality of semen. Sperm DNA integrity testing is preferentially recommended to those who have decreased sperm progressive motility, especially older men. An integrative analysis of sperm DFI, sperm progressive motility, age, and infertility conditions can provide a more comprehensive assessment of male fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fuzzy C-means (FCM) is a classical algorithm of cluster analysis which has been applied to many fields including artificial intelligence, pattern recognition, data aggregation and their applications in software engineering, image processing, IoT, etc. However, it is sensitive to the initial value selection and prone to get local extremum. The classification effect is also unsatisfactory which limits its applications severely. Therefore, this paper introduces the artificial-fish-swarm algorithm (AFSA) which has strong global search ability and adds an adaptive mechanism to make it adaptively adjust the scope of visual value, improves its local and global optimization ability, and reduces the number of algorithm iterations. Then it is applied to the improved FCM which is based on the Mahalanobis distance, named as adaptive AFSA-inspired FCM(AAFSA-FCM). The optimal solution obtained by adaptive AFSA (AAFSA) is used for FCM cluster analysis to solve the problems mentioned above and improve clustering performance. Experiments show that the proposed algorithm has better clustering effect and classification performance with lower computing cost which can be better to apply to every relevant area, such as IoT, network analysis, and abnormal detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several microRNAs (miRNAs) have been suggested as novel biomarkers for diagnosing gastric cancer (GC) at an early stage, but the single-marker strategy may ignore the co-regulatory relationships and lead to low diagnostic specificity. Thus, multi-target modular diagnostic biomarkers are urgently needed. In this study, a Zsummary and NetSVM-based method was used to identify GC-related hub miRNAs and activated modules from clinical miRNA co-expression networks. The NetSVM-based sub-network consisting of the top 20 hub miRNAs reached a high sensitivity and specificity of 0.94 and 0.82. The Zsummary algorithm identified an activated module (miR-486, miR-451, miR-185, and miR-600) which might serve as diagnostic biomarker of GC. Three members of this module were previously suggested as biomarkers of GC and its 24 target genes were significantly enriched in pathways directly related to cancer. The weighted diagnostic ROC AUC of this module was 0.838, and an optimized module unit (miR-451 and miR-185) obtained a higher value of 0.904, both of which were higher than that of individual miRNAs. These hub miRNAs and module have the potential to become robust biomarkers for early diagnosis of GC with further validations. Moreover, such modular analysis may offer valuable insights into multi-target approaches to cancer diagnosis and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drag is a fundamental force on the motion of particles. In this study, the effects of particle surface roughness, particle volume fraction, and interactions on particle drag coefficients were investigated using 3D reconstruction of particles and particle-resolved direct numerical simulation (PR-DNS). The results demonstrate that a model based on the shape parameter group, including particle sphericity, flatness ratio, and roughness parameter, could accurately explain variations in the drag coefficients of irregular particles. The impact of roughness (S ef) can be established by relating the smooth particle drag coefficient (C D,s) and the Reynolds number (Re p) to the rough particle drag coefficient (C D), which is expressed as C D = C D , s {1 + [0.0311 ln (S ef − 0.962) + 0.102] Re p 0.114}. In addition, the particle flatness equation based on the maximum, intermediate and minimum projected areas of a particle can achieve a reasonable calculation of the flatness ratio throughout the full range of incidence angle. Accordingly, two new models for predicting the drag coefficients of irregular particles are proposed. The average relative errors of the models are 6.82% and 9.91%. The models are applicable to Re p range from 1 to 200, sphericity from 0.71 to 0.86, flatness ratio from 0.82 to 1.44, and particle surface roughness parameter from 1 to 1.24. Furthermore, a new drag coefficient model is correlated based on the model of Wen and Yu [ 1 ], which shows the influence of the particle volume fraction. The new shape parameter group and corrections are expected to improve the accuracy of Euler–Lagrangian simulations of uniform suspension systems comprising moderately elongated/flattened irregular particles. [Display omitted] • 3D reconstruction technology is applied to model irregular non-spherical particles. • A new particle shape parameter group including sphericity, flatness, and roughness. • A high-precision calculation equation for particle flatness ratio. • Interaction mechanism of two particles system based on BBD-RSM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Heat shock protein A2 (HspA2) expression was quantitatively measured in human testis and its relationship with the spermatogenetic status and laboratory outcomes of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was investigated. Methods: Testicular tissues of azoospermia men were divided into four groups according to histopahtology: normal spermatogenesiss, hypospermatogenesis, maturation arrest and Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCOS). HspA2 immunostaining was measured by Image Pro-Plus (IPP) and laboratory outcomes were calculated. The regression analysis between HspA2 expression and Johnsen score of as well as fertilization, cleavage and high quality embryo rate was performed. Results: HspA2 was strongly present in the cytoplasm of spermatocytes and spermatides in normal testis. However, hypospermatogenesis and maturation arrest testicular tissues demonstrated light staining and no staining for SCOS. Quantitative image analysis showed that there were significant differences among groups ( P = 0.000 & P = 0.001). HspA2 exspression was founded significantly correlated spermatogenetic status (R = 0.726, P = 0.000) as well as fertilization rate in ICSI (R = 0.569, P = 0.000). Conclusions: The fertilization rate with ICSI is associated with HspA2 expression in the testis from which sperm retrieved and the alteration of HspA2 expression has been involved in spermatogenic impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An ectopic ureter is a ureter that does not correctly connect to the trigone of the bladder and drains outside of the bladder. Here, we presented five cases of ectopic ureter opening into the vagina, whose clinical symptoms and malformations were rarely described in previous case reports. All five patients were hospitalized with complaints of gynecologic disease. Three of the five cases did not present the typical symptoms of urinary incontinence. Three of these cases showed congenital malformations of the female genital tract. Four cases were diagnosed in adulthood. All patients were analyzed using various imaging examinations. This study suggests that the ectopic ureter should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a pelvic mass in a patient with urinary and reproductive system abnormalities. It is essential to comprehensively evaluate complex malformations of the genitourinary system with multiple imaging tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Accumulation of mutations and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the displacement loop (D-loop) of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) might be associated with cancer risk and disease outcome. We investigated the prediction power of D-loop SNPs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. No mutation in these HCC patients has prediction power for post-operational survival, whereas two SNP sites (nucleotides 146 T/C and 150 C/T) were identified by the log-rank test for statistically significant prediction of HCC survival. In an overall multivariate analysis, allele 146 was identified as an independent predictor of HCC outcome. The length of survival of patients with allele 146C was significantly shorter than that of patients with allele 146T (relative risk, 2.781; 95% CI, 1.127–6.859; p =0.026). The analysis of genetic polymorphisms in the mitochondrial D-loop can help identify patient subgroups at high risk of a poor disease outcome. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In real-valued negative selection algorithm, the variability of self sample would result in the holes on the boundary between the self and non-self region and the deceiving anomalies hidden in the self region. This paper analyzes the reason for the difficulty in handling these problems by traditional evolved detectors, and then proposes a method of evolving boundary detectors to solve them. This method uses an improved detector generation algorithm based on evolutionary search to generate boundary detectors. The boundary detectors constructed by an aggressive interpretation are allowed to cover a part of self region. The aggressiveness controlled by boundary threshold can convert some volume of self sample into the fitness of boundary detector. This makes them enable to eliminate the holes on the boundary and have an opportunity to detect the deceiving anomalies hidden in the self region. Experiments are carried out using both 2-dimensional dataset and real world dataset. The former was designed to demonstrate intuitively that boundary detectors can cover the holes on the boundary, while the latter was to show that boundary detectors can detect the deceiving anomalies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The clonal selection algorithm(CSA) is a core method in artificial immune system, which is famous for its intelligent evolution in artificial intelligence application. However, There are some shortcomings in the algorithm, such as local optima and low convergence speed, which make its practical effects not ideal. Culture algorithm(CA) is driven by knowledge, which can significantly improve the evolutionary efficiency. Chaos mechanism can make the algorithm have better problem space coverage ability. Therefore, a culture&chaos-inspired CSA(CC-CSA) is proposed in this paper to deal with the problems mentioned before. CC-CSA adopts the double-layer evolutionary framework of CA to extract knowledge and guide the crossover and chaotic mutation operation to complete the evolution process. The implicit knowledge is used to adaptively control the chaotic mutation scale, guide the individuals to jump out of the local optima, and realize the accurate search in the latter evolution cycle to gradually approach the optimal solution. It can be seen from the mathematical model analysis that CC-CSA can converge to the global optimal solution. Compared with the experimental results of the original CSA and its representative, up-to-date improved methods, CC-CSA has the fastest convergence speed and the best detection performances. It is also proved that CC-CSA can solve the problems of local optima and slow convergence speed by using the knowledge guidance of CA's double-layer framework and good coverage ability of chaos mechanism to the problem space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Cell-free mRNAs (cfmRNAs) were quantitatively measured in human seminal plasma and its relationship with semen quality was investigated. Methods: Herein, a prospectively, controlled investigation was performed to study seminal plasma HSPA2 and uPA cfmRNA alterations between 21 asthenozoospermic patients and 16 normozoospermic individuals. Standard semen analysis was performed and seminal plasma cfmRNAs content was measured by real-time quantitative PCR. In addition, the regression analysis between seminal plasma cfmRNAs expression and semen parameters was performed. Results: Seminal plasma HSPA2, but not uPA cfmRNA indicated significant difference between normozoospermia and asthenozoospermia men ( P = 0.02444 and 0.07811, respectively). Negative correlation between HSPA2 cfmRNA and sperm motility ( R = 0.213, P = 0.004) as well as sperm concentration ( R = 0.133, P = 0.026) were revealed. However, no correlation was found between seminal plasma uPA cfmRNA content and semen parameters. Conclusions: Our data suggest that seminal plasma HSPA2 cfmRNA is different between asthenozoospermic and normozoospermic individuals and it might be an indicator for semen quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper considers the stability and H∞ control problem of networked control systems with time delay. Taking into account the influence of network with delay, unknown input disturbance, and uncertainties of the system modeling, meanwhile we establish a precise, closed-loop model for networked control systems with time delay. By selecting a proper Lyapunov-Krasovskii function and using Lyapunov theorem, a sufficient condition for stability of the system in the form of LMI is demonstrated, corresponding controller parameters are acquired, and the convergence of the control algorithm is proved. The simulation example shows that the construction of the network robust control system with time delay indeed improves the stability performance of the system, which indicates the effectiveness of the design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Existing research has predominantly studied the typical degradation mechanisms of cathodes under accelerated aging conditions in laboratory settings. However, the degradation mechanisms of cathodes from scrapped lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) require more attention due to significant differences in working conditions between actual and laboratory levels. In this work, we systematically investigated the deterioration behaviors and degradation mechanisms of scrapped LiNi 0.5 Co 0.2 Mn 0.3 O 2 (SNCM) from commercial LIBs, comparing it with pristine LiNi 0.5 Co 0.2 Mn 0.3 O 2 through characterizations and electrochemical tests. Results indicated that SNCM particles were severely disintegrated into scattered primary particles due to altered lattice parameters, which is one of the main reasons for degradation. Furthermore, the surface layer of SNCM experienced significant phase transformations with varying proportions of transition metals in different valence states, while bulk structure of SNCM remained unchanged. Lithium loss, a small amount of transition metals, and thereby a high degree of cation mixing in SNCM are the other degradation factors. It was found that SNCM demonstrated poor electrochemical performance with only 111.8 m Ah g−1 of initial discharge capacity and 50.9% capacity retention after 100 cycles at 0.5C. This work pertinently focused on the degradation mechanisms of SNCM, offering perspectives for improving battery lifespan and regenerating SNCM through appropriate measures. [Display omitted] • The degradation mechanisms of NCM from scrapped lithium ion batteries were revealed. • The apparent collapsed particles of NCM are one of the main reasons for degradation. • The severe phase transformation occurs on the surface layer of scrapped NCM. • Disadjust proportion of Ni, Co, and Mn in valences accounts for surface passivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Energy-size reduction relation of single and mixture breakage. • Quantitation of coal from mixture by characteristic ratio. • Changes of breakage indicator caused by interaction between components. • Determination of energy split factor by genetic algorithm. Aiming to maximize the utilization of coal resource, heterogeneous grinding of coal in various coalification degrees is common. Interaction among particles of different coals in mixture breakage results in changes of energy-size reduction characteristics if compared with that of single grinding. In this paper, anthracite and coking coals of low ash are ground together in a Hardgrove mill, and resistance to be broken is compared based on the classical breakage model. Product t 10 of component after mixture breakage are determined by the relation between characteristic ratio (ratio of height and full width at half maximum of 002 peak) and yield of anthracite coal in mixture. Results indicate that product t 10 of anthracite coal increases as more coking coal is added, and that of coking coal shows the contrary trend. A new method is proposed for the determination of energy split factors of components based on the assumption that the relation t 10 and spilt energy of component still can be modelled by the classical breakage model. Besides energy split factors of components, breakage indictors are also determined according to above assumption and energy balance by genetic algorithm. Soft coking coal promote the energy-size reduction of hard anthracite coal in mixture breakage, with the increase of breakage indicator (A and b) and energy efficiency compared with those of single breakage. Energy split factors of anthracite coal is above one, and increases with the product fineness. And coking coal shows the contrary trend. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combination of a solar array and a communication antenna can reduce the entire mass, physical size, and cost in space applications. Currently, related studies mainly focus on the combination of the two structures on one flat plate structure (FPS). Compared with the FPS, a paraboloid structure has lower surface density and higher conversion efficiency. Therefore, the novel design of a space large deployable paraboloid structure with power and communication integration (SSPCI) is proposed for spacecraft on a sun synchronous earth orbit. A novel three-extensible-rod (TER) tracker is studied in detail for the SSPCI to track the sun for power in the sunshine region or turn to face the ground station for communication in the earth's shadow region. The proposed TER tracker includes three extensible rods, where one end of each rod is connected to the base platform by a rotary joint, and the other end is connected to the mobile platform by a smart compound joint as a substitute for a spherical joint; this is known in the literature as a 3-RPS parallel mechanism. In contrast to existing serial mechanisms, it provides a simple and lightweight structure, high structural stiffness, low inertia, and more accurate positioning and pointing of the mobile platform. Meanwhile, the linear extensible rods used in the TER tracker help to reduce energy consumption, and do not require the use of large and heavy speed reducers. A kinematic model of the TER tracker is also established. Based on this kinematic model, a dynamic model is then derived by using Newton–Euler formulation. The motion trajectory of the TER tracker is planned for the SSPCI to track the sun or turn to face the ground station. By setting related parameters, the workspace and pointing accuracy of the TER tracker are analyzed and found to be satisfactory for the SSPCI, and the motion process of tracking the sun or turning to face the ground station is simulated to test the theoretical analysis. The driving force and consumed energy of the TER tracker are obtained; the results shows that the TER tracker is able to drive the SSPCI to track the sun or turn to face the ground station with the aforementioned advantages and small energy consumption. By using finite element analysis, the SSPCI supported by the TER tracker is found to have satisfactory structural performance at different orientations in a zero gravity state. Meanwhile, the TER tracker has a satisfactory operation life and can adapt well to the space thermal environment. Finally, preliminary sun tracking experiments on the TER tracker are performed on the ground successfully, indirectly proving its feasibility of the TER tracker from the mechanism principle and control mode in space applications. • Space large deployable paraboloid structure with power and communication integration (SSPCI). • Novel space tracker based on three-extensible-rod (TER) mechanism/kinematics. • Dynamic modeling of TER tracker. • Numerical simulation for TER tracker to track the sun or to communicate with ground station. • Experimental validation of TER tracker for sun tracking on the ground. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pain is one of the most common symptoms of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. Therefore, analgesia serves an indispensable role in the treatment of this condition. Morphine is a representative opioid, which is widely used in clinical practice; however, excessive or unreasonable application can cause poisoning. Few cases of morphine poisoning have been reported, and cases of morphine poisoning in patients with malignant peritoneal mesothelioma are even more rare. Here, we present a case of morphine poisoning in a patient with malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. The patient had a high abdominal tumor load, hepatorenal insufficiency, and was treated with a combination of morphine and the sedative benzodiazepine, eventually leading to morphine poisoning. Therefore, for cancer pain, omni-directional and whole-process management should be emphasized. In patients with hepatorenal insufficiency, those treated with morphine combined with benzodiazepines, or those with a high abdominal tumor load, attention should be paid to drug absorption, excretion and interaction, and the drug dose during administration should be reduced to avoid drug poisoning. If poisoning symptoms occur, timely measures should be taken to reduce poison absorption and increase poison excretion, and antagonists should be used to reverse the poisoning and reduce the damage caused. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recycling of valuable carbon black (CB) of pyrolysis carbon black (CBp) from waste tires is important considering the conservation of secondary resources and the alleviation of potential hazardous effects on environment, but the high ash content hinders the high-value utilisation of CBp. In this work, the ash reduction and desulfurisation of CBp were studied using Fe3+ in acid medium and flotation. The effects of different operating factors on the quality improvement of carbon black were investigated, and the properties of the products were analysed with morphology and phase characterisation technology. The Fe3+ leaching results show that 90.27% yield and 11.53% ash content of clean CB were obtained when the leaching temperature of 25 °C, leaching time of 150 min, pulp density of 250 g/L, and Fe3+ concentration of 99 kg/t. Then, flotation results show that 79.96% yield of clean carbon black and 9.14% ash content for flotation concentrate under the optimum flotation conditions: 25 g/L pulp density, 2,500 g/t collector, 1,000 g/L frother, and 0.25 m3/h aeration rate. In this study, minerals such as ZnS, SiO 2 and CaCO 3 were effectively removed. The results show that desulfurisation and ash reduction of CBp were achieved with Fe3+ leaching and floatation. [Display omitted] • The beneficiation-metallurgy combined process is studied to purify CBp. • Sulphur is produced when Fe3+ oxidation leaching, and it can be recovered. • The evaluation indexes and mechanism of ash reduction for Fe3+ leaching are analysed. • It has been proved that flotation can effectively remove SiO 2 in CBp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accumulation of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the displacement loop (D-Loop) of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) has been identified for their association with cancer risk in different types of cancers. We investigated the gastric cancer risk profile of D-Loop SNPs in a case-control study. The frequent alleles of nucleotides 73G/A, 235A/G, 309C/C insert, 324C/G, 16,362T/C and 16,519C/T were significantly associated with an increased risk for gastric cancer, whereas the frequent alleles of nucleotides 523–524AC/del were associated with resistance to gastric cancer. In conclusion, SNPs in the mtDNA D-Loop were found to be valuable markers for gastric cancer risk evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Diapause is a type of seasonal polyphenism and is induced by multiple cues, such as light and temperature. However, the molecular mechanisms of how the environment induces diapause remains unclear. We are interested in the epigenetic regulation, especially the non-coding RNA, involved in environmentally induced diapause. The progeny eggs of bivoltine silkworm strains undergoing diapause or not depends on the incubation temperature during the maternal embryonic stage. In this research, we compared the differentially expressed microRNAs in embryos incubated under diapause-inducing temperature (25 °C) and non-diapause-inducing temperature (15 °C) in silkworm. Our results indicate that miRNAs respond to diapause-inducing temperature and regulate the expression of circadian clock genes. Our research not only provides reference for the study of the diapause induction process, but also gives insights into the role of epigenetic modification in diapause. Diapause is one of the survival strategies of insects for confronting adverse environmental conditions. Bombyx mori displays typical embryonic diapause, and offspring diapause depends on the incubation environment of the maternal embryo in the bivoltine strains of the silkworm. However, the molecular mechanisms of the diapause induction process are still poorly understood. In this study, we compared the differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRs) in bivoltine silkworm embryos incubated at diapause- (25 °C) and non-diapause (15 °C)-inducing temperatures during the blastokinesis (BK) and head pigmentation (HP) phases using transcriptome sequencing. There were 411 known miRNAs and 71 novel miRNAs identified during the two phases. Among those miRNAs, there were 108 and 74 DEmiRs in the BK and HP groups, respectively. By the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis of the predicted target genes of the DEmiRs, we found that aside from metabolism, the targets were also enriched in phototransduction-fly and insect hormone biosynthesis in the BK group and the HP group, respectively. Dual luciferase reporter assay illustrated that bmo-miR-6497-3p directly regulated Bmcycle and subsequently regulated the expression of circadian genes. These results imply that microRNAs, as vitally important regulators, respond to different temperatures and participate in the diapause induction process across species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This paper aims at resource recovery of indium tin oxide (ITO) from waste colour filter (CF) glass. • Thermal decomposition was introduced to investigate the separation of ITO and glass substrate. • The ITO concentrate and pollutant control in thermal decomposition process were analysed. Thermal decomposition was used to enrich indium tin oxide (ITO) from waste colour filter glass. The colour layer was destroyed through oxidation, and the ITO layer was separated from the glass substrate. With the increase in the temperature and time of thermal decomposition, the yield of ITO concentrate decreased, but the ITO recovery and enrichment ratio increased. Furthermore, the ITO could be effectively enriched at 600 °C and 8 min, where the yield, recovery and enrichment ratio of ITO were 0.06 %, 98 % and 1669, respectively. The particle size distribution of the ITO concentrate was mainly distributed in 0.1–1.3 and 2.6–42.0 μm, with cumulative percentages of 4.33 % and 95.55 %, respectively. Moreover, the crystal structure of recycled ITO was not changed. Substantial poisonous and harmful mixed flue gas are produced during thermal decomposition. After condensation and adsorption by activated carbon, the emission of mixed flue gas could be effectively controlled to avoid serious pollution to the atmospheric environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The data envelopment analysis is introduced to renewable energy development. • The method has two stages: comprehensive evaluation and structure optimization. • Indexes from different aspects are quantified via intuitionistic fuzzy numbers. • The comprehensive performances are determined based on the relative efficiencies. • The proportions of renewable energy are optimized based on the whole efficiency. Different kinds of renewable energy resources have developed rapidly. For renewable energy planning, it is meaningful to assess the comprehensive performances of different schemes and then to determine the optimal design of the energy structure. This paper presents a two-stage method for the comprehensive evaluation and structure optimization of renewable energy plans. First, in the evaluation stage, multiple indexes from different aspects are taken into consideration, of which each qualitative index will be converted quantitatively, using the intuitionistic fuzzy number to describe the fuzziness and ambiguity in a qualitative index. Then, the superefficiency data envelopment analysis model is used to determine the comprehensive performances of different plans based on the concept of relative efficiency. Next, in the optimization stage, an optimal model combining multiple renewable energy resources is established based on the relative efficiency results of the evaluation process. This model aims at the maximum efficiency as a whole and can be used to optimize the proportions of different renewable energy resources. Finally, a real case of renewable energy development from a province in China is given to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method in this paper. The results show that it can overcome the shortcomings of the traditional basic model, obtain more objective evaluation results and provide beneficial references for the strategy making of renewable energy development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]