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Small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) is a widely recognized solution for measuring complex nanostructures. With the increasing demand for accurately assessing structural characteristics and optimizing manufacturing processes, uncertainty quantification in SAXS inverse problems has become a critical issue. However, traditional methods face challenges such as slow computation speed and inaccurate estimation of multidimensional parameters. To overcome these issues, we propose an uncertainty quantification approach suitable for SAXS measurement that approximates the posterior using Bayesian deep learning. The effectiveness and reliability of our method are illustrated by assessing structural parameters of synthetic 2D Si grating samples. The uncertainty quantification takes only about 2.3 s, thousands of times faster than the conventional Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods. Also, our method has superior repeatability for parameter measurement compared to the MCMC approaches. It provides the potential of efficient and reliable SAXS measurement in increasingly intricate semiconductor manufacturing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last decade, there has been an increased appreciation for mitochondria as central hubs in diverse processes, such as cellular energy, immunity, and signal transduction. As such, we have become aware that mitochondrial dysfunction underlies many diseases, including primary (mutations in genes encoding mitochondrial proteins) and secondary mitochondrial diseases (mutations in non-mitochondrial genes critical for mitochondrial biology), as well as complex diseases with mitochondrial dysfunction (chronic or degenerative diseases). Evidence suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction may often precede other pathological signs in these disorders, further modulated by genetics, environment, and lifestyle.

Lilium is one of the most widely cultivated ornamental bulbous plants in the world. Although research has shown that variable temperature treatments can accelerate the development process from vegetative to reproductive growth in Lilium, the molecular regulation mechanisms of this development are not clear. In this study, Lbr-miR171b and its target gene, LbrSCL6, were selected and validated using transgenic functional verification, subcellular localization, and transcriptional activation. This study also investigated the differential expression of Lbr-miR171b and LbrSCL6 in two temperature treatment groups (25 °C and 15 °C). Lbr-miR171b expression significantly increased after the temperature change, whereas that of LbrSCL6 exhibited the opposite trend. Through in situ hybridization experiments facilitated by the design of hybridization probes targeting LbrSCL6, a reduction in LbrSCL6 expression was detected following variable temperature treatment at 15 °C. The transgenic overexpression of Lbr-miR171b in plants promoted the phase transition, while LbrSCL6 overexpression induced a delay in the phase transition. In addition, LbrWOX4 interacted with LbrSCL6 in yeast two-hybrid and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays. In conclusion, these results explain the molecular regulatory mechanisms governing the phase transition in Lilium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We aimed to investigate whether each type of sleep disturbances (i.e., pRBD, EDS, and insomnia) is specifically associated with faster decline in global cognition and different cognitive domains among de novo PD patients. We also assessed the influence of sleep disturbances on core AD CSF biomarkers alterations and conversion to dementia. Methods: Prospectively longitudinal data were obtained from the PPMI cohort. Sleep disturbances and cognition ability were assessed by questionnaires at baseline and follow‐up visits. Generalized linear mixed models were utilized to assess the effect of sleep disturbances on cognitive decline and core AD CSF biomarkers change. The associations between sleep disturbances and conversion to dementia were analyzed using Cox regression analysis. Results: Baseline pRBD was associated with faster decline in global cognition and all cognitive domains, including verbal episodic memory, visuospatial ability, executive function, language, and processing speed. EDS was associated with faster decline in three cognitive domains, including verbal episodic memory, executive function/working memory, and processing speed. Insomnia was associated with faster decline in global cognition and verbal episodic memory. Meanwhile, pRBD and EDS were associated with longitudinal decrease of CSF Aβ42. Baseline pRBD increased the risk of conversion to dementia. The risk of dementia in PD patients with multiple sleep disturbances also increased compared with those without sleep disturbance. Interpretation: Sleep disturbances (i.e., pRBD, EDS, and insomnia) were associated with cognitive decline in early PD. EDS and pRBD were associated with decrease of CSF Aβ42. Moreover, pRBD was associated with conversion to dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using panel data from 2012 to 2020 for publicly traded Chinese companies, we explored the efficacy in mitigation of tax information asymmetry to combat profit shifting and transnational tax avoidance. Our empirical analysis revealed that, after the implementation of the inaugural multilateral automatic information exchange system known as the Common Reporting Standard, there was a statistically significantly increase in the effective tax rate by 1.4 percentage points, accompanied by an increase in instances of tax compliance. These trends were discernibly associated with a reduction in profit shifting and notable changes in reported profit margins, particularly influenced by actions related to debt shifting and strategic management of intellectual property assets. These findings underscore the strong connection between these effects and various factors such as investment destinations, asset portfolios, and industry classifications. The results imply a prospective decline in the incidence of cross‐border tax avoidance by Chinese multinational entities and demonstrate the potential of emerging international tax cooperation frameworks for curbing the global tax avoidance practices of multinational corporations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]