Differential molecular profiles and associated functionalities characterize connective tissue grafts obtained at different locations and depths in the human palate

The present study aimed to assess the molecular profiles of subepithelial connective tissue grafts(CTGs)obtained at different locations and depths in the human palate.Sixty-four CTGs belonging to anterior deep(AD),anterior superficial(AS),posterior deep(PD),and posterior superficial(PS)groups were subjected to RNA-Sequencing and their transcriptomes were analyzed computationally.Functional correlations characterizing the CTG groups were validated by cell biological experiments using primary human palatal fibroblasts(HPFs)extracted from the CTGs.A clearly more pronounced location-dependent than depth-dependent difference between the grafts,with a minimal number of genes(4)showing no dependence on the location,was revealed.Epithelial,endothelial,and monocytic cell migration was strongly(P<0.001)potentiated by AD-and PS-HPFs.Moreover,significantly increased expression of genes encoding C-C and C-X-C motif chemokine ligands as well as significantly(P<0.01)activated p38 signaling suggested immunomodulatory phenotype for AD-and PS-HPFs.Increased growth factor gene expression and significantly activated(P<0.001)Erk and Akt signaling in HPFs originating from A-CTGs implied their involvement in cell survival,proliferation,and motility.Prominent collagen-rich expression profile contributing to high mechanical stability,increased osteogenesis-related gene expression,and strongly activated(P<0.001)Smad1/5/8 signaling characterized HPFs originating from P-CTGs.The present data indicate that in humans,differences between palatal CTGs harvested from different locations and depths appear to be location-rather than depth-dependent.Our findings provide the basis for future personalization of the therapeutic strategy by selecting an optimal graft type depending on the clinical indications.

Development of Sequence Characterized Amplified Region (SCAR) Primers for the Detection of Resistance to Sporisorium reiliana in Maize

Head smut of maize （Zea mays L.）, which was caused by Sporisorium reiliana, occurred in most of the maize growing areas of the world. The purpose of this study was to develop SCAR markers for map-based cloning of resistance genes and MAS. Two sets of BC3 progenies, one （BC3Q） derived from the cross Qi319 （resistance）×Huangzao 4 （susceptible）, the other （BC3M） from Mol7 （resistance）× Huangzao 4 （susceptible）, were generated. Huangzao 4 was the recurrent parent in both progenies. A combination of BSA （bulked segregant analysis） with AFLP （amplified fragment length polymorphism） method was applied to map the genes involving the resistance to S. reiliana, and corresponding resistant and susceptible bulks and their parental lines were used for screening polymorphic AFLP primer pairs. One fragment of PI3M61-152 was converted into SCAR （sequence charactered amplified fragment） marker S130. The marker was mapped at chromosome bin 2.09, the interval of a major QTL region previously reported to contribute to S. reiliana resistance. Furthermore, S130 was highly and facilitate map-based cloni associated with resistance to S. reiliana, and could be useful for marker-assisted selection ng of resistance genes.

Rapid detection of self-biting disease of mink by specific sequence-characterized amplified regions

Self-biting disease occurred in most farmed fur animals in the world. The mechanism and rapid detection method of this disease has not been reported. We applied bulked sergeant analysis （BSA） in combination with RAPD method to analyze a molecular genetic marker linked with self-biting trait in mink group. The molecular marker was converted into sequence-characterized amplified regions （SCAR） marker for rapid detection of this disease. A single RAPD marker A8 amplified a specific band of 263bp in self-biting minks, which was designated as SRA8-250, and non-specific band of 315bp in both self-biting and healthy minks. The sequences of the bands exhibited 75% and 88% similarity to Canis familiarizes major histocompatibility complex （MHC） class II region and Macaca mulatta MHC class I region, respectively. A SCAR marker SCAR-A8 was designed for the specific fragment SRA8-250 and validated in 30 self-biting minks and 30 healthy minks. Positive amplification of SCAR-A8 was detected in 24 self-biting minks and 12 healthy minks. χ2 test showed significant difference （p〈0.01） in the detection rate between the two groups. This indicated that SRA8-250 can be used as a positive marker to detect self-biting disease in minks. Furthermore, the finding that self-biting disease links with MHC genes has significant implications for the mechanism of the disease.

Panax ginseng-specific sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) marker for testing medicinal products

To screen genetic polymorphisms of Panax ginseng, as well as those of Panax quinquefolium and Panax notoginseng, analysis of random amplified polymorphic DNA （RAPD） was performed using 120 random primers. Of the successful amplicons obtained, the Panax ginseng-specific RAPD marker C-12 was cloned into a TA vector and sequenced （Genl3ank access number KU553472）. Based on the sequence analysis results, a pair of primers specific to C-12 was designed. Finally, a SCAR marker-based identification system for Panax ginseng was developed after optimization of the reaction conditions. Using this method, two positive bands were stably observed at 300 bp and 130 bp in 33 batches of Panax ginseng samples tested, while negative results were obtained for another 101 batches of samples, including Panax quinquefolium, Panax notoginseng, adulterants, and other medicinal herbs. Thus, we successfully developed a PCR-based method for rapid and effective identification of Panax ginseng, which can be effectively used for the protection and utilization of germplasm resources and identification of the origins of Panax ginseng samples.

A New Quantity to Characterize Stochastic Resonance

In a double-well system, we investigate theoretically the population distribution of a particle perturbed by a weak sinusoidal signal with a Gaussian white noise accompanied. Our numerical simulation shows that the probability of the particle staying in the right potential well, Pn, exhibits an extreme value at specific noise intensity D depending on the frequency of the sinusoidal signal, which is a key feature of stochastic resonance. This is confirmed by calculating the power spectrum of the output signal, in which the extreme value of the amplitude locates at the same noise intensity. These results provide us with a new way to quantify the stochastic resonance by measuring the population distribution of the particle.

A New Type of Multielements-Doped,Carbon-based Materials Characterized by High-thermoconductiv-ity,Low Chemical Sputtering,Low RES Yield and Exposure to Plasma

Low-Z materials, such as carbon-based materials and Be, are major plasma-facing material (PFM) for current, even in future fusion devices. In this paper, a new type of multielement-doped carbon-based materials developed are presented along with experimental re-sults of their properties. The results indicate a decrease in chemical sputtering yield by one order of magnitude, a decrease in both thermal shock resistance and radiation-enhanced sublimation, an evidently lower temperature desorption spectrum, and combined properties of exposing to plasma.

Evaluation of Growth Performance of a Genetically Characterized F1 Rainbow Trout,Oncorhynchus mykiss in a Recirculating Aquaculture System

The growth performance of a selected F1 rainbow trout genetically characterized as polymorphic with locus Omy207UoG (NA = 13, PIC = 0.891, HE = 0.9003) was evaluated in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS). A set of 157 rainbow trout of 37.8 g of mean body weight and 14.6 cm mean total length per tank, were introduced in each of six fish tank of 5 m3 connected to a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS). The trout was rearing during 317 days. Growth performance indicators and water quality were evaluated during the experiment. The genetically selected F1 rainbow trout showed a tendency towards homogeneity in growth performance along the culture period, reaching a mean total weight of 552.2 g. The length-weight relationship indicated an isometric growth (>3.0). This study presents the basis to establish a long-term marker-assisted selection program for rainbow trout culture in a subtropical region.

How to characterize capacitance of organic optoelectronic devices accurately

The selection of circuit model（i.e., parallel or series model） is critical when using a capacitance–frequency and capacitance–voltage technique to probe properties of organic materials and physical processes of organic optoelectronic devices. In the present work, capacitances of ITO/Alq3/Al and ITO/CuPc/Al are characterized by series and parallel model,respectively. It is found that the large series resistance comes from the ITO electrode and results in the inapplicability of the parallel model to measuring the capacitances of organic devices at high frequencies. An equivalent circuit model with consideration of the parasitical inductance of cables is constructed to derive the capacitance, and actual capacitance–frequency spectra of Alq3 and CuPc devices are obtained. Further investigation of temperature-dependent capacitance–frequency and capacitance–voltage characteristics indicates that CuPc and Al form the Schottky contact, the density and ionization energy of impurities in CuPc are obtained. Moreover, more practical guidelines for accurate capacitance measurement are introduced instead of the impedance magnitude, which will be very helpful for the organic community to investigate capacitance-related characteristics when dealing with various organic optoelectronic devices.

Linking a Simulated Annealing Based Optimization Model with PHT3D Simulation Model for Chemically Reactive Transport Processes to Optimally Characterize Unknown Contaminant Sources in a Former Mine Site in Australia

Historical mining activities often lead to continuing wide spread contaminants in both groundwater and surface water in previously operational mine site areas. The contamination may continue for many years after closing down the mining activities. The essential first step for sustainable management of groundwater and development of remediation strategies is the unknown contaminant source characterization. In a mining site, there are multiple species of contaminants involving complex geochemical processes. It is difficult to identify the potential sources and pathways incorporating the chemically reactive multiple species of contaminants making the source characterization process more challenging. To address this issue, a reactive transport simulation model PHT3D is linked to a Simulated Annealing based the optimum decision model. The numerical simulation model PHT3D is utilized for numerically simulating the reactive transport process involving multiple species in the former mine site area. The simulation results from the calibrated PHT3D model are illustrated, with and without incorporating the chemical reactions. These comparisons show the utility of using a reactive, geochemical transport process’ simulation model. Performance evaluation of the linked simulation optimization methodology is evaluated for a contamination scenario in a former mine site in Queensland, Australia. These performance evaluation results illustrate the applicability of linked simulation optimization model to identify the source characteristics while using PHT3D as a numerical reactive chemical species’ transport simulation model for the hydro-geochemically complex aquifer study area.

Research Characterized the Physical Properties of Recycled Aggregate of Civil Construction Wastes

One of the big problems of the urban centres of the cities in Brazil is the growth of the generation of the Civil Construction Waste （CCW）. A disturbing concern for the public and private sectors is to find proper disposal of Urban Solid Waste （USW） in large cities, since suitable dumping sites for this waste are increasingly scarce due to the spread and development of large urban centres. In general, recycling is currently one of the procedures most studied by researchers for disposal of such waste. In this context and aiming a new application for recycled CCW aggregates, the research characterized the physical properties of the material to use in fill compaction piles in soil improvement. The analysis shows results from laboratorial tests executed in CCW recycled samples, which came from works in different construction stages from Recife-PE, and natural aggregate, adopted as a reference. Characterization tests were performed with samples CCW recycled CLue aggregates and samples of natural fine aggregate （stone powder）. The results of characterization tests showed similarities between the CCW samples tested and the reference samples, indicating that the civil construction wastes has potcntial use as material for consolidation piles in foundation works.

Carbon nanotube films with ultrahigh thermal-shock and thermalshock-fatigue resistance characterized by ultra-fast ascending shock testing

The exploration of material failure behavior not only involves defining its limits and underlying mechanisms but also entails devising strategies for improvement and protection in extreme conditions.We've pioneered an advanced multi-scale,high-speed ascending thermal shock testing platform capable of inducing unprecedented heat shocks at rates surpassing 105℃/s.Through meticulous examination of the thermal shock responses of carbon nanotube(CNT)films,we've achieved remarkable breakthroughs.By employing an innovative macro-scale synchronous tightening and relaxing approach,we've attained a critical temperature differential in CNT films that exceeds an exceptional 2500℃—surpassing any previously reported metric for highperformance,thermal-shock-resistant materials.Notably,these samples have demonstrated exceptional resilience,retaining virtually unchanged strength even after enduring 10,000 thermal shock cycles at temperatures exceeding 1000℃.Furthermore,our research has revealed a novel thermal shock/fatigue failure mechanism that fundamentally diverges from conventional theories centered on thermal stress.

Plasmonic nanostructure characterized by deep-neuralnetwork-assisted spectroscopy[Invited]

The lateral geometry and material property of plasmonic nanostructures are critical parameters for tailoring their optical resonance for sensing applications.While lateral geometry can be easily observed by a scanning electron microscope or an atomic force microscope,characterizing materials properties of plasmonic devices is not straightforward and requires delicate examination of material composition,cross-sectional thickness,and refractive index.In this study,a deep neural network is adopted to characterize these parameters of unknown plasmonic nanostructures through simple transmission spectra.The network architecture is established based on simulated data to achieve accurate identification of both geometric and material parameters.We then demonstrate that the network training by a mixture of simulated and experimental data can result in correct material property recognition.Our work may indicate a simple and intelligent characterization approach to plasmonic nanostructures by spectroscopic techniques.

Retraction Note to:Gray Matter-Based Age Prediction Characterizes Different Regional Patterns

The authors have retracted this article.After publication we found an error in the implementation code that resulted in data leakage in the age-prediction model training process.We have redesigned the prediction model and tested the mode with an extended dataset(around 2000 subjects,in contrast to the 600 subjects in this article).

Variable Exponent Herz-Morrey-Hardy Spaces Characterized byWavelets and Its Application

In this paper,using the atomic decomposition of the Herz-Morrey-Hardy spaces with variable exponent,the wavelet characterization by means of a local version of the discrete tent spaces with variable exponent is established.As an application,the boundedness of the fractional integral operators from variable exponent Herz-Morrey-Hardy spaces into variable exponent Herz-Morrey spaces is obtained.

基于SCAR标记和DNA条形码技术的苍术基原鉴别研究

目的开发出能同时鉴别北苍术和关苍术的分子标记方法,并探究不同种质资源苍术的遗传进化关系。方法对不同地区北苍术Atractylodes chinensis(Bunge)Koidz及关苍术A.japonica Koidz.ex Kitam基因组DNA的差异片段进行测序,结合SRAP、ISSR、DAMD分子标记方法,优化PCR反应体系,筛选并转换成特异性标记,同时,采用条形码方法分析种间序列差异。结果通过SRAP、ISSR、DAMD三种分子标记方法的PCR扩增,共筛选出198对能稳定扩增且重现性好的引物,转换出7对能稳定、快速鉴别北苍术和关苍术的SCAR引物。条形码方法检测出北苍术ITS2序列长度为454 bp,关苍术ITS2序列长度为453 bp,与其他苍术属植物之间遗传距离较远。NJ树结果显示,北苍术、关苍术及其他苍术属植物均各自聚为一支,表现出良好的单系性。依据ITS2二级结构,4种苍术属植物在螺旋区的茎环数目、大小、位置均有明显差异,可以直观地进行区分。结论所开发的特异性SCAR标记为苍术属植物优良品种的筛选提供了新方法,DNA条形码能稳定、准确鉴别北苍术。

Characterization, preparation, and reuse of metallic powders for laser powder bed fusion: a review

Laser powder bed fusion(L-PBF) has attracted significant attention in both the industry and academic fields since its inception, providing unprecedented advantages to fabricate complex-shaped metallic components. The printing quality and performance of L-PBF alloys are infuenced by numerous variables consisting of feedstock powders, manufacturing process,and post-treatment. As the starting materials, metallic powders play a critical role in infuencing the fabrication cost, printing consistency, and properties. Given their deterministic roles, the present review aims to retrospect the recent progress on metallic powders for L-PBF including characterization, preparation, and reuse. The powder characterization mainly serves for printing consistency while powder preparation and reuse are introduced to reduce the fabrication costs.Various powder characterization and preparation methods are presented in the beginning by analyzing the measurement principles, advantages, and limitations. Subsequently, the effect of powder reuse on the powder characteristics and mechanical performance of L-PBF parts is analyzed, focusing on steels, nickel-based superalloys, titanium and titanium alloys, and aluminum alloys. The evolution trends of powders and L-PBF parts vary depending on specific alloy systems, which makes the proposal of a unified reuse protocol infeasible. Finally,perspectives are presented to cater to the increased applications of L-PBF technologies for future investigations. The present state-of-the-art work can pave the way for the broad industrial applications of L-PBF by enhancing printing consistency and reducing the total costs from the perspective of powders.

Properties and Characteristics of Regolith-Based Materials for Extraterrestrial Construction

The construction of extraterrestrial bases has become a new goal in the active exploration of deep space.Among the construction techniques,in situ resource-based construction is one of the most promising because of its good sustainability and acceptable economic cost,triggering the development of various types of extraterrestrial construction materials.A comprehensive survey and comparison of materials from the perspective of performance was conducted to provide suggestions for material selection and optimization.Thirteen types of typical construction materials are discussed in terms of their reliability and applicability in extreme extraterrestrial environment.Mechanical,thermal and optical,and radiation-shielding properties are considered.The influencing factors and optimization methods for these properties are analyzed.From the perspective of material properties,the existing challenges lie in the comprehensive,long-term,and real characterization of regolith-based construction materials.Correspondingly,the suggested future directions include the application of high-throughput characterization methods,accelerated durability tests,and conducting extraterrestrial experiments.

Three novel umami peptides derived from the alcohol extract of the Pacific oyster(Crassostrea gigas):identification,characterizations and interactions with T1R1/T1R3 taste receptors

Oyster(Crassostrea gigas),the main ingredient of oyster sauce,has a strong umami taste.In this study,three potential umami peptides,FLNQDEEAR(FR-9),FNKEE(FE-5),and EEFLK(EK-5),were identified and screened from the alcoholic extracts of the oyster using nano-HPLC-MS/MS analysis,i Umami-Scoring Card Method(i Umami-SCM)database and molecular docking(MD).Sensory evaluation and electronic tongue analysis were further used to confirm their tastes.The threshold of the three peptides ranged from 0.38 to 0.55 mg/m L.MD with umami receptors T1R1/T1R3 indicated that the electrostatic interaction and hydrogen bond interaction were the main forces involved.Besides,the Phe592 and Gln853 of T1R3 were the primary docking site for MD and played an important role in umami intensity.Peptides with two Glu residues at the terminus had stronger umami,especially at the C-terminus.These results contribute to the understanding of umami peptides in oysters and the interaction mechanism between umami peptides and umami receptors.

Subsurface multi-physical characterization of mountain excavation and city construction in loess plateau with a fiber-optic sensing system

Mountain excavation and city construction(MECC)projects being launched in the Loess Plateau in China involve the creation of large-scale artificial land.Understanding the subsurface evolution characteristics of the artificial land is essential,yet challenging.Here,we use an improved fiber-optic monitoring system for its subsurface multi-physical characterization.The system enables us to gather spatiotemporal distribution of various parameters,including strata deformation,temperature,and moisture.Yan’an New District was selected as a case study to conduct refined in-situ monitoring through a 77 m-deep borehole and a 30 m-long trench.Findings reveal that the ground settlement involves both the deformation of the filling loess and the underlying intact loess.Notably,the filling loess exhibits a stronger creep capability compared to underlying intact loess.The deformation along the profile is unevenly distributed,with a positive correlation with soil moisture.Water accumulation has been observed at the interface between the filling loess and the underlying intact loess,leading to a significant deformation.Moreover,the temperature and moisture in the filling loess have reached a new equilibrium state,with their depths influenced by atmospheric conditions measuring at 31 m and 26 m,respectively.The refined investigation allows us to identify critical layers that matter the sustainable development of newly created urban areas,and provide improved insights into the evolution mechanisms of land creation.

Highly Aligned Graphene Aerogels for Multifunctional Composites

Stemming from the unique in-plane honeycomb lattice structure and the sp^(2)hybridized carbon atoms bonded by exceptionally strong carbon–carbon bonds,graphene exhibits remarkable anisotropic electrical,mechanical,and thermal properties.To maximize the utilization of graphene’s in-plane properties,pre-constructed and aligned structures,such as oriented aerogels,films,and fibers,have been designed.The unique combination of aligned structure,high surface area,excellent electrical conductivity,mechanical stability,thermal conductivity,and porous nature of highly aligned graphene aerogels allows for tailored and enhanced performance in specific directions,enabling advancements in diverse fields.This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in highly aligned graphene aerogels and their composites.It highlights the fabrication methods of aligned graphene aerogels and the optimization of alignment which can be estimated both qualitatively and quantitatively.The oriented scaffolds endow graphene aerogels and their composites with anisotropic properties,showing enhanced electrical,mechanical,and thermal properties along the alignment at the sacrifice of the perpendicular direction.This review showcases remarkable properties and applications of aligned graphene aerogels and their composites,such as their suitability for electronics,environmental applications,thermal management,and energy storage.Challenges and potential opportunities are proposed to offer new insights into prospects of this material.