Analysis of Evolutionary Social Media Activities: Pre-Vaccine and Post-Vaccine Emergency Use

Dear Editor,In this letter,we analyze the public discourse sentiments over time and seek to understand the salient patterns around COVID-19 vaccines and vaccination from social media data.Globally,more than 373 million people have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and 5.66 million have died from this disease by 2022.It continues to have a negative impact on human daily life and the global economic development till now,due to the lack of effective treatment of COVID-19 induced issues and prevention of transmission methods.

Development of polymorphic SSR markers and their applicability in genetic diversity evaluation in Euptelea pleiosperma

Euptelea pleiosperma is a characteristic species of East Asian flora with both ornamental and scientific values.Based on the reduced-representation sequencing(RRS)technology of RAD-Seq,this study conducted high-throughput Illumina paired-end sequencing to find SSR marker information in the genome of E.pleiosperma,and to screen and verify polymorphism of SSR markers.We obtained 5.5G of high-quality data using RAD-Seq.The total number of contigs of the RAD tags was 299,376,with the maximum contig length of 2,062 bp and the average length of 445 bp.From these sequences,we identified 20,718 SSR loci,with a distribution density of one SSR per 6.45 kb(1/6.45 kb).Among all SSRs,dinucleotides(52.00%)were the most detected SSRs,followed by mononucleotides(21.63%).AG/CT was the dominant motif in the SSR loci,accounting for 34.8%.Primers were successfully designed for 14,593 loci,and 100 pairs of these primers were randomly selected for chemical synthesis and validated by SSR-PCR amplification in 20 individuals of E.pleiosperma.Seventy-nine primers were able to amplify the target bands.Cervus 3.0 software was used to analyze the selected 20 SSR loci with good polymorphism.For the 20 SSR markers,the number of alleles ranged from 4 to 9,and the observed heterozygosity and expected heterozygosity were from 0.35 to 0.75 and 0.541 to 0.875,respectively.The information content of polymorphic loci ranged from 0.463 to 0.848,with an average value of 0.638.Among them,there were 18 highly polymorphic loci,and 20 SSR loci did not deviate from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.Furthermore,the 20 pairs of SSR primers were used to conduct PCoA analysis based on Nei’s genetic distance of 51 individuals from three populations.The results showed that these SSR markers could distinguish genetic differences based on different geographical locations.

Periodical polarization reversal modulation in multiferroic MnWO_(4) under high magnetic fields

We report polarization reversal periodically controlled by the electric field in multiferroic MnWO_(4) with a pulsed field up to 52 T.The electric polarization cannot be reversed by successive opposite electric fields in low magnetic fields(<14 T)at 4.2 K,whereas polarization reversal is directly achieved by two opposite electric fields under high magnetic fields(<45 T).Interestingly,the polarization curve of rising and falling fields for H∥u(magnetic easy axis)is irreversible when the magnetic field is close to 52 T.In this case,the rising and falling polarization curves can be individually reversed by the electric field,and thus require five cycles to recover to the initial condition by the order of the applied electric fields(+E,-E,-E,+E,+E).In addition,we find that ferroelectric phaseⅣcan be tuned from parallel to antiparallel in relation to ferroelectric phase AF2 by applying a magnetic field approximated to the c axis.

Geometric Design-based Dimensional Synthesis of a Novel Metamorphic Multi-fingered Hand with Maximal Workspace

Current research on robotic dexterous hands mainly focuses on designing new finger and palm structures,as well as developing smarter control algorithms.Although the dimensional synthesis of dexterous hands with traditional rigid palms has been carried out,research on the dimensional synthesis of dexterous hands with metamorphic palms remains insufficient.This study investigated the dimensional synthesis of a palm of a novel metamorphic multi-fingered hand,and explored the geometric design for maximizing the precision manipulation workspace.Different indexes were used to value the workspace of the metamorphic hand,and the best proportions between the five links of the palm to obtain the optimal workspace of the metamorphic hand were explored.Based on the fixed total length of the palm member,four nondimensional design parameters that determine the size of the palm were introduced;through the discretization method,the influence of the four design parameters on the workspace of the metamorphic hand with full-actuated fingers and under-actuated fingers was analyzed.Based on the analysis of the metamorphic multi-fingered hand,the symmetrical structure of the palm was designed,resulting in the largest workspace of the multi-fingered hand,and proved that the metamorphic palm has a massive upgrade for the workspace of underactuated fingers.This research contributed to the dimensional synthesis of metamorphic dexterous hands,with practical significance for the design and optimization of novel metamorphic hands.

Hybrid Petri Nets for Modeling and Analysis of Microgrid Systems

Hybrid Petri nets(HPNs) are widely used to describe and analyze various industrial hybrid systems that have both discrete-event and continuous discrete-time behaviors. Recently,many researchers attempt to utilize them to characterize power and energy systems. This work proposes to adopt an HPN to model and analyze a microgrid that consists of green energy sources. A reachability graph for such a model is generated and used to analyze the system properties.

Laser-induced jigsaw-like graphene structure inspired by Oxalis corniculata Linn.leaf

The laser scribing of polyimide(PI, Kapton) film is a new, simple and effective method for graphene preparation. Moreover,the superhydrophobic surface modification can undoubtedly widen the application fields of graphene. Herein, inspired by the hydrophobic and self-cleaning properties of natural Oxalis corniculata Linn. leaves, we propose a novel bionic manufacturing method for superhydrophobic laser-induced graphene(LIG). By tailoring the geometric parameters(size, roughness and height/area ratio) and chemical composition, the three-dimensional(3D) multistage LIG, i.e., with micro-jigsaw-like and porous structure, can deliver a static water contact angle(WCA) of 153.5° ± 0.6°, a water sliding angle(WSA) of 2.5° ±0.5°, and great superhydrophobic stability lasting for 100 days(WCAs ≈ 150°). This outstanding water repellency is achieved by the secondary structure of jigsaw-like LIG, a porous morphology that traps air layers at the solid–liquid interface. The robust self-cleaning and anti-stick functions of 3D bionic and multistage LIG are demonstrated to confirm its great potential in wearable electronics.

Research Progress of TCM Treatment of Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are the most common benign tumors in gynecology.Traditional Chinese medicine treats uterine fibroids according to syndrome differentiation and treatment.The treatment of uterine fibroids has the characteristics of definitive curative effects and minor side-effects,but there are also many shortcomings,which require more in-depth research and exploration.

Research Progress of TCM Treatment of Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are the most common benign tumors in gynecology.Traditional Chinese medicine treats uterine fibroids according to syndrome differentiation and treatment.The treatment of uterine fibroids has the characteristics of definitive curative effects and minor side-effects,but there are also many shortcomings,which require more in-depth research and exploration.

Exfoliated Mg–Al–Fe layered double hydroxides/polyether sulfone mixed matrix membranes for adsorption of phosphate and fluoride from aqueous solutions

Mg–Al–Fe layered double hydroxides(LDHs) were exfoliated and incorporated in polyether sulfone membranes for the removal of phosphate and fluoride for the first time. The exfoliation methods, coagulation bath, LDH amount, interfering ions, adsorption isotherm,desorption and reuse of the membranes were investigated. It was found that LDHs could be quickly exfoliated in formamide/N,N-dimethylformamide(DMF) solvent mixtures with sodium carboxymethyl cellulose as a stabilizer. The membranes displayed much higher adsorption capacity for phosphate(5.61 mg/g) and faster adsorption rate than the unexfoliated materials. With increased DMF content in the coagulation bath, the static and dynamic adsorption capacity rose. Interference from Cl-and SO_4^(2-)(50 mg/L) on adsorption of phosphates was not apparent. The membranes displayed excellent reusability in dynamic adsorption/desorption. The membranes also showed high adsorption capacity for fluorides(1.61 mg/g).

Scorpion-inspired dual-bionic,microcrack-assisted wrinkle based laser induced graphene-silver strain sensor with high sensitivity and broad working range for wireless health monitoring system

Scorpions,through ruthless survival of the fittest,evolve the unique ability to quickly locate and hunt prey with slit receptors near the leg joints and a sharp sting on the multi-freedom tail.Inspired by this fantastic creature,we herein report a dual-bionic strategy to fabricate microcrack-assisted wrinkle strain sensor with both high sensitivity and stretchability.Specifically,laserinduced graphene(LIG)is transferred from polyimide film to Ecoflex and then coated with silver paste using the casting-andpeeling and prestretch-and-release methods.The shape-adaptive and long-range ordered geometry(e.g.,amplitude and wavelength)of dual-bionic structure is prestrain-tuned to optimize the superfast response time(~76 ms),high sensitivity(gauge factor=223.6),broad working range(70%–100%),and good reliability(>800 cycles)of scorpion-inspired strain sensor,outperforming many LIG-based materials and other bionic sensors.The alternate reconnect/disconnect behaviors of slit-organlike microcracks in the mechanical weak areas initiate tremendous resistance changes,whereas the scorpion-tail-like wrinkles act as a“bridge”connecting the adjacent LIG resistor units,enabling reversible resilience and unimpeded electrical linkages over a wide strain range.Combined with the self-developed miniaturized,flexible,and all-in-one wireless transmission system,a variety of scenarios such as large body movements,tiny pulse,and heartbeat are real-time monitored via bluetooth and displayed in the client-sides,revealing a huge promise in future wearable electronics.

RNA2Immune:A Database of Experimentally Supported Data Linking Non-coding RNA Regulation to The Immune System

Non-coding RNAs(ncRNAs),such as microRNAs(miRNAs),long non-coding RNAs(lncRNAs),and circular RNAs(circRNAs),have emerged as important regulators of the immune system and are involved in the control of immune cell biology,disease pathogenesis,as well as vaccine responses.A repository of ncRNA-immune associations will facilitate our understanding of ncRNA-dependent mechanisms in the immune system and advance the development of therapeutics and prevention for immune disorders.Here,we describe a comprehensive database,RNA2Immune,which aims to provide a high-quality resource of experimentally supported database linking ncRNA regulatory mechanisms to immune cell function,immune disease,cancer immunology,and vaccines.The current version of RNA2Immune documents 50,433 immune-ncRNA associations in 42 host species,including(1)6690 ncRNA associations with immune functions involving 31 immune cell types;(2)38,672 ncRNA associations with 348 immune diseases;(3)4833 ncRNA associations with cancer immunology;and(4)238 ncRNA associations with vaccine responses involving 26 vaccine types targeting 22 diseases.RNA2Immune provides a user-friendly interface for browsing,searching,and downloading ncRNA-immune system associations.Collectively,RNA2Immune provides important information about how ncRNAs influence immune cell function,how dysregulation of these ncRNAs leads to pathological consequences(immune diseases and cancers),and how ncRNAs affect immune responses to vaccines.

Peritectic solidification under high undercooling conditions

The solidification characteristics of highly undercooled Cu-7.77% Co peritectic alloy has been examined by glass fluxing technique. The obtained undercoolings vary from 93 to 203 K(0.14 T_L). It is found that the a(Co) phase always nucleates and grows preferentially, which is followed by peritectic transformation. This means that the peritectic phase cannot form directly, even though the alloy melt is undercooled to a temperature far below its peritectic point. The maximum recalescence temperature measured experimentally decreases as undercooling increases, which is lower than the thermodynamic calculation result owing to the actual non-adiabatic nature of recalescence process. The dendritic fragmentation of primary α(Co) phase induced by high undercooling is found to enhance the completion of peritectic transformation. In addition, the LKT/BCT dendrite growth model is modified in order to make it applicable to those binary alloy systems with seriously curved liquidus and solidus lines. The dendrite

The effect of grid size on the quantification of erosion,deposition,and rill network

Hillslope rill/interrill erosion has been investigated from the perspective of runoff transport of sediment.Recent advances in terrestrial laser scanning can provide high-resolution elevation data up to centimeter levels,and temporal digital elevation models(DEMs)enabled the detection and quantification of sediment redistribution.Erosion and deposition are spatially heterogeneous across hillslopes,and the choice of resolution is critical when using a DEM to study the spatial pattern of the processes.This study investigates the influence of grid size on the sediment change calculation and rill network delineation based on two surveys using a terrestrial laser scanner on a hillslope with well-developed rills in 2014 and 2015.Temporal DEMs were used to quantify elevation changes and used to delineate rill networks.We produced DEM pairs of incremental grid sizes(1-cm,2-cm,5-cm,8-cm,10-cm,15-cm,20-cm,and 30-cm)for DEM difference and rill network delineation.We used the 1-cm DEM as the reference to compare the results produced from other DEMs.Our results suggest that erosion mainly occurs on the rill sidewalls,and deposition on the rill floors,with patches of erosion/deposition within the interrill areas.Both the area and volume of detectable change decrease as the grid size increases,while the area and volume of erosion are less sensitive compared to those of deposition.The total length and number of rills decrease with the increased grid size,whereas the average length of rills increases.The mean offset between delineated rill network and the reference increases with larger grid sizes.In contrast to the erosion and deposition detected within rills,minor changes are detected on the interrill areas,indicating that either no topographic changes occurred or the changes were too small to be detected on the interill areas by our finest 1-cm DEMs.We recommend to use the finest possible grid size that can be achieved for future studies.

Modulating the tumor microenvironment via oncolytic virus and PI3K inhibition synergistically restores immune checkpoint therapy response in PTEN-deficient glioblastoma

Dear Editor,Glioblastoma(GBM)is a lethal primary brain cancer,with a median survival of less than 2 years.1 Immune checkpoint blockades(ICBs)have revolutionized cancer therapy in the last decade,but they have little clinical benefit in GBM.1 Genomic and transcriptomic analysis revealed a significant enrichment of PTEN mutations in GBM patients resistant to ICBs.2 PTEN deficiency activates the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)-AKT pathway to shape an immunosuppressive microenvironment.

A novel phosphorylation site in SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid regulates its RNA-binding capacity and phase separation in host cells

Dear Editor,The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)is a novel emerging coronavirus that has spread worldwide since breaking out in late 2019 and has led to hundreds of millions of infections and millions of human deaths(Zhou et al.,2020).The genome of SARS-CoV-2 encodes 29 viral proteins.

Acid–base Homeostasis and Implications to the Phenotypic Behaviors of Cancer

Acid–base homeostasis is a fundamental property of living cells,and its persistent disruption in human cells can lead to a wide range of diseases.In this study,we conducted a computational modeling analysis of transcriptomic data of 4750 human tissue samples of 9 cancer types in The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA)database.Built on our previous study,we quantitatively estimated the average production rate of OH
by cytosolic Fenton reactions,which continuously disrupt the intracellular pH(pHi)homeostasis.Our predictions indicate that all or at least a subset of 43 reprogrammed metabolisms(RMs)are induced to produce net protons(H+)at comparable rates of Fenton reactions to keep the pHi stable.We then discovered that a number of wellknown phenotypes of cancers,including increased growth rate,metastasis rate,and local immune cell composition,can be naturally explained in terms of the Fenton reaction level and the induced RMs.This study strongly suggests the possibility to have a unified framework for studies of cancerinducing stressors,adaptive metabolic reprogramming,and cancerous behaviors.In addition,strong evidence is provided to demonstrate that a popular view that Na+/H+exchangers along with lactic acid exporters and carbonic anhydrases are responsible for the intracellular alkalization and extracellular acidification in cancer may not be justified.