tRNA^(Glu)-derived fragments from embryonic extracellular vesicles modulate bovine embryo hatching

Transfer RNA-derived small RNAs(tsRNAs)have been shown to be involved in early embryo development and repression of endogenous retroelements in embryos and stem cells.However,it is unknown whether tsRNAs also regulate embryo hatching.In this study,we mined the sequencing data of a previous experiment in which we demonstrated that the microRNA(miRNA)cargo of preimplantation embryonic extracellular vesicles(EVs)influences embryo development.We thus profiled the tsRNA cargo of EVs secreted by blastocysts and non-blastocysts.The majority of tsRNAs was identified as tRNA halves originating from the 5'ends of tRNAs.Among the 148 differentially expressed tsRNAs,the 19 nt tRNA fragment(tRF)tDR-14:32-Glu-CTC-1 was found to be significantly up-regulated in EVs derived from non-blastocysts.RT-qPCR assays confirmed its significant up-regulation in non-blastocyst embryos and their conditioned medium compared to the blastocyst group(P<0.05).Inhibition of tDR-14:32-Glu-CTC-1 by supplementing antagomirs to the conditioned medium improved embryo hatching(P<0.05).Transcriptomic analysis of embryos treated with tDR-14:32-Glu-CTC-1 antagomirs further showed differential expression of genes that are associated with embryo hatching and implantation.In summary,tDR-14:32-Glu-CTC-1 is up-regulated in non-blastocyst embryos and their secretions,and inhibition of tDR-14:32-Glu-CTC-1 promotes embryo hatching,while influencing embryo implantation-related genes and pathways.These results indicate that embryonic EVs containing specific tRFs may regulate preimplantation embryo development.

A cloud model target damage effectiveness assessment algorithm based on spatio-temporal sequence finite multilayer fragments dispersion

To solve the problem of target damage assessment when fragments attack target under uncertain projectile and target intersection in an air defense intercept,this paper proposes a method for calculating target damage probability leveraging spatio-temporal finite multilayer fragments distribution and the target damage assessment algorithm based on cloud model theory.Drawing on the spatial dispersion characteristics of fragments of projectile proximity explosion,we divide into a finite number of fragments distribution planes based on the time series in space,set up a fragment layer dispersion model grounded in the time series and intersection criterion for determining the effective penetration of each layer of fragments into the target.Building on the precondition that the multilayer fragments of the time series effectively assail the target,we also establish the damage criterion of the perforation and penetration damage and deduce the damage probability calculation model.Taking the damage probability of the fragment layer in the spatio-temporal sequence to the target as the input state variable,we introduce cloud model theory to research the target damage assessment method.Combining the equivalent simulation experiment,the scientific and rational nature of the proposed method were validated through quantitative calculations and comparative analysis.

Warhead fragments motion trajectories tracking and spatio-temporal distribution reconstruction method based on high-speed stereo photography

High speed photography technique is potentially the most effective way to measure the motion parameter of warhead fragment benefiting from its advantages of high accuracy,high resolution and high efficiency.However,it faces challenge in dense objects tracking and 3D trajectories reconstruction due to the characteristics of small size and dense distribution of fragment swarm.To address these challenges,this work presents a warhead fragments motion trajectories tracking and spatio-temporal distribution reconstruction method based on high-speed stereo photography.Firstly,background difference algorithm is utilized to extract the center and area of each fragment in the image sequence.Subsequently,a multi-object tracking(MOT)algorithm using Kalman filtering and Hungarian optimal assignment is developed to realize real-time and robust trajectories tracking of fragment swarm.To reconstruct 3D motion trajectories,a global stereo trajectories matching strategy is presented,which takes advantages of epipolar constraint and continuity constraint to correctly retrieve stereo correspondence followed by 3D trajectories refinement using polynomial fitting.Finally,the simulation and experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method can accurately track the motion trajectories and reconstruct the spatio-temporal distribution of 1.0×10^(3)fragments in a field of view(FOV)of 3.2 m×2.5 m,and the accuracy of the velocity estimation can achieve 98.6%.

Double casing warhead with sandwiched charge:The axial distribution of fragments velocities

The double casing warhead with sandwiched charge is a novel fragmentation warhead that can produce two groups of fragments with different velocity,and the previous work has presented a calculation formula to determine the maximum fragment velocity.The current work builds on the published formula to further develop a formula for calculating the axial distribution characteristics of the fragment velocity.For this type of warhead,the simulation of the dispersion characteristics of the detonation products at different positions shows that the detonation products at the ends have a much larger axial velocity than those in the middle,and the detonation products have a greater axial dispersion velocity when they are closer to the central axis.The loading process and the fragment velocity vary with the axial position for both casing layers,and the total velocity of the fragments is the vector sum of the radial velocity and the axial velocity.At the same axial position,the acceleration time of the inner casing is greater than that of the outer casing.For the same casing,the fragments generated at the ends have a longer acceleration time than the fragments from the middle.The proposed formula is validated with the X-ray radiography results of the four warheads previously tested experimentally and the 3D smoothedparticle hydrodynamics numerical simulation results of several series of new warheads with different configurations.The formula can accurately and reliably calculate the fragment velocity when the lengthto-diameter ratio of the charge is greater than 1.5 and the thickness of the casing is less than 20%its inner radius.This work thus provides a key reference for the theoretical analysis and the design of warheads with multiple casings.

Exploring the regulatory mechanism of tRNA-derived fragments 36 in acute pancreatitis based on small RNA sequencing and experiments

BACKGROUND Acute pancreatitis(AP)is a disease featuring acute inflammation of the pancreas and histological destruction of acinar cells.Approximately 20%of AP patients progress to moderately severe or severe pancreatitis,with a case fatality rate of up to 30%.However,a single indicator that can serve as the gold standard for prognostic prediction has not been discovered.Therefore,gaining deeper insights into the underlying mechanism of AP progression and the evolution of the disease and exploring effective biomarkers are important for early diagnosis,progression evaluation,and precise treatment of AP.AIM To determine the regulatory mechanisms of tRNA-derived fragments(tRFs)in AP based on small RNA sequencing and experiments.METHODS Small RNA sequencing and functional enrichment analyses were performed to identify key tRFs and the potential mechanisms in AP.Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR)was conducted to determine tRF expression.AP cell and mouse models were created to investigate the role of tRF36 in AP progression.Lipase,amylase,and cytokine levels were assayed to examine AP progression.Ferritin expression,reactive oxygen species,malondialdehyde,and ferric ion levels were assayed to evaluate cellular ferroptosis.RNA pull down assays and methylated RNA immunoprecipitation were performed to explore the molecular mechanisms.RESULTS RT-qPCR results showed that tRF36 was significantly upregulated in the serum of AP patients,compared to healthy controls.Functional enrichment analysis indicated that target genes of tRF36 were involved in ferroptosisrelated pathways,including the Hippo signaling pathway and ion transport.Moreover,the occurrence of pancreatic cell ferroptosis was detected in AP cells and mouse models.The results of interference experiments and AP cell models suggested that tRF-36 could promote AP progression through the regulation of ferroptosis.Furthermore,ferroptosis gene microarray,database prediction,and immunoprecipitation suggested that tRF-36 accelerated the progression of AP by recruiting insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein 3(IGF2BP3)to the p53 mRNA m6A modification site by binding to IGF2BP3,which enhanced p53 mRNA stability and promoted the ferroptosis of pancreatic follicle cells.CONCLUSION In conclusion,regulation of nuclear pre-mRNA domain-containing protein 1B promoted AP development by regulating the ferroptosis of pancreatic cells,thereby acting as a prospective therapeutic target for AP.In addition,this study provided a basis for understanding the regulatory mechanisms of tRFs in AP.

Isolating the Mutator Transposable Element Insertional Mutant Gene mio16 of Maize Using Double SelectedAmplification of Insertion Flanking Fragments (DSAIFF)

Mutator transposable element （Mu） has been used as an effective tool to clone maize （Zea mays L.） genes. One opaque endosperm mutant （miol6） was identified in a pool of Mu inserted mutants. A modified method, termed the double selected amplification of insertion flanking fragments （DSAIFF）, was employed to isolate the Mu flanking fragments （MFFs） of miol6. The target site duplications （TSDs） isolated from the Msp I and Mse I digested MFFs had a same 9-bp sequence and were confirmed to be the flanking sequence of one identically inserted gene. Co-segregation analysis suggested that the MFFs were associated with the mutant opaque endosperm, and miol6 was mapped in silico onto the physical position ranged from 229 965 021 to 229 965 409 bp of the maize chromosome 4.09 bin. The full-length cDNA of the wild-type gene was obtained by an RT-PCR primer-scanning technique, and Mio16 was found to putatively encode a homolog of the Arabidopsis MAP3K delta-1 protein kinase. RT-PCR result the mRNA expression of miol6 region anchored by primers Mu20 and af276 was not interrupted by Mu insertion. Further researches will be done to elucidate how the expression of miol6 is alternated by Mu insertion.

Nestedness of bird assemblages in the karst forest fragments of southwestern Guangxi, China

The limestone region in southwestern Guangxi contains the most typical karst landforms in the world. Due to their destruction, the original forests mainly survive in nature reserves in the form of fragmented areas. From June 2009 to September 2010 we conducted an investigation of 13 relatively isolated habitats or sites, selected from each of the 13 nature reserves in southwestern Guangxi, with the least amount of anthropological activity and the largest presence of the original vegetation, in order to study the distribution of birds on forest fragments. The distribution patterns of the birds and the factors which affect them were analyzed by using the 'BINMATNEST' software and the Spearman’s rank correlation analysis, to determine: 1) whether nested patterns of birds in the karst area of southwestern Guangxi exist or not and 2) which factors are correlated with the nested patterns and the effect of these factors on forming nested patterns. The results show that the birds had statistically significant nested patterns in the karst area and the specificity of the habitat of the birds had a significant effect on the nested patterns. We suggest possible reasons for these results, based on the characteristics of the seasonal tropical rain forests in the study area and on neutral theory. We also urgently recommend that close attention be paid to the protection of the diversity of the environment for birds in all fragmented habitats.

Context Information and Fragments Based Cross-Domain Word Segmentation

A new joint decoding strategy that combines the character-based and word-based conditional random field model is proposed.In this segmentation framework,fragments are used to generate candidate Out-of-Vocabularies(OOVs).After the initial segmentation,the segmentation fragments are divided into two classes as "combination"(combining several fragments as an unknown word) and "segregation"(segregating to some words).So,more OOVs can be recalled.Moreover,for the characteristics of the cross-domain segmentation,context information is reasonably used to guide Chinese Word Segmentation(CWS).This method is proved to be effective through several experiments on the test data from Sighan Bakeoffs 2007 and Bakeoffs 2010.The rates of OOV recall obtain better performance and the overall segmentation performances achieve a good effect.

Projected area and drag coefficient of high velocity irregular fragments that rotate or tumble

3 degrees of freedom(DOF)exterior ballistic computer models are used in fragment studies to calculate individual trajectories of each fragment based on drag coefficient and the projected(presented)area in the direction of velocity of center of mass.The expectation of a randomly distributed projected area is commonly used for fragments that tumble(random rotation)during flight.We forecast a model where the expected drag coefficient is dependent of shape and Mach number.Rotation or tumbling only affects the expected projected area.Models of projected areas during tumbling and rotation are presented.An examination of the data by Mc Cleskey(1988)indicates that the volume of the fragment to the power of2/3 is a better parameter to characterize the drag coefficient of the fragments than the maximum projected area.Hydrocode simulations are used to verify results and to study projected area and drag coefficient of fragments.

Isospin effects on intermediate mass fragments at intermediate energy-heavy ion collisions

In this study,we investigated the isospin properties of intermediate mass fragments(IMFs)for the central collisions of^(112,124)Sn+^(112,124)Sn at a beam energy of50 MeV per nucleon using an improved quantum molecular dynamics model(ImQMD)coupled with a sequential decay model(GEMINI).Three observables were analyzed:(1)the average center-of-mass kinetic energy per nucleon<Ec.m./A>of fragments as a function of their charge number Z;(2)the average neutron number to proton number ratio(<N>/Z)of fragments with a given charge number Z as a function of their center-of-mass kinetic energy per nucleon(Ec.m./A);and(3)the average total neutron number to total proton number ratio(ΣN/ΣZ)and double ratio(DR(N/Z))of IMFs with Z=3-8 as a function of their center-of-mass kinetic energy per nucleon Ec.m./A.Our calculations revealed that the sensitivity of the isospin properties of IMFs relative to the stiffness of the symmetry energy remains even after sequential decay.By comparing the calculations ofΣN/ΣZ and DR(N/Z)with the data,it was found that the soft symmetry energy,i.e.,γ=0.5,is favored.

Use of chondral fragments for one stage cartilage repair: A systematic review

AIM: To investigate the state of the art regarding Cartilage Autograft Implantation System(CAIS) or Particulated Juvenile Allograft Cartilage(PJAC).METHODS: The authors searched the English literature regarding CAIS and PJAC. The search strategy was:(particulated cartilage) OR autologous cartilage fragments. All basic science articles were included. Clinical articles with less than 10 patients treated and less than 6 mo of follow-up were excluded. With these criteria, a total of 17 articles were available for the present review. RESULTS: PJAC and CAIS are relatively novel techniques for cartilage repair. Good basic science evidence was described to support the concept. Although the preliminary clinical reports show encouraging results, clinical data are still limited, especially for CAIS. The indications for both techniques need to be precisely defined(age of the patients, size of the lesion, and involvement of the subchondral bone), together with other debated issues. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the authors can state that encouraging preliminary results are available for both techniques. However, further studies are necessary to precisely determine the indications, surgical techniques, and long term outcomes for PJAC and CAIS.

Concurrent removal of intravitreal lens fragments after phacoemulsification with pars plana vitrectomy prevents development of retinal detachment

AIM: To evaluate the outcomes of "concurrent vitrectomy" to retrieve dislocated lens fragment during phacoemulsification.METHODS: In a retrospective, observational case series, data of patients who underwent "concurrent" pars plana vitrectomy(PPV) for dislocated lens fragments between the period 2000 and 2008 were reviewed. Data collected included patient demographics, pre-operative visual acuity, intra-operative occurrence of retinal breaks, duration of follow up, post-operative intraocular pressure, final best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA),presence of cystoid macular edema(CME) and occurrence of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment(RRD).· RESULTS: A total of 58 eyes of 58 patients were included in the study. At 12 mo the mean postoperative BCVA was log MAR 0.17(20/30) with a range of log MAR0 to 0.69(20/20 to 20/100), with 96.6%(56/58) of patients showing post- operative improvement in visual acuity(P =0.005). None of the patients developed postoperative retinal detachment, endophthalmitis or non-resolving uveitis at 12 mo.CONCLUSION: Our study results suggest concurrent PPV for retained lens fragments after cataract surgery is beneficial and may decrease the risk of glaucoma and prevent development of RRD.

Probiotical Cell Fragments (PCFs) as “Novel Nutraceutical Ingredients”

Probiotical cell fragments (PCFs) are structural components of the probiotic cell lysate(s) and exhibit similar beneficial effects on the host as live probiotic bacteria. With cell fragment technology (CFT?), the structural fragments are isolated and purified from live probiotic cells. While observed to be strain-dependent as in the case of live probiotics, orally administered PCFs demonstrated a broad spectrum of immune modulation functions;anti-allergy;anti-inflammation;anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties;anti-mutagenic;and radioprotective and detoxification abilities in humans and animals. The PCFs mechanisms of action include events of motifs of cell wall peptidoglycans, DNA motifs, nucleotide containing components, lipoteichoic acids (LPAs), surface layer (S-layer) proteins, and cytoplasmic proteins. Different immunological in vivo-in vitro tests have shown that PCFs, essentially, have the ability to stimulate the macrophages, and induce cytokines such as interleukins, tumor necrosis factors (TNFs), interferons (IFNs), and natural killer (NK) cells. PCFs may be used as ingredients for foods and beverages or as nutritional supplements with long term stability and shelf-life up to 5 years. PCFs may also be used as health restorative ingredients in cosmetic products. The outcome of probiotics CFT? stands as an advantage to the food and pharmaceutical industries, regarding the formulation of novel products with unadulterated sensory characteristics of origin. Hence, PCFs are being characterized here as “novel nutraceutical ingredients” for health maintenance in both humans and animals.

Cloning and Sequencing of Two Acetylcholinesterase cDNA Fragments from Cotton Aphid,Aphis gossypii Glover

Two acetylcholinesterase (AChE) genes cDNA fragments,Ag.acel and Ag.ace2,have been cloned from cotton aphid,Aphis gossypii Glover using degenerate primers with RT-PCR technique.Ag.acel gene cDNA fragment is of 282?bp encoding 94 amino acids,and Ag.ace2 gene cDNA fragment is of 264?bp encoding 88 amino acids.Both two putative AChE genes cDNA fragments share numerous similarities with those cloned from other insects.This is the first report of two AChE cDNA fragment sequences in the insect species,which provided the direct evidence of multiple AChE existence in insects.

Estimation of projected surface area of irregularly shaped fragments

The essence and the main contribution of this paper are consisted of the suggested novel method for estimation of a projected surface area of an irregularly shaped fragment, which represents a significant step toward a new method of an aerodynamic force estimation of a fragment motion through a resistive medium. The suggested method is to use a tri-axial ellipsoid that has a continuous surface(given as a mathematical function) to approximate an irregularly shaped fragment so that the fragment trajectory can be estimated faster taking into consideration that the aerodynamic force is proportional to a projected surface area of the fragment.During their motion, fragments can take any orientation relative to the velocity vector and aerodynamic force is proportional to a projected surface area of fragment perpendicular to the velocity vector,so it is necessary to have a method for correct estimation of the projected area in an arbitrary direction relatively to the fragment.The model was validated with analytical and CAD techniques, and verified using 3D model of a real fragment. The comparison of the projected surface area values for the fragment, obtained using the CAD tools and using our model, are generally in good agreement, This method represents a step toward modeling that does not require a CFD result for estimation of the aerodynamic force of irregularly shaped bodies.

A fast and accurate model for the creation of explosion fragments with improved fragment shape and dimensions

Explosion models based on Finite Element Analysis(FEA)can be used to simulate how a warhead fragments.However their execution times are extensive.Active protection systems need to make very fast predictions,before a fast attacking weapon hits the target.Fast execution times are also needed in real time simulations where the impact of many different computer models is being assessed.Hence,FEA explosion models are not appropriate for these real-time systems.The research presented in this paper delivers a fast simulation model based on Mott’s equation that calculates the number and weight of fragments created by an explosion.In addition,the size and shape of fragments,unavailable in Mott’s equation,are calculated using photographic evidence and a distribution of a fragment’s length to its width.The model also identifies the origin of fragments on the warhead’s casing.The results are verified against experimental data and a fast execution time is achieved using uncomplicated simulation steps.The developed model then can be made available for real-time simulation and fast computation.

Definition, treatment and outcome of residual fragments in staghorn stones

Technological advances in minimally invasive treatment of stone disease and its integration with concomitant clinical practice are amongst the most important achievements in urology.Despite the wealth of information accumulated over the years and the richness of existing literature,the knowledge about the definition,treatment and outcomes of residual stone fragments after percutaneous nephrolithotomy(PNL)is still insufficient.Due to the high stone load a lot of patients with staghorn stones have residual fragments(RFs)after treatment with PNL,which depends on the size of tract,definition of stone free rate(SFR),timing of evaluation and the imaging used.No consensus exists on the imaging modality or their timing in the evaluation of possible RFs.The treatment of residual stones is apparently different depending on the facilities of the department and the preference of the surgeon,which includes active surveillance,shock wave lithotripsy(SWL),retrograde intrarenal surgery(RIRS)or a second look PNL.

Fractal characteristics of cracks and fragments generated in unloading rockburst tests

True triaxial rockburst experiments with four different unloading rates were performed on four prism specimens of granite sampled from Beishan, China. The damage evolution in the rockburst test was investigated from two aspects including fracture surface crack and fragment characteristics. The scanning electron microscopy was used to observe the micro crack information on fragment surface. Combing binarization and box counting dimensions, the fractal dimensions of cracks were obtained. Meanwhile,the fragments were collected and a sieving experiment was conducted. We weighed the fragments qualities, counted the amount of fragments and measured the fragments length, width and thickness.Utilizing four methods to calculate damage fractal dimensions of fragments, the trend of fractal value changing with unloading rates can be roughly described. It can be concluded from these experiments that the fractal dimension either for crack or for fragment holds a decreasing trend with the decreasing unloading rate, indicating a reduction of damage level.

Azimuthal distributions of final-state particles and fragments and transverse structure of emission source in high-energy nucleus-nucleus collisions

The azimuthal distributions of final-state particles and fragments produced in high-energy nucleus-nucleus collisions are described by a modified multisource ideal gas model which contains the expansions and movements of the emission sources. The transverse structures of the sources are given in the transverse plane by momentum components Px and Py, and described by parameters in the model. The results of the azimuthal distributions, calculated by the Monte Carlo method, are in good agreement with the experimental data in nucleus-nucleus collisions at high energies.

Effects of rock fragments on yak dung greenhouse gas emissions on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau

Dung deposition is an important pathway of nutrient return and redistribution in alpine grasslands of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.To date,information on the greenhouse gas emissions of yak dung on alpine grasslands,especially where there are large amounts of rock fragments,is limited.Our aim,therefore,was to evaluate variations in N_2O,CH_4,and CO_2 emissions from yak dung(CCD),and compare it to dung placed on rock fragments(RCD),alpine steppe soil(CSD),and a soil and rock fragment mixture(RSD) over a 30-day incubation period.The results showed that the total N_2O emissions from treatments without soil were significantly(P < 0.05) lower than those from treatments with soil.The highest total CH_4 emissions were detected in the CSD treatment,while CH_4 losses from treatments without rock fragments were significantly(P < 0.05) greater than those with rock fragments.The total CO_2 emissions from the RSD treatment was 6.30%–12.0% lower than those in the other three treatments.The soil beneath yak dung pats elevated the globalwarming potential(GWP),while the addition of rock fragments to the soil significantly(P < 0.05) decreased the GWP by reducing emissions of the three greenhouse gases.We therefore suggest that interactions between rock fragments and alpine steppe soil are effective in decreasing yak dung greenhouse gas emissions.This finding indicates that rock fragments are an effective medium for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from dung pats,and more attention should therefore be paid to evaluate its ecological impact in future studies.These results should help guide scientific assessments of regional GHG budgets in agricultural ecosystems where the addition of livestock manure to soils with large amounts of rock fragments is common.