Clinicopathologic significance of expression of nuclear factor-kB RelA and its target gene products in gastric cancer patients

AIM:To assess the prognostic significance of nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB) and its target genes in gastric cancer. METHODS:The tumor tissues of 115 patients with gastric cancer were immunohistochemically evaluated using monoclonal antibodies against NF-kB RelA. Preoperative serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin-6 (IL-6) were assessed via enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay. C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid A (SAA) were measured via immunotrubidimetry. RESULTS:Positive rate of NF-kB RelA was 42.6%. NF-kB RelA expression in tumor tissues was also related to serum levels of IL-6 (P = 0.044) and CRP (P = 0.010). IL-6, SAA, CRP were related to depth of invasion, VEGF and SAA were correlated with lymph node metastasis. IL-6, VEGF, SAA and CRP were related to the stage. Univariate analysis demonstrated that immunostaining of NF-kB RelA, levels of IL-6, VEGF, SAA were significantly related with both disease free survival and over-all survival (OS). Multivariate analysis verified that NF-kB RelA [hazard ratio (HR): 3.40, P = 0.024] and SAA (HR: 3.39, P = 0.045) were independently associated with OS. CONCLUSION: Increased expression of NF-kB RelA and high levels of serum SAA were associated with poor OS in gastric cancer patients.

Expression of nuclear factor-KB in hepatocellular carcinoma and its relation with the X protein of hepatitis B virus

AIM In this study we investigated the relationship of the X protein of HBV and nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)and the expression of NF-κB in human hepatocellular carcinoma tissues. METHODS Immunohistochemistry SP method was used to detect the expression of NF-κB and the X protein of HBV in human hepatocellular carcinoma tissues of 52 cases.Gene transfection mediated by lipofectamine was used to transfect the eukaryotic expression vector pCDNA3.1-HBX of HBV x gene into human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HCC-9204 and NF-κB was detected. RESULTS NF-κB was widely expressed in human hepatocellular carcinoma tissues in a total of 52 cases and its expression was related to the X protein of HBV.NF-κB was localized both in the cytoplasm and the nuclei of hepatocellular carcinoma cells in 11 cases which were positive for the X protein of HBV while in 41 cases negative for the X protein of HBV,NF-κB was only localized in the cytoplasm of hepatocellular carcinoma cells but translocated to the nuclei of hepatocellular carcinoma cells after the eukaryotic expression vector pCDNA3.1-HBX was transfected into HCC-9204 cells. CONCLUSION This study strongly suggests that the nuclear factor NF-κB is widely expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues in different styles according to the expression of the X protein of HBV.NF-κB is abnormally activated in hepatocellular carcinoma,which is probably rélated to the X protein of HBV.The X protein of HBV can activate NF-κB to translocate into nuclei of hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

Protein arginine methyltransferase-6 regulates heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein-F expression and is a potential target for the treatment of neuropathic pain

Protein arginine methyltransferase-6 participates in a range of biological functions,particularly RNA processing,transcription,chromatin remodeling,and endosomal trafficking.However,it remains unclear whether protein arginine methyl transferase-6 modifies neuropathic pain and,if so,what the mechanisms of this effect.In this study,protein arginine methyltransferase-6 expression levels and its effect on neuropathic pain were investigated in the spared nerve injury model,chronic constriction injury model and bone cancer pain model,using immunohistochemistry,western blotting,immunoprecipitation,and label-free proteomic analysis.The results showed that protein arginine methyltransferase-6 mostly co-localized withβ-tubulinⅢin the dorsal root ganglion,and that its expression decreased following spared nerve injury,chronic constriction injury and bone cancer pain.In addition,PRMT6 knockout(Prmt6~(-/-))mice exhibited pain hypersensitivity.Furthermore,the development of spared nerve injury-induced hypersensitivity to mechanical pain was attenuated by blocking the decrease in protein arginine methyltransferase-6 expression.Moreover,when protein arginine methyltransferase-6 expression was downregulated in the dorsal root ganglion in mice without spared nerve injury,increased levels of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinases were observed in the ipsilateral dorsal horn,and the response to mechanical stimuli was enhanced.Mechanistically,protein arginine methyltransferase-6 appeared to contribute to spared nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain by regulating the expression of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein-F.Additionally,protein arginine methyltransfe rase-6-mediated modulation of hete rogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein-F expression required amino atids 319 to 388,but not classical H3R2 methylation.These findings indicated that protein arginine methyltransferase-6 is a potential therapeutic target fo r the treatment of peripheral neuro pathic pain.

Functions of nuclear factor Y in nervous system development,function and health

Nuclear factor Y is a ubiquitous heterotrimeric transcription factor complex conserved across eukaryotes that binds to CCAAT boxes,one of the most common motifs found in gene promoters and enhancers.Over the last 30 years,research has revealed that the nuclear factor Y complex controls many aspects of brain development,including differentiation,axon guidance,homeostasis,disease,and most recently regeneration.However,a complete understanding of transcriptional regulatory networks,including how the nuclear factor Y complex binds to specific CCAAT boxes to perform its function remains elusive.In this review,we explore the nuclear factor Y complex’s role and mode of action during brain development,as well as how genomic technologies may expand understanding of this key regulator of gene expression.

Müller cells are activated in response to retinal outer nuclear layer degeneration in rats subjected to simulated weightlessness conditions

A microgravity environment has been shown to cause ocular damage and affect visual acuity,but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.Therefore,we established an animal model of weightlessness via tail suspension to examine the pathological changes and molecular mechanisms of retinal damage under microgravity.After 4 weeks of tail suspension,there were no notable alterations in retinal function and morphology,while after 8 weeks of tail suspension,significant reductions in retinal function were observed,and the outer nuclear layer was thinner,with abundant apoptotic cells.To investigate the mechanism underlying the degenerative changes that occurred in the outer nuclear layer of the retina,proteomics was used to analyze differentially expressed proteins in rat retinas after 8 weeks of tail suspension.The results showed that the expression levels of fibroblast growth factor 2(also known as basic fibroblast growth factor)and glial fibrillary acidic protein,which are closely related to Müller cell activation,were significantly upregulated.In addition,Müller cell regeneration and Müller cell gliosis were observed after 4 and 8 weeks,respectively,of simulated weightlessness.These findings indicate that Müller cells play an important regulatory role in retinal outer nuclear layer degeneration during weightlessness.

Role of Osteoprotegerin and Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-kB Ligand in Bone Loss Related to Advanced Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Background： Osteoporosis is a common complication of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease （COPD）. Recent clinical and biological researches have increasingly delineated the biomolecular pathways of bone metabolism regulation in COPD. We extended this work by examining the specific association and potential contribution of the osteoprotegerin （OPG）/receptor activator of nuclear factor-riB ligand （RANKL） axis to the pathogenesis of osteoporosis in advanced COPD. The aim of this study was to assess the relationships of serum OPG, RANKL, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha （TNF-a） with bone turnover in men with very severe COPD. Methods： Pulmonary function, T-score at the lumbar spine （LS） and femoral neck （FN）, serum OPG, RANKL, soluble receptor of tumor necrosis factor-alpha-1 and 11 （sTNFR-I, sTNFR-II）, osteocalcin （OC）, and β-CrossLaps （βCL） levels were measured in 45 men with very severe stage COPD and 36 male non-COPD volunteers. COPD patients and healthy controls were compared using all independent t-test and Mann-Whitney U-test. The Pearson coefficient was used to assess the relationships between variables. Results： OPG and OC were lower in male COPD patients than in control subjects whereas RANKL, serum ~CL, TN F-o~, and its receptors were higher. OPG directly correlated with forced expiratory volume in I s （FEVI） % predicted （r = 0.46, P 〈 0.005）, OC （r= 0.34, P 〈 0.05）, LS （I.= 0.56, P 〈 0.001 ）, and FN T-score （r= 0.47, P 〈 0.01 ）. In contrast, serum RANKL inversely associated with LS and FN T-score （r = -0.62, P 〈 0.001 and r = -0.48, P 〈 0.001 ） but directly correlated with [3CL （r = 0.48, P 〈 0.001 ）. In addition, OPG was inversely correlated with RANKL （r = -0.39, P 〈 0.01 ）, TNF-a （r = -0.56, P 〈 0.001 ）, and sTNFR-I （r = -0.40, P 〈 0.01 ）. Conelusion： Our results suggest that serum OPG and RANKL levels are inversely associated with bone loss in men with advanced stage COPD.

A20 inhibits human salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma cells invasion via blocking nuclear factor-kB activation

Background A20, also known as tumor necrosis factor α induced protein 3 （TNFaip3）, is a cytoplasmic zinc finger protein that inhibits nuclear factor kappa-B （NF-κB） activity and prevents tumor necrosis factor （TNF）-mediated programmed cell death. NF-κB is a transcription factor that regulates expression of genes involved in cell proliferation, cell survival and anti-apoptosis. Several studies have implicated that the NF-κB signal pathway is associated with angiogenesis and clinico-pathological process of adenoid cystic carcinoma （ACC） of the salivary glands.Methods The ability of overexpression of A2.0 to influence the biological behavior and invasion of ACC cells was examined. The cells were stably transfected with full-length A20 cDNA. Stable gene transfer was verified by realtime-polymerase chain reaction （PCR） and Western blot analysis. The change of cell biological behavior was examined by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium （MTT） and NF-κB luciferase reporter assay and the invasion of the cells was examined by a Matrigel invasion chamber.Results pEGPFN3-A2.0 gene was stably transferred into ACC-2 cells and overexpressed. When cells were treated with TNFα, the NF-κB activity of ACC-2-A20 cells could be down-regulated about 46.32% in contrast to ACC-2-GFP cells （P〈0.05）. A20 potently inhibited growth of A20 transfectant ACC-2-A20 compared with control vector transfected groups and the ACC-2 empty control group （P〈0.05）. The ACC-2-A20 cells showed significantly reduced ability to invade through Matdgei-coated filters compared to ACC-2-GFP and ACC-2 cells. The inhibition rate was up to 71.05% （P〈0.05）. Conclusions A2.0 gene transfer is associated with decreased tumor invasion, in part via the down-regulation of NF-κB expression, providing evidence for a potential application of A20 in designing a treatment modality for salivary gland cancers such as ACC.

Protective Effects of Calpain Inhibition on Neurovascular Unit Injury through Downregulating Nuclear Factor-KB- related Inflammation during Traumatic Brain Injury in Mice

Background： In addition to neurons, all components of the neurovascular unit （NVU）, such as glial, endothelial, and basal membranes, are destroyed during traumatic brain injury （TBI）. Previous studies have shown that excessive stimulation ofcalpain is crucial for cerebral injury after traumatic insult. The objective of this study was to investigate whether calpain activation participated in NVU disruption and edema formation in a mouse model of controlled cortical impact （CCI）. Methods： One hundred and eight mice were divided into three groups： the sham group, the control group, and the MDL28170 group. MDL28170 （20 mg/kg）, an efficient calpain inhibitor, was administered intraperitoneally at 5 rain, 3 h, and 6 h after experimental CCI. We then measured neurobehavioral deficits, calpain activity, inflammatory mediator levels, blood-brain barrier （BBB） disruption, and NVU deficits using electron microscopy and histopathological analysis at 6 h and 24 h after CCI. Results： The MDL28170 treatment significantly reduced the extent of both cerebral contusion （MDL28170 vs. vehicle group, 16.90 ± 1.01 mm3 and 17.20±1.17 mm3 vs. 9.30 ± 1.05 mm^3 and 9.90 ± 1.17 mm3, both P 〈 0.001 ） and edema （M DL28170 vs. vehicle group, 80.76 ± 1.25% and 82.00 ± 1.84% vs. 82.55 ± 1.32% and 83.64 ± 1.25%, both P 〈 0.05）, improved neurological scores （MDL28170 vs. vehicle group, 7.50 ±0.45 and 6.33 ±0.38 vs. 12.33 ± 0.48 and 11.67±0.48, both P 〈 0.001）, and attenuated NVU damage resulting （including tight junction （TJ）, basement membrane, BBB, and neuron） from CCI at 6 h and 24 h. Moreover, MDL28170 markedly downregulated nuclear factor-κB-related inflammation （tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α]： MDL28170 vs. vehicle group, 1.15 ± 0.07 and 1.62± 0.08 vs. 1.59±0.10 and 2.18± 0.10, both P 〈 0.001 ： inducible nitric oxide synthase： M DL28170 vs. vehicle group, 4.51± 0.23 vs. 6.23± 0.12, P 〈 0.001 at 24 h; intracellular adhesion molecule- I ： MDL28170 vs. vehicle group, 1.45± 0.13 vs. 1.70 ± 0.12, P 〈 0.01 at 24 h） and lessened both myeloperoxidase activity （MDL28170 vs. vehicle group, 0.016± 0.001 and 0.016± 0.001 vs. 0.024± 0.001 and 0.023 ± 0.001, P 〈 0.001 and 0.01, respectively） and matrix metalloproteinase-9 （MMP-9） levels （MDL28170 vs. vehicle group, 0.87±0.13 and 1.10 ± 0.10 vs. 1.17 ± 0.13 and 1.25 ± 0.12, P 〈 0.001 and 0±05, respectively） at 6 h and 24 h after CCI. Conclusions： These findings demonstrate that MDL28170 can protect the structure of the NVU by inhibiting the inflammatory cascade, reducing the expression of MMP-9, and supporting the integrity of TJ during acute TBI.

Benchmark experiment on slab^(238)U with D-T neutrons for validation of evaluated nuclear data

A benchmark experiment on^(238)U slab samples was conducted using a deuterium-tritium neutron source at the China Institute of Atomic Energy.The leakage neutron spectra within energy levels of 0.8-16 MeV at 60°and 120°were measured using the time-of-flight method.The samples were prepared as rectangular slabs with a 30 cm square base and thicknesses of 3,6,and 9 cm.The leakage neutron spectra were also calculated using the MCNP-4C program based on the latest evaluated files of^(238)U evaluated neutron data from CENDL-3.2,ENDF/B-Ⅷ.0,JENDL-5.0,and JEFF-3.3.Based on the comparison,the deficiencies and improvements in^(238)U evaluated nuclear data were analyzed.The results showed the following.(1)The calculated results for CENDL-3.2 significantly overestimated the measurements in the energy interval of elastic scattering at 60°and 120°.(2)The calculated results of CENDL-3.2 overestimated the measurements in the energy interval of inelastic scattering at 120°.(3)The calculated results for CENDL-3.2 significantly overestimated the measurements in the 3-8.5 MeV energy interval at 60°and 120°.(4)The calculated results with JENDL-5.0 were generally consistent with the measurement results.

A novel method for simulating nuclear explosion with chemical explosion to form an approximate plane wave: Field test and numerical simulation

A nuclear explosion in the rock mass medium can produce strong shock waves,seismic shocks,and other destructive effects,which can cause extreme damage to the underground protection infrastructures.With the increase in nuclear explosion power,underground protection engineering enabled by explosion-proof impact theory and technology ushered in a new challenge.This paper proposes to simulate nuclear explosion tests with on-site chemical explosion tests in the form of multi-hole explosions.First,the mechanism of using multi-hole simultaneous blasting to simulate a nuclear explosion to generate approximate plane waves was analyzed.The plane pressure curve at the vault of the underground protective tunnel under the action of the multi-hole simultaneous blasting was then obtained using the impact test in the rock mass at the site.According to the peak pressure at the vault plane,it was divided into three regions:the stress superposition region,the superposition region after surface reflection,and the approximate plane stress wave zone.A numerical simulation approach was developed using PFC and FLAC to study the peak particle velocity in the surrounding rock of the underground protective cave under the action of multi-hole blasting.The time-history curves of pressure and peak pressure partition obtained by the on-site multi-hole simultaneous blasting test and numerical simulation were compared and analyzed,to verify the correctness and rationality of the formation of an approximate plane wave in the simulated nuclear explosion.This comparison and analysis also provided a theoretical foundation and some research ideas for the ensuing study on the impact of a nuclear explosion.

Hydromechanical characterization of gas transport amidst uncertainty for underground nuclear explosion detection

Given the challenge of definitively discriminating between chemical and nuclear explosions using seismic methods alone,surface detection of signature noble gas radioisotopes is considered a positive identification of underground nuclear explosions(UNEs).However,the migration of signature radionuclide gases between the nuclear cavity and surface is not well understood because complex processes are involved,including the generation of complex fracture networks,reactivation of natural fractures and faults,and thermo-hydro-mechanical-chemical(THMC)coupling of radionuclide gas transport in the subsurface.In this study,we provide an experimental investigation of hydro-mechanical(HM)coupling among gas flow,stress states,rock deformation,and rock damage using a unique multi-physics triaxial direct shear rock testing system.The testing system also features redundant gas pressure and flow rate measurements,well suited for parameter uncertainty quantification.Using porous tuff and tight granite samples that are relevant to historic UNE tests,we measured the Biot effective stress coefficient,rock matrix gas permeability,and fracture gas permeability at a range of pore pressure and stress conditions.The Biot effective stress coefficient varies from 0.69 to 1 for the tuff,whose porosity averages 35.3%±0.7%,while this coefficient varies from 0.51 to 0.78 for the tight granite(porosity<1%,perhaps an underestimate).Matrix gas permeability is strongly correlated to effective stress for the granite,but not for the porous tuff.Our experiments reveal the following key engineering implications on transport of radionuclide gases post a UNE event:(1)The porous tuff shows apparent fracture dilation or compression upon stress changes,which does not necessarily change the gas permeability;(2)The granite fracture permeability shows strong stress sensitivity and is positively related to shear displacement;and(3)Hydromechanical coupling among stress states,rock damage,and gas flow appears to be stronger in tight granite than in porous tuff.

Multi-objective optimization and evaluation of supercritical CO_(2) Brayton cycle for nuclear power generation

The supercritical CO_(2) Brayton cycle is considered a promising energy conversion system for Generation IV reactors for its simple layout,compact structure,and high cycle efficiency.Mathematical models of four Brayton cycle layouts are developed in this study for different reactors to reduce the cost and increase the thermohydraulic performance of nuclear power generation to promote the commercialization of nuclear energy.Parametric analysis,multi-objective optimizations,and four decision-making methods are applied to obtain each Brayton scheme’s optimal thermohydraulic and economic indexes.Results show that for the same design thermal power scale of reactors,the higher the core’s exit temperature,the better the Brayton cycle’s thermo-economic performance.Among the four-cycle layouts,the recompression cycle(RC)has the best overall performance,followed by the simple recuperation cycle(SR)and the intercooling cycle(IC),and the worst is the reheating cycle(RH).However,RH has the lowest total cost of investment(C_(tot))of$1619.85 million,and IC has the lowest levelized cost of energy(LCOE)of 0.012$/(kWh).The nuclear Brayton cycle system’s overall performance has been improved due to optimization.The performance of the molten salt reactor combined with the intercooling cycle(MSR-IC)scheme has the greatest improvement,with the net output power(W_(net)),thermal efficiencyη_(t),and exergy efficiency(η_(e))improved by 8.58%,8.58%,and 11.21%,respectively.The performance of the lead-cooled fast reactor combined with the simple recuperation cycle scheme was optimized to increase C_(tot) by 27.78%.In comparison,the internal rate of return(IRR)increased by only 7.8%,which is not friendly to investors with limited funds.For the nuclear Brayton cycle,the molten salt reactor combined with the recompression cycle scheme should receive priority,and the gas-cooled fast reactor combined with the reheating cycle scheme should be considered carefully.

Nucleus++:a new tool bridging AME and NuBAsE for advancing nuclear data analysis

The newly developed software,Nucleus++,is an advanced tool for displaying basic nuclear physics properties from NubAsE and integrating comprehensive mass information for each nuclide from Atomic Mass Evaluation.Additionally,it allows users to compare experimental nuclear masses with predictions from different mass models.Building on the success and learning experiences of its predecessor,Nucleus,this enhanced tool introduces improved functionality and compatibility.With its user-friendly interface,Nucleus++was designed as a valuable tool for scholars and practitioners in the field of nuclear science.This article offers an in-depth description of Nucleus++,highlighting its main features and anticipated impacts on nuclear science research.

Sustainability-oriented prioritization of nuclear fuel cycle transitions in China:a holistic MCDM framework under uncertainties

A sustainability-oriented assessment of the nuclear energy system can provide informative and convincing decision-making support for nuclear development strategies in China.In our previous study,four authentic nuclear fuel cycle(NFC)transi-tion scenarios were proposed,featuring different development stages and exhibiting distinct environmental,economic,and technical characteristics.However,because of the multiple and often conflicting criteria embedded therein,determining the top-priority NFC alternative for a sustainability orientation remains challenging.To address this issue,this study proposed a novel hybrid multi-criteria decision-making framework comprising fuzzy AHP,PROMETHEE GAIA,and MOORA.Initially,an improved fuzzy AHP weighting model was developed to determine criteria weights under uncertainty and investigate the influence of various weight aggregation and defuzzification approaches.Subsequently,PROMETHEE GAIA was used to address conflicts among the criteria and prioritize alternatives on a visualized k-dimensional GAIA plane.As a result,the alternative for direct recycling PWR spent fuel in fast reactors is considered the most sustainable.Furthermore,a sensitivity analysis was conducted to examine the influence of criteria weight variation and validate the screening results.Finally,using MOORA,some significant optimization ideas and valuable insights were provided to support decision-makers in shaping nuclear development strategies.

Recent progress in nuclear astrophysics research and its astrophysical implications at the China Institute of Atomic Energy

Nuclear astrophysics is a rapidly developing interdisciplinary feld of research that has received extensive attention from the scientifc community since the midtwentieth century.Broadly,it uses the laws of extremely small atomic nuclei to explain the evolution of the universe.Owing to the complexity of nucleosynthesis processes and our limited understanding of nuclear physics in astrophysical environments,several critical astrophysical problems remain unsolved.To achieve a better understanding of astrophysics,it is necessary to measure the cross sections of key nuclear reactions with the precision required by astrophysical models.Direct measurement of nuclear reaction cross sections is an important method of investigating how nuclear reactions infuence stellar evolution.Given the challenges involved in measuring the extremely low crosssections of nuclear reactions in the Gamow peak and preparing radioactive targets,indirect methods,such as the transfer reaction,coulomb dissociation,and surrogate ratio methods,have been developed over the past several decades.These are powerful tools in the investigation of,for example,neutron-capture(n,r)reactions with short-lived radioactive isotopes.However,direct measurement is still preferable,such as in the case of reactions involving light and stable nuclei.As an essential part of stellar evolution,these low-energy stable nuclear reactions have been of particular interest in recent years.To overcome the diffculties in measurements near or deeply within the Gamow window,the combination of an underground laboratory and high-exposure accelerator/detector complex is currently the optimal solution.Therefore,underground experiments have emerged as a new and promising direction of research.In addition,to better simulate the stellar environment in the laboratory,research on nuclear physics under laser-driven plasma conditions has gradually become a frontier hotspot.In recent years,the CIAE team conducted a series of distinctive nuclear astrophysics studies,relying on the Jinping Underground Nuclear Astrophysics platform and accelerators in Earth’s surface laboratories,including the Beijing Radioactive Ion beam Facility,as well as other scientifc platforms at home and abroad.This research covered nuclear theories,numerical models,direct measurements,indirect measurements,and other novel approaches,achieving great interdisciplinary research results,with high-level academic publications and signifcant international impacts.This article reviews the above research and predicts future developments.

Presence of a long nuclear-localization signal sequence in homeodomain transcription factor Nkx 1.2

Homeodomains,a 60-amino acid sequence encoded by 180 nucleotides,are highly conserved DNA-binding motifs that are present in a variety of transcription factors in species ranging from yeast to humans.The NKX proteins belong to the homeodomain(HD)-containing transcription factor family.They play vital roles in the regulation of morphogenesis.NKX1-2 is one member of the NKX subfamily.At present,information about its nuclear localization signal(NLS)sequence is limited.We studied the NLS sequence of zebrafish Nkx1.2 by introducing sequence changes such as deletion,mutation,and truncation,and identified an NLS motif(QNRRTKWKKQ)that is localized at the C-terminus of the homeodomain.Moreover,the deletion of two amino acid residues(RR)in this NLS motif prevents Nkx1.2 from entering the nucleus,indicating that the two amino acids are essential for Nkx1.2 nuclear localization.However,the NLS motif alone is unable to target cytoplasmic protein glutathione S-transferase(GST)to the nucleus.An intact homeodomain is necessary for mediating the complete nuclear transport of cytoplasmic protein.Unlike most nuclear import proteins with short NLS sequences,a long NLS is present in zebrafish Nkx1.2.We also demonstrated that the sequences of homeodomain of NKX1.2 are well conserved among different species.This study is informative to verify the function of the NKX1.2 protein.

Bayesian model averaging(BMA)for nuclear data evaluation

To ensure agreement between theoretical calculations and experimental data,parameters to selected nuclear physics models are perturbed and fine-tuned in nuclear data evaluations.This approach assumes that the chosen set of models accurately represents the‘true’distribution of considered observables.Furthermore,the models are chosen globally,indicating their applicability across the entire energy range of interest.However,this approach overlooks uncertainties inherent in the models themselves.In this work,we propose that instead of selecting globally a winning model set and proceeding with it as if it was the‘true’model set,we,instead,take a weighted average over multiple models within a Bayesian model averaging(BMA)framework,each weighted by its posterior probability.The method involves executing a set of TALYS calculations by randomly varying multiple nuclear physics models and their parameters to yield a vector of calculated observables.Next,computed likelihood function values at each incident energy point were then combined with the prior distributions to obtain updated posterior distributions for selected cross sections and the elastic angular distributions.As the cross sections and elastic angular distributions were updated locally on a per-energy-point basis,the approach typically results in discontinuities or“kinks”in the cross section curves,and these were addressed using spline interpolation.The proposed BMA method was applied to the evaluation of proton-induced reactions on ^(58)Ni between 1 and 100 MeV.The results demonstrated a favorable comparison with experimental data as well as with the TENDL-2023 evaluation.

An improved analysis method for assessing the nuclear-heating impact on the stability of toroidal field magnets in fusion reactors

The superconducting magnet system of a fusion reactor plays a vital role in plasma confinement,a process that can be dis-rupted by various operational factors.A critical parameter for evaluating the temperature margin of superconducting magnets during normal operation is the nuclear heating caused by D-T neutrons.This study investigates the impact of nuclear heat-ing on a superconducting magnet system by employing an improved analysis method that combines neutronics and thermal hydraulics.In the magnet system,toroidal field(TF)magnets are positioned closest to the plasma and bear the highest nuclear-heat load,making them prime candidates for evaluating the influence of nuclear heating on stability.To enhance the modeling accuracy and facilitate design modifications,a parametric TF model that incorporates heterogeneity is established to expedite the optimization design process and enhance the accuracy of the computations.A comparative analysis with a homogeneous TF model reveals that the heterogeneous model improves accuracy by over 12%.Considering factors such as heat load,magnetic-field strength,and cooling conditions,the cooling circuit facing the most severe conditions is selected to calculate the temperature of the superconductor.This selection streamlines the workload associated with thermal-hydraulic analysis.This approach enables a more efficient and precise evaluation of the temperature margin of TF magnets.Moreover,it offers insights that can guide the optimization of both the structure and cooling strategy of superconducting magnet systems.

Impact of initial fluctuations and nuclear deformations in isobar collisions

Relativistic isobar^(96)_(44)Ru+^(96)_(44)Ru and^(96)_(40)Zr+^(96)_(40)Zrcollisions have revealed intricate differences in their nuclear size and shape,inspiring unconventional studies of nuclear structure using relativistic heavy ion collisions.In this study,we investigate the relative differences in the mean multiplicityR_(<Nch>)and the secondR_(ε2)and third-order eccentricityR_(ε3)between isobar collisions using initial state Glauber models.It is found that initial fluctuations and nuclear deformations have negligible effects on R_(<Nch>)in most central collisions,while both are important for the R_(ε2)and R_(ε3),the degree of which is sensitive to the underlying nucleonic or sub-nucleonic degree of freedom.These features,compared to real data,may probe the particle production mechanism and the physics underlying nuclear structure.

A fast forward computational method for nuclear measurement using volumetric detection constraints

Owing to the complex lithology of unconventional reservoirs,field interpreters usually need to provide a basis for interpretation using logging simulation models.Among the various detection tools that use nuclear sources,the detector response can reflect various types of information of the medium.The Monte Carlo method is one of the primary methods used to obtain nuclear detection responses in complex environments.However,this requires a computational process with extensive random sampling,consumes considerable resources,and does not provide real-time response results.Therefore,a novel fast forward computational method(FFCM)for nuclear measurement that uses volumetric detection constraints to rapidly calculate the detector response in various complex environments is proposed.First,the data library required for the FFCM is built by collecting the detection volume,detector counts,and flux sensitivity functions through a Monte Carlo simulation.Then,based on perturbation theory and the Rytov approximation,a model for the detector response is derived using the flux sensitivity function method and a one-group diffusion model.The environmental perturbation is constrained to optimize the model according to the tool structure and the impact of the formation and borehole within the effective detection volume.Finally,the method is applied to a neutron porosity tool for verification.In various complex simulation environments,the maximum relative error between the calculated porosity results of Monte Carlo and FFCM was 6.80%,with a rootmean-square error of 0.62 p.u.In field well applications,the formation porosity model obtained using FFCM was in good agreement with the model obtained by interpreters,which demonstrates the validity and accuracy of the proposed method.