High-Value-Added Utilization of Turpentine:Screening of Anti-Influenza Virus Agents fromβ-Pinene Derivatives

Turpentine is a renewable and resourceful forest product.The deep processing and utilization of turpentine,particularly its primary componentβ-pinene,has garnered widespread attention.This study aimed to synthesize 40 derivatives ofβ-pinene,including nopinone,3-cyanopyridines of nopinone,myrtanyl acid,myrtanyl acylthioureas,and myrtanyl amides.We assessed the antiviral activities of theseβ-pinene derivatives against influenza virus A/Puerto Rico/8/34(H1N1)using the 3-(4,5-dimetylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide method.Theβ-pinene derivatives were used before and after cellular infection with the influenza virus to evaluate their preventive and therapeutic effects against the H1N1 virus.The results showed that only compound 10o exhibited a preventive effect against the H1N1 virus with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration(IC50)value of 47.6μmol/L.Among the compounds,4e,4i,and 4l demonstrated therapeutic effects against cellular infection,with compound 4e displaying the most potent therapeutic effect(IC50=17.5μmol/L),comparable to the positive control ribavirin.These findings indicated that certainβ-pinene derivatives exhibited in vitro antiviral activity against the H1N1 influenza A virus,warranting further investigation as potential anti-influenza agents.

Insecticidal Potential of α-Pinene and β-Caryophyllene against Myzus persicae and Their Impacts on Gene Expression

Myzus persicae(M.persicae)is now considered a threat to agricultural crops due to economic losses.Numerous synthetic insecticides applied every year against M.persicae,are reported to be unsafe for environment,humans,and beneficial insects.Furthermore,several species of Myzus have been found to develop resistance due to over application of these insecticides.Therefore,it is required to find some novel insecticide that would be safe for the environment as well as for humans.In the current study,two major pure constituentsα-pinene andβ-caryophyllene were evaluated for their insecticidal potential against M.persicae using a fumigant toxicity assay.Furthermore,impact ofα-pinene andβ-caryophyllene on expression of five different genes,e.g.,HSP 60,FPPS I,OSD,TOL and ANT responsible for reproduction,dispersion,and growth of M.persicae has also been investigated.To perform fumigant toxicity assay,five different concentrations(3.5,4,4.5,5 and 6μL L−1)ofα-pinene andβ-caryophyllene were prepared.Lethal concentration(LC)was calculated,and gene expression studies were executed through qRT PCR at LC30 ofα-pinene andβ-caryophyllene.Both constituents demonstrated excellent fumigant toxicity effects against M.persicae at all five concentrations.However,α-pinene shows significantly better results(98%)as compared toβ-caryophyllene(80%)after 72 h at 6μL L−1 of dose.The highest upregulation in expression was demonstrated at LC30 dose ofα-pinene in five in three out of five genes understudy(TOL,ANT,and FPPS I).Conversely,two genes HSP 60 and OSD demonstrated downregulation at LC30 dose ofβ-caryophyllene.Conclusively,our results highlighted the promising insecticidal potential of both compoundsα-pinene andβ-caryophylleneby interfering with the reproduction and development related processes in M.persicae,allowing us to recommend the phytoconstituents under investigation as an ecofriendly alternative to synthetic insecticides.

阿尔茨海默病病变相关脑区Pgc-1alpha敲除小鼠模型的构建

目的:构建在阿尔茨海默病(Alzheimer′s disease,AD)病变相关脑区过氧化物酶体增殖物激活受体γ辅激活因子-1α(peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorγcoactivator-1 alpha,Pgc-1alpha)敲除小鼠。方法:引入Pgc-1alpha条件性敲除杂合子小鼠(Pgc-1alphafl/+),通过自交获得Pgc-1alpha条件性敲除纯合子小鼠(Pgc-1alphafl/fl)。将Pgc-1alphafl/fl纯合子小鼠和在AD病变脑区(皮层、海马)特异性表达Cre重组酶的Cre工具鼠(Calb1-Cre)杂交,提取子代转基因小鼠基因组DNA,行PCR鉴定,确定其基因型;采用蛋白免疫印迹技术检测转基因小鼠与野生型小鼠脑区及肾脏PGC-1α蛋白表达。结果:双重PCR鉴定结果显示,同时扩增出400 bp及444 bp条带的小鼠为AD病变脑区Pgc-1alpha敲除纯合子小鼠(Pgc-1alphafl/fl::Calb1-Cre,Pgc-1alpha-/-)。蛋白免疫印迹结果显示,与野生型小鼠相比,条件性敲除小鼠脑区PGC-1α蛋白表达明显减少(P<0.05)。结论:成功构建在AD病变相关脑区Pgc-1alpha敲除小鼠。

基于改进Alpha Shape算法的点云数据岛屿边界提取

针对机载LiDAR点云的岛屿岸线提取过程复杂、附属岛屿岸线难以提取等问题,提出一种基于改进Alpha Shape算法的点云数据岛屿边界提取方法。首先利用布料模拟滤波算法剔除非岛屿点云数据,通过欧式聚类进行不同岛屿的提取,再将岛屿点云数据投影至二维平面,并根据岛屿点云构建格网。在此基础上使用自适应Alpha Shape算法,对提取出的岛屿点云进行边界提取,即可得到岛屿的岸线轮廓。选取新西兰的玛提尤/萨姆斯岛作为研究区域,并将本文算法与Alpha Shape算法进行对比,结果表明:本文算法提取岛屿边界点云的精准度为97.78%,可以准确地提取岛屿岸线,为海岛规划提供参考。

Alpha7 nicotinic receptors as potential theranostic targets for experimental stroke

Inflammatory reflex and cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway:Innate immune system triggers a local inflammatory response following an injury or a pathogen invasion.Likewise,this inflammatory response is limited by rapid,localized,and adaptive anti-inflammatory responses which are crucial for maintaining homeostasis.Hence,the loss of these responses converts a limited and protective inflammatory response into an excessive and harmful response.Anti-inflammatory responses are integrated into the central nervous system,since the central nervous system accumulates information about harmful events,activates defenses,and builds memory for survival.At the same time,it has been demonstrated that hypothalamic neuronal signaling can be altered by inflammation in peripheral tissues.Additionally,immune cells release neuropeptides and neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine(ACh),the main neurotransmitter of the parasympathetic autonomic nervous system,evidencing the communication between the immune and nervous systems(Tracey,2002).

Alpha-synuclein in mitochondrial dysfunction:opportunities or obstacles

Recent work suggests a link betweenα-synuclein(α-syn)and mitochondrial dysfunction;however,the mechanisms of howα-syn influences mitochondrial function are still unclear.Most notably,whetherα-syn plays a direct role during mitochondrial function and/or whether diseasedα-syn-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction is a potential modifiable risk factor in Parkinson’s disease(PD)is unknown.To date,mutations in more than eight genes cause familial PD(fPD)and have functions in diverse pathways including synaptic homeostasis,mitochondria maintenance,autophagy/lysosome,and ubiquitin-proteasome pathways.

数学计算法和软件拟合法在虚拟和真实alpha粒子能损测量Mylar膜厚度实验中的比较

根据中山大学物理与天文学院近代物理实验虚拟核实验连续三个年级的本科生实验报告,发现学生在用数学公式计算Mylar膜厚度时,与理论值出现较大误差,各年级的平均相对误差分别为445.02%、335.45%和519.92%。为了查找误差原因,做了真实核实验并依旧采用数学计算方法计算Mylar膜厚度,发现仍旧与理论值出现较大误差,相对误差值为207.72%。而采用Srim软件计算虚拟核实验Mylar膜厚度和真实核实验Mylar膜厚度时,相对误差很小,分别为7.47%和20.1%。从而判定,用数学组合公式在计算多原子化合物Mylar膜时,不准确度较高,误差较大。

Numerical study of alpha particle loss with toroidal field ripple based on CFETR steady-state scenario

Effects of plasma equilibrium parameters on the alpha particle loss with the toroidal field ripple based on the CFETR steady-state scenario have been numerically investigated by the orbit-following code GYCAVA. It is found that alpha particle losses decrease and loss regions become narrower with the plasma current increasing or with the magnetic field decreasing. It is because the ripple stochastic transport and the ripple well loss of alpha particle are reduced with the safety factor decreasing. Decrease of the plasma density and temperature can reduce alpha particle losses due to enhancement of the slowing-down effect. The direction of the toroidal magnetic field can significantly affect heat loads induced by lost alpha particle. The vertical asymmetry of heat loads induced by the clockwise and counter-clockwise toroidal magnetic fields are due to the fact that the ripple distribution is asymmetric about the mid-plane, which can be explained by the typical orbits of alpha particle. The maximal heat load of alpha particle for the clockwise toroidal magnetic field is much smaller than that for the counter-clockwise one.

Hydrographic Characteristics and Oceanic Heat Flux in the Upper Arctic Ocean over the Alpha Ridge Observed by the DTOP Platform in 2018 and 2021

In 2018 and 2021,the Drift-Towing Ocean Profilers(DTOP)provided extensive temperature and salinity data on the upper 120m ocean through their drifts over the Alpha Ridge north of the Canada Basin.The thickness and temperature maximum of Alaska Coastal Water(ACW)ranged from 20m to 40m and-1.5℃to-0.8℃,respectively,and the salinity generally maintained from 30.2 to 32.5.Comparison with World Ocean Atlas 2018’s climatology manifested a 40m-thick and warm ACW roughly ex-ceeding the temperature maximum by 0.4–0.5℃in June–August 2021.This anomalously warm ACW was highly related to the ex-pansion of the Beaufort Gyre in the negative Arctic Oscillation phase.During summer,the under-ice oceanic heat flux F_(w)^(OHF)was elevated,with a maximum value of above 25Wm^(-2).F_(w)^(OHF)was typically low in the freezing season,with an average value of 1.2Wm^(-2).The estimates of upward heat flux contributed by ACW to the sea ice bottom F_(w)^(OHF)were in the range of 3–4Wm^(-2)in June–August 2021,when ACW contained a heat content of more than 80MJm^(-2).The heat loss over this period was driven by a weak stratification upon the ACW layer associated with a surface mixed layer(SML)approaching the ACW core.After autumn,F_(w)^(OHF)was reduced(<2 Wm^(-2))except during rare events when it elevated F_(w)^(OHF)slightly.In addition,the intensive and widespread Ekman suction,which created a violent upwelling north of the Canada Basin,was largely responsible for the substantial cooling and thinning of the ACW layer in the summer of 2021.

Gross Alpha and Beta Activities and Related Lifetime Risks Assessment Due to Ingestion of Drinking Water from Different Sources in the District of Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire

Drinking good quality water is essential for better health. It is therefore essential to assess the radiological quality of all water consumed in the District of Abidjan in order to prevent related hazards. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess the risk of cancer due to the ingestion of alpha and beta emitting radionuclides in the different types of water consumed in the region. A total of 63 water samples with 43 tap water samples, 5 bottled mineral water and 15 sachet water samples was collected and taken to GAEC laboratory for analysis. The low background Gas-less Automatic Alpha/Beta counting system (Canberra iMaticTM) was used to determine alpha and beta activity concentrations. Activity concentrations of both gross alpha and gross beta obtained in water sample were respectively lower than the WHO recommended limits of 0.1 Bq/l and 1 Bq/l. Also, the annual effective dose and total equivalent effective dose found in mineral bottled water samples were higher than in other types of water. The assessment of radiological lifetime risk has shown values of cancer risk due to ingestion alpha and beta emitters lower than recommended limit. These results indicate that there is no health hazard associated to consumption of water in the District of Abidjan.

一种alpha噪声背景下的波达方向估计算法

针对在alpha噪声干扰背景下传统DOA估计算法大多性能不佳的问题,提出一种基于相关熵的降维MUSIC估计算法。首先基于阵列信号模型和alpha噪声特性分析alpha噪声背景下的信号接收模型,然后引入相关熵算子并与降维MUSIC算法相结合,最后使用Matlab对所提算法进行仿真,仿真结果证明了所提算法的有效性。该算法提升了alpha噪声干扰下的目标参数估计精度,在雷达目标探测领域有一定的工程应用价值。

Hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha and vascular endothelial growth factor in Glioblastoma Multiforme:a systematic review going beyond pathologic implications

Glioblastoma multiforme(GBM)is an aggressive primary brain tumor characterized by extensive heterogeneity and vascular proliferation.Hypoxic conditions in the tissue microenvironment are considered a pivotal player leading tumor progression.Specifically,hypoxia is known to activate inducible factors,such as hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha(HIF-1α),which in turn can stimulate tumor neo-angiogenesis through activation of various downward mediators,such as the vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF).Here,we aimed to explore the role of HIF-1α/VEGF immunophenotypes alone and in combination with other prognostic markers or clinical and image analysis data,as potential biomarkers of GBM prognosis and treatment efficacy.We performed a systematic review(Medline/Embase,and Pubmed database search was completed by 16th of April 2024 by two independent teams;PRISMA 2020).We evaluated methods of immunoassays,cell viability,or animal or patient survival methods of the retrieved studies to assess unbiased data.We used inclusion criteria,such as the evaluation of GBM prognosis based on HIF-1α/VEGF expression,other biomarkers or clinical and imaging manifestations in GBM related to HIF-1α/VEGF expression,application of immunoassays for protein expression,and evaluation of the effectiveness of GBM therapeutic strategies based on HIF-1α/VEGF expression.We used exclusion criteria,such as data not reporting both HIF-1αand VEGF or prognosis.We included 50 studies investigating in total 1319 GBM human specimens,18 different cell lines or GBM-derived stem cells,and 6 different animal models,to identify the association of HIF-1α/VEGF immunophenotypes,and with other prognostic factors,clinical and macroscopic data in GBM prognosis and therapeutic approaches.We found that increased HIF-1α/VEGF expression in GBM correlates with oncogenic factors,such as miR-210-3p,Oct4,AKT,COX-2,PDGF-C,PLDO3,M2 polarization,or ALK,leading to unfavorable survival.Reduced HIF-1α/VEGF expression correlates with FIH-1,ADNP,or STAT1 upregulation,as well as with clinical manifestations,like epileptogenicity,and a favorable prognosis of GBM.Based on our data,HIF-1αor VEGF immunophenotypes may be a useful tool to clarify MRI-PET imaging data distinguishing between GBM tumor progression and pseudoprogression.Finally,HIF-1α/VEGF immunophenotypes can reflect GBM treatment efficacy,including combined first-line treatment with histone deacetylase inhibitors,thimerosal,or an active metabolite of irinotecan,as well as STAT3 inhibitors alone,and resulting in a favorable tumor prognosis and patient survival.These data were supported by a combination of variable methods used to evaluate HIF-1α/VEGF immunophenotypes.Data limitations may include the use of less sensitive detection methods in some cases.Overall,our data support HIF-1α/VEGF’s role as biomarkers of GBM prognosis and treatment efficacy.

AlphaFold 3将助力药物研发

2024年5月8日出版的《自然》报道了AlphaFold 3能以较高准确率预测蛋白质与其他生物分子相互作用的结构。AlphaFold 3是该人工智能模型的最新迭代,准确率与之前的专用工具相比显著提升,该模型由谷歌DeepMind和Isomorphic实验室的团队研发。这一最新模型能够预测蛋白质数据库(Protein Data Bank)内几乎所有分子类型复合物的结构。

The Application of Analytical Techniques to Alpha-Synuclein in Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia, as well as non-motor symptoms including cognitive impairment and mood disorders. A hallmark of PD is the accumulation of alpha-synuclein, a presynaptic neuronal protein that aggregates to form Lewy bodies, leading to neuronal dysfunction and cell death. The study of alpha-synuclein and its pathological forms is crucial for understanding the etiology of PD and developing effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Analytical techniques play a pivotal role in elucidating the structure, function, and aggregation mechanisms of alpha-synuclein. Biochemical methods such as Western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) are employed to detect and quantify alpha-synuclein in biological samples, offering insights into its expression levels and post-translational modifications. Imaging techniques like immunohistochemistry and positron emission tomography (PET) allow for the visualization of alpha-synuclein aggregates in tissue samples and in vivo, respectively, facilitating the study of its spatial distribution and progression in PD Spectroscopic methods, including nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and mass spectrometry, provide detailed structural information on alpha-synuclein and its isoforms, aiding in the identification of conformational changes associated with aggregation. Emerging techniques such as cryo-electron microscopy (Cryo-EM) and single-molecule fluorescence enable high-resolution structural analysis and real-time monitoring of alpha-synuclein aggregation dynamics, respectively. The application of these analytical techniques has significantly advanced our understanding of the pathophysiological role of alpha-synuclein in PD. They have contributed to the identification of potential biomarkers for early diagnosis and the evaluation of therapeutic interventions targeting alpha-synuclein aggregation. Despite technical limitations and challenges in clinical translation, ongoing advancements in analytical methodologies hold promise for improving the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of Parkinson’s disease through a deeper understanding of alpha-synuclein pathology.

QuEChERS-GC-MS法快速检测茶叶中的芳樟醇和alpha-紫罗兰酮

【目的】为完善茶叶中香气物质的检测方法,针对芳樟醇与alpha-紫罗兰酮两种香气物质建立气相色谱-质谱联用法(Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry,GC-MS)快速同时检测的分析方法,以期为茶叶中香气物质的检测提供新思路和参考。【方法】茶叶样品经乙腈提取后,用QuEChERS净化管(内含PSA 200 mg、GCB 200 mg、无水硫酸钠400 mg)净化茶叶上清液,采用GC-MS选择离子监测模式进行测定,外标法定量。【结果】芳樟醇和alpha-紫罗兰酮在5.0~2000.0μg·L^(−1)内线性良好,线性相关系数(R^(2))均大于0.999;方法的检出限为分别为0.020 mg·kg^(−1)和0.004 mg·kg^(−1),定量限分别为0.080 mg·kg^(−1)和0.010 mg·kg^(−1)。使用该方法在空白茶叶样品中分别添加3种不同加标浓度(5.0、10.0、1000.0μg·L^(−1))的混合标准溶液,测得平均回收率为88.23%~106.11%,相对标准偏差(RSD)为1.98%~3.25%(n=6)。【结论】该方法操作快速便捷,运行时间仅需16.8 min,重现性和精确度高、灵敏度好,适用于茶叶中芳樟醇、alpha-紫罗兰酮的快速检测,能够为相关机构对茶叶中香气物质的检测提供技术支持。

融合经验知识与深度强化学习的久棋Alpha-Beta算法优化研究

藏族久棋作为一种传统的棋类博弈游戏,具备高度复杂的规则体系以及变幻莫测的棋局演变。传统的博弈策略在面对不同对手和棋局时不稳定,性能差,需要新的方法提高藏族久棋AI的博弈水平。以藏族久棋为研究对象,针对布局阶段,改进传统Alpha-Beta剪枝搜索算法,并结合经验知识,融入深度强化学习算法完成棋盘布局合理性的落子选择,以此为后续阶段铺路。在行棋阶段与飞子阶段,结合经验知识使用Alpha-Beta算法,完成行棋路径。最后,将所提算法和策略集成于久棋AI程序,在中国计算机博弈锦标赛中取得了良好的成绩,验证了该方法的有效性。

基于Alpha-beta剪枝树的揭棋算法的设计与实现

揭棋是中国象棋的一个变种玩法,相较于中国象棋策略、收益皆透明的模式,揭棋无法确定收益和后续策略,属于非完全信息博弈,需要开发新的算法才能实现揭棋人机对弈。文章设计并实现了基于Alpha-beta剪枝技术辅以启发式搜索的揭棋程序,通过创造极大层与极小层之间的暗子扩张层构建出适合揭棋使用的博弈树结构,基于中国象棋的分值评价标准设计了适用于揭棋的评分体系,解决了对暗子的评分与深层搜索问题,实现了对揭棋状态复杂度与揭棋算法的初步探索。

Alpha稳定分布噪声下基于轻量级网络的自动调制识别技术

自动调制识别在无线通信领域发挥了巨大作用。多数研究中假设的加性高斯白噪声信道已不再满足实际信道环境的准确描述。实际中,由于闪电、雷暴、多用户干扰、设备故障等原因,信道环境中广泛存在Alpha稳定分布噪声。因此对其开展研究更符合实际且具有挑战性。该文针对Alpha稳定分布噪声提出了一种预处理联合轻量级网络的调制识别方法。首先,通过对数域映射及阈值限制对接收信号进行预处理,抑制由Alpha稳定分布噪声带来的尖锐脉冲将信号幅度控制到合理范围;然后,提出一种基于Ghost模块的轻量级网络来完成信号的调制识别分类任务。实验结果表明,与现有的CLDNN(Convolutional Long Short-term Deep Neural Network)、CNN(Convolutional Neural Network)、ResNe(t Residual Network)相比,本文所提方法具有较高的识别准确率及较低的计算复杂度。

改进Alpha Shapes和快速凸壳算法的SVM故障诊断

现有的基于凸壳的支持向量机(SVM)算法处理机械装备产生的大规模原始数据时间太长。针对这一问题,通过结合轮廓提取算法(Alpha Shapes)和快速凸壳算法,提出一种结合改进快速凸壳算法的SVM用于故障诊断研究。该融合算法利用改进简化的Alpha Shapes算法提取点集的边界数据点,作为改进的快速凸壳算法的对象,减少凸壳算法递归的工作量。实验结果表明:该算法平均只提取了数据集0.26%的数据点,且计算的时间也相应降低。最后实验同样表明该算法的性能优于单一的SVM算法。

Effect of illumination intensity and light application time on secondary organic aerosol formation from the photooxidation of α-pinene

Secondary organic aerosol （SOA） formation from hydroxyl radical （OH.） initiated photooxidation of α-pinene was investigated in a home-made smog chamber. The size distribution of SOA particles was measured using aerodynamic particle sizer spectrometer. The effects of illumination intensity and light application time on SOA formation for α-pinene were evaluated. Experimental results show that the concentration of SOA particles increased significantly with an increasing of illumination intensity, and the light application time, the concentration, and the size of SOA particles were also increased. In addition, the factors influencing the formation of SOA were discussed. In addition, this article compared the effect of α-pinene with that of toluene, and discussed the contribution of α-pinene to SOA formation.