Conformational dynamics as an intrinsic determinant of prion protein misfolding and neurotoxicity

The prion protein(PrP) is the key molecular and pathological mediator of prion diseases,a heterogeneous group of brain disorders with fatal outcomes.Prion diseases are rare but deserve special attention because of their unique familial,sporadic,and transmissible etiologies,all caused by a single agent:misfolded conformations of PrP.

MAUN:Memory-Augmented Deep Unfolding Network for Hyperspectral Image Reconstruction

Spectral compressive imaging has emerged as a powerful technique to collect the 3D spectral information as 2D measurements.The algorithm for restoring the original 3D hyperspectral images(HSIs)from compressive measurements is pivotal in the imaging process.Early approaches painstakingly designed networks to directly map compressive measurements to HSIs,resulting in the lack of interpretability without exploiting the imaging priors.While some recent works have introduced the deep unfolding framework for explainable reconstruction,the performance of these methods is still limited by the weak information transmission between iterative stages.In this paper,we propose a Memory-Augmented deep Unfolding Network,termed MAUN,for explainable and accurate HSI reconstruction.Specifically,MAUN implements a novel CNN scheme to facilitate a better extrapolation step of the fast iterative shrinkage-thresholding algorithm,introducing an extra momentum incorporation step for each iteration to alleviate the information loss.Moreover,to exploit the high correlation of intermediate images from neighboring iterations,we customize a cross-stage transformer(CSFormer)as the deep denoiser to simultaneously capture self-similarity from both in-stage and cross-stage features,which is the first attempt to model the long-distance dependencies between iteration stages.Extensive experiments demonstrate that the proposed MAUN is superior to other state-of-the-art methods both visually and metrically.Our code is publicly available at https://github.com/HuQ1an/MAUN.

Mutation in a non-force-bearing region of protein L influences force-dependent unfolding behavior

Single-molecule magnetic tweezers(MTs) have revealed multiple transition barriers along the unfolding pathway of several two-state proteins, such as GB1 and Csp. In this study, we utilized MTs to measure the force-dependent folding and unfolding rates of both protein L(PLWT) and its Y47W mutant(PLY47W) where the mutation point is not at the force-bearing β-strands. The measurements were conducted within a force range of 3–120 pN. Notably, the unfolding rates of both PLWT and PWY47W exhibit distinct force sensitivities below 50 pN and above 60 pN, implying a two-barrier free energy landscape. Both PLWT and PLY47W share the same force-dependent folding rate and the same transition barriers,but the unfolding rate of PLY47W is faster than that of PLWT. Our finding demonstrates that the residue outside of the force-bearing region will also affect the force-induced unfolding dynamics.

Wideband spectrum sensing using step-sampling based on the multipath nyquist folding receiver

Wideband spectrum sensing with a high-speed analog-digital converter(ADC) presents a challenge for practical systems.The Nyquist folding receiver(NYFR) is a promising scheme for achieving cost-effective real-time spectrum sensing,which is subject to the complexity of processing the modulated outputs.In this case,a multipath NYFR architecture with a step-sampling rate for the different paths is proposed.The different numbers of digital channels for each path are designed based on the Chinese remainder theorem(CRT).Then,the detectable frequency range is divided into multiple frequency grids,and the Nyquist zone(NZ) of the input can be obtained by sensing these grids.Thus,high-precision parameter estimation is performed by utilizing the NYFR characteristics.Compared with the existing methods,the scheme proposed in this paper overcomes the challenge of NZ estimation,information damage,many computations,low accuracy,and high false alarm probability.Comparative simulation experiments verify the effectiveness of the proposed architecture in this paper.

Deep learning-based LPI radar signals analysis and identification using a Nyquist Folding Receiver architecture

Nyquist Folding Receiver(NYFR)is a perceptron structure that realizes a low probability of intercept(LPI)signal analog to information.Aiming at the problem of LPI radar signal receiving,the time domain,frequency domain,and time-frequency domain problems of signals intercepted by NYFR structure are studied.Combined with the time-frequency analysis(TFA)method,a radar recognition scheme based on deep learning(DL)is introduced,which can reliably classify common LPI radar signals.First,the structure of NYFR and its characteristics in the time domain,frequency domain,and time and frequency domain are analyzed.Then,the received signal is then converted into a time-frequency image(TFI).Finally,four kinds of DL algorithms are used to classify LPI radar signals.Simulation results demonstrate the correctness of the NYFR structure,and the effectiveness of the proposed recognition method is verified by comparison experiments.

Flow field, sedimentation, and erosion characteristics around folded linear HDPE sheet sand fence: Numerical simulation study

Wind and sand hazards are serious in the Milan Gobi area of the Xinjiang section of the Korla Railway. In order to ensure the safe operation of railroads, there is a need for wind and sand protection in heavily sandy areas. The wind and sand flow in the region is notably bi-directional. To shield railroads from sand, a unique sand fence made of folded linear high-density polyethylene(HDPE) is used, aligning with the principle that the dominant wind direction is perpendicular to the fence. This study employed field observations and numerical simulations to investigate the effectiveness of these HDPE sand fences in altering flow field distribution and offering protection. It also explored how these fences affect the deposition and erosion of sand particles. Findings revealed a significant reduction in wind speed near the fence corner;the minimum horizontal wind speed on the leeward side of the first sand fence(LSF) decreased dramatically from 3 m/s to 0.64 m/s. The vortex area on the LSF markedly impacted horizontal wind speeds. Within the LSF, sand deposition was a primary occurrence. As wind speeds increased, the deposition zone shrank, whereas the positive erosion zone expanded. Close to the folded corners of the HDPE sand fence, there was a notable shift from the positive erosion zone to a deposition zone. Field tests and numerical simulations confirmed the high windproof efficiency(WE) and sand resistance efficiency(SE) in the HDPE sand fence. Folded linear HDPE sheet sand fence can effectively slow down the incoming flow and reduce the sand content, thus achieving good wind and sand protection. This study provides essential theoretical guidance for the design and improvement of wind and sand protection systems in railroad engineering.

Effect of chaperone–client interaction strength on Hsp70-mediated protein folding

Protein folding in crowding cellular environment often relies on the assistance of various chaperones. Hsp70 is one of the most ubiquitous chaperones in cells. Previous studies showed that the chaperone–client interactions at the open state tend to remodel the protein folding energy landscape and direct the protein folding as a foldase. In this work, we further investigate how the chaperone–client interaction strength modulates the foldase function of Hsp70 by using molecular simulations. The results showed that the time of substrate folding(including the whole folding step and substrate release step) has a non-monotonic dependence on the interaction strength. With the increasing of the chaperone–client interaction strength, the folding time decreases first, and then increases. More detailed analysis showed that when the chaperone–client interaction is too strong, even small number of chaperones–client contacts can maintain the substrate bound with the chaperone. The sampling of the transient chaperones–client complex with sparse inter-molecule contacts makes the client protein have chance to access the misfolded state even it is bound with chaperone. The current results suggest that the interaction strength is an important factor controlling the Hsp70 chaperoning function.

Petrogenesis and Tectonic Implications of the Early Triassic Nianzi Adakitic Granite Unit in the Yanshan Fold and Thrust Belt:New Constraints from U-Pb Geochronology and Sr-Nd-Hf Isotopes

The Nianzi granite unit,which includes the Nianzi,Xiaolianghou and Xiawopu granitic intrusions,is a significant component of the northern part of the North China Craton(NCC)and is situated in the Yanshan fold and thrust belt(YFTB).However,there is still debate regarding the tectonic evolutionary history of the YFTB during the late Permian to Triassic period,specifically regarding the timing of subduction and collision between the NCC and the Paleo-Asian Ocean.The Nianzi granite unit exhibits unique petrological,geochronological and geochemical signatures that shed light on the tectonic evolutionary history of the YFTB.This study presents detailed petrology,whole-rock geochemistry,together with Sr-Nd isotopic,zircon U-Pb dating and Lu-Hf isotopic data of the granites within the Nianzi granite unit.Our findings demonstrate that the granites primarily consist of subhedral K-feldspar,plagioclase,quartz,minor biotite and hornblende,with accessory titanite,apatite,magnetite and zircon.Zircon U-Pb dating indicates that the Xiaolianghou granite was emplaced at 247.5±0.62 Ma.Additionally,the adakitic characteristics of the Nianzi,Xiawopu and Xiaolianghou granitic intrusions,such as high Sr and Ba contents and high ratios of Sr/Y and(La/Yb)N,combined with negative Sr-Nd and Lu-Hf isotopes(87Sr/86Sr)i=0.705681–0.7057433,εNd(t)=−21.98 to−20.97,zirconεHf(t)=−20.26 to−9.92,as well as the I-type granite features of high SiO_(2),Na_(2)O and K_(2)O/Na_(2)O ratios,enriched Rb,K,Sr and Ba,along with depleted Th,U,Nb,Ta,P and Ti,suggest that the Nianzi granitic unit was mainly derived from the partial melting of a thickened lower crust containing hydrous,calc-alkaline to high-K calc-alkaline,mafic to intermediate metamorphic rocks.In light of these parameters,we further integrate our data with previous studies and conclude that the Nianzi granitic unit was generated in a post-collisional extensional environment during the Early Triassic.

Protective benefit of folded linear HDPE board sand fences along the Golmud-Korla Railway,China:Field observation and wind tunnel study

The Milan Gobi area of the Golmud-Korla Railway in northwest China is located in the lower dispersal area of the mountain pass and has strong winds with evident double wind direction characteristics.This study introduced a novel sand fence deployment technique,termed‘folded linear deployment',designed to position the sand fence orthogonally to the two predominant wind directions for optimal protection.This study used wind tunnel and field tests to evaluate the wind and sand flow characteristics,as well as the windproof and sandresistant performance of folded linear HDPE(Highdensity polyethylene)board sand fences.The results suggest that the airflow around the fence creates clear zoning characteristics.The deceleration area on the BSF(backwind side of the sand fence)is much larger than that on the DSF(downwind side of the sand fence).Thus,sand particles are primarily deposited on the BSF.At different wind speeds,the airflow at 2 and 5 h on the DSF is not disturbed.The WSP(wind speed profile)presents a logarithmic distribution.The airflow is disturbed at 1-20 h on the BSF,and the WSP gradually deviates from the logarithmic law.However,as the airflow moves away from the fence,the WSP gradually approaches a logarithmic distribution.Meanwhile,the WPE(windproof efficiency)and SRE(sand-resistant efficiency)of the sand fence exceed 80%.In addition,the results of wind tunnel tests are compared with those of field tests.The overall dispersion is good,and the best dispersion is found at z/H=2.00,indicating good agreement between the two test results.This study provides a scientific basis for the design of sand hazard control measures,similar to the railway project in the Gobi Gale area.

Clinical effect of botulinum toxin type A combined with autologous fat grafting in patients with nasolabial fold depression

BACKGROUND Nasolabial fold(NLF)depression can affect the facial appearance of patients to some extent and increase their psychological burdens.In recent years,autologous fat grafting(AFG)combined with botulinum toxin A(BTX-A)injection(AFG+BTX-A injection)has been gradually applied in the treatment of patients with NLF depression.Although studies have been conducted on the efficacy and safety of AFG+BTX-A injection in treating NLF depression,the experimental design,observational indicators,and sample enrollment criteria vary remarkably,making it difficult to draw convincing and consistent conclusions.Thus,further relevant research is warranted.AIM To assess the esthetic improvement,efficacy,and safety of AFG+BTX-A injections in patients with NLF depression.METHODS This study included 60 patients with NLF depression who were treated in our hospital from February 2019 to April 2021.These patients were categorized into control(n=30)and observation(n=30)groups.The observation group received AFG+BTX-A injection,whereas the control group underwent AFG only.All patients were evaluated using the wrinkle severity rating scale(WSRS)and global aesthetic improvement scale.The compactness of facial contours,skin evaluation indexes,adverse reactions,and satisfaction of the two groups were evaluated 3 months postoperatively.RESULTS The WSRS scores of the observation group at 1,3,and 6 months postoperatively were lower than those of the control group(P<0.05).Three months postoperatively,facial fine lines and pores showed obvious improvement and the skin index score was higher in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.05).The compactness of facial contours was better in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.05).In addition,no remarkable differences were noted in the incidence of postoperative adverse reactions such as facial stiffness,facial asymmetry,facial bruising,and facial concavity inequality(P>0.05).CONCLUSION AFG+BTX-A injection is a highly safe,cost-effective,effective,and long-lasting treatment for NLF depression with high esthetic value,which should be promoted in the future.

Global trends of tropopause folds in recent decades

对流层顶折卷是平流层-对流层物质交换的主要机制.本研究采用三维标记方法,利用1979-2020年间的ERA5再分析数据,分析了对流层顶折卷的时空变化特征及机理.研究结果表明,全球对流层顶折卷的多年变化趋势存在明显的季节性和区域性差异.总体上,对流层顶折卷呈增加趋势,其中北半球的春季,夏季和冬季,对流层顶折卷主要沿副热带急流区呈现明显增加的趋势.进一步分析表明,对流层顶折卷发生频率的增加与大气斜压性增大导致的锋生增强有关,而经向位温梯度的增大使得次级环流增强,也可能促进了对流层顶折卷活动的增多.

200Ms/s 177mW 8bit Folding and Interpolating CMOS A/D Converter

A CMOS folding and interpolating analog-to-digital converter (ADC) for embedded application is described.The circuit is fully compatible with standard digital CMOS technology.A modified folding block implemented without resistor contributes to a small chip area.At the input stage,offset averaging reduces the input capacitance and the distributed track-and-hold circuits are proposed to improve signal-to-noise-plus-distortion ratio.The 200Ms/s 8bit ADC with 177mW total power consumption at 3.3V power supply is realized in standard digital 0.18μm 3.3V CMOS technology.

论Folding/Unfolding程序转换的能力

本文讨论Burstall与Darlington提出的folding/unfolding系统的程序转换能力,即讨论从一个给定的程序可以推导出什么样的程序。因此,这是正确性与完备性问题的推广。本文证明了可推导性的一个必要条件,并由此得到了该系统提高程序效率的一个界限。该系统的部分正确性和不完备性也均是该条件的推论。

Improvement of Artificial Foldable Wing Models by Mimicking the Unfolding/Folding Mechanism of a Beetle Hind Wing

In an attempt to realize a flapping wing micro-air vehicle with morphing wings, we report on improvements to our previousfoldable artificial hind wing.Multiple hinges, which were implemented to mimic the bending zone of a beetle hind wing, weremade of small composite hinge plates and tiny aluminum rivets.The buck-tails of rivets were flared after the hinge plates wereassembled with the rivets so that the folding/unfolding motions could be completed in less time, and the straight shape of theartificial hind wing could be maintained after fabrication.Folding and unfolding actions were triggered by electrically-activatedShape Memory Alloy (SMA) wires.For wing folding, the actuation characteristics of the SMA wire actuator were modifiedthrough heat treatment.Through a series of flapping tests, we confirmed that the artificial wings did not fold back and arbitrarilyfluctuate during the flapping motion.

Structural Analysis of the Multi-layer Detachment Folding in Eastern Sichuan Province

A serial of＂comb-like and trough-like＂folds developed in eastern Sichuan,controlled by the multi-layer detachment folding,is different from the classical Jura-type structure in their development.The key factor resulting in the development of these structures is the occurrence of detachment layers in different parts of Neoprotozoic to Mesozoic stratigraphy of study area,which, from the bottom to the top,are the lower part of Banxi Group,Lower Cambrian（Niutitang Formation）,Lower Silurian（Longmaxi Formation and Luoreping Formation）,Upper Permian （Wujiaping Formation） and Lower Triassic（Daye Formation）.On the basis of field survey combined with sand-box modeling,this study argued that the detachment layer of the lower part of Banxi Group controlled the development of the＂comb-like＂folds,and the lower part of Cambrian detachment layer controlled the development of＂trough-like＂folds.Because of several detachment layers occurring in the study area,the development of duplex structures different scales is an important deformation mechanism,and the duplexes are the important structures distinguished from the typical detachment folding structures.Due to these duplexes,the surface structures and structural highs may not be the structural highs in the depth.Meanwhile,the detachment layers are good channels for oil/ gas migration benefiting the understanding of accumulation and migration of oil and gas.

Optimizing the Qusai-static Folding and Deploying of Thin-Walled Tube Flexure Hinges with Double Slots

The thin-walled tube flexure（TWTF） hinges have important potential application value in the deployment mechanisms of satellite and solar array, but the optimal design of the TWTF hinges haven＇t been completely solved, which restricts their applications. An optimal design method for the qusai-static folding and deploying of TWTF hinges with double slots is presented based on the response surface theory. Firstly, the full factorial method is employed to design of the experiments. Then, the finite element models of the TWTF hinges with double slots are constructed to simulate the qusai-static folding and deploying non-linear analysis. What＇s more, the mathematical model of the TWTF flexure hinge quasi-static folding and deploying properties are derived by the response surface method. Considering of small mass and high stability, the peak moment of quasi-static folding and deploying as well as the lightless are set as the objectives to get the optimal performances. The relative errors of the objectives between the optimal design results and the FE analysis results are less than 7%, which demonstrates the precision of the surrogate models. Lastly, the parameter study shows that both the slots length and the slots width both have significant effects to the peak moment of quasi-static folding and deploying of TWTF hinges with double slots. However, the maximum Mises stress of quasi-static folding is more sensitive to the slots length than the slots width. The proposed research can be applied to optimize other thin-walled flexure hinges under quasi-static folding and deploying, which is of great importance to design of flexure hinges with high stability and low stress.

Does mRNA structure contain genetic information for regulating co-translational protein folding？

Currently many facets of genetic information are illdefined. In particular, how protein folding is genetically regulated has been a long-standing issue for genetics and protein biology. And a generic mechanistic model with supports of genomic data is still lacking. Recent technological advances have enabled much needed genome-wide experiments. While putting the effect of codon optimality on debate, these studies have supplied mounting evidence suggesting a role of m RNA structure in the regulation of protein folding by modulating translational elongation rate. In conjunctions with previous theories, this mechanistic model of protein folding guided by m RNA structure shall expand our understandings of genetic information and offer new insights into various biomedical puzzles.

A CLASS OF MULTIWAVELETS AND PROJECTED FRAMES FROM TWO-DIRECTION WAVELETS

This article aims at studying two-direction refinable functions and two-direction wavelets in the setting R^s, s 〉 1. We give a sufficient condition for a two-direction refinable function belonging to L^2（R^s）. Then, two theorems are given for constructing biorthogonal （orthogonal） two-direction refinable functions in L^2（R^s） and their biorthogonal （orthogonal） two-direction wavelets, respectively. From the constructed biorthogonal （orthogonal） two-direction wavelets, symmetric biorthogonal （orthogonal） multiwaveles in L^2（R^s） can be obtained easily. Applying the projection method to biorthogonal （orthogonal） two-direction wavelets in L^2（R^s）, we can get dual （tight） two-direction wavelet frames in L^2（R^m）, where m ≤ s. From the projected dual （tight） two-direction wavelet frames in L^2（R^m）, symmetric dual （tight） frames in L^2（R^m） can be obtained easily. In the end, an example is given to illustrate theoretical results.

Working mechanism of two-direction reinforced composite foundation

Based on the discussion about working mechanism of horizontal reinforcement and that of vertical reinforcement,respectively,the working mechanism of two-direction reinforced composite foundation was studied.The enhancing effect of horizontal reinforcement on vertical reinforced composite foundation was analyzed.A simplified calculation method for such two-direction reinforced working system was presented.A model experiment was carried out to validate the proposed method.In the experiment,geocell reinforcement worked as the horizontal reinforcement,while gravel pile composite foundation worked as the vertical reinforcement.The results show that the calculated curve is close to the measured one.The installation of geosynthetic reinforcement can increase the bearing capacity of composite foundation by nearly 68% at normal foundation settlement,which suggests that the enhancing effect by geosynthetic reinforcement should be taken into account in current design/analysis methods.

Folding beam-type piezoelectric phononic crystal with low-frequency and broad band gap

A folding beam-type piezoelectric phononic crystal model is proposed to isolate vibration. Two piezoelectric bimorphs are joined by two masses as a folding structure to comprise each unit cell of the piezoelectric phononic crystal. Each bimorph is connected independently by a resistive-inductive resonant shunting circuit. The folding structure extends the propagation path of elastic waves, while its structure size remains quite small. Propagation of coupled extension-flexural elastic waves is studied by the classical laminated beam theory and transfer matrix method. The theoretical model is further verified with the finite element method(FEM). The effects of geometrical and circuit parameters on the band gaps are analyzed. With only 4 unit cells, the folding beam-type piezoelectric phononic crystal generates two Bragg band gaps of 369 Hz to1 687 Hz and 2 127 Hz to 4 000 Hz. In addition, between these two Bragg band gaps, a locally resonant band gap is induced by resonant shunting circuits. Appropriate circuit parameters are used to join these two Bragg band gaps by the locally resonant band gap.Thus, a low-frequency and broad band gap of 369 Hz to 4 000 Hz is obtained.