Carbon Catabolite Repressor UvCreA is Required for Development and Pathogenicity in Ustilaginoidea virens

The rice false smut disease, caused by Ustilaginoidea virens, has emerged as a significantglobal threat to rice production. The mechanism of carbon catabolite repression plays a crucial role in theefficient utilization of carbon nutrients and enzyme regulation in the presence of complex nutritionalconditions. Although significant progress has been made in understanding carbon catabolite repression infungi such as Aspergillus nidulans and Magnaporthe oryzae, its role in U. virens remains unclear. Toaddress this knowledge gap, we identified UvCreA, a pivotal component of carbon catabolite repression,in U. virens. Our investigation revealed that UvCreA localized to the nucleus. Deletion of UvCreA resultedin decreased growth and pathogenicity in U. virens. Through RNA-seq analysis, it was found that theknockout of UvCreA led to the up-regulation of 514 genes and down-regulation of 640 genes. Moreover,UvCreA was found to be involved in the transcriptional regulation of pathogenic genes and genesassociated with carbon metabolism in U. virens. In summary, our findings indicated that UvCreA isimportant in fungal development, virulence, and the utilization of carbon sources through transcriptionalregulation, thus making it a critical element of carbon catabolite repression.

A Stochastic Model to Assess the Epidemiological Impact of Vaccine Booster Doses on COVID-19 and Viral Hepatitis B Co-Dynamics with Real Data

A patient co-infected with COVID-19 and viral hepatitis B can be atmore risk of severe complications than the one infected with a single infection.This study develops a comprehensive stochastic model to assess the epidemiological impact of vaccine booster doses on the co-dynamics of viral hepatitis B and COVID-19.The model is fitted to real COVID-19 data from Pakistan.The proposed model incorporates logistic growth and saturated incidence functions.Rigorous analyses using the tools of stochastic calculus,are performed to study appropriate conditions for the existence of unique global solutions,stationary distribution in the sense of ergodicity and disease extinction.The stochastic threshold estimated from the data fitting is given by:R_(0)^(S)=3.0651.Numerical assessments are implemented to illustrate the impact of double-dose vaccination and saturated incidence functions on the dynamics of both diseases.The effects of stochastic white noise intensities are also highlighted.

Data-Empowered High-Quality Economic Development: Mechanisms and Pathways

To achieve high-quality economic development,it is imperative to prioritize the real economy and foster new factors for economic growth.Data,as a new factor of production,plays a pivotal role in facilitating the seamless integration between digital technology and the real economy.It possesses inherent attributes and techno-economic characteristics that enable the extraction of value across various processes,including production,transaction,consumption,and regulatory supervision.The integration with digital technology enhances the productivity and efficiency of the real economy by facilitating service sector digitalization,accelerating the growth of the new real economy,and supporting the virtual economy in its role of serving the real economy.At present,unleashing the value of data is hindered by inadequate fundamental systems for the data,a lack of activity in the transaction market,and the underutilization of the data as a factor of production by enterprises in the real economy.Therefore,it is advised that data be fully utilized to develop the real economy through the four-pronged approach of“enhancing support for the high-quality provision of the data,expediting the integration of the data into the real economy,promoting the high-quality development of the real economy,and enhancing public service and governance systems”.

A Comparative Study between Landmark Based and Real Time Ultrasound Guided Sub Arachnoid Block

Background: Sub arachnoid block (SAB) performed by traditional landmark palpation technique can be inaccurate. This problem is exacerbated by altered patient anatomy due to obesity and age-related changes. A pre-procedural ultrasound scan of the lumbar spine has been shown to be of benefit in guiding lumbar epidural insertion in obstetric patients. Information on the use of real-time ultrasound (RUS) guided SAB, to date, been limited. This study compared RUS guided SAB to traditional landmark guided technique in patients undergoing spinal anesthesia for different surgical procedures. Methods: This was a prospective, single center, comparative observational study conducted in the department of anesthesiology at our center. 560 patients who underwent spinal anesthesia either by landmark based technique or real-time ultrasound-guided methods. The primary outcome was the first attempt success rate of dural puncture when employing the two methods. Results: Baseline characteristics were similar in the two study groups. The first attempt success rate of dural puncture in landmark guided group was 64.3% compared to 72.6% in the ultrasound guided group. This difference was not statistically significant. The procedure performance time was significantly shorter with landmark palpation compared to use of real-time ultrasound guided method. Conclusion: Use of RUS-guided technique does not significantly improve the first attempt success rate of SAB dural puncture during spinal anesthesia compared to the traditional landmark-guided technique.

Integrated strategies for chemotherapy cycles in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients: Real-world data from two epidemic centers guiding decision-making

objective:Two cycles of induction chemotherapy(IC)followed by 2 cycles of platinum-based concurrent chemoradiotherapy(CCRT)(2IC+2CCRT)for locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma(LA-NPC)is widely adopted but not evidence-confirmed.This study aimed to determine the clinical value of 2IC+2CCRT regarding efficacy,toxicity and cost-effectiveness.Methods:This real-world study from two epidemic centers used propensity score matching(PSM)and inverse probability of treatment weighting(IPTW)analyses.The enrolled patients were divided into three groups based on treatment modality:Group A(2IC+2CCRT),Group B(3IC+2CCRT or 2IC+3CCRT)and Group C(3IC+3CCRT).Long-term survival,acute toxicities and cost-effectiveness were compared among the groups.We developed a prognostic model dividing the population into high-and low-risk cohorts,and survivals including overall survival(OS),progression-free survival(PFS),distant metastasis-free survival(DMFS)and locoregional relapse-free survival(LRRFS)were compared among the three groups according to certain risk stratifications.Results:Of 4,042 patients,1,175 were enrolled,with 660,419,and 96 included in Groups A,B and C,respectively.Five-year survivals were similar among the three groups after PSM and confirmed by IPTW.Grade 3-4 neutropenia and leukocytopenia were significantly higher in Groups C and B than in Group A(52.1%vs.41.5%vs.25.2%;41.7%vs.32.7%vs.25.0%)as were grade 3-4 nausea/vomiting and oral mucositis(29.2%vs.15.0%vs.6.1%;32.3%vs.25.3%vs.18.0%).Cost-effective analysis suggested that 2IC+2CCRT was the least expensive,while the health benefits were similar to those of the other groups.Further exploration showed that 2IC+2CCRT tended to be associated with a shorter PFS in high-risk patients,while 3IC+3CCRT potentially contributed to poor PFS in low-risk individuals,mainly reflected by LRRFS.Conclusions:In LA-NPC patients,2IC+2CCRT was the optimal choice regarding efficacy,toxicity and costeffectiveness;however,2IC+2CCRT and 3IC+3CCRT probably shortened LRRFS in high-and low-risk populations,respectively.

Research on the Impact and Opportunities of the Digital Economy Promoting the Development of Real Economy

The digital economy has infused vitality into the transformation and development of the real economy,urging enterprises to break through core technological barriers,address bottleneck issues,and improve their core competitiveness.It fosters the comprehensive digital transformation of agriculture,manufacturing,and service sectors,improving the dynamism of the real economy and fostering more consumption hotspots.Efforts are underway to enhance industrial supply chains and innovation chains,optimize regional resource allocation,and promote a virtuous cycle within the real economy.Initiatives are being undertaken to standardize the development of digital economic platforms,promote the high-quality development of regional economies,and leverage the advantages of the socialist market economy with Chinese characteristics.

Water Extract of Rice False Smut Balls Activates Nrf2/HO-1 and Apoptosis Pathways,Causing Liver Injury

Ustiloxins are vital cyclopeptide mycotoxins originally isolated from rice false smut balls that form in rice spikelets infected by the fungal pathogen Ustilaginoidea virens.The toxicity of the water extract of rice false smut balls(RBWE) remains to be investigated.Studies have shown that RBWE may be toxic to animals,but toxicological evidence is still lacking.In this study,we found that the IC50 values of RBWE to BNL CL.2 cells at 24 and 48 h were 40.02 and 30.11 μg/m L,respectively,with positive correlations with dose toxicity and time toxicity.After treatment with RBWE,the number of BNL CL.2 cells decreased significantly,and the morphology of BNL CL.2 cells showed atrophy and wall detachment.RBWE induced DNA presynthesis phase arrest of BNL CL.2 cells,increased the proportion of apoptotic cells and inhibited cell proliferation.RBWE up-regulated reactive oxygen species(ROS) levels and lowered mitochondrial membrane potentials.Additionally,Western blot and q RT-PCR results suggested that RBWE exerted the above effects by promoting the Nrf2/HO-1 and caspase-induced apoptosis pathways in vitro and in vivo.The contents of alanine aminotransferase,aspartate aminotransferase,alkaline phosphatase,and total bile acids in the serum of mice from Institute of Cancer were significantly up-regulated by RBWE.At the same time,RBWE can lead to increases in ROS and malondialdehyde contents,decreases in contents of oxidized glutathione,glutathione and reduced glutathione,as well as decrease in catalase and superoxide dismutase activities in mouse liver tissues,demonstrating that oxidative stress occurred in mice.Moreover,liver damage was further detected by haematoxylin-eosin staining and electron microscopy to verify the damage to the mice caused by RBWE.In general,RBWE may cause hepatotoxicity in vivo and in vitro via the apoptosis pathway,which provides a reference for hepatotoxicity and its mechanism of action.

Metaheuristics Based Node Localization Approach for Real-Time Clustered Wireless Networks

In recent times,real time wireless networks have found their applicability in several practical applications such as smart city,healthcare,surveillance,environmental monitoring,etc.At the same time,proper localization of nodes in real time wireless networks helps to improve the overall functioning of networks.This study presents an Improved Metaheuristics based Energy Efficient Clustering with Node Localization(IM-EECNL)approach for real-time wireless networks.The proposed IM-EECNL technique involves two major processes namely node localization and clustering.Firstly,Chaotic Water Strider Algorithm based Node Localization(CWSANL)technique to determine the unknown position of the nodes.Secondly,an Oppositional Archimedes Optimization Algorithm based Clustering(OAOAC)technique is applied to accomplish energy efficiency in the network.Besides,the OAOAC technique derives afitness function comprising residual energy,distance to cluster heads(CHs),distance to base station(BS),and load.The performance validation of the IM-EECNL technique is carried out under several aspects such as localization and energy efficiency.A wide ranging comparative outcomes analysis highlighted the improved performance of the IM-EECNL approach on the recent approaches with the maximum packet delivery ratio(PDR)of 0.985.

Diagnostic utility of small-caliber and conventional endoscopes for gastric cancer and analysis of endoscopic false-negative gastric cancers

AIM: To analyze the diagnostic utility of a small-caliber endoscope(SC-E) and clinicopathological features of false-negative gastric cancers(FN-GCs). METHODS: A total of 21638 esophagogastroduodenoscopy(EGD) gastric cancer(GC) screening examinations were analyzed. Secondary endoscopic examinations(n = 3352) were excluded because most secondary examinations tended to be included in the conventional endoscopy(C-E) group. Detection rates of GCs and FN-GCs were compared between SC-E and C-E groups. FN-GC was defined as GC performed with EGD within the past 3 years without GC detection. Macroscopic types, histopathological characteristics and locations of FN-GCs were compared with firstly foundgastric cancers(FF-GCs) in detail. RESULTS: SC-E cases(n = 6657) and C-E cases(n = 11644), a total of 18301 cases, were analyzed. GCs were detected in 16(0.24%) SC-E cases and 40 C-E(0.34%) cases(P = 0.23) and there were 4 FN-GCs(0.06%) in SC-E and 13(0.11%) in C-E(P = 0.27), with no significant difference. FN-GCs/GCs ratio between SC-E and C-E groups was not significantly different(P = 0.75). The comparison of endoscopic macroscopic types of FN-GCs tended to be a less advanced type(P = 0.02). Histopathologically, 70.6% of FN-GCs were differentiated and 29.4% undifferentiated type. On the other hand, 43.0% of FF-GCs were differentiated and 53.8% undifferentiated type, so FN-GCs tended to be more differentiated type(P = 0.048). CONCLUSION: The diagnostic utility of SC-E for the detection of GCs and FN-GCs was not inferior to that of C-E. Careful observation for superficially depressed type lesions in the upper lesser curvature region is needed to decrease FN-GCs.

A Concept of Dynamically Reconfigurable Real-time Vision System for Autonomous Mobile Robotics

This paper describes specific constraints of vision systems that are dedicated to be embedded in mobile robots. If PC-based hardware architecture is convenient in this field because of its versatility, flexibility, performance, and cost, current real-time operating systems are not completely adapted to long processing with varying duration, and it is often necessary to oversize the system to guarantee fail-safe functioning. Also, interactions with other robotic tasks having more priority are difficult to handle. To answer this problem, we have developed a dynamically reconfigurable vision processing system, based on the innovative features of Cleopatre real-time applicative layer concerning scheduling and fault tolerance. This framework allows to define emergency and optional tasks to ensure a minimal quality of service for the other subsystems of the robot, while allowing to adapt dynamically vision processing chain to an exceptional overlasting vision process or processor overload. Thus, it allows a better cohabitation of several subsystems in a single hardware, and to develop less expensive but safe systems, as they will be designed for the regular case and not rare exceptional ones. Finally, it brings a new way to think and develop vision systems, with pairs of complementary operators.

ON THE MAXIMAL LYAPUNOV EXPONENT FOR A REAL NOISE PARAMETRICALLY EXCITED CO-DIMENSION TWO BIFURCATION SYSTEM (Ⅱ)

For a co_dimension two bifurcation system on a three_dimensional central manifold, which is parametrically excited by a real noise, a rather general model is obtained by assuming that the real noise is an output of a linear filter system_a zeromean stationary Gaussian diffusion process which satisfies detailed balance condition. By means of the asymptotic analysis approach given by L. Arnold and the expression of the eigenvalue spectrum of Fokker_Planck operator, the asymptotic expansions of invariant measure and maximal Lyapunov exponent for the relevant system are obtained.

ON THE MAXIMAL LYAPUNOV EXPONENT FOR A REAL NOISE PARAMETRICALLY EXCITED CO_DIMENSION TWO BIFURCATION SYSTEM (Ⅰ)

For a real noise parametrically excited co_dimension two bifurcation system on a three_dimensional central manifold, a model of enhanced generality is developed in the present paper by assuming the real noise to be an output of a linear filter system, namely,a zero_mean stationary Gaussian diffusion process that satisfies the detailed balance condition. On such basis, asymptotic expansions of invariant measure and maximal Lyapunov exponent for the relevant system are established by use of Arnold asymptotic analysis approach in parallel with the eigenvalue spectrum of Fokker_Planck operator.

Range of applicability of real mode superposition approximation method for seismic response calculation of non-classically damped industrial buildings

An industrial building is a non-classically damped system due to the different damping properties of the primary structure and equipment.The objective of this paper is to quantify the range of applicability of the real model superposition approximation method to the seismic response calculation of industrial buildings.The analysis using lumped mass-and-shear spring models indicates that for the equipment-to-structure frequency ratiosγf>1.1 orγf<0.9,the non-classical damping effect is limited,and the real mode superposition approximation method provides accurate estimates.For 0.9<γf<1.1,the system may have a pair of closely spaced frequency modes,and the non-zero off-diagonal damping terms have a non-negligible effect on the damping ratios and mode shape vectors of these modes.For 0.9<γf<1.1 and the equipment-to-structure mass ratiosγm<0.07,the real mode superposition approximation method results in large errors,while the approximation method can provide an accurate estimation for 0.9<γf<1.1 andγm>0.07.Furthermore,extensive parametric analyses are conducted,where both steel structures and reinforced concrete structures with equipment with various damping ratios are considered.Finally,the finite element analysis of a five-story industrial building is adopted to validate the proposed range of applicability.

Determining hepatitis C virus genotype distribution among high-risk groups in Iran using real-time PCR

AIM:To assess hepatitis C virus(HCV)genotype patterns among high-risk Iranian groups,using real-time RT-PCR.METHODS:In this study,we evaluated the distribution of different HCV genotypes among injection drug users and other high-risk groups over a 4-year period(from 2009 to 2012)using real-time polymerase chain reaction(PCR).Sera from 888 HCV-infected patients residing in southern and southwest Iran were genotyped using real-time PCR with common primers and specific probes.These patients were grouped into distinct exposure categories.Illicit drug users constituted the primary group and were further evaluated for HCV genotype distribution and parameters such as age range.RESULTS:Of the examined HCV-infected patients,62%were substance abusers,although the route of transmission could not be determined in approximately 30%of these patients.HCV genotyping revealed that Gt1 was the most prevalent genotype among the drug users as well as among patients with thalassemia,hemophilia,solid organ recipients and those on hemodialysis.Mixed infections were only seen in addict groups,where Gt2 genotype was also found.The highest frequencies in HCV-positive addict patients were observed in the 31-40 age group.Our research also showed that the addiction age has increased,whereas the addiction rate has dropped in this region.Most illicit drug users had more than one risk factor such as tattoo and/or a history of imprisonment.CONCLUSION:This study revealed that the most common HCV-infection route and HCV-genotype in southern and southwest Iran was illicit drug abuse and Gt1,respectively.

Research on knowledge management contribution rate measurement for real estate enterprises

Based on the improved method of Solow's residual value,through the introduction of potential analysis method,a measurement model of enterprise knowledge management contribution rate(KMCR) is put forward in this paper,and is estimated by the performance measure of a real estate enterprise for implementing knowledge management(KM),then the results have shown that the model and the method have good feasibility.

Assigning Real-Time Tasks in Environmentally Powered Distributed Systems

Harvesting energy for execution from the environment (e.g., solar, wind energy) has recently emerged as a feasible solution for low-cost and low-power distributed systems. When real-time responsiveness of a given application has to be guaranteed, the recharge rate of obtaining energy inevitably affects the task scheduling. This paper extends our previous works in?[1] [2] to explore the real-time task assignment problem on an energy-harvesting distributed system. The solution using Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) and several significant improvements are presented. Simulations compare the performance of the approaches, which demonstrate the solutions effectiveness and efficiency.

基于Knockoff-Logistic的多因子量化选股研究

在数据驱动时代,如何挖掘金融资产的信息、挑选恰当的资产,对稳定收益、控制风险意义重大。多因子量化模型是选择股票的常用方法,选取最优解释力的因子集合是其主要目的之一。现有因子选择方法没有考虑到控制错误发现率(FDR),不利于构建稳健的投资策略。为此,在Logistic回归的基础上引入Knockoff方法进行因子选择,通过Lasso实现因子选择,利用Knockoff控制变量选择的FDR从而提高准确率。基于所选因子,在Logistic回归下进行股票预测,并与线性判别分析、支持向量机以及随机森林模型的预测结果进行对比。对沪深300指数和中证500指数成分股2007—2020年的数据进行实证研究,采用滑动回归法进行收益预测,并建立季度换仓的投资策略。研究表明,从变量选择上来看,基于Knockoff方法选出的因子所构造的选股模型具有更好的市场表现;从模型对比上来看,Logistic回归预测的投资组合具备高收益、低风险的优势。综合来看,将Knockoff方法引入到多因子选股模型有利于提高因子选择的准确度,对优化资产配置具有参考意义。

4种植物源性成分多重real-time PCR检测方法的建立及其在食用淀粉中的应用

建立一种可同时快速检测红薯、木薯、马铃薯、玉米源性成分的多重实时聚合酶链式反应(real-time polymerase chain reaction,real-time PCR)方法。分别以红薯g3pdh基因、木薯g3pdh基因、马铃薯UGPase基因、玉米zSSIIb基因为靶基因设计特异性引物和TaqMan探针,以18S rRNA基因为内参基因,建立多重real-time PCR方法,开展方法学验证,并对不同掺入比例模拟样品和实际淀粉样品进行检测。结果显示,该方法具有高通量、特异性强、灵敏度高等优点。与15种非目标源性均无交叉反应;对目标DNA的检测灵敏度可达到3×10^(-3) ng/μL,且具有良好的线性关系和扩增效率;对淀粉样品的检出限可达0.1%,对50份实际样品进行检测,结果与参比方法一致,说明建立的多重real-time PCR法可用于食用淀粉种类掺假鉴别检测。

基于GIS的农田墒情管理系统应用研究

以农田土壤墒情监测过程和数据分析与管理过程为研究对象,建立农田土壤墒情监测和数据分析过程模型,对当前农田土壤墒情监测过程中的不足进行分析,并结合无线网络传输技术和GIS地理信息技术构建农田墒情管理系统功能模块,实现土壤墒情数据采集、分析处理及管理输出。农田墒情管理系统运行结果表明:系统能够实时快速对农田土壤含水量进行监测,同时能够对土壤水分含量数据动态变化过程进行管理,便于土壤水分含量变化趋势的预测。