Translocation of telomerase reverse transcriptase coincided with ATP release in postnatal cochlear supporting cells

The spontaneous bursts of electrical activity in the developing auditory system are derived from the periodic release of adenosine triphosphate(ATP)by supporting cells in the Kölliker’s organ.However,the mechanisms responsible for initiating spontaneous ATP release have not been determined.Our previous study revealed that telomerase reverse transcriptase(TERT)is expressed in the basilar membrane during the first postnatal week.Its role in cochlear development remains unclear.In this study,we investigated the expression and role of TERT in postnatal cochlea supporting cells.Our results revealed that in postnatal cochlear Kölliker’s organ supporting cells,TERT shifts from the nucleus into the cytoplasm over time.We found that the TERT translocation tendency in postnatal cochlear supporting cells in vitro coincided with that observed in vivo.Further analysis showed that TERT in the cytoplasm was mainly located in mitochondria in the absence of oxidative stress or apoptosis,suggesting that TERT in mitochondria plays roles other than antioxidant or anti-apoptotic functions.We observed increased ATP synthesis,release and activation of purine signaling systems in supporting cells during the first 10 postnatal days.The phenomenon that TERT translocation coincided with changes in ATP synthesis,release and activation of the purine signaling system in postnatal cochlear supporting cells suggested that TERT may be involved in regulating ATP release and activation of the purine signaling system.Our study provides a new research direction for exploring the spontaneous electrical activity of the cochlea during the early postnatal period.

Meter-Scale Thin-Walled Structure with Lattice Infill for Fuel Tank Supporting Component of Satellite:Multiscale Design and Experimental Verification

Lightweight thin-walled structures with lattice infill are widely desired in satellite for their high stiffness-to-weight ratio and superior buckling strength resulting fromthe sandwich effect.Such structures can be fabricated bymetallic additive manufacturing technique,such as selective laser melting(SLM).However,the maximum dimensions of actual structures are usually in a sub-meter scale,which results in restrictions on their appliance in aerospace and other fields.In this work,a meter-scale thin-walled structure with lattice infill is designed for the fuel tank supporting component of the satellite by integrating a self-supporting lattice into the thickness optimization of the thin-wall.The designed structure is fabricated by SLM of AlSi10Mg and cold metal transfer welding technique.Quasi-static mechanical tests and vibration tests are both conducted to verify the mechanical strength of the designed large-scale lattice thin-walled structure.The experimental results indicate that themeter-scale thin-walled structure with lattice infill could meet the dimension and lightweight requirements of most spacecrafts.

Roles of supporting cells in the maintenance and regeneration of the damaged inner ear:A literature review

The inner ear sensory epithelium consists of two major types of cells:hair cells(HCs)and supporting cells(SCs).Critical functions of HCs in the perception of mechanical stimulation and mechanosensory transduction have long been elucidated.SCs are indispensable components of the sensory epithelia,and they maintain the structural integrity and ionic environment of the inner ear.Once delicate inner ear epithelia sustain injuries(for example,due to ototoxic drugs or noise exposure),SCs respond immediately to serve as repairers of the epithelium and as adapters to become HC progenitors,aiming at morphological and functional recovery of the inner ear.This regenerative process is extensive in non-mammals,but is limited in the mammalian inner ear,especially in the mature cochlea.This review aimed to discuss the important roles of SCs in the repair of the mammalian inner ear.

Experimental and Numerical Investigation on the Aerodynamic Characteristics of High-Speed Pantographs with Supporting Beam Wind Deflectors

Aiming to mitigate the aerodynamic lift force imbalance between pantograph strips,which exacerbates wear and affects the current collection performance of the pantograph-catenary system,a study has been conducted to support the beam deflector optimization using a combination of experimental measurements and computational fluid dynamics(CFD)simulations.The results demonstrate that the size,position,and installation orientation of the wind deflectors significantly influence the amount of force compensation.They also indicate that the front strip deflectors should be installed downwards and the rear strip deflectors upwards,thereby forming a“π”shape.Moreover,the lift force compensation provided by the wind deflectors increases with the size of the deflector.Alternative wind compensation strategies,such as control circuits,are also discussed,putting emphasis on the pros and cons of various pantograph types and wind compensation approaches.

Science and Technology Commissioners Supporting High-Quality Development Project for Hundreds of Counties, Thousands of Towns, and Myriads of Villages in the Context of Rural Revitalization

This paper discusses the important role of science and technology commissioners in the high-quality development of hundreds of counties,thousands of towns,and myriads of villages in the context of rural revitalization,including building bridges,accelerating the transformation of achievements,promoting the value-added of the whole agricultural industry chain,and promoting the rapid development of rural industrial economy.It also discusses the working achievements of science and technology commissioners,in order to promote further development of rural revitalization in Guangdong Province.

Teachers’ Perceptions of the Challenges and Strategies in Supporting Students with Reading Difficulties

The purpose of this study is to determine the teacher’s perceptions of the challenges and strategies in supporting students with reading difficulties.This study used qualitative method of research and descriptive approach as its research design,in addition to a set of structured interview questions administered through Google Forms to gather data from elementary teachers of Taal Central School,located at Taal Batangas.These structured interview questions were carefully designed to cover various dimensions of the study,including the types of challenges perceived by teachers,strategies employed,and possible solutions for addressing the problems encountered in the process of supporting students with reading difficulties.The results revealed that teachers faced several challenges when teaching students with reading difficulties such as emotional and motivational issues/factors,lack of resources or teaching aids,deficits in knowledge and skills,and problems with student engagement and participation.This study also showed common approaches utilized by the teachers in supporting students with reading difficulties,which were fostering a positive and supportive environment,adopting individualized and multifaceted approaches,and utilizing effective teaching tools and strategies.Lastly,teachers also concluded varied solutions in addressing the challenges perceived in teaching students with reading difficulties towards fostering reading proficiency.These include developing peer support,use of positive reinforcement,and parental involvement.Moreover,specialized resources,professional development for teachers,and specific teaching strategies are also highlighted as crucial components.By integrating these approaches,teachers concluded that it can create a supportive and effective learning environment tailored to the needs of students with reading difficulties.

Corroborative Activities and Recognition Between Community Comprehensive Care Unit’s Nurses and Care Managers in Supporting Discharge of Elderly from Hospital - A Secondary Publication

Objective: The purpose of this study was to clarify the collaborative activities and mutual recognition between community comprehensive care unit nurses (Ns) and care managers (CM) in supporting the discharge of the elderly from the hospital. Methods: A total of 300 nurses working in community comprehensive care wards and 360 care managers working in B City in A Prefecture were surveyed using an anonymous self-administered questionnaire. Results: The highest percentage of responses regarding necessary collaborative activities with multiple professions in supporting hospital discharge were the same for Ns and CMs. The items regarding practice with the highest percentages were “relationship as a team” for Ns, and “user-centered awareness” for CM. While these professionals were willing to share information about their patients’ lives after discharge, the percentage of those explaining their expertise was low. It is thought that collaborative activities focusing on these aspects would lead to more appropriate discharge support.

Catalyst–Support Interaction in Polyaniline‑Supported Ni_(3)Fe Oxide to Boost Oxygen Evolution Activities for Rechargeable Zn‑Air Batteries

Catalyst–support interaction plays a crucial role in improving the catalytic activity of oxygen evolution reaction(OER).Here we modulate the catalyst–support interaction in polyaniline-supported Ni_(3)Fe oxide(Ni_(3)Fe oxide/PANI)with a robust hetero-interface,which significantly improves oxygen evolution activities with an overpotential of 270 mV at 10 mA cm^(-2)and specific activity of 2.08 mA cm_(ECSA)^(-2)at overpotential of 300 mV,3.84-fold that of Ni_(3)Fe oxide.It is revealed that the catalyst–support interaction between Ni_(3)Fe oxide and PANI support enhances the Ni–O covalency via the interfacial Ni–N bond,thus promoting the charge and mass transfer on Ni_(3)Fe oxide.Considering the excellent activity and stability,rechargeable Zn-air batteries with optimum Ni_(3)Fe oxide/PANI are assembled,delivering a low charge voltage of 1.95 V to cycle for 400 h at 10 mA cm^(-2).The regulation of the effect of catalyst–support interaction on catalytic activity provides new possibilities for the future design of highly efficient OER catalysts.

Emerging role of A-kinase anchoring protein 5 signaling in reward circuit function

There is a strong evidence supporting the hypothesis of synaptic dysfunction as a major contributor to neural circuit and network disruption underlying emotional and mood dysregulation in psychiatric disorders(Simmons et al.,2024).Diverse sets of distinct molecular signaling pathways converge on the synapse to regulate synaptogenesis,synaptic function,and synaptic plasticity in brain regions and circuits through complex interactions organized by numerous multivalent protein scaffolds,including the family of proteins known as A-kinase anchoring proteins(AKAPs).

Machine Learning Techniques in Predicting Hot Deformation Behavior of Metallic Materials

In engineering practice,it is often necessary to determine functional relationships between dependent and independent variables.These relationships can be highly nonlinear,and classical regression approaches cannot always provide sufficiently reliable solutions.Nevertheless,Machine Learning(ML)techniques,which offer advanced regression tools to address complicated engineering issues,have been developed and widely explored.This study investigates the selected ML techniques to evaluate their suitability for application in the hot deformation behavior of metallic materials.The ML-based regression methods of Artificial Neural Networks(ANNs),Support Vector Machine(SVM),Decision Tree Regression(DTR),and Gaussian Process Regression(GPR)are applied to mathematically describe hot flow stress curve datasets acquired experimentally for a medium-carbon steel.Although the GPR method has not been used for such a regression task before,the results showed that its performance is the most favorable and practically unrivaled;neither the ANN method nor the other studied ML techniques provide such precise results of the solved regression analysis.

Correlation between anxiety, depression, and social stress in young patients with thoracolumbar spine fractures

BACKGROUND Traumatic injuries,such as falling,car accidents,and crushing mostly cause spinal fractures in young and middle-aged people,and>50%of them are thoracolumbar fractures.This kind of fracture is easily combined with serious injuries to peripheral nerves and soft tissues,which causes paralysis of the lower limbs if there is no timely rehabilitation treatment.Young patients with thoracolumbar fractures find it difficult to recover after the operation,and they are prone to depression,low self-esteem,and other negative emotions.AIM To investigate the association between anxiety,depression,and social stress in young patients with thoracolumbar spine fractures and the effect on rehabilitation outcomes.METHODS This study retrospectively analyzed 100 patients admitted to the orthopedic department of Honghui Hospital,Xi’an Jiaotong University who underwent thoracolumbar spine fracture surgery from January 2022 to June 2023.The general data of the patients were assessed with the Hamilton anxiety scale(HAMA),Hamilton depression scale(HAMD),life events scale,and social support rating scale(SSRS)to identify the correlation between anxiety,depression scores,and social stress and social support.The Japanese Orthopedic Association(JOA)was utilized to evaluate the rehabilitation outcomes of the patients and to analyze the effects of anxiety and depression scores on rehabilitation.RESULTS According to the scores of HAMD and HAMA in all patients,the prevalence of depression in patients was 39%(39/100),and the prevalence of anxiety was 49%(49/100).Patients were categorized into non-depression(n=61)and depression(n=39),non-anxiety(n=51),and anxiety(n=49)groups.Statistically significant differences in gender,occupation,Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI)score,and monthly family income were observed between the non-depression and depression groups(P<0.05).A significant difference in occupation and PSQI score was found between the non-anxiety and anxiety groups.Both depression(r=0.207,P=0.038)and anxiety scores(r=0.473,P<0.001)were significantly and positively correlated with negative life events.The difference in negative life event scores as well as SSRS total and item scores was statist-ically significant between patients in the non-depression and depression groups(P<0.05).The difference between the non-anxiety and anxiety groups was statistically significant(P<0.05)in the negative life event scores as well as the total SSRS scores.Additionally,JOA scores were significantly lower in both anxious and depressed patients.CONCLUSION Young patients with thoracolumbar fractures are prone to anxiety and depression.Patients’anxiety and depression are closely associated with social pressure,which reduces the life pressure of young patients with thoracolumbar fractures,enhances social support,and improves the psychology of anxiety and depression.,which affects patients’recovery.

Tuning support morphology to control alloy over PtCo/γ-Al_(2)O_(3) for the preferential oxidation of CO

The preferential oxidation of CO(CO-PROX)reaction is a cost-effective method for eliminating trace amounts of CO from the fuel H2.Pt-based catalysts have been extensively studied for COPROX,with their activity influenced by the morphology of the support.Hydrothermal synthesis was employed to produce different morphologies ofγ-Al_(2)O_(3):flower-likeγ-Al_(2)O_(3)(f)exposing(110)crystal faces,sheet-likeγ-Al_(2)O_(3)(s)revealing(100)crystal faces,and rod-likeγ-Al_(2)O_(3)(r)displaying(111)crystal faces,followed by loading PtCo nanoparticles.The exposed crystal faces of the support impact the alloying degree of the PtCo nanoparticles,and an increase in the alloying degree correlates with enhanced catalyst reactivity.Pt_(3)Co intermetallic compounds were identified onγ-Al_(2)O_(3)(f)exposing(110)crystal faces,and PtCo/γ-Al_(2)O_(3)(f)showed high catalytic activity in the CO-PROX reaction,achieving 100%CO conversion across a broad temperature range of 50−225°C.In contrast,only partial alloying of PtCo was observed onγ-Al_(2)O_(3)(s).Furthermore,no alloying between Pt and Co occurred in PtCo/γ-Al_(2)O_(3)(r),resulting in a reaction rate at 50°C that was merely 11%of that of PtCo/γ-Al_(2)O_(3)(f).The formation of Pt3Co intermetallic compounds led to a more oxidized state of Pt,which significantly diminished the adsorption of CO on Pt and augmented the active oxygen species,thereby facilitating the selective oxidation of CO.

Design of insulation support system of 120 keV positive ion source accelerator

In order to support the physical research on the EAST tokamak,a new positive ion source with designed beam energy of 120 keV was proposed to be developed.Accelerator structure is one of the key components of the ion source.Through the finite element analysis method,the electrostatic analyses of insulators and grid plates were carried out,the material and structure parameters of insulators were determined.The maximum electric field around each insulator is about 4 kV/mm,and the maximum electric field between grids is about 14 kV/mm,which can meet the 120 keV withstand voltage holding.The insulation system for the positive ion source accelerator with 120 keV is designed,and the connection and basic parameters of insulators and support flanges are analyzed and determined.

Comprehensive influence of individualized nutrition support and nursing strategy on rehabilitation of patients with liver cancer after operation

BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma ranks among the most prevalent malignant neoplasms.Surgical intervention constitutes a critical therapeutic approach for this condition.Nonetheless,postoperative recovery is frequently influenced by the patient's nutritional status and the quality of nursing care provided.AIM To examine the comprehensive impact of personalized nutritional support and nursing strategies on the postoperative rehabilitation of patients with liver cancer.METHODS In this study,a retrospective comparative analysis was conducted involving 60 post-operative liver cancer patients.The subjects were selected as subjects and divided into two groups based on differing nursing interventions,with each group comprising 30 patients.The control group received standard nutritional support and care,whereas the experimental group received individualized nutritional support and nursing strategies.The study aimed to evaluate the impact of individualized nutrition by comparing the rehabilitation indices,nutritional status,quality of life(QoL),and complication rates between the two groups.RESULTS The results showed that the recovery index of the experimental group was significantly better than that of the control group 2 weeks after surgery,and the average liver function recovery index of the experimental group was 85.significantly higher than that of the control group(73.67±7.19).In terms of nutritional status,the serum albumin level and body weight stabilization rate of the experimental group were also significantly higher than those of the control group,which were 42.33±2.4 g/L and 93.3%,respectively,compared with 36.01±3.85 g/L and 76.7%of the control group.In addition,the average QoL score of the experimental group was 84.66±3.7 points,which was significantly higher than that of the control group(70.92±4.28 points).At the psychological level,the average anxiety score of the experimental group was 1.17±0.29,and the average depression score was 1.47±0.4,which were significantly lower than the 2.26±0.42 and 2.57±0.45 of the control group.This showed that patients in the experimental group were better relieved of anxiety and depression under the individualized nutrition support and nursing strategy.More importantly,the complication rate in the experimental group was only 10%,much lower than the 33.3%in the control group.CONCLUSION Personalized nutritional support and tailored nursing strategies significantly enhance the postoperative rehabilitation of liver cancer patients.Consequently,it is recommended to implement and advocate for these individualized approaches to improve both the recovery outcomes and QoL for these patients.

Aluminum foam as buffer layer used in soft rock tunnel with large deformation

The squeezing deformation of surrounding rock is an important factor restricting the safe construction and long-term operation of tunnels when a tunnel passes through soft strata with high ground stress.Under such soft rock geological conditions,the large deformation of the surrounding rock can easily lead to the failure of supporting structures,including shotcrete cracks,spalling,and steel arch distortion.To improve the lining support performance during the large deformation of squeezed surrounding rock,this work selects aluminum foam with densities of 0.25 g/cm3,0.42 g/cm3 and 0.61 g/cm3 as the buffer layer material and carries out uniaxial confined compression tests.Through the evaluation and analysis of energy absorption and the comparison of the yield pressure of aluminum foam with those of other cushioning materials and yield pressure support systems,the strength,deformation and energy absorption of aluminum foam with a density of 0.25 g/cm3 meet the yield pressure performance requirements.The numerical model of the buffer layer yielding support system is then established via the finite element analysis software ABAQUS,and the influence of the buffer layer setting on the lining support is analyzed.Compared with the conventional support scheme,the addition of an aluminum foam buffer layer can reduce the stress and deformation of the primary support and secondary lining.The maximum and minimum principal stresses of the primary support are reduced by 13%and 15%,respectively.The maximum and minimum principal stresses of the secondary lining are reduced by 15%and 12%,respectively,and the displacement deformation of the secondary lining position is reduced by 15%.In summary,the application of aluminum foam buffer layer can reduce the stress and deformation of the primary support and secondary lining,improve the stress safety of the support and reduce the deformation of the support.

Influence of quasi-electrostatic support on amplification of space charge waves in amplification section of a superheterodyne free electron laser

A theoretical study of the influence of a quasi-electrostatic support on the amplification level of the slow space charge wave(SCW) in the amplification section of a superheterodyne free electron laser(FEL) was carried out. One of the ways to significantly increase the saturation level of the slow SCW is maintaining the conditions of a three-wave parametric resonance between the slow, fast SCWs and the resulting pump electric field. This can be done by introducing the quasielectrostatic support in the superheterodyne FEL amplification section. Also, it was found that the generated pump electric field significantly influences the maintenance of parametric resonance conditions. As a result, this increases the saturation level of the slow SCW by 70%. Finally, the quasi-electrostatic support significantly reduces the maximum value of the electrostatic undulator pump field strength, which is necessary to achieve the maximum saturation level of the slow SCW.

Perceived Social Support and Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety among Chinese Adolescents:A Moderated Chain Mediation Model

Background:Although previous studies indicate that perceived social support might be associated with adolescent psychological problems,the specific mechanism has not been thoroughly discussed.Based on theoretical and empirical research on problematic Internet use(PIU)and sleep quality,this study explored whether they play a mediating role between perceived social support and symptoms of depression and anxiety among adolescents.Furthermore,we investigated whether these relationships varied by place of residence.Methods:A sample of 2115 Chinese adolescents was included,and analyzed data related to perceived social support,PIU,sleep quality,symptoms of depression and anxiety,and sociodemographic variables.Correlation analysis,mediation,and moderation analysis were mainly used.Results:Perceived social support was negatively correlated with depressive symptoms(r=−0.22,p<0.001)and anxiety symptoms(r=−0.20,p<0.001)among adolescents.PIU and sleep quality played a chain mediating role in the relationship between perceived social support and symptoms of depression and anxiety in adolescents.Additionally,the place of residence moderated the relationships between perceived social support and PIU and symptoms of depression and anxiety.Perceived social support was a significant negative predictor of PIU and symptoms of depression and anxiety among adolescents in urban areas but not in rural areas.Conclusion:The findings suggest that low levels of perceived social support may lead to more PIU and poorer sleep quality,which may further increase the risk of symptoms of depression and anxiety in adolescents,especially in urban areas.

Seismic design of variable cross-section damped steel support frame for post equipment

High-voltage electrical post equipment is generally installed on steel supports,which amplifies the seismic inputs and degrades the seismic performance of equipment.This study proposed a variable cross-section damped steel support frame(VCDFS)with viscous dampers to reduce seismic responses of both tall and low-rise electrical equipment.The VCDFS contains a trapezoidal damper layer to generate rocking motions,enabling the diagonal viscous dampers to dissipate seismic inputs.A theoretical model of post equipment with VCDFS is established,and an optimal design procedure is proposed.The analysis shows that the remaining static stiffness ratio λ_(k) is the key parameter that determines the effectiveness of the VCDFS.The VCDFS reduces the average displacement and stress response of a post insulator by 39.4%and 44.6%,respectively,together with a significant decrease in the dynamic amplification factor.Therefore,it is recommended to use the VCDFS instead of the conventional latticed-steel frame in earthquake zones.

New perspectives and prospects for the next generation of combination therapy in inflammatory bowel disease

This article comments on the letter by Lowell et al,which addresses the next generation of combination therapy for inflammatory bowel disease(IBD).As the understanding of the pathogenesis of IBD continues to improve,treatment strategies are evolving rapidly.The letter examines the current status and future directions of combination therapy for IBD,focusing on approaches that combine biologics with immunomodulators and the emerging dual-biologic therapy(DBT).The traditional combination of biologics and immunomodulators has demonstra-ted preliminary efficacy by enhancing the effects of biologics through immunomo-dulation.However,concerns regarding long-term safety warrant careful evalua-tion.Recent trials,including DUET-Crohn's disease and DUET-ulcerative colitis,have shown promising potential for the broader adoption of DBT.Nevertheless,comprehensive data on efficacy and safety,as well as the effective integration of supportive treatments,remain essential to establish new paradigms for the next generation of IBD care.

Correlation between psychological,family social support,and home nursing quality for an implanted venous access port

BACKGROUND Cancer patients with an implanted venous access port(IVAP)often manage their care at home during chemotherapy intervals,including maintaining the device,monitoring complications,and following medication instructions.Home care ensures continued support after discharge.However,due to factors such as age,gender,culture,psychological status,and family support,the quality of home care varies significantly.Understanding these factors can help provide targeted guidance to improve the care of cancer patients.AIM To explore IVAP chemotherapy on home care quality and its association with mental health and family support for cancer patients.METHODS This investigative study was based on a medical records system.It investigated the relationship between psychological status,family support,and home care quality in 180 patients with cancer undergoing IVAP chemotherapy.Psychological status was assessed using the State Anxiety Inventory(S-AI);family support was assessed using the Perceived Social Support Scale(PSSS),and home care quality was evaluated using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire(EORTC QLQ-C30).Pearson’s correlation and Structural Equation Modeling were used to analyze the interplay between these factors.RESULTS The average S-AI score was 47.52±14.47,PSSS was 52.48±12.64,and EORTC QLQ-C30 was 70.09±17.32.A substantial inverse relationship was observed between the EORTC QLQ-C30 and S-AI scores(r=-0.712).A significant positive correlation was found between the EORTC QLQ-C30 and the PSSS,with a correlation coefficient of(r=0.744).The multiple linear regression analysis indicated that family social support,psychological status,and average monthly family income were the main factors influencing the variation in the quality of home care,explaining 71.9%of the variation.The Structural Equation Modeling results indicated that psychological status acted as a partial mediator in the association between family social support and home care quality of life,explaining 32.78%of the mediation effect.CONCLUSION Psychological status and family social support positively impacted cancer patients’home care quality,with psychology partially mediating this effect.