Abstract Background Plant and animal embryogenesis have conserved and distinct features. Cell fate transitions occur during embryogenesis in both plants and animals. The epigenomic processes regulating plant embryogenesis remain largely elusive. Results Here, we elucidate chromatin and transcriptomic dynamics during embryogenesis of the most cultivated crop, hexaploid wheat. Time-series analysis reveals stage-specific and proximal–distal distinct chromatin accessibility and dynamics concordant with transcriptome changes. Following fertilization, the remodeling kinetics of H3K4me3, H3K27ac, and H3K27me3 differ from...

In this work, we proposed an optical trapping and manipulation technology based on spatial diffraction of 45° tilted fiber Bragg grating (TFBG). The length of the line-shape-facula of the TFBG diffraction light can be as large as tens of millimeters, which enables the TFBG trapping system control massive dielectric particles. We analyze the light distribution of the spatial diffraction by using the volume current method (VCM) and established a theoretical model to analyze the optical...

Abstract Aim At present, the relationship between serum homocysteine (Hcy), fibrinogen (FIB), lipoprotein-a (LPa), and PAD is uncertain, and there has been no meta-analysis to establish the dose–response relationship between their exposure levels and PAD. Methods and results Relevant literature published in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science was retrieved. The robust error meta-regression method was used to assess the linear and non-linear dose–response relationship between exposure level and PAD risk. A total of 68...

Abstract Background Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and autophagy are implicated in the pathophysiology of intestinal inflammation; however, their roles in intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR)-induced colon inflammation are unclear. This study explored the protective effects of natural stilbene pterostilbene on colon inflammation using the IUGR piglets and the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)-treated human colonic epithelial cells (Caco-2) by targeting ER stress and autophagy. Results Both the IUGR colon and the TNF-α-treated Caco-2 cells exhibited inflammatory...

Abstract Background Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and autophagy are implicated in the pathophysiology of intestinal inflammation; however, their roles in intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR)-induced colon inflammation are unclear. This study explored the protective effects of natural stilbene pterostilbene on colon inflammation using the IUGR piglets and the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)-treated human colonic epithelial cells (Caco-2) by targeting ER stress and autophagy. Results Both the IUGR colon and the TNF-α-treated Caco-2 cells exhibited inflammatory...

Label-free terahertz (THz) sensing with metasurfaces has attracted considerable attention in recent years, however, ultrahigh sensing sensitivity remains to be a huge challenge for practical applications. To improve the sensitivity of these devices, herein we have proposed an out-of-plane metasurface-assisted THz sensor consisting of periodically arranged bar-like meta-atoms. Benefiting from elaborate out-of-plane structures, the proposed THz sensor with high sensing sensitivity of 325 GHz/RIU can be easily fabricated via a simple three-step fabrication process. And,...

A straw-reinforced grafted starch composite resin (SSCR) was prepared via grafting and cross-linking co-polymerization with multi-monomers, using raw starch as a matrix and reed straw fine particles as a reinforcing material to the starch matrix. Its structures were characterized by carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller technique. The SSCR had enhanced physico-chemical stability due to the formation of a “sea–island” structure, including enhanced resistance to acid/alkali effects and flow...

Predicting all-cause mortality using available or conveniently modifiable risk factors is potentially crucial in reducing deaths precisely and efficiently. Framingham risk score (FRS) is widely used in predicting cardiovascular diseases, and its conventional risk factors are closely pertinent to deaths. Machine learning is increasingly considered to improve the predicting performances by developing predictive models. We aimed to develop the all-cause mortality predictive models using five machine learning (ML) algorithms (decision trees, random forest, support vector...

Virtual reality (VR) technologies, as new forms of planning support systems (PSSs), are becoming increasingly vital to planning. However, there is a lack of empirical research on factors influencing VR’s supportive role from a user perspective, thus producing barriers to VR’s advancement in planning practices. This neglect motivates the focus of this study, in which we adapt relevant PSS theory to build a conceptual framework that examines factors influencing VR performance in an experience-based environment....

Virtual reality (VR) technologies, as new forms of planning support systems (PSSs), are becoming increasingly vital to planning. However, there is a lack of empirical research on factors influencing VR’s supportive role from a user perspective, thus producing barriers to VR’s advancement in planning practices. This neglect motivates the focus of this study, in which we adapt relevant PSS theory to build a conceptual framework that examines factors influencing VR performance in an experience-based environment....

Label-free terahertz (THz) sensing with metasurfaces has attracted considerable attention in recent years, however, ultrahigh sensing sensitivity remains to be a huge challenge for practical applications. To improve the sensitivity of these devices, herein we have proposed an out-of-plane metasurface-assisted THz sensor consisting of periodically arranged bar-like meta-atoms. Benefiting from elaborate out-of-plane structures, the proposed THz sensor with high sensing sensitivity of 325 GHz/RIU can be easily fabricated via a simple three-step fabrication process. And,...

Optical projection tomography captures 2-D projections of rotating biological samples and computationally reconstructs 3-D structures from these projections, where hundreds of views with an angular range of π radian is desired for a reliable reconstruction. Limited-angle tomography tries to recover the structures of the sample using fewer angles of projections. However, the result is far from satisfactory due to the missing of wedge information. Here we introduce a novel view prediction technique, which is able...

In this work, we proposed an optical trapping and manipulation technology based on spatial diffraction of 45° tilted fiber Bragg grating (TFBG). The length of the line-shape-facula of the TFBG diffraction light can be as large as tens of millimeters, which enables the TFBG trapping system control massive dielectric particles. We analyze the light distribution of the spatial diffraction by using the volume current method (VCM) and established a theoretical model to analyze the optical...

Abstract Background The early life gut microbiome is crucial in maintaining host metabolic and immune homeostasis. Though neonates with critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) are at substantial risks of malnutrition and immune imbalance, the microbial links to CCHD pathophysiology remain poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to investigate the gut microbiome in neonates with CCHD in association with metabolomic traits. Moreover, we explored the clinical implications of the host-microbe interactions in CCHD. Methods Deep...

Abstract Objective miR-125b-5p plays an important role in the development of cancer and drug resistance. However, in cisplatin resistance of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the function and potential mechanism of miR-125b-5p is still unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the role and molecular mechanism of miR-125b-5p in cisplatin resistance of NSCLC. Methods A GEO dataset (GSE168707) was analyzed to find high miR-125b-5p levels were associated with DDP resistance. miR-125b-5p expression levels...

Abstract Purpose The aim of this paper was to clarify the optimal minimum number of lymph node for CEA-elevated (≥ 5 ng/ml) colon cancer patients. Methods Thirteen thousand two hundred thirty-nine patients from the SEER database and 238 patients from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University (External set) were identified. For cancer-specific survival (CSS), Kaplan-Meier curves were drawn and data were analyzed using log-rank test. Using X-tile software, the optimal cut-off lymph node...

Abstract Purpose The aim of this paper was to clarify the optimal minimum number of lymph node for CEA-elevated (≥ 5 ng/ml) colon cancer patients. Methods Thirteen thousand two hundred thirty-nine patients from the SEER database and 238 patients from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University (External set) were identified. For cancer-specific survival (CSS), Kaplan-Meier curves were drawn and data were analyzed using log-rank test. Using X-tile software, the optimal cut-off lymph node...

Optical projection tomography captures 2-D projections of rotating biological samples and computationally reconstructs 3-D structures from these projections, where hundreds of views with an angular range of π radian is desired for a reliable reconstruction. Limited-angle tomography tries to recover the structures of the sample using fewer angles of projections. However, the result is far from satisfactory due to the missing of wedge information. Here we introduce a novel view prediction technique, which is able...

Label-free terahertz (THz) sensing with metasurfaces has attracted considerable attention in recent years, however, ultrahigh sensing sensitivity remains to be a huge challenge for practical applications. To improve the sensitivity of these devices, herein we have proposed an out-of-plane metasurface-assisted THz sensor consisting of periodically arranged bar-like meta-atoms. Benefiting from elaborate out-of-plane structures, the proposed THz sensor with high sensing sensitivity of 325 GHz/RIU can be easily fabricated via a simple three-step fabrication process. And,...

Abstract Background Plant and animal embryogenesis have conserved and distinct features. Cell fate transitions occur during embryogenesis in both plants and animals. The epigenomic processes regulating plant embryogenesis remain largely elusive. Results Here, we elucidate chromatin and transcriptomic dynamics during embryogenesis of the most cultivated crop, hexaploid wheat. Time-series analysis reveals stage-specific and proximal–distal distinct chromatin accessibility and dynamics concordant with transcriptome changes. Following fertilization, the remodeling kinetics of H3K4me3, H3K27ac, and H3K27me3 differ from...

A straw-reinforced grafted starch composite resin (SSCR) was prepared via grafting and cross-linking co-polymerization with multi-monomers, using raw starch as a matrix and reed straw fine particles as a reinforcing material to the starch matrix. Its structures were characterized by carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller technique. The SSCR had enhanced physico-chemical stability due to the formation of a “sea–island” structure, including enhanced resistance to acid/alkali effects and flow...

Abstract Background Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a large class of mammalian RNAs. Several protein products translated by circRNAs have been reported to be involved in the development of various tissues and systems; however, their physiological functions in male reproduction have yet not been explored. Results Here, we report an endogenous circRNA (circRsrc1) that encodes a novel 161-amino-acid protein which we named Rsrc1-161aa through circRNA sequencing coupled with mass spectrometry analysis on mouse testicular tissues. Deletion...

Abstract Background The functional alterations of eRNAs have been reported to be correlated with tumorigenesis. However, the roles of eRNAs in thyroid cancer (THCA) remain still unclear. This study aimed to construct an immune-related eRNA prognostic signature that could effectively predict the survival and prognosis for THCA. Methods The Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) was performed to identify THCA-specific immune-related hub genes and immune-related eRNAs were obtained using Pearson correlation analysis. Univariate and least...

Abstract Background The cranial region is a complex set of blood vessels, cartilage, nerves and soft tissues. The reconstruction of cranial defects caused by trauma, congenital defects and surgical procedures presents clinical challenges. Our previous data showed that deficiency of the proteoglycan (PG) form of dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1-PG) could lead to abnormal cranial development. In addition, DMP1-PG was highly expressed in the cranial defect areas. The present study aimed to investigate the potential...

Optical projection tomography captures 2-D projections of rotating biological samples and computationally reconstructs 3-D structures from these projections, where hundreds of views with an angular range of π radian is desired for a reliable reconstruction. Limited-angle tomography tries to recover the structures of the sample using fewer angles of projections. However, the result is far from satisfactory due to the missing of wedge information. Here we introduce a novel view prediction technique, which is able...