First-principles study on pressure-induced superconductivity and structural design on transition metal diborides.

Recent experiments on α-MoB2 with MgB2-type structure achieved superconductivity at ∼32 K under 90 GPa, the highest among transition-metal diborides, rekindling interest in their superconducting properties. Our study systematically investigates the band structures of AlB2-type transition metal diborides. We found that the superior superconductivity of MoB2, WB2, and TcB2 correlates with their von Hove singularities near the Fermi level (EF), potentially linked to electron-phonon coupling. These three diborides exhibit similar critical temperature (Tc) trends under pressure: rising initially, peaking around 60 GPa, and then declining. While unstable at ambient pressure, their thermodynamic and dynamical stability limits vary significantly, possibly explaining experimental discrepancies. To stabilize MoB2 at ambient pressure, we designed MoXB4 compounds (X = other transition metals) by substituting every other Mo layer in MoB2 with an X layer. This modification aims to stabilize the structure and enhance superconductivity by reducing d-electron concentration at EF. This principle extends to other potential superconducting diborides, such as WB2 and TcB2. Using Nb as an example, we found that Nb atoms in AlB2-type MoNbB4 may exhibit random occupancy, potentially explaining disparities between theoretical predictions and experimental results. Our study offers valuable insights into superconductivity in transition metal diborides, paving the way for future research and applications.

Quantitative risk assessment of storm surge using GIS techniques and open data: A case study of Daya Bay Zone, China.

Storm surge is a natural disaster, often causing economic damage and loss of human life in the coastal communities. In recent decades, with more people attracted to coastal areas, the potential economic losses resulted from storm surges are increasing. Therefore, it is important to make risk assessments to identify areas at risk and design risk reduction strategies. However, the quantitative risk assessment of storm surge for coastal cities in China is often difficult due to the lack of adequate data regarding the building footprint and vulnerability curves. This paper aims to provide a methodology for conducting the quantitative risk assessment of storm surge, estimating direct tangible damage, by using Geographical Information System (GIS) techniques and open data. The proposed methodology was applied to a coastal area with a high concentration of petroleum industries in the Daya Bay zone. At first, five individual typhoon scenarios with different return periods (1000, 100, 50, 20, and 10 years) were defined. Then, the Advanced Circulation model and the Simulating Waves Nearshore model were utilized to simulate storm surge. The model outputs were imported into GIS software, transformed into inundation area and inundation depth. Subsequently, the building footprint data were extracted by the use of GIS techniques, including spatial analysis and image analysis. The layer containing building footprints was superimposed on the inundation area layer to identify and quantify the exposed elements to storm surge hazard. Combining the exposed elements with their related depth-damage functions, the quantitative risk assessment translates the spatial extent and depth of storm surge into the estimation of economic losses. The quantitative risk assessment and zonation maps for sub-zones in the study area can help local decision-makers to prioritize the sub-zones that are more likely to be affected by storm surge, make risk mitigation strategies, and develop long-term urban plans.

Silencing CASC11 curbs neonatal neuroblastoma progression through modulating microRNA-676-3p/nucleolar protein 4 like (NOL4L) axis.

BACKGROUND: Neuroblastoma is the commonest extracranial solid cancer for neonates. Long non-coding RNA cancer susceptibility 11 (CASC11) is corroborated as carcinogen in several tumors. But its role in neonatal neuroblastoma is poorly defined. METHODS: Expression levels of CASC11, miR-676-3p, and NOL4L mRNA were analyzed by qRT-PCR in cells and tissues. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to measure and analyze the survival time of patients with high/low CASC11. Neonatal neuroblastoma cell proliferation was reflected through colony-formation assay and CCK-8. Transwell assay was designed for detection of migratory and invasive capacities of neonatal neuroblastoma cells. Wound-healing assay was used for monitoring neuroblastoma cell migration. RNA pull-down, luciferase reporter, and RIP assays were utilized to identify the relationship between CASC11, miR-676-3p, and NOL4L on the basis of bioinformatics tools. RESULTS: Highly expressed CASC11 was observed in neonatal neuroblastoma tissues and cells. High level of CASC11 indicated unsatisfactory survival of neonatal neuroblastoma patients. CASC11 depletion inhibited cell proliferation and invasiveness. CASC11 was a molecular sponge to release NOL4L from miR-676-3p inhibition in tumor cells. Upregulation of NOL4L abated the suppressed cell proliferation and invasiveness due to CASC11 downregulation. CONCLUSION: CASC11 sequestered miR-676-3p from NOL4L to facilitate neonatal neuroblastoma progression, hinting a CASC11-mediated therapeutic target for neonatal neuroblastoma.

Expression and localization study of pIgR in the late stage of embryo development in turbot (Scophthalmus maximus).

The receptor responsible for maternofetal transmission of immunoglobulin (Igs) in the teleosts is not clear. Polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) specifically binds with IgA and IgM and mediates the transcytosis of intracellular polymeric immunoglobulins (pIgs) at the mucosal surface to protect against pathogens. Hence there is a possibility that it may be involved in the transmission of maternal Igs. The aim of the present study was to detect the expression and localization of pIgR during embryonal development in turbot (Scophthalmus maximus). pIgR gene was first cloned from eggs and embryos of turbot with or without parent immunization. The expression and distribution of pIgR in unfertilized egg and in embryos ranging from day 1 to day 5 after fertilization were analyzed using reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridization. pIgR gene was detected in all eggs and embryos at different stages of development, with the highest level detected on the 5th day. pIgR mRNA was observed to be first located in the whole blastoderm and enveloped the yolk sac. Later, it was located around entoderm including primary digestive tract and pronephric tubule tract, and finally it was located at the joint of abdomen and vitelline membrane. Then, Eukaryotic expression plasmid carrying pIgR gene was constructed and transfected into HEK293T cells. Results showed mature pIgR protein located on the cellular membrane, and could bound IgM in vitro. Our findings provide information for studying the involvement of pIgR in maternal Igs transportation in turbot.

HCC: RNA-Sequencing in Cirrhosis.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks the most common types of cancer worldwide. As the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths, its prognosis remains poor. Most patients developed HCC on the basis of chronic liver disease. Cirrhosis is an important precancerous lesion for HCC. However, the molecular mechanisms in HCC development are still unclear. To explore the changes at the level of transcriptome in this process, we performed RNA-sequencing on cirrhosis, HCC and paracancerous tissues. Continuously changing mRNA was identified using Mfuzz cluster analysis, then their functions were explored by enrichment analyses. Data of cirrhotic HCC patients were obtained from TCGA, and a fatty acid metabolism (FAM)-related prognostic signature was then established. The performance and immunity relevance of the signature were verified in internal and external datasets. Finally, we validated the expression and function of ADH1C by experiments. As a result, 2012 differently expressed mRNA were identified by RNA-sequencing and bioinformatics analyses. Fatty acid metabolism was identified as a critical pathway by enrichment analyses of the DEGs. A FAM-related prognostic model and nomogram based on it were efficient in predicting the prognosis of cirrhotic HCC patients, as patients with higher risk scores had shorter survival time. Risk scores calculated by the signature were then proved to be associated with a tumor immune environment. ADH1C were downregulated in HCC, while silence of ADH1C could significantly promote proliferation and motility of the HCC cell line.

Lung ultrasound score as a predictor of ventilator use in preterm infants with dyspnea within 24 h after dhospitalization.

BACKGROUND: Selecting the correct ventilation strategy is crucial for the survival of preterm infants with dyspnea in NICU. Lung ultrasound score (LUSsc) is a potential predictor for respiratory support patterns in preterm infants. METHODS: We prospectively included 857 preterm infants. LUS was performed in the first 2 h after admission, and LUSsc was determined by two specialist sonographers. Participants were divided into two categories according to gestational age (<32+0 weeks and 32+0-36+6 weeks) and randomly divided into a training set and a validation set. There were two main outcomes: invasive and non-invasive respiratory support. In the training set, clinical factors were analyzed to find the best cut-off value of LUSsc, and consistency was verified in the verification set. The choice of invasive respiratory support was based on neonatal mechanical ventilation strategies. RESULTS: Preterm infants with invasive respiratory support had a higher LUSsc, greater use of Pulmonary Surfactant（PS）, and lower Oxygenation Index（OI）、birth weight than those with non-invasive support. In the <32+0 weeks group, the area under the curve (AUC) for the receiver operating characteristic curve plotted with 2-h LUSsc was 0.749 (95% CI: 0.689-0.809), the cut-off point of LUSsc was 8, and the sensitivity and specificity were 74.0% and 68.3%, respectively. In the 32+0-36+6 weeks group, the AUC was 0.863 (95% CI: 0.811-0.911), with a cut-off point of 7. Sensitivity and specificity were 75.3% and 0.836%, respectively. In the validation set, using the actual clinical respiratory support selection results for verification, the validation results showed for the <32+0 weeks group (Kappa value 0.660, P < 0.05, McNemar test P > 0.05) for preterm 32+0-36+6 weeks (Kappa value 0.779, P < 0.05, McNemar test P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The LUSsc showed good reliability in predicting respiratory support mode for preterm infants with dyspnea. Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: chiCTR1900023869).

The Synthesis and Characterisation of the High-Hardness Magnetic Material Mn2N0.86.

High-quality P6322 Mn2N0.86 samples were synthesised using a high-pressure metathesis reaction, and the properties of the material were investigated. The measurements revealed that the Vickers hardness was 7.47 GPa, which is less than that predicted by commonly used theoretical models. At low air pressure, Mn2N0.86 and MnO coexist at 500 to 600 °C, and by excluding air, we succeeded in producing Mn4N by heating Mn2N0.86 in nitrogen atmosphere; we carefully studied this process with thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC). This gives a hint that to control temperature, air pressure and gas concentration might be an effective way to prepare fine Mn-N-O catalysis. Magnetic measurements indicated that ferromagnetism and antiferromagnetism coexist within Mn2N0.86 at room temperature and that these magnetic properties are induced by nitrogen vacancies. Ab intio simulation was used to probe the nature of the magnetism in greater detail. The research contributes to the available data and the understanding of Mn2N0.86 and suggests ways to control the formation of materials based on Mn2N0.86.

Development of a PCR-RFLP assay for the detection and differentiation of canine parvovirus and mink enteritis virus.

A polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay has been developed to detect and differentiate between canine parvovirus (CPV) and mink enteritis virus (MEV). Eight CPV and three MEV epidemic strains isolated from 28 pathological samples from dogs and minks suspected of being infected with parvovirus were amplified by PCR using a pair of specific primers designed based on the CPV-N strain (M19296). PCR amplified a fragment of 1016bp from the genomic DNA of both MEV and CPV. The MEV-derived fragment could be digested with the restriction enzyme BSP1407I into three fragments of 102bp, 312bp and 602bp, while the fragment amplified from the CPV genomic DNA was digested into only two fragments of 414bp and 602bp. The lowest DNA concentration of CPV and MEV that could be detected using this assay was 0.004µg/ml and 0.03µg/ml, respectively. The PCR-RFLP assay developed in the present study can, therefore, be used to detect and differentiate MEV from CPV with high specificity and sensitivity.