Research on a Recognition Algorithm for Traffic Signs in Foggy Environments Based on Image Defogging and Transformer.

The efficient and accurate identification of traffic signs is crucial to the safety and reliability of active driving assistance and driverless vehicles. However, the accurate detection of traffic signs under extreme cases remains challenging. Aiming at the problems of missing detection and false detection in traffic sign recognition in fog traffic scenes, this paper proposes a recognition algorithm for traffic signs based on pix2pixHD+YOLOv5-T. Firstly, the defogging model is generated by training the pix2pixHD network to meet the advanced visual task. Secondly, in order to better match the defogging algorithm with the target detection algorithm, the algorithm YOLOv5-Transformer is proposed by introducing a transformer module into the backbone of YOLOv5. Finally, the defogging algorithm pix2pixHD is combined with the improved YOLOv5 detection algorithm to complete the recognition of traffic signs in foggy environments. Comparative experiments proved that the traffic sign recognition algorithm proposed in this paper can effectively reduce the impact of a foggy environment on traffic sign recognition. Compared with the YOLOv5-T and YOLOv5 algorithms in moderate fog environments, the overall improvement of this algorithm is achieved. The precision of traffic sign recognition of the algorithm in the fog traffic scene reached 78.5%, the recall rate was 72.2%, and mAP@0.5 was 82.8%.

Characterization and Genome Analysis of the Delftia lacustris Strain LzhVag01 Isolated from Vaginal Discharge.

Delftia has been separated from freshwater, sludge, and soil and has emerged as a novel opportunistic pathogen in the female vagina. However, the genomic characteristics, pathogenicity, and biotechnological properties still need to be comprehensively investigated. In this study, a Delftia strain was isolated from the vaginal discharge of a 43-year-old female with histologically confirmed cervical intraepithelial neoplasm (CIN III), followed by whole-genome sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis and average nucleotide identity (ANI) analysis demonstrated that it belongs to Delftia lacustris, named D. lacustris strain LzhVag01. LzhVag01 was sensitive to ß-lactams, macrolides, and tetracyclines but exhibited resistance to lincoamines, nitroimidazoles, aminoglycosides, and fluoroquinolones. Its genome is a single, circular chromosome of 6,740,460 bp with an average GC content of 66.59%. Whole-genome analysis identified 16 antibiotic resistance-related genes, which match the antimicrobial susceptibility profile of this strain, and 11 potential virulence genes. These pathogenic factors may contribute to its colonization in the vaginal environment and its adaptation and accelerate the progression of cervical cancer. This study sequenced and characterized the whole-genome of Delftia lacustris isolated from vaginal discharge, which provides investigators and clinicians with valuable insights into this uncommon species.

Linewidth Measurement of a Narrow-Linewidth Laser: Principles, Methods, and Systems.

Narrow-linewidth lasers mainly depend on the development of advanced laser linewidth measurement methods for related technological progress as key devices in satellite laser communications, precision measurements, ultra-high-speed optical communications, and other fields. This manuscript provides a theoretical analysis of linewidth characterization methods based on the beat frequency power spectrum and laser phase noise calculations, and elaborates on existing research of measurement technologies. In addition, to address the technical challenges of complex measurement systems that commonly rely on long optical fibers and significant phase noise jitter in the existing research, a short-delay self-heterodyne method based on coherent envelope spectrum demodulation was discussed in depth to reduce the phase jitter caused by 1/f noise. We assessed the performance parameters and testing conditions of different lasers, as well as the corresponding linewidth characterization methods, and analyzed the measurement accuracy and error sources of various methods.

Variability in Chromosome 1 of select Moroccan P. teres f. teres isolates enables isolates to overcome a highly effective barley Chromosome 6H source of resistance.

Barley net form net blotch (NFNB) is a destructive foliar disease caused by Pyrenophora teres f. teres. Barley line CIho5791, which harbors the broadly effective chromosome 6H resistance gene Rpt5, displays dominant resistance to P. teres f. teres. To genetically characterize P. teres f. teres avirulence/virulence on the barley line CIho5791, we generated a P. teres f. teres mapping population using a cross between the Moroccan CIho5791-virulent isolate MorSM40-3, and the avirulent reference isolate 0-1. Full genome sequences were generated for 103 progenies. Saturated chromosome-level genetic maps were generated, and quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping identified two major QTL associated with P. teres f. teres avirulence/virulence on CIho5791. The most significant QTL mapped to chromosome (Ch) 1 where the virulent allele was contributed by MorSM40-3. A second QTL mapped to Ch8; however, this virulent allele was contributed by the avirulent parent 0-1. The Ch1 and Ch8 loci accounted for 27 and 15% of the disease variation, respectively, and the avirulent allele at the Ch1 locus was epistatic over the virulent allele at the Ch8 locus. As a validation, we used a natural P. teres f. teres population in a genome-wide association study that identified the same Ch1 and Ch8 loci. We then generated a new reference quality genome assembly of parental isolate MorSM40-3 with annotation supported by deep transcriptome sequencing of infection time points. The annotation identified candidate genes predicted to encode small, secreted proteins, one or more of which are likely responsible for overcoming the CIho5791 resistance.

Investigating the Sole Olefin-Based Cycle in Small-Cage MCM-35-Catalyzed Methanol-to-Olefins Reactions.

Small-pore zeolites catalyze the methanol-to-olefins (MTO) reaction via a dual-cycle mechanism, encompassing both olefin- and aromatic-based cycles. Zeolite topology is crucial in determining both the catalytic pathway and the product selectivity of the MTO reaction. Herein, we investigate the mechanistic influence of MCM-35 zeolite on the MTO process. The structural properties of the as-synthesized MCM-35 catalyst, including its confined cages (6.19 Å), were characterized, confirming them as the catalytic centers. Then, the MTO reactions were systematically performed and investigated over a MCM-35 catalyst. Feeding pure methanol to the reactor yielded minimal MTO activity despite the formation of some aromatic species within the zeolite. The results suggest that the aromatic-based cycle is entirely suppressed in MCM-35, preventing the simultaneous occurrence of the olefin-based cycle. However, cofeeding a small amount of propene in methanol can obviously enhance the methanol conversion under the same studied reaction conditions. Thus, the exclusive operation of the olefin-based cycle in the MTO reaction, independent of the aromatic-based cycle, was demonstrated in MCM-35 zeolite.

SP1-induced circ_0017552 modulates colon cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis via up-regulation of NET1.

Colon cancer (CC) is a common malignancy over the world and its morbidity and mortality significantly went up in China in recent years. Molecular functions in cancers have gradually been the pivot subject in cancer research. Neuroepithelial cell transforming 1 (NET1) was reported to contribute to prostate cancer and gastric cancer. Our study figured out that NET1 was overexpressed in CC cells. Then, loss-of-function assays revealed that NET1 facilitated CC cell proliferation and repressed CC cell apoptosis. Next, miR-338-3p was confirmed to target NET1. After that, we verified that circ_0017552 which originates from NET1 could positively modulate NET1 expression. Besides, circ_0017552 was a sponge of miR-338-3p. Rescue assays' results demonstrated that circ_0017552 could regulate CC cell proliferation and apoptosis through up-regulation of NET1. A transcription factor named Sp1 (SP1) was found to be present in circ_0017552. SP1 induced transcription of circ_0017552 to facilitate CC cell proliferation and inhibit CC cell apoptosis. In a word, SP1-induced circ_0017552 regulated CC cell proliferation and apoptosis through miR-338-3p/NET1 axis.

Correction: Facile preparation of a Ni-imidazole compound with high activity for ethylene dimerization.

Correction for 'Facile preparation of a Ni-imidazole compound with high activity for ethylene dimerization' by Zhaohui Liu et al., Chem. Commun., 2024, 60, 188-191, https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC04794F.

In vitro biofilm formation of Gardnerella vaginalis and Escherichia coli associated with bacterial vaginosis and aerobic vaginitis.

Objective: To determine the optimum biofilm formation ratio of Gardnerella vaginalis (G. vaginalis) in a mixed culture with Escherichia coli (E. coli). Methods: G. vaginalis ATCC14018, E. coli ATCC25922, as well as five strains of G. vaginalis were selected from the vaginal sources of patients whose biofilm forming capacity was determined by the Crystal Violet method. The biofilm forming capacity of E. coli in anaerobic and non-anaerobic environments were compared using the identical assay. The Crystal Violet method was also used to determine the biofilm forming capacity of a co-culture of G. vaginalis and E. coli in different ratios. After Live/Dead staining, biofilm thickness was measured using confocal laser scanning microscopy, and biofilm morphology was observed by scanning electron microscopy. Results: The biofilm forming capacity of E. coli under anaerobic environment was similar to that in a 5% CO2 environment. The biofilm forming capacity of G. vaginalis and E. coli was stronger at 106:105 CFU/mL than at other ratios (P<0.05). Their thicknesses were greater at 106:105 CFU/mL than at the other ratios, with the exception of 106:102 CFU/mL (P<0.05), under laser scanning microscopy. Scanning electron microscopy revealed increased biofilm formation at 106:105 CFU/mL and 106:102 CFU/mL, but no discernible E. coli was observed at 106:102 CFU/mL. Conclusion: G. vaginalis and E. coli showed the greatest biofilm forming capacity at a concentration of 106:105 CFU/mL at 48 hours and could be used to simulate a mixed infection of bacterial vaginosis and aerobic vaginitis in vitro.

Yi-Shen-Hua-Shi regulates intestinal microbiota dysbiosis and protects against proteinuria in patients with chronic kidney disease: a randomized controlled study.

CONTEXT: Yi-Shen-Hua-Shi (YSHS) is a traditional Chinese medicine that treats chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, its efficacy in reducing proteinuria and underlying mechanisms is unknown. OBJECTIVE: This single-center randomized controlled trial explored whether YSHS could improve proteinuria and modulate the gut microbiota. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 120 CKD patients were enrolled and randomized to receive the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitor plus YSHS (n = 56) or RAAS inhibitor (n = 47) alone for 4 months, and 103 patients completed the study. We collected baseline and follow-up fecal samples and clinical outcomes from participants. Total bacterial DNA was extracted, and the fecal microbiome was analyzed using bioinformatics. RESULTS: Patients in the intervention group had a significantly higher decrease in 24-h proteinuria. After 4 months of the YSHS intervention, the relative abundance of bacteria that have beneficial effects on the body, such as Faecalibacterium, Lachnospiraceae, Lachnoclostridium, and Sutterella increased significantly, while pathogenic bacteria such as the Eggerthella and Clostridium innocuum group decreased. However, we could not find these changes in the control group. Redundancy analysis showed that the decline in 24-h proteinuria during follow-up was significantly correlated with various taxa of gut bacteria, such as Lachnospiraceae and the Lachnoclostridium genus in the YSHS group. KEGG analysis also showed the potential role of YSHS in regulating glycan, lipid, and vitamin metabolism. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The YSHS granule reduced proteinuria associated with mitigating intestinal microbiota dysbiosis in CKD patients. The definite mechanisms of YSHS to improve proteinuria need to be further explored. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR2300076136, retrospectively registered.

E3 ubiquitin ligase UBR5 modulates circadian rhythm by facilitating the ubiquitination and degradation of the key clock transcription factor BMAL1.

The circadian clock is the inner rhythm of life activities and is controlled by a self-sustained and endogenous molecular clock, which maintains a ~ 24 h internal oscillation. As the core element of the circadian clock, BMAL1 is susceptible to degradation through the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS). Nevertheless, scant information is available regarding the UPS enzymes that intricately modulate both the stability and transcriptional activity of BMAL1, affecting the cellular circadian rhythm. In this work, we identify and validate UBR5 as a new E3 ubiquitin ligase that interacts with BMAL1 by using affinity purification, mass spectrometry, and biochemical experiments. UBR5 overexpression induced BMAL1 ubiquitination, leading to diminished stability and reduced protein level of BMAL1, thereby attenuating its transcriptional activity. Consistent with this, UBR5 knockdown increases the BMAL1 protein. Domain mapping discloses that the C-terminus of BMAL1 interacts with the N-terminal domains of UBR5. Similarly, cell-line-based experiments discover that HYD, the UBR5 homolog in Drosophila, could interact with and downregulate CYCLE, the BMAL1 homolog in Drosophila. PER2-luciferase bioluminescence real-time reporting assay in a mammalian cell line and behavioral experiments in Drosophila reveal that UBR5 or hyd knockdown significantly reduces the period of the circadian clock. Therefore, our work discovers a new ubiquitin ligase UBR5 that regulates BMAL1 stability and circadian rhythm and elucidates the underlying molecular mechanism. This work provides an additional layer of complexity to the regulatory network of the circadian clock at the post-translational modification level, offering potential insights into the modulation of the dysregulated circadian rhythm.

Detection accuracy and clinical applications of DP-TOF mass spectrometry.

OBJECTIVE: Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is currently used in clinical microbiology laboratories. This study aimed to determine whether dual-polarity time-of-flight mass spectrometry (DP-TOF MS) could be applied to clinical nucleotide detection. METHODS: This prospective study included 40 healthy individuals and 110 patients diagnosed with cardiovascular diseases. We used DP-TOF MS and Sanger sequencing to evaluate 17 loci across 11 genes associated with cardiovascular drug responses. In addition, we used DP-TOF MS to test 998 retrospectively collected clinical DNA samples with known results. RESULTS: A, T, and G nucleotide detection by DP-TOF MS and Sanger sequencing revealed 100% concordance, whereas the C nucleotide concordance was 99.86%. Genotyping based on the results of the two methods showed 99.96% concordance. Regarding clinical applications, DP-TOF MS yielded a 99.91% concordance rate for known loci. The minimum detection limit for DNA was 0.4 ng; the inter-assay and intra-assay precision rates were both 100%. Anti-interference analysis showed that aerosol contamination greater than 1013 copies/µL in the laboratory environment could influence the results of DP-TOF MS. CONCLUSIONS: The DP-TOF MS platform displayed good detection performance, as demonstrated by its 99.96% concordance rate with Sanger sequencing. Thus, it may be applied to clinical nucleotide detection.

Unveiling the heavy-metal ion critical role in γ-dicalcium silicate: from solidification to early hydration.

The heavy-metal ion critical role in γ-dicalcium silicate (γ-C2S) both in terms of solidification mechanism and hydration is still unclear. In this work, the solidification mechanism and the effect on initiating hydration of these three heavy-metal ions (Ba, Cd, and Cr) in γ-C2S is systemically studied by well-defined ab initio calculations. The calculated results show that the solid solution tendency of ions originates from the charge contribution, and the charge localization caused by the doping of Cr ions weakens the surface water adsorption. These insights will provide theoretical guidance for the low-carbon cement development by γ-C2S.

Full waveform inversion using frequency shift envelope-based global correlation norm for ultrasound computed tomography.

Many studies have been carried out on ultrasound computed tomography (USCT) for its ability to offer quantitative measurements of tissue sound speed. Full waveform inversion (FWI) is a technique for reconstructing high-resolution sound speed images by iteratively minimizing the difference between the observed ultrasound data and the synthetic data based on the waveform equation. However, FWI suffers from cycle-skipping, which usually causes FWI convergence at a local minimum. Cycle-skipping occurs when the phase difference between the observed data and the synthetic data exceeds half a cycle. The simplest way to avoid cycle-skipping is to use low-frequency information for reconstruction. Nevertheless, in imaging systems, the response bandwidth of the probe is limited, and reliable low-frequency information often exceeds the response band. Therefore, it is a challenge to perform FWI imaging and avoid cycle-skipping problems without low-frequency information. In this paper, we propose a frequency shift envelope-based global correlation norm (FSEGCN), where an artificial source wavelet with a lower frequency is adopted to calculate synthetic data. FSEGCN compared with FWI, envelope inversion (EI), global correlation norm (GCN), envelope-based global correlation norm (EGCN) through concentric circle phantom without low-frequency information. The experimental results demonstrated the capability of the proposed method to recover the sound speed close to the exact model in the absence of low-frequency information, whereas FWI, EI, GCN, and EGCN cannot. Experiments on phantoms of the human head and calf show that artificial source wavelets can reduce image artifacts and enhance reconstruction robustness, when original low-frequency information is absent.

Electrocatalytic hydrogenation of acetonitrile to ethylamine in acid.

Electrochemical hydrogenation of acetonitrile based on well-developed proton exchange membrane electrolyzers holds great promise for practical production of ethylamine. However, the local acidic condition of proton exchange membrane results in severe competitive proton reduction reaction and poor selection toward acetonitrile hydrogenation. Herein, we conduct a systematic study to screen various metallic catalysts and discover Pd/C exhibits a 43.8% ethylamine Faradaic efficiency at the current density of 200 mA cm-2 with a specific production rate of 2912.5 mmol g-1 h-1, which is about an order of magnitude higher than the other screened metal catalysts. Operando characterizations indicate the in-situ formed PdHx is the active centers for catalytic reaction and the adsorption strength of the *MeCH2NH2 intermediate dictates the catalytic selectivity. More importantly, the theoretical analysis reveals a classic d-band mediated volcano curve to describe the relation between the electronic structures of catalysts and activity, which could provide valuable insights for designing more effective catalysts for electrochemical hydrogenation reactions and beyond.

Modulator-assisted solvent-free synthesis of amorphous zirconium terephthalate catalyst for efficient oxidative desulfurization.

Oxidative desulfurization (ODS) emerges as a critical player in enhancing efficient fuel desulfurization and promoting sustainable clean energy. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) show great potential as ODS catalysts because of their exceptional porosity and versatility. This study explores the use of amorphous metal-organic frameworks (aMOFs), which combine MOFs' structural advantages with unique properties of amorphous materials, to enhance catalytic efficiency in ODS. Traditional methods for synthesizing MOFs rely on solvent-thermal or solvent-free methods, each with limitations in environmental impact or scalability. To address this, we introduce a novel strategy utilizing a small quantity of benzoic acid (BA) modifier to facilitate the solvent-free, one-pot, mechanical synthesis of amorphous zirconium terephthalate (GU-2BA-3h). The resulting GU-2BA-3h demonstrates exceptional ODS performance, efficiently removing 1000 ppm of dibenzothiophene (DBT) in just 6 min at 60 °C. Amorphous GU-2BA-3h features an expanded external surface area, increased acidic sites, and exceptional stability, resulting in a high turnover frequency (19.6 h-1) and outstanding catalytic activity (53.2 mmol g-1 h-1), establishing it as a highly efficient ODS catalyst. This remarkable performance arises from the formation of dangling carboxyl groups and active metal sites due to the competitive coordination of benzoic acid with the linker. Experimental evidence confirms that these carboxyl groups and exposed Zr-OH sites interact with oxidants, generating hydroxyl radicals that effectively eliminate sulfur-containing compounds. Furthermore, the methodology exhibits universality in constructing amorphous Zr-based MOFs, and provides an eco-friendly, cost-effective route for efficient ODS catalyst production.

Prevalence of Reproductive Tract Infections and Association with Human Papillomavirus Infection Among Reproductive-Age Women - Six Tertiary Hospitals, China, June 2021-December 2022.

What is already known about this topic?: Previous studies have indicated a possible association between reproductive tract infections (RTIs) and high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, but the evidence is still inconclusive. What is added by this report?: This multicenter study found significantly higher positive rates of HPV, including general HPV, high-risk HPV, and HPV 16/18 infections, among women who tested positive for single or multiple RTIs compared to women who tested negative for RTIs in gynecological outpatient clinics. What are the implications for public health practice?: Infection with HPV, especially high-risk types, is linked to RTIs and imbalances in the vaginal microbiota. Implementing standardized protocols for identifying and treating RTIs could support the establishment of a healthy vaginal microenvironment. This, in turn, may offer a novel approach to preventing cervical cancer.

The Hessian fly resistance gene HvRHF1 is localized in an NBS-LRR gene cluster in barley.

Hessian fly (Mayetiola destructor Say) is a significant pest in cereal crops, causing substantial yield losses worldwide. While host resistance is the most efficient method for pest control, research on genetic characterization of Hessian fly resistance in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) has been limited, and the underlying resistance mechanism remains largely unknown. In this study, we conducted fine mapping of a crucial Hessian fly resistance locus, known as HvRHF1, using a biparental population. Assisted with genetic markers and robust phenotyping assay, we pinpointed the HvRHF1 gene to an ~ 82 kb region on chromosome 4H. Gene prediction and annotation revealed that the HvRHF1 locus comprises three complete NBS-LRR genes, which are characteristic of disease resistance genes. As a result, our study not only provides valuable resources for resistance in barley and genetic tools for breeding, but also identifies candidate genes that lay the foundation for cloning HvRHF1. This endeavor will significantly contribute to our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying cereal resistance to Hessian fly.

Association between gene polymorphisms and initial warfarin therapy in patients after heart valve surgery.

BACKGROUND: Warfarin is widely used for the prevention and treatment of thrombotic events. This study aimed to examine the influence of gene polymorphisms on the early stage of warfarin therapy in patients following heart valve surgery. METHODS: Nine single nucleotide polymorphisms were genotyped using microarray chips, categorizing patients into three groups: normal responders (Group I), sensitive responders (Group II), and highly sensitive responders (Group III). The primary clinical outcomes examined were time in therapeutic range (TTR) and international normalized ratio (INR) variability. To investigate potential influencing factors, a generalized linear regression model was employed. RESULTS: Among 734 patients, the prevalence of CYP2C9*3-1075A > C, CYP2C19*3-636G > A, and CYP2C19*17-806C > T variants were 11.2%, 9.9%, and 1.9% of patients, respectively. VKORC1-1639G > A or the linked -1173C > T variant was observed in 99.0% of the patients. Generalized linear model analysis revealed an impact of sensitivity grouping on INR variability. Compared to Group I, Group II showed higher TTR values (p = 0.023), while INR variability was poorer in Group II (p < 0.001) and Group III (p < 0.001). Individual gene analysis identified significant associations between CYP2C9*3-1075A > C (p < 0.001), VKORC1-1639G > A or the linked -1173 C > T (p = 0.009) and GGCX-3261G > A (p = 0.019) with INR variability. CONCLUSION: The genotypes of CYP2C9, VKORC1, and GGCX were found to have a significant impact on INR variability during the initial phase of warfarin therapy. However, no significant association was observed between TTR and gene polymorphisms. These findings suggest that focusing on INR variability is crucial in clinical practice, and preoperative detection of gene polymorphisms should be considered to assist in the initiation of warfarin therapy.