Impact of proton PBS machine operating parameters on the effectiveness of layer rescanning for interplay effect mitigation in lung SBRT treatment.

BACKGROUND: Rescanning is a common technique used in proton pencil beam scanning to mitigate the interplay effect. Advances in machine operating parameters across different generations of particle therapy systems have led to improvements in beam delivery time (BDT). However, the potential impact of these improvements on the effectiveness of rescanning remains an underexplored area in the existing research. METHODS: We systematically investigated the impact of proton machine operating parameters on the effectiveness of layer rescanning in mitigating interplay effect during lung SBRT treatment, using the CIRS phantom. Focused on the Hitachi synchrotron particle therapy system, we explored machine operating parameters from our institution's current (2015) and upcoming systems (2025A and 2025B). Accumulated dynamic 4D dose were reconstructed to assess the interplay effect and layer rescanning effectiveness. RESULTS: Achieving target coverage and dose homogeneity within 2% deviation required 6, 6, and 20 times layer rescanning for the 2015, 2025A, and 2025B machine parameters, respectively. Beyond this point, further increasing the number of layer rescanning did not further improve the dose distribution. BDTs without rescanning were 50.4, 24.4, and 11.4 s for 2015, 2025A, and 2025B, respectively. However, after incorporating proper number of layer rescanning (six for 2015 and 2025A, 20 for 2025B), BDTs increased to 67.0, 39.6, and 42.3 s for 2015, 2025A, and 2025B machine parameters. Our data also demonstrated the potential problem of false negative and false positive if the randomness of the respiratory phase at which the beam is initiated is not considered in the evaluation of interplay effect. CONCLUSION: The effectiveness of layer rescanning for mitigating interplay effect is affected by machine operating parameters. Therefore, past clinical experiences may not be applicable to modern machines.

Nicotine information disclosed online by e-cigarette brands popular with young people.

INTRODUCTION: E-cigarette use is most prevalent among adolescents and young adults - and there are often misperceptions about product risk. The purpose of this study was to determine what nicotine information is provided on e-cigarette brand websites. METHODS: Based on national and local surveys, we identified 44 e-cigarette brands commonly used in the US by adolescents and young adults. For each of these brands, their associated websites were analyzed for disclosed nicotine information. Specifically, for each brand's website, we coded whether there was information on nicotine concentration (recorded if a numerical value was provided such as '5% nicotine'), nicotine form (free-base, nicotine salts, or not stated), and nicotine type (tobacco-derived, synthetically derived, or not stated). Coding allowed for both lay (e.g. 'nic salts') as well as scientific (e.g. 'isomers') terms. RESULTS: Of the 44 brands examined, all provided basic information on nicotine concentration (e.g. '5% nicotine'). However, 23% of brands did not disclose information on nicotine form (i.e. nicotine salt vs free-base), and 66% of brands did not disclose information on nicotine type (i.e. synthetic vs tobacco-derived). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, these results suggest that the e-cigarette industry is not fully informing its consumers about the nicotine in their products. Given that nicotine form and type have implications for e-cigarette addiction potential, these findings highlight a public health concern. There is a need for more comprehensive national regulations for mandating product constituents and emissions disclosures.

NIBR-LTSi is a selective LATS kinase inhibitor activating YAP signaling and expanding tissue stem cells in vitro and in vivo.

The YAP/Hippo pathway is an organ growth and size regulation rheostat safeguarding multiple tissue stem cell compartments. LATS kinases phosphorylate and thereby inactivate YAP, thus representing a potential direct drug target for promoting tissue regeneration. Here, we report the identification and characterization of the selective small-molecule LATS kinase inhibitor NIBR-LTSi. NIBR-LTSi activates YAP signaling, shows good oral bioavailability, and expands organoids derived from several mouse and human tissues. In tissue stem cells, NIBR-LTSi promotes proliferation, maintains stemness, and blocks differentiation in vitro and in vivo. NIBR-LTSi accelerates liver regeneration following extended hepatectomy in mice. However, increased proliferation and cell dedifferentiation in multiple organs prevent prolonged systemic LATS inhibition, thus limiting potential therapeutic benefit. Together, we report a selective LATS kinase inhibitor agonizing YAP signaling and promoting tissue regeneration in vitro and in vivo, enabling future research on the regenerative potential of the YAP/Hippo pathway.

CPT1A mediates the succinylation of SP5 which activates transcription of PDPK1 to promote the viability and glycolysis of prostate cancer cells.

Succinylation modification involves in the progression of human cancers. The present study aimed to investigate the role of CPT1A, which is a succinyltransferase in the progression of prostate cancer (PCa). CCK-8 was used to detect the cell viability. Seahorse was performed to evaluate the cell glycolysis. Luciferase assay was used to detect the transcriptional regulation. ChIP was performed to assess the binding between transcriptional factors with the promoters. Co-IP was used to assess the binding between proteins. We found that CPT1A was highly expressed in PCa tissues and cell lines. Silencing of CPT1A inhibited the viability and glycolysis of PCa cells. Mechanistically, CPT1A promoted the succinylation of SP5, which strengthened the binding between SP5 and the promoter of PDPK1. SP5 activated PDPK1 transcription and PDPK1 activated the AKT/mTOR signal pathway. These findings might provide novel targets for the diagnosis or therapy of prostate cancer.

Distribution and analysis of subacromial spurs and the relationship with acromial classification and angle in healthy individuals.

BACKGROUND: Subacromial spurs are considered the one of the pathology underlying shoulder impingement syndrome. Furthermore, few studies have focused on the morphology of the subacromial spurs in normal Chinese people. This study aimed to study the spur distribution and to illustrate the morphology of spurs, which may help guide the extent of acromioplasty. METHODS: A total of 93 normal individuals were enrolled, and both shoulders of all enrolled individuals were analyzed. The subjects were divided and classified into three different groups by ages: group I = 18-40 years, group II = 41-60 years, and group III ≥ 61 years. The osteophyte distribution, osteophyte area, subacromial surface area and osteophyte area/subacromial surface area ratio were measured and illustrated using Mimics and 3-matic software. The shape of the acromion was classified according to the Bigliani and Morrison classification system. The acromial angle was also classified. Then, the relationship between osteophytes, acromial classification and acromial angle was analyzed. RESULTS: Type II (curved shape) was the most common type of acromion, and the hooked shape was a rare form. A significant increase in the left subacromial surface area in males was observed in group III compared with group I (P < 0.001) and group II (P = 0.004). The total spur/subacromial area ratio was significantly higher in group II than I. An obvious increase in the right subacromial area was observed in group III compared with group I (P = 0.004). Furthermore, there was a significant increase in the right spur area (P = 0.021) and total spur/subacromial area ratio (P = 0.006) in females in group II compared with group I. Fewer spurs were observed on the left than on the right side (p = 0.0482). One spur was most common among type II acromions (29/36) (80.56%) on the left side and the right side (34/52, 65.38%). CONCLUSIONS: Spurs osteophytes are mainly distributed with an irregular shape and mostly run through the medial and lateral sides of the subacromial surface in normal subjects. The characteristics of subacromial spurs are so diverse that a surgeon must conduct subacromial decompression completely based on the morphology of individual spurs.

Hydrogen-Bonded Complex of the Parent Phosphinidene.

The diatomic molecule PH is very reactive, and it serves as the parent compound for phosphinidenes featuring a monovalent phosphorus atom. Herein, we report the characterization and reactivity of a rare hydrogen-bonded complex of PH. Specifically, the molecular complex between PH and HCl has been generated by photolysis of chlorophosphine (H2 PCl) at 254 nm in a solid Ar-matrix at 10 K. The IR spectrum of the complex HP⋅⋅⋅HCl and quantum chemical calculations at the UCCSD(T)-F12a/haTZ level consistently prove that the phosphorus atom acts as a hydrogen bond acceptor with a binding energy (D0 ) of -0.6 kcal mol-1 . In line with the observed absorption at 341 nm for the binary complex, the triplet phosphinidene PH undergoes prototype H-Cl bond insertion by reformation of H2 PCl upon photoexcitation at 365 nm. However, this hydrogen-bonded complex is unstable in the presence of N2 and HCl, as both molecules prefers stronger interactions with HCl than PH in the observed complexes HP⋅⋅⋅HCl⋅⋅⋅N2 and HP⋅⋅⋅2HCl.

So close, yet so far away: the relationship between MAM and cardiac disease.

Mitochondria-associated membrane (MAM) serve as crucial contact sites between mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Recent research has highlighted the significance of MAM, which serve as a platform for various protein molecules, in processes such as calcium signaling, ATP production, mitochondrial structure and function, and autophagy. Cardiac diseases caused by any reason can lead to changes in myocardial structure and function, significantly impacting human health. Notably, MAM exhibits various regulatory effects to maintain cellular balance in several cardiac diseases conditions, such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, and cardiotoxicity. MAM proteins independently or interact with their counterparts, forming essential tethers between the ER and mitochondria in cardiomyocytes. This review provides an overview of key MAM regulators, detailing their structure and functions. Additionally, it explores the connection between MAM and various cardiac injuries, suggesting that precise genetic, pharmacological, and physical regulation of MAM may be a promising strategy for preventing and treating heart failure.

Adaptive Online Learning and Robust 3-D Shape Servoing of Continuum and Soft Robots in Unstructured Environments.

In this article, we present a novel and generic data-driven method to servo-control the 3-D shape of continuum and soft robots based on proprioceptive sensing feedback. Developments of 3-D shape perception and control technologies are crucial for continuum and soft robots to perform tasks autonomously in surgical interventions. However, owing to the nonlinear properties of continuum robots, one main difficulty lies in the modeling of them, especially for soft robots with variable stiffness. To address this problem, we propose a versatile learning-based adaptive shape controller by leveraging proprioception of 3-D configuration from fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors, which can online estimate the unknown model of continuum robot against unexpected disturbances and exhibit an adaptive behavior to the unmodeled system without priori data exploration. Based on a new composite adaptation algorithm, the asymptotic convergences of the closed-loop system with learning parameters have been proven by Lyapunov theory. To validate the proposed method, we present a comprehensive experimental study using two continuum and soft robots both integrated with multicore FBGs, including a robotic-assisted colonoscope and multisection extensible soft manipulators. The results demonstrate the feasibility, adaptability, and superiority of our controller in various unstructured environments, as well as phantom experiments.

An Enzyme-responsive Porphyrin Metal-organic Framework Nanosystem for Targeted and Enhanced Synergistic Cancer Photo-chemo Therapy.

BACKGROUND: The clinical efficiency of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in combination with chemotherapy has proven to be a promising strategy for tumor treatment, yet is restricted by the high glutathione (GSH) concentration at the tumor site and nonspecific drug targeting. OBJECTIVE: The goal of the current research was to create a biocompatible GSH-depleting and tumor- targeting nanoparticle (denoted as DOX/CA@PCN-224@HA) for the combined photodynamic and chemo photo-chemo) therapy. METHODS: The nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). A UV-vis spectrophotometer was used to measure the drug loading efficiency (DE) and encapsulation efficiency (EE). The GSH-depleting ability was measured using Ellman's test. Confocal laser scan microscopy (CLSM) was used to assess the cellular uptake. MTT was adopted to evaluate the cytotoxicity of DOX/CA@PCN-224@HA against 4T1 cells. RESULTS: The altered PCN-224 showed excellent monodispersing with a dimension of approximately 193 nm ± 2 nm in length and 79 nm ± 3 nm in width. The larger and spindle grid-like structure of PCN-224 obtains better dual-drug loading ability (DOX: 20.58% ± 2.60%, CA: 21.81% ± 1.98%) compared with other spherical PCN-224 nanoparticles. The ultimate cumulative drug release rates with hyaluronidase (HAase) were 74% ± 1% (DOX) and 45% ± 2% (CA) after 72 h. DOX/CA@PCN-224@HA showed GSH-consuming capability, which could improve the PDT effect. The drug-loaded nanoparticles could accurately target 4T1 cells through biological evaluations. Moreover, the released DOX and CA display cooperative effects on 4T1 cells in vitro. DOX/CA@PCN-224@HA nanoparticles showed inhibition against 4T1 cells with an IC50 value of 2.71 µg mL-1. CONCLUSION: This nanosystem displays great potential for tumor-targeted enhanced (photo-chemo) therapy.

Optimal insertion site for ultrasound-guided radial artery catheterization utilizing the dynamic needle tip positioning technique: A prospective randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: The dynamic needle tip positioning technique represents an advanced version of the short-axis out-of-plane ultrasound-guided approach employed for radial artery catheterization. The study aimed to explore the most effective insertion site capable of expeditiously and accurately executing the procedure in a clinical setting. METHODS: A prospective randomized controlled study encompassed 246 elective surgery patients necessitating invasive arterial monitoring. Participants were randomly assigned to three distinct groups: Site 1 (targeting the radial styloid process), Site 2 (midway between Sites 1 and 3), and Site 3 (distal one-third of the forearm). The dynamic needle tip positioning technique was implemented across all groups. Crucial parameters, such as first-attempt success rate, time to success, overall success rate, total catheterization time, number of attempts, and complications, were meticulously documented and compared. RESULTS: The Site 2 cohort presented a significantly heightened first-attempt success rate compared to Site 1 (97.5% vs 80%, p = 0.003) and Site 3 (97.5% vs 81.25%, p = 0.006). Moreover, Site 2 displayed a reduced time to success in contrast to Site 1 (31.5 vs 38, p = 0.003) and Site 3 (31.5 vs 40, p = 0.006). Total catheterization time was significantly shorter in Site 2 compared to Site 1 (32 vs 42.5, p < 0.001) and Site 3 (32 vs 43.5, p < 0.001). Site 2 necessitated fewer attempts than Site 1 (p = 0.02) and Site 3 (p = 0.03). Male gender and puncture at Site 2 were associated with expedited time to success. Adverse events manifested more frequently in the Site 3 group compared to the Site 1 group (15% vs 3.75%, p = 0.03) and the Site 2 group (15% vs 2.5%, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The optimal insertion site for ultrasound-guided radial artery catheterization utilizing the dynamic needle tip positioning technique in adult patients is situated midway between the radial styloid process and the distal one-third of the forearm.

Building Feedback-Regulation System Through Atomic Design for Highly Active SO2 Sensing.

Reasonably constructing an atomic interface is pronouncedly essential for surface-related gas-sensing reaction. Herein, we present an ingenious feedback-regulation system by changing the interactional mode between single Pt atoms and adjacent S species for high-efficiency SO2 sensing. We found that the single Pt sites on the MoS2 surface can induce easier volatilization of adjacent S species to activate the whole inert S plane. Reversely, the activated S species can provide a feedback role in tailoring the antibonding-orbital electronic occupancy state of Pt atoms, thus creating a combined system involving S vacancy-assisted single Pt sites (Pt-Vs) to synergistically improve the adsorption ability of SO2 gas molecules. Furthermore, in situ Raman, ex situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy testing and density functional theory analysis demonstrate the intact feedback-regulation system can expand the electron transfer path from single Pt sites to whole Pt-MoS2 supports in SO2 gas atmosphere. Equipped with wireless-sensing modules, the final Pt1-MoS2-def sensors array can further realize real-time monitoring of SO2 levels and cloud-data storage for plant growth. Such a fundamental understanding of the intrinsic link between atomic interface and sensing mechanism is thus expected to broaden the rational design of highly effective gas sensors.

Demographic and Behavioral Differences Between Adolescents and Young Adults Who Use E-Cigarettes at Low and High Frequency.

BACKGROUND: Among adolescents and young adults (AYAs), "current use" of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) is commonly defined as any use in the past 30 days. However, few studies have examined differences among those within this broad category. This study examined characteristics of AYAs who used e-cigarettes at a low frequency (within the last 3 months but <6 days out of the past 30 days) and those who used e-cigarettes at a high frequency (6+ days out of the past 30 days). METHODS: We conducted cross-sectional analyses among 551 Ohio AYAs (15- to 24-year-olds) who reported using an e-cigarette to vape nicotine in the past 3 months. We used descriptive statistics and logistic regression to characterize those using e-cigarettes at a low frequency and a high frequency. RESULTS: Among our sample of AYAs who reported past 3-month e-cigarette use, about half (50.8%) reported using an e-cigarette 6 or more days out of the past 30 days (ie, high frequency). In the multivariable analysis, reported nicotine dependence (Odds Ratio [OR]: 7.0, 95% CI: 4.8, 10.3) and current other tobacco product use (OR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.1, 2.9) were associated with high-frequency e-cigarette use. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that frequency of use is an important characteristic in understanding AYA e-cigarette use. Any use in the past 30 days may not be sensitive enough to understand dependence and tobacco-use behaviors. Further characterizing "current" e-cigarette use by frequency of use may provide meaningful information for public health professionals to better target intervention and cessation efforts to AYAs.

GLORI for absolute quantification of transcriptome-wide m6A at single-base resolution.

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant posttranscriptional chemical modification in mRNA, involved in regulating various physiological and pathological processes throughout mRNA metabolism. Recently, we developed GLORI, a sequencing method that enables the production of a globally absolute-quantitative m6A map at single-base resolution. Our technique utilizes the glyoxal- and nitrite-based chemical reaction, which selectively deaminates unmethylated adenosines while leaving m6A intact. The RNA library can then be prepared using a modified library construction protocol from enhanced UV crosslinking and immunoprecipitation (eCLIP) or commercial kits. Here we provide a detailed protocol for proper RNA sample handling and provide further guidelines for the use of a tailored bioinformatics pipeline (GLORI-tools) for subsequent data analysis. Compared with current methods, this new method is both exceptionally sensitive and robust, capable of identifying ~80,000 m6A sites with 50 Gb sequencing data in mammalian cells. It also provides a quantitative readout for m6A sites at single-base resolution. We hope the technique will provide a precise and unbiased tool for investigating m6A biology across various fields. Basic expertise in molecular biology and knowledge of bioinformatics are required for the protocol. The entire procedure can be completed within a week, with the library construction process taking ~4 d.

[Retracted] Shengxian decoction decreases doxorubicin­induced cardiac apoptosis by regulating the TREM1/NF­κB signaling pathway.

Following the publication of this paper, it was drawn to the Editor's attention by a concerned reader that the majority of the Histone H3 control western blotting data featured in Figs. 2D and 4C were strikingly similar to data appearing in different form in other articles written by different authors at different research institutes. Owing to the fact that the contentious data in the above article had already been published elsewhere prior to its submission to Molecular Medicine Reports, the Editor has decided that this paper should be retracted from the Journal. The authors were asked for an explanation to account for these concerns, but the Editorial Office did not receive a reply. The Editor apologizes to the readership for any inconvenience caused. [Molecular Medicine Reports 23: 219, 2021; DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.11858].

The Pupa Stage Is the Most Sensitive to Hypoxia in Drosophila melanogaster.

Hypoxia not only plays a critical role in multiple disease conditions; it also influences the growth and development of cells, tissues and organs. To identify novel hypoxia-related mechanisms involved in cell and tissue growth, studying a precise hypoxia-sensitive time window can be an effective approach. Drosophila melanogaster has been a useful model organism for studying a variety of conditions, and we focused in this study on the life cycle stages of Drosophila to investigate their hypoxia sensitivity. When normoxia-grown flies were treated with 4% O2 at the pupa stage for 3, 2 and 1 day/s, the eclosion rates were 6.1%, 66.7% and 96.4%, respectively, and, when 4% O2 was kept for the whole pupa stage, this regimen was lethal. Surprisingly, when our hypoxia-adapted flies who normally live in 4% O2 were treated with 4% O2 at the pupa stage, no fly eclosed. Within the pupa stage, the pupae at 2 and 3 days after pupae formation (APF), when treated for 2 days, demonstrated 12.5 ± 8.5% and 23.6 ± 1.6% eclosion, respectively, but this was completely lethal when treated for 3 days. We conclude that pupae, at 2 days APF and for a duration of a minimum of 2 days, were the most sensitive to hypoxia. Our data from our hypoxia-adapted flies clearly indicate that epigenetic factors play a critical role in pupa-stage hypoxia sensitivity.

The Association Between the License Fee Increase and the Density of Tobacco Retailers in California-A Segmented Interrupted Time-Series Analysis by Income and Race/Ethnicity.

INTRODUCTION: On May 9, 2016, the State of California passed a law to increase the licensing fee for tobacco retailers from a one-time-only fee of $100 to an annual fee of $265, effective on June 9, 2016. This study investigates the association between this fee increase and retailer densities by neighborhood income and race/ethnicity characteristics. METHODS: We obtained quarterly data on the number of active tobacco retailer licenses from 2011 to 2020 in every zip code in California from the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. These data were then linked to zip code-level income, race/ethnicity, and population measures. We used a single-group segmented interrupted time-series analysis to assess the association between the increase in licensing fees and retailer densities by neighborhood income and race/ethnicity. RESULTS: After the implementation of the annual licensing fees, the retailer density decreased both immediately and gradually. Specifically, the retailer density dropped by 0.47 in the first quarter following the intervention. Compared to the pre-intervention time trend, the retailer density decreased quarterly by 0.05. Furthermore, the impacts of increasing licensing fees were more pronounced in low-income and the majority Black zip codes. CONCLUSIONS: Given that higher smoking prevalence is associated with greater tobacco outlet density, the licensing fee increase could be an effective policy tool to reduce tobacco use among economically disadvantaged and minority Black communities, thereby addressing tobacco-use disparities. IMPLICATIONS: This study used the single-group segmented interrupted time-series analysis to assess the association between the licensing fee increase and tobacco retailer densities by neighborhood income and race/ethnicity. We found that this licensing fee increase was associated with reduced retailer densities and the total number of active retailers right after the implementation. We further found that the annual licensing fee policy had a continuous effect in reducing tobacco retailer densities in all zip codes. The impacts of increasing licensing fees were more pronounced in low-income and majority of Black zip codes.

Systematics of deep-sea starfish order Brisingida (Echinodermata: Asteroidea), with a revised classification and assessments of morphological characters.

Brisingida Fisher 1928 is one of the seven currently recognised starfish orders, and one of the least known taxa as being exclusive deep-sea inhabitants. Modern deep-sea expeditions revealed their common occurrences in various deep-sea settings including seamounts, basins and hydrothermal vent peripheral, underlining the necessity of clarifying their global diversity and phylogeny. In this study, we present a comprehensive molecular phylogeny of Brisingida which encompasses the highest taxonomic diversity to date. DNA sequences (COI, 16S, 12S and 28S) were obtained from 225 specimens collected in the global ocean, identified as 58 species spanning 15 of the 17 extant genera. Phylogenetic relationship was inferred using both maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference methods, revealing polyphyletic families and genera and indicating nonnegligible bias in prior morphology-based systematics. Based on the new phylogeny, a novel classification of the order, consisting of 5 families and 17 genera, is proposed. Families Odinellidae, Brisingasteridae and Novodiniidae (sensu Clark and Mah, 2001) were resurrected to encompass the genera Odinella, Brisingaster and Novodinia. Brisingidae and Freyellidae were revised to include 11 and 3 genera, respectively. A new genus and species, two new subgenera and seven new combinations are described and a key to each genus and family is provided. Transformations of morphological traits were evaluated under the present phylogenetic hypothesis. A series of paedomorphic characters were found in many genera and species, which led to a high degree of homoplasy across phylogenetically distant groups. Our results provide new insights in the phylogeny and ontogeny of the order, and highlight the necessity to evaluate character convergence under sound phylogenetic hypothesis.

Phosphinidenes: Fundamental Properties and Reactivity.

Phosphinidenes are heavy congeners of nitrenes that have been broadly used as in situ reagents in synthetic phosphorus chemistry and also serve as versatile ligands in coordination with transition metals. However, the detection of free phosphinidenes is largely challenged by their high reactivity and also the lack of suitable synthetic methods, rendering the knowledge about the fundamental properties of this class of low-valent phosphorus compounds limited. Recently, an increasing number of free phosphinidenes bearing prototype structural and bonding properties have been prepared for the first time, thus enabling the exploration of their distinct reactivity from the nitrene analogues. This Concept article will discuss the experimental approaches for the generation of the highly unstable phosphinidenes and highlight their distinct reactivity from the nitrogen analogues so as to stimuate future studies about their potential applications in phosphorus chemistry.

Construction of an acute myeloid leukemia prognostic model based on m6A-related efferocytosis-related genes.

Background: One of the most prevalent hematological system cancers is acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Efferocytosis-related genes (ERGs) and N6-methyladenosine (m6A) have an important significance in the progression of cancer, and the metastasis of tumors. Methods: The AML-related data were collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA; TCGA-AML) database and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO; GSE9476, GSE71014, and GSE13159) database. The "limma" R package and Venn diagram were adopted to identify differentially expressed ERGs (DE-ERGs). The m6A related-DE-ERGs were obtained by Spearman analysis. Subsequently, univariate Cox and Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) were used to construct an m6A related-ERGs risk signature for AML patients. The possibility of immunotherapy for AML was explored. The pRRophetic package was adopted to calculate the IC50 of drugs for the treatment of AML. Finally, the expression of characterized genes was validated by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR). Results: Based on m6A related-DE-ERGs, a prognostic model with four characteristic genes (UCP2, DOCK1, SLC14A1, and SLC25A1) was constructed. The risk score of model was significantly associated with the immune microenvironment of AML, with four immune cell types, 14 immune checkpoints, 20 HLA family genes and, immunophenoscore (IPS) all showing differences between the high- and low-risk groups. A total of 56 drugs were predicted to differ between the two groups, of which Erlotinib, Dasatinib, BI.2536, and bortezomib have been reported to be associated with AML treatment. The qRT-PCR results showed that the expression trends of DOCK1, SLC14A1 and SLC25A1 were consistent with the bioinformatics analysis. Conclusion: In summary, 4 m6A related- ERGs were identified and the corresponding prognostic model was constructed for AML patients. This prognostic model effectively stratified the risk of AML patients.

An Edge Transfer Learning Approach for Calibrating Soil Electrical Conductivity Sensors.

Smart agriculture utilizes Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to enable low-cost electrical conductivity (EC) sensors to support farming intelligence. Due to aging and changes in weather and soil conditions, EC sensors are prone to long-term drift over years of operation. Therefore, regular recalibration is necessary to ensure data accuracy. In most existing solutions, an EC sensor is calibrated by using the standard sensor to build the calibration table. This paper proposes SensorTalk3, an ensemble approach of machine learning models including XGBOOST and Random Forest, which can be executed at an edge device (e.g., Raspberry Pi) without GPU acceleration. Our study indicates that the soil information (both temperature and moisture sensor data) plays an important role in SensorTalk3, which significantly outperforms the existing calibration approaches. The MAPE of SensorTalk3 can be as low as 1.738%, compared to the 7.792% error of the original sensor. Our study indicates that when the errors of uncalibrated moisture and temperature sensors are not larger than 8.3%, SensorTalk3 can accurately calibrate EC. SensorTalk3 can perform model training during data collection at the edge node. When all training data are collected, AI training is also finished at the edge node. Such an AI training approach has not been found in existing edge AI approaches. We also proposed the dual-sensor detection solution to determine when to conduct recalibration. The overhead of this solution is less than twice the optimal detection scenario (which cannot be achieved practically). If the two non-standard sensors are homogeneous and stable, then the optimal detection scenario can be approached. Conventional methods require training calibration AI models in the cloud. However, SensorTalk3 introduces a significant advancement by enabling on-site transfer learning in the edge node. Given the abundance of farming sensors deployed in the fields, performing local transfer learning using low-cost edge nodes proves to be a more cost-effective solution for farmers.