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Modeling and control of functional electrical stimulation cycling training system
Analysis of NS2-dependent effects on influenza PB1 segment extends replication requirements beyond the canonical promoter
Abstract Influenza A virus encodes conserved promoter sequences. Using minimal replication assays—transfections with viral polymerase, nucleoprotein, and a genomic template—these sequences were identified as 13nt at the 5’ end of the genomic RNA (U13) and 12nt at the 3’ end (U12). Other than the fourth 3’ nucleotide, the U12 and U13 sequences are identical between all eight RNA molecules of the segmented influenza A genome. However, individual segments can exhibit different dynamics during infection. Influenza NS2, which modulates transcription and replication differentially between genomic segments, may provide an explanation. Here, we assess how internal sequences of two genomic segments, HA and PB1, contribute to NS2-dependent replication and map such interactions down to individual nucleotides in PB1. We find that the expression of NS2 significantly alters sequence requirements for efficient replication beyond the identical U12 and U13 sequences, providing a potential mechanism for segment-specific replication dynamics across the influenza genome.
Hybrid prediction method for solar photovoltaic power generation using normal cloud parrot optimization algorithm integrated with extreme learning machine
A rational multi-target combination strategy for synergistic improvement of non-ribosomal peptide production
Integrated bioinformatics investigation and experimental validation reveals the clinical and biological significance of chromobox family in breast cancer
The association between variation of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and post-thrombolysis early neurological outcomes in patients with stroke of different TOAST classification
Abstract Recent studies have shown that the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) can predict short-term and long-term outcomes in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients. However, the relationship of the variation of NLR (ΔNLR) with hemorrhage transformation (HT) and early neurological improvement (ENI) after intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the impact of ΔNLR on HT and ENI at 24 h post-IVT and its association with different TOAST classifications. AIS patients undergoing IVT between October 2021 and October 2023 were enrolled and classified by TOAST criteria. Patients were grouped based on the presence or absence of HT and ENI. Our study demonstrated that both HT and ENI were associated with ΔNLR, which was an independent influencing factor for HT and ENI following IVT. Specifically, the ΔNLR in the small artery occlusion (SAO) group was higher than that in the minor stroke of large artery atherosclerosis (LAA) subtype. Thus, ΔNLR may serve as a useful biomarker to assist in diagnosis and monitor the outcomes of thrombolytic therapy in AIS patients.
A study of rare earth elements enriched carbonisation material prepared from Dicranopteris pedata biomass grown in mining area
Research on the evaluation model of emergency rescue capability of coal mine water penetration accident
Transport and thermoelectric properties of bernal stacked bilayer graphene due to lattice vibrations and magnetic field
Human nasal turbinate stem cells with specific gene signatures (HAS2, CXCL1, KRTAP1-5, GSTT2B, and C4B) attenuate rheumatoid arthritis
Multi-scale modelling of battery cooling systems for grid frequency regulation with high C-rate amplitude and non-uniform cell heat generation
Optimizing eco-friendly jewelry design through an integrated eco-innovation approach using artificial neural networks
Quantifying the non-isomorphism of global urban road networks using GNNs and graph kernels
Innovative application of graphene nanoplatelet-based ionanofluids as heat transfer fluid in hybrid photovoltaic-thermal solar collectors
Bio-electro-fenton system assisted with metal–organic framework for degradation of bis-phenol S in wastewater as an emerging contaminant
Renalase levels are decreased in maternal blood and placental tissues in pregnancies associated with preterm preeclampsia
Uncovering the mechanism of Huangkui capsule in the treatment of diabetic kidney disease based on network pharmacology and experimental validation
Primary astrocytes as a cellular depot of polystyrene nanoparticles
Abstract The continuous increase in plastic production has resulted in increased generation of microplastic particles (MPs), and nanoplastic particles (NPs). Recent evidence suggests that nanoplastics may be a potent neurotoxin because they are able to freely cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the brain. Therefore, the cytotoxic effects of polystyrene nanoparticles (PS-NPs) on cellular systems of cerebral origin should be thoroughly investigated. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the cytotoxic potential of 25 nm PS-NPs on in vitro cultured cells such as primary astrocytes, neurons and their co-cultures established from the cerebral cortex of Wistar pups. The results show that PS-NPs are internalized in both neurons and astrocytes, inducing time- and concentration-dependent cytotoxic effects. However, quantification of fluorescence intensity indicates cell type-dependent differences in the efficiency of PS-NPs uptake. Astrocytes are several times more efficient at accumulating PS-NPs than neurons, and this is a phagocytosis-dependent process. Moreover, the high rate of PS-NPs internalization during prolonged exposure (72 h) promotes astroglial activation, as assessed by analysis of GFAP expression and immunocytochemical imaging. The results show that astroglia act as a cellular depot of PS-NPs to protect neurons. However, once the critical threshold is exceeded, astroglia become overactivated and can lose their protective functions. These results highlight the importance of further research on the mechanisms underlying nanoplastic-induced cellular toxicity, which may have implications for understanding the broader impact of plastic pollution on neurological functions.
Assessing hydrogen as an alternative fuel for rail transport – a case study
Abstract Diesel trains play a vital role in the UK’s rail passenger transport. Despite efforts to expand electrification, over 10% of the UK’s rail routes will remain non-electrified. To reduce emissions and phase out diesel trains by 2040, the UK rail network is actively exploring alternative fuels. This paper presents a comprehensive technical, economic, and environmental analysis of converting diesel trains to hydrogen-powered trains using a hydrogen combustion engine for the first time. A simulation-based methodology has been developed to assess train performance, fuel consumption, and emissions for both hydrogen and diesel engines. The developed methodology has been validated by comparing the predictions against the available experimental data and a very good agreement has been obtained. A case study involving British Class 195 diesel-powered regional trains on the Manchester Airport to Barrow-in-Furness route is analysed. The simulation results show that hydrogen-powered trains achieve zero carbon emissions and exhibit similar NOx emissions to diesel, with a similar performance. Over the train’s 30-year lifespan, green hydrogen can reduce CO2-equivalent emissions by up to 187.4 kt. The study clearly demonstrates that hydrogen combustion engines offer a practical, mid-term solution for decarbonizing regional rail, with much lower conversion costs compared with fuel cell technology.