Interactive design generation and optimization from generative adversarial networks in spatial computing.

This paper focuses on exploring the application possibilities and optimization problems of Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) in spatial computing to improve design efficiency and creativity and achieve a more intelligent design process. A method for icon generation is proposed, and a basic architecture for icon generation is constructed. A system with generation and optimization capabilities is constructed to meet various requirements in spatial design by introducing the concept of interactive design and the characteristics of requirement conditions. Next, the generated icons can effectively maintain diversity and innovation while meeting the conditional features by integrating multi-feature recognition modules into the discriminator and optimizing the structure of conditional features. The experiment uses publicly available icon datasets, including LLD-Icon and Icons-50. The icon shape generated by the model proposed here is more prominent, and the color of colored icons can be more finely controlled. The Inception Score (IS) values under different models are compared, and it is found that the IS value of the proposed model is 7.05, which is higher than that of other GAN models. The multi-feature icon generation model based on Auxiliary Classifier GANs performs well in presenting multiple feature representations of icons. After introducing multi-feature recognition modules into the network model, the peak error of the recognition network is only 2.000 in the initial stage, while the initial error of the ordinary GAN without multi-feature recognition modules is as high as 5.000. It indicates that the improved model effectively helps the discriminative network recognize the core information of icon images more quickly. The research results provide a reference basis for achieving more efficient and innovative interactive space design.

Visible-Light Photocatalytic Overall Water Splitting on a B4C3/CxNy Z-Scheme Heterojunction: Role of Ultrafast Carrier Recombination-Transfer Kinetics.

Herein, combining density functional theory (DFT) calculations with nonadiabatic molecular dynamics (NAMD), we built a computational framework to rationally screen from a series of 2D conjugated carbon nitrides (CNs) to match with B4C3, resulting in the excellent direct Z-scheme photocatalyst (B4C3/C6N6) for overall water splitting (OWS). Studies on interface engineering and ultrafast dynamics of carrier recombination-transfer show that in the B4C3/C6N6 system, compared with the slower interlayer migration process of carriers, strong nonadiabatic coupling and longer quantum decoherence time accelerates weak carrier interlayer recombination on a subpicosecond time scale, enabling simultaneous triggering of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) with ΔG = -0.23 eV and spontaneous oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in the absence of sacrificial or cocatalysts. In general, our work will promote the design of efficient direct Z-scheme photocatalysts from an ultrafast dynamics perspective.

Clinicopathological characteristics, molecular landscape, and biomarker landscape for predicting the efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in Chinese population with mismatch repair deficient urothelial carcinoma: a real-world study.

Urothelial carcinoma (UC) with deficient mismatch repair (dMMR) is a specific subtype of UC characterized by the loss of mismatch repair (MMR) proteins and its association with Lynch syndrome (LS). However, comprehensive real-world data on the incidence, clinicopathological characteristics, molecular landscape, and biomarker landscape for predicting the efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in the Chinese patients with dMMR UC remains unknown. We analyzed 374 patients with bladder urothelial carcinoma (BUC) and 232 patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) using tissue microarrays, immunohistochemistry, and targeted next-generation sequencing. Results showed the incidence of dMMR UC was higher in the upper urinary tract than in the bladder. Genomic analysis identified frequent mutations in KMT2D and KMT2C genes and LS was confirmed in 53.8% of dMMR UC cases. dMMR UC cases displayed microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) (PCR method) in 91.7% and tumor mutational burden-high (TMB-H) in 40% of cases. The density of intratumoral CD8+ T cells correlated with better overall survival in dMMR UC patients. Positive PD-L1 expression was found in 20% cases, but some patients positively responded to immunotherapy despite negative PD-L1 expression. Our findings provide valuable insights into the characteristics of dMMR UC in the Chinese population and highlights the relevance of genetic testing and immunotherapy biomarkers for treatment decisions.

Tubgcp3 is a mitotic regulator of planarian epidermal differentiation.

Tubgcp3/GCP3 (The centrosomal protein γ-tubulin complex protein 3) is a component of the γ-tubulin small complexes (γ-TuSCs) and γ-tubulin ring complexes (γ-TuRCs), which play critical roles in mitotic spindle formation during mitosis. However, its function in stem cell development has not been thoroughly elucidated. The planarian flatworm, which contains a large number of adult somatic stem cells (neoblasts), is a unique model to study stem cell lineage development in vivo. Here, we identified a homolog of Tubgcp3 in planarian Dugesia japonica, and found that Tubgcp3 is required for the maintenance of epidermal lineage. RNAi targeting Tubgcp3 resulted in tissue homeostasis and regeneration defect. Knockdown of Tubgcp3 reduced cell divisions and led to a loss of the mature epidermal cells. Our findings indicate that Tubgcp3 is a mitotic regulator and plays a crucial role in planarian epidermal differentiation.

Clinicopathological characteristics and surgical outcomes of sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common type of cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Sarcomatoid HCC, which contains poorly differentiated carcinomatous and sarcomatous components, is a rare histological subtype of HCC that differs from conventional HCC. It is highly aggressive and has a poor prognosis. Its clinicopathological characteristics, surgical outcomes and underlying mechanisms of its highly aggressive nature have not been fully elucidated. AIM: To examine the clinicopathological characteristics and surgical outcomes of sarcomatoid HCC and explore the histogenesis of sarcomatoid HCC. METHODS: In total, 196 patients [41 sarcomatoid HCC and 155 high-grade (Edmondson-Steiner grade III or IV) HCC] who underwent surgical resection between 2007 and 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. The characteristics and surgical outcomes of sarcomatoid HCC were compared with those of patients with high-grade HCC. The histological composition of invasive and metastatic sarcomatoid HCCs was evaluated. RESULTS: Sarcomatoid HCC was more frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage with a larger tumor and higher rates of nonspecific symptom, adjacent organ invasion and lymph node metastasis than high-grade HCC (all P < 0.05). Compared with high-grade HCC patients, sarcomatoid HCC patients are less likely to have typical dynamic imaging features of HCC (44.4% vs 72.7%, P = 0.001) and elevated serum alpha-fetoprotein levels (> 20 ng/mL; 36.6% vs 78.7%, P < 0.001). The sarcomatoid group had a significantly shorter median recurrence-free survival (5.6 mo vs 16.4 mo, log-rank P < 0.0001) and overall survival (10.5 mo vs 48.1 mo, log-rank P < 0.0001) than the high-grade group. After controlling for confounding factors, the sarcomatoid subtype was identified as an independent predictor of poor prognosis. Pathological analyses indicated that invasive and metastatic lesions were mainly composed of carcinomatous components. CONCLUSION: Sarcomatoid HCC was associated with a more advanced stage, atypical dynamic imaging, lower serum alpha-fetoprotein levels and a worse prognosis. The highly aggressive nature of sarcomatoid HCC is perhaps mediated by carcinomatous components.

Transurethral resection of ejaculatory duct combined with seminal vesiculoscopy for management of persistent or recurrent hemospermia in men with ejaculatory duct obstruction.

BACKGROUND: Persistent or recurrent haemospermia often occurs in individuals with ejaculatory duct obstruction (EDO). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of transurethral resection of the ejaculatory duct (TURED) combined with seminal vesiculoscopy in treating persistent or recurrent haemospermia in men with EDO. METHODS: From June 2014 to March 2018, 103 consecutive patients with EDO who underwent TURED combined with seminal vesiculoscopy for persistent or recurrent haemospermia at the Department of Urology of West China Hospital were enrolled into this retrospective study. The patients were evaluated mainly by detailed history-taking and performing semen analysis, transrectal ultrasonography, and magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: Among the 103 patients, 79 (76.70%) had cysts of the lower male genitourinary tract; 63 (61.17%) had blood clots; and 32 (31.07%) had calculi in the seminal vesicle and/or prostatic utricle. The duration of postoperative follow-up was 12 months, and the symptoms of haemospermia disappeared in 96 (93.20%) patients. There was no significant difference in the semen PH and sperm count before and after surgery; however, the ejaculate volume and sperm motility significantly improved postoperatively. Except for two cases of acute urinary retention and one case of watery ejaculate after surgery, no severe postoperative complications, including epididymitis, urethral stricture, urinary incontinence, retrograde ejaculation, or rectal injury, were observed. CONCLUSION: TURED combined with seminal vesiculoscopy is a suitable method for the diagnosis and treatment of persistent or recurrent haemospermia in men with EDO.

Biodegradation behavior of micro-arc oxidation coating on magnesium alloy-from a protein perspective.

Protein exerts a critical influence on the degradation behavior of absorbable magnesium (Mg)-based implants. However, the interaction mechanism between protein and a micro-arc oxidation (MAO) coating on Mg alloys remains unclear. Hereby, a MAO coating was fabricated on AZ31 Mg alloy. And its degradation behavior in phosphate buffer saline (PBS) containing bovine serum albumin (BSA) was investigated and compared with that of the uncoated alloy. Surface morphologies and chemical compositions were studied using Field-emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FT-IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The degradation behavior of the bare Mg alloy and its MAO coating was studied through electrochemical and hydrogen evolution tests. Cytotoxicity assay was applied to evaluate the biocompatibility of Mg alloy substrate and MAO coating. Results indicated that the presence of BSA decreased the degradation rate of Mg alloy substrate because BSA (RCH(NH2)COO‾) molecules combined with Mg2+ ions to form (RCH(NH2)COO)2Mg and thus inhibited the dissolution of Mg(OH)2 by impeding the attack of Cl‾ ions. In the case of MAO coated Mg alloy, the adsorption of BSA on MAO coating and the formation of (RCH(NH2)COO)2Mg exhibited a synergistic effect and enhanced the corrosion resistance of the coated alloy significantly. Furthermore, cell bioactive assay suggested that the MAO coating had good viability for MG63 cells due to its high surface area.

[Mechanism of MgO/GAC Catalyzed Ozonation of Organic Compounds].

MgO/granular activated carbon (MgO/GAC-1) was prepared via an impregnation method, and its activity in ozonation of diuron and acetic acid was investigated. MgO/GAC-1 was also compared in stability to the same catalyst prepared via precipitation according to the literature (MgO/GAC-2). The results showed that MgO/GAC-1 could increase efficiency of ozonation by 15%-35% in the process of degradation of diuron and acetic acid. When the pH of the solution was neutral or alkaline, MgO/GAC-1 could effectively retard the decrease in pH owing to formation of small molecular organic acids, thus ensuring the efficiency of ozone. When the pH of the solution was acidic, MgO/GAC-1 could increase the pH of the solution to a certain extent, thereby enhancing the efficiency of ozonation. The adjusting effect of pH value is the reason why MgO can significantly improve the efficiency of ozonation, a fact that was ignored in the relevant literature. Although MgO/GAC-1 had a larger specific surface area, MgO/GAC-1 had better activity in ozonation. A recycling test also indicated that MgO/GAC-1 had better stability, showing a good prospect for application.

Advances in the mechanisms of action of cancer-targeting oncolytic viruses.

Cancer virotherapy mediated by oncolytic viruses (OV), has emerged as a novel and effective strategy in cancer therapeutics. Preclinical models have demonstrated anticancer activity against numerous types of cancer. Currently, a number of recombinant viruses are in late phase clinical trials, many of which have demonstrated promising results regarding the safety and reliability of the treatments, particularly when combined with standard antineoplastic therapies. In addition to molecular-targeted therapeutics, genetic engineering of the viruses allows functional complementation to chemotherapy or radiotherapy agents. Co-administration of chemotherapy or radiotherapy is imperative for an effective treatment regime. Additionally, these approaches may be used in combination with current treatments to assist in cancer management. The near future may reveal whether this renewed interest in oncological virotherapy will result in meaningful therapeutic effects in patients. The aim of the present review was to highlight how the knowledge of oncolytic viral specificity and cytotoxicity has advanced in recent years, with a view to discuss OV in clinical application and the future directions of this field.

125I seed irradiation induces apoptosis and inhibits angiogenesis by decreasing HIF-1α and VEGF expression in lung carcinoma xenografts.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of irradiation by 125I seeds in human lung cancer xenograft model and to determine the underlying mechanisms involved, with a focus on angiogenesis. A group of 40 mice bearing A549 lung adenocarcinoma xenografts was randomly separated into 4 groups: control group (n=10), sham seed (0 mCi) implant group (n=10), 125I seed (0.6 mCi) implant group (n=10) and 125I seed (0.8 mCi) implant group (n=10), respectively. The body weight and tumor volume, were recorded every four days until the end of the study. At 30 days after irradiation, the microvessel density, proliferative index and apoptotic index were evaluated by quantitative morphometric analysis of the expression of CD34, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (Ki-67) and in situ terminal transferase-mediated fluorescein deoxy- UTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL), respectively. The changes in the expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were detected by real-time PCR and western blot analysis. Consequently, 125I seed irradiation suppressed the growth of lung cancer xenografts in nude mice, while inhibiting cell proliferation and angiogenesis and inducing apoptosis as demonstrated by Ki67, CD34 and TUNEL staining. HIF-1α and VEGF mRNA and protein expression levels were substantially downregulated following 125I seed irradiation. Collectively, our data suggest that irradiation by 125I seeds is a promising new option for lung cancer treatment.

Zinc-Dependent Protection of Tobacco and Rice Cells From Aluminum-Induced Superoxide-Mediated Cytotoxicity.

Al(3+) toxicity in growing plants is considered as one of the major factors limiting the production of crops on acidic soils worldwide. In the last 15 years, it has been proposed that Al(3+) toxicity are mediated with distortion of the cellular signaling mechanisms such as calcium signaling pathways, and production of cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) causing oxidative damages. On the other hand, zinc is normally present in plants at high concentrations and its deficiency is one of the most widespread micronutrient deficiencies in plants. Earlier studies suggested that lack of zinc often results in ROS-mediated oxidative damage to plant cells. Previously, inhibitory action of Zn(2+) against lanthanide-induced superoxide generation in tobacco cells have been reported, suggesting that Zn(2+) interferes with the cation-induced ROS production via stimulation of NADPH oxidase. In the present study, the effect of Zn(2+) on Al(3+)-induced superoxide generation in the cell suspension cultures of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L., cell-line, BY-2) and rice (Oryza sativa L., cv. Nipponbare), was examined. The Zn(2+)-dependent inhibition of the Al(3+)-induced oxidative burst was observed in both model cells selected from the monocots and dicots (rice and tobacco), suggesting that this phenomenon (Al(3+)/Zn(2+) interaction) can be preserved in higher plants. Subsequently induced cell death in tobacco cells was analyzed by lethal cell staining with Evans blue. Obtained results indicated that presence of Zn(2+) at physiological concentrations can protect the cells by preventing the Al(3+)-induced superoxide generation and cell death. Furthermore, the regulation of the Ca(2+) signaling, i.e., change in the cytosolic Ca(2+) ion concentration, and the cross-talks among the elements which participate in the pathway were further explored.

Production and removal of superoxide anion radical by artificial metalloenzymes and redox-active metals.

Generation of reactive oxygen species is useful for various medical, engineering and agricultural purposes. These include clinical modulation of immunological mechanism, enhanced degradation of organic compounds released to the environments, removal of microorganisms for the hygienic purpose, and agricultural pest control; both directly acting against pathogenic microorganisms and indirectly via stimulation of plant defense mechanism represented by systemic acquired resistance and hypersensitive response. By aiming to develop a novel classes of artificial redox-active biocatalysts involved in production and/or removal of superoxide anion radicals, recent attempts for understanding and modification of natural catalytic proteins and functional DNA sequences of mammalian and plant origins are covered in this review article.

Interaction of toxin-1 and T lymphocytes in toxic shock syndrome.

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a potentially fatal illness caused by infection with the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. TSS toxin-1 (TSST-1) contains a T-cell epitope with specificity for human V-beta-2. Binding of TSST-1 to the human major histocompatibility complex and T cell receptors activates T cells and triggers the secretion of high amounts of inflammatory cytokines, leading to TSS and potentially death. During this process, CD4+ T cells are inhibited by TSST-1, while regulatory T cells are increased. This suggests a protective immune response by the body in TSS. Thus, TSST-1 can trigger both, an inflammatory response that attacks the body and a protective response. In this review, we discuss the interaction between TSST-1 and T lymphocytes in TSS.

A novel colorimetric and fluorescent chemosensor for acetate ions in aqueous media based on a rhodamine 6G-phenylurea conjugate in the presence of Fe(III) ions.

A novel colorimetric and fluorescent chemosensor based on a rhodamine 6G phenylurea conjugate showed highly selective and sensitive recognition toward acetate ions in H(2)O-CH(3)CN (1:1, v/v) with fluorescence intensity change and also clear color change from pink to colorless in the presence of Fe(III) ions.

Highly sensitive and selective turn-on fluorescent chemosensor for Pb2+ and Hg2+ based on a rhodamine-phenylurea conjugate.

A novel easily available turn-on fluorescent chemosensor RPU based on a rhodamine-phenylurea conjugate was synthesized, which showed highly selective and sensitive recognition toward Pb(2+) in CH(3)CN and Hg(2+) in aqueous media over a wide range of tested metal ions with remarkably enhanced fluorescent intensities and also clear color changes from colorless to pink.

Effects of fifteen rare-earth metals on Ca2+ influx in tobacco cells.

Effects of naturally existing rare-earth metals (REMs; atomic numbers, 39, 57-60, 62-71; Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and Lu), added as chloride salts, on Ca2+ influx induced by two different stimuli, namely hypoosmotic shock and hydrogen peroxide, were examined in a suspension-cultured transgenic cell line of BY-2 tobacco cells expressing aequorin, a Ca(2+)-sensitive luminescent protein in cytosol. Most REM salts used here showed inhibitory effect against Ca2+ influx. Especially NdCl3, SmCl3, EuCl3, GdCl3 and TbCl3 showed the most robust inhibitory action. In contrast, LuCl3, YbCl3, ErCl3 and YCl3 were shown to be poor inhibitors of Ca2+ influx. Since REMs tested here form a sequential range of ionic radii from 86.1 to 103.2 pm and the optimal range of ionic radii required for blocking the flux of Ca2+ was determined for each stimulus. The hydrogen peroxide-induced Ca2+ influx was optimally blocked by REMs with a broad range of ionic radii (93.8-101 pm) which is slightly smaller than or similar to that of Ca2+ (100 pm), while the hypoosmotically induced flux of Ca2+ was inhibited optimally by few REMs with a narrower range of relatively smaller ionic radii around that of Gd3+ (93.8 pm) a well known inhibitor of stretch-activated channels. Possible applications of such series of channel blockers in elucidation of plant signal transduction pathways are encouraged.

Action of aluminum, novel TPC1-type channel inhibitor, against salicylate-induced and cold-shock-induced calcium influx in tobacco BY-2 cells.

Previously, effect of Al ions on calcium signaling was assessed in tobacco cells expressing a Ca2+-monitoring luminescent protein, aequorin and a newly isolated putative plant Ca2+ channel protein from Arabidopsis thaliana, AtTPC1 (two-pore channel 1). TPC1 channels were shown to be the only channel known to be sensitive to Al and they are responsive to reactive oxygen species and cryptogein, a fungal elicitor protein. Thus, involvement of TPC1 channels in calcium signaling leading to development of plant defense mechanism has been suggested. Then, the use of Al as a specific inhibitor of TPC1-type plant calcium channels has been proposed. Here, using transgenic tobacco BY-2 cells expressing aequorin, we report on the evidence in support of the involvement of Al-sensitive signaling pathway requiring TPC1-type channel-dependent Ca2+ influx in response to salicylic acid, a key plant defense-inducing agent, but not to an elicitor prepared from the cell wall of rice blast disease fungus Magnaporthe grisea. In addition, involvement of Al-sensitive Ca2+ channels in response to cold shock was also tested. The data suggested that the elicitor used here induces the Ca2+ influx via Al-insensitive path, while salicylic acid and cold-shock-stimulate the influx of Ca2+ via Al-sensitive mechanism.