The resolution of excess investment in Fuzzy portfolio selection using piecewise linear function

Fuzzy portfolio selection on the guaranteed return rate has been proposed to study excess investment in different dimensions of risk preferences. However, the theory of behavioural finance proposes that the investment proportions of securities are not only determined by the intrinsic value of the security but also largely affected by the behaviour of investors. Therefore, the investment behaviour of an investor in the fuzzy portfolio selection should be considered in the excess investment for different securities at different return rates. In this study, we propose a piecewise linear function for the fuzzy expected return rates and use the new decision variables for investment proportion in each security. In addition, considering the investment behaviours of decision-makers, we use the concept of fuzzy contingent strategy to take into account the relationships of investment proportion among the securities in the fuzzy portfolio selection. Analysis results indicated that we can find the investment proportions in the portfolio with the possible results of shortage investment, full investment, or excess investments by the fuzzy constraint of total investment proportions. Finally, in the illustration with two experiments, investors could individually select the portfolio by the piecewise linear function in shortage investment, full investment, or excess investment

Functional analysis and validation of oncodrive gene AP3S1 in ovarian cancer through filtering of mutation data from whole-exome sequencing

Abstract Background High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) is the most aggressive and prevalent subtype of ovarian cancer and accounts for a significant portion of ovarian cancer-related deaths worldwide. Despite advancements in cancer treatment, the overall survival rate for HGSOC patients remains low, thus highlighting the urgent need for a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving tumorigenesis and for identifying potential therapeutic targets. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) has emerged as a powerful tool for identifying somatic mutations and alterations across the entire exome, thus providing valuable insights into the genetic drivers and molecular pathways underlying cancer development and progression. Methods Via the analysis of whole-exome sequencing results of tumor samples from 90 ovarian cancer patients, we compared the mutational landscape of ovarian cancer patients with that of TCGA patients to identify similarities and differences. The sequencing data were subjected to bioinformatics analysis to explore tumor driver genes and their functional roles. Furthermore, we conducted basic medical experiments to validate the results obtained from the bioinformatics analysis. Results Whole-exome sequencing revealed the mutational profile of HGSOC, including BRCA1, BRCA2 and TP53 mutations. AP3S1 emerged as the most weighted tumor driver gene. Further analysis of AP3S1 mutations and expression demonstrated their associations with patient survival and the tumor immune response. AP3S1 knockdown experiments in ovarian cancer cells demonstrated its regulatory role in tumor cell migration and invasion through the TGF-β/SMAD pathway. Conclusion This comprehensive analysis of somatic mutations in HGSOC provides insight into potential therapeutic targets and molecular pathways for targeted interventions. AP3S1 was identified as being a key player in tumor immunity and prognosis, thus providing new perspectives for personalized treatment strategies. The findings of this study contribute to the understanding of HGSOC pathogenesis and provide a foundation for improved outcomes in patients with this aggressive disease

Simultaneous Tracing of Protein Vicinal Dithiols in Live Cells Using an “Off-on” Fluorescent Probe

Vicinal dithiol-containing proteins (VDPs) are of considerable importance due to their role in regulating cellular functions through the reversible dithiol/disulfide inter-conversion reaction. However, there are currently no effective tools for the simultaneous tracing of endogenous VDPs in live cells. Here, we report an “off-on” fluorescent probe (RhQ) for the selective detection of VDPs and illustrate its utility for the long-term tracing of protein vicinal dithiols with simultaneous fluorescence imaging in various cell lines. Importantly, our study provides the first-time valuable insight into the localization of VDPs in whole cells, dynamically visualizing that presence of cell-surface protein vicinal dithiols in MCF-7 cells. Interestingly, some functional cell-surface VDPs have been reported for MCF-7 cells using proteomic analysis. Furthermore, the gradually released fluorescence from RhQ after its interaction with VDPs provides an overall picture of the cellular protein vicinal dithiol profile for different cell lines. This technology shows great promise as a visualization tool for revealing the role of cellular protein vicinal dithiols, especially VDPs on the cell-surface, and stimulating the design of VDP related drug candidates and vectors

Mn Modified Ni/Bentonite for CO₂ Methanation

To enhance the low-temperature catalytic activity and stability of Ni/bentonite catalyst, Ni-Mn/bentonite catalyst was prepared by introducing Mn into Ni/bentonite catalyst and was used for CO2 methanation. The results indicated that the addition of Mn enhanced the interaction between the NiO and the bentonite carrier, increased the dispersion of the active component Ni and decreased the grain size of the active component Ni, increased the specific surface area and pore volume of the Ni/bentonite catalyst, and decreased the average pore size, which suppressed the aggregation of Ni particles grown during the CO2 methanation process. At the same time, the Mn addition increased the amount of oxygen vacancies on the Ni/bentonite catalyst surface, which promoted the activation of CO2 in the methanation reaction, increasing the low-temperature activity and stability of the Ni/bentonite catalyst. Under the reaction condition of atmospheric pressure, 270 °C, V(H2):V(CO2) = 4, and feed gas space velocity of 3600 mL·gcat−1·h−1, the CO2 conversion on the Ni-Mn/bentonite catalyst with 2wt% Mn was 85.2%, and the selectivity of CH4 was 99.8%. On the other hand, when Mn was not added, the CO2 conversion reached 84.7% and the reaction temperature only raised to 300 °C. During a 150-h stability test, the CO2 conversion of Ni-2wt%Mn/bentonite catalyst decreased by 2.2%, while the CO2 conversion of the Ni/bentonite catalyst decreased by 6.4%