A gradient-based iterative algorithm for solving coupled Lyapunov equations of continuous-time Markovian jump systems

In this paper, a new gradient-based iterative algorithm is proposed to solve the coupled Lyapunov matrix equations associated with continuous-time Markovian jump linear systems. A necessary and sufficient condition is established for the proposed gradient-based iterative algorithm to be convergent. In addition, the optimal value of the tunable parameter achieving the fastest convergence rate of the proposed algorithm is given explicitly. Finally, some numerical simulations are given to validate the obtained theoretical results

CMTM2 is essential for spermiogenesis in mice

Objective: This study is to investigate whether CKLF-like MARVEL transmembrane domain-containing protein 2 (CMTM2) is involved in spermatogenesis in mice. CMTM2 is highly expressed in testis, and could possibly a potential spermagogenesis specific gene. Methods: CMTM2-deficient mouse model was generated. Northern, RT-PCR and Western blotting analysis were performed on total RNA derived from wild-type (WT, CMTM2(+/+)) and CMTM2(+/-)(heterozygote) and CMTM2(-/-)(homozygote) mice to examine the CMTM2 level. The number of litters and the number of pups were counted and pregnancy rates calculated. The motility and morphology of the sperm and the histology of testes were analyzed. Serum testosterone and FSH concentrations were also measured. Standard t-tests (Excel, Microsoft, Redmond, WA, USA) were used and standard error of means were calculated. Results: CMTM2 is highly expressed in a finely regulated pattern in the mouse testis during spermatogenesis. The body weight of adult mice with CMTM2 deficiency was not significantly different from that of wild type mice. No obvious anatomical or behavioral abnormalities were observed. The testes of CMTM2(-/-)were smaller than that of CMTM2(+/+) mice. Female CMTM2 null mice are fertile, indicating that CMTM2 is not required for female gametogenesis. The CMTM2(-/-)mice produced virtually no sperm, and CMTM2(+/-)mice sperm count showed a significant decline. The hormone levels are not significantly different. The CMTM2(-/-)male mice are sterile due to a late, complete arrest of spermiogenesis. The organized architecture of the seminiferous epithelium of the seminiferous tubules seen in CMTM2(+/+) mice was lost in CMTM2(-/-)mice. Conclusions: This study suggests CMTM2 is not required for embryonic development in the mouse but is essential for spermiogenesis.NIH [AG14875]; Specialized Research Fund for the Doctoral Program of Higher Education, China [20-120001120056]SCI(E)[email protected]

Improved object detection method for unmanned driving based on Transformers

The object detection method serves as the core technology within the unmanned driving perception module, extensively employed for detecting vehicles, pedestrians, traffic signs, and various objects. However, existing object detection methods still encounter three challenges in intricate unmanned driving scenarios: unsatisfactory performance in multi-scale object detection, inadequate accuracy in detecting small objects, and occurrences of false positives and missed detections in densely occluded environments. Therefore, this study proposes an improved object detection method for unmanned driving, leveraging Transformer architecture to address these challenges. First, a multi-scale Transformer feature extraction method integrated with channel attention is used to enhance the network's capability in extracting features across different scales. Second, a training method incorporating Query Denoising with Gaussian decay was employed to enhance the network's proficiency in learning representations of small objects. Third, a hybrid matching method combining Optimal Transport and Hungarian algorithms was used to facilitate the matching process between predicted and actual values, thereby enriching the network with more informative positive sample features. Experimental evaluations conducted on datasets including KITTI demonstrate that the proposed method achieves 3% higher mean Average Precision (mAP) than that of the existing methodologies

Using chromosome introgression lines to map quantitative trait loci for photosynthesis parameters in rice (Oryza sativa L.) leaves under drought and well-watered field conditions

Photosynthesis is fundamental to biomass production, but sensitive to drought. To understand the genetics of leaf photosynthesis, especially under drought, upland rice cv. Haogelao, lowland rice cv. Shennong265, and 94 of their introgression lines (ILs) were studied at flowering and grain filling under drought and well-watered field conditions. Gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence measurements were conducted to evaluate eight photosynthetic traits. Since these traits are very sensitive to fluctuations in microclimate during measurements under field conditions, observations were adjusted for microclimatic differences through both a statistical covariant model and a physiological approach. Both approaches identified leaf-to-air vapour pressure difference as the variable influencing the traits most. Using the simple sequence repeat (SSR) linkage map for the IL population, 1–3 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were detected per trait–stage–treatment combination, which explained between 7.0% and 30.4% of the phenotypic variance of each trait. The clustered QTLs near marker RM410 (the interval from 57.3 cM to 68.4 cM on chromosome 9) were consistent over both development stages and both drought and well-watered conditions. This QTL consistency was verified by a greenhouse experiment under a controlled environment. The alleles from the upland rice at this interval had positive effects on net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, quantum yield of photosystem II (PSII), and the maximum efficiency of light-adapted open PSII. However, the allele of another main QTL from upland rice was associated with increased drought sensitivity of photosynthesis. These results could potentially be used in breeding programmes through marker-assisted selection to improve drought tolerance and photosynthesis simultaneously

Minimal information for studies of extracellular vesicles (MISEV2023): From basic to advanced approaches

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), through their complex cargo, can reflect the state of their cell of origin and change the functions and phenotypes of other cells. These features indicate strong biomarker and therapeutic potential and have generated broad interest, as evidenced by the steady year-on-year increase in the numbers of scientific publications about EVs. Important advances have been made in EV metrology and in understanding and applying EV biology. However, hurdles remain to realising the potential of EVs in domains ranging from basic biology to clinical applications due to challenges in EV nomenclature, separation from non-vesicular extracellular particles, characterisation and functional studies. To address the challenges and opportunities in this rapidly evolving field, the International Society for Extracellular Vesicles (ISEV) updates its 'Minimal Information for Studies of Extracellular Vesicles', which was first published in 2014 and then in 2018 as MISEV2014 and MISEV2018, respectively. The goal of the current document, MISEV2023, is to provide researchers with an updated snapshot of available approaches and their advantages and limitations for production, separation and characterisation of EVs from multiple sources, including cell culture, body fluids and solid tissues. In addition to presenting the latest state of the art in basic principles of EV research, this document also covers advanced techniques and approaches that are currently expanding the boundaries of the field. MISEV2023 also includes new sections on EV release and uptake and a brief discussion of in vivo approaches to study EVs. Compiling feedback from ISEV expert task forces and more than 1000 researchers, this document conveys the current state of EV research to facilitate robust scientific discoveries and move the field forward even more rapidly

CircSCAPER knockdown attenuates IL-1β-induced chondrocyte injury by miR-127-5p/TLR4 axis in osteoarthritis

Purpose Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic inflammatory degenerative disease characterized by articular cartilage degradation. Circular RNAs have been shown to play significant roles in OA process. Herein, this work aimed to investigate the potential role and mechanism of circSCAPER in OA progression. Methods Levels of circSCAPER, miR-127-5p and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) were detected by qRT-PCR or western blotting. Cell apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry. The expression of Aggrecan and Matrix metallopeptidase was examined using western blot to assess extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation. Inflammatory response and oxidative stress were determined by measuring the release of inflammatory factors, along with the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde. The interaction between miR-127-5p and circSCAPER or TLR4 was determined by dual-luciferase reporter, RNA immunoprecipitation and pull-down assays. Results Chondrocytes were treated with interleukin-1β (IL-1β) to mimic OA condition in vitro. CircSCAPER was increased in OA cartilages and IL-1β-induced chondrocytes. Functionally, knockdown of circSCAPER attenuated IL-1β-evoked apoptosis, ECM degradation, inflammation and oxidative stress in vitro. CircSCAPER up-regulation in OA cartilages was discovered to be accompanied by decreased miR-127-5p and increased TLR4. Mechanistically, circSCAPER acted as a sponge for miR-127-5p to positively regulate TLR4 expression in chondrocytes. IL-1β treatment reduced miR-127-5p expression but up-regulated TLR4 expression, re-expression of miR-127-5p suppressed IL-1β-caused chondrocyte injury, which was abolished by TLR4 overexpression. Moreover, miR-127-5p inhibition reversed the protective action of circSCAPER knockdown on chondrocytes under IL-1β treatment. Conclusion CircSCAPER silencing protected against IL-1β-induced apoptosis, ECM degradation, inflammation and oxidative stress in chondrocytes via miR-127-5p/TLR4 axis

The effect of trapped electrons on the three-dimensional ion-acoustic shock wave in magnetized ionic-pair plasma

The effect of trapped electrons featuring vortex-like distribution on the nonlinear behavior of a three-dimensional ion-acoustic shock wave is investigated in a magnetized ionic-pair plasma. In the long-wave approximation, the dynamics of the shock wave is governed by the $(3{+}1)$ -dimensional Schamel-Zakharov-Kuznetsov-Burgers' equation due to the presence of trapped electrons and ion kinematic viscosity. By using the homogeneous balance principle and tanh function method, we obtain a novel exact shock wave solution of the equation. It is found for the first time that the trapped electrons can support a shock wave with only positive polarity