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Together with rice, weeds strive for nutrients and space in farmland, resulting in reduced rice yield and quality. Planting herbicide-resistant rice varieties is one of the effective ways to control weeds. In recent years, a series of breakthroughs have been made to generate herbicide-resistant germplasm, especially the emergence of biotechnological tools such as gene editing, which provides an inherent advantage for the knock-out or knock-in of the desired genes. In order to develop herbicideresistant rice germplasm resources, gene manipulation has been conducted to enhance the herbicide tolerance of rice varieties through the utilization of techniques such as physical and chemical mutagenesis, as well as genome editing. Based on the current research and persisting problems in rice paddy fields, research on the generation of herbicide-resistant rice still needs to explore genetic mechanisms, stacking multiple resistant genes in a single genotype, and transgene-free genome editing using the CRISPR system. Current rapidly developing gene editing technologies can be used to mutate herbicide target genes, enabling targeted genes to maintain their biological functions, and reducing the binding ability of target gene encoded proteins to corresponding herbicides, ultimately resulting in herbicide-resistant crops. In this review article, we have summarized the utilization of conventional and modern approaches to develop herbicide-resistant cultivars in rice as an effective strategy for weed control in paddy fields, and discussed the technology and research directions for creating herbicide-resistant rice in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skin, the largest organ of human body, acts as a barrier to protect body from the external environment and is exposed to a myriad of flavor compounds, especially food- and plant essential oil-derived odorant compounds. Skin cells are known to express various chemosensory receptors, such as transient potential receptors, adenosine triphosphate receptors, taste receptors, and odorant receptors (ORs). We aim to provide a review of this rapidly developing field and discuss latest discoveries related to the skin ORs activated by flavor compounds, their impacts on skin health and disease, odorant ligands interacting with ORs exerting specific biological effects, and the mechanisms involved. ORs are recently found to be expressed in skin tissue and cells, such as keratinocytes, melanocytes, and fibroblasts. To date, several ectopic skin ORs responding to flavor compounds, are involved in different skin biological processes, such as wound healing, hair growth, melanin regulation, pressure stress, skin barrier function, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis. The recognition of physiological role of skin ORs, combined with the fact that ORs belong to a highly druggable protein family (G protein-coupled receptors), underscores the potential of skin ORs responding to flavor compounds as a novel regulating strategy for skin health and disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dynamic strain/stress measurement of blades provides an effective method to anticipate fatigue life and investigate of failure causes. Unlike the blade strain peak is fixed during singlemode, which can be measured by a single transducer, the strain peak distribution changes over time and space during multimode vibration situations. The existing method reconstructs the full-field strain to find the peak point with multiple transducers. In this work, a single transducer-based full-field dynamic strain reconstruction technique is presented to find the strain peak position on rotor blades. First, the mode response is obtained by separating the measured response from a single strain gauge based on Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition. Second, based on the strain mode shape from the finite element model, the reconstructed strain transmissibility matrix is created between a single measured location and the full field. Third, the dynamic strain of the blade can be reconstructed at any location and time by combining the separated mode response with the RST matrix. Finally, the strain peak localization is identified according to the distribution of full-field dynamic strain during multimode vibration. The above process is verified by experimental data from rotor blades with the maximum error of reconstructed strain below 12% and three explicitly recognized strain peak positions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The high disability rate of osteoarthritis (OA), a joint disease with an insidious onset and widespread effects, places a heavy financial burden on patients, families, and society. Traditional diagnostic approaches, including radiology and physical examination, cannot achieve early-stage screening of OA and thus, miss early intervention for patients. Therefore, the need of biomarkers for the early diagnosis of OA is crucial. Results: A total of 390 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified from the training set, and 1077 key module genes were found by constructing a weighted gene co-expression network, and 161 key genes were obtained as a result. Four diagnostic marker genes highly associated with OA were screened for key genes using machine learning algorithms, and the resulting nomogram model showed excellent predictive power and clinical value. After further background studies, immune infiltration and functional enrichment analysis, we found that FKBP5 may play an important role in the prognosis and immune infiltration of multiple cancers, and this hypothesis was verified by pan-cancer analysis. Conclusions: We screened four diagnostic marker genes (FKBP5, EPYC, KLF9 and PDZRN4) that are highly associated with OA. And this led to a diagnostic model, which was assessed to have good predictive power and clinical value. FKBP5 may be a potential intervention target for human diseases such as osteoarthritis and tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chitin-based activated carbon (CAC) was prepared by a two-step process of carbonization and potassium carbonate chemical activation. The CAC was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), N2 adsorption/ desorption, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The adsorption performance of CAC for Orange II (O II) was evaluated in terms of contact time, adsorption temperature, initial concentration, adsorption kinetics, adsorption isotherms, and thermodynamics. The CAC had a surface area of 1320 m² g -1 and a total pore volume of 1.10 cm³ g -1 . The maximum monolayer adsorption capacity was 1010 mg g-1 at 318.2 K for O II, respectively. Equilibrium isotherms showed that the Langmuir model had a higher coefficient of determination than the Freundlich model. The thermodynamic results indicated that the adsorption process of O II onto CAC 800 was spontaneous and endothermic. Given the results of this work, CAC can be used as an efficient adsorbent for the removal of dyes from wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article titled "Risk factors for development and progression of chronic kidney disease in elderly Chinese patients with diabetes: who has been forgotten" discusses the relationship between serum uric acid levels, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in elderly Chinese patients. The study found that hyperuricemia and drinking were associated with an increased risk of new-onset CKD, while a higher DASH diet score was associated with lower serum uric acid levels and odds of hyperuricemia. The article also highlights the importance of considering factors such as proteinuria and diet in understanding the development and progression of CKD. However, there were some inconsistencies and missing information in the study that need further verification. [Extracted from the article]

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine whether dietary supplementation with a functional fatty acid blend (FA) that contains 31.4% butyric acid and 4.99% mediumchain FA improve growth performance, antioxidant capacity, immunity status, and antiinflammatory ability in weaned piglets. Methods: One hundred and forty-four healthy piglets (Duroc×Landrace×Yorkshire) with an average body weight (BW) of 7.98±3.43 kg were randomly divided into three groups with six replicate pens and eight piglets per pen: Normal control (NC): a corn-soybean basal diet; FA1: a basal diet supplemented with 1,000 mg/kg of a functional FA; FA2: a basal diet supplemented with 2,000 mg/kg of a functional FA. The experiment lasted for 28 d. On d 14 and 28, one piglet in each pen from NC and FA2 groups was randomly selected for antioxidative index and immunoglobulins. On d 28, one piglet in each pen from NC and FA2 groups was randomly selected for intestinal morphology and inflammatory factor. Results: We observed that FA supplementation linearly increased (p<0.05) average daily gain and the final BW. There was higher (p<0.05) catalase on d 14, and immunoglobulin (Ig) A and IgM on d 28 in piglets supplemented with FA2 than in the NC group. Moreover, dietary FA2 reduced (p<0.05) crypt depth of ileum in piglets. The concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-a, interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-8, and IL-10 in jejunum were lower (p<0.05) in the FA2 group compared with the NC group. Conclusion: Therefore, the overall results suggests that the FA may help to improve gut health, antioxidant status, and immune parameters resulting in the improvement of growth performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of essential oil coated with glycerol monolaurate (GML) on the growth performance, intestinal morphology, and serum profiles of weaned piglets. Methods: A total of 144 weaned piglets (Duroc×[Landrace×Yorkshire], average weight 8.07±3.33 kg) were randomly assigned to three groups with six replicate pens and eight piglets per pen: i) CON: a corn-soybean basal diet; ii) LEG: with 1,000 mg/kg essential oil coated with GML; and iii) HEG: with 2,000 mg/kg essential oil coated with GML. Results: Results showed that average daily gain was increased (p<0.05) linearly by essential oil coated with GML supplementation on day 14 to 28 and day 0 to 28 compared with the CON group. Dietary supplementation with HEG increased (p<0.05) total antioxidant capacity and catalase activity on day 14, and immunoglobulin A (IgA) and IgM concentration on day 28 and tended to increase IgG on day 28. In addition, the crypt depth in the jejunum was reduced (p<0.05), and villus height and villus height/crypt depth in the ileum were increased (p<0.05) in the HEG group compared with the CON group. Moreover, lower (p<0.05) concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α, interferon-γ, interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), IL-8, and IL-10 were observed in the jejunum of piglets supplemented with HEG compared with the CON group. In addition, dietary HEG tended to decrease IL-6 level in the jejunum of piglets compared with the CON group. Conclusion: Dietary essential oil coated with GML can improve growth performance of weaned piglets. Moreover, supplementing 2,000 mg/kg essential oil coated with GML was demonstrated to improve antioxidant ability, and intestinal morphology, and reduce jejunal inflammatory factor levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fiber reinforcement is the most common method for modifying polylactic acid (PLA). However, poor compatibility between fibers and PLA, especially at high cellulose contents, can promote cellulose agglomeration in the continuous phase, which damages the mechanical properties of composite materials. To address these issues, bagasse cellulose (BC) was used as a substrate and bifunctional glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) was used as a reactive monomer for graft modification. GMA-modified BC (BC-GMA)/PLA composite materials with different particle sizes were prepared using a blending grafting method, and the influence of the type and content of BC-GMA on the mechanical properties of the composite materials was explored. During the grafting modification of BC, a longer reaction time was found to result in smaller BC particles and a higher degree of grafting. For BC-GMA, the degree of grafting reached 27.02% with a maximum thermal decomposition temperature of 359.31°C. Furthermore, the BC-GMA/PLA composite material had a greater relative crystallinity of PLA, indicating that BC-GMA was evenly dispersed in the continuous phase. This study demonstrates that grafting modification can successfully achieve high cellulose loading in composite materials and thus reduce the production costs of PLA-based packaging materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is a lack of epidemiological studies on the course and clinical characteristics of Parvovirus B19 (B19V) infections in kidney transplant (KT) recipients. This study was undertaken to provide recommendations for clinical B19V infection diagnosis and treatment. Methods: Serum samples of KT recipients were regularly collected and tested for B19V-DNA copies, B19V-IgG/IgM levels, as well as hematological parameters and functions of kidney and liver. The course of B19V infection was described according to the results of serology and DNA testing, and the clinical and epidemiological data were combined for analysis. Results: 75% B19V infections occurred within 2 weeks after KT(n = 9). The infection rate of B19V in KT recipients was high, namely 10.17% (n = 12). The number of 10 patients IgM antibodies against B19V (IgM+) and theDNA B19V (DNA+), whereas 2 patients were IgM negative (IgM-) but DNA+. The B19V infected KT patients showed several symptoms, including anemia (100%), reduction of platelets (8.33%), and damage to liver (75%) and kidney function (16.67%) Patients with progressive anemia in the first two weeks after KT, which combined with the decrease of reticulocytes, are more likely to have B19V infection. Associations of four main therapeutic risk factors for B19V infections in KT patients have been analyzed. B19V infection was associated with use of basiliximab (OR = 1.19; 95%- CI: 1.08-1.32; P = 0.003) and use of thymoglobulins (OR = 0.84; 95%-CI: 0.76-0.93; P = 0.003). Conclusions: Doctors should be alert to B19V infection, especially in the immunodeficient patients within the first two weeks after transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rise of exercise psychology, society emphasizes the physical and psychological health of children and adolescents. If sports intervention is performed regularly, children and adolescents will develop a more resilient mindset, greater self-assurance, and a greater tolerance for setbacks. However, the relevant research lacks quantitative analysis and fails to investigate the mediation effect of the mechanism underlying sports perseverance. Consequently, this research investigates the cultivation and regression analysis of children's mental toughness under the sports perseverance mechanism. First, a model was developed to examine the sports perseverance intervention aimed at improving the mental toughness of youngsters. Next, a multi-factor cointegration test was conducted on the time series of the measured values of children's mental toughness in response to sports perseverance. In addition, the error correction model and the breakpoint regression model were developed to identify the instances in which the time series diverge from the equilibrium state and return to normal. Experiments were conducted to get the test results of the presented models, which demonstrate their efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the effects of different social ranking order (SRO) and the enrichments (perch and dust-bath) allocation (EA) on behavior of laying hens in furnished cages. Methods: Total experimental period was 4 weeks. There were 216 Hy-line brown layers beak-trimmed at 1 d of age and selected randomly at 14 weeks of age from a commercial farm, and randomly divided into 36 cages with 6 hens in each cage. High enrichments (perch and dust-bath) allocation (HEA) and low enrichments (perch and dust-bath) allocation (LEA) were provided. Video observations of behavior were obtained from the focal hens between 14 and 18 weeks of age and perching, dust-bathing and other general behaviors of the hens with different social orders were measured. Results: Perching behavior of high SRO hens (HSR) were significantly higher than that of medium SRO hens (MSR), and that of the MSR were significantly higher than that of low SRO hens (LSR) (p<0.01), except for lying on perch (p>0.05). The hens in the high EA cage (HEAC) showed more lying behavior on perch than those in the low EA cage (LEAC) (p< 0.01). The different SRO and EA did not affect dust-bathing behavior except vertical wingshaking behavior (p<0.05). The LEA did not affect general behaviors (p>0.05), except standing and preening behaviors (p<0.01 and p<0.05), of which the hens in the HEAC showed less standing (p<0.01) and more preening behavior than the hens in the LEAC. Conclusion: The SRO of laying hens has a significant effect on the perching behaviors, but SRO and EA have little effect on dust-bathing and general behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guttation is a common feature of cucumber leaves under high relative humidity conditions; however, little is known about the role of guttation in the transmission of Pseudomonas amygdali pv. lachrymans, which is the pathogen of cucumber angular leaf spot disease. In this study, experimental evidence for the transmission of P. amygdali pv. lachrymans inside cucumber plants and through guttation was provided, and the results proved that P. amygdali pv. lachrymans can be transmitted from the bottom leaf to the upper leaves inside the plant and excreted from the upper leaves through guttation. After that, the third leaf of cucumber was inoculated with P. amygdali pv. lachrymans bacterial suspension, P. amygdali pv. lachrymans was detected on the fifth leaf, the petiole, and the stem and in guttation drops. Healthy cucumber seedlings were infected by P. amygdali pv. lachrymans in the guttation droplets, indicating that guttation fluids containing P. amygdali pv. lachrymans could become a potential source of secondary infection. The results from this study verified the hypothesis that guttation is a potential route for P. amygdali pv. lachrymans excretion from cucumber plants and may be a source of secondary transmission under high relative humidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Few spatial studies on Keshan disease (KD) prevalence and serum selenoprotein P (SELENOP) levels have been reported in the Heilongjiang Province, China. This study aimed to investigate the spatial relationships between KD prevalence, SELENOP levels, and the socio-economic status for the precise prevention and control of KD.Material and Methods: The study was carried out in all the 66 KD endemic counties in the Heilongjiang Province using a non-probability sampling method of a key village survey based on county-wide case-searching. The participants completed a questionnaire and had their serum SELENOP levels measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Thematic maps were created, and spatial regression analysis was performed by ordinary least squares using ArcGIS 9.0.Results: Overall, 53 676 residents were surveyed based on case-searching, and blood samples were collected from 409 residents. In total, 50 chronic KD cases were identified with a total prevalence of 9.3/10 000 population. The prevalence in the Tangyuan County was the highest (250/10 000 population). The mean serum SELENOP level was 13.96 mg/l. The spatial regression analysis showed that KD prevalence positively correlated with SELENOP levels and negatively with per capita disposable income among rural residents.Conclusions: The Tangyuan County should be considered for the precise prevention and control of KD. Further research is necessary to verify the reliability of SELENOP for estimating body selenium levels, and to better understand the relationship between selenium intake and KD in the investigated area. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2021;34(5):659-66. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The high-density lipoprotein hypothesis of atherosclerosis has been challenged by clinical trials of cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitors, which failed to show significant reductions in cardiovascular events. Plasma levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) decline drastically during sepsis, and this phenomenon is explained, in part, by the activity of CETP, a major determinant of plasma HDL-C levels. We tested the hypothesis that genetic or pharmacological inhibition of CETP would preserve high-density lipoprotein levels and decrease mortality in clinical cohorts and animal models of sepsis.Methods: We examined the effect of a gain-of-function variant in CETP (rs1800777, p.Arg468Gln) and a genetic score for decreased CETP function on 28-day sepsis survival using Cox proportional hazard models adjusted for age and sex in the UK Biobank (n=5949), iSPAAR (Identification of SNPs Predisposing to Altered Acute Lung Injury Risk; n=882), Copenhagen General Population Study (n=2068), Copenhagen City Heart Study (n=493), Early Infection (n=200), St Paul's Intensive Care Unit 2 (n=203), and Vasopressin Versus Norepinephrine Infusion in Patients With Septic Shock studies (n=632). We then studied the effect of the CETP inhibitor, anacetrapib, in adult female APOE*3-Leiden mice with or without human CETP expression using the cecal-ligation and puncture model of sepsis.Results: A fixed-effect meta-analysis of all 7 cohorts found that the CETP gain-of-function variant was significantly associated with increased risk of acute sepsis mortality (hazard ratio, 1.44 [95% CI, 1.22-1.70]; P<0.0001). In addition, a genetic score for decreased CETP function was associated with significantly decreased sepsis mortality in the UK Biobank (hazard ratio, 0.77 [95% CI, 0.59-1.00] per 1 mmol/L increase in HDL-C) and iSPAAR cohorts (hazard ratio, 0.60 [95% CI, 0.37-0.98] per 1 mmol/L increase in HDL-C). APOE*3-Leiden.CETP mice treated with anacetrapib had preserved levels of HDL-C and apolipoprotein-AI and increased survival relative to placebo treatment (70.6% versus 35.3%, Log-rank P=0.03), whereas there was no effect of anacetrapib on the survival of APOE*3-Leiden mice that did not express CETP (50.0% versus 42.9%, Log-rank P=0.87).Conclusions: Clinical genetics and humanized mouse models suggest that inhibiting CETP may preserve high-density lipoprotein levels and improve outcomes for individuals with sepsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individual values and beliefs vary according to cultural and social factors. To better understand clinical decision-making and inform future research, we undertook a survey of preferences in treatment goals for managing patients with acute ischemic stroke among medical professionals in China. We designed a web-based survey through literature search, face-to-face interviews, pilot questionnaire development, and focus group meetings. Key outcomes explored were death, disability, quality of life, neurological impairments, cognitive dysfunction, and hemorrhagic transformation. Participants were asked to rate the importance of each outcome on a 5-point Likert scale to allow calculation of a weighted score of importance: higher scores indicating greater importance. A total of 1,189 participants completed the survey. For established therapies with bleeding risk (e.g. thrombolysis and thrombectomy), death was the most important outcome (weighted score 4.60), followed by disability (4.45), quality of life (4.45), neurological impairments (4.34), cognitive dysfunction (4.03), and hemorrhagic transformation (3.99). For other acute therapies without bleeding risk, quality of life ranked first (4.08), followed by disability (4.03), neurological impairment (3.92), death (3.79), cognitive dysfunction (3.78), and hemorrhagic transformation (3.51). From the perspective of Chinese medical staff, death is the most important outcome measure for patients with acute ischemic stroke. When reduction of death or disability were less likely to be achievable, the improvement in quality of life is an acceptable outcome measure. In contrast to the previously perceived high fear of bleeding in practice, hemorrhagic transformation was the least concerned even for therapies with a potential bleeding risk [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paeonia ostii is a woody oil crop with potential value as an edible oil. With the aim of acquiring systematic knowledge of the development of P. ostii seeds, the oil content, biomass, and water content of the seeds were determined. Changes in the distribution of hydrogen protons in P. ostii seeds during follicle development were traced using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The formation of oil bodies in the endosperm and embryo was observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Dynamic changes in oleic acid, linoleic acid, and a-linolenic acid contents were assessed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The magnetic resonance images showed that, during early follicle development [45-85 days after flowering (DAF)], a greater quantity of liquid mucus was present within the seeds, and seeds in the same follicle developed at different rates. At 95 to 115 DAF, proton density was distributed evenly in all areas of the seed. A small dark area appeared in the center of the seed, andmucus in the follicles and water in the pericarp disappeared gradually. TEM observations showed that at 45 DAF, a few oil bodies were scattered at the cell periphery in the endosperm, and oil bodies were more numerous in the embryo. With the progression of seed development, the number and size of oil bodies in the embryo and endosperm continued to increase. The fresh and dry mass of P. ostii seeds increased from 45 to 105 DAF, then decreased after 105 DAF. The moisture content decreased, whereas the oil content increased and attained 33.1% at seed maturity. The three predominant unsaturated fatty acids accumulated simultaneously and showed stages of initial accumulation (45-65 DAF) and rapid accumulation (65-105 DAF). The results suggest that 65 to 105 DAF is a critical period for unsaturated fatty acid accumulation in P. ostii seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity is taking on worldwide epidemic proportions, yet effective pharmacological agents with long-term efficacy remain unavailable. Previously, we designed the iminosugar N-adamantine-methyloxypentyl-deoxynojirimycin (AMP-DNM), which potently improves glucose homeostasis by lowering excessive glycosphingolipids. Here we show that AMP-DNM promotes satiety and activates brown adipose tissue (BAT) in obese rodents. Moreover, we demonstrate that the mechanism mediating these favorable actions depends on oral, but not central, administration of AMP-DNM, which ultimately stimulates systemic glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1) secretion. We evidence an essential role of brain GLP1 receptors (GLP1r), as AMP-DNM fails to promote satiety and activate BAT in mice lacking the brain GLP1r as well as in mice treated intracerebroventricularly with GLP1r antagonist exendin-9. In conclusion, AMP-DNM markedly ameliorates metabolic abnormalities in obese rodents by restoring satiety and activating BAT through central GLP1r, while improving glucose homeostasis by mechanisms independent of central GLP1r. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthocyanins play crucial roles in pollen protection and pollinator attraction in flowering plants. However, the mechanisms underlying flower color determination and whether floral anthocyanin regulators participate in other processes remain largely unresolved in soybeans (Glycine max). In this study, we investigated the genetic components and mechanisms governing anthocyanin biosynthesis in soybean flowers. Molecular and genetic studies have characterized two antagonistic regulators, the positive activator GmMYBA3 and the negative repressor GmMYBR1, that modulate the gene expression of anthocyanin biosynthesis in soybean flowers. Further findings revealed a regulatory interplay between GmMYBA3 and GmMYBR1 bridged by GmTT8a, highlighting the complexity of anthocyanin regulation in different soybean organs. Exploration of additional soybean cultivars demonstrated the universality of GmMYBA3 and GmMYBR1 in regulating floral anthocyanin biosynthesis-related genes, with GmF3050H identified as a crucial determinant of white flower color. This study provides a molecular mechanism underlying soybean flower color determination, paving the way for the molecular modification of soybean flowers to probably enhance their resistance to abiotic stresses and attractiveness to pollinators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of doped semiconductors to achieve plasmonic frequencies in the middle infrared (mid-IR) has been recently proposed as a promising way to obtain high-quality and tunable plasmonic materials. Plasmonic materials have great static or dynamic tunability. In some cases, choosing a dopant over another is an important trade-off to optimize the plasmonic performance. In this work, trivalent metal ion (M)-doped ZnO nanoparticles (NPs, M=Al, In) were successfully synthesized with highly consistent synthesis conditions. Interestingly, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) can only be observed in Al-doped ZnO (AZO) NPs, but not in In-doped ZnO (IZO) NPs. We used X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman and a first principle calculation to clarify the proper dopant sites (replaceable or interstitial doping) of Al3+ and In3+ in the host nanocrystals of ZnO. In addition, these results assisted by density of states (DOS) analysis indicate that different doping modes influenced the electronic structures in different degrees, and may lead to the opposite SPR phenomenon. Our work deepens the understanding of the relationship between doping sites in the host nanocrystals and SPR properties and give important guidance to the develop the doped semiconductors with plasmonic performance. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of doped semiconductors to achieve plasmonic frequencies in the middle infrared (mid-IR) has been recently proposed as a promising way to obtain high-quality and tunable plasmonic materials. Plasmonic materials have great static or dynamic tunability. In some cases, choosing a dopant over another is an important trade-off to optimize the plasmonic performance. In this work, trivalent metal ion (M)-doped ZnO nanoparticles (NPs, M=Al, In) were successfully synthesized with highly consistent synthesis conditions. Interestingly, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) can only be observed in Al-doped ZnO (AZO) NPs, but not in In-doped ZnO (IZO) NPs. We used X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman and a first principle calculation to clarify the proper dopant sites (replaceable or interstitial doping) of Al3+ and In3+ in the host nanocrystals of ZnO. In addition, these results assisted by density of states (DOS) analysis indicate that different doping modes influenced the electronic structures in different degrees, and may lead to the opposite SPR phenomenon. Our work deepens the understanding of the relationship between doping sites in the host nanocrystals and SPR properties and give important guidance to the develop the doped semiconductors with plasmonic performance. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the fast development of globalization, more and more attentions has been paid for foreign language study especially during higher education stage. Japan as the biggest developed country in Asia has friendly communication with China, while the education of Japanese in China is not match its importance. Combined with the teaching practice experience, the computer aided language learning strategy could be applied widely in Japanese education. The following paper will begin with the current situation of Japanese teaching in university and provide reasonable recommence. The poor ability of Japanese application is mainly caused by the lack of actual situation in learning process, which could be remedied by computer technology. The computer aided language learning platform could provide various learning material by multimedia software, which is the breakthrough points of specific measurements in university Japanese learning as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We previously elucidated that long non-coding RNA Promoter of CDKN1A Antisense DNA damage Activated RNA (PANDAR) as a p53-dependent oncogene to promote cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer (OC). Intriguingly, high level of p53-independent PANDAR was found in cisplatin-resistant patients with p53 mutation. Here, our study probed the new roles and the underlying mechanisms of PANDAR in p53-mutant OC cisplatin-resistance. Methods: A2780 and A2780-DDP cells were served as OC cisplatin-sensitive and cisplatinresistant cells. HO-8910PM cells were subjected to construct chemotherapy-induced extracellular vesicles (Chemo-EVs). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and nanoparticle tracking analysis were employed to evaluate Chemo-EVs. Cell viability was assessed using cell counting kit-8 and colony formation assays. Cell apoptosis was assessed using Annexin V and propidium iodide staining. The relationships between PANDAR, serine and arginine-rich premRNA splicing factor 9 (SRSF9) were verified by RNA immunoprecipitation and fluorescence in situ hybridization. Tumor xenograft experiment was employed to evaluate the effects of PANDAR-Chemo-EVs on OC cisplatin-resistance in vivo. Immunofluorescent staining and immunohistochemistry were performed in tumor tissue. Results: PANDAR level increased in OC patients with p53-mutation. PANDAR efflux enacted via exosomes under cisplatin conditions. Additionally, exosomes from OC cell lines carried PANDAR, which significantly increased cell survival and chemoresistance in vitro and tumor progression and metastasis in vivo. During cisplatin-induced stress, SRSF9 was recruited to nuclear bodies by increased PANDAR and muted apoptosis in response to cisplatin. Besides, SRSF9 significantly increased the ratio of SIRT4/SIRT6 mRNA in OC. Conclusion: Cisplatin-induced exosomes transfer PANDAR and lead to a rapid adaptation of OC cell survival through accumulating SRSF9 following cisplatin stress exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The control design of inductive power transfer (IPT) systems has attracted a lot of attention in the field of wireless power transmission. Due to the high-order resonant networks and multiple loads in IPT systems, a simplified model of an IPT system is preferred for analysis and control design, and a controller with strong robustness is required. Hence, an active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) for IPT systems is proposed in this paper. To realize the employment of ADRC, firstly a small-signal model of an LC series-compensative IPT system is derived based on generalized state-space averaging (GSSA), then the ADRC is implemented in the designed IPT system. The ADRC not only provides superior robustness to unknown internal and external disturbances, but also requires few knowledge of the IPT system. Due to the convenient realization of ADRC, the designed IPT system retains its simple structure without any additional circuits. Finally, a frequency domain analysis and experimental results have validated the effectiveness of the employed ADRC, especially its robustness in the presence of frequency drifts and other common disturbances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of carbon black-supported bimetallic Ru-Co nanoparticles catalyst were synthesized via the chemical reduction of corresponding metal precursor in ethylene glycol, for H2 generation from NaBH4 methanolysis. The composition, morphology and structure of the novel nanomaterial were well characterized by XRD, XPS, HRTEM, EDX and SEM, showing the good dispersion of supported Ru-Co nanoparticles with an average diameter of 2.4 nm. Significantly, the highest H2 generation rate is observed in the case of Ru-Co/C catalyst with Ru/ Co ratio of 5, achieving 9.36 L min-1 g-1 at 25 °C, which is comparable to the reported pure Ru catalysts. Furthermore, the recycle test confirms our catalyst can be practically applied. Our work highlights the synergetic effect in bimetallic catalytic system for boosting H2 generation rates from NaBH4 methanolysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An analytical model is proposed in this paper to predict the breakdown voltage (BV) of silicon-on-insulator (SOI) trench lateral double diffused metal oxide semiconductor (LDMOS) devices with N/P pillars. In this SOI trench LDMOS device, the U-shaped folded drift region is divided into four parts for simplifying the solution of Poisson's equation, where conformal mapping by the Schwarz-Christoffel (S-C) transformation is applied. As verified by the TCAD simulation results, the analytical model may predict the electric field distribution and the BV accurately. This analytical model can reveal the essence of the electric field peaks around the dielectric trench from the depletion effect of the N/P pillars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dasheen mosaic virus (DsMV) is one of the major viruses affecting taro (Colocasia esculenta) production worldwide. Whole genome sequences were determined for two DsMV strains, Hawaii Strain I (KY242358) and Hawaii Strain II (KY242359), from taro in Hawaii. They represent the first full-length coding sequences of DsMV reported from the United States. Hawaii Strains I and II were 77 and 85% identical, respectively, with other completely sequenced DsMV isolates. Hawaii Strain 1 was most closely related to vanilla mosaic virus (VanMV) (KX505964.1), a strain of DsMV infecting vanilla in the southern Pacific Islands. Hawaii Strain II was most closely related to a taro DsMV isolate CTCR1-I1-I4 (KT026108.I) from India. Phylogenetic analysis of all available DsMV isolates based on amino acid sequences of their coat protein showed some correlation between host plant and genetic diversity. Analyses of DsMV genome sequences detected three recombinants from China and India among the six isolates with known complete genome sequences. The DsMV strain NC003537.1 from China is a recombinant of KJ786965.1 from India and Hawaii Strain II. Another DsMV strain KT026I08.1 is a recombinant of Hawaii Strain II and NC003537.I from China. The third DsMV strain KJ786965.I from India is a recombinant of Hawaii Strain II and NC003537.1 from China. To our knowledge, this is the first report of recombination events in DsMV. Both Hawaii Strains I and II of DsMV were found widespread throughout the Hawaiian islands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the discovery of an optofluidic principle and demonstrates the generation of a steady-state water flow by a pulsed laser beam through a glass window. Topics discussed include generation of a flow or stream in the same path as the refracted laser beam in pure water from an arbitrary spot on the window and the principle of light-driven flow via ultrasound.

We present 3-79 keV NuSTAR observations of the neutron star low-mass X-ray binary 4U 1636-53 in the soft, transitional and hard state. The spectra display a broad emission line at 5-10 keV. We applied several models to fit this line: A Gaussian line, a relativistically broadened emission line model, kyrline, and two models including relativistically smeared and ionized reflection off the accretion disc with different coronal heights, relxill and relxilllp. All models fit the spectra well; however, the kyrline and relxill models yield an inclination of the accretion disc of ~88° with respect to the line of sight, which is at odds with the fact that this source shows no dips or eclipses. The relxilllp model, on the other hand, gives a reasonable inclination of ~56°. We discuss our results for these models in this source and the possible primary source of the hard X-rays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the first time, novel single-phase octahedral Bi3(FeO4)(WO4)2 (BFW) nanocrystals, as a visible-light-induced catalyst, had been successfully synthesized in a facile alkaline hydrothermal way without using any template. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images clearly show single crystals of BFW with regular octahedral morphology. The formation of the single-phase BFW compound was recorded using an X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. The optical property of BFW was investigated using ultraviolet-visible light (UV-vis) spectra. The band-gap energy of BFW was revealed to be 1.98 eV. More importantly, the interfacial interaction of W6+ ions substituted by Fe3+ ions was confirmed. Moreover, the present study pointed out the positions of the valence band and the conduction band. Compared with the Bi2WO6 (BW) sample, BFW exhibited superior photocatalytic degradation activity of the Rhodamine B (RhB) under visible-light irradiation. A trapping experiment was conducted to further illustrate that hydroxyl radicals (•OH) played a distinct role among active species during the photodegradation of RhB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During 2005-2014, community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections increased in Shanghai, China. Most infections were caused by sequence type 59 S. aureus that lacked Panton-Valentine leukocidin. This finding challenges the notion that Panton-Valentine leukocidin is necessary for epidemiologic success of community-associated methicillin-resistant S. aureus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lipocalin proteins are secreted by tick salivary glands as an important strategy to interfere with the immune response of hosts. A large number of lipocalins are secreted, but the functions of most of these proteins are unclear. Here, we report a new lipocalin protein with particular histamine binding capacity, which was isolated from the salivary glands of the tick Hyalomma asiaticum. Methods: The full length cDNA of the Ha24 gene was obtained by RACE, and Ha24 gene was expressed in E. coli; after protein purification and mice immunizations, specific Polyclonal antibodies (PcAb) were created in response to the recombinant protein. Reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR), Quantitative PCR (Q-PCR), indirect immunofluorescence antibody (IFA) assay and western blot were used to detect the existence of native Ha24 in ticks. To confirm the histamine-binding capacity of rHa24, a histamine-binding assay was completed in vitro (ELISA) and in vivo by inhibition of allergic asthma in mice. Results: Ha24 is coded by 681 bases, contains 227 amino acids, and has a molecular weight of 23.3 kDa. Abundant expression in the salivary glands of feeding ticks was confirmed by the identification of native Ha24 in ticks. The results of a histamine binding assay both in vitro and in vivo demonstrated that rHa24 binds specifically with histamine in a dose-dependent manner, and can provide relief from allergic asthma in mice. Conclusions: Ha24 is a new tick lipocalin with specific histamine binding activity that can provide relief from host inflammation response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide and has an extremely poor prognosis. Surgical resection is always inapplicable to HCC patients diagnosed at an advanced tumor stage. The mechanisms underlying HCC cell proliferation remain obscure. In the present study, SWItch/sucrose nonfermentable catalytic subunit SNF2 (SNF2H) expression was tested in HCC tissues and Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation upon overexpression of SNF2H or knockdown of SNF2H expression was investigated in cultured HCC cells. It was demonstrated that SNF2H is a vital factor for HCC growth. The SNF2H expression level is increased in HCC tissues compared with paratumoral liver tissues. SNF2H promotes HCC cell proliferation and colony formation ability in vitro. SNF2H may increase the protein level of β-catenin and enhance its nuclear accumulation in HCC cells, thereby leading to the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. In conclusion, the present results indicate that SNF2H plays a vital role in HCC cell growth, suggesting that SNF2H may be a promising therapeutic target for HCC treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: β-Glucan, a soluble fiber with viscous property, has a documented cholesterol-lowering effect. The molecular weight (MW) of β-glucan, which contributes to viscosity, and an individual's genotype might influence the cholesterol-lowering efficacy of β-glucan.Objectives: This study was designed to determine whether the cholesterol-lowering efficacy of barley β-glucan varied as a function of MW and the daily dose consumed. Our second aim was to determine whether any gene-diet interactions are associated with the cholesterol-lowering efficacy of β-glucan.Methods: In a randomized controlled crossover trial, 30 mildly hypercholesterolemic adults [12 men and 18 women, aged 27-78 y; body mass index (in kg/m(2)): 20-40; total cholesterol (TC): 5.0-8.0 mmol/L; LDL cholesterol: 2.7-5.0 mmol/L] were randomly assigned to receive a breakfast that contained either barley β-glucan at 3 g high MW (HMW)/d, 5 g low MW (LMW)/d, or 3 g LMW/d or a control diet, each for 5 wk. The washout period between the phases was 4 wk. Fasting blood samples were collected at the start and end of each phase for blood lipid analysis and genotyping.Results: Consumption of 3 g HMW β-glucan/d lowered TC by -0.12 mmol/L (95% CI: -0.24, -0.006 mmol/L) compared with the control diet (P= 0.0046), but the LMW β-glucan, at either 3 g/d or 5 g/d, did not change serum cholesterol concentrations. This effect of HMW β-glucan was associated with gene-diet interaction, whereby individuals with the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs3808607-G allele (GG or GT) of the cytochrome P450 family 7 subfamily A member 1 gene (CYP7A1) had greater responses to 3 g HMW β-glucan/d in lowering TC than TT carriers (P= 0.0006).Conclusions: The HMW β-glucan rather than LMW β-glucan reduced circulating TC effectively in mildly hypercholesterolemic adults. The cholesterol-lowering effect of β-glucan may also be determined by the genetic characteristics of an individual. These data show that individuals carrying theCYP7A1SNP rs3808607-G allele are more responsive to the cholesterol-lowering effect of β-glucan with HMW than TT carriers. This trial was registered atclinicaltrials.govasNCT01408719. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aims to assess the relationship between serum vitamin D and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibody levels, as well as disease activity in patients with newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Patients and methods: These measurements were conducted between January 2014 and June 2014. Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-OH-D), anti-CCP antibody, and erythrocyte sedimentation rates were measured in a cohort of 154 patients (66 males, 88 females; mean age 53.5±12.4; range 29 to 79 years) with early RA. A control group of 60 healthy participants (25 males, 35 females; mean age 51.4±10.3; range 25 to 75 years) was only evaluated for serum 25-OH-D levels. Disease activity was measured by calculating the 28-Joint Disease Activity Score. Blood samples were drawn from cubital veins. After centrifugation, serum was collected and stored under minus 20 degrees. Results: Vitamin D deficiency was more prevalent in RA group compared with control group (48.70% vs. 30.00%, p<0.05). Serum 25-OH-D levels were lower in RA group (19.46±8.20 ng/mL) than control group (23.18±6.71 ng/mL) (p<0.05). In the RA group, serum 25-OH-D levels were negatively correlated to anti-CCP antibody levels (rs= -0.360, p<0.001), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (rs= -0.270, p<0.001), age of patients (rs= -0.602, p<0.001), and disease activity (rs= -0.249, p<0.05), respectively. Serum 25-OH-D level did not vary according to sex in the RA group. In control group, females had lower serum 25-OH-D level (p=0.001, rs=0.404). In addition, serum 25-OH-D level was also negatively associated with age in control group (p<0.001, rs= -0.578). There were no differences between RA group and control group in terms of age and sex ratio. Conclusion: Serum 25-OH-D level was negatively correlated to anti-CCP antibody level and disease activity, which implied the therapeutic role of serum 25-OH-D in RA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent XMM-Newton observations of the black hole candidate 4U 1630-47 during the 2012 outburst revealed three relativistically Doppler-shifted emission lines that were interpreted as arising from baryonic matter in the jet of this source. Here, we reanalyse those data and find an alternative model that, with less free parameters than the model with Doppler-shifted emission lines, fits the data well. In our model we allow the abundance of S and Fe in the interstellar material along the line of sight to the source to be non-solar. Among other things, this significantly impacts the emission predicted by the model at around 7.1 keV, where the edge of neutral Fe appears, and renders the lines unnecessary. The fits to all the 2012 XMM- Newton observations of this source require a moderately broad emission line at around 7 keV plus several absorption lines and edges due to highly ionized Fe and Ni, which reveal the presence of a highly-ionized absorber close to the source. Finally, our model also fits well the observations in which the lines were detected when we apply the most recent calibration files, whereas the model with the three Doppler-shifted emission lines does not. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective] Fermentation process of hawthorn vinegar was investigated in order to explore the effect of process andobtain superior process of hawthorn vinegar. [Method] Fermentation process of hawthorn vinegar was firstly optimized using Box-Behnken methodologyof 3-factor and 3-level, and the effect of process was analyzed. Secondly, it was also finished to build secondary multivariate regression model related to yield of acetic acid. [Results] The optimal fermentation process obtained by response surface methodology was as follows: inoculum size of 10%, original alcohol content of 7.0% and temperature of 30 °C. In optimal condition, yield of acetic acid was 51.76 g/L which was close to predicted value (51.77 g/L). In the model, interaction of inoculum size and original alcohol content was extremely significant. In contrast, interaction of others was non-significant. [Conclusion] Response surface methodology is advisable to be used for process optimization of hawthorn vinegar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) is an emerging minimally invasive surgery to reduce abdominal incisions. However, despite the increasing clinical application of SILS, no evidence from large-scale, randomized controlled trials is available for assessing the feasibility, short-term safety, oncological safety, and potential benefits of SILS compared with conventional laparoscopic surgery (CLS) for colorectal cancer.Methods/design: This is a single-center, open-label, noninferiority, randomized controlled trial. A total of 198 eligible patients will be randomly assigned to transumbilical single incision plus one port laparoscopic surgery (SILS plus one) group or to a CLS group at a 1:1 ratio. Patients ranging in age from 18 to 80 years with rectosigmoid cancer diagnosed as cT1-4aN0-2 M0 and a tumor size no larger than 5 cm are considered eligible. The primary endpoint is early morbidity, as evaluated by an independent investigator. Secondary outcomes include operative outcomes (operative time, estimated blood loss, and incision length), pathologic outcomes (tumor size, length of proximal and distal resection margins, and number of harvested lymph nodes), postoperative inflammatory and immune responses (white blood cells [WBC], neutrophil percentage [NE %], C-reactive protein [CRP], interleukin-6 [IL-6], and tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α]), postoperative recovery (time to first ambulation, flatus, liquid diet, soft diet, and duration of hospital stay), pain intensity, body image and cosmetic assessment, 3-year disease free survival (DFS), and 5-year overall survival (OS). Follow-up visits are scheduled for 1 and 3 months after surgery, then every 3 months for the first 2 years and every 6 months for the next 3 years.Discussion: This trial will provide valuable clinical evidence for the objective assessment of the feasibility, safety, and potential benefits of SILS plus one compared with CLS for the radical resection of rectosigmoid cancer. The hypothesis is that SILS plus one is feasible for the radical resection of rectosigmoid cancer and offers short-term safety and long-term oncological safety comparable to that of CLS, and that SILS plus one offers better cosmetic results and faster convalescence compared to CLS.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02117557 (registered on 16 April 2014). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Golgi-localized Saccharomyces cerevisiae ScGdt1 is a member of the cation/Ca2+ exchanger superfamily. We show here that Candida albicans CaGdt1 is the functional homolog of ScGdt1 in calcium sensitivity, and shows genetic interactions with CaCch1 or CaMid1 in response to ER stresses. In addition, similar to ScCCH1 and ScMID1, deletion of either CaCCH1 or CaMID1 leads to a growth sensitivity of cells to cold stress, which can be suppressed by deletion of CaGDT1. Furthermore, deletion of CaCCH1 leads to a severe delay in filamentation of C. albicans cells, and this defect is abolished by deletion of CaGDT1. In contrast, CaGDT1 does not show genetic interaction with CaMID1 in filamentation. Interestingly, C. albicans cells lacking both CaMID1 and CaGDT1 exhibit an intermediate virulence between C. albicans cells lacking CaCCH1 (non-virulent) and C. albicans cells lacking CaGDT1 (partially virulent), while C. albicans cells lacking both CaCCH1 and CaGDT1 are not virulent in a mouse model of systemic candidiasis. Therefore, CaGdt1 genetically interacts with the plasma membrane calcium channel, CaCch1/CaMid1, in the response of C. albicans cells to cold and ER stresses and antifungal drug challenge as well as in filamentation and virulence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective] The aim of the study was to investigate extraction optimization and antioxidant activity of polyphenol in okra flower in order to enhance extraction efficiency and developing value of okra flower. [Method] Optimization of supersonic assisted extraction of phenolic compound in okra flower was investigated using uniform design methodology, and its antioxidant activity was analyzed including reducing power and the capacity of scavenging superoxide anion radicals (O2-). [Result] The optimal process parameters of supersonic assisted extraction were as follows: ratio of sample to solvent of 1:35, ethanol concentration of 55%, supersonic time of 22 min, and in the extraction condition the experimental yield of phenolic compound was 4.28%. Moreover, phenolic compound in okra flower exhibited stronger antioxidant activities, reducing power of 0.2 mg/ml extraction fluid reached 0.672 and the rate of scavenging O2-. was 13.13%. [Conclusion] The optimization of extraction technology of phenolic compound in okra flower is simple and reliable, the result contributes to the development of phenolic compound in okra flower. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The optimal process for orange vinegar was investigated in order to explore the effect of process parameters and obtain the superior process parameters. The process for orange vinegar was optimized using single-factor methodology and Box-behnken methodology, and the effect of process parameters was analyzed in the light of response surface plots. Results were as follows. The optimal process of alcohol fermentation was as follows: original sugar degree of 16%, yeast inoculum size of 5% and pH value of 3.5 through single-factor experiment. The optimal fermentation process of acetic acid optimized by response surface methodology was as follows: inoculum size of 8.52%, original alcohol content of 6.0% and pH value of 3.3, in the optimal condition the yield of acetic acid was 53.11 g/L. Single factor action and the interaction of two factors were presented on the yield of acetic acid. The effects of inoculum size and pH were extremely significant, and that of original alcohol content significant. The interaction of inoculum size and original alcohol content was non-significant, that of inoculum size and pH also non-significant. On contrast, original alcohol content and pH had significant interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cationic starch microspheres (CSMs) were prepared from lab-made neutral starch-based microspheres using a cationic adsorbent, namely 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyltrimethyl ammonium chloride, as the cationic etherifying agent. Detection by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and laser diffraction techniques revealed that CSMs had coarse surfaces with good sphericity and dispersibility. Differential thermal analysis showed the lower thermostability of the CSMs' main chains. Furthermore, scores of experiments confirmed that CSMs are capable of absorption to N-(phosphonomethyl) iminodiacetic acid (PMIDA), a type of anionic substance, which is the intermediate to the preparation of glyphosate, maximally up to 95.24 mg/g. Compared with the Freundlich isotherm model, the Langmuir isotherm model can better describe the absorption process. The kinetic study showed that the pseudo-second-order model demonstrated a better correlation of the experimental data in contrast with the pseudo-first-order model. It can be therefore concluded that the rate-limiting step was the chemical absorption rather than the mass transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acid-base bifunctional organic polymeric catalysts were synthesized with tunable structures. we demonstrated two synthesis approaches for structural fine-tune. In the first case, the framework flexibility was tuned by changing the ratio of rigid blocks to flexible blocks within the polymer framework. In the second case, we precisely adjusted the acid-base distance by distributing basic monomers to be adjacent to acidic monomers, and by changing the chain length of acidic monomers. In a standard test reaction for the aldol condensation of 4-nitrobenzaldehyde with acetone, the catalysts showed good reusability upon recycling and maintained relatively high conversion percentage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total 72 Lohmann white laying hens at 7 weeks old were used to evaluate the relationship between social order and perch utilization. All laying hens were randomly divided into 12 cages, 6 birds in each cage. The aim of the study is to verify the hypothesis that highranked chickens will use perch more when there are only the perch in cage. The study researches the use of perch (including the behavior of the perch) of all hens by setting up the increasing the length of the perch. Using Clutton-Brock index by observing four behaviors (aggression, threat, replace and chase) to determine the social order of the laying hens. The data are analyzed by the generalized linear model (GLMM) in SPSS 23 software. The results showed that the higher rank laying hens used perch more times and time than other subordinate hens (P < 0.001), and the lying, preening and comforting behaviors on the perch increased accordingly (P < 0.001). Except for the highest rank of laying hens, the use of the perch was not significantly different among other subordinate ones (P > 0.05). The conclusion of this study is providing the perch for the caged laying hens can reduce their density on the floor of the cage and make the group stable more quickly. Secondly, higher-ranked hens will use more the perch, and the subordinate hens will reduce the positive conflict with the high-ranked ones. Therefore, providing perch for furnished caged laying hens is beneficial to the welfare of the laying hens in the cage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusarium head blight (FHB), mainly caused by Fusarium graminearum, is one of the most devastating diseases of wheat globally. FHB causes an extensive reduction in yield and reduces the grain quality through its contamination with Fusarium toxins such as deoxynivalenol (DON), T2 toxin, HT-2 toxin, nivalenol, and zearalenone. This review provides an overview of updated progress of genetic studies on the resistance to FHB, with an emphasis on the sources of resistance to FHB, resistance gene/quantitative trait loci (QTL) mining, resistance gene cloning, major FHB resistance genes/QTL identification by molecular markers, and resistance mechanisms. The achievements of resistance breeding based on phenotype selection and molecular markers was also summarised. Based on the systematic analysis of breeding limitations and utilisation of FHB resistant materials, the authors put forward three suggestions: First, to toughen the resistance identification of wheat, testing traits such as Fusarium damaged kernel and DON need special attention as visual symptoms are less reliable, resistant varieties should be popularised, and the screening the resistant genes should be strengthened; The second is to use the additive effect of quantitative resistance genes accumulated from existing varieties to reduce the cost of resistance in order to create high yielding resistant varieties. Thirdly, to enhance research and utilization of new genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common and debilitating neurodegenerative disorder that stems from the loss of dopaminergic neurons and is associated with progressive motor dysfunction. Glial cellderived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is very promising for the treatment of PD and other neuropathic diseases. In this study we applied the CRISPR/Cas9 technique to develop a gene-targeting knock-in system for the expression of the human gdnf gene at the bovine β-casein gene locus. A CRISPR/Cas9 expression plasmid and a pP40-GN vector were constructed. Bovine fetal fibroblasts were cultured and collected using the tissue explant method. Then the pP40-GN and CRISPR/Cas9 vectors were electrotransfected into bovine fetal fibroblasts. Resistant clones were selected using G418, while target clones were identified via PCR analyses and PCR product sequencing. Bovine fetal fibroblasts were successfully isolated and cultured using the ear tissue blocking method. After co-transfecting the bovine fetal fibroblasts with the pP40-GN target vector and the CRISPR/Cas9 expression vector in 7 days of selection with G418 a total of 12 healthy and well-separated cell clones were obtained, of which 5 were involved in gene targeting events. This study lays a foundation for the production of human GDNF protein using a gene-targeted bovine mammary gland bioreactor and provides a new strategy for the targeted therapy of PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous studies focus on food-for-protection ant-aphid mutualism while ignoring the potential aphid’s protection for ants. To obtain a comprehensive understanding of bidirectional services in ant-aphid mutualism in goji berry, we manipulated the presence and abundance of ladybugs or mites, analyzing their impact on the ant-aphid mutualism persistence. We found that ants provided aphid protection from ladybugs and aphids provided anti-mite measures for protecting ants. For aphid protection by ants, 1) ant presence eroded the positive aphid-ladybug abundance relationship by reducing ladybug attendance. 2) Aphid-infested plants with more ants were less acceptable to ladybugs (ant-ladybug ratio above 1.75). 3) Ant presence impacted consumption traits of ladybugs, including aphid consumption (43.5% less), handling time (220.3% more), and theoretical maximum consumption (68.8% less). For ant protection by aphids, 4) aphid presence alleviated negative impacts on ants caused by mites by reducing mite abundance. 5) High-abundance mites (mite-ant ratio above 70) significantly reduced ant attendance. 6) The substantial volume of aphid honeydew had remarkable anti-mite effects by trapping mites (above 0.7 ml per leaf). Besides food-for-protection mutualism, our study indicates that anti-mite measures of aphids for protecting ants could promote the persistence of ant-aphid mutualism. Both protections were density-dependent, suggesting in practical applications of ladybugs, inundative biological control based on density advantage could be a promising option for rapid impact on aphids. Effective control strategies should focus on reducing the aphid abundance below the economic threshold rather than attempting eradication, allowing aphids to naturally suppress mite populations. This could effectively reduce the dosage of pesticide products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using α-Al2O3, Tb4O7 and CeO2 as raw materials, Tb2.93Al5O12: 0.07Ce3+ yellow phosphors for white light-emitting diodes (w-LEDs) are prepared by the high-temperature solid-phase method under a reducing atmosphere. Furthermore, X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and fluorescence spectroscopy (PL) are employed to characterize the structure, morphology and photoluminescence properties of the name. The results reveal that the pure Tb3Al5O12 is synthesized under a reducing atmosphere (95% N2 + 5% H2) at 1500 °C (4 h). Under the excitation of blue light with a wavelength of 450 nm, the Tb3Al5O12:Ce3+ exhibited a broadband yellow light emission peak at 553 nm. Also, the color coordinates of Tb3Al5O12:7%Ce3+ are found to be 0.4709 and 0.5175. Overall, the as-prepared yellow phosphor is suitable for w-LEDs under blue light excitations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]