Search

The most stable Cm3+ sorption species at the water-gibbsite interface are predicted to be a tridentate surface complex, [t 7 -S(OH) 3 –Cm(H 2 O) 5 ]3+, in weakly acidic/neutral solution condition and a bidentate one, [b 6 -S(OH) 2 –Cm(OH)(H 2 O) 4 ]2+, in the alkaline solution condition by combining the AIMD simulations and static DFT geometry optimization calculations. Based on the high-accuracy SO-CAS(7e,7o)SCF/NEVPT2 calculations, the simulated emission spectra of the Cm3+ aquo ion and the two surface complexes show a gradual decrease trend in the emission energy in good agreement with TRLFS experimental observation of a red shift of peak maximum with pH increasing from 5 to 11. [Display omitted] The information of structure and stability of actinide species is key to understand the sorption mechanism of actinides at mineral–water interface. Such information is approximately derived from experimental spectroscopic measurements and needs to be accurately obtained by a direct atomic-scale modelling. Herein, systematic first-principles calculations and ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations are carried out to study the coordination structures and absorption energies of Cm(III) surface complexes at gibbsite-water interface. Eleven representative complexing sites are investigated. The most stable Cm3+ sorption species are predicted to be a tridentate surface complex in weakly acidic/neutral solution condition and a bidentate one in the alkaline solution condition. Moreover, luminescence spectra of the Cm3+ aqua ion and the two surface complexes are predicted based on the high-accuracy ab initio wave function theory (WFT). The results give a gradually decreasing emission energy in good agreement with experimental observation of a red shift of peak maximum with pH increasing from 5 to 11. This work is a comprehensive computational study involving AIMD and ab initio WFT methods to gain the coordination structures, stabilities, and electronic spectra of actinide sorption species at the mineral–water interface, thus providing important theoretical support for geological disposal of actinide waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on static DFT calculations and AIMD simulations, the stable outer- and inner-sphere adsorption complexes are respectively formed through hydrogen bonding and coordinate bonding with aluminol groups of the kaolinite(0 0 1) surface. The most stable inner-sphere complexes are predicted to be tridentate surface complexes with an eight-folded coordination structure in the first coordination sphere of Am3+. [Display omitted] • Adsorption of Am3+ and Am(OH)2+ aqua ions at the kaolinite(0 0 1)-water interface is investigated by static DFT and AIMD simulations. • Stable outer- and inner-sphere Am(III) adsorption complexes are identified, highlighting the role of hydrogen bonding and coordinate bonding with surface aluminol groups. • A tridentate, eight-folded coordination structure for the most stable Am(III) inner-sphere complexes is predicted across a pH range of 5.5–7. • The efficiency and accuracy of combining static DFT calculations for initial screening and AIMD simulations for comprehensive dynamic analysis are demonstrated. Understanding the structures and stabilities of actinide species is crucial for comprehending the sorption mechanisms at mineral–water interfaces. However, the relevant molecular-level fundamental aspects of actinide coordination chemistry at the mineral–water interface remain unclear. We herein conduct a systematic theoretical study of coordination structures and adsorption energies of Am3+ and Am(OH)2+ sorption complexes at the kaolinite(0 0 1)-water interface by integrating static density functional theory (DFT) calculations and ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations. Computational results show that stable outer- and inner-sphere adsorption complexes are respectively formed through hydrogen bonding and coordinate bonding with surface aluminol groups. The most stable inner-sphere species are predicted to be tridentate surface complexes with an eight-folded coordination structure in the first coordination sphere of Am(III). This work deepens the understanding of Am(III) adsorption and complexation behaviors at the mineral–water interface, providing essential insights for actinide migration in natural environments and nuclear waste disposal. The synergy between static DFT calculations for initial screening and AIMD simulations for comprehensive dynamic analysis in this work enhances the efficiency and accuracy of theoretical predictions for actinide environmental chemistry and can be helpful for the broader research fields of geochemistry and environmental science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel two-dimensional kagome metal–organic frameworks with mononuclear Zr4+/Hf4+ nodes chelated by benzene-1,4-dihydroxamate linkers were synthesized. The MOFs, namely SUM-1, are chemically robust and kinetically favorable, as confirmed by theoretical and experimental studies. SUM-1(Zr) can be readily made into large (∼100 μm) single crystals and nanoplates (∼50 nm), constituting a versatile MOF platform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rocky desertification control is an effective way to reconstruct degraded ecosystems and restore soil function in karst areas. Soil surface electrochemical properties, including soil surface potential, surface charge density, surface electric field strength, specific surface area, and surface charge number are important indicators for evaluating agricultural soil quality and environmental carrying capacity. However, little attention has been paid to the effect of rocky desertification succession on soil electrochemical properties. In this study, we selected a sequence of rocky desertification succession (nil, slight, moderate, and severe) to study the changes in soil surface electrochemical properties during the succession of rocky desertification. Our results showed that with increasing rocky desertification intensity, soil surface charge density, surface charge intensity, specific surface area, and the numbers of surface charge decreased, while the soil surface potential increases. The results showed that humus composition, soil particle size composition, and metal oxide content were important environmental factors that determine the electrochemical properties of soil surface in a karst rocky desertification area. In terms of impact on surface charge properties, soil properties displayed an order of humus>particle size composition>metal oxides. In addition, through the comparative analysis of soil physical properties and surface electrochemical properties, it was found that the surface soil aggregates of severe rocky desertification were more likely to disintegrate when precipitation occurs, thus facing a higher risk of soil erosion. Our results showed that the electrochemical properties of soil surface decrease with the increase of rocky desertification grades, which contributed to the decline of soil water and fertilizer conservation capacity. Therefore, areas under severe rocky desertification should be put under priority control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the design and analysis of dual-band implantable antennas based on effective relative permittivity calculation. First, the effective relative permittivity for a microstrip antenna inside lossy tissue is analyzed, helping establish the basis for the design of our proposed dual-band implantable antenna. The antenna operates in 1.4 GHz Wireless Medical Telemetry Service (WMTS) band and 2.45 GHz industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) band under proper feeding scheme. The lower band with quarter-wavelength resonance is realized by introducing two shorting pins to orthogonal strips. As a disturbance between two arc-shaped tails with open end is introduced, it can achieve circular polarization (CP) radiation property. Meanwhile, the higher band with half-wavelength resonance is realized through the path connecting two asymmetric open-end tails, so as to achieve linear polarization (LP) radiation property. As such, a wide CP bandwidth of 10.38% in WMTS band and a wide impedance bandwidth of 21.3% in ISM band are achieved and in final verified in experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • The He separation performance of CN membrane can be efficiently enhanced by moderate compressive strain. • Both DFT calculations and MD simulations are employed to verify the He purification performance of CN membrane. • Especially high He selectivity and permeance of CN are achieved at compressive strain of 6%. Abstract Designing an efficient membrane for He purification is quite crucial in scientific and industrial applications. Ultrathin membranes with intrinsic pores are highly desirable for gas purification because of their controllable aperture and homogeneous hole distribution. Based on the first-principles density function theory and molecular dynamics simulations, we demonstrate that the compressively strained graphitic carbon nitride (CN) can effectively purify He from Ne and Ar. Under a compressive strain of 6%, the CN monolayer with a suitable pore size presents an easily surmountable barrier for He (0.11 eV) but formidable for Ne (0.51 eV) and Ar (2.45 eV) passing through the membrane, and it exhibits exceptionally high selectivity of 5.17 × 10 6 for He/Ne and 1.89 × 10 39 for He/Ar, as well as excellent He permeance of 1.94 × 10 7 GPU at room temperature, superior to those of porous graphene and C 2 N membrane. Our results confirm that strain-tuned CN membrane could be potentially utilized for He separating from other noble gases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • A cost-saving and enzyme-free assay is developed for IS6110 gene sequences detection. • The assay combines magnetic beads and hybridization chain reaction (HCR). • The present assay achieves a lowest detection concentration down to 10 pM. • MBs-H1 probe can be reused which is important for MTB detection in poverty countries. Abstract Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) is the infectious pathogenic bacterium of tuberculosis, which is one of the major public health problems in the world. Until now, there remains a great challenge in the rapid, cost-saving and sensitive detection of MTB due to the strong infectivity and slow proliferation of MTB. In this manuscript, a cost-saving, enzyme-free and sensitive detection platform for the MTB IS6110 gene sequences (MTB DNA) was demonstrated by combining the superior separation ability of magnetic beads with the excellent signal amplification of hybridization chain reaction (HCR). The hairpin structure of H1 is destroyed by the hybridization of MTB DNA and H1 coupled with magnetic beads (MBs-H1) in present of MTB DNA, and HCR reaction is trigged. During this process, numerous TAMRA molecules are attached on the formed double-helix structure, and the fluorescence of the solution decreased after magnetic separation. Under the optimal conditions, the new method shows good fluorescence responses to MTB DNA with a lowest detectable concentration down to 10 pM. Importantly, the methodology can be further applied on the discrimination of DNA with single base-pair mismatches, which has great potential in single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Genome size variation is of fundamental biological importance and has been a longstanding puzzle in evolutionary biology. In the present study, the genome size of 61 accessions corresponding to 11 genera and 50 species of Vitaceae and Leeaceae is determined using flow cytometry. Phylogenetically based statistical analyses were used to infer ancestral character reconstructions of nuclear DNA contents. The DNA 1C‐values of 38 species are reported for the first time, with the largest genome (Cyphostemma humile (N. E. Br.) Desc. ex Wild & R. B. Drumm, 1C = 3.25 pg) roughly 10.48‐fold larger than the smallest (Vitis vulpina L., 1C = 0.31 pg). The large genomes are restricted to the tribe Cayratieae, and most other extant species in the family possess relatively small genomes. Ancestral genome size reconstruction revealed that the most recent common ancestor for the family had a relatively small genome (1C = 0.85 pg). Genome evolution in Vitaceae has been characterized by a trend towards genome size reduction, with just one episode of apparent DNA accumulation in the Cayratieae lineage. Such contrasting patterns of genome size evolution probably resulted from transposable elements and chromosome rearrangements, while neopolyploidization seems to contribute to recent genome increase in some species at the tips in the family tree. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors describe a fluorometric "off-on-off" method for the determination of the activity of acetylcholine esterase (AChE). Molybdenum oxide quantum dots (QDs) are used as a fluorescent probe having excitation/emission peaks at 405/525 nm. It is found that the photoluminescence of such QDs is quenched by Cu(II) ion but that it can be restored by acetylcholine which is formed by AChE-catalyzed hydrolysis of acetylthiocholine. The effect is due to the strong affinity between Cu(II) and the thiol group of acetylthiocholine. Hence, quenching is increasingly reversed with increasing concentrations of AChE. However, fluorescence is not restored if the activity of AChE is inhibited by an inhibitor. Under optimal conditions, a linear relationship is founded in the 0.05 to 15 mU·mL AChE activity range, with a limit of detection of 35 μU·mL (applying the 3σ/k criterion). Three organophosphate pesticides and propazine were used to validate the assay. All showed strong inhibition, with IC values (the concentration required for 50% inhibition to occur) to be 52, 221, 48 and 9 nM for diazinon, chlorpyriphos, monocrotophos and propazine. Benefitting from its sensitivity, specificity and simplicity, the assay in our perception provides a valuable tool for detection of AChE activity and in screening for its inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new route for one-pot preparation of carbon dots (CDs) was developed at room temperature using PEG400 as both the carbon source and passitive agent. The new method possesses the advantages of facile, rapid, energy-saving, without any external stimulus and environment friendly. By changing the content of NaOH, the PEG400-CDs with blue-emitting, yellow-emitting, orange red-emitting and red-emitting were obtained, and the formation mechanism were carefully investigated. In addition, a sensitive fluorescence sensor were developed for Fe detection based on PEG400-CDs since the fluorescence of PEG400-CDs could be enhanced by Fe. It was found that there is a good linear relationship between the enhanced fluorescence and Fe concentration in the range of 0.5 to 2.0 μmol·L with the detection limit of 6.0 × 10 mol·L, and Fe in water samples was also determined with high accuracy and repeatability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering factors such as temperature and humidity, this paper proposed a concept of "heat-sink capacity " (HSC) to judge the quantity of heat needed to absorb air under certain conditions. When the absolute heat-sink capacity of air is at a negative value or the relative heat-sink capacity exceeds / 00%, the working thermal environment can be regarded as beyond the regulations of the Coal Mine Safety Regulations (China). Under these conditions, steps to lower the temperature are vital. Using No.2 Coal Mine in Jining of Shandong province in China as an example, we measured the HSC of air in winter and summer and outlined the parameters for variation laws. The variation trends of air heat-sink capacity in the underground mine were found dissimilar to common thermodynamic parameters seen in temperature and humidity. In the intake roads and the faces, the heat-sink ability of air gradually decreased due to heat and moisture absorption. It was lowest when reaching the air outlet of the working face and even became a minus value, changing clearly and directly. As a new concept, the heat-sink capacity of mine air can describe the characters of air thermodynamic parameters and the thermal environment in underground working areas quantificationally and provide further guidelines for cooling load in essentia! mine cooling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combined nitritation–anammox process has recently been studied extensively from an engineering perspective. However, the importance of microbial communities of this process was generally underestimated. In this study, a lab-scale nitritation–anammox sequencing batch reactor (SBR) was established and the microbial community structure was further characterized, in order to provide the comprehensive insight into the key microbial groups in one-stage nitritation–anammox system. In general, a total nitrogen removal rate of 0.18 g N g −1 VSS d −1 was obtained after 180 days when the nitrogen loading rate was 0.5 kg N m −3 d −1 (hydraulic retention time of 1 d). Flexible flocs and compact granules were both found in the system, and this morphological differences were basically caused by the different microbial compositions, that is, flocs mainly consisted of filamentous bacteria and granules dominated by anammox bacteria. Results from high-throughput sequencing analysis revealed that Proteobacteria , Chloroflexi and Planctomycetes were selected and established a stable foothold in the community over the startup period, probably driven by the availability of substrate in the influent. Apart from nitrifiers of the Proteobacteria and anammox bacteria of the Planctomycetes , members of Chloroflexi constitute a large portion (>25%), which indicate that heterotrophs ( Chloroflexi ) survived by soluble microbial products (SMP) of autotrophs should not be neglected in the autotrophic system. This study could be useful for better understanding of one-stage nitritation–anammox system, especially for the interaction between autotrophs and heterotrophs in the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new pyrazole-carboxylate type ligand, 3-(pyridin-3-yl)-1 H -pyrazole-5-carboxylic acid (HPPC) was prepared from 3-acetylpyridine, diethyl oxalate and hydrazine hydrate. By employing this ligand, three new coordination complexes were prepared under solvothermal conditions: {[Ni(PPC) 2 ]·3H 2 O} n ( 1) , [Ag(PPC)] n ( 2 ) and [Cd(PPC)Cl] n ( 3 ). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses reveal that 1 – 3 exhibit three different structural types. Complex 1 displays a 4-connected net with the Schläfli symbol (4 4 ·6 2 ) topology, several types of hydrogen bonds connect the 2-D layer to a 3-D structure. Complex 2 is built from [Ag(N 2 O)] clusters and PPC ligand as 3-connected linker with Schläfli symbol {3 6 ·4 6 ·5 3 } without consideration of Ag⋯Ag interaction. The 2-D networks are also linked to form 3 D framework via Ag⋯Ag interaction. Complex 3 can be regarded as a (3, 3)-connected net with the Schläfli symbol {3 33 ·4 33 }, which consists of [Cd(N 2 O 2 )] clusters and PPC ligand as 3-connected bridge. The layers are further linked by the cholride atoms to generate a 3-D network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A three-dimensional numerical model that couples the electric field, velocity field, and temperature field is developed based on the commercial code COMSOL Multiphysics. The influences of several factors on convective heat transfer on a heated plate in the electric field generated by a needle electrode are observed. The factors are the applied voltage, the distance between the two electrodes, and the size of the ground plate. The results show that applied voltage is one of the most important factors for the convection heat transfer. The convection heat transfer efficiency significantly increases with the improvement of the applied voltage. From the perspective of the model size, the decrease of the distance between two electrodes and the size of the plate could improve the average convection heat transfer coefficient. Smaller ionic wind device needs lower applied voltage and less electric energy to obtain the same average convection heat transfer coefficient as the bigger one, which provides the theoretical basis for the potential of miniaturizing the ionic wind cooling device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Simultaneous removal of Fe2+, Mn2+ and was achieved in a full-scale biofilter. [•] IOB, MOB and NOB dominated in the biofilter. [•] AOA instead of AOB was responsible for the oxidation of . [•] Microbial populations varied along the depth of the biofilter. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: The main risk factors of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) are low gestational age and low birth weight, which are mainly caused by preterm birth. Currently, the animal model of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) in mice is the most widely used model in ROP-associated studies. However, the experimental mice are normal-term pups, and may not mimic the pathogenic status of human ROP patients. In this study, we investigated the retinal pathological features in preterm birth pups exposed to an animal model of oxygen-induced retinopathy in mice. Methods: Preterm-birth mice were obtained from pregnant C57BL/6J mice that were induced by an intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The preterm and control mice were treated with high oxygen (75 %) from postnatal day 7 (P7) to P12. The mice were perfused with high-molecular-weight FITC-dextran on P12, P15 and P17, and the retinas were whole-mounted and imaged. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA was also detected. Cross-sections of the retina were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) to identify preretinal neovascular tufts. For general observation, whole retinal images were also obtained using a microscope. Results: Leakage of the retinal blood vessels was aggravated in the preterm mice, particularly on P12 and P15. The non-perfused areas of the retina (pixel value, 183,673 ± 28,148 vs 132,110 ± 23,732, P = 0.009) and the number of preretinal endothelial cell nuclei were smaller (30.17 ± 8.33 vs 22.17 ± 6.74, P < 0.0001) on P17. The VEGF mRNA levels in the retinas were higher on P12 and P15 but lower on P17, compared with the control mice. Retinal hemorrhage was observed in the preterm mouse group (five out of six examined eyes). Conclusions: Preterm-birth mice that were subject to OIR exhibited several pathological features, such as retinal hemorrhage, severe retinal leakage and moderate retinal neovascularization, which were similar to the clinical manifestations in ROP patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies in small samples have identified inconsistent cortical abnormalities in major depressive disorder (MDD). Despite genetic influences on MDD and the brain, it is unclear how genetic risk for MDD is translated into spatially patterned cortical vulnerability. Here, we initially examined voxel-wise differences in cortical function and structure using the largest multi-modal MRI data from 1660 MDD patients and 1341 controls. Combined with the Allen Human Brain Atlas, we then adopted transcription-neuroimaging spatial correlation and the newly developed ensemble-based gene category enrichment analysis to identify gene categories with expression related to cortical changes in MDD. Results showed that patients had relatively circumscribed impairments in local functional properties and broadly distributed disruptions in global functional connectivity, consistently characterized by hyper-function in associative areas and hypo-function in primary regions. Moreover, the local functional alterations were correlated with genes enriched for biological functions related to MDD in general (e.g., endoplasmic reticulum stress, mitogen-activated protein kinase, histone acetylation, and DNA methylation); and the global functional connectivity changes were associated with not only MDD-general, but also brain-relevant genes (e.g., neuron, synapse, axon, glial cell, and neurotransmitters). Our findings may provide important insights into the transcriptomic signatures of regional cortical vulnerability to MDD. Our combined large-scale neuroimaging and brain transcriptome study demonstrates genetic substrates underlying cortical functional abnormalities in depression, suggesting transcriptomic decoding of regional cortical vulnerability to depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant innate immunity depends in part on recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), such as bacterial flagellin, EF-Tu, and fungal chitin. Recognition is mediated by pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs) and results in PAMP-triggered immunity. EF-Tu and flagellin, and the derived peptides elf 18 and flg22, are recognized in Arabidopsis by the leucine-rich repeat receptor kinases (LRR-RK), EFR and FLS2, respectively. To gain insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying PTI, we investigated EFR-mediated PTI using genetics. A forward-genetic screen for Arabidopsis elf18-insensitive (elfin) mutants revealed multiple alleles of calreticulin3 (CRT3), UDP-glucose glycoprotein glucosyl transferase (UGG7), and an HDEL receptor family member (ERD2b), potentially involved in endoplasmic reticulum quality control (ER-QC). Strikingly, FLS2-mediated responses were not impaired in crt3, uggt, and erd2b null mutants, revealing that the identified mutations are specific to EFR. A crt3 null mutant did not accumulate EFR protein, suggesting that EFR is a substrate for CRT3. Interestingly, Erd2b did not accumulate CRT3 protein, although they accumulate wild-type levels of other ER proteins. ERD2B seems therefore to be a specific HOEL receptor for CRT3 that allows its retro-translocation from the Golgi to the ER. These data reveal a previously unsuspected role of a specific subset of ER-QC machinery components for PRR accumulation in plant innate immunity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Unusual metal-organic frameworks [M(dtcp)2](SCN)2 [M=Zn, Mn; dtcp=2,6-di(1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl)-4-chlorophenol] are composed of 2D rhombus-type grid networks associated mutually by remarkable Cl⋯Cl contacts and hydrogen bonds (C–H⋯N and C–H⋯S). Both thermogravimetric analysis and photoluminescence measurements are performed as well to characterize these supramolecular frameworks. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The growth processes of Microcystis aeruginosa (FACHB-41) in simulated Taihu Lake water with different phosphorus concentrations were investigated using laboratory microcosms. The algal biomass increased with the increase of phosphorus concentration when it was lower than 0.445 mg/L, while the dissolved oxygen (DO) and pH increased, dissolved inorganic nitrogen(DIN) and light intensity underwater (I) decreased. Responding to the changes of the "environmental factors", the cellular carbohydrate and its ratio to cellular protein decreased generally as phosphorus increased. However, when phosphorus concentration was higher than 1.645 mg/L, the biomass, the "environmental factors", the cellular carbohydrate and its ratio to cellular protein did not change likewise. Since the environmental factors and the physiological and biochemical responses are important factors, the change of environmental factors and cell physiology and biochemistry induced by phosphorus may become the key factors that steer the growth and dominance of Microcystis under certain conditions. To sum up, phosphorus not only stimulate the growth of Microcystis directly by supplying nutrient element, but also has complex interactions with other "environmental factors" and play important roles in the growth processes of Microcystis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trace heavy metal ions (Ag+, Cu2+ or Hg2+) can be efficiently removed using UCNPs@ZnS core-shell nanoparticles via an ion exchange reaction and their removal amount and concentration can be determined using fluorescence quenching method. • UCNPs@ZnS nanoparticles was used to monitor and removal of some heavy metal ions. • The upconversion fluorescence was greatly quenched with the addition of Ag+. • 3.98 µmol Ag+ can be removed completely in presence of 1 mg UCNPs@ZnS nanoparticles. The heavy metal ions pollution has attracted tremendous attention owing to their cumulative effect in organs. In this work, ZnS coated upconversion nanoparticles (denoted as UCNPs@ZnS) has been fabricated and firstly used as dual-functional fluorescence probe for simultaneously removal of heavy metals such as Ag+, Cu2+ or Hg2+ and detection of these ions residual in aqueous solution.. The upconversion fluorescence intensity of the UCNPs@ZnS suspension solution was quenched gradually with the addition of the Ag+, Cu2+ or Hg2+ aqueous solution, which is attributed to the formation of highly insoluble metal sulfides with narrower band-gap with enhanced fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) efficiency. 3.98 µmol Ag+ can be removed completely in presence of 1 mg UCNPs@ZnS core-shell nanoparticles. In addition, removal amount of Ag+ is proportional to the changes of the upconversion fluorescence intensity of the UCNPs@ZnS core-shell nanoparticles suspension solution. Therefore, this work could be extended to monitor and remove these heavy metal ions whose sulfides are less soluble than ZnS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The strong strain-mediated magnetoelectric (ME) coupling found in thin-film ME heterostructures has attracted an ever-increasing interest and enables realization of a great number of integrated multiferroic devices, such as magnetometers, mechanical antennas, RF tunable inductors and filters. This paper first reviews the thin-film characterization techniques for both piezoelectric and magnetostrictive thin films, which are crucial in determining the strength of the ME coupling. After that, the most recent progress on various integrated multiferroic devices based on thin-film ME heterostructures are presented. In particular, rapid development of thin-film ME magnetometers has been seen over the past few years. These ultra-sensitive magnetometers exhibit extremely low limit of detection (sub-pT/Hz1/2) for low-frequency AC magnetic fields, making them potential candidates for applications of medical diagnostics. Other devices reviewed in this paper include acoustically actuated nanomechanical ME antennas with miniaturized size by 1–2 orders compared to the conventional antenna; integrated RF tunable inductors with a wide operation frequency range; integrated RF tunable bandpass filter with dual H- and E-field tunability. All these integrated multiferroic devices are compact, lightweight, power-efficient, and potentially integrable with current complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology, showing great promise for applications in future biomedical, wireless communication, and reconfigurable electronic systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Abelmoschus manihot (L.) Medic flower is a medicinal plant for the treatment of diseases in China. The present study was carried out to scientifically validate the gastroprotective activity and clarify the possible mechanism of the total flavones from Abelmoschus manihot (L.) Medic flowers (TFA). Methods. Gastric ulcer was induced in mice by oral administration of ethanol. The gastroprotective activity of TFA was evaluated by the gastric ulcer index and histological examinations. The gastric tissue was collected in the form of homogenate. The level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH), the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), and protein content were measured. Western blotting for the expression of Bax, Bcl-2, TNF-α, and NF-κB(p65) was also carried out. The effect of TFA was compared with that of standard antiulcer drug omeprazole (100 mg/kg). Results. This gastroprotective effect of TFA could be attributed to the increase in the activity of SOD and GSH and decrease in the levels of MDA and also decrease in the levels of Bax, TNF-α, and NF-κB(p65) expressions and increase in the Bcl-2 expression level. Conclusion. The findings of this study demonstrated that TFA could significantly attenuate ethanol-induced gastric injury via antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a new on-off assay for alkaline phosphatase (ALP) detection using molybdenum oxide quantum dots (MoO x QDs) based on three favorable properties: the quenching ability of Cu 2+ on MoO x QDs, the strong binding affinity between Cu 2+ and PPi, and the catalysis ability of ALP to hydrolyze PPi to orthophosphate (Pi). Benefiting from the strong affinity of Cu 2+ and PPi, the effective quenching of MoO x QDs by Cu 2+ was hampered when PPi was added into the system containing MoO x QDs and Cu 2+ , leading to a significant photoluminescence enhancement (“ON”). Further addition of ALP, PPi was catalytically hydrolyzed into Pi, which would disable the formation of Cu 2+ -PPi complex and release free Cu 2+ , resulting in photoluminescence quenching (“OFF”). The on-off assay allows the analysis of PPi and ALP by measuring the photoluminescence intensity, and quantitative detection of ALP in a linear range from 0.1 to 5.0 U/L with the detection limit of 0.02 U/L (3σ/K) is realized. Moreover, the present assay was successfully applied in ALP inhibitor screening and ALP detection in diluted human serum samples, and satisfactory recoveries between 99.6% and 103.0% were obtained. The on-off photoluminescence assay shows many merits, including convenient operation, cost-saving, high sensitivity and superior selectivity, which allow the assay for ALP detection in real human serum samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A spindle-like Cu-based metal-organic framework was successfully synthesized under microwave-assisted reaction. When treated as a precursor by pyrolysis of this Cu-MOF at 700 °C under air atmosphere, porous hollow CuO/C composites were prepared and tested as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The CuO/C electrode manifests an excellent specific capacity of about 789 mAh g −1 at a current of 100 mA g −1 after 200 cycles, together with superior cyclic stability and remarkable rate capacity, which is supposed to benefit from the large accessible surface area and unique hollow interior structure. The remarkable performances make it a promising anode material for LIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vector finite element method of tetrahedral elements is used to model 3D electromagnetic wave logging response. The tangential component of the vector field at the mesh edges is used as a degree of freedom to overcome the shortcomings of node-based finite element methods. The algorithm can simulate inhomogeneous media with arbitrary distribution of conductivity and magnetic permeability. The electromagnetic response of well logging tools are studied in dipping bed layers with the borehole and invasion included. In order to simulate realistic logging tools, we take the transmitter antennas consisting of circular wire loops instead of magnetic dipoles. We also investigate the apparent resistivity of inhomogeneous formation for different dip angles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The title compound, [Zn2(C22H20Cl2N4O2)(H2O)2](NO3)2, was obtained by the ion-exchange reaction of a dinuclear zinc(II)–diperchlorate complex of the macrocycle with Zn(NO3)2·6H2O. The complex lies about a centre of symmetry and the coordination about the Zn atom is distorted square pyramidal. Inter­molecular hydrogen bonds and π–π stacking inter­actions form a three-dimensional supra­molecular network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on an analysis of the strengthening and toughening mechanisms of natural composites (shells and pearls) and the biomimetic principle, a new type of hexagonal honeycomb shelter was designed using concrete-filled steel tubes. Experiments were conducted to investigate the anti-penetration properties of the honeycomb shelter. The experimental results showed that in contrast to a reinforced concrete shelter, damage from an impacting projectile only occurred within a single hexagonal unit of the honeycomb shelter; in addition, the damaged area on the honeycomb shelter was relatively small. Furthermore, the projectile tended to yaw when it penetrated the honeycomb shelter. The results of the experiments on the honeycomb shelter were also analyzed in terms of stress wave propagation, which was examined using a numerical simulation. The analysis showed that due to the restriction and obstruction effects of the hexagonal steel tubes on the concrete within the steel tubes, the resistance on the projectile increased during the penetration process, which reduced the damage caused by the projectile. The experimental results and analysis showed that a honeycomb shelter composed of concrete-filled steel tube components exhibits relatively good anti-penetration properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-assembly through tuning the N -donor azole ligands and coordinative preferences of transition metal Cu(II), Cd(II) and Co(II) ions, three dimeric complexes, namely [Cu 2 (Hmpz) 4 ( μ 2 -Cl) 2 Cl 2 ] ( 1 ), [Cd 2 (pmtz) 2 Cl 2 (H 2 O) 4 ] ( 2 ) and [Co 2 (Hmptz) 2 Cl 2 (H 2 O) 4 ]Cl 2 ·H 2 O ( 3 ) have been synthesized at solvent method and hydrothermal conditions and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses and fluorescent property were investigated, where Hmpz = 3-methyl-1 H -pyrazole, Hpmtz = 5-methyl-1-phenyl-1 H -1,2,3-triazole-4-carboxylic acid, and H 2 mpta = 5-methyl-1-(1 H -pyrazol-3-yl)-1 H -1,2,3-triazole-4-carboxylic acid, respectively. In order to investigate the intermolecular contacts, Hirshfeld surface was studied in this work. The Hirshfeld surface analysis was successfully deployed here to visualize and elaborate the similarities and differences in the molecular environments of the three complexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil organic carbon (SOC) is the dynamic medium of carbon transfer and the main way of carbon circulation in karst ecosystem, SOC and soil labile organic carbon (LOC) is essential for karst soil C cycling. There has been very little research about the differentiation of SOC and LOC in karst ecosystem. In this study, six typical restoration measures were investigated in the karst rocky desertification ecosystem, southwest China, including: restoration with Zanthoxylum bungeanums (HJ), restoration with Hylocereus undulates (HL), restoration with Pennisetum sinese (HZ), restoration with Medicago sativa (MX), restoration with Sabina chinensis (YB), and abandoned and natural recovery (LH). The SOC contents, SOC stocks, LOC contents (water soluble organic carbon (WSOC), easily oxidizable organic carbon (EOC), particulate organic carbon (POC), light fraction organic carbon (LFOC)), and the carbon pool management index (CPMI) were investigated. The results indicated that the SOC contents, SOCS and LOC contents of the six measures were the highest in YB, followed by the LH, and the two were significantly higher than the other four measures. The soil CPMI contents of 0-20 cm layer under the different restoration measures decreased in the following order: YB > HJ > MX > HL > HZ. Correlation analysis showed that SOC was positively correlated with soil LOC (P<0.01), and LOC was positively correlated with each other (P<0.01). These findings suggest that restoration with Sabina chinensis, abandoned and natural recovery are more conducive to the management and protection of karst ecological environment. Restoration with Zanthoxylum bungeanums can be used as a priority economic species for karst rocky desertification and mountain agricultural development in southwest China. Soil WSOC, EOC, POC, and LFOC can be used as effective indicators to reflect SOC pools, and soil CPMI can also be used as a sensitive indicator to reflect soil management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primordial follicle assembly in the mouse occurs during perinatal ages and largely determines the ovarian reserve that will be available to support the reproductive life span. The development of primordial follicles is controlled by a complex network of interactions between oocytes and ovarian somatic cells that remain poorly understood. In the present research, using single-cell RNA sequencing performed over a time series on murine ovaries, coupled with several bioinformatics analyses, the complete dynamic genetic programs of germ and granulosa cells from E16.5 to postnatal day (PD) 3 were reported. Along with confirming the previously reported expression of genes by germ cells and granulosa cells, our analyses identified 5 distinct cell clusters associated with germ cells and 6 with granulosa cells. Consequently, several new genes expressed at significant levels at each investigated stage were assigned. By building single-cell pseudotemporal trajectories, 3 states and 1 branch point of fate transition for the germ cells were revealed, as well as for the granulosa cells. Moreover, Gene Ontology (GO) term enrichment enabled identification of the biological process most represented in germ cells and granulosa cells or common to both cell types at each specific stage, and the interactions of germ cells and granulosa cells basing on known and novel pathway were presented. Finally, by using single-cell regulatory network inference and clustering (SCENIC) algorithm, we were able to establish a network of regulons that can be postulated as likely candidates for sustaining germ cell-specific transcription programs throughout the period of investigation. Above all, this study provides the whole transcriptome landscape of ovarian cells and unearths new insights during primordial follicle assembly in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copy number variation (CNV) is a form of genetic variation caused by genome rearrangement, with abnormal fragments ranging from 50 bp to Mb. And, CNV is closely related to disease, growth and reproductive shape of livestock. As a member of myosin light chain kinase (MYLK) family with serine/threonine specificity, MYLK4 belongs to an enzyme encoded by MYLK4 gene. Although MYLK4 is a recognized kinase, its function has yet to be revealed in subsequent studies. This study aims to analyze CNV and genetic effects of MYLK4 gene in goats. We used qPCR to detect CNV of MYLK4 gene in African Nubian goat (n = 32), Guizhou black goat (n = 196) and Guizhou white goat (n = 95), respectively, and correlated CNV data of MYLK4 gene with goat growth traits in Chinese goats. The results showed that the effect of MYLK4 gene CNV on body weight, body length and body height of goats had significantly different (p < 0.05, Q < 0.05), in which CNV showed better growth traits in type of deletion. Therefore, CNV of MYLK4 gene can be used as a molecular marker for assisted selection of goat growth traits, which provides a theoretical basis for the genetic improvement of goat breeds in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study how the CD200‐CD200R1 signaling pathway modulates poststroke inflammation and advances our knowledge of immune responses to ischemia insults in stroke. Methods: Focal middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was induced in mice for 90 min, and mice were sacrificed at 1, 3, and 7 days of reperfusion. CD200, CD200R1, iNOS, and Arg‐1 expression in ischemic brains was assessed by Western blotting (WB), and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was performed to examine the expression of CD200 on neurons and CD200R1 on infiltrating lymphocytes. The severity of neurobehavioral deficits was evaluated by neurological deficit scores (NDS) and infarction volume estimated by TTC staining. To study the relationship between CD200/CD200R1 expression and the diversity of the neuroinflammatory response in stroke, CD200Fc (CD200R1 agonist) was subcutaneously injected at onset, at 1 day and 2 days after MCAO operation, and the brains were collected for detection at 3 days after MCAO/R (reperfusion). Results: CD200 expression on neurons increased at 1 day and then decreased at 3 days after MCAO/R, and the expression of CD200R1 on lymphocytes showed an opposite temporal pattern as tested by IHC. The WB results showed that CD200/CD200R1 variance exhibited a similar pattern of IHC results, and the level of iNOS peaked at 1 day and then decreased gradually, but Arg‐1 increased with time after MCAO/R in ischemic brains. After CD200Fc injection, CD200R1 expression significantly increased, and CD200Fc promoted Arg‐1 but inhibited iNOS expression. The infarct volume and NDS of the group treated with CD200Fc were significantly smaller than those of the IgG2a‐treated group. Conclusions: The CD200‐CD200R1 signaling pathway regulates neuroinflammation after stroke. Stimulation of CD200R1 by CD200Fc promotes the anti‐inflammatory response and alleviates ischemic injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Xinjiang brown cattle, Red steppe cattle, and Yunling cattle are indigenous cultivated cattle breeds in Chinese frontier provinces, and they produce high-grade beef and milk products, however, their genetic diversity in many important genes related to excellent meat and milk production is still unknown. Our previous studies have found that several candidate genes (e.g., SREBP1c and PAX7) were associated with bovine economically important phenotypic traits, but none has been reported in the above-mentioned three cattle breeds. Since the InDel (insertion/deletion) marker becomes a useful tool applied in the animal molecular breeding, herein, we firstly found that the InDel variations of seven candidate genes in these cattle. Results showed that the genotypic and allelic distributions of these seven genes were remarkably different among these three cattle (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). Furthermore, the InDel variations of SREBP1c and PAX7 genes were significantly associated with eight phenotypic traits in Xinjiang brown cattle (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01), respectively, suggesting that they can become the useful DNA markers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copy number variations (CNVs) have been identified as another important structural variation of genome. In recent years, a large amount of CNVRs have been identified in humans and animals. However, association and dosage effects studies of CNVs are very limited. Apolipoprotein L3 (APOL3) gene plays a central role in modulating gene transcription and is located within a CNVR that encompasses quantitative trait locis (QTLs) for economic traits like meat quality. Herein, we analyzed the CNV polymorphism of APOL3 in 421 individuals from five distinct cattle breeds, and then correlated their genotypes with growth traits. Association analysis revealed that the APOL3 CNV was significantly associated with hip height and cannon circumference of Xianan (XN) cattle (P <.01), and visibly associated with body slanting length and hucklebone width of Pinan (PN) cattle (P <.05). Overall, the data provide evidence for the functional role of APOL3 CNV and a basis for future applications in cattle breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper‐based antimicrobial compounds are widely and historically used to control plant diseases, such as late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans, which seriously affects the yield and quality of potato. We previously identified that copper ion (Cu2+) acts as an extremely sensitive elicitor to induce ethylene (ET)‐dependent immunity in Arabidopsis. Here, we found that Cu2+ induces the defence response to P. infestans in potato. Cu2+ suppresses the transcription of the abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthetic genes StABA1 and StNCED1, resulting in decreased ABA content. Treatment with ABA or inhibitor fluridone made potato more susceptible or resistance to late blight, respectively. In addition, potato with knockdown of StABA1 or StNCED1 showed greater resistance to late blight, suggesting that ABA negatively regulates potato resistance to P. infestans. Cu2+ also promotes the rapid biosynthesis of ET. Potato plants treated with 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylate showed enhanced resistance to late blight. Repressed expression of StEIN2 or StEIN3 resulted in enhanced transcription of StABA1 and StNCED1, accumulation of ABA and susceptibility to P. infestans. Consistently, StEIN3 directly binds to the promoter regions of StABA1 and StNCED1. Overall, we concluded that Cu2+ triggers the defence response to potato late blight by activating ET biosynthesis to inhibit the biosynthesis of ABA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serine protease inhibitor protein 3 (serpin peptidase inhibitor, clade A, member 3, SERPINA3) is a member of the serpin superfamily, probably related to the yield and quality of muscle. This study focuses on the relationship between SERPINA3 gene polymorphism and growth traits in beef cattle. The study first uses sequencing pooled DNA samples (Pool-Seq), PCR-RFLP and Tetra-primer ARMS-PCR techniques to determine the genetic polymorphisms of SERPINA3 in 765 beef cattle. Then, the polymorphic loci were correlated with the growth characters of cattle. Five SNPs (SNP1:A-648G, SNP2:T6496A, SNP3:G2495A, SNP4:T2595A, SNP5:A2615G) were found, located in the promoter, introns 5 and SNP 3, 4, 5 were in exons 2, respectively. The observed He was from 0.44 to 0.5, Ne were approaching 2 (1.78 to 2.00). The maximum and minimum PIC (polymorphism information content) values were 0.37 and 0.34, respectively. The association analysis results showed that the SNPs had a significant height in the chest girth and body length. (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). This will provide important information for the rapid breeding of Chinese yellow cattle and the establishment of a molecular genetic marker database. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellular retinoic acid binding protein 2 (CRABP2) is essential to myoblast differentiation. However, there was no report about the function of CRABP2 gene in cattle. This study explored the association of CRABP2 gene polymorphisms with growth traits in cattle breeds by several methods, such as DNA sequencing, PCR, PCR–RFLP and forced PCR–RFLP. Two sequence variants were determined. There were 621 individuals in six cattle breeds from China for the experiment, and three breeds were used to test validation of polymorphisms and extent of linkage disequilibrium (LD). The results showed that both SNPs (SNP1, g.2458 G > T, SNP2, g.3878 G > A) were in intron1. Two SNPs were in low linkage disequilibrium. Association analysis suggested that SNP1 had the significant difference on growth traits with body height, height at hip cross and body slanting length (P <.05), while SNP2 showed a significant difference in growth traits with body height, height at hip cross and body slanting length(P <.05). The results of this investigation displayed that the CRABP2 gene is an available candidate gene and may be used for breed selection and conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of climate change and nutrient load caused by human activities on lake phytoplankton blooms have attracted much attention globally. However, their roles and synergistic effects on phytoplankton biomass and community historical succession are not well understood, especially for meso-eutrophic plateau lakes. In this study, a multi-year (1997–2022) monthly dataset including hydro-chemical and meteorological indicators of the meso-eutrophic plateau lake Erhai in China, was used to explore the contributions of climate change and nutrients on phytoplankton biomass variation and community succession. Phytoplankton biomass increased from 1997 to 2006, slowly decreased from 2006 to 2015, then increased again from 2015 to 2022, according to a generalised additive model (GAM). Alongside warming, nitrogen, phosphorus and organic matter are key drivers of long-term interannual variation in phytoplankton biomass and historical succession of the phytoplankton community. The extensive blooms in recent years were strongly associated with both organic matter accumulation and global warming. Phytoplankton biomass in northern and southern districts was greater than in central areas, with Cyanophyta and Pyrrophyta dominating in the north and Chlorophyta prevalent in the south. Since 2015, phytoplankton diversity has increased significantly, and biomass has declined in the southern district but increased markedly in the northern district. Spatial heterogeneity was caused by the spatial distribution of nutrients and the buoyancy regulation capacity of cyanobacteria. The results demonstrate that bloom mitigation responds strongly to nitrogen and phosphorus control in meso-eutrophic lakes, therefore preventing and controlling blooms through nitrogen and phosphorus reduction is still an effective measure. Given the accumulation of organic matter in recent years, synergistic control of organic matter and total nitrogen and phosphorus could effectively reduce the risk of cyanobacterial and dinoflagellate blooms. [Display omitted] • Phytoplankton was investigated in a meso-eutrophic plateau lake • Phytoplankton biomass displayed temporal and spatial heterogeneity • Warming and nutrient levels affected phytoplankton biomass • Organic matter and warming influenced phytoplankton community succession • Pollution heterogeneity and buoyancy caused spatial variation in phytoplankton [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urchin-shaped Au@Bi 2 S 3 core-shell structures were synthesized as the typical Schottky junction via intermediate layer conversion method, which show synergistic killing due to the high yield of ROS and hyperthermia leading to rapid inactivation of Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli) and Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) triggered by near-infrared (NIR) light. • Urchin-shaped Au@Bi 2 S 3 core-shell structures have been prepared for the first time. • Au nanorods were coated by urchin-shaped Bi 2 S 3 via a hard template engaged polyol method. • The Au@Bi 2 S 3 core-shell structures exhibited enhanced antibacterial activities. Antimicrobial nanostructures are expected to be effective alternatives to antibiotics, combating the emergence of drug resistance and superbugs. Herein, we have developed an intermediate layer conversion strategy to fabricate urchin-shaped Au@Bi 2 S 3 core-shell structures via a hard template engaged polyol method, which showed low cytotoxicity and excellent photothermal conversion properties. This metal-semiconductor composite nanostructures are also behaved as the typical Schottky junction that can improve the separation efficiency of the electron-hole pairs triggered by near-infrared (NIR) light, leading to considerable generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). As a result, the obtained urchin-shaped Au@Bi 2 S 3 core-shell structures exhibited enhanced antibacterial ability compared to Au nanorods or Bi 2 S 3 alone, which can be attributed to the higher yield of ROS and hyperthermia. Once stimulated by 808 nm laser irradiation, urchin-shaped Au@Bi 2 S 3 core-shell structures made a nearly 100% bactericidal ratio quickly for Escherichia coli (140 μg/mL) and Staphylococcus aureus (120 μg/mL) owing to their synergetic photothermal and photodynamic anti-bacterial (PTA/PDA) performance. Thus, this work can be extended to fabricate some other heterostructures comprised of semiconductors and metals/semiconductors. In particular, the urchin-shaped Au@Bi 2 S 3 core-shell structures is a promising candidate for rapidly bacterial elimination in medical treatment or environmental remedy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The endophytic Bacillus amyloliquefaciens YTB1407 was previously reported to promote the growth of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas cv. Yanshu 25). Here, we demonstrate in both in vitro and pot trial assays that pre-treatment with YTB1407 suspension could enhance resistance against root rot disease and black rot disease, caused by Fusarium solani Mart. Sacc. f. sp. batatas McClure and Ceratocystis fimbriata Ell. & Halst on sweet potato, respectively. When seedlings were infected with fungal pathogens at 10 days post irrigation, pre-treatment with YTB1407 suspension decreased these pathogens and YTB1407 bacterial biomass in sweet potato roots. The pre-treatment activated the expression of salicylic acid (SA)-responsive PR-1 gene, raised SA content, and reduced hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2) in the host to resist F. solani , while it enhanced the expression levels of SA-responsive NPR1 and PR1 genes and increased SA content to resist C. fimbriata. The disease resistance control effect initiated by pre-treatment with YTB1407 for root rot pathogen (F. solani) was better than for black rot pathogen (C. fimbriata). The results indicated that Bacillus amyloliquefaciens YTB1407 played a pivotal role in enhancing resistance to two fungi pathogens in sweet potato, through production of some antifungal metabolites to decrease infection in the early stage as well as induction of SA-dependent systemic resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Genetic polymorphism has great influences on the improvement of cattle traits. The polymorphism of the same gene family will greatly change the growth traits of cattle, such as the pleomorphic adenoma gene (PLAG) family. Many studies have shown that the PLAG family proteins are the transcription regulators of nuclear protein, which mainly regulates the expression of many important genes in the body. In cattle, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within or near the PLAG1 gene is associated with economic traits of height in cattle. Here we investigate a SNPs of bovine PLAG1 in 646 cattle from five breeds. We found three different genotypes by using cleaved amplification polymorphism sequence-tagged sites (CAPs), includes some significant differences in body height, chest circumference and other shapes (P < 0.05), also we found that the TT genotype had no advantage in body shape. These results indicate that the selection of PLAG1 gene could be used to ensure the breeding direction for growth traits of the beef cattle. Highlights • The SNPs region(rs210941459) which affects growth traits was identified in Chinese cattle of PLAG1 gene. • The PLAG1 gene has an important influence on the growth and development of China cattle. • The polymorphism of g.48308 in a PLAG1 gene had significant effects on body length and chest height. • There were significant differences in individual growth traits of different gene polymorphism [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Copy number variation is a large genome variation which usually happens in the noncoding-region, and it may occur at the locus associated with the functional gene to further influence the phenotype. Potassium inwardly-rectifying channel, subfamily J 12 (KCNJ12) gene expressed widely in cardiomyocytes and neurons, plays an important role in tumor therapy and muscle movement regulation. In this study, we detected the distribution of CNVs for KCNJ12 gene in 404 individuals belonging to four Chinese cattle breeds (NY, JX, JA and GF). We also investigated the KCNJ12 gene expression in different tissues of JX cattle. Additionally, we examined the association of two CNV regions (CNV1: 1,600 bp, intron 1; CNV2: 4,800 bp, intergenic) with growth traits. The statistical analyses indicated that the CNV1 is associated with the body length, rump length and weight in JX cattle population (P < 0.05); and there has a significant association with the body length, chest circumference, and body weight in GF cattle (P < 0.05).The CNV2 had a significant effect on the body length and body weight in JX cattle (P < 0.05); the body length, chest circumference, rump length and body weight in GF cattle (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). The copy numbers of KCNJ12 gene presented the negative correlations with the transcript level of gene in skeletal muscles (P < 0.05). Our results provide evidence that CNV1 and CNV 2 in KCNJ12 are associated with growth traits in two cattle populations and may be used as candidates for marker-assisted selection and breeding management in cattle. Highlights • The CNVs region was identified in Chinese cattle of KCNJ12 gene. • The KCNJ12 gene was higher in stomach, heart and muscle than other tissues. • The KCNJ12 gene copy number presented a moderate negative correlation with the transcriptional expression in adult skeletal muscles. • Statistical analysis revealed that the KCNJ12 CNVs were significantly associated with growth traits in two cattle populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Copy number variation (CNV) related to complex traits, such as disease and quantitative phenotype, is considered an important and wealthy source of genetic and phenotypic diversity. It suggests that the copy number variation of function gene maybe leads to the phenotypic changes. Kupple like factor 3 (KLF3) gene is a vital transcription factor associated with the growth and development of muscle and adipose tissue. It has been mapped in a CNV region by animal genome re-sequencing. In this study, we detected the distribution diversity of KLF3 gene copy numbers in six Chinese cattle breeds (QC, NY, XN, PN, QDM and JX) and associated the phenotypic traits with it. Then, we analyzed the KLF3 gene transcription expression level in different tissues of Jiaxian (JX) cattle. Furthermore, we detected mRNA expression level of muscle and fat tissues of Jiaxian cattle (JX), Angus × Jiaxian (AJ). The results showed that the copy number in CNV loss was more frequent in QC than others. And we revealed a positive effect of KLF3 CNV on growth traits, such as body mass and heart girth (P < 0.05). In a word, we ascertained the significance between CNVs of KLF3 gene and growth traits in different cattle breeds, and our data indicates that the CNVs of KLF3 gene may as a marker for the future molecular breeding of Chinese beef cattle. Highlights • The CNV region was identified in Chinese cattle of KLF3 gene. • The KLF3 gene was higher in fat and liver than other tissues. • The KLF3 gene expression level was discrepant in same tissue of different cattle breeds. • There were significant differences in individual growth traits of different CNV types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a member of MYLK family, MYLK4 gene may play a vital role in muscle development. In this study, one novel single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was identified the bovine MYLK4 by sequencing pooled DNA samples (pool-Seq) and forced polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (forced PCR-RFLP) methods. Overall, we reported one mutation (SNP1) in the intron 10 region within the bovine MYLK4 gene in 559 individuals representing five main cattle breeds from China (Nanyang, NY; Qinchuan; Jiaxian, JX; Pinan cattle; and Caidamu cattle, CDM). Genotype AA and allele A were predominant in the QC, PN, and XN populations. Association analysis with growth traits in the QC breed showed that the animals with genotype GG had significantly greater chest breadth and hip width (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the genotype GG was strongly associated with withers height and body length than those with genotype AA (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05) at 12 months in the NY breed. These statistical results exhibited that the MYLK4 gene might be a potential candidate gene to improve cattle's growth traits, and the SNP could be used as molecular markers in early marker-assisted selection (MAS) in beef cattle breeding program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The α-adducin (ADD1) is a subunit of adducin which is a cytoskeleton heterodimeric protein. Adducin participates in oocytes chromosome meiosis of mice, prompting adducin has an effect on embryonic development. Adducin gene mutation has significantly functional change. So the present study was to identify and characterize polymorphisms within the coding region of the bovine ADD1 gene among different cattle breeds. Here, 11 novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs 1-11) were identified by DNA sequencing and polymerase chain reaction-single stranded conformational polymorphism, there were one synonymous mutation in exon 1 (SNP1); four missense mutations in exons 4, 7, and 8 (SNPs 3-6); and six mutations in introns 4, 12, 13, and 14 (SNPs 2, 7-10). The statistical analyses indicated that the some SNPs are associated with the growth traits (body length, body height, chest circumference, and hucklebone width) in Chinese Jiaxian cattle population. Our results provide evidence that polymorphisms in the ADD1 gene are associated with growth traits, and may be used for marker-assisted selection in beef cattle breeding program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) plays a vital role in immunomodulation and muscle and bone growth. The copy number variation (CNV) is believed to the reason for many complex phenotypic variations. In this paper, we statistically analyzed the copy number and the expression profiling in different tissue types of the IGF1R gene using the 422 samples from four Chinese beef cattle breeds, and the mRNA of IGF1R was widely expressed in nine tissue types of adult cattle (heart, liver, kidney, muscle, fat, stomach, spleen, lung and testis). Results of CNV and growth traits indicated that the IGF1R CNV was significantly associated with body weight and body height of Jinnan (JN) cattle and was significantly associated with body height and hucklebone width of Qinchuan (QC) cattle, making IGF1R CNV a promising molecular marker to improve meat production in beef cattle breeding. Bioinformatics predictions show that the CNV region is highly similar to the human genome, and there are a large number of transcription factors, DNase I hypersensitive sites, and high levels of histone acetylation, suggesting that this region may play a role in transcriptional regulation, providing directions for further study of the role of bovine CNV and economic traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract As an important epigenetic modification DNA methylation is catalyzed by DNA methylation transferases (DNMTs) and occurs mainly in CpG islands. DNA methylation plays an important role in regulates gene expression, cell differentiation, genetic imprinting and tumor therapy. Retinoic acid-binding proteins (RAC) is vital for the absorption, transport, metabolism and maintenance of homeostasis of retinoic acid, which in turn regulates the differentiation and proliferation of cells by regulating the transcription of many target genes, therefore, these proteins influence differentiation and proliferation of adipocytes and muscle fibroblasts. Thus, cellular retinoic acid binding protein 2 (CRABP2) may be a candidate gene which affects beef quality, yield and fat deposition. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression and the methylation pattern on the differentially methylated region (DMR) of the promoter of CRABP2. The DNA methylation pattern was tested by bisulfite sequencing polymerase chain reaction (BSP), the quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) was used to analysis the expression of CRABP2 gene. The results showed that the DNA methylation level was higher in purebred cattle breed than that in hybrid cattle breeds which was negative correlation with the expression of the gen. These results indicate that the methylation status of the CRABP2 DMR can regulate mRNA expression. What's more, there are different methylation and expression patterns in different breeds and tissues which may influence the phenotype, and the results may be a useful parameter to investigate the function of CRABP2 in muscle and fat developmental in Chinese cattle. Highlights • The CRABP2 plays an important role in beef quality, yield and fat deposition. • The appropriate DNA methylation is essential for normal gene function. • The Jianxian Red cattle exhibited a higher mRNA level and DNA methylation level than the hybrid cattle during in muscle and fat tissues. • A useful molecular marker for muscle developmental and as a model for studies in other species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Polymorphic adenoma gene 1 ( PLAG1 ) is a member of the pleomorphic adenoma gene family. PLAG family of proteins as a nuclear transcription factor mainly play a role in regulating a variety of important genes in the body. The aim of this study was to examine the association of the PLAG1 polymorphism with growth traits in 566 cattle. A novel 19-bp indel mutation was identified in the PLAG1 by sequencing pooled DNA samples (Pool-Seq) and agarose gel electrophoresis methods. The PCR products of PLAG1 exhibited 3 genotypes and 2 alleles: 142 bp (denoted as W) and 123 bp (denoted as D). Genotype WW and allele W were predominant in the studied populations. In addition, the 19-bp indel was significantly associated with the growth traits in cattle breeds, with the hip width and rump length of Pinan cattle ( P < 0.05), heart girth and cannon bone circumference of Xianan cattle ( P < 0.01 or P < 0.05), as well as the heart girth, hip width, hucklebone width, rump length, height at sacrum and chest depth of the Jiaxian cattle ( P < 0.05). Our results indicate that the Indel marker of PLAG1 gene can be used as candidate molecular markers for the breeding in cattle. Highlights • Indel was identified in Chinese cattle of PLAG1 gene. • The genotyping of the Indel was successfully implemented using PCR, DNA sequencing and Agarose gel electrophoresis methods. • The statistical analyses indicated that four cattle breeds are associated with the growth traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]