Search

Abiotic stresses, such as iron deficiency and high salinity, affect apple growth and development. WRKY transcription factors (TFs) are widely involved in the responses of plants to adverse stresses. In the present study, a new WRKY gene was isolated from Malus xiaojinensis and designated as MxWRKY53. Subcellular localization showed that MxWRKY53 was localized to the nucleus. The expression level of MxWRKY53 was highly affected by salt, low Fe, and high Fe stresses in M. xiaojinensis seedlings. When MxWRKY53 was introduced into Arabidopsis thaliana, it greatly enhanced the salt and Fe tolerance. When dealt with high and low Fe stresses, the overexpression of MxWRKY53 in transgenic A. thaliana resulted in higher levels of root length, fresh weight, and contents of chlorophyll and Fe than wild type (WT). Increased expression of MxWRKY53 in transformed A. thaliana also contributed to higher contents of chlorophyll and proline, and higher activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT), while malondialdehyde (MDA) content was lower, especially in response to salt stress. Therefore, these results show that MxWRKY53 plays a positive role in the process of plant resistance to salt, low Fe, and high Fe stresses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Co 3 O 4 is deposited onto copper foam via a rapid solution combustion process. • The Co 3 O 4 loadings can be controlled by the immersion and combustion times. • The lithium storage capacity of Co 3 O 4 @CFs can reach 1.95 mAh/cm2. In this work, Co 3 O 4 layers can be constructed on copper foam (CF) in seconds via facile and efficient solution combustion processes, forming self-supporting Co 3 O 4 @CFs. By controlled immersion and calcination times, Co 3 O 4 @CF electrodes with different Co 3 O 4 loadings are prepared and recorded as CF-1, CF-2, and CF-3, respectively. As anodes for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), CF-1, CF-2, and CF-3 exhibit high-areal capacity of 0.87, 1.59, and 1.95 mAh/cm2 at 0.5 mA/cm2, respectively. The high capacity may be due to the high Co 3 O 4 loadings and the hybrid (diffusion and pseudocapacitive) lithium storage behavior of the porous Co 3 O 4 layer. This study provides an ultrafast solution combustion method for the construction of self-supporting anodes in LIBs, which can be further extended to prepare other self-supporting metal oxide-based electrodes for LIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the core of artificial intelligence, machine learning has strong application advantages in multi-criteria intelligent evaluation and decision-making. The level of sustainable development is of great significance to the safety evaluation of coal mining enterprises. BP neural network is a classical algorithm model in machine learning. In this paper, the BP neural network is applied to the sustainable development level decision-making and safety evaluation of coal mining enterprises. Based on the analysis of the evaluation method for sustainable development of coal enterprises, the evaluation index system of sustainable development of coal enterprises is established, and a multi-layer forward neural network model based on error backpropagation algorithm is constructed. Based on the system theory of man, machine, environment, and management, and taking the four single elements and the whole system in a coal mine as the research object, this paper systematically analyzes and studies the evaluation and continuous improvement of coal mine intrinsic safety. The BP neural network evaluation model is used to analyze and study the intrinsic safety of coal mines, the shortcomings of the intrinsic safety construction of coal mines are found, and then improvement measures are put forward to effectively promote the safe production of coal mines and finally realize the intrinsic safety goal of the coal mine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flexible, wearable pressure sensors offer numerous benefits, including superior sensing capabilities, a lightweight and compact design, and exceptional conformal properties, making them highly sought after in various applications including medical monitoring, human–computer interactions, and electronic skins. Because of their excellent characteristics, such as simple fabrication, low power consumption, and short response time, capacitive pressure sensors have received widespread attention. As a flexible polymer material, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is widely used in the preparation of dielectric layers for capacitive pressure sensors. The Young's modulus of the flexible polymer can be effectively decreased through the synergistic application of sacrificial template and laser ablation techniques, thereby improving the functionality of capacitive pressure sensors. In this study, a novel sensor was introduced. Its dielectric layer was developed through a series of processes, including the use of a sacrificial template method using NaCl microparticles and subsequent CO2 laser ablation. This porous PDMS dielectric layer, featuring an array of holes, was then sandwiched between two flexible electrodes to create a capacitive pressure sensor. The sensor demonstrates a sensitivity of 0.694 kPa−1 within the pressure range of 0–1 kPa and can effectively detect pressures ranging from 3 Pa to 200 kPa. The sensor demonstrates stability for up to 500 cycles, with a rapid response time of 96 ms and a recovery time of 118 ms, coupled with a low hysteresis of 6.8%. Furthermore, our testing indicates that the sensor possesses limitless potential for use in detecting human physiological activities and delivering signals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study delves into the factors that affect the reliability of satellite antenna deployment mechanisms. It employs the Kolmogorov–Smirnov (K‐S) test to quantify uncertainty characteristics, leading to the acquisition of pertinent stochastic parameters. Subsequently, three‐dimensional models and finite element models of the satellite antenna deployment mechanism are established using SOLIDWORKS and ANSYS software. Modal distribution, harmonic response analysis, random vibration analysis, and deployment process simulation are conducted. Parameterized modeling of the deployment mechanism's dynamics simulation process is performed, taking into consideration parameter uncertainty. Finally, a Kriging surrogate model is utilized to formulate an approximate expression between the factors influencing the reliability of the antenna deployment mechanism and its dynamic response. Based on the general stress‐strength interference theory, a reliability analysis model is constructed. Combined with active learning algorithms, this approach achieves efficient and precise calculations of the reliability of the satellite antenna deployment mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abiotic stress, such as drought, salt, and cold, affects normal plant growth. Ethylene response factors (ERFs) play an important role in the responses of plants to different stresses. An ERF gene was cloned from Malus baccata (L.) Borkh and named as MbERF12. A subcellular localization study proved that MbERF12 was a nucleus-localized protein. The expression level of MbERF12 was higher in stems and roots, which was markedly affected by high salinity, low temperature, and ethephon treatments. When MbERF12 was transformed into Arabidopsis thaliana, it obviously improved salt and low-temperature tolerance in transformed plants. Overexpression of MbERF12 in transformed A. thaliana also led to higher levels of peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and higher contents of ethylene, chlorophyll, and proline, while the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) was lower, especially when being dealt with low-temperature and high-salinity stresses. MbERF12 plays a key role in the response to salt and cold stresses in Arabidopsis by improving the scavenging ability for reactive oxygen species (ROS) through ethylene signal transduction. We proposed that MbERF12 may function as a positive regulator for abiotic stress responses and can be considered as a potential gene for improvement of cold and high-salinity tolerance in plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malus xiaojinensis Cheng et Jiang is a special and significant germplasm resource of semi-dwarf apple in China. Abiotic stresses, such as Fe and high salinity, affect Malus xiaojinensis growth and development. WRKY transcription factors (TFs) are widely involved in the responses of plants to different stresses. In the present study, a new WRKY gene was isolated from Malus xiaojinensis and designated as MxWRKY64. Subcellular localization showed that MxWRKY64 was a nucleus localized protein. The expression level of MxWRKY64 was highly affected by Fe and salt stress in M. xiaojinensis seedlings. When MxWRKY64 was introduced into Arabidopsis thaliana, it greatly increased the Fe and salt tolerance in transgenic plant. When dealt with Fe stress, overexpression of MxWRKY64 in transgenic A. thaliana contributed to higher levels of fresh weight, root length, and contents of chlorophyll and Fe than wild type (WT). Increased expression of MxWRKY64 in transgenic A. thaliana also resulted in higher activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT), higher contents of proline and chlorophyll, while malondialdehyde (MDA) content was lower, especially in response to salt stress. Therefore, these results suggest that MxWRKY64 probably plays an important role in response to Fe and salt stress in Arabidopsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Porcine rotavirus (PoRV) is a major pathogen causing dehydrating diarrhea and fatality in newborn piglets, resulting in substantial economic losses in the swine industry worldwide. Therefore, the development of a safe and effective medication for treating PoRV infection is imperative. This study provides the first report on the anti-PoRV activity of Portulaca oleracea L. (POL). Our findings demonstrate that POL-P has antiviral activity against PoRV infection in vitro, and thus might be developed into a novel antiviral agent to control PoRV in pig farms. Diarrhea is one of the most common causes of death in young piglets. Porcine rotavirus (PoRV) belongs to the genus Rotavirus within the family Reoviridae, and is considered to be the primary pathogen causing diarrhea in piglets. Portulaca oleracea L. (POL) has been reported to alleviate diarrhea and viral infections. However, the antiviral effect of Portulaca oleracea L. polysaccharide (POL-P), an active component of POL, on PoRV infection remains unclear. This study demonstrated that the safe concentration range of POL-P in IPEC-J2 cells is 0–400 μg/mL. POL-P (400 μg/mL) effectively inhibits PoRV infection in IPEC-J2 cells, reducing the expression of rotavirus VP6 protein, mRNA and virus titer. Furthermore, on the basis of viral life cycle analysis, we showed that POL-P can decrease the expression of PoRV VP6 protein, mRNA, and virus titer during the internalization and replication stages of PoRV. POL-P exerts antiviral effects by increasing IFN-α expression and decreasing the expression levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 inflammatory factors. Overall, our study found that POL-P is a promising candidate for anti-PoRV drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The characteristics of this tandem approach are the consecutive C-Br bond cleavage, C-H functionalization, and the C-O bond formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microwave promoted reaction of 3-dehydroshikimate (I) with primary amines or the hydrazone (IV) and 1,2-dichloroethane as bisnucleophile permits the efficient synthesis of 1,4-benzoxazines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This facile and metal-free protocol affords benzoxazinone derivatives in a one-pot manner through sequential reaction between dehydroshikimate, anilines, and bifunctional chloroalkyl esters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Freeze-thaw action, as an atmospheric impact, affects masonry by altering its original microstructures, which causes severe damage by decreasing the compressive strength of the masonry. This process, studied mostly under saturated conditions, in reality usually occurs under unsaturated conditions, which are characterized by more complex modes and have not been studied in depth before. To simulate and investigate processes and basic trends of these modes and examine the post-freeze-thaw compressive behaviors, we place our specimens (including ancient bricks and the mortar created and rebuilt masonry specimens) in an environmental chamber before performing compressive tests. We classify all specimens into eight scenarios, varying the numbers of freeze-thaw cycles and corresponding degrees of saturation. We discuss the impacts of these two factors on the compressive behaviors of the test specimens. Our results suggest that freeze-thaw cycles and degrees of saturation have combined effects on both ancient bricks and the mortar created. Under conditions of low saturation degree, freeze-thaw, as the primary factor, improves the strengths of both materials, although to a limited extent, while under conditions of high saturation degree, the degree of saturation becomes the predominant factor that results in the cracking and even failure of the materials, powered by freeze-thaw processes. Using these two factors (i.e., freeze-thaw action and degree of saturation), we summarize three different stages (or classified groups) in terms of stress-strain curves and crack development in masonry specimens based on the slopes of stress-strain curves and the rates of crack development. After studying all test results, we recommend an optimal saturation degree (approximately 50%) that is considered beneficial for ancient masonry in terms of freeze-thaw resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NAC (no apical meristem [NAM], Arabidopsis thaliana transcription activation factor [ATAF1/2], and cup-shaped cotyledon [CUC2]) TFs are involved in stress responses in plants. However, their roles in abiotic stresses are still not well known in Malus plants. In the present study, MbNAC29 from Malus baccata was identified and characterized. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed that the expression of MbNAC29 was induced by cold, high salinity, drought, and heat. The open reading frame (ORF) of MbNAC29 is 1122 bp, encodes 373 amino acids. Subcellular localization showed that the MbNAC29-GFP (green fluorescent protein) fusion protein was localized in the nucleus. Furthermore, MbNAC29 was highly expressed in new leaf and mature leaf. When MbNAC29 was introduced into Arabidopsis, it improved cold and high salinity tolerance in transgenic plants under low-temperature stress (− 4°C) and salt stress (200 mM NaCl). When MbNAC29 was introduced into Arabidopsis, it increased the survival rate of transgenic lines than wild type (WT) under cold and high-salinity stresses. In addition, overexpression of MbNAC29 in transgenic Arabidopsis increased the contents of chlorophyll and proline and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT), while decreased the content of malondialdehyde (MDA). Therefore, these results suggest that MbNAC29 probably plays an important role in response to cold and salt stresses in Arabidopsis by enhancing scavenging capability of reactive oxygen species (ROS). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents chemical equations for the article "C-C, C-O, and C-N Bond-Forming Reaction of Methyl (-)-3-Dehydroshikimate, Malononitrile, and Bromoalkanes: Simple Synthesis of 2-(Alkylamino)-3-cyanobenzofurans from a Biomass-Derived Substrate" by D. Wang and others, published in "Synlett."

NAC (no apical meristem (NAM), Arabidopsis thaliana transcription activation factor (ATAF1/2) and cup shaped cotyledon (CUC2)) transcription factors play crucial roles in plant development and stress responses. Nevertheless, to date, only a few reports regarding stress-related NAC genes are available in Malus baccata (L.) Borkh. In this study, the transcription factor MbNAC25 in M. baccata was isolated as a member of the plant-specific NAC family that regulates stress responses. Expression of MbNAC25 was induced by abiotic stresses such as drought, cold, high salinity and heat. The ORF of MbNAC25 is 1122 bp, encodes 373 amino acids and subcellular localization showed that MbNAC25 protein was localized in the nucleus. In addition, MbNAC25 was highly expressed in new leaves and stems using real-time PCR. To analyze the function of MbNAC25 in plants, we generated transgenic Arabidopsis plants that overexpressed MbNAC25. Under low-temperature stress (4 °C) and high-salt stress (200 mM NaCl), plants overexpressing MbNAC25 enhanced tolerance against cold and drought salinity conferring a higher survival rate than that of wild-type (WT). Correspondingly, the chlorophyll content, proline content, the activities of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) were significantly increased, while malondialdehyde (MDA) content was lower. These results indicated that the overexpression of MbNAC25 in Arabidopsis plants improved the tolerance to cold and salinity stress via enhanced scavenging capability of reactive oxygen species (ROS). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]