Search

Aims Beyond the pivotal roles of the gut microbiome in initiating physiological processes and modulating genetic factors, a query persists: Can a single gene mutation alter the abundance of the gut microbiome community? Not only this, but the intricate impact of gut microbiome composition on skin pigmentation has been largely unexplored. Methods and results Based on these premises, our study examines the abundance of lipase-producing gut microbes about differential gene expression associated with bile acid synthesis and lipid metabolism-related blood metabolites in red (whole wild) and white (whole white wild and SCARB1−/− mutant) Oujiang colour common carp. Following the disruption of the SCARB1 gene in the resulting mutant fish with white body colour (SCARB1−/−), there is a notable decrease in the abundance of gut microbiomes (Bacillus, Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas , and Serratia) associated with lipase production. This reduction parallels the downregulation seen in wild-type white body colour fish (WW), as contrasting to the wild-type red body colour fish (WR). Meanwhile, in SCARB1−/− fish, there was a downregulation noted not only at the genetic and metabolic levels but also a decrease in lipase-producing bacteria. This consistency with WW contrasts significantly with WR. Similarly, genes involved in the bile acid synthesis pathway, along with blood metabolites related to lipid metabolism, exhibited downregulation in SCARB1−/− fish. Conclusions The SCARB1 knockout gene blockage led to significant alterations in the gut microbiome, potentially influencing the observed reduction in carotenoid-associated skin pigmentation. Our study emphasizes that skin pigmentation is not only impacted by genetic factors but also by the gut microbiome. Meanwhile, the gut microbiome's adaptability can be rapidly shaped and may be driven by specific single-gene variations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neither a TYRP1-mediated highly conserved genetic network underlying skin color towards optimum defense nor the pathological tendency of its mutation is well understood. The Oujiang Color Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio var. color) as a model organism, offering valuable insights into genetics, coloration, aquaculture practices, and environmental health. Here, we performed a comparative skin transcriptome analysis on TYRP1 mutant and wild fishes by applying a conservative categorical approach considering different color phenotypes. Results: Our results reveal that an unusual color phenotype may be sensitized with TYRP1 mutation as a result of upregulating several genes related to an anti-inflammatory autoimmune system in response to the COMT-mediated catecholamine neurotransmitters in the skin. Particularly, catecholamines-derived red/brown, red with blue colored membrane attack complex, and brown/grey colored reduced eumelanin are expected to be aggregated in the regenerated cells. Conclusions: It is, thus, concluded that the regenerated cells with catecholamines, membrane attack complex, and eumelanin altogether may contribute to the formation of the unusual (coffee-like) color phenotype in TYRP1 mutant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As research progresses, the intricate metabolic connections between depression and tryptophan, as well as kynurenine (KYN), have become increasingly evident. In studies investigating the relationship between KYN and depression, the conclusions reached thus far have been inconsistent. Therefore, we propose employing a two-sample mendelian randomization (MR) approach to further elucidate the relationship between KYN and depression. We utilized extensive data from large-scale genome-wide association studies to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms that act as instrumental variables for kynurenine and depression in European ancestry populations, ensuring compliance with MR assumptions. We employed five MR algorithms, namely, weighted median, MR-Egger, inverse variance weighted (IVW), simple mode, and weighted mode, with IVW as the primary analysis method. Sensitivity tests were conducted using Cochran's Q test, MR-Egger intercept test, MR Pleiotropy Residual Sum and Outlier, and Leave-one-out analysis.The IVW analysis revealed that each standard deviation increase in kynurenine corresponded to a 1.4-fold increase in the risk of depression (OR = 1.351, 95% CI 1.110–1.645, P = 0.003). The direction of the effect size (positive or negative) was consistent with the findings from the other four algorithms. Sensitivity tests indicated no heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy among the instrumental variables. Elevated levels of kynurenine have a causal relationship with an increased risk of developing depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Product architecture represented the arrangements and combinations of physical components. It might promote innovation of product diversity, component sharing, and meet customer's personalized needs. Open design might support customers to participate in product development, and open product architecture provided platform strategy for personalized product development. To further study the theory and applications of product architecture, the concept and effect of product architecture were introduced, as well as the characteristics, association and difference between single product architecture, product family architecture and open product architecture were expounded. The evolution processes of product architecture and their internal motivation were analyzed from the aspects of architecture topology, architecture development strategy, architecture organization and management. The concept, connotation, function and mechanism of product architecture were reviewed. The dependence of customers personalized needs, product architecture and enterprise's open innovation strategy were discussed, and then open design strategies of product architecture were explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Control of a circular cylinder flow by rear-attached solid/perforated splitters has been experimentally investigated using Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) and far-field microphones, respectively. The Reynolds number is Re = 2.7 × 104–6.8 × 104 based on the cylinder diameter D, and the effects of splitter length L (L/D = 0–4.0), porosity σ (0%–22%), and deflection angle α (0°–30°) on noise and flow characteristics are reported. The literature seriously lacks the combination effects of these parameters on bluff-body wakes, especially the flow mechanism on noise variations. Acoustic results show that for a solid splitter, the optimal noise reduction of 18 dB is achieved when L/D = 1.0–1.5, whereas when 2.0 ≤ L/D ≤ 4.0, the noise increases rather than decreases, consistent with the literature. At L/D = 1.0, deflecting and/or perforating the splitter would not further reduce the noise and, on the contrary, weaken the noise control efficiency. However, at L/D = 2.0, a rear-half perforation with σ ≥ 18.2% or a deflection angle of α ≥ 30° individually reduces noise by more than 10 dB compared to the bare cylinder. Combining both methods at L/D = 2.0 eliminates vortex-shedding noise when σ ≥ 11.6% and α ≥ 20°. PIV measurements reveal that noise reduction at L/D = 1.0 results from reduced vortex strength in the flow, while noise increase at L/D = 2.0 is attributed to vortex-splitter trailing edge interaction, which is mitigated by the perforation and/or the deflection of the splitter. The study suggests that, in general, appropriately perforating and deflecting longer splitter plates (L/D ≥ 2.0) effectively reduce bluff-body noise, while solid, shorter splitter plates (0.5 ≤ L/D ≤ 1.5) positioned streamwise achieve significant noise reduction. These insights offer valuable noise control strategies for various engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Jiajika rare metal deposit contains the largest area of granitic pegmatite-type rare metal deposits in China. The X03 vein is an immense rare metal deposit dominated by lithium, which was found in the deposit in recent years. The contact metamorphic belt of tourmalinization and petrochemistry is widely developed in its wall rocks, and the altered rocks formed contain Li and other rare metal mineralization. In this paper, the tourmaline found in the different rocks of the Jiajika X03 vein is divided into four types: two-mica quartz schist (Tur-Ⅰ), tourmaline hornfels (Tur-Ⅱ), tourmaline-bearing granite pegmatite (Tur-Ⅲ) and spodumene-bearing granite pegmatite (Tur-Ⅳ); their in situ major element, trace element and boron isotope data are systematically studied. The results show that all tourmalines in the Jiajika X03 vein deposit belong to the alkali group, and are schorl–Oxy/Fluor–schorl, dravite–Hydroxy-dravite and foitite–Oxy foitite solid solutions, among which Tur-Ⅰ are dravite, Tur-Ⅱ are foitite of hydrothermal origin and Tur-Ⅲ and Tur-Ⅳ are schorl of magmatic origin. The boron isotope values show that the boron involved the formation process of tourmaline mainly originates from the Majingzi S-type granite, and the boron isotope variations in tourmaline are controlled by melt fluid and Rayleigh fractionation. Moreover, there is a clear correlation between the B isotope value of tourmaline and the Li, Mn, Zn, Mg, and V contents, showing that these contents in tourmaline are good indicators of the mineralization type of pegmatite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sijiaying iron deposit is located in the Eastern Hebei area of the southern section of the northern margin of the North China Craton (NCC) and is the largest single iron deposit in China. The deposit contains many banded iron formations (BIFs) and was proven to have more than 3 million tons of high-grade iron ore resources. This study carried out geochemistry and zircon U–Pb analysis of normal-grade iron ore, high-grade iron ore, and wall rock (biotite–leptynite, chlorite–sericite schist) in the Sijiaying deposit and discussed the genesis and metallogenic age of high-grade iron ore. BIFs have low concentrations of Al2O3 and TiO2 and high field strength element (HFSE) depletion, indicating almost no contamination via terrestrial debris. The standardized post-Archean Australian shale (PAAS) rare earth element (REE) distribution pattern indicates that the iron formation exhibits positive Eu, Y, and heavy rare earth element (HREE) anomalies and lacks negative Ce anomalies, indicating that the Sijiaying BIF was enriched with iron sources via high-temperature hydrothermal fluids from the seabed and deposited in an anoxic ancient marine environment. In addition, geological field work identified two types of high-grade iron ore in the mining area: primitive sedimentary and hydrothermally altered high-grade iron ore. Further ore geochemical research showed that the primitive sedimentary-type iron ore is similar in geochemistry to the BIF. In addition to low Eu/Eu* values, the hydrothermally altered high-grade iron ore shows geochemical characteristics similar to those of the BIF, suggesting that they share the same iron source but did not form at the same time. The total large ion lithophile element (LILE) (Sr, Ba, Pb) contents in primitive sedimentary-type high-grade iron ore are higher than those in hydrothermally altered high-grade iron ore, indicating that LILEs are carried away via fluids during the hydrothermal alteration process in normal-grade iron ore. The geochemical characteristics of biotite–leptynite and chlorite–sericite schist include high contents of SiO2 and Al2O3, light rare earth elements (LREEs), LILE enrichment (Rb, Ba, Sr, Zr), and HFSE depletion (Nb, Ta, P, Ti), characteristics that are similar to island arc volcanic rocks. The reconstruction of the original rock indicates that the wall rock is a product of volcanic sedimentary cycles in an island arc setting. Zircon cathodoluminescence images and LA–ICP–MS zircon U–Pb dating can be divided into four age groups (3283 Ma, 2547 Ma, 2500 Ma, and 2407 Ma), which correspond to the earliest volcanic activity in eastern Hebei, the main mineralization age of the Sijiaying BIF (the mineralization age of primitive sedimentary high-grade iron ore), a regional tectonic–metamorphic event, and the occurrence of migmatization (the mineralization age of hydrothermally altered high-grade iron ore), respectively. Therefore, the Sijiaying BIF and primitive sedimentary high-grade iron ores were deposited and mineralized at 2547 Ma, and the iron orebody was later altered via the hydrothermal solution at 2407 Ma, forming large-scale high-grade iron ores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency prioritized polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), associated pollution level, and health risks were assessed in a typical coal spontaneous combustion zone in the Rujigou coal mine in Northwestern China. This study used gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to detect the chemical composition, spatial variation, distribution profiles, impact of coal spontaneous combustion, and health risks of PAHs. The entire study area is divided into three zones according to different features: the spontaneous combustion zone (C-zone), the living zone (L-zone), and the non-spontaneous combustion zone (N-zone). The results showed that: (1) the highest concentrations were measured in the C-zone, and the average concentrations of PAHs in the C-zone, N-zone, and L-zone were 13.28 ng·m−3, 9.56 ng·m−3, and 7.67 ng·m−3, respectively. (2) The PAHs of the study area were mainly composed of three ring to five ring PAHs. (3) EPA positive matrix factorization (PMF) analysis of qualitative source apportionment of PAHs showed that chemical production was the major source of atmospheric PAHs in all three zones, followed by coal combustion. (4) The inhalation of PAHs showed higher potential cancer risk for children than for adults, and the impact of coal combustion in the C-zone was much greater than the other zone. The adverse health impacts associated with PAH exposure indicates the need for mitigation measures of pollution control in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Like other organisms, brown algae are subject to diseases caused by bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Brown algal immunity mechanisms are not well characterized; however, there is evidence suggesting that pathogen receptors exist in brown algae. One key protein family likely associated with brown algal innate immunity possesses an NB‐ARC domain analogous to innate immune proteins in plants and animals. In this study, we conducted an extensive survey of NB‐ARC genes in brown algae and obtained insights into the domain organization and evolutionary history of the encoded proteins. Our data show that brown algae possess an ancient NB‐ARC‐tetratricopeptide repeat (NB‐TPR) domain architecture. We identified an N‐terminal effector domain, the four‐helix bundle, which was not previously found associated with NB‐ARC domains. The phylogenetic tree including NB‐ARC domains from all kingdoms of life suggests the three clades of brown algal NB‐TPRs are likely monophyletic, whereas their TPRs seem to have distinct origins. One group of TPRs exhibit intense exon shuffling, with various alternative splicing and diversifying selection acting on them, suggesting exon shuffling is an important mechanism for evolving ligand‐binding specificities. The reconciliation of gene duplication and loss events of the NB‐ARC genes reveals that more independent gene gains than losses have occurred during brown algal evolution, and that tandem duplication has played a major role in the expansion of NB‐ARC genes. Our results substantially enhance our understanding of the evolutionary history and exon shuffling mechanisms of the candidate innate immune repertoire of brown algae. Significance Statement: This work explored the evolution of the brown algal immune candidates NB‐ARC‐tetratricopeptide repeat (NB‐ARC‐TPR) genes, constructed separate phylogenies based on the central NB‐ARC, specificity determining TPR, and the N‐terminal four‐helix‐bundle domains. We found exon shuffling potentiates expression of a diverse repertoire of brown algal NB‐ARC‐TPR candidate immune receptor proteins via alternative splicing, and identified the four‐helix‐bundle effector domain in the N‐terminal of NB‐ARC genes for the first time, which suggests a function related to programmed cell death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The identification and enumeration of medicinal plants at high elevations is an important part of accurate yield calculations. However, the current assessment of medicinal plant reserves continues to rely on field sampling surveys, which are cumbersome and time-consuming. Recently, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) remote sensing and deep learning (DL) have provided ultrahigh-resolution imagery and high-accuracy object recognition techniques, respectively, providing an excellent opportunity to improve the current manual surveying of plants. However, accurate segmentation of individual plants from drone images remains a significant challenge due to the large variation in size, geometry, and distribution of medicinal plants. Results: In this study, we proposed a new pipeline for wild medicinal plant detection and yield assessment based on UAV and DL that was specifically designed for detecting wild medicinal plants in an orthomosaic. We used a drone to collect panoramic images of Lamioplomis rotata Kudo (LR) in high-altitude areas. Then, we annotated and cropped these images into equally sized sub-images and used a DL model Mask R-CNN for object detection and segmentation of LR. Finally, on the basis of the segmentation results, we accurately counted the number and yield of LRs. The results showed that the Mask R-CNN model based on the ResNet-101 backbone network was superior to ResNet-50 in all evaluation indicators. The average identification precision of LR by Mask R-CNN based on the ResNet-101 backbone network was 89.34%, while that of ResNet-50 was 88.32%. The cross-validation results showed that the average accuracy of ResNet-101 was 78.73%, while that of ResNet-50 was 71.25%. According to the orthomosaic, the average number and yield of LR in the two sample sites were 19,376 plants and 57.93 kg and 19,129 plants and 73.5 kg respectively. Conclusions: The combination of DL and UAV remote sensing reveals significant promise in medicinal plant detection, counting, and yield prediction, which will benefit the monitoring of their populations for conservation assessment and management, among other applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Western Altun in Xinjiang is an important area, where lithium (Li)‐bearing pegmatites have been found in recent years. However, the complex terrain and harsh environment of western Altun exacerbates in prospecting for Li‐bearing pegmatites. Therefore, remote‐sensing techniques can be an effective means for prospecting Li‐bearing pegmatites. In this study, the fault information and lithologyical information in the region were obtained using the median‐resolution remote‐sensing image Landsat‐8, the radar image Sentinel‐1 and hyperspectral data GF‐5. Using Landsat‐8 data, the hydroxyl alteration information closely related to pegmatite in the region was extracted by principal component analysis, pseudo‐anomaly processing and other methods. The high spatial resolution remote‐sensing data WorldView‐2 and WorldView‐3 short‐wave infrared images were used and analyzed by principal component analysis (PCA), the band ratio method and multi‐class machine learning (ML), combined with conventional thresholds specified the algorithms used to automatically extract Li‐bearing pegmatite information. Finally, the Li‐bearing pegmatite exploration area was determined, based on a comprehensive analysis of the faults, hydroxyl alteration lithology and Li‐bearing pegmatite information. Field investigations have verified that the distribution of pegmatites in the central part of the study area is consistent with that of Li‐bearing pegmatites extracted in this study. This study provides a new technique for prospecting Li‐bearing pegmatites, which shows that remote‐sensing technology possesses great potential for identifying lithium‐bearing pegmatites, especially in areas that are not readily accessible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Median fins are thought to be ancestors of paired fins which in turn give rise to limbs in tetrapods. However, the developmental mechanisms of median fins remain largely unknown. Nonsense mutation of the T-box transcription factor eomesa in zebrafish results in a phenotype without dorsal fin. Compared to zebrafish, the common carp undergo an additional round of whole genome duplication, acquiring an extra copy of protein-coding genes. To verify the function of eomesa genes in common carp, we established a biallelic gene editing technology in this tetraploidy fish through simultaneous disruption of two homologous genes, eomesa1 and eomesa2. We targeted four sites located upstream or within the sequences encoding the T-box domain. Sanger sequencing data indicated the average knockout efficiency was around 40% at T1-T3 sites and 10% at T4 site in embryos at 24 hours post fertilization. The individual editing efficiency was high to about 80% at T1-T3 sites and low to 13.3% at T4 site in larvae at 7 days post fertilization. Among 145 mosaic F0 examined at four months old, three individuals (Mutant 1–3) showed varying degrees of maldevelopment in the dorsal fin and loss of anal fin. Genotyping showed the genomes of all three mutants were disrupted at T3 sites. The null mutation rates on the eomesa1 and eomesa2 loci were 0% and 60% in Mutant 1, 66.7% and 100% in Mutant 2, and 90% and 77.8% in Mutant 3, respectively. In conclusion, we demonstrated a role of eomesa in the formation and development of median fins in Oujiang color common carp and established an method that simultaneously disrupt two homologous genes with one gRNA, which would be useful in genome editing in other polyploidy fishes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China is rich in lithium resource, among which lithium ore in the Salt Lake has huge reserves, but the development and utilization technology has yet to be developed, and the main target of development is hard-rock lithium ore at present. Hard-rock lithium ore is mainly pegmatitic and concentrated in Xinjiang and Sichuan. The Mesozoic is the most important metallogenic period for pegmatite-type lithium deposits in China. A relatively stable tectonic environment after an orogeny is favored by the formation of pegmatite-type lithium deposits. After a decade of exploration practice and theoretical research, the types of lithium resource in China have shown a great variety. The brine-type lithium resource has expanded from surface brine to both shallow brine and deep brine, and the hard-rock lithium resources from single granitic pegmatite-type to altered granite-type, cryptoexplosion breccia tube-type and sedimentary-type. The metallogenic age has extended from the Meso-Cenozoic to the Paleozoic and other epochs. The metallogenic zones has increased from 12 to 16, and a number of new mineralized areas have been discovered in the Jiajika and Ke'eryin areas in western Sichuan and the Dahongliutan and Shaligou areas in Xinjiang. A new resource pattern of lithium is being formed. Moreover, Prospecting methods and exploration techniques have also developed from single surface prospecting and mapping to an integration of new techniques and methods, e.g., remote sensing to determine the prospective area, geological surveying to determine the type, geochemical prospecting to determine the mineral, geophysical prospecting to determine the location of drilling, drilling to determine the reserves, as well as biological prospecting, deep penetration of the deep exploration. In view of the rigid demand for lithium resources due to the rapid development of strategic emerging industries, it is suggested to strengthen a) the investigation, research, development and utilization of new types of lithium resources with lepidolite as the main industrial mineral and sedimentary-type lithium resources with Li-bearing clay as the main lithium resources; b) the research and prospecting of the Paleozoic and even Precambrian lithium deposits; c) the exploration of new lithium mineralization belts such as Altyn Tagh, Himalaya, Gangdise and western slope of Great Hinggan Mountains; d) the research on new mechanisms of dynamic management of lithium resources under market economy; e) the advanced research and resource reserve on lithium isotope as the raw material of controllable nuclear fusion, for leading the development of high-end mining industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Domestication has strongly influenced the physiological characteristics of fish due to selection pressure from human beings and local environments. Here, we comprehensively analysed the gut microbiome and plasma metabolome through 16S rRNA sequencing and untargeted metabolomic detection using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. We found significant divergences in the gut microbiota and plasma metabolome between domesticated and wild Perca fluviatilis. The reduced abundance of Proteobacteria in the gut and lowered abundance of L‐lysine, L‐valine, piperidine, beta‐alanine, L‐glutamate and L‐histidine in the plasma metabolome of domesticated P. fluviatilis indicated potential reduced protein digestion and absorption capability in domesticated P. fluviatilis. By constrast, the increased abundance of Bacteroidetes in the gut might imply the improved digestive capability for plant polysaccharides in domesticated P. fluviatilis. Digestive system alterations may be due to changed selection pressures on diet during long‐term domestication. Our study provided preliminary results on the physiological changes in domesticated and wild P. fluviatilis which will affect the digestive system and growth performance of P. fluviatilis. The data obtained in this study will benefit germplasm improvement programmes for P. fluviatilis in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Xuebaoding W–Sn–Be mining area, located in the Songpan–Garze orogenic belt in western China, is known for producing large, colorful, euhedral crystals of scheelite, cassiterite, and tabular beryl. Zircon LA-ICP-MS U–Pb dating of the Wuzhutang granite yields a concordia age of 218.96 ± 2.1 Ma, and a weighted mean 206Pb/238U age of 218.98 ± 1.12 Ma. Cassiterite LA-MC-ICPMS dating of the quartz vein bearing beryl, cassiterite, and scheelite, yields a concordant age of 213.5 ± 1.7 Ma. These observations indicate that magmatic activities and mineralization on the western side of the Zibaishan dome occurred during the late Indosinian, prior to their occurrence on the eastern side of the dome, reflecting the fact that the granite may have undergone two epochs of magmatic evolution and metallogenic processes. Geochemical analysis revealed that the Wuzhutang granite has relatively high A/CNK (average: 1.05) and differentiation index (DI; 81.16~85.88) values, and that they are enriched in W, Sn, Be, Li, and Cs. Unlike the Pukouling and Pankou granites, the Wuzhutang granite contains a certain amount of plagioclase and relatively high contents of Ba (633~1007 ppm) and Sr (334~411 ppm). Sr–Nd–Pb isotope values (87Sr/86Sr(t) = 0.70747–0.70865, εNd(t) = −6.35 to –4.34, 206Pb/204Pb = 18.186–18.3, 207Pb/204Pb = 15.556–15.592, and 208Pb/204Pb = 38.268–38.432) indicate a Mesoproterozoic basement origin for the Wuzhutang granite. We suggest the three granites belong to a peraluminous magma system and were derived by partial melting of the upper crust, the magma of the Wuzhutang granite originated from a deeper source and exhibits a lower degree of differentiation than that of the Pankou and Pukouling granites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Latissimus dorsi transfer (LDT) and pectoralis major transfer (PMT) were developed to treat an irreparable subscapularis tendon tear (ISScT); however, the difference in their outcomes remains unclear. Purpose: To systematically review and compare the outcomes of LDT and PMT for ISScT. Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A systematic review was performed through a comprehensive search of Embase, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library. Studies of LDT or PMT were included according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The primary outcome was the Constant-Murley score (CMS) at the final follow-up. Secondary outcomes included the subjective shoulder value (SSV), visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain, active shoulder range of motion, and the belly-press and lift-off tests. Postoperative failure and complication rates were the safety outcome measures. Outcomes were summarized into the LDT and PMT groups, and results were compared statistically (P <.05). Results: Twelve studies were included in this review: 184 shoulders from 9 studies for the PMT group and 85 shoulders from 3 studies for the LDT group. For the PMT and LDT groups, the mean ages were 58.9 and 55.1 years, respectively, and the mean follow-up was 66.9 and 17.4 months, respectively. Overall, the LDT and PMT groups improved in the primary outcome (CMS) and secondary outcomes (SSV, VAS, ROM, and belly-press and lift-off tests), with low rates of failure and complication. When compared with the PMT group, the LDT group showed more significant improvements in CMS (35.2 vs 24.7; P <.001), active forward flexion (44.3° vs 14.7°; P <.001), abduction (35.0° vs 17.6°; P <.002), and positive belly-press test rate (45% vs 27%; P <.001). No statistically significant difference was seen between the groups in postoperative failure rate, complication rate, mean improvement of active internal rotation, VAS, or SSV. Conclusion: In general, LDT showed significantly better clinical outcomes postoperatively than did PMT. The available fair-quality evidence suggested that LDT might be a better choice for ISScT. Further evaluations on the relative benefits of the 2 surgical approaches are required, with more high-quality randomized controlled studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the interactions between different polyolefins using a commercial Ru/C catalyst-mediated hydrogenolysis of polypropylene (PP), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and their mixtures. The effects of the mass ratio of polyolefins to the catalyst, temperature, pressure and time on the yield of products and the internal components of liquid alkane products were studied, and the optimum conditions for solo plastic hydrogenolysis were determined. The highest liquid alkane yields of PP (46.70 %) and LDPE (70.70 %) were obtained at 250 and 210 °C, respectively. Further, the interactions between PP and LDPE during co-hydrogenolysis were observed. The temperature had a significant influence on the gaseous and liquid products, and we proposed a two-step hydrogenolysis reaction process for a mixture of polyethylene with polypropylene conducted at various temperatures. Co-hydrogenolysis provides a high-value utilization path for polyolefins that are difficult to separate during recovery. [Display omitted] • Mixed plastics significantly increase the difficulty of hydrogenolysis. • We established a hydrogenolysis path for mixed PP and LDPE plastics. • We provide a strategy to control the composition of hydrogenolysis plastics. • We provide a method to upgrade and utilize polyolefin-mixed plastics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Decreasing the proinflammatory M1 macrophages or shifting the polarization status from M1 to M2 phenotype is thought to be beneficial for tendon-to-bone healing. In anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), using an insertion-preserved hamstring tendon (IP-HT) graft compared with a free hamstring tendon (FHT) graft has been shown to reduce graft necrosis and improve healing. However, the role of macrophage polarization at the tendon-to-bone interface is unclear. Hypothesis: ACLR using IP-HT graft would facilitate the phenotype shift from M1 to M2 macrophages at the tendon-to-bone interface. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Unilateral ACLR was performed on 42 healthy New Zealand White rabbits (study group, 21 rabbits with IP-HT graft; control group, 21 rabbits with FHT graft). At days 1, 3, and 7 and weeks 3, 6, 12, and 24 postoperatively, 3 rabbits in each group were sacrificed to investigate and compare the expression of surrogate markers for M1 macrophages (inducible nitric oxide synthase [iNOS] and tumor necrosis factor α [TNF-α]) and M2 macrophages (CD206 and transforming growth factor β [TGF-β]) via immunohistochemical staining and evaluation. Results: In the control group, the percentage of iNOS- and TNF-α–positive cells from postoperative day 7 and week 3 increased then decreased by week 6; positive expression of CD206 and TGF-β was weaker and peaked at 3 weeks postoperatively. In the study group, high CD206- and TGF-β–positive expression was observed from weeks 3 to 12 and peaked at week 6, and positive expression of iNOS- and TNF-α was weaker and peaked on day 7. At both 7 days and 3 weeks, the percentages of iNOS- and TNF-α–positive cells in the control group were both significantly higher than in the study group (P ≤.04 for all). At 6 weeks, the percentages of CD206- and TGF-β–positive cells in the study group were both significantly higher than in the control group (P =.02 and P =.04, respectively). Conclusion: More expression of surrogate markers for M2 macrophages was observed in the tendon-to-bone healing process after ACLR using IP-HT versus FTP graft. Clinical Relevance: Using IP-HT grafts in ACLR may facilitate postoperative healing by shifting the local status of macrophage polarization at the tendon-to-bone interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study the mechanism of the effect of Wen-Shen-Jian-Pi (WSJP) prescription on an ALS model comprising mice knocked out for an encoding RNA editing, mice (AR2). Methods: Twenty-four transgenic AR2 mice were randomly divided into a vehicle group, a low dose WSJP group (15 mg), a medium-dose WSJP group (30 mg), and a high-dose WSJP group (45 mg) (all n = 6 per group). In the treatment groups, the WSJP prescription was given once a day while the vehicle group was fed the same volume of water. The weekly changes in body weight, rotarod test, and grip strength were used to detect the changes in the AR2 and changes of the number of normal mitochondria, abnormal mitochondria, and autophagosomes in injured spinal cord cells were used to evaluate the pathogenetic effects of WSJP treatment. Results: The WSJP-treated AR2 mice gained weight more quickly from 8 weeks, and showed active behavior and displayed significantly better constant rotarod scores and grip strengths during the experiment compared with those of the vehicle AR2 mice. The number of normal mitochondria in the WSJP-treated AR2 mice had significantly more normal mitochondria than the vehicle group, while the numbers of abnormal mitochondria and autophagosomes were greatly decreased compared with those in the vehicle group. Conclusion: The WSJP prescription could delay the decline in motor function of ALS model mice by reducing the degeneration of neurons. The potential of WSJP to treat ALS should be assessed in a clinical trial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Positive effects have been observed when the traditional Chinese medicine Hua Tuo Zai Zao Wan (HTZZW) has been used for the treatment of atherosclerosis (AS), although with an unclear mechanism. Methods. ApoE-/- C57/BALB mice were used to determine the efficacy of HTZZW by blood lipid biochemical analysis and histopathology H&E staining. qPCR and western blot were used to determine the expression of METTL3/14 and NF-κB. Results. High-fat diet-fed ApoE-/- mice that consumed HTZZW exhibited significantly smaller plaque areas and significantly decreased unstable collagen areas in the aortic arch as well as significantly lower blood levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol compared with the control group. Consumption of HTZZW significantly decreased the proportion of Mφ1 in the peripheral blood. HTZZW not only inhibited the expression of m6A methyltransferases METTL14, METTL3, and overall RNA methylation level, but it also decreased the m6A modification level on specific sites of NF-κB mRNA. Conclusion. HTZZW significantly alleviated the progression of AS by regulating the expression of the m6A methyltransferases METTL14 and METTL3 in macrophages, eliminating m6A modifications of NF-κB mRNA, influencing the stability of NF-κB mRNA, and ultimately resulting in the deactivation of inflammatory macrophages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melanophilin (mlph) encodes a subfamily of Rab effector proteins which is an important gene for the transportation of mature melanosomes. Duplicated mlpha gene (mlpha1 and mlpha2) of Oujiang color common carp (Cyprinus carpio var. color) was firstly identified in the present study, which includes an open reading frame (ORF) length of 1713 bp and 1536 bp, encoding 570 and 511 amino acids respectively. Spatial and temporal expression, in situ hybridization and disruption experiments were conducted to explore the functional differentiation of mlpha (mlpha1 and mlpha2) during the melanin transport process of Oujiang color common carp. Distinct expression pattern of mlpha1 and mlpha2 were identified, and the expression level of mlpha1 in red skin of whole red with black patch (RB‐R) and white skin of whole white with black patch (WB‐W) was significantly lower than their corresponding black skin of RB and WB (RB‐B and WB‐B). On the contrary, the expression level of mlpha2 in RB‐R and WB‐W was significantly higher than their corresponding black skin (RB‐B and WB‐B). Mlpha2 was highly expressed in the "Whole red" (WR) skin, and mlpha1 was lowly expressed in the WR. Meanwhile, abundant positive ISH hybridization signals of mlpha2 were identified in 5 days post‐hatch larvae (5dph) of WR. The high mutation rate of mlpha1 and mlpha2 genes resulted in a significant dilution phenotype, while the low mutation rate led to partial skin to appear discoloration phenomenon of Oujiang color common carp (RB and WB). The findings indicated that mlpha is an indispensable functional gene that may participate in the transportation of pigments and functional differentiation may exist between mlpha1 and mlpha2 after duplication. Mlpha1 may be mainly involved in the transportation of melanin, and mlpha2 may also participate in the transportation of other pigments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It remains controversial whether abnormal femoral version (FV) affects the outcomes of hip arthroscopic surgery for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) or labral tears. Purpose: To review the outcomes of hip arthroscopic surgery for FAI or labral tears in patients with normal versus abnormal FV. Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Embase, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library were searched in July 2020 for studies reporting the outcomes after primary hip arthroscopic surgery for FAI or labral tears in patients with femoral retroversion (<5°), femoral anteversion (>20°), or normal FV (5°-20°). The primary outcome was the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), and secondary outcomes were the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, Hip Outcome Score–Sport-Specific Subscale (HOS-SSS), Non-Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS), failure rate, and patient satisfaction. The difference in preoperative and postoperative scores (Δ) was also calculated when applicable. Results: Included in this review were 5 studies with 822 patients who underwent hip arthroscopic surgery for FAI or labral tears; there were 166 patients with retroversion, 512 patients with normal version, and 144 patients with anteversion. Patients with retroversion and normal version had similar postoperative mHHS scores (mean difference [MD], 2.42 [95% confidence interval (CI), –3.42 to 8.26]; P =.42) and ΔmHHS scores (MD, –0.70 [96% CI, –8.56 to 7.15]; P =.86). Likewise, the patients with anteversion and normal version had similar postoperative mHHS scores (MD, –3.09 [95% CI, –7.66 to 1.48]; P =.18) and ΔmHHS scores (MD, –1.92 [95% CI, –6.18 to 2.34]; P =.38). Regarding secondary outcomes, patients with retroversion and anteversion had similar ΔNAHS scores, ΔHOS-SSS scores, ΔVAS scores, patient satisfaction, and failure rates to those with normal version, although a significant difference was found between the patients with retroversion and normal version regarding postoperative NAHS scores (MD, 5.96 [95% CI, 1.66-10.26]; P =.007) and postoperative HOS-SSS scores (MD, 7.32 [95% CI, 0.19-14.44]; P =.04). Conclusion: The results of this review indicated that abnormal FV did not significantly influence outcomes after hip arthroscopic surgery for FAI or labral tears. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gut microbiomes play an essential role in host survival and local adaptation and thus can facilitate the invasion of host species. Biological invasions have been shown to be linked to the genetic properties of alien host species. It is thus plausible that the holobiont, the host, and its associated microbiome act as an entity to drive invasion success. The bighead carp and silver carp (bigheaded carps), invasive species that exhibit extensive hybridization in the Mississippi River Basin (MRB), provided a unique model to test the holobiont hypothesis of invasion. Here, we investigated the microbiomes of foreguts and hindguts in bigheaded carps and their reciprocal hybrids reared in aquaculture ponds using 16S amplicons and the associated gene prediction. We found an admixed pattern in the gut microbiome community in bigheaded carp hybrids. The hybrid gut microbiomes showed special characteristics such as relatively high alpha diversity in the foregut, an increasing dissimilarity between foreguts and hindguts, and a remarkable proportion of genes coding for putative enzymes related to their digestion of main food resources (Cyanobacteria, cellulose, and chitin). The pond‐reared hybrids had advantageous features in genes coding for putative enzymes related to their diet. The above results collectively suggested that the gut microbiomes of hybrids could be beneficial to their local adaptation (e.g., food resource utilization), which might have facilitated their invasion in the MRB. The gut microbial findings, along with the intrinsic genomic features likely associated with life‐history traits revealed in our recent study, provide preliminary evidence supporting the holobiont hypothesis of invasion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD) is an important enzyme functions at the last step in lignin monomer synthesis pathway. Our previous work found that drought induced the expressions of CmCAD genes and promoted lignin biosynthesis in melon stems. Results: Here we studied the effects of abscisic acid (ABA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and jasmonic acid (JA) to CmCADs under drought stress. Results discovered that drought-induced ABA, H2O2 and MeJA were prevented efficiently from increasing in melon stems pretreated with fluridone (Flu, ABA inhibitor), imidazole (Imi, H2O2 scavenger) and ibuprofen (Ibu, JA inhibitor). ABA and H2O2 are involved in the positive regulations to CmCAD1, 2, 3, and 5, and JA is involved in the positive regulations to CmCAD2, 3, and 5. According to the expression profiles of lignin biosynthesis genes, ABA, H2O2 and MeJA all showed positive regulations to CmPAL2-like, CmPOD1-like, CmPOD2-like and CmLAC4-like. In addition, positive regulations were also observed with ABA to CmPAL1-like, CmC4H and CmCOMT, with H2O2 to CmPAL1-like, CmC4H, CmCCR and CmLAC17-like, and with JA to CmCCR, CmCOMT, CmLAC11-like and CmLAC17-like. As expected, the signal molecules positively regulated CAD activity and lignin biosynthesis under drought stress. Promoter::GUS assays not only further confirmed the regulations of the signal molecules to CmCAD1~3, but also revealed the important role of CmCAD3 in lignin synthesis due to the strongest staining of CmCAD3 promoter::GUS. Conclusions: CmCADs but CmCAD4 are positively regulated by ABA, H2O2 and JA under drought stress and participate in lignin synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To identify and investigate the effects of a novel splicing variant, c.1444–2A>C of OPA1, on its transcript, translation, and mitochondrial function, which was found in an 8-year-old patient with dominantly inherited optic atrophy (DOA). Materials and Methods: The clinical evaluations were performed at the Eye Center. Lymphoblast cell lines were generated from the patient, mother, and a normal control with the same haplotype of mitochondrial genome. The novel variant was confirmed by Sanger sequencing. The splicing alteration of cDNA was checked by both Sanger sequencing and agarose gel. OPA1 expression was carried out by RT-PCR and Western blotting. Transmission electron microscopy was used for mitochondrial morphology. Mitochondrial functions, including the rates of oxygen consumption, ATP generation, ROS product and membrane potential were assayed in lymphoblast cells. Results: The novel OPA1 splicing variant, c.1444–2A>C, led to a deletion of the 15th exon in mRNA transcript. Approximately 50% reduction of mRNA and protein expression was present in mutant cells as compared with controls. No marked depletion of mtDNA nor mitochondrial mass was caused by the splicing variant. However, defects that the impaired capacity of OXPHOS, reduced ATP generation, increased ROS and decreased membrane potential were observed in the mutant cells, which promoted a ubiquitin-binding mitophagy instead of apoptosis. Conclusions: The novel splicing variant, c.1444–2A>C resulted in OPA1 haploinsufficiency effect on its expression and mitochondrial function without mtDNA depletion. Our findings may provide new insights into the understanding of pathophysiology of DOA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because of the large wavelength in very high-frequency (VHF) band, conventional design concepts for flush-mounted VHF band antenna arrays over aircraft platforms meet many challenges. This article presents an approach for the design of VHF aircraft-integrated antenna arrays with switchable beams by using the characteristic modes (CMs) of the aircraft platform. The CMs of the aircraft platform provide the modal significances, modal currents, and modal radiation fields of each mode. An in-depth investigation over the useful CMs information is performed to prove the feasibility of design VHF band antenna array using the CMs of the platform. Switchable radiation patterns with horizontal polarization are then synthesized from these CMs. The switchable beams and polarization constraint make it more challenging than CM-based fixed power pattern synthesis. The polarized switchable beam synthesis is carried out with a multiobjective evolutionary algorithm. A trade-off among the synthesized current distributions for different beam steering angles is made to determine the optimal current excitation locations for antenna array development. Meanwhile, a novel bandwidth enhanced triple-couple-line coupling element is proposed to allow aircraft platform flush-mounted designs. A scaled model of the proposed aircraft-integrated antenna array system was fabricated to experimentally verify the effectiveness of the proposed approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: CmCAD2 and CmCAD3 function more positively than CmCAD1 in oriental melon for lignin synthesis which is important to ensure internal water status and thus for drought tolerance. Well-lignification may be the guarantee of efficient axial water transport and barrier of lateral water flow in oriental melon tolerating drought stress, however remains to be verified. As an important enzyme in monolignol synthesis pathway, five cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD) genes were generally induced in melon seedlings by drought. Here we further revealed the roles of CmCAD1, 2, and 3 in lignin synthesis and for drought tolerance. Results found that overexpressing CmCAD2 or 3 strongly recovered CAD activities, lignin synthesis and composition in Arabidopsis cadc cadd, whose lignin synthesis is disrupted, while CmCAD1 functioned modestly. In melon seedlings, silenced CmCAD2 and 3 individually or collectively decreased CAD activities and lignin depositions drastically, resulting in dwarfed phenotypes. Reduced lignin, mainly composed by guaiacyl units catalyzed by CmCAD3, is mainly due to the limited lignification in tracheary elements and development of Casparion strip. While CmCAD1 and 2 exhibited catalysis to p-coumaraldehyde and sinapaldehyde, respectively. Compared with CmCAD1, drought treatments revealed higher sensitivity of CmCAD2 and/or 3 silenced melon seedlings, accompanying with lower relative water contents, water potentials and relatively higher total soluble sugar contents. Slightly up-regulated expressions of aquaporin genes together with limited lignification might imply higher lateral water loss in stems of silenced lines. In Arabidopsis, CmCAD2 and 3 transgenic lines enhanced cadc cadd drought tolerance through recovering lignin synthesis and root development, accompanying with decreased electrolyte leakage ratios and increased RWCs, thus improved survival rates. Briefly, lignin synthesized by CmCAD2 and 3 functions importantly for drought tolerance in melon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis) and silver carp (H. molitrix), collectively called bigheaded carps, are cyprinids native mainly to China and have been introduced to over 70 countries. Paleontological and molecular phylogenetic analyses demonstrate bighead and silver carps originated from the Yangtze‐Huanghe River basins and modern populations may have derived from the secondary contact of geographically isolated fish during the last glacial events. Significant genetic differences are found among populations of native rivers (Yangtze, Pearl, and Amur) as well as introduced/invasive environments (Mississippi R., USA and Danube R., Hungary), suggesting genetic backgrounds and ecological selection may play a role in population differentiation. Population divergence of bighead carp or silver carp has occurred within their native rivers, whereas, within the Mississippi River Basin (MRB)—an introduced region, such genetic differentiation is likely taking place at least in silver carp. Interspecific hybridization between silver and bighead carps is rare within their native regions; however, extensive hybridization is observed in the MRB, which could be contributed by a shift to a more homogenous environment that lacks reproductive isolation barriers for the restriction of gene flow between species. The wild populations of native bighead and silver carps have experienced dramatic declines; in contrast, the introduced bigheaded carps overpopulate the MRB and are considered two invasive species, which strongly suggests fishing capacity (overfishing and underfishing) be a decisive factor for fishery resource exploitation and management. This review provides not only a global perspective of evolutionary history and population divergence of bigheaded carps but also a forum that calls for international research collaborations to deal with critical issues related to native population conservation and invasive species control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Tibetan Plateau is the world's largest plateau that is characterized by low temperature, low oxygen, and strong ultraviolet radiation. Colonized species that invade the plateau must change their characteristics to adapt to the harsh environment. However, research on the adaptation of introduced species on plateaus is limited. In this study, brown trout (Salmo trutta fario) was studied as a colonized species of the Tibetan Plateau, and a de novo transcriptome assembly was conducted to explore the genetic basis of plateau adaptation. A total of 38,606 unigenes were assembled, with over 90% of the unigenes annotated. Using comparative transcriptomics analysis, we identified 129 positively selected genes and 126 species‐specific gene families in colonized brown trout that were associated with energy metabolism, angiogenesis, heart development, ammonium transport, and DNA damage and repair, which may play essential roles in the adaptation to high altitude of colonized brown trout compared to other inland Salmonidae species. Our results provide an integrated and comprehensive transcriptomic resource for brown trout colonized in Tibet. These results potentially contribute to future studies aiming to identify candidate genes and pathways underlying the genetic basis of adaptation in the Tibetan plateau and assist in the population protection and aquaculture of brown trout in Tibet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genetic paradox of biological invasions is complex and multifaceted. In particular, the relative role of disparate propagule sources and genetic adaptation through postintroduction hybridization has remained largely unexplored. To add resolution to this paradox, we investigate the genetic architecture responsible for the invasion of two invasive Asian carp species, bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis) and silver carp (H. molitrix) (bigheaded carps) that experience extensive hybridization in the Mississippi River Basin (MRB). We sequenced the genomes of bighead and silver carps (~1.08G bp and ~1.15G bp, respectively) and their hybrids collected from the MRB. We found moderate‐to‐high heterozygosity in bighead (0.0021) and silver (0.0036) carps, detected significantly higher dN/dS ratios of single‐copy orthologous genes in bigheaded carps versus 10 other species of fish, and identified genes in both species potentially associated with environmental adaptation and other invasion‐related traits. Additionally, we observed a high genomic similarity (96.3% in all syntenic blocks) between bighead and silver carps and over 90% embryonic viability in their experimentally induced hybrids. Our results suggest intrinsic genomic features of bigheaded carps, likely associated with life history traits that presumably evolved within their native ranges, might have facilitated their initial establishment of invasion, whereas ex-situ interspecific hybridization between the carps might have promoted their range expansion. This study reveals an alternative mechanism that could resolve one of the genetic paradoxes in biological invasions and provides invaluable genomic resources for applied research involving bigheaded carps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A systematic approach for in-band scattering cross-section (SCS) reduction of a U-slot patch antenna is proposed in this letter. Characteristic mode (CM) analysis is conducted on the U-slot patch antenna to visualize the resonant behavior of the radiating patch. By examining the modal current distributions, an impedance-loading location for SCS reduction is determined. Value of the loading impedance is directly calculated from the proposed approach to cancel out the scattering-mode SCS and residual SCS. Prototypes of the U-slot patch antennas with reduced SCS and a reference antenna are fabricated. The experimental results show that a maximum in-band SCS reduction of 26 dB has been achieved with the proposed approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: China has not yet incorporated routine human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV)-1/2 blood donor screening, even though HTLV has been reported in the southeastern coastal region. This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of HTLV in five major regions across of China.Methods: From January 2016 to December 2017, blood samples were collected in 20 blood centers located in different regions of China. These samples were screened for HTLV-1/2 antibodies using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). If the test samples were reactive, the samples were confirmed with a western blot (WB) assay. If the results of WB were indeterminate, the donor was interviewed after a minimum lapse of 8 weeks. All follow-up samples from donors were tested for anti-HTLV-1/2 with ELISA and WB.Results: There were 875,453 donor samples tested for anti-HTLV-1/2 by ELISA. In all, 365 samples tested negative, 22 samples tested positive by WB, and 14 samples with HTLV status undetermined due to being lost to follow-up. The prevalences were 11.09, 5.96, 3.16, 2.88 and 0.98 per 100,000 in Xiamen, Changsha, Beijing, Shenzhen, and Nanjing blood center, respectively. The prevalences were 0 per 100,000 for all 15 other blood centers. There was significant differences in the prevalence of HTLV in different regions of China (p = 0.0011).Conclusion: In China, HTLV-1 confirmed positive donors are mainly from southeastern coastal areas. It may be necessary to conduct HTLV screening in these areas to reduce the risk of transfusion-transmitted HTLV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Body color variation has long been a hot research topic in evolutionary and functional biology. Oujiang color common carp (Cyprinus carpio var. color) is a well-known economical and ornamental fish. Three main types of pigments and four distinct color patterns are typical characters of Oujiang color common carp, which makes it an excellent fish model to study body coloration. In this study, skin transcriptome assembly and comparisons were conducted in two Oujiang color common carp varieties: whole red and whole white. Transcriptome comparison revealed that more differentially expressed energy metabolism genes were upregulated in whole white compared to whole red. The results indicated that energy metabolism genes might be strongly associated with environmental adaption and growth performance and likely affect the red and white color formation in Oujiang color common carp. Our study provided direct guidance for the aquaculture industrials of Oujiang color common carp and presented valuable genetic resources for body color research in fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sexual precocity is a common biological phenomenon in animal species. A large number of precocity individuals were identified in Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis, which caused huge economic loss annually. However, the underlying genetic basis of precocity in E. sinensis remains unclear to date. Results: In this study, morphological and histological observation and comparative transcriptome analysis were conducted among different stages of precocious one-year-old and normal two-year-old sexually mature E. sinensis. The expression profiles of the ovary, hepatopancreas, and eyestalk tissues were presented and compared. Genes associated with lipid metabolic process, lipid transport, vitelline membrane formation, vitelline synthesis, and neuropeptide hormone-related genes were upregulated in the ovary, hepatopancreas, and eyestalk of precocious E. sinensis. Our results indicated that the eyestalk was involved in the neuroendocrine system providing neuropeptide hormones that may induce vitellogenesis in the hepatopancreas and further stimulate ovary development. The hepatopancreas is a site for energy storage and vitellogenin synthesis, and it may assist oogenesis through lipid transport in precocious E. sinensis. Conclusion: We provided not only an effective and convenient phenotype measurement method for the identification of potential precocious E. sinensis detection but also valuable genetic resources and novel insights into the molecular mechanism of precocity in E. sinensis. The genetic basis of precocity in E. sinensis is an integrated gene regulatory network of eyestalk, hepatopancreas, and ovary tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The large wavelength at high-frequency (HF) band imposes critical challenges in platform conformal HF antenna designs, especially when multiple HF antennas are required in multifunction aircraft electronic systems. This paper presents an approach for the design of the aircraft-integrated multiantenna system based on the theory of characteristic modes (CMs). By investigating the CMs of the aircraft body in the entire HF band, three types of radiation patterns are synthesized at three frequency bands centered at 8, 18, and 28 MHz, respectively. The synthesis is achieved through the linear weighting combinations of the first few dominant CMs, and a multiobjective evolutionary algorithm is implemented to seek the complex weighting coefficients in each band. Following the theoretically synthesized radiating currents, three pairs of exciters are then designed and flush mounted on optimal locations over the aircraft. Furthermore, properly designed LC matching networks are introduced in each exciter to get good impedance matching in each band. Because of the large physical size of the aircraft, scaled model of the proposed aircraft-integrated multiantenna system was fabricated and experimentally verified. Measurement results are in good agreement with simulated results and demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach in the designs of HF aircraft-integrated multiantenna systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a dual-band dual-polarized planar antenna array with flat-top and sharp cutoff radiation patterns for 2G/3G/LTE base stations. The array consists of $8 \times 8$ antenna elements arranged with nonuniform spacings and is assigned with optimized nonuniform excitations to achieve flat-top and sharp cutoff radiation patterns with low sidelobes. The radiating element consists of two square-shaped PCB boards. Extra adjustable coupling elements are introduced in the H-shaped patches to improve the impedance matching performance in an array environment as well as to reduce the size of the antenna element. In the 1.71–2.69 GHz band, the dual-polarized radiating element exhibits stable radiation patterns, excellent impedance matching (VSWR < 1.5), and high isolations (>40 dB). Frequency band selective variables are defined to group the antenna elements. They are optimized along with the element spacings and complex excitations in the optimizer to ensure stable flat-top radiation patterns. Rectangular-shaped baffles are introduced to reduce mutual couplings. A prototype of the $8 \times 8$ antenna array has been fabricated and measured. The results indicate that the proposed dual-band dual-polarized planar array achieves a half-power beamwidth of 50° ± 5° in both the H-plane and E-plane. The proposed antenna and its array exhibit attractive potentials for 2G/3G/LTE base station applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Ag2S/CdS composite photocatalyst with a leaf-like structure was synthesized by loading the Ag2S nanoparticles on the surface of the hydrothermally synthesized CdS particles. The UV-Vis-NIR absorption spectroscopy results reveal that the Ag2S/CdS composite photocatalyst exhibits a wide-spectrum response from ultraviolet (UV) to near-infrared (NIR), demonstrating its potential for effective utilization of solar energy. The scanning and transmission electron microscopic observations show that Ag2S nanoparticles with the size of about 20 nm are successfully embedded on the surface of leaf-like structure of CdS. Among the samples loaded with different molar percentages of Ag2S nanoparticles, the 5%-Ag2S/CdS composite photocatalyst exhibits a higher photocatalytic efficiency than the individually synthesized CdS and Ag2S for the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) and methyl orange (MO) under LED visible light irradiation. Furthermore, the 5%-Ag2S/CdS composite photocatalyst also exhibits a photocatalytic activity for the degradation of RhB under 850 and 940 nm monochromatic light irradiation. The results of the photocatalytic activity tests performed with various scavengers confirm that ·O2− plays a key role in the photodegradation of RhB. An enhanced photocatalytic performance of the Ag2S/CdS composite photocatalyst is directly attributed to the formation of a heterojunction between Ag2S and CdS. The developed composite photocatalyst can harness a greater share of the solar spectrum from visible to near infrared region and generate the photoinduced charge carriers more efficiently.Graphical Abstract: [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this letter, a wideband dual-polarized slot antenna is presented. The proposed antenna is designed in a systematic way using the theory of characteristic modes for slot apertures. An H-shaped slot in an infinite ground plane is used as the initial structure for further optimization design. Magnetic characteristic currents for the first four modes of the slot are investigated. To enhance the bandwidth (BW) of the antenna, the geometry of the slot antenna is then modified based on the clear physical insights obtained from the modal analysis. In addition, two pairs of differentially fed capacitive coupling elements are introduced to excite the first two modes of the slot, and an integrated wideband feeding network is designed. An antenna prototype in WLAN 2.4 GHz band is fabricated. Experimental and simulated results show that the proposed dual-polarized slot antenna has a wide BW and good dipole-like radiation characteristics. Compared with the initial H-shaped slot antenna, the BW of the proposed antenna is enhanced from 17% to 46%. The measured port isolation over the entire frequency band is about 26 dB, and the cross-polarization level is over 28 dB for the two polarizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this letter, a wideband dual-polarized slot antenna is presented. The proposed antenna is designed in a systematic way using the theory of characteristic modes for slot apertures. An H-shaped slot in an infinite ground plane is used as the initial structure for further optimization design. Magnetic characteristic currents for the first four modes of the slot are investigated. To enhance the bandwidth (BW) of the antenna, the geometry of the slot antenna is then modified based on the clear physical insights obtained from the modal analysis. In addition, two pairs of differentially fed capacitive coupling elements are introduced to excite the first two modes of the slot, and an integrated wideband feeding network is designed. An antenna prototype in WLAN 2.4 GHz band is fabricated. Experimental and simulated results show that the proposed dual-polarized slot antenna has a wide BW and good dipole-like radiation characteristics. Compared with the initial H-shaped slot antenna, the BW of the proposed antenna is enhanced from 17% to 46%. The measured port isolation over the entire frequency band is about 26 dB, and the cross-polarization level is over 28 dB for the two polarizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis, is an important freshwater cultured crab in China with an annual production of approximately 800,000 m.t. and a value of 5 billion US dollars in 2014. The germplasm admixture and degeneration of E. sinensis are the most critical factors that restrict its aquaculture industry. Thus, genetic improvement programs of E. sinensis were initiated in 2000. The Ministry of Agriculture of China approved five selected varieties of E. sinensis, which are currently cultured throughout China and cover nearly 10% of the total yield of E. sinensis. The aquaculture status, genetic improvement practices, and achievement in E. sinensis aquaculture in China during the past 15 yr are summarized in this review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic engineering, also called genetic modification, is facing with growing demands of aquaculture and aquatic products. Although various genetically modified (GM) aquatics have been generated, it is important to evaluate biosafety of GM organisms on the human health before entering into our food chain. For this purpose, we establish a zebrafish wild adult feeding Flk1-transgenic larvae model to examine the predatory fish's histology in multiple tissues, and the global gene expression profile in the liver. 180 days of feeding trial show that there are no significantly morphological changes in intestine, liver, kidney, and sex gonads between fish fed with Flk1 transgenic fish diet (TFD) and fish fed with regular food meal (RFM). However, a characteristic skin spot and autofluorescence increase in the theca of follicle are observed in F1 generation of TFD fish. Liver RNA-sequencing analyses demonstrate that 53 out of 56712 genes or isoforms are differentially transcribed, and mostly involved in proteolysis in extracellular region. According to GO enrichment terms these deregulated genes function in catalytic activity, steroid storing, lipidmetabolic process and N-Glycan biosynthesis. These results suggest that a long term of Flk1-transgenic fish diet could alter certain metabolic pathways and possibly cause related tissue deformation. Compared to the previous reports, our feasible transgenic dietary assess system could evaluate subchronic and potential health impact of transgenic fish diet by combining multi-tissue histology and liver transcriptome analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]