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Aberrant or dysfunctional cellular enzymes are responsible for a wide range of diseases including cancer, neurodegenerative conditions, and metabolic disorders. Deficiencies in enzyme level or biofunction may lead to intracellular accumulation of substrate to toxic levels and interfere with overall cellular function, ultimately leading to cell damage, disease, and death. Marketed therapeutic interventions for inherited monogenic enzyme deficiency disorders include enzyme replacement therapy and small molecule chaperones. Novel approaches of in vivo gene therapy and ex vivo cell therapy are under clinical evaluation and provide promising opportunities to expand the number of available disease-modifying treatments. To support the development of these different therapeutics, assays to quantify the functional activity of protein enzymes have gained importance in the diagnosis of disease, assessment of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic response, and evaluation of drug efficacy. In this review, we discuss the technical aspects of enzyme activity assays in the bioanalytical context, including assay design and format as well as the unique challenges and considerations associated with assay development, validation, and life cycle management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exploitation of electrode materials with high areal capacity and rate performance under high mass loading is critical for the practical application of sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), and 3D nanocomposite electrode materials based on nanoelectrode materials and 3D carbon-based material frameworks have shown extraordinary promise. However, the areal capacity and rate performance are unsatisfactory because of the low utilization efficiency and sluggish Na+ kinetics of active Na+ storage materials. To address this problem, we developed a 3D SnO2 nanoflower–holey graphene (SnO2 NF–HG) composite electrode. The 3D HG framework can provide a fully interconnected hierarchical porous channel for Na+ transport to the SnO2 surface, and the flower-like SnO2 nanomaterials with larger surface area can provide more active sites for Na+ storage. The electrochemical test results indicate the low Na+ resistance and high pseudocapacitance contribution of the as-prepared 3D SnO2 NF–HG electrodes. As a result, the low utilization efficiency and sluggish Na+ kinetics of the active Na+ storage materials were substantially boosted, and the 3D composite electrodes show impressive properties of high areal capacity and fast Na+ storage. Under a high current density of 5 mA cm–2, the 3D SnO2 NF–HG composite electrodes with high mass loading of 10 mg cm–2 achieve a strikingly high and stable areal capacity of 3 mAh cm–2. This high areal capacity is the same as those of commercial lithium-ion battery electrode materials and greatly exceeds those of most reported SIB electrode materials. Our work shows that rationally designed active Na+ storage electrode materials with large surface area represent an effective strategy for promoting high-mass-loading 3D composites and high-specific-capacity electrode materials toward practical SIB applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arctic amplification is leading to increased terrestrial organic carbon (terrOC) mobilization with downstream impacts on riverine and marine biogeochemistry. To improve quantification and characterization of terrOC discharged to the Arctic Ocean, Yukon River delta samples were collected during three stages of the annual hydrograph (ascending limb/peak freshet, descending limb, late summer) and across a land‐to‐ocean salinity gradient (0.08–29.06 ppt). All samples were analyzed for dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration and lignin phenols to determine seasonal variability in riverine terrOC and salinity‐induced transformation of highly aromatic terrestrial compounds. Additionally, the relationship between lignin and absorbance at 350 and 412 nm was assessed to determine the feasibility of using optical proxies for accurate quantification, both seasonally and across expansive salinity gradients. Lignin phenols were highest during the ascending limb/peak freshet (0.58–0.97 mg/100 mg OC) when riverine DOC was dominated by young vascular plant sources, whereas lignin phenols were lower (0.15–0.89 mg/100 mg OC) and riverine DOC more variable in terrestrial source and diagenetic state during the descending limb and late summer. Across the sampled salinity gradient, there was disproportionate depletion of lignin (up to 73%) compared to DOC (up to 22%). Finally, while optical proxies can be used to quantify lignin within seasonal or spatial contexts, increased uncertainty is likely when expanding linear correlations across Arctic land‐ocean continuums. Overall, results indicate seasonal, spatial, interannual, and climatic controls that are amplified during high‐flow conditions and important to constrain when investigating Arctic terrOC cycling and land‐ocean DOC flux. Plain Language Summary: The Arctic is experiencing an amplified warming phenomenon that is driving a variety of landscape changes. Through these landscape transformations, large amounts of organic carbon can be transported to nearby rivers. However, the fate and transport of organic carbon along Arctic land‐ocean continuums is largely unknown, primarily due to simultaneous complex processes that occur in deltas and coastal zones. To improve the quantification of landscape‐derived dissolved organic carbon (DOC) transported from the land to the Arctic Ocean, surface water samples were collected throughout the Yukon River delta (Alaska, USA) during three distinct seasons and across a land‐ocean salinity gradient extending from freshwater to high‐salinity water. To measure riverine organic carbon coming from the landscape, we analyzed all samples for DOC and an environmental biomarker that is specific to terrestrial sources (lignin phenols). Lignin concentrations and compositions were used to determine seasonal differences in the magnitude and type of terrestrial inputs, as well as coastal processing of organic carbon. Results show spatial and seasonal differences in DOC concentration and composition within the Yukon River delta and coastal zone that highlight the complexity of carbon cycling in Arctic regions. Key Points: Riverine organic carbon is compositionally distinct in source and signature during the freshet compared to other stages of the hydrographDuring the freshet, there is preferential loss of lignin compared to bulk dissolved organic carbon across a land‐to‐ocean salinity gradientLignin‐chromophoric dissolved organic matter relationships vary across Yukon interfaces (river to delta, plume water to high salinity) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chagas disease is an inflammatory parasitic infection caused by Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi). Early diagnosis is crucial in guiding treatment and slowing disease progression; however, current diagnostic methods have insufficient detection limits and often require skilled technicians. Molecular tests, especially isothermal nucleic acid assays, are advantageous due to their excellent sensitivity, specificity, speed, and simplicity. Here, we optimized a colorimetric loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for T. cruzi. We can detect as few as 2 genomic copies/reaction using three different T. cruzi strains. We examined selectivity using other parasitic protozoans and successfully detected T. cruzi DNA extracted from parasites in human whole blood down to 1.2 parasite equivalents/reaction. We also performed a blinded study using canine blood samples and established a 100% sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for the colorimetric LAMP assay. Finally, we used a heated 3D printer bed and an insulated thermos cup to demonstrate that the LAMP incubation step could be performed with accessible, low-cost materials. Altogether, we have developed a high-performing assay for T. cruzi with a simple colorimetric output that would be ideal for rapid, low-cost screening at the point of use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the feasibility and optimization of the spouted bed drying to produce standardized dried Camellia sinensis extract. We explored processing variables such as inert particle type (Teflon® or glass beads), drying aid concentration (colloidal SiO2—Aerosil 200®), and drying inlet temperatures (80, 110, or 140 °C). Regression analysis of the results allowed for constructing response surface graphs, highlighting variable impacts on product properties and spouted bed performance. The optimal conditions involved Teflon® beads and a drying temperature of 110 °C, resulting in a product with excellent moisture content, water activity, and active constituent retention. The product demonstrated significant antioxidant activity in DPPH assays, with an IC50 between 4.4 to 6.7 µg/mL, surpassing the synthetic antioxidant butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), which had an IC50 of 12.5 µg/mL. Rancimat assays showed that the dried extract effectively protected crude sunflower oil from oxidation, increasing its shelf life from 8.2 to 13.1 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reactive magnetron sputtering was used to deposit Ti:Zr-O-N thin films, by using a single Zr target, with Ti ribbons placed on the erosion track of the Zr sputtering target. Zr-O-N thin films have been also deposited in the same chamber to be used as reference films. The number of Ti ribbons, the applied sputtering current, and the reactive gas flow were the variable parameters. The films were analyzed in terms of structural development and mechanical properties (instrumented indentation, adhesion scratch testing, and wear analysis). The films are either amorphous or composed of a mixture of crystalline phases based on zirconium and titanium oxides or nitrides. Hardness values are situated between ∼10 and 11 GPa for the reference films (deposited without Ti) and up to ∼22 GPa for one of the Ti:Zr-O-N films. The films deposited without Ti behave slightly better in terms of adhesion to the substrate in comparison to the remaining samples in relation to the occurrence of first cracks (Lc1, critical load 1) and for first delamination (Lc2, critical load 2), a phenomenon probably related to the lower hardness of these films, which can accommodate the plastic deformation caused by the diamond indenter, prior to the occurrence of delamination. Adhesion to the substrate is a critical characteristic during wear tests since some of the coatings exhibit severe delamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER), which is composed of a continuous network of tubules and sheets, forms the most widely distributed membrane system in eukaryotic cells. As a result, it engages a variety of organelles by establishing membrane contact sites (MCSs). These contacts regulate organelle positioning and remodeling, including fusion and fission, facilitate precise lipid exchange, and couple vital signaling events. Here, we systematically review recent advances and converging themes on ER-involved organellar contact. The molecular basis, cellular influence, and potential physiological functions for ER/nuclear envelope contacts with mitochondria, Golgi, endosomes, lysosomes, lipid droplets, autophagosomes, and plasma membrane are summarized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, an extensive study on the use of various iteration schemes from fixed point theory for the generation of Mandelbrot and Julia sets in complex space has been carried out. In this work, inspired by these progresses, we study the use of the Picard–Mann iteration scheme for the Julia sets in the quaternion space. Specifically, in our study, we prove the escape criterion of the Picard–Mann orbit and examine the symmetry of the Julia set for the quadratic function. Moreover, we present and discuss some 2D and 3D graphical examples of the sets generated using the Picard–Mann iteration scheme. We further analyse the influence of a parameter of interest used in the Picard–Mann iteration scheme on the average number of iterations for 2D cross sections of quaternion Julia sets of different degrees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under northward interplanetary magnetic field, periodical fluctuations with the period of 85 s have been observed by one of the Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms spacecraft at the dayside magnetopause when the solar wind dynamic pressure suddenly dropped. The observed magnetic field distortions, characterized by the compression of the main component as well as the flapping of the perpendicular components, are in line with the theoretical predictions of the Rayleigh‐Taylor (R‐T) instability excited at the magnetopause. With the convective electric field and the mean electric field removed, the perturbations in the electric field are identified as typical two sinusoidal signals with a 90° phase difference, consistent with previous prediction of the attendant electrostatic field arising from the R‐T instability. The transverse motions of the plasmas resulting from the electric drifting driven by the electrostatic field are observed both in pitch‐angle distributions and in distribution functions. The growth rate of the R‐T instability is about 43 s, implying that the instability has time to grow during the disturbances. Using the Gauss theorem, the calculated net charge density based on the electric field observation is one part of 27 compared to the totally observed plasma density, indicating that only a tiny fraction of the charge separates to set up the electrostatic field, which is due to a collective effect in the plasma. Plain Language Summary: The magnetopause, the outmost edge that our planet's intrinsic magnetic field reaches, is always in motion. The macroscopic acceleration at the magnetopause is sometimes as large as a few km/s2. Theoretically, such an acceleration of the boundary can facilitate an instability in the motion of the interface, the R‐T instability. Such an instability can, in turn, cause a transfer of plasma across the magnetopause, from solar wind into the near‐Earth space. If the resulting particles are sufficiently energetic, operations of many satellites in space can be threatened. However, details of how the instability operates at the magnetopause have been neither verified nor observed in spacecraft observations. Recent measurements from NASA's Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms mission indicate that the R‐T instability can be excited at the magnetopause, and many details of the instability, including those of its electric field and plasma transport across the magnetopause appear to be verified in those observations. Key Points: 85‐s periodic fluctuations with plasma transport are observed at the magnetopause when solar wind dynamic pressure decreases abruptlyMagnetic field is found fluted along the mean field direction and meandering along the perpendicular directionThe attendant electric field of the Rayleigh‐Taylor instability, as well as the resultant cross‐field drift of the plasma, are also identified [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collagen peptide chelated zinc (CPCZ) nanoparticles were prepared using collagen peptide hydrolysate from tilapia scales. The nano-chelating ability of collagen peptide hydrolysates treated with ten enzymes was evaluated. Among these collagen peptide hydrolysates, trypsin hydrolysate exhibited the best nano-chelating ability. The molecular weight distribution of trypsin hydrolysate that produced CPCZ nanoparticles indicated that most of the peptides were less than 1,000 Da. These small molecular peptides with excellent nanozinc-chelating ability were chelated with zinc ions to form CPCZ nanoparticles. CPCZ nanoparticles were nearly spherical with an average diameter of approximately 100 nm, and a zinc content of 13.2%. Transmission electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry was used to measure the physicochemical properties of the CPCZ nanoparticles. Their cytotoxicity was also estimated by BHK21 cells. Result indicated that the CPCZ nanoparticles were non-toxic to BHK-21, and such nanoparticles significantly enhanced the survival of cells. The present work suggested that CPCZ nanoparticles could be used as zinc supplementation in the food and pharmaceutical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work relates to the energy industry, in particular, complements the existing knowledge about a problem of increasing the overall efficiency of a centrifugal compressor stage by improving the geometric parameters of an impeller. The design features of the centrifugal compressors are analysed and the issues of their general modelling are considered in the article. The aim of the work is to increase the efficiency of the centrifugal compressor stage by improving the method of thermogasdynamic calculation with an extended determination of the number of its thermogasdynamic gas parameters and subsequent optimization of the design parameters of the impeller blades. This goal is achieved by solving the following problems: a) development of a model of the centrifugal compressor stage based on a method of thermogasdynamic calculation; b) study of the influence of the geometric parameters of the impeller and a diffuser on the components of gas velocities; c) improvement of the design methodology by optimizing the number of impeller blades, their thickness and angle of inclination to increase the efficiency of the stage. The most significant scientific results of the work are the construction method and the model of the centrifugal compressor stage, which allow taking into account real thermogasdynamic gas processes and calculating the geometric parameters of the impeller blades that are optimal in terms of efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to identify new sources of natural antioxidants, the antioxidant activities of various solvent extracts from four edible flower samples [Wisteria sinensis (Sims) DC., Benincasa hispida (Thunb.) Cogn, Luffa cylindrica (L.) Roem, and Cucurbita pepo L.) were systemically investigated. The total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC), and individual phenolic profile of each extract were investigated, and antioxidant activities were measured by the DPPH radical scavenging activity, superoxide radical scavenging activity, total reduction capability, and ferrous ions chelating activity. Results revealed that all flower extracts exhibited antioxidant activities, and contained certain amounts of phenolic compounds. Specifically, different solvents exhibited different efficiencies in the extraction of phenolics, flavonoids, and compounds with antioxidant activities. The 70% ethanolic extract from B. hispida yielded the highest TPC (49.92 mg GAE/g DW), superoxide radical scavenging activity (IC50, 0.073 mg/mL), and FRAP value (18.05 mg of GAE/g DW). The highest TFC was obtained with the ethanolic extract of W. sinensis (30.39 mg QE/g DW), and the contents of apigenin, luteolin, and myricetin in the ethanolic extract of W. sinensis were significantly higher than those in the other extracts. The 40% ethanolic extract of L. cylindrica yielded the highest DPPH scavenging capacity (IC50, 0.340 mg/mL), and water extract of B. hispida yielded the highest chelating activity (0.027 mg/mL). Correlation analysis indicated that total phenolics and flavonoids in the extracts were the major contributors to the DPPH scavenging activities and FRAP activities. Overall, results demonstrated that these edible flowers could serve as useful source of natural antioxidants, and be used as functional food ingredients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incorporation of lower hybrid (LH) wave spectrum broadening in the poloidal wavenumber ( k θ ) space at the last close field surface (LCFS) is reported to lead to better agreement of the modeled LH wave current profile with the experimental results [Baek et al., Nucl. Fusion 61, 106034 (2021)]. To further understand its underlying mechanism and find the possible influence factors, effects of wave scattering caused by drift-wave type density fluctuation on the probability distribution of the LH wave polar refractive index ( N θ) at the LCFS are studied under density parameters in the scrape-off-layer. According to a scattering model [P. T. Bonoli and E. Ott, Phys Fluids 25(2), 359–375 (1982)], scattering probability and scattering angle distribution are two main factors that determine the degree of spectral broadening. Studies presented here show that the total scattering probability increases first and then decreases as the wave propagates toward a smaller normalized radius of poloidal magnetic flux (ρ). The degree of spectral broadening is found to depend on the density and density fluctuation together by changing the intensity and a proportion of the geometrical optics approximation term and the E × B drift term in the scattering model. Furthermore, the fluctuation correlation length can significantly modify the probability distribution of N θ at the LCFS, which is found to significantly change the LH wave current profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This conference report summarized a full-day workshop, "best practices for the development and fit-for-purpose validation of biomarker methods," which was held prior to the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) PharmSci360 Congress, San Antonio, TX, November 2019. The purpose of the workshop was to bring together thought leaders in biomarker assay development in order to identify which assay parameters and key statistical measures need to be considered when developing a biomarker assay. A diverse group of more than 40 scientists participated in the workshop. The workshop and subsequent working dinner stimulated robust discussion. While a consensus on best practices was not achieved, some common themes and major points to consider for biomarker assay development have been identified and agreed on. The focus of this conference report is to summarize the presentations and discussions which occurred at the workshop. Biomarker assay validation is a complex and an evolving area with discussions ongoing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within a Kelvin‐Helmholtz (K‐H) vortex at the duskside magnetopause, a substructure characterized by two flux enhancements of cold magnetosheath plasma in a background of hot magnetosphere plasma is observed. The substructure is accompanied by plasma transport across the magnetopause, and the transport region is found to split into two parts: the double peaks in both ion and electron densities, corresponding to the two flux enhancements in spectrograms. There are two decreases in the ion temperature while the electron temperature remains constantly low, suggesting that the substructure is caused by a secondary process within the vortex rather than the secondary crossings of the vortex or the boundary oscillations. A transverse motion of cold plasma is observed in the pitch‐angle distribution, demonstrating an example of transverse driving and ongoing plasma transport across the magnetopause. With the convective electric field removed, the perturbed electric field E1, which is sinusoidal and perpendicular to B, matches the theoretical prediction of the Rayleigh‐Taylor (R‐T) instability. Such a perturbed electric field is expected to be the electrostatic field that accompanies the R‐T instability producing the substructure and drives the plasma transport by E1×B ${\boldsymbol{E}}_{1}\times \boldsymbol{B}$ drift. The observations suggest that this secondary R‐T instability within the K‐H vortex can drive plasma transport across the magnetopause. Plain Language Summary: The Earth's intrinsic magnetic field creates a bubble called the magnetosphere which protects the planet from direct bombardment by the solar wind. The outer edge of the magnetosphere, the magnetopause, prevents the direct incursion of solar wind plasma into the magnetosphere. Sometimes, the solar wind can penetrate into the magnetosphere by changing the topology of the magnetopause via a process known as magnetic reconnection. In addition, transport can proceed via the Kelvin‐Helmholtz (K‐H) instability which creates vortices, the ripples on the flanks of the magnetopause, as shown in some numerical simulations (Matsumoto & Hoshino, 2004, 2006; https://doi.org/10.1029/2003gl018195, https://doi.org/10.1029/2004ja010988). Here, based on spacecraft observations thousands of miles away, we show a secondary structure of the plasma transport across the magnetopause within a K‐H vortex. The observations of both plasma and electric fields have revealed detailed microphysics of plasma transfer within the ripples at the magnetopause. Key Points: A substructure of a parent K‐H vortex is identified in THEMIS observations at the duskside magnetopauseThe perturbed electric field, which accompanies the formation of the substructure by the secondary R‐T instability, is detectedTransverse motion of cold plasmas is observed in the substructure, indicating the occurrence of the plasma transport driven by E1×B ${\boldsymbol{E}}_{1}\times \boldsymbol{B}$ drift [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spectrum change of the lower hybrid (LH) waves caused by a low-frequency density fluctuation in the scrape-off-layer is studied by applying the wave scattering model developed by Bonoli and Ott [Phys. Fluids 25, 359 (1982)] via a Monte Carlo method. Due to the influence of the density fluctuation, the perpendicular component of the LH wave-vector can be rotated in the 2D perpendicular space, which will further change the ray trajectory of the LH wave. A ray-tracing model specific to this purpose is developed to evaluate the probability distribution of both the poloidal refractive index (N θ) and the parallel refractive index ( N ∥ ) of the LH wave at the last closed flux surface (LCFS). The scattering probability and the rotation scattering angle are determined by the combined effect from the geometric optics approximation term and the E × B drift term in the LH tensor elements. The probability distributions of N ∥ and N θ at the LCFS are studied using the EAST parameters as a function of wave frequency, the initial N ∥ , and the polar injection position, which may influence the lower hybrid current drive efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coupling characteristics of the 4.6 GHz lower hybrid (LH) grill and the factors affecting LH wave coupling, mainly drift, with divertor configuration in anti-clockwise/clockwise magnetic field direction are studied. Based on the Langmuir probe measurement, the relationship between the reflection coefficient (RC) of LH power and the edge density at the grill mouth () measured by Langmuir probes is investigated. The optimum LH wave coupling with RC less than 2% is achieved when is in the range of – , which is quite close to the theoretically predicted value. In addition, the experimental results show that drift in the divertor scrape off layer plays a dominant role in affecting and LH wave coupling. Studies show that the discrepancy in and LH wave coupling in different magnetic field directions is mainly attributed to the different directions of drift, whereas the corresponding discrepancy with different plasma currents is mainly ascribed to the change in drift intensity. Therefore, for the upper single null divertor configuration, a lower/higher plasma currents is more favorable for increasing and improving LH wave coupling in anti-clockwise/clockwise. The above studies are of great significance for optimizing and improving LH wave coupling in the extension of the plasma operation regime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Prime editors (PEs) mediate genome modification without utilizing double-stranded DNA breaks or exogenous donor DNA as a template. PEs facilitate nucleotide substitutions or local insertions or deletions within the genome based on the template sequence encoded within the prime editing guide RNA (pegRNA). However, the efficacy of prime editing in adult mice has not been established. Here we report an NLS-optimized SpCas9-based prime editor that improves genome editing efficiency in both fluorescent reporter cells and at endogenous loci in cultured cell lines. Using this genome modification system, we could also seed tumor formation through somatic cell editing in the adult mouse. Finally, we successfully utilize dual adeno-associated virus (AAVs) for the delivery of a split-intein prime editor and demonstrate that this system enables the correction of a pathogenic mutation in the mouse liver. Our findings further establish the broad potential of this genome editing technology for the directed installation of sequence modifications in vivo, with important implications for disease modeling and correction. Prime editors use a template sequence within their pegRNA to facilitate nucleotide substitutions or local indels. Here the authors use AAVs to deliver a split-intein prime editor in vivo to correct a pathogenic mutation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The route that combines with the mechanically alloying (MA) and powder-in-tube (PIT) method is thought as a potential way to make cost-friendly Nb3Al superconducting wire, since the MA could produce the high-quality Nb(Al)ss supersaturated solid solution and thus obtain high-Jc Nb3Al superconductor. In order to know the effect of hot-pressure (HP) sintering on superconducting properties and flux pinning of Nb3Al, a series of Nb3Al superconducting bulks annealed at 950 °C for 3 h with different sintering pressure and ball milling time have been prepared in this work. The results suggest that for the mechanically alloyed Nb3Al superconductor, its critical current density (Jc) and superconducting transition temperature (Tc) can be significantly improved by HP sintering. Comparing with the atmosphere pressure (AP) sintering, the Tc, onset and Jc (8 K, 7 T) of HP Nb3Al sample with a milling time of 2 h increase from 15.1 K and 0.56 × 104 A/cm2 to 15.7 K and 6.03 × 104 A/cm2, respectively. Improvement of grain connectivity and flux pinning properties are thought to be mainly responsible to the enhancement of current-carrying ability of HP Nb3Al superconductor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice being a big staple food, faces many abiotic stresses, resulting in a yield reduction. Iron (Fe) has many key roles for plants in sustaining growth and production, however, Fe toxicity is a big threat to rice production worldwide. There are many regulation mechanisms in rice to ensure an adequate supply of Fe to plant and to prevent deleterious effects. Rice is adopted many physiological and molecular mechanisms to cope with Fe toxicity in flooded soils, however, rice tolerance to Fe toxicity varies greatly and this mechanism has not fully understood. Efforts are being made to unfold the genetic basis of Fe toxicity tolerance in rice. There are many regulators discussed here, which are responsible for Fe uptake and transport from rhizosphere to the plants. Toxic effects of Fe on rice, the genes advocating the regulation of Fe, and many quantitative traits loci governing Fe toxicity tolerance in rice are discussed here. Many putative QTL involved in rice tolerance to Fe toxicity are presented in this review. The identification of QTL and regulators for Fe toxicity tolerance would be more helpful in regulating Fe toxicity and developing Fe tolerant lines in rice. More efficient breeding techniques are required to screen Fe tolerant rice genotypes. This review focused on some possible ways to improve Fe toxicity tolerance in rice and provide a strong theoretical base for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a simple 24-filament structure Nb3Al superconducting wire has been firstly prepared by using the jelly-roll Nb/Al composite wire, the reel-to-reel rapid heating and quenching (RHQ), and phase transformation heat treatment. In order to obtain the Nb3Al long wire with good superconducting properties, various heating current (HC) and wire moving speed (WMS) were used to produce high-quality Nb(Al)ss supersaturated solid solution during RHQ process; thereafter, the Nb(Al)ss wire was put into the Cu tube and drawn for preparing the Cu-cladded Nb3Al wire. The results suggest that for the Nb3Al wire with the HC 262 A and WMS of 300 mm/s, its onset Tc and layer Jc at 4.2 K and 12 T measured by the transport way reach 17.7 K and 1.58 × 105 A/cm2, respectively. The magnetization measurement (M-H) of Nb3Al wires indicate that the diameter reduction of Nb(Al)ss solid solution wires after RHQ will significantly improve their grain connectivity and thus Jc properties at the optimal heat treatment conditions. The work suggests the simple-structured Nb3Al superconducting wire is promising to the practical high-field magnet application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, practical kilometer-length 18- and 30-filament Monel/Nb/MgB2 wires have been prepared by in situ powder-in-tube (PIT) method, combing in the twisting of wires with twisting pitches (TP) of 5 mm, 10 mm, and 20 mm. Transport critical current density (Jc) properties at various temperatures and magnetic fields for MgB2 wires with different TP and the effects of the heat-treatment conditions and wire diameter size on the Jc of 30- filament wire have been investigated in detail. The results suggest the Jc of MgB2 wire without twisting at 4.2 K, 4 T, and 20 K, 3 T separately reaches 1.9 × 105 and 5.87 × 104 A/cm2 for 30-filament wire, and 1.48 × 105 and 4.4 × 104 A/cm2 for 18-filament wire. After twisting, as the TP reduction, the Jc degradation of MgB2 wire is much slower in 30-filament than that in 18-filament at various magnetic fields. At the TP of 5 mm, the Jc degradation comparing with the untwisted wires at 4.2 K and 4 T is up to 30% in 18-filament wire but only about 10% in the 30-filament. This work indicates that the twisting route is very promising to the engineering application of MgB2 superconductor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macroautophagy/autophagy functions as a quality control mechanism by degrading misfolded proteins and damaged organelles and plays an essential role in maintaining neural homeostasis. The phosphoinositide phosphatidylinositol-3-phosphate (PtdIns3P) effector Atg18 is essential for autophagosome formation in yeast. Mammalian cells contain four Atg18 homologs, belonging to two subclasses, WIPI1 (WD repeat domain, phosphoinositide interacting 1), WIPI2 and WDR45B/WIPI3 (WD repeat domain 45B), WDR45/WIPI4. The role of Wdr45b in autophagy and in neural homeostasis, however, remains unknown. Recent human genetic studies have revealed a potential causative role of WDR45B in intellectual disability. Here we demonstrated that mice deficient in Wdr45b exhibit motor deficits and learning and memory defects. Histological analysis reveals that wdr45b knockout (KO) mice exhibit a large number of swollen axons and show cerebellar atrophy. SQSTM1- and ubiquitin-positive aggregates, which are autophagy substrates, accumulate in various brain regions in wdr45b KO mice. Double KO mice, wdr45b and wdr45, die within one day after birth and exhibit more severe autophagy defects than either of the single KO mice, suggesting that these two genes act cooperatively in autophagy. Our studies demonstrated that WDR45B is critical for neural homeostasis in mice. The wdr45b KO mice provide a model to study the pathogenesis of intellectual disability. Abbreviations: ACSF: artificial cerebrospinal fluid; AMC: aminomethylcoumarin; BPAN: beta-propeller protein-associated neurodegeneration; CALB1: calbindin 1; CNS: central nervous system; DCN: deep cerebellar nuclei; fEPSP: field excitatory postsynaptic potential; IC: internal capsule; ID: intellectual disability; ISH: in situ hybridization; KO: knockout; LTP: long-term potentiation; MBP: myelin basic protein; MGP: medial globus pallidus; PtdIns3P: phosphoinositide phosphatidylinositol-3-phosphate; WDR45B: WD repeat domain 45B; WIPI1: WD repeat domain, phosphoinositide interacting 1; WT: wild type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blood-based soluble protein biomarkers provide invaluable clinical information about patients and are used as diagnostic, prognostic, and pharmacodynamic markers. The most commonly used blood sample matrices are serum and different types of plasma. In drug development research, the impact of sample matrix selection on successful protein biomarker quantification is sometimes overlooked. The sample matrix for a specific analyte is often chosen based on prior experience or literature searches, without good understanding of the possible effects on analyte quantification. Using a data set of 32 different soluble protein markers measured in matched serum and plasma samples, we examined the differences between serum and plasma and discussed how platelet or immune cell activation can change the quantified concentration of the analyte. We have also reviewed the effect of anticoagulant on analyte quantification. Finally, we provide specific recommendations for biomarker sample matrix selection and propose a systematic and data-driven approach for sample matrix selection. This review is intended to raise awareness of the impact and considerations of sample matrix selection on biomarker quantification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To identify flystrike‐related volatile compounds in wool from Merino sheep, the attractiveness of wool to Lucilia cuprina Wiedmann (Diptera: Calliphoridae) was examined. First, a selection of wool samples guided by previous knowledge of sheep lines, predicted to be more susceptible or more resistant to flystrike, was tested. The attractiveness of the 10 samples selected was not associated with field susceptibility: two samples from the more resistant line were identified as most attractive and two samples from the more susceptible line were identified as least attractive, based on the behavioural assays with gravid flies. Comparison of the headspace volatiles of these samples, using solid phase microextraction and gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry‐electroantennographic detection, revealed octanal and nonanal to be present in the attractive wool samples that elicited responses from the fly antenna. Furthermore, the two compounds were not present in wool that was least attractive to L. cuprina. In laboratory bioassays, octanal and nonanal evoked antennal and behavioural responses in gravid L. cuprina, thus confirming their potential role as semiochemicals responsible for attracting L. cuprina to Merino sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have studied and analyzed the laser-induced voltage effect in highly c-axis-oriented polycrystalline NaxCoO2. The textured and layered stacking NaxCoO2 (x ∼ 0.7) bulks were prepared by a solid-state reaction process. Under the irradiation on Na0.67CoO2 bulk surface with pulsed laser (λ = 248 nm), the induced voltage signals were observed on the inclined surface with rise time 30 ns-43 ns and peak voltage 200 mV-500 mV; the voltage peak values show a linear dependence of laser energy densities. The crystal grains orientation plays a critical role in voltage peak value whether in film or texture bulk. The transverse voltage signal brings the information of thermoelectric anisotropy. In NaxCoO2 band structure, the Fermi surface is different in the ab plane and along the c axis, leading to anisotropy of Seebeck coefficient. Additionally, the artificial structure of the inclined surface for highly textured bulk enables us to obtain a transverse voltage on inclined surface. These results demonstrated the layered textured bulk has potential applications in waste-heat conversion via transverse thermoelectric effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In conduction mode laser welding, the shape of the fusion boundary affects the solidification process, microstructure, and properties of the weld. Although significant progress has been made in the calculations of the shape and size of the fusion zone in recent decades, the conditions for the formation of the wavy fusion boundary are still not well understood. Here we examine the conditions for its formation in terms of important dimensionless numbers. In particular, the computed flow patterns, temperature fields, and molten pool shapes under the flat free surface are examined for various values of Marangoni, Prandtl, Peclet, and dimensionless heat input values. In the absence of electromagnetic force, it is shown that the wavy fusion boundary forms for specific ranges of Marangoni and Prandtl numbers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(Mn, N)-codoped ZnO films have been achieved by oxidative annealing of sputtered Zn2N3:Mn films at different temperatures in flowing O2 ambient. X-ray diffraction measurements and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies indicate that both divalent Mn2+ and trivalent N3- ions are incorporated into ZnO lattice. Ferromagnetism with Curie temperature above 300 K was observed in the (Mn, N)-codoped ZnO films and found to be sensitive to the oxidative annealing temperature due to its strong effect on the carrier type and concentration. The strongest ferromagnetism has been found in the (Mn, N)-codoped ZnO films with the highest hole concentration in this study. The results indicate that holes are favorable for ferromagnetic ordering of doped Mn2+ ions in ZnO in agreement with the recent theoretical studies. The mechanism of ferromagnetic coupling in (Mn, N)-codoped ZnO is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ti-doped MgB[sub 2]/Cu tapes with Ta as a buffer layer were prepared through the in situ powder in tube method by using Mg, Ti, and B powders. The phase compositions, microstructure features, and superconducting properties were investigated by x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, and superconducting quantum interference device magnetometer. It is found that TiB[sub 2] phase was formed in Ti-doped MgB[sub 2] tape. Magnetization measurement results show that the critical transition temperature of MgB[sub 2]/Ta/Cu tape with Ti doping is around 38 K. The irreversibility field H[sub irr] and critical current density J[sub c] can be greatly enhanced by Ti doping. H[sub irr] of the Mg[sub 0.9]Ti[sub 0.1]B[sub 2] tape is as high as 7.4 T at 10 K. The high critical current density J[sub c] of 1.5 × 10[sup 6] A/cm² (10 K, self field) and 9.3 × 10[sup 5] A/cm² (20 K, self field) are obtained in the Mg[sub 0.9]Ti[sub 0.1]B[sub 2] tape. In addition, a suitable amount of Ti doping can lead to a high density and fine grain size of MgB[sub 2], which may be the reason for high J[sub c] in Ti-doped MgB[sub 2] tapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated whether vanillic acid (VA) mitigated dehydration stress responses in blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.), and analyzed potential mechanisms mediating this activity. We pretreated 2‑year-old blueberry plants with 40 μM VA for two days, and then induced dehydration stress by irrigating with nutrient solution containing 10% (w/v) polyethylene glycol 6000 for two days. VA pretreatment increased the transcript levels of genes encoding eight antioxidant enzymes in leaves, including iron superoxide dismutase, chloroplast copper/zinc superoxide dismutase, cytoplasmic copper/zinc superoxide dismutase, catalase, guaiacol peroxidase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and dehydroascorbate reductase. These increased transcript levels were consistent with enhanced activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase and elevated contents of reduced glutathione and ascorbate. Subjecting the V--A‑treated blueberry to dehydration stress further enhanced expression levels of these genes, compared with the control plants subjected only to dehydration stress, increased the contents of endogenous VA, proline, and soluble sugars, enhanced the relative water content and osmotic potential, and reduced the levels of superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, and malondialdehyde. So pretreatment of blueberry with VA reduces lipid peroxidation and mitigates dehydration stress by enhancing the endogenous VA content, activating the expression of antioxidant enzyme genes, and increasing the levels of proline and soluble sugars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microbial larvicides Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti) and Bacillus sphaericus (Bs) (Bacillales: Bacillaceae) are well known for their efficacy and safety in mosquito control. In order to assess their potential value in future mosquito control strategies in western Kenya, the current study tested the susceptibility of five populations of Anopheles gambiae complex mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae), collected from five diverse ecological sites in this area, to Bti and Bs under laboratory conditions. In each population, bioassays were conducted with eight concentrations of larvicide (Bti/Bs) in four replicates and were repeated on three separate days. Larval mortality was recorded at 24 h or 48 h after the application of larvicide and subjected to probit analysis. A total of 2400 An. gambiae complex larvae from each population were tested for their susceptibility to Bti and Bs. The mean (± standard error of the mean, SEM) lethal concentration values of Bti required to achieve 50% and 95% larval mortality (LC50 and LC95) across the five populations were 0.062  (± 0.005) mg/L and 0.797 (± 0.087) mg/L, respectively. Corresponding mean  (± SEM) values for Bs were 0.058 (± 0.005) mg/L and 0.451 (± 0.053) mg/L, respectively. Statistical analysis indicated that the five populations of An. gambiae complex mosquitoes tested were fully susceptible to Bti and Bs, and there was no significant variation in susceptibility among the tested populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ex situ MgB2 is usually considered as with lower critical current density (Jc) compared to the in situ one due to much worse inter-granular connectivity. In this work, we reported the fabrication of ex situ MgB2 superconducting tape without dopants using Monel as sheath materials and Nb as the barrier, which has an excellent Jc of 705 A/mm2 at 4.2 K under 4 T, almost as same as the in situ MgB2 wires. Massive and high-quality precursor powders with small grain sizes and quite low oxygen content were sintered at relatively low temperature and short time, 580 ∘C for 3 h. The effects of heat-treatment conditions and tape thickness on the microstructure and Jc of ex situ MgB2 tapes were discussed. The results suggested that the improvement of grains-connectivity was responsible to the excellent Jc properties of ex situ MgB2 tape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Upon entering host cells, β-coronaviruses specifically induce generation of replication organelles (ROs) from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) through their nonstructural protein 3 (nsp3) and nsp4 for viral genome transcription and replication. The most predominant ROs are double-membrane vesicles (DMVs). The ER-resident proteins VMP1 and TMEM41B, which form a complex to regulate autophagosome and lipid droplet (LD) formation, were recently shown to be essential for β-coronavirus infection. Here we report that VMP1 and TMEM41B contribute to DMV generation but function at different steps. TMEM41B facilitates nsp3-nsp4 interaction and ER zippering, while VMP1 is required for subsequent closing of the paired ER into DMVs. Additionally, inhibition of phosphatidylserine (PS) formation by siPTDSS1 partially reverses the DMV and LD defects in VMP1 KO cells, suggesting that appropriate PS levels also contribute to DMV formation. This work provides clues to the mechanism of how host proteins collaborate with viral proteins for endomembrane reshaping to promote viral infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inverse acoustic scattering of point sources by a penetrable cavity and the external obstacle is considered. Making use of the internal measurements of scattered field on a closed curve inside the cavity, we first derive a factorization method which provides a rigorous characterization of the support of the cavity without knowing the external object. Then under the condition of the cavity is known in advance, we show that the linear sampling method can be applied to recover the outside obstacle with the help of some Green function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Smoking rates are higher among adolescents in South Korea than among those in other Asian countries. Researchers have reported associations between the presence of licensed tobacco retailers and adolescent smoking rates. However, few researchers have examined the factors that influence adolescent smoking including those that are intrapersonal, interpersonal or related to the tobacco retailers' environment. Aim: The purpose of this study was to describe factors related to the students, the licensed tobacco retailers and the schools and how those factors are associated with adolescent smoking outcomes such as tobacco marketing receptivity, lifetime smoking and current smoking. Methods: The survey data were gathered from 740 South Korean adolescents, and geographic data for 3488 licensed tobacco retailers were also used. Geographic Information Systems and multilevel modeling were used to describe the variables and determine the factors associated with smoking outcomes in the sample. Results: The factors that influenced receptivity to tobacco marketing included the presence of peers who smoke and the frequencies of licensed tobacco retailers passed on the way to school. The factors that influenced lifetime smoking included gender, perceived economic status, weekly income, the presence of siblings or peers who smoke and frequencies of licensed tobacco retailers passed on the way to school. The factors that influenced current smoking included gender, weekly income, and the presence of siblings or peers who smoke. Conclusions: These factors will guide adolescent tobacco prevention programs and policies. Implications for nursing practice and health policy: The study's implications for nursing practice and health policy are that school nurses and public health nurses need to be encouraged to use retailer-related factors in adolescent smoking-prevention programs. There is also a need for zoning and licensing regulations to restrict licensed tobacco retailers in areas that adolescents frequent, including schools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background and Aims: The concentration and composition of nitrogen (N) in must is critical to yeast fermentation and aroma profiles in wine. We investigated the effect of adding branched‐chain amino acids (BCAAs, including l‐valine, l‐leucine and l‐isoleucine) to a non‐limited N medium on the formation of aromatic compounds and on gene expression patterns of the wine yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Methods and Results: A synthetic N‐sufficient must was supplemented with BCAAs and fermented with S. cerevisiae. The fermentation kinetics, aroma characteristics and yeast global gene expression in wine with addition of BCAAs were compared with that of the Control. Addition of BCAAs improved yeast growth and fermentation activity, increased the production of higher alcohols, medium‐chain fatty acids and their corresponding esters (82, 34 and 49% increment compared to that of the Control, respectively). The comparative transcriptomic analysis revealed that 25 genes varied in their expression during fermentation with added BCAAs relative to that of the Control, which are mainly involved in yeast growth and proliferation (GIP1, DIT2, RCK1, SPO1 and MEK1) and transport of amino acids (GAP1). Conclusions: An increase in BCAA transport ability and in yeast population is the main reason for achieving an increased concentration of volatile aroma compounds in wine with addition of BCAAs. Significance of the Study: Our results suggest that adding BCAAs into N‐sufficient must is still an efficient way to adjust wine's aromatic composition and improve aroma complexity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated genetic parameters for juvenile to mature growth and stem forking in black spruce [Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.] in order to obtain reliable estimates for supporting eastern Canadian tree breeding strategies. The study was based on data collected from two series of progeny tests of black spruce in New Brunswick (NB) including 285 open-pollinated families and more than 57,000 individual trees. Height (HT), diameter at breast height (DBH), and stem forking (SF) were periodically measured between ages 5 and 35 years. Results showed that tree volume (V), HT and DBH were highly genetically controlled, with average individual narrow-sense heritability (hi2) estimates of 0.29, 0.29 and 0.21, and family mean heritability (hF2) estimates of 0.82, 0.85 and 0.77, respectively. SF had low hi2 (= 0.06 on average) but had moderate hF2 (= 0.56), indicating family selection might effectively reduce SF. Both hi2 and hF2 increased with age and then stabilized or declined, being the highest around ages 15–20 years for all traits. The type-B genetic correlation (rB) estimates were moderate to high for all the traits, suggesting negligible genotype × environment interactions. Strong age–age genetic correlation estimates were found for growth traits, implying the potential for practicing early selection. Age–age genetic correlation estimates were moderate for SF (= 0.72). Trait–trait genetic correlation estimates were strong and positive among growth traits, but between growth traits and SF they were mostly negligible albeit positive. Overall, results suggest that genetic selection will be effective for growth traits but much less so for reducing stem forking in New Brunswick’s black spruce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: A large proportion of gilts and sows are culled from reproduction populations because of anestrus and pubertal reproductive failure. Selecting early onset of puberty gilts has a favorable effect on sows’ reproductivity. However, age at puberty is hard to be routinely measured in commercial herds. With molecular genetic predictors, identifying individuals that have a propensity for early onset of puberty can be simplified. We previously performed genome scanning and a genome‐wide association study for puberty in an F2 resource population using 183 microsatellites and 62 125 SNPs respectively. The detection power and resolution of identified quantitative trait loci were very low. Herein, we re‐sequenced 19 founders of the F2 resource population in high coverage, and whole genome sequences of F2 individuals were imputed to perform an association study for reproductive traits. A total of 2339 SNPs associated with pubertal reproductive failure were identified in the region of 30.94–40.74 Mb on SSC7, with the top one, positioned at 33.36 Mb, explaining 16% of the phenotypic variances. We improved the magnitude of the P‐value by 10E+5 to 10E+7 using the whole genome sequence rather than using low/middle density markers as in previous studies, and we narrowed down the QTL confidence interval to 5.25 Mb. Combining the annotation of gene function, RAB23 and BAK1 were perceived as the most compelling candidate genes. The identified loci may be useful in culling sows failing to show estrus by marker‐assisted selection to increase reproductive efficiency of swine herds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two lanthanide–organic frameworks [Ln(HPIDC)(m-bdc)·1.5H2O]n (Ln = Eu 1 or Tb 2; H3PIDC = 2-(4-pyridyl)-1H-imidazole-4,5-dicarboxylic acid; m-H2bdc = 1,3-benzenedicarboxylic acid) were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. Compounds 1 and 2 are all of a 3D 6-connected pcu topology. There are uncoordinated nitrogen atoms in the molecule, indicating that the uncoordinated pyridine groups and imidazole groups can serve as functional groups. We tested their luminescence detection ability for cations and anions. Fluorescence measurements show that two compounds (1 and 2) can detect Cr2+ ions and Cr2O72− anions with high selectivity and sensitivity, which suggests that the two Ln-MOFs are promising functional luminescent sensor materials for sensing metal ions and anions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Squalene synthase (SQS) is the key precursor in the synthesis of cholesterol. Located downstream in relation to hydroxy methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase and having no influence on the formation of biologically necessary isoprenoids make it an interesting target for the development of cholesterol lowering drugs with fewer side effects. To discover novel SQS inhibitors, three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship pharmacophore models were built and further validated by cost function analysis, test set validation, and decoy set validation to obtain a reliable model for virtual screening against a database that contains 5.5 million compounds. The interactions between SQS and the ligands were predicted by an integrated protocol that contains molecular docking, molecular mechanics/generalized born surface area, and molecular dynamic simulation. After that, five compounds with best binding affinities and binding modes were obtained as potential hits for further study and three of them showed inhibitory effects against SQS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on the personal and professional life of Nikolay Nikolayevich Blokhin, an outstanding Russian surgeon and highly innovative oncologist. In addition to a highly successful clinical career, he was a member and President of the USSR Academy of Medical Sciences and Director of the USSR Academy of Medical Sciences Institute of Experimental and Clinical Oncology. Although his reputation as a medical and political figure is firmly established within Russian medical history, his achievements in surgery and oncology now merit recognition by an international audience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]