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Abstract In this paper, the light-front wave functions (LFWFs) of the $$\rho $$ ρ meson are evaluated in the framework of the Nambu–Jona-Lasinio model using the proper time regularization scheme. The transverse momentum-dependent parton distributions (TMDs) of the $$\rho $$ ρ meson are derived from the overlap representations of the LFWFs. We investigate the $$\varvec{k}_{\perp }$$ k ⊥ -weighted moments and the x-dependent average transverse momentum $$\langle k_{\perp }^n(x)\rangle _{\alpha }$$ ⟨ k ⊥ n ( x ) ⟩ α of $$\rho $$ ρ meson TMDs. The $$\langle k_{\perp }^n(x)\rangle _{\alpha }$$ ⟨ k ⊥ n ( x ) ⟩ α shows the typical transverse momenta of quark TMDs in our model. Our findings indicate that the average transverse momenta of $$\langle k_{\perp }(x)\rangle _{\alpha }$$ ⟨ k ⊥ ( x ) ⟩ α fall within the range of [0.3, 0.45] GeV, while $$\langle k_{\perp }^2(x)\rangle _{\alpha }$$ ⟨ k ⊥ 2 ( x ) ⟩ α are in the region of [0.15, 0.30] $$GeV^2$$ G e V 2 . Our TMDs and parton distribution functions (PDFs) exhibit excellent adherence to positive constraints. The investigation of spin densities within the $$\rho $$ ρ meson in transverse momentum space reveals axially symmetric distributions for quarks and targets polarized in either the longitudinal or transverse direction. Conversely, unpolarized symmetric distributions occur when the quark is longitudinally polarized and the target is transversely polarized, while exhibiting dipolar distortions in the opposite scenario. A comparison between TMDs from LFWFs and those from a covariant approach demonstrates that TMDs from LFWFs more effectively satisfy positive constraints than their counterparts from the covariant approach. Furthermore, the x-moments of $$\rho $$ ρ meson PDFs indicate that $$\langle x\rangle _{g_L}$$ ⟨ x ⟩ g L is larger using LFWFs than with the covariant approach. Additionally, analysis of quark spin densities within the $$\rho $$ ρ meson reveals that $$\rho _{\uparrow \downarrow }\left( k_x,k_y\right) =f-g_L-\frac{1}{3}f_{LL}$$ ρ ↑ ↓ k x , k y = f - g L - 1 3 f LL yields a negative result using the covariant approach, whereas $$\rho _{\uparrow \downarrow }\left( k_x,k_y\right) $$ ρ ↑ ↓ k x , k y derived from LFWFs produces a positive outcome.

Abstract The planthopper Nilaparvata muiri is a sister species to N. lugens (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), a notorious insect pest in Asian rice fields. N. muiri and N. lugens have a different host preference despite the similarities in many biological features. To better understand the adaptive evolution of planthoppers, comprehensive genomic information on N. muiri and N. lugens are urgently needed. In this study, we used ultra-low input PacBio HiFi libraries and Hi-C sequencing technologies to assemble a reference genome of a single N. muiri at the chromosomal level. The genome size was determined to be 531.62 Mb with a contig N50 size of 2.47 Mb and scaffold N50 size of 38.37 Mb. Totally, 96.61% assembled sequences were anchored to the 15 pseudo-chromosomes. BUSCO analysis yielded an Insecta completeness score of 98.6%. A total of 22,057 protein-coding genes were annotated, and 168.16 Mb repetitive sequences occupying 31.63% of genome were pinpointed. The assembled genome is valuable for evolutionary and genetic studies of planthoppers, and may provide sights to pest control.

Abstract The Bethylidae are the most diverse of Hymenoptera chrysidoid families. As external parasitoids, the bethylids have been widely adopted as biocontrol agents to control insect pests worldwide. Thus far, the genomic information of the family Bethylidae has not been reported yet. In this study, we crystallized into a high-quality chromosome-level genome of ant-like bethylid wasps Sclerodermus sp. ‘alternatusi’ (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae) using PacBio sequencing as well as Hi-C technology. The assembled S. alternatusi genome was 162.30 Mb in size with a contig N50 size of 3.83 Mb and scaffold N50 size of 11.10 Mb. Totally, 92.85% assembled sequences anchored to 15 pseudo-chromosomes. A total of 10,204 protein-coding genes were annotated, and 23.01 Mb repetitive sequences occupying 14.17% of genome were pinpointed. The BUSCO results showed that 97.9% of the complete core Insecta genes were identified in the genome, while 97.1% in the gene sets. The high-quality genome of S. alternatusi will not only provide valuable genomic information, but also show insights into parasitoid wasp evolution and bio-control application in future studies.

The molecular mechanisms underlying wing polyphenism remain poorly understood. Here the authors use plant hoppers to show that the development of long and short wing morphs is balanced by the relative activities of the Zfh1-FoxO and insulin signaling cascades.

Aberrantly up-regulated activity of the type II transmembrane protease Matriptase-1 has been associated with the development and progression of a range of epithelial-derived carcinomas, and a variety of signaling pathways can mediate Matriptase-dependent tumorigenic events. During mammalian carcinogenesis, gain of Matriptase activity often results from imbalanced ratios between Matriptase and its cognate transmembrane inhibitor Hai1. Similarly, in zebrafish, unrestrained Matriptase activity due to loss of hai1a results in epidermal pre-neoplasms already during embryogenesis. Here, based on our former findings of a similar tumor-suppressive role for the Na+/K+-pump beta subunit ATP1b1a, we identify epithelial polarity defects and systemic hypotonic stress as another mode of aberrant Matriptase activation in the embryonic zebrafish epidermis in vivo. In this case, however, a different oncogenic pathway is activated which contains PI3K, AKT and NFkB, rather than EGFR and PLD (as in hai1a mutants). Strikingly, epidermal pre-neoplasm is only induced when epithelial polarity defects in keratinocytes (leading to disturbed Matriptase subcellular localization) occur in combination with systemic hypotonic stress (leading to increased proteolytic activity of Matriptase). A similar combinatorial effect of hypotonicity and loss of epithelial polarity was also obtained for the activity levels of Matriptase-1 in human MCF-10A epithelial breast cells. Together, this is in line with the multi-factor concept of carcinogenesis, with the notion that such factors can even branch off from one and the same initiator (here ATP1a1b) and can converge again at the level of one and the same mediator (here Matriptase). In sum, our data point to tonicity and epithelial cell polarity as evolutionarily conserved regulators of Matriptase activity that upon de-regulation can constitute an alternative mode of Matriptase-dependent carcinogenesis in vivo.

Summary: Wing polyphenism is found in a variety of insects and offers an attractive model system for studying the evolutionary significance of dispersal. The Forkhead box O (FoxO) transcription factor (TF) acts as a wing-morph switch that directs wing buds developing into long-winged (LW) or short-winged morphs in wing-dimorphic planthoppers, yet the regulatory mechanism of the FoxO module remains elusive. Here, we identified the zinc finger TF rotund as a potential wing-morph regulator via transcriptomic analysis and phenotypic screening in the brown plathopper, Nilaparvata lugens. RNA interference-mediated knockdown of rotund antagonized the LW development derived from in the context of FoxO depletion or the activation of the insulin/insulin-like growth factor signaling cascade, reversing long wings into intermediate wings. In vitro binding assays indicated that rotund physically binds to FoxO to form the FoxO combinatorial code. These findings broaden our understanding of the complexity of transcriptional regulation governing wing polyphenism in insects.

Abstract Kaon generalized parton distributions (GPDs) and the leading Fock state light-front wave functions are investigated in the framework of Nambu–Jona-Lasinio model with proper time regularization. In addition, we compared the form factors, parton distribution functions, and generalized form factors obtained from them, respectively. The first Mellin moments of GPDs result in the form factors of local currents. The second Mellin moments of vector GPDs are related to gravitational form factors, the quark mass distribution $$\theta _2$$ θ 2 and the quark pressure distribution $$\theta _1$$ θ 1 . When taking a Fourier transform of GPDs in impact parameter space, we can get the mean-squared impact parameter for the quarks of the kaon: $$\langle {\varvec{b}}_{\bot }^2\rangle _K^u=0.149$$ ⟨ b ⊥ 2 ⟩ K u = 0.149 fm $$^2$$ 2 , $$\langle {\varvec{b}}_{\bot }^2\rangle _K^s=0.088$$ ⟨ b ⊥ 2 ⟩ K s = 0.088 fm $$^2$$ 2 . This means that the kaon s quark is nearer to the center of transverse momentum than the u quark. We also give the light-cone energy radius for the quarks of the kaon from the mass distribution $$\theta _2$$ θ 2 : $$r_{E,LC}^{u,K}=0.187 $$ r E , L C u , K = 0.187 fm, $$ r_{E,LC}^{s,K}=0.167$$ r E , L C s , K = 0.167 fm, and the light-cone charge radius from quark form factors of the kaon: $$r_{c,LC}^{u,K}=0.390 $$ r c , L C u , K = 0.390 fm, $$r_{c,LC}^{s,K}=0.296 $$ r c , L C s , K = 0.296 fm, which means that the s quark has a smaller extent than the u quark. The light-front transverse-spin distributions $$\rho _u^1\left( {\varvec{b}}_{\bot },{\varvec{s}}_{\perp }\right) $$ ρ u 1 b ⊥ , s ⊥ and $$\rho _u^2\left( {\varvec{b}}_{\bot },{\varvec{s}}_{\perp }\right) $$ ρ u 2 b ⊥ , s ⊥ show distortions, the average shift are $$\langle b_{\bot }^y\rangle _1^u=0.116$$ ⟨ b ⊥ y ⟩ 1 u = 0.116 fm and $$\langle b_{\bot }^y\rangle _2^u=0.083$$ ⟨ b ⊥ y ⟩ 2 u = 0.083 fm. On the kinematic domain associated with the valence-quark dominance, the unpolarized Wigner distribution from light-front wave functions is sharply peaked. It extends as the transverse position variable increases in magnitude and has a domain of negative support. Through the comparison of distributions from the two methods, we find that they give the same multi-dimensional mapping of the kaon in the Nambu–Jona-Lasinio model.

Abstract The extracellular matrix architecture is composed of supramolecular fibrillar networks that define tissue specific cellular microenvironments. Hemicentins (Hmcn1 and Hmcn2) are ancient and very large members (> 600 kDa) of the fibulin family, whose short members are known to guide proper morphology and functional behavior of specialized cell types predominantly in elastic tissues. However, the tissue distribution and function of Hemicentins within the cellular microenvironment of connective tissues has remained largely unknown. Performing in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence analyses, we found that mouse Hmcn1 and Hmcn2 show a complementary distribution throughout different tissues and developmental stages. In postnatal dermal–epidermal junctions (DEJ) and myotendinous junctions (MTJ), Hmcn1 is primarily produced by mesenchymal cells (fibroblasts, tenocytes), Hmcn2 by cells of epithelial origin (keratinocytes, myocytes). Hmcn1 −/− mice are viable and show no overt phenotypes in tissue tensile strength and locomotion tests. However, transmission electron microscopy revealed ultrastructural basement membrane (BM) alterations at the DEJ and MTJ of Hmcn1 −/− mice, pointing to a thus far unknown role of Hmcn1 for BM and connective tissue boundary integrity.

Objective This study aimed to investigate the value of a horizontal rafting plate in treating tibial plateau fractures. Methods The data of 24 patients in whom a horizontal rafting plate was used to treat a tibial plateau fracture between October 2014 and January 2018 were retrospectively analyzed, including 16 males and 8 females, aged 21–63 years old, with an average of 40 ± 14.68 years. The fractures included 13 in the left knee and 11 in the right knee. The places where the horizontal rafting plate were used included the anterior margin of tibia, anterolateral tibia, and posterolateral tibia. All cases were followed up for 12–24 months, with an average follow‐up of 17.5 ± 5.0 months. At the last follow‐up, the Rasmussen radiological criteria were used to evaluate the effect of fracture reduction and fixation. The knee joint function was evaluated using the Rasmussen functional score. Computed tomography (CT) scanning and three‐dimensional reconstruction were performed preoperatively and postoperatively, with the quality of reduction of the fractured articular surface clarified by the final follow‐up. The flexion and extension abilities of the knee joint were also measured in the postoperative follow‐up. Results Preoperative CT scanning showed that the gap of the tibial plateau was 8.00 ± 1.40 (5–24) mm. The heights of the fracture of the articular surface at all three sites during the final follow‐ups were significantly different from the height before the surgery (P

Objective The aim of the present study was to summarize the clinical characteristics, treatment strategies, and clinical results for anterior tibial plateau fractures caused by hyperextension injuries. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of 26 cases of anterior tibial plateau fractures that were treated with open reduction and internal fixation from January 2016 to December 2019, including 16 men and 10 women, aged 26–68 years old, with an average age of 47 ± 12.5 years. According to the three‐column theory classification, there were 16 cases of single‐column fractures (9 cases of anteromedial fractures and 7 cases of anterolateral fractures), 3 cases of two‐column fractures (anteromedial + anterolateral fractures), and 7 cases of three‐column fractures. Options for the surgical approach included anteromedial, anterolateral, modified anterior median, and anterolateral + posteromedial incision. The implants included a T‐shaped plate, an L‐shaped plate, a horizontal plate, and a TomoFix plate. The surgical approach and fixation method were selected based on the characteristics of the anterior tibial fracture. The Rasmussen radiological criteria were used to evaluate the effects of fracture reduction and fixation. The knee joint function was evaluated using the knee function evaluation criteria of the Hospital for Special Surgery. Medial and lateral stress tests, the Lachman test, and the pivot shift test were used to evaluate the stability of the knee joint. The range of knee motion was recorded. Results All cases were followed up for 12–24 months, with an average follow up of 15.7 months. The operation time was (148 ± 42) min; the intraoperative blood loss was (150 ± 50) mL. A total of 22 cases were anatomically reduced and 4 cases were well‐reduced, and the compression reduction rate was 100%. According to the Rasmussen radiology scoring, 17 cases were excellent and 9 cases were good. The excellent and good rate was 100%. The fracture healing time was 3.3 months. There is no difference in fracture healing time for different fracture types. Both the Lachman and pivot shift test findings were normal in 24 patients and nearly normal in 2 patients. The posterior drawer test was normal in 25 patients and close to normal in 1 patient. The varus stress test was normal in 24 patients and nearly normal in 2 patients, while the valgus stress test was normal in 23 patients, nearly normal in 2 patients, and abnormal in 1 patient. The range of motion (ROM) was 100°–137°, with an average of 125° ± 11.7°. The Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score at the last follow up was 79–98 points, with an average of 87.54 ± 8.36 points; the results were excellent in 21 cases and good in 5 cases. Therefore, 100% of results were excellent or good. Two cases had superficial wound infections after the operation. The recovery of 2 patients with common peroneal nerve injury was poor. Conclusion The appropriate surgical approach and fixation method were performed according to the different positions of the anterior tibial fracture and satisfactory results were obtained after surgery.

Abstract A contact interaction is used to calculate an array of pion twist-two, -three and -four generalised transverse light-front momentum dependent parton distribution functions (GTMDs). Despite the interaction’s simplicity, many of the results are physically relevant, amongst them a statement that GTMD size and shape are largely prescribed by the scale of emergent hadronic mass. Moreover, proceeding from GTMDs to generalised parton distributions, it is found that the pion’s mass distribution form factor is harder than its electromagnetic form factor, which is harder than the gravitational pressure distribution form factor; the pressure in the neighbourhood of the pion’s core is commensurate with that at the centre of a neutron star; the shear pressure is maximal when confinement forces become dominant within the pion; and the spatial distribution of transversely polarised quarks within the pion is asymmetric. Regarding transverse momentum dependent distribution functions, their magnitude and domain of material support decrease with increasing twist. The simplest Wigner distribution associated with the pion’s twist-two dressed-quark GTMD is sharply peaked on the kinematic domain associated with valence-quark dominance; has a domain of negative support; and broadens as the transverse position variable increases in magnitude.

Objective To summarize the indications and the clinical effects of a transfibular neck osteotomy approach and a combined anterolateral and posterolateral approach in the treatment of fractures of the lateral tibial plateau involving the posterolateral column. Methods Eleven patients with lateral tibial plateau fractures were included in the present study. The fractures were Schatzker type II or lateral platform fractures involving posterolateral column. The anterolateral combined posterolateral approach (lateral + posterolateral locking plate fixation) was applied in 7 patients and 4 patients underwent transfibular neck osteotomy (lateral + posterolateral locking plate fixation + 1/4 tubular plate edge fixation, fibular osteotomy with Kirschner wire tension band fixation, and hollow nail fixation for upper tibiofibular joint). All cases were followed up for 12–24 months, with an average follow‐up of 17.5 ± 5.0 months. At the last followup, the Rasmussen radiological criteria were used to evaluate the effect of fracture reduction and fixation. The knee joint function was evaluated using the knee function evaluation criteria of the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS). The Lachman test and the pivot‐shift test were used to evaluate the anterior and posterior and rotational stability of the knee joint. The range of knee motion was recorded. Results Bone healing was achieved in all patients with fractures treated with a transfibular neck osteotomy approach and a combined anterolateral and posterolateral approach. At the last follow‐up, both the Lachman test and the pivot‐shift test results were negative. All patients had complete knee extension. For the combined anterolateral and posterolateral approach, the knee flexion angle was 110°–130°, with an average of 122.86° ± 7.56°. For the transfibular neck osteotomy approach, the knee flexion angle was 115°–130°, with an average of 120.00° ± 7.07°. For the patients in which the combined anterolateral and posterolateral approach was used, the Rasmussen score was 12–18 points, with an average of 16.00 ± 2.56 points. The results were excellent in 4 cases and good in 3 cases; therefore, 100% of results were excellent or good. For patients in which the transfibular neck osteotomy approach was used, the Rasmussen score was 10–18 points, with an average of 15.25 ± 3.77 points. The results were excellent in 2 cases, good in 1 case, and acceptable in 1 case; therefore, 75% of results were excellent or good. The HSS score for the combined anterolateral and posterolateral approach was 76–98 points, with an average of 88.43 ± 7.55 points. The results were excellent in 5 cases and good in 2 cases; therefore, 100% of results were excellent or good. The HSS score for the transfibular neck osteotomy approach was 74–96 points, with an average of 87.25 ± 9.43 points. The results were excellent in 3 cases and good in 1 case; therefore, 100% of results were excellent or good. There were no significant differences in operation time, surgical blood loss, fracture healing time, postoperative imaging score, and knee function evaluation between the two approaches. One patient who underwent transfibular neck osteotomy had a 3‐mm step that gradually appeared, but no significant abnormalities were found in the width of the platform and the lower limb force line. One patient in whom the combined anterolateral and posterolateral approach was used showed numbness in the common peroneal nerve. No common peroneal nerve injury occurred through the transfibular neck osteotomy approach. Conclusions The anterolateral combined posterolateral approach and the transfibular neck osteotomy approach are effective in the surgical treatment of lateral tibial plateau fractures involving the posterolateral column. However, the transfibular neck osteotomy approach is more suitable for the posterolateral plateau articular surface damaged with bone separation and displacement, deep collapse, cases involving a large range of the posterolateral column, especially fractures of the lateral tibial plateau in the upper tibiofibular syndesmosis area of the line connecting the anterior and posterior margin of the fibular head to the midpoint of the plateau.

A single insulin receptor (InR) gene has been identified and extensively studied in model species ranging from nematodes to mice. However, most insects possess additional copies of InR, yet the functional significance, if any, of alternate InRs is unknown. Here, we used the wing-dimorphic brown planthopper (BPH) as a model system to query the role of a second InR copy in insects. NlInR2 resembled the BPH InR homologue (NlInR1) in terms of nymph development and reproduction, but revealed distinct regulatory roles in fuel metabolism, lifespan, and starvation tolerance. Unlike a lethal phenotype derived from NlInR1 null, homozygous NlInR2 null mutants were viable and accelerated DNA replication and cell proliferation in wing cells, thus redirecting short-winged-destined BPHs to develop into long-winged morphs. Additionally, the proper expression of NlInR2 was needed to maintain symmetric vein patterning in wings. Our findings provide the first direct evidence for the regulatory complexity of the two InR paralogues in insects, implying the functionally independent evolution of multiple InRs in invertebrates.

Pion generalized parton distributions and light-front wave functions are investigated in the framework of Nambu–Jona-Lasinio model. The properties of pion generalized parton distributions and light-front wave functions are examined separately. Proceeding from generalized parton distributions and light-front wave functions to form factors, parton distribution functions, parton distribution amplitudes and transverse momentum dependent parton distributions, giving a complete picture of pion structure. Moreover, comparing these distributions from the two different methods and examining their peculiarities, finding that the two methods give the same distributions. This means that generalized parton distributions and light-front wave functions give the same multi-dimensional mapping of pion in the Nambu–Jona-Lasinio model. In addition, we studied generalized form factors of pion: the quark pressure distribution θ1 and the quark mass distribution θ2, both are harder than electromagnetic form factor. The tensor anomalous magnetic moment B1,0 and the tensor generalized form factor B2,0 are harder than corresponding lattice data.

Wing polymorphism is an evolutionary feature found in a wide variety of insects, which offers a model system for studying the evolutionary significance of dispersal. In the wing-dimorphic planthopper Nilaparvata lugens, the insulin/insulin-like growth factor signaling (IIS) pathway acts as a 'master signal' that directs the development of either long-winged (LW) or short-winged (SW) morphs via regulation of the activity of Forkhead transcription factor subgroup O (NlFoxO). However, downstream effectors of the IIS-FoxO signaling cascade that mediate alternative wing morphs are unclear. Here we found that vestigial (Nlvg), a key wing-patterning gene, is selectively and temporally regulated by the IIS-FoxO signaling cascade during the wing-morph decision stage (fifth-instar stage). RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated silencing of Nlfoxo increase Nlvg expression in the fifth-instar stage (the last nymphal stage), thereby inducing LW development. Conversely, silencing of Nlvg can antagonize the effects of IIS activity on LW development, redirecting wing commitment from LW to the morph with intermediate wing size. In vitro and in vivo binding assays indicated that NlFoxO protein may suppress Nlvg expression by directly binding to the first intron region of the Nlvg locus. Our findings provide a first glimpse of the link connecting the IIS pathway to the wing-patterning network on the developmental plasticity of wings in insects, and help us understanding how phenotypic diversity is generated by the modification of a common set of pattern elements.

Nuclear factor Y (NF-Y) is a heterotrimeric transcription factor with the ability to bind to a CCAAT box in nearly all eukaryotes. However, the function of NF-Y in the life-history traits of insects is unclear. Here, we identified three NF-Y subunits, NlNF-YA, NlNF-YB, and NlNF-YC, in the wing-dimorphic brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens. Spatio-temporal analysis indicated that NlNF-YA, NlNF-YB, and NlNF-YC distributed extensively in various body parts of fourth-instar nymphs, and were highly expressed at the egg stage. RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated silencing showed that knockdown of NlNF-YA, NlNF-YB, or NlNF-YC in third-instar nymphs significantly extended the fifth-instar duration, and decreased nymph-adult molting rate. The addition of 20-hydroxyecdysone could specifically rescue the defect in adult molting caused by NlNF-YARNAi, indicating that NlNF-Y might modulate the ecdysone signaling pathway in the BPH. In addition, NlNF-YARNAi, NlNF-YBRNAi, or NlNF-YCRNAi led to small and moderately malformed forewings and hindwings, and impaired the normal assembly of indirect flight muscles. Adult BPHs treated with NlNF-YARNAi, NlNF-YBRNAi, or NlNF-YCRNAi produced fewer eggs, and eggs laid by these BPHs had arrested embryogenesis. These findings deepen our understanding of NF-Y function in hemipteran insects.

Histone acetylation is a specific type of chromatin modification that serves as a key regulatory mechanism for many cellular processes in mammals. However, little is known about its biological function in invertebrates. Here, we identified 12 members of histone deacetylases (NlHDACs) in the brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens. RNAi-mediated silencing assay showed that NlHdac1, NlHdac3 and NlHdac4 played critical roles in female fertility via regulating ovary maturation or ovipositor development. Silencing of NlHdac1 substantially increased acetylation level of histones H3 and H4 in ovaries, indicating NlHDAC1 is the main histone deacetylase in ovaries of BPH. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis showed that knockdown of NlHdac1 impaired ovary development via multiple signalling pathways including the TOR pathway. Acoustic recording showed that males with NlHdac1 knockdown failed to make courtship songs, and thus were unacceptable to wild-type females, resulting in unfertilized eggs. Competition mating assay showed that wild-type females overwhelmingly preferred to mate with control males over NlHdac1-knockdown males. These findings improve our understanding of reproductive strategies controlled by HDACs in insects and provide a potential target for pest control.

Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs) are secreted protein hormones that act as morphogens and exert essential roles during embryonic development of tissues and organs. Signaling by BMPs occurs via hetero-oligomerization of two types of serine/threonine kinase transmembrane receptors. Due to the small number of available receptors for a large number of BMP ligands ligand-receptor promiscuity presents an evident problem requiring additional regulatory mechanisms for ligand-specific signaling. Such additional regulation is achieved through a plethora of extracellular antagonists, among them members of the Chordin superfamily, that modulate BMP signaling activity by binding. The key-element in Chordin-related antagonists for interacting with BMPs is the von Willebrand type C (VWC) module, which is a small domain of about 50 to 60 residues occurring in many different proteins. Although a structure of the VWC domain of the Chordin-member Crossveinless 2 (CV2) bound to BMP-2 has been determined by X-ray crystallography, the molecular mechanism by which the VWC domain binds BMPs has remained unclear. Here we present the NMR structure of the Danio rerio CV2 VWC1 domain in its unbound state showing that the key features for high affinity binding to BMP-2 is a pre-oriented peptide loop.

BACKGROUND: Calcium-binding proteins that contain EF-hand motifs have been reported to play important roles in transduction of signals associated with biotic and abiotic stresses. To functionally characterize genes of EF-hand family in response to abiotic stress, an MtCaMP1 gene belonging to EF-hand family from legume model plant Medicago truncatula was isolated and its function in response to drought and salt stress was investigated by expressing MtCaMP1 in Arabidopsis. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Transgenic Arabidopsis seedlings expressing MtCaMP1 exhibited higher survival rate than wild-type seedlings under drought and salt stress, suggesting that expression of MtCaMP1 confers tolerance of Arabidopsis to drought and salt stress. The transgenic plants accumulated greater amounts of Pro due to up-regulation of P5CS1 and down-regulation of ProDH than wild-type plants under drought stress. There was a less accumulation of Na(+) in the transgenic plants than in WT plants due to reduced up-regulation of AtHKT1 and enhanced regulation of AtNHX1 in the transgenic plants compared to WT plants under salt stress. There was a reduced accumulation of H2O2 and malondialdehyde in the transgenic plants than in WT plants under both drought and salt stress. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The expression of MtCaMP1 in Arabidopsis enhanced tolerance of the transgenic plants to drought and salt stress by effective osmo-regulation due to greater accumulation of Pro and by minimizing toxic Na(+) accumulation, respectively. The enhanced accumulation of Pro and reduced accumulation of Na(+) under drought and salt stress would protect plants from water default and Na(+) toxicity, and alleviate the associated oxidative stress. These findings demonstrate that MtCaMP1 encodes a stress-responsive EF-hand protein that plays a regulatory role in response of plants to drought and salt stress.

BACKGROUND: Crossveinless-2 (CV2) is an extracellular BMP modulator protein of the Chordin family, which can either enhance or inhibit BMP activity. CV2 binds to BMP2 via subdomain 1 of the first of its five N-terminal von Willebrand factor type C domains (VWC1). Previous studies showed that this BMP binding is required for the anti-, but not for the pro-BMP effect of CV2. More recently, it was shown that CV2 can also bind to the BMP inhibitor Chordin. However, it remained unclear which domains mediate this binding, and whether it accounts for an anti- or pro-BMP effect. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Here we report that a composite interface of CV2 consisting of subdomain 2 of VWC1 and of VWC2-4, which are dispensable for BMP binding, binds to the VWC2 domain of Chordin. Functional data obtained in zebrafish embryos indicate that this binding of Chordin is required for CV2's pro-BMP effect, which actually is an anti-Chordin effect and, at least to a large extent, independent of Tolloid-mediated Chordin degradation. We further demonstrate that CV2 mutant versions that per se are incapable of BMP binding can attenuate the Chordin/BMP interaction. CONCLUSIONS: We have physically dissected the anti- and pro-BMP effects of CV2. Its anti-BMP effect is obtained by binding to BMP via subdomain1 of the VWC1 domain, a binding that occurs in competition with Chordin. In contrast, its pro-BMP effect is achieved by direct binding to Chordin via subdomain 2 of VWC1 and VWC2-4. This binding seems to induce conformational changes within the Chordin protein that weaken Chordin's affinity to BMP. We propose that in ternary Chordin-CV2-BMP complexes, both BMP and Chordin are directly associated with CV2, whereas Chordin is pushed away from BMP, ensuring that BMPs can be more easily delivered to their receptors.

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Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) includes a group of diseases characterized by dysplasia of bone marrow myeloid lineages with ineffective hematopoiesis and frequent evolution to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Whole-genome sequencing was performed in CD34+ hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) from eight cases of refractory anemia with excess blasts (RAEB), the high-risk subtype of MDS. The nucleotide substitution patterns were found similar to those reported in AML, and mutations of 96 proteincoding genes were identified. Clonal architecture analysis revealed the presence of subclones in six of eight cases, whereas mutation detection of CD34+ versus CD34− cells revealed heterogeneity of HSPC expansion status. With 39 marker genes belonging to eight functional categories, mutations were analyzed in 196 MDS cases including mostly RAEB (n = 89) and refractory cytopenia with multilineage dysplasia (RCMD) (n = 95). At least one gene mutation was detected in 91.0% of RAEB, contrary to that in RCMD (55.8%), suggesting a higher mutational burden in the former group. Gene abnormality patterns differed between MDS and AML, with mutations of activated signaling molecules and NPM1 being rare, whereas those of spliceosome more common, in MDS. Finally, gene mutation profiles also bore prognostic value in terms of overall survival and progression free survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of mixed oxide catalysts with different composition of Co-M-Al and Co-M-Ce-Al (M=Zn, Ni, Cu) were prepared by co-precipitation method from hydrotalcite-like compounds. The experimental results revealed the catalytic activity of Co-Ni-Al is slightly higher than that of Co-Zn-Al and much higher than that of Co-Cu-Al for direct decomposition of N2O. Moreover, addition of small amounts of CeO2 improved the catalytic activity significantly and made the decomposition temperatures at which the N2O conversion was 50% and 90% (T50 and T90) both decreased 80°C than those of Co-M-Al catalysts without CeO2 added. Further, potassium-load also promoted the catalytic activity, and the decomposition temperatures of T50 and T90 both decreased approximately 50°C. It is significant for decomposing N2O from industries and reducing carbon emission from atmosphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs) are secreted protein hormones that act as morphogens and exert essential roles during embryonic development of tissues and organs. Signaling by BMPs occurs via hetero-oligomerization of two types of serine/threonine kinase transmembrane receptors. Due to the small number of available receptors for a large number of BMP ligands ligand-receptor promiscuity presents an evident problem requiring additional regulatory mechanisms for ligand-specific signaling. Such additional regulation is achieved through a plethora of extracellular antagonists, among them members of the Chordin superfamily, that modulate BMP signaling activity by binding. The key-element in Chordin-related antagonists for interacting with BMPs is the von Willebrand type C (VWC) module, which is a small domain of about 50 to 60 residues occurring in many different proteins. Although a structure of the VWC domain of the Chordin-member Crossveinless 2 (CV2) bound to BMP-2 has been determined by X-ray crystallography, the molecular mechanism by which the VWC domain binds BMPs has remained unclear. Here we present the NMR structure of the Danio rerio CV2 VWC1 domain in its unbound state showing that the key features for high affinity binding to BMP-2 is a pre-oriented peptide loop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pilot phase of the Intensive Blood Pressure Reduction in Acute Cerebral Haemorrhage Trial (INTERACT) showed that rapid blood pressure (BP) lowering can attenuate hematoma growth in acute intracerebral hemorrhage. We sought to define the systolic BP level associated with greatest attenuation of hematoma growth. INTERACT included 404 patients with computed tomographic-confirmed intracerebral hemorrhage, elevated systolic BP (150 to 220 mm Hg), and capacity to commence BP lowering treatment within 6 hours of onset. Computed tomography was done at baseline and at 24 hours using standardized techniques, with digital images analyzed centrally, blinded to clinical data. Associations of baseline and achieved on-treatment (mean during the first 24 hours) systolic BP levels with the primary outcome of increase in hematoma volume were explored. There were 346 patients with duplicate computed tomographic scans. There was no significant association between baseline systolic BP levels and either the absolute or proportional growth in hematoma volume (P trend=0.26 and 0.12, respectively). By contrast, achieved on-treatment systolic BP levels in the first 24 hours were clearly associated with both absolute and proportional hematoma growth (both P trend=0.03). Maximum reduction in hematoma growth occurred in the one third of participants with the lowest on-treatment systolic BP levels (median: 135 mm Hg). Intensive BP reduction to systolic levels between 130 and 140 mm Hg is likely to provide the maximum protection against hematoma growth after intracerebral hemorrhage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cytokine receptors are crucial for the maintenance, regulation and growth of cells in multicellular organisms. As a common theme in cytokine signalling, single-span receptor chains are assembled in the cell membrane by a ligand enabling cross-activation of the aligned cytoplasmic receptor domains. Nature has created many variations of how this general principle is realized in a cell. Here we focus on cytokines of the four-helix bundle (interleukins) and cystine knot (transforming growth factor-β/bone morphogenetic proteins) families. Upon activation, receptor chains can form duos, trios, quartets and even larger assemblies. The structure of the extracellular ligand-binding domain of a number of these receptor complexes has now been elucidated, providing the molecular basis for understanding the functional relevance of mechanistic diversity in a cellular context. Biochemical and structural data have revealed ligand recognition mechanisms. Contact sites are usually large and rather flat. A limited number of contact residues provide most of the binding free energy (hot spots). Leaks in hydrophobic seals appear to provide a mechanism for adjusting the affinity of a hot spot interaction (scalability). Bone morphogenetic protein ligands are often promiscuous and interact not only with receptors, but also with a multitude of modulator proteins, which inhibit or enhance bone morphogenetic protein signalling. Cytokine receptor systems offer promising targets for drug development. Information on the structure and the activation mechanism provides leads for developing biologicals, such as engineered cytokines, cytokine mutants acting as receptor antagonists and receptor extracellular ligand-binding domain–Fc fusion proteins. Possible indications exist in the areas of haematology, immunology, inflammation, cancer and tissue regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and other members of the TGT-β superfamily are secreted signalling proteins determining the development, maintenance and regeneration of tissues and organs. These dimeric proteins bind, via multiple epitopes, two types of signalling receptor chains and numerous extracellular modulator proteins that stringently control their activity. Crystal structures of free ligands and of complexes with type I and type II receptor extracellular domains and with the modulator protein Noggin reveal structural epitopes that determine the affinity and specificity of the interactions. Modelling of a ternary complex BMP/(BMPR-IAEC)2/(ActR-II)EC)2 suggests a mechanism of receptor activation that does not rely on direct contacts between extracellular domains of the receptors. Mutational and interaction analyses indicate that the large hydrophobic core of the interface of BMP-2 (wrist epitope) with the type I receptor does not provide a hydrophobic hot spot for binding. Instead, main chain amide and carbonyl groups that are completely buried in the contact region represent major binding determinants. The affinity between ligand and receptor chains is probably strongly increased by two-fold interactions of the dimeric ligand and receptor chains that exist as homodimers in the membrane (avidity effects). BMP muteins with disrupted epitopes for receptor chains or modulator proteins provide clues for drug design and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) and other members of the TGF-β superfamily regulate the development, maintenance and regeneration of tissues and organs. Binding epitopes for these extracellular signaling proteins have been defined, but hot spots specifying binding affinity and specificity have so far not been identified. In this study, mutational and structural analyses show that epitopes of BMP-2 and the BRIA receptor form a new type of protein-protein interface. The main chain atoms of Leu 51 and Asp53 of BMP-2 represent a hot spot of binding to BRIA. The BMP-2 variant L51P was deficient in type I receptor binding only, whereas its overall structure and its binding to type II receptors and modulator proteins, such as noggin, were unchanged. Thus, the L51P substitution converts BMP-2 into a receptor-inactive inhibitor of noggin. These results are relevant for other proteins of the TGF-β superfamily and provide useful clues for structure-based drug design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TlBa2Ca2Cu3O9 (Tl-1223) films have promising applications due to their high critical temperature and strong magnetic flux pinning. Nevertheless, the preparation of pure phase Tl-1223 film is still a challenge. We successfully fabricate Tl-1223 thin films on LaAlO3 (001) substrates using dc magnetic sputtering and a post annealing two-step method in argon atmosphere. The crystallization temperature of Tl-1223 films in argon is reduced by 100°C compared to that in oxygen. This greatly reduces the volatilization of Tl and improves the surface morphology of films. The lower annealing temperature can effectively improve the repeatability of the Tl-1223 film preparation. In addition, pure Tl-1223 phase can be obtained in a broad temperature zone, from 790°C to 830°C. In our study, the films show homogenous and dense surface morphology using the presented method. The best critical temperature of Tl-1223 films is characterized to be 110 K, and the critical current Jc (77 K, 0 T) is up to 2.13 × 106 A/cm2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new improved two-step method in fabricating Tl2Ba2CaCu2O8 (Tl-2212) thin films is presented in this paper. In the first process of dc magnetron sputtering, the thallium content in the precursor film is largely increased by adjusting the ratio of thallium in the sputtering targets. After the second annealing process in the absence of additional thallium pellets or powder source, high-quality Tl-2212 thin films can be obtained. The proper content of thallium in the precursor film provides a relatively stable atmosphere to guarantee the growth of Tl-2212 film. This method avoids the repeated production of the thallium pellets in the post-annealing process, the repeatability and controllability of the experiment are greatly improved. X-ray diffraction (XRD) scans show that all of the sharp peaks of the sample films can be assigned to the (00l) peaks of Tl-2212 phase. The highest superconducting critical temperature (Tc) of the films is 105 K and the critical current density (Jc) can achieve 1.93 MA/cm2 in zero magnetic field at 77 K for a 600 nm film. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: It is assumed that the voids are uniformly distributed in the substance space occupied by soils and contaminant sorption behaviour Onto the soil particle is characterized by equilibrium and nonlinear features can be described by Langmuir's sorption isotherm equation. Based on the analysis of basic interrelationship between volume and mass, an approximate formula is presented. Under the condition of variable porosity and steady state seepage, the governing differential equation of one dimensional transport of contaminant along vertical direction is established arid the initial condition and boundary conditions corresponding to actual profile of landfill underlain by compacted clay liner (CCL) and aquifer are formulated considering degradation of wastes in landfill and the aquifer of finite thickness. Then the initial boundary-value issue is numerically solved. Through parametric computations and comparative analyses, it is shown that sorption-induced porosity reduction has a considerable effect on the contaminant transport processes and will decrease breakthrough potential of contaminant into CCL. Compared with the case of constant porosity, the peak concentration of contaminants in CCL will reduce 10% when the variable porosity induced by sorption is considered. Both effects of linear and nonlinear sorption on the contaminant transport are almost identical. The influences of the sorption intensity parameter K1 in the Langmuir's sorption isotherm equation and hydrodynamic dispersion coefficient on contaminant transport are considerable under the condition of variable porosity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study that explores the mechanism of sex determination which remains poorly understood in hemimetabolous insects. It provides novel insights into the diverse mechanisms of insect sex determination, along with discusses how Knockdown of female determinant factor (Nlfmd) in female nymphs resulted in masculinization of both the somatic morphology and doublesex splicing.