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A novel KNO 3 in-situ etching-activation strategy is demonstrated towards evolution of carbon sheet to carbon spindle, fold-carbon-spheres and then to regular carbon spheres via changing the amount of KNO 3. The fold-carbon-spheres shows more excellent electrochemical performance than regular carbon sheets, spindle and spheres. [Display omitted] Carbonaceous materials with diverse morphologies have shown unique and excellent performance in many fields, such as catalysis, adsorption, separation and energy storage. However, regulating the structural changes of these morphologies accurately using simple approaches is a difficult process. In this study, porous carbon materials with a morphology that changed from carbon spindles to fold-carbon spheres and then to regular carbon spheres were prepared assisted by in-situ activator of KNO 3 in co-assembly of resorcinol/phenol resin and 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide. The activation of KNO 3 greatly improves the hydrophily, pore volume and surface area of the inert carbon skeleton, and increases heteroatom defects for the carbon framework. As electrode materials of supercapacitors, the influence of different structures on energy storage performance was studied. The obtained fold-carbon spheres showed a higher capacitance (405 F g−1) than flake, spindle and spherical porous carbon, which is due to convenient electrolyte transmission and completely available active sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human-induced global alterations have worsened the severe decrease in fish biodiversity in rivers. To successfully reduce the pace of reduction in fish diversity, it is crucial to prioritize the understanding of how human activities impact the processes that shape and maintain fish diversity. Traditional fish survey methods are based on catch collection and morphological identification, which is often time-consuming and ineffective. Hence, these methods are inadequate for conducting thorough and detailed large-scale surveys of fish ecology. The rapid progress in molecular biology techniques has transformed environmental DNA (eDNA) technique into a highly promising method for studying fish ecology. In this work, we conducted the first systematic study of fish diversity and its formation and maintenance mechanism in the Xishuangbanna section of the Lancang River using eDNA metabarcoding. The eDNA metabarcoding detected a total of 159 species of freshwater fishes spanning 13 orders, 34 families, and 99 genera. The fishes in the order cypriniformes were shown to be overwhelmingly dominant. At different intensities of anthropogenic activity, we found differences in fish community composition and assembly. The analysis of the Sloan's neutral community model fitting revealed that stochastic processes were the dominant factor in the shaping of fish communities in the Xishuangbanna section of the Lancang River. We have further confirmed this result by using the phylogenetic normalized stochasticity ratio. Furthermore, our findings indicate that as human activities get more intense, the influence of stochastic processes on the shaping of fish communities decreases, while the influence of deterministic processes eventually becomes more prominent. Finally, we discovered that salinity positively correlated with fish community changes in the high-intensity anthropogenic sample sites, but all environmental factors had little effect on fish community changes in the low-intensity and moderate-intensity anthropogenic sample sites. Our study not only validated the potential application of eDNA metabarcoding for monitoring fish diversity in tropical rivers, but also revealed how fish communities respond to human activities. This knowledge will serve as a solid foundation for the protection of fish resources in tropical rivers. • Tropical river fish diversity may be effectively monitored using environmental DNA metabarcoding. • Human activities have the potential to modify the structure of fish communities. • Fish communities in tropical rivers are mostly shaped by stochastic processes. • Human actions can cause an increase in the significance of deterministic processes in the assembly of fish communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a reasonable 3D structure of enzyme IIC (EIIC) was established using ab initio methods. Curcumin, baicalein and phloretin were screened out from 127,695 natural products based on EIIC protein in Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) by using the virtual screening technology. The antibacterial assays results confirmed that these three compounds could inhibit S. aureus cell growth. The results of molecular docking, molecular dynamics and molecular mechanics/generalized born surface area calculation indicated that curcumin, baicalein and phloretin mainly bound to Glu275, His231, and Phe359 of EIIC through hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces to obstruct the transport of glucose-based carbohydrates, and thereby inhibited the carbohydrate metabolism of S. aureus. The steered molecular dynamics analysis revealed the existence of transfer channel in EIIC and illustrated that curcumin, baicalein and phloretin could dissociate from EIIC when pulling force on them. Furthermore, alanine scanning and hydrogen bond occupancy analyses found that Glu275 played an important role in stabilizing EIIC-baicalein/curcumin/phloretin complexes, and 275Glu@OE1 was a stable hydrogen bond acceptor. Therefore, Glu275 may be a hot spot residue that can maintain the stable binding of agents to EIIC, which may be a direction for the development of new drugs against S. aureus. • Curcumin, baicalein and phloretin were screened out by virtual screening technology. • The compounds can bind to EIIC to hinder sugar intake inhibiting the bacteria growth. • H-bonds and van der Waals forces had contributions to the EIIC-ligand complexes. • When pulling force on these three compounds, they could dissociate from EIIC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic pollutants in electroplating wastewater can be removed by photodegradation, however the effect mechanism of heavy metal ions on photocatalytic activity still remains unknown. Herein, we firstly reported the self-assembly synthesis of titanium dioxide/reduced graphene oxide (TiO 2 /rGO) composites for phenol-4-sulfonic acid (PSA) removal, and investigated the effects of Cu2+ ions on photocatalytic efficiency. During the self-assemble process, rGO nanosheets were connected together to form network macropores, and simultaneously induced the deposition of hierarchically nanostructured TiO 2 microspheres. The synergetic effects of TiO 2 microspheres and rGO nanosheets improved the photocatalytic activity by enhancing light adsorption ability, stabilizing electron-hole separation and decreasing band gap energy. The Cu2+ ions in wastewater showed positive and negative effects on PSA photodegradation. In the photocatalytic reaction, the electron-induced reduction reaction of Cu(II) into Cu(0) or Cu(I) took place, which inhibited electron-hole recombination and thus enhanced photocatalytic activity. However, the high chemical stability of PSA-Cu(II) complex compounds held back PSA photodegradation. The appropriate concentrations of Cu2+ ions at around 25 mg/L accelerated PSA photodegradation over TiO 2 /rGO composites. The PSA degradation into CO 2 and H 2 O was performed by using hydroquinone, benzoquinone and maleic acid as degradation intermediates. Hence, TiO 2 /rGO composites are novel multifunctional photocatalysts to purify electroplating wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the development of aquaculture industry, high-carbohydrate diet is used to stimulate protein-sparing effect and reduce feed cost. However, fish utilize carbohydrates poorly in general, and instead, high level of carbohydrates in the diet influence the growth condition of fish. How to alleviate the side effects of high carbohydrate diet on fish health has attracted more and more attentions. In the present study, Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) were fed with 25% and 45% of carbohydrate diet for eight weeks. Higher body weight but lower resistance to pathogen was found in 45% carbohydrate diet group. Higher expression level of inflammation cytokines, increased expression of total NF-κB protein and phosphorylated NF-κB protein (p-NF-κB) were detected in higher carbohydrate group. Concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) was measured and the results indicated that high-carbohydrate diet decreased acetate content in the intestine. In order to detect the relationship between the decreased concentration of acetate and lower resistance to pathogen in high-carbohydrate group, 45% of carbohydrate diets (HC) supplemented with different concentrations of sodium acetate (HC + LA, 100 mmol/L; HC + MA, 200 mmol/L; HC + HA, 400 mmol/L) were used to raise Nile Tilapia for eight weeks. The results indicated that addition of 200 mmol/L sodium acetate (HC + MA) reduced the mortality when fish were challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila. Furthermore, we also found that addition of 200 mmol/L sodium acetate mainly inhibited p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) and NF-κB phosphorylation to decrease the expression level of inflammation cytokines (IL-8, IL-12, TNF-α and IL-1β) in the intestine. The present study indicated that certain concentration of sodium acetate could alleviate high-carbohydrate induced intestinal inflammation mainly by suppressing MAPK activation and NF-κB phosphorylation. Image 1 • High-carbohydrate diet increased weight while decreased resistance to pathogen. • High-carbohydrate diet reduced acetate content and induced intestinal inflammation. • Addition of sodium acetate in high-carbohydrate increased resistance to pathogen. • Addition of sodium acetate in high-carbohydrate alleviated intestinal inflammation. • Sodium acetate suppressed MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways of intestine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent genome-wide studies have begun to elucidate the genomic basis of hypoxia, long-term cold and high saline and alkaline adaptation in highland fish, and a number of key genes contributed to its highland adaptation were identified. An increasing number of studies indicated that immune genes of Tibetan endemic fish species underwent positive selection towards functional shift, while the insight into immune gene repertoire of Tibetan highland fishes from genome-wide studies has largely lagged behind. In this study, we performed one of the first comparative genomics study in particular focusing on the signatures of immune genes in a highland fish, Gymnocypris przewalskii based on immune-relevant tissue transcriptome assemblies. We identified seven putative rapidly evolving immune genes with elevated molecular evolutionary rate (dN/dS) relative to lowland fish species. Using tissue-transcriptome data, we found most of rapidly evolving immune genes were broadly expressed in head-kidney, spleen, gills and skin tissues, which significantly enriched for complement activation and inflammatory response processes. In addition, we found a set of complement activation related genes underwent accelerated evolution and showed consistently repressed expression patterns in response to parasite Ichthyophthirius multifiliis infection. Moreover, we detected a number of immune genes involved in adaptive immune system exhibited distinct signature of upregulated expression patterns after parasite infection. Taken together, this study provided putative transcriptomic signatures of rapidly evolving immune genes, and will gain the insight into Schizothoracine fish adaptation to high-altitude extreme aquatic environments including diversified pathogen challenge. • We identified 3653 single-copy orthologs shared by four teleost fish genomes and Gymnocypris przewalskii assemblies. • We identified 7 rapidly evolving immune genes (REIG) in G. przewalskii with elevateddN/dS relative to lowland fish. • We found most of REIGs showing broad expression patterns in head-kidney, spleen, gills and skin tissues. • We found 4 complement activation associated REIGs showed consistentlyrepressed expression patterns after parasite infection. • WWe found 3 REIGs involved in adaptive immune system exhibited upregulated expression after parasite infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intercropping technology and stabilizing materials are common remediation techniques for soils contaminated with heavy metals. This study investigated the feasibility of the Gynostemma pentaphyllum (G. pentaphy llum)/ Helianthus annuus L. (H. annuus) intercropping system on arsenic (As) contaminated farmland through field and pot experiments and the regulation of plant As absorption by the application of mixed stabilizing materials in this intercropping system. Field experiments demonstrated that intercropping with H. annuus increased the As concentration in G. pentaphyllum leaves to 1.79 mg kg−1 but still met the requirements of the national food standard of China (2 mg kg−1) (GB2762-2017). Meanwhile, G. pentaphyllum yield in the intercropping system decreased by 15.09%, but the difference was insignificant (P > 0.05). Additionally, the As bioconcentration (BCA) per H. annuus plant in the intercropping system was significantly higher than that in the monoculture system, increasing by 76.37% (P < 0.05). The pot experiment demonstrated that when granite powder, iron sulfate mineral, and "Weidikang" soil conditioner were applied to the soil collectively, G. pentaphyllum leaf As concentration in the intercropping system could be significantly reduced by 42.17%. Rhizosphere pH is the most crucial factor affecting As absorption by G. pentaphyllum in intercropping systems. When these three stabilizing materials were applied simultaneously, the As bioaccumulation (BCA) per H. annuus plant was significantly higher than that of normal intercropping treatment, which increased by 71.12% (P < 0.05), indicating that the application of these stabilizing materials significantly improved the As removal efficiency of the intercropping system. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration in the rhizosphere soil is the most pivotal factor affecting As absorption by H. annuus. In summary, the G. pentaphyllum - H. annuus intercropping model is worthy of being promoted in moderately As polluted farmland. The application of granite powder, iron sulfate mineral, and "Weidikang" soil conditioner collectively to the soil can effectively enhance the potential of this intercropping model to achieve "production while repairing" in the As polluted farmland. [Display omitted] • The As bioconcentration of H. annuus in intercropping system was significantly higher than that in monoculture system. • Application of mixed stabilizing materials significantly reduced the leaf As concentration of G. pentaphyllum. • Application of mixed stabilizing materials significantly increased the As bioconcentration of H. annuus. • pH and DOC content are the key factors that effecting the As uptake of G. pentaphyllum and H. annuus , respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A newly-developed medium–low-speed maglev test vehicle was used to obtain the vertical dynamic response signals of the vehicle-line coupled system when the test vehicle was standing still on four different types of lines through field tests. It was found that abnormal low-frequency vertical vibration occurred on the car body, so that an excellent ride index of the test vehicle cannot be ensured. As the stability of the vehicle at standstill is the prerequisite to the stability of the vehicle running at a certain speed, it is necessary to investigate the causes underlying the abnormal vibration and propose corrective measures through theoretical studies in combination with the measured results. Therefore, this paper established a coupled vehicle-track system dynamics model considering active feedback control, and investigated the stability and bifurcation behavior of the coupled system through nonlinear dynamics theory and numerical simulation. Field test results show that: the vertical ride index of the test vehicle was rated as "Unqualified" when it was standing still; the vertical vibration eigenfrequency of the car body is basically the same (between 2.10 and 2.20 Hz) when the test vehicle was standing still on the four different lines, indicating that the abnormal vibration was basically independent of the line type; the vertical dynamic response of each measurement point on the electromagnet, F-rail and bridge was normal. The theoretical and simulation studies show that: the numerical simulation of the theoretical model can effectively reproduce the abnormal vibration; the malfunction in the nonlinear characteristics of the air spring vertical damping (i.e. the damping malfunction) is the main reason for this vibration, and the abnormal vibration corresponded to the supercritical Hopf bifurcation dynamics behavior in nonlinear dynamics; after the air spring was restored to normal, the equilibrium point of the coupled system was stable under the influence of different initial disturbances. This study may provide an important reference for reducing the abnormal low-frequency vertical vibration of the test vehicle at standstill. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardamine hupingshanensis (C. hupingshanensis) is known for its ability to hyperaccumulate selenium (Se). However, the roles of the rhizobacteria or endophytes in Se hyperaccumulation have not been explored in C. hupingshanensis. Here, in - situ -like pot experiments were conducted to investigate the characteristics of Se accumulation throughout C. hupingshanensis growth stages and its correlations with rhizobacteria and endophytes under varying soil Se levels. Results showed that Se levels in roots, stems and leaves increased from the seedling to bolting stage, but remained relatively stable during the flowering and maturity. Leaves exhibited the highest Se levels (736.48 ± 6.51 mg/kg DW), followed by stems (575.39 ± 27.05 mg/kg DW), and lowest in roots (306.62 ± 65.45 mg/kg DW) under high-Se stress. The Se translocation factors from soils to C. hupingshanensis roots was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in low-Se soils compared to medium- and high-Se soils. Rhizobacterial diversity showed significant positive correlations (p < 0.05) with both total and bioavailable soil Se contents. The levels of soil Se and growth stages of C. hupingshanensis were found to have significant effects (p < 0.03) on the compositions of rhizosphere bacteria and C. hupingshanensis endophytes. Low-abundance bacteria (< 5%), including Gemmatimonadetes, Latescibacteria and Nitrospirae, were identified to potentially increase the bioavailable Se levels in the rhizosphere. The Se accumulation significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in C. hupingshanensis grown in sterilized low- (32.4%), medium- (17%) and high-Se (42%) soils. Endophytes in C. hupingshanensis , such as Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, were likely recruited from the rhizobacteria, as evidenced by the isolated bacterial strains, and played an important role in Se hyperaccumulation, particularly during the flowering stage. This study provides new insights into potential mechanism underlying Se hyperaccumulation in C. hupingshanensis. [Display omitted] • C. hupingshanensis leaves exhibited the highest Se accumulation under high-Se stress. • Total and bioavailable soil Se levels increased rhizobacterial diversity. • Low-abundance bacteria (<5%) increased the bioavailable Se levels in the rhizosphere. • Endophytes promoted Se hyperaccumulation particularly during the flowering stage [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introducing co-catalysts to enhance the activation of cuprous-mediated peroxymonosulfate (PMS) and induce the continuous generation of highly reactive oxygen species is promising. The function, effectiveness, and acceleration mechanism of co-catalysts in the cuprous-mediated PMS activation process were fully explored in this work, which focused on rhodamine B as the target contaminants. The results demonstrated that molybdenum (Mo) powder was a superb co-catalyst, and that the reaction of cuprous-mediated PMS system was carried out by surface Mo species as opposed to Mo ions in the solution. The Cu (II)/Cu(I) cycle was primarily encouraged by the Mo0, which also caused abundant · HO and 1O 2 and minimal SO 4 · − and · O 2 − to be produced from PMS. The Mo/Cu2+/PMS system exhibited high removal efficiency towards typical pollutants, especially ciprofloxacin, methyl orange, malachite green, and crystal violet, with removal rates up to 93%, 99%, 97%, and 92%, respectively. Additionally, this system showed excellent adaptability to complex water environments. After four cycles, the Mo powder retained its properties and morphology, and the target pollutants could still maintain an 82% degradation efficiency. This study provides a basis for enhancing cuprous-mediated PMS activation for wastewater treatment. [Display omitted] • Mo powder boosts cuprous-mediated PMS for efficient oxidation of pollutants. • Mo species of surface rather than leached Mox+ involved in the Cu(II)/Cu(I) cycle. • The removal rates of mixed target pollutants in real water were investigated. • Mo powder co-catalysts are highly adaptable to complex media in aqueous environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Groundwater contaminated by Cr(VI) requires effective remediation to prevent adverse environmental impacts. The biodegradation of Cr(VI) has been documented for several decades, but little remains known about the removal fate of chromium, including the main species of reductase (sites) and functional genes involved in Cr(VI) reduction in mixed bacterial consortium. Cr(VI) reduction in this study was verified to be an enzyme-mediated process. Meanwhile, Cr(VI) reduction of different cell components demonstrated that the extracellular enzyme was the main active substance, and the distribution of Cr after experiment was quantified using mass balance calculation. Furthermore, the optimal pH for reduction was 8.0, with the reduction rate decreasing with increasing initial Cr(VI) concentrations. The co-existing oxyanions had little effect on Cr(VI) reduction, while the presence of other heavy metals had a relatively significant influence. The evolutionary behavior of microbial community structure and functional genes affected by Cr(VI) were also analyzed, which provided new insights on the underlying mechanisms involved in bioreduction in this study. These results generated new understanding of the reduction mechanisms on the Cr-relevant bacterial species and genes, which would be helpful in designing strategies for the bioremediation of Cr(VI) contaminated water. Graphical abstract fx1 Highlights • The main location of reductase and valence state changes of Cr during Cr(VI) reduction were investigated. • The distribution of Cr after experiment was quantified by mass-balance. • The evolution of microbial communities and genes was deciphered for reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Integrating several life course models, this study examines how childhood poverty dynamics shape the risk of adulthood overweight/obesity. Growth mixture models of yearly poverty data from age 0–16 from the U.S. Panel Study of Income Dynamics identify four childhood poverty trajectories: chronic poverty, early childhood poverty, downward mobility, and poverty-free. Chronic poverty and early childhood poverty groups have higher risk of adulthood overweight/obesity than the poverty-free group. Overweight/obesity risk is not significantly different between the chronic poverty group and the early childhood poverty group, suggesting that the effects of early childhood exposure persist despite subsequent upward mobility. Downward mobility in the absence of early childhood poverty does not significantly increase adulthood obesity risk, providing further evidence that early childhood is a critical period for developing risk of overweight and obesity. These findings shed new light on the timing model, social mobility model, cumulative model, and cumulative inequality theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dravet syndrome (DS) is a debilitating infantile epileptic encephalopathy characterized by seizures induced by high body temperature (hyperthermia), sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), cognitive impairment, and behavioral disturbances. The most common cause of DS is haploinsufficiency of the SCN1A gene, which encodes the voltage-gated sodium channel Na v 1.1. In current mouse models of DS, the epileptic phenotype is strictly dependent on the genetic background and most mouse models exhibit drastically higher SUDEP rates than patients. Therefore, we sought to develop an alternative animal model for DS. Here, we report the generation and characterization of a Scn1a halploinsufficiency rat model of DS by disrupting the Scn1a allele. Scn1a +/− rats show reduced Scn1a expression in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus and thalamus. Homozygous null rats die prematurely. Heterozygous animals are highly susceptible to heat-induced seizures, the clinical hallmark of DS, but are otherwise normal in survival, growth, and behavior without seizure induction. Hyperthermia-induced seizures activate distinct sets of neurons in the hippocampus and hypothalamus in Scn1a +/− rats. Electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings in Scn1a +/− rats reveal characteristic ictal EEG with high amplitude bursts with significantly increased delta and theta power. After the initial hyperthermia-induced seizures, non-convulsive, and convulsive seizures occur spontaneously in Scn1a +/− rats. In conclusion, we generate a Scn1a haploinsufficiency rat model with phenotypes closely resembling DS, providing a unique platform for establishing therapies for DS. • By disruption of the Scn1a allele, we generate a rat model of Dravet syndrome (DS rats). • DS rats, similar to DS patients, are highly susceptibility to hyperthermia-induced seizures. • Hyperthermia-induced seizures activate discrete brain regions in DS rats. • Spontaneous seizures occur after the initial hyperthermia-induced seizures in the DS rats. • DS rats enable research and development of new treatment for Dravet syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both the obesity rate and pocket money are rising among children in China. This study examined family correlates of children's pocket money, associations of pocket money with eating behaviors and weight status, and how the associations may be modified by schools' unhealthy food restrictions in urban China. Data were collected in 2015 from 1648 students in 16 primary and middle schools in four mega-cities in China (4 schools/city): Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, and Xi'an. Cluster robust negative binomial regression models were fit to assess family correlates of pocket money, associations of pocket money with child eating behaviors and weight outcomes, and possible modifying effects of schools' unhealthy food restrictions. Sixty-nine percent of students received pocket money weekly. Students received more pocket money if mothers frequently ate out of home (IRR=2.28 [1.76, 2.94]) and/or family rarely had dinner together (IRR=1.42, 95%=[1.01, 1.99]). Students got less pocket money if parents were concerned about child's future health due to unhealthy eating (IRR=0.56 [0.32,0.98]). Students with more pocket money more frequently consumed (by 25-89%) sugary beverages, snacks, fast food, or at street food stalls, and were 45-90% more likely to be overweight/obese. Associations of pocket money with unhealthy eating and overweight/obesity were weaker in schools with unhealthy food restrictions. Pocket money is a risk factor for unhealthy eating and obesity in urban China. School policies may buffer pocket money's negative influence on students' eating and weight status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serine 31 of histone H3.3 is phosphorylated during mitosis in mammalian cells and has been shown to influence chromosome segregation. We established a screening system to identify candidate kinase(s) phosphorylating H3.3S31 by using siRNA library targeting 720 human kinases, and we confirmed the results with an independent kinase inhibitor screen. Aurora kinase B was the best candidate hit in both screens. Moreover, the kinase activity of Aurora B on H3.3S31 was biochemically confirmed with nucleosomal substrates in vitro . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three fluoroquinolone antibiotics agents (FQs) in groundwater and reclaimed water have been investigated in Changzhou and Beijing, China. The occurrence of ofloxacin (OFL), enrofloxacin (ENR) and norfloxacin (NOR) is in nanograms per liter and has 100% frequency. The concentration order of FQs in reclaimed water is NOR>OFL>ENR, whilst the order in groundwater is NOR>ENR>OFL. And then the single and mixture adsorption-desorption have been studied and showed that (i) silty clay loam has higher sorption capacity than loamy sand, (ii) competitive adsorption exists when the three selected FQs coexist, (iii) ENR has a significantly priority sorption to NOR, whilst OFL has a least sorption among the mixture, (iv) there is no significant difference between the desorption results of mixture and the indivdual compound in relatively low concentration, (v) the formed chemical bonds and the irreversible combination of adsorption point are the significant influential factors for explaining desorption hysteresis of the selected FQs. Based on the above study, transport model and risk quotient have been performed, and the calculated risk quotient reveals that: (i) the selected FQs risk order in reclaimed water is OFL>ENR>NOR, (ii) in groundwater, OFL and ENR pose a higher risk than NOR no matter whether considering the long time groundwater recharge. This study will help policy makers to decide which FQs need to be covered in the priority substance lists defined in legislative frameworks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a novel clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-associated HRCA technique (CART). During the entire detection process of CART, the target DNA is first specifically recognized and cleaved by a pair of Cas9/sgRNA complexes; then, the cleaved product is ligated into circular DNA as the template of HRCA, and the circular DNA is efficiently amplified by HRCA. Therefore, CART has the advantages of Cas9/sgRNA (single-base mismatch specificity) and HRCA (isothermal reaction temperature and high sensitivity). This technique has been verified by detecting various human papillomavirus (HPV) genes with numerous subtypes. In summary, this study provides a new and effective method for the detection of nucleic acids. [Display omitted] • A novel DNA analyzing and detecting technique, CRISPR-associated HRCA technique (CART). • CART has high DNA typing capacity based on CRISPR and HRCA. • CART is a rapid visual detection technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is known that a closed linear operator A , defined densely on a Banach space X , is non-negative if and only if − A generates a bounded analytic γ -times resolvent family for some 0 < γ < 2 . In this paper, by using such resolvent families as well as the Komatsu representations, we characterize systematically the domains of fractional powers of non-negative operators on Banach spaces. Gaps between the subset ⋃ α > 0 D ( A α ) and the whole space X are discussed as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater recharge using reclaimed water is considered a promising method to alleviate groundwater depletion. However, pollutants in reclaimed water could be recharged into groundwater during this process, thereby posing a risk to groundwater and human health. In this study, 12 cities in northern China were selected for reclaimed water and groundwater sampling. Analysis of the samples revealed the presence of nine pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) and five endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs). In reclaimed water, all the PPCPs and EDCs were found, with sulpiride (SP) and estriol (E3) being most frequently detected. In groundwater samples, only ketoprofen (KP), mefenamic acid (MA), nalidixic acid (NA) and SP were detected among PPCPs, while bisphenol-A (BPA) was dominant among the target EDCs. The risk quotients (RQs) of all target PPCPs and EDCs except 17α-ethinyl estradiol (EE2) and E3 were below 1 in groundwater samples, indicating that EE2 and E3 deserve priority preferential treatment before recharging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] E2 upregulates TLR2 mRNA and protein level in differentiated THP-1 cell. [•] The position −251 to −237 of TLR2 promoter contains an ER responsive element. [•] TLR2 is an estrogen-regulated gene through the interaction of ERa with ERE. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Delayed fracture union and nonunion are common complications of fracture encountered, while Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) can stimulate bone regeneration. Still, the underlying mechanism of LIPUS on bone regeneration has been poorly understood, which resulted in varied outcomes in the clinic. Therefore, figuring out the mechanism of LIPUS on bone regeneration can lay the foundation for better use of LIPUS in clinical bone regenerative therapies. In this study, we created transgenic mice to reveal the relationship between the periosteal cells' fate and the number of ciliated cells under the LIPUS stimulation. In vitro, we isolated the periosteal cell and aim to figure out the relationship between LIPUS and HDAC6-mediated ciliogenesis and find out a potential target for LIPUS-based bone regeneration strategies. The results showed that LIPUS promoted femoral bone defect regeneration and enhanced osteogenic differentiation of Prrx1+ cells. However, these pro-effects were significantly weakened when the Prrx1+ cell's primary cilia were knocked down. Besides, LIPUS stimulated the formation of Prrx1+ cells' primary cilia in the bone defect microenvironment. In vitro, the results supported that LIPUS enhanced the osteogenic differentiation of Prrx1+ cells through HDAC6-mediated ciliogenesis. In conclusion, λ LIPUS could promote the osteogenic differentiation of Prrx1+ cells to stimulate bone regeneration and inhibit the expression of HDAC6 to increase the prevalence of primary cilia in Prrx1+ cells. LIPUS could enhance the osteogenic differentiation of Prrx1+ cells mainly through HDAC6-mediated ciliogenesis. [Display omitted] • LIPUS promotes the osteogenic differentiation of Prrx1+ cells to stimulate bone regeneration. • LIPUS could inhibit the expression of HDAC6 to increase the prevalence of primary cilia in Prrx1+ cells. • LIPUS enhanced the osteogenic differentiation of Prrx1+ cells through HDAC6-mediated ciliogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Boundary values of analytic fractional resolvent families are deduced via the approximation of fractional powers of operators, and square root reductions of fractional resolvent families are given as well. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We show that if −A generates a bounded α-times resolvent family for some , then generates an analytic γ-times resolvent family for and . And a generalized subordination principle is derived. In particular, if −A generates a bounded α-times resolvent family for some , then generates an analytic -semigroup. Such relations are applied to study the solutions of Cauchy problems of fractional order and first order. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A spatial confinement strategy mediated by Co 2 (OH) 2 CO 3 nanosheet assemblies is developed to prepare hollow porous Co@C composite for microwave absorption. • The absorber exhibits a well-defined hollow structure and high porosity (specific surface area of 742 m2 g−1) even with a high metallic Co content of 35.8 wt%. • The formation mechanism of the material is investigated in detail. • The absorber gives RL min value of − 39.0 dB and effective absorption bandwidth of 5.5 GHz. Carbonaceous-magnetic composites are the most appealing candidates for electromagnetic wave absorption, and creating hollow interiors and nanopores in the composites is commonly recognized as an essential strategy to reinforce their overall performances. Herein, we propose a spatial confinement strategy mediated by Co 2 (OH) 2 CO 3 nanosheet assemblies for achieving highly dispersed Co nanoparticles into hollow porous N-doped carbon shells (HP-Co@NCS). Systematic multi-technique characterizations indicate that the Co 2 (OH) 2 CO 3 nanosheet assemblies simultaneously play a trifunctional role during the synthesis, including Co source, template of the hollow interior cavities, and micro-/mesopore porogen. The chemical composition can be modulated by simply varying the ratio of Co 2 (OH) 2 CO 3 and carbon source (dopamine). The optimized HP-Co@NCS absorber exhibits a well-defined hollow structure and unprecedented high porosity (specific surface area of 742 m2 g−1) even with a high metallic Co content of 35.8 wt%. These profitable structural characteristics can facilitate incident EM waves penetrating the absorber's interior and promoting multiple reflections and scattering. Therefore, the HP-Co@NCS absorber exhibits efficient microwave absorption ability with a minimum reflection loss of −39.0 dB at a thin thickness of 2.5 mm and an effective absorption bandwidth up to 5.5 GHz (12.5–18.0 GHz) at a thin thickness of 2.0 mm. This work provides a new methodology to design advanced carbonaceous-magnetic composite materials with hollow porous structures for microwave absorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibiotics have adverse effects on human health and aquatic ecosystems in water environment, which is the main pool. In this study, antibiotics in the aquatic environment of China, containing both surface water and groundwater, were first systematically reviewed. That is essential for surface water and groundwater guideline and industry management. 128 articles were reviewed, containing 116 papers on surface water and 12 papers on groundwater. 94 antibiotics were detected at least once in the aquatic environment of China and most of the studies were in the eastern areas of China. The median concentrations of most antibiotics were below than 100 ng/L in the surface water and 10 ng/L in the groundwater. The concentrations of most antibiotics in China were similar or a little higher than in other countries. According to risk assessment, three antibiotics (enrofloxacin, ofloxacin and erythromycin) and three regions (Haihe River, Wangyang River and Taihu Lake) should be given more concerns. Strengthened policy and management are needed in these regions. In the future, more studies on groundwater and a priority list of antibiotics in the aquatic environment was needed. • Antibiotics in both surface water and groundwater of China were first reviewed. • Most of the studies were designed in aquatic environments of eastern China. • Sulfonamides and quinolones were the most commonly investigated antibiotics. • The data distribution of HQ of 17 antibiotics reported frequently is shown. • Reports of antibiotics in groundwater need to be strengthened. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we develop generalized d'Alembert's formulas for abstract fractional integro-differential equations and fractional differential equations on Banach spaces. Some examples are given to illustrate our abstract results, and the probability interpretations of these fractional d'Alembert's formulas are also given. Moreover, we also provide d'Alembert's formulas for abstract fractional telegraph equations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast cancer is prone to relapse and metastasize to many vital organs, contributing to most of the breast cancer-related death and accentuating the importance of systematic identification of key factors regulating the metastasis of breast cancer. In this study, we performed a genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 knock out screen in an orthotopic murine model of breast cancer for essential genes monitoring the progression and metastasis of breast cancer. We found one member of the zinc finger protein (ZNF) family, i.e., ZNF319, was among the top candidate genes. We further confirmed the lower expression of ZNF319 in the tumor tissue of breast cancer patients by analyzing tissue sections with IHC staining and TCGA database. Consistently, higher expression of ZNF319 correlates with better clinical outcome in almost all subtypes of breast cancer. Moreover, knocking down or overexpressing ZNF319 in breast cancer cells dramatically affects the breast cancer growth and metastasis capacity both in vitro and in vivo , suggesting ZNF319 functions as a strong suppressor of breast cancer progression. Lastly, the transcriptome analysis on ZNF319-silenced breast cancer cells shows that ZNF319 is involved in multiple crucial signaling pathways and biological processes, especially in cell cycle and proliferation. GO and KEGG analyses of our RNA-seq results reveal the up-regulation of E2F and G2/M related genes in ZNF319-silenced cells, suggesting that ZNF319 monitors the cell cycle during the breast cancer progression through the regulation of the E2F target genes and G2/M checkpoint. In summary, our study identifies ZNF319 as a novel metastasis suppressor gene arresting tumor cell cycle in breast cancer and thus presents a novel potential therapeutic target for breast cancer treatment. • Genome wide CRISPR/Cas9 knock out screen reveals ZNF319 as a tumor suppressor. • ZNF319 strongly inhibits the growth and metastasis of breast cancer. • ZNF319 functions as a regulator of G2/M transition in breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Constructing a 3D morphology Bi 2 WO 6 /ZnIn 2 S 4 direct Z-scheme heterojunctions through the electrostatic self-assembly method. • The performance of photocatalytic CO 2 reduction is dramatically improved under the synergistic effect of morphology interface engineering modification strategies. • Under simulated sunlight irradiation conditions, the CH 4 yield of BZ-20 was 8.73 and 16.30 times higher than that of the pure ZnIn 2 S 4 and Bi 2 WO 6 samples, respectively. Developing efficient heterojunction photocatalysts with enhanced charge transfer and reduced recombination rates of photogenerated carriers is crucial for harnessing solar energy in the photocatalytic CO 2 reduction into renewable fuels. This study employed electrostatic self-assembly techniques to construct a 3D Bi 2 WO 6 /ZnIn 2 S 4 direct Z-scheme heterojunctions. The unique 3D structure provided abundant active sites and facilitated CO 2 adsorption. Moreover, the optimized Bi 2 WO 6 /ZnIn 2 S 4 composite demonstrated an impressive CH 4 yield of 19.54 μmol g−1 under 4 h of simulated sunlight irradiation, which was about 8.73 and 16.30-fold higher than pure ZnIn 2 S 4 and Bi 2 WO 6. The observed enhancements in photocatalytic performance are attributed to forming a direct Z-scheme heterojunction, which effectively promotes charge transport and migration. This research introduces a novel strategy for constructing photocatalysts through the synergistic effect of morphological interface modifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The detrimental impact of heavy metals on cardiovascular well-being is a global concern, and engaging in suitable physical activity has been shown to confer cardiovascular advantage. Nevertheless, the potential of exercise to mitigate the deleterious effects of heavy metals on stroke remains uncertain. We conducted a cross-sectional survey to assess the influence of blood cadmium and blood lead on stroke occurrence, while also examining the role of physical activity. Weighted multivariate regression analysis was employed to examine the potential correlation, while subgroup and interaction analyses were used to investigate the sensitivity and robustness of the results. After controlling risk factors, it revealed a positive correlation between blood cadmium and lead levels and the occurrence of stroke. Specifically, a 50% increase in blood cadmium was associated with a 28% increase in stroke incidence, while a 50% increase in blood lead was associated with a 47% increase in stroke incidence. To estimate the non-linear relationship, we employed restricted cubic models. The results demonstrate a gradual decrease in the slope of the model curve as the intensity of physical activity increases, implying that engaging in physical activity may contribute to a reduction in the occurrence of stroke caused by blood cadmium and lead. Our findings suggest that blood cadmium and lead could be considered an autonomous risk factor for stroke within the general population of the United States. Moreover, engaging in physical activity has the potential to mitigate the potential detrimental consequences associated with exposure to heavy metals. • Blood cadmium and lead are positively associated with stroke. • There exists a threshold effect between heavy metals and stroke. • Physical activity can reduce the risk of cadmium and lead on stroke. • Intense physical activity effectively mitigates the stroke risk posed by heavy metals. • Women have a higher vulnerability to stroke when exposed to heavy metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The semilinear space-time fractional Schrödinger equation is considered. First, we give the explicit form for the fundamental solutions by using the Fox H -functions in order to establish some L s decay estimates. After that, we give some space-time estimates for the mild solutions from which the local well-posedness is derived on some proper Banach space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The desorption mechanism of heavy metals (HMs) in soil around the mining region are complex and affected by multiple pollution sources, including sewage discharge and atmospheric deposition. Meanwhile, pollution sources would change soil physical and chemical properties (mineralogy and organic matter), thus affecting the bioavailability of HMs. This study aimed to investigate the pollution source of HMs (Cd, Co, Cu, Cr, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in soil near mining, and further evaluate influence mechanism of dust fall on HMs pollution in soil by desorption dynamics processes and pH-dependence leaching test. Result presented that dust fall is the primary pollution source to HMs accumulation in soil. Additionally, the result of mineralogical analysis in dust fall revealed that quartz, kaolinite, calcite, chalcopyrite, and magnetite are the major mineralogical phases by XRD and SEM-EDS. Meanwhile, the abundance of kaolinite and calcite in dust fall is higher than in soil, which is the primary reason of higher acid-base buffer capacity of dust fall. Correspondingly, the weakened or disappeared of hydroxyl after the adding acid extraction (0–0.4 mmol· g−1) demonstrated that hydroxyl is the main participants of HMs absorption in soil and dust fall. These combined findings suggested that atmospheric deposition not only increases the pollution loading of HMs in soil, but also changes the mineral phase composition of soil, which would increase the adsorption capacity and bioavailability of HMs in soil. This is very remarkable that heavy metals in soil influenced by dust fall pollution could be released preferentially when soil pH is changed. The present results of this study would provide efficient and scientific targeted strategies for pollution control of HMs in soil near mining areas. [Display omitted] • Dust fall was the primary pollution source of HMs in the soil near the mining area. • Copper-bearing mineral (CuFeS 2) in dust fall was presented by SEM-EDS and XRD. • Abundant mineral phases make the dust have higher acid-alkali buffering capacities. • The HMs desorption in dust fall and soil was controlled by silicate, carbonate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel naphthalene diimide-based compound, designated as [Zn(BINDI) 0.25 ·(C 2 H 5 NO)] n (1), has been successfully synthesized under solvothermal conditions, utilizing N, N′-bis(5-isophthalic acid) naphthalenediimide (H 4 BINDI) and Zn(NO 3) 2 ·6H 2 O as raw materials. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that compound 1 forms a 3D structure, with BINDI4− and C 2 H 5 NO− serving as organic ligands and Zn(II) as the center metal ion. Notably, upon exposure to a 300 W xenon lamp, compound 1 rapidly transitions from orange to dark blue within 5 s. Furthermore, as the duration of irradiation increases, 1 exhibits photocontrolled fluorescence properties. Additionally, it possesses the capability to detect ammonia vapor and triethylamine. The synthesized compound 1 not only has reversible photochromic properties, but also has visible color change to ammonia vapor and triethylamine, which can be used as one of the color-changing materials for detecting ammonia vapor and triethylamine. [Display omitted] • A novel color-changing compound based on naphthalimide was synthesized. • Compound 1 has rapid retrochromic properties. • The ability to detect ammonia vapor and triethylamine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Adult height (stature), as an important parameter of human physical development, has been studied in many populations. Recently, we reported a whole genome scan of height on a sample of 630 Caucasian subjects from 53 human pedigrees. Two chromosome regions, 6q24–25 and 7q31.3–36, achieved low linkage signals (multipoint LOD score ⩽0.5), but gained significant results in the linkage studies of height by other groups. In addition, the region 6q24–25 harbors the ER-α gene, an important candidate gene for linear growth. To resolve the controversies over these two regions for height, linkage exclusion analyses were performed in an extended sample of 79 pedigrees with 1816 subjects, which include the 53 pedigrees containing 630 subjects for our previous whole genome study and additional 128 new subjects, and 26 new pedigrees containing 1058 subjects. The two regions, 6q24–25 and 7q31.3–36, were excluded at a relative effect size of 10% or greater (p value&#60;0.0005) and 5% or greater (p value&#60;0.0018), respectively. Our results suggest that the two regions may not contribute substantially to height variation in our Caucasian population. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Leptin (LEP) and the uncoupling proteins 2 and 3 (UCP2/UCP3) are key molecules involved in the regulation of food intake and energy expenditure. However, their contribution to variation of obesity phenotypes in the general population remains controversial. The present study is to investigate whether chromosomal regions 7q and 11q, which contain LEP and UCP2/UCP3, respectively, can be excluded for linkage with obesity phenotypes. The obesity phenotypes include body mass index (BMI), fat mass, and percentage fat mass (PFM), with the latter two measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. We conducted exclusion linkage analyses using a variance component approach in a sample of 1816 individuals coming from 79 extended Caucasian pedigrees. In this study, we were able to exclude chromosomal region 7q containing LEP as having an effect on fat mass and PFM at effect sizes of 5% or greater, and on BMI at effect sizes of 10% or greater. We were able to exclude chromosomal region 11q containing UCP2/UCP3 as having an effect on fat mass and PFM at effect sizes of 10% or greater, and on BMI at effect sizes of 5% or greater. Our results suggest that the LEP and UCP2/UCP3 genes are unlikely to have a substantial effect on variation in obesity phenotypes in this particular US Caucasian population. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Osteoporosis is a common disorder afflicting old people. The parathyroid hormone (PTH) gene is involved in bone remodeling and calcium homeostasis, and has been considered as an important candidate gene for osteoporosis. In this study, we simultaneously tested linkage and/or association of PTH gene with bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC), two important risk factors for osteoporosis. A sample of 1263 subjects from 402 Chinese nuclear families was used. The families are composed of both parents and at least one healthy daughter aged from 20 to 45 years. All the subjects were genotyped at the polymorphic BstBI site inside the intron 2 of the PTH gene (a nucleotide substitution of G to A at the position +3244). BMD and BMC were measured at the lumbar spine and the hip region via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Using QTDT (quantitative trait transmission disequilibrium test), we did not find significant results for association or linkage between the PTH gene and BMD or BMC variation at the spine or hip. Our data do not support the PTH gene as a quantitative trait locus (QTL) underlying the bone phenotypic variation in the Chinese population. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The efficiency of cell therapy after spinal cord injury (SCI) depend on the survival of transplanted cells. However, sterile microenvironment and glial scar hyperplasia extremely reduce their numbers. Our previous study found overexpression of ChABC gene is positively correlated to migration ability. Expression of PTEN gene is closely associated with proliferation. However, whether manipulation of PTEN and ChABC on adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) promote motor recovery is unknown. This study aimed to promote hindlimb function recovery in SCI rats by enhancing proliferation and migration ability of ADSCs, transiently silencing expression of PTEN following overexpression of ChABC (double-gene modified ADSCs, DG-ADSCs). After PTEN silencing, we observed strong proliferation and accelerated G1-S transition in DG-ADSCs using CCK8 assay and flow cytometry. In addition, we demonstrated that migration numbers of DG-ADSCs were higher than control group using Transwell assay. The protein and mRNA levels of MAP2 and βⅢ-tubulin in DG-ADSCs were increased compared with ADSCs. These results were further confirmed in SCI rats. Increased survival cells and reduction of glial scars were quantitatively analyzed in DG-ADSCs groups, which is definitely correlated to function recovery. Recovery of motor function was observed in DG-ADSCs treatment rats using BBB score, which emphasized that improved viability of transplanted cells and reduction of glial scars were an effective strategy for enhancing recovery of neurological function after SCI. • Manipulation of PTEN and ChABC in ADSCs promoted motor function recovery in moderate SCI. • Upregulation of ChABC and silencing of PTEN in ADSCs showed positive effects on reduction of glial scar and cavity. • Grafted ADSCs expressed markers of neurons and astrocytes. • Genetic manipulation on ADSCs offers an idea for stem cell therapy to treat SCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China's one-child policy (1979-2015) has affected Chinese parenting practices and children's health behaviors and also may have contributed to increased childhood obesity. However, very limited research has investigated the association between one-child policy and childhood obesity. We examined characteristics of single-child families and the influence of one-child policy (indicated by single-child status) on children's weight status and related health behaviors. Data from children aged 6-18years old in the 2011 (n=1580) and 2000 (n=2317) China Health and Nutrition Survey were cross-sectionally analyzed with multilevel models. From 2000 to 2011, the rates about doubled for being a single-child (30.1% to 57.0%) and being overweight or obese (OWB, 6.6% to 16.5%) along with urbanization (27.5% to 37.1%). Single-child families had higher levels of parental education, household income and urban residence than families with ≥ two children (p<0.05). Compared to the children with siblings, single children were more likely to be OWB; the association became stronger over time (OR=4.5 (1.7-12.4) in 2011 and 1.7 (1.0-2.8) in 2000). Also, single children had less recreational screen time, but similar physical activity levels; however single urban children were more likely to have excess total energy intake (OR=5.70 (1.58-20.60)) than those with siblings. Being single-child is about four times more likely to be overweight/obesity than those having siblings, and the association became stronger over time in China. China's one-child policy might have contributed to its rising childhood obesity rates. Obesity intervention programs may need to account for the influence of the one-child policy in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Working memory indirectly contributed to word reading through reading-specific cognitive factors. • Reading self-efficacy indirectly contributed to word reading through reading-specific cognitive factors. • Factors from different domains interacted in contributing to word reading. Reading is a complex activity that is related to factors from the cognitive, ecological, and psychological domains. However, few studies have investigated the mechanisms underlying word learning by including the factors from the three domains in Chinese children. One hundred and ninety-four Chinese first graders completed tasks on cognitive abilities and word reading ability and a questionnaire relating to the psychological domain, their parents answered questionnaires relating to the psychological and ecological domains. The cognitive factors in the present study involved general (i.e., working memory) and reading-specific (i.e., vocabulary and morphological awareness) abilities. As ecological factors, the parent-reported family socioeconomic status (SES) and home literacy environment (HLE) were used to indicate parents' resource characteristics of the literacy interactions at home. As psychological factors, an overall mental status was measured by the Conners' Parent Rating Scale-Revised and reading self-efficacy were used to indicate children's demand and force characteristics in the literacy interactions. The results of path analysis showed that, after controlling for age and nonverbal intelligence, the reading-specific cognitive abilities had a direct effect on word reading. Working memory, HLE, and reading self-efficacy contributed to word reading through the reading-specific cognitive abilities. Family SES facilitated HLE, which subsequently benefited the reading-specific cognitive abilities, and then assisted word reading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphological change, such as from yeast-like to biofilm, has been recently considered to be involved in the mode of action of some antagonistic yeasts used as postharvest biocontrol agents. In the present study, the biocontrol yeast, Pichia kudriavzevii , reversibly shifted from a yeast-like morphology on yeast peptone dextrose (YPD) medium with 2% agar to a biofilm morphology on YPD with 0.3% agar. The tolerance of P. kudriavzevii to heat and oxidative stresses, as well as the biocontrol efficacy against postharvest diseases on pear fruit, increased significantly from the yeast-like form to the biofilm form. The activity of antioxidant enzymes, including catalase and superoxidase dismutase, in the biofilm form was also significantly higher. The elevated activity of antioxidant enzymes was associated with less protein and lipid oxidation in the biofilm form, compared to the yeast-like form, under heat and oxidative stresses. These results suggest that activation of antioxidant system with the morphology shift contributes to the enhancement of abiotic stress tolerance and biocontrol performance of P. kudriavzevii . These findings provide new information on the biology of yeast antagonists that is essential for their potential application and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The investigation aimed to evaluate the effects of Mcc950, an inhibitor of the NLRP3 inflammasome, on diabetic retinopathy (DR) mice. The general physiological condition of each group of mice was recorded. Retinal blood vessels were stained for observation of the density of blood vessels, and retinas were used for further morphological examination and fluorescent staining after the intravitreal injection of Mcc950. Mcc950 partially reversed hyperglycemia-induced vascular damage and had reduced histological changes compared to DR mice. IL-1β production in mice retinas in the diabetic model (DM) group increased, but pretreatment with Mcc950 significantly reversed these changes. Additionally, Mcc950 engineered reduced FITC dextran extravasation and vascular leakage. Therefore, it played an apparent protective role in DR and could be a new treatment strategy for DR. • Diabetic model of mice was established. • Blood vessel density was increased at 12 weeks and inflammatory factor IL-1β was increased in diabetic mice. • Mcc950 reverse these changes. • Mcc950 plays a protective role in diabetic retinopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] IP3 activates BKCa channels and exerts a coronary artery-relaxing effect. [•] IP3 enhances the STOC via IP3 receptor. [•] IP3 stimulates the Macro-current by increasing the Ca2+ sensitivity of channels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A new medium, granular ceramic, has been developed for fluoride removal from water. Granular ceramic is a solid-phase medium that produces a stable Al–Fe surface complex for fluoride adsorption. BET, SEM, and EDS were used to characterize the physical attributes (particle size, pore size and distribution, surface roughness) of the granular ceramic. Fluoride adsorption characteristics were studied in a batch system with respect to changes in initial concentration of fluoride, pH of solution, and coexisting ions. Fluoride adsorption was found to be pH dependent and the maximum removal of fluoride was obtained at pH 5.0–8.0. equilibrium adsorption data were obtained at 293, 303, and 323K, and interpreted in terms of the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm equations. The experimental data revealed that the Freundlich isotherm equation gives a more satisfactory fit for fluoride removal. The adsorption process was observed to follow a pseudo-second-order kinetic model and intraparticle diffusion was indicated to play a major role in fluoride uptake. Fluoride adsorption was reduced in the presence of phosphate and sulfate ions and increased slightly in the presence of chloride and nitrate ions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: FGFR1, one of the four fibroblast growth factor receptors, has been found to be over-expressed in many cancers. In this study, a full-length expression plasmid for FGFR1 was obtained by fragment amplification. The amplified PCR product was then digested and inserted into the pcDNA3.1(+) vector. A recombinant eukaryotic expression vector containing the complete CDS region of FGFR1 was successfully constructed. After it was transfected to Hek293 cell, the expression of the FGFR1 receptor in recombinant Hek293/FGFR1 was 18 times higher than that of Hek293 cell. The biological activities of high expression FGFR1 cell (Hek293/FGFR1) were verified by FCM, immunofluorescent, RT-PCR, western blot and cell cycle analysis. Then, Hek293/FGFR1 was used to screen taspine with cell membrane chromatography (CMC). Finally, we analyzed the effects of taspine on Hek293/FGFR1 cell and MCF-7 cell. In conclusion, Hek293/FGFR1 was successfully constructed. The results demonstrate that taspine can down-regulate phosphorylation of FGFR1 and ERK, and inhibit Hek293/FGFR1 and MCF-7 cell proliferation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: MicroRNAs are important posttranscriptional regulators of gene expression in animals and plants. A sensitive and specific detection method is urgently needed for intensive studies on differential expression and regulatory roles of microRNA. Here we present a simple and reliable method for the quantification of microRNA. The hybridization products of target microRNA with capture probe and gold nanoparticle probe are immobilized onto the surface of a streptavidin-coated microplate, and the signal is amplified by silver enhancement. Distribution of miR-122a/miR-128 in mouse brain and liver tissue was detected by this method, and synthetic miRNA122a was quantified. This method allowed a lower detect limit of 10fM with a linear dynamic range from 10pM to 10fM and a high specificity to discriminate one single oligonucleotide mismatch of the target microRNA. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The current study examined the effect of long-term estradiol replacement in ovariectomized mice. Estradiol-17β (E2) pellets or vehicle pellets were implanted at the time of ovariectomy (OVX) in young adult female mice. Five mice from each group were sacrificed at 5, 14, 28 and 49 days after OVX and pellet replacement. Western blotting of homogenates from somatosensory cortex, hippocampus, olfactory bulb and cerebellum was performed to obtain concentrations of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), apolipoprotein E (apoE) and synaptophysin (SYN). At 5 days after OVX, GFAP levels were not affected by E2 replacement. In contrast to GFAP, synaptophysin and apoE concentrations were significantly elevated by 15% and 25%, respectively, in the E2-replaced group compared to the vehicle-replaced group at 5 days but by 14 days concentrations were equivalent. Late in the time course of this study, at 49 days, GFAP concentrations were higher in the E2-deprived mice but did not increase in the E2-replaced group. Immunocytochemistry for GFAP confirmed this observation. Of note was that these effects occurred in all four brain regions measured. These observations suggest that estradiol is able to suppress reactive gliosis. In addition, E2 replacement in OVX mice is associated with transiently higher levels of apoE and synaptophysin. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The interfacial dilational viscoelastic properties of hydrophobically associating block copolymer composed of acrylamide (AM) and a low amount of 2-phenoxylethyl acrylate (POEA) () at the octane–water interfaces were studied by means of the interfacial tension relaxation method. The dependencies of interfacial dilational elasticity and viscous component on the dilational frequency were investigated. The interaction of hydrophobically associating block copolymer [P(AM/POEA)] with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) has been explored. The results show that at lower frequency, the dilational elasticity for different concentration copolymer is close to zero; at higher frequency, the dilational elasticity shows no change with increased frequency; At moderate frequency (), the dilational elasticity decreased with a decrease in the dilational frequency. The results show that the hydrophobic groups of [P(AM/POEA)] chains can be associated by inter- or intrachain liaisons in water solution. The dilational viscous component for P(AM/POEA) comes forth a different maximum value at different frequencies when the polymer concentration is different. It is generally believed that the dilational viscous component reflects the summation of the various microscopic relaxation processes at and near the interface and different relaxation processes have different characteristic frequencies. The spectrum of dilational viscous component may appear more than once maximum values at different frequencies. The influence of SDS on the limiting dilational elasticity and viscous component for polymer solution was elucidated. For 5000 ppm polymer solution, the limiting dilational elasticity decreased with an increase in SDS concentration. The dilational viscous component passed through a maximum value with a rise in the dilational frequency, which appeared at different frequency when SDS concentration is different; and the higher is the concentration, the lower is the dilational frequency. It can be explained that macromolecules may be substituted by SDS molecules in the interface and the interaction of molecules decrease, which makes the limiting dilational elasticity decrease. For 200 ppm polymer solution, the limiting dilational elasticity increased firstly and then decreased with SDS concentration increasing. This may be explained that the interfacial polymer concentration is so low that SDS molecules absorbed in the interface dominate dilational properties of the interfacial film even at very low SDS concentration. However, SDS molecules can gradually substitute the polymer molecules in the interface with a rise in SDS concentration, which results in the decrease in the limiting dilational elasticity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Airway neutrophils are accumulated in asthma prior to eosinophils. • Macrophage-derived chemokines cause neutrophilia in the lungs. • Neutrophils mediate asthmatic airway inflammation exacerbation by releasing NE. • The specific inhibition of NE alleviates asthmatic airway inflammation. Neutrophils can regulate adaptive immune responses and contribute to chronic inflammation including asthma. However, the roles and mechanisms of neutrophils in initiating eosinophilic airway inflammation remain incompletely understood. Neutrophil elastase (NE) is a component of azurophilic granules and a serine protease with potent functions during inflammation. Here, we showed that neutrophils were early recruited at the onset of asthmatic inflammation by related chemokines. Furthermore, neutrophils could capture allergens and release NE to promote neutrophil aggregation at first. Then they prompt eosinophil infiltration and amplify type 2 immune responses in later phases. Also, this process can be rescued by administration of the NE inhibitor (GW311616). Our data collectively indicate that neutrophils could contribute to asthmatic inflammation by releasing NE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]