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[Display omitted] Construction of inorganic/organic heterostructures has been proven to be a very promising strategy to design highly efficient photocatalysts for solar driven hydrogen evolution from water. Herein, we report the preparation of a direct Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst by in situ growth of cadmium sulfide on a triazine-based covalent organic framework (COF). The triazine based-COF was synthesized by condensation reaction of precursors 1,3,5-tris-(4-formyl-phenyl) triazine (TFPT) and 2,5-bis-(3-hydroxypropoxy) terephthalohydrazide (DHTH), termed as TFPT-DHTH-COF. Widely distributed nitrogen atoms throughout TFPT-DHTH-COF skeletons serve as anchoring sites for strong interfacial interactions with CdS. The CdS/TFPT-DHTH-COF composite showed a hydrogen evolution rate of 15.75 mmol h−1 g−1, which is about 75 times higher than that of TFPT-DHTH-COF (0.21 mmol h−1 g−1) and 3.4 times higher than that of CdS (4.57 mmol h−1 g−1). With the properly staggered band alignment and strong interfacial interaction between TFPT-DHTH-COF and CdS, a Z-scheme charge transfer pathway is achieved. The mechanism has been systematically analyzed by steady state and time-resolved photoluminescence measurements as well as in situ irradiated X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A tri-layer sandwiched composite nonwoven membrane, composed of two electrospun PVA/Melamine layers and one ZIF-67@cellulose acetate composite nonwoven layer, for high power lithium-ion batteries. [Display omitted] • High-power and high-safety lithium-ion batteries composite membrane was developed. • ZIF-67 filler deposited on cellulose acetate fibers (Z 67 @CA) by in situ growth method. • Sandwich structure developed with electrospun poly(vinyl alcohol)/melamine nonwoven membranes (Esp-PVAM). • The Esp-PVAM/15%Z 67 @CA/Esp-PVAM membrane exhibited good capacity retention of 90.34% (1C) for 100 cycles. • The Esp-PVAM/15%Z 67 @CA/Esp-PVAM membrane has a good dendrite suppression and thermo-resistant properties. Due to the poor thermal stability of conventional separators, lithium-ion batteries require a suitable separator to maintain system safety for long-term cycling performance. It must have high porosity, superior electrolyte uptake ability, and good ion-conducting properties even at high temperatures. In this work, we demonstrate a novel composite membrane based on sandwiching of zeolitic imidazole frameworks-67 decorated cellulose acetate nanofibers (ZIF-67@CA) with electrospun poly(vinyl alcohol)/melamine (denoted as PVAM) nonwoven membranes. The as-prepared sandwich-type membranes are called PVAM/x%ZIF-67@CA/PVAM. The middle layer of composite membranes is primarily filled with different weight percentages of ZIF-67 nanoparticles (x = 5, 15, and 25 wt%), which both reduces the non-uniform porous structure of CA and increases its thermal stability. Therefore, our sandwich-type PVAM/x%ZIF-67@CA/PVAM membrane exhibits a higher thermal shrinkage effect at 200 °C than the commercial polyethylene (PE) separator. Due to its high electrolyte uptake (646.8%) and porosity (85.2%), PVAM/15%ZIF-67@CA/PVAM membrane achieved high ionic conductivity of 1.46 × 10-3 S cm−1 at 70 °C, as compared to the commercial PE separator (ca. 6.01 × 10-4 S cm−1 at 70 °C). Besides, the cell with PVAM/15%ZIF-67@CA/PVAM membrane shows an excellent discharge capacity of about 167.5 mAh g−1after 100 cycles at a 1C rate with a capacity retention of 90.3%. The ZIF-67 fillers in our sandwich-type composite membrane strongly attract anions (PF 6 -) through Lewis' acid-base interaction, allowing uniform Li+ ion transport and suppressing Li dendrites. As a result, we found that the PVAM/15%ZIF-67@CA/PVAM composite nonwoven membrane is applicable to high-power, high-safety lithium-ion battery systems that can be used in electric vehicles (EVs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A new palladium-catalyzed redox-neutral dicarbonylation of terminal alkynes has been reported. • Hydroxylamine acts as both a nucleophile and a potential oxidant. • Maleimides were synthesized in moderate yields under relatively mild conditions. • A new idea for oxidative carbonylation reactions. A palladium-catalyzed redox-neutral dicarbonylation of terminal alkynes has been reported, in which hydroxylamine acts as both a nucleophile and a potential oxidant. Maleimides were synthesized in moderate yields under relatively mild conditions while avoiding the addition of equivalent oxidants. This reaction process involves two key steps: the addition of Pd-H to the terminal alkyne, and the hydroxylamine ester intermediate play the role of an internal oxidant via nucleophilic attack by hydroxylamine. This reaction has a wide range of functional group compatibility, and this internal oxidation reaction process also provided a new idea for other oxidative carbonylation reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The terminology of bionanozyme was conceptualized. • Three Zn-heptapeptide bionanozymes with nanofibrous architecture were assembled. • Zn-heptapeptide bionanozymes exhibited favorable hydrolase-like activity towards p -nitrophenyl esters. • Zn-heptapeptide bionanozymes were applied for degradation of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). Nanozyme with intrinsic enzyme-like activity has emerged as favorite artificial catalyst during recent years. However, current nanozymes are mainly limited to inorganic-derived nanomaterials, while biomolecule-sourced nanozyme (bionanozyme) are rarely reported. Herein, inspired by the basic structure of natural hydrolase family, we constructed 3 oligopeptide-based bionanozymes with intrinsic hydrolase-like activity by implementing zinc induced self-assembly of histidine-rich heptapeptides. Under mild condition, divalent zinc (Zn2+) impelled the spontaneous assembly of short peptides (i.e. Ac-IHIHIQI-CONH 2 , Ac-IHIHIYI-CONH 2 , and Ac-IHVHLQI-CONH 2), forming hydrolase-mimicking bionanozymes with β -sheet secondary conformation and nanofibrous architecture. As expected, the resultant bionanozymes were able to hydrolyze a serious of p -nitrophenyl esters, including not only the simple substrate with short side-chain (p -NPA), but also more complicated ones (p -NPB, p -NPH, p -NPO, and p -NPS). Moreover, the self-assembled Zn-heptapeptide bionanozymes were also proven to be capable of degrading di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), a typical plasticizer, showing great potential for environmental remediation. Based on this study, we aim to provide theoretical references and exemplify a specific case for directing the construction and application of bionanozyme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum scovillei is a significant disease of pepper, including in postharvest stage. Bacillus species represent a potential microbial resource for controlling postharvest plant diseases. Here, a strain HG-8-2 was obtained and identified as Bacillus velezensis through morphological, biochemical, physiological, and molecular analyses. The culture filtrate showed highly antifungal activity against C. scovillei both in vitro and on pepper fruit. Crude lipopeptide extracts, which had excellent stability, could effectively inhibit mycelial growth of C. scovillei with an EC 50 value of 28.48 ± 1.45 μg mL−1 and inhibited conidial germination. Pretreatment with the extracts reduced the incidence and lesion size of postharvest anthracnose on pepper fruit. Analysis using propidium iodide staining, malondialdehyde content detection and scanning electron microscope observation suggested that the crude lipopeptide extracts harbored antifungal activity by damaging cell membranes and mycelial structures. The RNA-seq analysis conducted on C. scovillei samples treated with the extracts, as compared to untreated samples, revealed significant alterations in the expression of multiple genes involved in protein biosynthesis. Overall, these results demonstrated that B. velezensis HG-8-2 and its crude lipopeptide extracts exhibit highly antagonistic ability against C. scovillei , thereby offering an effective biological agent for the control of anthracnose in pepper fruit. [Display omitted] • An antagonistic strain HG-8-2 was isolated and identified as Bacillus velezensis. • HG-8-2 could effectively inhibit mycelial growth of C. scovillei. • Crude lipopeptide extracts affect membrane integrity of C. scovillei. • HG-8-2 can control anthracnose on pepper fruit caused by C. scovillei. • HG-8-2 changed transcriptome especially for protein biosynthesis of C. scovillei. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To compare the cost-effectiveness of tunneled peritoneal catheter (TPC) versus repeated large-volume paracentesis (LVP) for patients with recurrent ascites secondary to gynecological malignancy. A retrospective cohort study was performed at a single institution from 2016 through 2019 of patients with recurrent ascites from gynecologic malignancies that underwent either TPC or LVP. Data on procedural complications and hospital admissions were extracted. A cost-effectiveness analysis with Markov modeling was performed comparing TPC and LVP. Statistical analyses include base case calculation, Monte Carlo simulations and deterministic sensitivity analyses. There were no significant differences between the cohorts in the average number of hospital days (p = 0.21) or emergency department visits (p = 0.69) related to ascites. Palliative care was more often involved in the care of patients who had a TPC. The base case calculation showed TPC to be the more cost-effective strategy with a slightly lower health benefit (0.22980 versus 0.22982 QALY) and lower cost ($3043 versus $3868) relative to LVP (ICER of LVP compared to TPC: $44,863,103/QALY). Probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed TPC was the more cost-effective strategy in 8028/10,000 simulations. Deterministic sensitivity analysis showed TPC to be more cost-effective if its complication risk was >0.81% per 22 days or its procedural cost of TPC insertion was >$1997. When varying the cost of complications, TPC was more cost-effective if the cost of its complication was less than $49,202. TPC is the more cost-effective strategy when compared to LVP in patients with recurrent ascites from gynecological malignancy. • TPC achieved comparable outcomes as LVP in gynecologic malignant ascites, with more frequent palliative care. • TPC is more cost-effective than LVP, with similar health benefits but lower cost. • TPC is superior to LVP in multiple probabilistic and deterministic sensitivity analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first oxidative carbonylative coupling reaction of triarylbismuthines have been developed. The reaction proceeds through a cycle of trivalent and pentavalent bismuths in the presence of oxidant. The ArC(O)-BiV species formed by the insertion of CO proved as the key to reductive elimination progress. Intermolecular aryl exchange between bismuth reagents was also discovered. [Display omitted] • The first bismuth mediated oxidative carbonylative coupling has been studied. • A study on main group metal mediated carbonylation. • The involve of BiIII/BiV redox cycle is studied. The development of novel redox system is of great significance to the development of organic chemistry. Herein, BiIII/BiV involved redox intermediates has been developed for the oxidative carbonylative coupling of triarylbismuthines. Possible intermediates were prepared and studied. The ArC(O)-BiV species formed by CO insertion proved as the key to reductive elimination progress for the final products formation. Intermolecular aryl exchange between bismuth reagents was also discovered. A most possible reaction mechanism is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to narrow such gaps by applying nonlinear differential equations to biostability in drinking water. Biostability results from the integrated dynamics of nutrients and disinfectants. The linear dynamics of biostability have been well studied, while there remain knowledge gaps concerning nonlinear effects. The nonlinear effects are explained by phase plots for specific scenarios in a drinking water system, including continuous nutrient release, flush exchange with the adjacent environment, periodic pulse disinfection, and periodic biofilm development. The main conclusions are , (1) The correlations between the microbial community and nutrients go through phases of linear, nonlinear, and chaotic dynamics. Disinfection breaks the chaotic phase and returns the system to the linear phase, increasing the microbial growth potential. (2) Post-disinfection after multiple microbial peaks produced via metabolism can increase disinfection efficiency and decrease the risks associated with disinfectant byproduct risks. This can provide guidelines for optimizing the disinfection strategy, according to the long-term water safety target or a short management. Limited disinfection and ultimate disinfection may be more effective and have low chemical risk, facing longer stagnant conditions. (3) Periodic biofilm formation and biofilm detachment increase the possibility of uncertainty in the chaotic phase. For future study, nonlinear differential equation models can accordingly be applied at the molecular and ecological levels to further explore more nonlinear regulation mechanisms. [Display omitted] • The nonlinear regulations were applied through specific scenarios in the drinking water system. • It is suggested to convert the negative effects of stagnation into a biological treatment process. • Nonlinear models can be subsequently applied in molecular biology for mechanism exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A mild and efficient palladium-catalyzed carbonylation procedure toward the preparation of (fluoro)malonate derivatives has been developed. • Various (fluoro)malonate compounds were prepared in good to excellent yields with broad functional group tolerance. • The reaction can be scaled-up and performed under atmospheric pressure. Traditional procedures toward 2-fluoromalonates tend to meet overfluorination. Herein, we describe a mild and efficient palladium-catalyzed carbonylative strategy for the synthesis of dialkyl 2-fluoromalonate derivatives avoided the mentioned challenges. By this new procedure, a range of malonates and difluoromalonate derivatives were prepared with good functional-group tolerance and excellent chemoselectivity. This procedure can also be applied in the late-stage carbonylation of various bioactive molecules. Furthermore, a low-pressure experiment and two scale-up reactions were performed smoothly in good to excellent yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scene knowledge plays an important role in visual analysis. For the task of action recognition, human activities often occur in specific scenes. However, it should be emphasised that the association between actions and scenes is very complex. Simplistic attempts to improve the effectiveness of action recognition by intensifying or suppressing the scene knowledge are unwise. In this article, we tackle this problem by proposing a new action recognition framework based on the Scene Adaptive Mechanism. Specifically, with the Scene Knowledge Modulation module, we can control the feature extractors to either suppress or intensify scene knowledge. And then, through an Adaptive Fusion Layer, the role of scene information in different visual feature sequences can thus be dynamically regulated and fused. The resulting model is abbreviated as SAM-Net. Our method serves as a pluggable module, capable of integration into other backbones to further enhance their performance. We perform extensive experiments on three large datasets: Something-Something V1&V2 and Kinetics-400. The quantitative and qualitative experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of SAM-Net, with a great improvement in performance compared to the baseline methods. • Scene Knowledge Modulation mechanism to control the impact of scene knowledge. • An Adaptive Fusion Layer is utilised to achieve dynamic fusion of features. • Results validate our innovations and outperform multiple mainstream methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Machine learning algorithms are expected to work side-by-side with humans in decision-making pipelines. Thus, the ability of classifiers to make reliable decisions is of paramount importance. Deep neural networks (DNNs) represent the state-of-the-art models to address real-world classification. Although the strength of activation in DNNs is often correlated with the network's confidence, in-depth analyses are needed to establish whether they are well calibrated. In this paper, we demonstrate the use of DNN-based classification tools to benefit cancer registries by automating information extraction of disease at diagnosis and at surgery from electronic text pathology reports from the US National Cancer Institute (NCI) Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) population-based cancer registries. In particular, we introduce multiple methods for selective classification to achieve a target level of accuracy on multiple classification tasks while minimizing the rejection amount—that is, the number of electronic pathology reports for which the model's predictions are unreliable. We evaluate the proposed methods by comparing our approach with the current in-house deep learning-based abstaining classifier. Overall, all the proposed selective classification methods effectively allow for achieving the targeted level of accuracy or higher in a trade-off analysis aimed to minimize the rejection rate. On in-distribution validation and holdout test data, with all the proposed methods, we achieve on all tasks the required target level of accuracy with a lower rejection rate than the deep abstaining classifier (DAC). Interpreting the results for the out-of-distribution test data is more complex; nevertheless, in this case as well, the rejection rate from the best among the proposed methods achieving 97% accuracy or higher is lower than the rejection rate based on the DAC. We show that although both approaches can flag those samples that should be manually reviewed and labeled by human annotators, the newly proposed methods retain a larger fraction and do so without retraining—thus offering a reduced computational cost compared with the in-house deep learning-based abstaining classifier. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MicroRNAs (miRNA) are believed to play a crucial role in the cause and treatment of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) by controlling gene expression in different stages of the disease. To investigate role of miRNA in the latent stage following status epilepticus, we first compared microRNA expression profiles in mice hippocampus at 1 week after pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus (SE) vs. controls in hippocampal tissues using Exiqon miRCURY LNA™ miRNAs Array. Then, the target genes of altered miRNAs were predicted using both TargetScan 7.1 and miRDB V5, and were further selected by intersecting with another independent mRNA expression profile dataset from the samples at the same time point. We found out 14 common genes as down miRNA target (up-mRNA) and 4 common genes as up miRNA target (down mRNA) in SE mice. miR-669m-3p-TRHR (thyrotropin releasing hormone receptor), miR-669m-3p-B3galt2 (β-1,3-Galactosyltransferase 2), miR-105-PDPN (Podoplanin) and miR-883b-3p-CLEC-2 (C-type-lectin-like-2) were found to be potential molecular mechanisms to modulate the calcium signaling pathway, glycosylation pathways and chemokine mediated inflammatory processes in mice hippocampus at 1 week after pilocarpine-induced SE, respectively. Our results offered potential novel insights into the cellular events in the mice hippocampus mediated by miRNASs-target genes that shape SE-evoked epileptogenesis. • At 1 w after pilocarpine-induced SE, 1 up-regulated miRNA and 8 down-regulated miRNAs were identified in the mice hippocampus. • 4 genes were selected as up miRNA target and 14 genes were selected as down miRNA target respectively. • miR-669m-3p-TRHR, miR-669m-3p-B3galt2 and miR-105-PDPN may be involved in SE-evoked epileptogenesis [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A new palladium-catalyzed carbonylative procedure for α,β-unsaturated amides synthesis. • Good to excellent yields of amides were prepared from aryl azides. • Aalkenylaluminum reagents are studied in carbonylation. • Addition of organometallic reagent to isocyanates for α,β-unsaturated amides synthesis. In this work, an interesting procedure for the synthesis of α,β-unsaturated amides from aryl azides and alkenylaluminum reagent has been developed. With palladium as the catalyst and XPhos as the ligand under carbon monoxide pressure, the desired α,β-unsaturated amides were isolated in good to excellent yields with good functional group tolerance. Remarkably, this procedure also represents an example on addition of organometallic reagent to isocyanates for α,β-unsaturated amides synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Streptococcus agalactiae is a major aquaculture pathogen infecting various saltwater and freshwater fish. To better understand the mechanism of the immune responses to S. agalactiae in wildtype zebrafish, the transcriptomic profiles of two organs containing mucosal-associated lymphoid tissues from S. agalactiae- infected and non-infected groups were obtained using RNA-seq techniques. In the intestines, 6735 and 12908 differently expressed genes (DEGs) were identified at 24 hpi and 48 hpi, respectively. Among 66 and 116 significantly enriched pathways, 15 and 21 pathways were involved in immune system or signal transduction at 24 hpi and 48 hpi, respectively. A number of genes involved in Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, RIG-I-like receptor signaling pathway, NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, T cell receptor signaling pathway, B cell receptor signaling pathway, Antigen processing and presentation, NF-kappa B signaling pathway and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway were significantly downregulated. In the skins, 3113 and 4467 DEGs were identified at 24 hpi and 48 hpi, respectively. Among 24 and 56 significantly enriched pathways, 4 and 13 pathways were involved in immune system or signal transduction at 24 hpi and 48 hpi, respectively. More immune-related signaling pathways including Leukocyte transendothelial migration, Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, IL-17 signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, Complement and coagulation cascades, Hematopoietic cell lineage and Jak-STAT signaling pathway were differently enriched for upregulated DEGs at 48 hpi, which were completely different from that in the intestines. Furthmore, comparative transcriptome analysis revealed that the downregulated 1618 genes and upregulated 1622 genes existed both at 24 hpi and 48 hpi for the intestine samples. In the skins, the downregulated 672 genes and upregulated 428 genes existed both at 24 hpi and 48 hpi. Three pathways related to immune processes were significantly enriched for downregulated DEGs both in the intestines and skins collected at 24 hpi and 48 hpi, which included Antigen processing and presentation, Intestinal immune network for IgA production and Hematopoietic cell lineage. Interaction network analysis of DEGs identified the main DEGs in the sub-network of complement and coagulation cascades both in the intestines and skins. Twenty of DEGs involved in complement and coagulation cascades were further validated by Real-time quantitative PCR. Altogether, the results obtained in this study will provide insight into the immune response of zebrafish against S. agalactiae XQ-1 infection in fatal conditions, and reveal the discrepant expression pattern of complement and coagulation cascades in the intestines and skins. • Intraperitoneal injections of S. agalactiae XQ-1 strain caused zebrafish mortality. • S. agalactiae XQ-1 infection suppressed the innate and adaptive immune responses of host in fatal conditions. • The expression changes in complement and coagulation cascades in intestine were different from that in skin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• H 2 and O 2 were produced at separate times in water-organic solvent systems. • H 4 SiW 12 O 40 was an efficient electron-coupled-proton buffer in the present systems. • Organic solvents could regulate the redox property of silicotungstic acid in water. • A high yield of hydrogen (∼85%) was obtained in a water-ethanol system (V/V = 1:1). • Semihydrogenation of organic compounds could be achieved under mild conditions. H 2 and O 2 were produced at separate times from water electrolysis by using silicotungstic acid as an electron-coupled-proton buffer. It was found that the redox property of silicotungstic acid in water could be regulate by the introduction of organic solvents (acetonitrile, DMF and ethanol). The redox wave of silicotungstic acid at ∼0.02 V vs. RHE moved in the negative direction, which was good for the production of hydrogen. A high yield of hydrogen (∼85%) was obtained in a water-ethanol system (V/V = 1:1), which was higher than that in water (∼45%). And the introduction of ethanol didn't affect the rate of hydrogen evolution. Moreover, the semihydrogenation of organic compounds could be achieved in the present system under mild conditions. The conversion of phenylacetylene and acetophenone are 97% and 80% under optimum reaction conditions, while the selectivity of styrene and 1-phenylethanol are 80% and 82%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Semiconductor photocatalysis has long been considered as a promising approach for remediation of polluted water. However, the high recombination rate of electrons and holes, as well as a low reaction rate, have impeded its large-scale applications. Therefore, it is of great importance to develop appropriate photocatalysts for promoting its practical application. In this study, a novel TiO 2 /SiO 2 /carbon electrospun nanofiber mat (TSC NFM) with flexibility and porous hierarchy has been successfully designed and fabricated by a facile method of electrospinning and carbonization. Characterization results show that the TSC NFM consists of closely-packed and well-distributed anatase (TiO 2) nanocrystals, amorphous SiO 2 nanoparticles, and carbon with interconnected meso - and macro -pores. The photocatalytic performance of the TSC NFM was evaluated by degrading rhodamine B and 4-nitrophenol in batch systems. The results show that TSC NFM exhibits a higher photocatalytic activity than TiO 2 /SiO 2 nanofiber mat, which does not contain carbon. The enhanced performance of the TSC NFM can be attributed to the improved adsorption capacity toward the organic pollutants due to the presence of carbon and to the enhanced interfacial charge separation between TiO 2 nanoparticles and carbon. Besides, the as-prepared TSC NFM displays good stability and reusability. Notably, the flexible TSC NFM can be used in a continuous-flow reactor to efficiently treat wastewater. Our work provides new insights into the fabrication of carbon-based inorganic nanofiber mats, which have great potential in water treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A new procedure for the synthesis of α -amino acid derivatives has been developed. • Carbonylation of α -aminoalkyl radical has been achieved. • A variety of various α-amino acid derivatives were prepared in good yields with very good substrate tolerance. α -Amino acid derivatives are indispensable motifs in various areas. Herein, we developed an unprecedented and general α -aminoalkyl carbonylation protocol that activates a variety of inert C–H bonds as native functional handles toward the direct synthesis of various α-amino acid derivatives. The key to the success of this mode is the installation of an appropriate electron-withdrawing group which can modulate the nucleophilicity of the α -aminoalkyl radical and provides a matching polarity for the subsequent carbonylation process. This catalytic strategy features a remarkably broad substrate scope and excellent tolerance of sensitive functional groups, offering general and practical access to α -amino acid derivatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sprouting of mossy fibers, one of the most consistent findings in tissue from patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy, exhibits several uncommon axonal growth features and has been considered a paradigmatic example of circuit plasticity that occurs in the adult brain. Clarifying the mechanisms responsible may provide new insight into epileptogenesis as well as axon misguidance in the central nervous system. Methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2) binds to methylated genomic DNA to regulate a range of physiological functions implicated in neuronal development and adult synaptic plasticity. However, exploring the potential role of MeCP2 in the documented misguidance of axons in the dentate gyrus has not yet been attempted. In this study, a status epilepticus-induced decrease of neuronal MeCP2 was observed in the dentate gyrus (DG). An essential regulatory role of MeCP2 in the development of functional mossy fiber sprouting (MFS) was confirmed through stereotaxic injection of a recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) to up- or down-regulate MeCP2 in the dentate neurons. Chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) was performed to identify the binding profile of native MeCP2 using micro-dissected dentate tissues. In both dentate tissues and HT22 cell lines, we demonstrated that MeCP2 could act as a transcription repressor on miR-682 with the involvement of the DNA methylation mechanism. Further, we found that miR-682 could bind to mRNA of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) in a sequence specific manner, thus leading to the suppression of PTEN and excessive activation of mTOR. This study therefore presents a novel epigenetic mechanism by identifying MeCP2/miR-682/PTEN/mTOR as an essential signal pathway in regulating the formation of MFS in the temporal lobe epileptic (TLE) mice. Understanding the mechanisms that regulate axon guidance is important for a better comprehension of neural disorders. Sprouting of mossy fibers, one of the most consistent findings in patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy, has been considered a paradigmatic example of circuit plasticity in the adult brain. Although abnormal regulation of DNA methylation has been observed in both experimental rodents and humans with epilepsy, the potential role of DNA methylation in this well-documented example of sprouting of dentate axon remains elusive. This study demonstrates an essential role of methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 in the formation of mossy fiber sprouting. The underlying signal pathway has been also identified. The data hence provide new insight into epileptogenesis as well as axon misguidance in the central nervous system. • The expression of MeCP2 decreases in the dentate gyrus after status epilepticus. • MeCP2 plays an essential role in the development of Mossy Fiber Sprouting. • MeCP2/miR-682/PTEN serves as an epigenetic mechanism regulating Mossy Fiber Sprouting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influences of different infrared drying conditions on drying kinetics, bioactive compounds and flavor of Cordyceps militaris were evaluated. The results indicated that as the drying temperature and air velocity increased, the total drying time and final water activity of Cordyceps militaris were reduced. Drying at 50, 60 and 70 °C reduced 30, 40 and 60% of the drying time compared to that of 40 °C, respectively. However, the glass transition temperature showed the opposite trend. Namely, a higher drying temperature favors the storage of dry products. Drying at 40 °C is beneficial to the retention of color and volatile compounds. For non-volatile flavor, relatively high drying temperature was more effective in reducing bitterness and bitter aftertaste. The best condition to retain the adenosine, cordycepin, total phenolics, and nutrients (Cu, Fe, Zn and Mn) in Cordyceps militaris is drying at a flow rate of 1 m s−1 at 60 °C. • Drying at 50, 60 and 70 °C reduced 30, 40 and 60% of the drying time compared to that of 40 °C. • A higher drying temperature and air velocity favors the storage of the dried product. • Drying at 40 °C is beneficial to the retention of color quality index and volatile compounds. • The optimal condition to retain the bioactive components and nutrients is drying at 60 °C and 1 m s−1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aerobic granular sludge (AGS), which is formed by closely associating microorganisms through the production of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), has proved to be an excellent and promising biosorbent. The reutilization of excess AGS as a kind of biosorbent would be an environmental-friendly means for heavy metal removal and reutilization of excess AGS. In this study, short-term exposure experiments were conducted to determine whether salinity (NaCl concentration ranged from 0 to 50 g/L) caused positive effects on Zn2+ adsorption performance by AGS. The results showed that the AGS formed in response to a 30 g/L saline treatment exhibited the best adsorption performance. Compared with the control (salinity of 0 g/L), the adsorptive capacity at equilibrium increased by 19.90% and reached 29.76 mg/g. The calculated maximum adsorption capacity in 30 g/L saline treatment group was 73.94 mg/g which was higher than described in previous studies using biochar, clarified sludge and aerobic granules. Analysis of EPS components suggested the enhanced adsorption of AGS might be ascribed to increasing polysaccharides content in the EPS after saline treatments. Additionally, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results indicated hydroxyl groups of EPS played an important role in Zn2+ binding. These findings provide further insight into the application of AGS for heavy metal adsorption. • Short-term saline treatments were conducted to enhance Zn2+ adsorption onto aerobic granular sludge. • Enhanced adsorption of Zn2+ by salinity-aided aerobic granular sludge might be ascribed to increasing polysaccharides content in EPS after saline treatment. • Hydroxyl groups of EPS played an important role in binding with Zn2+. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Heavy metal pollution of agricultural soils is an important issue around the world. To understand the overall pollution process, accurate determination of every input and output pathway of heavy metals to and from soils is essential. Hence, input and output inventory, a quantitative analysis method of heavy metals balance in agricultural soils, has been widely used. However, due to differences in geography, climate, socioeconomic factors, industrial and agricultural production, substantial variation exists among existing input and output inventories for different countries and regions. In this study, we systematically analyzed these differences and the findings will improve the compilation of inventories worldwide. Highlights • Input and output inventory is an effective method for evaluating heavy metal accumulation in soil. • Great differences were observed in input and output inventories among different countries/regions. • Atmospheric deposition is the predominant pathway of heavy metal input to soil in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Orosomucoid like-3 (ORMDL3) has been identified to be associated with the development of asthma according to previous studies. However, the definite role of ORMDL3 in the pathogenesis of asthma remains unclear. In this study, we found ORMDL3 was highly expressed in PBMC specimens from childhood asthma patients. Cytokines production and p-ERK/MMP-9 pathway expression was also increased in childhood asthma patients compared with controls. In addition, ORMDL3 overexpression induced IL-6 and IL-8 release and activated p-ERK/MMP-9 pathway in vitro. Increased ORMDL3 expression was observed after treated with 5-Aza-CdR. 5-Aza-CdR decreased the percentage of the CpG island in the ORMDL3 promoter region and increased its promoter activity. In addition, 5-Aza-CdR significantly increased IL-6 and IL-8 levels in NHBE cells while there was no obvious alteration after knocking down ORMDL3. Knockdown of ORMDL3 also significantly decreased the expression of p-ERK/MMP-9 pathway in the presence or absence of 5-Aza-CdR. In conclusion, our study provided novel evidence for the association between ORMDL3 and asthma-associated cytokines. Moreover, DNA methylation plays an important role in ORMDL3-mediated increased IL-6 and IL-8 levels and p-ERK/MMP-9 pathway expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Dancers exhibited wide and strong neural similarities when watching dancing videos. • Neural similarities in the motor-control circuit correlated with dancer information. • Neural similarities in the left globus pallidus increased with cooperation duration. • Neural similarities in memory-related areas reflected impressions of viewed videos. • Synchronized neural activities were observed in dancers due to long-term training. Long-term dance training offers numerous benefits, including improvements in physical health, posture, body coordination, and mental health and well-being. Since dance is an art form of body-to-body communication, professional dancers may share feelings and thoughts on dance with their partners, owing to their shared training experiences. Considering this perspective, one may expect that professional dancers would demonstrate pronounced neural similarities when viewing dancing videos, which could be associated with their training duration. To test these hypotheses, we collected functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data while presenting ballroom dancing and neutral video clips with long durations (∼100 s each) to 41 professional ballroom dancers (19 pairs of dance partners) and 39 age- and sex-matched nondancers. Our findings revealed that dancers exhibited broader and stronger neural similarities across the whole brain when watching dancing video clips, as compared to the control group. These increased neural similarities could be interpreted in at least two distinct ways. First, neural similarities in certain brain regions within the motor control circuit (i.e., frontal cortical-basal ganglia-thalamic circuit) were significantly correlated with dance-related information (e.g., dance partners' cooperation duration), which reinforced the impact of long-term dance training on neural synchronization. Second, neural similarities in other brain regions (e.g., memory-related brain regions) were significantly correlated with subjects' impression of the viewed videos (i.e., whether they have watched before, familiarity, and liking), which may not necessarily be directly linked to long-term dance training. Altogether, our study provided solid evidence for synchronized neural mechanisms in professional dancers due to long-term dance training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose has long been considered a major cause of drug-induced liver injury. Ferroptosis is a type of programmed cell death mediated by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is a systemic response triggered by the accumulation of unfolded or misfolded proteins in the ER. Ferroptosis and ER stress have been proven to contribute to the progression of APAP-induced acute liver injury (ALI). It was reported that salidroside protects against APAP-induced ALI, but the potential mechanism remain unknown. In this study, male C57BL/6 J mice were intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected APAP (500 mg/kg) to induce an ALI model. Salidroside was i.p. injected at a dose of 100 mg/kg 2 h prior to APAP administration. Mice were sacrificed 12 h after APAP injection and the liver and serum of the mice were obtained for histological and biochemistry analysis. AML12 cells were used in in vitro assays. The results indicated that salidroside mitigated glutathione degradation via inhibiting cation transport regulator homolog 1 (CHAC1) to attenuate ferroptosis, and simultaneously suppressing PERK-eIF2α-ATF4 axis-mediated ER stress, thus alleviating APAP-induced ALI. However, PERK activator CCT020312 and overexpression of ATF4 inhibited the protective function of salidroside on CHAC1-mediated ferroptosis. Besides this, activation of the AMPK/SIRT1 signaling pathway by salidroside was demonstrated to have a protective effect against APAP-induced ALI. Interestingly, selective inhibition of SIRT1 ameliorated the protective effects of salidroside on ER stress and ferroptosis. Overall, salidroside plays a significant part in the mitigation of APAP-induced ALI by activating the AMPK/SIRT1 signaling to inhibit ER stress-mediated ferroptosis in the ATF4-CHAC1 axis. • CHAC1-targeted degradation of GSH-mediated ferroptosis promotes acetaminophen (APAP)-induced acute liver injury (ALI). • Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-mediated ferroptosis in the ATF4-CHAC1 axis facilitates APAP-induced ALI. • AMPK/SIRT1 alleviates ferroptosis by inhibiting the PERK-eIF2α-ATF4 axis of ER stress in APAP-induced ALI. • Salidroside activates the AMPK/SIRT1 pathway to inhibit ER stress-mediated ferroptosis, ameliorating APAP-induced ALI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two ternary lanthanide complexes [Ln(2-Br-5-MOBA) 3 (5,5′-DM-2,2′-DIPY)] 2 (Ln = Sm(1), Eu(2); 2-Br-5-MOBA = 2-bromo-5-methoxybenzoate; 5,5′-DM-2,2′-DIPY = 5,5′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine) with 2-bromo-5-methoxybenzoic acid and 5,5′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine have been synthesized and characterized. The Single-crystal X-ray diffraction date show that complexes 1 and 2 are isostructural in the triclinic system, space group P 1 ¯ . Infrared spectra (IR) and X-ray powder diffraction (PXRD) further confirm that complexes 1 and 2 are isostructural. The basic structural unit forms a 1D chain through the weak C H⋯Br hydrogen bond interaction along the b-axis, and forms a 2D sheet through the π–π stacking interactions along the a-axis. The 2D sheets are further interconnected by the C H⋯O hydrogen bond interaction to assembled into a 3D supramolecular network along the c-axis. In addition, the simultaneous thermal analysis (TG, DTG and DSC) of the complexes and the FTIR spectra of the escaped gas were measured. The heat capacities of the complexes were determined by DSC in the temperature region of 258.15–393.15 K. Furthermore, the luminescence spectrum of the complexes 1 and 2 and luminescence lifetime of complex 2 were also measured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under investigation in this paper is a discrete (2+1)-dimensional Ablowitz-Ladik equation, which is used to model the nonlinear waves in the nonlinear optics and Bose-Einstein condensation. Employing the Kadomtsev-Petviashvili hierarchy reduction, we obtain the rogue wave solutions in terms of the Gramian. We graphically study the first-, second- and third-order rogue waves with the influence of the focusing coefficient and coupling strength. When the value of the focusing coefficient increases, both the peak of the rogue wave and background decrease. When the value of the coupling strength increases, the rogue wave raises and decays in a shorter time. High-order rogue waves are exhibited as one single highest peak and some lower humps, and such lower humps are shown as the triangular and circular patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fomesafen, a widely adopted residual herbicide, is used throughout the soybean region of northern China for the spring planting. However, the ecological risks of using fomesafen in soil remain unknown. The aim of this work was to evaluate the impact of fomesafen on the microbial community structure of soil using laboratory and field experiments. Under laboratory conditions, the application of fomesafen at concentrations of 3.75 and 37.5 mg/kg decreased the basal respiration (R B ) and microbial biomass carbon (MBC). In contrast, treatment with 375 mg/kg of fomesafen resulted in a significant decrease in the R B , MBC, abundance of both Gram+ and Gram− bacteria, and fungal biomass. Analysis of variance showed that the treatment accounted for most of the variance (38.3%) observed in the soil microbial communities. Furthermore, the field experiment showed that long-term fomesafen application in continuously cropped soybean fields affected the soil bacterial community composition by increasing the relative average abundance of Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria species and decreasing the abundance of Verrucomicrobia species. In addition, Acidobacteria and Chloroflexi species showed a pattern of activation-inhibition. Taken together, our results suggest that the application of fomesafen can affect the community structure of soil bacteria in the spring planting soybean region of northern China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two novel lanthanide complexes with the general formula [Ln(2-Br-5-MOBA) 3 (2,2′-DIPY)] 2 (Ln = Pr(1), Dy(2); 2-Br-5-MOBA = 2-bromine-5-methoxybenzoate; 2,2′-DIPY = 2,2′-bipyridine) have been successfully synthesized and characterized. The complexes 1 and 2 are isostructural and nine-coordinated with distorted monocapped square antiprismatic coordination geometry by the single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Two complexes are all assembled into the 1D, 2D, 3D supramolecular structures by C H⋯O hydrogen bonding and π–π stacking interactions. The thermal decomposition mechanism for title complexes were obtained by TG/DSC-FTIR technology. The molar heat capacities of the complexes 1 and 2 are measured by a DSC instrument over the temperature range from 263.15 K to 365.15 K. On the basis of the fitted polynomial and thermodynamic equations, the smoothed values of heat capacities and thermodynamic functions ( H T - H 298.15K ), and ( S T - S 298.15K ) of the two complexes are calculated. In addition, the fluorescence spectra indicate that the complex 2 exhibits the characteristic emission of Dy(III) ion ( 4 F 9/2 → 6 H 13/2–15/2 ). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By tuning metal ions and combining with different dicarboxylates, four new semi-rigid thiophene-bis-pyridyl-bis-amide-based coordination polymers, namely, [Zn(3-bptpa)(1,3-BDC)]·DMA·2H 2 O ( 1 ), [Zn(3-bptpa)(5-MIP)] ( 2 ), [Cd(3-bptpa)(1,3-BDC)]·2H 2 O ( 3 ) and [Cd(3-bptpa)(5-MIP)]·4H 2 O ( 4 ) (3-bptpa= N,N′ -bis(pyridine-3-yl)thiophene-2,5-dicarboxamide, 1,3-H 2 BDC=1,3-benzenedicarboxylic acid, 5-H 2 MIP=5-methylisophthalic acid, DMA= N,N -dimethylacetamide), were solvothermally/hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses, IR spectra, UV–vis diffuse-reflectance spectra (DRS), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and thermal gravimetric analyses (TG). The structural analysis reveals that Zn-complexes 1 and 2 are similar 2D networks. While Cd-complexes 3 and 4 exhibit similar 2-fold interpenetrating 3D α -Po frameworks with the (4 12 ·6 3 ) topology. The photocatalytic properties for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) under ultraviolet light irradiation of the title complexes have been investigated in detail. Furthermore, the luminescent sensing behaviors for metal cations of 1–4 have been studied, the results indicate that 3 is an excellent fluorescent probe, with high sensitivity, selectivity, and simple regeneration, for environmentally relevant Fe 3+ ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under investigation in this paper is a set of the (2 + 1)-dimensional coupled nonlinear Schrödinger equations, which describes the propagation of an optical beam inside a (2 + 1)-dimensional graded-index waveguide with the polarization effects. Employing the Hirota method and symbolic computation, we obtain the dark one-, two- and N -soliton solutions under the variable-coefficient constraints. Bäcklund transformation and the corresponding soliton solutions are derived. We graphically study the dark solitons with the influence of the profile function and nonlinearity coefficient. Parallel and period solitons are observed. Amplitudes of the dark solitons increase with the profile function increasing; When the profile function is a periodic function, amplitudes of the dark solitons change periodically. Decrease of the nonlinearity coefficient leads to the larger solitons' velocities, but does not affect the solitons' amplitudes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing application of carbon nanomaterials has resulted in their inevitable release into the environment. Their toxic effects on plant roots require careful investigation. In the present study, alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) was exposed to graphene oxide (GO) at levels of 0.2 %, 0.4 %, and 0.6 % (w/w) in potting soil. This study aims to better understand the impact of GO on the root growth, structure, and physiology of alfalfa in the soil matrix. The results demonstrated that GO significantly affected the development and structure of alfalfa roots, and the effect varied with GO level. The highest level of GO (0.6 %) reduced the root length, diameter, volume, dry weight, number of lateral roots, and root activity by 36.1 %, 31.3 %, 60.0 %, 89.6 %, 55.8 %, and 72.3 % (p < 0.05), respectively, and the vascular cylinder diameter, periderm thickness, vessel diameter, and phellem thickness decreased by 51.5 %, 50.7 %, 80.9 %, and 49.1 % (p < 0.05), respectively. These observations might be associated with GO-induced oxidative stress, which was indicated by the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Furthermore, high GO levels (0.4 % and 0.6 %) inhibited the uptake of N, P, K, Mg, Zn, Fe, Mo, Si, and B in roots. Our findings indicate that GO at high levels has a negative impact on root growth and development by inducing oxidative stress, structural impairment, and nutritional imbalance. Careful soil GO management should be emphasized. [Display omitted] • GO changes root anatomy and inhibits root growth and development. • GO induces oxidative stress in alfalfa roots. • High concentrations of GO hinder nutrient uptake by alfalfa roots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The temporal variations of sea surface chlorophyll- a concentration off the Yellow River Mouth were investigated using SeaWiFS and MODIS data over the period of 1997–2012. And the complex interplay of different dominant factors (e.g. river inputs and coastal dynamics) on the phytoplankton dynamics in different seasons was discussed. High concentration of nutrients from the Yellow River inputs plays a significant role in sustaining phytoplankton growth. Approximately 59% of the interannual variations of the chlorophyll- a concentration off the Yellow River Mouth were attributed to river inputs (water discharge, sediment load and median grain size of sediment particles). On seasonal time scale, the Yellow River discharge of water and nutrients is a major factor that influences the increased chlorophyll- a concentration from August to October (summer and autumn). From February to May, the stronger winds and enhanced wave actions resuspend and vertically mix the previously deposited riverine sediment and the associated nutrient, thus possibly contributing to higher chlorophyll- a concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the combination of synchronous satellite and in-situ observations, we here, for the first time, provide the compelling evidence of bio-physical response of coastal environment in the Bohai Sea (China) to the passage of Typhoon Meari over the northern Yellow Sea on June 26, 2011. Strong sustained winds induced a tongue-like intrusion of cool water from the northern Yellow Sea into the Bohai Sea, resulting in significant surface cooling and an anomalous increase in sea surface height along the coast of the western Bohai Sea. This, in return, produced downwelling and transport of the warm and nutrient-rich coastal water from the western coast to the central Bohai Sea, as driven by the barotropic pressure gradient force. In-situ observational data confirmed the cooling of both surface and bottom layers with salinity increase; however, the measured temperature increase by 2–3 °C, concomitant salinity decrease by 0.3 PSU and two-fold increase in chlorophyll- a in the middle layers suggested an influence from coastal downwelling. Ekman transport and typhoon-enhanced mixing redistributed the nutrients and thus resulted in higher chlorophyll- a concentrations in the upper layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ongoing global pandemic of novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) caused by the SARS-CoV-2 has a significant impact on global health and economy system. In this context, there have been some landmark advances in vaccine development. Over 100 new coronavirus vaccine candidates have been approved for clinical trials, with ten WHO-approved vaccines including four inactivated virus vaccines, two mRNA vaccines, three recombinant viral vectored vaccines and one protein subunit vaccine on the "Emergency Use Listing". Although the SARS-CoV-2 has an internal proofreading mechanism, there have been a number of mutations emerged in the pandemic affecting its transmissibility, pathogenicity and immunogenicity. Of these, mutations in the spike (S) protein and the resultant mutant variants have posed new challenges for vaccine development and application. In this review article, we present an overview of vaccine development, the prevalence of new coronavirus variants and their impact on protective efficacy of existing vaccines and possible immunization strategies coping with the viral mutation and diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liver fibrosis refers to a reversible wound healing process response to chronic liver injuries. Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is closely correlated with the development of liver fibrosis. Histone deacetylases(HDACs) determine the acetylation levels of core histones to modulate expression of genes. To demonstrate the link between HDACs and liver fibrosis, CCl4-induced mouse liver fibrosis model and its spontaneous reversal model were established. Results of the current study demonstrated that deregulation of liver HDACs may involved in the development of liver fibrosis. Among 11 HDACs tested in our study (Class I, II, and IV HDACs), expression of HDAC2 was maximally increased in CCl4-induced fibrotic livers but decreased after spontaneous recovery. Moreover, expression of HDAC2 was elevated in human liver fibrotic tissues. In this regard, the potential role of HDAC2 in liver fibrosis was further evaluated. Our results showed that administration of HSC-T6 cells with transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1) resulted in an increase of HDAC2 protein expression in dose- and time-dependent manners. Moreover, HDAC2 deficiency inhibited HSC-T6 cell proliferation and activation induced by TGF-β1. More importantly, the present study showed HDAC2 may regulate HSCs activation by suppressing expression of Smad7, which is a negative modulator in HSCs activation and liver fibrosis. Collectively, these observations revealed that HDAC2 may play a pivotal role in HSCs activation and liver fibrosis while deregulation of HDACs may serve as a novel mechanism underlying liver fibrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Transducin-Like Enhancer of Split protein 4 (TLE4) has been reported to be involved in some subsets of acute myeloid leukemia and colorectal cancer. In the present study, we aimed to explore the role of TLE4 in tumorigenesis and cancer progression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods The expression pattern of TLE4 in HCC was determined by Western-blot and qRT-PCR, gain-of-function and loss-of-function was used to explore the biological role of TLE4 in HCC cells. A xenograft model was established to confirm its effects on proliferation. Results The protein expression levels of TLE4 were significantly down-regulated in HCC tissues compared to matched adjacent normal liver tissues. In vitro , down-regulation of TLE4 in Huh7 or SMMC-7721 promoted cell proliferation and ectopical expression of TLE4 in Hep3B or Bel-7404 suppressed cell proliferation. In addition, the cell colony formation ability was enhanced after down-regulation of TLE4 expression in Huh-7 but suppressed after over-expression in Hep3B. Furthermore, down-regulation of TLE4 increased the cell invasion ability, as well as increased the expression level of Vimentin and decreased that of E-cadherin, indicating a phenotype of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in HCC cells. On the contrary, ectopical expression of TLE4 in HCC cells decreased the cell invasion ability and inhibited EMT. In vivo , compared to control group, xenograft tumor volumes were significantly decreased in TLE4 overexpression group. Conclusions These results demonstrated that TLE4 might play important regulatory roles in cellular proliferation and EMT process in HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the uniform asymptotics for the orthogonal polynomials with respect to weights composed of both absolutely continuous measure and discrete measure, by taking a special class of the sieved Pollaczek polynomials as an example. The Plancherel–Rotach type asymptotics of the sieved Pollaczek polynomials are obtained in the whole complex plane. The Riemann–Hilbert method is applied to derive the results. A main feature of the treatment is the appearance of a new band consisting of two adjacent intervals, one of which is a portion of the support of the absolutely continuous measure, the other is the discrete band. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel method for the preparation of diazenes organic molecules that utilized an inexpensive copper catalyst has been developed. The catalytic system shows excellent functional-group tolerance with aryldiazonium salts and unactivated cycloalkane in the absence of oxidant, enabling facile synthesis of various useful alkylarylazo compounds with good yields. In addition, indoles can be synthesized in a one-pot manner. [Display omitted] • A novel method for the preparation of diazenes organic molecules with inexpensive copper catalyst. • Using aryldiazonium salts and unactivated cycloalkane as substrates without oxidant. • Alkylarylazo compounds were produced with good yields with excellent functional-group tolerance. • Indoles can be synthesized in a one-pot manner. Diazenes are of particular importance in organic synthesis and routinely utilized as dyes, photoswitches, indicators, radical reaction initiators, food additives, and pharmaceuticals. In this work, a novel copper-catalyzed direct carbodiazenylation of cycloalkanes with aryldiazonium salts toward the synthesize of alkylarylazo compounds has been developed. The reaction can be carried out under redox neutral conditions which allow the use of highly functionalized substrates and a wide range of diazenes were produced in moderate to good yields. Notably, this process operates under mild conditions and then enables the preparation of indoles straightforwardly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an important alternative to bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol AF (BPAF) is widely used and can be detected in multiple human biological samples. However, there are few studies on neurotoxicity of BPAF at present. In particular, no epidemiological studies have investigated BPAF in relation to depressive symptoms in adolescents. Here, our study aimed to evaluate the associations between serum BPAF concentrations and depressive symptoms in adolescents. A nested case-control study within an ongoing longitudinal prospective adolescent cohort that was established in Huaibei, China was conducted. A total of 175 participants who had new-onset depressive symptoms (cases) and 175 participants without depressive symptoms (controls) were included. Serum BPAF concentrations was measured using ultra – high – performance liquid chromatography – tandem mass spectrometry. The associations between BPAF exposure and the risk of depressive symptoms in adolescents were assessed using conditional logistic regression. The dose-response relationship between BPAF level and depressive symptoms was estimated using restricted cubic spline analyses. In this study, the detection rate of serum BPAF was 100%, and the median (interquartile range, IQR) serum BPAF concentration was 5.24 (4.41 – 6.11) pg/mL in the case group and 4.86 (4.02 – 5.77) pg/mL in the control group (P = 0.009). Serum BPAF exposure was a risk factor for depressive symptoms (odds ratio (OR)= 1.132, 95% confidence interval (CI):1.013 – 1.264). After adjustment for all for confounders, compared with the low – exposure group, the high – exposure group had a 2.806-fold increased risk of depressive symptoms (OR=2.806, 95% CI: 1.188 – 6.626). Stratified analysis by sex revealed that males were more vulnerable to BPAF exposure than females. After adjustment for all confounders, compared with the low-exposure group, the relative risk of depressive symptoms in the high-exposure group was 3.858 (95% CI: 1.118 – 12.535) for males, however, no significant association between BPAF exposure and depressive symptoms was found in females. In addition, there was a marked linear association between BPAF exposure and the risk of depressive symptoms in the total population and in males. The adolescents in this study were widely exposed to low levels of BPAF. A significant positive association was found between serum BPAF levels and the risk of depressive symptoms. The association was significantly modified by sex, and males were more vulnerable to BPAF exposure than females. • A nested case-control study was conducted. • Serum BPAF levels was a risk factor for depressive symptoms in adolescents. • Males were more sensitive than females. • Linear dose–response relationship was found for BPAF and depressive symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the importance of finding alternatives to synthetic fungicides, the antifungal effects of natural product citral on six plant pathogenic fungi ( Magnaporthe grisea, Gibberella zeae, Fusarium oxysporum, Valsa mali, Botrytis cinerea , and Rhizoctonia solani ) were determined. Mycelial growth rate results showed that citral possessed high antifungal activities on those test fungi with EC 50 values ranging from 39.52 to 193.00 µg/mL, which had the highest inhibition rates against M. grisea . Further action mechanism of citral on M. grisea was carried out. Citral treatment was found to alter the morphology of M. grisea hyphae by causing a loss of cytoplasm and distortion of mycelia. Moreover, citral was able to induce an increase in chitinase activity in M. grisea , indicating disruption of the cell wall. These results indicate that citral may act by disrupting cell wall integrity and membrane permeability, thus resulting in physiology changes and causing cytotoxicity. Importantly, the inhibitory effect of citral on M. grisea appears to be associated with its effects on mycelia reducing sugar, soluble protein, chitinase activity, pyruvate content, and malondialdehyde content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Highly efficient metal–organic framework (MOF)-based oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts are desirable for water splitting, but their development remains challenging due to poor accessibility of coordinatively unsaturated metal (cum) sites and low intrinsic activity. A large-area three-dimensional (3-D) macroporous interconnected nanosheet array of Ni-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylate has been in situ self-assembled on Ti mesh (TM) by using ethanol as the solvent and high-affinity oxide layer on TM to promote in situ nucleation. The obtained nanoarchitecture exhibits much superior catalytic activity compared to most reported catalysts including MOF-based catalysts, other precious-metal-free ones, and Ir/Ru-based ones. Additionally, this electrode undergoes no current decay after 300 cyclic voltammetry (CV) cycles and can maintain at 250 mA cm−2 for over 266 h. The excellent catalytic performance is mainly due to the 3-D macroporous and interconnected nanosheet array structure improving cum site exposure and charge transport and in situ activated cum cations enhancing OH− adsorption. This work not only develops a facile and economical approach to synthesize 3-D macroporous interconnected MOF nanosheet arrays to simultaneously increase the number, exposure, and intrinsic activity of active sites and facilitate charge transport for high-performance eletrocatalysis, but provides scientific insights into the mechanisms for self-assembly of this unique nanoarchitecture and for the high OER performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the liver (UESL) is a rare malignant tumor that occurs predominantly in children and has a poor prognosis. Here, we report a novel case in which the UESL presented in the left lobe of the liver and metastasized into both lungs after surgical resection. The patient recovered after our administration of an immunotherapeutic combination of DCs (Dendritic Cells) and multi-immune cells, such as cytokine-induced killer cells (CIKs) and natural killer cells (NKs). After the third cycle of immunotherapy, a CT scan showed a remarkable regression of the lung metastases. This finding supports the conclusion that the DC-based treatment is a promising potential strategy for treating patients with relapsed UESL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last decade, the widespread adoption of electronic health record documentation has created huge opportunities for information mining. Natural language processing (NLP) techniques using machine and deep learning are becoming increasingly widespread for information extraction tasks from unstructured clinical notes. Disparities in performance when deploying machine learning models in the real world have recently received considerable attention. In the clinical NLP domain, the robustness of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) for classifying cancer pathology reports under natural distribution shifts remains understudied. In this research, we aim to quantify and improve the performance of the CNN for text classification on out-of-distribution (OOD) datasets resulting from the natural evolution of clinical text in pathology reports. We identified class imbalance due to different prevalence of cancer types as one of the sources of performance drop and analyzed the impact of previous methods for addressing class imbalance when deploying models in real-world domains. Our results show that our novel class-specialized ensemble technique outperforms other methods for the classification of rare cancer types in terms of macro F1 scores. We also found that traditional ensemble methods perform better in top classes, leading to higher micro F1 scores. Based on our findings, we formulate a series of recommendations for other ML practitioners on how to build robust models with extremely imbalanced datasets in biomedical NLP applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Host lectin-like recognition molecules may play an important role in innate resistance in Biomphalaria glabrata snails to larval schistosome infection, thus implicating parasite-expressed glycans as putative ligands for these lectin receptors. While host lectins may utilize specific glycan structures for parasite recognition, it also has been hypothesized that the parasite may use this system to evade immune detection by mimicking naturally-expressed host glycans, resulting in reduced immunorecognition capacity. By employing immunocytochemical (ICC) and Western blot assays using schistosome glycan-specific monoclonal antibodies (mABs) we sought to identify specific glycan epitopes (glycotopes) shared in common between larval Schistosoma mansoni and B. glabrata hemocytes, the primary immune effector cells in snails. Results confirmed the presence of selected larval glycotopes on subpopulations of hemocytes by ICC and association with numerous hemocyte proteins by Western blot analyses, including a trimannosyl core N-glycan (TriMan), and two fucosylated lacdiNAc (LDN) variants, F-LDN and F-LDN-F. Snail strain differences were seen in the prevalence of constitutively expressed F-LDN on hemocytes, and in the patterns of protein immunoreactivity with these mABs. In contrast, there was little to no hemocyte reactivity with mABs for Lewis X (LeX), LDN, LDN-F or LDN-DF. When intact hemocytes were exposed to larval transformation products (LTPs), distinct cell subpopulations displayed weak (LeX, LDN-DF) to moderate (LDN, LDN-F) glycotope reactivity by ICC, including snail strain differences in the prevalence of LDN-reactive cellular subsets. Far-Western blot analyses of the hemocytes following exposure to larval transformation proteins (LTPs) also revealed multiple mAB-reactive hemocyte protein bands for LeX, LDN, LDN-F, and LDN-DF. These results demonstrate the existence of complex patterns of shared larval glycan constitutively expressed on hemocytes and their proteins, as well as the ability of hemocytes to acquire shared glycans by the selective binding of parasite-released LTP. Unraveling the functional significance of these naturally expressed and acquired shared glycans on specific hemocyte populations represents an important challenge for future investigations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Catechol is one of phenolic metabolites of benzene in vivo. Catechol is also widely used in pharmaceutical and chemical industries. In addition, fruits, vegetables and cigarette smoke also contain catechol. Our precious study showed that several benzene metabolites (phenol, hydroquinone, and 1,2,4-benzenetriol) inhibited erythroid differentiation of K562 cells. In present study, the effect of catechol on erythroid differentiation of K562 cells was investigated. Moreover, to address the role of DNA methylation in catechol-induced effect on erythroid differentiation in K562 cells, methylation levels of erythroid-specific genes were analyzed by Quantitative MassARRAY methylation analysis platform. Benzidine staining showed that exposure to catechol enhanced hemin-induced hemoglobin accumulation in K562 cells in concentration- and time-dependent manners. The mRNA expression of erythroid specific genes, including α-globin, β-globin, γ-globin, erythroid 5-aminolevulinate synthase, erythroid porphobilinogen deaminase, and transcription factor GATA-1 genes, showed a significant concentration-dependent increase in catechol-treated K562 cells. The exposure to catechol caused a decrease in DNA methylation levels at a few CpG sites in some erythroid specific genes including α-globin, β-globin and erythroid porphobilinogen deaminase genes. These results indicated that catechol improved erythroid differentiation potency of K562 cells at least partly via up-regulating transcription of some erythroid related genes, and suggested that inhibition of DNA methylation might be involved in up-regulated expression of some erythroid related genes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The present research project was undertaken to determine heavy metal (Pb, Co, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn) concentrations in intensive aquaculture and wild white shrimp tissues (muscle, shell and liver), and to inform aquatic shrimp food safety. The aquaculture samples were obtained from ten intensive farms and wild animals from one station in Zhanjiang Harbour Bay. Heavy metal concentrations (mgkg−1, dry weight; means±S.D.) in aquaculture white shrimp muscle, shell and liver tissues were, respectively: Cr – 20.86±5.27, 28.70±8.34 and 18.91±5.50, Cu – 24.26±8.36, 30.86±9.84 and 126.42±90.9, Fe – 61.35±30.76, 55.07±17.72 and 124.04±56.15, Mn – 5.33±2.5, 10.72±4.34 and 8.79±5.29, Zn – 171.56±118.74, 51.84±10.94 and 111.74±84.67. Cadmium was observed only in liver tissue at 3.30±1.29mgkg−1. Lead could not be detected, and cobalt was detected only in wild shrimp liver tissue. Chromium and manganese mean concentrations in shell tissue were significantly higher than levels in muscle tissue (P <0.05), but the zinc mean concentration was significantly lower than noted in muscle tissue (P <0.05). Copper and iron mean concentrations in liver tissue were significantly higher than those in muscle or shell tissues (P <0.05). Overall, only chromium in white shrimp tissue was the primary risk for human health. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A pivotal role of phosphoinositide 3-kinase-γ (PI3Kγ) in inflammatory cell activation and recruitment makes it an attractive target for immunomodulatory therapy. In present study we investigated the therapeutic efficiency of AS605240, a selective PI3Kγ inhibitor, on hepatitis and liver fibrosis in murine models induced by concanavalin A (ConA). Orally administration of AS605240 significantly improved survival, decreased the serum levels of alanine aminotransaminase (ALT), prevented inflammatory infiltration to liver in ConA-induced hepatitis. TNF-α and IFN-γ at protein levels in serum and mRNA levels in liver were markedly reduced. Downregulated phospho-Akt level of inflammatory cells infiltrating the liver by AS605240 treatment was detected by immunohistochemistry analysis in liver and further confirmed by Western blotting analysis in splenocytes. In ConA-induced chronic liver fibrosis model, accumulation of smooth-muscle actin (SMA)-expressing cells was partially inhibited by AS605240 treatment. These observations suggest that AS605240 might be of therapeutic value for the treatment of ConA-induced hepatic injury. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Urban lakes are important natural assets but are exposed to multiple stressors from human activities. Submersed macrophytes, a key plant group that helps to maintain clear-water conditions in lakes, tend to be scarce in urban lakes, particularly when they are eutrophic or hypertrophic, and their loss is linked, in part, to impaired underwater light climate. We tested if enhancing the underwater light conditions using light-emitting diodes (LEDs) could restore submersed macrophytes in urban lakes. Twelve mesocosms (1000 L each) were each planted with tape grass (Vallisneria natans) and monitored over three months (22 August–7 November), using a control and three artificial light intensity treatments (10, 50, and 100 µmol m-2 s-1). Compared with the control, the high light treatment (100 µmol m-2 s-1) had higher leaf number, maximum leaf length, and average leaf length (3.9, 5.8, and 2.8 times, respectively). Shoot number, leaf number, leaf dry mass, root dry mass, and photosynthetic photon flux density in the high-light treatment were significantly greater than the control, but root length and phytoplankton chlorophyll a were not related to plant growth variables and were low in all treatments. Periphyton chlorophyll a increased significantly with the plant growth variables (i.e., shoot number, leaf number, and maximum leaf length) and was high in the light treatments but did not hamper the growth of the macrophytes. These results indicate that LED light supplementation enables the growth of V. natans under eutrophic conditions, at least in the absence of fish as in our experiment, and that the method may have potential as a restoration method in urban lakes. Lake-scale studies are needed, however, to fully evaluate LED light supplementation under natural conditions where other stressors (e.g., fish grazing) may need to be controlled for successful restoration of urban lakes. [Display omitted] • Light addition could enable macrophyte growth in eutrophic waters. • Light addition did not promote growth and shading effects of phytoplankton. • Light addition enabled periphyton growth, but with little shading effects on plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]