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The aim of this study was to develop an effective method for extracting total phenolic (TP) from grape seed using enzyme and microwave co-assisted salting-out extraction (EMASOE). The significant factors affecting TP yield were screened by Plackett-Burman design and then optimized by Box-Behnken design. Under optimum extraction conditions of 25% (w/w) ethanol/20% (w/w) ammonium sulfate, pectinase amount 540 U/g, enzymatic pH 4.5, microwave power 180 W, the maximum extraction yield of TP was 125.32 mg/g. Significant differences were found in the monomer phenolic compounds by different methods. Ten kinds of monomer phenolic compounds were analyzed by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), only four were identified by Soxhlet extraction (SE), and eight by EMASOE. Moreover, the TP by this method possessed higher content and better antioxidant activities. Therefore, EMASOE could be used as an effective method to extract phenolics from natural plants. [Display omitted] • A novel method of simultaneously extract and enrich polyphenols was proposed. • Enzyme and microwave co-assisted salting-out extraction improved the yields. • The monomer phenolic compounds of this method were revealed by comparative studies. • This method can improved the kinds of monomer phenolic and antioxidant activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several reports have suggested a role for adenosine in the pathogenesis of chronic airway conditions and this has led to new therapeutic strategies to limit airway inflammation. In this study, detectable levels of adenosine in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples from 11 horses with non-infectious lower-airway inflammation and 14 healthy controls are reported, with significantly higher values in horses with airway inflammation. Although these increased levels did not correlate with changes in neutrophil percentage in BAL, a positive association between adenosine levels and signs of lower airway inflammation (clinical score) was observed. These novel findings support the hypothesis that adenosine may contribute to bronchoconstriction and also act as a pro-inflammatory mediator in the bronchoalveolar milieu of horses with airway inflammation, Further investigation of this axis could lead to new approaches for the treatment of highly prevalent lower airway inflammatory conditions in the horse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a numerical and an approximate analytical method for the in-plane non-linear elastic stability of arches under the multi-pattern distributed load. There are six key parts in this paper. Firstly, the approximate analytical solution for funicular axis of arches subjected to the multi-pattern distributed load is derived from the approximations of linear elastic bending moment and horizontal reaction force in the arch end. Secondly, the numerical solution of the in-plane non-linear elastic equilibrium equation is solved by using the shooting method and the bisection method simultaneously. Thirdly, the approximate analytical solutions for the in-plane non-linear elastic equilibrium are derived according to the approximate analytical solution for funicular arch axis obtained from the first part, the simplified strain-displacement expression in Cartesian coordinate system and the virtual work principle. Fourthly, a key parameter is proposed to transform the approximate analytical solutions into the corresponding equations of catenary and parabolic arches. Fifthly, the in-plane non-linear elastic symmetric and asymmetric buckling of arches under the multi-pattern distributed load is derived analytically. Lastly, the in-plane non-linear elastic buckling behaviors of arches subjected to multi-pattern distributed load are deduced based on the obtained analytical solutions. The multi-pattern distributed load with the uniformly distributed load along the span and the uniformly distributed load along the arch is selected as example to verify the proposed method. Comparisons with numerical solutions demonstrate that the proposed approximate analytical solutions for the funicular arch axis and linear elastic horizontal reaction force agree well with the results of Runge-Kutta method and the proposed approximate buckling predictions have sufficient accuracy compared with the results of finite element method in different rise-to-span ratios, relative slenderness and arch axis parameters. • Approximate closed-form solution for funicular axis was proposed. • Numerical solution was obtained by shooting method and bisection method. • Analytical solutions of in-plane nonlinear elastic stability were derived. • Analytical solutions can be transformed into equations of catenary and parabolic arches. • Critical slenderness were derived to distinguish different buckling behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Constructed wetlands (CWs) have been used for wastewater treatment for decades, but research on microorganisms involved, especially long-term changes, is still limited. In this study, we evaluated changes in the substrate microbial community in a pilot-scale horizontal subsurface-flow constructed mangrove wetland during 10-years operation. In the 3rd year of operation, microbial biomass carbon and phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs) reached peak values in two vegetated belts planted with Aegiceras corniculatum (Ac) and Kandelia obovata (Ko), respectively, then stabilized or declined in the 9th and 10th years of operation. PLFA profiles reflecting microbial community compositions varied significantly in the Ac belt during the operation period. Principal component (PCA) and redundancy analyses (RDA) revealed that microbial community compositions were significantly correlated with organic matter content, especially in the 9th and 10th years of operation, implying that the substrate microbial community in constructed mangrove wetland is sensitive to substrate characteristics and can be used as an indicator for long-term performance of CWs. Unlabelled Image • Accumulation of organic matter and nitrogen increased in long-tern operation. • Microbial biomass in wetland substrate reached peak values in 3rd year operation. • Microbial community composition in Aegiceras belt differed from Kandelia belt. • Microbial community was sensitive to substrate characteristics and their changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Periprosthetic osteolysis and subsequent aseptic loosening are the primary causes of failure following total joint arthroplasty. Wear particle–induced osteogenic impairment is recognized as an important contributing factor in the development of osteolysis, with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress emerging as a pivotal underlying mechanism. Hence, searching for potential therapeutic targets and agents capable of modulating ER stress in osteoblasts is crucial for preventing aseptic loosening. Kaempferol (KAE), a natural flavonol compound, has shown promising osteoprotective effects and anti-ER stress properties in diverse diseases. However, the influence of KAE on ER stress-mediated osteogenic impairment induced by wear particles remains unclear. In this study, we observed that KAE effectively relieved TiAl6V4 particles–induced osteolysis by improving osteogenesis in a mouse calvarial model. Furthermore, we demonstrated that KAE could attenuate ER stress-mediated apoptosis in osteoblasts exposed to TiAl6V4 particles, both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, our results revealed that KAE mitigated ER stress-mediated apoptosis by upregulating the IRE1α–XBP1s pathway while concurrently partially inhibiting the IRE1α-regulated RIDD and JNK activation. Collectively, our findings suggest that KAE is a prospective therapeutic agent for treating wear particle–induced osteolysis and highlight the IRE1α–XBP1s pathway as a potential therapeutic target for preventing aseptic loosening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Juvenile hormone (JH) acid methyltransferase (JHAMT) is a rate-limiting enzyme that converts JH acids or inactive precursors of JHs to active JHs at the final step of JH biosynthesis in insects and thus presents an excellent target for the development of insect growth regulators or insecticides. However, the three-dimensional properties and catalytic mechanism of this enzyme are not known. Herein, we report the crystal structure of the JHAMT apoenzyme, the three-dimensional holoprotein in binary complex with its cofactor S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine, and the ternary complex with S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine and its substrate methyl farnesoate. These structures reveal the ultrafine definition of the binding patterns for JHAMT with its substrate/cofactor. Comparative structural analyses led to novel findings concerning the structural specificity of the progressive conformational changes required for binding interactions that are induced in the presence of cofactor and substrate. Importantly, structural and biochemical analyses enabled identification of one strictly conserved catalytic Gln/His pair within JHAMTs required for catalysis and further provide a molecular basis for substrate recognition and the catalytic mechanism of JHAMTs. These findings lay the foundation for the mechanistic understanding of JH biosynthesis by JHAMTs and provide a rational framework for the discovery and development of specific JHAMT inhibitors as insect growth regulators or insecticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A deep-red emission and lipid droplets-targeted fluorescence probe (named ZFPy) for effective bioimaging of bisulfite was developed from flavone moiety and benzoindole derivative based on intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) and Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) platform. ZFPy displayed promising fluorescence parameters including bright deep red fluorescence (615 nm), large Stokes shift (205 nm), extended emission window gap (140 nm), high absolute fluorescence quantum yield (4.1%) and stable emission signal output. In addition, ZFPy realized ratiometric fluorescence monitoring for SO 2 derivatives with low detection limit (30 nM), preferable linearity, high sensitivity and selectivity. Interestingly, dual fluorophores (i.e. the donor moiety and 1,1,2,3-tetra-substituent-1H-benzo[e]indol-3-ium iodide moiety) released the same emission band about 475 nm to enhance the emission signal when ZFPy reacted with SO 2 derivatives, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first synergetic FRET/ICT platform for fluorescence probe, which might effectively offer ZFPy a high sensitivity and low detection limit in the detection of SO 2 derivatives. More importantly, ZFPy could image exogenous and endogenous SO 2 derivatives in living HeLa, HepG2 and L-O2 cells with good biocompatibility and photostability. ZFPy also preferred to load on lipid droplets with high Pearson's coefficient (0.95). Image 1 • A ratiometric fluorescent probe (ZFPy) for rapidly monitoring SO 2 derivatives was developed. • FRET-based ZFPy displayed larger gap (140 nm) between two emission spectra. • This is a first synergetic FRET/ICT platform for fluorescence probe. • ZFPy was applied to image exogenous and endogenous SO 2 derivatives in living Hela, HepG2 and L-O2 cells. • ZFPy showed lipid droplets-targeted ability (Pearson's coefficient 0.95). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat shock protein 104 (HSP104) is a conserved AAA+ protein disaggregase, can disassemble the toxic aggregates formed by different amyloid proteins, and is protective in various animal models associated with amyloid-related diseases. Extensive studies have attempted to elucidate how HSP104 disassembles the aggregated form of clients. Here, we found that HSP104 exhibits a potent holdase activity that does not require energy, prevents the soluble form of amyloid clients from aggregating, and differs from HSP104's disaggregase activity. Using cryo- EM, NMR, and additional biophysical approaches, we found that HSP104 utilizes its small subdomain of nucleotide-binding domain 2 (ssNBD2) to capture the soluble amyloid client (K19 of Tau) independent of its ATP hydrolysis activity. Our results indicate that HSP104 utilizes two fundamental distinct mechanisms to chaperone different forms of amyloid client and highlight the important yet previously unappreciated function of ssNBD2 in chaperoning amyloid client and thereby preventing pathological aggregation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which examines the distribution of measured glomerular filtration rate (mGFR) in healthy Chinese adults. The authors report that the average mGFR in young men and women in the study is lower compared to Western populations. They hypothesize that the difference can be caused by variations in dietary intake among racial groups.

Abstract High quality GaN was grown on 200 mm Si (111) substrates by using AlN and 3 step-graded Al x Ga 1-x N as the buffer layer in a metalorganic chemical vapor deposition system. We have investigated the influence of NH 3 pre-flow time on the threading dislocation density (TDD) of AlN, AlGaN buffer layers and GaN layers. It was observed that the compressive stress introduced into the buffer layer and GaN is dependent on the nitridation time. The lowest TDD for GaN obtained in our samples was ~1 × 109 cm−2 for screw type and 3.2 × 109 cm−2 for edge type dislocations, as obtained from atomic force microscopy and further confirmed by high resolution X-ray diffraction analysis. The threading dislocations generated in the first buffer layer (AlN) during its nucleation are found to influence the TDD in the subsequent layers. Samples without an intentional nitridation step exhibit higher TDD compared to the samples with optimal nitridation time. Longer nitridation time also leads to poor crystalline quality likely because of amorphous SiN x formation at the interface. Highlights • Wafer scale MOCVD growth of high-quality GaN on 200 mm Si (111) substrates. • Substrate nitridation (NH 3 pre-flow) controls crystallinity in each nitride layer. • Compressive stress in AlGaN depends on AlN quality which determines final wafer bow. • (Screw + mixed) type TDD of ~1 × 109 cm−2 & edge type TDD of 3.2 × 109 cm−2 are achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study the correlations between the sonographic features of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) and the presence of high-volume lymph node metastasis. Method: Medical records of 2363 PTMC patients were reviewed form October 2013 to December 2015. All the patients with lymph node metastasis identified by histopathology were included. Preoperative sonographic features, such as multifocality, tumour size, echogenicity, calcification, vascularity of papillary microcarcinoma, and capsule invasion, were recorded. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to investigate the relationships between sonographic features and high-volume lymph node metastasis (number of metastatic lymph nodes >5). Results: In total, 152 patients had high-volume central lymph node metastasis (6.4%, 152/2363). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the preoperative ultrasonic features of microcalcifications (OR = 3.33, p = 0.022), larger tumour size (>7 mm) (OR = 2.802, p < 0.001), and capsule invasion (OR = 2.141, p = 0.006) were independent risk factors for high-volume lymph node metastasis in the central compartment of PTMC. Conclusion: The sonographic features of primary papillary microcarcinoma of the thyroid are correlated with high-volume central lymph node metastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, five different concentrations of solidification solution (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 mol/L urea-CaCl 2 ) were used to solidify desert aeolian sand by microbially induced calcite precipitation (MICP). As the concentration of solidification solution increased, the CaCO 3 content increased, sand density increased, permeability was reduced and the unconfined compressive strength increased. Formation of CaCO 3 was the primary cause of changes in the sand’s properties. Specifically, CaCO 3 filled the pores between the sand particles and the pore volume decreased. The CaCO 3 formed in response to low concentrations (i.e., 0.5–1.0 mol/L) and high concentrations (i.e., 1.5–2.5 mol/L) of urea-CaCl 2 solution played different roles in solidification of the structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Angiosperms possess a life cycle with an alternation of sporophyte and gametophyte generations, which happens in plant organs like pistils. Rice pistils contain ovules and receive pollen for successful fertilization to produce grains. The cellular expression profile in rice pistils is largely unknown. Here, we show a cell census of rice pistils before fertilization through the use of droplet-based single-nucleus RNA sequencing. The ab initio marker identification validated by in situ hybridization assists with cell-type annotation, revealing cell heterogeneity between ovule- and carpel-originated cells. A comparison of 1N (gametophyte) and 2N (sporophyte) nuclei identifies the developmental path of germ cells in ovules with typical resetting of pluripotency before the sporophyte-gametophyte transition, while trajectory analysis of carpel-originated cells suggests previously neglected features of epidermis specification and style function. These findings gain a systems-level view of cellular differentiation and development of rice pistils before flowering and lay a foundation for understanding female reproductive development in plants. [Display omitted] • A cell census of rice pistils is surveyed through single-nucleus RNA sequencing • Partition analysis identifies ovule- and carpel-originated cells in rice pistils • Female germ cells regain pluripotency before the sporophyte-gametophyte transition • Trajectory analysis shows previously neglected features of carpel-originated cells Pistils contain various cell types to play versatile roles in plant reproductive development, including generating female gametes and facilitating fertilization. Li, Zhang, et al. report the comprehensive single-nucleus sequencing cell census of rice pistils and provide a systems-level view of cellular differentiation and development of the female organ in plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The autophagic clearance of mitochondria has been defined as mitophagy, which is triggered by mitochondrial damage and serves as a major pathway for mitochondrial homeostasis and cellular quality control. PINK1 and Parkin-mediated mitophagy is the most extensively studied form of mitophagy, which has been linked to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative dis-orders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The current paradigm of this particular mitophagy pathway is that the ubiquitination of the outer mitochondrial membrane is the key step to enable the recognition of damaged mitochondria by the core autophagic component autophagosome. However, whether the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM) is ubiquitinated by Parkin and its contribution to sufficient mitophagy remain unclear. Here, using molecular, cellular, and biochemical approaches, we report that prohibitin 2 (PHB2), an essential IMM receptor for mitophagy, is ubiquitinated by Parkin and thereby gains higher affinity to the autophagosome during mitophagy. Our findings suggest that Parkin directly binds to PHB2 through its RING1 domain and promotes K11- and K33-linked ubiquiti-nation on K142/K200 sites of PHB2, thereby enhancing the interaction between PHB2 and MAP1LC3B/LC3B. Interestingly and importantly, our study allows us to propose a novel model in which IMM protein PHB2 serves as both a receptor and a ubiquitin-mediated base for autophagosome recruitment to ensure efficient mitophagy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a lethal muscle disease, caused by mutations in the gene encoding dystrophin, an actin-binding cytoskeletal protein. Absence of functional dystrophin results in muscle weakness and degeneration, eventually leading to cardiac and respiratory failure. Strategies to replace the missing dystrophin via gene therapy have been intensively pursued. However, the dystrophin gene is too large for current gene therapy approaches. Currently available micro-dystrophin constructs lack the actin-binding domain 2 and show decreased actin-binding affinity in vitro compared to full-length dystrophin. Thus, increasing the actin-binding affinity of micro-dystrophin, using small molecules, could be a beneficial therapeutic approach. Here, we have developed and validated a novel high-throughput screening (HTS) assay to discover small molecules that increase the binding affinity of dystrophin's actin-binding domain 1 (ABD1). We engineered a novel FRET biosensor, consisting of the mClover3, fluorescent protein (donor) attached to the C-terminus of dystrophin ABD1, and Alexa Fluor 568 (acceptor) attached to the C-terminal cysteine of actin. We used this biosensor in small-molecule screening, using a unique high-precision, HTS fluorescence lifetime assay, identifying several compounds from an FDA-approved library that significantly increase the binding between actin and ABD1. This HTS assay establishes feasibility for the discovery of small-molecule modulators of the actin-dystrophin inter-action, with the ultimate goal of developing therapies for muscular dystrophy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of torrefaction on the yield and quality of pyrolysis char and its application on preparation of activated carbon was investigated in this study. In addition, the effect of torrefaction temperature at temperature range between 220 and 280 °C on fuel characteristics was discussed. The results indicated that torrefaction pretreatment improved the fuel characteristics of rice husk samples, and torrefaction had a significant influence on yield and quality of pyrolysis char. With the increase of torrefaction temperature, the yield of pyrolysis char based on dry rice husk samples increased, and the yield of liquid product decreased, while the yield of gas product remained unchanged. It can be seen that torrefaction has little effect on the fuel characteristics of pyrolysis char. However, it has significant effect on internal pore structure of pyrolysis char which can be used as the precursor for preparation of activated carbon. Four kinds of pyrolysis chars obtained from original and torrefied rice husk samples were activated under the same preparation conditions. Torrefaction pretreatment enhanced the yield and quality of activated carbon. The activated carbon obtained from torrefied rice husk samples at the torrefaction temperature of 280 °C exhibited highest specific surface area (2679 m²/g) and pore volume (1.8883 cm³/g), suggesting the potential application as adsorbent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a chemical reaction dynamics software of CHEMKIN and the CFD software, the influences of T, W/C, O/C and catalysts activity density on methane conversion, carbon deposition and the yields of H2, CO and CO2 are investigated in the reaction of autothermal reforming of methane in a micro-reactor. The results show that optimum conditions of methane autothermal reforming are the oxygen-carbon ratio of 0.4, the water-carbon ratio of 2.1, the temperature of 1073 K, the flow velocity of 1 m/s and the catalyst active site density of 9.98 × 10−6 kmol/m². Under these conditions, the methane conversion rate, the yields of H2 and CO are 93-99%, 65-80% and 50-65%, respectively. The total carbon deposition is about 1.65 × 10−12 kmol/m². Moreover, the investigation and development of the three-dimensional spiral multi-cylinder micro-reactor are essential for applications of the mobile fuel cell in the Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 182 beef samples were minced and divided into calibration set (n=140) and independent validation set (n=42). Calibration models of NIRS (1000-1800 nm) were built using partial least squares regression (PLSR) on the calibration set of samples. Both the coefficient of determination in calibration (R2C) and the coefficient of determination in prediction (R2P) were over 0.98 for all chemical compositions. The ratio performance deviation (RPD) was 17.37, 5.12 and 10.43 for fat, protein and moisture, respectively. The results of the present study indicate the outstanding ability of NIRS to predict chemical composition in beef. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A strategy for suspected-target screening of pesticide residues in complicated matrices was exploited using gas chromatography in combination with hybrid quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-QTOF MS). The screening workflow followed three key steps of, initial detection, preliminary identification, and final confirmation. The initial detection of components in a matrix was done by a high resolution mass spectrum deconvolution; the preliminary identification of suspected pesticides was based on a special retention index/mass spectrum (RI/MS) library that contained both the first-stage mass spectra (MS¹ spectra) and retention indices; and the final confirmation was accomplished by accurate mass measurements of representative ions with their response ratios from the MS¹ spectra or representative product ions from the second-stage mass spectra (MS² spectra). To evaluate the applicability of the workflow in real samples, three matrices of apple, spinach, and scallion, each spiked with 165 test pesticides in a set of concentrations, were selected as the models. The results showed that the use of high-resolution TOF enabled effective extractions of spectra from noisy chromatograms, which was based on a narrow mass window (5 mDa) and suspected-target compounds identified by the similarity match of deconvoluted full mass spectra and filtering of linear RIs. On average, over 74% of pesticides at 50 ng/mL could be identified using deconvolution and the RI/MS library. Over 80% of pesticides at 5 ng/mL or lower concentrations could be confirmed in each matrix using at least two representative ions with their response ratios from the MS¹ spectra. In addition, the application of product ion spectra was capable of confirming suspected pesticides with specificity for some pesticides in complicated matrices. In conclusion, GC-QTOF MS combined with the RI/MS library seems to be one of the most efficient tools for the analysis of suspected-target pesticide residues in complicated matrices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To document arid Northern China as a diversification center for desert plants, and to better understand the mechanisms of desert taxa diversification, we used five cpDNA spacers (trnL-trnF, rps16, psbA-trnH, psbK-psbI and trnS-trnG) to investigate Lagochilus ilicifolius in all distribution areas, including Northern China, Mongolia and Russia. Phylogenetic analyses showed that L. ilicifolius comprises two distinctive lineages, one distributed in China, and another in Mongolia-Russia. Our data confirmed that arid Northern China, is a distinctive area with many endemic genera. Biogeographic inferences, based on a Bayesian uncorrelated lognormal model together with molecular dating, suggested that the main diversification within the species occurred in the Pleistocene (ca. 1.38-0.3 Ma), resulting from the transition of the climate of Eurasia to a dry-cold pattern as well as the desertification caused the vicariance of desert plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]