Search

Despite the academic community generally paying attention to the role of emotional intelligence(EI) on entrepreneurial performance, there are no consistent conclusions on whether and how emotional intelligence affects entrepreneurial performance. Based on theories of planned behavior and social cognition, this study selects 190 independent samples (N = 52,195) related to emotional intelligence, entrepreneurial orientation, and entrepreneurial performance from mainstream academic journals in the field of entrepreneurial psychology as the subjects of this study. this study uses a combination of meta-analysis and structural equation model, with emotional intelligence as the independent variable and entrepreneurial orientation (including the three dimensions of innovativeness, proactivity, and risk-tolerance) as the mediating variable. The main findings are: (1) emotional intelligence positively affects entrepreneurial performance; (2) innovativeness plays an intermediary role in the effect of emotional intelligence on entrepreneurial performance; (3) proactivity plays an intermediary role between emotional intelligence and entrepreneurial performance; (4) risk-tolerance does not mediate the effect of emotional intelligence on entrepreneurial performance; (5) proactivity and innovativeness mediate the chain between emotional intelligence and entrepreneurial performance; (6) proactivity and risk-tolerance mediate the chain between emotional intelligence and entrepreneurial performance.The conclusion of this study provides theoretical guidance for the correct understanding of the effect of entrepreneurial orientation on emotional intelligence and entrepreneurial performance, and is of great significance for deepening the research depth of the mechanism of emotional intelligence and entrepreneurial performance, which is conducive to the development of entrepreneurial ventures and the realization of entrepreneurial success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhein, a component derived from rhubarb, has been proven to possess anti-inflammatory properties. Here, we show that rhein mitigates obesity by promoting adipose tissue thermogenesis in diet-induced obese mice. We construct a macrophage-adipocyte co-culture system and demonstrate that rhein promotes adipocyte thermogenesis through inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation in macrophages. Moreover, clues from acetylome analysis identify SIRT2 as a potential drug target of rhein. We further verify that rhein directly interacts with SIRT2 and inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome activation in a SIRT2-dependent way. Myeloid knockdown of SIRT2 abrogates adipose tissue thermogenesis and metabolic benefits in obese mice induced by rhein. Together, our findings elucidate that rhein inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome activation in macrophages by regulating SIRT2, and thus promotes white adipose tissue thermogenesis during obesity. These findings uncover the molecular mechanism underlying the anti-inflammatory and anti-obesity effects of rhein, and suggest that rhein may become a potential drug for treating obesity. Zhou et al. reveal that rhein improves adipose tissue thermogenesis via suppressing the NLRP3 inflammasome in macrophages during obesity. They further identify that rhein directly binds to SIRT2 and inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome by activating SIRT2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The metal-matrix composites (MMCs) with biomimetic bricks-and-mortar architectures have been experimentally demonstrated to exhibit excellent strength-ductility match. Here, biomimetic bricks-and-mortar architecture mimicking masonry bonds was introduced in numerical models. By translating perpendicular layers on stack bond model, 1/2 running and running bond models were established. The results reveal that elongation of running bond model is the highest (4.77%), which is ∼ 1.5 times as that of stack type model. The strength of these models is similar (330 ± 1 MPa). However, it is the trade-off between load bearing capacity and fracture of SiC particles. In the stack bond model, over a small junction layer area led to a relatively straight crack path and thus lower elongation. On the contrary, running bond model shows a zigzag main crack. So, the main crack deflects frequently with high energy consumption. Furthermore, crack deflection into matrix cell increases propagation resistance, leading to the highest elongation in the running bond model. Therefore, the biomimetic bricks-and-mortar architecture delays and deflects main crack propagation. These findings have significant implication for the architecture design of advanced composite materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Significant progress has been made in wet adhesives for low salinity water, but exploration of general ionic adhesives for natural seawater is less developed because the high salinity could weaken interfacial bonding and shields electrostatic interactions, resulting in adhesion failure. Thus, the design of adhesives for natural seawater represents challenges less resolved. Herein, a cationic polyelectrolyte (PECHIA) containing imidazolacetonitrile unit was explored to prepare adhesives enabled by natural seawater. By combining the ion shielding effect with the "cation-dipole" interactions between PECHIA chains, aqueous solution of the PECHIA underwent coacervation and self-crosslinking in natural seawater, allowing for underwater adhesion to various substrates in seawater. The instantaneous lap-shear and tensile adhesion strengths are 47 and 119 kPa, respectively, while the cured adhesive shows ∼739 kPa tensile adhesion in natural seawater. The design of PECHIA enables wet adhesives viable for applications in the diversified scenarios of natural seawater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapies function by alleviating immunosuppression on tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) but are often insufficient to fully reactivate these dysfunctional TILs. Although interleukin 12 (IL-12) has been used in combination with ICB to improve efficacy, this remains limited by severe toxicity associated with systemic administration of this cytokine. Here, we engineer a fusion protein composed of an anti-PD-1 antibody and a mouse low-affinity IL-12 mutant-2 (αPD1-mIL12mut2). Systemic administration of αPD1-mIL12mut2 displays robust antitumor activities with undetectable toxicity. Mechanistically, αPD1-mIL12mut2 preferentially activates tumor-infiltrating PD-1+CD8+T cells via high-affinity αPD-1 mediated cis-binding of low-affinity IL-12. Additionally, αPD1-mIL12mut2 treatment exerts an abscopal effect to suppress distal tumors, as well as metastasis. Collectively, αPD1-mIL12mut2 treatment induces robust systemic antitumor responses with reduced side effects. IL-12 has been shown to enhance the efficacy of anti-PD-1 therapy, but this has been hampered by issues with toxicity and poor delivery to the tumour site. In this study, the authors generate an anti-PD-1 antibody/IL-12 fusion protein for specific targeting of IL-12 to tumour sites, resulting in potent anti-tumour immunity with limited toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare the efficacy and safety of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in combination with tyrosinkinase inhibitors (TKI) and PD-1 inhibitors, versus TACE monotherapy for the treatment of ruptured hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Materials and Methods: This study included 104 patients with ruptured HCC receiving either combination therapy or TACE monotherapy at two centers between June 2015 and June 2022. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was used at a 1:2 ratio to reduce bias between the two groups. The primary outcome measures were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), and the secondary outcome measures were the occurrence of adverse events (AEs, Common Terminology Criteria for AEs, version 5.0.) and the peritoneal metastasis rate. Results: A total of 69 patients were enrolled after PSM, including 23 patients in the combination group and 46 patients in the monotherapy group. The combination group exhibited a significantly longer median OS (553 days, 95% confidence interval [CI] 222.6–883.9) compared to the monotherapy group (105 days, 95% CI 81.2–128.7; P < 0.001). Similarly, the combination group showed a better median PFS (356 days, 95% CI 299.5–412.4) compared to the monotherapy group (97 days, 95% CI 75.9–118.1; P < 0.001). Moreover, there was no significant difference in the peritoneal metastasis rate (combination group: 8.6% vs. monotherapy group: 26.1%, P = 0.119). Grade 3 AEs occurred at a rate of 21.7% and 13% in combination and monotherapy groups, respectively. No Grade 4/5 AEs were observed in either group. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that the combination of TACE with TKI and PD-1 inhibitors significantly enhances OS and PFS compared to TACE monotherapy in ruptured HCC patients. Furthermore, this combined approach exhibited an acceptable safety profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to examine the clinical characteristics and outcomes of clinical myocarditis in pediatric patients in China. This is a multicenter retrospective study. Children diagnosed with clinical myocarditis from 20 hospitals in China and admitted between January 1, 2015, and December 30, 2021, were enrolled. The clinical myocarditis was diagnosed based on the "Diagnostic Recommendation for Myocarditis in Children (Version 2018)". The clinical data were collected from their medical records. A total of 1210 patients were finally enrolled in this study. Among them, 45.6% had a history of respiratory tract infection. An abnormal electrocardiogram was observed in 74.2% of patients. Echocardiography revealed that 32.3% of patients had a left ventricular ejection fraction of less than 50%. Cardiac MRI was performed in 4.9% of children with clinical myocarditis, of which 61% showed localized or diffuse hypersignal on T2-weighted images. Serum levels of cardiac troponin I (cTnI), creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), and N-terminal B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) were higher in patients with fulminant myocarditis than in patients with myocarditis, making them potential risk factors for fulminant myocarditis. Following active treatment, 12.1% of patients were cured, and 79.1% were discharged with improvement. Conclusion: Clinical myocarditis in children often presents with symptoms outside the cardiovascular system. CK-MB, cTnI, and NT-proBNP are important indicators for assessing clinical myocarditis. The electrocardiogram and echocardiogram findings in children with clinical myocarditis exhibit significant variability but lack specificity. Cardiac MRI can be a useful tool for screening clinical myocarditis. Most children with clinical myocarditis have a favorable prognosis. What is Known: • Pediatric myocarditis presents complex clinical manifestations and exhibits varying degrees of severity. Children with mild myocarditis generally have a favorable prognosis, while a small number of children with critically ill myocarditis experience sudden onset, hemodynamic disorders, and fatal arrhythmias. Therefore, early diagnosis and timely treatment of myocarditis are imperative. What is New: • To the best of our knowledge, this multicenter retrospective study is the largest ever reported in China, aiming to reveal the clinical characteristics and outcomes of pediatric clinical myocarditis in China. We provided an extensive analysis of the clinical characteristics, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and factors impacting disease severity in pediatric clinical myocarditis in China, which provides insights into the epidemiological characteristics of pediatric clinical myocarditis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Local tea plant population resources are rich in genetic variations, which are the natural treasure house of tea genes and the main source of breeding excellent tea cultivars. However, the genetic information of most local tea plant populations is unknown. In this study, the genetic diversity and population structure of the four main local tea plant populations from the Jiangxi Province of China were explored by combining the identification of phenotypic characters with simple sequence repeat (SSR). The loci associated with the phenotypic characters were also screened. The results of the genetic diversity analysis of the phenotypes and SSR were consistent. We observed that the genetic diversity of the population species in the four tea plant populations was higher than that of the wild species. The genetic diversity index was in the order Wuyuan > Fuliang > Suichuan > Ningdu. The single plants of each population were heterozygotes. The Wuyuan population had the highest heterozygosity. The clustering results of the phenotypes and SSR of the tea plant populations were not completely consistent. SSR could more effectively distinguish the tea plant populations. Four tea populations could be clustered into three groups. In total, nine SSR loci were screened and were significantly associated with nine phenotypic characters (P < 0.01). The interpretation rate of the phenotypic variation ranged from 6.94 to 33.90%. These phenotypic characters were related to the yield and mechanical harvest of the tea cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicon can promote rice growth and reduce the toxicity of heavy metals in rice. However, controlling factors for the vertical distribution of silicon in typical paddy soils in mid-subtropical regions of China remain largely unexplored. Here, we aimed to analyze the silicon content in plough and subsurface layers derived from six parent materials in Hunan Province (southern China) based on 62 soil profile samples. Multiple stepwise regression, random forest, and gradient boosting machine learning models were used and compared to predict soil available silicon content and quantify the contribution of different variables on silicon variation. We found that plough layers in the eastern (85% of points) and western (78% of points) Hunan Province were deficient (< 100 mg kg−1) in available silicon content. Total silicon content in paddy soil derived from slate (623 ± 100 g kg−1) and limestone (606 ± 74 g kg−1) was higher than in other soils. The available silicon content was the lowest in granite (51 ± 15 mg kg−1). It was closely correlated with available cadmium while being mainly influenced by soil pH, organic carbon, and bulk density. The prediction model of available Si established using a random forest had the highest accuracy (R2 = 0.74). Widespread deficiency in available silicon content in plough layers of paddy soil in mid-subtropical China highlights the importance and value of higher silicon fertilizer input in soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Attention needs to be paid to the environmental risks that may arise when returning contaminated straw to the soil. This study considers the potential effects of rice straw incorporation on cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) transformation and uptake in soil–rape–rice systems. Methods: Pot experiment was conducted with five straw-return methods: CK (control: no amendment), S (straw return), SD (straw return with straw-decomposing microbial inoculants), SC (straw with biochar), and SCFe (straw associated with iron-modified biochar). Results: The results showed that the returning of straw significantly decreased soil pH during the rape growing season, while soil pH increased during the rice growing season. As a result, contaminated straw return resulted in remarkable increases of the DTPA-extracted concentrations (DTPACd and DTPAAs) in rape soil, as well as the DTPAAs concentrations in rice soil. Treatments S, SD, and SC significantly enhanced the Cd accumulation in rape seeds, in contrast to CK, while the subsequent Cd accumulation in rice grains decreased. Moreover, the inorganic arsenic content in rice grains in both the SD and SC treatments was much lower than that in the CK and S treatments. After the rape growing season, both SC and SCFe have a positive effect on decreasing rice soil Cd and As bioavailability, compared with the S treatment. Conclusions: Collectively, a rape–rice rotation system could reduce the Cd uptake in after-reap rice grains with the incorporation of contaminated straw return, but the risk of As accumulation should be treated with caution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease worldwide. Pesticides can cause neurotoxicity, which plays a vital role in PD. However, it is unknown whether blocking C-X-C chemokine receptor (CXCR) 2 activity protects SH-SY5Y cells from rotenone-induced PD-like lesions. The study aimed to investigate the effects and mechanisms of CXCR2 on the rotenone-induced SH-SY5Y cell model. The results showed that using 1 μM rotenone to establish an SH-SY5Y cell model with PD-like lesions is effective. The levels of chemokine CXCL1 and its receptor CXCR2 markedly increased in rotenone-induced SH-SY5Y cells. Blockage of CXCR2 activity reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress mediated by ferroptosis by activating the Nrf2/Keap1/SLC7A11 pathway. Moreover, Nrf2 knockdown suppressed the protective effects of SB225002 on the rotenone-induced SH-SY5Y cell model. The findings prove that blockage of CXCR2 activity may mitigate inflammatory cytokine release and ferroptosis via the Nrf2/Keap1/SLC7A11 pathway in rotenone-induced SH-SY5Y cell model with PD-like lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photosynthetic picoeukaryotes (PPEs) form associations with other microorganisms. However, whether and how the associated microbes affect PPE communities remain unknown. We used flow cytometric cell sorting combined with parallel high-throughput sequencing of the 18S and 16S rRNA genes to simultaneously investigate PPEs and their associated microbial communities in the Yangtze-connected Lake Dongting. The lake harbors a great diversity of PPEs. PPE communities exhibited significant temporal rather than spatial variations. Two distinct PPE taxa affiliated with Discostella nipponica and Poterioochromonas malhamensis were dominant during winter/spring and summer, respectively. Parallel high-throughput sequencing revealed a great diversity of associated bacteria and non-pigmented eukaryotes (NPEs) in PPEs sorts. Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Cyanobacteria among the associated bacteria and fungi among the associated NPEs were dominant. PPEs were more apparently associated with bacteria than with NPEs. The co-occurrence network of PPEs and associated microbes formed five major modules, which exhibited distinct temporal patterns, being specific to a certain period. Variations in PPEs communities were significantly correlated with both environmental factors and associated microbial communities. In variation partitioning analysis, the associated bacteria explained the greatest variations in PPE communities, and associated bacteria and NPEs co-explained a large portion of environmental effects on PPE communities. Our results highlight the significance of associated microbes in shaping PPE communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the differences in knowledge, experience, background, and social influence, people have subjective characteristics in the process of dance aesthetic cognition. To explore the neural mechanism of the human brain in the process of dance aesthetic preference, and to find a more objective determining criterion for dance aesthetic preference, this paper constructs a cross-subject aesthetic preference recognition model of Chinese dance posture. Specifically, Dai nationality dance (a classic Chinese folk dance) was used to design dance posture materials, and an experimental paradigm for aesthetic preference of Chinese dance posture was built. Then, 91 subjects were recruited for the experiment, and their EEG signals were collected. Finally, the transfer learning method and convolutional neural networks were used to identify the aesthetic preference of the EEG signals. Experimental results have shown the feasibility of the proposed model, and the objective aesthetic measurement in dance appreciation has been implemented. Based on the classification model, the accuracy of aesthetic preference recognition is 79.74%. Moreover, the recognition accuracies of different brain regions, different hemispheres, and different model parameters were also verified by the ablation study. Additionally, the experimental results reflected the following two facts: (1) in the visual aesthetic processing of Chinese dance posture, the occipital and frontal lobes are more activated and participate in dance aesthetic preference; (2) the right brain is more involved in the visual aesthetic processing of Chinese dance posture, which is consistent with the common knowledge that the right brain is responsible for processing artistic activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate modeling of zenith tropospheric delay (ZTD) is beneficial for high-precision navigation and positioning. Many models with good performance have been developed for calibrating ZTD, such as the GPT3 model, which is recognized as an excellent global model and is widely used. However, certain limitations still remain in current models, such as the adoption of only single gridded data for modeling, and the model parameters need to be further optimized. In our previous research, a new approach based on the sliding window algorithm was proposed and applied to develop the GZTD-H model to address some of these limitations. However, this model is only suitable for the vertical adjustment of ZTD, not for estimating ZTD directly. In this study, an improved global grid ZTD model considering height scale factor (GGZTD-H) is derived from the initial GZTD-H model for estimating ZTD. The RMSs of the GGZTD-H model are 4.11 cm and 3.29 cm as validated by radiosonde data and IGS data, respectively. Compared with the UNB3m model and the canonical GPT3 model, the new model exhibits better performance. Moreover, three resolutions of the GGZTD-H model have been developed to reduce the quantity of gridded data delivered to users and optimize the ZTD computation process. Compared with the GPT3 model, the GGZTD-H model shows better performance with lower resolution and requires fewer model parameters for ZTD estimation, greatly optimizing ZTD computation. Users may select the best model that meets their needs in terms of the balance between resolution and accuracy. The high-precision GGZTD-H model could be used as a ZTD vertical stratification model for the vertical adjustment of atmospheric data and as an empirical model for ZTD estimation, which has potential applications in GNSS precise positioning, such as for the establishment and maintenance of the global terrestrial reference frame. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different acquisition data approaches have been used to fetch the fluorescence spectra. However, the comparison between them is rare. Also, the extendability of a sensor array, which can work with heavy metal ions and other types of analytes, is scarce. In this study, we used first- and second-order fluorescent data generated by 6-Aza-2-thiothymine-gold nanocluster (ATT-AuNCs) as a single probe along with machine learning to distinguish between a group of heavy metal ions. Moreover, the dimensionality reduction was carried out for the different acquisition data approaches. In our case, the accuracy of different machine learning algorithms using first-order data outperforms the second-order data before and after the dimensionality reduction. For proving the extendibility of this approach, four anions were used as an example. As expected, the same finding has been found. Furthermore, random forest (RF) showed more stable and accurate results than other models. Also, linear discriminant analysis (LDA) gave acceptable accuracy in the analysis of the high-dimensionality data. Accordingly, using LDA in high-dimensionality data (the first- and second-order data) analysis was highlighted for discrimination between the selected heavy metal ions in different concentrations and in different molar ratios, as well as in real samples. Also, the same method was applied for the anion's discrimination, and LDA gave an excellent separation ability. Moreover, LDA was able to differentiate between all the selected analytes with excellent separation ability. Additionally, the quantitative detection was considered using a wide concentration range of Cd2+, and the LOD was 60.40 nM. Therefore, we believe that our approach opens new avenues for linking analytical chemistry, especially sensor array chemistry, with machine learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Central South University is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The selection and breeding of machine-harvested tea cultivars to meet the goal of "machine replacement" is the focus of the current tea industry. However, the adaptability of different tea cultivars to machine harvesting is not clear, and there is no comprehensive evaluation method that can be used. In order to establish a scientific and reasonable comprehensive evaluation system of machine-harvested tea cultivars, principal component analysis and cluster analysis were performed to screen the core evaluation indices, and an analytic hierarchy process and an entropy weight method were applied to calculate the weight value of the core evaluation indices. Moreover, four individual evaluation methods and three combined evaluation methods were applied to comprehensively evaluate the adaptability of machine-harvested tea cultivars. We found that there were great differences in important agronomic characters related to machine-harvested among tea cultivars. 14 core evaluation indices and their weight values of machine-harvested tea cultivars were obtained. The comprehensive evaluation model based on four individual evaluation methods and three combined evaluation methods could scientifically and reasonably evaluate the suitability of tea cultivars for machine harvesting. From the point of view of ease of practicality, simplicity and effectiveness, the optimal individual evaluation method for machine-harvested tea cultivars was the entropy weight method. In addition, three new cultivars suitable for machine-harvesting were selected by screening, namely Gancha 4, Huangjinjv and Yinshun, which could be directly utilized in the construction of machine-harvested tea plantations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chloroplast development together with chlorophyll biosynthesis plays an important role in plant survival and growth. Here, EMS-induced chlorophyll-deficient mutants (wtg, wts, and wta) were obtained from the progeny of Mt128 (MT), generated from the maize inbred line DP128 (WT). Three types of leaf color were segregated from the self-fertilized progenies of MT, including green, narrow-white striped and albino and named wtg, wts, and wta, respectively. We found that the Chl and carotenoid contents were significantly changed in wtg, wts, and wta, especially wta, compared with WT. In addition, leaf transcriptome sequencing of wtg, wts, wta, and WT were also carried out. The DEGs were identified as being related to chloroplast development and photosynthesis. By performing pairwise comparisons of each group, a total of 3685 (1181 upregulated, 2504 downregulated), 2624 (1028 upregulated, 1596 downregulated) and 6693 (3018 upregulated, 3675 downregulated) genes were found to be differentially regulated in wtg, wts, and wta, respectively, compared with WT. Of those, 75 comodulated DEGs with great alterations were identified among the comparison groups. More interestingly, most of the DEGs were found to be significantly involved in photosynthesis, including PSI, PSII, the cytochrome b6f complex, and F-type ATPase. GO enrichment of DEGs revealed that most of DEGs were involved in chloroplast development, chlorophyll biosynthesis, or photosynthesis. KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that the five significantly enriched pathways for comodulated DEGs in all EMS-induced mutant genotypes were as follows: benzoxazinoid biosynthesis, photosynthesis, starch and sucrose metabolism, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and the photosynthesis–antenna proteins pathway. The results showed that EMS induction is a valid approach for generating mutants for crop breeding research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a kind of sensing and imaging fluorescent probe with the merit of low toxicity, good stability, and environment-friendly, silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs) are currently attracting extensive research. In this work, we obtained mitoxantrone-SiNPs (MXT-SiNPs) with green emission by one-pot synthesis under mild temperature condition. The antenna based on pyridoxal phosphate (PLP) was designed for light-harvesting to enhance the luminescence of MXT-SiNPs and to establish a novel sensing strategy for alkaline phosphatase (ALP). PLP transfers the absorbed photon energy to MXT-SiNPs by forming Schiff base. When PLP is dephosphorized by ALP, the released free hydroxyl group reacts with aldehyde group to form internal hemiacetal, which leads to the failure of Schiff base formation. Based on the relationship between antenna formation ability and PLP hydrolysis degree, the activity of ALP can be measured. A good linear relationship was obtained from 0.2 to 3.0 U/L, with a limit of detection of 0.06 U/L. Furthermore, the sensing platform was successfully used to detect ALP in human serum with recovery of 97.6–106.2%. The rational design of antenna elements for fluorescent nanomaterials can not only provide a new pathway to manipulate the luminescence, but also provide a new direction for fluorescence sensing strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Again, the IPRF i.n. vaccine induced robust anti-RBD IgG and IgA antibody responses, while the RBD vaccine group did not induce a detectable antibody response (Supplementary Fig. In preclinical studies, this interferon-armed RBD protein vaccine induces robust immune responses via i.m. injection even without adjuvant[15], suggesting that the V-01 vaccine could be a potential effective i.n. vaccine candidate for SARS-CoV-2. Similar to the known protein vaccines, the RBD protein vaccine could hardly induce detectable anti-RBD antibodies in the absence of adjuvants (Fig. [Extracted from the article]

Sensitive and rapid detection of pathogenic bacteria plays an important role in avoiding food poisoning. However, the practical application value of conventional assays for detection of foodborne bacteria, are limited by major drawbacks; these include the laboriousness of pure culture preparation, complexity of DNA extraction for polymerase chain reaction, and low sensitivity of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Herein, we designed a non-complex strategy for the sensitive, quantitative, and rapid detection of Salmonella typhimurium with high specificity, using an anti-Salmonella typhimurium IgG-AuNC-based immunofluorescent-aggregation assay. Salmonella typhimurium was agglutinated with fluorescent anti-Salmonella typhimurium IgG-AuNC on a glass slide, and observed using a fluorescence microscope with photoexcitation and photoemission at 560 nm and 620 nm, respectively. Under optimized reaction conditions, the AuNC-based immunofluorescent-aggregation assay had a determination range between 7.0 × 103 and 3.0 × 108 CFU/mL, a limit of detection of 1.0 × 103 CFU/mL and an assay response time of 3 min. The technique delivered good results in assessing real samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China has the most abundant tea resources in the world. In oder to scrutinize superior accessions suitable for popularization and planting, the quality characteristics of distinctive tea resources were analyzed by examining their key evaluation indexes and comprehensive evaluation methods. In this study, 29 indexes of 47 tea germplasms were detected, including agronomic characters, chemical compositions, quality of green tea and stress resistance. The key evaluation indexes were selected by factor analysis and cluster analysis, whereas the weight value of the indexes was determined by analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and entropy weight method. Furthermore, the comprehensive evaluation of tea varieties was carried out by grey correlation degree and entropy weight method. Our results showed that drastic differences of character indexes existed among tea varieties, and the 29 character indexes demonstrated complex information overlapping with each other. After simplification, 12 key evaluation indexes, namely score of green tea quality, total free amino acids, growth potential, water extract, yield, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), epigallocatechin (EGC), one bud one leaf stage, insect resistance, germination density, bud leaf color, and gallic acid (GA) were chosen. The weight value of each index was also determined. Since the rank of some varieties in these two evaluation methods was different, based on the comprehensive evaluation results of grey correlation degree method and entropy weight method, it was more rational to combine these two evaluation methods in selecting superior varieties. Consequently, nine excellent tea varieties were selected. This study not only provides an innovative method for comprehensive evaluation of tea resources, but also an approach to promote genetic improvement of the selected excellent tea varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we reported a Chinese patient with efficient treatment by Iptacopan who has been switched from previous eculizumab treatment. The patient started Iptacopan treatment on June 14, 2021 at 200 mg bid. More data from ongoing trials would further demonstrate the outcome of the direct switch from anti-C5 therapy to Iptacopan monotherapy or the effectiveness of Iptacopan as first-line therapy. [Extracted from the article]

Keymessage: Two hub genesGRMZM2G075104andGRMZM2G333183involved in salt tolerance were identified by GWAS and WGCNA. Furthermore, they were verified to affect salt tolerance by candidate gene association analysis. Salt stress influences maize growth and development. To decode the genetic basis and hub genes controlling salt tolerance is a meaningful exploration for cultivating salt-tolerant maize varieties. Herein, we used an association panel consisting of 305 lines to identify the genetic loci responsible for Na+- and K+-related traits in maize seedlings. Under the salt stress, seven significant single nucleotide polymorphisms were identified using a genome-wide association study, and 120 genes were obtained by scanning the linkage disequilibrium regions of these loci. According to the transcriptome data of the above 120 genes under salinity treatment, we conducted a weighted gene co-expression network analysis. Combined the gene annotations, two SNaC/SKC (shoot Na+ content/shoot K+ content)-associated genes GRMZM2G075104 and GRMZM2G333183 were finally identified as the hub genes involved in salt tolerance. Subsequently, these two genes were verified to affect salt tolerance of maize seedlings by candidate gene association analysis. Haplotypes TTGTCCG-CT and CTT were determined as favorable/salt-tolerance haplotypes for GRMZM2G075104 and GRMZM2G333183, respectively. These findings provide novel insights into genetic architectures underlying maize salt tolerance and contribute to the cultivation of salt-tolerant varieties in maize. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cloud services with the property of elasticity are always bearing different loads over time. The efficiency of cloud management can be improved through the accurate prediction for cloud loads, which can be served as the foundation and recommendation for the future developing of the network scheme. As the basis and premise for management and decision making, a good prediction depends on suitable models and research methods. However, the interaction of users and the cloud network is high variability in the time and spatial dimensions, so traditional linear forecasting models cannot always process cloud computing loads well because of nonlinear changes. In this paper, a novel cloud load prediction model is proposed by improving whale optimization algorithm based on the hybrid strategy (HWOA) and combined with extreme learning machine (ELM) for strong nonlinear mapping ability. The proposed cloud load forecasting model is to employ HWOA optimizer to optimize the ELM model random parameters. Main research work includes that (1) the HWOA optimizer is to solve the whale optimizer local extremum problem; (2) the proposed HWOA optimizer reduces the ELM random parameters on cloud load forecasting; (3) the convergence performance is verified by benchmark testing functions; and (4) three groups of simulation experiments are conducted to evaluate the cloud load forecasting results. The results prove that the HWOA optimizer has a good convergence and outperforms the several conventional popular swarm intelligence optimizers. Also, the prediction results verify that our proposed model is more competitive for providing a solid foundation for efficient resource management and maximized economic benefits in cloud environment. For cloud load research groups and practitioners, this paper provides a new idea of cloud load forecasting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although a massive research has been devoted on the exploration of noble metal–based nanozyme, less progress has been made in the investigation of palladium (Pd) nanozyme and the interaction between ions and Pd nanozyme. In this study, a new type of Pd nanozyme was prepared by a facile one-pot approach by using carboxylated chitosan as the stabilizer. Owing to the synergistic effect of carboxylated chitosan stabilized Pd nanoparticles (CC-PdNPs) can effectively catalyze the H2O2-mediated oxidation of 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine sulfate (TMB) accompanied by a blue color change (oxidized TMB), indicating the peroxidase-like activity of CC-PdNPs. Furthermore, the Michaelis-Menten constants and catalytic stability of CC-PdNPs render them suitable for environmental analysis and bio-detection. Here, we found that while introducing the iodine ions (I−) into the reaction medium, the peroxidase-like activity of CC-PdNPs has been rapidly and effectively inhibited through the formation of Pd-I bond; thus, the active sites of PdNPs can be blocked by I−. Based on this specific inhibition by I−, a facile colorimetric assay has been performed for the detection of I− with an extremely low limit of detection (0.19 nM). Furthermore, the practicality of the proposed sensor also has been demonstrated in tap water, and the satisfactory recoveries were obtained. Our study not only demonstrated a novel Pd–based nanozyme but also provided guidance for I− sensing for environmental analysis, food inspection, and bio-detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although it is well-known and established that light plays important roles in plant development, up to now, there is no substantial improvements in how to deal with the light factor of spring phenology under natural condition. By monitoring the local meteorologic data and mature dates of two types (male and female) of flower from four pecan cultivars during 9 years, it was found that the complementary pattern of growing degree day and sunshine duration helped to maintain a threshold of driving force related to the maturity of pecan flower during 9 years. A novel photothermal time model based on the linear combination of growing degree day and sunshine duration was then proposed and validated to interpret the variance of mature dates of pecan cultivars. Comparative analysis showed that the new model had made extremely significant improvements to the traditional thermal time model. In addition, this model introduced the conversion coefficient K, which quantified the effect of light on the flowering drive, and revealed the differences of base temperature among cultivars. This was the first time that sunshine duration instead of photoperiod was adopted to develop into a verified model on spring phenological event of tree species. It will help to model the spring phenologies of other tree species more reasonably. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aesthetic ability is an advanced cognitive function of human beings. Human dancers in front of mirrors estimate the aesthetics of their own dance poses by fusing multimodal information (visual and non-visual) to improve their dancing performances. Similarly, if a robot could perceive the aesthetics of its own dance poses, the robot could demonstrate more autonomous and humanoid behavior during robotic dance creation. Therefore, we propose a novel automatic approach to estimate the aesthetics of robotic dance poses by fusing multimodal information. From the visual channel, the shape features (including eccentricity, density, rectangularity, aspect ratio, Hu-moment Invariants, and complex coordinate based Fourier descriptors) are extracted from an image; from the non-visual channel, joint motion features are obtained from the internal kinestate of a robot. The above two categories of features are fused to portray completely a robotic dance pose. To automatically estimate the aesthetics of robotic dance poses, the following ten machine learning methods are deployed: Naive Bayes, Bayesian logistic regression, SVM, RBF network, ADTree, random forest, voted perceptron, KStar, DTNB, and bagging. Experimental results show the feasibility and good performance of the proposed mechanism, which was implemented in a simulated robot environment. The highest correct ratio of aesthetic evaluation is 81.6%, which comes from the ADTree, based on the above mixed features (joint + shape). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protection of natural water and cultivated crops from contamination in mining-affected areas is a problem in many regions. Wastewater and waste residuals from the Shimen realgar mine in Hunan Province, China, pose a high risk of arsenic (As) poisoning. The potassium silicate (PS)-assisted mechanisms of As mobility and accumulation reduction in a paddy soil–plant system were investigated. In a vegetation experiment, rice was grown in moderately and highly As-polluted soil (30.6 and 66.9 mg kg−1 of As, correspondingly) with and without PS. Total As and silicon (Si) in roots, shoots, and grains and the forms of As in the grains were analyzed. Sequential extraction of the As in the soil showed that the PS significantly reduced the mobility of As in the soil and its accumulation by rice. Several PS-mediated mechanisms were discussed: (1) dissolution of PS monosilicic acid enhances the sorption capacity of Si-based minerals for As; (2) increased pH in the soil solution provides higher As sorption by soil; (3) Si-induced competitive inhibition of As(III) transport initiated by Lsi1 and Lsi2. The results indicate the potential of using soluble Si to reduce As mobility and biotoxicity at sites with high levels of As in wastewater, tailings, and waste residuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs) covered with a bovine serum albumin scaffold and a particle size of 1.5 nm (BSA-PtS NPs) are shown to display enhanced multiple enzyme-mimicking activities including peroxidase, oxidase, and catalase-like activities. The peroxidase-like activity is characterized by robustness and low signal background. BSA-PtS NPs were used to design colorimetric assays for H2O2 and glucose. H2O2 latter reacts with 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine in the presence of BSA-PtS NPs to form a blue product with an absorption maximum at 652 nm. The assay works in the 5–250 μM H2O2 concentration range. The glucose assay is based on its glucose oxidase-catalyzed oxidation to produce gluconic acid and H2O2 which then is colorimetrically quantified. Response is linear in the 10–120 μM glucose concentration range, and the detection limit is 2 μM (at S/N = 3). The method correlates well with the glucose standard method (R2 = 0.997 in the 95% confidence interval) which confirms that glucose in human serum has been successfully detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Delta-V-01 enhances the nAb titer to the Delta variant virus, just as the Alpha-V-01 enhances the nAb titer to the Alpha variant (Supplementary Fig. These data fully suggest that robust memory immunity could be effectively preserved against all variants by a two-dose V-01 vaccination for an extended time and could be rapidly re-activated after the third dose with the original V-01, comparable to the variant-modified V-01, challenging the tremendous effort and resources to generate endless variant-based new vaccines. We expect that V-01 could sustain prolonged protection, as we have observed that monkeys with a booster of prototype V-01 vaccine 300 days post the initial two doses generated much higher titer neutralizing antibodies against all known VOCs. [Extracted from the article]

Key summary points: Aim: The purpose of this research was to estimate the effects of different meditation exercises on the improvement of sleep disorders in older people using pairwise and network meta-analyses. Findings: Qigong, Yoga, and Tai Chi could help older people improve their sleep disorders. Message: Meditation exercises may have a role in the management of insomnia in older people. Background: Chronic sleep loss or sleep disorders is a public health problem affecting older people and cause many health problems. We aim to estimate the effects of different meditation exercises on relieving and improvement of sleep disorders in older people using the pairwise and network meta-analyses. Methods: Randomized controlled trials, which were published in English and reported on meditation exercises for sleep disorders in the older people, were retrieved from PubMed and EMBASE up to May 2018. Publication bias of the included studies were assessed by the Cochrane Collaboration recommendations. Network meta-analysis was performed by ADDIS, and all test models used random-effects model. Pooled effect sizes were presented with weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: A total of ten studies were included in our research. Pairwise comparisons indicated that Qigong could significantly improve the quality of sleep in older people with sleep disorders compared with Activities (WMD = − 4.28, 95% CI − 5.75 to − 2.81). In addition, there were significant differences in Education vs. Usual care (WMD = 2.60, 95% CI 1.03–4.17) and Tai Chi vs. Activities (WMD = − 1.05, 95% CI − 1.73 to − 0.38). With great consistence and convergence, network meta-analysis showed that there was a significant difference in Qigong vs. Activities (WMD = − 4.23, 95% CI − 8.31 to − 0.21). Moreover, Qigong showed a best outcome in relieving sleep disorders, followed by Yoga. Conclusions: Qigong, Yoga, and Tai Chi improved sleep disorders in the older people, and Qigong intervention had the best effect followed by Yoga. A long-term clinical verification should be needed in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tumor-targeting antibodies were initially defined as a group of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAb) that recognize tumor-specific membrane proteins, block cell signaling, and induce tumor-killing through Fc-driven innate immune responses. However, in the past decade, ample evidence has shown that tumor-targeting mAb (TTmAb) eradicates tumor cells via activation of cytotoxic T cells (CTLs). In this review, we specifically focus on how TTmAbs induce adaptive anti-tumor immunity and its potential in combination therapy with immune cytokines, checkpoint blockade, radiation, and enzyme-targeted small molecule drugs. Exploring the mechanisms of these preclinical studies and retrospective clinical data will significantly benefit the development of highly efficient and specific TTmAb-oriented anti-tumor remedies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intercropping Persian walnut (Juglans regia L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) have been widely applied in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in Northwest China as a means of reducing soil and water losses and improving both land-use efficiency and economic returns. To understand how changes in soil conditions and nematode community structure can contribute to the evaluation of wheat-walnut intercropping systems from the view of soil fauna, we studied the soil nematode community in wheat rhizosphere soil under both monoculture and intercropping systems for 2 years. The results showed that the pH and total nitrogen and organic matter contents in intercropping systems with walnut trees were decreased compared with those of system with wheat alone. The nematode communities differed significantly between intercropping and monoculture plots, e.g., Rhabditis and Dorylaimus were dominant only in monocultures, whereas Tylenchus was dominant only in intercropping systems. Moreover, intercropping systems resulted in decreased nematode abundance, increased proportions of plant-feeding nematodes, and decreased omnivores/predators, particularly in the second year (2012). The decrease in diversity indices (H′) and ecological indices (WI, EI, and SI) of the nematode communities indicated high disturbance and low soil fertility in intercropping systems. Overall, wheat intercropping with walnut had a significant negative effect on wheat rhizosphere soil conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the floral development of Gonocaryum, a genus of Cardiopteridaceae that was segregated from Icacinaceae s.l., using scanning electron microscopy to clarify its gynoecial structure and facilitate morphological comparisons of Cardiopteridaceae. The key floral developmental characters include sepal initiation that follows a quincuncial spiral sequence; petals that are valvate with inflexed tips and are postgenitally fused at the base; a petal and stamen initiation sequence that is almost simultaneous; a globular protuberance on top of the connective; a gynoecium that is tricarpellate and pseudomonomerous, with the stigma produced by one abaxial lateral carpel; and two ovules that are unitegmic and anatropous with an obturator on the funicle. The floral developmental characters of Gonocaryum are discussed relative to Cardiopteris, which has been well studied and whose gynoecial vasculature is reinterpreted here, and are briefly compared to other members of Aquifoliales and Icacinaceae s.l. The imbricate sepals, initiated in a quincuncial spiral sequence, and the tricarpellate, pseudomonomerous gynoecium are common characters of Cardiopteridaceae. Unisexual flowers are an autapomorphy of Gonocaryum in Cardiopteridaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: Based onCasuarina equisetifoliatranscriptome data, the present study developed and validated 15 transferable EST-SSR markers acrossCasuarinaandAllocasuarinaspecies.Abstract: Casuarina species are valued as pioneer trees for coastal shelter forest construction. To accelerate Casuarina breeding for more robust, attractive, and cold-resistant cultivars, it is essential to introduce molecular marker-assisted breeding. Based on Casuarina equisetifolia transcriptome data, 10,291 EST-SSR loci with the types of 2–6 nucleotide repeats were identified from assembled 118,270 unigenes. An average of one EST-SSR was found every 13.54 kb, and the distribution frequency of SSRs was 8.7%. The most common repeat motifs were dinucleotide with AG/CT and trinucleotide with AAG/CTT. A total of 150 SSR markers were randomly selected for validation, among which 15 produced clear, reproducible and polymorphic bands, and thus were employed for genetic relationship analysis among 26 genotypes from four Casuarina and three Allocasuarina species. A total of 42 bands were identified, varying from 2 to 5 bands per locus with an average of 2.8. Polymorphism information content ranged from to 0.2624 to 0.6177 with a mean value of 0.4265, indicating a high level of polymorphism. The UPGMA dendrogram revealed a high genetic variation resided among species within two genera, Allocasuarina and Casuarina. Meanwhile, the 15 highly polymorphic Casuarina SSR markers were also proved to be transferable across Casuarina and Allocasuarina species. These valuable SSR markers can be applied further for population and evolutionary genetic studies in Casuarinaceae, and will be useful in selection and breeding of Casuarina species for improving cold tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]