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Introduction: Juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) is characterized by persistent non-purulent inflammation in the muscle and skin. The underlying mechanisms still remain uncertain. This study aims to elucidate the mechanism of interleukin-6 (IL-6) activation of Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 pathway (JAK/STAT3), contributing to the pathogenesis of JDM. Methods: Serum IL-6 levels were compared between 72 newly diagnosed patients with JDM and the same patient cohort in treatment remission. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was employed to identify differential signaling pathway expression in muscle biopsy samples from two patients with JDM and healthy controls. Immunohistochemistry was used to examine differences in STAT3 phosphorylation between JDM and control muscle tissues. In vitro, skeletal muscle cell lines were stimulated with IL-6, and the transcription levels of genes related to mitochondrial calcium channels were quantified via reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was measured in both IL-6 treated and untreated groups. ROS levels were then compared between IL-6 receptor antagonist pre-treated skeletal muscle cells and untreated cells. Results: IL-6 levels in newly onset patients with JDM were significantly higher compared to the same patient cohort in remission states (p < 0.0001). Serum IL-6 was significantly increased in patients with negative myositis specific antibody (MSA), positive melanoma differentiation associated protein 5 (MDA5) and positive nuclear matrix protein 2 (NXP2), yet not for JDM with positive transcriptional intermediary factor γ (TIF1γ), based on subgroup analysis. ScRNA-seq analysis of muscle biopsies from patients with MDA5-positive JDM and patients with MSA negative JDM revealed abnormal activation of the JAK/STAT3 pathway in skeletal myocytes, macrophages, and vascular endothelial cells. The phosphorylation levels of STAT3 were elevated in active JDM cases. Transcription of the calcium channel modulation gene sarcolipin (SLN) was significantly higher in JDM primary skeletal muscle cells compared to normal cells. In vitro, IL-6 enhanced SLN transcription and induced ROS production, and blocking the IL-6 receptor resulted in decreased ROS generation in skeletal muscle cells. Conclusions: IL-6/JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway was abnormally activated in patients with JDM. IL-6 may be involved in the pathogenesis of muscle damage by triggering the development of calcium overload and production of ROS. Blockade of the IL-6/JAK/STAT3 pathway can be a potential treatment option for JDM, especially MDA5-positive patients and those who are negative for MSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micronuclear batteries harness energy from the radioactive decay of radioisotopes to generate electricity on a small scale, typically in the nanowatt or microwatt range1,2. Contrary to chemical batteries, the longevity of a micronuclear battery is tied to the half-life of the used radioisotope, enabling operational lifetimes that can span several decades3. Furthermore, the radioactive decay remains unaffected by environmental factors such as temperature, pressure and magnetic fields, making the micronuclear battery an enduring and reliable power source in scenarios in which conventional batteries prove impractical or challenging to replace4. Common radioisotopes of americium (241Am and 243Am) are α-decay emitters with half-lives longer than hundreds of years. Severe self-adsorption in traditional architectures of micronuclear batteries impedes high-efficiency α-decay energy conversion, making the development of α-radioisotope micronuclear batteries challenging5,6. Here we propose a micronuclear battery architecture that includes a coalescent energy transducer by incorporating 243Am into a luminescent lanthanide coordination polymer. This couples radioisotopes with energy transducers at the molecular level, resulting in an 8,000-fold enhancement in energy conversion efficiency from α decay energy to sustained autoluminescence compared with that of conventional architectures. When implemented in conjunction with a photovoltaic cell that translates autoluminescence into electricity, a new type of radiophotovoltaic micronuclear battery with a total power conversion efficiency of 0.889% and a power per activity of 139 microwatts per curie (μW Ci−1) is obtained.A micronuclear battery is built based on an autoluminescent americium–terbium compound that couples radioisotopes with energy transducers at the molecular level, resulting in an 8,000-fold enhancement in energy conversion efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Dietary nitrate intake is inversely related to numerous contributors towards frailty, including cardiovascular disease and poor physical function. Whether these findings extend to frailty remain unknown. We investigated if habitual nitrate intake, derived from plants or animal-based foods, was cross-sectionally associated with frailty in women. Methods: Community-dwelling older Australian women (n = 1390, mean age 75.1 ± 2.7 years) completed a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Nitrate concentrations in food were obtained from international nitrate databases. We adopted the Rockwood frailty index (FI) of cumulative deficits comprising 33 variables across multiple health domains (scored 0 to 1), which predicts increased hospitalisation and mortality risk. A FI ≥ 0.25 indicated frailty. Cross-sectional associations between nitrate intake (total plant and animal nitrate, separately) and frailty were analysed using multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models (including lifestyle factors), as part of restricted cubic splines. Results: A non-linear inverse relationship was observed between total plant nitrate intake and frailty. Compared to women with the lowest plant nitrate intake (Quartile [Q]1), women with greater intakes in Q2 (OR 0.69 95%CI 0.56–0.84), Q3 (OR 0.67 95%CI 0.50–0.90) and Q4 (OR 0.66 95%CI 0.45–0.98) had lower odds for frailty. A nadir in the inverse association was observed once intakes reached ~ 64 mg/d (median Q2). No relationship was observed between total animal nitrate and frailty. Conclusion: Community-dwelling older women consuming low amounts of plant-derived nitrate were more likely to present with frailty. Consuming at least one daily serving (~ 75 g) of nitrate-rich green leafy vegetables may be beneficial in preventing frailty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Biliary atresia (BA) is a rare fatal liver disease in children, and the aim of this study was to develop a method to diagnose BA early. Methods: We determined serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7), the results of 13 liver tests, and the levels of 20 bile acids, and integrated computational models were constructed to diagnose BA. Results: Our findings demonstrated that MMP-7 expression levels, as well as the results of four liver tests and levels of ten bile acids, were significantly different between 86 BA and 59 non-BA patients (P < 0.05). The computational prediction model revealed that MMP-7 levels alone had a higher predictive accuracy [area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) = 0.966, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.942, 0.989] than liver test results and bile acid levels. The AUC was 0.890 (95% CI 0.837, 0.943) for liver test results and 0.825 (95% CI 0.758, 0.892) for bile acid levels. Furthermore, bile levels had a higher contribution to enhancing the predictive accuracy of MMP-7 levels (AUC = 0.976, 95% CI 0.953, 1.000) than liver test results. The AUC was 0.983 (95% CI 0.962, 1.000) for MMP-7 levels combined with liver test results and bile acid levels. In addition, we found that MMP-7 levels were highly correlated with gamma-glutamyl transferase levels and the liver fibrosis score. Conclusion: The innovative integrated models based on a large number of indicators provide a noninvasive and cost-effective approach for accurately diagnosing BA in children. 2pi68mCipR_-oN3oQscoLo Video Abstract (MP4 142103 KB) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We designed a clamping device to study lateral photovoltaic effect (LPE) in Ni-SiO2-Si structure with bias due to the appropriate barrier height. The LPE has a prominent sensitivity and linearity with 532 nm wavelength laser. The transient response time is 450 µs and the relaxation time is 2 250 µs in the Ni-SiO2-Si structure without bias. The LPE sensitivity has a significant improvement with bias. The transient response time is 6 µs and the relaxion time is 47 µs with −7 V bias, not only improving the LPE sensitivity, but also increasing the response speed with bias. The research shows that the Schottky barrier structure can improve the sensitivity and linearity of LPE with bias effectively, and thus it can be used in position sensitive sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, non-invasive proximal nerve stimulation has been widely investigated to restore tactile sensations. It has been demonstrated that tactile sensations in the hand could be elicited by nerve stimulation on the upper arm. However, it is still unknown whether tactile sensations could be elicited by stimulation at a proximal location close to the neck. In this study, non-invasive proximal nerve stimulation tests were performed to elicit tactile sensations in the hand of subjects. Six Ag/AgCl gel electrodes (2 × 3) were placed on the supraclavicular fossa where the proximal parts of the brachial plexus nerves were located. Then, fifteen potential electrode pairs were tested to explore whether tactile sensations could be elicited by non-invasive proximal nerve stimulation. Eight able-bodied subjects (male) were recruited to participate in the test. The stimulated sensation regions in the hand and the sensory intensity were reported and recorded during the experiment. The results demonstrated that the tactile sensations in various regions in the hand could be elicited through non-invasive nerve stimulation at the proximal location close to the neck. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban forest is an integral part of the complex urban ecosystem, and tree canopy plays a key role in improving urban climatic environment. Urban Tree Canopy (UTC) is strongly linked to urban thermal environment and living quality of residents. In this study, Luoping County, a mountainous county in southwest China, was selected as the study area to uncover the inner connections between tree canopy and thermal environment, and provide relevant scientific references for the construction of livable forest cities in similar areas. Through eCongnition Developer, ENVI and ArcGIS software, the distribution of Land Surface Temperature (LST) and land cover types in the study area was extracted, 63 patches with super-large and extra-large tree canopy coverage selected, to explore the regulatory effect of UTC patches on urban thermal environment based on SPSS software. Results showed that the highest LST in the research area was 37.63 ℃, the lowest 24.73 ℃, and the average 30.83 ℃. Among the land cover types, the area of buildings and impervious surfaces was 1615.71 hm2, accounting for 55.76% of the total study area, which was the largest proportion and with widespread distribution; the area of grassland and water body was 57.48 hm2 and 12.35 hm2, respectively, taking up 1.98% and 0.43%, with a smaller proportion. Mean LST: impervious surface > bare land > grassland > tree canopy > water body. By increasing the area and perimeter of the patch covered by tree canopy, the cooling rate of the patch can be increased while the temperature inside the patch can be reduced. The relationship between the area and cooling rate is closer than that between perimeter and cooling rate. The increase of perimeter has a stronger alleviation effect on the internal temperature of the patch, whereas, the increase of area has a weaker effect in this respect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new virulent phage, SWEP2, infecting the Arthrobacter sp. 5B strain, was isolated from black soil samples in northeastern China. SWEP2 has a latent period of 80 min and a burst size of 45 PFU (evaluated at an MOI of 0.1). Genomic analysis revealed that the 43,398-bp dsDNA genome of phage SWEP2 contains 64 open reading frames (ORFs) and one tRNA gene. Phylogenetic analysis indicated a close relationship between SWEP2 and Arthrobacter phage Liebe, with 82.98% identity and a query coverage of 48%. Based on its distinct phenotypic and genetic characteristics, SWEP2 is identified as a novel Arthrobacter phage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stem cell-based therapeutic approaches for intervertebral disc regeneration are thought to have promising attention in the treatment of degenerative disc disease, which is closely related to lower back pain. In this study, we developed a Gefitinib small molecules-crosslinked blended chitosan/collagen type 1 biopolymeric hydrogel (Ge-CS/COL-I) that can be injected and exhibit better in-situ processability than bare hydrogels, while conserving the ability to direct differentiation of nucleus pulposus-derived mesenchymal stem cells (NPMSCs). The blended injectable hydrogel was explored as a cell carrier and scaffold for nucleus pulposus (NP) tissue engineering because of its biocompatibility, adaptable qualities, and microporous architecture. The prepared hydrogel system might be delivered effectively using a minimally invasive method, and its mechanical properties could be tailored to match the rigidity of the native human nucleus pulposus, according to oscillatory rheology ability. The most of the cellular components were eliminated, although the extracellular matrix and microstructure were substantially retained, according to histopathological and DAPI staining observations using fluorescence microscopic method. The ability of NPMSCs-loaded hydrogel to regenerate degenerated NP in a rat model was investigated in vivo. The findings indicate that NPMSC could cause differentiation in blended hydrogel in vivo and were greatly biocompatible. At eight weeks following injection, the disc height index and MRI index of NPMSCs-loaded hydrogel groups have both been noticeably higher than those of the other control groups. After eight weeks, immunofluorescence and histological staining revealed that the NPMSCs-loaded hydrogel had also partially repaired the structure and ECM content of the degraded NP. Combined, our results demonstrate that a hydrogel system has a great deal of potential for NPMSC administration for promoting IVD regeneration in the rat model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wilms tumor (WT) is the most common pediatric renal malignant tumor in the world. Overall, the prognosis of Wilms tumor is very good. However, the prognosis of patients with anaplastic tumor histology or disease relapse is still poor, and their recurrence rate, metastasis rate and mortality are significantly increased compared with others. Currently, the combination of histopathological examination and molecular biology is essential to predict prognosis and guide the treatment. However, the molecular mechanism has not been well studied. Genetic profiling may be helpful in some way. Hence, we sought to identify novel promising biomarkers of WT by integrating bioinformatics analysis and to identify genes associated with the pathogenesis of WT. In the presented study, the NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus was used to download two datasets of gene expression profiles related to WT patients for the purpose of detecting overlapped differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The DEGs were then uploaded to DAVID database for enrichment analysis. In addition, the functional interactions between proteins were evaluated by simulating the protein–protein interaction (PPI) network of DEGs. The impact of selected hub genes on survival in WT patients was analyzed by using the online tool R2: Genomics Analysis and Visualization Platform. The correlation between gene expression and the degree of immune infiltration was assessed by the Estimation of Stromal and Immune cells in Malignant Tumor tissues using the Expression (ESTIMATE) algorithm and the single sample GSEA. Top 12 genes were identified for further study after constructing a PPI network and screening hub gene modules. Kinesin family member 2C (KIF2C) was identified as the most significant gene predicting the overall survival of WT patients. The expression of KIF2C in WT was further verified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, we found that KIF2C was significantly correlated with immune cell infiltration in WT. Our present study demonstrated that altered expression of KIF2C may be involved in WT and serve as a potential prognostic biomarker for WT patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The charosphere is a thin soil one surrounding the biochar with highly active biochemical functions. Yet, little is known about the spatial and temporal distribution of charosphere hotspots. In this study, repacked soil cores were incubated with a central layer of biochar (pristine or acid-modified) with or without nitrogen (N) additions for 30 days and sliced at the millimeter scale for analyzing soil pH, mineral N, bacterial and fungal communities as well as the putative functions. We aimed to determine gradient distributions (in millimeter scale) of charosphere affected by biochar under different N additions. Our results showed narrower gradient changes (3 mm) of microbial community composition and wider shifts (6 mm) in pH and inorganic N contents in charosphere. The pristine biochar increased the soil pH up to 1.5 units in the charosphere, and subsequently boosted the relative abundance of Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, and Zygomycota. With N addition, both the biochar site and charosphere were observed with decreased complexity of microbial networks, which might imply the limited microbial functionality of charosphere. These results will advance the understanding and prediction of biochar's environmental impacts in soil. Highlights: The charosphere hotspots of soil pH and mineral N content reached 6 mm. Soil microbial compositions fluctuated within 3 mm of charosphere. Pristine biochar site fostered higher fungal diversity than that in bulk soils. Lower bacterial diversity in pristine biochar site was found. The microbial network complexity declined with N addition in charosphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infectious African swine fever virus (ASFV) can cause the spread and morbidity of African swine fever, while the inactivated virus cannot. When they are not distinguished separately, the detection results will lack authenticity and cause unnecessary panic and detection cost. The detection technology based on cell culture is complex, high-cost, and time-consuming in practice, which is not conducive to the rapid detection of infectious ASFV. In this study, a propidium monoazide (PMA) qPCR detection method for rapid diagnosis of infectious ASFV was constructed. Parameters of PMA concentration, light intensity, and lighting time were under strict safety verification and comparative analysis for optimization. The results determined that the optimal condition for PMA to pretreat ASFV was the final concentration of PMA 100 μM. The light intensity was 40 W, the light duration was 20 min, the target fragment size of the optimal primer probe was 484 bp, and its detection sensitivity for infectious ASFV was 101.28 HAD50/mL. In addition, the method was innovatively applied to the rapid evaluation of disinfection effect. When ASFV concentration was less than 102.28 HAD50/mL, the method could still be effective for the evaluation of thermal inactivation effect, and the evaluation ability of chlorine-containing disinfectants was better, and the applicable concentration could reach 105.28 HAD50/mL. It is worth mentioning that this method can not only reflect whether the virus is inactivated, but also indirectly reflect the degree of damage to viral nucleic acid caused by disinfectants. In conclusion, the PMA-qPCR constructed in this study can be applied to laboratory diagnosis, disinfection effect evaluation, drug development, and other aspects of infectious ASFV and can provide new technical support for effective prevention and control of ASF. Key points: • A rapid detection method for infectious ASFV was developed • Provide a new scheme for rapid evaluation of disinfection effect of chlorine-containing disinfectants • PMA-qPCR can simultaneously show the survival status of the virus and the damage of nucleic acid [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skull bone mineral density (SK-BMD) provides a suitable trait for the discovery of key genes in bone biology, particularly to intramembranous ossification, not captured at other skeletal sites. We perform a genome-wide association meta-analysis (n ~ 43,800) of SK-BMD, identifying 59 loci, collectively explaining 12.5% of the trait variance. Association signals cluster within gene-sets involved in skeletal development and osteoporosis. Among the four novel loci (ZIC1, PRKAR1A, AZIN1/ATP6V1C1, GLRX3), there are factors implicated in intramembranous ossification and as we show, inherent to craniosynostosis processes. Functional follow-up in zebrafish confirms the importance of ZIC1 on cranial suture patterning. Likewise, we observe abnormal cranial bone initiation that culminates in ectopic sutures and reduced BMD in mosaic atp6v1c1 knockouts. Mosaic prkar1a knockouts present asymmetric bone growth and, conversely, elevated BMD. In light of this evidence linking SK-BMD loci to craniofacial abnormalities, our study provides new insight into the pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of skeletal diseases. A skull bone mineral density genome-wide association meta-analysis identifies 59 loci and studies in zebrafish evidence the role of ZIC1, ATP6V1C1 and PRKAR1A in mineralization of the skull, and of the former two genes in cranial suture patterning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to evaluate the factors affecting the objective response rate (ORR) after neoadjuvant therapy of taxol plus platinum (TP) regimen combined with programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) inhibitors for esophageal cancer, and establish a predictive model for forecasting ORR. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, consecutive esophageal cancer patients who were treated in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University from January 2020 to February 2022 were enrolled in this study as a training cohort, while patients who were treated in the Shaanxi Provincial Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Medical College of Xi'an Jiaotong University from January 2020 to December 2021 were enrolled as a validation cohort. All patients were treated with resectable locally advanced esophageal cancer and received neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy. The ORR was defined as the sum of complete pathological response, major pathological response and partial pathological response. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the factors that might be related to the ORR of the patients after neoadjuvant therapy. The nomogram based on the result of regression analysis was established and verified to predict the ORR. In this study, 42 patients were included as training cohort and 53 patients were included as validation cohort. Chi-square analysis showed that neutrophil, platelet, platelet-to-lymphocytes ratio (PLR), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), D-dimer and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) between ORR group and non-ORR group were significantly different. Logistic regression analysis showed that aspartate aminotransferase (AST), D-dimer and CEA were independent predictors of ORR after neoadjuvant immunotherapy. Finally, a nomogram was established based on AST, D-dimer and CEA. Internal validation and external validation revealed that the nomogram had a good ability to predict ORR after neoadjuvant immunotherapy. In conclusion, AST, D-dimer and CEA were the independent predictors of ORR after neoadjuvant immunotherapy. The nomogram based on these three indicators showed a good predictive ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development of insecticide resistance in insect populations is a major challenge to sustainable agriculture and food security worldwide. Buprofezin, one of the commonly used chitin synthesis inhibitors, has severely declined its control efficacy against the brown planthopper (BPH, Nilaparvata lugens), a devastating rice insect species. To date, however, mechanism of buprofezin resistance in target pests remains elusive. We conducted a long-term (25 years from 1996 to 2020) and large geographical scale (11 provinces and cities in China) resistance monitoring program for buprofezin in BPH, a notorious pest of rice crop in East and Southeast Asia. BPH rapidly developed resistance with > 1,000-fold resistance being detected in nearly all the field populations after 2015. Using the bulk segregant mapping method, we uncovered a novel mutation (G932C) in chs1 gene encoding chitin synthase 1 from a near isogeneic buprofezin-resistant (> 10,000-fold) strain harboring recessive, monogenic resistance. Using CRISPR/Cas9-based genome-modified Drosophila melanogaster possessing the same mutation as a model, we found that the G932C mutation was not only responsible for buprofezin resistance but also conferred a cross-resistance to cyromazine, an insect molting disruptor, on which the mode of action is largely unknown. Taken together, our study for the first time revealed the molecular mechanism conferring buprofezin resistance in BPH and implicated that cyromazine also targets chitin biosynthesis to confer its toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Intensive care unit admission (ICUA) triage has been urgent need for solving the shortage of ICU beds, during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) surge. In silico analysis and integrated machine learning (ML) approach, based on multi-omics and immune cells (ICs) profiling, might provide solutions for this issue in the framework of predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine (PPPM). Methods: Multi-omics was used to screen the synchronous differentially expressed protein-coding genes (SDEpcGs), and an integrated ML approach to develop and validate a nomogram for prediction of ICUA. Finally, the independent risk factor (IRF) with ICs profiling of the ICUA was identified. Results: Colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R) and peptidase inhibitor 16 (PI16) were identified as SDEpcGs, and each fold change (FCij) of CSF1R and PI16 was selected to develop and validate a nomogram to predict ICUA. The area under curve (AUC) of the nomogram was 0.872 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.707 to 0.950) on the training set, and 0.822 (95% CI: 0.659 to 0.917) on the testing set. CSF1R was identified as an IRF of ICUA, expressed in and positively correlated with monocytes which had a lower fraction in COVID-19 ICU patients. Conclusion: The nomogram and monocytes could provide added value to ICUA prediction and targeted prevention, which are cost-effective platform for personalized medicine of COVID-19 patients. The log2fold change (log2FC) of the fraction of monocytes could be monitored simply and economically in primary care, and the nomogram offered an accurate prediction for secondary care in the framework of PPPM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transient response of the lateral photovoltaic effect (LPE) was observed when Ti–SiO2–Si structure was irradiated by a 650 nm laser which is attributed to the remarkable absorptivity. LPE is linearly dependent on the laser irradiation position. The LPE has high sensitivity of 68.4 mV/mm and linearity of 0.9853, respectively. This paper focuses on the transient response process of LPE at different laser irradiation positions. The mechanism of the response time of the MOS structure is caused by the diffusion of electrons to the positive and negative electrodes. We experimentally verified this mechanism by laser irradiation on different positions. The principle of transient LPE is revealed by carrier diffusion and recombination theory. LPE has faster response time and larger amplitude when the laser irradiation points are close to electrodes. A resistor–capacitor (RC) circuit model combines with LPE which is established to simulate and analyze the transient process. The research provides a new direction for LPE-based sensors with regard to the amplitude and response time which change with laser irradiation position in Ti–SiO2–Si structure for researchers to develop position-sensitive sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emmenopterys henryi Oliv. is the only known extant species of its genus. It is an endangered and therefore protected plant endemic to China. Currently, most existing research focuses on Central and Eastern China, and a study on potential suitable distribution area of E. henryi in Southwest China is necessary. In this paper, the maximum entropy model and geographic information system were used to predict and analyze the spatial and temporal distribution of E. henryi in Southwest China throughout four periods. The results of the study showed that the moderately and highly suitable areas of E. henryi were mostly distributed in the south of Sichuan, the northeast of Yunnan, the north and southeast of Chongqing, scattered in Guizhou province, with a few low suitability areas in the southeast of Tibet. The total suitable area is about 3.52 × 105 km2, accounting for 15.06% of the total area of Southwest China. The receiver-operating characteristic curves showed that the dominant ecological impact factors of the present distribution are as follows: precipitation in the driest month, elevation, solar radiation, topsoil clay fraction in January, topsoil gravel content, and topsoil base saturation. Their cumulative contribution rate reached 82.7%, and the threshold value of the dominant factors were analyzed according to the factor response curve. Integrated with the prediction results of historical and future periods, it is found that only consider climate change, the suitable area of E. henryi will increase in Southwest China. The total precipitation in the driest month, elevation and isothermality are main factors influencing the change in suitable area in future period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates an adaptive fault-tolerant control (FTC) for hypersonic flight vehicles (HFVs) with incipient faults and non-Gaussian stochastic output attitudes. In the nonlinear HFV dynamics, a hybrid fuzzy approximation method achieves the linearization, then the stochastic outputs are transformed into probability density functions (PDFs) via rational square root B-spline. The disturbance and faults are estimated simultaneously by an adaptive augmented observer. Then actuator faults are compensated by an bionic adaptive fault-tolerant controller to ensure that the output PDFs accurately track the expected PDFs, thereby matching actual attitude angles with the desired ones, the bionic prey adaptive law can make FTC accurately repair the incipient fault deviations. Lyapunov theory proves the robust stability of the scheme, and simulation illustrates the effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have previously shown that abdominal aortic calcification (AAC), a marker of advanced atherosclerotic disease, is weakly associated with reduced hip areal bone mineral density (aBMD). To better understand the vascular-bone health relationship, we explored this association with other key determinants of whole-bone strength and fracture risk at peripheral skeletal sites. This study examined associations of AAC with peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT)-assessed total, cortical and trabecular volumetric BMD (vBMD), bone structure and strength of the radius and tibia among 648 community-dwelling older women (mean ± SD age 79.7 ± 2.5 years). We assessed associations between cross-sectional (2003) and longitudinal (progression from 1998/1999-2003) AAC assessed on lateral dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) images with cross-sectional (2003) and longitudinal (change from 2003 to 2005) pQCT bone measures at the 4% radius and tibia, and 15% radius. Partial Spearman correlations (adjusted for age, BMI, calcium treatment) revealed no cross-sectional associations between AAC and any pQCT bone measures. AAC progression was not associated with any bone measure after adjusting for multiple comparisons, despite trends for inverse correlations with total bone area at the 4% radius (rs =  - 0.088, p = 0.044), 4% tibia (rs =  - 0.085, p = 0.052) and 15% radius (rs =  - 0.101, p = 0.059). Neither AAC in 2003 nor AAC progression were associated with subsequent 2-year pQCT bone changes. ANCOVA showed no differences in bone measures between women with and without AAC or AAC progression, nor across categories of AAC extent. Collectively, these finding suggest that peripheral bone density and structure, or its changes with age, are not associated with central vascular calcification in older women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Heavy metal pollution in urban soil is an important indicator of environmental pollution. Selecting the best interpolation method can accurately reflect the distribution characteristics of heavy metals in soil. In addition, source analysis can reveal heavy metal pollution of soil and help manage and protect the soil environment. This study used a uniform sampling method and obtained a total of 342 sampling points. After acid reduction, the concentration of As, Cu, and Mn in each sample was determined by ICP-MS (Agilent VISTA, USA). The accuracy and results of different spatial interpolation methods were compared and the CATREG model was used to identify the sources of heavy metal pollution. Results: The average concentration of As, Cu, and Mn were 5.802 mg kg −1, 23.992 mg kg−1, and 573.316 mg kg−1, respectively, lower than the soil background value of Chongqing. Compared to other Chinese cities and countries in the world, the concentration of As and Cu was lower in Chongqing, while the concentration of only Mn was higher. The interpolation results of inverse distance weighting (IDW) and radial basis function (RBF) largely retained the maximum information of element concentration. Soil source identification found that population density mainly affected Cu (0.539), slope Mn (0.206), and water quality As (0.453). The highest hotspot value (99% confidence interval), high hotspot value (95% confidence interval), and high hotspot value (90% confidence interval) of As were adjacent to the secondary water environment. Furthermore, the highest hotspot value of Cu was mainly located in the surrounding areas with population density > 3000/km2 and 1000–3000/km2. Mn was distributed along the slope direction and diffused from center to periphery. Conclusions: Different spatial interpolation methods are significant for the analysis of soil properties. Heavy metals have a high degree of coincidence with environmental factors such as slope and population. The results of this research provide a reference for formulating effective control and management strategies for heavy metal pollution of soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Ground impacts during physical activity may be important for peak bone mass. We found differences in how energy expenditure and impact scores estimated from a physical activity questionnaire related to bone health in young adults. Using both estimate types can improve our understanding of the skeletal benefits of physical activity. Purpose: It is unclear whether mechanical loading during physical activity, estimated from physical activity questionnaires which assess metabolic equivalents of task (METs), is associated with skeletal health. This longitudinal study investigated how physical activity loading scores, assessed at ages 17 and 20 years, (a) compares with physical activity measured in METs, and (b) is associated with bone mass at age 20 years. Methods: A total of 826 participants from the Raine Study Gen2 were assessed for physical activity energy expenditure via the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) at age 17 and 20 years. Loading scores (the product of peak force and application rate) per week were subsequently estimated from the IPAQ. Whole-body and appendicular bone mineral density (BMD) at age 20 years were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results: Bland–Altman minimal detectable difference for physical activity Z- scores at age 17 and 20 years were 1.59 standard deviations (SDs) and 1.33 SDs, respectively, greater than the a priori minimal clinically important change of 0.5 SDs. Loading score, but not IPAQ score, had significant positive associations with whole-body and leg BMD after adjustment for covariates (β = 0.008 and 0.012 g/cm2, respectively, for age 17 and 20 years loading scores). IPAQ score at age 20 years, but not loading score, had a significant positive association with arm BMD (β = 0.007 g/cm2). Conclusion: This study revealed disagreement in associations of self-reported METs and loading score estimates with bone health in young adults. Coupling traditional energy expenditure questionnaire outcomes with bone-loading estimates may improve understanding of the location-specific skeletal benefits of physical activity in young adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The effects of straw incorporation on soil nitrous oxide (N2O) emission at the soil aggregate scale have yet to be elucidated, especially with supplemental nitrogen (N) and/or organic carbon (OC). The objective of this study was to evaluate N2O emission across different size soil aggregates of 6-year straw-incorporated soil as affected by exogenous N and OC treatments. Materials and methods: In the present study, the N2O emission from different particle size soil aggregates (> 2, 1–2, 0.25–1, and < 0.25 mm) were investigated with/without 6-year maize straw incorporation under protected vegetable production. Ammonium sulfate (100 mg N kg−1) or ammonium sulfate (100 mg N kg−1) + glucose (100 mg C kg−1) were applied to these soil aggregates along with an unamended treatment (Control, CK) and incubated in a robotized continuous on-line incubation system for 200 h at 20℃ and 25% gravimetric water content. The dynamics of N2O emission was conducted in closed bottles with 21% initial oxygen concentration. Results and discussion: The results showed that the proportion of > 1 mm aggregates and < 1 mm aggregates in straw-incorporated soil were increased 10.2% and decreased 29.1%, respectively, than those in no straw-incorporated soil. For all investigated treatments, < 0.25 mm aggregates had the highest cumulative N2O emission with 2.15–45.1 nmol N g−1 across all aggregate sizes. Cumulative N2O emission in < 0.25 mm aggregate of straw-incorporated soil was greater than that in no straw-incorporated soil without exogenous N and OC addition. N addition stimulated N2O emission from all size aggregates, and the N-stimulating effects were enhanced by the simultaneous addition of glucose. With exogenous N, N, and OC additions, cumulative N2O emission in > 2 mm, 1–2 mm, and 0.25–1 mm aggregates of straw-incorporated soil was greater than that in no straw-incorporated soil. Conclusions: These results suggested that the characteristic of N2O emissions across different size aggregates from straw-incorporated soil is altered with supplemental N and OC. The study highlights that the N2O emission from straw-incorporated soil was stimulated by exogenous organic carbon and nitrogen addition within > 0.25 mm aggregate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been a dearth of research elucidating the behavioral effect of microbially-produced volatile organic compounds on insects in postharvest agriculture. Demonstrating attraction to MVOC's by stored product insects would provide an additional source of unique behaviorally-relevant stimuli to protect postharvest commodities at food facilities. Here, we assessed the behavioral response of a primary (Rhyzopertha dominica) and secondary (Tribolium castaneum) grain pest to bouquets of volatiles produced by whole wheat that were untempered, or tempered to 12%, 15%, or 19% grain moisture and incubated for 9, 18, or 27 days. We hypothesized that MVOC's may be more important for the secondary feeder because they signal that otherwise unusable, intact grains have become susceptible by weakening of the bran. However, contrary to our expectations, we found that the primary feeder, R. dominica, but not T. castaneum was attracted to MVOC's in a wind tunnel experiment, and in a release-recapture assay using commercial traps baited with grain treatments. Increasing grain moisture resulted in elevated grain damage detected by near-infrared spectroscopy and resulted in small but significant differences in the blend of volatiles emitted by treatments detected by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC–MS). In sequencing the microbial community on the grain, we found a diversity of fungi, suggesting that an assemblage was responsible for emissions. We conclude that R. dominica is attracted to a broader suite of MVOC's than T. castaneum, and that our work highlights the importance of understanding insect-microbe interactions in the postharvest agricultural supply chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to showcase the adaptability evaluation of human settlements in Chengdu with the use of 3S technology. Chengdu was selected as the research object; natural eco-environmental factors such as terrain fluctuations, temperature and humidity, vegetation type, land use, and vegetation cover were analyzed, together with human disturbance factors such as traffic and gross domestic product (GDP); and the index weights were calculated by analytic hierarchy process (AHP). The evaluation model of Chengdu's residential environment adaptability was constructed based on the analysis carried out by the 3S technology: projection transformation, remote sensing interpretation, information extraction, and analysis. The results of the analysis reflected the zoning and spatial distribution characteristics of Chengdu's residential environment adaptability, and show that (1) the adaptability index of Chengdu's human settlement environment is between 15.98 and 76.75, and the suitability of human settlement environment is seen gradually decreasing from the middle, where it is the highest, when moving to the west and to the east of Chengdu; (2) according to the present situation, the suitability index can be divided into high-grade suitable areas, relatively high-grade suitable areas, moderately suitable areas, and low suitable areas; (3) the correlation between the spatial distribution of Chengdu population and each index factor is as follows: per capita GDP > topographic relief > temperature and humidity > vegetation coverage > traffic network density > land use > hydrological factors; (4) there is a good correlation between Chengdu's human settlements suitability index and the present population density grid layer, and its correlation coefficient is 0.7326; and (5) the leading impact indicators of human settlements are different in different regions. The results show that the natural environmental conditions in Chengdu are superior and that the ecological environmental quality is relatively stable, but the human settlement suitability index is relatively low in the southeast and Longmenshan areas of Chengdu. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new Bacillus cereus phage, SWEP1, was isolated from black soil. The host lysis activity of phage SWEP1 has a relatively short latent time (20 min) and a small burst size of 83 PFU. The genome of SWEP1 consists of 162,461 bp with 37.77% G+C content. The phage encodes 278 predicted proteins, 103 of which were assigned functionally. No tRNA genes were found. Comparative genomics analysis indicated that SWEP1 is related to Bacillus phage B4 (86.91% identity, 90% query coverage). Phenotypic and genotypic characterization suggested that SWEP1 is a new member of a new species in the genus Bequatrovirus, family Herelleviridae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The raising concentration of atmospheric CO2 resulted in global warming. The forest ecosystem in Tibet played an irreplaceable role in maintaining global carbon balance and mitigating climate change for its abundant original forest resources with powerful action of carbon sink. In the present study, the samples of soil and vegetation were collected at a total of 137 sites from 2001 to 2018 in Tibet. Based on the field survey of Tibet's forest resources and 8th forest inventory data, we estimated the carbon storage and carbon density of forest vegetation (tree layer, shrub, grass, litter and dead wood) and soil (0–50 cm) in Tibet. Geostatistical methods combined with Kriging spatial interpolation and Moran's I were applied to reveal their spatial distribution patterns and variation characteristics. The carbon density of forest vegetation and soil in Tibet were 74.57 t ha−1 and 96.24 t ha−1, respectively. The carbon storage of forest vegetation and soil in Tibet were 344.35 Tg C and 440.53 Tg C, respectively. Carbon density of fir (Abies forest) was 144.80 t ha−1 with the highest value among all the forest types. Carbon storage of spruce (Picea forest) was the highest with 99.09 Tg C compared with other forest types. The carbon density of fir forest and spruce forest both increased with the rising temperature and precipitation. Temperature was the main influential factor. The spatial distribution of carbon density of forest vegetation, soil, and ecosystem in Tibet generally showed declining trends from western Tibet to eastern Tibet. Our results facilitated the understanding of the carbon sequestration role of forest ecosystem in the Tibet. It also implied that as the carbon storage potential of Tibet's forests are expected to increase, these forests are likely to serve as huge carbon sinks in the current era of global warming and climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, lead-free (1−x)(Bi0.5Na0.5)0.94Ba0.06TiO3−xBi(Mg0.5Ti0.5)O3 (abbreviated as BNBT-xBMT, x = 0.3, 0.4, 0.5 and 0.6) thin films were prepared on Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si substrates using sol–gel method. The microstructures, dielectric, and energy storage properties were investigated. The results showed that the addition of BMT disrupted the long-range ferroelectric order and enhanced the relaxor behavior of BNBT-xBMT thin films. In addition, the leakage current density of thin films was also reduced by the doping of a moderate amount of BMT. A high recoverable energy density of 34.36 J/cm3 with an efficiency of 56.63% was achieved in the BNBT-0.5BMT thin film under the electric field of 2149 kV/cm. Furthermore, BNBT-0.5BMT thin film exhibited superior stability in the temperature range of 30 °C–145 °C and frequency range of 500 Hz–5 kHz, as well as long-term fatigue durability after 1 × 105 cycles. These results suggest that BNBT-0.5BMT thin film may be a promising material for lead-free dielectric energy storage applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dectes texanus is an important coleopteran pest of soybeans and cultivated sunflowers in the Midwestern United States that causes yield losses by girdling stems of their host plants. Although sunflower and giant ragweed are primary hosts of D. texanus, they began colonizing soybeans approximately 50 years ago and no reliable management method has been established to prevent or reduce losses by this pest. To identify genes putatively involved when feeding soybean, we compared gene expression of D. texanus third-instar larvae fed soybean to those fed sunflower, giant ragweed, or artificial diet. Dectes texanus larvae differentially expressed 514 unigenes when fed on soybean compared to those fed the other diet treatments. Enrichment analyses of gene ontology terms from up-regulated unigenes in soybean-fed larvae compared to those fed both primary hosts highlighted unigenes involved in oxidoreductase and polygalacturonase activities. Cytochrome P450s, carboxylesterases, major facilitator superfamily transporters, lipocalins, apolipoproteins, glycoside hydrolases 1 and 28, and lytic monooxygenases were among the most commonly up-regulated unigenes in soybean-fed larvae compared to those fed their primary hosts. These results suggest that D. texanus larvae differentially expressed unigenes involved in biotransformation of allelochemicals, digestion of plant cell walls and transport of small solutes and lipids when feeding in soybean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a rule, the production rate of a shale gas well is high at the initial stage and decreases within approximately one year of production. On the one hand, the rate of production of the horizontal shale gas well is obviously affected by the bottom hole liquid accumulation when even a cubic meter volume of accumulated liquid can lead to a complete cessation of gas production. On the other hand, the production rate is also sensitive to gas transmission pressure and the transmission mode. Due to the great difference in the gas production and percolation mechanism between a shale gas reservoir and a conventional gas reservoir; the error of prediction of the gas flow pattern can be very high. Based on the modern shale gas dynamics, the method of multiple regression analysis is proposed to predict the average pressure drop gradient of a gas well, and the average error rate is 9.0%. The new method has the advantages of high efficiency and low cost. According to the actual production data fitting, the gas wells are divided into stable production and unstable production wells, depending on the average pressure drop gradient, which effectively reflects the implementation of a well drainage gas production technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The underlying etiology of juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) is unknown. T cell deficiency as well as Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection had been suspected to be involved in the pathogenesis, but it has been poorly evaluated in JDM patients. Methods: This study described the traits of T and B lymphocyte subsets in newly onset JDM patients and the incidence of EBV infection in JDM patients compared with match controls. Newly developed JDM patients from 2014 to 2018 were included in the study. Lymphocytes with different markers (CD3+, CD3+CD4+, CD3+CD8+, CD3−CD19+ and CD3−CD16+CD56+) were tested with flow cytometry in the first admission or after 6 months of treatment. Statistical analysis was conducted to compare the EBV infection in the group of JDM patients and controls. Results: We observed that JDM patients had higher positive rate of Epstein–Barr nuclear antigen-immunoglobulin G (IgG) (P < 0.0001) as well as EBV capsid antigen-IgG (P < 0.05) than normal controls. CD3−CD16+CD56+ lymphocyte was found to be extremely low in early stage of JDM patients, but increased after 6 months of treatment (P = 0.0091). Conclusions: The level of CD3−CD16+CD56+ cells may associate with the clinical course of JDM. EBV may act as an environmental factor predisposing patients to the development of JDM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil O2 dynamics have significant influences on greenhouse gas emissions during soil management practice. In this study, we deployed O2-specific planar optodes to visualize spatiotemporal distribution of O2 in soils treated with biological soil disinfestation (BSD). This study aimed to reveal the role of anoxia development on emissions of N2O and CH4 from soil amended with crop residues during BSD period. The incorporation of crop residues includes wheat straw only, wheat straw with biochar and early straw incorporation. The anoxia in soil developed very fast within 3 days, while the O2 in headspace decreased much slower and it became anaerobic after 5 days, which was significantly affected by straw and biochar additions. The N2O emissions were positively correlated with soil hypoxic fraction. The CH4 emissions were not significant until the anoxia dominated in both soil and headspace. The co-application of biochar with straw delayed the anoxia development and extended the hypoxic area in soil, resulting in lower emissions of N2O and CH4. Those results highlight that the soil O2 dynamic was the key variable triggering the N2O and CH4 productions. Therefore, detailed information of soil O2 availability could be highly beneficial for optimizing the strategies of organic amendments incorporation in the BSD technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distinguished features of screen contents lead to the development of the Screen Content Coding (SCC) extension of High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC). Intra coding of HEVC-SCC has to evaluate traditional HEVC intra coding modes and additional modes for screen contents, which poses a challenge for coding such a content on mobile devices. Furthermore, the heterogeneous mobile devices have varying complexity requirements. In this paper, a flexible screen content intra coding scheme is proposed, which can trade between encoding complexity and rate-distortion performance degradation via cost sensitive learning. Taking the cost of different decisions into account, binary classifiers are designed to determine whether a particular kind of coding modes will be evaluated. By adopting the cost-proportionate weighted sampling, the proposed scheme can learn a flexible coding policy offline via reinforcement learning. Experimental results show the effectiveness of the proposed scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To ease the configuration and maintenance of complex cellular networks, the self-organizing network (SON) is introduced. SON contains three major sub-functional groups: self-configuration, self-optimization, and self-healing. Among these, fault diagnosis in self-healing is crucial, and it is usually considered as a classification problem which is commonly addressed by supervised machine learning methods. However, the barrier to these methods is the difficulty in obtaining sufficient network fault data with label (fault cause). To achieve an effective classifier and dramatically reduce the number of labeled instances needed, we propose an active learning based fault diagnosis scheme, which can select unlabeled instances for labeling actively. According to the selection criteria, there are several query strategies. In this paper, we apply uncertainty sampling as the query strategy due to its low computational cost and high efficiency. Besides, we implement random sampling as a contrast which is a nonactive learning method. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed scheme, we construct a long term evolution (LTE) system level simulator by Network Simulator 3. Then several fault scenarios are simulated, and the records of key performance indicators with fault causes are collected. Extensive experiments demonstrate that the proposed scheme is effective in reducing the number of labeled instances needed, and it is also valid in the class-imbalanced data. Specifically, to achieve a classifier with an accuracy of 99%, the active learning based method only needs 74 labeled instances but the nonactive learning method needs 1354 ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For a given carbon budget over several decades, different transformation rates for the energy system yield starkly different results. Here we consider a budget of 33 GtCO2 for the cumulative carbon dioxide emissions from the European electricity, heating, and transport sectors between 2020 and 2050, which represents Europe's contribution to the Paris Agreement. We have found that following an early and steady path in which emissions are strongly reduced in the first decade is more cost-effective than following a late and rapid path in which low initial reduction targets quickly deplete the carbon budget and require a sharp reduction later. We show that solar photovoltaic, onshore and offshore wind can become the cornerstone of a fully decarbonised energy system and that installation rates similar to historical maxima are required to achieve timely decarbonisation. Key to those results is a proper representation of existing balancing strategies through an open, hourly-resolved, networked model of the sector-coupled European energy system. For a given carbon budget between 2020 and 2050, different transformation rates for the European energy system yield starkly different results. Here the authors show that strongly reducing emissions in the first decade is cost-effective and entails additional benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a serious threat to human lives and is usually diagnosed at the late stages. Recently, there has been a rapid advancement in the treatment options for HCC, but novel therapeutic targets are still needed, especially for precision medicine.Aims: We aimed to investigate the involvement of non-coding RNA RP11-81H3.2 in HCC.Methods: The expression of RP11-81H3.2 was examined in the blood samples of HCC patients, and in the human HCC cell lines, including HepG2, Smmc-7721, and Huh7. Cell proliferation was determined using the CCK-8 and EdU assay, and cell invasion and migration were determined using the transwell/wound healing assay. The effects of RP11-81H3.2 knockdown on in vivo tumor growth were evaluated utilizing the nude mice HepG2 tumor xenograft model.Results: Here, we have identified a long non-coding RNA, RP11-81H3.2, which is enriched in HCC and can promote its proliferation, migration, and invasion both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, our results showed that RP11-81H3.2 binds to and regulate miR-490-3p expression in the HCC cells. Moreover, we found that RP11-81H3.2 regulates the expression of TNKS2 via miR-490-3p. Further, we found that RP11-81H3.2 and miR-490-3p form a regulatory loop; the release of RP11-81H3.2 leads to the suppression of miR-490-3p expression, thus, further enhancing the expression of RP11-81H3.2.Conclusions: Our data have provided a novel target for the diagnosis and treatment of HCC, and sheds light on the lncRNA-miRNA regulatory nexus that can control the HCC related pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Butenoic acid is a short-chain unsaturated fatty acid and important precursor for pharmaceutical and other applications. Heterologous thioesterases are able to convert a fatty acid biosynthesis intermediate in Escherichia coli to butenoic acid. In order to acquire high titer and yield of the product, dynamically switching the metabolic flux from fatty acid biosynthesis pathway to butenoic acid is critical after achieving enough cell mass of the host. A previous developed switch for butenoic acid fermentation is based on triclosan molecule as the FabI inhibitor in the fatty acid biosynthesis cycle. However, triclosan is toxic to human, which may limit its pharmaceutical application. Alternatively, we here purposed a nontoxic switch of carbon flux by harnessing recently developed CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) approach. In our work, we constructed a CRISPRi/dCpf1-mediated dynamic metabolic switch to separate the host growth and production phase via switching the expression of the fabI gene in fatty acid biosynthesis pathway. After optimizing the programmable targets, the CRISPRi-based switch boosted the titer of butenoic acid by 6-fold (1.41 g/L) in fed-batch fermentation. Our work supported that the CRISPRi/dCpf1 switch could replace triclosan-based switch as a nontoxic switch for butenoic acid production, and outcompeted the later switch in the biomass accumulation of the host cell. Moreover, the CRISPRi/dCpf1 system was integrated into the chromosome of the host to improve its genetic stability for long-term fermentation and other applications. Key Points • A programmable metabolic switch was developed to replace the toxic chemical switch to separate the growth phase and production phase of the butenoic acid. • The programmable CRISPRi/dCpf1 switch was efficiently and stably integrated into the host genome to increase their genetic stability during fermentation. • The optimized metabolic switch simultaneously increased the host biomass and butenoic acid titer, and solved the paradox of the competition between growth and production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cr2FeSi and CrMn2Si Heusler compound films were experimentally prepared on Si (100) substrate by alternating evaporation method with post-annealing process. The samples have a cubic structure with a space group of Pm3n (223), and the crystallinity is dependent on the Fe (Mn) contents. The exchange bias effect in the bilayer samples confirmed the AFM state of the CrMn1.95Si and Cr1.92FeSi. Analysis of magnetic and transport properties revealed that both Cr2FeSi and CrMn2Si Heusler compound films are highly conductive antiferromagnetic semiconductor with band gap of 0.4–0.5 eV and might have broad half-metallic temperature region. These features suggest that CrMn2Si and Cr2FeSi films could be good candidates in an application of antiferromagnetic spintronics in commercial semiconductor industry, in view of the good structural compatibility between Heusler compound and the mainstream zinc-blende structured semiconductor substrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Soil organic carbon (SOC) content and stability, which are regulated by microbial communities, vary depending on aggregate size. The objectives of this study were to investigate the distribution of the SOC fraction and microbial community composition within soil aggregates when subjected to different fertilization treatments. Materials and methods: This study used high-throughput sequencing technology to analyze the soil microbial community distribution in different-sized aggregate fractions [> 2 mm (large macro-aggregates), 2–0.25 mm (small macro-aggregates), and < 0.25 mm (microaggregates)] when they were subjected to different fertilization treatments in a 16-year greenhouse experiment. The three treatments were chemical fertilizer (CF), 50% organic fertilizer + 50% chemical fertilizer (MF), and organic fertilizer (OF). Results and discussion: The results showed that the application of organic fertilizer significantly increased the soil organic carbon (SOC), dissolvable organic carbon (DOC), and microbial biomass carbon (MBC) contents and changed microbial community composition in all the different-sized soil aggregates. We observed that OF significantly reduced the relative abundance of bacterial communities in all aggregates and significantly increased the relative abundances of fungal communities in small macro-aggregates. The larger fungal communities in small macro-aggregates could promote soil aggregation and C sequestration. Conclusions: Organic fertilization increased the substrate contents in soil aggregates and enhanced soil aggregation and microbial activity in macro-aggregates, which are critical factors that facilitate C transformation and sequestration. These improvements resulted in significantly improved soil fertility and increased vegetable yield in the greenhouses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Increasing vegetable intake and diversity are recommended to maintain better health. Evidence for the health benefits of vegetable diversity, separate from total intake, is scarce. We aimed to investigate the associations of vegetable diversity with subclinical measures of atherosclerosis and atherosclerotic vascular disease (ASVD) mortality. Methods: Vegetable diversity was assessed within a validated food frequency questionnaire using a single question, 'How many different vegetables do you usually consume each day (< 1 to ≥ 6 per day)'. Cox proportional hazards modelling was used to examine the association between vegetable diversity and ASVD mortality in 1226 women aged ≥ 70 years without clinical ASVD or diabetes mellitus at baseline (1998). In 2001, B-mode ultrasonography was used to measure common carotid artery intima–media thickness (CCA-IMT) (n = 954) and carotid plaque severity (n = 968). Results: Over 15 years (15,947 person-years) of follow-up, 238 ASVD-related deaths were recorded. For each additional different vegetable consumed per day, there was 17% lower hazard for ASVD mortality (HR = 0.83, 95% CI 0.78, 0.93, P = 0.001); a 1.7% lower mean CCA-IMT (B ± SE: − 0.013 ± 0.004, P < 0.001); and a 1.8% lower maximum CCA-IMT (B ± SE: − 0.017 ± 0.004, P < 0.001). Further adjustment for total vegetable intake attenuated the association between vegetable diversity and ASVD mortality (P = 0.114), but not CCA-IMT (P = 0.024). No association was observed between vegetable diversity and carotid plaque severity (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Vegetable diversity may contribute to benefits in lowering risk of ASVD in older women. The reduction in risk is partly explained by increased total vegetable consumption. Clinical trial registry: The Perth Longitudinal Study of Aging in Women (PLSAW) trial registration ID is ACTRN12617000640303. This study was retrospectively registered on the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry at http://www.anzctr.org.au. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last two decades, with the wide use of azoles, antifungal resistance among Candida parapsilosis has considered a matter of concern worldwide. The aim of this study is to evaluate the antifungal potentials of tetrandrine (TET) alone and in combination with fluconazole (FLC)/voriconazole (VRC) against C. parapsilosis. Susceptibility tests were performed by microdilution method, checkerboard assay, time-kill test, spot assay. Subsequently, rhodamine 6G efflux test and the expressions of transporter related genes, namely CDR1 and MDR1 for C. parapsilosis were analyzed by qRT-PCR. The susceptibility test showed that TET presented strong synergism with FLC and VRC with fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) in a range of 0.094–0.562. The susceptibility results were also confirmed by spot assay and time-kill studies. With TET treatment, a vast quantity of rhodamine 6G could not be pumped out from the cells as considerably intracellular red fluorescence was accumulated. Meanwhile, the expressions of efflux-associated genes presented varying degrees of inhibition. These results indicated that TET was a decent antifungal synergist to promote the antifungal efficacy of FLC/VRC, and the underlying antifungal mechanism might be associated with the inhibition of efflux pump and the elevation of intracellular drug content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this manuscript, based on the geometric singular perturbation theory, several new solitary wave solutions in a perturbed generalized Benjamin–Bona–Mahony (BBM) equation are detected by the explicit calculation of the associated Melnikov integrals. These solitary wave solutions are homoclinic to non-trivial steady states and have not been found before. We also determine the zeroth-order approximations to the speeds of these solitary waves explicitly. In the calculations of the Melnikov integrals, the explicit expressions of the unperturbed homoclinic orbits play an important role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gut microbiota play a key role in the regulation of obesity and associated metabolic disorders. To study the relationship between them, antibiotics have been widely used to generate pseudo-germ-free rodents as control models. However, it is not clear whether antibiotics impact an animal's metabolic phenotype. Therefore, the effect of antibiotics-induced gut microbial perturbations on metabolic phenotypes in high-fat diet (HFD) fed mice was investigated. The results showed that antibiotics perturbed gut microbial composition and structure. Community diversity and richness were reduced, and the phyla Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio was decreased by antibiotics. Visualization of Unifrac distance data using principal component analysis (PCA) and unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic mean (UPGAM) demonstrated that fecal samples of HFD-fed mice separated from those of chow diet (CD) fed mice. Fecal samples from antibiotics-treated and non-treated mice were clustered into two different microbial populations. Moreover, antibiotics suppressed HFD-induced metabolic features, including body weight gain (BWG), liver weight (LW), epididymal fat weight (EFW), and serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), fasting blood glucose (FBG), and insulin (INS) significantly (P < 0.05). Lachnospiraceae, Ruminiclostridium and Helicobacter, biomarkers of mouse gut microbiota before treatment by antibiotics, were positively correlated with obesity phenotypes significantly (P < 0.05) and were decreased by (92.95 ± 5.09) %, (97.73 ± 2.09) % and (99.48 ± 0.21) % respectively after 30 days of treatment by antibiotics. However, Bacteroidia were enriched in HFD-fed antibiotics-treated mice and were negatively correlated with obesity phenotypes significantly (P < 0.05). We suggested that the antibiotics-induced depletion of Lachnospiraceae, Ruminiclostridium, and Helicobacter, and the decrease in F/B ratio in gut microbiota played a role in the prevention of HFD-induced obesity in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The water retention characteristics of polluted soil systems are affected not only by the properties of the soil (e.g., texture) but also by those of the pollutants. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of oil pollution on the water-holding capacity of earthy materials with different textures.Materials and methods: Three earthy materials (Lou, Loessial, and Aeolian sandy earthy materials) with different textures were treated with crude oil at five pollution levels (0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4%). The soil water retention curve (SWRC) obtained for each treated sample was analyzed using the van Genuchten model.Results and discussion: Oil pollution resulted in lower soil water retention in each case, with a leftward shift of the corresponding SWRC, and led to a decrease in the saturated water content of the earthy material, characterized by a marked increase in incomplete saturation, and a decrease in the residual water content (i.e., irreducible saturation). Oil pollution also determined a marked increase in the slope of the SWRC. The response of the SWRC to oil pollution was significantly influenced by the texture of earthy material, and the saturated water content of all earthy materials was strongly affected by the level of oil pollution. The residual water content of the heavier-textured Lou earthy material was also strongly affected by the oil pollution level, but no clear influence was found for the lighter-textured Loessial or Aeolian sandy earthy materials. The SWRC slope of the Aeolian sandy earthy material was sensitive to oil pollution, unlike those of the Lou and Loessial earthy materials.Conclusions: Oil pollution reduced the water-holding capacity of different earthy materials to an extent depending on the soil texture. Under low-suction conditions, a significant effect of oil pollution on earthy materials of different texture was generally observed, while under high-suction conditions, the effect of oil pollution was greater for heavier-textured earthy materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We reported a 53-year-old with late-onset mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) accompanied by aneurysm and large vessel dilations. Most studies have focused on microangiopathy causing stroke-like episodes. We report a case to describe large vessel involvement in clinical considerations, and possible mechanisms of aneurysm formation. We recommended regular angiographic examination for patients with MELAS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]