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BACKGROUND: The alteration of chromatin accessibility plays an important role in plant responses to abiotic stress. Carbon‐based nanomaterials (CBNMs) have attracted increasing interest in agriculture due to their potential impact on crop productivity, showcasing effects on plant biological processes at transcriptional levels; however, their impact on chromatin accessibility remains unknown. RESULTS: This study found that fullerenol can penetrate the seed coat of pea to mitigate the reduction of seed germination caused by osmotic stress. RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) revealed that the application of fullerenol caused the high expression of genes related to oxidoreduction to return to a normal level. Assay for transposase accessible chromatin sequencing (ATAC‐seq) confirmed that fullerenol application reduced the overall levels of chromatin accessibility of numerous genes, including those related to environmental signaling, transcriptional regulation, and metabolism. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that fullerenol alleviates osmotic stress on various fronts, encompassing antioxidant, transcriptional, and epigenetic levels. This advances knowledge of the working mechanism of this nanomaterial within plant cells. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To overcome the issues of poor toughness and low dielectric constant associated with PLA, which limit its application in the electronics industry, we introduced an insulating polydopamine (PDA) layer on the surface of core‐shell nickel‐coated carbon nanotube (Ni‐CNT) and nickel‐coated graphene (Ni‐GRA). Through a double‐layer structural design approach, we successfully prepared polylactic acid (PLA)/polycaprolactone (PCL) blends that exhibit high dielectric constant (ε') and low dielectric loss (tanδ). This innovative design led to impressive impact strengths of 29.41 kJ/m2 for PLA/PCL/4Ni‐GRAs and 22.54 kJ/m2 for PLA/PCL/4Ni‐CNTs. PDA enhanced the interfacial interactions between the filler and matrix, which improved the dispersion of Ni‐CNTs and Ni‐GRAs and contributed to the mechanical properties of the PLA/PCL blends. Simultaneously, PLA/PCL/4Ni‐CNTs and PLA/PCL/4Ni‐GRAs exhibited commendable integrated dielectric properties. The PDA@fillers form microcapacitors with the polymer matrix and the conductive Ni layer enhances ε' and reduces the conductivity difference between fillers. Furthermore, the insulating PDA layer contributed to improved dispersion, inhibition of charge carrier migration, and reduction in tanδ. At 1000 Hz, the ε′ of PLA/PCL/4Ni‐CNTs and PLA/PCL/4Ni‐GRAs increased to 88.3 and 124.6, respectively, and the tanδ values remained below 1, indicating minimal dielectric loss. This provides a promising direction for eco‐friendly materials with enhanced dielectric and mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytoalexins play a crucial role in plant immunity. However, the mechanism of how phytoalexin is primed by beneficial microorganisms against broad‐spectrum pathogens remains elusive. This study showed that Bacillus cereus AR156 could trigger ISR against broad‐spectrum disease. RNA‐sequencing and camalexin content assays showed that AR156‐triggered ISR can prime the accumulation of camalexin synthesis and secretion‐related genes. Moreover, it was found that AR156‐triggered ISR elevates camalexin accumulation by increasing the expression of camalexin synthesis genes upon pathogen infection. We observed that the priming of camalexin accumulation by AR156 was abolished in cyp71a13 and pad3 mutants. Further investigations reveal that in the wrky33 mutant, the ability of AR156 to prime camalexin accumulation is abolished, and the mediated ISR against the three pathogens is significantly compromised. Furthermore, PEN3 and PDR12, acting as camalexin transporters, participate in AR156‐induced ISR against broad‐spectrum pathogens differently. In addition, salicylic acid and JA/ET signalling pathways participate in AR156‐primed camalexin synthesis to resist pathogens in different forms depending on the pathogen. In summary, B. cereus AR156 triggers ISR against Botrytis cinerea, Pst DC3000 and Phytophthora capsici by priming camalexin synthesis. Our study provides deeper insights into the significant role of camalexin for AR156‐induced ISR against broad‐spectrum pathogens. Summary statement: Beneficial rhizobacterium AR156 triggered ISR by enhancing camalexin accumulation in Arabidopsis, with WRKY33 acting as a positive regulator. PEN3 and PDR12 are involved in AR156‐induced ISR. Salicylic acid and JA/ET signalling pathways participate in AR156‐primed camalexin synthesis to resist various pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amidst global climate warming, the urgency to enhance crop drought resistance has reached unprecedented levels. However, the achievement of superior drought‐resistant crop varieties, despite substantial research investments, remains constrained. This limited success in transitioning from the laboratory to the field can be partly attributed to the disparity between evaluating biological and agronomic drought resistance (ADR). ADR places emphasis on minimizing yield losses during drought conditions and maintaining robust performance under normal circumstances. Here, we present a comprehensive overview of ADR genes reported during the past decades, categorized based on their yield performance under both drought and standard growth conditions. We highlight 23 genes from grain and legume crops, providing insight into their working mechanisms. Particularly, we delve into their efficacy in improving yields predominantly through transgenic approaches in field conditions. Furthermore, we briefly touch upon the adoption of emerging phenomics technologies, which can streamline the discovery and application of ADR genes. This review is poised to serve the breeding community, aiding in the selection of appropriate target genes to augment crop drought resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CO2 radical anion (CO2⋅−) is a highly reductive species (Ered=−2.2 V vs SCE), which can undergo Giese radical addition to an unsaturated C−C bond and install a carbonyl group to synthesize acids. Normally, it has been generated through the direct reduction of CO2 gas or from formate salts via HAT (hydrogen atom transfer) as the BDE (bond dissociation energy) of the C−H bond in formate is only around 86 kcal/mol. This concept highlights the recent developments on alkenes dicarboxylation reaction with CO2 and/or formate as the carbonyl sources. In these reactions, CO2 radical anion species played significant roles in the carboxylation step. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green credit policy is designed to address the global climate risk. However, few studies have investigated empirically whether green credit policy indeed reduces corporate carbon emission intensity. Based on firm‐level data in China and a difference‐in‐differences model, this study explores how corporate carbon emission intensity evolves following the green credit policy. We find that, on the whole, the green credit can effectively reduce corporate carbon emission intensity, while the dynamic negative effect tends to alleviate after 2017. Specifically, green credit reduces corporate carbon emission intensity mainly through lowering investment carbon intensity and enhancing environmental supervision. However, the signaling mechanism of green credit does not significantly alleviate corporate carbon emission intensity. The green credit has a stronger reduction effect on corporate carbon emission intensity with third‐party certification, non‐state‐owned ownership, and high financing constraint. We thereby suggest that innovations should be made to the standards and processes of green credit to ensure sustainability and stability. Quantitative and standardized corporate environmental information disclosure is essential for the low‐carbon effect on green finance innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, is among the most important pests of citrus. It is the main vector of the Huanglongbing (HLB) pathogen Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), which causes severe losses in citrus crops. Control of D. citri is therefore of paramount importance to reduce the spread of HLB. In this regard, using RNA interference (RNAi) to silence target genes is a useful strategy to control psyllids. In this study, using RNAi, we examined the biological functions of the V‐ATPase subunit E (V‐ATP‐E) gene of D. citri, including its effect on acquisition of CLas. The amino acid sequence of V‐ATP‐E from D. citri had high homology with proteins from other insects. V‐ATP‐E was expressed at all D. citri life stages analyzed, and the expression level in mature adults was higher than that of teneral adults. Silencing of V‐ATP‐E resulted in a significant increase in mortality, reduced body weight, and induced cell apoptosis of the D. citri midgut. The reduced expression of V‐ATP‐E was indicated to inhibit CLas passing through the midgut and into the hemolymph, leading to a majority of CLas being confined to the midgut. In addition, double‐stranded RNA of D. citri V‐ATP‐E was safe to non‐target parasitic wasps. These results suggest that V‐ATP‐E is an effective RNAi target that can be used in D. citri control to block CLas infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fertilization is a widely used practice to maintain soil fertility. To unravel the rapid response patterns of soil microbial under mineral and combined mineral‐organic fertilization treatments, 1‐year fertilization trial was conducted in an intensive greenhouse on the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau (QTP). Higher soil nutrient concentrations and lower soil pH were detected in mineral and combined mineral‐organic fertilized soils than in unfertilized soils. Both fertilized soils also showed higher bacterial richness and diversity and lower fungal diversity than unfertilized soils. Compared with the soil without fertilizer application, the soil microflora structure was significantly changed by fertilizer application; however, no differences were detected between both fertilized soils. Both short‐term fertilizations recruited more abundant Proteobacteria and Ascomycota, and a smaller proportion of Acidobacteriota, Basidiomycota and Mortierellomycota. In addition, available phosphorus (AP), was most closely linked to the variations in the structures of soil bacterial and fungal communities. Our findings highlight the significance of the temporal component for fertilization effects, indicating that 1 year of mineral and combined mineral‐organic fertilization only affected the diversity of some bacterial and fungal communities in the soil. Therefore, a moderately longer fertilization year based on this study should be pondered in intensive greenhouse cultivation in the QTP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We aimed to investigate the association between gastrointestinal ultrasound (GIUS) and capsule endoscopy (CE) in assessing disease activity in patients with small bowel Crohn's disease (CD). Methods: Medical records of 74 patients with small bowel CD who were treated at our hospital between January 2020 and March 2022 were retrospectively reviewed, including 50 men and 24 women. All patients underwent both GIUS and CE within one week after their admissions. The Simple Ultrasound Scoring of Crohn's Disease (SUS‐CD) and Lewis score were used to assess disease activity during GIUS and CE, respectively. P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of SUS‐CD was 0.90 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.81–0.99; P < 0.001). And the diagnostic accuracy of GIUS was 79.7%, with a sensitivity of 93.6%, a specificity of 81.8%, a positive predictive value of 96.7%, a negative predictive value of 69.2% in predicting active small bowel CD. Furthermore, the agreement between GIUS and CE was assessed using Spearman's correlation analysis and SUS‐CD was correlated with Lewis score (r = 0.82, P < 0.001) Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate a strong correlation between GIUS and CE in assessing the disease activity in patients with CD affecting the small intestine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We described a copper(II)‐catalyzed [3+2] cycloaddition of N‐aryl‐α,β‐unsaturated nitrones with disubstituted allenoates bifurcated to prepare various [1,3]oxazino[3,2‐a]indolines and dihydropyrido[1,2‐a]indolines in moderate to excellent yields. Mechanistic studies revealed that [1,3]oxazino[3,2‐a]indoline was a kinetically favored product and dihydropyrido[1,2‐a]indoline was thermodynamically favored product. Moreover, the reaction was easily performed at gram scales and chiral dihydropyrido[1,2‐a]indoline could be obtained by using chiral auxiliary. The present method highlights broad substrate scope, good functional group tolerance, and diversity of indoline scaffolds with high diastereoselectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Spasticity is a common complication of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). However, no consensus exists on the relation between spasticity and initial clinical findings after ICH. Methods: This retrospective study enrolled adult patients with a history of ICH between January 2012 and October 2020. The modified Ashworth scale was used to assess spasticity. A trained image analyst traced all ICH lesions. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the association between ICH lesion sites and spasticity. Results: We finally analyzed 304 patients (mean age 54.86 ± 12.93 years; 72.04% men). The incidence of spasticity in patients with ICH was 30.92%. Higher National Institutes of Health stroke scale (NIHSS) scores were associated with an increased predicted probability for spasticity (odds ratio, OR = 1.153 [95% confidence interval, CI 1.093–1.216], p <.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that lower age, higher NIHSS scores, and drinking were associated with an increased risk of moderate‐to‐severe spasticity (OR = 0.965 [95% CI 0.939–0.992], p =.013; OR = 1.068 [95% CI 1.008–1.130], p =.025; OR = 4.809 [95% CI 1.671–13.840], p =.004, respectively). However, smoking and ICH in the thalamus were associated with a reduced risk of moderate‐to‐severe spasticity (OR = 0.200 [95% CI 0.071–0.563], p =.002; OR = 0.405 [95% CI 0.140–1.174], p =.046, respectively) compared with ICH in the basal ganglia. Conclusions: Our results suggest that ICH lesion locations are at least partly associated with post‐stroke spasticity rather than the latter simply being a physiological reaction to ICH itself. The predictors for spasticity after ICH were age, NIHSS scores, past medical history, and ICH lesion sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reverse intersystem crossing (RISC) process from triplet to singlet manifold can efficiently improve the efficiencies of organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs). The relevant RISC rate (kRISC) is one of the key factors that affect the efficiency roll‐off and stability of devices. Here, a new blue "hot exciton" material, CPPCN, with pyrene as the core, is designed and synthesized. Photophysical studies indicate there are multiple high‐lying triplet states near the lowest singlet excited state (S1) of CPPCN, which facilitate the RISC from the high‐lying triplet state (hRISC) to the S1 state. The corresponding hRISC rate constant is determined to be as high as 2.86 × 108 s−1, a value some two to three orders of magnitude higher than typical thermally activated delayed fluorescence materials emitters. Benefiting from this ultrafast hRISC process, non‐doped blue OLED based on CPPCN reaches a high maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 11.64% with suppressed efficiency roll‐off (begin roll‐off at a high brightness of 3732 cd m−2 and retains EQE >8.5% at 10 000 cd m−2). The T95 lifetime of the CPPCN‐based device with a structure of commercial applications is evaluated to be ≈368 h at 1000 cd m−2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An amino‐hydroxy‐functionalized strongly fluorescent hybrid silicon quantum dots (znoSiQDs) were prepared by a green and simple method. Waterborne polyurethane‐based hybrid fluorescent silicon Quantum dots (znoSiQDs‐WPU) was prepared by a modified acetone method using znoSiQDs as chain extender. The structure and properties were also investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), fluorescence spectroscopy (FL), and so on. ZnoSiQDs was successfully connected to the polyurethane backbone by covalent bonding. ZnoSiQDs‐WPU can effectively shield UV in the range of 300–400 nm. Compared with WPU, the UV shielding range of znoSiQDs‐WPU is significantly larger, attributed to the direct band gap transition Γ → Γ. The fluorescence intensity of znoSiQDs‐WPU was dramatically enhanced compared with that of znoSiQDs. Compared with znoSiQDs, the maximum emission peak of znoSiQDs‐WPU is blue shifted at about 18 nm, which was related to the increased polarity of the imidazole chromophore. The luminous life of znoSiQDs‐WPU is up to 6.58 ns. The thermal stability of znoSiQDs‐WPU is improved by bonding znoSiQDs to the main chains of WPU. Furthermore, it is water as a solvent, especially suitable for safety, green, environment amity of materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pea is an important grain and vegetable crop with a large genome of ~4.45 Gb. The softness of pod is key to the quality of pea, yet the genes controlling softness remain unknown. Here, the pod softness phenotype was visually scored at the fully mature stage, which suggested that this trait was a composite trait governed by two genes. Bulked segregant analysis sequencing (BSA‐Seq) using the soft‐ and hard‐podded pools from the F2 detected a strong peak of Δ (SNP‐index) on chromosome 1 and a weaker peak on chromosome 5. The former was designated as PsPS1. Fine mapping using the F2 delimited PsPS1 to a ~6 Mb genomic region. A set of interesting candidate genes including those encoding cell wall components were identified. Sequence variants analysis from a panel of pea accessions and qRT‐PCR in immature pods of the parents suggested Psat1g150000 encoding a pectate lyase superfamily protein as a candidate gene. The results solidify the basis for cloning of the gene determining pod softness and marker‐assisted selection for the trait improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Periodontitis is a serious global concern. Therefore, in the present study, we intend to synthesize novel valproic‐acid pyrazole conjugates as a novel agent against periodontitis. The molecules were developed in a facile synthetic route and obtained in excellent yields. The entire set of molecules were screened for antibacterial activity against a battery of micro‐organisms responsible for periodontitis such as P. gingivalis, P. intermedia, F. nucleatum, and E. coli, where they exhibit considerable inhibitory activity. The most potent compound among the tested series, compound 7c showed bactericidal activity in the time‐kill curve against E. coli. Compound 7c also showed inhibition of NF‐ĸB transcriptional activity in LPS‐stimulated RAW264.7 cells with IC50 of 19.23 μM. The effect of compound 7c was also investigated in experimentally induced periodontitis in rats on various indices of oxidative stress (MDA, SOD, and GSH), inflammation (TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6), and apoptosis. It has been found that compound 7c significantly inhibits oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in a dose‐dependent manner. Compound 7c also inhibits the expression of COX‐2 and iNOS as shown by western blot analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Successful pregnancy involves the homeostasis between maternal decidua and fetoplacental units, whose disruption contributes to compromised pregnancy outcomes, including recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). The role of cell heterogeneity of maternal decidua in RSA is yet to be illustrated. Materials and methods: A total of 66,078 single cells from decidua samples isolated from patients with RSA and healthy controls were analysed by unbiased single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq). Results: Our scRNA‐seq results revealed that stromal cells are the most abundant cell type in decidua during early pregnancy. RSA samples are accompanied by aberrant decidualization and obviously obstructed communication between stromal cells and other cell types, such as abnormal activation of macrophages and NK cells. In addition, the over‐activated TNF superfamily member 12 (TNFSF12, TWEAK) and FASLG in RSA are closely related to stromal cell demise and pregnancy failure. Conclusions: Our research reveals that the cell composition and communications in normal and RSA decidua at early pregnancy and provides insightful information for the pathology of RSA and will pave the way for pregnancy loss prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: The bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria, Cucurbitaceae) is an important horticultural crop exhibiting tremendous diversity in fruit shape. The genetic architecture of fruit shape variation in this species remains unknown. We assembled a long‐read‐based, high‐quality reference genome (ZAAS_Lsic_2.0) with a contig N50 value over 390‐fold greater than the existing reference genomes. We then focused on dissection of fruit shape using a one‐step geometric morphometrics‐based functional mapping approach. We identified 11 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) responsible for fruit shape (fsQTLs), reconstructed their visible effects and revealed syntenic relationships of bottle gourd fsQTLs with 12 fsQTLs previously reported in cucumber, melon or watermelon. Homologs of several well‐known and newly identified fruit shape genes, including SUN, OFP, AP2 and auxin transporters, were comapped with bottle gourd QTLs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Customers who feel gratitude toward a firm are motivated to engage in direct reciprocity. However, does gratitude's effect extend beyond the original dyadic interaction to affect relationships with other potential customers? Drawing from indirect reciprocity theory, we propose an extended reciprocity cycle of customer gratitude in which existing customer relationships are strengthened through direct reciprocity and new customer relationships are initiated through indirect reciprocity. Through an experiment, Study 1 demonstrates that employee‐centric reviews are written by grateful customers because they desire to help the firm. Utilizing another experiment, Study 2 reveals that gratitude‐driven employee‐centric reviews significantly increase other consumers' attitudes toward helpful service firms (i.e., positioned as having a sincere brand personality). Study 3 extends the prior findings using field data from Yelp, revealing that employee‐centric reviews are perceived as more useful when shown for sincere rather than sophisticated brands. Collectively, results indicate that customer gratitude fosters not only direct reciprocity, but also indirect reciprocity by encouraging other consumers to reward firms that help customers, signaling to practitioners the importance of managing customers' emotional experiences and strategically placing gratitude‐driven content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The meal value of Soybean for monogastric animals is determined partly by sucrose, raffinose and stachyose. Of these, sucrose is desirable, while raffinose and stachyose are indigestible, causing flatulence and abdominal discomfort. The objective of this study was to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling seed sucrose, raffinose, and stachyose in a set of 140 SoyNAM (Nested Association Mapping) recombinant inbred lines (RILs), developed from the cross between lines IA3023 and LD02‐4485. A total of 3,038 SNP markers from the Illumina SoyNAM BeadChip SNP were used to map the QTLs for sucrose and the RFOs, raffinose, and stachyose. Significant genotypic differences (p <.001) among RILs were observed for sucrose, raffinose and stachyose contents across years. A 3038 Illumina SoyNAM BeadChip SNPs identified three QTLs for sucrose, one on chromosome 1, explaining 10% variance and two on chromosome 3 each explaining 22%. Raffinose QTL was detected on chromosome 6, explaining 6% variance. The mapped QTLs were novel and spanned regions harbouring candidate genes with roles in plant growth including seed development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pigeonpea is an important food legume crop of semi‐arid tropical regions. Plateauing of pigeonpea yield has been worrying breeders for the past 6–7 decades. Serious breeding efforts made during this period resulted in various high‐yielding and disease resistant cultivars. However, the gains in pigeonpea productivity have been modest. The authors, while reviewing this situation, conclude that long generation turnover, complexity of biological traits, low selection response and overreliance upon pedigree breeding present the key bottlenecks for this situation. In this paper, some alternative breeding approaches and technologies are suggested for the genetic enhancement of yield stability and stress response of pigeonpea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodegradable polylactide (PLA) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) blends containing the copolymer of PEGMA and 1‐vinyl‐3‐ethylimidazolium bromide (PMI) were prepared, and the effects of ionic liquid segments of PMI on the compatibility of PLA and PVDF were investigated by dielectric relaxation spectroscopy (DRS). PMI can obviously improve the compatibility of PLA and PVDF, compared with the copolymer of PEGMA and vinyl imidazole (PMV). DRS showed that the compatibility of PLA and PVDF was related to the relaxation behavior of the blends, which was identified with Maxwell‐Wagner‐Sillars (MWS) interfacial polarization. The ε' of PLA/PVDF/PMI blends was much higher than that of PLA/PVDF/PMV blends in the same temperature, resulting from the stimulation of MWS interfacial polarization by the ion mobility of PMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Puerarin is a major isofiavone compound isolated from the root of Pueraria lobata. It was reported that puerarin had antioxidant, antiinflammatory, antitumor, cholesterol lowering, liver protective, and neuroprotective properties. However, few studies have explored the antiviral effect of puerarin and its target mechanism related to influenza virus. Here, the antiinfluenza activity of puerarin in vitro and in vivo and its mode of action on the potential inhibition of neuraminidase (NA) were investigated. Puerarin displayed an inhibitory effect on A/FM/1/1947(H1N1) (EC50 = 52.06 μM). An indirect immunofluorescence assay indicated that puerarin blocked the nuclear export of viral NP. The inhibition of NA activity confirmed that puerarin can block the release of newly formed virus particles from infected cells. Puerarin (100 and 200 mg/kg/d) exhibited effective antiviral activity in mice, conferring 50% and 70% protection from death against H1N1, reducing virus titers, and effectively alleviating inflammation in the lungs. The molecular docking results showed that puerarin had a strong binding affinity with NA from H1N1. The results of the molecular dynamics simulation revealed that puerarin had higher stable binding at the 150‐loop region of the NA protein. These results demonstrated that puerarin acts as a NA blocker to inhibit influenza A virus both in cellular and animal models. Thus, puerarin has potential utility for the treatment of the influenza virus infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 3D model of heat transfer between the circular‐distributed water channel roll (CDWCR) and slab during ultrathick slab continuous casting process is established, considering the structure of water channels inside CDWCR and rotating contact between the roll and slab. The results show that the contribution of conduction heat transfer in the heating process of the roll is greater than that of radiation heat transfer, and maximum surface temperature of the roll is 460 K, located at the place where it is right out of contact with the slab, and the change of internal temperature of the roll lags behind the change of surface temperature. The temperature decreases gradually from the outside to the inside in the radial direction. The temperature of the CDWCR inside the circle of cooling water channels is no more than 325 K. The yield strength of CDWCR is analyzed, showing that the strength of the roll meets the requirements of using it in the process. In addition, the orthogonal method is used to analyze the influence factors on CDWCR temperature. The results indicate that the orders of factors affecting more are the contact angle, the slab temperature, the casting speed, and the inlet speed of cooling water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Rice false smut has emerged as a serious grain disease in rice production worldwide. The disease is characterized by the transformation of individual rice florets into false smut balls, which is caused by the fungal pathogen Ustilaginoidea virens. To date, little is known about the host factors required for false smut ball formation by U. virens. In this study, we identified histological determinants for the formation of false smut balls by inoculating U. virens into rice floral mutants defective with respect to individual floral parts. The results showed that U. virens could form mature false smut balls in rice floral mutants with defective pistils, but failed to develop false smut balls in the superwoman mutant lacking stamens, identifying that U. virens requires rice stamens to complete its infection cycle. Comparative transcriptome analysis indicated a list of candidate host genes that may facilitate nutrient acquisition by U. virens from the rice stamens, such as SWEET11, SWEET14 and SUT5, and genes involved in the biosynthesis of trehalose and raffinose family sugars. These data pinpoint rice stamens as the key target organ of U. virens infection and provide a valuable starting point for dissecting the molecular mechanism of false smut ball formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considerable attention has been given to the development of robust fermentation processes, but microbial contamination and phage infection remain deadly threats that need to be addressed. In this study, a robust Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) strain was successfully constructed by simultaneously introducing a nitrogen and phosphorus (N&P) system in combination with a CRISPR/Cas9 system. The N&P metabolic pathways were able to express formamidase and phosphite dehydrogenase in the host cell, thus enabled cell growth in auxotrophic 3‐(N‐morpholino)propanesulfonic acid medium with formamide and phosphite as nitrogen and phosphorus sources, respectively. N&P metabolic pathways also allowed efficient expression of heterologous proteins, such as green fluorescent protein (GFP) and chitinase, while contaminating bacteria or yeast species could hardly survive in this medium. The host strain was further engineered by exploiting the CRISPR/Cas9 system to enhance the resistance against phage attack. The resultant strain was able to grow in the presence of T7 phage at a concentration of up to 2 × 107 plaque‐forming units/ml and produce GFP with a yield of up to 30 μg/109 colony‐forming units, exhibiting significant advantages over conventional engineered E. coli. This newly engineered, robust E. coli BL21(DE3) strain therefore shows great potential for future applications in industrial fermentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Copper‐catalyzed reaction of aryl isocyanides with active methylene isocyanides and arylsulfonothioates is developed for the synthesis of sulfur‐containing trisubstituted imidazoles. This reaction not only forms new C−C, C−N, and C−S bonds in one step, but also provides a new strategy for the construction of trisubstituted imidazoles based on the isocyanide‐isocyanide [3+2] cycloaddition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An oil‐air lubrication system is driven by high‐speed air. Oil is transported to the contact portion in the form of fine oil droplets to form a lubrication film, thereby improving lubrication performance among matching pairs. A test for point contact sliding friction and wear was conducted under oil‐air lubrication conditions. Oil‐phase and pressure distributions near the contact zone were investigated through numerical simulation. This study aims to explore the effect of air velocity on sliding wear characteristics of a point contact. Results show that point contact sliding wear is considerably affected by air supply speed. The lubrication performance between friction pairs is optimal under appropriate air supply speed, which can enable the oil‐air pressure and oil‐phase volume fraction near the point contact area to obtain appropriate values that are useful to the spread of fine oil droplets. This process ensures that the sliding friction coefficient and specific wear rate can be reduced. The friction coefficient decreases to approximately 0.027, and the specific wear rate is 1.06 × 10−5 mm3/N·m. Under oil‐air lubrication, microfurrows appear on the worn surfaces of materials with the change in air supply speed. The shape of debris is mainly a flake or block with a few long strip abrasives. The wear mechanism is abrasive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary of main observation and conclusion: A general and efficient protocol to synthesize substituted olefins from carbonyl compounds via nickel catalyzed C—O activation of enolates was developed. Besides ketones, aldehydes were also suitable substrates for the presented catalytic system to produce di‐ or tri‐ substituted olefins. It is worth noting that this approach exhibited good tolerance to highly reactive tertiary alcohols, which could not survive in other reported routes for converting carbonyl compounds to olefins. This method also showed good regio‐ and stereo‐selectivity for olefin products. Preliminary mechanistic studies indicated that the reaction was accomplished through nickel catalyzed C—O activation of enolates, thus offering helpful contribution to current enol chemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glucaric acid (GA) is a major value‐added chemicals feedstock and additive, especially in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. The increasing demand for GA is driving the search for a more efficient and less costly production pathway. In this study, a new in vitro multi‐enzyme cascade system was developed, which converts sucrose efficiently to GA in a single vessel. The in vitro system, which does not require adenosine triphosphate (ATP) or nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) supplementation, contains seven enzymes. All enzymes were chosen from the BRENDA and NCBI databases and were expressed efficiently in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3). All seven enzymes were combined in an in vitro cascade system, and the reaction conditions were optimized. Under the optimized conditions, the in vitro seven‐enzyme cascade system converted 50 mm sucrose to 34.8 mm GA with high efficiency (75 % of the theoretical yield). This system represents an alternative pathway for more efficient and less costly production of GA, which could be adapted for the synthesis of other value‐added chemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Standardised and miniaturised outdoor installation protection is the development trend of relay protection in AC transmission power grid, which has the advantages of saving investment, promoting reliability, and reducing on-site workload. To realise fully functional and efficient automatic closed-loop detection of outdoor protection is of great significance. In this study, key technology of assembly line automatic detection and its platform construction method including hardware and software is firstly proposed. Furthermore, overall design idea, system structure, and core detection procedure of assembly test platform are discussed and then some key technology such as QR code intelligent scanning, automatic transmission and loading, design of general detection template, and information mapping correlation method are introduced in detail. Besides, this automatic detection system initially realises the function to simulate the actual operation data under prototype environment. The application of this new technology can meet the needs of popularisation and application of outdoor installation protection and establish foundation for the mode of 'factory assembly test and on-site replacement maintenance' for relay protection in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the main organic pollutants in wastewater, antibiotics and organic dyes are harmful to the environment and public health, and their removal is important but challenging. In this work, highly porous 3D metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) [M2(PDAD)(H2O)] n (PCN-124-stu; M=Cu, Zn; H4PDAD = 5,5′-(pyridine-3,5-dicarbonyl)bis(azanediyl)diisophthalic acid) were synthesized, and PCN-124-stu(Cu) shows excellent chemical and thermal stability. PCN-124-stu(Cu) was used as a host for efficient extraction of various organic dyes, especially the large-molecule dye Coomassie brilliant blue, and fluoroquinolones from water, in comparison with five common MOFs, zeolite 13X, and activated carbon. PCN-124-stu(Cu) exhibits absolute predominance for fluoroquinolone adsorption among these microporous materials because of the H-bonds between fluoroquinolone molecules and the amide groups in the frameworks, except for MIL-100(Cr), which is a mesoporous MOF. Moreover, PCN-124-stu(Cu) could release fluoroquinolones slowly in physiological saline and retained its framework structure after four adsorption/desorption cycles. In addition, PCN-124-stu(Cu) can be used as a platform for selective adsorption of CO2/CH4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The mobility of free macromolecular chains is of importance to the growth of crystallites in a crystallizing sustainable polylactide (PLA), which was scarcely explored by rheology. In this study, the time-resolved rheological properties for PLA during isothermal crystallization were investigated first, showing that the storage and loss modulus experience 2-3 decades of increase. The Avrami analysis reveals that the crystallization kinetics in rheological measurement protocol follows the homogeneous nucleation and three-dimensional growth mechanism. The linear viscoelastic properties in the vicinity of physical gelation point were then studied at the inverse quenching temperature of 165 °C. The results show that physical gelation occurs when the critical absolute crystallinity reaches 13% as determined by the rheological method. Relaxation time spectra reveal that the interfacial relaxation is greatly retarded but the presence of growing spherulites possesses little constraint on the mobility of free chains in matrix especially before physical gelation point. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2017, 55, 1235-1244 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is need for development of new means against influenza virus due to the lack of efficacy of available therapeutic strategies. In previous research, 1,8-cineol exert its inhibition of nuclear factor (NF)-κB, the main regulator of cytokine and chemokine production in influenza, and anti-inflammatory activity. These fact supports and helps establish the hypothesis that 1,8-cineol may have synergism with an antiviral on influenza virus infection. The combined effect of 1,8-cineol with oseltamivir in a mouse type A influenza virus (Victoria/3/75,H3N2) model were examined. We initially tested combinations of 1,8-cineol (30, 60, and 120 mg/kg/day) and oseltamivir (0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 mg/kg/day). In addition, the 0.4 mg/kg/day of oseltamivir combined with 120 mg/kg of 1,8-cineol was selected for further combination studies. Oseltamivir was 30%, 40%, and 60% protective at 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 mg/kg/d. Combinations of 1,8-cineol (30, 60, and 120 mg/kg/d) and oseltamivir (0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 mg/kg/d) increased the number of survivors and mean survival time (MST) following combination treatment was greater than monotherapy alone. Three dimensional analysis of drug interactions using the MacSynergy method showed a strong synergistic effect of these drug combinations. Survival, MST, lung parameters (lung index, viral titers, and pathology), and cytokines (IL-10, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IFN-γ) expression in lung demonstrated the high effectiveness of the combination. Combined treatment was associated with longer MST and more reduced cytokine levels than oseltamivir alone. These data demonstrate that combinations of 1,8-cineol and oseltamivir have synergistic effect against influenza A virus (H3N2) infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The borylation of C−H bonds catalyzed by transition metals has been investigated extensively in the past two decades, but no iridium-catalyzed enantioselective borylation of C−H bonds has been reported. We report a set of iridium-catalyzed enantioselective borylations of aromatic C−H bonds. This reaction relies on a set of newly developed chiral quinolyl oxazoline ligands. This process proceeds under mild conditions with good to excellent enantioselectivity, and the borylated products can be converted to enantioenriched derivatives containing new C−O, C−C, C−Cl, or C−Br bonds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A biocompatible support made of ZnGlu-coated magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (ZnGlu-MNPs) was prepared by a simple electrostatic self-assembly technique and structurally characterized. Aspergillus niger lipase (ANL) was immobilized onto the ZnGlu-MNPs with high protein loading (118.0 mg g−1) and high enzyme-activity recovery (more than 82.0 %). The as-prepared immobilized ANL exhibits high catalytic performance and a wide pH and temperature adaptability. Moreover, the stabilities and the solvent tolerance of ANL@ZnGlu-MNPs were clearly superior to those of the free counterpart. The novel ANL@ZnGlu-MNPs was easily recycled from the reaction medium by magnetic forces. Therefore, the as-prepared ZnGlu-MNPs is a promising novel carrier for immobilized enzymes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cowpea ( V. unguiculata L. Walp) is a climate resilient legume crop important for food security. Cultivated cowpea ( V. unguiculata L) generally comprises the bushy, short-podded grain cowpea dominant in Africa and the climbing, long-podded vegetable cowpea popular in Asia. How selection has contributed to the diversification of the two types of cowpea remains largely unknown. In the current study, a novel genotyping assay for over 50 000 SNPs was employed to delineate genomic regions governing pod length. Major, minor and epistatic QTLs were identified through QTL mapping. Seventy-two SNPs associated with pod length were detected by genome-wide association studies ( GWAS). Population stratification analysis revealed subdivision among a cowpea germplasm collection consisting of 299 accessions, which is consistent with pod length groups. Genomic scan for selective signals suggested that domestication of vegetable cowpea was accompanied by selection of multiple traits including pod length, while the further improvement process was featured by selection of pod length primarily. Pod growth kinetics assay demonstrated that more durable cell proliferation rather than cell elongation or enlargement was the main reason for longer pods. Transcriptomic analysis suggested the involvement of sugar, gibberellin and nutritional signalling in regulation of pod length. This study establishes the basis for map-based cloning of pod length genes in cowpea and for marker-assisted selection of this trait in breeding programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The self-management of acute postoperative pain is not well researched. This cross-sectional study investigates postoperative pain and pain self-management behavior. We recruited 127 patients who underwent total knee or total hip arthroplasty in an acute care hospital. We measured postoperative pain intensity and pain self-management behavior for three postoperative days. The results showed that the participants experienced mild and moderate pain intensity and perceived moderate to severe pain interference, which influenced their mood, sleep patterns, ability to walk, and performance of general activities and rehabilitation exercises. Female participants reported significantly higher pain intensity and lower pain self-management behavior; highly educated participants reported significantly lower pain intensity and higher self-management behavior. Pain intensity scores had a significant negative correlation with the total self-management behavior score ( r = −0.719, P < .01). Health care professionals must consider patients’ demographic characteristics when providing education and support regarding pain self-management for postoperative pain control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cowpea ( Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) is a legume crop that is resilient to hot and drought-prone climates, and a primary source of protein in sub-Saharan Africa and other parts of the developing world. However, genome resources for cowpea have lagged behind most other major crops. Here we describe foundational genome resources and their application to the analysis of germplasm currently in use in West African breeding programs. Resources developed from the African cultivar IT97K-499-35 include a whole-genome shotgun ( WGS) assembly, a bacterial artificial chromosome ( BAC) physical map, and assembled sequences from 4355 BACs. These resources and WGS sequences of an additional 36 diverse cowpea accessions supported the development of a genotyping assay for 51 128 SNPs, which was then applied to five bi-parental RIL populations to produce a consensus genetic map containing 37 372 SNPs. This genetic map enabled the anchoring of 100 Mb of WGS and 420 Mb of BAC sequences, an exploration of genetic diversity along each linkage group, and clarification of macrosynteny between cowpea and common bean. The SNP assay enabled a diversity analysis of materials from West African breeding programs. Two major subpopulations exist within those materials, one of which has significant parentage from South and East Africa and more diversity. There are genomic regions of high differentiation between subpopulations, one of which coincides with a cluster of nodulin genes. The new resources and knowledge help to define goals and accelerate the breeding of improved varieties to address food security issues related to limited-input small-holder farming and climate stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iridium catalysts containing dative nitrogen ligands are highly active for the borylation and silylation of C−H bonds, but chiral analogs of these catalysts for enantioselective silylation reactions have not been developed. We report a new chiral pyridinyloxazoline ligand for enantioselective, intramolecular silylation of symmetrical diarylmethoxy diethylsilanes. Regioselective and enantioselective silylation of unsymmetrical substrates was also achieved in the presence of this newly developed system. Preliminary mechanistic studies imply that C−H bond cleavage is irreversible, but not the rate-determining step. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Catalytic upgrading of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), an important biobased platform chemical for high-value products, is currently of great interest. In this work, a new highly HMFtolerant yeast strain- Meyerozyma guilliermondii SC1103 was isolated, and biocatalytic reduction of HMF to 2,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)furan (BHMF) using its resting cells was reported. Cosubstrates exerted a significant effect on the catalytic activity and selectivity of microbial cells as well as their HMF-tolerant levels whereas the nitrogen source and mineral salts had no effects. In addition, M. guilliermondii SC1103 cells exhibited good catalytic performances within the range of pH 4.0-10.0. The yeast was highly tolerant to both HMF (up to 110 m m) and BHMF (up to 200 m m). In addition, 100 m m HMF could be selectively reduced to BHMF within 12 h by its resting cells in the presence of 100 m m glucose (as cosubstrate), with a yield of 86 % and selectivity of >99 %. The production of 191 m m of BHMF was realized within 24.5 h by using a fed-batch strategy, with a productivity of approximately 24 g L−1 per day. In addition, this new biocatalytic approach was applied for the reduction of furfural and 5-methylfurfural, affording the corresponding furfuryl alcohols with yields of 83 and 89 %, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An oxidative coupling of 2-aminobenzamides 1 and isocyanides 2 mediated by I2 and cumyl hydroperoxide (CHP) leads to the formation of 2-aminoquinazolinones 3 in moderate to excellent yields. This method provides an efficient approach to 2-aminoquinazolinones with high atom economy under metal-free conditions through two C-N bond-formation reactions. The products can be further transformed to give benzo[4,5]imidazo[2,1- b]quinazolin-12(6 H)-one ( 4). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Treatment of desalination concentrate can reduce concentrate volume for disposal, increase water recovery and convert waste to resource. However, concentrate treatment is costly and energy intensive due to high concentrations of salt and recalcitrant organic matter in concentrate. Photocatalytic oxidation provides a novel energy neutral technology for concentrate treatment by degrading organic contaminants. Polymer-assisted hydrothermal deposition method was used to synthesize innovative pure and Fe-doped TiO2 mixed-phase nanocomposite thin films on side-glowing optical fibers ( SOFs). The properties of the photocatalysts-coated SOF were characterized by surface morphology, nanostructure, crystallite size and phase and zeta potential. Photodegradation efficiency and durability of the photocatalysts treating different types of desalination concentrate was studied under natural sunlight. Synthetic solutions and reverse osmosis ( RO) concentrates from brackish water and municipal wastewater desalination facilities were tested to elucidate the impact of water chemistry, operating conditions and seasonal climate variations (solar irradiation intensity and temperature) on photocatalytic efficiency. High ionic strength and divalent electrolyte ions in RO concentrate accelerated photocatalytic process, whereas the presence of carbonate species and organic matter hindered photodegradation. Outdoor testing of immobilized continuous-flow photoreactors suggested that the catalyst-coated SOFs can utilize a wide spectrum of natural sunlight and achieved durable photocatalytic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The anode and cathode potentials determine the overall performance of a microbial fuel cell (MFC). Thus far, research has focused on understanding the performance of individual electrodes, but there has been no investigation of how the anode or cathode potential changes as a function of the other. This study demonstrates for the first time that interplay exists between the anode and cathode electrodes, a phenomenon whereby reduction of voltage losses at one electrode increases voltage losses at the other. With our experimental data and results from the literature, a model was developed to quantify the interplay at theoretical and applied levels for wastewater treatment. The cause of the interplay was attributed to the reactant/product concentration gradient that exists between the bulk-catholyte-cathode and biofilm-anode electrode surfaces. These findings advance our fundamental understanding of MFCs and provide new insight into how to improve performance for wastewater treatment and energy production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The photosynthetic performance of variegated leaves can be very important in the cultivation and management of variegated plants. Actinidia kolomikta (Rupr. & Maxim.) Maxim. leaves have striking color variation. To clarify the variegated leaf type and photosynthetic cost, we measured leaf structure and ultrastructure, spectral properties, chlorophyll fluorescence and net photosynthetic rate (Pn). The study was conducted in Jilin during spring, summer, and fall in 2013. Leaf anatomy and ultrastructure were observed with light and electron microscopy. Leaf reflectance and pigment content were measured with a Unispec spectrometer and high performance liquid chromatography. Photosynthetic characterization was performed with a photosynthesis system and plant efficiency analyzer. In the palisade tissue of variegated areas, intercellular spaces were found, and cells contained fewer and abnormally developed chloroplasts. Normal chloroplasts were distributed mostly in spongy tissue. The reflectance of the adaxial surface was higher in variegated leaves than in green leaves. The Pn of variegated leaves was 80 to 94% of green leaves, the maximum photosystem II efficiency of the adaxial and abaxial surfaces in variegated leaves was similar to green leaves, and the quantum use efficiency of the abaxial surface was higher than the adaxial surface in variegated leaves. These results show that the photosynthetic performance of variegated leaves was retained well. Th us, variegated leaves are not a limiting factor for cultivation and application in A. kolomikta, and do not need to be removed as parasitic leaves during cultivation and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Restriction site-associated DNA sequencing ( RAD-Seq), a next-generation sequencing-based genome 'complexity reduction' protocol, has been useful in population genomics in species with a reference genome. However, the application of this protocol to natural populations of genomically underinvestigated species, particularly under low-to-medium sequencing depth, has not been well justified. In this study, a Bayesian method was developed for calling genotypes from an F2 population of bottle gourd [ Lagenaria siceraria (Mol.) Standl.] to construct a high-density genetic map. Low-depth genome shotgun sequencing allowed the assembly of scaffolds/contigs comprising approximately 50% of the estimated genome, of which 922 were anchored for identifying syntenic regions between species. RAD-Seq genotyping of a natural population comprising 80 accessions identified 3226 single nuclear polymorphisms ( SNPs), based on which two sub-gene pools were suggested for association with fruit shape. The two sub-gene pools were moderately differentiated, as reflected by the Hudson's FST value of 0.14, and they represent regions on LG7 with strikingly elevated FST values. Seven-fold reduction in heterozygosity and two times increase in LD ( r2) were observed in the same region for the round-fruited sub-gene pool. Outlier test suggested the locus LX3405 on LG7 to be a candidate site under selection. Comparative genomic analysis revealed that the cucumber genome region syntenic to the high FST island on LG7 harbors an ortholog of the tomato fruit shape gene OVATE. Our results point to a bright future of applying RAD-Seq to population genomic studies for non-model species even under low-to-medium sequencing efforts. The genomic resources provide valuable information for cucurbit genome research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-quality colloidal photoluminescent CdS quantum dots (QDs) were synthesized in non-coordinating solvent octadecene (ODE) using oleic acid (OA) as capping molecule, and characterized by powered x-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), UV-Vis absorption spectra, photoluminescence (PL) emission spectroscopy and time-resolved emission spectroscopy. The effects of the growth time, the molar ratio of OA/Cd and Cd/S on the PL intensity from surface-state have been investigated. We found that the surface-state emission could be easily controlled by tuning the growth time and the molar ratio of Cd/S. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]