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Here, we show that miRNA‐126‐3p is significantly underexpressed in 685 cases of lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) as compared to 298 nontumor lung tissues, by combining various methods including in‐house RT‐qPCR, miRNA‐sequencing, and miRNA microarrays. The downregulation of miRNA‐126‐3p may regulate cell cycle signaling by targeting E2F2 and E2F3, and this may result in LUSC carcinogenesis., Lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) is the main pathological type of pulmonary malignant tumors; at present, less than 10% of patients with advanced metastatic LUSC live for more than 5 years. We previously reported that low expression of miRNA‐126‐3p is associated with the occurrence and progression of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Here, we examined expression of miRNA‐126‐3p in 23 samples from patients with LUSCs and 23 normal control specimens by quantitative real‐time PCR (RT‐qPCR). Associations between miRNA‐126‐3p expression and clinical features were studied from materials derived from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) chips and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Twelve online platforms were used to identify candidate target genes of miRNA‐126‐3p. Further analyses of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), Gene Ontology (GO), and protein–protein interaction (PPI) network were performed on the target genes. GEO microarray analysis, TCGA data mining, RT‐qPCR, and integration analysis consistently reported low expression of miRNA‐126‐3p in LUSC. A total of 42 genes were identified as potential target genes of miRNA‐126‐3p from online platforms, GEO microarrays, and the TCGA database. GO and KEGG analyses demonstrated that the target genes are involved in several biological processes that promote the progression of LUSC. SOX2, E2F2, and E2F3 were selected as hub genes from the PPI network for further analysis. In summary, our results suggest that the low expression of miRNA‐126‐3p may play a role in promoting the development of LUSC and miRNA‐126‐3p may be a biomarker for LUSC early diagnosis and prognosis.

The clinical characteristics of patients with COVID-19 were analysed to determine the factors influencing the prognosis and virus shedding time to facilitate early detection of disease progression. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the relationships among prognosis, clinical characteristics and laboratory indexes. The predictive value of this model was assessed with receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, calibration and internal validation. The viral shedding duration was calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method, and the prognostic factors were analysed by univariate log-rank analysis and the Cox proportional hazards model. A retrospective study was carried out with patients with COVID-19 in Tianjin, China. A total of 185 patients were included, 27 (14.59%) of whom were severely ill at the time of discharge and three (1.6%) of whom died. Our findings demonstrate that patients with an advanced age, diabetes, a low PaO2/FiO2 value and delayed treatment should be carefully monitored for disease progression to reduce the incidence of severe disease. Hypoproteinaemia and the fever duration warrant special attention. Timely interventions in symptomatic patients and a time from symptom onset to treatment

Background Previous studies have shown that miR-144-3p might be a potential biomarker in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Nevertheless, the comprehensive mechanism behind the effects of miR-144-3p on the origin, differentiation, and apoptosis of NSCLC, as well as the relationship between miR-144-3p and clinical parameters, has been rarely reported. Methods We investigated the correlations between miR-144-3p expression and clinical characteristics through data collected from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) microarrays, the relevant literature, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and real-time quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) analyses to determine the clinical role of miR-144-3p in NSCLC. Furthermore, we investigated the biological function of miR-144-3p by Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was created to identify the hub genes. Results From the comprehensive meta-analysis, the combined SMD of miR-144-3p was − 0.95 with 95% CI of (− 1.37, − 0.52), indicating that less miR-144-3p was expressed in the NSCLC tissue than in the normal tissue. MiR-144-3p expression was significantly correlated with stage, lymph node metastasis and vascular invasion (all P

The significance of discontinuous gas-exchange cycles (DGC) in reducing respiratory water loss (RWL) in insects is contentious. Results from single-species studies are equivocal in their support of the classic ‘hygric hypothesis’ for the evolution of DGC, whereas comparative analyses generally support a link between DGC and water balance. In this study, we investigated DGC prevalence and characteristics and RWL in three grasshopper species (Acrididae, subfamily Pamphaginae) across an aridity gradient in Israel. In order to determine whether DGC contributes to a reduction in RWL, we compared the DGC characteristics and RWL associated with CO2 release (transpiration ratio, i.e. the molar ratio of RWL to CO2 emission rates) among these species. Transpiration ratios of DGC and continuous breathers were also compared intraspecifically. Our data show that DGC characteristics, DGC prevalence and the transpiration ratios correlate well with habitat aridity. The xeric-adapted Tmethis pulchripennis exhibited a significantly shorter burst period and lower transpiration ratio compared with the other two mesic species, Ocneropsis bethlemita and Ocneropsis lividipes. However, DGC resulted in significant water savings compared with continuous exchange in T. pulchripennis only. These unique DGC characteristics for T. pulchripennis were correlated with its significantly higher mass-specific tracheal volume. Our data suggest that the origin of DGC may not be adaptive, but rather that evolved modulation of cycle characteristics confers a fitness advantage under stressful conditions. This modulation may result from morphological and/or physiological modifications.

Summary A future warmer climate is generally predicted to threaten reptiles. But many high-altitude reptiles that rely on external heat to survive current cold climate may benefit from future warmth. This prediction can be tested by simulating activity time and energetics of reptiles with a biophysical model. We modelled the potential response of a high-altitude snake, Trimeresurus gracilis, to a 3 °C increase in air temperature, using the biophysical/behavioural NicheMapper™ model. Using animal and environmental properties, we first analysed the effects of shade level (i.e. the reduction of solar radiation) on activity time and energetics of T. gracilis. We then computed activity time, energetics and potential habitats in its current range of Taroko National Park, Taiwan (>1800 m in altitude), with a spatial climate, vegetation and topography data set. In the current climate, increased shade levels were predicted to decrease activity time, maintenance energy requirements and discretionary energy (i.e. energy left after maintenance costs are met). In heavy shade (i.e. 81–100% reduction of solar radiation) at 3000 and 3500 m, T. gracilis was predicted to have impaired digestive capacity and hence to be unable to meet basic maintenance costs for survival. In a warmer climate, the predicted digestive capacity, energetics and activity time of T. gracilis increase. But in heavy shade at 3500 m, the digestive capacity was predicted to remain impaired for supporting basic energy requirements for survival. In the current climate, the predicted suitable habitat area (i.e. where T. gracilis obtains positive discretionary energy) in coniferous and coniferous–broadleaf forests decreased with increasing elevation. At elevations higher than 3000 m, most suitable habitats were in open areas like grasslands where T. gracilis was also predicted to have more discretionary energy than in heavily forested habitats. Our field sightings agreed with model predictions. A warmer climate was generally predicted to increase the activity time, energetics and habitat area, given the current vegetation pattern. Overall, we demonstrate that metabolism, digestive function and vegetative shade levels are critical elements affecting T. gracilis' energetics and habitats with climate change. Trimeresurus gracilis is likely to benefit energetically from future warmth.

Ammonium salt, [2-(methacyloyloxy)ethyl] trimethylammonium methyl sulfate (MAOTMA), was adopted to modify montmorillonite (MMT) via the cationic exchange process in an acidic environment and a successful enlargement of MMT lamellar spacing from 1.18 to 1.39 nm was identified by x-ray diffraction and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Accordingly, UV-curable epoxy nanocomposite resins containing various amounts of MAOTMA-modified MMT were prepared with the aid of a planetary mechanical milling process. Transmission electron microscopy revealed a uniform dispersion of exfoliated MMT lamella in epoxy matrix, leading to the distinct improvements on thermal stability and thermal expansion property of nanocomposite samples. Calcium (Ca) test indicated that the good dispersion of MMT fillers in polymer effectively suppresses the moisture permeation in sample matrix. More than twofold increment on retention time of 5% Ca hydrolysis and 20% improvement on the permeation kinetic parameters were observed in the nanocomposite sample containing 8 wt % MMT in comparison with the pristine epoxy sample. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012

In many species, males tend to behave more aggressively than females and female aggression often occurs during particular life stages such as maternal defence of offspring. Though many studies have revealed differences in aggression between the sexes, few studies have compared the sexes in terms of their neuroendocrine responses to contest experience. We investigated sex differences in the endocrine response to social challenge using mangrove rivulus fish, Kryptolebias marmoratus . In this species, sex is determined environmentally, allowing us to produce males and hermaphrodites with identical genotypes. We hypothesized that males would show elevated androgen levels (testosterone and 11-ketotestosterone) following social challenge but that hermaphrodite responses might be constrained by having to maintain both testicular and ovarian tissue. To test this hypothesis, we staged fights between males and between hermaphrodites, and then compared contest behaviour and hormone responses between the sexes. Hermaphrodites had significantly higher oestradiol but lower 11-ketotestosterone than males before contests. Males took longer to initiate contests but tended to fight more aggressively and sustain longer fights than hermaphrodites. Males showed a dramatic post-fight increase in 11-ketotestosterone but hermaphrodites did not. Thus, despite being genetically identical, males and hermaphrodites exhibit dramatically different fighting strategies and endocrine responses to contests.

Polo-like kinase 1 plays an essential role in mitosis and cytokinesis. Expression and nuclear localization of Plk1 during the S phase are necessary for its functions. Although it was reported that a bipartite nuclear localization signal located at the N-terminal kinase domain is required for nuclear import of Plk1, Plk1 carrying mutations in the polo box I of the polo box domain exhibited increased cytoplasmic accumulation. We further showed that the polo box domain was able to confer nuclear import of β-galactosidase in vivo and GST–EGFP in vitro. The import carriers transportin and importin α were found to interact with the polo box domain directly in a Ran–GTP sensitive manner. These results indicate the presence of a nuclear localization signal in the polo box domain. A 38 amino acid sequence with the function of nuclear localization signal was identified to interact with transportin. Our findings demonstrated that a transportin-dependent nuclear localization signal is present in the polo box domain of Plk1, possibly required for efficient nuclear import. Showing little similarity to the M9 sequence, the 38 amino acid sequence identified here likely represents a novel nuclear localization signal.

Klebsiella pneumoniae is the predominant pathogen of primary liver abscess. However, our knowledge regarding the molecular basis of how K. pneumoniae causes primary infection in the liver is limited. We established an oral infection model that recapitulated the characteristics of liver abscess and conducted a genetic screen to identify the K. pneumoniae genes required for the development of liver abscess in mice. Twenty-eight mutants with attenuated growth in liver or spleen samples out of 2,880 signature-tagged mutants that produced the wild-type capsule were identified, and genetic loci which were disrupted in these mutants were identified to encode products with roles in cellular metabolism, adhesion, transportation, gene regulation, and unknown functions. We further evaluated the virulence attenuation of these mutants in independent infection experiments and categorized them accordingly into three classes. In particular, the class I and II mutant strains exhibited significantly reduced virulence in mice, and most of these strains were not detected in extraintestinal tissues at 48 h after oral inoculation. Interestingly, the mutated loci of about one-third of the class I and II mutant strains encode proteins with regulatory functions, and the transcript abundances of many other genes identified in the same screen were markedly changed in these regulatory mutant strains, suggesting a requirement for genetic regulatory networks for translocation of K. pneumoniae across the intestinal barrier. Furthermore, our finding that preimmunization with certain class I mutant strains protected mice against challenge with the wild-type strain implied a potential application for these strains in prophylaxis against K. pneumoniae infections.

Reaction of bis(amide) sodium Na2[(1R,2R)-(−)-1,2-(NSiMe3)2-C6H10] (Na2[L1]) with Ti(OiPr)2Cl2 in different conditions gave mixed-ligand complexes [Ti(OiPr)Cl][L1] (1) or [Ti(OiPr)2Cl]2[L1] (2); 2 is a dinuclear titanium example in which Ti atoms are bridged by nitrogen and oxygen atoms simultaneously forming a distorted rhombic core. Reaction of the amine-amidinate ligand (1R,2R)-(−)-1-Li[NC(Ph)N(SiMe3)]-2-(NHSiMe3)-C6H10(Li[L2]) or rarely linked bis(amidinate) ligand Li2[(1R,2R)-(−)-1,2-{NC(Ph)N(SiMe3)}2-C6H10](Li2[L3]) with ZrCl4 yielded the unbridged and bridged bis(amidinate) complexes ZrCl2[L2]2 (3) and [ZrCl2(THF)][L3] (4), respectively; Moreover, the reaction of (1R,2R)-(−)-1-Li[NC(Ph)N(SiMe3)]-2-Li(NSiMe3)C6H10(Li2[L2]) with Ti(OiPr)2Cl2 gave a new type of tridentate amido-amidinate product [Ti(OiPr)2][L2] (6), which is a distinct model compared to [Ti(OiPr)2Cl][L2] (5) yielded from Li[L2]. All the products have been characterized by X-ray crystallography and the structural studies are presented detailedly comparing with relevant compounds.

Treatment of azaallyl-lithium [ LiN(R)C(Bu t )C HR] with equal portion of 1-piperidinecarbonitrile gave mix-substituted bdiketiminato-lithium 2. Double ratio of 2 with FeCl2, CoCl2 and NiCl2/6H2O yielded the b-diketiminate iron 3, cobalt 4, nickel 5 ,o r equivalent of ZrCl4 led to zirconium complex 6, respectively. The structural features of these complexes were described, and the catalytical behaviors of the complexes 3 � /6 for the polymerization of ethylene were investigated. # 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

The large sialidase gene (nanH )o fClostridium perfringens ATCC 10543 was cloned in pCRII and subcloned in pQE70 expression vector. The large nanH consists of 2082 bp nucleotides and encodes 694 amino acids; large NanH is with four repeated “Asp-boxes” and one RIP (Arg–Ile–Pro) region formed by amino acids 266–268 in the sequence. It showed 26% of sequence homology with the small NanH from the same species (ATCC 10543). The large nanH, with six His residues adding to the C-terminus of NanH protein, was constructed in pQE70 (recombinant plasmid named pQE70-LSC) and expressed in Escherichia coli M15. The large NanH expressed in the periplasmic space of bacteria M15 showed 430-fold increase in large NanH enzymatic activity upon IPTG induction, as compared to the culture without IPTG added. The recombinant large NanH was purified with Ni–NTA and N-(p-aminophenyl) oxamic acid–agarose column chromatography. The purified enzyme showed specific activity of 136.6 U/mg when assayed with 4-MU-NeuAc as substrate. The truncated NanH (pQE70-Ld1), deletion of amino acids 1–215, exhibits similar specific activity, the same optimum temperature and optimum pH compared with those of wild-type large NanH. © 2002 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.

Contest decisions are influenced by the outcomes of recent fights (winner–loser effects). Steroid hormones and serotonin are closely associated with aggression and therefore probably also play important roles in mediating winner–loser effects. In mangrove rivulus fish, Kryptolebias marmoratus , individuals with higher testosterone (T), 11-ketotestosterone and cortisol levels are more capable of winning, but titres of these hormones do not directly mediate winner–loser effects. In this study, we investigated the effects of winning/losing experiences on brain expression levels of the receptor genes for androgen (AR), oestrogen α/β (ER α/β ), glucocorticoid (GR) and serotonin (5-HT 1A R). The effect of contest experience on AR gene expression depended on T levels: repeated losses decreased, whereas repeated wins increased AR gene expression in individuals with low T but not in individuals with medium or high T levels. These results lend strong support for AR being involved in mediating winner–loser effects, which, in previous studies, were more detectable in individuals with lower T. Furthermore, the expression levels of ER α/β , 5-HT 1A R and GR genes were higher in individuals that initiated contests against larger opponents than in those that did not. Overall, contest experience, underlying endocrine state and hormone and serotonin receptor expression patterns interacted to modulate contest decisions jointly.

During discontinuous gas exchange cycles in insects, spiracular opening follows a typical prolonged period of spiracle closure. Gas exchange with the environment occurs mostly during the period of full spiracular opening. In this study we tested the hypothesis that recently reported ventilatory movements during the spiracle closure period serve to mix the tracheal system gaseous contents, and support diffusive exchanges with the tissues. Using heliox (21% O2, 79% N2), we found that by increasing oxygen diffusivity in the gas-phase, ventilatory movements were significantly delayed compared to normoxic conditions. Exposure to hyperoxic conditions (40% O2 in nitrogen) resulted in a similar delay in forced ventilation. Together, these results indicate that limits to oxygen diffusion to the tissues during spiracle closure trigger ventilatory movements, which in turn support tissue demands. These findings contribute to our understanding of the mechanistic basis of respiratory gas exchange between insect tissues and the environment.

In the title compound, [Cr(C7H3O6S)(C2H8N2)2]·2H2O, the chromium(III) ion is at the centre of a compressed octa­hedron formed by four N atoms [Cr—N = 2.060 (5)–2.107 (5) A] from two ethyl­enediamine mol­ecules, one phenolate O atom [Cr—O = 1.899 (4) A] and a carboxyl­ate O atom [Cr—O = 1.929 (4) A] from the 2-oxido-5-sulfonatobenzoate ligand. These two O atoms and two of the N atoms occupy the equatorial positions and the remaining N atoms occupy the axial positions. The crystal structure is stabilized by a number of inter­molecular hydrogen bonds.

The title compound, [Li(C18H32N3Si2)]n, is a convenient ligand-transfer reagent for the synthesis of metal complexes of this β-diketiminate ligand. Lithium is coordinated by three N atoms: two are in the delocalized NCCCN fragment and one is from the pyridyl in an adjacent mol­ecule. Owing to the coordination of lithium by the pyridyl N atom, the crystal structure displays a one-dimensional polymeric structure.

Warmer climates have affected animal distribution ranges, but how they may interact with vegetation patterns to affect habitat use, an important consideration for future wildlife management, has received little attention. Here, we use a biophysical model to investigate the potential thermal impact of vegetation pattern on the habitat quality of a high-elevation grassland lizard, Takydromus hsuehshanensis, and to predict the thermal suitability of vegetation for this species in a future warmer climate (assuming 3 °C air temperature increase). We assess the thermal quality of vegetation types in our study area (Taroko National Park in areas >1,800 m) using three ecologically relevant estimates of reptiles: body temperature (T b), maximum active time, and maximum digestive time. The results show that increasing forest canopy gradually cools the microclimates, hence decreasing these estimates. In the current landscape, sunny mountain-top grasslands are predicted to serve as high quality thermal habitat, whereas the dense forests that are dominant as a result of forest protection are too cold to provide suitable habitat. In simulated warmer climates, the thermal quality of dense forests increases slightly but remains inferior to that of grasslands. We note that the impact of warmer climates on this reptile will be greatly affected by future vegetation patterns, and we suggest that the current trend of upslope forest movement found in many other mountain systems could cause disadvantages to some heliothermic lizard species.

In the crystal structure of the title compound, C24H29BN2, the coordination around both the B and N atoms is distorted tetrahedral. The five-membered ring adopts an envelope conformation, with the flap atom, B, displaced by 0.629 (6) A from the plane of the other four atoms.

The title compound, [Li(4)(C(21)H(46)N(8)Si(2))(2)], has been prepared and its structure determined. The whole molecule can be regarded as a molecular cage made up of the central eight-membered ring and six contiguous rings of three types. As the first example of a bridged amidinate-dicyanamide framework, this noteworthy structure and its electronic features are presented.

In the title compound, C18H33N3Si2, the central diketiminate system is essentially planar. A short intramolecular hydrogen bond involving the imine N atoms forms a pseudo-six-membered ring.

The molecule of the title compound, [Li(C11H18NSi)(C6H16N2)] contains a four-membered heterocycle with a folded conformation. The coordination around the Li, N, C and Si atoms in this ring is distorted tetrahedral.

The crystal structure of the title compound, [Li(C16H27N2Si)(C6H16N2)], contains the N—Si—N—Li four-membered heterocycle. The heterocycle contains a planar three-coord­inated N-atom centre, a four-coordinated N-atom centre, a four-coordinate Li-atom centre and a four-coordinated Si-atom centre, and adopts a folded conform­ation. There are two molecules in the asymmetric unit.

In the crystal structure of the title compound, C15H17BClN, the coordination around both B and N is distorted tetrahedral. The five-membered heterocycle adopts a folded conformation.

The title compound, (1R,2R)-(−)-1,2-[N(H)=C(Ph)N(H)]2-C6H10, C20H24N4, was prepared and its structure determined. The mol­ecule has two N—C—N fragments which are twisted out of the phenyl planes. The single and double C—N bonds are essentially localized.

The title complex, [(1R,2R)-(–)-1,2-(NSiMe3)2-C6H10]2Zr or [Zr(C12H28N2Si2)2], can be viewed as a tetrahedron located on a non-crystallographic twofold axis, which passes through the Zr atom and between the two N atoms of each cyclo­hexane-based ligand. The amide N atoms form two almost perpendicular planes with the central Zr atom, with a dihedral angle of 87.23 (18)°.

The title compound, [Li(C12H21NSi)(C6H16N2)], is an intermediate in the synthesis of the corresponding organometallic compounds. The mol­ecule has an unusual C—Si—N—Li four-membered heterocycle which adopts a folded conformation, with the coordination around the Li, N, C and Si atoms being distorted tetrahedral. Its structure is strongly supported by 1H NMR, 13C NMR and 13C–1H correlation spectra. The compound has potential for application in the synthesis of other novel organometallic compounds.

The title compound, (C8H15N3)[SnCl6]·H2O, is a salt involving a doubly protonated amine cation and a divalent [SnCl6]2− anion. The solid-state structure agrees with that found by 1H NMR and 13C NMR analyses. The salt has potential for use in the synthesis of organometallic compounds.

In the title compound, C10H13N3O3, the planar nitro­phenyl­amine and acet­amide fragments are linked in a trans fashion. The mol­ecules are arranged as N—H⋯O hydrogen-bonded layers parallel to the (100) planes.

In the crystal structure of the title compound, C11H14N3O2+·I−, intermolecular C—H⋯O and C—H⋯I hydrogen bonds link the ions into a three-dimensional structure. The imidazolinium ring is planar within 0.0502 (2) A. The dihedral angle of the imidazolinium plane and the benzene ring plane is 78.45 (7)°.

The title compound, C12H17N2O+·I−, is a new example of a tetra­hydro­folate (THF) co-enzyme model. The N—C—N moiety of the imidazoline ring shows C—N bond lengths of 1.306 (4) and 1.326 (4) A, suggesting that the positive charge is delocalized.

The title compound, C 14 H 24 N 2 O 4 , is an intermediate in the synthesis of the corresponding heterocyclic compounds. The molecule lies about a twofold axis and has a 'twist' conformation; it adopts the Z,Z configuration, which is shown to be governed mainly by intramolecular hydrogen bonds.

The title compound, C12H23N3, was prepared and its crystal structure was determined. The five-membered N—C=C—C=N fragment is planar.