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Breakdown mechanism for a high-voltage n-channel LDMOS compatible with a high-voltage integrated circuit (HVIC) on a p-type silicon-on-insulator (SOI) layer is investigated theoretically and experimentally. The device is characterized by buried n-islands on a buried oxide layer (BOX). For the proposed structure, ionized donors in n-islands enhance the bottom-interface electric field of the SOI layer from 10 V/μm in the conventional devices on p-SOI layer to 27 V/μm, resulting in enhancement of the BOX electric field EI from 30 to 82 V/μm. Moreover, holes located between the depleted n-islands help to increase EI as well. Both improve the blocking capability of the device. A 660-V SOI LDMOS is obtained, in which the implanted n-type drift region, along with the n-islands on a p-type SOI layer, realizes the self-isolation in HVIC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the special compressibility of warp knitted spacer fabric based on its construction, and analyses the stress and strain behavior of spacer fabric when compressed. Corresponding influential factors are also discussed here. In order to explore the performance of spacer fabric as a cushioning material for distributing surface pressure and relieving pressure. Further investigation is focused on the bending behaviour of the pile monofilaments within and beyond the direct compressing area. A primary mechanical model is introduced to describe the compressive deformation of the spacer fabric. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Transition metal-catalyzed asymmetric hydrofunctionalizations of unsaturated bonds via π-ƞ3 substitution have emerged as a reliable method to construct stereogenic centers, and mainly rely on the use of heteroatom-based or carbon nucleophiles bearing acidic C-H bonds. In comparison, sp2 carbon nucleophiles are generally not under consideration because of enormous challenges in cleaving corresponding inert sp2 C-H bonds. Here, we report a protocol to achieve asymmetric formal sp2 hydrocarbonations, including hydroalkenylation, hydroallenylation and hydroketenimination of both 1,3-dienes and alkynes via hydroalkylation and Wittig reaction cascade. A series of unachievable motifs via hydrofunctionalizations, such as di-, tri- and tetra-substituted alkenes, di-, tri- and tetra-substituted allenes, and tri-substituted ketenimines in allyl skeletons are all facilely constructed in high regio-, diastereo- and enantioselectivities with this cascade design. Stereodivergent synthesis of all four stereoisomers of 1,4-diene bearing a stereocenter and Z/E-controllable olefin unit highlights the power of present protocol. An interesting mechanistic feature is revealed that alkyne actually undergoes hydrocarbonation via the formation of conjugated diene intermediate, different from conventional viewpoint that the hydrofunctionalization of alkynes only involves allene species.

PAMP-triggered immunity (PTI) is the first layer of plant defense response that occurs on the plant plasma membrane. Recently, the application of a rhizobacterium, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain PMB05, has been demonstrated to enhance flg22Pst- or harpin-triggered PTI response such as callose deposition. This PTI intensification by PMB05 further contributes to plant disease resistance to different bacterial diseases. Under the demand for rapid and large-scale screening, it has become critical to establish a non-staining technology to identify microbial strains that can enhance PTI responses. Firstly, we confirmed that the expression of the GSL5 gene, which is required for callose synthesis, can be enhanced by PMB05 during PTI activation triggered by flg22 or PopW (a harpin from Ralstonia solanacearum). The promoter region of the GSL5 gene was further cloned and fused to the coding sequence of gfp. The constructed fragments were used to generate transgenic Arabidopsis plants through a plant transformation vector. The transgenic lines of AtGSL5-GFP were obtained. The analysis was performed by infiltrating flg22Pst or PopW in one homozygous line, and the results exhibited that the green fluorescent signals were observed until after 8 h. In addition, the PopW-induced fluorescent signal was significantly enhanced in the co-treatment with PMB05 at 4 h after inoculation. Furthermore, by using AtGSL5-GFP to analyze 13 Bacillus spp. strains, the regulation of PopW-induced fluorescent signal was observed. And, the regulation of these fluorescent signals was similar to that performed by callose staining. More importantly, the Bacillus strains that enhance PopW-induced fluorescent signals would be more effective in reducing the occurrence of bacterial wilt. Taken together, the technique by using AtGSL5-GFP would be a promising platform to screen plant immunity-intensifying microbes to control bacterial wilt.

A novel silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) with high holding voltage ( for electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection is proposed and investigated in this paper. The proposed SCR obtains high by adding a long N+ layer (LN+) and a long P+ layer (LP+), which divide the conventional low voltage trigger silicon controlled rectifier (LVTSCR) into two SCRs (SCR1: P+/Nwell/Pwell/N+ and SCR2: P+/LN+/LP+/N+) with a shared emitter. Under the low ESD current (, the two SCRs are turned on at the same time to induce the first snapback with high (. As the increases, the SCR2 will be turned off because of its low current gain. Therefore, the will flow through the longer SCR1 path, bypassing SCR2, which induces the second snapback with high (. The anti-latch-up ability of the proposed SCR for ESD protection is proved by a dynamic TLP-like (Transmission Line Pulse-like) simulation. An optimized of 7.4 V with a maximum failure current ( of 14.7 mA/ is obtained by the simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel ultralow turnoff loss dual-gate silicon-on-insulator (SOI) lateral insulated gate bipolar transistor (LIGBT) is proposed. The proposed SOI LIGBT features an extra trench gate inserted between the p-well and n-drift, and an n-type carrier stored (CS) layer beneath the p-well. In the on-state, the extra trench gate acts as a barrier, which increases the carrier density at the cathode side of n-drift region, resulting in a decrease of the on-state voltage drop (Von). In the off-state, due to the uniform carrier distribution and the assisted depletion effect induced by the extra trench gate, large number of carriers can be removed at the initial turnoff process, contributing to a low turnoff loss (Eoff). Moreover, owing to the dual-gate field plates and CS layer, the carrier density beneath the p-well can greatly increase, which further improves the tradeoff between Eoff and Von. Simulation results show that Eoff of the proposed SOI LIGBT can decrease by 77% compared with the conventional trench gate SOI LIGBT at the same Von of 1.1 V. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel ultra-thin partial silicon-on-insulator (PSOI) LDMOS with n-type buried (n-buried) layer (NBL PSOI LDMOS) is proposed. The new PSOI LDMOS features an n-buried layer underneath the n-type drift (n-drift) region close to the source side, providing a large conductivity region for majority carriers to significantly improve the self-heating effect. A combination of uniform and linear variable doping (LVD) profile with highly initial concentration is utilised in the n-drift region, which alleviates the inherent tradeoff between specific on-resistance (Ron,sp) and breakdown voltage (BV), as well as achieving low power dissipation. With a 60-μm n-drift region length, the NBL PSOI LDMOS obtains a high BV of 940 V with a low maximum temperature (Tmax) of 327 K at a power (P) of 1 mW/μm, which is reduced by around 56 K in comparison to the conventional SOI LDMOS using an LVD profile for the n-drift region (LVD SOI LDMOS). Moreover, Ron,sp of the NBL PSOI LDMOS is lower than that of the LVD SOI LDMOS for a wide range of BV from 400 to 900 V. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A lateral current regulator diode (CRD) with field plates is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. The proposed CRD is based on the junction field-effect transistor (JFET) structure. A cathode field plate is adopted to alleviate the channel-length modulation effect and to improve the saturated I—V characteristics. An anode field plate is induced to achieve a high breakdown voltage VB of the CRD. The influence of the key device parameters on the I—V characteristics of the lateral CRD are discussed. Experimental results show that the proposed CRD presents good I—V characteristics with a high VB about 180 V and a low knee voltage (Vk) below 3 V. Furthermore, the proposed CRD has a negative temperature coefficient. The well characteristic of the proposed CRD makes it a cost-effective solution for light-emitting-diode lighting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An analytical model for a novel triple reduced surface field (RESURF) silicon-on-insulator (SOI) lateral double-diffused metal–oxide–semiconductor (LDMOS) field effect transistor with n-type top (N-top) layer, which can obtain a low on-state resistance, is proposed in this paper. The analytical model for surface potential and electric field distributions of the novel triple RESURF SOI LDMOS is presented by solving the two-dimensional (2D) Poisson’s equation, which can also be applied to single, double and conventional triple RESURF SOI structures. The breakdown voltage (BV) is formulized to quantify the breakdown characteristic. Besides, the optimal integrated charge of N-top layer (Qntop) is derived, which can give guidance for doping the N-top layer. All the analytical results are well verified by numerical simulation results, showing the validity of the presented model. Hence, the proposed model can be a good tool for the device designers to provide accurate first-order design schemes and physical insights into the high voltage triple RESURF SOI device with N-top layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective] Promoting waste classification is an important means to solve the problem of rural household waste management. This study aimed to explain the effect of local consensus and group integration on rural residents’ household waste classification and disposal behavior, in order to clarify the important role of informal institutions in promoting the classification of rural household waste. [Methods] Based on the data of 1307 micro-samples in Inner Mongolia, this study used the Probit, IV-Probit, and mediation effect model to explore the impact of local consensus and group integration on the rural residents’ household waste classification and disposal behavior. [Results] The results of this research show that local consensus and group integration have a significant positive impact on household waste classification and disposal behavior; However, the direct impact of local consensus is not significant, and group integration has played an mediation role in the impact of local consensus on household waste classification and disposal behavior; Rural residents with dominant surnames are more likely to be influenced by local consensus and tend to carry out household waste classification and disposal. [Conclusion] Based on these results, this article suggested that the positive role of local consensus should be paid attention to, and efforts should be made to improve the identification and integration of rural residents with villages. Various measures should be taken according to the characteristics of different groups to encourage rural residents to actively carry out household waste classification and disposal.

Objective: This study aimed to solve the problem of cigarette flavoring technology that the surface taste of splicing paper weakens over time. Methods: A rapid method for the simultaneous determination of two kinds of sweeteners was established based on ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC). The change of the content of the sweetener on the surface of the tipping paper was analyzed, and the induced migration experiment was used to analyze the migration of sweeteners. The surface porosity, air permeability and surface water absorption of aluminized splice paper were analyzed by scanning electron microscope, air permeability tester and surface water absorption tester. Results: A method for rapid determination of two kinds of sweeteners simultaneously was established by UHPLC. The results of induced migration experiment showed that the sweeteners in the tipping paper migrated from the surface to the inside of the paper gradually. The results of scanning electron microscope, air permeability tester and surface water absorption tester showed that pores distributed on the surface of the aluminized tipping paper, and the high air permeability thereby led to the surface water absorption capacity. Therefore, the sweetener migrated in the aluminized tipping paper. After 42 days of induced migration, the migration rates of acesulfame and saccharin sodium in the paper were 48.47% and 49.65%, respectively. Conclusion: The pores and cracks spreading on the surface of the aluminized tipping paper made it have high permeability and strong water absorption, and the concentration differences between the two sides of the paper resulted in a conducive migration of the sweeteners.

Abstract Background Sugarcane is the most important sugar crop, contributing > 80% of global sugar production. High sucrose content is a key target of sugarcane breeding, yet sucrose improvement in sugarcane remains extremely slow for decades. Molecular breeding has the potential to break through the genetic bottleneck of sucrose improvement. Dissecting the molecular mechanism(s) and identifying the key genetic elements controlling sucrose accumulation will accelerate sucrose improvement by molecular breeding. In our previous work, a proteomics dataset based on 12 independent samples from high- and low-sugar genotypes treated with ethephon or water was established. However, in that study, employing conventional analysis, only 25 proteins involved in sugar metabolism were identified . Results In this work, the proteomics dataset used in our previous study was reanalyzed by three different statistical approaches, which include a logistic marginal regression, a penalized multiple logistic regression named Elastic net, as well as a Bayesian multiple logistic regression method named Stochastic search variable selection (SSVS) to identify more sugar metabolism-associated proteins. A total of 507 differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) were identified from this dataset, with 5 of them were validated by western blot. Among the DAPs, 49 proteins were found to participate in sugar metabolism-related processes including photosynthesis, carbon fixation as well as carbon, amino sugar, nucleotide sugar, starch and sucrose metabolism. Based on our studies, a putative network of key proteins regulating sucrose accumulation in sugarcane is proposed, with glucose-6-phosphate isomerase, 2-phospho-D-glycerate hydrolyase, malate dehydrogenase and phospho-glycerate kinase, as hub proteins. Conclusions The sugar metabolism-related proteins identified in this work are potential candidates for sucrose improvement by molecular breeding. Further, this work provides an alternative solution for omics data processing.

Background: Sugarcane is the most important sugar crop, contributing > 80% of global sugar production. High sucrose content is a key target of sugarcane breeding, yet sucrose improvement in sugarcane remains extremely slow for decades. Molecular breeding has the potential to break through the genetic bottleneck of sucrose improvement. Dissecting the molecular mechanism(s) and identifying the key genetic elements controlling sucrose accumulation will accelerate sucrose improvement by molecular breeding. In our previous work, a proteomics dataset based on 12 independent samples from high- and low-sugar genotypes treated with ethephon or water was established. However, in that study, employing conventional analysis, only 25 proteins involved in sugar metabolism were identified. Results: In this work, the proteomics dataset used in our previous study was reanalyzed by three different statistical approaches, which include a logistic marginal regression, a penalized multiple logistic regression named Elastic net, as well as a Bayesian multiple logistic regression method named Stochastic search variable selection (SSVS) to identify more sugar metabolism-associated proteins. A total of 507 differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) were identified from this dataset, with 5 of them were validated by western blot. Among the DAPs, 49 proteins were found to participate in sugar metabolism-related processes including photosynthesis, carbon fixation as well as carbon, amino sugar, nucleotide sugar, starch and sucrose metabolism. Based on our studies, a putative network of key proteins regulating sucrose accumulation in sugarcane is proposed, with glucose-6-phosphate isomerase, 2-phospho-D-glycerate hydrolyase, malate dehydrogenase and phospho-glycerate kinase, as hub proteins. Conclusions: The sugar metabolism-related proteins identified in this work are potential candidates for sucrose improvement by molecular breeding. Further, this work provides an alternative solution for omics data processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new sesquiterpenoids, curcumanes E (1) and F (2), were isolated from the rhizome of Curcuma longa, and their structures and absolute configurations were examined using extensive spectroscopic analyses and ECD calculations. Interestingly, compounds 1 and 2 are diastereoisomers possessing a rare sesquiterpenoid skeleton that has been reported only once before. Both curcumanes E and F exhibit significant vasorelaxant effects against KCl-induced contraction of rat aortic rings, with EC50 values of 5.10 ± 0.79 and 5.58 ± 1.77 μM, respectively. These findings enrich the data concerning this rare type of sesquiterpenoids and further indicate that these rare sesquiterpenoids can effectively reduce blood pressure.

Objective To explore the effect and mechanism of resveratrol on improving kidney injury in renal transplantation rats. Methods Forty rats were divided into sham group, model group (allogeneic kidney transplantation), high and low dose resveratrol groups [40 and 20 mg/(kg·d), intraperitoneal injection, for 7 consecutive days]. Twenty four hours after operation, the serum level of Cr, BUN, SOD and MDA was detected, the expression of Bax and Bcl-2 mRNA in renal tissues was tested by RT-qPCR, and the protein expression of IKKα, p-IκBα, and NF-κB p65 was detected by Western blot. Results Compared to the sham group, serum Cr, BUN and MDA level in the model group increased, SOD activity decreased, Bax mRNA expression in renal tissue increased, Bcl-2 mRNA expression decreased, and the expression of IKKα, p-IκBα, NF-κB p65 protein increased (P＜0.05); compared with the model group, resveratrol significantly reduced serum Cr, BUN and MDA content, while increased SOD activity, reduced Bax mRNA and IKKα, p-IκBα, NF-κB p65 protein expression, and increased Bcl-2 mRNA expression (P＜0.05). Conclusions Resveratrol has a protective effect on kidney injury in kidney transplantation rats, and the underlying mechanism is potentially related to the inhibition of activation of NF-κB signaling pathway.

The rate of improvement of sugar content in sugarcane remains low for decades worldwide. Our previous transcriptome studies provided an atlas of sucrose accumulation-related gene expression, but little is known about the proteins involved. Here, we conducted a proteomic analysis of experimentally altered sucrose accumulation in sugarcane. Analysis of stem proteomes of sugarcane ripener ethephon treated high- and low-sugar genotypes had identified 2983 proteins of which 139 were significantly differentially expressed (DEPs). These DEPs were found to be associated with sugar metabolism-related processes with 25 of them may have a regulatory role in sucrose accumulation. The key proteins identified include UDP-glucose 6-dehydrogenase associated with amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism; those involved in carbon fixation; and fructokinase, β-D-glucosidase, and α-glucan phosphorylase involved in starch and sucrose metabolism. Distinct genotype- and ethephon-dependent DEP expression was evident providing new insights into one of the most intractable sugarcane traits to breeding.

Abstract Background Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) represent a promising treatment option for acute kidney injury (AKI). The main drawbacks of MSCs therapy, including the lack of specific homing after systemic infusion and early cell death in the inflammatory microenvironment, directly affect the therapeutic efficacy of MSCs. Erythropoietin (EPO)-preconditioning of MSCs promotes their therapeutic effect, however, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. In this study, we sought to investigate the efficacy and mechanism of EPO in bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) for AKI treatment. Results We found that incubation of BMSCs with ischemia/reperfusion(I/R)-induced AKI kidney homogenate supernatant (KHS) caused apoptosis in BMSCs, which was decreased by EPO pretreatment, indicating that EPO protected the cells from apoptosis. Further, we showed that EPO up-regulated silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) and Bcl-2 expression and down-regulated p53 expression. This effect was partially reversed by SIRT1 siRNA intervention. The anti-apoptotic effect of EPO in pretreated BMSCs may be mediated through the SIRT1 pathway. In a rat AKI model, 24 h after intravenous infusion, GFP-BMSCs were predominantly located in the lungs. However, EPO pretreatment reduced the lung entrapment of BMSCs and increased their distribution in the target organs. AKI rats infused with EPO-BMSCs had significantly lower levels of serum IL-1β and TNF-α, and a significantly higher level of IL-10 as compared to rats infused with untreated BMSCs. The administration of EPO-BMSCs after reperfusion reduced serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and pathological scores in I/R-AKI rats more effectively than BMSCs treatment did. Conclusions Our data suggest that EPO pretreatment enhances the efficacy of BMSCs to improve the renal function and pathological presentation of I/R-AKI rats.

The rate of improvement of sugar content in sugarcane remains low for decades worldwide. Our previous transcriptome studies provided an atlas of sucrose accumulation-related gene expression, but little is known about the proteins involved. Here, we conducted a proteomic analysis of experimentally altered sucrose accumulation in sugarcane. Analysis of stem proteomes of sugarcane ripener ethephon treated high- and low-sugar genotypes had identified 2983 proteins of which 139 were significantly differentially expressed (DEPs). These DEPs were found to be associated with sugar metabolism-related processes with 25 of them may have a regulatory role in sucrose accumulation. The key proteins identified include UDP-glucose 6-dehydrogenase associated with amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism; those involved in carbon fixation; and fructokinase, β-D-glucosidase, and α-glucan phosphorylase involved in starch and sucrose metabolism. Distinct genotype- and ethephon-dependent DEP expression was evident providing new insights into one of the most intractable sugarcane traits to breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Calcineurin B-like proteins (CBLs) are major Ca2+ sensors that interact with CBL-interacting protein kinases (CIPKs) to regulate growth and development in plants. The CBL-CIPK network is involved in stress response, yet little is understood on how CBL-CIPK function in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), a staple vegetable crop that is threatened by biotic and abiotic stressors. Results In the present study, nine CaCBL and 26 CaCIPK genes were identified in pepper and the genes were named based on their chromosomal order. Phylogenetic and structural analysis revealed that CaCBL and CaCIPK genes clustered in four and five groups, respectively. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) assays showed that CaCBL and CaCIPK genes were constitutively expressed in different tissues, and their expression patterns were altered when the plant was exposed to Phytophthora capsici, salt and osmotic stress. CaCIPK1 expression changed in response to stress, including exposure to P. capsici, NaCl, mannitol, salicylic acid (SA), methyl jasmonate (MeJA), abscisic acid (ABA), ethylene (ETH), cold and heat stress. Knocking down CaCIPK1 expression increased the susceptibility of pepper to P. capsici, reduced root activity, and altered the expression of defense related genes. Transient overexpression of CaCIPK1 enhanced H2O2 accumulation, cell death, and expression of genes involved in defense. Conclusions Nine CaCBL and 26 CaCIPK genes were identified in the pepper genome, and the expression of most CaCBL and CaCIPK genes were altered when the plant was exposed to stress. In particular, we found that CaCIPK1 is mediates the pepper plant’s defense against P. capsici. These results provide the groundwork for further functional characterization of CaCBL and CaCIPK genes in pepper.

Abstract Background Conditioned pain modulation (CPM) is impaired in people with chronic pain such as knee osteoarthritis (KOA). The purpose of this randomized, controlled clinical trial was to investigate whether strong electroacupuncture (EA) was more effective on chronic pain by strengthening the CPM function than weak EA or sham EA in patients with KOA. Methods In this multicenter, three-arm parallel, single-blind randomized controlled trial, 301 patients with KOA were randomly assigned. Patients were randomized into three groups based on EA current intensity: strong EA (> 2 mA), weak EA (

Ergometrine is widely used for the treatment of excessive postpartum uterine bleeding. Claviceps paspali is a common species for industrial production of ergometrine, which is often accompanied by lysergic acid α-hydroxyethylamide (LAH) and lysergic acid amide (LAA). Currently, direct evidence on the biosynthetic mechanism of LAH and LAA from lysergic acid in C. paspali is absent, except that LAH and LAA share the common precursor with ergometrine and LAA is spontaneously transformed from LAH. A comparison of the gene clusters between C. purpurea and C. paspali showed that the latter harbored the additional easO and easP genes. Thus, the knockout of easO and easP in the species should not only improve the ergometrine production but also elucidate the function. In this study, gene knockout of C. paspali by homologous recombination yielded two mutants ∆easOhetero-1 and ∆easPhetero-34 with ergometrine titers of 1559.36 mg∙L−1 and 837.57 mg∙L−1, which were four and two times higher than that of the wild-type control, respectively. While the total titer of LAH and LAA of ∆easOhetero-1 was lower than that of the wild-type control. The Aspergillus nidulans expression system was adopted to verify the function of easO and easP. Heterologous expression in A. nidulans further demonstrated that easO, but not easP, determines the formation of LAA.

Fruit traits are important in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) and affect its quality and yield. These traits are controlled by quantitative trait loci (QTLs). In this study, we identified many major QTLs that control fruit length (Ftl), fruit diameter (Ftd), fruit shape (Fts), fruit weight (Ftw) and locule number (Lcn) in the F2 and F2:3 populations developed from the QTL mapping of GS6 (P1) and Qiemen (P2). A total of 111 simple sequence repeats and insertion/deletion markers were utilized to construct a linkage map with 12 linkage groups over a length of 1320.72 cM. An inclusive composite interval mapping analysis indicated that many QTLs were detected and included ftl2.1, ftd2.1, fts1.1, ftw2.1 and lcn1.1. As a novel QTL, lcn1.1 was located between HM1112 and EPMS709, and the genetic distance was 3.18 cM covering 60 predicted genes. Within the region, we identified Capana01g004285 as a candidate gene by functional annotation and expression analysis and found that it encodes the BREVIS RADIX (BRX) protein. Knockdown of CaBRX through the virus-induced gene silencing approach in GS6 reduced the number of locules and influenced the expressions of genes related to flower and locule development, suggesting that CaBRX plays an important function in the development of locules.

The basic leucine zipper (bZIP) proteins compose a family of transcription factors (TFs), which play a crucial role in plant growth, development, and abiotic and biotic stress responses. However, no comprehensive analysis of bZIP family has been reported in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.). In this study, we identified and characterized 60 bZIP TF-encoding genes from two pepper genomes. These genes were divided into 10 groups based on their phylogenetic relationships with bZIP genes from Arabidopsis. Six introns/exons structural patterns within the basic and hinge regions and the conserved motifs were identified among all the pepper bZIP proteins, on the basis of which, we classify them into different subfamilies. Based on the transcriptomic data of Zunla-1 genome, expression analyses of 59 pepper bZIP genes (not including CabZIP25 of CM334 genome), indicated that the pepper bZIP genes were differentially expressed in the pepper tissues and developmental stages, and many of the pepper bZIP genes might be involved in responses to various abiotic stresses and phytohormones. Further, gene expression analysis, using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), showed that the CabZIP25 gene was expressed at relatively higher levels in vegetative tissues, and was strongly induced by abiotic stresses and phytohormones. In comparing with wild type Arabidopsis, germination rate, fresh weight, chlorophyll content, and root lengths increased in the CabZIP25-overexpressing Arabidopsis under salt stress. Additionally, CabZIP25-silenced pepper showed lower chlorophyll content than the control plants under salt stress. These results suggested that CabZIP25 improved salt tolerance in plants. Taken together, our results provide new opportunities for the functional characterization of bZIP TFs in pepper.

A new type of environmental-friendly flexible nanofibers of aluminum doped zinc oxide (AZO) coated carbon (AZO@C) was successfully prepared by using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as raw materials. The as-spun PVA nanofibers were prepared via electrospinning and its water resistance was greatly improved after heat-treatment. Then, the PVA nanofibers with a layer of zinc aluminum hydroxide on the surface were synthesized by hydrothermal method. Thereafter, new AZO@C composite nanofibers was produced after sintering at 500℃ to the carbonization of PVA nanofibers and the dehydration of zinc aluminum hydroxide to form AZO nanoparticles. The structure and properties of the samples were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR), thermal gravimetric analyzer (TGA) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The average diameter of the AZO@C nanofibers is (320±45)nm. The photocatalytic property of the resultant composite fibers is demonstrated by degrading methyl orange under solar light.

Purpose. Due to the rarity, it is difficult to predict the survival of patients with fibrosarcoma. This study aimed to apply a nomogram to predict survival outcomes in patients with fibrosarcoma. Methods. A total of 2235 patients with diagnoses of fibrosarcoma were registered in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database, of whom 663 patients were eventually enrolled. Univariate and multivariate Cox analyses were used to identify independent prognostic factors. Nomograms were constructed to predict 3-year and 5‐year overall survival and cancer‐specific survival of patients with fibrosarcoma. Results. In univariate and multivariate analyses of OS, age, sex, race, tumor stage, pathologic grade, use of surgery, and tumor size were identified as independent prognostic factors. Age, sex, tumor stage, pathologic grade, use of surgery, and tumor size were significantly associated with CSS. These characteristics were further included to establish the nomogram for predicting 3-year and 5-year OS and CSS. For the internal validation of the nomogram predictions of OS and CSS, the C-indices were 0.784 and 0.801. Conclusion. We developed the nomograms that estimated 3-year and 5-year OS and CSS. These nomograms not only have good discrimination performance and calibration but also provide patients with better clinical benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants need to cope with multitudes of stimuli throughout their lifecycles in their complex environments. Calcium acts as a ubiquitous secondary messenger in response to numerous stresses and developmental processes in plants. The major Ca2+ sensors, calcineurin B-like proteins (CBLs), interact with CBL-interacting protein kinases (CIPKs) to form a CBL–CIPK signaling network, which functions as a key component in the regulation of multiple stimuli or signals in plants. In this review, we describe the conserved structure of CBLs and CIPKs, characterize the features of classification and localization, draw conclusions about the currently known mechanisms, with a focus on novel findings in response to multiple stresses, and summarize the physiological functions of the CBL–CIPK network. Moreover, based on the gradually clarified mechanisms of the CBL–CIPK complex, we discuss the present limitations and potential prospects for future research. These aspects may provide a deeper understanding and functional characterization of the CBL–CIPK pathway and other signaling pathways under different stresses, which could promote crop yield improvement via biotechnological intervention.

PAMP-triggered immunity (PTI) is the first layer of plant defense response that occurs on the plant plasma membrane. Recently, the application of a rhizobacterium, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain PMB05, has been demonstrated to enhance flg22 Pst - or harpin-triggered PTI response such as callose deposition. This PTI intensification by PMB05 further contributes to plant disease resistance to different bacterial diseases. Under the demand for rapid and large-scale screening, it has become critical to establish a non-staining technology to identify microbial strains that can enhance PTI responses. Firstly, we confirmed that the expression of the GSL5 gene, which is required for callose synthesis, can be enhanced by PMB05 during PTI activation triggered by flg22 or PopW (a harpin from Ralstonia solanacearum ). The promoter region of the GSL5 gene was further cloned and fused to the coding sequence of gfp . The constructed fragments were used to generate transgenic Arabidopsis plants through a plant transformation vector. The transgenic lines of At GSL5 -GFP were obtained. The analysis was performed by infiltrating flg22 Pst or PopW in one homozygous line, and the results exhibited that the green fluorescent signals were observed until after 8 h. In addition, the PopW-induced fluorescent signal was significantly enhanced in the co-treatment with PMB05 at 4 h after inoculation. Furthermore, by using At GSL5 -GFP to analyze 13 Bacillus spp. strains, the regulation of PopW-induced fluorescent signal was observed. And, the regulation of these fluorescent signals was similar to that performed by callose staining. More importantly, the Bacillus strains that enhance PopW-induced fluorescent signals would be more effective in reducing the occurrence of bacterial wilt. Taken together, the technique by using At GSL5 -GFP would be a promising platform to screen plant immunity-intensifying microbes to control bacterial wilt.

Background: The safety and efficacy of neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy (nICT) for locally advanced gastric cancer (LAGC) remain controversial., Methods: Patients with LAGC who received either nICT or neoadjuvant chemotherapy (nCT) at 3 tertiary referral teaching hospitals in China between January 2016 and October 2022 were analyzed. After propensity-score matching (PSM), comparing the radiological response, pathological response rate, perioperative outcomes, and early recurrence between the two groups., Results: After PSM, 585 patients were included, with 195 and 390 patients comprising the nICT and nCT groups, respectively. The nICT group exhibited a higher objective response rate (79.5% vs. 59.0%; P <0.001), pathological complete response rate (14.36% vs. 6.41%; P =0.002) and major pathological response rate (39.49% vs. 26.15%; P =0.001) compared with the nCT group. The incidence of surgical complications (17.44% vs. 16.15%, P =0.694) and the proportion of perioperative textbook outcomes (80.0% vs. 81.0%; P =0.767) were similar in both groups. The nICT group had a significantly lower proportion of early recurrence than the nCT group (29.7% vs. 40.8%; P =0.047). Furthermore, the multivariable logistic analysis revealed that immunotherapy was an independent protective factor against early recurrence [odds ratio 0.62 (95% CI 0.41-0.92); P =0.018]. No significant difference was found in neoadjuvant therapy drug toxicity between the two groups (51.79% vs. 45.38%; P =0.143)., Conclusions: Compared with nCT, nICT is safe and effective, which significantly enhanced objective and pathological response rates and reduced the risk for early recurrence among patients with LAGC., Trial Registration: Clinical Trials.gov., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

Purpose: Anastomotic recurrence leads to poor prognosis in patients with Siewert II or III adenocarcinoma who undergo radical gastrectomy and do not receive neoadjuvant therapy. We aimed to establish a prognostic model to evaluate the risk of postoperative anastomotic recurrence in patients with Siewert II or III adenocarcinoma who did not receive neoadjuvant therapy., Methods: We included 366 patients with Siewert II or III adenocarcinoma who were treated with radical gastrectomy without neoadjuvant therapy at Fujian Provincial Hospital (FPH) between 2012 and 2018 as the development cohort. Cox regression was used to verify prognostic factors for anastomotic recurrence, and a nomogram was established. The nomogram was externally validated using a combined cohort of two external centers. Patients were classified into high- or low-risk groups according to the diagnostic threshold and nomogram scores, and recurrence-related survival analysis was analyzed., Results: The average age was 64.6 years, and 285 patients were male. All surgeries were successfully performed (185 open vs 181 laparoscopic). The 3-year anastomotic recurrence rate was significantly lower in the low-risk group (3.5% vs 18.8%, P < 0.001). The predictive performance was verified in the external validation cohort. This model better stratified patient survival than the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) TNM staging system., Conclusions: This novel nomogram with surgical margin, postoperative tumor node metastasis (pTNM) stage, and neural invasion as prognostic factors has a significant predictive performance for the risk of anastomotic recurrence after radical gastrectomy in patients with Siewert II or III adenocarcinoma., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Transition metal-catalyzed asymmetric hydrofunctionalizations of unsaturated bonds via π-ƞ 3 substitution have emerged as a reliable method to construct stereogenic centers, and mainly rely on the use of heteroatom-based or carbon nucleophiles bearing acidic C-H bonds. In comparison, sp 2 carbon nucleophiles are generally not under consideration because of enormous challenges in cleaving corresponding inert sp 2 C-H bonds. Here, we report a protocol to achieve asymmetric formal sp 2 hydrocarbonations, including hydroalkenylation, hydroallenylation and hydroketenimination of both 1,3-dienes and alkynes via hydroalkylation and Wittig reaction cascade. A series of unachievable motifs via hydrofunctionalizations, such as di-, tri- and tetra-substituted alkenes, di-, tri- and tetra-substituted allenes, and tri-substituted ketenimines in allyl skeletons are all facilely constructed in high regio-, diastereo- and enantioselectivities with this cascade design. Stereodivergent synthesis of all four stereoisomers of 1,4-diene bearing a stereocenter and Z/E-controllable olefin unit highlights the power of present protocol. An interesting mechanistic feature is revealed that alkyne actually undergoes hydrocarbonation via the formation of conjugated diene intermediate, different from conventional viewpoint that the hydrofunctionalization of alkynes only involves allene species., (© 2023. Springer Nature Limited.)

Purpose: We aimed to determine the global effects of the Chêneau brace combined with Schroth exercises on adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS)., Methods: We analyzed 192 patients with AIS who underwent the Chêneau brace treatment alone or combined with Schroth best practice (SBP) from June 2013 to October 2019. There were 138 patients in the Brace group and 54 patients in the Brace + SBP group. Radiographs were obtained at various treatment durations. Answers to the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) questionnaire were recorded before the intervention and at the time of treatment wean., Results: The Cobb angle (-3.55°; p  < 0.001) and C7-CSVL (-3.03 mm; p  < 0.001) significantly decreased in the Brace + SBP group. Thoracic kyphosis (TK) decreased in both the Brace + SBP group (-1.85°; p  = 0.0152) and the Brace group (-5.06; p  < 0.001). Changes before and after treatment of TK were significantly different between groups ( p  < 0.001). The 22-item Scoliosis Research Society function score, self-image, mental health, and EuroQol 5-Dimension scores were significantly higher in the Brace + SBP group. The satisfaction score was higher in the Brace + SBP group (3.77 ± 0.63 vs. 3.13 ± 0.79; p  < 0.001)., Conclusions: Compared to bracing alone, the Schroth exercises plus bracing had a better effect on coronal balance. Schroth exercises improve flatback deformity caused by bracing and positively influence the HRQoL in AIS patients who received the Chêneau brace treatment.Implications for RehabilitationBracing and physiotherapy are common treatments for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).The Chêneau brace treatment causes flatback deformity and muscle stiffness in AIS patients.The Schroth method helps patients increase muscle strength, halt curve progression, increase vital capacity, and maintain improved posture.The Schroth exercises could improve flatback deformity caused by bracing and positively influence the health-related quality of life in AIS patients who received the Chêneau brace treatment.

Objective: To determine the clinical epidemiological characteristics of newly reported human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome （HIV/AIDS）in southwestern China from 2001 to 2017., Methods: Clinical data of newly diagnosed HIV/AIDS from 2001 to 2017 in the West China Hospital of Sichuan University were reviewed and analyze., Results: A total of 1 520 228 patients were screened for HIV, including 285 983 outpatient and emergency patients and 1 234 245 inpatients. About 4 037 (0.27%) patients were confirmed with HIV/AIDS. The confirmation rate increased from 2001 to 2013, followed by a slight decline from 2014 to 2017. The male to female sex ratio of confirmed HIV/AIDS was 3.49:1 from 2001 to 2017, ranging from 1.65:1 to 5.08:1. The majority of patients were identified as Han (88.23%), had low education (58.66%), and married (54.75%). Peasants/herdsman comprised 26.33% of the patients. The proportion of young (15-29 years old), and middle-aged (≥50 years old) patients and those who were unmarried and had high education (senior high school and above) increased over time. Heterosexual transmission remained stable at about 60% while homosexual transmission increased by about 15% ( χ 2 =14.436, P ＜0.005) since 2008. Transmissions through drug abuse( χ 2 =71.633, P ＜0.005) and blood( χ 2 =16.672, P ＜0.005) decreased. Of the 899 female newly reported HIV/ADIS patients, 77.20% were infected through heterosexual relationship. In comparison, of the 3 138 male patients, 61.41% were infected through heterosexual and 18.10% through homosexual relationships. Homosexual transmissions decreased with age, but heterosexual transmissions increased with age. Mother-to-child transmissions were concentrated in those between 0 and 15 years old (100%)., Conclusion: Newly diagnosed HIV/AIDS cases increased over the years in the West China Hospital of Sichuan University, in particular in those of young and middle-aged, highly educated and unmarried. Heterosexual transmissions remain the main route., (Copyright© by Editorial Board of Journal of Sichuan University (Medical Science Edition).)

Objective: To investigate pave a way for studying pathogenicty of HBoV., Methods: Isolation and cell culture of HBoV by human bronchial epithelial cell line, which was founded in our laboratory. The morphology of the virus were primarily studied with a transmission electron microscope. In addition, transcript mRNA was detected in human bronchial epithelial cells, which was passaged and infected within HBoV, using the reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The amplified products nucleotide sequence of HBoV were sequencing and sequence analysis., Results: Cytopathic effect (CPE) was observed after the aseptic residue of filtration of 2 case sputum specimens with HBoV, which was inoculated to the human bronchial epithelial cell line. The virus particles were observed in the cytoplasm, which were hexagonal or spherical in shape and 18-26 nm in diameter,bulk was 20 nm. cDNA amplicon obtained 295 bp fragment results of electrophoresis bands as same as NS1 region of the conserved matrix gene of publish sequence of HboV. PCR products nucleotide sequence of HboV were compared with corresponding HboV GeneBank sequences. The comparison/alignment and construction of phylogenetic trees also point to an affiliation of the parvovirus to the species HBoV., Conclusion: Isolation and identification of HBoV could be done in the human bronchial epithelial cell, and we found some characterizing CPE in the human bronchial epithelial cell after HBoV infection. The above studies pave a way for studying pathogenicty of human bocavirus.

Objective: To isolate human antibodies against hepatitis E virus from phage display library by a new method of panning phage antibody library based on immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC)., Methods: Phage antibody library was allowed to mix with hex-His tagged expressed HEV specific antigen, NE2, in solution for adequate binding before affinity resin for hex-His was added. The non-specific phage antibodies were removed by extensive washing and the specific bound phage antibodies could then be eluted to infect TG1 or repeat the binding process for subsequent rounds of purification. The specificity of the selected human antibodies were tested by antigen competitive ELISA, human sera blocking ELISA, scFv expression, and sequence analysis., Results: His-NE2 specific recombinant phages were successfully enriched after panning procedure. Two individual phage clones, 126 and 138, showed 50% inhibition in NE2 antigen competition ELISA and obvious blocking effect by HEV positive serum in blocking ELISA. Soluble scFv of 126, 138 bound to NE2 specifically., Conclusion: Two specific human phage antibodies against hepatitis E virus (HEV) from phage display library were isolated by immobilized metal affinity chromatography. The immobilized metal affinity chromatography applied to phage antibody selection was a helpful supplement to the selection in solution.

Previously, an mAb 10F7 was developed against H5N1 hemagglutinin, which was highly specific to 34 different H5N1 strains and showed good neutralizing activity. In the present study, the single-chain fragment of the antibody was cloned into a prokaryotic vector and then expressed in E. coli. The activity of the scFv was tested in hemagglution inhibition and neutralization experiment. Two H5N1 virus strains were inhibited to bind erythrocyte cells by the scFv while the H9 virus was not. Also, five H5N1 virus strains were neutralized during infecting MDCK cells. These results showed an approachable method for developing therapeutic antibody to H5N1 virus.

Aim: To construct a human natural phage single-chain antibody (scFv) library with diversity., Methods: V(H) and V(L) genes were amplified by RT-PCR and hemi-PCR from peripheral blood lymphocytes of healthy persons. The V genes were assembled to form scFv by overlap PCR and cloned into phagemid pCANTAB-5E, and then transformed into E. coli TG1 by electroporation to construct a human natural phage scFv library. The diversity and gene family of antibody gene were analysed by sequencing and the specific antibodies against various antigens were screened through bio-panning., Results: A human natural phage scFv library with diversity and 2x10(8) sink size was constructed successfully. The specific human scFvs against 5 antigens were obtained by bio-panning., Conclusion: A human natural phage scFv library with diversity is constructed successfully and can be applied to human antibody preparation.

Aim: To explore the conditions of solid-phase screening phage antibody library and to provide the experimental basis for the design of screening project., Methods: Diverse antibodies including HEV NE2-specific and non-specific humanized phage antibodies were used to study the screening conditions, such as the binding time of phage antibodies to antigen, the concentration of coating antigen, the washing times and elution method., Results: The best binding time of positive phage antibody to antigen was 1 min. The highest positive rate of screening was obtained under the conditions of washing for 20 to 30 times and pH value of the washing solution being 5. The concentration of the coating antigen had no obvious influence on the positive rate of screening. Higher positive rate was obtained by using 10 mg/L antigen to competitively elute for 1 h., Conclusion: Solid-phase screening of the phage antibody library is a very complex process, in which there are close relationship between the conditions, therefore, appropriate readjustment should be made for screening conditions according to concrete conditions.