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The large-scale integration of wind power and solar power makes the flexibility transformation of traditional thermal power units necessary. In this paper, a flexibility transformation nonlinear programming model considering wind and solar consumption is proposed. To compute the original complicated programming problem efficiently, the generalized Benders decomposition algorithm is used. The original complicated programming problem, which involves month dimension in long-term scheduling and hour dimension in short-term scheduling, is decomposed into one flexibility transformation investment master problem and twelve operation sub-problems. In addition, considering the instability of wind and solar resources, the agglomerative hierarchical clustering algorithm is applied to cluster the typical scenarios. A case study is constructed to verify the validity and applicability of the presented model, and the results are derived. The results show that the model can realize the efficient consumption of wind and solar power while meeting the power demand and the economy, and it is suitable for finding the optimal solution to various parameter settings. Reasonable unit flexibility transformation can also further reduce the total costs, alleviate the curtailment of wind and solar power. The sensitivity of constructed model is also analyzed. Reasonable wind and solar subsidies can promote enterprises to transform the thermal power units and indirectly increase wind and solar consumption. Research in this paper can provide a scientific reference for deciding the flexibility transformation and selecting the flexibility transformation strategy of thermal power units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic skyrmion, a nano-sized spin texture with topological property, have the potential to develop high-density, low-power, and multifunctional spintronic devices. To realize the reconfiguration of a single logic device and the implementation of the complete logic functions, a new reconfigurable and reusable skyrmion logic is proposed and verified by micromagnetic simulation. Logic functions including AND, OR, NOT, NAND and NOR are realized in ferromagnetic (FM) nanotrack by skyrmion-edge repulsions and the voltage control of magnetic anisotropy (VCMA) effect. The working state of the potential well can be controlled by the link of the input signals, thus changing the function type. In addition, through reusing skyrmion in circular track, the energy required for creation and deletion is reduced. This work can provide guidance for the design and optimization of reconfigurable and reusable logic devices with circular track based on skyrmion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

UFMylation is a novel ubiquitin-like system that deals with complex and fine-tuned cellular activities and is closely related to endoplasmic reticulum stress. Our previous study indicated that UFMylation is activated in vascular remodeling models. However, the role of UFMylation in atherosclerosis (AS) is unclear. In this study, we investigated changes in UFMylation in ApoE knockout (ApoE-KO) mice. We found that UFMylation was significantly activated in ApoE-KO mice fed a high-fat diet for 46 weeks. Consistently we observed that vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) treated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) showed UFMylation activation in a time-dependent manner. UFM1-overexpressing mice were generated using transgenic (Tg) technique and bred with ApoE-KO mice to generate ApoE-KO/UFM1-Tg mice. We found that the degree of AS did not vary compared with that of the control. Similarly, overexpression of active UFM1 failed to alter oxLDL-induced proliferation of VSMCs. These findings indicate that UFMylation is activated in AS, but overexpression of UFM1 does not alter the development of AS in ApoE-KO mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• HELP improves the efficiency of hyperparameter tunning with random exploration. • HELP avoids bad hyperparameters in future exploration by learning with an RNN. • HELP finds the optimal hyperparameters at iteration by information during training. Hyperparameter selection is very important for the success of deep neural network training. Random search of hyperparameters for deep neural networks may take a long time to converge and yield good results because the training of deep neural networks with a huge number of parameters for every selected hyperparameter is very time-consuming. In this work, we propose the Hyperparameter Exploration LSTM-Predictor (HELP) which is an improved random exploring method using a probability-based exploration with an LSTM-based prediction. The HELP has a higher probability to find a better hyperparameter with less time. The HELP uses a series of hyperparameters in a time period as input and predicts the fitness values of these hyperparameters. Then, exploration directions in the hyperparameter space yielding higher fitness values will have higher probabilities to be explored in the next turn. Experimental results for training both the Generative Adversarial Net and the Convolution Neural Network show that the HELP finds hyperparameters yielding better results and converges faster. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integration of chiral elements within a multiple resonance (MR) motif affords a prospective avenue to construct satisfying emitters tailored for state‐of‐the‐art circularly polarized organic light–emitting diodes (CP‐OLEDs). However, the concurrently realizing of both high luminescence efficiency and favorable dissymmetry factors (gPL) still remains a formidable challenge, particularly when aligning with the requirement of high color purity. Herein, a dual‐pronged approach is proposed to reconcile such trade‐offs by directly fusing a secondary chiral donor onto the MR scaffold, thereby facilitating a hybrid short/long‐range charge‐transfer with fine‐tuned compositions. Theoretical calculations unveil the pronounced impact of the chiral donor on meticulously refining the characteristics of excited states, therefore yielding a considerable gPL of 3.3 × 10−3, along with a high fluorescence quantum yield of 0.97, and a rapid reverse intersystem crossing rate of 3.06 × 105 s−1 in one embodiment. Leveraging these merits, electroluminescence devices incorporating them as chiral dopants exhibit exceptional performance, showcasing a peak external quantum efficiency of 36.6% and remarkable Commission Internationale de L'Eclairage coordinates of (0.19, 0.71), which represent one of the most notable achievements among pure‐green CP‐OLEDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Home healthcare is a product of an aging population, increased awareness of health management and growing demand for medical services. Home healthcare providers need to rationally and efficiently route caregivers to visit their customers. This paper investigates the green home healthcare routing and scheduling problem with simultaneous consideration of physician–patient satisfaction and sustainability based on prospect theory, which simultaneously optimizes four objectives including minimizing total cost, carbon emission, maximizing customer satisfaction, and caregiver satisfaction. Practicalities such as maximum working hours, load balancing, physician–patient skill level matching, customer prioritization, and time windows are also considered. In addition, an improved adaptive reference point-based third generation non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm is proposed to solve the problem. Finally, numerical experiments on various scales were conducted to verify the effectiveness of the algorithm, and the results show that the algorithm can provide decision makers with a larger number of feasible no dominated solutions, and can effectively solve the home healthcare path planning problem. It is also compared with three algorithms, second generation of non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm, third generation non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm, and adaptive reference point-based third generation non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm, to further verify that the proposed improved adaptive reference point-based third generation non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm performs better in terms of solution speed, distribution of Pareto-optimal solutions, convergence, and diversity in various instances. The problem proposed in this study synthesizes the goals of multiple stakeholders in home healthcare and is more conducive to the sustainable forward development of the enterprise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we investigate exact tail asymptotics for the stationary distribution of a fluid model driven by the M / M / c queue, which is a two-dimensional queueing system with a discrete phase and a continuous level. We extend the kernel method to study tail asymptotics of its stationary distribution, and a total of three types of exact tail asymptotics are identified from our study and reported in the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Type D personality was positively related to social networking sites addiction. • Restorative outcomes mediated the link between Type D personality and social networking sites addiction. • Affective relationships with friends moderated the mediation effect. Abstract Type D personality denotes the joint tendency towards negative affectivity and social inhibition. The recent research has regarded Type D personality as a risk factor of social networking sites addiction. The current study aimed to test whether restorative outcomes would mediate the relation between Type D personality and social networking sites addiction, and whether affective relationships would moderate simultaneously the mediating process. A valid sample of 679 adolescents (mean age = 13.29 ± 0.77 years) participated in our paper-and-pencil survey. Results showed that, after controlling for age and gender, Type D personality positively correlated with social networking sites addiction, and it increased social networking sites addiction via escalating participants' restorative outcomes. Moreover, only affective relationships with friends moderated the mediating effect: for adolescents with low levels of affective relationships with friends, the indirect effect of Type D personality on social networking sites addiction was significant; contrarily, the indirect effect for high levels of affective relationships with friends was non-significant. The current study indicated that Type D personality as a risk factor interacted with other factors (e.g., affective relationships with friends) to contribute to adolescent social networking sites addiction. The limitations and practical implications were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypoxia–ischemia (HI)-induced perinatal encephalopathy frequently causes chronic neurological morbidities and acute mortality. Bone mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) transplantation could potentially promote functional and anatomical recovery of ischemic tissue. In vitro hypoxic preconditioning is an effective strategy to improve the survival of BMSCs in ischemic tissue. In this study, cobalt chloride (CoCl 2 ) preconditioned medium from BMSC cultures was injected into the left lateral ventricle of HI rats using a micro-osmotic pump at a flow rate 1.0 μl/h for 7 days. The protein levels of HIF-1α and its target genes, vascular endothelial growth factor and erythropoietin, markedly increased after CoCl 2 preconditioning in BMSCs. In 7-week-old rats that received CoCl 2 preconditioned BMSC medium, results of the Morris water maze test indicated ameliorated spatial working memory function following hypoxia-ischemia damage. Neuronal loss, cellular disorganization, and shrinkage in brain tissue were also ameliorated. Extracellular field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs) in the brain slices of 8-week-old rats were recorded; administration of CoCl 2 preconditioned BMSC culture medium induced a progressive increment of baseline and amplitude of the fEPSPs. Immunohistochemical quantification showed that GluR2 protein expression increased. In conclusion, CoCl 2 activates HIF-1α signals in BMSCs. CoCl 2 preconditioned BMSC culture medium likely effects neuroprotection by inducing long-term potentiation (LTP), which could be associated with GluR2 expression. The paracrine effects of hypoxia preconditioning on BMSCs could have applications in novel cell-based therapeutic strategies for hypoxic and ischemic brain injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of this study were to test the associations of the Internet addiction symptoms with impulsiveness, loneliness, novelty seeking and behavioral inhibition systems among adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and adults with non-ADHD. A total of 146 adults aged between 19 and 33 years involved in this study. Participants were assessed with the Chinese version of the adult ADHD Self-report scale (ASRS), the Revised Chen Internet Addiction Scale (CIAS-R), the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale 11 (BIS-11), the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire (TPQ), the UCLA loneliness scale, and the Behavioral Inhibition System and Behavioral Activation System Scale (BIS/BAS Scale). The results of hierarchical regression analysis indicated that impulsiveness, loneliness, and behavioral inhibition system were significant predictors of Internet addition among adults with ADHD. Higher loneliness was significantly associated with more severe Internet addition symptoms among the non-ADHD group. Adults with high impulsiveness, loneliness, and BIS should be treated with caution for preventing Internet addiction. In addition, adults with and without ADHD should be provided with different preventative strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Binary synapse based on the deterministic switching of the magnetization states by encoding high and low resistance states. • Sigmoid neuron based on the stochastic switching probability of the magnetization in the free layer. • All-spin BWN based on the multi-functional nanoscale SOT devices achieves ∼81.73 % recognition accuracy on the CIFAR-10 dataset. Spintronic devices driven by spin–orbit torque (SOT) have a lot of potential for future neuromorphic computing hardware platforms. Nevertheless, problems such as multistate loss, weight time-dependent variability, and output discontinuity ensue when the device size is reduced to the nanoscale, which are contradictory to the requirements of traditional high-precision neural networks. In this study, we propose a high-precision all-spin neural network based on magnetization switching of a simple nanoscale multi-functional SOT device. The all-spin neural network is implemented by the Binary Weight Network, in which the binary synapse is encoded by the two states formed by the device's deterministic switching and the practical neuron is realized by its stochastic switching probability. Furthermore, we use a difference derivation training algorithm for the general-purpose network in a novel way to be more compatible with the discontinuous neuron output. Using this strategy, our network can reach ∼81.73 % recognition accuracy on the universal CIFAR-10 dataset, paving the way for future practical hardware implementation of nanoscale SOT devices in high-precision compact neuromorphic computing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single point diamond turning (SPDT) could produce nanoscale surface roughness and surface nanograins. When subsequently heated by spark plasma sintering (SPS), the SPDT processed copper realized diffusion bonding at an ultra-low temperature of ∼202 °C (0.35 T m). Finally, high-strength (∼269 MPa) diffusion bonding of copper was achieved via SPDT and SPS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Hypoxia–ischemia (HI)-induced perinatal encephalopathy is a major cause of acute mortality and chronic neurologic morbidities such as cerebral palsy, mental retardation, and epilepsy. As the essential transcription factor for the activation of hypoxia-inducible genes, hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) plays an important role in the pathophysiological response to the stress of HI brain damage. Whether HIF-1α activation promotes neuroprotection in HI tissues is controversial. Methods: The left common carotid artery of rats aged 7days was ligated under anesthesia. The pups were then exposed to hypoxia in a normobaric chamber filled with 8% oxygen and 92% nitrogen for 2.5h. In the sham control group, the left common carotid artery was exposed but was not ligated or exposed to hypoxia. To assess the time window for effective treatment, the HIF-1α inducer cobalt chloride (CoCl2) was injected subcutaneously 1day before surgery, immediately or 1day after surgery. The brain tissues were harvested from the pups of each groups at 1, 2 and 7days after insult for HIF-1α protein ant its target genes expression and for investigating the injury. Morris water maze tests were performed at postnatal 7weeks. Results: HIF-1α protein levels and its target genes vascular endothelial growth factor, heme oxygenase-1, and insulin-like growth factor 1 were markedly increased after intraperitoneal injection of CoCl2 (60mg/kg). The target gene inducible nitric oxide synthase exhibited a biphasic time course. HI caused apoptosis and reduced capillary density, which were ameliorated by CoCl2. Both preconditioning with CoCl2 24h before HI and administration of CoCl2 24h after HI improved long-term reference memory compared with that in vehicle-injected littermate controls. Administration of CoCl2 immediately after HI did not improve spatial working memory. Conclusions: CoCl2 activates HIF-1α and protects against brain damage in vivo. The time of administration could be used to manipulate the activity of HIF-1α pathways and promote recovery. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This article deals with the confined crystallization behavior of nanobiocomposites consisting of acetylated bacterial cellulose (BC) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA). PLA/acetylated BC nanobiocomposites were prepared by compressed molding. Nonisothermal crystallization, melting behavior and isothermal crystallization kinetics within confined spaces were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results indicated that acetylated BC was favorable to the crystallization of PLA at higher temperatures. On one hand, due to better compatibility between acetylated BC and PLA, crystal nucleation and growth of PLA took place while crystallization process of PLA was restricted. Acetylated BC had an effect of heterogeneous nucleation on PLA crystallization. On the other hand, crystal growth of PLA molecular chain was confined within the nanometer gaps between the microfibrils of acetylated BC. The interaction between microfibrils of acetylated BC and PLA also had an effect on the crystal growth of PLA, which resulted in the growth of confined crystallization. As the time course of acetylation became longer and longer, the compatibility of acetylated BC and PLA was enhanced and the crystallization of PLA became more difficult. This result was in accordance with the observation of polarized optical microscope (POM) pictures. Activation energy of crystallization and free energy surface of PLA were reduced in PLA and acetylated BC composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres (ALT) pathway is a telomerase-independent pathway for telomere maintenance that is active in a significant subset of human cancers and in vitro immortalized cell lines. ALT is thought to involve templated extension of telomeres through homologous recombination, but the genetic or epigenetic changes that unleash ALT are not known. Recently, mutations in the ATRX/DAXX chromatin remodeling complex and histone H3.3 were found to correlate with features of ALT in pancreatic neuroendocrine cancers, pediatric glioblastomas, and other tumors of the central nervous system, suggesting that these mutations might contribute to the activation of the ALT pathway in these cancers. We have taken a comprehensive approach to deciphering ALT by applying genomic, molecular biological, and cell biological approaches to a panel of 22 ALT cell lines, including cell lines derived in vitro. Here we show that loss of ATRX protein and mutations in the ATRX gene are hallmarks of ALT--immortalized cell lines. In addition, ALT is associated with extensive genome rearrangements, marked micronucleation, defects in the G2/M checkpoint, and altered double-strand break (DSB) repair. These attributes will facilitate the diagnosis and treatment of ALT positive human cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymer nanocomposite gels (NC gels), a kind of typical soft materials, can be synthesized through free-radical polymerization of water-soluble monomers in the presence of nanoclay in aqueous system. Here, novel natural tube-like nanoparticles, halloysite nanotubes (HNTs), are firstly used as multifunctional cross-linkers for polyacrylamide (PAAm) to form a new type of organic/inorganic hybrid hydrogels. Significant improvements in mechanical properties of the PAAm-HNTs NC gels are found by the addition of HNTs as shown by the static mechanical testing and dynamic viscoelasticity measurement. HNTs are uniformly dispersed in the NC gels from the morphological result. HNTs can be intercalated by PAAm chains as observed by the X-ray diffraction result. Hydrogen bonding interactions between HNTs and PAAm are confirmed by the infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The maximum equilibrium degree of swelling (EDS) for the NC gel is 4000% and the EDS decreases with the concentration of clay nanotubes. The present work provides a novel routine for preparing NC gels using 'green' one-dimensional nanoparticle. The prepared NC gels have promising application in biomedical areas due to the superior mechanical properties of the gels and good biocompatibility of HNTs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For real-world applications, it is desirable to realize field-free spin–orbit torque (SOT) switching in thin films with high perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA). In this paper, we report that field-free SOT switching in a L10-FePt single layer with a large switching ratio of 26% is obtained by using a MgO ⟨100⟩⋀8°/⟨100⟩ miscut substrate. It is found that field-free switching depends on the direction of the imposed pulse current. Only when the electric current is along the y (010)-direction but not along the x (100)-direction does field-free switching happen, which can be attributed to the tilted PMA induced symmetry breaking in the x–z plane. Furthermore, under the field-free condition, our FePt single layer system exhibits stable multi-state magnetic switching behavior and nonlinear synaptic characteristics. This work paves the way to realize field-free SOT switching in the L10-FePt single layer, which will have significant impact on spin memory devices and synaptic electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The Ta/GdFeCo/Ta heterostructures are utilized to achieve a spin–orbit torque-driven multistate magnetization switching. • The switching ratio is up to 47.7% and the β DL and β FL are estimated as 85.64 Oe/(107 A/cm−2) and 35.05 Oe/(107 A/cm−2), respectively. • The findings establish that a stable four-resistor state exists, proofing multilevel memory behaviors and synaptic plasticity under current drive. • Neuromorphic computing built from this SOT device can perform unsupervised handwritten digit recognition with an accuracy of 92.25%. Neuromorphic computation of ferrimagnetic materials as artificial synapses is essential for the development of ultra-low power spintronic devices. Here, Ta/GdFeCo/Ta heterostructures are utilized to achieve a spin–orbit torque-driven multistate magnetization switching, complying with the requirements of neuromorphic computation. For Ta/GdFeCo/Ta device, the switching ratio is up to 47.7 % when the critical current density value is 1.26 × 107 A/cm2. Moreover, the β DL and β FL are estimated as 85.64 Oe/(107 A/cm−2) and 35.05 Oe/(107 A/cm−2), respectively. Subsequently, the findings establish that a stable four-resistor state exists, proofing multilevel memory behaviors and synaptic plasticity under current drive. It is further demonstrated that neuromorphic computing built from this SOT device can perform unsupervised handwritten digit recognition with an accuracy of 92.25 %. This research highlights the potential of SOT-driven multi-energy stabilized residual states for neuromorphic computing and multi-energy storage in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morel is a popular edible mushroom with considerable medicinal and economic value which has garnered global popularity. However, the increasing heavy metal (HM) pollution in the soil presents a significant challenge to morels cultivation. Given the susceptibility of morels to HM accumulation, the quality and output of morels are at risk, posing a serious food safety concern that hinders the development of the morel industry. Nonetheless, research on the mechanism of HM enrichment and mitigation strategies in morel remains scarce. The morel, being cultivated in soil, shows a positive correlation between HM content in its fruiting body and the HM content in the soil. Therefore, soil remediation emerges as the most practical and effective approach to tackle HM pollution. Compared to physical and chemical remediation, bioremediation is a low-cost and eco-friendly approach that poses minimal threats to soil composition and structure. HMs easily enriched during morels cultivation were examined, including Cd, Cu, Hg, and Pb, and we assessed soil passivation technology, microbial remediation, strain screening and cultivation, and agronomic measures as potential approaches for HM pollution prevention. The current review underscores the importance of establishing a comprehensive system for preventing HM pollution in morels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mucinous cholangiocarcinoma is an extremely rare form of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma that has been characterized by rapid growth, widespread metastasis and poor prognosis. These tumors have been shown to be a part of the Lynch syndrome tumor spectrum, however, the role of DNA mismatch repair (MMR) deficiency in their development is poorly understood. We present the case of a 74-year-old male with cholangiocarcinoma, who underwent Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy and extended left hepatectomy and was diagnosed with a primary small bowel adenocarcinoma 2 years later. Immunohistochemistry testing for mismatch repair proteins was significant for the loss of nuclear expression of PMS2. Taken together, the cause of both the mucinous cholangiocarcinoma and primary small bowel adenocarcinoma with PMS2 loss in the patient presented here is likely genetic, suggestive of a cancer syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicosis is an irreversible occupational pulmonary disease that is characterized as progressed pulmonary fibrosis. In this study, we investigated the changes of UFSP2 and the related UFMylation in silica-induced pulmonary injury mice models. The experimental silicosis models were prepared by intratracheal injection of silica particles, and the lung samples were harvested at the first or the seventh day after treatment. We found that the UFSP2 expression in the 1-day models was comparable, whereas it was upregulated in the 7-day models. Consistently, the UFMylation in the lung tissues of the 7-day models was activated. In addition, we observed the CADM2, an adhesion molecule, was reported to associate with epithelial–mesenchymal transition, was upregulated in the lungs of 7-day models. In contrast, it remained comparable in the 1-day models. Our data indicated that the UFSP2/UFMylation pathway and the CADM2 might be involved in the silica-induced pulmonary injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 (EHEC O157) causes bloody diarrhea and hemolytic-uremic syndrome. EHEC O157 encounters varied microenvironments during infection, and can efficiently adapt to these using the two-component system (TCS). Recently, a functional TCS, RstAB, has been implicated in the regulation of virulence of several bacterial pathogens. However, the regulatory function of RstAB in EHEC O157 is poorly understood. This study aimed at providing insights into the global effects of RstA on gene expression in EHEC O157. Results: In the present study, we analyzed gene expression differences between the EHEC O157 wild-type strain and a ΔrstA mutant using RNA-seq technology. Genes with differential expression in the ΔrstA mutant compared to that in the wild-type strain were identified and grouped into clusters of orthologous categories. RstA promoted EHEC O157 LEE gene expression, adhesion in vitro, and colonization in vivo by indirect regulation. We also found that RstA could bind directly to the promoter region of hdeA and yeaI to enhance acid tolerance and decrease biofilm formation by modulating the concentration of c-di-GMP. Conclusions: In summary, the RstAB TCS in EHEC O157 plays a major role in the regulation of virulence, acid tolerance, and biofilm formation. We clarified the regulatory function of RstA, providing an insight into mechanisms that may be potential drug targets for treatment of EHEC O157-related infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As the main form of photoassimilates transported from vegetative tissues to the reproductive organs, sucrose and its degradation products are crucial for cell fate determination and development of maize kernels. Despite the relevance of sucrose synthase SH1 (shrunken 1)-mediated release of hexoses for kernel development, the underlying physiological and molecular mechanisms are not yet well understood in maize (Zea mays). Results: Here, we identified a new allelic mutant of SH1 generated by EMS mutagenesis, designated as sh1*. The mutation of SH1 caused more than 90% loss of sucrose synthase activity in sh1* endosperm, which resulted in a significant reduction in starch contents while a dramatic increase in soluble sugars. As a result, an extremely high osmolality in endosperm cells of sh1* was generated, which caused kernel swelling and affected the seed development. Quantitative measurement of phosphorylated sugars showed that Glc-1-P in endosperm of sh1* (17 μg g− 1 FW) was only 5.2% of that of wild-type (326 μg g− 1 FW). As a direct source of starch synthesis, the decrease of Glc-1-P may cause a significant reduction in carbohydrates that flow to starch synthesis, ultimately contributing to the defects in starch granule development and reduction of starch content. Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that SH1-mediated sucrose degradation is critical for maize kernel development and starch synthesis by regulating the flow of carbohydrates and maintaining the balance of osmotic potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Substrates are crucial to the growth of organic semiconductor thin films and crystals, and thus the performance of the organic field‐effect transistors. To date, there has been no single substrate that can fulfill the demand for low‐voltage operation, large‐area crystal growth, bias stress stability, and mechanical flexibility at the same time. Here, a novel transfer method is reported, which separates the growth of the organic semiconductor active layers and the rest of the fabrication steps of the field‐effect transistors, so that high‐mobility active layers and bias‐stable dielectric substrates are combined. With the proposed transfer method, both vacuum sublimated thin films and solution‐processed crystals show remarkable improvement in the bias stability. With the high‐k dielectric and ultraflexible substrate, the device can operate at 2 V and shows no degradation in the carrier mobility when the bending radius is down to 215 mm. It is believed that this transfer method can advance the fabrication techniques of high‐performance organic field‐effect transistors, especially for their conformal or ultraflexible applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Listeria monocytogenes (Listeria) is a facultative pathogenic bacterium, and a sensitive method for specific detection of Listeria is considered of clinically significant. However, current approaches for identifying Listeria are time consuming or tentative, and especially, cannot identify bacterial viability and antibiotic efficacy, which are critical in establishing a treatment recipe. Herein, we have developed a nitroreductase (NTR) responsive fluorescent probe (NRFP) with a fluorescence off-on feature, which could rapidly detect Listeria in vitro and in vivo with high specificity and sensitivity. NRFP showed a selective response to NTRs over other biological reductants, and could detect NTRs as low as 12.5 ng/mL. Furthermore, NRFP responded rapidly to NTRs within 10 min, enabling it real-time monitoring NTR production. Most importantly, NRFP could not only distinguish Listeria from other bacteria in vitro and in vivo for the first time, but could provide valuable information about Listeria desired for healthcare professionals, such as the presence and viability. Particularly, NRFP could real-time monitor antimicrobial effects in vivo , thereby identifying effective antibiotics for Listeria infections. Overall, NRFP appears to be an ideal imaging probe for Listeria , and possesses great potentials in diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Graphical abstract fx1 Highlights • A novel nitroreductase responsive probe for identifying Listeria in vitro and in vivo. • Selective identification of Listeria based on NTR expression profiles in bacteria. • The probe provides valuable information about Listeria including the presence, viability and antibiotic efficacy. • A new strategy with a great potential in diagnosis and treatment of Listeria -related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This corrects the article DOI: 10.1038/nrneph.2016.124. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The South China Sea (SCS), located at the junction of the Eurasian Plate, the Philippine Sea Plate and the Indo-Australian Plate, developed as the result of intra-continental rifting and seafloor spreading on the South China margin in the Cenozoic. Faults were developed extensively in the Pearl River Mouth Basin (PRMB), northern SCS margin, during the post-rift stage, but spatiotemporal evolution characteristics and geodynamics of the faulting were not resolved effectively. In this study, three stages of faulting evolution controlled by different geodynamics since the continental breakup were systematically analyzed and revealed based on the latest high resolution 2D/3D seismic data, the drilling data, the regional tectonic evolution, and the comparison with the previous studies. During Stage I, faulting showed tendency of migration from south to north (Zhu IV Depression to Baiyun Sag) and weak-intensive activities, which was mainly controlled by the southeastward mantle flow stemming from Indo-Eurasian collision. During Stage II, faulting showed tendency of migration from south to north (Baiyun Sag to Zhu I Depression) once again and intensive-weak activities, which was mainly controlled by the continental-ward lower crust flow stemming from the Baiyun Sag due to sedimentary loading. During Stage III, faulting showed tendency of migration from east to west and weak-intensive-weak activities, which was mainly controlled by the collision between the Luzon Arc and the Eurasian continental margin. From Stage I to Stage III, quantities of faults increased from nearly 400 to over 1000, but major lengths showed declined tendency from 3 to 15 km to 0–6 km. Striking of faults showed clockwise rotation from approximately E -W trending with azimuth of N90–100° to NW-SE trending with azimuth of N110–125°, and fault dip angles increased significantly from 35 to 45° to 55–65° and even 70–80°. During Stage I and Stage II, faults were mainly developed in the extension stress field, showing roughly parallel distribution on plan view and were arranged in steps on the sections. During Stage III, faults were mainly developed in the trans-tensional stress field. Many en echelon arrangement, x-conjugate-joint and horsetail-type fault systems were developed on plan view and Y- or composite Y-type, as well as flower-like structure fault systems on the seismic sections. Various geodynamics of the post-rift faulting in the northern SCS margin show transition from the interaction between plates to the west (the Indo-Eurasian Plates) during Stage I and Stage II, to the interaction between plates to the east (Philippine Sea Plate and the Eurasian Plate) during Stage III. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scleroderma renal crisis (SRC) is a rare, potentially life-threatening complication that affects 2-15% of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc, also known as scleroderma). SRC typically presents in patients with early, rapidly progressive, diffuse cutaneous SSc within the first 3-5 years after the onset of a non-Raynaud sign or symptom. SRC is characterized by an acute, usually symptomatic increase in blood pressure, a rise in serum creatinine levels, oliguria and thrombotic microangiopathy in about 50% of patients. The prognosis of SRC substantially improved in the 1980s with the introduction of angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors for rapid blood pressure control, with additional antihypertensive agents as required. However, the survival of patients with SRC can still be improved. Current patient survival is 70-82% at 1 year, but decreases to 50-60% at 5 years despite dialysis support. Patients with SRC who show no signs of renal functional recovery despite timely blood pressure control are candidates for transplantation. In this Review, we discuss progress made in the identification and proactive management of patients at risk of SRC and make recommendations aimed at optimizing management for those who progress to chronic kidney failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impairments in response inhibition and working memory functions have been found to be closely associated with internet addiction (IA) symptoms and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms. In this study, we examined response inhibition and working memory processes with two different materials (internet-related and internet-unrelated stimuli) among adolescents with IA, ADHD and co-morbid IA/ADHD. Twenty-four individuals with IA, 28 individuals with ADHD, 17 individuals with IA/ADHD, and 26 matched normal controls (NC) individuals were recruited. All participants were measured with a Stop-Signal Task and 2-Back Task under the same experimental conditions. In comparison to the NC group, subjects with IA, ADHD and IA/ADHD demonstrated impaired inhibition and working memory. In addition, in comparison to internet-unrelated conditions, IA and co-morbid subjects performed worse on the internet-related condition in the Stop trials during the stop-signal task, and they showed better working memory on the internet-related condition in the 2-Back Task. The findings of our study suggest individuals with IA and IA/ADHD may be impaired in inhibition and working memory functions that might be linked to poor inhibition specifically related to internet-related stimuli, which will advance our understanding of IA and contribute to prevention and intervention strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We provide both experimental and theoretical investigation on extraordinary low transmission through one-dimensional nanoslit and two-dimensional nanohole arrays on ultra-thin metal films. Unambiguous proofs demonstrate that short-range surface plasmon polaritons play a key role leading to this novel phenomenon, which could be useful for creating new polarization filters and other integrated plasmonic components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both microRNAs (miRNAs) and epigenetic regulation have important functions in stem cell biology, although the interactions between these two pathways are not well understood. Here, we show that MeCP2, a DNA methyl-CpG-binding protein, can epi-genetically regulate specific miRNAs in adult neural stem cells (aNSCs). MeCP2-mediated epigenetic regulation of one such miRNA, miR-137, involves coregulation by Sox2, a core transcription factor in stem cells, miR-137 modulates the proliferation and differentiation of aNSCs in vitro and in vivo. Overexpression of miR-137 promotes the proliferation of aNSCs, whereas a reduction of miR-137 enhances aNSC differentiation. We further show that miR-137 post-transcriptionally represses the expression of Ezh2, a histone methyltransferase and Polycomb group (PcG) protein. The miR-137-mediated repression of Ezh2 feeds back to chromatin, resulting in a global decrease in histone H3 trimethyl lysine 27. Coexpression of Ezh2 can rescue phenotypes associated with miR-137 overexpression. These results demonstrate that cross talk between miRNA and epigenetic regulation contributes to the modulation of adult neurogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) are sequence-specific post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression. Although major components of the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway have been identified, regulatory mechanisms for this pathway remain largely unknown. Here we demonstrate that the RNAi pathway can be modulated intracellularly by small molecules. We have developed a cell-based assay to monitor the activity of the RNAi pathway and find that the small-molecule enoxacin (Penetrex) enhances siRNA-mediated mRNA degradation and promotes the biogenesis of endogenous miRNAs. We show that this RNAi-enhancing activity depends on the trans-activation-responsive region RNA-binding protein. Our results provide a proof-of-principle demonstration that small molecules can be used to modulate the activity of the RNAi pathway. RNAi enhancers may be useful in the development of research tools and therapeutics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Transgenic technology has become an important technique for crop genetic improvement. The application of well-characterized promoters is essential for developing a vector system for efficient genetic transformation. Therefore, isolation and functional validation of more alternative constitutive promoters to the CaMV35S promoter is highly desirable. Results: In this study, a 2093-bp sequence upstream of the translation initiation codon ATG of AtSCPL30 was isolated as the full-length promoter (PD1). To characterize the AtSCPL30 promoter (PD1) and eight 5′ deleted fragments (PD2-PD9) of different lengths were fused with GUS to produce the promoter::GUS plasmids and were translocated into Nicotiana benthamiana. PD1-PD9 could confer strong and constitutive expression of transgenes in almost all tissues and development stages in Nicotiana benthamiana transgenic plants. Additionally, PD2-PD7 drove transgene expression consistently over twofold higher than the well-used CaMV35S promoter under normal and stress conditions. Among them, PD7 was only 456 bp in length, and its transcriptional activity was comparable to that of PD2-PD6. Moreover, GUS transient assay in the leaves of Nicotiana benthamiana revealed that the 162-bp (− 456~ − 295 bp) and 111-bp (− 294~ − 184 bp) fragments from the AtSCPL30 promoter could increase the transcriptional activity of mini35S up to 16- and 18-fold, respectively. Conclusions: As a small constitutive strong promoter of plant origin, PD7 has the advantage of biosafety and reduces the probability of transgene silencing compared to the virus-derived CaMV35S promoter. PD7 would also be an alternative constitutive promoter to the CaMV35S promoter when multigene transformation was performed in the same vector, thereby avoiding the overuse of the CaMV35S promoter and allowing for the successful application of transgenic technology. And, the 162- and 111-bp fragments will also be very useful for synthetic promoter design based on their high enhancer activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]