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Cortinarius species are widely distributed in the world and constitute a diverse group of ectomycorrhizal fungi that are associated with a broad range of plant hosts. The species diversity of this genus has been investigated in China, but it remains poorly understood, especially in the subtropical region. In this study, one new section, six novel species, one new combination, one new name, and one new record of Cortinarius are reported from subtropical China based on the morphological and molecular evidences. Cortinarius lilacinicarpus, C. sinocalaisopus, C. sinosalor, C. vividus spp. nov., C. orientisalor nom. nov., and C. illibatus are typical species of the section Delibuti. Cortinarius macroflavicapus sp. nov. belongs to Macroflavicapi sect. nov., a new section in the subgenus Dermocybe. Cortinarius tianbaoyanensis sp. nov. and C. dryadicola comb. nov. belong to the section Spilomei. Detailed descriptions, basidiocarps, and microscopic photographs are provided for these species. In addition, C. leptospermorum comb. nov. in the section Pauperae and subgenus Dermocybe is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several studies have explored the relationship between socially constructed neighbourhood boundaries (henceforth social boundaries) and ethnic tensions. To measure these relationships, studies have used area-level demographic data to predict the location of social boundaries and their characteristics. The most common approach uses areal wombling to locate neighbouring areas with large differences in residential characteristics. Areas with large differences (or higher boundary values) are used as a proxy for well-defined social boundaries. However, to date, the results of these predictions have never been empirically validated. This article presents results from a simple discrete choice experiment designed to test whether the areal wombling approach to boundary detection produces social boundaries that are recognisable to local residents and experts as such. We conducted a small feasibility trial with residents and experts in Rotherham, England. Our results shows that participants were more likely to recognise boundaries with higher boundary values as local community borders. We end with a discussion on the scalability of the design and suggest future improvements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new phlegmaciod species of Thaxterogaster, T. borealicremeolinus, T. rufopurpureus, and T. sinopurpurascens spp. nov., from subtropical China were described based on their morphological characteristics and molecular data. Thaxterogaster borealicremeolinus belongs to the sect. Cremeolinae and differs from the other species in this section in its larger basidiospores and its habitat in the Northern Hemisphere associated with Quercus sp. trees. Thaxterogaster rufopurpureus and T. sinopurpurascens belong to sect. Purpurascentes, in which T. rufopurpureus is characterized by a pileus with a reddish-brown coloration when mature and a clavate stipe, while T. sinopurpurascens is characterized by a violet basidiomata, except for a greyish orange to brown pileus, the distinctly marginate bulb of its stipe, and its distribution in subtropical China. The phylogenetic analyses were performed based on nrITS, and detailed descriptions of the new species are provided herein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Street-level crime maps are publicly available online in England and Wales. However, there was initial resistance to the publication of such fine-grained crime statistics, which can lower house prices and increase insurance premiums in high crime neighbourhoods. Identifying the causal effect of public crime statistics is difficult since crime statistics generally mirror actual crime. To address this question empirically, we would ideally experiment and introduce a source of random variation in the crime statistics. For instance, we could randomly increase or decrease the number of offences displayed in crime statistics and measure their effects on local house prices. For obvious reasons, we cannot pursue this research design. However, street-level crime maps contain intentional errors, which are the product of a geomasking algorithm designed to mask the location of crimes and protect the identity of victims. This project leverages features associated with the geomasking algorithm to estimate the effect of public crime statistics on house prices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regeneration is an internationally popular policy for improving distressed neighbourhoods dominated by large social housing developments. Stimulating employment is often touted as a secondary benefit, but this claim has rarely been evaluated convincingly. In 2003, Glasgow City Council transferred ownership of its entire social housing stock to the Glasgow Housing Association and over £4 billion was invested in physical repairs, social services and other regeneration activities. Using a linked census database of individuals (Scottish Longitudinal Study), we evaluate the causal effect of the Stock Transfer on employment in Glasgow through a quasi-experimental design that exploits idiosyncrasies and changes in Glasgow's administrative boundaries. We find that the Stock Transfer had a positive effect on employment for Glasgow residents who were not living in transferred social housing stock. We establish that this effect was mainly accomplished through the local employment multiplier effect of capital spending rather than through any other programmatic elements of the Stock Transfer. Exploratory analysis shows heterogeneous effects: individuals who were over 21, female, living with dependent children and with less education were less likely to benefit from the intervention. We did not find significant subgroup effects by neighbourhood deprivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five new Cortinarius species, C. neobalaustinus, C. pseudocamphoratus, C. subnymphatus, C. wuliangshanensis and C. yanjiensis spp. nov., are proposed based on a combination of morphological and molecular evidence. Cortinarius neobalaustinus is characterized by a very weakly hygrophanous and yellowish-brown to brown pileus and small and weakly verrucose basidiospores. Cortinarius pseudocamphoratus can be characterized by a viscid pileus, a strongly unpleasant smell, amygdaloid to somewhat ellipsoid basidiospores and lageniform to subfusiform cheilocystidia. Cortinarius subnymphatus is identified by a strongly hygrophanous pileus that is reddish-brown with a black-brown umbo, a yellowish universal veil and ellipsoid to subamygdaloid basidiospores. Cortinarius wuliangshanensis is characterized by a moderately to strongly hygrophanous, translucently striated and yellowish to reddish-brown pileus and rather weakly and moderately verrucose basidiospores. Cortinarius yanjiensis is distinguished by a weakly to moderately hygrophanous and yellowish to brown pileus and moderately to rather strongly verrucose basidiospores. The phylogenetic analyses were performed with maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference methods based on the data set of nuc rDNA ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS), D1–D2 domains of nuc 28S rDNA (28S) and RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (rpb2), and the results show that C. neobalaustinus, C. wulianghsanensis and C. yanjiensis cluster in sect. Illumini, C. pseudocamporatus belongs to sect. Camphorati and C. subnymphatus belongs to sect. Laeti. In addition, a study of basidiospores under field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) was conducted. An identification key for the five new species and related species from China is also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A growing number of studies of European and North American cities have shown that poverty is moving away from urban centres in a process known as the decentralisation (or suburbanisation) of poverty. These findings raise important questions about the impact on the quality of life for poorer residents who face financial constraints with respect to their access to transport. This article investigates the implications of the decentralisation of poverty for access to amenities and employment. Using data on England and Wales, we find that the decentralisation of poverty has led to greater inequalities between poor and non-poor households in access to both employment and amenities in large urban areas. We also provide two methodological innovations: (1) we address the long-standing methodological problem of measuring centralisation for cities with multiple urban centres by developing a generalised formula for the RCI (relative centralisation index), and (2) we demonstrate the use of OpenStreetMap data for identifying urban centres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cortinarius is an important ectomycorrhizal genus that forms a symbiotic relationship with certain trees, shrubs and herbs. Recently, we began studying Cortinarius in China and here we describe three new species of Cortinarius subg. Telamonia based on morphological and ecological characteristics, together with phylogenetic analyses. Cortinarius laccariphyllus sp. nov. (section Colymbadini) is associated with broadleaf trees, with strongly hygrophanous basidiomata, special Laccaria-like lamellae and white and extremely sparse universal veil. Cortinarius neotorvus sp. nov. (section Telamonia) is associated with broadleaf trees and is easily confused with C. torvus, but can be distinguished by the colour of the fresh basidiomes and the stipe usually somewhat tapering towards the base. Cortinarius subfuscoperonatus sp. nov. (section Fuscoperonati) is associated with coniferous trees, with subglobose to broadly ellipsoid spores and is closely related to C. fuscoperonatus. A key to the new species and similar species in sections Colymbadini, Telamonia and Fuscoperonati is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] In this work, four POMs-based compounds are devised and synthesized by employing viologen organic ligand under hydrothermal and solvothermal conditions, namely [M 2 (H 2 O) 6 (Cpmbpy) 2 (TeMo 6 O 24)] M = Ni (1); Co (2)) , {[M(Cpmbpy) 2 (DMF) 2 (β-Mo 8 O 26)][H 4 (β -Mo 8 O 26)]}·4C 2 H 7 N (M = Cu (3); Co (4)), (Cpmbpy = 1–Cyclopropylmethyl–[4,4′]bipyridinyl–1–ium·chloride). Compound 1 or 2 exhibits one–dimensional (1D) POMs-Ni chain constructed from the [TeMo 6 O 24 ]6− POMs and Ni metal ions. For compound 3 or 4 , two 4,4′–bipyridine groups and two DMF molecules coordinate with a CuII ion to form a {Cu(Cpmbpy) 2 (DMF) 2 }4− subunit. And the two [β-Mo 8 O 26 ]4− are directly connected the {Cu(Cpmbpy) 2 (DMF) 2 }4+ subunit to form a 1D chain structure. Compounds 1 – 4 exhibits photochromic properties under irradiation with a filtered Xe lamp (300–400 nm), showing rapid light response and varying degrees of color change. Four compounds can also be utilized as visible UV detectors and inkless erasable printing materials. In addition, compounds 1 and 2 exhibits a significant NH 3 response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract By tuning the pH, we use H 2 bdpm ligand to get a series of Keggin- and [Mo 8 O 26 ]4−-based compounds. We have studied the electrochemical properties of three compounds and fabricated them into an electrochemical sensors. We have studied five compounds' photocatalytic properties and the possible mechanism of photocatalysis. Abstract By tuning pH, a Zn complex and five POM-based compounds decorated by a pyrazole derivative 1,1′-bis(3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methane (H 2 bdpm), [Ag 4 (H 2 bdpm) 4 (SiW 12 O 40)]·4H 2 O (1), [Ag 3 (H 2 bdpm) 3 (PMo 12 O 40)] (2), [Cu(H 2 bdpm) 2 (H 2 O) 2 (HPMo 12 O 40)] (3), [Zn(H 2 bdpm) 2 (β -Mo 8 O 26) 0.5 ]·3H 2 O (4), [(ZnO) 2 (H 2 O) 2 (H 2 bdpm)] (5) and [(γ -Mo 8 O 26)(H 2 bdpm) 2 ]·2H 4 bdpm·4H 2 O (6), have been hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, IR spectra and elemental analyses. In compound 1 , the infinite wave-like metal–organic chains are linked by POM anions to form a 3D framework. In the compound 2 , the H 2 bdpm ligands are linked by Ag+ ions to construct a chain with [PMo 12 O 40 ]3− anions suspending up and down this chain by hydrogen bonding interactions. In compound 3 , there is a mono-supporting [PMo 12 O 40 ]3− anion with one [Cu(H 2 bdpm) 2 (H 2 O) 2 ]2+ subunit. By tuning pH of [Mo 7 O 24 ]6−/Zn2+/H 2 bdpm system with three values, three distinct structures 4 – 6 were constructed. In compound 4 , two Zn ions and two H 2 bdpm form a bi-nuclear [Zn 2 (H 2 bdpm) 2 ]4+ cycle. Adjacent cycles connect each other vertically to build a cycle-connecting-cycle chain. The discrete [ β -Mo 8 O 26 ]4− anions exist hydrogen bonding interactions with metal–organic chains. In compound 5 , the cycle-like [(ZnO) 4 (H 2 O) 4 ] subunits are linked by a pair of H 2 bdpm alternately to form a 1D chain. Compound 6 contains only a [ γ -Mo 8 O 26 ]4− anion functionalized by two H 2 bdpm through Mo-N bonds. The pH factor is essential for construction of this series. The 1 -, 3 - and 4 -CPEs not only possess excellent multifunctional electrocatalytic activities but also can be used as electrochemical sensors for the detection of hydrogen peroxide, bromate and nitrite. Photocatalytic investigation indicates that compounds 1 – 4 and 6 are active for the degradation of methylene blue under UV irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study that examined the attributes of fathers who receive social worker contact using a sample of individuals from a British cohort study, the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. Study highlights include the use of classification tree models to predict whether fathers or mothers are more likely to receive social work contact, events associated with social work contact for mothers and fathers, and interaction between age and sex captured by the decision tree.

This paper examines the recipients of social work support in the Millennium Cohort Study. Using panel analysis and fixed effects models, it investigates the factors that lead to the receipt of any type of social work support for individuals with young children and the effects of this support on changes in the prevalence of emotional and behavioural problems in these children. We find that divorce or separation, and episodes of homelessness are two important factors that lead to the receipt of social work support. Mothers with male children are also more likely to receive social work support. However, we find no clear evidence that social work support has any effect on changes in children's emotional and behavioural problems over time. The implications of these findings for social work research and for practice and policy are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT A variety of sulfonated polyaniline-graphene oxide (SPAN-GNO) nanocomposites based on GNO, aniline (ANI) and m-aminobenzenesulfonic acid (ABSA) are prepared via changing the mole ratio of ANI to ABSA for the comparison of DNA sensing behavior. Self-signals of SPAN-GNO are employed for estimating the effect of preparation conditions [component, monomer composition (mole ratio of ANI to ABSA), and reaction time] on DNA immobilization and hybridization detection. Then, we find herein that the mole ratio of ANI to ABSA plays a lead role over other factors on hybridization efficiency. Meanwhile, the parallel experiments using methylene blue as the classic indicator verifies this conclusion. The results show that, by comparison with other mole ratio SPAN-GNO nanocomposites-modified electrodes, the mole ratio (2:3) exhibits the widest dynamic detection range from 1.0 × 10−14 to 1.0 × 10−6 M, as well as the lowest detection limit (3.06 × 10−15 M). © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 1762-1773 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The charge transport properties of the G4-DNA molecular device in the presence of counter ions and dephasing effect are investigated based on the Green function method and Landauer–Büttiker theory. The currents through the G4-DNA molecular device depend on the interference patterns at different coupling configurations. There is an effective electrostatic interaction between the counter ions and the G4-DNA molecule which introduces disorder into the on-site energies of G bases. The current through the device can be enhanced by the small disorder which avoids the strong interference of electrons at the same energy in some coupling configurations, however the diagonal disorder can suppress the overall current due to the Anderson localization of charge carriers when the disorder is large. In the presence of dephasing effect the current through the device at all coupling configurations can be enhanced as a result of the phase coherence losing of electron. As for the magnetic field response, the magnetoresistance of the device is always suppressed by the counter ions and dephasing effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previously we demonstrated that the heat shock transcription factor Hsf1 is indispensable for transformation of mammary epithelial cells by the Her2 oncogene. Since Hsf1 affects oncogene-induced senescence (OIS), these findings suggest that Hsf1 affects tumor initiation when OIS plays a role. Indeed, here we report that Hsf1 knockout suppressed mammary hyperplasia in Her2-expressing mice and reduced tumor emergence. On the other hand, Hsf1 expression increases with advanced breast cancer, indicating that there is an additional role of Hsf1 in tumor progression. We studied rare tumors that developed in Hsf1-knockout mice and found that these tumors grew slower than tumors in control animals and showed suppressed angiogenesis. Similarly, in the xenograft model, knockdown of Hsf1 suppressed angiogenesis, which was associated with suppression of the HIF-1 pathway. Suppression of HIF-1 was at the level of translation due to downregulation of the RNA-binding protein HuR. Importantly, besides HIF-1, HuR controls translation of other major regulators of cancer progression, many of which were suppressed in Hsf1-knockdown cells. Therefore, in addition to OIS, Hsf1 regulates the HuR–HIF-1 pathway, thus affecting both cancer initiation and progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Activation of the Her2 (ErbB2) oncogene is implicated in the development of breast, ovary and other cancers. Here, we show that expression of NeuT, a mutant-activated rodent isoform of Her2, in immortalized breast epithelial cells, while promoting senescence-associated morphological changes, up-regulation of senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity, and accumulation of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21, failed to trigger the major senescence end-point, i.e. permanent growth arrest. Similar senescence-associated phenotype with incomplete growth arrest, which we dubbed senescence with incomplete growth arrest (SWING), could also be triggered by the expression of the Ras oncogene. SWING phenotype was stable, and persisted in tumor xenografts established from NeuT-transduced cells. Furthermore, a significant population of cells in SWING state was found in tumors in the MMTV/NeuT transgenic mouse model. SWING cells showed downregulation of histone H2AX, critical for repair of double-stranded DNA breaks, and impaired activation of Chk1 kinase. Overall, SWING cells were characterized by increased DNA instability and hypersensitivity to genotoxic stresses. We propose that the SWING state could be a stage in the process of cancer development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of Chinese quince proanthocyanidins (PAs) on the deterioration and heterocyclic aromatic amine (HAA) formation in soybean oil when used for deep‐fat frying, one tea polyphenol (Tea‐PP) and two PAs (PA‐100 and PA‐140) (200 mg/kg) were added to soybean oils. While all three retarded the accumulation of oil degradation products and enhanced performance of frying oil, as well as reduced the formation of HAAs, both PA‐100 and PA‐140 performed better than Tea‐PP. Adding PA‐100 and PA‐140 not only decreased the increase in oxidation indices and lossy of tocopherols but also inhibited HAA formation by 14.82%–30.64% and 19.52%–54.24%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that PA‐140 always had a stronger effect than PA‐100 in concurrently enhancing frying performance and suppressing the generation of HAAs. This study provides evidence for using PAs from Chinese quince as the stabilisers of frying oils and inhibitors of HAA formation in these oils in the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of artificially intelligent CT metrics combined with tumor markers and 7-TAABs in predicting the infiltrative nature of mixed ground-glass nodules in the lungs to provide a basis for rational clinical decision-making. Materials and Methods: The clinical data of patients admitted to Changshu Hospital affiliated with Soochow University (Hospital 1) and the Eighth People's Hospital of Tongzhou District, Nantong City (Hospital 2) from January 2022 to June 2023 were retrospectively analyzed, and a total of 427 cases were included in the study based on the nadir criteria. Three hundred twenty cases from Hospital 1 were randomly grouped into a training set (n = 2 2 4) and an internal validation set (n = 9 6), and 107 cases from Hospital 2 were used for the external validation set. The correlations between patients' clinicoradiological characteristics, tumor markers, and seven tumor autoantibodies (7-TAABs) were analyzed by the Mantel test and further by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses to screen the risk factors for the development of infiltrative tumors in the ground-glass nodes and to establish a joint model, which was combined with the clinicoradiological model and the model of the serological indexes in the internal and external validation sets were performed to compare the subject work characteristics (ROC) curves, clinical calibration curves, and clinical decision curves to evaluate their predictive efficacy and clinical utility. Results: Of the 427 cases included, 174 were in the noninfiltrating group, and 253 were in the infiltrating group. There was a significant relationship between tumor markers, seven tumor autoantibodies, and lung cancer infiltrability, and after multifactorial logistic regression analysis, a bronchial air sign, probability of malignancy, nodule diameter, percentage of solidity, VEGF, proGRP, GAGE7, and 7-TAABs were the risk factors for determining the development of infiltrative lesions in early-stage lung nodules. The clinicoradiological model was superior to the serological index model on both internal and external validation sets (AUC values were: 0.926 versus 0.839, P = 0. 0 7 2 0 3 ; 0.895 versus 0.751, P = 0. 0 0 8 0 4 9), and the combined model was slightly superior to the clinicoradiological model on both internal and external validation sets (AUC values were: 0.928 versus 0.926, P = 0. 9 1 5 7 ; 0.914 versus 0.895, P = 0. 3 3 2 7). The combined model performed optimally in terms of calibration accuracy and net clinical benefit, suggesting that a model constructed based on AI CT metrics combined with tumor markers and 7-TAABs would be beneficial to clinicians in predicting the infiltrative nature of early-stage lung cancer. Conclusion: The column-line diagram model built based on CT indexes improved by artificial intelligence technology combined with tumor markers and 7-TAAB can better predict the infiltration of lung tumors, which has specific clinical application value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Examines children whose mothers had social worker contact in an English cohort study. • Found substantial levels of underreporting of social worker contact in the study. • Identified factors associated with an increased chance of social worker contact. • Worse child emotional and behavioural problems were associated with contact. There is little evidence on the degree of underreporting of social work contact in survey studies. There are also few studies about the emotional and behavioural problems of children in families who have contact with social workers, despite the adversities they face. We examine underreporting of social work contact; the predictors of social work contact with families; and links between social work contact and emotional and behavioural outcomes for children. The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children follows the health and development of 14,062 children born in 1991–2 to women living in and around the City of Bristol. The study includes self-reported information about mothers' contact with social workers and children's emotional and behavioural outcomes using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Self-reporting of social work contact in ALSPAC is compared with administrative data from the child protection register to examine rates of underreporting. We use a fixed-effects model to account for measurement error in estimating the association between social work contact and potential predictors, namely gender of the child and maternal factors: marital status, trouble with law, hospitalisation, cannabis and alcohol use, employment, financial difficulty and experience of cruelty from a partner. SDQ scores are explored using linear regression with lagged indicators of social work contact. The probability of a false negative for self-report of social work contact ranged from 22% to 34% across three survey waves. Mothers who married within the last 12 months were less likely to receive social work contact (OR: 0.13, CI95%: 0.01–1.34). Those who had either been hospitalised (OR: 1.52, CI95%: 1.01 – 2.28) or increased their rate of alcohol consumption (OR: 2.14, CI95%: 0.91 – 5.07) within the last 12 months were more likely to receive such contact. Overall children whose mothers report social work contact were much more likely to have emotional and behavioural problems within the first seven years of their lives (p < 0.01). There is potentially a high degree of underreporting of social work contact in social surveys and cohort studies. Researchers should adopt methods to account for this issue in the future. The risk of emotional and behavioural problems is greater among children whose mothers have had contact with social workers compared to other children with seemingly similar adversities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conducted 3 laboratory experiments to determine how face consciousness influences consumption of counterfeit luxury goods, along with the moderating roles of usage occasion and brand prominence. The participants in the first study were 138 Chinese undergraduates who were allocated to a 2 × 2 design to evaluate their intention to purchase a counterfeit luxury item that would be used either in public or in private. In Studies 2 and 3, using two 2 × 2 designs we evaluated the purchase intention of the participants (132 and 136, respectively) in order to investigate the moderating role of brand prominence. The results showed that participants' face consciousness had a significant positive influence on intention to purchase counterfeit luxury goods. In addition, the products' usage occasion and brand prominence positively moderated the influence that face consciousness had on counterfeit luxury item purchase intention of our participant groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil origin, mycorrhizal plant partners and environmental factors affect the growth and development of SongRong (Tricholoma matsutake). In order to clarify the relationships of fungi–bacteria networks and various influence factors in the habitat of SongRong, we chose three collection sites with a Quercus mongolica pure forest (plot A without SongRong was used as the control sample site), Q. mongolica mixed Rhododendron dauricum (plot B) and Q. mongolica mixed with R. dauricum and Pinus densiflora (plot C). By using high-throughput sequencing, we obtained a total of 4930 fungal and 55501 bacterial amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) based on internally transcribed spacer ribosomal RNA (ITS rRNA) and 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) sequencing via the Illumina NovaSeq platform. In the habitat soil of SongRong (plot B and plot C), alpha or beta diversity and species compositions of fungi and bacteria were different from plot A. The fungal–bacterial networks follow the selection rule that few dominant genera account for the greater relative abundance. Forest types, but not the host itself, drove the fungal–bacterial networks of the forest soil, and soil physicochemical characteristics and texture affected their abundance. The abundance of Tricholoma was affected by the fungal and bacterial abundance in the habitat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moss plants appear in the early stages of land colonization and possess varying degrees of dehydration tolerance. In this study, a protein called PpFAS1.3 was identified, which contains a fasciclin 1-like domain and is essential for the moss Physcomitrium patens ' response to short-term rapid dehydration. When the FAS1.3 protein was knocked out, leafyshoots showed a significant decrease in tolerance to rapid dehydration, resulting in accelerated water loss and increased membrane leakage. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that PpFAS1.3 and its homologous proteins may have originated from bacteria and are specifically found in non-vascular plants like mosses and liverworts. As a dehydration-related protein, FAS1.3 plays a significant role in regulating lipid metabolism, particularly in the synthesis of free fatty acids (FFA) and the metabolism of two phospholipids, PC and PA. This discovery highlights the close connection between PpFAS1.3 and lipid metabolism, providing new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying plant adaptation to stresses. [Display omitted] • FAS1.3, an ancestor protein containing the FAS1 domain, is unique to bryophyte. • FAS1.3 is a rapid dehydration response protein. • FAS1.3 knockout mutant is intolerant to dehydration stress. • Playing a role in lipid metabolism and serving to safeguard membrane integrity. • FAS1.3 knockout greatly affects FFA, PC, and PA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A strategy for building highly connected robust MOFs from linear ligands is exemplified by the construction of MTAF-4, a rare (6,9)-connected MOF, based on the custom-designed bifunctional linear ligand, 4-(1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)-benzoate, that connects two types of highly connected zinc cluster moieties generated in situ. MTAF-4 is robust and permanently microporous and is capable of adsorbing CO2, H2 and CH4 under high pressures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By using the double chelating ligands 2,3-di-pyridin-2-yl-pyrazine (L1) and 2,3-di-pyridin-2-yl-quinoxaline (L2), six new polyoxometalate-based compounds, namely [AgI4(L1)4(SiMo12O40)] (1), [CuII6(L1)6(H2O)6(SiMo12O40)3]·6H2O (2), [CuII(L1)(H2O)(β-Mo8O26)0.5] (3), [AgI2(L2)(β-Mo8O26)0.5] (4), [CuII(L2)(β-Mo8O26)0.5] (5) and [ZnII(L2)(β-Mo8O26)0.5] (6), have been hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, IR spectra and elemental analyses. Using the double chelating ligand L1, compounds 1–3 were obtained. In compound 1, there is a tetra-nuclear Ag loop with four Ag atoms linked by four L1 ligands. The [SiMo12O40]4− anions are sandwiched by these loops alternately. Compound 2 has a hexa-nuclear shield-like Cu cluster, in which six Cu atoms are connected by six L1 ligands. The channel formed by the packing hexa-nuclear loops accommodates the [SiMo12O40]4− anions. By using [β-Mo8O26]4− instead of [SiMo12O40]4−, compound 3 was obtained containing a zigzag metal–organic chain. The chains are linked by [β-Mo8O26]4− anions to construct a layer. By changing L1 to L2, compounds 4–6 containing metal–organic loops were built. In compound 4, two L2 ligands are linked by two Ag atoms to form a bi-nuclear loop. The [β-Mo8O26]4− anions as tetra-dentate inorganic subunits link bi-nuclear loops to build a 2D layer. Compounds 5 and 6 are isostructural, with bi-nuclear Cu/Zn–L2 loops connected by [β-Mo8O26]4− anions alternately to construct a 1D chain. In addition, we also studied the electrochemical properties and selective photocatalytic properties of compounds 1–6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Using data from our evaluation of the Frontline fast-track social work training program, introduced by the Government in England, we compare the performance of the first cohort of Frontline trainees with students from regular social work programs using simulated practice. Method: Forty-nine Frontline trainees were compared with 36 postgraduate students in high-tariff universities and 30 students from a range of other regular programs. Kruskal–Wallis tests were used to compare the performance of the three groups in interviews and written reflections. Results: Frontline trainees were rated significantly higher than comparison groups for the quality of their interviewing and written reflection. Despite these higher ratings for practice quality, the Frontline trainees' rating of their own confidence in their abilities was lower than their counterparts on regular programs. Conclusions: The practice quality of Frontline graduates is promising. Longitudinal research is needed in real practice settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Embedded within quantitative longitudinal panel or cohort studies is narrative potential that is arguably untapped but might enrich our understanding of individual and social lives across time. This paper discusses a methodology to assemble the life history narratives of families using social work by drawing on quantitative data from the British Household Panel Survey. It explores whether this person-centred approach helps us to understand the counter-intuitive results of a parallel multivariate analyses, which suggest that families using social work fare worse than similar others over time. Our findings are tentative, due to the experimental use of this narrative method and the limits of social work information in the data-set. Nonetheless, the life histories presented bring to light complexities, diversity and the non-linear pathways between families’ needs, support and outcomes that the aggregates obscure. We conclude that reconstructing families’ lives in this way, especially in the absence of complementary longitudinal qualitative data, affords the wider opportunity to interrogate and better understand the findings of quantitative longitudinal studies. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background The association between vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms and multiple sclerosis (MS) has been extensively studied, but results were controversial. Methods This meta-analysis aimed to confirm whether VDR gene polymorphisms were associated with MS. Meta-analysis on the association between MS and VDR Apa I, Bsm I, Taq I and Fok I polymorphisms were conducted using allelic contrast, recessive, homozygotes and dominant models. Data were extracted by standardized forms and odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using the random effects model if the results were heterogeneous. Stratification analysis by the selected study characteristics were performed to detect potential source of heterogeneity. Results A total of 21 relevant studies involving 3593 MS patients and 3917 controls were included in the analysis. The association between Taq I polymorphism and MS risk was significant in the homozygous model (p = 0.006) indicated a significant protective effect of TT Taq I genotype. High latitude (40.1–50°N) was also found markedly influenced Taq I polymorphism and MS risk in the recessive and homozygous models (p = 0.045 and p = 0.015, respectively). Additionally, Asian or low latitude (20.1–30°N) people with Apa I homozygous genotype, ‘> 2013’ publication year people in the allele contrast and dominant models of Fok I, ‘> 40 years’ age people with Bsm I recessive model also indirectly significantly affected the association between VDR gene polymorphisms and MS risk. Conclusion Taq I polymorphism is a significant protective factor for MS. However, the associations between Apa I, Fok I and Bsm I polymorphisms and MS were found only by study characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) have critical roles in maintaining homeostasis of intestinal epithelium. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is implicated in intestinal epithelium homeostasis and inflammatory bowel disease; however, it remains elusive whether IRE1α, a major sensor of ER stress, is directly involved in these processes. We demonstrate here that genetic ablation of Ire1α in IECs leads to spontaneous colitis in mice. Deletion of IRE1α in IECs results in loss of goblet cells and failure of intestinal epithelial barrier function. IRE1α deficiency induces cell apoptosis through induction of CHOP, the pro-apoptotic protein, and sensitizes cells to lipopolysaccharide, an endotoxin from bacteria. IRE1α deficiency confers upon mice higher susceptibility to chemical-induced colitis. These results suggest that IRE1α functions to maintain the intestinal epithelial homeostasis and plays an important role in defending against inflammation bowel diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress activates the adaptive unfolded protein response (UPR) and represents a critical mechanism that underlies metabolic dysfunctions. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), a hormone that is predominantly secreted by the liver, exerts a broad range of effects upon the metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids. Although increased circulating levels of FGF21 have been documented in animal models and human subjects with obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, the functional interconnections between metabolic ER stress and FGF21 are incompletely understood. Here, we report that increased ER stress along with the simultaneous elevation of FGF21 expression were associated with the occurrence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease both in diet-induced obese mice and human patients. Intraperitoneal administration of the ER stressor tunicamycin in mice resulted in hepatic steatosis, accompanied by activation of the three canonical UPR branches and increased the expression of FGF21. Furthermore, the IRE1α-XBP1 pathway of the UPR could directly activate the transcriptional expression of Fgf21. Administration of recombinant FGF21 in mice alleviated tunicamycin-induced liver steatosis, in parallel with reduced eIF2α-ATF4-CHOP signaling. Taken together, these results suggest that FGF21 is an integral physiological component of the cellular UPR program, which exerts beneficial feedback effects upon lipid metabolism through counteracting ER stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The theoretical model and amplification principle of Raman fiber amplifier (RFA) are introduced. The gain curve and gain coefficient function which can accurately reflect the information of Raman gain spectrum (RGS) are obtained by the eighth-order Gaussian fitting of RGS of tellurite-based fiber. Combined with the technique of multi-pump, Raman power coupled wave differential equation is numerically solved by the fourth-order Runge-Kutta method. And Raman gain of each signal wavelength is obtained. According to the requirements of Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing optical fiber transmission system for RFA, the designed tellurite-based Raman fiber amplifier (T-RFA) has improved the gain and bandwidth, and the smaller gain flatness is guaranteed. Finally, the average gain of the designed T-RFA obtained by Matlab numerical simulation is 25.518 dB, the maximum gain is 26.20 dB, the gain bandwidth is 56 nm and the gain flatness is 1.34 dB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]