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Nitrogen availability profoundly impacts crop productivity, especially for soybeans, which exhibit a substantial demand for nitrogen. In response to the over-reliance on nitrogen fertilizers, which poses both inefficiencies and environmental concerns, the potential of melatonin in enhancing nitrogen uptake and utilization in soybeans through root irrigation was investigated. Melatonin significantly increased the activity of ammonium assimilating enzymes, thereby enhancing plant tolerance to low nitrogen levels, particularly at a concentration of 10 μM. This phenomenon has been conclusively linked to the augmented nitrogen fixation and utilization capacity, attributed to the facilitating rhizobial infection. Notably, melatonin influenced flavonoid content, specifically inducing genistein levels, essential for rhizobial infection. The malonyltransferase-encoding gene GmMaT2 , which modifies isoflavones, was found to be crucial for the effects of melatonin on nodulation and nitrogen metabolism. The silence of GmMaT2 hindered the beneficial effects of melatonin on nodule development and attenuated its ability to enhance aspects of low nitrogen tolerance in soybean. It was elucidated that the potential of melatonin as a sustainable strategy for enhancing nitrogen utilization efficiency in soybeans. It provided insights into the underlying mechanisms and underscored the significance of GmMaT2 in mediating the beneficial effects induced by melatonin under low nitrogen conditions. The findings present a promising solution for mitigating agricultural costs and environmental impacts. • Melatonin promoted root nodule nitrogen-fixing, enhancing plant nitrogen deficiency tolerance. • Melatonin enhanced nitrogen fixation by increasing root nodule quantity. • GmMat2 played a crucial role in melatonin-induced root nodule development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Radioresistance resulted from the intrinsic features of tumors often gives rise to unsatisfied therapeutic outcome. In particular, the tumor microenvironment (TME) with abundant antioxidants, elevated hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2) and hypoxia has been believed as a tremendous obstacle for radiotherapy. Therefore, developing an effective radiosensitizer in response to both X-ray and the TME is highly imperative but remains a challenge so far. Here, we for the first time explore bismuth heteropolytungstate (BiP 5 W 30) nanoclusters as radiosensitizers for the TME-manipulated enhancement of radiotherapy. On the one hand, BiP 5 W 30 nanoclusters can increase radiation dose deposition within tumors by high-Z elements like Bi and W. On the other hand, in virtue of the unique electron structure and multi-electron property, they have the capability of depleting glutathione (GSH) via redox reaction and catalyzing the decomposition of H 2 O 2 to HO to enhance ROS generation upon X-ray radiation. Moreover, reduced graphene oxide (rGO) coupled with BiP 5 W 30 can further improve radiocatalytic activity through promoting electron-hole separation. Simultaneously, due to the considerable near-infrared absorption of rGO, photothermal therapy can overcome the tumor hypoxia microenvironment and thus synergize with radiotherapy. In addition to providing a promising radiosensitizer, this finding is expected to extend the application of polyoxometalates used in the biomedical field. Graphical abstract The tumor microenvironment-manipulated bismuth heteropolytungstate nanoclusters could serve as a simple yet powerful radiocatalytic sensitizer for achieving tumor-specific radiotherapy by simultaneously increasing X-ray dose deposition and reversing the radio-resistance through the improvement of hypoxia environment, depletion of glutathione, and radiocatalytic conversion of overproduced hydrogen peroxide into highly toxic hydroxyl radical. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wave energy, as a significant renewable and clean energy source with vast global reserves, exhibits no greenhouse gas or other pollution during real-sea operational conditions. However, throughout the entire lifecycle, wave energy convertors can produce additional CO2 emissions due to the use of raw materials and emissions during transportation. Based on laboratory test data from a wave energy convertor model, this study ensures consistency between the model and the actual sea-deployed wave energy convertors in terms of performance, materials, and geometric shapes using similarity criteria. Carbon emission factors from China, the European Union, Brazil, and Japan are selected to predict the carbon emissions of wave energy convertors in real-sea conditions. The research indicates: (1) The predicted carbon emission coefficient for unit electricity generation ( E F co 2 ) of wave energy is 0.008–0.057 kg CO2/kWh; when the traditional steel production mode is adopted, the E F co 2 in this paper is 0.014–0.059 kg CO2/kWh, similar to existing research conclusions for the emission factor of CO2 for wave energy convertor (0.012–0.050 kg CO2/kWh). The predicted data on carbon emissions in the lifecycle of wave energy convertors aligns closely with actual operational data. (2) The main source of carbon emissions in the life cycle of a wave energy converter, excluding the recycling of manufacturing metal materials, is the manufacturing stage, which accounts for 90% of the total carbon emissions. When the recycling of manufacturing metal materials is considered, the carbon emissions in the manufacturing stage are reduced, and the carbon emissions in the transport stage are increased, from about 7% to about 20%. (3) Under the most ideal conditions, the carbon payback period for a wave energy convertor ranges from 0.28 to 2.06 years, and the carbon reduction during the design lifespan (20 years) varies from 238.33 t CO2 (minimum) to 261.80 t CO2 (maximum). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premature infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), are at risk for frequent respiratory infections and reduced pulmonary function. We studied whether neonatal hyperoxia disrupts adaptive immune responses in adult mice, contributing to higher respiratory-related morbidities seen in these infants. Newborn mice litters were randomized at 3 days to 85% O2 or room air (RA) for 12 days. Whole lung mRNA was isolated in both the groups at 2 weeks and 3 months. Gene expression for T-cell and B-cell adaptive immune response was performed by real-time PCR and qRT-PCR; protein expression (p21, IL4, IL10, IL27, cd4) was performed by enzyme immunoassay along with p21 immunohistochemistry. Hyperoxia increased expression of p21 and decreased expression of 19 genes representing T/B-cell activation by ≥ fourfold; three of them significantly (Rag1, Cd1d1, Cd28) compared to the RA group at 2 weeks. Despite RA recovery, the expression of IFNc, IL27, and CD40 was significantly reduced at 3 months in the hyperoxia group. Expression of p21 was significantly higher and IL27 protein lower at 2 weeks following hyperoxia. Adult mice exposed to neonatal hyperoxia had lower IL4 and IL10 in the lung at 3 months. Adaptive immune responses are developmentally regulated and neonatal hyperoxia suppresses expression of genes involved in T-/B-cell activation with continued alterations in gene expression at 3 months. Dysfunction of adaptive immune responses increases the risk for susceptibility to infection in premature infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In the current paper, a strategy for catalytic degradation of benzene over Pd/γ-Al2O3 catalysts via different atmospheres (H2, N2, He and air) pretreatment was carried out in a fixed bed reactor. The experimental results indicated that H2, N2, and He pretreatments have a significant positive effect on the initial activity of the catalyst compared to air. We have also investigated the effects of pretreatment atmospheres on the catalytic performance for benzene degradation through the information on the chemical state and crystal structure of the catalysts using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and CO chemisorption measurements techniques. The chemical state of Pd species decreased via H2 pretreatment, leading to the increase of the initial catalytic activity, while chemical state increased accompanying with a decrease in degradation benzene via air pretreatment. There is no change in the chemical state of Pd species using inert atmosphere (N2 and/or He) pretreatment, but the initial activity of the catalyst improved significantly due to the modified crystal structure of Pd species in the catalysts, with the crystalline PdO being transformed to amorphous state. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The laboratory test of the wave energy converter model is an important means to evaluate the performance of the device. At present, there are few performance tests for complete specifications under the irregular wave. Referring to the test methods and standards at home and abroad, combined with the actual test work experience in the laboratory, using the irregular wave power calculation formula with the effective wave height and the spectral peak period as parameters, then the wave-wire conversion ratio test method of the wave energy converter physical model under irregular waves in the laboratory is proposed. The method is applied to the basin test experiment of the physical model of the horn-shaped backward bent duct buoy (BBDB) wave energy converter. The research results show that the established test method and process of wave-wire conversion performance have achieved good application results in the irregular waves laboratory test, and can better reflect the device operating characteristics in real sea conditions. The test results provide data support for the model design of the wave energy converter in the next test stage, the demonstration test of the prototype, and the prediction of power generation in real sea conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chromatin dynamics play essential roles in transcriptional regulation. The chromodomain helicase DNA-binding domain 3 chromatin remodeler PICKLE (PKL) and HISTONE DEACETYLASE6 (HDA6) are required for transcriptional gene silencing, but their coordinated function in gene repression requires further study. Through a genetic suppressor screen, we found that a point mutation at PKL could partially restore the developmental defects of a weak Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1) mutant (ring1a-2 ring1b-3), in which RING1A expression is suppressed by a T-DNA insertion at the promoter. Compared to ring1a-2 ring1b-3, the expression of RING1A is increased, nucleosome occupancy is reduced, and the histone 3 lysine 9 acetylation (H3K9ac) level is increased at the RING1A locus in the pkl ring1a-2 ring1b-3 triple mutant. HDA6 interacts with PKL and represses RING1A expression similarly to PKL genetically and molecularly in the ring1a-2 ring1b-3 background. Furthermore, we show that PKL and HDA6 suppress the expression of a set of genes and transposable elements (TEs) by increasing nucleosome density and reducing H3K9ac. Genome-wide analysis indicated they possibly coordinately maintain DNA methylation as well. Our findings suggest that PKL and HDA6 function together to reduce H3K9ac and increase nucleosome occupancy, thereby facilitating gene/TE regulation in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). A chromatin remodeler interacts with a histone deacetylase to coordinately suppress the expression of genes and transposable elements by regulating the chromatin state at target loci. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Laccase (LAC) gene family plays a pivotal role in plant lignin biosynthesis and adaptation to various stresses. Limited research has been conducted on laccase genes in common beans. Results: 29 LAC gene family members were identified within the common bean genome, distributed unevenly in 9 chromosomes. These members were divided into 6 distinct subclades by phylogenetic analysis. Further phylogenetic analyses and synteny analyses indicated that considerable gene duplication and loss presented throughout the evolution of the laccase gene family. Purified selection was shown to be the major evolutionary force through Ka / Ks. Transcriptional changes of PvLAC genes under low temperature and salt stress were observed, emphasizing the regulatory function of these genes in such conditions. Regulation by abscisic acid and gibberellins appears to be the case for PvLAC3, PvLAC4, PvLAC7, PvLAC13, PvLAC14, PvLAC18, PvLAC23, and PvLAC26, as indicated by hormone induction experiments. Additionally, the regulation of PvLAC3, PvLAC4, PvLAC7, and PvLAC14 in response to nicosulfuron and low-temperature stress were identified by virus-induced gene silence, which demonstrated inhibition on growth and development in common beans. Conclusions: The research provides valuable genetic resources for improving the resistance of common beans to abiotic stresses and enhance the understanding of the functional roles of the LAC gene family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of pretreatment under reducing (H 2 ), inert (N 2 and He), and oxidative (air) atmospheres on the catalytic performance of Pd/γ-Al 2 O 3 in benzene degradation were investigated in this study. The crystal structure transformation of Pd active species, which is a significant influencing factor on the catalytic activity of Pd/γ-Al 2 O 3 , was investigated in depth via X-ray diffraction combined with in situ Raman analysis. Results showed that the temperature-induced destruction of the near-surface PdO crystal lattice occurs at or above 553 K in inert pretreatment, and this process is reversible when the temperature decreased immediately. The destruction of the PdO crystal lattice largely relied on the increase in treatment time, resulting in the structural transformation from the well-defined crystalline PdO to the amorphous state. The temperature-induced destruction of the near-surface PdO crystal lattice was also observed in oxidative atmosphere with no connection with the increase in treatment time. The catalytic performance of Pd/γ-Al 2 O 3 on benzene degradation is enhanced significantly as a result of the structural transformation from the well-defined crystalline PdO to the amorphous state via pretreatment with inert atmosphere. A possible mechanism for the structural transformation process and its relationship with the catalytic activity is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-quality SSZ-13 membranes were synthesized using the combinative structure-directing agents of N , N , N , trimethtyl-1-adamantammonium hydroxide and tetraethylammonium hydroxide by one hydrothermal treatment step. The two organics took a “cooperative structural-directing” role on SSZ-13 crystallization. The best membrane had a CO 2 permeance of 2.0×10 −7 mol/(m 2 s Pa) with a CO 2 /CH 4 selectivity of 300 and a C 2 H 4 permeance of 2.9×10 −9 mol/(m 2 s Pa) with a C 2 H 4 /C 2 H 6 selectivity of 11, at 303 K and 0.2 MPa feed pressure for these equimolar binary mixtures, respectively. SSZ-13 membranes also displayed high performances for CO 2 /CH 4 and C 2 H 4 /C 2 H 6 separations at higher feed pressures of 0.8–1 MPa. These SSZ-13 membranes were hydrothermally stable at steam for at least 4 days at 378 K and acid-resistance at pH=1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an emerging technology for energy harvesting and distributed power supply, triboelectric nanogenerators are mainly based on a dielectric capacitive structure. Here, a new mechanism by introducing an oil phase into a water–solid interface is demonstrated for energy harvesting based on electric double layer (EDL) capacitance. Through squeezing and releasing oil droplets on a dielectric surface in water environment, charge transfer is observed in the back electrode accompanying the movement of the oil–water–solid three‐phase line. The charge transfer is mainly attributed to the effect that the oil phase sweeps away ions near the dielectric surface in the EDL due to the discrepancy of EDL between water–solid and oil–solid interfaces. Under the water environment, the device is shown to be capable of direct energy harvesting and self‐powered sensing without costly packaging. As a new working mode relying on EDL, it allows developing nanogenerators adaptive to severe environments even underwater with low friction and wear, and narrowing the gap between energy harvesting devices and electro‐chemical devices. Through further enhanced EDL, it is reasonable to anticipate devices with an ultrahigh charge density comparable with EDL super capacitors, opening up an avenue toward new nanogenerators with overwhelming performance for practical applications ranging from blue energy harvesting to electro‐catalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] A novel gene, MlWRKY12, was isolated from Miscanthus for the first time. [•] MlWRKY12 is a nucleus protein. [•] MlWRKY12 is an ortholog of AtWRKY12 involved in regulating secondary cell wall formation. [•] MlWRKY12 promotes flowering via activating flowering relative genes in Arabidopsis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective  The effects of neonatal caffeine therapy in adults born preterm are uncertain. We studied the impact of neonatal caffeine on systemic blood pressure, vessel reactivity, and response to stress in adult mice. Study Design  Mice pups were randomized to caffeine (20 mg/kg/d) or saline by intraperitoneal injection for 10 days after birth. We performed tail-cuff BP (8/12 weeks), urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine and fecal corticosterone (14 weeks), and vessel reactivity in aortic rings (16 weeks) in adult mice. Results  No differences were noted in systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressures between the two groups at 8 and 12 weeks of age. However, norepinephrine-induced vasoconstriction was substantially higher in aortic rings in CAF-treated male mice. More significant vasodilator responses to nitric oxide donors in aortic rings in female mice may suggest gender-specific effects of caffeine. Female mice exposed to caffeine had significantly lower body weight over-time. Caffeine-treated male mice had substantially higher fecal corticosterone and urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine at 14 weeks, suggestive of chronic stress. Conclusion  We conclude sex-specific vulnerability to the heightened vascular tone of the aorta in male mice following neonatal caffeine therapy. Altered vessel reactivity and chronic stress in the presence of other risk factors may predispose to the development of systemic hypertension in adults born preterm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neural stem cell (NSC) transplantation has emerged as a promising approach for the treatment of neurological disorders such as cerebral ischemia. As the majority of newly generated cells from exogenous NSCs fail to integrate into the ischemic brain and establish functional synaptic networks, NSC transplantation for ischemic stroke experiences limited neurological function recovery. Augment of endogenous neurite growth in the process of NSC differentiation is an avenue to promote synaptic networks. Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), a tumor suppressor, has been established to regulate axon growth in the adult central nervous system. The aim of this study was to explore the role of PTEN on neurite growth during NSC differentiation. Our results revealed that the protein expression of PTEN was significantly increased during NSC differentiation, whereas the expression of phosphorylated S6 ribosomal (p‐S6R) was markedly decreased. Small interfering RNA knockdown of PTEN in NSCs can accelerate neurite outgrowth during NSC differentiation. These results indicated a remarkable effect of PTEN inhibition on neuronal process after NSC differentiation, and identified a novel route to promote endogenous neurite growth in differentiated NSCs, which may facilitate the application of NSC transplantation in ischemic stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nuclear Factor I (Nfi) genes encode transcription factors essential for the development of organ systems including the lung. Nfib null mice die at birth with immature lungs. Nfib hemizygous mice have reduced lung maturation with decreased survival. We therefore hypothesized that these mice would be more sensitive to lung injury and would have lower survival to hyperoxia. Adult Nfib hemizygous mice and their wild-type (Wt) littermates were exposed to 100% O2 for 89, 80, 72 and 66 h for survival studies with lung outcome measurements at 66 h. Nfib hemizygous and Wt controls were also studied in RA at 66 h. Cell counts and cytokines were measured in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL); lung sections examined by histopathology; lung angiogenic and oxidative stress gene expression assessed by real-time PCR. Unexpectedly, Nfib hemizygous mice (0/14-0%) had significantly lower mortality compared to Wt mice (10/22-45%) at 80 h of hyperoxia (P < 0.003). LD50 was 80 h in the Wt group versus 89 h in the hemizygous group. There were no differences in BAL cell counts between the groups. Among the cytokines studied, MIP-2 was significantly lower in hemizygous mice exposed to hyperoxia. New vessel formation, edema, congestion, and alveolar hemorrhage were noted on histopathology at 72 and 80 h in wild-type mice. Nfib hemizygous lungs had significant downregulation of genes involved in redox signaling and inflammatory pathways. Adult Nfib hemizygous mice are relatively resistant to hyperoxia compared to wild-type littermates. Mechanisms contributing to this resistance are not clear; however, transcription factors such as Nfib may regulate cell survival and play a role in modulating postnatal lung development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circadian clocks generate endogenous rhythms in most organisms from cyanobacteria to humans and facilitate entrainment to environmental diurnal cycles, thus conferring a fitness advantage. Both transcriptional and posttranslational mechanisms are prominent in the basic network architecture of circadian systems. Posttranscriptional regulation, including mRNA processing, is emerging as a critical step for clock function. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms linking RNA metabolism to the circadian clock network. Here, we report that a conserved SNW/Ski-interacting protein (SKIP) domain protein, SKIP, a splicing factor and component of the spliceosome, is involved in posttranscriptional regulation of circadian clock genes in Arabidopsis thaliana. Mutation in SKIP lengthens the circadian period in a temperature-sensitive manner and affects light input and the sensitivity of the clock to light resetting. SKIP physically interacts with the spliceosomal splicing factor Ser/Arg-rich protein45 and associates with the pre-mRNA of clock genes, such as PSEUDORESPONSE REGULATOR7 (PRR7) and PRR9 , and is necessary for the regulation of their alternative splicing and mRNA maturation. Genome-wide investigations reveal that SKIP functions in regulating alternative splicing of many genes, presumably through modulating recognition or cleavage of 5′ and 3′ splice donor and acceptor sites. Our study addresses a fundamental question on how the mRNA splicing machinery contributes to circadian clock function at a posttranscriptional level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Neonatal oxygen exposure impairs alveolarization & leads to airway reactivity in adult mice. • MnTBAP, an antioxidant does not attenuate hyperoxia-induced airway reactivity or alveolar simplification in adult mice. • Current antioxidant therapies have limited success in ameliorating O 2 toxicity in premature infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation are important predisposing factors for the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), leading to increased morbidity and mortality in premature infants. Oxygen toxicity mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS) may play an important part in the development of BPD. We studied the effects of MnTBAP, a catalytic antioxidant on airway responsiveness and alveolar simplification in adult mice following neonatal hyperoxia. Mice litters were randomized to 85 %O 2 or room air (RA) on D3 for 12 days to receive either MnTBAP (10 mg/kg/d) or saline intraperitoneally. Methacholine challenge (MCC) performed at 8 and 12 weeks of age by whole-body plethysmography to assess airway reactivity. Alveolarization quantified on lung sections by radial alveolar count (RAC) and mean linear intercept (MLI). Cell counts assessed from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) performed at 15 weeks. Mice exposed to hyperoxia and MnTBAP (OXMN) had significantly higher airway reactivity post-MCC at 8 weeks compared to RA and O 2 groups. At 12 weeks, airway reactivity was higher post-MCC in both hyperoxia and OXMN groups. MnTBAP did not attenuate hyperoxia-induced airway reactivity in adult mice. Hyperoxia exposed mice demonstrated large and distended alveoli on histopathology at 2 and 15 weeks. MnTBAP did not ameliorate hyperoxia-induced lung injury as assessed by RAC/MLI. Absolute lymphocyte count was significantly higher in BAL in the hyperoxia and OXMN groups. MnTBAP, a catalytic antioxidant, did not afford protection from hyperoxia-induced lung injury in adult mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]