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The outbreak of the COVID-19 in early 2020 and the recurring epidemic in later years have disturbed China's economy. Moreover, China's demographic dividend has been disappearing due to its fastest aging population and declining birth rate. The birth rates in eastern provinces of China are much lower than those of the western provinces. Considering the impacts of the COVID-19 and aging population, this paper focused on the relationship between birth rate and the disposable income and tried to find effective measures to raise China's birth rate. We discovered through regression analysis that the link between per capita disposable income and birth rate is initially "reverse J" and later "inverted J", indicating that per capita disposable income will influence the birth rate. Women's employment rate and educational level are negatively correlated with the birth rate. To raise the fertility rate in China, it is necessary to increase the marriage rate and the willingness to have children by raising the per capita disposable income and introducing effective tax relief policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social insurance is an essential component of a contemporary social security system since it protects people's fundamental well-being, but it also incurs a heavy cost for businesses. If social security costs are excessively high, business profitability will suffer, and innovation will be discouraged. The most affected companies would be those in labor-intensive industries and medium-sized enterprises. Chinese businesses have suffered severe losses as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. Given the circumstance, China enacted additional tax cuts and preferential social insurance premium plans. This article suggests a lower ratio of contribution as a strategy to cut the cost of social insurance premiums for businesses, given the growth of the social security fund in recent years and the proportion of participants to recipients in pension funds. It would be possible to increase firm profitability and lessen the impact of COVID-19 on industries by minimizing this operation burden. In order to compare the financial performance of state-owned manufacturers (SOMs) to that of their non-state-owned peers, who have a lower ratio of contribution, this study uses a multiple regression model. The ratio of contributions was inversely correlated with an enterprise's financial performance. In other words, financial performance will improve as the ratio of contribution lowers; nevertheless, this effect is more pronounced in SOMs. The final section of this study proposed optimized approaches for social insurance premiums reform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Commensal microorganisms are essential to the normal development and function of many aspects of animal biology. However, the dynamic shift patterns of the microbiota of different gut segments in sheep and the correlation between fat type large-tailed phenotype and microbiota remain poorly unknown. This study therefore sought to assess the composition and distribution of the intestinal microbiome, and compared the difference of gut microbiota from different gastrointestinal segments within breeds and same intestinal sections between breeds. For these analyses, 16S rRNA V4 regions from 4 gut sections prepared from each of six individuals (3 from each breed) were sequenced to detect the microbiome composition in these samples. These analyses revealed the presence of 51,173 operational taxonomic units distributed across 24 phyla and 420 genera in these samples, with Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes being the most prevalent phyla of microbes present in these samples. Moreover, the bacterial composition showed distinct microbial communities in different gastrointestinal segments within breed, but showed similar and relative fixed bacterial abundance in the same intestinal segments from individuals of different breeds. We also found that only a few bacterial species (Lachnospiraceae, Akkermansia) were needed to distinguish between Small-tailed Han sheep (STH) and Large-tailed Han sheep (LTH) and their metabolic process maybe influence the fat type large-tailed phenotype formation in sheep. The functional profile analysis revealed that the environment information processing, genetic information processing, and metabolic pathways were enriched in all samples. The main functional roles of the gut microbiota were amino acid metabolism, replication and repair, carbohydrate metabolism, and membrane transport. Finally, our findings suggested that distinguished gut species between STH and LTH have relative fixed and the potential correlation is existing between the intestinal microorganisms and the large-tailed phenotype trait formation of sheep, which may offer clues for further investigation to detect the roles of intestinal microbiota in the metabolism and fat deposition in the tail of sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For patients in the CEA group, 0.25% levobupivacaine was administered at 5 mg/h. For patients in the CRSB group, catheters were inserted on both sides of the posterior rectus sheath after surgery. Keywords: Rectus sheath block; Epidural anesthesia; Postsurgical pain management EN Rectus sheath block Epidural anesthesia Postsurgical pain management 162 163 2 02/02/22 20220201 NES 220201 Hao Yang and GuangLi Yang shared the first authority. References 1 Kuniyoshi H, Yamamoto Y, Kimura S, Hiroe T, Terui T, Kase Y. Comparison of the analgesic effects continuous epidural anesthesia and continuous rectus sheath block in patients undergoing gynecological cancer surgery: a non-inferiority randomized control trial. [Extracted from the article]

We perform a systematical investigation on the geometry, thermodynamic/kinetic stability, and bonding nature of low-lying isomers of BPt ( n=1-6) at the CCSD(T)/[6-311+G(d)/LanL2DZ]//B3LYP/[6-311+G(d)/LanL2DZ] level. The most stable isomers of BPt ( n=1-6) adopt planar or quasi-planar structure. BPt ( n=2-5) clusters can be generated by capping a Pt atom on the B-B edge of pure boron clusters. However, For BPt with non-planar structure, a single doped Pt atom significantly affects the shape of the host boron cluster. The dopant of the Pt atom can improve the stability of pure boron clusters. The valence molecular orbital (VMO), electron localization function (ELF), and Mayer bond order (MBO) are applied to gain insight into the bonding nature of BPt ( n=2-6) isomers. The aromaticity for some isomers of BPt ( n=2-6) is analyzed and discussed in terms of VMO, ELF, adaptive natural density partitioning (AdNDP), and nucleus-independent chemical shift (NICS) analyses. Results obtained from the energy and cluster decomposition analyses demonstrate that BPt and BPt exhibits as highly stable. Importantly, some isomers of BPt ( n=2-5) are stable both thermodynamically and kinetically, which are observable in future experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relation of glacial microorganism and their living environment is concerned but less understood for both glaciologists and microbiologists. Here we present the results about glacial snow bacteria from 3 glaciers on the Tibetan Plateau. The concentrations and diversity of bacteria collected from snow pit samples of East Rongbuk, Laohugou and Hailuogou glaciers on the Tibetan Plateau were investigated by epifluorescence microscope, denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and Shannon-Weaver index. Concentrations and community diversity of bacteria in the East Rongbuk glacier with lower concentration and smaller size of microparticle were lower than in the Laohugou with higher concentration and larger size of microparticle. Bacterial concentration in East Rongbuk Glacier was close to that in polar regions, suggesting that Mt. Everest is a bacterial background for remote regions away from direct influence of anthropogenic sources. In addition, altitude difference was another factor for higher concentrations and community diversity of bacteria in Hailuogou and Laohugou glaciers than in East Rongbuk Glacier. The highest concentrations and community diversity of bacteria in Hailuogou Glacier were attributed to its most diverse atmospheric circulations and highest temperature among the 3 glaciers. We suggest a complicated correlation between glacial bacteria and their regional living environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: (−)-Rhazinilam was spontaneously generated from a natural product during isolation. In cultured cells, it causes microtubule bundle formation, like those caused by paclitaxel. With tubulin, (−)-rhazinilam causes formation of an aberrant spiral polymer. Using glutamate and GTP, we developed an assay for spiral formation and applied it to 17 new (±)-rhazinilam analogs with either a modified side chain or a different size D ring. There was reasonable correlation between spiral formation and inhibition of human MCF-7 breast carcinoma cell growth. Only one side chain analog was as active as (±)-rhazinilam. During these studies, we observed that omitting GTP from the reaction mixture caused a major change in the morphology of the (−)-rhazinilam-induced polymer, with half the observed polymer being microtubule-like and half being spirals. This mixed polymer slowly disassembled at 0°C, but there was no apparent difference in the lability of the microtubules versus the spirals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The stereoselective synthesis of novel photoreactive γ-secretase inhibitors 2 and 3 has been achieved. Key steps of the strategy involve preparation of α-N-Boc-epoxide 8 and formation of lactone 14 in a practical and stereo-controlled fashion. Compounds 2 and 3 are potent γ-secretase inhibitors and directly interact with presenilin-1, a catalytic subunit of γ-secretase. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A dual-band R-shaped planar inverted-F antenna is proposed for vehicular application. Utilization of this unique geometry dual-frequency operation is achieved with a single feed. The proposed antenna operates in the 225- and 450-MHz bands. Input impedance and return loss data as function of various antenna parameters are presented, which show that parameters can be adjusted in order to obtain optimum tuning. Radiation pattern data for the antenna mounted on the roof of two types of Vehicles are given. The pattern in the low-frequency band is essentially omnidirectional while that in the high-frequency band is directional and normal to the antenna surface. With proper scaling, this antenna may be suitable for dual-band GSM 900/1800-MHz phone applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tm3+-doped fiber amplifiers have been widely and deeply studied because of its important application values. A novel type of Tm3+-doped large mode area heterogeneous helical cladding fiber was proposed by our group recently. To expand the application potential of the fiber, in this paper, based on rate equations of the fiber amplifier and the theory of thermal effect, the distribution characteristics of pump light and signal light are simulated, according to three different schemes of forward pumped, backward pumped and dual-end pumped for the first time. Furtherly, the three-dimensional temperature distribution characteristics of the fiber are studied under three different cooling conditions: air cooling, water cooling and natural cooling. When the fiber temperature is limited in 200 °C, the signal light power can reach 19.6 W (99.5 W) under air (water) cooling condition. The temperature characteristics research results provide theoretical support for the practical application of the novel fiber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Higher levels of most heavy metals were discovered in AL relative to PL. • Metal resistant or DNA repair genes were more abundant in AL relative to PL. • Four heavy metal-resistant phyla were more abundant in AL relative to PL. • C, N, and S cycling genes were less in abundance in AL relative to PL. • Bacteria in AL have evolved an integrated approach to heavy metal tolerance. The relationship between heavy metals and the expression of heavy metal resistance genes (HMRGs) in the active layer (AL) and the permafrost layer (PL) are not well understood, despite being closely linked to the impact of human activity on heavy metal levels and bacterial response to heavy metal stress. Herein, we conducted a metagenomics sequencing analysis to understand how bacteria adapt to such heavy metal stress. We detected higher levels of heavy metals in the AL relative to the PL. Consistent with this, analyses of AL samples revealed the presence of more genes associated with DNA damage repair, DNA recombination, and heavy metal resistance relative to PL samples. Heavy metal-resistant bacterial phyla including Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Cyanobacteria were more abundant in the AL than the PL. At the genera level, we found that bacteria responsible for nitrification, sulfur reduction, and methane oxidation and reduction were less prevalent in the AL relative to the PL. In summary, bacteria in the AL have evolved such that they are able to resist prolonged heavy metal pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIOLOS, a vital member of the IKAROS protein family, plays a significant role in lymphocyte development and function through DNA binding and protein–protein interactions. Mutations in the IKZF3 gene, which encodes AIOLOS, lead to a rare combined immunodeficiency often linked with infections and malignancy. In this study, we evaluated a 1-year-4-month-old female patient presenting with recurrent infections, diarrhea, and failure to thrive. Laboratory investigations revealed decreased T lymphocyte and immunoglobulin levels. Through whole-exome and Sanger sequencing, we discovered a de novo mutation in IKZF3 (NM_012481; exon 5 c.571G > C, p.Gly191Arg), corresponding to the third DNA-binding zinc finger region of the encoded protein AIOLOS. Notably, the patient with the AIOLOS G191R mutation showed reduced recent thymic emigrants in naïve CD4+T cells compared to healthy counterparts of the same age, while maintaining normal levels of Th1, Th2, Th17, Treg, and Tfh cells. This mutation also resulted in decreased switched memory B cells and lower CD23 and IgM expression. In vitro studies revealed that AIOLOS G191R does not impact the expression of AIOLOS but compromises its stability, DNA binding and pericentromeric targeting. Furthermore, AIOLOS G191R demonstrated a dominant-negative effect over the wild-type protein. This case represents the first reported instance of a mutation in the third DNA-binding zinc finger region of AIOLOS highlighting its pivotal role in immune cell functionality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 10‐element multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) handset antenna array with triple‐band operation in the long‐term evolution band 42 (3400‐3600 MHz), band 43 (3600‐3800 MHz), and band 46 (5150‐5925 MHz) is studied in this article. Acceptable antenna performances are obtained by using polarization and pattern diversity techniques. To assess the multiplexing performances of the handset array in 5G, an 8‐element base station array covering 3.4‐7.1 GHz is presented and studied. An 8 × 10 MIMO system incorporating 8 transmit antennas, propagation scenario and 10 receive antennas is successfully reported, and its multiplexing performances are evaluated. The computed channel capacities in the low and high bands can be as high as 43.3 bps/Hz and 41.6 bps/Hz, which are promising for multi‐gigabit‐per‐second (multi‐Gbps) data transmission in 5G. The effects of user's hand and low MIMO order on the channel capacities are also investigated. Results show the robust performances of the proposed antenna system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sishui fur sheep breed is one of the most famous sheep breeds in China (Figure S1a); its genomic regions and potential genes were identified in prior research (Ren et al., [5]). The 4 bp deletion mutation in HOXD1 gene determines the polycerate trait in Chinese Sishui fur sheep Keywords: association; genetic mutation; HOXD1; polycerate trait; sheep EN association genetic mutation HOXD1 polycerate trait sheep 820 822 3 11/07/23 20231201 NES 231201 Sheep horns have diverse phenotypes. [Extracted from the article]

Four experiments were performed to investigate the role of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway in intestinal absorption of phosphorus (P) and calcium (Ca) in broiler chickens. Experiment 1 assessed how dietary levels of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 (1,25(OH) 2 D 3) influence the gene expression of intestinal P and Ca transporters in broilers. Experiment 2 evaluated the effects of 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 administered via intraperitoneal injection on the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) signaling pathways. Experiments 3 and 4 investigated the effect of ERK and p38MAPK inhibitors on the expression of intestinal P and Ca transporters. The findings demonstrated that broilers (1–21 days old) fed a 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 -deficient diet (0.625 µg/kg) exhibited reduced body weight, tibia P and Ca levels, and mRNA levels of P transporters (NaPi-IIb, PiT-1, and PiT-2), Ca transporters (NCX1, PMCA1b, and CaBP-D28k), vitamin D receptors (VDR), ERK, and p38MAPK in the duodenum (Experiment 1) (P < 0.05). By comparison, the growth, bone quality, and mRNA levels of genes (except for duodenal NaPi-IIb) in broilers were similar to those in broilers fed the control diet when dietary 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 was adequate (5 µg/kg) (Experiment 1) (P > 0.05). After intraperitoneal injection of 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 , the mRNA level of jejunal NaPi-IIb and the protein level of p-p38MAPK/t-p38MAPK in broilers (9–14 days old) decreased (P < 0.05), whereas the mRNA level of CaBP-D28k and the protein level of p-ERK/t-ERK increased (Experiment 2) (P < 0.05). The mRNA and protein expression of jejunal NaPi-IIb and the protein expression of CaBP-D28k in broilers (9–17 days old) treated with the ERK inhibitor PD98059 were greater than those in the control group (Experiment 3) (P < 0.05). Similarly, compared with control broilers, broilers (9–17 days old) treated with the p38MAPK inhibitor SB203580 showed elevated mRNA expression of jejunal NaPi-IIb and CaBP-D28k (Experiment 4) (P < 0.05). These results suggest that adequate supplementation with 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 (5 µg/kg) can restore broiler growth and bone quality by upregulating the transcription of genes involved in intestinal P and Ca absorption. Additionally, the ERK and p38MAPK signaling pathways are implicated in the modulatory effect of 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 on the absorption of P and Ca in broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrodynamics theory tells that EM waves are generated from accelerated charged particles. Conventional radiators such as antennas are understood to emit waves because of the current's distribution and accumulation in the capacitor, where electrons are accelerated. In MEMS mechanisms, charges can be accelerated by the mechanical motion, which suggests that an MEMS structure can also be a radiator. The electrodynamics to theoretically analyse the EM wave radiation from MEMS is used. During the electrostatic nonlinear pull‐in instability MEMS, where the electrostatic gap has become narrower than the 2/3 of the initial gap, the distributed charges are accelerated at a very high rate so as to generate significant power radiation in the form of EM waves. The MEMS's mechanical accelerations are analysed to calculate the transient radiations in both spatial and frequency domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the fundamental design guideline for a metamaterial (MTM) leaky‐wave antenna with continuous tuning capability of radiation directions without causing band gaps. The proposed design is the composite right–left hand (CRLH) type MTM, and each cell has a slot that could be in the open‐ or close‐state with indicating as 0 and 1 states. With the MTM‐based design, a leaky‐wave antenna consisting of eight MTM units can be controlled by states of periodical MTM units such as coding states 0000–0000, 1010–1010, ..., 1111–1111, rather than by frequency tuning, thereby realizing continuously beam scanning without any stopband from −30° to +30° in the fixed frequencies from 9 to 9.2 GHz. The proof‐of‐concept level tuning capability is confirmed by experiments using the closed‐ or open‐patches that emulate the electrical short‐ or open‐state of individual switch. The measured results show that the MTM‐based leaky‐wave antenna can obtain state‐dependent and continuous beam scanning at the fixed frequencies of 9–9.2 GHz. It can be applied for radar sensing with requiring continuous and state‐dependent beam scanning properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Millimeter‐Wave (mmWave) antennas for 5G communication require wide bandwidth, directional radiation patterns, low‐profile design and multilayer compatibility for module‐level integration. In this paper, we introduce a method of loading shorting pins to a patch antenna to generate extra zero modes. By merging the 2nd zero‐mode, TM01 mode, 3rd zero‐mode, and TM20 mode in the frequency spectrum, a wide bandwidth varying from 23 to 34 GHz and a low‐profile as 0.762 mm can be obtained. Based on this wideband patch antenna, a 4 × 2 antenna array is obtained with the ±40° scanning performance. Theoretical analysis, full‐wave simulations, and experimental performances are presented, validating the effectiveness of this method to achieve a wideband performance in mmWave band. It can be applied to 5G communication systems in mmWave band. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT A novel compact internal antenna combining a monopole and a parasitic planar inverted-F antenna type of structure is presented. Based on voltage standing wave ratio <3:1, the operation bandwidths are 42% from 704 to 1083 MHz and 57.7% from 1660 to 3000 MHz to cover LTE700/GSM850/900/DCS1800/PCS1900/UMTS/LTE2300/LTE2500 for mobile phones. The proposed antenna is designed and printed on printed circuit board with compact size of 60 × 15 × 1.2 mm3. Measured average low band efficiency is about 60% and high band efficiency is about 70%. The simulated specific absorption rate at required frequency is less than 1.0 mW/g. Both antenna size and performance showed that this antenna has great potential for slim phone applications. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:247-252, 2015 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Protective efficiency of a combination of four recombinant Brucella abortus (B. abortus) proteins, namely, ribosomal protein L7/L12, outer membrane protein (OMP) 22, OMP25 and OMP31, was evaluated as a combined subunit vaccine (CSV) against B. abortus infection in RAW 264.7 cell line and murine model. Four proteins were cloned, expressed and purified, and their immunocompetence was analysed. BALB/c mice were immunized subcutaneously with single subunit vaccines (SSVs) or CSV. Cellular and humoral immune responses were determined by ELISA. Results of immunoreactivity showed that these four recombinant proteins reacted with Brucella‐positive serum individually but not with Brucella‐negative serum. A massive production of IFN‐γ and IL‐2 but low degree of IL‐10 was observed in mice immunized with SSVs or CSV. In addition, the titres of IgG2a were heightened compared with IgG1 in SSV‐ or CSV‐immunized mice, which indicated that SSVs and CSV induced a typical T‐helper‐1‐dominated immune response in vivo. Further investigation of the CSV showed a superior protective effect in mice against brucellosis. The protection level induced by CSV was significantly higher than that induced by SSVs, which was not significantly different compared with a group immunized with RB51. Collectively, these antigens of Brucella could be potential candidates to develop subunit vaccines, and the CSV used in this study could be a potential candidate therapy for the prevention of brucellosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dual-polarized continuous transverse stub (CTS) K-band antenna with reconfigurable four beams and low profile is proposed based on substrate-integrated-waveguide (SIW) design. It consists of a line source generator (LSG) on the bottom surface, a spherical-wave to plane-wave transforming part on the middle layer, and CTS radiators on the top surface. Particularly, the LSG has four SIW-based H-plane horns, and a chip is integrated to switch among the two pairs of horns, so as to transfer the quasi-TEM waves on the bottom surface by a ±10° deflection angle to the middle layer for the CTS radiators on the top surface, resulting in four reconfigurable scanning beams with 10° for two polarizations. The measurements show that it realizes four reconfigurable beams with a 25.8 dBi gain at 24 GHz, verifying the design. The proposed antenna takes into account the advantages of reconfigurable multi-beam, dual polarization, low side lobes, low profile, and high gain, which can be applied to K-band sensing, especially for wind profile radars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wind profile radar systems require antennas with multiple radiation beams for detecting wind velocity, as well as with a low sidelobe and dual polarization for enhancing the sensitivity for the weak signal reflected from the turbulence. This paper proposes a lens antenna operating at 24 GHz with four reconfigurable beams for wind profile radars. This lens antenna includes 2 × 2 corrugated horn antennas for radiating 24 GHz waves in two polarizations, and the dielectric lens for modulating four radiation beams with a high gain and low sidelobe. Experiments demonstrate that this lens antenna can realize reconfigurable beams with deflections of ±15° in dual polarizations, meanwhile with the gain of 30.58 dBi and the sidelobe of −20 dB. This proposed lens antenna can be applied to mmWave wind profile radars of wind turbines for enhancing wind power efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the 5G communication utilizing millimeter‐wave (mmWave) band, multilayer configuration is popular for mmWave antenna with module‐level integration and high‐density design. However, multilayer construction adds several substrate layers and metallic ground layers to RF signal paths, which induces extra capacitances and inductances to the original antenna, thereby deteriorating impedance matching, and distorting radiation patterns. In this paper, we investigate the influence of multilayer structure on antenna performances, and apply substrate integrated coaxial line (SICL) design to eliminate these interferences from multilayer configuration. Equivalent circuit model of the multilayer configuration with SICL is presented and verified by simulations. A mmWave antenna unit and the 1 × 4 array in multilayer configuration with SICL design are measured. Experiments show that SICL design enables impedance matching and radiation patterns to be maintained without distortions when applying multiple layers to the mmWave antenna, validating this method. It can be applied to 5G mmWave antennas that desire multilayer construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT An eight-band printed antenna with a T-shaped feeding line coupled to a parasitic inverted-F structure is presented. The antenna provides bandwidth to cover low band of LTE700/GSM850/GSM900 and high band of GSM1800/GSM1900/UMTS2100 and LTE2300/2500. Low-band efficiency is over 50% and high-band efficiency is over 60%. This antenna also meets specific absorption rate in US and other regions. It occupies a small area of 17 × 58 mm2 and can be possibly integrated into compact mobile handset devices. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:1752-1756, 2014 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease that affects wild and domestic animals. It is caused by members of the bacterial genus Brucella. Guanylate-binding protein 1 (GBP1) is associated with microbial infections. However, the role of GBP1 during Brucella infection remains unclear. This investigation aimed to identify the association of GBP1 with brucellosis. Results showed that Brucella infection induced GBP1 upregulation in RAW 264.7 murine macrophages. Small interfering GBP1 targeting RNAs were utilized to explore how GBP1 regulates the survival of Brucella intracellularly. Results revealed that GBP1 knockdown promoted Brucella 's survival ability, activated Nod-like receptor (NLR) containing a pyrin domain 3 (NLRP3) and absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) inflammatory corpuscles, and induced pro-inflammatory cytokines IFN-γ and IL-1β. Furthermore, Brucella stimulated the expression of GBP1 in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) and mice. During the inhibition of GBP1 in BMDMs, the intracellular growth of Brucella increased. In comparison, GBP1 downregulation enhanced the accumulation of Brucella -induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) in macrophages. Overall, the data indicate a significant role of GBP1 in regulating brucellosis and suggest the function underlying its suppressive effect on the survival and growth of Brucella intracellularly. • B. melitensis infection increased GBP1 expression in RAW 264.7 murine macrophages. • Knocking down the expression of GBP1 promotes Brucella infection RAW 264.7 murine macrophages. • Knocking down the expression of GBP1 induces the production of inflammatory cytokine in Brucella -infected macrophages. • Knocking down the expression of GBP1 promotes B. abortus persistence in bone marrow-derived macrophages. • Brucella infection increased GBP1 expression in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Peptide deformylase proteins (PDFs) participate in the N-terminal methionine excision pathway of newly synthesized peptides. We show that the human PDF (HsPDF) can deformylate its putative substrates derived from mitochondrial DNA-encoded proteins. The first structural model of a mammalian PDF (1.7 Å), HsPDF, shows a dimer with conserved topology of the catalytic residues and fold as non-mammalian PDFs. The HsPDF C-terminus topology and the presence of a helical loop (H2 and H3), however, shape a characteristic active site entrance. The structure of HsPDF bound to the peptidomimetic inhibitor actinonin (1.7 Å) identified the substrate-binding site. A defined S1′ pocket, but no S2′ or S3′ substrate-binding pockets, exists. A conservation of PDF–actinonin interaction across PDFs was observed. Despite the lack of true S2′ and S3′ binding pockets, confirmed through peptide binding modeling, enzyme kinetics suggest a combined contribution from P2′and P3′ positions of a formylated peptide substrate to turnover. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper, a rapid separation approach has been developed using high-capacity high-speed counter-current chromatography (high-capacity HSCCC) to isolate and purify honokiol and magnolol, which are the main bioactive constituents from Houpu. The optimization of the solvent selection process, sample loading volume and flow rate is systematically studied using analytical high-capacity HSCCC. The optimized parameters obtained rapidly at analytical scale were used for a 1000× scale-up preparative run using pilot scale high-capacity HSCCC in a MAXI-DE centrifuge. A crude sample of 43g was successfully separated and the fractions were analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). This large scale preparative single step run yielded 16.9 and 19.4g of honokiol and magnolol with purities of 98.6 and 99.9%, in only 20min. This is the first time that high-performance counter-current chromatography has been used to purify multiple gram grade bioactive compounds in less than 1h and at such high concentrations of final products (10.8g/l for magnolol and 7.0g/l for honokiol). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The anomeric effect of the sulfone group in tetrahydropyrans has been determined. The value is >2 kcal mol[sup –1] , which is larger than the A-value of a methyl group but less than the A-value of the sulfone in a tetrahydropyran. Hence, in an unsubstituted tetrahydropyranyl sulfone, the equatorial conformer predominates, whereas in a properly substituted methyltetrahydropyranyl sulfone, an axial sulfone is preferred over an axial methyl group.Key words: sulfone, tetrahydropyran, anomeric effect.On a déterminé l'effet anomère du groupe sulfone dans les tétrahydropyranes. La valeur est supérieure à 2 kcal mol[sup –1] et elle est nettement supérieure à la valeur de A d'un groupe méthyle, mais elle est inférieure à la valeur de A de la sulfone dans un tétrahydropyrane. Il en résulte que dans un tétrahydropyranylsulfone non substituée l'isomère équatorial prédomine alors que dans une méthyltétrahydropyranylsulfone substituée de façon appropriée la sulfone occupera la position axiale de façon préférentielle par rapport à un groupe méthyle axial.Mots clés : sulfone, tétrahydropyrane, effet anomère.[Traduit par la Rédaction] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel fan-out wafer-level packaging (FOWLP) technology with double-sided redistribution layers (RDLs) and tall copper vertical interconnects is described. The design of a dual-polarized magnetoelectric (ME) dipole antenna based on this new packaging technology is presented. It is shown that the antenna with a size of $10\times10$ mm2 achieves good impedance matching and a stable radiation pattern over a wide bandwidth from 25 to 43 GHz, which can cover most of the millimeter-wave (mmWave) bands of the fifth-generation (5G) mobile networks in different countries. The measurement results demonstrate that the antenna is well suited for FOWLP technology and can be used for phased-array modules in 5G wireless communication systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this communication, we report the scanning manipulation on radiation beams with an active metamaterial (MTM) antenna using p-i-n diode switches. Thanks to the MTM antenna possessing periodical configuration with isolated units, p-i-n diodes in each unit are capable of being actuated individually with OFF/ON-states (coding sequences 0/1), equivalently tuning the phase constant $\beta $ of each cell either in state $\beta _{0}$ or state $\beta _{1}$. Therefore, for MTM array with a certain number of units, we can obtain plenty of tunable states presented via digitally coding sequence combinations, thereby manipulating beam scanning in a fixed frequency band. Especially, for the first time, we propose the digitally modulated array factor (DMAF) method for the MTM array: introducing unit-cell dispersion curves of both 0/1 states to the array factor, thus, map the digitally coding sequences linearly to the scanning beams at a fixed frequency, resulting in scanning functionalities. Experiments are implemented with applying micro-control-unit (MCU) to the active MTM antenna for driving p-i-n diodes, and measurements demonstrate beam scanning continuously from −30° to +30° at fixed frequencies around 5 GHz, validating the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a wideband eight‐element antenna array operating in the 5G (Fifth‐generation) NR (New Radio) frequency bands N77/N78/N79 (3300‐5000 MHz), LTE (Long Term Evolution) band 46 (5150‐5925 MHz), and EU (European Union) 5G band of 5900 to 6400 MHz for 8 × 8 MIMO (Multi‐Input Multi‐Output) operation in the future 5G mobile terminal is presented. The proposed eight antenna elements are all co‐coupled‐fed IFA (Inverted‐F antenna)/loop structure, and are divided into two same sub‐arrays which printed on the inner surface of two long frames of the mobile terminal, respectively. All the simulated and measured results present consecutive 6‐dB impedance bandwidth of 3200 to 6500 MHz, acceptable isolations (better than 12 dB), and good total efficiencies (more than 50%). Besides, the proposed wideband 8‐antenna MIMO system has also shown good MIMO performances with ECCs (envelope correlation coefficient) are all lower than 0.08, and ergodic channel capacities are all higher than 37.8 bps/Hz within the entire desired operation bands. In addition, the hand phantom effects are also investigated. The prototype of the proposed wideband eight‐element antenna array is fabricated and measured, and a quite good agreement between simulation and measurement is obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A small‐size four‐element antenna system for 2 × 2 LTE low band (LB, 698‐960 MHz) and 4 × 4 LTE middle/high band (M/HB, 1710‐2690 MHz) multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) operations in 5G (fifth‐generation) mobile terminals is presented. The proposed antenna system is formed by two identical tunable loop antennas and two identical coupled‐fed IFA (Inverted‐F Antenna) antennas. By loading a RF switch with four output states as tunable component, the proposed loop antenna can not only operate in the M/HB, but also achieve improved bandwidth coverage in the LB. Each coupled‐fed IFA element operating in the M/HB with compact volume. The four antennas are placed on the both short side‐edge of the mobile terminal with small ground clearance of 4.2 mm. The simulated S‐parameters show that the proposed MIMO system can cover 698 to 960 MHz and 1710 to 2690 MHz with reflection coefficients less than −6 dB and isolations are all more than 12 dB. Good MIMO performances such as radiation efficiencies, envelope correlation coefficient (less than 0.4 within the entire operation bands) and channel capacity are also obtained. The effects of user's hand(s) on performances for the proposed antenna system are also discussed. This four‐element antenna system prototype is fabricated and measured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) agonists are promising candidates for vaccine adjuvants and antitumor immune stimulants. The most potent natural agonist of STING, 2′,3′-cyclic GMP-AMP (2′,3′-cGAMP), is subject to nuclease-mediated inherent metabolic instability, thereby placing limits on its clinical efficacy. Here, we report on a new class of chemically synthesized sugar-modified analogs of 2′,3′-cGAMP containing arabinose and xylose sugar derivatives that bind mouse and human STING alleles with high affinity. The co-crystal structures demonstrate that such analogs act as 2′,3′-cGAMP mimetics that induce the "closed" conformation of human STING. These analogs show significant resistance to hydrolysis mediated by ENPP1 and increased stability in human serum, while retaining similar potency as 2′,3′-cGAMP at inducing IFN-β secretion from human THP1 cells. The arabinose- and xylose-modified 2′,3′-cGAMP analogs open a new strategy for overcoming the inherent nuclease-mediated vulnerability of natural ribose cyclic nucleotides, with the additional benefit of high translational potential as cancer therapeutics and vaccine adjuvants. [Display omitted] • Development of 2′,3′-cGAMP arabinose and xylose sugar analogs targeting STING • Ara/ribo and ribo/xylo 2′,3′-cGAMPs are resistant to 2′-3′ specific ENPP1 nuclease • Ara/ribo and ribo/xylo 2′,3′-cGAMPs are potent inducers of interferon secretion • Ara/ribo and ribo/xylo 2′,3′-cGAMPs have potential as vaccine adjuvants Xie et al. report on the development of arabinose- and xylose-modified 2′,3′-cGAMP analogs. These analogs induce STING activation with similar potency as natural 2′,3′-cGAMP and exhibit increased stability due to their resistance to nuclease ENPP1. These findings suggest a new approach for designing STING agonists with improved pharmacological properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Type III-A CRISPR-Cas surveillance complexes containing multi-subunit Csm effector, guide, and target RNAs exhibit multiple activities, including formation of cyclic-oligoadenylates (cA n) from ATP and subsequent cA n -mediated cleavage of single-strand RNA (ssRNA) by the trans -acting Csm6 RNase. Our structure-function studies have focused on Thermococcus onnurineus Csm6 to deduce mechanistic insights into how cA 4 binding to the Csm6 CARF domain triggers the RNase activity of the Csm6 HEPN domain and what factors contribute to regulation of RNA cleavage activity. We demonstrate that the Csm6 CARF domain is a ring nuclease, whereby bound cA 4 is stepwise cleaved initially to ApApApA>p and subsequently to ApA>p in its CARF domain-binding pocket, with such cleavage bursts using a timer mechanism to regulate the RNase activity of the Csm6 HEPN domain. In addition, we establish T. onnurineus Csm6 as an adenosine-specific RNase and identify a histidine in the cA 4 CARF-binding pocket involved in autoinhibitory regulation of RNase activity. • Csm6 is a CARF domain ring nuclease regulating HEPN domain RNase cleavage activity • Two-step sequential cleavage of cA 4 by the CARF domain to ApApApA>p and ApA>p • Csm6 CARF domain His132 plays an autoinhibitory role in controlling RNase activity • RNA cleavage by Csm6 CARF and HEPN domains yield products with A>p 3′ ends In structure-function studies on CRISPR-Cas Csm6 RNase, Jia et al. demonstrate that its CARF domain is a ring nuclease, triggering stepwise cleavage of bound cA 4 into ApApApA>p and ApA>p, using a timer mechanism to regulate HEPN domain RNase activity. We also establish that CARF domain His132 plays an autoinhibitory role in controlling RNase activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increase of concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in atmosphere have garnered lots of attention due to the associated risk of global warming. Carbon footprint (CF) is a measure that is extensively used to assess the contribution of an individual, event, organization, or product to global climate change. In the current study, the CF of five agricultural systems with different crop systems in different regions in China was evaluated in terms of CO 2 eq per hectare, per kg crop yield, and per unit economic output, association with soil GHGs, agrochemical production and soil organic carbon (SOC) change. The results showed that direct nitrous oxide accounted for 61.9–97.8% of total soil GHG emissions in upland fields (agroforestry system, summer maize-winter wheat rotation tillage system, maize-soybean intercropping system, and continuous maize tillage system), while soil methane accounted for 89.9–95.1% of total soil GHG emissions in the paddy field (double rice-winter crop rotation system). GHGs produced from agricultural inputs varied from 2698.7 to 9781.5 kg CO 2 eq ha−1 yr−1 among different agricultural systems. Nitrogen fertilizer was the dominant source of GHGs, which accounted for 47.4–92.4% of the total emission. Annual SOC increase ranged from −639.9–13823.9 kg CO 2 eq ha−1 yr−1 in the five agricultural systems. Increases of SOC in the treatment of "reduced tillage with straw return" offset all of the total GHG emissions while "conventional tillage without straw return" decreased SOC storage in the continuous maize tillage system. An increase of SOC in crop systems of the other four agricultural systems could offset 23.2–66.7% of the total GHG emissions. Carbon emissions per hectare in the double rice-winter crop rotation system (7339.93–22994.17 kg CO 2 eq ha−1 yr−1) were higher than the other four agricultural systems (−744.96–6523.12 kg CO 2 eq ha−1 yr−1). In terms of crop yield, CFs of the summer maize-winter wheat rotation tillage system (0.28–0.34 kg CO 2 eq kg−1 yr−1) were lower than those from the other four agricultural systems (0.39–2.83 kg CO 2 eq kg−1 yr−1), except for the treatment with reduced tillage and residue return in the continuous maize tillage system. Similarly, CFs, as quantified via per unit economic output of the agroforestry system (0.12–0.19 kg CO 2 eq ¥−1 yr−1), were lower than those in other the four systems (0.26–0.89 kg CO 2 eq ¥−1 yr−1).Different evaluation methodology greatly affected the CF of different crop systems and mostly likely contributed to the contrary evaluation results, especially in the complex system of various crop systems (agroforestry and double rice-winter crop rotation system) in current study. Evaluation results of the CF of an agricultural system depends highly on the methodology used and may suggest different management decisions for lowering CF to promote the development of cleaner production. • The carbon footprint (CF) of various crop systems was evaluated via three functional units. • Soil CH 4 and N inputs account for most of the CF of paddies and upland fields, respectively. • Increase in soil organic carbon could offset most of the total greenhouse gas emissions. • Using different metrics may contribute to contradictory carbon footprint results. • Assessing the CF associated with economic output is suggested for the different crop systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A broadband and compact coplanar waveguide (CPW) coupled‐fed metasurface (MS)‐based antenna for C‐band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging application is proposed in this article, which is consisted of 16 uniform periodic square patches performed as radiators. The CPW feeding structure gives two following functions: (1) It excites an aperture coupling slot structure underneath the center of MS patch array. (2) It acts as a ground plane for the metasurface patch units. Different slots were investigated and eventually an hourglass‐shaped slot is applied to enhance bandwidth for imaging applications. A prototype with a dimension of 60 × 60 × 1.524 mm3 (1.1λ0 × 1.1λ0 × 0.03λ0) operating at the center frequency 5.5 GHz (f0) has been fabricated and measured to verify the design principle. This antenna has a measured impedance bandwidth of 12.4% from 5.14 to 5.82 GHz, a peak gain of 9.2 dBi and averaged gain of 7.2 dBi at broadside radiation. Microwave imaging experiments using the proposed antenna have been carried out and a good performance is achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brucellae are intracellular bacterial pathogens that cause Brucellosis, bringing great economic burdens to developing countries. The pathogenic mechanisms of Brucella are still poorly understood. Earlier immune response plays an important role in the Brucella infection. Phosphoglyceromutase (PGM) and dihydrodipicolinate reductase (DapB) were cloned, expressed, purified, and their immunocompetence was analyzed. Cytokines were detected by murine macrophages (RAW 264.7) and splenocytes that stimulated with the two recombinant proteins. The immune responses were analyzed by ELISA from mice with the two recombinant proteins immunized. TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8 were produced in stimulated RAW 264.7 cells and splenocytes. Th1-type cytokines, IFN-γ and IL-2, induced in RAW 264.7 cells and splenocytes were higher then Th2-type cytokines, IL-4 and IL-5. Th2-related immune response was induced in splenocytes obtained 35 days after mice immunized with the two proteins. The production of IgG1 was higher than IgG2a in immunized mice. Taken together, our results demonstrated that the two proteins could induce Th1 and Th2-type immune responses in vivo and in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design of a novel practical 28 GHz beam steering phased array antenna for future fifth generation mobile device applications is presented in this communication. The proposed array antenna has 16 cavity-backed slot antenna elements that are implemented via the metallic back casing of the mobile device, in which two eight-element phased arrays are built on the left- and right-side edges of the mobile device. Each eight-element phased array can yield beam steering at broadside and gain of >15 dBi can be achieved at boresight. The measured 10 dB return loss bandwidth of the proposed cavity-backed slot antenna element was approximately 27.5–30 GHz. In addition, the impacts of user’s hand effects are also investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

GntR10 is a transcriptional regulator in Brucella. Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) is involved in many cellular activities, playing major roles in orchestrating the expression of inflammatory genes and regulating protein function that is essential for pathogenic bacteria during infection. GntR10 deletion was previously found to affect the growth and the virulence of Brucella and expression levels of target genes of GntR10 in mice. However, the mechanisms of affection of NF-κB regulated by Brucella GntR10 are still unclear. Here, GntR10 deletion could regulate the expression of LuxR-type transcriptional activators (VjbR and BlxR) of the quorum sensing system (QSS) and type IV secretion system (T4SS) effectors (BspE and BspF) of Brucella. It could further inhibit the activation of the regulator NF-κB and affect the virulence of Brucella. This research provides new insights into the designing of Brucella vaccines and the screening of drug targets. Transcriptional regulators are predominant bacterial signal transduction factors. The pathogenicity of Brucella is due to its ability to regulate the expression of virulence related genes including quorum sensing system (QSS) and type IV secretion system (T4SS). Transcriptional regulators are designed to regulate gene expression and enact an appropriate adaptive physiological response. Here, we show that Brucella transcriptional regulator GntR10 regulated the expression of QSS and T4SS effectors, which affected the activation of NF-κB. [Display omitted] • 1558 proteins with quantitative information were identified from S2308 and 2308Δ gntR10. • The expression of T4SS virB1 was reduced in 2308Δ gntR10. • Expressions of VjbR and BlxR of QSS were down-regulated. • The activation of regulator NF-κB was inhibited in 2308Δ gntR10. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brucellosis is an important zoonotic disease of worldwide distribution, which causes animal and human disease. However, the current Brucella abortus ( B. abortus ) vaccines (S19 and RB51) have several drawbacks, including residual virulence for animals and humans. Moreover, S19 cannot allow serological differentiation between infected and vaccinated animals. We constructed double deletion (ΔNodVΔNodW) mutant from virulent B. abortus 2308 (S2308) by deleting the genes encoding two-component regulatory system (TCS) in chromosome II in S2308.2308ΔNodVΔNodW was significantly reduced survival in murine macrophages (RAW 264.7) and BALB/c mice. Moreover, the inoculated mice showed no splenomegaly. The mutant induced high protective immunity in BALB/c mice against challenge with S2308, and elicited an anti- Brucella -specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) response and induced the secretion of gamma interferon (IFN-γ) and interleukin-4 (IL-4). Moreover, NODV and NODW antigens would allow the serological differentiation between infected and vaccinated animals. These results suggest that 2308ΔNodVΔNodW mutant is a potential live attenuated vaccine candidate and can be used effectively against bovine brucellosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Chinese milk vetch ( Astragalus sinicus L. CMV), a leguminous cover crop, has been shown to provide N benefits to rice crops, but little is known about the pathway of incorporated CMV and its N dynamics. In this study, effects of CMV under different application treatments (incorporated alone, applied in conjunction with urea fertilizer and applied with ryegrass ( Lolium multiflorum Lam.)) on N dynamics, rice yields and N uptake were investigated and compared with those of chemical fertilizer (CF) and no fertilizer (NF) in a double rice cropping system. Methods: Nitrogen release from incorporated CMV residue was quantified by using a bag method. Nitrogen dynamics of CMV were evaluated by using N-labelled fresh CMV tops and compared with those of CF (N-labelled urea). Results: CMV residue decomposition pattern and its N release pattern followed a single exponential decay model, with 87.8-89.5 % of the applied CMV decomposed and 95.1-96.1 % of the original N released in the double rice season (177 days after fertilizer application). CMV treatments had higher rice N uptake efficiency than CF (39.2-51.3 % vs. 29.9 %) at the sum of early and late rice seasons. Rice yield, N accumulation and mineral fertilizer efficiency in CMV treated treatments were higher than those in CF. After two consecutive rice seasons the amounts of residual N remained in the soil were higher in the CMV treated fields than in CF (29.4-33.2 % vs. 14.1 %). Conclusions: CMV can be considered an efficient N source alternative to chemical fertilizer in double rice cropping systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Winter cover cropping is a common practice in paddy soils in southern China. This two year study (2008–2010) was undertaken to determine dry matter productivity and N uptake of two winter cover crops: ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) and Chinese milkvetch (Astragalus sinicus L.) and their effects on soil properties as well as two subsequent rice (Oryza sativa L.) crops in Dongting Lake Plain in Hunan, China. Cover crops were broadcast sown in October, approximately 10d before the harvest of late rice. Ryegrass was first cut in March and finally harvested in April coincident with the plough of milkvetch. Two consecutive rice crops were grown following the cover crops without application of chemical N. Averaged over two years, ryegrass produced more aboveground dry matter and accumulated higher amounts of N than milkvetch (4.7Mgha−1 vs. 2.4Mgha−1, 128kgha−1 vs. 71kgha−1). Compared to CK (bare fallow without weed), both ryegrass (RG) and milkvetch (CMV) treated plots had lower soil bulk density at 0–15cm and 15–30cm depths. At the harvest of cover crops, CMV increased soil NH4 +-N concentration at 0–10cm, 10–20cm and 20–30cm depths. In contrast, RG decreased soil NH4 +-N and NO3 −-N concentrations in the three depths. Averaged over four sampling dates in the double rice seasons in 2010, soil microbial biomass C was slightly different between RG (257mgkg−1) and CMV (249mgkg−1), and these were significantly higher than CK (218mgkg−1). Soil microbial biomass N was highest for CMV (15.4mgkg−1), followed by RG (11.3mgkg−1) and CK (6.1mgkg−1). Grain yield and total N yield of early rice were 0.6Mgha−1 and 11kgha−1 higher for CMV, respectively, and 1.0Mgha−1 and 20kgha−1 lower for RG as compared with CK averaged over years. Grain yield and total N yield of late rice were not significantly affected by cover crops. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In China's major rice (Oryza sativa L.) production regions, the traditional fertilization modes are challenged by the continued decrease in manure and increase in mineral fertilizer. However, limited information exists on the influences of long-term fertilizer management on soil organic carbon (SOC) and soil physical properties under the intensive rice production system in southern China. The objective of this study was to characterize the changes of soil physical properties as related to mineral fertilizer, crop residues, and manure application based on a long-term field experiment. The experiment, initiated in 1986, has five treatments: unfertilized, mineral fertilizer alone, rice residues plus mineral fertilizer, low manure rate plus mineral fertilizer, and high manure rate plus mineral fertilizer. The cropping system consists of barley (Hordaum vulgare L.), early rice, and late rice, three crops in a year. In May 2006, after barley harvest, soil samples were collected from the 0∼10 cm and 10∼20 cm layers to determine SOC concentration, aggregate size distribution, bulk density (Pb), saturated hydraulic conductivity (K,), and soil water characteristic curves (SWCC). The results indicated that manure significantly reduced Pb, increased SOC concentration, soil aggregation, K~, transmission and storage porosity, as well as water retention capacity. Combined application of crop residue and mineral fertilizer also improved soil physical properties, but the improvement by mineral fertilizer alone was limited. Correlation analysis demonstrated that S, the slope of the SWCC at its inflection point, was closely associated with the selected physical parameters, suggesting S was an effective parameter for soil physical quality evaluation; Nevertheless, in applying the S-theory, a unified approach to define the residual water content should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metamaterial antennas consisting of periodical units are suitable for achieving tunable properties by employing active elements to each unit. However, for compact metamaterials with a very limited number of periodical units, resonance blindness exists. In this paper, we introduce a method to achieve continuous tuning without resonance blindness by exploring hence, taking advantage of nonlinear properties of PIN diodes. First, we obtain the equivalent impedance of the PIN diode through measurements, then fit these nonlinear curves with mathematical expressions. Afterwards, we build the PIN diode model with these mathematical equations, making it compatible with implementing co-simulation between the passive electromagnetic model and the active element of PIN diodes and, particularly, the nonlinear effects can be considered. Next, we design a compact two-unit metamaterial antenna as an example to illustrate the electromagnetic co-simulation. Finally, we implement the experiments with a micro-control unit to validate this method. In addition, the nonlinear stability and the supplying voltage tolerance of nonlinear states for both two kinds of PIN diodes are investigated as well. This method of obtaining smooth tuning with nonlinear properties of PIN diodes can be applied to other active devices, if only PIN diodes are utilized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In the light of recently disclosed crystallographic studies on migrastatin ketone 2 complex with fascin, the structures of migrastatin ketone 2 and migrastatin ether 4 have been re-evaluated by NMR and X-ray crystallographic techniques. The results of these studies established the correctness of the previously reported structural assignment and confirmed that the ‘small molecule’ co-crystallized in complex with fascin is not the migrastatin ketone, which was provided for the infusion experiment, but rather its stereoisomer. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The mechanisms that enable immune evasion at metastatic sites are poorly understood. We show that the Polycomb Repressor Complex 1 (PRC1) drives colonization of the bones and visceral organs in double-negative prostate cancer (DNPC). In vivo genetic screening identifies CCL 2 as the top prometastatic gene induced by PRC1. CCL2 governs self-renewal and induces the recruitment of M2-like tumor-associated macrophages and regulatory T cells, thus coordinating metastasis initiation with immune suppression and neoangiogenesis. A catalytic inhibitor of PRC1 cooperates with immune checkpoint therapy to reverse these processes and suppress metastasis in genetically engineered mouse transplantation models of DNPC. These results reveal that PRC1 coordinates stemness with immune evasion and neoangiogenesis and point to the potential clinical utility of targeting PRC1 in DNPC. • PRC1 promotes metastatic outgrowth by inducing expression of CCL2 • CCL2 promotes self-renewal by binding to CCR4 on prostate cancer cells • CCL2 recruits M2-like TAMs and Tregs, inducing immune suppression and angiogenesis • PRC1 inhibitor cooperates with checkpoint immunotherapy to suppress metastasis Su et al. show that PRC1 drives metastasis of androgen receptor and neuroendocrine double-negative prostate cancers by regulating CCL2 expression. CCL2 governs self-renewal and recruitment of TAM and Treg. PRC1 inhibition combined with immune checkpoint blockade reverses these processes and suppresses metastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A multiband high‐isolation multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) antenna using balanced mode and coupled neutralization line (NL) is presented in this article. The balanced modes of dipole and loop antennas, which leads to good isolation intrinsically are used for the 8 × 8 MIMO in the LTE bands 42 (3400‐3600 MHz)/Chinese 5G band (3300‐3400 and 3400‐3600 MHz). The unbalanced mode of loop antennas, which optimized by decoupling structure are designed for the 4 × 4 MIMO in the LTE band 40 (2300‐2400 MHz). Therefore, the eight‐antenna array is formed by four dipole elements and four loop elements. The simulated and measured results show that the proposed antenna can cover 2300 to 2400 and 3300 to 3600 MHz, with reflection coefficient better than −6 dB and isolation higher than 15 dB. Good radiation performance and low envelope correlation coefficient can also be obtained. Specific absorption rate of user's hand is also discussed in this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dual‐band eight‐antenna array operating in the long‐term evolution (LTE) band 41 (2.496‐2.69 GHz) and 3.5‐GHz band (3.3‐3.7 GHz) for fifth‐generation (5G) metal‐framed smartphone is presented. The proposed dual‐band antenna array is composed of four identical dual‐antenna building blocks (DABBs). Each DABB consists of two identical antenna elements with a neutralization line between them. The antenna array is simulated, fabricated, and measured. The isolations are better than 10.5 dB and 11.0 dB in the low band (LB; LTE band 41) and high band (HB; 3.5‐GHz band). The total efficiencies are 41% to 54% and 46% to 64% in the two operation bands, respectively. In addition, the measured envelope correlation coefficients are less than 0.11 and 0.06, the calculated channel capacities are better than 34.5 and 36.3 bps/Hz in the LB and HB, respectively. Furthermore, four hand‐grip scenarios are investigated, and results show that proposed antenna array can maintain excellent multiple‐input multiple‐output performances in all scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]