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Paddy field management is complicated and labor intensive. Correct row detection is important to automatically track rice rows. In this study, a novel method was proposed for accurate rice row recognition in paddy field transplanted by machine before the disappearance of row information. Firstly, Bayesian decision theory based on the minimum error was used to classify the period of collected images into three periods (T1: 0-7 d; T2: 7-28 d; T3: 28-45 d), and resulting in the correct recognition rate was 97.03%. Moreover, secondary clustering of feature points was proposed, which can solve some problems such as row breaking and tilting. Then, the robust regression least squares method (RRLSM) for linear fitting was proposed to fit rice rows to effectively eliminate interference by outliers. Finally, a credibility analysis of connected region markers was proposed to evaluate the accuracy of fitting lines. When the threshold of credibility was set at 40%, the correct recognition rate of fitting lines was 96.32%. The result showed that the method can effectively solve the problems caused by the presence of duckweed, high-density inter-row weeds, broken rows, tilting (±60°), wind and overlap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aerial spraying can support efficient defoliation without crop contact. With the recent introduction to unmanned aerial system (UAS) for aerial spraying in China, there is a need to determine the optimum application variables to achieve high efficacy and efficiency with low costs. The present research involved field studies across two annual cotton production seasons in North Xinjiang, China. Four factors, including volume rate (A), tank mix including spray adjuvants (B), flight altitude (C), flight speed (D) and three levels of L9 (34 ) orthogonal arrays were carried out to optimize the application parameters for three types of UASs. These included different numbers of rotors as follows: four-rotors, six-rotors and eight-rotors. Spray coverage, distribution uniformity (coefficient of variation (CV) of droplet coverage), rates of cotton defoliation and boll opening, application efficiency and cost were measured and assessed. Results showed that: (1) the rates of defoliation and boll opening by aerial cotton defoliant application could meet the requirement of cotton mechanized harvesting; (2) the optimal scenario for the three UASs was A3B2C1D3, Volume rate (A³): 48 L/hm² ; Tank mix and concentration (B2): (Tuotulong 225 + Sujie 750 + Ethephon 2250) mL/hm2, Flight altitude (C1): 1.5 m, and Flight speeds (D3) for unmanned helicopters with four-rotors, six-rotors and eight-rotors were 3.12 m/s, 2.51 m/s and 3.76 m/s, respectively. These results can provide guidance for cotton defoliant aerial spraying in China using UAS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anti-sway performance is one of the most important factors that affect the stability of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). In this paper, an anti-sway performance testing method and an evaluation formula for pesticide tanks were developed, which can facilitate the design and application of pesticide tank. The detection device mainly comprises a testing stand, a mounting and testing part, and a driving and control part. In the testing method, P (maximum pressure) measured by a barometer and t (fluctuation recovery time) measured by a high-speed camera were used as evaluation indexes. With the aim to determine the optimal position of the pressure detection device and the optimal fill ratio, four representative pesticide tanks were involved in this study. The results showed that the optimal position of the pressure detection device was at the middle position on the tank wall, halfway up from the bottom, and the optimal fill ratio was 0.8. Using P and t as evaluation indexes, a comprehensive evaluation formula was developed based on these tests: S=0.7Pi +0.3ti. Anti-sway performance of pesticide tanks was evaluated by a comprehensive score. A disk pesticide tank with a baffle was determined to be the best among the four types of pesticide tanks, showing a score of 1. The scores of the other three pesticide tanks were 0.5, 0.428 and 0.612, respectively. These results indicated that the baffle structure in the pesticide tank and the radian design of the tank wall can effectively improve the anti-sway performance of a pesticide tank. The proposed detection device and test method are simpler and more intuitive compared to other approaches in evaluating the anti-sway performance of pesticide tanks in spraying UAVs, and they can be used as a reference to guide the design of pesticide tanks and the stability evaluation of spraying UAVs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interleukin-8 (IL-8) possesses tumorigenic and proangiogenic properties, and is overexpressed in many human cancer types. However, only few studies have demonstrated the mechanisms of action of IL-8 regarding the ability to promote proliferation and to inhibit apoptosis in prostate cancer. Here, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of IL-8 on the prostate cancer cell line and determine possible mechanisms underlying its effect. In this study, IL-8 was shown to be significantly upregulated in prostate cancer compared with paired normal control tissues. The data showed that IL-8 exhibits direct oncogenicity, which significantly induced cell proliferation, invasion and attenuated apoptosis in prostate cancer cells via signal transducer and activator of transcription 3/protein kinase B/nuclear factor-κB signaling pathways. In conclusion, modulation of IL-8 expression or its associated signaling pathway may provide a novel working mechanism of IL-8 in prostate cancer, and a promising strategy for controlling the progression and metastasis of prostate cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the bottom-up design principle, we use metal-ions to bridge the predesigned tectons (1[(H2L1)2(Mo8O26)]·4H2O and 3[(H2L2)(L2)0.5(Mo8O26)0.5]·H2O) so that two higher dimensional γ-octamolybdate based inorganic–organic hybrid compounds 2[CuI2(L1)3(Mo8O26)0.5] and 4[Ni(L2)2(HL2)2(Mo8O26)]·4H2O are successfully obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we report two novel POM-based MOFs: a nano-caged hybrid compound [Ni2(BIMB)2(MoVI4MoV2O19)] (1), whose cages are based on [Mo6O19]4−units and a [Mo6O19]2−-templated framework [Zn4(BIMB)4(PO4)2(Mo6O19)]·2H2O (2) (BIMB = 1,4-bis(1-imidazolyl)benzene). According to topological analysis, the first is a 3D (4,6)-connected self-penetrating framework with polycatenanes motif. In contrast, the second metal–organic framework has no interpenetration for the templated [Mo6O19]2−occupying the cavity. The UV-vis absorption spectrum of 1was investigated to prove the existence of MoVatoms and the typical peak at 577 nm can be attributed to MoV→ MoVIcharge transfer. Furthermore, the diffuse reflectivity spectrum shows that its band gap can be assessed as 3.06 eV, which can be regarded as a wide gap semiconductor. Additionally, cyclic voltammogram of compound 1shows two redox peaks in the range of 0–800 mV in H2SO4aqueous solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives. (1) To explore the effect of continued nursing intervention on hypertensive patients based on chronotherapeutics. (2) To identify the factors affecting hypertensive patients’ compliance to the chronotherapeutics-oriented nursing interventions. Background. Chronotherapy provides a means of individual treatment for hypertension according to the circadian blood-pressure profile of each patient and constitutes a new option in optimising blood-pressure control and reducing risk from hypertension. Design. Experimental study. Methods. All participants enrolled were randomly divided into the intervention group and the control group and they all took antihypertensive medicine prescribed by their doctors under ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. According to individual ambulatory blood pressure monitoring measures, interventions were implemented. Results. (1) There were significant differences in blood pressure and compliance to chronotherapeutics between the two groups before and after the intervention. (2) Single variant and multiple factors analysis revealed different characteristics influencing chronotherapeutic compliance of hypertensive patients. Conclusions. Under ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, continued nursing intervention for hypertensive patients guided by chronotherapeutics could effectively improve blood-pressure control and chronotherapeutic compliance. Relevance to clinical practice. Health care providers who deal with Chinese hypertensive patients can improve patients’ therapeutic compliance and blood pressure control guided by chronotherapeutics. According to different influencing factors on patients’ chronotherapeutic compliance nurses should pay more attention to those whose compliance might be worse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six new transition-metal complexes modified octamolybdate compounds have been successfully synthesized with two kinds of V-shaped flexible organic ligands under hydrothermal conditions, namely, [CuII(HL1)2(H2O)2(Mo8O26)] (1), [CuII(L1)2(Mo8O26)0.5] (2), [CuII(HL2)2(Mo8O26)]·2H2O (3), [CuII2(L2)4(Mo8O26)]·3H2O (4), [CuI3(L2)2(Mo8O26)0.5Cl] (5), [CuI4(L2)4(Mo8O26)] (6) where L1= 3-((1H-imidazol-1-yl)methyl)pyridine, L2= 3-((1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl)pyridine. Their crystal structures have been determined by X-ray single-crystal diffraction, elemental analyses, IR spectra, and thermogravimetric analyses (TGA). With L1ligand, two compounds were obtained: compound 1is a 1D β-octamolybdate based chain and compound 2is a 2D 4-connected network most strikingly, whose octamolybdate anion shows a -isomer. With L2ligand, compounds 3, 4, 5and 6were obtained, respectively. In compound 3, 1D β-octamolybdate-based metal–organic chains are further extended by hydrogen bonds to build a 3D supramolecular structure, while in compound 4, every two adjacent double-helical metal–organic chains are bridged by β-octamolybdate anions to generate a 2D 3-connected network. When CuSO4·5H2O was substituted by CuCl, two CuIcompounds were attained. Interestingly, in compound 5the octamolybdate anion threads through the metal–organic loop presenting a fascinating 2D polythreading topology, and in compound 6the octamolybdate anions pillar the railroad-like metal–organic strands to generate a 2D 3-connected network. The structural differences among compounds 1–6indicate the importance of the different coordination mode of organic ligands and various polyoxoanions, and of the pH values of the systems for the framework formation. Furthermore, the semiconducting properties of compounds 1–5were investigated, and photoluminescence as well as photoconductivity for compound 5were also studied. Compound 5has a comparatively lower band gap and is photoconductive in the UV-vis range, so it can be potentially applied as a semiconductor of photoelectronic detectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) plays important roles in forming cellular membraneless organelles. However, how host factors regulate LLPS of viral proteins during negativesense RNA (NSR) virus infection is largely unknown. Here, we used barley yellow striate mosaic virus (BYSMV) as a model to demonstrate regulation of host casein kinase 1 (CK1) in phase separation and infection of NSR viruses. We first found that the BYSMV phosphoprotein (P) formed spherical granules with liquid properties and recruited viral nucleotide (N) and polymerase (L) proteins in vivo. Moreover, the P-formed granules were tethered to the ER/actin network for trafficking and fusion. BYSMV P alone formed droplets and incorporated the N protein and the 5' trailer of genomic RNA in vitro. Interestingly, phase separation of BYSMV P was inhibited by host CK1-dependent phosphorylation of an intrinsically disordered P protein region. Genetic assays demonstrated that the unphosphorylated mutant of BYSMV P exhibited condensed phase, which promoted viroplasm formation and virus replication. Whereas, the phosphorylation-mimic mutant existed in diffuse phase state for virus transcription. Collectively, our results demonstrate that host CK1 modulates phase separation of the viral P protein and virus infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adjuvants can increase the control efficacy of diseases and insect pests by changing the physico-chemical properties of pesticides. Most of the aviation spray adjuvants are versions of ground adjuvants. Maize insecticide sprays with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), have problems such as relatively low droplet deposition rate and poor wettability. Hence, wettability research and optimization tests for aviation spray adjuvants are needed. The present study screened 12 spray adjuvants using physico-chemical property experiments. The adjuvants were applied to improve the droplet deposition and control efficacy in maize borers controlling by UAV. The selected spray adjuvants were Po2 (a hyperbranched polymer adjuvant) and VO3 (a vegetable oil adjuvant). Results showed that, (1) When Po2 was added in water-dispersible granules (WGs) at volume rate of 12 L/hm2, the dynamic surface tension (DST) of WGs was decreased by 37.41%, and the maize leaves were covered by droplets 100%, the droplet deposition was increased by 104% and maize borer control was increased by 46%; (2) VO3 decreased the surface tension of ultra-low-volume (ULV) formulation by 12.02% and the maize leaves were covered by droplets 100%. The effect of VO3 on improving the droplet deposition and control efficacy at 12 L/hm2 with ULV was not significant. Thus, the addition of aviation spray adjuvant to improve the wettability of WGs significantly improved the droplet deposition and control efficacy but it had no significant effect on the ULV formulation [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose This study aimed to explore the impact of ABL1-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) adherence on the survival of chromosomepositive (Ph+) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) children and clarify the potential predictors of patients' prognosis from TKIs intake practices. Materials and Methods Ninety newly diagnosed Ph+ ALL patients who received TKIs were enrolled. We collected the baseline characteristics and adverse events in all children; moreover, TKIs adherence was measured by an eight-item Morisky medication adherence scale (MMAS-8). Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) analysis were performed, and risk factors for PFS and OS were evaluated. Results Among all patients, 69 cases were regarded as adherers, while 21 were non-adherers. The median duration of TKIs interruption was significantly prolonged in the non-adherence group than in the adherence group (13 [0-101] vs. 56 [11-128], p < 0.001). Additionally, dose reduction occurred in 55.2% of non-adherers versus 23.0% of adherers (p=0.002). The PFS and OS in adherers were significantly higher versus non-adherers (p=0.020 and p=0.039). MMAS-8 score was an independent risk factor for PFS (p=0.010) and OS (p=0.031). Among non-adherers, the median OS was only 23.1% (4.2%-42%) in patients aged = 10 years versus 54.4% (38.8%-70%) in adolescents. Most of the patients who experienced TKIs non-adherence suffered pancytopenia. Conclusion TKIs adherence during treatment significantly influenced the survival of pediatric Ph+ ALL patients, and non-adherers with age = 10 years were more vulnerable to TKIs disruption. The cumulative TKIs dose should be especially emphasized to patients with age = 10 years, which may result in an inferior achievement of relevant treatment milestones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to investigate the flow characteristics and distribution law of airflow in multi-branch pipe of pneumatic rice precision direct seeder and obtain the mathematical model between airflow parameters and pipe geometry structure. In this study, the airflow flow law of the multi-branch pipeline of the pneumatic system was studied, the mechanism of airflow flow in the multi-branch pipe was analyzed, and it was clarified that the main factors affecting the airflow flow in the pipe, namely, air density, air dynamic viscosity, the total flow rate of the inlet branch pipe, the length of the closed end of the header, the inner diameter of the outlet branch pipe, and the outlet branch pipe spacing. Numerical simulations were carried out using Fluent simulation software to elucidate the cause of multi-branch pipes of uneven distribution of airflow in multi-branch pipes, the empirical equation among these factors and the flow velocity of the outlet branch pipe are established by dimensional analysis method. The bench test results show that the established empirical equations are applicable in the following ranges: 0.018 m³/s≤Q≤0.054 m3/s, 0.045 m≤d≤0.05 m, 0.075 m≤L≤0.125 m, 0.7 m≤Y1≤0.875 m (0.5 m≤Y2≤0.75 m, 0.36 m≤Y3≤0.45 m), the prediction accuracy can be controlled within 10% of the empirical formula, which can provide a reference for the prediction and optimization design of outlet velocity of the multi-branch pipe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: A large number of studies have shown that function constipation (FC) has an extremely high incidence of mental and psychological disorders. Cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) was applied to the treatment of psychological disorders such as anxiety and depression. We explored the effects of CES combined with biofeedback therapy (BFT) on the psychological state, clinical symptoms, and anorectal function in patients with FC. Methods: A total of 74 patients with FC were randomly divided into 2 groups. The control group received BFT. CES combined with BFT was carried out in the experiment group. All patients were assessed using the self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), self-rating depression scale (SDS), and Wexner constipation score at baseline and the end of each course. Anorectal manometry and balloon expulsion tests were performed before and after treatment. Results: After treatment, the participants in the experiment group had significantly lower score SAS, SDS, and Wexner constipation scores than the control group (all P < 0.05). The number of successful expulsion in the experiment group was larger than the control group (P = 0.016). Conclusions: CES combined with BFT was effective in improving the psychological status of anxiety, depression, and bowel symptoms in patients with FC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: L-arabinose isomerase (AI) is a crucial catalyst for the biotransformation of D-galactose to D-tagatose. In previous reports, AIs from thermophilic bacterial strains had been wildly researched, but the browning reaction and by-products formed at high temperatures restricted their applications. By contrast, AIs from mesophilic Bacillus strains have some different features including lower optimal temperatures and lower requirements of metallic cofactors. These characters will be beneficial to the development of a more energy-efficient and safer production process. However, the relevant data about the kinetics and reaction properties of Bacillus AIs in D-tagatose production are still insufficient. Thus, in order to support further applications of these AIs, a comprehensive characterization of a Bacillus AI is needed. Results: The coding gene (1422 bp) of Bacillus coagulans NL01 AI (BCAI) was cloned and overexpressed in the Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) strain. The enzymatic property test showed that the optimal temperature and pH of BCAI were 60 °C and 7.5 respectively. The raw purified BCAI originally showed high activity in absence of outsourcing metallic ions and its thermostability did not change in a low concentration (0.5 mM) of Mn2+ at temperatures from 70 °C to 90 °C. Besides these, the catalytic efficiencies (kcat/Km) for L-arabinose and D-galactose were 8.7 mM-1 min-1 and 1.0 mM-1 min-1 respectively. Under optimal conditions, the recombinant E. coli cell containing BCAI could convert 150 g L-1 and 250 g L-1 D-galactose to D-tagatose with attractive conversion rates of 32 % (32 h) and 27 % (48 h). Conclusions: In this study, a novel AI from B. coagulans NL01was cloned, purified and characterized. Compared with other reported AIs, this AI could retain high proportions of activity at a broader range of temperatures and was less dependent on metallic cofactors such as Mn2+. Its substrate specificity was understood deeply by carrying out molecular modelling and docking studies. When the recombinant E. coli expressing the AI was used as a biocatalyst, D-tagatose could be produced efficiently in a simple one-pot biotransformation system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant rhabdoviruses heavily rely on insect vectors for transmission between sessile plants. However, little is known about the underlying mechanisms of insect attraction and transmission of plant rhabdoviruses. In this study, we used an arthropod-borne cytorhabdovirus, Barley yellow striate mosaic virus (BYSMV), to demonstrate the molecular mechanisms of a rhabdovirus accessory protein in improving plant attractiveness to insect vectors. Here, we found that BYSMVinfected barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) plants attracted more insect vectors than mock-treated plants. Interestingly, overexpression of BYSMV P6, an accessory protein, in transgenic wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plants substantially increased host attractiveness to insect vectors through inhibiting the jasmonic acid (JA) signaling pathway. The BYSMV P6 protein interacted with the constitutive photomorphogenesis 9 signalosome subunit 5 (CSN5) of barley plants in vivo and in vitro, and negatively affected CSN5-mediated deRUBylation of cullin1 (CUL1). Consequently, the defective CUL1-based Skp1/Cullin1/F-box ubiquitin E3 ligases could not mediate degradation of jasmonate ZIM-domain proteins, resulting in compromised JA signaling and increased insect attraction. Overexpression of BYSMV P6 also inhibited JA signaling in transgenic Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) plants to attract insects. Our results provide insight into how a plant cytorhabdovirus subverts plant JA signaling to attract insect vectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mixtures, grains, and residues in the ratooning rice harvesting machine need to be conveyed forward, backward, upward, and downward. Due to such operations, often accumulation and blockage take place at the intersection of a horizontal-vertical screw conveyor, resulting in low efficiency, high power consumption, and even grain damage. In this study, a CFD-DEM approach was applied to address the above problems. Firstly, a pneumatic conveying device was designed for ratooning rice, and then the motion of the rice grains and airflow field was analyzed in detail. The effects of different cross-sectional heights and lengths of the contraction section related to the mixing cavity were examined. Finally, the three-factor quadratic regression orthogonal rotational combination method was adopted in the experiment, and the fan velocity, filling coefficient, and speed of the horizontal screw conveyor were taken as test factors. The results showed that with the increasing cross-sectional height of the contraction section in the mixing cavity, the grain velocity decreased and the dispersity increased. With increasing length of the contraction section in the mixing cavity, the area of the high-speed airflow zone increased and the diffusion effect was enhanced. At the fan velocity of 2700 r/min, the filling coefficient was 0.41, the speed of the horizontal screw conveyor was 1173 r/min, and the outlet flow optimization index was the highest, which was 45.9% higher than that obtained without airflow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weed control in paddy fields is a worldwide problem and mechanical weeding will become a major weeding method in non-chemical weeding. A mechanical weeder was designed and tested to improve the efficiency of mechanical weeding and reduce the application of herbicides in this study. The weeding equipment is equipped with three sets of inter-row weeding parts which include ground-contoured-following pressing-grass float (GPF), weeding roller, and so on. The weeding principle of weeding part is that the weeding equipment enters the inter-row area with weeder moving forward, then the GPF overwhelms the weeds in the inter-row area to improve the probability that the weeding roller behind the GPF pressed the overwhelmed weeds into the soil. The effects of weeding methods on the plant height, grain yield and quality attributes were investigated in a two-seasonal field experiment. Three weeding methods were applied in the present study: no-weeding, chemical weeding and mechanical weeding. The results of the two-seasonal field experiment showed that the average weeding rates of mechanical weeders were 87.10% and 87.61% respectively. In both seasons, there was no significant difference among weeding methods on plant height at the early growth stage of rice after weeding, but weeding methods had significant effect on plant height at the late growth stage. The plant height of mechanical weeding was higher at the late growth stage. Weeding methods had significant effects on grain yield, grain number per panicle, seed-setting rate, 1000-grain weight and shoot dry matter accumulation (p<0.05), however there was no remarkable effect on rice quality and other attributes (p>0.05). Grain yield of mechanical weeding was significantly higher than that of no-weeding. There was no significant difference between chemical weeding and mechanical weeding. It can be concluded from the two-seasonal experiment that mechanical weeding had the same effect as chemical weeding on grain yield and rice quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two novel nanoporous metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) based on the same binuclear nickel secondary building units, {[Ni2(H2O)(BDC)2(BIMB)2]·6DMF}n(1) and {[Ni2(H2O)(BDC)2(BIMB)2]·5DMAc}n(2) (H2BDC = terephthalic acid, BIMB = 1,4-bis(1-imidazolyl)benzene and DMF = N,N′-dimethylformamide, DMAc = N,N′-dimethylacetamide) have been synthesized by self-assembly of Ni(NO3)2·6H2O, BIMB and H2BDC in different solvents (DMF and DMAc), respectively. Different linking modes between terephthalate and binuclear nickel building units in 1and 2lead to an interesting phenomenon that their host frameworks are isomeric to each other and have the same three periodic eight-connected self-penetrating nets with novel 420.68topology. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) results indicate that 1and 2both have reversible framework transformations in an acetone/guest solvent molecule system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To adapt to the diversity of hybrid rice and meet its requirements of precision seeding, a rice pneumatic seeder with adjustable seeding rates was designed in this study. The seeder employed an independent vortex pump to provide the air source for the seed metering device. According to the requirements of air flow in the seed metering device, a sub-pipeline and a general pipeline were designed. The performances of the two types of pipelines were verified by the air pressure uniformity tests. The results showed that the sub-pipeline can distribute the air pressure more evenly than the general pipeline. The coefficient of variation of the sub-pipeline pressure was less than 5%. Wuyou 1179 hybrid rice was selected as the experimental object. The field seeding tests were carried out with different negative pressures and different numbers of groups of sucking holes as experimental factors. The results showed that the average qualified rate of seeding was 93.35% when only 2 groups of sucking holes were working under the seed sucking negative pressure of 2.0 kPa. The average qualified rate of seeding was 87.21% when 3 groups of sucking holes were working under the seed sucking negative pressure of 1.6 kPa. The average qualified rate of seeding was 83.73% when 4 groups of sucking holes were working under the seed sucking negative pressure of 1.6 kPa. The average qualified rate of seeding was 79.86% when 5 groups of sucking holes were working under the seed sucking negative pressure of 1.6 kPa. The main factors affecting the seeding effect were analyzed and the feasibility of a rice pneumatic seeder with adjustable seeding rates was verified by field tests. The research results can provide a basis for its practical production and application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to assess the effects of bradykinin (BK) on the proliferation, apoptosis, and cycle of glomerular mesangial cells via the transforming growth factor-β 1 (TGF-β1)/Smad signaling pathway. Rat glomerular mesangial cells, HBZY-1, were divided into normal group (untreated), model group (5 ng/L TGF-β1), BK group (5 ng/L TGF-β1 + 1 ng/L BK), and inhibitor group [5 ng/L TGF-β1 + 1 ng/L LY2109761 (TGF-β1-specific inhibitor)]. The cell proliferation, cycle, apoptosis, expression of type I collagen (Col-1), and protein expressions of Col-1, TGF-β1, and phosphorylated Smad2 (p-Smad2) were detected by EdU labeling, flow cytometry, acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) dual staining, immunofluorescence assay, and Western blotting, respectively. Compared with the normal group, the cell proliferation rate (P = 0.02) and protein expression levels of Col-1 (P = 0.02), TGF-β1 (P = 0.01), p-Smad2 (P = 0.02), and p-Smad7 (P = 0.00) in the model group significantly increased, and apoptosis rate (P = 0.01) significantly decreased. Compared with the model group, the BK and inhibitor groups significantly decreased in proliferation rate (P = 0.01) and protein expression levels of Col-1 (P = 0.01), TGF-β1 (P = 0.01), and p-Smad2 (P = 0.00). Also, they were significantly elevated in apoptosis rate (P = 0.02) and p-Smad7 protein expression (P = 0.02). BK regulates the proliferation, apoptosis, and the cycle of glomerular mesangial cells by inhibiting the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nozzle flowrate and spray pressure are two of the most important factors influencing on droplet characteristics. With the aim to develop prediction models for air-induction nozzles (AINs), a series of Billericay Farm Services (BFS) AINs with different orifice diameters in combination with tap water were tested. 0.2 MPa, 0.3 MPa, 0.4 MPa, 0.5 MPa, 0.6 MPa and 0.7 MPa of spray pressures and 2 m/s, 3 m/s, 4 m/s and 5 m/s of air speeds were setup. Based on the wind tunnel tests data, prediction models with input variables of nozzle flowrate and spray pressure and output variables of Dv0.1, Dv0.5, Dv0.9, %<150 µm (proportion of spray volume contained in droplets with diameter below 150 µm), relative span (RS) and coefficient of variation (CV) of Dv0.5 were developed. The developed models were validated based on wind tunnel experimental data. Results showed that: for Dv0.1, Dv0.5, Dv0.9 and %<150 µm, R² were equal to 0.768, 0.823, 0.868 and 0.811, indicating that the predictive ability for these four parameters is strong. For RS and CV, R² were equal to 0.100 and 0.113, respectively, indicating that the predictive ability for these two parameters is poor. The models developed in the present study are helpful for facilitating the use of AIN in agricultural spray application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mechanized rice direct seeding is a cost-effective and efficient approach for rice cultivation. Recently, the use of rice direct seeding has been increasing rapidly owing to rural labour shortages and continuous increases in agricultural production costs. This article reviews the research and application progress of mechanized rice direct seeding including direct seeding technologies, precision rice seeding, precision rice seed-metering devices, key supporting agronomy technologies for mechanized rice direct seeding. South China Agricultural University developed precision rice hill-drop drilling (PRHDD) with synchronous furrowing and ridging technology and series machines for paddy that affords remarkable advantages in terms of saving time and labour, higher yield, and higher efficiency. In this approach, pre-germinated seeds are uniformly hill-dropped in the expected positions in puddled soil. It significantly improved the crop growth population and effectively solved the problems of high frequency of disease and pests caused by the irregular distribution of rice seeds with manual broadcasting, and generally reduces seed usage and increases the yield. Therefore, this technology has broad application prospects and great potential for promoting the development of mechanized rice direct seeding in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To address the clogging of the rice seed metering device after a long period of operation without affecting the precision of normal seeding, an active seed throwing and cleaning unit was designed based on the fact that magnets of the same pole were mutually exclusive. The working principle of the two devices was analysed theoretically, and a mechanical model was created according to the relationship between the repulsion forces of magnets and the spring forces of springs. The super hybrid rice Y-2 You 900 with 22.5% moisture content (wet basis) was used as the test object. The whole factor experiments were carried out under different negative pressures, rotational speeds of the suction plates, and lengths of probes. The results indicated that under any test conditions, the active seed throwing and cleaning unit worked normally. The results of high-speed photography showed that the rate of seed cleaning was 100%. The results also showed that the optimal negative pressure was 0.8 kPa. The probability of 1-3 seeds per hill for the seed metering device was approximately 95% under the optimal negative pressure. The optimal length of the probe was found to be 2 mm. The average qualified rate of hill space was 96.04% under the optimal length of probe, the longer the length of the probe, the lower the qualified rate of hill space. It also showed that an active seed throwing and cleaning unit could effectively avoid the hole clogging caused by the long-term operation and had no influence on the normal operation of the pneumatic rice seed metering device. The active seed throwing and cleaning unit improved the stability of the seed metering device, and the research provided a reference for the optimal design of seed throwing and cleaning structures of the pneumatic rice seed metering device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development of inexpensive and robust electrocatalysts towards oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is crucial for the cost-affordable manufacturing of metal-air batteries and fuel cells. Here we show that cross-linked CoMoO4 nanosheets and reduced graphene oxide (CoMoO4/rGO) can be integrated in a hybrid material under one-pot hydrothermal conditions, yielding a composite material with promising catalytic activity for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) were used to investigate the efficiency of the fabricated CoMoO4/rGO catalyst towards ORR in alkaline conditions. The CoMoO4/rGO composite revealed the main reduction peak and onset potential centered at 0.78 and 0.89 V (vs. RHE), respectively. This study shows that the CoMoO4/rGO composite is a highly promising catalyst for the ORR under alkaline conditions, and potential noble metal replacement cathode in fuel cells and metal-air batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The postsynaptic scaffolding protein SH3 and multiple ankyrin repeat domains 3 (SHANK3) is critical for the development and function of glutamatergic synapses. Disruption of the SHANK3-encoding gene has been strongly implicated as a monogenic cause of autism, and Shank3 mutant mice show repetitive grooming and social interaction deficits. Although basal ganglia dysfunction has been proposed to underlie repetitive behaviors, few studies have provided direct evidence to support this notion and the exact cellular mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, we utilized the Shank3B mutant mouse model of autism to investigate how Shank3 mutation may differentially affect striatonigral (direct pathway) and striatopallidal (indirect pathway) medium spiny neurons (MSNs) and its relevance to repetitive grooming behavior in Shank3B mutant mice. We found that Shank3 deletion preferentially affects synapses onto striatopallidal MSNs. Striatopallidal MSNs showed profound defects, including alterations in synaptic transmission, synaptic plasticity, and spine density. Importantly, the repetitive grooming behavior was rescued by selectively enhancing the striatopallidal MSN activity via a Gq-coupled human M3 muscarinic receptor (hM3Dq), a type of designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADD). Our findings directly demonstrate the existence of distinct changes between 2 striatal pathways in a mouse model of autism and indicate that the indirect striatal pathway disruption might play a causative role in repetitive behavior of Shank3B mutant mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mimicking proton conduction mechanism of Nafion to construct novel proton-conducting materials with low cost and high proton conductivity is of wide interest. Herein, we have designed and synthesized a cationic covalent organic framework with high thermal and chemical stability by combining a cationic monomer, ethidium bromide (EB) (3,8-diamino-5-ethyl-6-phenylphenanthridinium bromide), with 1,3,5-triformylphloroglucinol (TFP) in Schiff base reactions. This is the first time that the stable cationic crystalline frameworks allowed for the fabrication of a series of charged COFs (EB-COF:X, X = F, Cl, Br, I) through ion exchange processes. Exchange of the extra framework ions can finely modulate the COFs' porosity and pore sizes at nanoscale. More importantly, by introducing PW12O403- into this porous cationic framework, we can greatly enhance the proton conductivity of ionic COF-based material. To the best of our knowledge, EB-COF:PW12 shows the best proton conductivity at room temperature among ever reported porous organic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The heptamolybdate [NH4]6[Mo7O24], as a common polyoxometalate (POM) precursor with dynamic configuration transformation in aqueous solution by changing the pH, has been introduced into the hydrothermal reaction system containing copper ions and bichelate-bridging ligands, leading to the isolation of seven new organic-inorganic hybrid compounds [CuI 2Lo2][Mo6O19] (1), [CuII 2Lo2][β- Mo8O26]⋅2H2O (2), [CuII 4Lo2(pypz)4][α-Mo8O26]⋅3H2O (3), [CuII 4Lp4(H2O)4][α-Mo8O26][β-Mo8O26]⋅4H2O (4), [CuI 4Lp3][β-Mo8O26]⋅H2O (5), pCuI 4Lp4][α-Mo8O26] (6), and [CuI 2Lp2(Emim)2]ijβ-Mo8O26] (7) [bis(3-(2-pyridyl)pyrazole-1-ylmethyl)benzene = bppmb, Lo = 1,2-bppmb, Lp = 1,4-bppmb, pypz = 3- (2-pyridyl)pyrazole, Emim = 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium). All compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, TG analysis, powder X-ray diffraction and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The structural analyses show that the isopolymolybdate clusters act as a type of "molecular adaptor", which modulate the coordination mode of metal-organic subunits, leading to a series of new metal-organic secondary building units, such as the "Möbius-Ring"-type binuclear unit, "S"-type binuclear unit, butterfly-type unit, helical chain and mesomeric helical chain. As a result, the POM anions and the metal-organic subunits have suitable matching modes to form new hybrid self-assemblies. The photocatalytic properties of compounds 1-7 for the degradation of Rhodamine-B (RhB) under UV irradiation were investigated. All compounds showed good catalytic activity. Furthermore, the luminescent properties of compounds 1-7 have also been explored, indicating an organic ligand-based emission mode for all compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, effective drug for treatment of neuropathic pain is still lacking. Recent studies have shown that the ligands of translocator protein (TSPO, 18 kDa), a peripheral receptor for benzodiazepine, modulate inflammatory pain. Here, we report that TSPO was upregu-lated in astrocytes and microglia in the ipsilateral spinal dorsal horn of rats following L5 spinal nerve ligation (L5 SNL), lasting until the vanishing of the behavioral signs of neuropathic pain (~50 d). Importantly, a single intrathecal injection of specific TSPO agonists Ro5-4864 or FGIN-1 -27 at 7 and 21 d after L5 SNL depressed the established mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia dramatically, and the effect was abolished by pretreatment with AMG, a neurosteroid synthesis inhibitor. Mechanically, Ro5-4864 substantially inhib-ited spinal astrocytes but not microglia, and reduced the production of tumor necrosis factor-ɑ (TNF-ɑ) in vivo and in vitro. The anti-neuroinflammatory effect was also prevented by AMG. Interestingly, TSPO expression returned to control levels or decreased substantially, when neuropathic pain healed naturally or was reversed by Ro5-4864, suggesting that the role of TSPO upregulation might be to promote recovery from the neurological disorder. Finally, the neuropathic pain and the upregulation of TSPO by L5 SNL were prevented by pharmacological blockage of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). These data suggested that TSPO might be a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of neuropathic pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of mixed-ligand coordination complexes, namely, [Zn(L1)2(p-BDC)] (1), [Cd(L1)2(p-BDC)] (2), [Zn(L2)(p-BDC)] (3), [Cd(L2)(p-BDC)] (4), and [Zn2(L3)(p-BDC)1.5(OH)]·H2O (5) (L1= 2-chloro-5-((2-(pyridin-2-yl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl)methyl)pyridine, L2= 2-(1-(pyridin-3-ylmethyl)-1H-imidazol-2-yl)pyridine, L3= 2-(1-(pyridin-4-ylmethyl)-1H-imidazol-2-yl)pyridine, and p-BDC = 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate), have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. Their structures have been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses and further characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectra, and thermogravimetric (TG) analyses. Compounds 1and 2are isostructural and show infinite chains which extend into two-dimensional (2D) supramolecular sheets by π···π interactions. For 3, L2ligands link ZnIIions to form dimeric units [Zn2(L2)2] which are connected by p-BDC anions to form 63layers which interpenetrate each other in a vertical manner to generate a rare 2D → three-dimensional (3D) polycatenated net. In 4, similar dimeric units [Cd2(L2)2] formed by L2ligands and Cd cations which are linked by p-BDC ligands to give a unique 3D 3-fold interpenetrated (10,3)-b network structure. In 5, two kinds of p-BDC ligands coordinate to Zn cations to form a 2-fold interpenetrating network with α-Po topological structure, in which each L3ligand coordinates to a Zn ion acting as a terminal ligand. By careful inspection of the structures of 1−5, we believe that the coordination geometries of metal centers and different substituent groups of N-donor ligands adopting various coordination modes are crucial factors for the formation of the different structures. The photoluminescent properties of L1−L3and 1−5have been studied in the solid state at room temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six polyoxometalate (POM)-based hybrid materials have been designed and synthesized based on octamolybdate building blocks and copper-organic units at different pH values under hydrothermal conditions, namely, [H2bbi][CuII(bbi)2(β-Mo8O26)] (1), [CuII(bbi)2(H2O)(β-Mo8O26)0.5] (2), [CuII(bbi)2(α-Mo8O26)][CuI(bbi)]2 (3), [CuIICuI(bbi)3(α-Mo8O26)][CuI(bbi)] (4), [CuI(bbi)]2[CuI2(bbi)2(O-Mo8O26)0.5][α-Mo8O26]0.5 (5), and [CuI(bbi)][CuI(bbi)(θ-Mo8O26)0.5] (6), where bbi is 1,1′-(1,4-butanediyl)bis(imidazole). Their crystal structures have been determined by X-ray diffraction. In compound 1, the bbi ligands with bis-monodentate coordination modes link CuII cations to generate a 2D copper-organic unit with (4, 4) net, which is pillared by the (β-Mo8O26)4- anions to form a 3D framework with α-Po topology. The similar copper-organic units are connected alternately by (β-Mo8O26)4- anions to generate a 3D 2-fold interpenetrating (4,6)-connected framework with (44 · 6²)(44 · 610 · 8) topology in compound 2. Compounds 3 and 4 are supramolecular isomers with polythreaded topology. If CuI ⋯ O interactions are considered, the structure of 3 is a novel self-penetrating (3,4,6)-connected framework with (5² · 8)2(54 · 6 · 8)(44 · 610 · 10) topology, and the structure of 4 is a (4,6)-connected framework with (4² · 6³ · 7)(5 · 64 · 8)(4² · 56 · 66 · 8)(4² · 56 · 64 · 7· 8²) topology. Different from compounds 3 and 4, compounds 5 and 6 are supramolecular isomers with polythreaded topology based on different octamolybdate isomers. By careful inspection of the structures of 1 -6, it is believed that various copper- organic units, which are formed by bbi ligands combined with CuII/CuI cations, octamolybdates with different types and coordination modes, and the nonbonding interactions between polyanions and copper-organic units are important for the formation of the different structures. In addition, with step by step increasing of the amount of organic amine, we have achieved the transformation of CuII ions into CuI ones in different degrees in POMs-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for the first time. The infrared spectra, X-ray powder diffraction, and thermogravimetric analyses have been investigated in detail for all compounds, and the luminescent properties have been also been investigated for compounds 3 and 4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two Fe-substituted Dawson-type nanoscale selenotungstate clusters, {Fe6Se6W34} and {Fe10Se8W62} involving {α-Se2W14} and {γ-Se2W14} building blocks, have been isolated, which exhibit photocatalytic H2 evolution activity. Their electrochemical behaviours and magnetic properties were also investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]