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Spatial ability is a significant component of mathematical ability and a foundation for children to master mathematical knowledge. Although many studies have confirmed that technology can enhance children's learning, few have explored the use of technology in the area of children's spatial learning. In this study, we adopted a paradigm for experimental research. With 106 children in four classes in two kindergartens in Eastern China (52 in the experimental group and 54 in the control group), an experimental intervention on the spatial learning of children in the experimental group was carried out using situated interactive e-books as the media, while those in the control group learned independently in the traditional way (children manipulated physical materials independently, such as puzzles). Using the methods of measuring and lag sequential analysis, it was investigated whether this intervention could improve the spatial ability of children as well as influence their learning behavior and approach to learning. The results show that children's spatial ability was significantly improved by the proposed approach; those who used situated interactive e-books as a medium to learn showed significantly better approaches and learning behaviors than their counterparts in the control group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of climate change on medicinal plants has significantly altered their suitable environments, thereby affecting the quality of herbal medicines. Notopterygium franchetii (N. franchetii), a medicinal plant intricately linked to its natural habitat, exhibits substantial quality variations influenced by the ecological conditions of its native region. In this study, comprehensive field surveys were conducted to gather occurrence records and samples of N. franchetii. The Maxent model and ArcGIS software were employed to predict the suitable habitats of N. franchetii during different time periods. A high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was developed to establish the chemical fingerprints of 21 sample batches. Fourteen common peaks were subjected to cluster analysis, principal component analysis, and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis. The findings revealed quality variations correlated with their geographic origins, identifying peaks 10, 1, 14, 3, and 4 as crucial for quality differentiation. The study indicates that precipitation, temperature, and altitude significantly influence the distribution of N. franchetii. Under current climate conditions, the suitable habitat area for N. franchetii is estimated to be approximately 94,637.33 km2. However, projections under three future climate scenarios suggest a declining trend in suitable habitat areas. A quality zoning map of N. franchetii was developed, integrating a correlation model between chemical composition and environmental variables with the spatial analysis and visualization capabilities of ArcGIS. The high-quality regions for N. franchetii are predominantly located in the Gannan, Linxia, Dingxi, Longnan, and Wuwei districts. These research outcomes offer a valuable reference for identifying suitable cultivation areas and assessing the quality of N. franchetii in Gansu Province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most prevalent malignancies affecting the gastrointestinal tract and is ranked third among cancers with the highest incidence and second-highest mortality rate worldwide. CRC exhibits a slow progression providing a wide treatment window. The currently employed CRC screening methods have shown great potential to prevent CRC and reduce CRC-related morbidity and mortality. The diagnosis of CRC is achieved by colonoscopy and tissue biopsy, with studies showing that liquid biopsy is more effective in detecting and diagnosing early CRC patients. Increasing number of studies have shown that the tumor components shed into circulating blood can be detected in liquid form, and can be applied in the clinical management of CRC. Analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs), circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), or tumor-associated platelets (TEPs) in the blood can be used for early screening and diagnosis of CRC, aid tumor staging, treatment response monitoring, and prediction of CRC recurrence and metastasis in a minimally invasive manner. This chapter provides an updated review of CTCs, ctDNA, and TEPs as novel biomarkers for CRC, highlighting their strengths and limitations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three triphenylamine‐ and s‐triazine‐based conjugated microporous polymers (TTPA, TTDATA, and TTMDATA) were prepared via the Friedel−Crafts arylation reactions under the catalytic action of CH3SO3H. In virtue of containing rich nitrogen atoms in their porous frameworks, the obtained TTPA, TTDATA, and TTMDATA possess good fluorescence sensing property for o‐nitrophenol (o‐NP) with high quenching coefficients of 1.54 × 104, 1.32 × 104, 1.33 × 103 L mol−1 and low limits of detection (LODs) of 2.44 × 10−9, 1.14 × 10−11, and 1.35 × 10−8 mol L−1, respectively. The fluorescent quenching mechanism of TTPA for selective sensing o‐NP is the photo‐induced charge‐transfer mechanism. However, the fluorescent quenching mechanisms of TTDATA and TTMDATA for selective sensing o‐NP have both the photo‐induced charge‐transfer mechanism and the resonant energy transfer mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In this study, a high-quality chromosomal-level genome of male Decapterus maruadsi was assembled based on Illumina, PacBio, and Hi-C technology. Notably, 23 chromosome-level genome sequences with lengths ranging between 21.74 and 44.53 Mb were assembled. A total of 22,716 protein-coding genes with an average transcript and a CDs length of 12,823.03 bp and 1676.66 bp, respectively, were successfully annotated. Based on positive selection analysis, some genes associated with the growth and development of bone, muscle, cardioid, and ovary were screened. These genes were likely involved in the evolution of typical biological features in D. maruadsi, such as fast growth rate, small body size, and strong fecundity. The newly established reference genome provides a fundamental genome resource for further genetic conservation, genomic-assisted breeding, and exploration of the molecular mechanism underlying adaptive evolution. Decapterus maruadsi is a typical representative of small pelagic fish characterized by fast growth rate, small body size, and high fecundity. It is a high-quality marine commercial fish with high nutritional value. However, the underlying genetics and genomics research focused on D. maruadsi is not comprehensive. Herein, a high-quality chromosome-level genome of a male D. maruadsi was assembled. The assembled genome length was 716.13 Mb with contig N50 of 19.70 Mb. Notably, we successfully anchored 95.73% contig sequences into 23 chromosomes with a total length of 685.54 Mb and a scaffold N50 of 30.77 Mb. A total of 22,716 protein-coding genes, 274.90 Mb repeat sequences, and 10,060 ncRNAs were predicted, among which 22,037 (97%) genes were successfully functionally annotated. The comparative genome analysis identified 459 unique, 73 expanded, and 52 contracted gene families. Moreover, 2804 genes were identified as candidates for positive selection, of which some that were related to the growth and development of bone, muscle, cardioid, and ovaries, such as some members of the TGF-β superfamily, were likely involved in the evolution of typical biological features in D. maruadsi. The study provides an accurate and complete chromosome-level reference genome for further genetic conservation, genomic-assisted breeding, and adaptive evolution research for D. maruadsi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an irreversible neurodegenerative disease with a variety of pathogenic factors and complex pathogenesis, so that the disease has a high prevalence and mortality in the world. Although the current diagnosis and treatment equipment and drug research and development keep pace with the times, the current medical technology still can not completely cure the disease, so it is of great significance to explore the pathogenesis and treatment target of AD. The disorder of energy metabolism is one of the characteristic changes in the pathological process of AD. Aerobic glycolysis (AEG) is a special metabolic pathway in the brain, which can rapidly consume glucose to produce energy and substrate for neurons, improve synaptic plasticity, neuroinflammation and oxidative damage, and contribute to the recovery of memory and cognitive function. In recent years, many literatures have reported the mechanism of AEG in AD and the intervention of Tradit Chin Med on this mechanism. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the role of AEG in AD and the related research on the regulation and control of AEG in the treatment of AD by Tradit Chin Med, in order to provide reference and ideas for the prevention and treatment of AD with Tradit Chin Med in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Central South University is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

BACKGROUND: Vascular tortuosity is a prevalent morphological change that frequently occurs in arteries across different parts of the body. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the relationship between the tortuosities of the extracranial internal carotid artery (EICA) and extracranial vertebral artery (EVA) with mild cognitive impairment. METHODS: The tortuosity index (TI), vascular deviation degree, tortuosity degree, and angle number of the EICA and EVA were retrospectively analyzed and calculated in 160 patients who underwent computed tomography angiography (CTA) in this study's department, and the Montreal cognitive assessment was adopted to evaluate the cognitive function of the patients. RESULTS: The differences in age, gender, arterial hypertension (AH), and diabetes mellitus (DM) between the normal group and the mild cognitive impairment group were statistically significant (p < 0.01). The TI was negatively correlated with the score of cognitive function. The tortuosities of the EICA and EVA were correlated with mild cognitive impairment (p < 0.05). The reduction in visual-spatial ability was correlated with the right EICA tortuosity, and the reduction in memory was correlated with the EVA tortuosity. Age, gender, HP, DM, and coronary heart disease (CHD) were potential risk factors for carotid tortuosity (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: There was a significant correlation observed between the TIs of both the EICA and EVA and the presence of mild cognitive impairment. Advanced age, female, HP, DM, and CHD were independent risk factors for EICA and EVA tortuosities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Central South University is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Two circularly polarized (CP) 2 × 2 array antennas based on the spoof surface plasmon polariton (SPP) and spoof localized surface plasmon (LSP) are proposed. The antenna I is fed by a feed network to increase the axial-ratio (AR) bandwidth. The spoof SPP and spoof LSP are introduced to increase the gain through energy localization, and the structure can suppress the cross-polarization to a certain extent and obtain a wider axial-ratio beamwidth. In addition, the electromagnetic band gap (EBG) is used to suppress surface waves to further increase the gain. The size of antenna I is 1.27λg × 1.27λg × 0.18λg. The impedance bandwidth and the AR bandwidth of antenna I are 72% (3.15–6.75 GHz) and 55% (3.97–6.72 GHz), respectively, and the peak gain is 11.11 dBi. The antenna II optimizes the distance between the two substrates according to antenna I to further increase the gain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 3,4‐ethylenedioxy thiophene (EDOT)‐based conjugated microporous polymers (CMPs) were readily constructed via facile one‐step direct arylation polymerication of CH from simple EDOT as a linker and commercially available aryl bromides of different geometries as the knots, without preactivation of CH bonds of aromatic building blocks using organometallic reagents. In contrast to conventional coupling reactions, this synthesis strategy not only has atomic efficiency but also can use simple thiophene derivatives as building blocks for synthesizing thiophene‐based CMPs of different structures, which avoids the synthesis of complex thiophene derivatives and are important for applications, for example, fluorescent sensors. The resulting EDOT‐based CMPs were used to fluorescent sensing to 2,4‐dinitrophenol (DNP), I2, and p‐nitrophenol (p‐NP), with high optimal Stern‐Volmer quenching constants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In this study, the transcriptomic response of Trachinotus ovatus liver was observed against high-temperature stress. Through differential expression and short time-series expression miner (STEM) analyses, some high-temperature-related genes and biological pathways were screened, which were mainly related to protein balance, hypoxia adaptation, and energy metabolism. Our results suggest that protein dynamic balance and function, hypoxia adaptation, and energy metabolism transformation are crucial in response to acute high-temperature stress. These results contribute to understanding the molecular response mechanism of T. ovatus under acute heat stress and provide novel insights into the selection and breeding of heat-tolerant cultivars and the high-quality development of aquaculture. Trachinotus ovatus is a major economically important cultured marine fish in the South China Sea. However, extreme weather and increased culture density result in uncontrollable problems, such as increases in water temperature and a decline in dissolved oxygen (DO), hindering the high-quality development of aquaculture. In this study, liver transcriptional profiles of T. ovatus were investigated under acute high-temperature stress (31 °C and 34 °C) and normal water temperature (27 °C) using RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) technology. Differential expression analysis and STEM analysis showed that 1347 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and four significant profiles (profiles 0, 3, 4, and 7) were screened, respectively. Of these DEGs, some genes involved in heat shock protein (HSPs), hypoxic adaptation, and glycolysis were up-regulated, while some genes involved in the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) and fatty acid metabolism were down-regulated. Our results suggest that protein dynamic balance and function, hypoxia adaptation, and energy metabolism transformation are crucial in response to acute high-temperature stress. Our findings contribute to understanding the molecular response mechanism of T. ovatus under acute heat stress, which may provide some reference for studying the molecular mechanisms of other fish in response to heat stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The launch of new altimetry satellites and ongoing updates to altimetry data have continuously improved the accuracy and resolution of satellite altimeter-derived marine gravity field models. This paper evaluates the accuracy and real spatial resolution of marine gravity field models using three different marine gravity field models (DTU17, SS V32.1, and SDUST) and two sets of shipborne gravity data in the South China Sea for a multiattribute analysis. After preprocessing and calibrating, the shipborne gravity data quality was verified using crossover analysis. The study then compared typical marine gravity models with shipborne gravity measurements to assess their accuracies in the South China Sea. Through spatial and frequency domain analyses, two methods were applied to calculate the real spatial resolutions of the gravity models. The root mean squares of deviations between the three gravity models and shipborne gravity range from 3.48–7.01 mGal, 3.38–6.80 mGal, and 2.64–6.83 mGal, and the real spatial resolution ranges of the models are 9.1–11.5 km, 6.7–11.2 km, and 8.9–11.3 km in the South China Sea area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a troublesome pathogen that poses a global threat to public health. Shikonin (SKN) isolated from Lithospermum erythrorhizon (L. erythrorhizon) possesses a variety of biological activities. This study aims to explore the effect of the combined application of SKN and traditional antibiotics on the vitality of MRSA and the inherent antibacterial mechanism of SKN. The synergies between SKN and antibiotics against MRSA and its clinical strain have been demonstrated by the checkerboard assay and the time-kill assay. The effect of SKN on disrupting the integrity and permeability of bacterial cell membranes was verified by a nucleotide and protein leakage assay and a bacteriolysis assay. As determined by crystal violet staining, SKN inhibited the biofilm formation of clinical MRSA strains. The results of Western blot and qRT-PCR showed that SKN could inhibit the expression of proteins and genes related to drug resistance and S. aureus exotoxins. SKN inhibited the ability of RAW264.7 cells to release the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6, as measured by ELISA. Our findings suggest that SKN has the potential to be developed as a promising alternative for the treatment of MRSA infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a simple broadband circularly polarized (CP) patch antenna design is proposed. The antenna uses a 2 × 2 array fed by a sequential-phase feed network to improve the axial ratio (AR) bandwidth and gain, and an L-shaped slot is used to remove the coupling between the feed network and the radiation patches. Similarly, to reduce coupling, the height between two substrates is discussed as an important parameter. The proposed antenna is fabricated to verify the simulated results. Measured results show that the impedance bandwidth is 65.2% (1.68–3.31 GHz), the AR bandwidth obtained at the same time is 61.6% (1.86–3.39 GHz), and the effective relative bandwidth is 58% (1.86–3.31 GHz), and the peak gain is about 7.13 dBi at 2.7 GHz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Rare Metals is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has had a major impact on global human health. During the spread of SARS-CoV-2, weakened host immunity and the use of vaccines with low efficacy may result in the development of more-virulent strains or strains with resistance to existing vaccines and antibodies. The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 mutant strains differs between regions, and this variation may have an impact on the effectiveness of vaccines. In this study, an epidemiological investigation of SARS-CoV-2 in Portugal was performed, and the VSV-ΔG-G* pseudovirus system was used to construct 12 spike protein epidemic mutants, D614G, A222V+D614G, B.1.1.7, S477N+D614G, P1162R+D614G+A222V, D839Y+D614G, L176F+D614G, B.1.1.7+L216F, B.1.1.7+M740V, B.1.258, B.1.258+L1063F, and B.1.258+N751Y. The mutant pseudoviruses were used to infect four susceptible cell lines (Huh7, hACE2-293T-293T, Vero, and LLC-MK2) and 14 cell lines overexpressing ACE2 from different species. Mutant strains did not show increased infectivity or cross-species transmission. Neutralization activity against these pseudoviruses was evaluated using mouse serum and 11 monoclonal antibodies. The neutralizing activity of immunized mouse serum was not significantly reduced with the mutant strains, but the mutant strains from Portugal could evade nine of the 11 monoclonal antibodies tested. Neutralization resistance was mainly caused by the mutations S477N, N439K, and N501Y in the spike-receptor binding domain. These findings emphasize the importance of SARS-CoV-2 mutation tracking in different regions for epidemic prevention and control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plant growth and development, and plays vital roles in crop yield. Assimilation of nitrogen is thus fine-tuned in response to heterogeneous environments. However, the regulatory mechanism underlying this essential process remains largely unknown. Here, we report that a zinc-finger transcription factor, drought and salt tolerance (DST), controls nitrate assimilation in rice by regulating the expression of OsNR1.2. We found that loss of function of DST results in a significant decrease of nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in the presence of nitrate. Further study revealed that DST is required for full nitrate reductase activity in rice and directly regulates the expression of OsNR1.2 , a gene showing sequence similarity to nitrate reductase. Reverse genetics and biochemistry studies revealed that OsNR1.2 encodes an NADH-dependent nitrate reductase that is required for high NUE of rice. Interestingly, the DST-OsNR1.2 regulatory module is involved in the suppression of nitrate assimilation under drought stress, which contributes to drought tolerance. Considering the negative role of DST in stomata closure, as revealed previously, the positive role of DST in nitrogen assimilation suggests a mechanism coupling nitrogen metabolism and stomata movement. The discovery of this coupling mechanism will aid the engineering of drought-tolerant crops with high NUE in the future. Nitrogen assimilation and drought tolerance are both important for crop production. In this study, the authors found that a DST-OsNR1.2 module is required for nitrogen use efficiency of rice and mediates the suppression of nitrogen assimilation under drought stress. These findings shed light on the coordination of drought stress responses and reprogramming of nitrogen metabolism in rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Litter-leached dissolved organic carbon (DOC) plays an essential role in regulating biogeochemical cycles in forests. However, it is unclear how tree litter-leached DOC amounts and biodegradation vary with mycorrhizal types and leaf habits. Materials and methods: We collected leaf litter from 14 common tree species belonging to different mycorrhizal types (arbuscular mycorrhizal, AM; and ectomycorrhizal, ECM) and leaf habits (deciduous broadleaf, evergreen broadleaf, and evergreen coniferous) in subtropical forests of southern China. We used a soaking experiment to determine litter-leached DOC, dissolved total nitrogen (DTN), and dissolved total phosphorus (DTP) amounts, and DOC aromaticity and molecular weight, and then assessed leaf litter-leached DOC biodegradation using a 42-day incubation experiment. Results and discussion: AM broadleaf tree litter produced greater amounts of DOC with lower aromatic content and molecular weight than ECM broadleaf tree litter. In contrast, AM evergreen coniferous litter leached lower amounts of DOC with greater aromaticity than ECM evergreen coniferous litter. In the litter leachates, AM broadleaf trees often had higher DOC:DTN ratio than ECM broadleaf trees, while AM evergreen coniferous species had a lower DOC:DTP ratio than ECM evergreen coniferous species. For both deciduous and evergreen broadleaf trees, AM species had greater DOC biodegradation than ECM species due to the lower aromatic content and molecular weight. However, litter-leached DOC biodegradation did not differ between AM and ECM evergreen coniferous trees. Conclusions: Tree mycorrhizal associations can indicate the interspecific variations of litter-leached DOC amounts and biodegradation, but such tree mycorrhizal effect is highly dependent on leaf habit in subtropical forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus (S.) aureus (MRSA) is a representative pathogen that produces numerous virulence factors involving manifold cytotoxins and exotoxins. The present study was designed to investigate the influence of Eleutheroside K (ETSK), a single compound isolated from the leaves of Acanthopanax (A.) henryi (Oliv.) Harms, on the exotoxins secreted by MRSA. The transcription and translation of the exotoxins (α-hemolysin and staphylococcal enterotoxins) related to virulence in S. aureus were determined via quantitative RT-PCR and western blot analysis. The effect of ETSK on the production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α was evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. As a result, ETSK at sub-MIC concentrations could reduce the protein expression of α-hemolysin and enterotoxin, and the expression of genes that regulate virulence factors was also inhibited. In addition, the TNF-inducing activity of S. aureus was attenuated by ETSK in a dose-dependent manner. These results revealed that ETSK not only reduced the protein and gene expression levels of related exotoxins but also suppressed the ability of S. aureus to induce macrophages to release cytokines. This study indicated that the inhibition of MRSA infection by ETSK may be achieved by reducing the virulence of S. aureus and highlighted the potential of ETSK as an innovative strategy for the prevention and treatment of MRSA infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and safety of fotagliptin benzoate (fotagliptin), a dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inhibitor, in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In a randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled study, 10 and 4 patients with T2DM were randomized and received, respectively, once‐daily oral fotagliptin (24 mg) or placebo, for 14 days. The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics were assessed throughout the study, including monitoring DPP‐4, glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1), glycosylated hemoglobin, and fasting blood glucose. Fotagliptin was rapidly absorbed, and the median time to maximum concentration value was ∼1.5 hours. Plasma fotagliptin levels were stable after 14 days of once‐daily dosage. The accumulation ratios for the area under the plasma concentration–time curve of fotagliptin, M1, and M2‐1, were 1.19 ± 0.10, 1.59 ± 0.27, and 1.39 ± 0.26, respectively. The durations for DPP‐4 inhibition >80% in the fotagliptin group on days 1 and 14 were 23.5 and 24.0 hours, respectively. The concentrations of GLP‐1 were higher on days 1 and 14 than at the baseline. No serious complications occurred. Fotagliptin showed favorable pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics and was well tolerated. Treatment with fotagliptin can achieve high DPP‐4 inhibition and increase plasma GLP‐1. A once‐per‐day dosing regimen may be recommended as clinically efficacious. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We developed a new method for protein droplet visualization by means of a droplet probe (DroProbe) based on an aggregation-induced emission (AIE) fluorogen. A simple method for viscosity comparison of the protein condensed phase based on the lifetime of the DroProbe was also developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Adventitious roots (ARs) are an important root type for plants and display a high phenotypic plasticity in response to different environmental stimuli. Previous studies found that dark–light transition can trigger AR formation from the hypocotyl of etiolated Arabidopsis thaliana, which was used as a model for the identification of regulators of AR biogenesis. However, the central regulatory machinery for darkness‐induced hypocotyl AR (HAR) remains elusive. Here, we report that photoreceptors suppress HAR biogenesis through regulating the molecular module essential for lateral roots. We found that hypocotyls embedded in soil or in continuous darkness are able to develop HARs, wherein photoreceptors act as negative regulators. Distinct from wound‐induced ARs that require WOX11 and WOX12, darkness‐induced HARs are fully dependent on ARF7, ARF19, WOX5/7, and LBD16. Further studies established that PHYB interacts with IAA14, ARF7, and ARF9. The interactions stabilize IAA14 and inhibit the transcriptional activities of ARF7 and ARF19 and thus suppress biogenesis of darkness‐induced HARs. This finding not only revealed the central machinery controlling HAR biogenesis but also illustrated that AR formation could be initiated by multiple pathways. Significance Statement: The hypocotyl adventitious root (HAR) is a special type of root, which is important for environmental adaptation of plants in the seedling stage. Here we report that darkness improves HAR formation and photoreceptors inhibit this process through stabilizing IAA14 and suppressing ARF7 and ARF19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An air gun generates acoustic signals for seismic exploration by releasing a high-pressure gas. A large error is always gradually introduced into the ideal-gas model when the pressure in the air-gun chamber exceeds 100 atm. In the van der Waals non-ideal-gas theory, the gas in the air gun can be regarded as an actual gas, and the error is less than 2%. The van der Waals model is established in combination with the quasi-static open thermodynamic system and bubble-motion equation by considering the bubble rise, bubble interaction, and throttling effect. The mismatch between the van der Waals and ideal-gas models is related to the pressure. Theoretically, under high-pressure conditions, the van der Waals air-gun model yields results that are closer to the measured results. Marine vertical cables are extended to the seafloor using steel cables that connect the cement blocks, but the corresponding hydrophones are suspended in the seawater. Thus, noise associated with ships, ocean surges, and coupling problems is avoided, and the signal-to-noise ratio and resolution of marine seismic data are improved. This acquisition method satisfies the conditions of recording air-gun far-field wavelets. According to an actual vertical-cable observation system, the van der Waals air-gun model is used to model the wavelet of different azimuth and take-off angles. The characteristics of the experimental and simulated data demonstrate good agreement, which indicates that the van der Waals method is accurate and reliable. The accuracy of the model is directly related to the resolution, thus affecting the resolution ability of the stratum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Endoscopic treatment is recommended for the management of esophageal varices. However, variceal recurrence or rebleeding is common after endoscopic variceal eradication. Our study aimed to systematically evaluate the prevalence of esophageal collateral veins (ECVs) and the association of ECVs with recurrence of esophageal varices or rebleeding from esophageal varices after endoscopic treatment. Methods We searched the relevant literature through the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases. Prevalence of paraesophageal veins (para-EVs), periesophageal veins (peri-EVs), and perforating veins (PVs) were pooled. Risk ratio (RR) and odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for cohort studies and case–control studies, respectively. A random-effects model was employed. Heterogeneity among studies was calculated. Results Among the 532 retrieved papers, 28 were included. The pooled prevalence of para-EVs, peri-EVs, and PVs in patients with esophageal varices was 73%, 88%, and 54%, respectively. The pooled prevalence of para-EVs and PVs in patients with recurrence of esophageal varices was 87% and 62%, respectively. The risk for recurrence of esophageal varices was significantly increased in patients with PVs (OR   =   9.79, 95% CI: 1.95–49.22, P  =   0.006 for eight case–control studies), but not in those with para-EVs (OR   =   4.26, 95% CI: 0.38–38.35, P  =   0.24 for four case–control studies; RR   =   1.81, 95% CI: 0.83–3.97, P  =   0.14 for three cohort studies). Patients with para-EVs had a significantly higher incidence of rebleeding from esophageal varices (RR   =   13.00, 95% CI: 2.43–69.56, P  =   0.003 for two cohort studies). Statistically significant heterogeneity was notable across the meta-analyses. Conclusions ECVs are common in patients with esophageal varices. Identification of ECVs could be helpful for predicting the recurrence of esophageal varices or rebleeding from esophageal varices after endoscopic treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Endoscopic treatment is recommended for the management of esophageal varices. However, variceal recurrence or rebleeding is common after endoscopic variceal eradication. Our study aimed to systematically evaluate the prevalence of esophageal collateral veins (ECVs) and the association of ECVs with recurrence of esophageal varices or rebleeding from esophageal varices after endoscopic treatment. Methods We searched the relevant literature through the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases. Prevalence of paraesophageal veins (para-EVs), periesophageal veins (peri-EVs), and perforating veins (PVs) were pooled. Risk ratio (RR) and odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for cohort studies and case–control studies, respectively. A random-effects model was employed. Heterogeneity among studies was calculated. Results Among the 532 retrieved papers, 28 were included. The pooled prevalence of para-EVs, peri-EVs, and PVs in patients with esophageal varices was 73%, 88%, and 54%, respectively. The pooled prevalence of para-EVs and PVs in patients with recurrence of esophageal varices was 87% and 62%, respectively. The risk for recurrence of esophageal varices was significantly increased in patients with PVs (OR   =   9.79, 95% CI: 1.95–49.22, P  =   0.006 for eight case–control studies), but not in those with para-EVs (OR   =   4.26, 95% CI: 0.38–38.35, P  =   0.24 for four case–control studies; RR   =   1.81, 95% CI: 0.83–3.97, P  =   0.14 for three cohort studies). Patients with para-EVs had a significantly higher incidence of rebleeding from esophageal varices (RR   =   13.00, 95% CI: 2.43–69.56, P  =   0.003 for two cohort studies). Statistically significant heterogeneity was notable across the meta-analyses. Conclusions ECVs are common in patients with esophageal varices. Identification of ECVs could be helpful for predicting the recurrence of esophageal varices or rebleeding from esophageal varices after endoscopic treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrating particle swarm optimization (PSO) and binary PSO into multiobjective evolutionary algorithm based on decomposition (MOEA/D) by group operator in parallel, an improved mixed optimization algorithm MOEA/D-M is proposed as an automation design scheme for compact high-isolation multiple-input–multiple-output (MIMO) antenna design. When the algorithm runs, each particle has several neighboring particles and all the particles are subdivided into a few groups. Both groups and neighborhoods provide helpful or potential information to their members. Then, under predefined constraints, MIMO antenna with anticipated performance can be generated intelligently and targetedly. The effectiveness of this design scheme is demonstrated by a single-band and a dual-band compact high-isolation MIMO antenna design for wireless local area network (WLAN)/world interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) applications sharing the same initial reference model. The design degree of freedom of MIMO antennas may be increased greatly with the proposed design technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we have successfully semi-synthesized a TDP-43 prion-like domain with Ser404 phosphorylation. We have demonstrated that Ser404 phosphorylation could accelerate the amyloid aggregation of the TDP-43 prion-like domain and aggravate its cytotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the defects of particle swarm optimization (PSO) and multi-objective evolutionary algorithm (EA) based on decomposition (MOEA/D), this article proposes an improved multi-objective EA MOEA/D-GPSO for compact log-periodic dipole array (LPDA) design. MOEA/D-GPSO decomposes multiple objectives into a number of single-objective optimization problems. Each particle deals with one sub-problem. All the particles are divided into a few groups, and each particle has several neighboring particles. During the search, a new solution is constructed by learning information from the random non-dominated solutions found by its own neighbors and group. ZDT instances have been introduced to verify the effectiveness of MOEA/D-GPSO with respect to other outstanding multi-objective EAs. Further, two miniaturized LPDA designs for the application of digital video broadcasting-terrestrial (DVB-T) (470–790 MHz), a tri-objective compact LPDA, and a novel LTE800-refused compact LPDA, respectively, are presented, showing their good performance over other similar designs and promising prospect of the proposed algorithm for high-dimensional and multi-functional LPDA design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, two new dendronized nonlinear optical (NLO) polymers were synthesized with high FTC chromophore loading density by introduction of high generation chromophore dendrons on the side chains. Due to their suitable molecular weights, both of them possessed good solubility in common solvents. They also inherited the advantages of dendrimers (large NLO coefficient), especially for PG2 whose NLO coefficient d33 value was as high as 282 pm·V-1. Also, PG2 had a good temporal stability with 80% of its maximum value being retained at the temperature as high as 129 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous studies demonstrated an important role for connexin 43 (Cx43) in the regulation of apoptosis by influencing mitochondrial functions. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between Cx43 and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).Methods: Western blot was performed to determine mitochondrial Cx43 (MtCx43) protein level and phosphorylation (p-MtCx43). Gap19, a selective Cx43 inhibitor, was used to examine the effects of Cx43 on LPS-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in HUVECs. Expression of regulatory genes associated with oxidative stress was examined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western blot. Apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry.Results: LPS stimulation resulted in increased levels of MtCx43 and p-MtCx43. Interestingly, Gap19 antagonized the upregulation of glutathione S-transferase Zeta 1 (GSTZ1) and cytochrome b alpha beta (CYBB), and the downregulation of antioxidant 1 (ATOX1), glutathione synthetase (GSS) and heme oxygenase 1 (HMOX1) induced by LPS or Cx43 overexpression. Moreover, the increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis elicited by LPS or Cx43 overexpression were reduced following treatment with Gap19.Conclusions: Selective inhibition of Cx43 hemichannels protects HUVECs from LPS-induced apoptosis and this may be via a reduction in oxidative stress production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Backgroud: Patients with multiple infarct dementia (MID) have subtle deficits that commonly go unnoticed, and are at risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Oxidative stress induced by ischaemic injury results in intracellular calcium accumulation and neuronal apoptosis, leading to cognitive impairment by triggering various cellular signal transduction pathways. Several studies have suggested that NF-κB in the presence of p53 has a pro-apoptotic function in various models, but the mechanism is unclear. Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate whether acupuncture could protect cognitive function against cerebral multi-infarction (CMi) induced oxidative stress by inhibiting the activation of NF-κB and its target gene p53. Methods: An animal model of CMi was established by injecting homologous blood emboli into the right internal carotid artery of male Wistar rats. After 2 weeks of acupuncture treatment, cognitive function was detected by novel object recognition. Electron spin resonance and Fluo-3 fuorescence imaging were used to test the generation of ROS and intracellular calcium accumulation, respectively. Expression of NF-κB and p53 was examined by Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence. Results: CMi induced spatial learning and memory impairment, overproduction of intracellular hydroxyl radicals, and elevations of Ca2+, which were ameliorated by verum acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture inhibited activation of NF-κB and its downstream target gene p53. Conclusion: These findings suggest that acupuncture could protect cognitive function against oxidative stress induced by CMi, which is partially associated with suppression of NF-κB-p53 activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The polarization properties of high-order harmonic generation (HHG) in the two-color circularly polarized laser fields are investigated by numerically solving the two-dimensional time-dependent Schrödinger equation. By adding a wavelength of 1600-nm right-circular-polarized field to an 800-nm left-circular-polarized field, HHG is simulated from a real model of neon atom with p orbital, but not from a hydrogen-like atom model with s orbital. The orders of 3n+1 can be selected while the orders of 3n+2 are suppressed by adjusting the intensities of the two pulses. The physical mechanism is analyzed by time–frequency analysis and semiclassical model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geometric and electronic structures of a series of bi-nuclear niobium sulfide clusters, Nb2Sn−/0 (n = 4–7), were investigated by the theoretical calculations. Vertical detachment energies were estimated based on the generalized Koopmans' theorem and were used to simulate the anionic photoelectron spectra. The structural evolution behaviors were found to be present in the sequential sulfidation of Nb2Sn−/0. Concretely, the additional sulfur atoms tended to occupy the bridging sites of Nb2Sn−/0 (n = 4, 5) clusters. Then varied poly-sulfur ligands (i.e., bridging S22 −, terminal S22 − and bridging S32 −) began to emerge in the Nb2Sn−/0 (n = 6, 7) clusters. Frontier molecular orbitals were analyzed to understand the chemical bonding. It was found that the highest occupied molecular orbital of Nb2Sn− cluster, even the sulfur-rich Nb2S7− cluster, still retained the Nb–Nb bonding features. The results were compared with the analogs Mo2Sn−/0 (n = 4–7) clusters. The findings in structures and chemical bonding may provide insight into the properties of niobium sulfides, especially for the sulfur-rich surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammatory responses contribute to the pathogenesis of various neurological diseases, and microglia plays an important role in the process. Activated microglia can differentiate into the pro-inflammatory, tissue-damaging M1 phenotype or the anti-inflammatory, tissue-repairing M2 phenotype. Regulating microglia differentiation, hence limiting a harmful response, might help improve the prognosis of inflammation-related nervous system diseases. The present study aimed 1. to observe the anti-inflammatory effect of lipoxin A4 (LXA4) on the inflammatory response associated to lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced microglia activation, 2. to clarify that LXA4 modulates the activation and differentiation of microglia induced by LPS stimulation, 3. to determine whether LXA4 regulates the activation and differentiation of microglia through the Notch signaling pathway, 4. to provide a foundation for the use of LXA4 for the treatment of inflammatory related neurological diseases. To construct a model of cellular inflammation, immortalized murine BV2 microglia cells were provided 200 ng/ml LPS. To measure the mRNA and protein levels of inflammatory factors (interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α) and M1 and M2 microglia markers (inducible nitric oxide synthase [iNOS], cluster of differentiation [CD]32, arginase [Arg]1, and CD206), we performed quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence, or flow cytometry. To determine the mRNA and protein levels of Notch signaling components (Notch1, Hes1, and Hes5), we performed qRT-PCR and western blot. LXA4 inhibits the expression of Notch1 and Hes1 associated with M1 type microglial differentiation and decreases the M1 type microglia marker iNOS and related inflammatory factors IL-1β and TNF-α. Moreover, LXA4 upregulates the expression of the M2-associated Hes5, as well as the expression of the M2 microglia marker Arg1 and the associated inflammatory factor IL-10. These effects are blocked by the administration of the γ-secretase inhibitor DAPT, a specific blocker of the Notch signaling pathway. LXA4 inhibits the microglia activation induced by LPS and the differentiation into M1 type with pro-inflammatory effect, while promoting the differentiation to M2 type with anti-inflammatory effect. LXA4 downregulates the inflammatory mediators IL-1β, TNF-α, and iNOS, while upregulating the anti-inflammatory mediator IL-10, which acts through the Notch signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyclic di-GMP (CDG) was applied to MUC1 glycopeptide-based cancer vaccines with physical mixing and built-in (at 2′-OH of CDG) strategies for activating the STING pathway. CDG in both strategies behaved as a potent immunostimulant and contributed to high titers of IgG antibodies and the expression of multiple cytokines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a fatal acute cerebrovascular disease, with a high morbidity and mortality. Following ICH, erythrocytes release heme and several of its metabolites, thereby contributing to brain edema and secondary brain damage. Heme oxygenase is the initial and rate-limiting enzyme of heme catabolism, and the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is rapidly induced following acute brain injury. As HO-1 exerts it effects via various metabolites, its role during ICH remains complex. Therefore, in-depth studies regarding the role of HO-1 in secondary brain damage following ICH may provide a theoretical basis for neuroprotective function after ICH. The present review aims to summarize recent key studies regarding the effects of HO-1 following ICH, as well as its influence on ICH prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highway toll station workers' occupational exposure levels and health effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have been analyzed through personal particulate sampling and urinary biomonitoring during March-May, 2014 in Tianjin, China. Personal particulate samples were collected during highway toll station workers' day shift working time (from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). Pre-shift and post-shift spot urine samples were collected on each participant. In personal particulate samples, 16 priority PAHs suggested by USEPA were measured, and in the urine samples oxidative stress biomarker (8-OHdG) was analyzed. The measured mean occupational exposed concentration of PM2.5 was 230.73 μg m−3, and the mean p-PAHs exposed concentration was 319.90 ng m−3 for the selected workers. Urinary concentrations of 8-OHdG increased by two times following an 8-h work shift in participants. Significant positive associations were found between post-work shift urinary 8-OHdG and p-PAH concentrations. Our finding indicated that personal air exposures to PAHs originating from traffic emissions are important in increasing oxidative burdens in human body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyaniline:polystyrene sulfonate/silver nanowires nanocomposites (PANI:PSS/AgNWs) have been fabricated via incorporating AgNWs into PANI:PSS with simple physical mixing. The water-dispersity, microstructure and thermoelectric properties of the nanocomposites were investigated. The incorporation of PSS improved the water-dispersity of PANI and played an important role in the enhanced thermoelectric performance of the nanocomposites. PSS effectively improved the Seebeck coefficient of the nanocomposites. The maximum power factor of 0.85 µW/mK2 was achieved with the addition of 9.0 wt% AgNWs at a PANI:PSS mass ratio of 1:5, which is 6, 28 and 21 times higher than that of PANI:PSS, PANI and PANI/AgNWs, respectively. Therefore, the incorporation of PSS provided an effective way to improve the thermoelectric properties of conductive polymer composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arabidopsis thaliana high-affinity potassium transporter 1 (AtHKT1) limits the root-to-shoot sodium transportation and is believed to be essential for salt tolerance in A. thaliana. Nevertheless, natural accessions with ‘weak allele’ of AtHKT1, e.g. Tsu-1, are mainly distributed in saline areas and are more tolerant to salinity. These findings challenge the role of AtHKT1 in salt tolerance and call into question the involvement of AtHKT1 in salinity adaptation in A. thaliana. Here, we report that AtHKT1 indeed drives natural variation in the salt tolerance of A. thaliana and the coastal AtHKT1, so-called weak allele, is actually hyper-functional in reducing flowers sodium content upon salt stress. Our data showed that AtHKT1 positively contributes to saline adaptation in a linear manner. Forward and reverse genetics analysis established that the single AtHKT1 locus is responsible for the variation in the salinity adaptation between Col-0 and Tsu-1. Reciprocal grafting experiments revealed that shoot AtHKT1 determines the salt tolerance of Tsu-1, whereas root AtHKT1 primarily drives the salt tolerance of Col-0. Furthermore, evidence indicated that Tsu-1 AtHKT1 is highly expressed in stems and is more effective compared to Col-0 AtHKT1 at limiting sodium flow to the flowers. Such efficient retrieval of sodium to the reproductive organ endows Tsu-1 with stronger fertility compared to Col-0 upon salt stress, thus improving Tsu-1 adaptation to a coastal environment. To conclude, our data not only confirm the role of AtHKT1 in saline adaptation, but also sheds light on our understanding of the salt tolerance mechanisms in plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lowest energy structures of Au and AuNi ( = 2-9) clusters have been researched using the CALYPSO structure searching method in conjunction with the density functional theory. It is found that the most stable structures of Au, Au8Ni and Au9Ni clusters reported by Tang et al. [C. M. Tang, X. X. Chen and X. D. Yang, Int. J. Mod. Phys. B 28, 1450138 (2014)] are low-lying isomers. The correct ground states and vibrational spectra are given in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]