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Silicon carbide (SiC) crystal is a third-generation semiconductor material, which is widely used in the fields of radio frequency components, aerospace, new energy vehicles, etc. The anisotropy of 4H–SiC leads to differences in material removal characteristics of different crystal surfaces, which influences the design of process parameters for SiC crystal polishing. A model of single abrasive scratching 4H–SiC crystal was established using molecular dynamics. The effect of scratching speed and depth on the material removal characteristics and the wafer surface morphology was investigated when a single abrasive scratches the C surface and Si surface. Scratching experiments were conducted to verify the model by measuring scratch cross-sectional area, scratch profile, and surface roughness. The simulation results reveal that compared to the Si surface, the distribution range of high hydrostatic stress of the C surface is less, resulting in fewer amorphous atoms and easier dislocation, which means the C surface is more favorable for getting plastic removal and obtaining better surface quality. The experiment data suggested that the C surface has a smaller surface roughness and a friction coefficient, and the cross-sectional area of the scratch is larger than that of the Si surface. Under low-speed conditions, the influence of anisotropy is more pronounced. Consistent with the simulation result, the material removal characteristics of the C surface are better than those of the Si surface when single abrasive scratching 4H–SiC crystal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • There is a strong synergism between Camellia Oleifera shell extract (COSE) and KI on steel in H 2 SO 4 solution. • COSE/KI can further retard both cathodic and anodic reactions comparing with either COSE or KI. • COSE/KI shows larger charge transfer resistance and smaller double-layer capacitance than COSE or KI. • The synergistic inhibited surface by COSE/KI appears almost no corrosion with the lowest surface roughness. • Rutin, quercetin and tea polyphenols are the effective components in COSE. To address the severe corrosion problems faced by steel, a natural corrosion inhibitor derived from Camellia Oleifera shell extract (COSE) was developed. The effectiveness of COSE as well as its synergistic mixture of COSE/KI in inhibiting the corrosion of steel in H 2 SO 4 was investigated using weightlessness and electrochemical techniques. The results show that the maximum inhibition efficiency of individual COSE is 77.28 % at 20 °C, and is increased to 93.08 % for the mixture of COSE/KI. The adsorption of COSE, KI and COSE/KI on steel surface conform to Langmuir adsorption isotherm. COSE/KI has a stronger adsorption than either COSE or KI. Electrochemical analysis indicates that COSE/KI is a hybrid inhibitor primarily focusing on the cathodic inhibition. Mixing COSE with KI shows considerably larger charge transfer resistance and smaller double-layer capacitance than individual COSE and KI. Characterization tests such as metallurgical microscopy, SEM, AFM and contact angle confirm that the addition of COSE/KI could reduce the roughness of steel surface, while increase the hydrophobicity, then effectively alleviate the corrosion on the steel surface. XPS analyses demonstrated that the corrosion inhibition layer on the steel surface was induced by the adsorption of the polar groups in COSE. The components responsible for COSE's effectiveness were thoroughly examined using FTIR and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), which identified the presence of compounds such as flavonoids and phenylpropanoids. The synergistic effect of the active ingredients (rutin, quercetin, tea saponin, tea polyphenols, et al.) with KI was also confirmed. Finally, theoretical calculations were conducted to analyze properties of rutin, quercetin and tea polyphenols on the iron layer. The results show all these molecules exhibit efficient inhibition, with quercetin showing better inhibitive ability by parallel adsorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The addition of SPOP improved the W-D cycle resistance of the low-grade sand. • SPOP membranes provided a combination of adhesive, filling, and bridging effects for treated sand. • Cyclic wetting and drying damage the bridging effect of polymer membranes. • The porosity increased, and micropores were developed to mesopores and macropores after 20 W-D cycles. Polymer materials are finding increasing application in soil stabilization, but little is known about the changes in performance and microstructure of polymer membranes under wetting–drying (W-D) cycles. This paper introduced a self-developed porous organic polymer material (SPOP) to investigate the mechanical properties of treated sand under various SPOP contents (1 %, 2 %, 3 %, and 4 %) and W-D cycles (0, 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20) using uniaxial compression tests and triaxial tests. The changes in the microstructure of SPOP-sand mixtures were observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The results indicated that the addition of SPOP significantly increased the mechanical strength, elastic modulus, and cohesion of natural sand under W-D cycles. The mechanical properties exhibited an upward trend before decreasing as the increment of SPOP contents and peaked at 3 % SPOP content. Specimens with high SPOP content were more susceptible to moisture. On the other hand, the mechanical properties of SPOP-sand mixtures decreased significantly for all specimens under the first 4 cycles, followed by a decrease with increasing cycles exponentially. The NMR test showed the proportion of micropores within the specimens decreased by 27.81 %–48.09 % after wetting. The micropores were transformed into mesopores and macropores, and the porosity of specimens was increased. Based on the SEM images, there were three mechanisms of polymer strengthening sand, including wrapping, pore filling, and bridging effects. Alternate W-D cycles damaged the inter-particle bridging effect, thus weakening the bonding strength between the polymer membrane and sand particles. Soil aggregates inside the specimens were loosened, and polymer membrane was softened and broken under cyclic wetting and drying, causing the unstable structure of the specimen when applied external pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Continued SDSL shrinkage was exhibited in northern China from 2010 to 2020. • The western and eastern changed SDSL areas showed an opposite changing trend. • Western SDSL areas with aeolian activity intensified in 2015–2020 deserve attention. • Multiple factors' co-driving dominated the aeolian activity change in SDSL areas. • MAAI was superior to MFVCT in aeolian activity intensified SDSL areas. Timely monitoring of the sandy desert and sandy land (SDSL) dynamics and their driving factors is vital for ecological restoration policy-making to combat the expansion of the SDSL. Northern China, being the principal implementation area of ecological restoration projects, is ecologically fragile and encompasses almost all of the SDSL regions in China. To explore and compare the dominant driving factors for SDSL changes by extracting both aeolian activity information and vegetation indices, the SDSL datasets in northern China from 2010 to 2020 were first constructed in this study by the human–computer interactive interpretation method based on the series Landsat image data. The spatiotemporal dynamic characteristics of SDSL were subsequently analyzed, and the dominant driving factors of SDSL changes were further explored via the geodetector model by the fractional vegetation cover trend and the difference of aeolian activity index. The results showed a net decrease of 3,780.25 km2 in the total SDSL area between 2010 and 2020, and the decrease rate was 2.44 times higher in the shorter period of 2015–2020 compared to 2010–2015. The spatial differentiation between the western and eastern parts of the Helan Mountains was prominently exhibited by the relatively higher changed SDSL area in the eastern part (62.74% for aeolian activity weakened and 83.32% for aeolian activity intensified) and the increasingly changed SDSL area in the western part (from 33.09% to 39.60% in aeolian activity weakened and from 13.02% to 19.60% in aeolian activity intensified). Especially, the increased aeolian activity intensified SDSL area has happened on the southern edge of the Gurbantunggut Desert and along both sides of the Tarim River from 2015 to 2020 deserve attention. The co-driving of the multiple driving factors dominated the change of SDSL from 2010 to 2020, with the county mean value of the difference in aeolian activity index (MDAAI) and the county mean value of the trend in fractional vegetation cover (MFVCT) as dependent variables, respectively. Climatic factors of the mean annual average temperature, the mean annual cumulative precipitation, and the mean annual aridity index have a relatively larger explanatory power for the change of SDSL in both MDAAI and MFVCT. Anthropogenic factors of the mean annual afforestation area and the mean annual number of large livestock and sheep and goats (year-end) have a greater explanatory power in MDAAI, while the mean annual number of large livestock and sheep and goats (year-end) and the mean annual population density in MFVCT. In particular, the dependent variable MDAAI is better at identifing the dominant drivers of aeolian activity intensified SDSL area compared to MFVCT, with anthropogenic factors playing a stronger dominant role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) have shown higher cure rates for treating hepatitis C virus (HCV) by directly interfering with different steps of the HCV life cycle. To optimize drug combinations and accurately quantify the antiviral effect of DAAs treatments, mathematical models should include the intracellular virus replication processes. In this study, we develop a two-strain multiscale age-structured model that includes intracellular viral RNA replication and extracellular viral infection. We prove the existence, positivity, and boundedness of the solution, and derive the conditions for the existence and stability of the three steady states (non-infection steady state, boundary steady state, and coexistence steady state). Under certain biologically reasonable assumptions, we obtain the approximate solutions of the viral load decline of the two virus strains (sensitive and drug-resistant virus strains) during treatment, and the long-term approximation is shown to be in good agreement with the solution of the original model. We also carry out numerical simulations using the long-term approximate solution, providing insights into the influence of antiviral effects on the viral load change of the two virus strains during treatment with DAAs. • A multiscale mixed-ODE-PDE model is developed to study HCV infection. • The model includes intracellular RNA replication and extracellular viral infection. • We studied the existence and stability of the three steady states. • The approximate analytical solution is convenient for data comparison. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ZnO nanoparticles supported on reduced graphene oxide (ZnO/RGO) were prepared by the hydrothermal method and characterized by TEM, XPS, XRD, and Raman spectroscopy. As a green catalyst, ZnO/RGO was applied to the Claisen-Schmidt condensation reaction of aryl aldehydes and aryl ketones under microwave irradiation. Therein, chalcone products could be efficiently synthesized and easily separated from the heterogeneous catalysis system. The catalyst could be recycled four times without significant loss of catalytic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the effect of boldine isolated from Litsea cubeba on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rats and explore the molecular mechanism predicted by network pharmacology. Material and methods CIA rats were orally administered with boldine. The bone destruction of paws was analyzed by histologic examination, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRACP) staining and micro-computed tomography. Prediction of signal pathway associated with boldine network molecules and CIA genes was applied by the network pharmacology analysis. The expressions of osteoprotegerin (OPG), receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB (RANK) and its ligand (RANKL) in the ankle were detected by immunohistochemistry. In vitro osteoclasts were cultured in the presence of variable doses of boldine and the RANK expressions were evaluated using Real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot. Results Boldine reduced ankle swelling, alleviated pathological damage and significantly prevented bone destruction in CIA rats. Consistent with this, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay revealed boldine decreased serum TRACP5b levels and osteoclast number in the ankle region by TRACP staining from CIA rats. The network pharmacology analysis indicated that RANK signaling in osteoclasts was the most significant canonical pathway associated with boldine network molecules and CIA genes, which was verified by the increased expression of OPG, reduced expression of RANK, RANKL and RANKL/OPG in boldine-treated CIA rats. The in vitro study further confirmed that boldine inhibited osteoclastogenesis by inhibiting the RANKL/RANK signaling pathway. Conclusion Taken together, our study first indicates that boldine from Litsea cubeba suppresses osteoclastogenesis, improves bone destruction by down-regulating the OPG/RANKL/RANK signal pathway and may be a potential therapeutic agent for rheumatoid arthritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The trade of goods among regions or nations associated with large environmental consequences. Yet balancing economic gains and environmental consequences induced by trade is still hindered by a lack of quantification of these two factors, especially for the environmental problems those are more locally oriented, such as the atmospheric pollution. Based on an environmental input–output analysis for 2010, we contrast economic gains (value added) against atmospheric pollutant emissions (sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ), nitric oxide (NO x ), primary fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) and non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOC)) and the widely concerned CO 2 emissions associated with international and interprovincial exports from Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH), the most polluted area in China. Our results show that exports contributed 55–62% of BTH’s production emissions and 54% of its total value added. BTH’s large exports of metals and metal products, nonmetal mineral products, chemical and transportation and warehousing, generated a larger share of pollutant emissions (36–46% of BTH’s total) than that of value added (17%) along the supply chain. Most of BTH’s embodied emissions in exports go to neighboring provinces and the developed east coastal regions in China, although the economic returns are comparatively low. Among BTH, industrial production in Beijing and Tianjin lead to more pollutant emission than value added in Hebei, due to reliance on pollution-intensive product imports from Hebei. Our results call for refocusing and restructuring of BTH’s industry and trade structures to balance the economic gains and environmental losses for each region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper documents the history of vegetation assemblage in Honghe Wetland (NE China) during the last 6200 years. Vegetation changes were reconstructed based on high-resolution plant macrofossil analysis of sedimentary sequence obtained from Honghe National Nature Reserve located in Sanjiang Plain, in conjunction with Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) 14 C radiocarbon data. Results indicate that plant macrofossil composition of Honghe wetland ecosystem are dynamic and have undergone several significant changes. Around 2500 cal yr BP, plant composition transited from Equisetum fluviatile community to Carex lasiocarpa - Drepanocladus aduncus community, and then following by Drepanocladus aduncus community at 460 cal yr BP. Another major vegetation changes occurred at 220 cal yr BP, transitioning to Carex sp. community. By comparison between the plant macrofossil assemblages and the climate changes during the last 6200 cal yr BP, we suggest that ASM (Asian summer monsoon) is the main driving force for the vegetation succession before the impacts of human activities. Since some restoration programs have been undertaken at Honghe wetland, thus our results can provide valuable baseline data for assessment of the practicability and suitability of the former restoration plan and the further designing of conservation management and restoration targets. Since the vegetation composition of Honghe wetland is pronouncedly sensitive to water level, it can be inferred that wetland ecosystem can be restored to near-natural condition through the effective management and restoration by controlling the water source of the wetland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A one-pot solvothermal synthesis method was developed to prepare reduced graphene oxide (RGO) supported ferrite hybrids using graphite oxide and metal ions (Fe 3+ ) as starting materials. The as-prepared composites were characterized by transmission electron microscopy(TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FT-IR), X-ray powder diffraction pattern(XRD) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). It was shown that Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles with a uniform size of ∼35 nm were anchored on RGO nanosheets. Importantly, the obtained nanocomposites are effective adsorbents for the determination of three sulfonamides in wastewater. Several parameters affecting the extraction efficiency were optimized, including amount of adsorbent, extraction time, pH and desorption conditions. Compared with other adsorbents, the as-prepared RGO-Fe 3 O 4 showed the better extraction efficiencies for the SA S due to the large surface area of RGO. A linear range from 1 to 200 ng/mL was obtained with a high correlation coefficient (R 2 > 0.9987), and the limits of detection for three SAs ranged from 0.43 to 0.57 ng/mL. This method was successfully applied to the analysis of SAs in environmental wastewater samples, the recoveries in different sample matrices were in the range from 89.1 and 101.7% with relative standard deviations less than 8.6%. It is believed that such composites will find wide applications in the water pretreatment area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel mixed hemimicelles solid phase extraction based on magnetic graphene oxide (Fe 3 O 4 /GO) and ionic liquid (IL) was developed for the simultaneous extraction and determination of trace cephalosporins in spiked human urine. The high surface area and excellent adsorption capacity of the graphene oxide after modification with1-hexadecyl-3-methylmidazoliumbromide(C 16 mimBr) were utilized adequately in the solid phase extraction(SPE) process. A comprehensive study of the parameters affecting the extraction recovery, such as the zeta-potential of magnetic graphene oxide, amounts of magnetic graphene oxide and surfactant, pH of solution, ionic strength, extraction time, and desorption condition were optimized. A comparative study on the use of different surfacant-coated Fe 3 O 4 /GO NPs as sorbents was presented. Good linearity (R 2 > 0.9987) for all calibration curves was obtained. The LODs were ranged between 0.6 and 1.9 ng mL −1 for the cephalosporins and the LOQs were 1.5 to 5.5, respectively. Satisfactory recoveries(84.3% to 101.7%)and low relative standard deviations from 1.7% to 6.3% in biological matrices were achieved. The mixed hemimicelles magnetic SPE (MSPE) method based on ILs and Fe 3 O 4 /GO NPs magnetic separation has ever been successfully used for pretreatment of complex biological samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, GO bonded monolith (pAS-GO@PS-DVB) as the stationary phase for capillary electrochromatography was fabricated, which was achieved by a simple one-step in-situ copolymerization of styrene and vinylized GO in the presence of divinylbenzene as a cross-linker. GO functionalization was primarily completed using p -aminostyrene based on condensation reaction between amino and carboxyl groups. The characterization by infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy proved the covalent bonding of GO on the monolith. The average pore diameter via Barrett–Joyner–Halenda, specific surface area and pore volume via Brunauer-Emmett-Teller equation by nitrogen adsorption/desorption were determined to be 112.4 nm, 485.8 m 2 g −1 and 1.4 cm 3 g −1 , respectively. The pAS-GO@PS-DVB monolithic column gave effective separation for a wide range of aromatic compounds, which was based on hydrogen bonding and π-π interactions of GO with polar and/or non-polar organic compounds. The reproducibility in terms of the precisions of migration time, peak height and peak area was estimated below 6% using thiourea and other aromatic compounds. Furthermore, the differences of migration time, peak height and peak area between the first-week analysis and the forth-week analysis were less than 19%, indicating good stability of the proposed monolithic column in one month. The applicability of the pAS-GO@PS-DVB monolith was also demonstrated by baseline separation of three phenols and three anilines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a solid-phase extraction method of separating and determining of phthalic acid esters (PAEs) by PPy-coated Fe 3 O 4 magnetic nanoparticles (Fe 3 O 4 @PPy MNPs). In the process, nanoparticles were served as sorbents and the optimal conditions of the extraction have been explored. The composite was synthesized through the chemical oxidation method, combining pyrrole monomer with Fe 3 O 4 magnetic ball in the form of aggregation state and the coated nanoparticles possessed core–shell construction. The PPy-coated Fe 3 O 4 magnetic microspheres have been extensively characterized by transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and vibrating sample magnetometry. The optimum conditions were investigated by orthogonal experimental design, which was used to testing the influence of main factors and the interactions among them. The orthoplan is famous for the merit that it can study the whole experiments comprehensively through minimal tests. Under the optimal extraction conditions: 20 mg of modified magnetite nanoparticles, eluting with acetic ester of 2 mL, 40 min of MSPE, eluting in 1 h and 20 mL of sample volume, good linearity ( r 2 > 0.9912) of all calibration curves was obtained in validation experiments. And the limits of detection (LODs) were from 0.006 to 0.021 ng/mL . The recoveries in different sample matrices were in the range from 80.4% to 108.2% with relative standard deviations less than 12.8%. The present work demonstrates the applicability of the developed method for the determination of PAEs in water sample and the results justified that it can be applied successfully to the selective isolation and enrichment of PAEs in real water samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Cd induced apoptosis and transient [Ca2+]i elevation in OBs. [•] BAPTA-AM rescued Cd-induced apoptosis and restored [Ca2+]i levels and ΔΨm in OBs. [•] CaM was involved in Cd-induced apoptosis. [•] The CaM antagonist W-7 inhibited cytochrome c release from mitochondria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A wideband Doppler frequency shift (DFS) measurement and direction discrimination method based on optical single sideband (OSSB) modulation with a fixed low-frequency reference signal is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. In the proposed approach, the transmitted signal and the fixed low-frequency reference signal are applied to the lower and upper Mach–Zehnder modulators (MZMs) of a dual-drive dual-parallel MZM (DD-DPMZM) respectively, for realizing OSSB modulation independently. The echo signal is applied to a conventional MZM for optical double sideband (ODSB) modulation. A low-speed photodetector (PD) is used to implement optical-to-electrical conversion and generate three low-frequency beating signals. Both the value and direction of the DFS can be simply obtained by analyzing the frequencies of the three low-frequency beating signals. The proposed scheme has a simple structure, a wideband operating frequency range, and a low requirement of the receiving circuit. Experiments demonstrate that wideband DFS measurement and direction discrimination within 5 ∼ 18 GHz with a measurement error of less than ± 0.06 Hz are achieved by using a 20 MHz reference signal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of rare-earth metal complexes have been prepared from phosphoryl-sulfonylamides. These complexes are active catalysts for the polymerization of rac -lactide, leading to the heterotactic-rich polylactides. [Display omitted] • Five rare-earth metal complexes derived from chiral phosphoryl-sulfonylamides have been prepared. • They are active catalysts for the polymerization of rac-lactide. • Heterotactic-rich polylactides are obtained. A series of rare-earth metal amides derived from (S)- N -(1-(2-(diphenylphosphoryl)phenyl)ethyl)benzenesulfonamide (HL1) and (S)- N -(8-(diphenylphosphoryl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-ylbenzenesulfonamide(HL2) were prepared, and their catalytic activity for the polymerization of rac- lactide was explored. The amine elimination reactions of Ln[ N (SiMe 3) 2 ] 3 with HL1 or HL2 gave the mono-ligated rare-earth metal amides (L1) Ln[ N (SiMe 3) 2 ] 2 (Ln = Nd (1), Sm (2) and Yb (3)) or bis-ligated rare-earth metal amides (L2) 2 Ln[ N (SiMe 3) 2 ] (Ln = Nd (4), Sm (5)) in good yields. All of these complexes were characterized by elemental analyses and X-ray diffraction analyses. Complexes 1 – 5 are efficient initiators for the ring-opening polymerization of rac- lactide, affording heterotactic-rich polylactides. The ionic radii of the central metals have a significant effect on the catalytic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Stepwise increase of OLR concentration for four anaerobic reactors impact ability and threshold. [•] Fixed-bed anaerobic reactor biological parameter dynamics using quantitative methods. [•] Main bacteria functional groups identified as bacteroidetes bactericum and uncultured chloroflexi bacterium. [•] Main archaea functional groups identified as methanomicrobiales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper proposes a new method for designing a developable surface by constructing a surface pencil passing through a given curve, which is quite in accord with the practice in industry design and manufacture. By utilizing the Frenet trihedron frame, we derive the necessary and sufficient conditions to construct a developable surface through a given curve. Considering the requirements in shoemaking and garment-manufacture industries, we also study the special case of specifying the given curve as a geodesic. The given geodesic can be classified into three types corresponding to each type of developable surface. We also present the polynomial representation of the developable surface. The algorithm is convenient and efficient for applications in engineering. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • Amplexiform coupling includes a forewing basal area and a hindwing humeral area. • Coupling-clipping induces unsynchronization of fore- and hindwing flapping motion. • Coupling-clipped butterflies could take off successfully. • More tilted strokeplane and enhanced abdomen undulation ensure successful takeoff. The small white cabbage butterfly (Pieris rapae) flaps its fore- and hindwings in synchrony as the wings are coupled using a wing "coupling mechanism". The coupling mechanism of butterflies includes an enlarged humeral area located at the anterior of the hindwing base and a corresponding basal posterior part of the forewing, of which the former component dorsally contacts the ventral side of the latter one. The coupling mechanism allows for the fore- and hindwings sliding in contact along the span and chord. It is of interest that butterflies still take off successfully and fly, when their wing couplings are clipped, but they are unable to properly synchronize the fore- and hindwing motions. Compared with the regular takeoff trajectory of intact butterflies that always first fly backwards and then forwards, the coupling-clipped butterflies took off in a random trajectory. Due to the clipping of the coupling mechanism, the initiation of the hindwing flapping and the abdomen rotation from upward to downward during takeoff was postponed. The coupling-clipped butterflies changed their stroke plane in upstroke to a more vertical position and strengthened the abdominal undulation. We believe our work, which for the first time investigates the influence of coupling mechanism removal on insect flight, extends our understanding on the working principle of wing coupling in insects and its significance on the flapping flight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The Zr modified Pt/TiO 2 catalysts exhibit excellent H 2 -SCR performances. • The weakened interaction between Pt and TiO 2 by Zr induces more Pt0 species. • More oxygen vacancies caused by the Zr-O v -Ti3+ bands facilitate the formation of adsorbed nitrates species. The development of Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine (H 2 -ICEs) to replace conventional fuel engines is expected to be an effective way to reduce CO 2 emissions, but some NO x emitted from the H 2 -ICEs still should be eliminated by the selective catalytic reduction of NO x with H 2 (H 2 -SCR). Large amount of platinum oxide existed on Pt/TiO 2 leads to its low H 2 -SCR activity. In contrast, the Zr-modified Pt/TiO 2 catalysts exhibit a higher NO x conversion and N 2 selectivity in a wider temperature window (100–180 °C) than those of Pt/TiO 2. The appropriately weakened strong interaction between Pt and TiO 2 by Zr induces more Pt0 species, which are active sites for the activation of NO x and H 2 in H 2 -SCR reaction. More oxygen vacancies caused by the formation of Zr-O v -Ti3+ bands involve in the activation of NO x and the adsorption of nitrates (NO x −) species. Furthermore, in situ Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (DRIFTs) demonstrates that Pt/Zr x Ti 1-x catalysts possess more adsorbed NO x − species and a faster reduction rate for them. Monodentate and bridged nitrates are considered to be more reactive with H 2 than bidentate nitrates at relatively low temperatures. This work provides directions for the development of high-performance H 2 -SCR catalysts and the modulation of the conversion temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In relation extraction with distant supervision, noise labels are a bottleneck problem that hinders the performance of training models. Existing neural models solved this problem using attention mechanisms or multi-instance/multi-label learning to select sentences that are likely to express the relations. They mainly focused on the structural information of entity pairs and ignored semantic information of relation-clue words. Furthermore, these models do not consider the semantic scenario information of an entity pair (As the same entity pair may express different relations in different semantic scenarios). To bridge the gap, this paper proposes a novel model for relation extraction based on frame-semantics, namely Context-aware based on Frame-semantics for Distantly Supervised Relation Extraction (CFSRE). The model combines a hierarchical neural network architecture with FrameNet semantic knowledge base to solve the noise labels and the semantic representation of entity pairs. More specifically, a simple and effective instance selection method is used to select informative positive instances for model training. In addition, we propose a novel sentence representation method by combining sentence context representation with frame semantic representation of entities. We find that the joint representation leads to a better performance because it can obtain more comprehensive semantic representation of text instances. Then, a hierarchical-attention mechanism has been designed to select the most informative features for relation extraction. Finally, a softmax classifier is used to test the performance of the model. Experiments were conducted on two widely used benchmark datasets. The results demonstrate that the proposed method is significantly better than state-of-the-art methods for distantly supervised relation extraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Three chiral sulfonylamidoazetidine ligands were synthesized. • Three chiral zinc complexes with the ligands were prepared. • Their catalytic activity was tested. A series of chiral organozinc complexes [(L1)ZnEt] 2 (1), [(L2)ZnEt] 2 (2) and [(L3)ZnEt] 2 (3) have been prepared by ethane elimination reaction between ZnEt 2 and the corresponding chiral sulfonylamidoazetidine ligands, (1′S,2S,3S)-1-(1′-Phenylethyl)-2-phenyl-3-isopropylsulfonamidoazetidine (HL1), (1′S,2S,3S)-1-(1′-Phenylethyl)-2-phenyl-3-(p -tolylsulfonamido)azetidine (HL2), and (1′S,2S,3S)-1-(1′-Phenylethyl)-2-phenyl-3-(m-tolylsulfonamido)azetidine (HL3), respectively. These complexes were characterized by various spectroscopic methods and elemental analyses. The structures of 1 and 2 were further confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Complexes 1 – 3 are active catalysts for the ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of rac -lactide, leading to heterotactic-rich polylactides under mild conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A classification scheme of possessee nominals is established. • Data reveal the distribution of three types of possessee nominals. • Novice writers deviate from expert writers in the choice of particular types of nouns as possessee nominals. • Expert writers deploy more sophisticated engagement and attitude resources. Citation, an indispensable feature of academic English writing, is often regarded as an indication of the degree of sophistication in academic writing. Building on previous studies that have shown the importance of integral citation in academic writing, this study investigates one of the subcategories of integral citation: "genitive citation" (e.g., Smith's study , where 's denotes a possessive relationship: the study is in Smith's possession, so S mith is the possessor, study is the possessee). Based on a corpus of 82 articles collected from the discipline of applied linguistics, with 41 from six leading international journals written by experts and 41 from the MICUSP linguistics sub-corpus written by college students, this study renders a cognitive semantic analysis of (a) the possessee nominals in genitive constructions and (b) the evaluative functions of genitive citations. Based on the specificity of cue validity, possessee nominals are classified into three types: 1) research-as-a-whole; 2) ideological; and 3) methodological. The analysis yields the following results. First, genitive citations are commonly used by both experts and students, with the use of s -genitive citations significantly outnumbering that of the of -genitives. Second, expert writers prefer possessee nominals with specific meanings while student writers tend to use words with less specificity, especially in terms of methodological possessee nominals. Third, in terms of evaluative function, the expert writers' s -genitive citations include much more sophisticated employment of engagement and attitude resources than those used by student writers, though both groups make extensive use of this structure. Based on the analysis, the study proposes a semantic framework for classifying possessee nominals in s -genitive citations. Limitations of the study and implications for future research are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The structure and properties of coarse slag and fine slag have obvious difference. • Residual carbon from slag hinders the cementitious reaction of slag and cement or lime. • Active mineral phases from slag contribute significantly to the pozzolanic reactions between slag and cement or lime. • The binding properties of slag mortar were promoted by adding an appropriate amount of lime. In order to extend the utilization of slag in concrete, it is a key to understand the reaction mechanism of coal gasification slag with cement or lime. This article focus on the characteristics of gasification slag and hydration products of slag with cement or lime by analyzing microstructure, elements, mineral composition and slag mortar strength. The microstructure and composition were determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and X-ray diffractometry (XRD). The results show that the content of residual carbon in the fine slag is evidently more than that of coarse slag and residual carbon hinders the cementitious reaction between slag and cement or lime. In addition, many hydrated products, such as ettringite, okenite and C-S-H gels, are detected in the mortar mixed coarse slag, which indicates that there is positive interaction between the coarse slag with the cement. The abundant active mineral phases in the coarse slag can facilitate the cementitious reaction, and enhance the mortar strength. It is also found that the lime can effectively activate the SiO 2 and Al 2 O 3 mineral phases in the coarse slag to form hydration products, and the calcite from hydration reaction is favorable to improve the strength of mixtures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Valine-glutamine motif-containing (VQ) proteins are transcriptional cofactors widely involved in plant growth, development, and response to various stresses. Although the VQ family has been genome-wide identified in some species, but the knowledge regarding duplication-driven functionalization of VQ genes among evolutionarily related species is still lacking. Here, 952 VQ genes have been identified from 16 species, emphasizing seven Triticeae species including the bread wheat. Comprehensive phylogenetic and syntenic analyses allow us to establish the orthologous relationship of VQ genes from rice (Oryza sativa) to bread wheat (Triticum aestivum). The evolutionary analysis revealed that whole-genome duplication (WGD) drives the expansion of OsVQ s, while TaVQ s expansion is associated with a recent burst of gene duplication (RBGD). We also analyzed the motif composition and molecular properties of TaVQ proteins, enriched biological functions, and expression patterns of TaVQ s. We demonstrate that WGD-derived TaVQ s have become divergent in both protein motif composition and expression pattern, while RBGD-derived TaVQ s tend to adopt specific expression patterns, suggesting their functionalization in certain biological processes or in response to specific stresses. Furthermore, some RBGD-derived TaVQ s are found to be associated with salt tolerance. Several of the identified salt-related TaVQ proteins were located in the cytoplasm and nucleus and their salt-responsive expression patterns were validated by qPCR analysis. Yeast-based functional experiments confirmed that TaVQ27 may be a new regulator to salt response and regulation. Overall, this study lays the foundation for further functional validation of VQ family members within the Triticeae species. • With our integrative framework, we genome-wide identified VQ proteins from 16 species. • TaVQ s are expanded by recent duplication events by comparing VQ genes among the Triticeae species. • RBGD-derived TaVQ genes likely become functionally divergent to the OsVQ orthologs. • Homoeolog expression bias in wheat contributes to the regulation and divergence of TaVQ s. • Several TaVQ s linked with salt tolerance may be regulated via the ABRE element. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen isotope exchange (HIE) is a versatile method for the introduction of deuterium to organic compounds. Herein, regioselective deuteration of sulfonamides is achieved by palladium-Catalyzed HIE reaction. By using amino acid as weakly coordination-directing auxiliary, a variety of sulfonamides are efficiently deuterated at the ortho -position. Placing competing directing groups on the aromatic ring does not affect the site-selectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tumor-derived exosomes (TDEs) are the particular communicator and messenger between tumor cells and other cells containing cancer-associated genetic materials and proteins. And TDEs who are also one of the important components consisting of the tumor microenvironment (TME) can reshape and interact with TME to promote tumor development and metastasis. Moreover, due to their long-distance transmission by body fluids, TDEs can facilitate the formation of pre-metastatic niche to support tumor colonization. We discuss the main characteristics and mechanism of TDE-mediated tumor metastasis by reshaping TME and pre-metastatic niche as well as the potential of TDEs for diagnosing tumor and predicting future metastatic development. [Display omitted] • Tumor-derived exosomes (TDEs) bear similar characteristics to their parental cells. • The interaction between TDEs and microenvironment is bidirectional and complicated. • TDEs mediate tumor metastasis via reshaping microenvironment and distant niche. • Some biomarkers in TDEs can be used for disease diagnosis and prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Depth to water table (DWT) predominantly determined mire plant assemblages. • The mire plant assemblages - based transfer function was developed. • The MAT model has a strong predictive power. • Reconstructed DWT s were comparable to those from testate amoebae. Quantitative relationships between mire plant assemblages and environmental variables have been investigated widely in Europe and North America, but hitherto insufficiently addressed in the East Asian monsoon region. In this study, the plant assemblages of 274 plots along hydrological gradients in five peatlands from the Changbai Mountains region, Northeast China were investigated during the growing seasons (from May to October) from 2014 to 2016. Seven environmental variables of surface water including depth to water table (DWT), pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) were measured. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) indicated that DWT was the principal environmental variable determining the plant assemblages. A transfer function for inferring DWT based on plant assemblages was developed and refined using four models. The transfer function was shown to have strong predictive power following thorough statistical and ecological tests. When the plant assemblages-based transfer function was applied to a 41 cm peat sequence from Laobaishan bog in the Changbai Mountains region, the reconstructed DWTs were essentially consistent, in the trend and vital details of mire surface wetness, with those inferred from a testate amoebae-transfer function, which has been verified to be robust for reconstructing water table in peatlands in the same region. This study suggests that the mire plant assemblages-based transfer function has great potential for quantitative reconstruction of past mire surface wetness, and allows for further research into palaeoclimatology, palaeohydrology and palaeoecology in the East Asian monsoon region using multi-proxy methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Increased PD-1 expression in CD4 and Th2 cells in Allergen-specific immunotherapy. • Allergen exposure increases PD-1 expression on CD4+T cells. • Allergen exposure did not affect CTLA-4 in CD4+ T and Th2+T cells. • T cell exhaustion plays an important role in Allergen-specific immunotherapy. Recent evidence has shown that T cell exhaustion is implicated in Allergen-specific Immunotherapy (AIT). However, how T cell exhaustion plays a role in AIT is far from clear. Our study aimed to investigate T cell exhaustion associated with allergen exposure during AIT in mice. Ovalbumin (OVA) − sensitized C57BL/6J asthma mouse and AIT mouse models were constructed. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRTPCR) and flow cytometry were used to monitor the occurrence of local and systemic CD4+ T cells and Th2+T cells exhaustion in OVA-sensitized mice. The inhibitory surface marker programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) on CD4+ T cells and Th2+T cells was significantly upregulated in AIT mice compared with asthmatic and control mice. The level of PD-1 on the surface of CD4+T cells of asthma mice was significantly higher than that of control mice. The inhibitory surface marker cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) on CD4+ T cells and Th2+T cells showed no significant difference between the AIT, asthma and control mice. Collectively, our study indicated that the expression of PD-1 on CD4+ T cells and Th2+T cells was increased in AIT. Allergen exposure promotes the expression of PD-1 on the surface of CD4+ T cells. T cell exhaustion plays an important role in AIT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various factors cause animal bone malnutrition disease during intensive culture. Osteoclasts play an important role in regulating bone metabolism disease. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) modulates osteoclast function; however, the mechanism underlying this effect is unknown. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore whether OPG affects duck embryo osteoclast function via purinergic receptor P2X7. OPG significantly inhibited duck embryo osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption, and suppressed F-actin formation. In addition, OPG remarkably impaired duck embryo osteoclasts' adhesive structure. After OPG treatment, the expression of P2X7R significantly reduced, the ATP level and Ca2+-ATPase activity decreased rapidly, and concomitantly suppressed calcium and MAPK signaling. A438079 (a selective P2X7R inhibitor) significantly inhibited duck embryo osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption, and the phosphorylation of Ca2+ regulated proteins (CAM, CAMKII, CAMKIV) and MAPKs (ERK, JNK, and P38) were markedly suppressed. Pretreatment of duck embryo osteoclasts with BzATP, a P2X7R agonist, activated Ca2+ and MAPK signaling. BzATP alleviated OPG-induced duck embryo osteoclast differentiation and adhesive structure damage, and recovered the distribution of adhesion-related proteins in mature duck embryo osteoclasts. Thus, P2RX7-mediated Ca2+ and MAPK signaling has a key function in OPG-induced duck embryo osteoclast differentiation and adhesive structure damage. P2X7R might be an ideal target to treat bone diseases through regulating bone cell activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Implant-related infections are a primary reason for implant failures that affect millions of patients. It is of paramount importance to develop novel implants that possess the dual functions of osteogenesis-promotion and antibacterial activity. The objectives of this study were to: (1) develop novel dual-functional titanium (Ti) implants by combining oxygen non-thermal plasma and covalent bonding of antibacterial organosilicon quaternary ammonium monomers; (2) investigate the physicochemical properties, bioactivity and antibacterial effects of the modified implants for the first time. Surface characteristics of the modified Ti surfaces were tested. Adherence and viability of rat bone marrow-derived stem cells (rBMSCs) on the surface were evaluated. Metabolic activity of biofilm on the surfaces were measured. The stability of the dual-function after 5000 thermal cycles was also evaluated. The presence of chemical bonding between Ti and organosilicon monomers demonstrated covalent immobilization of the antibacterial agents. The water contact angle of the treated Ti surfaces decreased from 70.98 ± 3.68° to 59.86 ± 4.91°. The adhesion and proliferation of rBMSCs on the modified Ti were increased by 40%, compared to control group (P < 0.05). The metabolic level of biofilms on modified Ti were reduced by more than half, compared to control (P < 0.05). The modified Ti implants exhibited cell-promotion and antibacterial stability after thermal cycles. The new dual-functional Ti implant is promising to promote osteogenesis while simultaneously preventing infections. Furthermore, the novel surface modification and processing methods have applicability to enhancing a wide range of other implants to improve bioactivity and combat infections. [Display omitted] • A new long-lasting dual-functional titanium implants was developed. • The novel dual-functional implants have improved hydrophilicity. • The modified Ti implant increased the adhesion and proliferation of cells , and reducing the metabolic level of biofilms. • The dual-functional implants are promising to promote osteogenesis and prevent implant-related infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Soil bacterial richness and communities differed with altitude and vegetation type. • Soil bacterial richness was mainly controlled by MAAT and MAP. • Soil C/P and MAP were the most important regulators of soil bacterial community. • Soil pH significantly affected bacterial diversity and community but to a less extent. • Soil SMC and C-limitation of microbial metabolism are important regulators of soil SOC. Peatlands are crucial carbon (C) sinks, and the combined activities of soil bacteria and soil abiotic properties play an essential role in regulating the C cycle. However, mountain peatlands are particularly vulnerable to global change, which could lead to a change from C sink to source. Understanding how variations in soil bacterial communities and diversity along an altitude gradient affect C storage through changes in enzyme stoichiometry ratios is essential. To address this issue, this study collected soil samples from six peatlands at different altitudes in the Changbai Mountains, China, which were dominated by either sedge or shrub/ Sphagnum species. The study examined a range of soil physical and chemical properties, quantified bacterial community diversity and structure, and assessed enzyme stoichiometry. The results indicated that bacterial communities varied with altitude and vegetation, with bacterial α-diversity (richness) being higher at lower altitudes and in sedge-dominated peatlands. Mean annual air temperature (MAAT) and mean annual precipitation (MAP) were the primary drivers of bacterial diversity, and soil bacterial community composition was significantly influenced by soil carbon/phosphorus (C/P) ratio and MAP. On the other hand, soil pH had only minor effected in mountain peatlands. Path analysis emphasized the greater importance of soil moisture and microbial C limitations than bacterial richness and community on soil organic carbon (SOC) in mountain peatlands. The study also suggested that increasing bacterial richness and relative abundances of rare phyla could increase soil C concentration in peatlands. Overall, this study provided valuable insights into the regulation of C cycling in mountain peatlands and could help mitigate global climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cadmium is a common environmental pollutant that accumulates in the bone and kidneys and causes severe health and social problems. However, the effects of Cd on the occurrence of osteoporosis and its mechanism of action in this process are unclear. To test whether Cd-induced osteoporosis is mediated via P2X7/PI3K/AKT signaling, duck bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and bone marrow macrophage cells (BMMs) were treated with Cd for 5 days, and duck embryos were treated with Cd. Micro-CT analysis indicated that Cd-induced osteoporosis occurs in vivo , and histopathology and immunohistochemical analyses also revealed that Cd induced bone damage and the downregulation of osteogenic and bone resorption-related proteins. Cd exposure significantly inhibited the differentiation of BMSCs and BMMs into osteoblasts and osteoclasts in vitro , and promoted osteoblast and osteoclast apoptosis. Cd exposure significantly downregulated the P2X7/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in vivo and in vitro , and inhibition of this signaling pathway significantly aggravated osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation. Cd exposure also upregulated the OPG/RANKL ratio in vivo and in vitro , further inhibiting osteoclast differentiation. These results demonstrate that Cd causes osteoporosis in duck by inhibiting P2X7/PI3K/AKT signaling and increasing the OPG/RANKL ratio. These results establish a previously unknown mechanism of Cd-induced osteoporosis. Cadmium is a widespread environmental pollutant that accumulates in bone and causes bone damage. Our findings demonstrate that Cd exposure inhibits osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation, and induces apoptosis, finally resulting in osteoporosis. P2X7/PI3K/AKT and OPG/RANKL signaling play an essential role in Cd-induced osteoporosis. Unlabelled Image • Cadmium (Cd) exposure causes osteoporosis in ducks. • Cd induced osteoporosis is related to defects in osteogenic differentiation. • Cd exposure decreases protein levels of key osteogenic and bone resorption-related proteins. • Cd inhibtes the differentiation of osteoclast and osteoblase by inhibiting P2X7/PI3K/AKT pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The compositions of five different bitumens were analyzed before and after aging. • The composition of the "bee" structures in bitumen is correlated with the presence of resins and asphaltenes. • The surface morphology is greatly influenced by the composition. • Some correlations between composition and micro-structure evolution during aging were observed. Aging is an important cause of the performance decline for bitumen. Research on the composition and micro-structure contributes to a better understanding of the bitumen aging. In this study, five bitumens from different oil sources were chosen for the aging tests and then separated into four compositions. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), atomic force microscopy (AFM) were utilized to test molecular weight, prominent function groups and surface morphology of single composition, respectively. Moreover, prominent function groups and surface morphology of the five bitumens before and after aging were investigated by FTIR and AFM. Based on the experimental evidences, it was found that light compositions were evolved into heavy compositions and prominent function groups increased after aging. The "bee" structures observed by AFM on bitumen surface probably originated from asphaltenes and partial resins and they became gradually indistinguishable after aging. Besides, some sunken regions or micro-cracks appeared around the "bee" structures after aging. There are some correlations between composition variation and micro-structure evolution during aging. The greater the colloid index decreased, the faster the indexes of the carbonyl functions and the sulfoxide functions grew, and the peak height and roughness of surface morphology on bitumen decreased with the decline of the colloid index. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• 210 TaDREB genes were identified and they were divided into 6 subfamilies. • Expression analyses identified some tissue-specific and stress-responsive genes. • Only TaDREB3 showed Exon-skipping in all alternative spliced patterns of TaDREBs. • Over-expression of TaDREB3 -AI improved tolerance to drought, salt and heat stresses. As an important transcription factor family, DREB transcription factors play important roles in response to abiotic stresses. In this study, we identified wheat DREB genes at genome-level, and characterized the functions of TaDREB genes. Totally, there are 210 TaDREB genes, which can be divided into 6 subgroups. Some of these genes display tissue-specific expression patterns. Among them, the expression of three TaDREB3 homoeologous genes is induced by abiotic stresses. Meanwhile, as alternatively spliced genes, they generate three isoforms respectively. Transcripts I and II encode DREB proteins, while transcript III does not generate DREB proteins. Transgenic Arabidopsis over-expressing TaDREB3-AI displayed enhanced resistance to drought, salt and heat stresses. The physical indexes and the expression of stress-related genes further verified the functions in response to abiotic stresses. Our results lay a foundation for further study of wheat DREB genes. Especially, our findings indicate that TaDREB3 genes can be used for crop genetic improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ovarian cancer has the highest mortality rate among all gynecological cancers with its pathogenic mechanisms largely unknown. Here, we uncovered that ovarian cancer tissues exhibit higher heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A2B1 (hnRNPA2B1) expression than normal ovarian epithelium tissues. Increased hnRNPA2B1 level matches along with poor prognosis of ovarian cancer patients. Importantly, hnRNPA2B1 inhibition hampers growth, reduces mobility of ovarian cancer cells in vitro and hinders xenograft tumor formation in vivo. Transcriptome profiling analysis reveals that hnRNPA2B1 dictates the expression of various important genes involved in tumorigenesis and Lin-28 Homolog B (Lin28B) is down-regulated upon hnRNPA2B1 loss. hnRNPA2B1 regulates expression of Lin28B via binding to Lin28B mRNA and enhancing its stability. Furthermore, knockdown of Lin28B reduces proliferation and mobility of ovarian cancer cells and impairs tumorigenesis in vivo, whereas Lin28B overexpression promotes xenograft tumor formation. Finally, re-expression of Lin28B in hnRNPA2B1 knockdown cells results in rescued phenotypes. Collectively, our results demonstrate that hnRNPA2B1 facilitates the malignant phenotype of ovarian cancer through activating Lin28B expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Rotenone contributed to SCD by increasing the risk of fatal arrhythmias. • 3-BrPA did not induce the occurrence of fatal arrhythmias in rats. • 3-BrPA had no influence electrical and structural cardiac remodeling in rats. • Rotenone combined with 3-BrPA had a strong effect on cardiac remodeling. 3-Bromopyruvate (3-BrPA) is a promising agent that has been widely studied in the treatment of cancer and pulmonary hypertension. Rotenone is a pesticide commonly used on farms and was shown to have anti-cancer activity and delay fibrosis progression in chronic kidney disease in a recent study. However, there are few studies showing the toxicity of rotenone and 3-BrPA in the myocardium. To support further medical exploration, it is necessary to clarify the side effects of these compounds on the heart. This study was designed to examine the cardiotoxicity of 3-BrPA and rotenone by investigating electrical and structural cardiac remodeling in rats. Forty male rats were divided into 4 groups (n = 10 in each group) and injected intraperitoneally with 3-BrPA, rotenone or a combination of 3-BrPA and rotenone. The ventricular effective refractory period (VERP), corrected QT interval (QTc), and ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation (VT/VF) inducibility were measured. The expression of Cx43, Kir2.1, Kir6.2, DHPRα 1 , KCNH2, caspase3, caspase9, Bax, Bcl2, and P53 was detected. Masson's trichrome, TUNEL, HE, and PAS staining and transmission electron microscopy were used to detect pathological and ultrastructural changes. Our results showed that rotenone alone and rotenone combined with 3-BrPA significantly increased the risk of ventricular arrhythmias. Rotenone combined with 3-BrPA caused myocardial apoptosis, and rotenone alone and rotenone combined with 3-BrPA caused electrical and structural cardiac remodeling in rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought stress is one of the most impactful abiotic stresses to global wheat production. Therefore, identifying key regulators such as the calcineurin B-like protein interacting protein kinase (CIPK) in the signaling cascades known to coordinate developmental cues and environmental stimuli represents a useful approach to improve drought tolerance. However, functional studies have been very limited partly due to the difficulties in prioritizing candidate genes from the large TaCIPK family. To address this issue, we demonstrate a straight-forward strategy by analyzing gene expression patterns in response to phytohormones or stresses and identified TaCIPK19 as a new regulator to improve drought tolerance. The effects of TaCIPK19 on drought tolerance were evaluated in both tobacco and wheat through transgenic approach. Ectopic expression of TaCIPK19 in tobacco greatly improves drought tolerance with enhanced ABA biosynthesis/signaling and ROS scavenging capacity. TaCIPK19 overexpression in wheat also confers the drought tolerance at both seedling and mature stages with enhanced ROS scavenging capacity. Additionally, potential CBL partners interacting with TaCIPK19 were investigated. Collectively, our finding exemplifies a straight-forward approach to facilitate reverse genetics related to abiotic stress improvement and demonstrates TaCIPK19 as a new candidate gene to improve ROS scavenging capacity and drought tolerance, which is useful for genetic improvement and breeding application in wheat. • A straight-forward strategy to prioritize functional studies is proposed for large gene families. • TaCIPK19 overexpression in tobacco enhances ABA sensitivity and reduces water loss. • TaCIPK19 improves the drought tolerance in plants by enhancing the ROS scavenging capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Female BALB/c mice aged 3–4 weeks were sensitized 3 times and challenged for 7 days by ovalbumin to establish asthma model. • Asthma mice were supplemented with 109 CFU of Lactobacillus rhamnosus 76 daily for 42 days to investigate the effect of probiotics on asthma. • 16HBE cells induced by interleukin-13 were treated with supernatant of Lactobacillus rhamnosus 76 to observe mucus secretion of cells. • Lactobacillus rhamnosus 76 improved the mucus secretion of mouse lung tissue and 16HBE cells in the asthma model by down-regulating STAT6/SPDEF pathway. Previous studies have reported a correlation between the dysregulation of intestinal microbiota and the occurrence of asthma. This study aimed to investigate the effect of probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus 76 (LR76) on ovalbumin (OVA)-allergic mice and the mechanism of LR76 affecting mucus secretion in asthma. OVA-allergic mice were supplemented with LR76, and 16HBE cells induced by interleukin-13 (IL-13) were treated with LR76 supernatant (LR76- s) to observe the effect of LR76. In OVA-sensitized mice, LR76 alleviated the inflammatory cell infiltration in lung tissue and reduced the inflammatory cell counts of BALF. The expression level of mRNA, including Il4 , Il5 , Il13, Il25, Tgfb1 , Il10, and Ifng, was decreased in the lung tissue of mice in the LR76 group compared with the OVA group. MUC5AC expression was down-regulated, while SCGB1A1 was up-regulated in the lung tissue of OVA-allergic mice after being supplemented with LR76 and in 16HBE cells induced by IL-13 after incubating with LR76- s. LR76 and LR76- s down-regulated the expression of proteins, including STAT6, p-STAT6, and SPDEF, and mRNA of STAT6 and SPDEF. In conclusion, LR76 alleviated airway inflammation and Th2 response in OVA-allergic mice and improved the mucus secretion of mouse lung tissue and 16HBE cells in the asthma model by down-regulating STAT6/SPDEF pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract There exist substantial differences in top-of-atmosphere direct radiative forcing of aerosols due to a region's economic production (RF p) and consumption (RF c), in the context of economic globalization, trade and globalizing air pollution. Yet an explicit systematic analysis of all socioeconomic and atmospheric factors determining the RF difference is lacking. Here, we evaluate five socioeconomic (population, per capita output, emission intensity) and atmospheric (chemical efficiency and radiative efficiency) factors that determine a region's RF p , RF c and their difference. We consider the RF of secondary inorganic aerosols, primary organic aerosols and black carbon by 10 regions worldwide in 2007. The population size varies by a factor of nine across the regions, and per capita output by 40 times from both production- and consumption-based perspectives. The cross-regional spread reaches a factor of 181 (species dependent) for production-based emission intensity and a factor of 96 for consumption-based intensity. From one region to another, production-based chemical efficiency changes within a factor of 5 and consumption-based efficiency within a factor of 3.5. Radiative efficiency varies slightly across the regions (within 2) from both production- and consumption-based perspectives. Although socioeconomic factors are often a greater driver for the difference between a source region's RF p and RF c , the atmospheric factors are also important for many source regions and species. Our results contribute to regional attribution of climate change and establishment of effective international collaborative mitigation strategies. Highlights • Multiple factors differentiate a region's aerosol RF c from its RF p. • Socioeconomic factors usually play a greater role for most regions and species. • Atmospheric factors are also important for some regions and species. • Our study is relevant to regional attribution of aerosol radiative forcing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ca 2+ is an important ion in various intracellular metabolic pathways. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a major intracellular calcium store and ER calcium homeostasis plays a key part in the regulation of apoptosis. We have previously shown that Cadmium (Cd) induces apoptosis in osteoblasts (OBs), accompany by increased cytoplasmic calcium. As the role of calcium in OBs apoptosis induced by Cd has not been clarified we investigated the effects of Cd exposure in rat OBs on intracellular Ca 2+ , CaMKII phosphorylation, and the pathways implicated in inducing apoptosis. The results showed that cadmium(Cd) induced elevation of intracellular Ca 2+ ([Ca 2+ ] i ) in OBs by the release of Ca 2+ from ER and the inflow of Ca 2+ from the extracellular matrix. Cd induced [Ca 2+ ] i elevation and phosphorylation of CaMKII which might be involved in activation of MAPKs and participated in Cd-induced mitochondrial apoptosis through the alteration of the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 expression. Meanwhile, CaMKII phosphorylation activated unfolded protein response (UPR) during cadmium treatment and could enable the ER apoptosis pathway through the activation of caspase-12. These results indicated that CaMKII plays an important role in Cd induced ER apoptosis and MAPK activation. Our data provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying apoptosis in OBs following Cd exposure. This provides a theoretical basis for future investigations into the clinical therapeutic application of CaMKⅡ inhibitors in osteoporosis induced by Cd exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasingly high frequency of heavy air pollution in most regions of China signals the urgent need for the transition to an environmentally friendly production performance by socioeconomic sectors for the sake of people's health and sustainable development. Focusing on CO 2 and major air pollutants, this paper presents a comprehensive environmental efficiency index based on evaluating the environmental efficiency of major socioeconomic sectors, including agriculture, power, industry, residential and transportation, at the province level in China in 2010 based on a slack-based measure DEA model with non-separable bad output and weights determined by the coefficient of variation method. In terms of the environment, 5, 16, 6, 7 and 4 provinces operated along the production frontier for the agricultural, power, industrial, residential and transportation sectors, respectively, in China in 2010, whereas Shanxi, Heilongjiang, Ningxia, Hubei and Yunnan showed lowest efficiency correspondingly. The comprehensive environmental efficiency index varied from 0.3863 to 0.9261 for 30 provinces in China, with a nationwide average of 0.6383 in 2010; Shanghai ranked at the top, and Shanxi was last. Regional disparities in environmental efficiency were identified. A more detailed inefficiency decomposition and benchmarking analysis provided insight for understanding the source of comprehensive environmental inefficiency and, more specifically, the reduction potential for CO 2 and air pollutants. Some specific research and policy implications were uncovered from this work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]