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SUMMARY: Redox homeostasis in plant cells is critical for maintaining normal growth and development because reactive oxygen species (ROS) can function as signaling molecules or toxic compounds. However, how plants fine‐tune redox homeostasis during natural or stress‐induced senescence remains unclear. Cut roses (Rosa hybrida), an economically important ornamental product worldwide, often undergo stress‐induced precocious senescence at the post‐harvest bud stage. Here, we identified RhPLATZ9, an age‐ and dehydration‐induced PLATZ (plant AT‐rich sequence and zinc‐binding) protein, and determined that it functions as a transcriptional repressor in rose flowers during senescence. We also showed that RhWRKY33a regulates RhPLATZ9 expression during flower senescence. RhPLATZ9‐silenced flowers and RhWRKY33a‐silenced flowers showed accelerated senescence, with higher ROS contents than the control. By contrast, overexpression of RhWRKY33a or RhPLATZ9 delayed flower senescence, and overexpression in rose calli showed lower ROS accumulation than the control. RNA‐sequencing analysis revealed that apoplastic NADPH oxidase genes (RhRbohs) were enriched among the upregulated differentially expressed genes in RhPLATZ9‐silenced flowers compared to wild‐type flowers. Yeast one‐hybrid assays, electrophoretic mobility shift assays, dual luciferase assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation quantitative PCR confirmed that the RhRbohD gene is a direct target of RhPLATZ9. These findings suggest that the RhWRKY33a‐RhPLATZ9‐RhRbohD regulatory module acts as a brake to help maintain ROS homeostasis in petals and thus antagonize age‐ and stress‐induced precocious senescence in rose flowers. Significance Statement: It is significant for ornamental qualities of rose flowers to elucidate how to maintain the redox homeostasis during premature, stress‐induced reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐mediated senescence. Here, we identified a brake mechanism of RhWRKY33a‐RhPLATZ9‐RhRbohD module to help maintain ROS homeostasis in petals and thus antagonize age‐ and stress‐induced precocious senescence in rose flowers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flowering time and photoperiod sensitivity are fundamental traits that determine soybean adaptation to a given region or a wide range of geographic environments. The General Regulatory Factors (GRFs), also known as 14-3-3 family, are involved in protein–protein interactions in a phosphorylation-dependent manner, thus regulating ubiquitous biological processes, such as photoperiodic flowering, plant immunity and stress response. In this study, 20 soybean GmSGF14 genes were identified and divided into two categories according to phylogenetic relationships and structural characteristics. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis revealed that GmSGF14g, GmSGF14i, GmSGF14j, GmSGF14k, GmSGF14m and GmSGF14s were highly expressed in all tissues compared to other GmSGF14 genes. In addition, we found that the transcript levels of GmSGF14 family genes in leaves varied significantly under different photoperiodic conditions, indicating that their expression responds to photoperiod. To explore the role of GmSGF14 in the regulation of soybean flowering, the geographical distribution of major haplotypes and their association with flowering time in six environments among 207 soybean germplasms were studied. Haplotype analysis confirmed that the GmSGF14mH4 harboring a frameshift mutation in the 14-3-3 domain was associated with later flowering. Geographical distribution analysis demonstrated that the haplotypes related to early flowering were frequently found in high-latitude regions, while the haplotypes associated with late flowering were mostly distributed in low-latitude regions of China. Taken together, our results reveal that the GmSGF14 family genes play essential roles in photoperiodic flowering and geographical adaptation of soybean, providing theoretical support for further exploring the function of specific genes in this family and varietal improvement for wide adaptability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Classical results show that gradient descent converges linearly to minimizers of smooth strongly convex functions. A natural question is whether there exists a locally nearly linearly convergent method for nonsmooth functions with quadratic growth. This work designs such a method for a wide class of nonsmooth and nonconvex locally Lipschitz functions, including max-of-smooth, Shapiro’s decomposable class, and generic semialgebraic functions. The algorithm is parameter-free and derives from Goldstein’s conceptual subgradient method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Auditory deprivation affects normal age-related changes in the central auditory maturation. Cochlear implants (CIs) have already become the best treatment strategy for severe to profound hearing impairment. However, it is still hard to evaluate the speech-language outcomes of the pediatric CI recipients because of hearing-impaired children with limited speech-language abilities. The cortical auditory evoked potential (CAEP) provides a window into the development of the auditory cortical pathways. This preliminary study is aimed at assessing electrophysical characteristics of P1-N1 of electrically CAEP in children with CIs and at exploring whether these changes could be accounted for in auditory and speech outcomes of these patients. CAEP responses were recorded in 48 children with CIs in response to electrical stimulus to determine the presence of the P1-N1 response. Speech perception and speech intelligibility of the implanted children were further evaluated with the categories of auditory performance (CAP) test and speech intelligibility rating (SIR) test, respectively, to explore the relationship between the latency of P1-N1 and auditory and speech performance. This study found that P1 and N1 of the intracochlear CAEP were reliably evoked in children fitted with CIs and that the latency of the P1 as opposed to that of N1 was negative in relation to the wearing time of the cochlear implant. Moreover, the latency of the P1 produced significantly negative scores in both CAP and SIR tests, which indicates that P1 latency may be reflective of the auditory performance and speech intelligibility of pediatric CI recipients. These results suggest that the latency of P1 could be used for the objective assessment of auditory and speech function evaluation in cochlear-implanted children, which would be helpful in clinical decision-making regarding intervention for young hearing-impaired children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alkali metal-noble gas comagnetometers operated in the regime of spin-exchange relaxation-free (SERF) have been widely used in fundamental physics tests and rotation sensing as gyroscope. Spin-exchange relaxation is an important systematic bias of the comagnetometer, which could limit sensitivity significantly. However, the suppression effect of the spin-exchange relaxation has not been examined quantitatively so far. Herein, we systematically investigate the relaxation of the alkali metal atoms and find that the spin-exchange relaxation is not completely eliminated under the normal operating condition of the K-Rb-21Ne comagnetometer. In addition to the optical pumping rate, the spin-exchange relaxation still plays a dominant role in the broadening of electron Zeeman resonances due to the large electron magnetic field. This is the first demonstration that the alkali metal atoms are operated in the near-SERF regime in the alkali metal-noble gas comagnetometer with a large election magnetic field, which will shed light on the way to reduce the relaxation of the alkali metal atoms and enhance the sensitivity of the comagnetometer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a novel method for measuring relaxation rates and Fermi-contact fields of the electron and nuclear spin ensembles rapidly and synchronously in spin-exchange relaxation-free (SERF) atomic comagnetometers based on the transient response. The transient response model of the comagnetometer is established by solving a set of Bloch equations. The decay rates and oscillation frequencies of the transient response as functions of the longitudinal magnetic field are investigated theoretically and experimentally. The total relaxation rate of the nuclear spin ensemble is obtained from its decay rate. A linear model is presented with a detailed mathematical derivation based on the decay rates and oscillation frequencies of the spin ensembles. The Fermi-contact fields of the spin ensembles and the slowing-down factor are extracted from the slope and intercept of the linear model. The total relaxation rate of the electron spins is obtained from the decay rates of the spin ensembles and the measured slowing-down factor. The validity of this method is further checked by the magnetic resonance (MR) method from a perspective of the electron resonance linewidth. Identification of these systematic parameters paves the way for operating the comagnetometers efficiently as well as the practical applications of the comagnetometers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid development of China's economy, people are eager for an effective way to relieve work pressure and strengthen their health at the same time. Outdoor sport is one of the best choices for people. However, the amount of recommended data on the network is very large. As a result, when people understand outdoor sports through the network, they cannot effectively obtain the information they want. This is the problem of "information overload," and personalized recommendation system can effectively alleviate this problem. In order to effectively recommend outdoor sports to users, a useful attempt was made in the personalized recommendation system for outdoor sports in this paper. The specific work of this paper is as follows: firstly, the current situation of outdoor sports in China was summarized, and the related technologies of the recommendation system were studied, including user modeling technology, recommendation target modeling technology, and recommendation algorithm. In order to obtain better recommendation effect, this paper proposes to mix user-based collaborative filtering recommendation algorithm, project-based collaborative filtering recommendation algorithm, and content-based recommendation algorithm. The hybrid algorithm adopts the way of feature expansion and weighted combination. Firstly, the hybrid model (model 1) of user-based collaborative filtering recommendation and content-based recommendation is obtained. Secondly, the hybrid model (model 2) based on project collaborative filtering recommendation and content-based recommendation was obtained. Finally, model 1 and model 2 were combined together to get a hybrid model with better final recommendation effect. For the common cold start problem in the recommendation system, the system adopts content-based recommendation algorithm to solve it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Miner's pneumoconios is a serious global public health problem. To further improve the application performance of individual protective materials, this paper prepared three-layered composite filter material composed of a hydrophobic external layer, a dust filter intermediate layer, and a moisture permeable internal layer, and explored the influence of composite ratio on the comprehensive performance of the filter material. The thermal comfort evaluation index system under complex working conditions environment was established. The results show that the optimal composite ratio of composite filter material is 2/6/2. This optimal composite filter material has dual-structure with high filtration efficiency of 99.9 %, low resistance of 98.7Pa, high quality factor of 0.07 and high air permeability of 364 mm/s. The construction of the wetting gradient realizes the efficient moisture permeability of 11.1 kg·m−1·d−1of the filter media. In addition, it shows the antibacterial activity of over 90 % against S.aureus and E.coli. The ergonomics experiments shows the heart rate and oxygen uptake are the key influencing factors reflecting the thermal comfort of the filter material. The composite filter material developed with excellent air and moisture permeability can provide a comfortable and safe breathing environment under the working environment of high temperature, high humidity and high labor intensity. [Display omitted] • The prepared filter membrane are superior in air and moisture permeability. • The prepared filter membrane have a low pressure drop due to the air slip effect. • A comprehensive physiological index model for ergonomics parameters is constructed. • The composite filter material is an excellent personal protection material in mines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) calls for efforts to study broadly neutralizing antibodies elicited by infection or vaccination so as to inform the development of vaccines and antibody therapeutics with broad protection. Here, we identified two convalescents of breakthrough infection with relatively high neutralizing titers against all tested viruses. Among 50 spike-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) cloned from their B cells, the top 6 neutralizing mAbs (KXD01-06) belong to previously defined IGHV3-53/3-66 public antibodies. Although most antibodies in this class are dramatically escaped by VOCs, KXD01-06 all exhibit broad neutralizing capacity, particularly KXD01-03, which neutralize SARS-CoV-2 from prototype to the emerging EG.5.1 and FL.1.5.1. Deep mutational scanning reveals that KXD01-06 can be escaped by current and prospective variants with mutations on D420, Y421, L455, F456, N460, A475 and N487. Genetic and functional analysis further indicates that the extent of somatic hypermutation is critical for the breadth of KXD01-06 and other IGHV3-53/3-66 public antibodies. Overall, the prevalence of broadly neutralizing IGHV3-53/3-66 public antibodies in these two convalescents provides rationale for novel vaccines based on this class of antibodies. Meanwhile, KXD01-06 can be developed as candidates of therapeutics against SARS-CoV-2 through further affinity maturation. Author summary: The greatest challenge for the development of effective vaccines and antibody therapeutics against SARS-CoV-2 is the rapid emergence of variants. Broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) and vaccines that can elicit those antibodies are promising strategies to meet the challenge. Therefore, we focus on identification and characterization of bnAbs elicited by infection or vaccination in this study. From two convalescents of breakthrough infection, we discovered a serial of bnAbs (KXD01-06), which are able to neutralize SARS-CoV-2 from prototype to XBB lineages, and even to the emerging EG.5. Notably, these bnAbs are prevalent in the two convalescents and their neutralization breadth is developed through extensive affinity maturation. Overall, our study is an important support for vaccine development aiming at eliciting those bnAbs. Moreover, those bnAbs have potential to be developed as candidates of therapeutics against SARS-CoV-2 through further optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shale oil and gas are currently the major fields of unconventional hydrocarbon exploration and development. The Fengcheng Formation (FF) shale in the Mahu Sag of the Junggar Basin is an alkaline lacustrine organic-rich shale with an extremely prospective shale oil potential. However, its strong heterogeneity and complex pore structure greatly influence the development of shale oil. It is significant to investigate the pore and geochemical characteristics of shale reservoirs for shale oil extraction. In this study, the pore structure and geochemical characteristics of FF have been investigated using core analysis, Rock-Eval pyrolysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), mercury injection capillary pressure (MICP), low-temperature gas adsorption (LTGA), and X-ray computed tomography (X-ray CT). The results show that the shale of FF has moderate organic matter abundance, and the kerogen is mainly of Type II, which is now at the peak of oil generation. Shale minerals are mainly composed of carbonate (dolomite and calcite) and siliceous (quartz and feldspar) minerals, with extremely low clay mineral content. The pore types are mainly intergranular pores (inter-P), intragranular pores (intra-P), and microfractures associated with mineral particles. The pore space is contributed predominantly by micropores of 0.5–1.2 nm and mesopores of 10–50 nm, whereas macropores are underdeveloped. The pores are mostly ink bottle- and slit-shaped, and the pore connectivity is relatively poor. The pore development of shale in the FF is influenced by organic matter abundance, thermal maturity, mineral composition, etc. Organic matter content (TOC), thermal maturity (Ro), and carbonate minerals have a positive effect on pore development, and the pore volume (PV) increases with TOC, Ro, and carbonate minerals. While clay minerals show a negative effect, the PV decreases with clay minerals. Additionally, the influence of the clay mineral content on the pore morphology of shale should not be ignored. This study investigates the pore structure and geochemical characteristics of the alkaline lacustrine shale of FF in Mahu Sag, which is significant to deepen the understanding of alkaline lacustrine shale and to improve the production of shale oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Cu 2 Si nanoribbons with zigzag edges have flat bands of edge states. • Interaction between the edge states can induce sizable magnetism in the ribbon. • Carrier doping can induce sizable magnetism in the ribbon too. • Carrier doping can further control the real space distribution of magnetic moment. Abstract The surface states of three dimensional topological nodal line semimetal (TNLSM) form a flat band within the projection of the closed nodal line onto the surface. Such a flat band implies a singular surface density of states which, if close to the Fermi energy, is apt to induce a magnetic phase transition. Similar physics is expected in a two-dimensional (2D) TNLSM. In the framework of density functional theory, we study the edge states of Cu 2 Si monolayer which is currently an experimentally feasible sample of 2D TNLSM. We find that the flat bands attached to two kinds of zigzag edges of Cu 2 Si are very close to the Fermi energy. Moreover, we explore the possible magnetism of Cu 2 Si nanoribbons terminated by these zigzag edges. We find that a narrow ribbon has ferromagnetic ground states with sizable magnetic moments, owing to the interaction between the edge states localized at the opposite edges. In addition, carrier doping in a nanoribbon can induce the transition between the ferromagnetic and nonmagnetic states. More interestingly, the magnetic moment distribution in real space from one to another edges can be readily modulated by the carrier doping. Our study indicates that Cu 2 Si nanoribbons with controllable magnetism provide a new platform to realize the device functions of spintronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The targeted delivery of therapeutic drugs to lymph nodes (LNs) provides an unprecedented opportunity to improve the outcomes of transplantation and immune-mediated diseases. The high endothelial venule is a specialized segment of LN vasculature that uniquely expresses peripheral node addressin (PNAd) molecules. PNAd is recognized by MECA79 mAb. We previously generated a MECA79 mAb-coated microparticle (MP) that carries tacrolimus. Although this MP trafficked to LNs, it demonstrated limited therapeutic efficacy in our transplant model. Here, we have synthesized a nanoparticle (NP) as a carrier of anti-CD3, and optimized the conjugation strategy to coat the NP surface with MECA79 mAb (MECA79-anti-CD3-NP) to enhance LN accumulation. As compared with nonconjugated NPs, a significantly higher quantity of MECA79-NPs accumulated in the draining lymph node (DLN). Many MECA79-NPs underwent internalization by T cells and dendritic cells within the LNs. Short-term treatment of murine cardiac allograft recipients with MECA79-anti-CD3-NP resulted in significantly prolonged allograft survival in comparison with the control groups. Prolonged graft survival following treatment with MECA79-anti-CD3-NP was characterized by a significant increase in intragraft and DLN Treg populations. Treg depletion abrogated the prolongation of heart allograft survival. We believe this targeted approach of drug delivery could redefine the methods of administering immune therapeutics in transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Mucor hiemalis BO-1 was acutely toxic to Bradysia odoriphaga larvae and was as effective as some chemical pesticides. Mucor hiemalis BO-1 infection inhibited the feeding capacity of Bradysia odoriphaga larvae, reduced food consumption and nutrient contents, and caused a decline in digestive enzyme activity. Transcriptome analysis of diseased B. odoriphaga larvae indicated significant changes in the expression of the genes related to the digestive process, energy metabolism, antioxidant response, and immune processes. Mucor hiemalis BO-1 is an entomopathogenic fungus that infects Bradysia odoriphaga, a destructive root maggot. M. hiemalis BO-1 possesses stronger pathogenicity to the larvae than to other stages of B. odoriphaga, and provides satisfactory field control. However, the physiological response of B. odoriphaga larvae to infection and the infection mechanism of M. hiemalis are unknown. We detected some physiological indicators of diseased B. odoriphaga larvae infected by M. hiemalis BO-1. These included changes in consumption, nutrient contents, and digestive and antioxidant enzymes. We performed transcriptome analysis of diseased B. odoriphaga larvae, and found that M. hiemalis BO-1 showed acute toxicity to B. odoriphaga larvae and was as toxic as some chemical pesticides. The food consumption of diseased B. odoriphaga after inoculation with M. hiemalis spores decreased significantly, and there was a significant decrease in total protein, lipid, and carbohydrates in diseased larvae. Key digestive enzymes (protease, α-amylase, lipase, and cellulase) were significantly inhibited during infection. Peroxidase maintained high activity, and the activity of other antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione S-transferases) first increased and then decreased. Combined with the transcriptional signatures of diseased B. odoriphaga larvae, M. hiemalis BO-1 infection resulted in decreased food consumption, reduced digestive enzyme activity, and altered energy metabolism and material accumulation. Infection was also accompanied by fluctuations in immune function, such as cytochrome P450 and the Toll pathway. Therefore, our results laid a basis for the further study of the interactions between M. hiemalis BO-1 and B. odoriphaga and promoted the genetic improvement of entomopathogenic fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat. 'Huaihuang' is a traditional Chinese medicinal plant. However, a black spot disease caused by Alternaria sp., a typical necrotrophic fungus, has a serious damaging influence on the field growth, yield, and quality of the plant. 'Huaiju 2#' being bred from 'Huaihuang', shows resistance to Alternaria sp. bHLH transcription factor has been widely studied because of their functions in growth development, signal transduction, and abiotic stress. However, the function of bHLH in biotic stress has rarely been studied. To characterize the resistance genes, the CmbHLH family was surveyed in 'Huaiju 2#'. On the basis of the transcriptome database of 'Huaiju 2#' after Alternaria sp. inoculation, with the aid of the Chrysanthemum genome database, 71 CmbHLH genes were identified and divided into 17 subfamilies. Most (64.8%) of the CmbHLH proteins were rich in negatively charged amino acids. CmbHLH proteins are generally hydrophilic proteins with a high aliphatic amino acid content. Among the 71 CmbHLH proteins, five CmbHLHs were significantly upregulated by Alternaria sp. infection, and the expression of CmbHLH18 was the most significant. Furthermore, heterologous overexpression of CmbHLH18 could improve the resistance of Arabidopsis thaliana to necrotrophic fungus Alternaria brassicicola by enhancing callose deposition, preventing spores from entering leaves, reducing ROS accumulation, increasing the activities of antioxidant enzymes and defense enzymes, and promoting their gene expression levels. These results indicate that the five CmbHLHs, especially CmbHLH18, may be considered candidate genes for resistance to necrotrophic fungus. These findings not only increase our understanding of the role CmbHLHs play in biotic stress but also provide a basis by using CmbHLHs to breed a new variety of Chrysanthemum with high resistance to necrotrophic fungus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to reduce the particulate matter pollution to human health in producing environments, series of polyethylene terephthalate/polyvinyl alcohol (PET/PVA) based nanofibrous membranes were fabricated and investigated the dust collection and antibacterial activity. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), berberine (Ber) and titanium oxide nanoparticles (TiO 2 NPs) were selected as antibacterial agents. These novel membranes were well-characterized using SEM, FTIR, TG, etc. techniques. Results of the dust filtration showed that PET/PVA/Ag membrane had the best filtration efficiency of 99.87% for sodium chloride (NaCl) and 99.89% for dioctyl sebacate (DEHS), held low pressure drop of 160.1 Pa for NaCl and 165.3 Pa for DEHS, and posed a high tensile strength of 4.91 MPa. The bacteriostasis studies exhibited that PET/PVA/TiO 2 and PET/PVA/Ag membrane showed the highest bacteriological effect on Escherichia coli (98.7%) and Staphylococcus aureus (95.9%), respectively. Meanwhile, in vitro cytotoxicity test indicated no potential cytotoxicity existed in the cell culture process of these two antibacterial membranes. Moreover, the charge distribution in the nanofibers was increased by these antibacterial agents to improve the filtration performance. The dust filtration process synergistically promoted with the antibacterial process in the antibacterial membranes. It was expected that these membranes could be efficient filter medias with broad application prospects in the field of individual protection. • PET based nanofibrous membranes were constructed to improve the air filtration and antibacterial performance. • In vitro cytotoxicity experiments demonstrated the non-potential toxicity of PET/PVA/Ag and PET/PVA/TiO 2 membranes. • Mechanism of dust collection and antibacterial activity was performed. • Membranes possessed excellent dust collection and antibacterial performance with broad prospects in producing environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the immune response within draining lymph nodes (DLNs) has been studied for decades, how their stromal compartment contributes to this process remains to be fully explored. Here, we show that donor mast cells were prominent activators of collagen I deposition by fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs) in DLNs shortly following transplantation. Serial analysis of the DLN indicated that the LN stroma did not return to its baseline microarchitecture following organ rejection and that the DLN contained significant fibrosis following repetitive organ transplants. Using several FRC conditional-knockout mice, we show that induction of senescence in the FRCs of the DLN resulted in massive production of collagen I and a proinflammatory milieu within the DLN. Stimulation of herpes virus entry mediator (HVEM) on FRCs by its ligand LIGHT contributed chiefly to the induction of senescence in FRCs and overproduction of collagen I. Systemic administration of ex vivo-expanded FRCs to mice decreased DLN fibrosis and strengthened the effect of anti-CD40L in prolonging heart allograft survival. These data demonstrate that the transformation of FRCs into proinflammatory myofibroblasts is critically important for the maintenance of a proinflammatory milieu within a fibrotic DLN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in land use and landscapes have a direct impact on the regional eco-environment. It is of great importance to understand the change pattern of land use, landscapes, and their mechanism on the ecological quality, especially ecologically fragile areas. The northern sand-prevention belt (NSPB) is an important ecologically fragile area in China, which has a large influence on the ecological security of the entire country. Based on the land use data of the NSPB in 2000, 2010, and 2018, we studied the spatio-temporal characteristics of land-use change and change in landscape patterns. The ecological quality represented by the remote sensing-based desertification index (RSDI) was calculated using satellite images. The effects of land use and landscape patterns on RSDI were analyzed by geographic detector and geographically weighted regression. Important results include the following: (1) Land-use change in the study area was high during 2000–2010 but slower in 2010–2018. Grassland was the largest land-use type in the NSPB, and varied greatly in terms of total change and spatial location. The major change was the conversion between dense and moderate grass, with 64,860 km2 of dense grass turning into moderate grass, and 48,505 km2 changing the other way. (2) Among the four landscape metrics, patch density, area-weighted mean fractal dimension, and edge density increased, whereas the aggregation index decreased, which indicated that the landscape was developing towards heterogeneity, fragmentation, complexity, and aggregation. Spatially, the landscape metrics presented a strip distribution in the east of the NSPB. (3) The effects of various land-use types on ecological quality, from high to low, were unused land, woodland, dense grass, cropland, moderate grass, built-up land, sparse grass, and waterbody. The areas where the ecological quality was greatly affected by the landscape patterns were concentrated in the agro-pastoral ecotone and the forest-steppe ecotone. The results of this study reveal the trends of land use and landscape patterns in the NSPB over 18 years and can help to understand their mechanism on ecological quality, which is of significance for the management of this area. • LUC in the NSPB was active from 2000 to 2010 and weakened from 2010 to 2018. • The landscape was developing towards heterogeneity, fragmentation, complexity, and aggregation. • The effects of land use and landscape on ecological quality were studied by GD and GWR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recently reported Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) causes severe respiratory illness in humans with an approximately 30% mortality rate. The envelope spike glycoprotein on the surface of MERS-CoV mediates receptor binding, membrane fusion, and viral entry. We previously reported two human monoclonal antibodies that target the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the spike and exhibit strong neutralization activity against live and pesudotyped MERS-CoV infection. Here we determined the crystal structure of MERS-CoV RBD bound to the Fab fragment of MERS-27 antibody at 3.20 Å resolution. The MERS-27 epitope in the RBD overlaps with the binding site of the MERS-CoV receptor DPP4. Further biochemical, viral entry, and neutralization analyses identified two critical residues in the RBD for both MERS-27 recognition and DPP4 binding. One of the residues, Trp535, was found to function as an anchor residue at the binding interface with MERS-27. Upon receptor binding, Trp535 interacts with the N-linked carbohydrate moiety of DPP4. Thus, MERS-27 inhibits MERS-CoV infection by directly blocking both protein-protein and protein-carbohydrate interactions between MERS-CoV RBD and DPP4. These results shed light on the molecular basis of MERS-27 neutralization and will assist in the optimization of MERS-27 as a tool to combat MERS-CoV infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temperature and precipitation are considered to be the most important indicators affecting the green-up date. Sensitivity of the green-up date to temperature and precipitation is considered to be one of the key indicators to characterize the response of terrestrial ecosystems to climate change. We selected the main grassland types for analysis, including temperate steppe, temperate meadow steppe, upland meadow, and lowland meadow. This study investigates the variation in key meteorological indicators (daily maximum temperature (Tmax), daily minimum temperature (Tmin), and precipitation) between 2001 and 2018. We then examined the partial correlation and sensitivity of green-up date (GUD) to Tmax, Tmin, and precipitation. Our analysis indicated that the average GUD across the whole area was DOY 113. The mean GUD trend was −3.1 days/decade and the 25% region advanced significantly. Tmax and Tmin mainly showed a decreasing trend in winter (p > 0.05). In spring, Tmax mainly showed an increasing trend (p > 0.05) and Tmin a decreasing trend (p > 0.05). Precipitation showed no significant (p > 0.05) change trend and the trend range was ±10 mm/decade. For temperate steppe, the increase in Tmin in March promotes green-up (27.3%, the proportion of significant pixels), with a sensitivity of −0.17 days/°C. In addition, precipitation in April also promotes green-up (21.7%), with a sensitivity of −0.32 days/mm. The GUDs of temperate meadow steppe (73.9%), lowland meadow (65.9%), and upland meadow (22.1%) were mainly affected by Tmin in March, with sensitivities of −0.15 days/°C, −0.13 days/°C, and −0.14 days/°C, respectively. The results of this study reveal the response of vegetation to climate warming and contribute to improving the prediction of ecological changes as temperatures increase in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]