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Protocatechuic acid (3, 4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, PCA) is widely used in the pharmaceuticals, health food, and cosmetics industries owing to its diverse biological activities. However, the inhibition of 3-dehydroshikimate dehydratase (AroZ) by PCA and its toxicity to cells limit the efficient production of PCA in Escherichia coli. In this study, a high-level strain of 3-dehydroshikimate, E. coli DHS01, was developed by blocking the carbon flow from the shikimate-overproducing strain E. coli SA09. Additionally, the PCA biosynthetic pathway was established in DHS01 by introducing the high-activity Ap AroZ. Subsequently, the protein structure and catalytic mechanism of 3-dehydroshikimate dehydratase from Acinetobacter pittii PHEA-2 (Ap AroZ) were clarified. The variant Ap AroZR363A, achieved by modulating the conformational dynamics of Ap AroZ, effectively relieved product inhibition. Additionally, the tolerance of the strain E. coli PCA04 to PCA was enhanced by adaptive laboratory evolution, and a biosensor-assisted high-throughput screening method was designed and implemented to expedite the identification of high-performance PCA-producing strains. Finally, in a 5 L bioreactor, the final strain PCA05 achieved the highest PCA titer of 46.65 g/L, a yield of 0.23 g/g, and a productivity of 1.46 g/L/h for PCA synthesis from glucose using normal fed-batch fermentation. The strategies described herein serve as valuable guidelines for the production of other high-value and toxic products. • High-titer DHS-producing strain E. coli DHS01 was constructed as the chassis strain. • Product inhibition was significantly alleviated by the variant Ap AroZR363A based on the elucidation of protein structure. • The PCA tolerance of strain was enhanced by biosensor-assisted adaptive laboratory evolution. • 46.6 g/L PCA with a productivity of 1.46 g/L/h was produced in a 5-L bioreactor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Group H Rotavirus (RVH) is associated with human diarrhea gastroenteritis. The interferon (IFN) response induced by RVH remains unclear. In this study, we first studied the characteristic feature of RVH and found J19 strain of RVH grew less efficiently compared with the G6P1 strain of RVA. Next, we found that infection with the J19 virus resulted in the secretion of IFN-λ1, but not IFN-β, while both IFN-β and IFN-λ1 could inhibit J19 replication significantly in Caco-2 cells. NSP1 played an important role in the suppression of type I and type III IFN response, and NSP5 protein significantly inhibited activation of IFN-λ1. J19 NSP1 suppressed the induction of IFN-β obviously than G6P1 NSP1, while G6P1 NSP1 reduced IFN-λ1 induction to the greatest extent compared with G9P8, Wa, and J19 NSP1s. Our studies reveal the propagation feature of RVH and interferon induction and suppression by group H rotavirus. • J19 strain of RVH grew less efficiently compared with G6P1 strain of RVA. • J19 Infection resulted in the secretion of IFN-λ1, but not IFN-β. • NSP1 played important role in the suppression of type I and type III IFN response. • J19 NSP1 suppressed the induction of IFN-β obviously than G6P1 NSP1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protein disulfide isomerase A4 (PDIA4) is highly expressed in clear cell ovarian carcinoma and lung cancer. Through analysis of TCGA database and CGGA database, we noted that PDIA4 is a key promotor of glioblastoma (GBM). However, the detailed role and molecular mechanism of PDIA4 in GBM remain unclear. In this study, the expression pattern and biological role of PDIA4 in GBM was investigated. PDIA4 was overexpressed in GBM tumor samples and cell lines and positively correlated with pathological grades in glioma patients. In addition, downregulation of PDIA4 promoted apoptosis and inhibited proliferation of GBM. Meanwhile, there was a concurrent decrease in aerobic glycolysis metabolites. Mechanistically, PDIA4 downregulation promoted the apoptosis of GBM cells by increased the expression of apoptosis pathway proteins (caspase 3, caspase 9 and Bax). Downregulation of PDIA4 decreased energy demand and inhibited GBM growth in vitro and in vivo. Besides, such effect also inhibited the PI3K/AKT/m-TOR pathway by inhibiting protein phosphorylation levels of PI3K, AKT and m-TOR. After addition of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway activator 740Y–P, the effect of PDIA4 knockdown on GBM was reversed. Therefore, we believe that PDIA4 regulates the proliferation via activating the PI3K/AKT/m-TOR pathway and suppression of apoptosis in glioblastoma. It could be used as a potential target for the treatment of GBM. • PDIA4 was overexpressed in GBM tumor samples and cell lines. • Downregulation of PDIA4 could inhibit in vitro and in vivo GBM growth. • Untargeted aqueous-soluble metabolomics of LN229 cells with or without PDIA4 knockdown. • PDIA4 regulated apoptosis in GBM cells via the PI3K/AKT/m-TOR pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A fiber H 2 sensor based on a hybrid FPI and MI probe with PDMS and Pd-WO 3 is reported. • MI and FPI are cascaded to form a vernier spectrum. • The sensor has superiorities of excellent repeatability, rapid response, high sensitivity, and compact structure. • The sensor has impressive potential in the detection of H 2 in narrow places. A hydrogen (H 2) sensor based on hybrid Fabry-Perot interference (FPI) and Michelson interference (MI) with Vernier effect is demonstrated. The optical probe is manufactured by fusing a multimode fiber (MMF) and a double-side hole fiber (DSHF) between a single-mode fiber (SMF) and a hollow core fiber (HCF) filled with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) at the end to form a cascaded FP and MI, which can generate a vernier envelope. by fusing a multimode fiber (MMF) and a double-side hole fiber (DSHF) between a single-mode fiber (SMF) and a hollow core fiber (HCF) filled with PDMS at the end. To accomplish H 2 sensing, palladium-tungstic oxide (Pd-WO 3) powder is attached to the exterior surface of PDMS, which will cause an exothermic redox reaction with H 2. The released heat will lead to the volume expansion of PDMS with remarkable thermal response characteristics, and finally cause the movement of the vernier-like spectral envelope with the variation of H 2 concentration. The sensitivity of the proposed sensor is 2.2 nm/% in the range of 0 %–1% through the H 2 measurement experiment. For H 2 with a concentration of 1 %, it has the response time of 28 s and shows good reversibility in the cyclic experiment. In addition, the sensitivity of temperature and relative humidity (RH) is 0.21 nm/°C and 0.0014 nm/%RH, respectively. The proposed sensor adopts a reflective probe, which is compact in structure and small in volume, and shows fast response and excellent repeatability. It has great advantages in H 2 measurement in narrow spaces and long distances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Host genetic single nucleotide polymorphisms can exert an influence susceptibility to tuberculosis infection. Previous investigations have demonstrated an association between the polymorphism in the ALOX5 gene and a range of diseases, encompassing not only noninfectious conditions like asthma, acute myocardial infarction, and cerebral infarction but also infections caused by various pathogens. However, the relationship between ALOX5 gene polymorphism and susceptibility to tuberculosis has received limited research attention. The ALOX5 gene encodes arachidonic acid 5-lipoxygenase(5-LO), which serves as the initiating catalyst in the generation of the inflammatory mediator leukotriene. Leukotrienes, products derived from the 5-LO pathway, are potent proinflammatory lipid mediators that assume a pivotal role in tuberculosis infections.Consequently, ALOX5 gene variants may be intricately associated with the pathogenesis of tuberculosis. In instances where the host exhibits immunocompromisation, infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis can impact multiple systems. The involvement of multiple systems significantly augments the complexity of treatment and escalates patient mortality rates. Regrettably, the underlying mechanisms driving multisystem tuberculosis pathogenesis remain enigmatic, with clinicians paying scant attention to this aspect. Although the protein encoded by the ALOX5 gene represents a pivotal enzyme that catalyzes the metabolism of arachidonic acid into LXA4, and thereby plays a significant role in the inflammatory response during tuberculosis infection, studies investigating ALOX5 gene polymorphism and its association with susceptibility to multisystem tuberculosis in the Chinese Han population are exceptionally scarce. Therefore, the primary objective of this study is to comprehensively examine the correlation between ALOX5 gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to tuberculosis within the Chinese Han population, with particular emphasis on multisystemic tuberculosis. A case‒control study design was employed, encompassing 382 individuals with pulmonary tuberculosis and 367 individuals with multisystemic tuberculosis as the case groups, along with 577 healthy controls.Whole blood DNA was extracted from all patients and healthy controls. Subsequently, three tag polymorphisms (rs2029253, rs7896431, rs2115819) within the ALOX5 gene were selectively identified and genotyped. After adjusting for age and sex, the presence of allele A at rs2029253 exhibited a pronounced association with an elevated risk of TB susceptibility when compared to the tuberculosis group and healthy control group. (ORa: 2.174, 95% CI: 1.827–2.587; Pa<0.001, respectively). Notably, the rs2029253 AG genotype and AA genotype displayed a significantly increased susceptibility to tuberculosis (ORa: 2.236, 95% CI: 1.769–2.825; Pa <0.001 and ORa: 4.577, 95% CI: 2.950–7.100; Pa <0.001, respectively) compared to the GG genotype. Moreover, in the analysis utilizing genetic models, rs2029253 also exhibited a markedly heightened susceptibility to tuberculosis in additive models, dominant models, and recessive models (Pa <0.001). Conversely, no significant association was observed between rs7896431, rs2115819, and tuberculosis. In the subgroup analysis, when comparing the pulmonary tuberculosis group with the healthy control group, we observed no significant disparities in the distribution frequencies of alleles, genotypes, and gene models (additive model, dominant model, and recessive model) for the three tag SNPs, with P-values were >0.05 after adjusting for age and sex. Additionally, we noted that the presence of allele A at rs2029253 was linked to an increased susceptibility to tuberculosis in the multisystemic tuberculosis group relative to the healthy control group (ORa: 2.292, 95% CI: 1.870–2.810; Pa<0.001). Similarly, the rs2029253 AG genotype, AA genotype, and gene models, including the additive model, dominant model, and recessive model, demonstrated a significantly elevated risk of tuberculosis susceptibility. The polymorphism in the ALOX5 gene is associated with susceptibility to multisystemic tuberculosis in the Chinese Han population. • ALOX5 SNP is associated with multisystemic TB susceptibility. • rs2029253 was associated with an increased risk of multisystemic TB infection. • ALOX5 SNP may not be associated with the susceptibility to pulmonary TB. • The study population was the Chinese Han population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An anthracene-based rare earth coordination polymer (CP) [Tb 2 Cl 2 (adip)(NMP) 3 (H 2 O)] (1) was prepared by solvothermal assembling of Tb3+ and 5,5′-(anthracene-9,10-diyl)diisophthalic acid (H 4 adip, NMP = N -methylpyrrolidone) and possesses a 3D framework and ligand-based blue emission. 1 could be used as a fluorescent probe to detect 2-thiazolidinethione-4-carboxylic acid (TTCA) and temperature with excellent selectivity, sensitivity and anti-interference ability. Between 0 and 10 μM concentration range of TTCA, the fluorescence quenching constant (K sv) of 1 reaches 9.78 × 104 M−1 with the limit of detection of 92.6 nM. 1 could also be used as a temperature sensor within 0–60 °C. The maximum relative sensitivity (S r) was calculated as 5.74% °C−1 at 60 °C and the temperature resolution (δT) is 0.013–0.003 °C corresponding to the above ambient temperature range. The sensitivities of 1 have reached the best level of reported chemical sensors so far. In addition, the mechanisms of fluorescence quenching were studied. [Display omitted] • A complex 1 based on 5,5′-(anthracene-9,10-diyl)diisophthalic acid was obtained. • 1 shows good sensitivity to 2-thiazolidinethione-4-carboxylic acid (TTCA) and temperature. • The limit of detection (LOD) for TTCA is 92.6 nM. • The maximum relative sensitivity (S r) for temperature is calculated as 5.74% °C−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

N-doping for the preparation of functional carbon materials is a trending research topic. In this study, N-rich biochar (BC) was prepared by calcining naturally N rich shrimp shells under oxygen-limiting environment, and the calcining temperatures were controlled. BC were activated with 5% hydrochloric acid solutions and then post-modified with ball-milling to obtain a series of novel adsorbents (MBCs). All samples were characterized by SEM, BET, FT-IR, XRD, XPS, TG, and element analysis. Surface area, pore volume, and other surface functional groups were significantly improved after acidizing and ball-milling. The adsorption capacities for MB were MBC350 > MBC500 > MBC650 >BC350 > BC650 > BC500, and the equilibrium adsorption capacities were 575.01 mg/g, 506.52 mg/g, 424.59 mg/g, 113.31 mg/g, 93.53 mg/g and 86.25 mg/g, respectively. The excellent adsorption performance of MBCs for MB was ascribed to Lewis acid-base interaction, π-π interaction, electrostatic interaction and van der Waals, and the quinone group and pyridinic-N on the surface of the MBCs are identified as the major active sites. Taken together, ball-milled shrimp shell biochar is a promising material for cation dye adsorption. [Display omitted] • N-rich biochar was prepared by Shrimp shell with natural sources of nitrogen. • Biochar pyrolysis at 350 °C (BC350) possess highest pyridinic-N of all samples. • Ball-milled biochar (MBC350) exhibited fast removal rate (99.0%) in initial 15 min. • Lewis acid-base interaction and π-π interaction constitute the main sorption force. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research and development of high-efficiency low-temperature disinfection technology in all aspects of cold-chain food has begun to receive attention. This paper aims to develop low temperature acidic electrolyzed water (LT-AEW) disinfectant. The anti-freezing temperature, disinfection efficiency and practical application effect were evaluated in detail. The results had shown that the freezing point of AEW can be reduced to −18 °C by adding 25% CaCl 2 , 20% NaCl, 30% ethylene glycol (EG) and 35% propylene glycol (PG). At the low temperature (−1, −10 and −18 °C), the bactericidal efficiencies of all EG-acidic electrolyzed waters (EG-AEWs) with different EG contents were close. The reason is that although the low temperature environment will reduce the sterilization efficiency of EG-AEW, the addition of EG can promote the increase of HClO content in EG-AEW, thus increasing the sterilization efficiency. As long as the HClO content reached 35.2, 50.8 and 64.3 mg L−1, the killing logarithm (KL) value had achieved 4.50, 4.49 and 5.07 log 10 (CFU mL−1). Finally, the KL values of EG-AEW against Escherichia coli on the corrugated board and stainless-steel board both exceeded 3 log 10 (CFU mL−1) at the low temperature, which indicates that EG-AEW can be applied in food cold chain. • A low temperature acidic electrolyzed water (LT-AEW) is studied for the first time. • The freezing point of ethylene glycol AEW (EG-AEW) can reach to −18 °C. • The killing logarithm of EG-AEW against E. coli is 5.07 log 10 (CFU mL−1) at −18 °C. • EG-AEW can effectively sterilize E. coli on corrugated and stainless-steel board. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strip rolling is currently the main steel production process. The vertical vibration of the rolling mill caused by the large reduction ratio and high rolling speed reduces the qualification rate of strip products, and even damages the rolling equipment. In this paper, a new particle damping absorber (PDA) is designed to suppress the vertical vibration of the mill. The adaptive genetic algorithm (AGA) is used to optimize the basic parameters of PDA. Considering the nonlinear stiffness between the roll and the rolling stock, a four-degree-of-freedom vertical vibration model of the roll system with the PDA is established. The amplitude-frequency characteristic equations of the primary resonance and the internal resonance are solved by using the multi-scale method. The static bifurcation of the primary resonance of the system is investigated based on the singularity theory. The effects of parameters on vibration are analyzed. The control effect of the vibration absorber is investigated experimentally, and it is found that the experimental results are basically consistent with the theoretical analysis, which verifies the reliability of the established vibration model. The results show that the PDA can effectively suppress the vertical vibration of the roll. It provides some theoretical guidance for the research on vibration suppression of rolling mills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multinary selenides, Sn 4 In 5 Sb 9 Se 25 (1) and Sn 6.13 Pb 1.87 In 5.00 Sb 10.12 Bi 2.88 Se 35 (2) were synthesized by solid-state sintering reactions. These compounds were initially observed resulting from the exploratory synthesis of multinary selenides in In–Sn–Sb–Se systems. Sn 4 In 5 Sb 9 Se 25 crystallizes in a monoclinic lattice with a ​= ​31.820(2) Å, b ​= ​4.0241(3) Å, c ​= ​19.703(2) Å, β ​= ​114.246(5)°, and V ​= ​2300.4(3) Å3; space group C2/m (No. 12); Z ​= ​2. Sn 6.13 Pb 1.87 In 5.00 Sb 10.12 Bi 2.88 Se 35 crystallizes in a monoclinic lattice with a ​= ​31.6883(5) Å, b ​= ​4.0709(1) Å, c ​= ​26.5406(4) Å, β ​= ​105.710(1)°, and V ​= ​3295.8(2) Å3; C2/m (No. 12); Z ​= ​2. The structures of both compounds are constructed with two building units of NaCl100-type [ M 2 x − 4 2 + M 4 3 + Se 2 x + 2 ] ∞ 1 and NaCl111-type [ M 2 y − 2 3 + Se 3 y − 3 ] ∞ 2. The structural anisotropy leads to a columnar or layered shape and strongly preferred orientation along [010] direction upon two compounds. These materials exhibit black color comprising a semiconducting property. Band gaps observed in electrical conductivity measurements are 0.66 ​eV and 0.62 ​eV for compound 1 and 2 , respectively. UV–vis–NIR spectroscopy and the electronic band structure calculations at the density functional theory (DFT) level indicate the results of the semiconducting behaviors. Measurements of Seebeck coefficient indicates p-type semiconductors for both compounds. New multinary chalcogenides: Sn 4 In 5 Sb 9 Se 25 and Sn 6.13 Pb 1.87 In 5.00 Sb 10.12 Bi 2.88 Se 35 , with complex crystal structures have been successfully synthesized via a combination of single-crystal X-ray diffraction and tuning chemical composition. Their physical properties are reported herein. Both materials consist of similar units and imply a new homologous series. [Display omitted] • New multinary chalcogenides: Sn 4 In 5 Sb 9 Se 25 and Sn 6.13 Pb 1.87 In 5.00 Sb 10.12 Bi 2.88 Se 35 have been successfully synthesized. • Both materials contain similar building units with different sizes. • Electronic band structure calculations are studied and indicate semiconducting behaviors for both compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various primate species, including golden snub-nosed monkeys, Rhinopithecus roxellana , form highly complex multilevel social systems. Breeding bands of snub-nosed monkeys maintain stability even though multiple one-male units (OMUs) within a band do not appear to engage in affiliative behaviours among units. As such, female dispersal within breeding bands may be a key factor related to social stability in these complex social systems. However, how individual and group behaviours influence both the formation of this complex social system and the maintenance of social stability within it remain to be fully elucidated. In the current study, based on 16 years of accumulated data, we investigated female dispersal in a wild population of golden snub-nosed monkeys in the Qinling Mountains of China. Using social network analysis and dynamic social modelling, we found that male take-over had no influence on the dominance rank of an OMU, whereas the number of breeding females within an OMU had a significant positive effect on rank. Both the number of breeding females and the number of females entering an OMU had significant positive effects on eigenvector centrality of an OMU. Female dispersal between OMUs decreased the clustering coefficient and reduced the risk of subgroup formation. In addition, female kinship matrices between units were not significantly correlated with association behaviour patterns. Thus, this study sheds light on the internal mechanisms that drive social stability in a complex primate social system. • One-male units in a golden snub-nosed monkey band showed few affiliative behaviours. • Multiple females dispersed among units during the 16-year study period. • Social network analysis showed that female dispersal can maintain social stability. • Female dispersal, not male take-over, affected unit hierarchical rank. • Female kinship did not influence association patterns among one-male units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During pregnancy, various physiological changes occur that can alter the pharmacokinetics of antiepileptic drugs, such as lamotrigine (LTG). Anticipating the change in LTG dose required to achieve a pre-pregnancy target concentration is challenging. This study aimed to develop a refined population pharmacokinetic (PopPK) model of LTG in pregnant women with epilepsy (WWE) to identify factors explaining the variability in pharmacokinetics and to establish a model-informed individualized dosing regimen. On that basis, a coarsened model containing only clinical variables was also developed to examine its predictive performance compared to the refined model. In total, 322 concentration-time points from 51 pregnant WWE treated with LTG were employed to establish a refined PopPK model that included endogenous estrogen profiles, variants of candidate genes encoding LTG-metabolizing enzymes and -transporter proteins, and other clinical variables and a coarsened model that included only clinical variables, respectively. Data from an additional 11 patients were used for external validation of these two models. A nonlinear mixed-effect modeling approach was used for PopPK analysis of LTG. The standard goodness-of-fit method, bootstrap, normalized prediction distribution errors and external evaluation were adopted to estimate the stability and predictive performance of the candidate models. Akaike information criterion (AIC) was used to compare the goodness of fit between these two models. A lower AIC indicates a better fit of the data and the preferred model. Recommended dosing regimens for pregnant WWE were selected using Monte Carlo simulation based on the established optimal model. In the refined PopPK model, the population mean of apparent LTG clearance (CL/F) in pregnant WWE was estimated to be 2.82 L/h, with an inter-individual variability of 23.6%. PopPK analysis indicated that changes in estrogen profile during pregnancy were the predominant reason for the significant variations in LTG-CL/F. Up to the 3rd trimester, the concentration accumulation effect of E2 increased LTG-CL/F by 5.109 L/h from baseline levels. Contrary to effect of E2, E3 as the main circulating estrogen in pregnancy with a peak value of 34.41 ng/mL is 1000-fold higher than that in non-pregnancy reduced LTG-CL/F by 1.413 L/h. In addition, the UGT2B7 rs4356975 C > T and ABCB1 rs1128503 A > G variants may contribute to a better understanding of the inter-individual variability in LTG-CL/F. LTG-CL/F was 1.66-fold higher in UGT2B7 rs4356975 CT or TT genotype carriers than in CC genotype carriers. In contrast, ABCB1 rs1128503 GG genotype carriers had only 71.9% of the LTG-CL/F of AA or AG genotype carriers. In the coarsened PopPK model, the gestational age was a promising predictor of changes in LTG-CL/F. When comparing these two models, the refined PopPK model was favored over the coarsened PopPK model (AIC = −30.899 vs. −20.017). Monte Carlo simulation based on optimal PopPK model revealed that the LTG dosage administered to carriers of the UGT2B7 rs4356975 CT or TT genotype required a 33–50% increase to reach the pre-pregnancy target concentration, and carriers of the ABCB1 rs1128503 GG genotype required a 33–66% lower dose of LTG than carriers of the ABCB1 rs1128503 AA or AG genotype. Changes in estrogen profile during pregnancy was a better predictor of variations in LTG-CL/F than gestational age. The developed model based on estrogen profile and pharmacogenetics can serve as a foundation for further optimization of dosing regimens of LTG in pregnant WWE. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Hydrogel coatings have received great attention in the field of such as medical devices, water treatment membranes, flexible electronics, and marine antifouling. However, when it comes to lubrication of hydrogel materials, though it has great potential applications in the field of industrial and medical drag reduction, some restrained properties are urgently needed to overcome for releasing the practical potential. Durability of high lubrication was revealed from the sliding test during the long-term storage, as well as the long-distance sliding. Some variables which possibly affect the lubrication performance were examined to demonstrate that excellent lubricity of the coating would not be easily influenced by load, frequency, friction pair and temperature. The microstructure and mechanical characterization of the lubricative coating indicate that the resistance to harsh running conditions is premised on enough hydration extent and robustness. The formulae of Possion ratio and ball-on-disk contact stress which apply to soft matter were used for calculating contact stress values in tribology tests. Anti-swelling and bio-compatibility are also verified. This work found a route of achieving superior lubrication and coexisting with stability in lubrication, which can be used for drag reduction in medical devices and shipbuilding industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To examine whether and how carbohydrate response element-binding protein (ChREBP) plays a role in diabetic retinopathy. Western blotting was used to detect ChREBP expression and location following high glucose stimulation of Human Retinal Microvascular Endothelial Cells (HRMECs). Flow cytometry, TUNEL staining, and western blotting were used to evaluate apoptosis following ChREBP siRNA silencing. Cell scratch, transwell migration, and tube formation assays were used to determine cell migration and angiogenesis. Diabetic models for wild-type (WT) and ChREBP knockout (ChKO) mice were developed. Retinas of WT and ChKO animals were cultivated in vitro with vascular endothelial growth factor + high glucose to assess neovascular development. ChREBP gene knockdown inhibited thioredoxin-interacting protein and NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing protein 3 expression in HRMECs, which was caused by high glucose stimulation, reduced apoptosis, hindered migration, and tube formation, and repressed AKT/mTOR signaling pathway activation. Compared with WT mice, ChKO mice showed suppressed high glucose-induced alterations in retinal structure, alleviated retinal vascular leakage, and reduced retinal neovascularization. ChREBP deficiency decreased high glucose-induced apoptosis, migration, and tube formation in HRMECs as well as structural and angiogenic responses in the mouse retina; thus, it is a potential therapeutic target for diabetic retinopathy. • We examined whether and how ChREBP plays a role in diabetic retinopathy. • ChREBP deficiency decreased high glucose-induced changes in HRMECs. • ChREBP deficiency decreased structural and angiogenic responses in the mouse retina. • ChREBP can be a therapeutic target for diabetic retinopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sesquiterpene synthases (TPS) determine the structural diversity of terpenoids, which are species specific. In this study, we report a TPS from Fischerella thermalis (named as FtTPS), recombinantly expressed as a soluble protein in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) strain. The FtTPS protein could catalyze the conversion of farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP) to sativene, a kind of tricyclic sesquiterpene. The optimal pH and temperature of FtTPS were 7.5 and 30 °C, respectively. The K M and Vmax values of FtTPS for FPP were 1.846 μM and 0.372 μM/min, respectively. By constructing an engineered E. coli strain carrying the FtTPS and the heterologous mevalonate (MVA) pathway genes, sativene could be detected and its yield reached 24 mg/L after 96 h cultivation. The highest yield of sativene was obtained when E. coli BL21 Star was used as the host with SBMSN medium. These results exhibited the biosynthesis of sativene for the first time. • The TPS from Fischerella thermalis could covert farnesyl pyrophosphate to sativene. • The highest yield of sativene was obtained when E. coli BL21 Star was used as the host in SBMSN medium. • Sativene, a kind of tricyclic sesquiterpene, is produced in the engineered strain at the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • MOF coating methods enhance microwave absorption property of permalloy. • Bimetallic MOFs have higher efficiency for improving microwave absorption. • The best coating bilayers are the inner Co/C layer and the outer Zn/C layer. • This special order of MOF bilayers can build more heterointerfaces. • Heterointerfaces give strong polarization effect and perfect impedance matching. Reasonable heterointerface modification can effectively regulate and enhance the microwave absorption of electromagnetic materials. The surface of magnetic permalloy (PM) microparticles is modified herein by coating double-layer metal organic frameworks (MOF), which are composed of a 2-methylimidazole cobalt salt (ZIF-67) layer and a 2-methylimidazole zinc salt (ZIF-8) layer. A stable heterointerface structure with cobalt/carbon (Co/C) and zinc/carbon (Zn/C) layers is formed on the surface of PM microparticles after pyrolysis. These particles include two types of composite particles of PM solely encapsulated by ZIF-67 or ZIF-8, PM@ZIF67 and PM@ZIF8, respectively, and two types of composite PM particles with a double-layered MOF outer shell structure obtained by exchanging the coating sequence (PM@ZIF8@ZIF67 and PM@ZIF67@ZIF8). Furthermore, the thermal decomposition temperature has a significant impact on the surface morphology and magnetic properties of the composite particles. After pyrolyzing at 500 °C, the PM@ZIF67@ZIF8 samples exhibit the highest microwave absorption performance among these samples. Specifically, the minimum reflection loss and effective absorption bandwidth of PM@ZIF67@ZIF8 after pyrolyzing at 500 °C can reach −47.3 dB at a matching thickness of 3.8 mm and 5.3 GHz at a matching thickness of 2.5 mm, respectively. A heterointerface with an electrical field orientation is created in the PM@ZIF67@ZIF8 particles, which effectively enhances the interface polarization and dipole polarization. Furthermore, the formation of a three-dimensional carbon network after pyrolysis is also useful for optimizing impedance matching and enhancing magneto-electric synergism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are dominant cargo in exosomes and act as master regulators of cell function, inhibiting mRNA translation and affecting gene silencing. Some aspects of tissue-specific miRNA transport in bladder cancer (BC) and its role in cancer progression are not fully understood. A microarray was used to identify miRNAs in mouse bladder carcinoma cell line MB49 exosomes. Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to examine the expression of miRNAs in BC and healthy donor serum. Western blotting and immunohistochemical staining were used to examine the expression of dexamethasone-induced protein (DEXI) in patients with BC. CRISPR-Cas 9 was used to knock out Dexi in MB49, and flow cytometry was performed to test cell proliferation ability and apoptosis under chemotherapy. Human BC organoid culture, miR-3960 transfection, and 293T-exosome-loaded miR-3960 delivery were used to analyze the effect of miR-3960 on BC progression. The results showed that miR-3960 levels in BC tissue were positively correlated with patient survival time. Dexi was a major target of miR-3960. Dexi knockout inhibited MB49 cell proliferation and promoted cisplatin- and gemcitabine-induced apoptosis. Transfection of miR-3960 mimic inhibited DEXI expression and organoid growth. In parallel, 293T-exosome-loaded miR-3960 delivery and Dexi knockout significantly inhibited subcutaneous growth of MB49 cells in vivo. Our results demonstrate the potential role of miR-3960-mediated inhibition of DEXI as a therapeutic strategy against BC. • The expression of miR-3960 in BC patients were positively correlated with survival. • DEXI knockdown inhibits MB49 cell proliferation. • Transfection of miR-3960 inhibited BC organoid growth. • Inhibition of DEXI suggested as a promising therapeutic strategy against bladder BC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hierarchically porous sulfide with abundant cavities contributes to high specific charge (872.0 C g−1 at 1 A g−1), the corresponding NiCoMnS//AC HSC device exhibited a high energy density of 47.2 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 750 W kg−1. [Display omitted] • The hierarchically porous NiCoMnS sulfide nanosheets were in situ synthesized on NF. • Sulfur source concentration played a vital role in constructing the nanosheets with abundant cavities in the post-sulfidation process. • The self-supporting NiCoMnS/NF exhibited an excellent conductivity and high specific charge. • Assembled NiCoMnS//AC HSC device delivered a high energy density of 47.2 Wh kg−1 at a power density 750 W kg−1. Ternary transition metal sulfides have attracted much attention due to their superior electrochemical properties. Nevertheless, it is difficult to commercialize sulfides due to their intrinsic properties such as dull reaction kinetics and an insufficient number of active sites. Herein, a self-supporting porous NiCoMnS sulfide (NiCoMnS/NF) arrayed on nickel foam (NF) with 3D honeycomb-like structure was designed and prepared via a hydrothermal and post-sulfidation process. It was found that the 3D hierarchically network architecture, constructed by nanosheets with abundant cavities, endowed NiCoMnS/NF with a high specific area and rich ion/electron-transport channels, which facilitated ion/electron transfer and Faradaic reaction kinetic. The optimal NiCoMnS/NF exhibited a markedly improved electrochemical performance due to the merits of complementary multi-composition and unique 3D network structure with multi-level "superhighways". Furthermore, the NiCoMnS//AC device fabricated with NiCoMnS/NF cathode and activated carbon (AC) anode delivered an excellent specific charge and exceptional energy density. This work offers a reference for designing the structure of electrode materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Mo(SSe) 2-x and graphene van der Waals heterostructure with abundant anion vacancies and superior electronic conductivity is reported to enhance its hydrogen evolution reaction ability in both acidic and alkaline media. [Display omitted] The Gibbs free energy of hydrogen adsorption at the edge of molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2) is close to that of Pt, meaning that MoS 2 is the best candidate to replace Pt-based materials. However, easy agglomeration between layers to mask active sites, lack of catalytic activity in the basal planes, and poor electronic conductivity make MoS 2 exhibit dissatisfactory hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalytic performance. Here, we successfully construct a van der Waals heterostructure stacked alternately with Mo(SSe) 2-x and graphene (Mo(SSe) 2-x /G) to enhance its catalytic ability. The introduction of Se into MoS 2 and the thermal treatment induce the sample to generate more anion vacancies. Theoretical and experimental results demonstrate the constructed van der Waals heterostructure, the introduced Se element, and the increased anion vacancies are in favor of promoting the number of active sites and improving the electronic conductivity of the catalyst. Therefore, Mo(SSe) 2-x /G exhibits superior HER catalytic performance (the overpotentials of 137 mV and 136 mV at a current of 10 mA cm−2) and long-term stabilities (>90 h and 140 h at a current density of 20 mA cm−2) in both acidic and alkaline media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • D-π-A fluorescent probes were reasonably designed and developed through systematic changes in electron-donor and-acceptor groups. • Probes M−H−SO 3 with a hydrophilic sulfonate group displayed sufficient selectivity for discrimination of HSA from BSA. • Probe M−H−SO 3 can bind to the IB site of HSA, yielding a substantial fluorescent enhancement. • The probe M−H−SO 3 can be used for detecting human serum albumin in urine samples. HSA (human serum albumin), a most abundant protein in blood serum, plays a key role in maintaining human health. Abnormal HSA level is correlated with many diseases, and thus has been used as an essential biomarker for therapeutic monitoring and biomedical diagnosis. Development of small-molecule fluorescent probes allowing the selective and sensitive recognition of HSA in in vitro and in vivo is of fundamental importance in basic biological research as well as medical diagnosis. Herein, we reported a series of new synthesized fluorescent dyes containing D-π-A constitution, which exhibited different optical properties in solution and solid state. Among them, dye M−H−SO 3 with a hydrophilic sulfonate group at electron-acceptor part displayed selectivity for discrimination of HSA from BSA and other enzymes. Upon binding of dye M−H−SO 3 with HSA, a significant fluorescence enhancement with a turn-on ratio about 96-fold was triggered. The detection limit was estimated to be ∼ 40 nM. Studies on the interaction mechanism revealed that dye M−H−SO 3 could bind to site III of HSA with a 1:1 binding stoichiometry. Furthermore, dye M−H−SO 3 has been applied to determine HSA in real urine samples with good recoveries, which provided a useful method for HSA analysis in biological fluids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the clinical setting, chemotherapy is the most widely used antitumor treatment, however, chemotherapy resistance significantly limits its efficacy. Reduced drug influx is a key mechanism of chemoresistance, and inhibition of the complexity of the tumor microenvironment (TME) may improve chemotherapy drug influx and therapeutic efficiency. In the current study, we identified that the major extracellular matrix protein collagen I is more highly expressed in lung cancer tissues than adjacent tissues in patients with lung cancer. Furthermore, Kaplan–Meier analysis suggested that COL1A1 expression was negatively correlated with the survival time of patients with lung cancer. Our previous study demonstrated that miR-29a inhibited collagen I expression in lung fibroblasts. Here, we investigated the effect of miR-29a on collagen I expression and the cellular behavior of lung cancer cells. Our results suggest that transfection with miR-29a could prevent Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) migration by downregulating collagen I expression, but did not affect the proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle of LLC cells. In a 3D tumoroid model, we demonstrated that miR-29a transfection significantly increased cisplatin (CDDP) permeation and CDDP-induced cell death. Furthermore, neutral lipid emulsion-based miR-29a delivery improved the therapeutic effect of cisplatin in an LLC spontaneous tumor model in vivo. In summary, this study shows that targeting collagen I expression in the TME contributes to chemotherapy drug influx and improves therapeutic efficacy in lung cancer. • Elevated expression of collagen I observed in lung cancer tissues compared to adjacent tissues in lung cancer patients. • Negative correlation found between COL1A1 expression and survival time in lung cancer patients. • miR-29a demonstrated the ability to inhibit lung tumor cell migration by reducing collagen I expression. • Transfection of miR-29a led to a substantial increase in cisplatin permeation and apoptosis. • In vivo, miR-29a delivery enhanced the therapeutic efficacy of cisplatin in a spontaneous lung tumor model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Nickel-rich (Ni-rich) cathode materials, LiNi x Co y Mn z O 2 (NCM, x ≥ 0.9, x + y + z = 1) hold great promise for developing high energy density lithium ion batteries especially for vehicle electrification. However, the practical application of Ni-rich cathode materials is still suffered from fast structural and interfacial degradation, and the resulted capacity decay. In this study, a diazacyclo type electrolyte additive, 2-fluoropyrazine (2-FP), was explored for the first time to boost the interfacial stabilization of single crystal LiNi 0.90 Co 0.05 Mn 0.05 O 2 (NCM90) cathode. The capacity retention of the NCM90 is evidently promoted from 72.3% to 82.1% after 200 cycles at 1C (180 mA g−1) when adding 0.2% 2-FP into the electrolyte. The improvement of the electrochemical performance is ascribed to the generation of a compact and homogeneous cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) film through ring-opening electrochemical polymerization of 2-FP upon the NCM90 electrode particles. This enhanced CEI layer benefits the suppression of the decomposition of LiPF 6 electrolyte and the dissolution of the transition metals (Co and Mn), thus preventing the detrimental side reactions between the NCM90 electrode and the electrolyte. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was to identify abnormal methylation genes implicated in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Genomic methylation alterations in ESCC tissues were analyzed using laser-microdissection and whole-genome bisulfite sequencing. CXCL14 promoter was frequently hypermethylated in ESCC tissues. The correlation of CXCL14 hypermethylation status and the mRNA and protein expression levels were validated using nested methylation-specific PCR (nMS-PCR), RNAscope in situ hybridization (RISH) and Western blot. RISH results showed completely negative CXCL14 expression in 34.3% (34/99) ESCC, compared with those in the basal layer cells of normal epithelia. Low expression of CXCL14 was more present in patients with lower differentiation. The anticancer role of CXCL14 has been commonly associated with immune regulation in the literature. Here, we observed by functional analysis that CXCL14 can also act as a tumor suppressor in ESCC cells. 5-Aza-dC treatment suppressed CXCL14 methylation and up-regulated the expression of CXCL14. Ectopic expression of CXCL14 suppressed the proliferation, invasion, tumor growth, and lung metastasis of ESCC cells. Both ectopic expression and induction of CXCL14 with 5-Aza-dC inhibited the activity of SRC, MEK1/2 and STAT3 in ESCC cells, while activated EGFR. Importantly, a combination of CXCL14 expression and SRC or EGFR inhibitor dramatically repressed the proliferation of ESCC cells and the growth of xenografts. Our findings revealed a direct tumor suppressor role of CXCL14, but not through the immune system. The data suggest that for ESCC patients with low level CXCL14, increasing CXCL14 expression combined with inhibition of SRC or EGFR might be a promising therapeutic strategy. • CXCL14 hypermethylation and decreased expression was frequently present in ESCC. • Low expression of CXCL14 was more present in patients with lower differentiation. • CXCL14 inhibited cell growth by inactivating intracellular SRC/MEK pathway. • CXCL14 inhibited the tumor growth and lung metastasis of ESCC cells. • Elevating CXCL14 combined with SRC or EGFR inhibition might be promising for ESCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Smart artificial viruses have been successfully developed by co-assembly of de novo designed peptides with DNA, which achieved stimuli-responsibility and efficient gene transfection in cancer cells. The peptides were designed to incorporate several functional segments, including a hydrophobic aromatic segment to drive self-assembly, two or more cysteines to regulate the assemblage shape and stabilize the assembled nanostructures via forming disulfide bonds, several lysines to facilitate co-assembly with DNA and binding to cell membranes, and an enzyme-cleavable segment to introduce cancer sensitivity. The rationally designed peptides self-assembled into stable nanospheres with a uniform diameter of < 10 nm, which worked as capsid-like subunits to further interact with DNA to produce hierarchical virus-mimicking structures by encapsulating DNA in the interior. Such artificial viruses can effectively protect DNA from nuclease digestion and achieve efficient genome release by enzyme-triggered structure disassembly, which ensured a high level of gene transfection in tumor cells. The system emulates very well the structural and functional properties of natural viruses from the aspects of capsid formation, genome package and gene transfection, which is highly promising for application as efficient gene vectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sandwich-like V 2 O 5 /graphene composites with adjustable graphene content (denoted as V 2 O 5 /xG) were designed to demonstrate the effects of electrode structure and wetting characteristics on zinc storage properties. The V 2 O 5 /5G with 10.4% graphene content exhibits effective inhibition of vanadium dissolution, high capacity and excellent cycling stability. [Display omitted] Improving the stability of the layered structure and suppressing vanadium dissolution during repeated Zn2+ insertion/extraction processes are considered to be the key to promote the electrochemical stability of vanadium-based cathodes for ZIBs. In this work, a group of sandwich-like V 2 O 5 /graphene composites (V 2 O 5 /xG) were controllably fabricated by tuning the amount of hydrophobic graphene. With the increase of graphene content, the corresponding electrochemical properties show a parabolic trend that increase first and then decrease. A maximum capacity of 270 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at 0.1 A g−1 and a superior cycle stability with 82.4% capacitance retention after 6000 cycles at 10 A g−1 are achieved when the amount of graphene is about 10.4% (that is V 2 O 5 /5G). The addition of graphene has been proven not only to act as an effective conductive network to promote charge transfer and enhance the pseudocapacitance effect on the electrode surface; but also to increase the electrode hydrophobicity, effectively inhibiting the dissolution of vanadium, and promoting the desolvation and diffusion kinetics of hydrated zinc ions. Moreover, the graphene layer, as a structural stabilizer, effectively prevents the structure of the active component V 2 O 5 from collapsing during cycling, contributing to the long-term cycle life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Liquid metal-copper particles had core-shell structure and multiple heterojunctions. • Liquid metal-copper particles exhibited high performance microwave absorption. • Liquid metal-copper particles showed high dielectric loss and attenuation coefficients. • Liquid metal-copper particles had multiple heterojunctions for high polarization loss. Facing the inherent defects of magnetic materials, the research of non-magnetic absorbers has gradually become a new direction in the research of microwave absorbers to fit the requirements of a new generation for high strength, wide effective absorption bandwidth. Herein, the liquid metal and copper (LC) composite micro-particles with multiple heterojunctions and core–shell structure, which have an excellent performance of microwave absorption (MA), were prepared by simply coating liquid metal on copper and then annealing. These special LC composite micro-particles exhibit excellent MA performance with the optimal reflection loss of −39.6 dB at thickness of 2.1 mm and a maximum effective absorption bandwidth of 4.96 GHz at thickness of 2.5 mm. The high MA performance of the LC composite particles are due to the enhancement of dielectric loss, including dipolar, interfacial, and dielectric polarization, which is caused by the special core-shell structure, multiple interfaces and heterojunctions. Furthermore, the multiple reflection/scattering of microwaves among particles or on the surface of particles also benefit to the high MA performance. Therefore, this study provides a facile method to construct multiple metal heterojunctions which have great prospects in microwave absorption applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• There were no differences in Black and White students' beliefs that math is useful and interesting. • Black students perceived that learning math costs more time/energy than their White peers did. • Math cost beliefs explained differences in Black and White girls' achievement gains. • Black boys reported higher perceptions of their ability in math than their peers. • Perceived math ability explained the differences in Black boys' and girls' achievement gains. Given math-related fields are still highly racialized and gendered (NCSES, 2021), this study assessed: 1) whether there were racial differences in adolescents' perceived math cost alongside expectancies and values and 2) the extent to which perceived math cost alongside expectancies and values explained yearly changes in achievement differences by race and gender. This study assessed 2,338 Black (39.4 %) and White (60.6 %) adolescents, roughly half girls (47.8 %), in the 6th to 12th grades (M = 14.71 years old, SD = 1.93, 61.7 % qualifying for free or reduced priced lunch). The results indicated that Black adolescents perceived higher costs to learning math than their White peers but value math in similar ways. Perceived math cost was the only motivational belief to explain achievement differences between Black and White girls but not boys after adjusting for socioeconomic status and grade level. In contrast, perceptions of ability beliefs explained achievement differences between Black boys and girls. These findings point to the importance of employing intersectional approaches to understand the relationship between math motivation and achievement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isoprenaline hydrochloride (IH) is a β-adrenergic receptor agonist commonly used in the treatment of hypotension, shock, asthma, and other diseases. However, IH-induced cardiotoxicity limits its application. A large number of studies have shown that long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) regulates the occurrence and development of cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to investigate whether abnormal lncRNA expression is involved in IH-mediated cardiotoxicity. First, the Sprague–Dawley (SD) rat myocardial injury model was established. Circulating exosomes were extracted from the plasma of rats and identified. In total, 108 differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs and 150 DE mRNAs were identified by sequencing. These results indicate that these lncRNAs and mRNAs are substantially involved in chemical cardiotoxicity. Further signaling pathway and functional studies indicated that lncRNAs and mRNAs regulate several biological processes, such as selective mRNA splicing through spliceosomes, participate in sphingolipid metabolic pathways, and play a certain role in the circulatory system. Finally, we obtained 3 upregulated lncRNAs through reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) verification and selected target lncRNA-mRNA pairs according to the regulatory relationship of lncRNA/mRNA, some of which were associated with myocardial injury. This study provides valuable insights into the role of lncRNAs as novel biomarkers of chemical-induced cardiotoxicity. • LncRNA as a novel biomarker of cardiotoxicity. • IH changed the lncRNA expression profile in rat myocardium. • LncRNA mediates signal pathways related to myocardial injury. • Correlation between lncRNA-mRNA-miRNA axis and myocardial injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is an aggressive malignant disease with a poor prognosis. We previously found that p62 presented a marked nuclear-cytoplasmic translocation in ESCC cells as compared that in normal esophageal epithelial cells, but its effects on ESCC cells remain unclear. This study aims to clarify the impacts of different cellular localization of p62 on the function of ESCC cells and the underlying molecular mechanisms. We here demonstrated that cytoplasmic p62 enhances the migration and invasion abilities of esophageal cancer cells, whereas nuclear p62 has no effect. We further explored the interaction protein of p62 by using GST pull-down experiment and identified EPLIN as a potential protein interacting with p62. In addition, reducing EPLIN expression significantly inhibited the migration and invasion of ESCC cells, which were rescued when EPLIN expression was restored after the p62 knockdown. At a molecular level, p62 in cytoplasm positively regulated the expression of EPLIN via enhancing its protein stability. Data from the TCGA and GEO database displayed a significant up-regulation of EPLIN mRNA expression in ESCC tissues compared with corresponding paired esophageal epithelial samples. Our findings present evidence that the nuclear-cytoplasmic translocation of p62 protein contributes to an aggressive malignancy phenotype, providing candidate molecular biomarkers and potential molecular targets for the diagnosis and treatment of ESCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wnt signaling is one of the major signaling pathways that regulate cell differentiation, tissue patterning and stem cell homeostasis and its dysfunction causes many human diseases, such as cancer. It is of tremendous interests to understand how Wnt signaling is regulated in a precise manner both temporally and spatially. Naked cuticle (Nkd) acts as a negative-feedback inhibitor for Wingless (Wg, a fly Wnt) signaling in Drosophila embryonic development. However, the role of Nkd remains controversial in later fly development, particularly on the canonical Wg pathway. In the present study, we show that nkd is essential for wing pattern formation, such that both gain and loss of nkd result in the disruption of Wg target expression in larvae stage and abnormal adult wing morphologies. Furthermore, we demonstrate that a thirty amino acid fragment in Nkd, identified previously in Wharton lab, is critical for the canonical Wg signaling, but is dispensable for Wg/planar cell polarity pathway. Putting aside the pleiotropic nature of nkd function, i.e. its role in the Decapentaplegic signaling, we conclude that Nkd universally inhibits the canonical Wg pathway across a life span of Drosophila development. • nkd is essential for wing pattern formation in larvae stage. • Both gain and loss of nkd result in abnormal adult wing morphologies. • A 30 amino acid fragment in Nkd is dispensable for Wg/planar cell polarity pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Presented a deep learning approach for extracting full-field subpixel displacements from videos. • Proposed two network architectures based on convolutional neural networks. • Developed a mask-regularized training scheme to constrain the network. • Demonstrated effectiveness and generalizability of the proposed networks via lab experiments. Conventional displacement sensing techniques (e.g., laser, linear variable differential transformer) have been widely used in structural health monitoring in the past two decades. Though these techniques are capable of measuring displacement time histories with high accuracy, distinct shortcoming remains such as point-to-point contact sensing which limits its applicability in real-world problems. Video cameras have been widely used in the past years due to advantages that include low price, agility, high spatial sensing resolution, and non-contact. Compared with target tracking approaches (e.g., digital image correlation, template matching, etc.), the phase-based method is powerful for detecting small subpixel motions without the use of paints or markers on the structure surface. Nevertheless, the complex computational procedure limits its real-time inference capacity. To address this fundamental issue, we develop a deep learning framework based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs) that enable real-time extraction of full-field subpixel structural displacements from videos. In particular, two new CNN architectures are designed and trained on a dataset generated by the phase-based motion extraction method from a single lab-recorded high-speed video of a dynamic structure. As displacement is only reliable in the regions with sufficient texture contrast, the sparsity of motion field induced by the texture mask is considered via the network architecture design and loss function definition. Results show that, with the supervision of full and sparse motion field, the trained network is capable of identifying the pixels with sufficient texture contrast as well as their subpixel motions. The performance of the trained networks is tested on various videos of other structures to extract the full-field motion (e.g., displacement time histories), which indicates that the trained networks have generalizability to accurately extract full-field subpixel displacements for pixels with sufficient texture contrast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, biodegradable materials (carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids) have similar properties to plastic materials, which can be decomposed and will not cause environmental pollution. Thus, they can be developed into edible films as food packaging materials; however, their manufacturing costs have increased several folds. Taiwanese tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) contains considerable gelatin, a by-product of the food processing industry, which can be made into an edible film combined with catechin and guava leaf extract as the principal polyphenol and flavonoid, respectively, with antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Therefore, this study investigates the properties of edible films combined with catechin-guava leaf extract at different ratios. Results showed that the film's thickness ranged from 0.053 to 0.068 mm. The film had a good barrier effect on UV rays. In addition, the edible film exhibited good antioxidant ability; it had more evident antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus. Consequently, the catechin-guava leaf extract ratio of 30–70 had a better elongation at break and film thermal stability, indicating its great application potential. However, further development is required compared with polyvinyl chloride, particularly with regard to mechanical efficiency and transparency. • Edible films of gelatin, catechins, and guava-leaf extracts have potential application for food packaging. • Catechins and guava-leaf extracts promote film elongation, antioxidant activity, and microbial resistance. • The film will degrade to achieve environmental friendliness. • The film can prevent UV radiation within a certain range. • No microbial growth has been found on the contact surface of the edible film. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predictions, the bridge between the internal and external worlds, are established by prior experience and updated by sensory stimuli. Responses to omitted but unexpected stimuli, known as omission responses, can break the one-to-one mapping of stimulus-response and can expose predictions established by the preceding stimulus built up. While research into exogenous predictions (driven by external stimuli) is often reported, that into endogenous predictions (driven by internal percepts) is rarely available in the literature. Here, we report evidence for endogenous predictions established by the Zwicker tone illusion, a phantom pure-tone-like auditory percept following notch noises. We found that MMN, P300, and theta oscillations could be recorded using an omission paradigm in subjects who can perceive Zwicker tone illusions, but could not in those who cannot. The MMN and P300 responses relied on attention, but theta oscillations did not. In-depth analysis shows that an increase in single-trial theta power, including total and induced theta, with the endogenous prediction, is lateralized to the left frontal brain areas. Our study depicts that the brain automatically analyzes internal perception, progressively establishes predictions and yields prediction errors in the left frontal region when a violation occurs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The retinal pigment epithelium cells (RPE) are sensitive to oxidative stimuli due to long-term exposure to various environmental stimuli. Thus, the oxidative injury of RPE cells caused by the imbalance of redox homeostasis is one of the main pathogenic factors of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). But the sophisticated mechanisms linking AMD to oxidative stress are not fully elucidated. Activation of Nrf2 signal pathway can protect RPE cells from oxidative damage. The present study investigated the regulating mechanism of miR-125b in Nrf2 cascade and evaluated its antioxidant capacity. The in vitro studies indicated that overexpression of miR-125b substantially inhibited Keap1 expression, enhanced Nrf2 expression and induced Nrf2 nuclear translocation. Importantly, functional studies demonstrated that forced expression of miR-125b could significantly elevate cell proliferation and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels while reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction and malondialdehyde (MDA) formation. Further studies showed that miR-125b had no effect when Nrf2 was silenced in ARPE-19 cells. Additionally, the results identified that Nrf2 silence induced ROS accumulation enhances HIF-1α protein expression, while miR-125b could offset this effect via promoting HIF-1α protein degradation. Subsequent in vivo studies demonstrated that sodium iodate induced outer retina thinner was reversed with exogenous supplementation of miR-125b, which was cancelled in Nrf2 knockout mice. In conclusion, this study illustrated that miR-125b can protect RPE from oxidative damage via targeting Nrf2/HIF-1α signal pathway and potentially may serve as a therapeutic agent of AMD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Optic fiber coupled surface plasmon resonance senso is proposed for hydrogen sensing. • The optical double-path SPR design is simple, stable and takes advantage of intensity interrogation. • An Ag/TiO 2 film deposited on the prism substrate can be replaced for various sensing applications. We propose and demonstrate the fiber optic Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) for hydrogen sensing based on Ag/TiO 2 at the telecommunications wavelength of 1550 nm. The sensor using TiO 2 as a sensitive layer for hydrogen detection consists of a multilayer film of 45 nm Ag/110 nm TiO 2 deposited on the coupling prism substrate. An intensity interrogation SPR with Kretschmann configuration is designed, where SPR phenomenon will occur at the interface of the Ag/TiO 2 film, and the hydrogen concentration will be detected by measuring the change in the reflected intensity. The sensitivity of the sensor is optimal at an Ag/TiO 2 thickness. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate that the fiber-optic SPR sensor developed provides hydrogen sensing and has a high sensitivity to a hydrogen concentration ranging between 14.7% and 25% Hydrogen in Air, reaching 523nW/%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PbO 2 , PbO 2 /Pb 3 O 4 composite, and Pb 3 O 4 were synthesized respectively via the simple hydrothermal method under different reaction durations (3–48 ​h). All the prepared samples were used as anode materials to decontaminate methyl orange (MO) to explore the corresponding electrochemical advanced oxidation performance. The detailed experimental designs suggested that the combination of PbO 2 and Pb 3 O 4 offered enhanced electrochemical advanced oxidation performance, which was due to possible synergistic effects. XPS results suggest that the content of adsorbed oxygen species (O ads) is obviously higher in PbO 2 /Pb 3 O 4 composite. It is very likely due to more oxygen vacancies in the crystal structure of PbO 2 /Pb 3 O 4 composite, which will adsorb more oxygen species, promote charge transfer and provide more electrochemical active surface area to generate oxidizing agents. Besides, the presence of Pb 3 O 4 can suppress the oxygen evolution and improve the accelerated life. Meanwhile, the effects of current density, catalyst loading amount and initial MO concentration on electro-catalysis degradation of MO were explored. Experimental results suggested that MO removal efficiency was 94.3%, the reaction kinetic constant could reach 2.08 ⅹ 10-2 min-1, and COD removal efficiency was 34.2% after 150 ​min of reaction under optimized conditions: current density was 5 ​mA ​cm-2, catalyst loading amount was 1 ​mg ​cm-2 and initial MO concentration was 50 ​mg ​L-1. Furthermore, possible degradation mechanisms of MO was proposed according to the analyzed results obtained from UV–Vis and HPLC-MS. Relative ratio of PbO 2 and Pb 3 O 4 can be altered by changing the hydrothermal reactions durations, and PbO 2 /Pb 3 O 4 composite exhibited enhanced electrochemical advanced oxidation performance. [Display omitted] • Ratio of PbO 2 and Pb 3 O 4 can be adjusted by hydrothermal reaction durations. • PbO 2 /Pb 3 O 4 composite displayed enhanced electro-catalytic performance. • Role of different operating conditions was investigated. • Degradation byproducts of MO were identified and the possible pathways were proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • One new 24-hydroxylated cevanine-type steroidal alkaloid was characterized from the bulbs of Fritillaria pallidiflora. • Their structures were determined by spectroscopic data and X-ray single crystal diffraction analyses. • Anti-inflammatory activities of the isolates were evaluated. • The anti-inflammatory mechanism of stenanzine was investigated using Western blotting. Steroidal alkaloids (1 – 11), including one new 24-hydroxylated cevanine-type steroidal alkaloid, named yibeinone F (1), were isolated from the bulbs of Fritillaria pallidiflora Schrenk. Their structures were elucidated by analyses of extensive spectroscopic data and comparison of the NMR data with those reported previously, and the structures of compounds 1 , 7 and 11 were further confirmed by X-ray single crystal diffraction analyses. The anti-inflammatory effects of all the isolated alkaloids were evaluated in LPS-activated RAW264.7 macrophages. Among them, compounds 9 (stenanzine) and 10 (hapepunine) showed significant inhibitory effects against LPS-induced NO production with IC 50 values of 8.04 μM and 20.85 μM, respectively. Furthermore, compound 9 effectively inhibited the release of cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE 2), and suppressed the protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Further experiments revealed the underlying mechanism that 9 blocked LPS-induced phosphorylation and degradation of inhibitor-α of nuclear transcription factor κB (IκBα) and c-Jun N -terminal kinase (JNK) in RAW264.7 cells. Taken together, compound 9 may be a valuable candidate for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]