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Bayesian finite element model updating techniques have found widespread application in the structural health monitoring. The conventional Bayesian modeling framework (CBMF) identifies the posterior distribution of structural parameters using data from a single experiment. However, structural parameters exhibit variability due to changes in environmental or experimental conditions, an aspect overlooked by CBMF. In recent years, the hierarchical Bayesian modeling framework (HBMF) has gradually attracted attention. This framework incorporates an additional layer of hyperparameters and utilizes multiple sets of experimental data to describe the variability in structural parameters caused by changes in experimental conditions. Unfortunately, the increase in hyperparameters and data size leads the HBMF to face the dilemma of exceedingly high computational costs. To address this issue, this study proposes an improved hierarchical Bayesian modeling framework (IHBMF). To enhance the computational efficiency of IHBMF, the importance sampling method is employed to simplify the computation of the likelihood function for hyperparameters. Subsequently, a surrogate model based on arbitrary polynomial chaos expansion is introduced to further reduce the computational cost of IHBMF. The framework's accuracy and efficiency were validated through analysis of a simply supported beam and a steel pedestrian bridge. The results demonstrate that IHBMF not only delivers a more accurate quantification of structural parameter uncertainty than CBMF but also exhibits higher computational efficiency compared to HBMF, showcasing its superior capability in structural health monitoring applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of uranium (U) mining on the fungal diversity (FD) and communities (FC) structure was investigated in this work. Our results revealed that soil FC richness and FD indicators obviously decreased due to U, such as Chao1, observed OTUs and Shannon index (P <0.05). Moreover, the abundances of Mortierella , Gibberella , and Tetracladium were notably reduced in soil samples owing to U mining activities (P <0.05). In contrast, the abundances of Cadophora , Pseudogymnoascus , Mucor , and Sporormiella increased in all soil samples after U mining (P <0.05). Furthermore, U mining not only dramatically influenced the Plant_Pathogen guild and Saprotroph and Pathotroph modes (P <0.05), but also induced the differentiation of soil FC and the enrichment of the Animal_Pathogen-Soil_Saprotroph and Endophyte guilds and Symbiotroph and Pathotroph Saprotroph trophic modes. In addition, various fungal populations and guilds were enriched to deal with the external stresses caused by U mining in different U mining areas and soil depths (P <0.05). Finally, nine U-tolerant fungi were isolated and identified with a minimum inhibitory concentration range of 400–600 mg/L, and their adsorption efficiency for U ranged from 11.6% to 37.9%. This study provides insights into the impact of U mining on soil fungal stability and the response of fungi to U mining activities, as well as aids in the screening of fungal strains that can be used to promote remediation of U mining sites on plateaus. • Uranium mining decreased soil fungal community richness and diversity. • Cadophora , Pseudogymnoascus , Mucor , and Sporormiella increased in uranium mining area. • Uranium mining enriched Animal_Pathogen-Soil_Saprotroph guild and Symbiotroph trophic modes. • Diverse fungi and guilds were enriched in various mining environments and soil depths. • Nine uranium-tolerant fungi were isolated, with adsorption efficiencies ranging from 11.6% to 37.9%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accumulation of potentially toxic elements in soil poses significant risks to ecosystems and human well-being due to their inherent toxicity, widespread presence, and persistence. The Kangdian metallogenic province, famous for its iron-copper deposits, faces soil pollution challenges due to various potentially toxic elements. This study explored a comprehensive approach that combinescombines the spatial prediction by the two-point machine learning method and ecological-health risk assessment to quantitatively assess the comprehensive potential ecological risk index (PERI), the total hazard index (THI) and the total carcinogenic risk (TCR). The proportions of copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), and arsenic (As) concentrations exceeding the risk screening values (RSVs) were 15.03%, 5.1%, 3.72%, 1.24%, 1.1%, and 0.13%, respectively, across the 725 collected samples. Spatial prediction revealed elevated levels of As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, mercury (Hg), and Mn near the mining sites. Potentially toxic elements exert a slight impact on soil, some regions exhibit moderate to significant ecological risk, particularly in the southwest. Children face higher non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks compared to adults. Mercury poses the highest ecological risk, while chromium (Cr) poses the greatest health hazard for all populations. Oral ingestion represents the highest non-oncogenic and oncogenic risks in all age groups. Adults faced acceptable non-carcinogenic risks. Children in the southwest region confront higher health risks, both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic, from mining activities. Urgent measures are vital to mitigate Hg and Cr contamination while promoting handwashing practices is essential to minimize health risks. [Display omitted] • Spatial prediction unveils potentially toxic element distinct patterns and hotspots. • Chromium poses the highest health risks for all groups in the metallogenic province. • Oral ingestion has the highest non-oncogenic and oncogenic risks in all age groups. • Kids face higher ecological-health risks than adults due to hand-to-mouth habits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the highest incidence of chronic liver disease worldwide characterized by lipid accumulation in the liver. The full understanding of the lipogenesis of NAFLD is extreme importance. Here, whole-genome transcriptome analysis was performed on liver tissues of NAFLD patients and healthy controls to identify the differentially expressed genes and find new pathways and target genes related to the lipogenesis of NAFLD. Combined with the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, we found 86 overlapping genes, many of which are related to lipid metabolism of NAFLD. ECHDC1 is one of 86 overlapping genes, and its role in NAFLD has not been reported. The expression of ECHDC1 was significantly increased in liver tissue of patients with NAFLD than that of healthy controls, and oil Red O intensity was positively correlated with the expression levels of ECHDC1. Inhibition of ECHDC1 expression in HepG2 cells by RNAi significantly reduced intracellular lipid droplet number in vitro. In summary, this study analyzed pathogenic factors related to NAFLD at the whole-genome level and demonstrated that ECHDC1 may be involved in the occurrence and development of NAFLD by regulating hepatic lipid metabolism. • Transcriptomic analysis reveals hepatic lipid metabolism-related genes and pathways. • Identification of ECHDC1 as a new regulator of lipid metabolism in NAFLD. • Inhibition of ECHDC1 expression by RNAi reduced intracellular lipid droplet number. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selenium (Se) and cadmium (Cd) usually co-existed in soils, especially in areas with Se-rich soils in China. The potential health consequences for the local populations consuming foods rich in Se and Cd are unknown. Cardamine hupingshanensis (HUP) is Se and Cd hyperaccumulator plant that could be an ideal natural product to assess the protective effects of endogenous Se against endogenous Cd-caused bone damage. Male C57BL/6 mice were fed 5.22 mg/kg cadmium chloride (CdCl 2) (Cd 3.2 mg/kg body weight (BW)), or HUP solutions containing Cd 3.2 mg/kg BW and Se 0.15, 0.29 or 0.50 mg/kg BW (corresponding to the HUP 0 , HUP 1 and HUP 2 groups) interventions. Se-enriched HUP 1 and HUP 2 significantly decreased Cd-induced femur microstructure damage and regulated serum bone osteoclastic marker levels and osteogenesis-related genes. In addition, endogenous Se significantly decreased kidney fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) protein expression and serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels, and raised serum calcitriol (1,25(OH) 2 D 3). Furthermore, Se also regulated gut microbiota involved in skeletal metabolism disorder. In conclusion, endogenous Se, especially with higher doses (the HUP 2 group), positively affects bone formation and resorption by mitigating the damaging effects of endogenous Cd via the modulation of renal FGF23 expression, circulating 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 and PTH and gut microbiota composition. [Display omitted] • Endogenous Se alleviated Cd-induced osteotoxicity. • The mechanism includes the regulation of FGF23/PTH signal and gut microbiota. • HUP could be an ideal natural Se-enriched product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A highly active Si-Fe/S/N-RH 3 oxygen reduction reaction electrocatalyst is developed from rice husk. • Self-doped Si in rice husk that can efficiently improve oxygen reduction reaction activity is proved. • One of the best performances among the biomass-derived electrocatalysts is achieved. An outstanding oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalyst is firstly developed deriving from sustainable rice husk (RH) biomass. Benefiting from self-doped Si in RH, the higher proportion of pyridine N, graphite N and expecially Fe-N x as well as thiophene S contents were produced in Si-Fe/S/N-RH 3 in comparison with those of Si-free Fe/S/N-RH 3. Consequently, the half-wave potential of 0.89 V and the onset potential of 0.96 V are achieved for Si-Fe/S/N-RH 3 , outperforming the benchmark electrocatalyst Pt/C and other Fe-based electrocatalysts reported in alkaline media. Furthermore, it is found that the exisentence of self-doped Si can improve the graphitization degree of the catalyst, leading to the long-term stability (larger than 85% retention after 40000 s) and prominent methanol tolerance for Si-Fe/S/N-RH 3. In addition, Si-Fe/S/N-RH 3 shows a power density of 86.2 mW cm−2 and excellent durability in Zn-air battery. The work highlights the potential to develop sustainable and cost-effective ORR electrocatalysts from waste biomass as the substitute for precious metal catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adsorption of Fe(OH) 3 colloids onto NiFeOH significantly enhances the OER activity, likely as a result of charge transfer from Ni2+ to Fe3+ that facilitates the adsorption of key oxygen intermediates. [Display omitted] Nickel iron hydroxides (NiFeOH) have been drawing enormous attention as effective catalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER), a key process in water splitting. Herein, we report that negatively charged iron(III) hydroxide colloidal particles, can significantly enhance the OER activity of NiFeOH in alkaline media. NiFeOH is grown on nickel foam in a supersaturated iron(III) salt solution, which also contains a high content of Fe(OH) 3 colloidal nanoparticles, forming free-standing NiFeOH@C x electrodes (with x being the Fe(OH) 3 concentration). The interface between NiFeOH and Fe(OH) 3 colloidal particles, as manifested by the unique volcano-like holes on the NiFeOH@C x surface, is likely the OER active sites. In comparison to Fe(OH) 3 -free NiFeOH, NiFeOH@C 1000 exhibits a 40-fold enhancement of the OER activity, confirming the significant effect of Fe(OH) 3 colloidal nanoparticles in boosting the OER activity, likely as a result of enhanced charge transfer from Ni2+ to Fe3+ that facilitates the adsorption of key reaction intermediates. Furthermore, by coupling the free-standing NiFeOH@C 1000 electrode with commercial Pt/C, full water splitting can occur and reach a current density of 10 mA cm−2 under a cell voltage of 1.51 V, which is lower than that (1.59 V) based on noble metal catalysts of RuO 2 + Pt/C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transcription factors (TFs) play an important role in tumors. We integrated and analyzed 13 GPL570 platform gastric cancer (GC) microarrays, identified 10 independent prognostic TFs, and constructed a GC prognostic model. Using GSE26942 as the verification set, the Kaplan-Meier curve showed that the signature distinguish the survival rate of GC patients (P < 0.01), and the AUC values are 0.746 and 0.630, respectively. Compared with the clinicopathological characteristics, the signature is an independent prognostic factor (P < 0.05). A nomogram was established based on the model, and the five-year calibration curve verified that the prediction of the nomogram was almost consistent with the actual survival rate, C-index of 0.747 indicated a moderate prognostic ability. The analysis of target genes of 10 TFs showed that they are closely related to the progression of GC. External database and rt-PCR showed that the RNA and protein expression of TFs are consistent with our analysis. • Integrating the GPL570 platform 13 gastric cancer micro-arrays to get 1027 samples. • Transcription factors differentially expressed in gastric cancer were identified. • The prognostic-related TFs were identified and a prognostic model was constructed. • The target genes of hub TFs were predicted and the molecular mechanism was analyzed. • The critical TFs have been verified by external databases and experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advanced persistent threats (APTs) have become a major cyber threat to large organizations. To steal confidential data from specific organizations, attackers adopt highly targeted intrusion schemes. Prior to stealing critical data, APT activities hide themselves in legitimate activities and consistently elevate their privileges, making them very difficult to detect. The detection of malicious domains during domain name service (DNS) analysis accounts for the majority of existing detection methods. However, a limited number of available samples and rapidly changing sets of malicious domain names reduce the efficacy of such approaches. By investigating numerous APT reports, we determined that the activities of DNS requests in APT attacks exhibit clear temporal patterns that are ignored by most existing schemes. Therefore, we can analyze the DNS sequences requested by each host and their time-related features to identify compromised hosts. This paper summarizes the patterns of host DNS requests and proposes several assumptions. We take advantage of machine learning to identify compromised hosts by quantifying these assumptions in the form of feature vectors. We deployed the proposed approach into large-scale network environments and experimental evaluations demonstrated that our method is able to detect hosts compromised by APTs efficiently with a precision of 97.3% and detection rate of 96.2%. • We attach importance to the time-related patterns which are ignored by existing work and determine the characteristic patterns of DNS sequences requested by hosts on the timeline. • We maximize the value of available resource of detection. • Our method combines different unsupervised learning algorithms and achieves better performance than conventional detection methods. • Our approach puts forward more comprehensive ideas for future defense work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wide phthalate exposure has been associated with both declines in renal function and an elevated risk of mortality. Whether phthalate-associated risk of premature mortality differs by renal function status remains unclear. This study included 9605 adults from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Urinary concentrations of 11 phthalate metabolites were assessed using high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. According to estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), participants were grouped as having normal or modestly declined renal functions, or chronic kidney disease (CKD). Multivariable Cox regression models estimated all-cause mortality associated with phthalate exposure, overall and by renal function status. Overall, Mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP), Mono-benzyl phthalate (MBzP), Mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP) and Mono-(2-ethyl-5-carbox-ypentyl) phthalate (MECPP) were associated with an elevated risk of mortality (P -trend across tertile <0.05). Moreover, significant interactions were observed between eGFR and MEHHP, MEOHP, MECPP, DEHP in the whole population (P for interactions <0.05). After stratification by renal function, total Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) was additionally found to be associated with mortality risk in the CKD group (HR = 1.12; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.25). Co-exposure to the 11 phthalate metabolites was associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality in the CKD (HR = 1.47; 95% CI: 1.18, 1.84) and modestly declined renal function group (HR = 1.25; 95% CI: 1.09, 1.44). The associations between phthalate exposure and risk of all-cause mortality were primarily observed in CKD patients, reinforcing the need for monitoring phthalate exposure in this patient population. • Higher phthalate metabolites were associated with a higher risk of mortality. • The associations between DEHP and mortality were stronger among those with CKD. • Co-exposure to phthalates was associated with increased mortality among those in CKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ammonia, one of the major limiting environment factors in aquaculture, may pose a threat to the shrimp growth, reproduction and survival. In this study, to understand molecular differences of transcriptomic and metabolomic responses and investigate the tolerance mechanisms underlying ammonia stress in Litopenaeus vannamei , ammonia-tolerant family (LV-AT) and ammonia-sensitive family (LV-AS) of these two extreme families were exposed to high-concentration (NH 4 Cl, 46 mg/L) ammonia for 24 h. The comparative transcriptome analysis between ammonia-treated and control (LV-C) groups revealed involvement of immune defense, cytoskeleton remodeling, antioxidative system and metabolic pathway in ammonia-stress response of L. vannamei. Likewise, metabolomics analysis showed that ammonia exposure could disturb amino acid metabolism, nucleotide metabolism and lipid metabolism, with metabolism related-genes changed according to RNA-seq analysis. The comparison of metabolite and transcript profiles between LV-AT and LV-AS indicated that LV-AT used the enhanced glycolysis and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle strategies for energy supply and ammonia excretion to adapt high-concentration ammonia. Furthermore, some of genes involved in the detoxification and ammonia excretion were highly expressed in LV-AT. We speculate that the higher ability of ammonia excretion and detoxification and the accelerated energy metabolism for energy supplies might be the adaptive strategies for LV-AT relative to LV-AS after ammonia stress. Collectively, the combination of transcriptomics and metabolomics results will greatly contribute to incrementally understand the stress responses on ammonia exposure to L. vannamei and supply molecular level support for evaluating the environmental effects of ammonia on aquatic organisms. The results further constitute new sights on the potential molecular mechanisms of ammonia adaptive strategies in shrimps at the transcriptomics and metabolomics levels. • Transcriptomic and metabolomic responses to high-concentration of ammonia were studied in L. vannamei. • Ammonia exposure influences immune defense, cytoskeleton remodeling, antioxidative system and metabolic pathway. • Ammonia exposure disturbs the amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism and nucleotide metabolism. • Higher ability of excretion and detoxification and accelerated energy metabolism might be related to ammonia tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The IAFLSM performance degradation model is established that realizes adaptive synchronous dynamic update of diffusion coefficient and nonlinear drift coefficient. • The dynamic updating mechanism for statistical dependence measurement error based on fractional Lévy stable motion is constructed. • The hidden variables are estimated through parameter estimation method and characteristic function, and the uncertainty is quantified by stability theorem and Monte Carlo technique. • The novel truck rear axle dataset conducted by our research group and the benchmark rolling bearing datasets are used to validate the proposed RUL prediction framework. Prediction of remaining useful life (RUL) is a critical component of prognostics and health management (PHM) strategies for mechanical systems. Although some degradation models based on stochastic processes have played a pivotal role in the field of RUL prediction, the diffusion coefficients associated with these models are often fixed values that remain independent of the drift coefficient. Additionally, the measurement error is typically assumed to follow a Gaussian distribution that is independently and identically distributed with respect to the level of degradation. To address these constraints, an RUL prediction framework is proposed based on improved adaptive fractional Lévy stable motion (IAFLSM) with statistical dependence measurement error. The established IAFLSM model is capable of effectively characterizing the individual differences and time-varying uncertainties inherent in equipment degradation processes, with the nonlinear drift and diffusion coefficients exhibiting positive correlation in their variability. Moreover, the state space model is employed to realize the synchronous adaptive dynamic update of the drift coefficient and diffusion coefficient, thus accommodating the mechanical equipment degradation trajectory. Furthermore, a statistical dependence measurement error based on fractional Lévy stable motion is constructed, and the corresponding scale parameter incorporates a dynamic update mechanism with statistical correlation of degradation incremental behavior. The hidden variables related to performance degradation model are estimated through parameter estimation method and characteristic function. Expanding upon the proposed framework for RUL prediction, the quantification of the uncertainty intrinsic in the forecasting results is accomplished by employing the stability theorem of stable distribution and Monte Carlo technique. The RUL prediction framework is validated through the use of authentic truck rear axle full-life data and benchmark rolling bearing data. The comparative analysis results demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhythm perception refers to the mental interpretation of rhythm by a listener. Musical rhythm perception typically involves two steps: beat extraction and metrical structure assignment (meter perception). The entrainment theories propose that different neuronal oscillations entrain to different levels of metrical structure in the rhythm (e.g., beat and meter) and thereby form a representation of the rhythm in the mind. Thus, neuronal populations that entrain to beat and meter should theoretically be different. However, although entrainment theories have been supported by many studies, the neuronal populations that entrain to beat and meter remain largely unknown. In this study, we used a paradigm to induce neuronal entrainment to beat and meter and obtained images of the neuronal populations with an electroencephalogram functional magnetic resonance imaging (EEG-fMRI) fusion method. We observed that some neuronal populations, including the bilateral putamen, bilateral caudate, left thalamus, and supplementary motor area (SMA), entrain to both beat and meter. We also observed that the bilateral putamen entrains more to meter and the SMA entrains more to beat. Our results suggest that the bilateral putamen plays an important role in meter perception. • Neuronal populations that entrain to beat and meter remain unknown. • We used an EEG-FMRI fusion method to locate neuronal populations that entrain to beat and meter. • We observed that the SMA, bilateral putamen, bilateral caudate, and left thalamus entrain to both beat and meter. • The putamen entrains more to meter, while the SMA entrains more to beat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Mastacembelus armatus , also known as the zigzag eel, is an economically important species of freshwater fish that is very popular with consumers as a high-grade table fish in China. Recently, the wild population of this fish has declined gradually due to overfishing and various types of ecological imbalance. Meanwhile, the aquaculture of this spiny eel has flourished in southern China. To understand the immune response of zigzag eel to Aeromonas veronii , we carried out transcriptome sequencing of zigzag eel spleens after artificial bacterial infection. After assembly, 110,328 unigenes were obtained with 44.42% GC content. A total of 27,098 unigenes were successfully annotated by four public protein databases, namely, Nr, UniProt, KEGG and KOG. Differential expression analysis revealed the existence of 1278 significantly differentially expressed unigenes at 24 h post infection, with 767 unigenes upregulated and 511 unigenes downregulated. After GO and KEGG enrichment analyses, many immune-related GO categories and pathways were significantly enriched. The typical significantly enriched pathways included toll-like receptor signaling pathway, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction and TNF signaling pathway. In addition, 40,027 microsatellites (SSRs) and 52,716 candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified from the infection and control transcriptome libraries. Overall, this transcriptomic analysis provided valuable information for studying the immune response of zigzag eels against bacterial infection. Highlights • First transcriptome profile of Zigzag eel in response to A. veronii. • 110,328 unigenes were obtained through de novo assembly of spleen transcriptome. • 1278 differentially expressed genes were identified after infection with A. veronii. • Many pathways participating in immunoregulation were significantly enriched. • A total of 40,027 SSRs and 52,716 SNPs were detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Although considerable research has been published on pure tone processing, its spatiotemporal pattern is not well understood. Specifically, the link between neural activity in the auditory pathway measured by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalography (EEG) markers of pure tone processing in the P1, N1, P2, and N4 components is not well established. In this study, we used single-trial EEG-fMRI as a multi-modal fusion approach to integrate concurrently acquired EEG and fMRI data, in order to understand the spatial and temporal aspects of the pure tone processing pathway. Data were recorded from 33 subjects who were presented with stochastically alternating pure tone sequences with two different frequencies: 200 and 6400 Hz. Brain network correlated with trial-to-trial variability of the task-discriminating EEG amplitude was identified. We found that neural responses responding to pure tone perception are spatially along the auditory pathway and temporally divided into three stages: (1) the early stage (P1), wherein activation occurs in the midbrain, which constitutes a part of the low level auditory pathway; (2) the middle stage (N1, P2), wherein correlates were found in areas associated with the posterodorsal auditory pathway, including the primary auditory cortex and the motor cortex; (3) the late stage (N4), wherein correlation was found in the motor cortex. This indicates that trial-by-trial variation in neural activity in the P1, N1, P2, and N4 components reflects the sequential engagement of low- and high-level parts of the auditory pathway for pure tone processing. Our results demonstrate that during simple pure tone listening tasks, regions associated with the auditory pathway transiently correlate with trial-to-trial variability of the EEG amplitude, and they do so on a millisecond timescale with a distinct temporal ordering. Highlights • We investigated the pure tone processing stream in simultaneous EEG–fMRI. • Single-trial ERP amplitudes serve as a regressor for an EEG–informed fMRI analysis. • Our results provide a spatiotemporal cascade of pure tone processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus rely on the efficient innate immune mechanisms against invaders, in which the consumption and regeneration of coelomocytes take place at the same time. In the present study, histological features of putative hematopoietic tissues (HPTs) including the rete mirabile, the respiratory tree, the polian vesicle and the coelomic epithelium were characterized. The distribution of transcription factor GATA1 in coelomocytes and putative HPTs was examined by immunohistochemistry. In addition, cell proliferation using EdU labeling and coelomocyte distribution in different tissues using monoclonal antibody labeling were analyzed to further confirm the HPTs. The results showed that two homologs of GATA1 were detected with molecular weight of 43 and 90 kDa in coelomocytes, rete mirabile, respiratory tree and polian vesicle, whereas no signals were detected in the coelomic epithelium. A few cells were detected to be EdU-positive for coelomocytes, which accounted for approximately 9.5%. In the rete mirabile and the respiratory tree, the EdU signals were strong in cells of the tube wall. In the polian vesicle, numerous EdU-positive cells were detected in the cyst wall. In the coelomic epithelium, little EdU signaling was detected. Immunohistochemistry analysis by mAb 3F6 against A. japonicus coelomocytes showed that positive signals were observed in the tube wall of the rete mirabile, respiratory tree, cyst wall of the polian vesicle and in the coelomocyte antrum of coelomic epithelium. These results suggest that the rete mirabile, respiratory tree and polian vesicle are the HPTs of A. japonicus. Highlights • Rete mirabile, respiratory tree, and polian vesicle were suggested as HPTs. • Two homologs of transcription factor GATA1 were detected in the HPTs. • EdU signals were strong in coelomocytes and HPTs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the lack of accurate state judgment and health analysis of equipment operation, track circuit implements the repair and maintenance strategy of fault repair or planned repair. For this reason, a novel track circuit fault prediction method is proposed based on grey theory and expert system. In the proposed method, the feature of grey prediction model is to establish dynamic differential equation and then predict its own development according to its own data. The dynamic prediction model with equal dimension is applied to improve original grey model. Based on the gray models, the expert system is used to simulate human experts to solve the problems in a professional field. It contains man-computer interface, inference engine, knowledge library, knowledge management system, interpretation module and dynamic database. The measurement data show this system can effectively predict several typical faults of HVAP track circuit, and prove the proposed system structure is effective. Such condition-based fault prognostic maintenance mechanism provides an effective solution to improve equipment maintenance efficiency, reduce maintenance cost and reduce equipment fault rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Two new selenite chlorides: Ba 2 Zn(SeO 3 ) 2 Cl 2 and BaZn 2 (SeO 3 ) 2 Cl 2 in the Ba-Zn-Se-oxychloride system have been synthesized from hydrothermal reaction. Ba 2 Zn(SeO 3 ) 2 Cl 2 crystalizes in a one-dimensional structure with 1D ∞ 1[Zn(SeO 3 ) 2 Cl 2 ]4- anionic chain composed of ZnO 4 Cl 2 octahedra and lone-paired Ψ-SeO 3 pyramids through sharing corner-oxygen atoms. BaZn 2 (SeO 3 ) 2 Cl 2 crystalizes in a double-layered architecture with 2D ∞ 2[Zn 2 (SeO 3 ) 2 Cl 2 ]2- anionic layer built up of SeO 3 pyramids and ZnO 3 Cl tetrahedra through corner-sharing manner. Thermal properties of the title compounds were analyzed by means of thermogravimetric (TG) and differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) measurements. UV–Vis–NIR diffuse reflectance examinations for powder examples indicate that two compounds feature similar optical absorption spectra, and their optical band gaps can be estimated to be ~ 5.5 eV with direct band gap. Furthermore, the first-principal calculations were performed to investigate the electronic band structures and density of states, and the results further interpreted the relationship between crystal structures and optical properties. Graphical abstract Two different low-dimensional selenite chlorides were first synthesized from hydrothermal reactions through changing the Ba/Zn ratios. fx1 Highlights • Two new selenite chlorides were first synthesized from hydrothermal reactions. • Low-dimensional structures are realized through changing the Ba/Zn ratios. • Band structures were calculated to interpret the optical properties. • Synergistic effect within the Zn-Se-O atom groups was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adenovirus E1B 55-kilodalton (E1B-55K) mediated DAXX degradation represents a potential mechanism by which E1B-55K sensitizes cancer cells to chemotherapy. Here we report the effects of E1B-55K-mediated DAXX degradation in chemoresistant ovarian cancer cells on response to chemotherapy. Cells with E1B-55K expression were more sensitive to cisplatin than cells without E1B-55K expression. In vivo C13* xenograft studies showed that the combination of cisplatin and E1B-55K was markedly more effective to slow tumor growth and to confer prolonged survival of tumor-bearing mice than either cisplatin or E1B-55K alone. Our studies show that DAXX plays an important role in cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer, and strategies that promote DAXX degradation such as E1B-55K expression in combination with cisplatin can overcome drug resistance and improve responses to standard chemotherapy. These results also indicate that E1B-55K might be a novel agent for enhancing treatment responses for cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate surface-plasmon (SP) enhanced light emission from InGaN/GaN near ultraviolet (NUV) multiple quantum wells (MQWs) using Ag thin films and nano-particles (NPs). Two types of Ag NP arrays are fabricated on the NUV-MQWs, one is fabricated on p-GaN layer with three different sizes of about 120, 160 and 240 nm formed by self-assembled process, while the other is embedded close to the MQWs. In addition, the influence of the surface plasmon polariton (SPP) and localized surface plasmon (LSP) in NUV-MQWs has been investigated by photoluminescence (PL) measurement. Both PL measurements and theoretical simulation results show that the NUV light would be extracted more effectively under LSP mode than that of SPP mode. The highest enhancement of PL intensity is increased by 324% for the sample with NPs embedded in etched p-GaN near the MQWs as compared with the bare MQWs, also is about 1.24 times higher than the MQW sample covered with Ag NPs on the surface, indicating strong surface scattering and SP coupling between Ag NPs and NUV-MQWs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sea cucumber, Apostichopus japonicus , is one of the most important holothurian species cultured in China. Severe evisceration induced by various natural and artificial factors commonly occurs during transport and culture of A. japonicus. Evisceration causes higher mortality and lower yield. Along with the visceral regeneration process, sea cucumbers also regenerate coelomocytes in order to recover immune function. In this study, evisceration of A. japonicus was induced by intracoelomic injection of 0.35 M KCl. Regeneration of coelomocytes was investigated by time course cell counting as well as detection of DNA replication by the EdU labeling technique. Coelomic fluid volume was restored to the pre-evisceration level within 2 h after evisceration. Total coelomocyte count (TCC) reached a peak at 6 h post-evisceration, followed decreased and then increased with a slight fluctuation, restored to the pre-evisceration level at 35 d post-evisceration. The change in different subtypes of coelomocytes was consistent with that of total coelomocytes. However, there were some variations in the regeneration of coelomocyte subtypes. At the end of the study, only the counts of amoebocytes and morula cells recovered to the pre-evisceration level. DNA replication assay showed EdU-positive cells accounted for 9.5% before evisceration and 4.7% at 6 h post-evisceration. However, the percentage of EdU-positive cells significantly increased, reaching 18.6% at 3 d after evisceration, then declined. Therefore, we analyzed the observed increase in coelomocytes at 6 h post-evisceration, which may be due to coelomocyte migration from the water-vascular system into the coelom rather than de novo cell proliferation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abnormal regulation of lipid metabolism is associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). GLP-1 as a new treatment for T2DM, has unique effects in modulating cholesterol homeostasis. However, the mechanism of this effect is largely missing. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of GLP-1 on cholesterol-induced lipotoxicity in hepatocytes and examine the underlying mechanisms. The cell viability was determined, and caspase-3 was used to detect the effects of GLP-1 on cholesterol-induced apoptosis. The alterations of miR-758 and ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) resulting from cholesterol incubation or GLP-1 were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot assays. Overexpression of miR-758 abrogated the GLP-1-mediated ABCA1 expression, and conversely, down-regulation of miR-758 aggravated GLP-1's action and revealed significant promotion effects. BODIPY-Cholesterol efflux assay revealed that treatment with miR-758 inhibitor significantly enhanced ABCA1-dependent cholesterol efflux, resulting in reduced total cholesterol. Furthermore, Oil red O staining and cholesterol measurement were used to detect lipid accumulation. As a result, cholesterol significantly attenuated cell viability, promoted cell apoptosis, and facilitated lipid accumulation, and these effects were reversed by GLP-1. This study provides evidence that, in HepG2 cells, GLP-1 may affect cholesterol homeostasis by regulating the expression of miR-758 and ABCA1. These data can inform the development of biomarkers for miR-758, and potentially other drugs, on the key pathways of lipid metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, N -alkylated poly (4-vinylpyridine) (NPVP), a cationic polymer, was firstly applied for the surface modification of Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles. Then the modified Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles (Fe 3 O 4 @NPVP NPs) combined with graphene oxide (GO) through simple electrostatic binding. Subsequently, deposited Ag nanoparticles (Ag NPs) procedure was carried out to form the multiple antibacterial nanocomposites (GO-Fe 3 O 4 @NPVP-Ag). The synthesized nanostructures were well characterized by Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) and Raman spectroscopy. The zeta potential measurement showed that the novel antibacterial nanocomposites exhibited a capacity of reversing its surface charge from negative (physiological pH) to positive (acidic condition). Furthermore, the incorporation of magnetic Fe 3 O 4 NPs into the nanosystems facilitates the cyclic utilization of GO-Fe 3 O 4 @NPVP-Ag by magnetic separation. The antibacterial properties of GO-Fe 3 O 4 @NPVP-Ag nanocomposites were evaluated with Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus . Moreover, the cytotoxicity of GO-Fe 3 O 4 @NPVP-Ag nanocomposites was studied using NIH-3T3 cells. The results showed that the GO-Fe 3 O 4 @NPVP-Ag nanocomposites exhibited excellent antibacterial properties and low cytotoxicity, thus confirming its application as a promising rapid bactericide in various antibacterial fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is administered after ischemic stroke to dissolve intravascular clots, but its use can lead to hemorrhagic transformation (HT). Therapeutic strategies to reduce hemorrhagic complications of tPA might be of benefit for stroke patients. Adenosine A2b receptor (A2bR) plays pivotal roles in regulating vascular protection in peripheral organs. This study explored whether A2bR agonist BAY 60-6583 reduces hemorrhage risk after tPA usage. Using a rat transient middle cerebral artery occlusion model, we showed that mRNA and protein expression of A2bR increased to a greater extent after ischemia-reperfusion than did expression of the other three adenosine receptors (A1, A2a, and A3). tPA administration reduced A2bR expression in ischemic brain microvessels. Post-treatment with BAY 60-6583 (1 mg/kg) at the start of reperfusion reduced lesion volume in the absence or presence of tPA (10 mg/kg) and attenuated brain swelling, blood-brain barrier disruption, and tPA-exacerbated HT at 24 h. Additionally, BAY 60-6583 mitigated sensorimotor deficits in the presence of tPA. BAY 60-6583 inhibited tPA-enhanced matrix metalloprotease-9 activation, probably through elevation of tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases-1 expression, and thereby reduced degradation of tight junction proteins. These effects would likely protect cerebrovascular integrity. A2bR agonists as an adjuvant to tPA could be a promising strategy for decreasing the risk of HT during treatment for ischemic stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inactivation of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) treatment is a conventional preference to stripping for sequential detections of different proteins of chemiluminescent western blotting (WB). However, little evidence exists on whether other chemical substances treatment can affects the biological activity of HRP during stripping and re-probing of WB blots. Here, we successfully develop 20% crotonic acid (CA) as an alternative to stripping to inhibit HRP used for sequential chemiluminescent WB on polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) and Nitrocellulose (NC) membrane. Moreover, NC blots incubation in CA (40 °C, 30min) allow us to perform three round HRP inhibition in sequential detections without losing transferred proteins and damaging membrane. Hence, the method will help us save time and valuable samples without the need to rerun gels. [Display omitted] • We developed a new type of stripping method for repeated detections of proteins on NC membranes. • 20% crotonic acid an alternative to stripping buffer could strip and reprobe at least 3 times for NC blots. • The stripping method may save time and valuable samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The RUL prediction framework of mechanical system based on GFLSM with adaptive nonlinear drift is proposed. • The health indicator (HI) based on MD e -CUSUM is constructed, which is more stable and monotonous. • The failure threshold adaptive update method is proposed. • The whole life cycle data including truck drive axle are used to verify the proposed RUL prediction framework. Remaining useful life (RUL) prediction is of great significance for prognostic and health management (PHM). To accurately predict the RUL of mechanical system under complex conditions, an RUL prediction framework is proposed based on performance evaluation and geometric fractional Lévy stable motion (GFLSM) with adaptive nonlinear drift. The early fault identification of degradation process is realized by setting a threshold for the constructed monotonic health indicator (HI). The dynamic updating method of failure threshold depending on confidence interval is proposed to determine the time of zero RUL. The heavy-tailed distribution degradation model based on GFLSM is constructed to overcome the limitation of Gaussian distribution. The multiple degradation stages are mapped to a relatively unified mode through GFLSM. The long-range dependence and self-similarity of degradation process are described through the relationship between Hurst exponent and stability exponent. The adaptive updating method of nonlinear drift coefficient is put forward to satisfy different degradation trajectories, and other parameters of GFLSM are estimated by the characteristic function method. The predicted RUL and corresponding probability density function (PDF) are obtained by Monte Carlo. The proposed RUL prediction framework is verified by the degradation simulation signal and two different practical industrial experiments. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed framework is more effective and superior to other state-of-the-art techniques in RUL prediction of mechanical system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accumulating evidence suggests that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) which adsorbed on the surface of ambient air particulate matters (PM), are the major toxic compound to cause cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, even cancer. However, its detrimental effects on human skin cell remain unclear. Here, we demonstrated that SRM1649b, a reference urban dust material of PAH, triggers human skin cells aging through cell cycle arrest, cell growth inhibition and apoptosis. Principally, SRM1649b facilitated Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) translocated into nucleus, subsequently activated ERK/MAPK signaling pathway, and upregulated aging-related genes expression. Most important, we found that AhR antagonist efficiently revert the aging of skin cells. Thus our novel findings firstly revealed the mechanism of skin aging under PAH contamination and provided potential strategy for clinical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SHENMAI injection (SMI), derived from famous Shen Mai San, is a herbal injection widely used in China. Ginsenosides are the major components of SMI. To monitor the exposure level of SMI during long-term treatment, a 6-month toxicokinetic experiment was performed. Twenty-four beagle dogs were dived into four groups (n = 6 in each group): a control group (0.9% NaCl solution) and three SMI groups (2, 6 or 3 mg/kg). The dogs were i.v. infused with vehicle or SMI daily for 180 d. Blood samples for analysis were collected at specific time points as follows: pre-dose (0 h); at 10, 30, and 60 min during infusion; and at 10, 30, 60, 90, 120, 240, and 300 min post-administration. Concentrations of ginsenosides Rb1, Rb2, Rc, Rd, Re, Rf, and Rg1 in the plasma were determined simultaneously by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Non-compartmental parameters were further calculated and analyzed. Significant differences were found between the kinetic behavior of 20( S )-protopanaxadiol-type (PPD-type) and 20( S )-protopanaxatriol-type (PPT-type) ginsenosides. Increasing in the exposure level of PPD-type ginsenosides was observed in dogs during the experiment. Therefore, PPD-type ginsenosides are closely related to the immunity modulation effect of SMI. Increased PPD-type ginsenoside exposure level may present potential toxicity and induce drug-drug interaction risks during SMI administration. As such, PPD-type ginsenoside accumulation must be carefully monitored in future SMI research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple epidemiological models have been developed to model the transmission dynamics of Ebola virus (EBOV) disease in West Africa in 2014 because the severity of the epidemic is commonly overestimated. A compartmental model that incorporates the media impact and the effect of infected bats was constructed and calibrated using data reported until the end of 2014. The final cumulative number of deaths and confirmed cases were estimated to be 1.0921×10 4 (95% CI 9.7706×10 3 –1.2072×10 4 ) and 1.5193×10 4 (95% CI 1.3593×10 4 –1.6795×10 4 ), respectively. The epidemic was estimated to end on June 2015, which was similar to the data reported by the World Health Organization. A sensitivity analysis indicated that an increase of either the media impact or the number of infectious bats that are captured daily can increase the cumulative number of confirmed cases/deaths. Of the considered epidemiological parameters, only the media coverage can significantly reduce both the peak time and the value of the cumulative confirmed cases/deaths. Thus, we propose ‘the cumulative confirmed cases and deaths’ as another media mechanism. In conclusion, the media impact contributed to the control of the 2014 Ebola outbreak, and infectious bats may be a potential source of the epidemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, several substructural identification methods have been developed for structural health monitoring. Most of these methods are deterministic, and unknown parameters in the target can be identified. However, the uncertainties in the identified results cannot be evaluated. This paper presents a Bayesian probabilistic model updating approach for substructure identification. A new response reconstruction technique is explored and combined with the Bayesian inference method for probabilistic model updating of the target substructure. The large-scale structure was divided into substructures, and the uncertainties in the identified results were evaluated. The stochastic gradient descent method is proposed for estimating the maximum likelihood estimation and maximum a posteriori of the unknown parameters in the target substructure. The posterior distributions of the unknown parameters are estimated using an asymptotic approximation. Numerical studies on a three-span beam structure and experimental studies on an eight-floor steel frame were conducted to verify the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method. The results show that the estimated results match the actual values, and reasonable standard deviations can be obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) can pose adverse effect on aquatic species and community structure. However, little is known about how the characteristics of molecules of PFCs affect their chronic toxic potencies to aquatic species, and the species sensitivity distributions (SSDs) and ecological risk assessments of PFCs are hampered by limited available data of chronic toxicity. In the present study, a novel procedure is proposed to obtain the ecological risk of PFCs using existing exposure concentrations of PFCs and SSDs integrated with the chronic toxicity prediction through robust QSAR models. The results showed that the energy of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (E LUMO) exhibited the strongest correlation with the chronic toxicities of 15 PFCs (R 2 > 0.844, F > 16.206, p < 0.05). SSDs of 15 PFCs on eight species were first constructed, and the SSD fitting parameters were significantly correlated with E LUMO (R 2 > 0.610, F > 19.471, p < 0.05). The QSAR-SSDs support the evaluation of hazardous criteria of PFCs for which data are lacking. Given environmental exposure distributions (EEDs) of the national presence of PFCs in aquatic systems in China, the QSAR-SSDs models allow the development of the ecological risk assessment for PFCs. This way, it was concluded that negligible environmental risk (defined as 5% of the species being potentially exposed to concentrations able to cause effects in < 5% of the case) could be expected from exposure to PFCs in surface waters in China. This method may be helpful for providing an evidence-based approach to guide the risk management for PFCs in aquatic environment. • Molecular descriptor, E LUMO showed the strongest correlation with log-NOEC/LOEC. • HC 5 and its 95% confidence intervals of 15 PFCs were predicted by QSAR-SSD. • Molecular descriptors can be directly used to estimate SSD parameters for PFCs. • Acceptable environmental risk expected from exposure to PFCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The threat of contamination with toxic metals (TMs) to food security and human health has become a high priority in recent decades. Hence, countless studies have investigated the safe cultivation of rice and fish, respectively, as the main food crop and protein source worldwide. For the present study, a literature search of the PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases identified 11 studies that met the inclusion criteria and provided sufficient data to assess the relationship between TM contamination of rice, fish, and shrimp products from rice-fish co-culture systems and carcinogenic risk (CR) and non-carcinogenic risk (non-CR) to humans. The result showed that consumption of Monopterus albus and rice contaminated with a single TM had a slight non-CR, which is synergistically increased by multiple TMs. Consumption of Procambarus clarkii posed no non-CR to humans. The CR of all studies ranged from 1.77 × 10-10 to 5.65 × 10-8, and less than 1 × 10-6, indicating that under current food safety guidelines, rice and fish produced by rice-fish co-culture systems pose no CR. Rice-fish co-culture systems can greatly reduce the CR and non-CR of TMs to humans. Figure Rice-fish co-culture system. [Display omitted] • Rice-fish co-culture system successfully provides high quality grain and fish meat. • Rice-fish co-culture system can greatly reduce the disease risks of toxic metals to humans. • Rice-fish co-culture system can greatly alleviate the world's food crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

GLP-1 can help to overcome problems of liver cells metabolism, not only pancreatic cell. But the explicit mechanism of this effect remains unclear. In recent years, microRNAs have received the attention of researchers and some microRNAs have important implications for diabetes. The mitochondrial protective gene PGC-1α is also closely related to diabetes, and UCP2 is related to anti-mitochondrial oxidative stress, but the mechanism of action of these genes is unclear. In this study, we used HepG2 cell line and used the cell counting kit (CCK) to measure the cell viability with GLP-1(7–36) and/or glucotoxicity. To investigate alterations in gene expression resulting from incubation with GLP-1 (7–36) or hyperglycaemia, the RNA expression levels of miR-23a, PGC-1α, Bak, Bax and UCP2 were quantified using real-time PCR. The protein levels of PGC-1α were determined by western blot. The role of miR-23a in the regulation of PGC-1α was further assessed through cell transfection to downregulate of miR-23a expression. In this study, the viability of HepG2 hepatocytes was decreased under hyperglycaemia, but incubation with 10 nmol/L GLP-1 (7–36) amide for 24 h significantly increased the viability and decreased the mRNA expression levels of Bax and Bak. Incubation with GLP-1(7–36) amide for 24 h attenuated the RNA expression of miR-23a and increased the mRNA and protein expression of PGC-1α. Inhibition of miR-23a expression by cell transfection led to increases in the mRNA and protein expression of PGC-1α. In addition, the mRNA expression of UCP2 increased after incubation with GLP-1(7–36) for 24 h. In conclusion, GLP-1 induced increased expression of mitochondrial protective gene PGC-1α by downregulating miR-23a to inhibit hepatocyte apoptosis and also enhanced UCP2 to reduce apoptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kempe, Kleinberg and Tardos (KKT) proposed the following conjecture about the general threshold model in social networks: local monotonicity and submodularity implies global monotonicity and submodularity. That is, if the threshold function of every node is monotone and submodular, then the spread function is monotone and submodular. The correctness of this conjecture has been proved by Mossel and Roch. In this paper, we first provide the concept AD- k (Alternating Difference- k) as a generalization of monotonicity and submodularity. Specifically, a set function f is called AD- k if all the ℓ -th order differences of f on all inputs have sign (− 1) ℓ + 1 for every ℓ ≤ k. We propose a refined version of KKT's conjecture: in the general threshold model, local AD- k implies global AD- k. We prove the correctness of our conjecture when the social graph is a DAG. Furthermore, we affirm our conjecture on general social graphs when k = ∞. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioaccumulation and effects of 17β-estradiol (E2) and 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE2) were assessed by crucian carp ( Carassius auratus ) following single and binary mixture exposures in flow-through exposure system for 16 months. In comparison with water control (DWC) and solvent control (SC), a significant reduction in body weight, body length and gonadosomatic index (GSI), and increase in hepatosomatic index (HSI) and plasma vitellogenin (VTG) levels were observed, in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Bioconcentration factors (BCFs) of E2 and EE2 in fish muscle ranged from 3.2 to 40 and from 64 to 123, respectively. Crucian carp were found to be more sensitive to EE2 than E2. The bioaccumulation and toxicological effects in binary mixture exposed fish (mixture of E2 and EE2) were more significant than exposure of individual compound. Crucian carp is sensitive to E2 and EE2 in long-term laboratory exposure experiments and can be used as a potential model species for investigating the toxicity of hormones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) specifically against coelomocytes of Apostichopus japonicus were employed to study the ontogenesis of coelomocytes by indirect immunofluorescence assay technique (IIFAT). Different developmental stages were identified by histochemical staining method. Stages including blastula, gastrula, auricularia (small-auricular larvae, mid-auricular larvae and big-auricular larvae), doliolaria, pentactula and juvenile were examined. The positive reactions with both MAb1C2 against all the types of coelomocytes and MAb3F6 specific to spherulocytes, were observed firstly at the blastula stage of the embryos. The positive reaction with MAb1E2 against lymphoid cells was observed from the big-auricular larvae, which indicated that lymphoid cells may not be progenitor cells or stem cells for A . japonicus . An increase of fluorescence intensity for each cell may imply a possible enhancement of the innate defensive mechanism as the embryogenesis progress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Rapamycin enhances mitophagy via increasing p62 translocation to the mitochondria. [•] Rapamycin attenuates brain ischemic damage and improves mitochondrial function. [•] The protection of rapamycin to mitochondrial is linked to enhanced mitophagy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] SDF-1 pretreating increased the levels of CXCR4, CXCR7 in ADSCs. [•] SDF-1 improved cells paracrine migration and proliferation abilities. [•] CXCR4 and CXCR7 could function in ADSCs paracrine, migration and proliferation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] AZD8055 induces significant cytotoxic effects in cultured HNSCC cells. [•] AZD8055 blocks mTORC1 and mTORC2 activation in cultured HNSCC cells. [•] JNK activation is required for AZD8055-induced HNSCC cell death. [•] AZD8055 inhibits Hep-2 cell growth in vivo, and was more efficient than rapamycin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The sea cucumber, Apostichopus japonicus possesses a variety of cells populating in both the coelomic (cells in the coelomic are called coelomocytes) and water-vascular system. In this study, we compared cells in these two systems of A. japonicus on total cell number, cell types and surface antigens through monoclonal antibodies against coelomocytes. The results demonstrated that the cell types observed in coelomic also could be found in water-vascular system, but the total cell number and percentages of each type were different. The total number of coelomocytes was 2–3 times of that in water-vascular system. Lymphoid cells were numerically dominant in coelomic system, while spherulocytes with pseudopods in water-vascular system. Results of indirect immunofluorescence assay technique showed that both coelomocytes and cells in water-vascular system could be recognized by the corresponding MAbs, and the distribution of its positive signals was not different. In conclusion, cell types and surface antigens in coelomic and water-vascular system were same, but the total cell number and percentages of each type were different. And further researches are needed on whether there are differences in functions of the different composition. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Interzeolite conversion as a promising alternative strategy for zeolite synthesis has received extensive attention. It is of great significance to understand the potential rules of conversion between zeolites with different topologies for effective regulation of zeolite synthesis. Hydrothermal conversion of ZSM-35 (FER-type) zeolite containing the mor composite building units into SSZ-13 zeolite (CHA-type) using N,N,N-trimethyl-1-adamantammonium hydroxide (TMAdaOH) as template was performed for the first time. The effects of TMAdaOH/SiO 2 ratio, Na 2 O/SiO 2 ratio, the additional starting zeolite and crystallization time on the interzeolite conversion of ZSM-35 into SSZ-13 were investigated. The interzeolite conversion mechanism concerning the synthesis of SSZ-13 from ZSM-35 zeolite was proposed and verified by DFT calculation. The results of DFT calculations suggested that ZSM-35 zeolite with mor composite building unit had the potential to decompose into 6-Membered Rings, and further transform into CHA-type zeolite containing d6r composite building unit. Therefore, zeolites containing mor structure have the potential to be converted into zeolites containing d6r structure. SSZ-13 was synthesized by the interzeolite conversion of ZSM-35 involving the composite building unit conversion of mor to d6r unit. [Display omitted] • The CHA-type zeolite was successfully synthesized by interzeolite conversion of FER-type zeolite with mor structure. • The composite building unit conversion of mor to d6r unit was verified by DFT calculation. • Conversion synthesis of zeolite with low framework density from high framework density was achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Mitochondrial dysfunction is frequently observed in vascular diseases. Cilostazol is a drug approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of intermittent claudication. Cilostazol increases intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels through inhibition of type III phosphodiesterase. The effects of cilostazol in mitochondrial biogenesis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were investigated in this study. Cilostazol treated HUVECs displayed increased levels of ATP, mitochondrial DNA/nuclear DNA ratio, expressions of cytochrome B, and mitochondrial mass, suggesting an enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis induced by cilostazol. The promoted mitochondrial biogenesis could be abolished by Protein kinase A (PKA) specific inhibitor H-89, implying that PKA pathway played a critical role in increased mitochondrial biogenesis after cilostazol treatment. Indeed, expression levels of peroxisome proliferator activator receptor gamma-coactivator 1α (PGC-1α), NRF 1 and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) were significantly increased in HUVECs after incubation with cilostazol at both mRNA levels and protein levels. Importantly, knockdown of PGC-1α could abolish cilostazol-induced mitochondrial biogenesis. Enhanced expression of p-CREB and PGC-1α induced by cilostazol could be inhibited by H-89. Moreover, the increased expression of PGC-1α induced by cilostazol could be inhibited by downregulation of CREB using CREB siRNA at both mRNA and protein levels. All the results indicated that cilostazol promoted mitochondrial biogenesis through activating the expression of PGC-1α in HUVECs, which was mediated by PKA/CREB pathway. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signal, mediated by the Gli family of transcription factors, plays an essential role in the growth and patterning of the limb. Through analysis of the early limb bud transcriptome, we identified a posteriorly-enriched gene, Hyaluronic Acid Synthase 2 (Has2), which encodes a key enzyme for the synthesis of hyaluronan (HA), as a direct target of Gli transcriptional regulation during early mouse limb development. Has2 expression in the limb bud is lost in Shh null and expanded anteriorly in Gli3 mutants. We identified an ∼3kb Has2 promoter fragment that contains two strong Gli-binding consensus sequences, and mutation of either site abrogated the ability of Gli1 to activate Has2 promoter in a cell-based assay. Additionally, this promoter fragment is sufficient to direct expression of a reporter gene in the posterior limb mesenchyme. Chromatin immunoprecipitation of DNA-Gli3 protein complexes from limb buds indicated that Gli3 strongly binds to the Has2 promoter region, suggesting that Has2 is a direct transcriptional target of the Shh signaling pathway. We also showed that Has2 conditional mutant (Has2 cko ) hindlimbs display digit-specific patterning defects with longitudinally shifted phalangeal joints and impaired chondrogenesis. Has2 cko limbs show less capacity for mesenchymal condensation with mislocalized distributions of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs), aggrecan and link protein. Has2 cko limb phenotype displays striking resemblance to mutants with defective chondroitin sulfation suggesting tight developmental control of HA on CSPG function. Together, our study identifies Has2 as a novel downstream target of Shh signaling required for joint patterning and chondrogenesis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) was extracted from six sediment samples in arid and semi-arid region, which was characterized by fluorescence excitation–emission matrices (EEMs). The results showed that four fluorescent peak, fulvic-like (peak A), humic-like (peak C) and two tryptophan-like (peaks B and D), were identified in lake sediment DOM. Fluorescence quenching titration showed that peaks B and D were quenched gradually by adding additional Cu (II) and Hg (II), whereas humic-like substances had no systematic trend of the change of fluorescence intensity. Increasing fluorescence intensity value of humic-like substances can also be found. The modified Stern–Volmer model was used to calculate conditional stability constants (log K) and the percent of fluorophores (f %) which participate in the complexation between DOM and Cu (II), and Hg (II). The results showed that DOM-Cu (II) and DOM-Hg (II) complexes had higher log K values of 4.21–5.23 and the log K values of DOM-Cu (II) are much larger than the corresponding values for Hg (II). Peak B showed relatively low log K and high f % values than those of peak D. Different pollution sources which are mainly obtained from the upstream industrial wastewater, domestic sewage and return water of farmland irrigation tend to affect the stability constants and complexing capacities of Cu (II) and Hg (II). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Considerable evidence indicates that the noradrenergic system of the basolateral amygdala (BLA) participates in the consolidation of various types of emotionally arousing memories. We previously reported that administration of an anesthetic-dose of sevoflurane immediately after continuous multiple-trail inhibition avoidance (CMIA) training impaired memory consolidation. This experiment investigated whether posttraining noradrenergic activation of the BLA is sufficient to reverse the memory impairing effect of sevoflurane. Adult male Sprague–Dawley rats received bilateral injections of norepinephrine (NE 0.3, 1.0, or 3.0μg/0.5μl) or normal saline (NS 0.5μl) immediately after training in a CMIA paradigm. Subsequently, the rats were exposed to sevoflurane (2% inspired) or air for 2h. Norepinephrine produced a dose-dependent enhancement of memory consolidation on a 24-h retention test. The highest dose of NE tested (3.0μg/0.5μl) blocked sevoflurane-induced impairment of memory consolidation and reversed the inhibitory effect of sevoflurane on activity-regulated cytoskeletal protein (Arc) expression in the hippocampus 2h after training. These findings provide evidence that the mechanism mediating the memory-impairing effect of sevoflurane involves a network interaction between the BLA noradrenergic system and modulation of Arc protein expression in the hippocampus. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: One monoclonal antibody (mAb 3F6) against coelomocytes of sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus was developed by immunization of Balb/C mice. Analyzed by indirect immunofluorescence assay test (IIFAT), immunocytochemical assay (ICA), Western blotting and fluorescenceactivated cell sorter (FACS), mAb 3F6 showed specific for spherulocytes of A. japonicus. The mAb 3F6 recognized an antigen of molecular weight 136kDa in Western blotting. Isotype analysis revealed mAb 3F6 as IgG type. The flow cytometry assay confirmed the microscopy observations and showed coelomocytes positive to mAb 3F6. The antigencity of haemocytes or coelomocytes of Hemicentrotus pulcherrimus, Scapharca subcrenata, Asterina pectinifera, Asterias rollestoni, Ruditapes philipinarum, Patinopecten yessoensis and Mytilus edulis was compared and the result showed that none of them was positive with mAb 3F6. Most of cells free in polian vesicle were positive with mAb 3F6. The positive cells are in spherical shape, 5–7μm in diameter, smaller than coelomic spherulocytes of A. japonicus. The result of immunofluorescent staining with cells in hemal vessel showed that there were strong positive signals on cytoplasm of some spherical cells with diameter of 7–8μm. Some other cells with higher nucelo-plasmic ratio, about 5–6μm in diameter showed weak positive signals on membrane. Immunohistochemistry assay revealed that positive signals were mostly observed in the lumen structure of rete mirabile and haemocoel of the respiratory tree. In addition, the outer epidermis of body wall and tentacle also showed positive. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Uncovering the cis-regulatory logic of developmental enhancers is critical to understanding the role of non-coding DNA in development. However, it is cumbersome to identify functional motifs within enhancers, and thus few vertebrate enhancers have their core functional motifs revealed. Here we report a combined experimental and computational approach for discovering regulatory motifs in developmental enhancers. Making use of the zebrafish gene expression database, we computationally identified conserved non-coding elements (CNEs) likely to have a desired tissue-specificity based on the expression of nearby genes. Through a high throughput and robust enhancer assay, we tested the activity of ∼100 such CNEs and efficiently uncovered developmental enhancers with desired spatial and temporal expression patterns in the zebrafish brain. Application of de novo motif prediction algorithms on a group of forebrain enhancers identified five top-ranked motifs, all of which were experimentally validated as critical for forebrain enhancer activity. These results demonstrate a systematic approach to discover important regulatory motifs in vertebrate developmental enhancers. Moreover, this dataset provides a useful resource for further dissection of vertebrate brain development and function. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background and objective: Previous studies have indicated that abnormal expression of atypical protein kinase C (aPKC-ɩ) plays a critical role in occurrence and progression of malignant tumor. This study analyzed the correlation of aPKC-ɩ with clinicopathology in hepatocarcinoma and Cyclin E and investigated molecular mechanisms of invasion and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Materials and methods: The expression of the aPKC-ɩ gene was examined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction in 7 specimens of normal liver tissues and 43 of hepatoma and adjacent tissues. Expression of aPKC-ɩ and Cyclin E protein was detected using immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Finally, we analyzed the correlation of aPKC-ɩ with clinicopathologic characteristics and invasion of hepatoma. Results: The expression value (0.844 ± 0.315) of aPKC-ɩ gene is obviously higher in hepatoma than the value (0.530 ± 0.217) in adjacent tissues and the value (0.372 ± 0.130) in normal tissue (P = 0.009). The positive expression rate (58.1%) of aPKC-ɩ protein in hepatoma is remarkably higher than the rate (23.3%) of adjacent tissues. The expression of aPKC-ɩ has a positive correlation with the expression of Cyclin E, differentiation degree, and invasion of tumor (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Differentiation degree and invasion of hepatoma are related to the expression of aPKC-ɩ, which plays an important role in invasion and metastasis of hepatoma. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Studies have shown silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) exposure can result in a series of toxic effects in fish gills. However, it is still unclear how AgNPs affect metabolite expression and their related molecular metabolic pathways in fish gills. In this study, we employed untargeted metabolomics to study the effects of AgNPs and silver supernatant ions on fish gill metabolites. The results showed that AgNPs can induce significant changes in 96 differentially expressed metabolites, which mainly affect amino acid metabolism and energy metabolism in fish gills. Among these metabolites, AgNPs specifically induce significant changes in 72 differentially expressed metabolites, including L -histidine, L -isoleucine, L -phenylalanine, and citric acid. These metabolites were significantly enriched in the pathways of aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, ABC transporters, and the citrate cycle. In contrast, Ag+ supernatant exposure can specifically induce significant changes in 14 differentially expressed metabolites that mainly interfere with sphingolipid metabolism in fish gills. These specifically regulated fish gill metabolites include sphinganine, sphingosine, and phytosphingosine, which were significantly enriched in the sphingolipid metabolism pathway. Our results clearly reveal the effects and potential toxicity mechanisms of AgNPs on fish gill metabolites. Furthermore, our study further determined the unique functions of released silver ions in AgNPs toxicity in fish gills. [Display omitted] • The AgNPs mainly interfere with amino acid metabolism and energy metabolism in fish gills. • The AgNPs caused gill lamellae capillary dilation may be mediated by the metabolite inosine. • The effects of particulate silver dominated the impact of AgNPs on fish gill metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]