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Extreme-scale computing involves hundreds of millions of threads with multi-level parallelism running on large-scale hierarchical and heterogeneous hardware. Some OpenMP multi-threaded applications increasingly suffer from runtime hidden behaviors owning to shared resource contention as well as software- and hardware-related problems. Such hidden behaviors can result in failure and inefficiencies and are among the main challenges in system resiliency. To minimize the impact of hidden behaviors, one must quickly and accurately detect and diagnose the hidden behaviors that cause the failures. However, it is difficult to identify hidden behaviors in the dynamic and noisy data collected by OpenMP multi-threaded monitoring infrastructures. This paper presents an anthropomorphic diagnosis framework for hidden behaviors of OpenMP multi-threaded applications. In the framework, we first design injected heartbeat functions for OpenMP multi-threaded applications. Then, we leverage the heartbeat sequences to extract features of hidden behaviors. Finally, we develop a feature learning-based algorithm using heartbeat analysis, namely HSA, to diagnose hidden behaviors. To evaluate our framework, the NAS Parallel NPB benchmark, EPCC OpenMP micro-benchmark suite, and Jacobi benchmark are used to test the performance of our proposed framework. The experimental results demonstrate that our framework successfully identifies 90.3% of the injected hidden behaviors of OpenMP multi-threaded applications while acquiring low overhead. • The anthropomorphic framework is proposed for diagnosing hidden behaviors. • The framework based on heartbeats supports multi-threaded OpenMP applications. • Small-size samples also demonstrate the high efficiency of this framework. • The framework is lower overhead and is more accurate than the state-of-the-art. • The framework supports extension and specificity in most of our experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The availability of glucose transporter in the small intestine critically determines the capacity for glucose uptake and consequently systemic glucose homeostasis. Hence a better understanding of the physiological regulation of intestinal glucose transporter is pertinent. However, the molecular mechanisms that regulate sodium-glucose linked transporter 1 (SGLT1), the primary glucose transporter in the small intestine, remain incompletely understood. Recently, the Drosophila SLC5A5 (dSLC5A5) has been found to exhibit properties consistent with a dietary glucose transporter in the Drosophila midgut, the equivalence of the mammalian small intestine. Hence, the fly midgut could serve as a suitable model system for the study of the in vivo molecular underpinnings of SGLT1 function. Here, we report the identification, through a genetic screen, of Drosophila transmembrane protein 214 (dTMEM214) that acts in the midgut enterocytes to regulate systemic glucose homeostasis and glucose uptake. We show that dTMEM214 resides in the apical membrane and cytoplasm of the midgut enterocytes, and that the proper subcellular distribution of dTMEM214 in the enterocytes is regulated by the Rab4 GTPase. As a corollary, Rab4 loss-of-function phenocopies dTMEM214 loss-of-function in the midgut as shown by a decrease in enterocyte glucose uptake and an alteration in systemic glucose homeostasis. We further show that dTMEM214 regulates the apical membrane localization of dSLC5A5 in the enterocytes, thereby revealing dTMEM214 as a molecular regulator of glucose transporter in the midgut. [Display omitted] • dTMEM214 acts in the midgut enterocytes to regulate systemic glucose homeostasis. • The subcellular distribution of dTMEM214 in the enterocytes is regulated by Rab4. • dTMEM214 controls the apical membrane localization of dSLC5A5 in the enterocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A deep learning model is proposed for high-resolution background segmentation of cables. • The suggested linear rigid body motion recognizer can estimate motion for linear objects in a noisy environment. • The system can be configured to detect both near and far cables in complex scenes. • The system can be loaded onto a variety of commonly used camera instruments. The cable system is a critical load-bearing member and a vital factor of cable-stayed bridges; its health condition indicates the operation safety of these structures. The cable force estimation based on vibration is a major indicator for assessing the safety of cable-bearing bridges. Contact sensors are used to collect vibration in traditional cable systems. Recently, computer vision-based non-contact remote monitoring has gained popularity due to its cost, efficiency, and safety advantages. However, the cable is a unique structure with poor vision imaging, a low pixel share, and susceptibility to ambient interference. To address these issues, this study proposes a deep learning-based cable vibration recognition system. In complex environments, this system provides reliable recognition of cable vibration without the necessity of markers. The system consists of a composite model based on Resnet-34 (Residual Neural Network of 34 layers) and Swin-B (the base model in Swin Transformer), a linear rigid body motion recognizer based on Hough linear detection, and data processing. The pre-trained composite model performs cable segmentation on the video captured by the camera; this new video contains only cable data and is then transmitted to the linear rigid body recognizer, which recognizes cable vibration in the new video, and the cable force is determined by processing vibration data. As a result of the model experiments conducted in the laboratory and the cable test of cable-stayed bridges under complex outdoor conditions, the effectiveness and robustness of the system have been verified. The error of the proposed method in this study is found to be less than 2.0% comparing the results with that calculated from conventional sensors employed in the tests. The test results indicate that the system proposed in this paper is capable of conducting cable detection in complex environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Newly emerged two-dimensional material, black phosphorus (BP) shows promising applications in many fields owing to its superior properties. Despite the biological effects of BP were studied, its environmental impacts have not yet received enough attention. In this study, the bacterial toxicity of exfoliated BP nanosheets was for the first time evaluated against two model bacteria strains, Gram-negative Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) and Gram-positive Bacillus subtilis ( B. subtilis ). By monitoring the bacterial growth curve and colony counting, the bacterial toxicity of BP nanosheets was examined. Higher toxicity was induced for Gram-negative E. coli compared to Gram-positive B. subtilis after 6 h treatment, which was reversed at 12 h due to membrane self-healing of E. coli . The bacterial toxicity followed a time- and concentration-dependent fashion, with a maximum bactericidal efficiency of 91.65% and 99.69% for E. coli and B. subtilis , respectively, after 12 h exposure. Reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent oxidative stress and membrane damage were the main bactericidal mechanisms as proved by fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay. This study indicates the potential environmental risk of BP nanosheets and the data from this work will guide their safety applications in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maternal exposure to ambient fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) during pregnancy has been associated with impaired neurobehavioral development in children. However, the specific mechanism remains unclear. Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is an important growth factor in the nervous system. We evaluated the associations of maternal PM 2.5 exposures with fetal BDNF in the umbilical cord blood in a prospective cohort study. A total of 711 eligible mother-infant pairs from the Shanghai Birth Cohort were included in the current study. Daily maternal exposures to ambient PM 2.5 were assessed with a gap-filling approach at 1 * 1 km2 resolution based on self-reported home addresses. The concentrations of BDNF in the cord blood were measured by ELISA. A linear regression model was applied to evaluate the association of maternal ambient PM 2.5 exposure with fetal BDNF level at birth. The median concentration of BDNF was 13,403 pg/ml. Vaginal deliveries and female infants had higher BDNF levels than cesarean deliveries and male infants. One natural log (ln) unit increase in maternal PM 2.5 exposure during the second trimester was significantly associated with − 0.20 (95% CI: −0.36, −0.05) ln-unit decrease in BDNF level in all births. These effects were stronger and more significant in vaginal deliveries and in male infants. Our study suggests that BDNF in the cord blood may serve as a potential biomarker in assessing the neurodevelopmental effects of maternal PM 2.5 exposure. • Limited evidence is available on maternal PM 2.5 exposures and fetal BDNF levels. • Maternal PM 2.5 exposure was negatively associated with fetal BDNF level at birth. • Delivery modes and infant sex may modify the association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pfaffia glomerata is a candidate for phytoremediation due to its high biomass and high bioaccumulation efficiency of multiple heavy metals. It is essential to further evaluate its tolerance, absorption, transfer, and distribution to multiple heavy metals. In the current study, we evaluated the tolerance, absorption, transfer, and distribution of P. glomerata in a Cd/Pb/Cu/Zn combined-contaminated environment by two hydroponic experiments. The results demonstrated that P. glomerata was not affected by Cd/Pb/Cu/Zn exposure, except for the 50 μM Cd/Pb/Cu/Zn treatment, which significantly decreased the stem biomass. In a single Cd, Pb, Cu, and Zn exposure, the root of P. glomerata absorbed Cd/Pb/Cu/Zn in the order of Cd > Zn > Pb > Cu. Almost all Pb and Cu accumulated in the plant roots and were hardly transferred to the aboveground parts. Therefore, the order of total Cd/Pb/Cu/Zn extraction of a single plant in multiple Cd/Pb/Cu/Zn exposures at the same concentration was Cd > Zn > Pb > Cu. The bioconcentration factor (BCF) of Cd and Zn in roots, stems, and leaves increased with the concentration of Cd and Zn in the solution, and was > 1. In contrast with Cd and Zn, the BCFs of Cu and Pb in the stems and leaves were < 1. The element distribution of Pb, Cu, Zn, and Mn in the stem of P. glomerata was dispersed, indicating that the stem of P. glomerata does not have a detoxification mechanism for distributing metals to the area of low biological activity. The total amount of tartaric acid, critic acid, and DOC secreted by P. glomerata roots decreased with the increase in Cd/Pb/Cu/Zn exposure. However, further investigation is needed to unravel the interaction between the LMWOAs secreted by the root of P. glomerata and heavy metals. • The biomass of P. glomerata did not affect by the 10 μM or 30 μM Cd/Pb/Cu/Zn exposure. • The order of total Cd/Pb/Cu/Zn extraction of a single plant was Cd > Zn > Pb > Cu. • P. glomerata does not have a detoxification mechanism for distributing metals to the area of low biological activity. • Cd/Pb/Cu/Zn exposure decreased the secretion of oxalic, tartaric, citric acid, and DOC in the root. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The alteration of extracellular matrix (ECM) in cartilage during the pathological development of Osteoarthritis (OA) changes the biomechanical environment of chondrocytes, which further drives the progression of the disease in the presence of inflammation. Healthy cartilage matrix mainly contains collagen type II, which is degraded by matrix metalloproteinase13 (MMP13), an important molecules responsible for joint damage in OA. Cilostazol (6-[4-(1-cyclohexyl-1H-tetrazol-5-yl)butoxy]-3,4-dihydro-2-(1H)-quinolinone) is a medication approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and used in the alleviation of the symptom of intermittent claudication in individuals with peripheral vascular disease. In this study, we reported that cilostazol is able to suppress the degradation of type II collagen in human chondrocytes induced by IL-1β. Mechanistically, cilostazol treatment leads to inhibiting the expression of IRF-1, thereby prevents the induction of MMP-13. Signal transducers and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) has been reported to play an essential role in regulating the activation of IRF-1. Our results indicated that cilostazol suppresses the activation of STAT1 by mitigating the phosphorylation of STAT1 at Ser727 and tyrosine phosphorylation of STAT1 at position 701 (Tyr701). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) during pregnancy has been linked to the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), while conclusions are inconsistent. In this study we aimed to estimate the effects of prenatal PM 2.5 exposure with blood glucose in early pregnancy and the GDM risk. Participants were recruited from the SH-IPMCH-BTH cohort (n = 41,929), a study of air pollution and birth outcome. All participants provided serum samples for analyses of fasting blood glucose (FBG) and HbA1c during early pregnancy. GDM was diagnosed using an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) with the time interval of 1 h. Prenatal exposure to PM 2.5 was estimated using gap-filled satellite exposure assessments in Shanghai, China. Both FBG and HbA1c levels were significantly and positively associated with PM 2.5 exposure during early pregnancy. A 10 μg/m3 increase of PM 2.5 exposure from early to middle pregnancy was associated with the risk of GDM (first trimester OR=1.09, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.16; second trimester OR=1.09, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.16; first two trimester OR=1.15, 95%CI: 1.04, 1.28). The combined effects were greater among elevated FBG and HbA1c women with higher PM 2.5 exposure in middle trimester (P for interaction=0.037 and 0.001, respectively). This study found that exposure to PM 2.5 exposure in the 1st and 2nd trimesters was related to GDM. FBG and HbA1c played roles in the relationship between PM 2.5 exposure in the 2nd trimester and GDM. [Display omitted] • PM 2.5 exposure in early trimester is associated with blood glucose impairment. • Higher early- and middle- pregnancy PM 2.5 exposure is associated with GDM. • FBG and HbA1c are effect modifiers of PM 2.5 exposure in the second trimester and GDM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: According to the three notions of mixed affine surface area, -affine surface area and -mixed affine surface area proposed by Lutwak, in this article, we give the concept of ith -mixed affine surface area such that the first and second notions of Lutwak are its special cases. Further, some Lutwak''s results are extended associated with this concept. Besides, applying this concept, we establish an inequality for the volumes and dual quermassintegrals of a class of star bodies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Hmx homeobox gene family is comprised of three members in mammals, Hmx1, Hmx2, and Hmx3, which are conserved across the animal kingdom and are part of the larger NKL clustered family of homeobox genes. Expression domains of Hmx genes in distantly related species such as Drosophila and mouse suggest an ancestral function in rostral central nervous system development. During vertebrate evolution, the Hmx genes appear to have been recruited into additional roles in inner ear morphogenesis and specification of vestibular inner ear sensory and supporting cell types. Being derived from a common ancestor, the vertebrate Hmx gene family is thus a strong candidate to investigate functional overlap versus the unique roles played by multiple genes belonging to the same family. The functions of Hmx2 and Hmx3 were investigated via directed gene mutagenesis and the primary regions where Hmx2 and Hmx3 exert their individual functions are consistent with their expression domains, such as the vestibule and uterus. Meanwhile, it is notable that some tissues where both Hmx2 and Hmx3 are extensively expressed were not severely affected in either of the Hmx2 or Hmx3 single mutant mice, suggesting a possible functional overlap existing between these two genes. Compound Hmx2 and Hmx3 double mutant mice showed more severe defects in the inner ear than those displayed by either single knockout. Furthermore, novel abnormalities in the hypothalamic–neuroendocrine system, which were never observed in either of the single mutant mice, confirmed a hypothesis that Hmx2 and Hmx3 also function redundantly to control embryonic development of the central nervous system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Accurate individual exposure assessment is crucial for evaluating the health effects of particulate matter (PM). Various portable monitors built upon low-cost optical sensors have emerged. However, the main challenge for their application is to guarantee accuracy of measurements. To assess the performance of a newly developed PM sensor, and to develop methods for post-hoc data calibration to optimize its data quality. We conducted a series of laboratory experiments and field evaluations to quantify the reproducibility within Plantower PM sensors 7003 (PMS 7003) and the consistency between sensors and two established PM 2.5 measurement methods [tapered element oscillating microbalances (TEOM) and gravimetric method (GM)]. Post-hoc data calibration methods for sensors were based on a multiple linear regression model (MLRM) and a random forest model (RFM). Ratios of raw and calibrated readings over the data of reference methods were calculated to examine the improvement after calibration. Strong correlations (≥0.82) and relatively small relative standard deviations (16–21%) between sensors were found during the laboratory and the field sampling. Compared with the reference methods, moderate to strong coefficients of determination (0.56–0.83) were observed; however, significant deviations were presented. After calibration, the ratios of PMS measurements over that of two reference methods both became convergent. Our study validated low-cost optical PM sensors under a wide range of PM 2.5 concentrations (8–167 μg/m3). Our findings indicated potential applicability of PM sensors in PM 2.5 exposure assessment, and confirmed a need of calibration. Linear calibration methods may be sufficient for ambient monitoring using TEOM as a reference, while nonlinear calibration methods may be more appropriate for indoor monitoring using GM as a reference. • We evaluated the performance of a low-cost optical particle matter sensor. • Sensitivity to potential source and high reproducibility within sensors were found. • Multiple linear regression and random forest models were developed for calibration. • Careful calibration ensures confident use of PMS 7003 in exposure assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to explore the relationship between ambient NO 2 levels and the transmission ability (basic reproductive number, R 0) of COVID-19 in 63 Chinese cities. After adjustment for temperature and relative humidity, R 0 was positively associated with NO 2 concentration at city level. The temporal analysis within Hubei province indicated that all the 11 Hubei cities (except Xianning City) had significant positive correlations between NO 2 concentration (with 12-day time lag) and R 0 (r > 0.51, p < 0.005). Since the association between ambient NO 2 and R 0 indicated NO 2 may increase underlying risk of infection in the transmission process of COVID-19. In addition, NO 2 is also an indicator of traffic-related air pollution, the association between NO 2 and COVID-19′s spreadability suggest that reduced population movement may have reduced the spread of the SARS-CoV-2. ● The basic reproductive number of COVID-19 was positively associated with NO 2 after adjustment for temperature and relative humidity. ● Reduced population movement (NO 2 decreases) may reduce the spread of the COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance and contribution of nitrogen compounds and the related microbial nitrogen cycling processes in fresh snow are not well understood under the current research background. We collected fresh snow samples from 21 cities that 80% are from China during 2016 and 2017. Principal component analysis showed that SO 4 2− were in the first principal component, and N-compounds were the second. Furthermore, the main pollutant ions SO 4 2− and NO 3 − were from anthropogenic sources, and SO 4 2− contributed (61%) more to the pollution load than NO 3 − (29%), which were confirmed through a series of precipitation mechanism analysis. We selected five N-cycle processes (consist of oxidation and reduction processes) for molecular biology experiments, including Ammonia-oxidation process, Nitrite-oxidation process, Denitrification process, Anaerobic-ammoxidation process (Anammox) and Dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium process (DNRA). Except ammonia-oxidizing archaeal (AOA) and bacterial (AOB) amo A genes (above 107 copies g−1), molecular assays of key functional genes in various nitrogen conversion processes showed a belowed detection limit number, and AOB abundance was always higher than AOA. The determination of the microbial transformation rate using the 15N-isotope tracer technique showed that the potential rate of five N-conversion processes was very low, which is basically consistent with the results from molecular biology studies. Taken together, our results illustrated that microbial nitrogen cycle processes are not the primary biological processes causing the pollution in China fresh snow. • N-compounds were the second principal component of China fresh snow. • SO 4 2− contributed (61%) more to the acidification than NO 3 − (29%). • The activity and abundance of fresh snow N-cycle microorganisms were very low. • The microbial structure dominating the ammoxidation process in fresh snow is relatively simple. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limited evidence is available for the associations between fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) constituents and daily cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in China. In present study, a time-series analysis was conducted to evaluate the associations of PM 2.5 constituents (two carbonaceous fractions, eight water-soluble inorganic ions and fifteen elements) with daily CVD mortality in Pudong New Area of Shanghai, China, from 2014 to 2016. Results showed that the effect estimates for the associations of PM 2.5 and its constituents with CVD mortality were generally strongest when using the exposures of the previous two day concentrations. The associations of organic carbon, sulfate, ammonia, potassium, copper, arsenic, and lead with daily CVD mortality were robust to the adjustment of PM 2.5 total mass, their collinearity with PM 2.5 total mass, and criteria gaseous air pollutants. An interquartile range increase in the previous two day concentrations of PM 2.5 , organic carbon, sulfate, ammonia, potassium, copper, arsenic, and lead were associated with significant increments of 2.21% (95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 0.54%, 3.88%), 2.83% (95% CIs: 1.16%, 4.50%), 1.90% (95% CIs: 0.35%, 3.45%), 2.29% (95% CIs: 0.80%, 3.77%), 0.94% (95% CIs: 0.13%, 1.75%), 1.53% (95% CIs: 0.37%, 2.69%), 2.08% (95% CIs: 0.49%, 3.68%) and 1.98% (95% CIs: 0.49%, 3.47%) in daily CVD mortality, respectively, in single-pollutant models. In conclusion, this study suggested that organic carbon, sulfate, ammonia, potassium, copper, arsenic, and lead might be mainly responsible for the associations between short-term PM 2.5 exposures and increased CVD mortality in Shanghai, China. Image 1 • Limited evidence is available on PM 2.5 constituents and daily CVD mortality in China. • Significant associations were found between PM 2.5 and CVD mortality in Shanghai. • OC, SO 4 2−, NH 4 +, K, Cu, As and Pb might be mainly responsible for the associations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The utilization of thermophilic hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms is a suitable strategy for improving biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons and PAHs, as well as enhancing oil recovery from high-temperature reservoirs. In this study, the thermophilic strain Aeribacillus pallidus SL-1 was evaluated for the biodegradation of crude oil and PAHs at 60 °C. Strain SL-1 was found to preferentially degrade short-chain n -alkanes (

Combined atmospheric oxidant capacity (O x), represented by the sum of nitrogen dioxide (NO 2) and ozone (O 3), is an important hazardous property of outdoor air pollution mixture. It remains unknown whether its adverse effects can be ameliorated by dietary fish-oil supplementation. To assess the effects of fish-oil supplementation against oxidative stress induced by acute O x exposure. We conducted a randomized, double-blinded and placebo-controlled study among 65 young adults in Shanghai, China between September 2017 and January 2018. We randomly assigned participants to receive either 2.5 g/day of fish oil or placebo, and conducted four repeated physical examinations during the last two months of treatments. O x concentrations were calculated as the sum of hourly measurements of NO 2 and O 3. We measured six biomarkers on systemic oxidative stress and antioxidant activity. Linear mixed-effect models were used to assess the short-term effects of O x on biomarkers in each group. During our study period, the 72-h average O x concentration was 93.6 μg/m3. Short-term exposure to O x led to weaker changes in all biomarkers in the fish oil group than in the placebo group. Compared with the placebo group, for a 10-μg/m3 increase in O x , there were smaller decrements in myeloperoxidase (MPO, difference = 5.92%, lag = 0–2 d, p = 0.03) and malondialdehyde (MDA, difference = 5.00%, lag = 1 d, p = 0.04) in the fish-oil group; there were also larger increments in total antioxidant capacity (TAC, difference = 16.33%, lag = 2 d, p = 0.02) and in glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px, difference = 8.89%, lag = 0–2 d, p = 0.03) in the fish-oil group. The estimated differences for MPO were robust to adjustment for all co-pollutants and the differences for other biomarkers remained for some co-pollutants. This trial provides first-hand evidence that dietary fish-oil supplementation may alleviate the systemic oxidative stress induced by O x. • Combined atmospheric oxidant capacity (O x) exposure induced oxidative stress. • We provided the first-hand evidence on the effects of fish-oil against O x exposure. • Fish-oil supplementation could mitigate systemic oxidative stress response to O x. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occurrence and removal of 19 antibiotics (including four macrolides, eight sulfonamides, three fluoroquinolones, three tetracyclines, and trimethoprim) were investigated in two ecological (constructed wetland (CW) and stabilization pond (SP)) and two conventional wastewater treatment processes (activated sludge (AS) and micro-power biofilm (MP)) in a county of eastern China. All target antibiotics were detected in the influent and effluent samples with detection frequencies of >90%. Clarithromycin, ofloxacin, roxithromycin and erythromycin-H 2 O were the dominant antibiotics with maximum concentrations reaching up to 6524, 5411, 964 and 957 ng/L, respectively; while the concentrations of tiamulin, sulfamerazine, sulfathiazole, sulfamethazine, sulfamethizole and sulfisoxazole were below 10 ng/L. Although the mean effluent concentrations of target antibiotics were obviously lower than the influent ones (except ciprofloxacin), their removals were usually incomplete. Principal component analysis showed that the AS and CW outperformed the MP and SP processes and the AS performed better than the CW process in terms of antibiotics removal. Both the AS and CW processes exhibited higher removal efficiencies in summer than in winter, indicating biological degradation could play an important role in antibiotics removal. Because of the incomplete removal, the total concentration of detected antibiotics increased in the mixing and downstream sections of a local river receiving the effluent from a typical wastewater treatment facility practicing AS process. Nowadays, ecological wastewater treatment processes are being rapidly planned and constructed in rural areas of China; however, the discharge of residual antibiotics to the aquatic environment may highlight a necessity for optimizing or upgrading their design and operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A large amount of agricultural waste causes global environmental pollution. Biogas production by microbial pretreatment is an important way to utilize agricultural waste resources. In this study, Sporocytophaga CG-1 (A, cellulolytic strain) was co-cultured with Bacillus clausii HP-1 (B, non-cellulolytic strain) to analyze the effect of pretreatment of rice straw on methanogenic capacity of anaerobic digestion (AD). The results showed that weight loss rate of filter paper of co-culture combination is 53.38%, which is 29.37% higher than that of A. The synergistic effect of B on A can promote its degradation of cellulose. The cumulative methane production rate of the co-culture combination was the highest (93.04 mL/g VS substrate), which was significantly higher than that of A, B and the control group (82.38, 67.28 and 67.70 mL/g VS substrate). Auxiliary bacteria can improve cellulose degradation rate by promoting secondary product metabolism. These results provide data support for the application of co-culture strategies in the field of anaerobic digestion practices. [Display omitted] • Sporocytophaga sp. was first applied to biological pretreatment of rice straw. • Cellulose degrading bacteria co-degrade cellulose with "auxiliary bacteria". • Synergistic effect can significantly promote lignocellulose hydrolysis. • Synergistic effect can significantly increase the cumulative methane production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A novel selenium nanocomposite AANL-SeNPs are prepared with good stability and dispersibility in aqueous solution. • The cell inhibition rate was reduced about a half and the average tumor volume was reduced about 79% after treated by AANL-seNPs in lung cancer. • AANL-SeNPs have an anti-lung cancer effect by upregulating the expression of CLK2. Lung cancer is a malignant tumor with high mortality and drug resistance. Therefore, it is urgent to explore natural and nontoxic drugs to treat lung cancer. In this study, the natural active ingredient AANL extracted from Agrocybe aegirita was used to modify nanoselenium by an oxidation–reduction method. Transmission electron microscope detection and infrared spectroscopy showed that a novel selenium nanocomposite named AANL-SeNPs was successfully prepared. The results of nanoscale characterization showed that AANL-SeNPs had good stability and uniform dispersion in aqueous solution by zeta potential and spectrum analysis. At the cellular level, we found that AANL-SeNPs significantly inhibited the cell viability of lung cancer cells, and the cell inhibition rate of 60 nM AANL-SeNPs was 39 % in H157 cells, 67 % in H147 cells, and 62 % in A549 cells. The IC50 value of AANL-SeNPs was 51.85 nM in A549 cells and 81.57 nM in H157 cells. Moreover, AANL-SeNPs could inhibit the cell proliferation and migration, and enhance the sensitivity of lung cancer cells to osimertinib and has no toxic to normal cells. In vivo , AANL-SeNPs significantly slowed tumor growth in tumor-bearing mice by establishing a subcutaneous transplantation tumor model for lung cancer, and the tumor size was smaller and was reduced about 79 % in 2 mg/kg AANL-SeNPs group compared with PBS group. Mechanistically, a total of 38 differentially expressed proteins were identified by data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry. A significantly upregulated protein, CDC-like kinase 2 (CLK2), was screened and validated for further analysis, which showed that the expression levels of CLK2 were increased in H157 and H1437 cells after AANL-SeNPs treatment. The results obtained in this study suggest that a novel selenium nanocomposite AANL-SeNPs, which inhibits lung cancer by upregulating the expression of CLK2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The use of co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) to purify multi-protein complexes has contributed greatly to our understanding of the DNA damage response network associated with Fanconi anemia (FA), Bloom syndrome (BS) and breast cancer. Four new FA genes and two new protein partners for the Bloom syndrome gene product have been identified by co-IP. Here, we discuss our experience in using co-IP and other techniques to isolate and characterize new FA and BS-related proteins. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

FUT8-mediated core fucosylation, which transfers a fucose residue from GDP-fucose to core-GlcNAc of the N-linked type glycoproteins, is crucial for signaling receptors function. Core fucosylation is involved in various biological processes such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation and immune regulation. Our previous studies demonstrated that inhibiting core fucosylation prevented renal interstitial fibrosis of UUO murine models, but its role in the development of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) remains unclear. This study aimed to clarify the protective effects and molecular mechanisms during the progress of DKD by inhibiting core fucosylation in vivo. Core fucosylation was examined in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mouse model. Then a new Fut8 mutation mouse model in which exon 7 of Fut8 gene is deleted was constructed for diabetes induction. Metabolic and renal parameters were measured. Renal structure, fibrosis, and podocyte injury were assessed, and underlying mechanisms were investigated. The levels of fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, kidney-weight-to- body-weight (KW/BW) and urine albumin-to-creatinine (ACR) were increased at 16 weeks post injection. KW/BW and urine ACR were decreased significantly by inhibiting core fucosylation. The renal pathology, fibrosis, and podocyte injury were mitigated significantly by inhibiting core fucosylation. The protective effects of inhibiting core fucosylation were mediated by downregulated of the phosphorylation of Smad2/3 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). Our results indicate that FUT8-based treatment might be a promising intervention strategy in therapeutic paradigm of DKD. • Core fucosylation is enhanced in STZ-induced diabetic kidney. • A new Fut8 mutation mouse model in which exon 7 of Fut8 gene is deleted is constructed. • Inhibiting core fucosylation can ameliorate STZ-induced diabetic kidney injury. • Activation of TGF-β and PDGF signaling pathways is suppressed by inhibiting core fucosylation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Composting of cattle manure was conducted under four ventilation strategies, i.e., no-aeration (A-00), continuous aeration (B-44), non-aeration for 14 d and then aeration for 42 d (C-04), aeration for 14 d and then no-aeration for 42 d (D-40). Physicochemical parameters and potential ammonia oxidation (PAO) indicated that continuous and intermittent ventilation provide favourable conditions for ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and archaea (AOA) to oxidize ammonia. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis showed AOB amoA gene abundance of all treatments on every sampling day ranged from 2.25 × 10 5 to 2.76 × 10 9 copies/g, was significantly lower than that of archaeal amoA gene from 2.71 × 10 8 to 9.05 × 10 11 copies/g. There was also a significantly positive relationship between PAO rates and AOB (r 2  ≥ 0.066, p < 0.05) and AOA (r 2  ≥ 0.300, p < 0.05) abundance. These data suggested that ammonia oxidation is driven by both AOA and AOB in cattle manure composting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fbw7 is a type of E3 ubiquitin ligase that targets various proteins for degradation and has been found to have a high expression level in progenitor cells. Deletion of Fbw7 in the intestine results in the accumulation of progenitor cells. Moreover, Fbw7 loss increases the susceptibility of colorectal cancer. However, the involvement of Fbw7 in the progress and development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is still controversial. To identify the function of Fbw7 on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colonic inflammation, we generated Fbw7 ΔG mice, lacking Fbw7 specifically in intestinal epithelium. Colitis was induced in male Fbw7 ΔG and wild-type (WT) mice (both age and body weight matched) by treating with 3% DSS in drinking water. We demonstrate that deletion of Fbw7 in the mouse intestinal epithelium aggravates DSS–induced colitis, showing inflammatory response and reduced survival rate. Furthermore, we found that Fbw7 loss caused activation of NF-κB signaling. Thus, FBW7 plays a protective role in acute intestinal inflammation by modulating the inflammatory response of NF-κB pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to examine the level of parental responsiveness and demandingness for junior high students in China and its association with child weight status; assess if it differs by student socio-demographic characteristics; and to test the association between parenting and child physical activity. Nationally representative survey data collected from 19,487 students in 112 middle schools across China in 2013-2014 academic year were analyzed in 2016. Children's anthropometrics and perceptions of parenting practices were accessed by self-administered questionnaire. Multilevel logistic regression models were fit to test the association controlling for child age, sex, school region, and parental education. The majority of adolescents reported their parents were highly responsive in terms of emotional support and involvement (high: 64.1% vs. low: 9.2%), although more parents were not perceived as highly demanding (high: 21.4% vs. low: 35.5%). Children were more likely to be overweight or obese if their parents were highly responsive (OR=1.4 [95%CI: 1.2,1.6]) and demanding (OR=1.1 [95%CI: 1.0,1.3]) compared to those with medium parenting scores. Older children, boys, children with highly educated parents, or in urban schools had greater odds of being overweight or obese by receiving highly responsive parenting compared to their counterparts. Children with highly demanding or responsive parenting had longer physical activity duration and higher physical activity participation rates than their counterparts. High responsiveness and demandingness among Chinese parents were associated with the risk of child overweight and obesity. Further research is needed to examine the causal relationship between parenting practices and childhood obesity in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depleted uranium (DU) mainly accumulates in the bone over the long term. Osteoblast cells are responsible for the formation of bone, and they are sensitive to DU damage. However, studies investigating methods of reducing DU damage in osteoblasts are rarely reported. Ghrelin is a stomach hormone that stimulates growth hormones released from the hypothalamic–pituitary axis, and it is believed to play an important physiological role in bone metabolism. This study evaluates the impact of ghrelin on DU-induced apoptosis of the osteoblast MC3T3-E1 and investigates its underlying mechanisms. The results show that ghrelin relieved the intracellular oxidative stress induced by DU, eliminated reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduced lipid peroxidation by increasing intracellular GSH levels; in addition, ghrelin effectively suppressed apoptosis, enhanced mitochondrial membrane potential, and inhibited cytochrome c release and caspase-3 activation after DU exposure. Moreover, ghrelin significantly reduced the expression of DU-induced phosphorylated p38-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). A specific inhibitor (SB203580) or specific siRNA of p38-MAPK could significantly suppress DU-induced apoptosis and related signals, whereas ROS production was not affected. In addition, ghrelin receptor inhibition could reduce the anti-apoptosis effect of ghrelin on DU and reverse the effect of ghrelin on intracellular ROS and p38-MAPK after DU exposure. These results suggest that ghrelin can suppress DU-induced apoptosis of MC3T3-E1 cells, reduce DU-induced oxidative stress by interacting with its receptor, and inhibit downstream p38-MAPK activation, thereby suppressing the mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depleted uranium (DU) has been widely used in both civilian and military activities, and the kidney is the main target organ of DU during acute high-dose exposures. In this study, the nephrotoxicity caused by DU in metallothionein-1/2-null mice (MT −/−) and corresponding wild-type (MT +/+) mice was investigated to determine any associations with MT. Each MT −/− or MT +/+ mouse was pretreated with a single dose of DU (10 mg/kg, intraperitoneal injection) or an equivalent volume of saline. After 4 days of DU administration, kidney changes were assessed. After DU exposure, serum creatinine and serum urea nitrogen in MT −/− mice significantly increased than in MT +/+ mice, with more severe kidney pathological damage. Moreover, catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) decreased, and generation of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde increased in MT −/− mice. The apoptosis rate in MT −/− mice significantly increased, with a significant increase in both Bax and caspase 3 and a decrease in Bcl-2. Furthermore, sodium-glucose cotransporter (SGLT) and sodium-phosphate cotransporter (NaPi-II) were significantly reduced after DU exposure, and the change of SGLT was more evident in MT −/− mice. Finally, exogenous MT was used to evaluate the correlation between kidney changes induced by DU and MT doses in MT −/− mice. The results showed that, the pathological damage and cell apoptosis decreased, and SOD and SGLT levels increased with increasing dose of MT. In conclusion, MT deficiency aggravated DU-induced nephrotoxicity, and the molecular mechanisms appeared to be related to the increased oxidative stress and apoptosis, and decreased SGLT expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Th17 cells, which produce IL-17 and IL-22, promote autoimmunity in mice and have been implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune/inflammatory diseases in humans. However, the Th17 immune response in the aging process is still not clear. In the present study, we found that the induction of IL-17-produing CD4+ T cells was significantly increased in aged individuals compared with young healthy ones. The mRNA expression of IL-17, IL-17F, IL-22, and RORC2 was also significantly increased in aged people. Similar to humans, Th17 cells as well as mRNAs encoding IL-17, IL-22 and RORγt were dramatically elevated in naïve T cells from aged mouse compared to young ones. In addition, CD44 positive IL-17-producing CD4+ T cells were significantly higher in aged mice, suggesting that memory T cells are an important source of IL-17 production. Furthermore, the percentage of IL-17-produing CD4+ T cells generated in co-culture with dendritic cells from either aged or young mice did not show significant differences, suggesting that dendritic cells do not play a primary role in the elevation of Th17 cytokines in aged mouse cells. Importantly, transfer of CD4+CD45Rbhi cells from aged mice induced more severe colitis in RAG−/− mice compared to cells from young mice, Taken together, these results suggest that Th17 immune responses are elevated in aging humans and mice and may contribute to the increased development of inflammatory disorders in the elderly. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

DOCK180 protein plays a key role during development, cell motility, and phagocytosis. It forms a complex with another protein ELMO, and this complex acts as a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for Rac. However, DOCK180-containing complexes have not been purified by unbiased biochemical approaches, and the nature and subcellular localization of these complexes remain unclear. Here, we show that a large fraction of endogenous DOCK180 is present as a 700 kDa nuclear complex with ELMO proteins. In addition, this nuclear DOCK180/ELMO complex has functional Rac-GEF activity. Furthermore, endogenous DOCK180 could be found in complexes with different ELMO isoforms (ELMO1, 2 or 3) in different cell lines, depending on the ELMO isoforms expressed. These studies suggest that DOCK180 may associate with different ELMO proteins to form cell-type specific complexes and may have functions in both the nucleus and the cytoplasm. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic reported for the first time in Wuhan, China at the end of 2019, which has caused 4648 deaths in China as of July 10, 2020. This study explored the temporal correlation between the case fatality rate (CFR) of COVID-19 and particulate matter (PM) in Wuhan. We conducted a time series analysis to examine the temporal day-by-day associations. We observed a higher CFR of COVID-19 with increasing concentrations of inhalable particulate matter (PM) with an aerodynamic diameter of 10 μm or less (PM 10) and fine PM with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 μm or less (PM 2.5) in the temporal scale. This association may affect patients with mild to severe disease progression and affect their prognosis. • The daily PM 2.5 and PM 10 concentrations and the daily CFR exhibited great similarity with respect to their temporal variation curves, besides, with an obvious time lag existing between them. • The association still exists after adjusted for all possible confounders (e.g., temperature and relative humidity, SO 2 , NO 2 , CO, and O 3). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few epidemiological studies have evaluated the respiratory effects of personal exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO 2), a major traffic-related air pollutant. The biological pathway for these effects remains unknown. To evaluate the short-term effects of personal NO 2 exposure on lung function, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and DNA methylation of genes involved. We conducted a longitudinal panel study among 40 college students with four repeated measurements in Shanghai from May to October in 2016. We measured DNA methylation of the key encoding genes of inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS2A) and arginase (ARG2). We applied linear mixed-effect models to assess the effects of NO 2 on respiratory outcomes. Personal exposure to NO 2 was 27.39 ± 23.20 ppb on average. In response to a 10-ppb increase in NO 2 exposure, NOS2A methylation (%5 mC) decreased 0.19 at lag 0 d, ARG2 methylation (%5 mC) increased 0.21 and FeNO levels increased 2.82% at lag 1 d; and at lag 2 d the percentage of forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 s and peak expiratory flow in predicted values decreased 0.12, 0.37 and 0.67, respectively. The model performance was better compared with those estimated using fixed-site measurements. These effects were robust to the adjustment for co-pollutants and weather conditions. Our study suggests that short-term personal exposure to NO 2 is associated with NOS2A hypomethylation, ARG2 hypermethylation, respiratory inflammation and lung function impairment. The use of personal measurements may better predict the respiratory effects of NO 2. • Personal NO 2 exposure may decrease NOS2A methylation and increase ARG2 methylation. • Personal exposure to NO 2 could elevate FeNO and reduce lung function. • Use of personal measurements may better predict the respiratory effects of NO 2. • Results are robust to the adjustment for co-pollutants and weather conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]