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Dysregulation of the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) has been revealed to contribute to cognitive and arousal impairments associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in an animal model. In our research an acute exposure to single prolonged stress (SPS) was used to establish PTSD rat model and the effects related to cell-cycle signaling pathway in DRN were examined. Apoptosis in DRN was detected by TUNEL staining, showing that DRN apoptosis number was sharply increased after SPS. SPS triggered cell-cycle CDK4/CyclinD1-pRB-E2F1 signal pathway. Treatment with CDK4 inhibitor Abemaciclib successfully attenuated the DRN apoptosis and rescued decreased spatial learning and memory abilities in SPS rats, indicating that activation of CDK4/CyclinD1-pRB-E2F1 pathway was involved in DRN apoptosis, which may be one of the pathogenesis for PTSD. • Single prolonged stress (SPS) can lead to dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) apoptosis. • Cell-cycle CDK4/CyclinD1-pRB-E2F1 pathway can be activated after exposure to SPS. • Cell-cycle CDK4/CyclinD1-pRB-E2F1 pathway activation may be one of the mechanisms for DRN apoptosis. • CDK4/CyclinD1-pRB-E2F1 pathway inhibition by CDK4 inhibitor Abemaciclib partly blocked SPS-induced apoptosis of DRN and rescued decreased spatial learning and memory abilities in SPS rats. • DRN apoptosis induced by CDK4/CyclinD1-pRB-E2F1 pathway might be one ot the pathogenesis for PTSD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The response characteristic and performance stabilization of anammox process under the stress of the potential organic pollutants support the application of ammonia–nitrogen wastewater treatment. In the present study, nitrogen removal performance was significantly suppressed with the addition of 4–chlorophenol. The activity of anammox process was inhibited by 14.23% (0.1 mg/L), 20.54% (1 mg/L) and 78.15% (10 mg/L), respectively. Metagenomic analysis revealed a significant decrease in the abundance of KEGG pathways associated with carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism with increasing 4–chlorophenol concentration. Metabolic pathway profiles suggest that putrescine is down–regulated at high 4–chlorophenol stress due to inhibition of nitrogen metabolism processes, while it is up–regulated to reduce oxidative damage. In addition, the presence of 4–chlorophenol induced an enhancement of EPS and bacterial debris decomposition, and a partial conversion of 4–chlorophenol to p–nitrophenol. This study unravels the mechanism of effect on anammox consortia in response to 4–CP, which could provide supplementary to facilitate its full-scale application. [Display omitted] • The impact of 4-CP on the activity of the anammox process was investigated. • The suppressed anammox activity was irreversible with repeat stress by 4–CP. • The process of anammox nitrogen metabolism can be alleviated the 4–CP stress. • The decomposition of EPS and bacterial debris was enhanced against 4–CP stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metal-associated isoprenylated plant proteins (HIPPs) are only distributed in vascular plants, and are essential for the detoxification and vascular transport of heavy metals in plants. However, the HIPP gene family has not been thoroughly explored in the tea plant (Camellia sinensis). In this study, we systematically identified 56 C. sinensis CsHIPP genes from five groups and characterized their phylogeny, structures, and the features of the encoded proteins. The expression patterns of CsHIPP genes in various tissues of C. sinensis were investigated based on a previous RNA-seq data analysis. The expression patterns of CsHIPP genes were explored in cadmium (Cd)-treated C. sinensis roots using our RNA-seq data. Three CsHIPP genes (CsHIPP22 , CsHIPP24 , and CsHIPP36) with high expression levels in Cd-treated C. sinensis roots were selected as candidate genes associated with Cd tolerance. Overexpression of CsHIPP22 , CsHIPP24 , and CsHIPP36 in a yeast mutant (ycf1) rescued Cd-sensitive ycf1 yeast and increased the yeast resistance to Cd stress, implying that these three CsHIPPs might be involved in Cd tolerance. These findings will enable the roles of HIPPs in Cd absorption and detoxification to be better understood as well as improving our understanding of the Cd-resistance and Cd-accumulation mechanisms in tea plant. • A total of 56 CsHIPP s were identified in C. sinensis, which was further classified 5 groups based on the phylogeny and structure analyses. • Dispersed and WGD/segmental duplications mainly contributed to the expansion of the CsHIPP genes. • Three CsHIPP genes (CsHIPP22 , CsHIPP24 , and CsHIPP36) were highly expressed in Cd-treated C. sinensis. • Overexpression of CsHIPP22 , CsHIPP24 , and CsHIPP36 in a yeast mutant (ycf1) rescued Cd-sensitive ycf1 yeast and increased their Cd resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Negative-sense single-strand RNA (-ssRNA) viruses comprise a large family of pathogens that cause severe human infectious diseases. All -ssRNA viruses encode a nucleocapsid protein (NP) to encapsidate the viral genome, which, together with polymerase, forms a ribonucleoprotein complex (RNP) that is packaged into virions and acts as the template for viral replication and transcription. In our previous work, we solved the monomeric structure of NP encoded by Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), which belongs to the Nairovirus genus within the Bunyaviridae family, and revealed its unusual endonuclease activity. However, the mechanism of CCHFV RNP formation remains unclear, due to the difficulty in reconstructing the oligomeric CCHFV NP-RNA complex. Here, we identified and isolated the oligomeric CCHFV NP-RNA complex that formed in expression cells. Sequencing of RNA extracted from the complex revealed sequence specificity and suggested a potential encapsidation signal facilitating the association between NP and viral genome. A cryo-EM reconstruction revealed the ring-shaped architecture of the CCHFV NP-RNA oligomer, thus defining the interaction between the head and stalk domains that results in NP multimerization. This structure also suggested a modified gating mechanism for viral genome encapsidation, in which both the head and stalk domains participate in RNA binding. This work provides insight into the distinct mechanism underlying CCHFV RNP formation compared to other -ssRNA viruses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dielectric barrier discharge plasma (DBDP) is an emerging and promising advanced oxidation process (AOP) for wastewater treatment. After investigating the effect of input voltage, O 3 (generated by dielectric barrier discharge), and peroxydisulfate (PDS) dosage, the DBDP O3 /PDS system was established. With the assistance of PDS, the atrazine (ATZ) removal efficiency increased from 69.67% to 82.46% within 25 min. Synergistic effect calculation suggests that there were markedly synergies between DBDP, O 3 , and PDS. Under the effect of SO 4 −•, the total organic carbon (TOC) removal and dechlorination efficiency were significantly improved. In addition, the DBDP O3 /PDS system maintained the ATZ removal efficiency at a high level over a wide range of initial pH values. According to quenching experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) detection, the dominant radical for ATZ degradation in the DBDP O3 /PDS system was HO•. A possible degradation pathway of ATZ was proposed based on density functional theory (DFT) analysis, quadrupole-time of flight-liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (Q-TOF-LC/MS) results, and related literature. The acute toxicity to aquatic minnows and the developmental toxicity of intermediate products prediction confirmed that the DBDP O3 /PDS system could effectively reduce ATZ toxicity. The electrical energy per order (E EO) was 7.10 kWh m−3 order−1 illustrating that the DBDP O3 /PDS was a more energy-economic system than other energy-intensive processing technologies. • Proving the necessity of reutilization of O3 generated by DBD. • DBDPO3/PDS system can remove ATZ with high efficiency. • The active center of ATZ degradation is N on the alkyl chain. • DBDPO3/PDS is an energy-conserving system in pollutant degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seventy one surface sediments were collected from Yellow River (YR) wetland and its surrounding coastal areas, mainly in Laizhou Bay, China. The equilibrium partitioning (EqP) model and empirical sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) were applied to assess the potential metal toxicity in the collected sediments. The results show that, based on the EqP model, 15% of stations exhibited potential metal toxicity. Several metals (Cu, Ni and Cr) exceeded the empirical SQGs (59–100% of the time), however these guidelines may not be suitable for use in the Bohai Sea owing to the background concentrations. As a result, the EqP model is found to be a more useful method for assessing potential metal toxicity in Bohai Sea sediment than the empirical SQGs. Additionally, we have provided new insights on assessing metal toxicity in sediment of low organic carbon and acid volatile sulfide concentrations, which may be useful for other coastal areas in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Viral hepatitis remains the most common cause of liver disease and a major public health problem. Here, we focus on the role of CD4 CD8 double negative T (DN T) cells involved in the mechanisms of viral persistence in hepatitis. C3H/HeJ mice infected with murine hepatitis virus strain 3 (MHV-3) were used to display chronic viral hepatitis. DN T cells dramatically increased in MHV-3 infected mice. Adoptive transfer of DN T cells from MHV-3 infected mice led to a significant increase in mice survival. The DN T cells with production of IFN-γ and IL-2 are able to kill virus-specific CD8+ T cells via the Fas/FasL dependent pathway. The delicate balance of multiple effects of DN T cells may lead to viral persistence in MHV-3 induced hepatitis. In short, our study identified DN T cells contributing to viral persistence in MHV-3 induced hepatitis in C3H/HeJ mice, which provides a rationale for modulating DN T cells for the management of viral hepatitis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Hyperoside (Hyp) exhibits a range of bioactive properties, but its application is restrained due to its poor water solubility and low oral bioavailability. In this study, a novel Hyp delivery system based on zein and pectin was prepared by an anti-solvent precipitation method to delivery of Hyp. The results showed that 91% optimized encapsulation efficiency of Hyp-zein/pectin composite nanoparticles (Hyp-Z/P NPs). Hyp-Z/P NPs formed core-shell spherical structures with a particle size of about 270 nm and zeta potential of −32.4 mV. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interaction, and hydrophobic effects were the main forces driving the formation of Hyp-Z/P NPs. X-ray diffraction analyses indicated that Hyp was encapsulated in an amorphous form. Freeze-dried Hyp-Z/P NPs displayed good redispersibility in aqueous solution. The DPPH• scavenging ability and ABTS•+ scavenging ability of Hyp-Z/P NPs were 3-fold and 1.8-fold higher than that of free Hyp, respectively. Furthermore, compared to Hyp-loaded zein nanoparticles, Hyp-Z/P NPs showed better stability and sustained release of Hyp under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Therefore, Hyp-Z/P NPs can be used as an effective oral delivery system for Hyp, which may be particularly useful for expanding the applications of Hyp in functional foods, beverages, and pharmaceutical products. • Pectin/zein complex nanoparticles have high hyperoside encapsulation ability. • Nano-encapsulation of hyperoside significantly increased its antioxidant capacity. • Freeze-dried complex nanoparticles showed good redispersibility in distilled water. • Pectin-coated zein nano-encapsulation allowed sustained release of hyperoside. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the aim of exploring and modulating the interfacial charge kinetics, a ternary g-C 3 N 4 /Ag/BiVO 4 was constructed with excellent photocatalytic performance and preferable stability toward H 2 evolution in absence of cocatalyst. Both density functional theory (DFT) and experimental results implied that the type II g-C 3 N 4 /BiVO 4 composite can be switched to Z-scheme via Ag nanoparticles as the electron shuttle. The optimal photocatalytic H 2 yield rate achieved for g-C 3 N 4 /Ag/BiVO 4 was 57.4 µmol·g −1 ·h −1 , being far surpassed the H 2 harvest rate of g-C 3 N 4 /BiVO 4 , Ag/g-C 3 N 4 and g-C 3 N 4 , which is 2.9, 14.8 and 1.7 µmol·g −1 ·h −1 , respectively. The apparent quantum efficiency of g-C 3 N 4 /Ag/BiVO 4 photocatalyst was also determined to be 1.23%. Besides, the photocatalytic performance of g-C 3 N 4 /Ag/BiVO 4 well preserved over 5 runs in 50 h. The improved H 2 production performance is considered as the consequence of promoted segregation of photoexcited charge carriers and SPR effects of Ag nanoparticles. In combination with photocurrent measurement, examination of active species and DFT calculation, it is found that Ag nanoparticles as an electron mediator can highly promote the Z-scheme carrier migration that electrons come from conduction band of BiVO 4 will quickly assemble with the photo-induced holes from valence band of g-C 3 N 4 , leaving electrons in the conduction band of g-C 3 N 4 and holes in valence band of BiVO 4 that could greatly enhance the charge separation efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• HAg obtained directly from live bacteria retains immunogenicity to the most extent. • HAg promotes lymphocyte proliferation and cytokines transcription more than BCG. • HAg assisted BCG to induce a more potent Th1 immune response. • HAg has potential as a BCG booster vaccine. To preliminarily assess the immunogenicity of Mtb-HAg in mice and the synergistic effect provided by HAg when co-immunised with BCG. Mice were randomly grouped for different immunisations and then spleens were aseptically removed and lymphocytes were extracted for immediate detection of cytokines transcript levels and stimulation index(SI), cytokine secretion and multifunctional antigen-specific T cells were detected after incubation for different times. HAg extracted from active Mtb is a group of mixed polypeptides with molecular weights of (10–14) kDa. It can significantly stimulate lymphocytes proliferation and increase SI. Injection of HAg alone and in combination with BCG induced significantly higher numbers of multifunctional antigen-specific T cells including CD4+ IFN-γ+, CD4+ IL-2+, CD8+ IFN-γ+, and CD8+ IL-2+ cells than that in BCG-treated mice. Co-immunisation induced the secretion of higher levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-2 and IL-4 and increased their mRNA expression levels. Significant increases in the transcription levels of IL-10, IL-12 and IL-17 were observed in the co-immunised group with the assistance of HAg. We demonstrated that HAg has favourable immunogenicity, triggers a stronger Th1-type immune response and proposed the hypothesis that HAg can be used as a BCG booster to further enhance the benefits of BCG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Supported catalysts with Pt cubes, spheres and tetrahedrons have been prepared. • Effects of size, support, surfactant and metal-support interaction are minimized. • Catalyst with Pt nanocubes with (1 0 0) facets exhibits the highest catalytic activity. • The adsorption affinity of O 2 and glycerol over different Pt facets alters activity. • Superior anti-deactivation ability is also found on Pt(1 0 0) facets. Using nanocrystals with specific crystal facets is an effective way to enhance activity and selectivity for numerous catalytic reactions. However, the intrinsic facet effect is not fully understood. Herein, using Pt catalyzed glycerol oxidation reaction as the model system, the intrinsic facet effect on catalytic property is evaluated by three kinds of Pt nanocrystal catalysts with cubic, spherical and tetrahedral shapes. Size effect, support effect, surfactant effect as well as the metal-support interaction of the catalysts are avoided to the maximum extent. The supported Pt nanocubes enclosed by Pt(1 0 0) facets are found to exhibit much higher catalytic activity and stability for the aerobic oxidation of glycerol than catalysts with Pt nanotetrahedrons enclosed by Pt(1 1 1) facets. DFT calculations indicate that the adsorption of oxygen and glycerol would materialize easier on Pt(1 0 0) than on Pt(1 1 1). Furthermore, Pt(1 0 0) may prevent deactivation caused by product adsorption as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INMAP was first identified as a spindle protein that plays important roles in cell-cycle progression, and previous studies have revealed that its abnormal expression leads to mitotic disorder and the growth inhibition of human tumor xenografts, but the underlying mechanism is still unclear. In this study, we knocked out INMAP in HEK293T cells, a strain of human embryonic renal cells, through CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology, resulting in obvious cell growth inhibition. In this system, the deletion of INMAP caused obviously apoptosis. And we also found that knockout of INMAP caused micronuclei formation, chromosome aberration, and γH2AX expression upregulation, suggesting DNA damage induction and genomic stability impairment. As a principal component of spindle, the expression of β-tubulin, detected through Western blot, is obviously upregulated in HEK293T- INMAP −/− . Meanwhile, the level of Cyclin B is also upregulated, whereas, that of Cyclin E, downregulated, with the postponement of mitotic exit and the assembly anomaly of spindle. These results suggest that the deletion of INMAP block the formation of spindle, leading to arrest of cell cycle and DNA damage, finally blocking cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis. Therefore, INMAP is an indispensable factor for genomic integrity and normal mitotic exit. • Deletion of INMAP postpones mitotic exit. • Loss of INMAP induces apoptosis. • Absence of INMAP causes DNA damage. • Knockout of INMAP disrupts spindle formation by increasing the amount of beta-tubulin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salt and kansui are usually added to flour to enhance the quality of flour products. However, the technical roles in long-chain inulin (FXL) dough formation are not well understood. The physicochemical properties and texture changes of FXL dough and noodles after adding salt and kansui were studied. The data revealed that the salt and kansui increased the G′, and G″, disulfide bond content, and the β-sheet content of the FXL dough. SEM results showed that low salt and kansui contents had different effects on the gluten network, especially 1% kansui, which had the best effect on the gluten network structure. Samples supplemented with 1.5% kansui significantly increased hardness and cooking loss (p < 0.05), with values of 84.53 N and 5.48%, respectively. Salt and kansui increased the crystallinity of starch measured by XRD. Therefore, adding salt and kansui may be a feasible approach to alleviate fibre enriched flour products. [Display omitted] • Salt and kansui increased G′ and G″ of Long-chain inulin (FXL) dough. • Additive amount of salt and kansui increased the β-sheets and disulfide bond content of FXL dough. • Salt and kansui addition on FXL noodles had higher hardness and cooking loss. • A more continuous gluten network can be formed with the low dose addition of salt and alkali. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Designing a superior and stable catalyst toward H 2 evolution under solar light to solve the energy crisis has attracted wide concern. Herein, we have constructed a novel heterojunction photocatalyst Ag/Ag 2 Ta 4 O 11 /g-C 3 N 4 by in situ assembly, which can efficiently split water to generate H 2 by utilizing wide-spectrum-light irradiation. Optimal H 2 production reaches highly to 253.03 μmol g−1 h−1 under the simulated solar light. Moreover, the catalyst presented well stability by the retained 98% photocatalytic activity and invariable textural structure after five recycling tests. The mechanism of H 2 generation over the prepared material was carefully investigated through scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV–Vis absorption spectra (UV–Vis), photoluminescence analysis (PL), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), electron paramagnetic resonance spectra (EPR), and several electrochemical measurements. It is proposed that the carriers are efficiently separated through Ag-mediated Z-scheme route in space, retaining their strong redox ability. Ag particles produced by in situ reduction from the component Ag 2 Ta 4 O 11 could devote to the quick electron migration as the bridge center, effective solar light harvesting due to their surface plasmon resonance, and excellent stability by inhibiting their agglomeration and elution. This research offers a new idea for constructing full solid Z-scheme photocatalysts under wide-spectrum-light irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) continues to top the list of cancer mortalities worldwide. The role of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in tumorigenesis has been increasingly appreciated, although it is relatively unexplored in NSCLC. Herein, we report on the role of circP4HB in NSCLC. First, we evaluated circP4HB levels in patient-derived NSCLC tissue versus paired healthy samples. Next, we conducted experiments in vitro in NSCLC cell-lines and in vivo in a murine xenograft NSCLC model to assess the impact of circP4HB on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in vitro and metastasis in vivo. The downstream impact of circP4HB on the microRNA miR-133a-5p, and its target the EMT marker vimentin, were also evaluated. NSCLC tumor specimens exhibited higher circP4HB levels in comparison to paired healthy lung samples and was associated with metastatic disease and poorer survival. circP4HB promoted EMT and vimentin expression in vitro and xenograft metastasis in vivo through sequestration of miR-133a-5p. Conclusion: circP4HB enhances EMT and metastatic disease through miR-133a-5p sequestration, leading to upregulation of vimentin. Therefore, these findings advocate targeting the circP4HB/miR-133a-5p/vimentin axis as a potential therapeutic option for NSCLC patients. • Herein, we report on the role of the circular RNA circP4HB in NSCLC. • NSCLC tumors exhibit higher circP4HB levels relative to paired healthy samples. • CircP4HB upregulation is associated with metastasis and poorer survival times. • CircP4HB promotes EMT and vimentin expression via miR-133a-5p sponging. • CircP4HB promotes xenograft metastasis through miR-133a-5p sponging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Abstract Reduced graphene oxide modified by hyperbranched polyamine-ester (RGO-HBPE) liquids was successfully fabricated through the surface chemical engineering and tested for serving as a solvent-free novel lubricant. Structural characterization, dispersibility and rheology behavior of the lubricant and the related frication performance on steel plate were investigated thoroughly. The results manifest that the RGO-HBPE exhibited good dispersity in distilled water and liquid behavior without any solvent at ambient temperature. And this RGO-HBPE liquids could be directly introduced onto the surface of steel plate as lubricants without any additional base oil. Tribological results and the proposed lubricating mechanism of RGO-HBPE imply that the fluidity of RGO-HBPE is favorable for lubrication and is crucial to reduce the friction coefficient. The spontaneous flow of RGO-HBPE provide a spreading effect to form the lubricating film. The specific spreading effect of RGO-HBPE and the synergistic lubricating effect between HBPE and graphene demonstrate that RGO-HBPE could be directly used as promising candidates for lubricants in nowadays moving machines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to reduce the cost of commercial visible-light photocatalyst, a self-assembly strategy was deployed in producing a Ti-coupled N-embedded chicken feather biochar based catalyst (TINCs). The TINCs were manufactured by blending Ti-contained cross-link agent with hydrolyzed N-embedded chicken feather. These synthesis materials were well characterized with X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, Scanning electron microscopy, Transmission electron microscope, Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, Surface area analysis and UV–vis absorption spectra. There were multilayered graphene oxide-like structures observed on TINCs, which were similar to the TiO 2 -graphene oxide material. Correspondingly, the TINCs had presented a 90.91% degradation rate of Rhodamine B under visible-light after 240 min. The corresponding TOC of the solution had dropped by 56.26%. Every slice of TINCs was constituted by multilayered graphene oxide-like framework, interspersing with TiO 2 nanoparticles uniformly. Some mechanisms were also analyzed. The cost analysis investigated that TINCs was promising in industrialization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thyroid hormone receptor interactor 13 (TRIP13) is an AAA + -ATPase that plays a key role in mitotic checkpoint complex inactivation and is associated with the progression of several cancers. However, its role in lung adenocarcinogenesis remains unknown. Here, we report that TRIP13 is highly overexpressed in multiple lung adenocarcinoma cell lines and tumor tissues. Clinically, TRIP13 expression is positively associated with tumor size, T-stage, and N-stage, and Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that heightened TRIP13 expression is associated with lower overall survival. TRIP13 promotes lung adenocarcinoma cell proliferation, clonogenicity, and migration while inhibiting apoptosis and G2/M phase shift in vitro. Accordingly, TRIP13-silenced xenograft tumors displayed significant growth inhibition in vivo. Bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that TRIP13 interacts with a protein network associated with dsDNA break repair and PI3K/Akt signaling. TRIP13 upregulatesAkt Ser473 and downregulatesAkt Thr308 /mTOR Ser2448 activity, which suppresses accurate dsDNA break repair. TRIP13 also downregulates pro-apoptotic Bad Ser136 and cleaved caspase-3 while upregulating survivin. In conclusion, heightened TRIP13 expression appears to promote lung adenocarcinoma tumor progression and displays potential as a therapeutic target or biomarker for lung adenocarcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Platelet Derived Growth Factor receptors (PDGFRs), members of receptor tyrosine kinase superfamily, play essential roles in early hematopoiesis, angiogenesis and organ development. Dysregulation of PDGF receptor signaling under pathological conditions associates with cancers, vascular diseases, and fibrotic diseases. Therefore, they are attractive targets in drug development. Like any other membrane proteins with a single-pass transmembrane domain, the high-resolution structural information of the full-length PDGF receptors is still not resolved. It is caused, at least in part, by the technical challenges in the expression and purification of the functional, full-length PDGF receptors. Herein, we reported our experimental details in expression and purification of the full-length PDGFRβ from mammalian cells. We found that purified PDGFRβ remained in two different oligomeric states, presumably the monomer and the dimer, with basal kinase activity in detergent micelles. Addition of PDGF-B promoted dimerization and elevated kinase activity of the receptor, suggesting that purified receptors were functional. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large amounts of chromite ore processing residue (COPR) wastes have been deposited in many countries worldwide, generating significant contamination issues from the highly mobile and toxic hexavalent chromium species (Cr(VI)). In this study, sodium dithionite (Na 2 S 2 O 4 ) was used to reduce Cr(VI) to Cr(III) in COPR containing high available Fe, and then sodium phosphate (Na 3 PO 4 ) was utilized to further immobilize Cr(III), via a two-step procedure (TSP). Remediation and immobilization processes and mechanisms were systematically investigated using batch experiments, sequential extraction studies, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). Results showed that Na 2 S 2 O 4 effectively reduced Cr(VI) to Cr(III), catalyzed by Fe(III). The subsequent addition of Na 3 PO 4 further immobilized Cr(III) by the formation of crystalline CrPO 4 ·6H 2 O. However, addition of Na 3 PO 4 simultaneously with Na 2 S 2 O 4 (via a one-step procedure, OSP) impeded Cr(VI) reduction due to the competitive reaction of Na 3 PO 4 and Na 2 S 2 O 4 with Fe(III). Thus, the remediation efficiency of the TSP was much higher than the corresponding OSP. Using an optimal dosage in the two-step procedure (Na 2 S 2 O 4 at a dosage of 12× the stoichiometric requirement for 15 days, and then Na 3 PO 4 in a molar ratio (i.e. Na 3 PO 4 : initial Cr(VI)) of 4:1 for another 15 days), the total dissolved Cr in the leachate determined via Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP Cr) testing of our samples was reduced to 3.8 mg/L (from an initial TCLP Cr of 112.2 mg/L, i.e. at >96% efficiency). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Fruit density influences the quality parameters of mulberry. • Lower density mulberries were found higher DNJ and chlorogenic acid. • Mulberries in the S6 stage were rich in phenolics acid, flavonoids, and ascorbic acid. • Degradation of cellular content and middle lamella in mulberries with density exceeded 1.025 g/cm3. • Mulberries in the S6 stage rank the highest with regard to nutritional value. The fresh fruit sector and its processing industry are always looking for reliable non-destructive methods to help them better understand fruit characteristics and control product quality. In this study, mulberry fruits harvested at commercial ripeness were sorted into eight groups (S1–S8) depending on their density. The physicochemical parameters, nutritional quality, bioactive compounds, and cellular structure were analyzed. Lower density mulberries were found to contain lower total soluble solids, higher 1-deoxynojirimycin, and chlorogenic acid. The highest contents of ascorbic acid, phenolics acid, and flavonoids were found in mulberries at the S6 stage, with 257.4 mg/100g DW, 524.06 mg/100g DW and 463.62 mg/100g DW, respectively. Moreover, The Order Performance based on the Similarity to Ideal Solution method (TOPSIS) analysis indicated that mulberry at the S6 stage had the highest nutritional value. Besides, a rapid decrease in fruit hardness, degradation of the middle lamella in the cell wall, and decrease in the content of bioactive compounds after the fruit density exceeded 1.025 g/cm3 indicates that they are not suitable for further storage and should be consumed or processed immediately. The findings of this study will provide a basis for precisely classifying mulberries for further fine processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] After PPDB2− capping, GdF3:Eu3+ nanocrystals exhibited higher color purity and shorter lifetime time. [•] High color purity and short lifetime of PPDB2− modified GdF3:Eu3+ nanocrystals predict highly enhanced red luminescence. [•] The highly enhanced luminescent property enables its potential application as chemosensor for detection of heavy metal ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Progesterone (PROG) and vitamin D hormone (VDH) have both shown promise in treating traumatic brain injury (TBI). Both modulate apoptosis, inflammation, oxidative stress, and excitotoxicity. We investigated whether 21days of VDH deficiency would alter cognitive behavior after TBI and whether combined PROG and VDH would improve behavioral and morphological outcomes more than either hormone alone in VDH-deficient middle-aged rats given bilateral contusions of the medial frontal cortex. PROG (16mg/kg) and VDH (5μg/kg) were injected intraperitoneally 1h post-injury. Eight additional doses of PROG were injected subcutaneously over 7days post-injury. VDH deficiency itself did not significantly reduce baseline behavioral functions or aggravate impaired cognitive outcomes. Combination therapy showed moderate improvement in preserving spatial and reference memory but was not significantly better than PROG monotherapy. However, combination therapy significantly reduced neuronal loss and the proliferation of reactive astrocytes, and showed better efficacy compared to VDH or PROG alone in preventing MAP-2 degradation. VDH+PROG combination therapy may attenuate some of the potential long-term, subtle, pathophysiological consequences of brain injury in older subjects. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: It is proposed and demonstrated a design of 2-to-1 photonic data selector based on the cross-phase modulation in a highly nonlinear fiber. By using bidirectional configuration, this scheme has potentially advantages of cost effective and simple structure. The correct output logic function is obtained at 40Gbit/s without using any additional input light beams. In addition, the output signals have a single spectrum component by reasonable selecting input signals wavelength, which is important for transmission and scalability. The dependences of performances on signal wavelength, pump power, the temporal relative position of pulses, as well as the OSNR and chirp of input signals are calculated and discussed respectively, showing impressive operation performance. This scheme could be a promising candidate for future ultrafast all-optical signal processing applications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Signal transduction is used by plants to coordinate their development and to sense and respond to fluctuations in their surroundings. With previous proteomics approaches, we specifically studied activation events downstream of tMEK2, a mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MAPKK), in tomato. LC-MS/MS revealed a group of phosphoproteins in tMEK2MUT -transgenic tomato plants, where tMEK2 was constitutively activated. Of particular interest is TAB2, a nucleoside diphosphate protein kinase (NDPK), which has long been considered as a nonregulatory housekeeping enzyme. Overexpression of tMEK2MUT in tomato protoplasts and tomato plants up-regulated TAB2. Overexpression of TAB2 also enhanced resistance to virulent Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato. Mutation at the kinase interaction motif (KIM) of TAB2 significantly reduced tMEK2MUT -induced up-regulation of PR1b1, β-1,3-glucanase and chitinase genes. Pull-down assays suggest that TAB2 interacts with LeMPK3, but not other members of tomato MAPKs or tMEK2. Our work suggests that TAB2 is downstream of LeMPK3 and is directly involved in tMEK2-mediated disease resistance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We have expressed a series of truncated spike (S) glycoproteins of SARS-CoV and found that the N-terminus 14–502 residuals were sufficient to bind to SARS-CoV susceptible Vero E6 cells. With this soluble S protein fragment as an affinity ligand, we screened HeLa cells transduced with retroviral cDNA library from Vero E6 cells and obtained a HeLa cell clone which could bind with the S protein. This cell clone was susceptible to HIV/SARS pseudovirus infection and the presence of a functional receptor for S protein in this cell clone was confirmed by the cell–cell fusion assay. Further studies showed the susceptibility of this cell was due to the expression of endogenous angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) which was activated by inserted LTR from retroviral vector used for expression cloning. When human ACE2 cDNA was transduced into NIH3T3 cells, the ACE2 expressing NIH3T3 cells could be infected with HIV/SARS pseudovirus. These data clearly demonstrated that ACE2 was the functional receptor for SARS-CoV. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Exopolysaccharides of L. actobacillus plantarum (LAB EPS) have become a research focus due to their health-promoting properties. The purpose of this study was to develop a highly efficient and simple separation technology for LAB EPS. A simple aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) based on polyethylene glycol (PEG)/NaH 2 PO 4 was first applied to isolate exopolysaccharides from L. actobacillus plantarum 1.0665. The distribution behavior of LAB EPS derived from the ATPS was studied using a single-factor test combined with the response surface method. Effective separation of LAB EPS was achieved by ATPS consisting of 22.5% PEG 600 (w/w) and 17.0% NaH 2 PO 4 (w/w) at pH = 6.0, with a K of 5.21 ± 0.05 and a Y of 71.57 ± 0.39%. The structural characteristics of the obtained LAB EPS were subsequently examined. The LAB EPS had a molecular weight of 95276 Da, consisting of mannose, glucose and galactose at molar ratios of 1.00, 0.65 and 0.20, respectively. An ordered helical conformation maintained by hydrogen bonding interactions was identified in the LAB EPS molecules. The biological activity assay revealed significant antioxidant activity, anti-gout activity and hypoglycemic activity of LAB EPS. In addition, LAB EPS was kinetically characterized as a competitive inhibitor of α-amylase and α-glucosidase. [Display omitted] • A neo-method to separate a specific polysaccharides was developed. • A satisfactory recovery yield of LAB EPS was obtained by PEG 600/NaH 2 PO 4 ATPS. • Structural characteristic of the obtained LAB EPS was characterized. • Anti-gout activity and hypoglycemic activity of LAB EPS were studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cleft palate is a common craniofacial defect, which occurs when the palate fails to fuse during development. During fusion, the palatal shelves migrate towards the embryonic midline to form a seam. Apoptotic elimination of medial edge epithelium (MEE) cells along this seam is required for the completion of palate fusion. Whole exome sequencing (WES) of six Chinese cleft palate families was applied to identify novel cleft palate-associated gene variants. Palatal fusion and immunofluorescence studies were performed in a murine palatal shelf organ culture model. Gene and protein expression were analyzed by qPCR and immunoblotting in murine MEE cells during seam formation in vivo. Mechanistic immunoprecipitation studies were performed in murine MEE cells in vitro. WES identified Bcl-2 associated anthanogene 6 (BAG6) as a novel cleft palate-associated gene. In murine MEE cells, we discovered upregulation of Bag6 and the transcription factor forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1) during seam formation in vivo. Using a palatal shelf organ culture model, we demonstrate that nuclear-localized Bag6 enhances MEE cell apoptosis by promoting p300's acetylation of FoxO1, thereby promoting transcription of the pro-apoptotic Fas ligand (FasL). Subsequent gain- and loss-of-function studies in the organ culture model demonstrated that FasL is required for Bag6/acFoxO1-mediated activation of pro-apoptotic Bax/caspase-3 signaling, MEE apoptosis, and palate fusion. Palatal shelf contact was shown to enhance Bag6 nuclear localization and upregulate nuclear acFoxO1 in MEE cells. These findings demonstrate that nuclear-localized Bag6 and p300 co-operatively enhance FoxO1 acetylation to promote FasL-mediated MEE apoptosis during palate fusion. Image 1 • WES identified BAG6 as a novel cleft palate-associated gene. • Bag6 and FoxO1 are upregulated in MEE cells during seam formation in vivo. • Bag6 enhances MEE cell apoptosis by promoting p300's acetylation of FoxO1. • FasL is required for Bag6/acFoxO1-mediated MEE apoptosis and palate fusion. • Palatal shelf contact enhances MEE Bag6 nuclear localization and nuclear acFoxO1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have prepared a superfine powder Bi 3 TaO 7 which was attached in worm-like Bi 2 O 3 to form a Bi 2 O 3 -Bi 3 TaO 7 composite by a simple facile calcination method. The as-obtained samples were measured by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrum (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), UV–visible diffused reflectance spectrum (DRS) and X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS). The optimal Bi 2 O 3 -Bi 3 TaO 7 (2.0Bi 2 O 3 :1.0Bi 3 TaO 7) sample show the highest photocatalytic efficiency for tetracycline (TC) degradation (90.06%) irradiated with visible light, compared with that of a bare Bi 3 TaO 7 catalyst. Meanwhile, radical capturing experiments indicate that the photo-induced holes (h+) and hydroxyl radial (•OH) are the main active species. Through the measurement of photocurrent density and electrochemical impedance spectrum, it indicates that the photogenerated carriers are significantly separated due to the formation of heterojunctions. Consequently, the Bi 2 O 3 -Bi 3 TaO 7 photocatalyst may have potential applications in environmental purification. Image 1 • 2.0Bi 2 O 3 -Bi 3 TaO 7 shows the highest photodegradation efficiency for TC (90.06%). • The formation of heterojunctions can effectively separate photogenerated carriers. • Holes (h+) and hydroxyl radial (.•OH) are the main active species. • Hydrothermal and calcination are mild and low-cost preparation method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]