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[Display omitted] • Mg-Co-Ni LDH were homogenously grown on the surface of reduced graphene (Mg-Co-Ni LDH/rG- x). • The Mg-Co-Ni LDH/rG- x was fabricated by a novel ball milling combined ion-exchange method. • The present ball milling combined ion-exchange method is versatile and does not needs extra alkali sources or auxiliary assembly reagents. • The Mg-Co-Ni LDH/rG- x based asymmetric supercapacitor achieve high energy density and superlong cycling stability. As an electrode for energy storage, the inherently poor conductivity of metal hydroxides (MHs) can be improved by in situ growth of MHs on conductive carbon based substrates so that their performances on energy storage could be enhanced to a high level. However, the incompatibility of hydrophilic component (metal hydroxides) and hydrophobic counterpart (carbon based materials) makes it difficult to be accomplished. Herein, we presented a scalable and easy-operated strategy by ball-milling combined with ion-exchange technique to grow Mg-Co-Ni LDH (layered double hydroxides) on reduced graphene, in which ball-milling was utilized to disperse the staring material of magnesium acetate on graphene oxide (GO) to obtain the composite of Mg(Ac) 2 /GO. The composite can be in situ transformed to MgO/reduced grapheme (rG) by following heat treatment. While, the ion-exchange reaction could enables the in situ growth of Mg-Co-Ni LDHs on the reduced graphene. The derived products (denoted as Mg-Co-Ni LDH/rG- x) owns nanosheet morphology, surface area of 59–115 m2/g, homogenous elements distribution. As electrode for supercapacitor, the maximum capacitance of 1204F/g@1.0 A/g was achieved and the corresponding asymmetric supercapacitor device shows a large energy density of 44.3 Wh/kg@800 W/kg. Particularly, a superlong cycling stability with 90.5% capacitance retention of the first cycle was attained after continuous charge/discharge for 20 000 cycles at current density of 5.0 A/g, promising great potential for practical energy storage application. The present strategy is simple and scalable that can be widely applied to the synthesis of various hydroxides/oxides or multi-component hydroxides/oxides on carbon substrates forming a composite structure, thus offers a great potential for broad application areas including catalysis, adsorption, energy storage, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Electrochemically active Oxygen doped carbon (O-PCNs) was fabricated by superbase templated method. • The template basicity on the functionalities and the supercapacitor performances of the derived O-PCNs were disclosed. • The O-PCN-20 is rich in porosity, large in surface area (930 m2/g) and high in active oxygen content (11.4 atom%). • · The O-PCN-20 electrode exhibits large capacitance of 375 F/g@1.0 A/g and energy density of 25.7 Wh/kg@900 W/kg. Templating techniques have been widely adopted for the synthesis of porous carbons, such as oxygen-doped porous carbon nanosheets (O-PCNs), but the effect of the surface characteristics of templates on the surface functionality and performance of a derived carbon has not been well studied. Herein, a series of laboratory-made superbases of K/Mg(OH) 2 with different K/Mg ratios were employed as template to fabricate nanocarbon materials. The aim is to find out how the strength of template basicity could influence the surface functionalities and the supercapacitor performances of the derived O-PCNs. The resulting materials are rich in conjugated hydroxyl and carbonyl groups that are electrochemically active owing to the protection of the conjugated hydroxyl group by KOH and the dehydrogenation step catalyzed by magnesium oxide. Systematic investigations revealed that with the increase of basic strength, the content of the derived electrochemically active oxygen species in the forms of conjugated carbonyl (C O) and hydroxyl (C OH) first increases from 8.4 atom% to 11.4 atom% then decreases to 9.25 atom%. Moreover, the microporosity of the O-PCNs stepwise increases with the rise of KOH loading, ascribable to the effect of KOH etching on the carbon skeleton. The O-PCN-20 templated by 20 % K/Mg(OH) 2 is rich in porosity, large in surface area (930 m2/g) and high in active oxygen content (11.4 atom%). With high active surface area and extra Faradaic capacitance, O-PCN-20 exhibited superior supercapacitor performances including large specific capacitance of 375 F/g@1.0 A/g, high rate capability of 81.1 % (from 1.0 A/g to 20 A/g), energy density of 25.7 Wh/kg@900 W/kg and excellent cycling stability with near 100 % capacitance retentions after 10 000 cycles and more than 86.2 % capacitance retention over 20 000 cycles at large current density of 10 A/g, indicating O-PCN-20 has potential to be used as electrode material for energy storage devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is a severe condition with high mortality and morbidity rates. Evidence on the effectiveness of pharmacological interventions for ARDS treatment is limited. Recent studies suggest that aspirin may prevent ARDS development, but its efficacy in established ARDS is uncertain. We enrolled patients with ARDS using data from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-IV (MIMIC-IV) database. Primary outcomes were 30- and 90-day mortality rates and length of ICU stay. We employed multivariable Cox regression and linear regression models for statistical analysis and used propensity score matching (PSM) to ensure robust results. The study included 10,042 participants with an average age of 61.8 ± 15.3 years. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed significantly lower 30- and 90-day mortality rates in patients treated with pre-ICU admission aspirin compared with non-aspirin use (p < 0.0001). Multivariable Cox regression models revealed a significant 63% reduction in 30-day mortality for pre-ICU aspirin users (HR = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.31–0.44, p < 0.001). Aspirin use in the ICU was associated with a 59% reduction in ICU mortality and a 0.68-day reduction in length of ICU stay (p < 0.05). These findings consistently indicate that aspirin may improve survival in patients with ARDS, even after further stratification of aspirin use and PSM analysis. Our findings suggest that aspirin treatment before ICU admission is associated with significantly reduced 30- and 90-day mortality rates and decreased length of ICU stay in patients with ARDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA 4 mC plays a crucial role in the genetic expression process of organisms. However, existing deep learning algorithms have shortcomings in the ability to represent DNA sequence features. In this paper, we propose a 4 mC site identification algorithm, DNABert-4mC, based on a fusion of the pruned pre-training DNABert-Pruning model and artificial feature encoding to identify 4 mC sites. The algorithm prunes and compresses the DNABert model, resulting in the pruned pre-training model DNABert-Pruning. This model reduces the number of parameters and removes redundancy from output features, yielding more precise feature representations while upholding accuracy.Simultaneously, the algorithm constructs an artificial feature encoding module to assist the DNABert-Pruning model in feature representation, effectively supplementing the information that is missing from the pre-trained features. The algorithm also introduces the AFF-4mC fusion strategy, which combines artificial feature encoding with the DNABert-Pruning model, to improve the feature representation capability of DNA sequences in multi-semantic spaces and better extract 4 mC sites and the distribution of nucleotide importance within the sequence. In experiments on six independent test sets, the DNABert-4mC algorithm achieved an average AUC value of 93.81%, outperforming seven other advanced algorithms with improvements of 2.05%, 5.02%, 11.32%, 5.90%, 12.02%, 2.42% and 2.34%, respectively. [Display omitted] • Train a new pruning pretraining model on DNA sequences to extract feature information. • The introduction of manually assisted features has expanded the search space for sequence feature. • Attention fusion strategy better promotes the fusion output of features from different dimensions. • The complementary nature of machine features and manual features better fits the target features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We designed a fiber sensor system comprising fused silica fiber Bragg grating and silicon core fiber-based fiber Bragg grating. • A hybrid fiber Bragg grating sensor system was proposed, employing only two sensing devices to detect three different environmental targets. • Our focus was solely on addressing the connection between two distinct fibers, namely fused silica and silicon core fiber. We discussed the associated loss and spectral distortion issues. In this article, we introduce a multi-parameter fiber sensor system that utilizes a hybrid FBG design. The design combines a fused silica fiber Bragg grating and a fiber Bragg grating based on a silicon core fiber. This combination enables the sensor to detect surrounding temperature, water level, and refractive index. The sensor successfully measured temperature within the range of 10 to 40 °C, water level within the range of 40 to 140 cm, and refractive index within the range of 1.2 to 1.4. These ranges exhibit a high level of linearity within the proposed sensing range. Additionally, we discuss the challenges associated with connecting the fused silica fiber and the silicon core fiber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Regenerable methods for phosphate (P) recycling have received intense attention due to their potential environmental and economic benefits. In this study, to improve the electrosorptive removal of P in membrane capacitive deionization, an activated carbon (AC) electrode was coated with a heterogeneous anion-exchange resin layer, and named the AE-AC composite electrode. It was shown that the AE-AC electrode exhibited a good capacitive behavior for electrical double-layer charging. The batch-mode experiments indicted that when the solution pH changed from 5 to 8, the predominant P species shifted from monovalent H 2 PO 4 − to divalent HPO 4 2− that was preferentially electroadsorbed for competitive electrosorption with Cl−. Importantly, the AE-AC composite electrode significantly increased the selectivity coefficient of P over Cl− to 0.56 that was 2.24-fold greater than that of the uncoated AC electrode, at 1.2 V in single-pass mode operation. This improvement can be ascribed to the preferential transport of P through the thin coating layer containing quaternary amine functional groups. The permselectivity of the coating also significantly increased the electrosorption capacity of P from 0.031 to 0.101 mmol/g with a high charge efficiency (97%) by the reduction in the co-ion repulsion effect. When the reverse voltage (−1.2 V) was applied, electroadsorbed P was reversibly desorbed from the AE-AC electrode in repeated operation. This work suggests that coating an anion-exchange resin layer on the surface of a carbon electrode shows great potential to improve the selective removal of P through electrosorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An efficient method is presented for the recovery of In3+ from acidic solution. • The activated carbon electrode shows good capability for electrosorption of In3+. • The recovery of In3+ is mainly based on electrical double-layer charging. • In3+ ions are preferentially electrosorbed in a competitive environment. High-efficiency recycling technology for endangered elements effectively mitigates the risk of resource shortages and promises the sustainability of supply chains, which is significant to the industry. In this study, an activated carbon (AC)-based capacitive deionization (CDI) for the selective electrosorption and recovery of indium ions (In3+) from acidic aqueous solution is proposed. The effects of applied voltage, pH, and initial concentration of indium were investigated to optimize the operation parameters for In3+ electrosorption. The results of cyclic voltammetry and the galvanostatic charge/discharge measurements indicate that the AC electrode shows good capability for the electrosorption of In3+ based on electrical double-layer capacitance. As demonstrated, In3+ can be successfully removed by CDI without deposition when the pH < 4, as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The deionization capacity of In3+ is 7.95 mg/g with an energy consumption of 0.84 kWh/mol in single-pass mode CDI with an initial concentration of 50 mg/L (pH = 3) at 1.2 V. However, the removal of In3+ is affected by the solution pH since hydrogen ions (H+) compete for electrosorption. Note that In3+ ions with high valence are preferentially electrosorbed on the electrode surface over H+ ions, exhibiting a selectivity coefficient of 2.12. Herein, in the charging step, a large number of H+ ions in solution are rapidly electrosorbed onto the electrode, while these H+ ions are gradually replaced by a small number of In3+ ions in solution. Therefore, this electrosorption process shows great potential for effectively recovering indium ions from acidic aqueous solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China recently implemented a corporate average fuel consumption regulation and new-energy vehicle credit program (dual-credit system) to prompt the transition to new-energy vehicles. This study generalizes the dual-credit system (energy credit and green credit) and investigates its effects on the green technology investments (GTI) and pricing decisions in a two-echelon supply chain consisting of three possible scenarios, Case O (conventional product only), Case B (both conventional and green products), and Case G (green product only). The obtained results show that the GTI made by manufacturers follow high threshold and low threshold. The generalized dual-credit system increases both thresholds and promotes the transition from Case O to Case B and Case B to Case G. The transition is sensitive to standard energy consumption per-unit (SECP), green credit quota (GCQ), and price of green credit (PGC). The generalized dual-credit system benefits the manufacturers who exceed the low threshold, vice versa, especially for whose conventional product with lower initial energy consumption per unit. The generalized dual-credit system contributes to GTI and environment effects in all cases. But, the impacts on GTI, environment effects, and profit differ in sensitivity to SECP, GCQ, and PGC in different cases. Numerical simulation is given and all the proofs are shown in appendix. • We examine the impact of generalized dual-credit system on green investment and pricing. • The system promotes more manufacturers to invest in green product and invest more. • Investment, environment effects and profit are affected by generalized dual-credit system. • Insights for generalized dual-credit system to spur green transition are offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Musk xylene in ten organic solvents at temperatures ranging from 278.15 K to 313.15 K was measured. • Analysis of musk xylene by XRD. • Wilson model, NRTL model, Vant't Hoff equation, modified Apelblat equation, and λh equation are used to correlate the solubility of musk xylene in different solvents. • The mixed Gibbs energy, enthalpy and entropy were calculated according to Wilson model. In this study, isothermal saturation method was used to measure and correlate the solubility of musk xylene in ten organic solvents at temperatures ranging from 278.15 K to 313.15 K , including methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, n-butanol, cyclohexane, n-hexane, n-heptane, N,N-dimethylacetamide, ethyl acetate, tetrahydrofuran. The experimental results show that the solubility of musk xylene in the selected solvent increases with increasing temperature. The experimental data were correlated by five thermodynamic models, and the results showed that each model can give a satisfactory correlation. In addition, the three kinds of mixed thermodynamic properties of Gibbs energy, enthalpy and entropy of musk xylene in selected solvents were determined by solubility data and Wilson model. It can be seen that the dissolution of musk xylene in a given solvent is spontaneous and entropy driven. Exploring the solubility of musk xylene in different organic solvents and the thermodynamics of dissolution can not only provide basic data for industrial crystallization separation, but also have great significance for its own crystallization and theoretical research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chrysanthemum tea is commonly consumed by Chinese consumers mainly due to the Chrysanthemum flower being a potential source of antioxidants. The current study investigates the effects of extraction time and temperature on Chrysanthemum flower aqueous extract (CFAE) antioxidant capacity, including Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), ferrous iron-chelating activity, and superoxide radical scavenging capacity (SRSC) using a two-factor, three-level factorial design of the response surface method (RSM). The TEAC and SRSC of CFAE are higher at higher temperatures and longer times up to a certain point, and the highest TEAC and SRSC are achieved at a 100 °C extraction temperature for 45 min. The fructose induced-αA-crystallin (Cry) glycation model system was used to evaluate the effects of the CFAE on anti-glycoxidation activities. The antioxidant ingredients obtained from CFAE significantly impede the production of advanced glycation end products from protein glycoxidation products (dityrosine, kynurenine, and N′-methylkynurenine) in the glycation process of αA-Cry and exhibit strong anti-glycating activity. The glycation inhibitory effects of CFAE are concentration-dependent. C. indicum L. exhibits greater potential for preventing cataracts compared to C. morifolium Ramat CFAE's antioxidant and anti-glycation properties suggest its potential application as a natural ingredient in the development of agents to combat glycation. [Display omitted] • RSM is applied to predict the optimal extraction condition of antioxidative extracts from two Chrysanthemum flower species. • The highest antioxidant capacities are achieved at a 100 °C extraction temperature for 45 min. • Both Chrysanthemum extracts combat glycation in human αA-crystallin, with C. indicum L. extract showing superior efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Porcine 2′,5′-oligoadenylate synthetase-like protein is an essential antiviral protein induced by interferons; however, its bioinformatics, genetic characteristics and immunological characteristics related to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus are still unknown. In this study, porcine 2′,5′-oligoadenylate synthetase-like protein was cloned, and various attributes were predicted by bioinformatics analysis. Through RNAi depletion and overexpression methods, it was determined that porcine OASL not only inhibits porcine reproductive and respiratory virus replication but also activates interferon-beta production and the interferon-beta promoter, promoting the expression of interferon-beta mRNA. Through the depletion of different amino acids at the N and C termini, the antiviral activity and promoting the activity of interferon beta were evaluated. The results demonstrated that 31–60 amino acids at the N terminus were critical for virus replication. This study laid a theoretical foundation for exploring the characteristics of the porcine 2′,5′-oligoadenylate synthetase-like protein and suggested a new strategy for the prevention and control of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus and investigation of the therapeutic mechanism of this protein. Highlights • Porcine OASL was cloned and identified the antiviral effect on PRRSV, confirming that porcine OASL can inhibit PRRSV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aloe vera , the most popular and widely cultivated Aloe (Liliaceae) species, is receiving widespread and increasing attention from the food industry due to its functional and health benefits. The discovery of multitype metabolites from A. vera supported and broadened its application as a functional food. NMR-based dereplication methodology represents an efficient strategy in plant metabolite research. In the present study, by using the 13C NMR-based dereplication software MixONat along with a specially constructed Aloe database containing predicted 13C NMR chemical shifts for Aloe -derived natural products, the secondary metabolites in semipurified fractions from A. vera were rapidly identified. A total of twenty-one components (1 – 21), represented by chromones and anthraquinones, were identified in A. vera , and five of these (4 , 14 , 16 , 18 , and 21) were found in the Aloe genus for the first time. Moreover, two new chromones (1 – 2) were discovered by 2D NMR spectral analysis, and their structures were finally established by extensive spectroscopic analysis after targeted isolation. The results demonstrated that A. vera is a promising natural source of bioactive components and supported its broad utilization in the food industry. Moreover, the NMR-based dereplication approach was demonstrated to be a powerful tool for exploring secondary metabolites from edible plant resources. [Display omitted] • NMR-based dereplication was firstly applied to identify metabolites in Aloe vera. • Twenty-one components were identified rapidly in fractions by dereplication method. • Two new chromones were discovered. • Five components were found in the Aloe genus for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, solid-liquid equilibrium for the ternary system (2-naphthaldehyde + o -phthalic anhydride + 1,4-dioxane) was measured at 283.15 K, 293.15 K and 303.15 K, respectively. Three isothermal phase diagrams of the system were plotted using the values of the experimental solubility. Pure 2-naphthaldehyde and o -phthalic anhydride were formed at (283.15, 293.15 and 303.15) K, and were determined by Schreinemaker’s wet residue method. The crystallization region of o -phthalic anhydride was found to be much larger than that of 2-naphthaldehyde at a certain temperature. The experimental solubility at multiple temperatures was correlated by the NRTL and Wilson models. The NRTL model was more accurate than the Wilson model in this system. The diagram of density versus component was also constructed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A C-band erbium doped fiber ring laser is proposed and investigated. With the use of two sub-ring cavities and a saturable absorber, a high quality and stable fiber ring laser is obtained for high optical signal to noise ratio operation in lightwave transmission. As different fiber Bragg gratings are employed as the wavelength filter, a narrow 3 dB-bandwidth is necessary for the high quality operation. The fiber ring laser is evaluated in lightwave transmission. The Q factor and eye diagrams are also measured and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] This review focuses on biological control of insect pests in Chinese apple orchards. [•] Major natural enemy species in Chinese apple orchards are described. [•] Augmentative release of biological control agents is effective in pest suppression. [•] Ground cover plants conserve the habitat for biological control agents. [•] We review the status and prospects for bio-control strategies in the IPM context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemoresistance is a major therapeutic challenge in advanced gastric cancer (GC). N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification has been shown to play fundamental roles in cancer progression. However, the underlying mechanisms by which m6A modification of circRNAs contributes to GC and chemoresistance remain unknown. We found that hsa_circ_0030632 (circUGGT2) was a predominant m6A target of METTL14, and METTL14 knockdown (KD) reduced circUGGT2 m6A levels but increased its mRNA levels. The expression of circUGGT2 was markedly increased in cisplatin (DDP)-resistant GC cells. CircUGGT2 KD impaired cell growth, metastasis and DDP-resistance in vitro and in vivo , but circUGGT2 overexpression prompted these effects. Furthermore, circUGGT2 was validated to sponge miR-186–3p and upregulate MAP3K9 and could abolish METTL14-caused miR-186–3p upregulation and MAP3K9 downregulation in GC cells. circUGGT2 negatively correlated with miR-186–3p expression and harbored a poor prognosis in patients with GC. Our findings unveil that METTL14-dependent m6A modification of circUGGT2 inhibits GC progression and DDP resistance by regulating miR-186–3p/MAP3K9 axis. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Coronin 1B has been shown to be critical for cell motility and various actin-dependent processes. To understand its role more extensively, the expression and transcriptional regulation of Coro1b gene during mouse development were explored. Coronin 1B is ubiquitously expressed in the whole embryo but nevertheless shows distinct expression pattern in developing heart. In addition to the localization in endocardium, Coronin 1B is specifically expressed in the endocardial cushion and epicardium where cardiac EMT processes take place as the heart develops. Promoter deletion analysis identified the positions between −1038 and −681 is important for Coro1b basal promoter activity. In addition to a correlation of Coronin 1B localization with Wt1 expression in the epicardium, we also identified putative Wt1 binding sequences within Coro1b promoter. Direct binding of Wt1 to GC-rich sequences within the Coro1b promoter is required for the regulation of Coro1b gene expression. In accordance with the motility defect found in Coronin 1B-knockdown cells, a modest decrease in expression of Coronin 1B in the remaining epicardium of Wt1 EGFPCre/EGFPCre mutant embryos was observed. These findings seem to shed light on the role of Wt1 during cell migration and suggest that, at least in part, this involves transcriptional control of Coro1b gene expression. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Parkinson''s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative movement disorder characterized by selective loss of dopaminergic neurons and the presence of Lewy bodies. The pathogenesis of PD remains incompletely understood, but it appears to involve both genetic susceptibility and environmental factors. Treatment for PD that prevents neuronal death in the dopaminergic system and abnormal protein deposition in the brain is not yet available. Evidence from human and animal studies has suggested that oxidative damage critically contributes to neuronal loss in PD. Here we test whether curcumin, a potent antioxidant compound, derived from the curry spice turmeric, can protect against mutant A53T α-synuclein-induced cell death. We used PC12 cells that inducibly express A53T α-synuclein. We found that curcumin protected against A53T α-synuclein-induced cell death in a dose-dependent manner. We further found that curcumin can reduce mutant α- synuclein-induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, mitochondrial depolarization, cytochrome c release, and caspase-9 and caspase-3 activation. This study demonstrate that curcumin protected against A53T mutant α-synuclein-induced cell death via inhibition of oxidative stress and the mitochondrial cell death pathway, suggesting that curcumin may be a candidate neuroprotective agent for A53T α-synuclein-linked Parkinsonism, and possibly for other genetic or sporadic forms of PD. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Growth hormone release in goldfish is partly dependent on voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels but somatotrope electrophysiological events affecting such channel activities have not been elucidated in this system. The electrophysiological properties of goldfish somatotropes in primary culture were studied using the whole-cell and amphotericin B-perforated patch-clamp techniques. Intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) of identified somatotropes was measured using Fura-2/AM dye. Goldfish somatotropes had an average resting membrane potential of −78.4±4.6mV and membrane input resistance of 6.2±0.2GΩ. Voltage steps from a holding potential of −90mV elicited a non-inactivating outward current and transient inward currents at potentials more positive than 0 and −30mV, respectively. Isolated current recordings indicate the presence of 4-aminopyridine- and tetraethylammonium (TEA)-sensitive K+, tetrodotoxin (TTX)-sensitive Na+, and nifedipine (L-type)- and ω-conotoxin GVIA (N-type)-sensitive Ca2+ channels. Goldfish somatotropes rarely fire action potentials (APs) spontaneously, but single APs can be induced at the start of a depolarizing current step; this single AP was abolished by TTX and significantly reduced by nifedipine and ω-conotoxin GVIA. TEA increased AP duration and triggered repetitive AP firing resulting in an increase in [Ca2+]i, whereas TTX, nifedipine and ω-conotoxin GVIA inhibited TEA-induced [Ca2+]i pulses. These results indicate that in goldfish somatotropes, TEA-sensitive K+ channels regulate excitability while TTX-sensitive Na+ channels together with N- and L-type Ca channels mediates the depolarization phase of APs. Opening of voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels during AP firing leads to increases in [Ca2+]i. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study was designed to investigate separately the inhibitory response capacity and the lateralization effect in children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) in the endogenous and exogenous modes of orienting attention. Children with DCD on the lower extremities (DCD-LEs), along with age-matched controls, completed four tasks that involved various applications of asynchronous stimuli to the feet or hands at various intervals. The results demonstrated that children with DCD-LEs had a significantly longer reaction time than the controls for all tasks, and were not alert to the appearance of the target. However, they displayed a deficit in volitional shifts of attention (endogenous mode), but not in automatic dislocation of attention (exogenous mode), whenever they performed the tasks with either their lower or their upper-limbs—even 6 months after the initial study. These findings confirm the deficit in the inhibitory response capacity in terms of volitional movement of attention by children with DCD. Additionally, the negative effect of lateralization on the bilateral extremities was not present in children with DCD-LEs. Significantly differences in response ability were detected only between the dominant and non-dominant sides of upper-limbs, but not between the lower-limbs, suggesting a future avenue for further experimentation on bilateral extremities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In goldfish, two endogenous gonadotropin-releasing hormones (GnRH), salmon GnRH (sGnRH) and chicken GnRH-II (cGnRH-II), are thought to stimulate growth hormone (GH) release via protein kinase C (PKC) and subsequent increases in intracellular Ca2+ levels ([Ca2+]i). In contrast, the signaling mechanism for serotonin (5-HT) inhibition of GH secretion is still unknown. In this study, whether 5-HT inhibits GH release by actions at sites along the PKC and Ca2+ signal transduction pathways leading to hormone release were examined in primary cultures of goldfish pituitary cells. Under static incubation and column perifusion conditions, 5-HT reduced basal, as well as sGnRH- and cGnRH-II-stimulated, GH secretion. 5-HT also suppressed GH responses to two PKC activators but had no effect on the GH-releasing action of the Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin. Ca2+-imaging studies with identified somatotropes revealed that 5-HT did not alter basal [Ca2+]i but attenuated the magnitude of the [Ca2+]i responses to the two GnRHs. Prior treatment with 5-HT and cGnRH-II reduced the magnitude of the [Ca2+]i responses induced by depolarizing levels of K+. Similar inhibition, however, was not observed with prior treatment of 5-HT and sGnRH. These results suggest that 5-HT, by direct actions at the somatotrope level, interferes with PKC and Ca2+ signaling pathways to reduce the GH-releasing effect of GnRH. 5-HT action may occur at the level of PKC activation or its downstream signaling events prior to the subsequent rise in [Ca2+]i.. The differential Ca2+ responses by depolarizing doses of K+ is consistent with our previous findings that sGnRH and cGnRH-II are coupled to overlapping and yet distinct Ca2+-dependent mechanisms. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Although the mature peri-implant biofilm composition is well studied, there is very little information on the succession of in vivo dental implant colonization. The aim of this study was to characterize the temporal changes and diversity of peri-implant supra-mucosal and sub-mucosal microbiota during the process of the plaque maturation. Dental implants (n = 25) were placed in the mandible of 3 beagle dogs. Illumina MiSeq sequencing of the hypervariable V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene amplicons was used to characterize the supra/sub-mucosal microbiota in the peri-implant niches at 1day (T1), 7days (T2), 14days (T3), 21days (T4) and 28days (T5) after Phase Ⅱ surgery of the healing abutment placement. QIIME, Mothur, LEfSe and R-package were used for downstream analysis. A total of 1184 operational taxonomic units (OTUs), assigned into 22 phyla, 264 genera and 339 species were identified. In supra-mucosal niches, the alpha parameters of shannon, sobs and chao1 displayed significant differences between T1 and other time-points. However, in sub-mucosal niches, only sobs, chao1, and ace indexes displayed significant differences between T1 and T3, and T1 and T5. Beta-diversity showed statistically significant difference between T1 and T2, T3, T4, T5 within both sub-mucosal and supra-mucosal plaque. The phyla Bacteroidetes , Proteobacteria and Firmicutes were the most dominant phyla of both sub-mucosal and supra-mucosal niches at all time-points and Firmicutes increased during the maturation of peri-implant plaque. At the genus level, Neisseria decreased significantly after T1 suggesting the establishment of an anaerobic microenvironment. A decrease of Porphyromonas during the formation of sub-mucosal microbial community was also detected. Co-occurrence network analysis exhibited a more complicated co-occurrence relationship of bacterial species in the sub-mucosal niches. Fusobacteriu m nucleatum , Filifactor villosus , and some other species may play a crucial role in biofilm maturation. The present results suggested that the development of peri-implant biofilm followed a similar pattern to dental plaque formation. Sub-mucosal biofilm may go through a more complicated procedure of maturation than supra-mucosal biofilm. ● Development of peri-implant biofilm is similar to dental plaque formation. ● Maturation of peri-implant biofilm is contrary to peri-implantitis development. ● F. nucleatum, F. villosus and P. sphenisci are keystone taxa in biofilm formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: By replacing Mn in YCa3(MnO)3(BO3)4 with trivalent Al and Ga, two new borates with the compositions of YCa3(MO)3(BO3)4 (M=Al, Ga) were prepared by solid-state reaction. Structure refinements from X-ray powder diffraction data revealed that both of them are isostructural to gaudefroyite with a hexagonal space group P63/m. Cell parameters of , for the Al-containing compound and , for the Ga analog were obtained from the refinements. The structure is constituted of AlO6 or GaO6 octahedral chains interconnected by BO3 groups in the ab plane to form a Kagomé-type lattice, leaving trigonal and apatite-like tunnels. It is found that most rare-earth and Cr, Mn ions can be substituted into the Y3+ and M 3+ sites, respectively, and the preference of rare-earth ions to locate in the trigonal tunnel is correlated to the sizes of the M 3+ ions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Nanosized hollow silica spheres with holes in the wall (denoted as silica nanobottles) have been successfully prepared by assembly of functional polymer nanospheres with tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) through hydrothermal methods, coupled with removal of the core by programmed calcination. The functional polymer nanospheres were obtained by emulsifier-free emulsion copolymerization of styrene and (ar-vinylbenzyl) trimethylammoium chloride. The silica nanobottle sample was characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TG), differential thermal analysis (DTA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and nitrogen adsorption techniques. The above characterizations confirm that the silica nanobottles have holes of about 8 nm in the wall and this unique structural feature might be useful for their encapsulation. Furthermore, characterization by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), and UV–visible absorption (UV–vis) showed that the luminescent material Eu(TTA)3(TPPO)2 could be effectively encapsulated in silica nanobottles. This reveals that silica nanobottles have potential applications for nanotechniques. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) seeds are rich in proteins and are considered to be a beneficial source of plant proteins. In this study, lotus seed protein hydrolysate (LSPH) was prepared using Flavourzyme and antioxidant activities were evaluated. The LSPH possessed the highest DPPH-scavenging (EC 50 2.9 mg/mL), H 2 O 2 -scavenging (EC 50 16.1 mg/mL), and reducing power activity (8.0 mg/mL) at 180 min of hydrolysis. After gel filtration and reverse phase HPLC purification, the low molecular weight fraction was then analyzed by Nano-LC-MS/MS. Sixteen peptides with corresponding mass from 1 to 2 kDa were identified. Peptides with hydrophobic features and acidic amino acids, Asp and Glu, are considered to contribute to overall antioxidant activities. These results show Flavourzyme hydrolysis of lotus seed protein successfully generates low molecular fragments that make them a potential nutraceutical or health promoting supplement. [Display omitted] • Flavourzyme effectively hydrolyze lotus seed protein to reach 79.5% DH. • The degree of hydrolysis was negatively correlated with antioxidant activities. • The fraction with the smallest molecular weight has the best antioxidant activities. • Nano-LC-MS/MS was applied to characterize antioxidative peptide sequences. • Sixteen peptides with 8–17 residues were identified from an antioxidative fraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Overexpression of HER2 is associated with cancer phenotypes, such as proliferation, survival, metastasis and angiogenesis, and has been validated as a therapeutic target. However, only a portion of patients benefited from anti-HER2 treatments, and many would develop resistance. A more effective HER2 targeted therapeutics is needed. Here, we adopted a prodrug system that uses 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC) and a HER2-targeting scaffold protein, Z HER2:2891 , fused with yeast cytosine deaminase (Fcy) to target HER2-overexpressing cancer cells and to convert 5-FC to a significantly more toxic chemotherapeutic, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). We cloned the coding gene of Z HER2:2891 and fused with those of ABD (albumin-binding domain) and Fcy. The purified Z HER2:2891 -ABD-Fcy fusion protein specifically binds to HER2 with a Kd value of 1.6 nM Z HER2:2891 -ABD-Fcy binds to MDA-MB-468, SKOV-3, BT474, and MC38-HER2 cells, which overexpress HER2, whereas with a lower affinity to HER2 non-expresser, MC38. Correspondingly, the viability of HER2-expressing cells was suppressed by relative low concentrations of Z HER2:2891 -ABD-Fcy in the presence of 5-FC, and the IC 50 values of Z HER2:2891 -ABD-Fcy for HER2 high-expresser cells were approximately 10–1000 fold lower than those of non-HER2-targeting Fcy, and ABD-Fcy. This novel prodrug system, Z HER2:2891 -ABD-Fcy/5-FC, might become a promising addition to the existing class of therapeutics specifically target HER2-expressing cancers. • HER2 is a valid cancer therapeutic target. • Resistance to current treatments occurs in significant portion of patients. • Z HER2:2891 -ABD-Fcy with HER2-targeting and 5-FC converting activities could be purified. • Z HER2:2891 -ABD-Fcy/5-FC potently inhibits viability of HER2-expressing cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• New structures of thirteen diterpenoid compounds from Excoecaria agallocha. • Two rearranged ent -atisanes featuring a unique 6/6/5/7 tetracyclic carbon skeleton. • Absolute configurations of three ent -atisanes and an ent -isopimarane. • Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, conducted with Cu Kα radiation. • NF-κB inhibitory activity of ent -atisanes. Thirteen new diterpenoid compounds, named agallolides A-M (1 – 13), including ten ent -atisanes, were isolated from the stems and twigs of the Chinese semi-mangrove plant, Excoecaria agallocha. Most notably, agallolides A (1) and B (2) are two rearranged ent -atisanes featuring a unique 6/6/5/7 tetracyclic carbon skeleton. Agallolides C-J (3 – 10) are ent -atisanes, among which agallolide C (3) represents the first example of 3,4- seco -17-nor- ent -atisane. Agallolides K (11) and L (12) are two ent -isopimaranes, whereas agallolide M (13) is a rare 3,4- seco - ent -trachylobane. The structures of these diterpenoid compounds were established by HR-ESIMS and extensive 1D and 2D NMR investigations. The absolute configurations of agallolide A (1) and agallolides I-K (9 – 11) were further confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses with Cu Kα radiation. The plausible biogenetic pathways for agallolides A (1), B (2), and I (9) were proposed. Agallolides I (9) and J (10) exhibited NF-κB inhibitory activity with inhibition rates of 23.4% and 19.4%, respectively, at the concentration of 100.0 µM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Longer ambulance response time (ART) delaying treatment would worsen conditions of seriously ill or injured patients, but limited evidence is available on the effects of weather factors on ART. This study aims to assess precipitation- and temperature-ART associations and their potential lagged effects using a novel modeling strategy. Based on 779,156 emergency records during 2010–2016 from the whole population in Shenzhen, China, we creatively combined quantile regression with distributed-lag nonlinear models to examine the non-linear and lagged effects of hourly precipitation and temperature on ART at the 50th and 90th percentiles. A linear precipitation-ART association with a delay of 9.01 (95%CI, 7.82–10.20) seconds at median ART for a 1 mm increase in hourly precipitation, and the effects lasted for 5 h with the greatest effect at the current hour. A two linear thresholds temperature-ART association revealed 1 °C decrease below 19 °C caused 1.68 (95%CI, 0.92–2.44) seconds delay in total ART over lag 0–7 h, and 1 °C increase above 24 °C caused 2.44 (95%CI, 1.55–3.33) seconds delay. The hourly call volumes exceeding 54 calls caused 8.79 (95%CI, 8.71–8.86) seconds delay in total ART for 1 more call, but not affected the effects of weather factors. The internal ART suffered more from the hourly call volumes, while the external ART suffered more from precipitation and temperature. The effects were apparently greater on ART at the 90th percentile than median. Precipitation and temperature are independent risk factors for ambulance services performance, and their lagged effects are notable. The external ART and patients with long ART are vulnerable. More attention should be paid to weather and ART, and these findings may have implications for effective policies to reduce ART to protect public health. Image 1 • Evidence about the effects of weather factors on ART are limited, particularly no hourly data is available. • A novel modeling strategy was developed to examine the effects of hourly precipitation and temperature on ART. • A linear precipitation-ART association was observed with acute effects lasting for 5 h. • A U-shaped temperature-ART association implied cold and hot temperature delayed ART. • 1 more call above 54 ambulance emergency calls per hour caused a delay of 8.79 s in ART. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypertension-induced tunica media thickening (TMT) is the most important fundamental for the subsequent complications like stroke and cardiovascular diseases. Pathogenically, TMT originates from both vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) hypertrophy due to synthesizing more amount of intracellular contractile proteins and excess secretion of extracellular matrix. However, what key molecules are involved in the pathogenesis of TMT is unknown. We hypothesize that formin homology 2 domain-containing protein 1 (FHOD1), an amply expressed mediator for assembly of thin actin filament in VSMCs, is a key regulator for the pathogenesis of TMT. In this study, we found that FHOD1 expression and its phosphorylation/activation were both upregulated in the arteries of three kinds of hypertensive rats. Ang-II induced actin filament formation and hypertrophy through activation and upregulation of FHOD1 in VSMCs. Active FHOD1-mediated actin filament assembly and secretions of collagen-1α/collagen-3α played crucial roles in Ang-II-induced VSMCs hypertrophy in vitro and hypertensive TMT in vivo. Proteomics demonstrated that activated FL-FHOD1 or its C-terminal diaphanous-autoregulatory domain significantly upregulated RNF213 (ring finger protein 213), a 591-kDa cytosolic E3 ubiquitin ligase with its loss-of-functional mutations being a susceptibility gene for Moyamoya disease which has prominent tunica media thinning in both intracranial and systemic arteries. Mechanistically, activated FHOD1 upregulated its downstream effector RNF213 independently of its classical pathway of decreasing G-actin/F-actin ratio, transcription, and translation, but dependently on its C-terminus-mediated stabilization of RNF213 protein. FHOD1-RNF213 signaling dramatically promoted collagen-1α/collagen-3α syntheses in VSMCs. Our results discovered a novel signaling axis of FHOD1-RNF213-collagen-1α/collagen-3α and its key role in the pathogenesis of hypertensive TMT. [Display omitted] • FHOD1 was activated in hypertensive rats and angiotensin-II-stimulated VSMCs. • Inactivated FHOD1 alleviated angiotensin-II-induced hypertension and TMT. • Activated FHOD1 promoted the hypertrophy, migration and fibrosis of VSMCs. • Activated FHOD1 upregulated RNF213 through a novel mechanism. • This study deepens our understanding of the pathogenesis of hypertensive TMT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Cardiac fibrosis (CF), a process characterized by potentiated proliferation of cardiac fibroblasts and excessive secretion and deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) from the cells, contributes strongly to the pathogenesis of a series of cardiovascular (CV) diseases, including AMI, heart failure and atrial fibrillation. Endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), one of the sources of transformed cardiac fibroblasts, has been reported as a key factor involved in CF. However, the molecular basis of EndMT has not been thoroughly elucidated to date. At the posttranscriptional level, of the three epigenetic regulators, writer and eraser are reported to be involved in EndMT, but the role of reader in the process is still unknown. In this study, we aimed to explore the role of Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4), an acetyl-lysine reader protein, in EndMT-induced CF and related mechanisms. We found that BRD4 was upregulated in endothelial cells (ECs) in the pressure-overload mouse heart and that its functional inhibitor JQ1 potently attenuated the TAC-induced CF and preserved cardiac function. In umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and mouse aortic endothelial cells (MAECs), bothJQ1 and shRNA-mediated silencing of BRD4 blocked TGF-β-induced EC migration, EndMT and ECM synthesis and preserved the EC sprouting behavior, possibly through the downregulation of a group of transcription factors specific for EndMT (Snail, Twist and Slug), the Smads pathway and TGF-β receptor I. In the absence of TGF-β stimulation, ectopic expression of BRD4 alone could facilitate EndMT, accelerate migration and increase the synthesis of ECM. In vivo, JQ1 also attenuated TAC-induced EndMT and CF, which was consistent with JQ1's intracellular mechanisms of action. Our results showed that BRD4 plays a critical role in EndMT-induced CF and that targeting BRD4 might be a novel therapeutic option for CF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Isothermal saturation method was used to measure the solubility of 1-(4-tert-butyl-2,6-dimethylphenyl)ethenone in eight pure solvents and two binary solvents at temperatures ranging from 273.15 K to 308.15 K. • Analysis of 1-(4-tert-butyl-2,6-dimethylphenyl)ethenone by DSC and XRD. • Van't Hoff model, modified Apelblat model, NRTL model, Wilson model, Jouyban − Acree model, Sun model were used to correlate the solubility of 1-(4-tert-butyl-2,6-dimethylphenyl)ethenone. • Hansen solubility parameter was used to reveal the solubility behavior of 1-(4-tert-butyl-2,6-dimethylphenyl)ethenone. • The thermodynamic properties (Δ sol H°, Δ sol S°, Δ sol G°, %ξ H and %ξ TS) were discussed by van't Hoff equation. In this work, the solubility of 1-(4-tert-butyl-2,6-dimethylphenyl)ethenone was measured and correlated by isothermal saturation method in eight pure solvents (isopropyl alcohol, n -octanol, ethyl acetate, acetonitrile, ethanol, acetone, cyclohexane, methanol) and two binary solvents (isopropyl alcohol + ethyl acetate, ethanol + acetonitrile) at temperatures ranging from 273.15 K to 308.15 K. The results show that the solubility of 1-(4-tert-butyl-2,6-dimethylphenyl)ethenone in the selected solvent is positively correlated with temperature. The experimental solubility data were correlated by six thermodynamic models, including Van't Hoff equation, modified Apelblat equation, NRTL model, Wilson model, Jouyban − Acree model and Sun model. The values of RAD and RMSD showed that these models fit the solubility data well. Besides, Hansen solubility parameter was used to reveal the solubility behavior of 1-(4-tert-butyl-2,6-dimethylphenyl)ethenone. Finally, the thermodynamic propertie Δ sol H○, Δ sol S○, Δ sol G○, %ξ H and %ξ TS were calculated by van't Hoff equation. The results showed Δ sol H○, Δ sol G○, Δ sol S○, are all positive values, indicating that the dissolution process in selected solvents was entropy-driven and endothermic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammation can contribute to the initiation and progression of atrial fibrillation (AF), and pinocembrin can suppress downstream inflammatory cytokine production by inhibiting the inflammation pathway. In our previous studies, pinocembrin was also beneficial in ameliorating cardiac arrhythmia in different models of rats, such as depression, myocardial infarction, and heart failure. This study aims to investigate the effect of pinocembrin on the susceptibility to AF in isoproterenol-induced rats. Rats were randomly divided into four groups. Pinocembrin was injected through the tail vein. Isoproterenol was treated by intraperitoneal injection for one week (5 mg/kg/day). We evaluated the susceptibility to AF by atrial electrophysiological experiments. Masson staining was used to evaluate the fibrosis area. The protein levels of connexin (Cx) 40, Cav1.2, Kv4.2, collagen I, collagen III, α-SMA, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, NLRP3, caspase 1, and interleukin (IL)-1β were detected by western blot. Our data demonstrated that pinocembrin could prolong the atrial effective refractory period (ERP) and action potential duration (APD), and decrease AF inducibility. Isoproterenol increased the expression of Cav1.2 and Kv4.2 ion channels whereas pinocembrin could alleviate this change. Pinocembrin could reduce the fibrosis area, fibrosis-related protein collagen I, collagen III, α-SMA, and TGF-β and upregulate gap junction protein Cx40. In addition, pinocembrin reduced the expression of NLRP3, caspase 1, and IL-1β. Our study indicated that pinocembrin was beneficial to alleviate atrial electrical remodeling and fibrosis. Accompanied the downregulation of ion channels and upregulation of gap junction protein Cx40. Pinocembrin may produce these effects by inhibiting the NLRP3 pathway. • Pinocembrin ameliorated isoproterenol-induced atrial electrical remodeling. • Pinocembrin decreased isoproterenol-induced atrial fibrosis. • Pinocembrin decreased atrial fibrillation susceptibility in isoproterenol-induced rats. • Pinocembrin suppressed isoproterenol-induced inflammatory responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To develop objective methods of oolong tea grading for importers and customs, metabolomics and sensory evaluation were applied to screen the characteristic compounds associated with Tieguanyin (TGY) tea grades T, 1, 2, and 3, and types (fresh scent flavor and high fragrance). With decreasing TGY grade/quality, the astringency and content of most flavonoid glycosides increased (especially catechin and epicatechin). The floral aroma of fresh scent flavor TGY decreased, and the roasted aroma of high-fragrance TGY increased with decreasing TGY grade. Five non-volatile compounds (epicatechin gallate, quercetin-3- O -galactoside, quercetin-3- O -rutinoside, epicatechin, and gallocatechin) and five volatile compounds (benzyl benzoate, β -phenylethyl acetate, 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one, heptanal, and (E)-2-hexenal) were identified, which could readily distinguish different grades of fresh scent flavor and high fragrance TGY by quantitative chemical analysis. Lower grades of TGY had inferior flavor, but higher antioxidant capacity. • Sensory evaluation and metabolomics were combined for Tieguanyin grade analysis. • As Tieguanyin grades decreased, the astringency increased. • Ten compounds were identified as the key metabolites for Tieguanyin grades. • Low-grade tea has higher antioxidant capacity due to more polyphenols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a chronic liver condition and metabolic disorder, has emerged as a significant health issue worldwide. D-mannose, a natural monosaccharide widely existing in plants and animals, has demonstrated metabolic regulatory properties. However, the effect and mechanism by which D-mannose may counteract NAFLD have not been studied. In this study, network pharmacology followed by molecular docking analysis was utilized to identify potential targets of mannose against NAFLD, and the leptin receptor-deficient, genetically obese db/db mice was employed as an animal model of NAFLD to validate the regulation of D-mannose on core targets. As a result, 67 targets of mannose are predicted associated with NAFLD, which are surprisingly centered on the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR). Further analyses suggest that mTOR signaling is functionally enriched in potential targets of mannose treating NAFLD, and that mannose putatively binds to mTOR as a core mechanism. Expectedly, repeated oral gavage of supraphysiological D-mannose ameliorates liver steatosis of db/db mice, which is based on suppression of hepatic mTOR signaling. Moreover, daily D-mannose administration reduced hepatic expression of lipogenic regulatory genes in counteracting NAFLD. Together, these findings reveal D-mannose as an effective and potential NAFLD therapeutic through mTOR suppression, which holds translational promise. • Network pharmacology identifies targets of mannose against NAFLD centered on mTOR. • Mannose putatively binds to the mTOR protein as a core mechanism in treating NAFLD. • Daily oral administration of D-mannose ameliorates liver steatosis of db/db mice. • D-mannose reduced lipogenic regulatory gene expression based on mTOR suppression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The T-cell receptor (TCR) is a specific molecule on the surface of all T cells that mediates cellular adaptive immune responses to antigens. Hucho bleekeri is a critically endangered species and is regarded as a glacial relict that has the lowest-latitude distribution compared with any Eurasian salmonid. In the present study, two TCR genes, namely, TCR α and β , were identified and characterized in H. bleekeri. Both TCR α and TCR β have typical TCR structures, including the IgV domain, IgC domain, connecting peptide, transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains. The two TCR genes were constitutionally expressed in various tissues, with the highest expression found in the spleen for TCR α and in the trunk kidney for TCR β. Challenge of H. bleekeri with LPS or poly(I:C) resulted in significant upregulation of both TCR α and β expression in headkidney and spleen primary cells, indicating their potential roles in the immune response. Molecular polymorphism analysis of the whole ORF regions of TCR α and β in different individuals revealed high diversity of IgV domains of these two genes, especially in complementarity-determining region (CDR) 3. The ratio of nonsynonymous substitution occurred at a significantly higher frequency than synonymous substitution in the CDR of TCR α and β , demonstrating the existence of positive selection. The results obtained in the present study enhance our understanding of TCR roles in regulating immune mechanisms and provide new information for the study of TCR lineage diversity in fish. • T-cell receptors were isolated from critically endangered Hucho bleekeri for the first time. • TCR genes were constitutionally expressed with the highest expression found immune tissues. • LPS or Poly(I:C) challenge resulted in significant upregulation of TCR genes. • Different selection modes were found in the different regions TCR α and TCR β. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synergistic effect of the surface atoms and aqueous media on the interface catalysis of supported catalysts were uncovered by DFT and AIMD simulations. [Display omitted] Direct electrosynthesis of hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2) from H 2 and O 2 is a promising alternative to currently industrial Riedl-Pfleiderer route. Utilizing a combination of density functional theory (DFT) and ab-initio-molecular dynamic simulation (AIMD), we presented an effective computational framework to identify the cooperative role of surface atoms(e.g. O, N and S) and aqueous media on catalytic performance of single-atom catalysts (SACs) supported Nb 2 C MXenes. Computational results shown that both Ni/Nb 2 CN 2 and Co/Nb 2 CS 2 have low overpotentials of 0.17 V and 0.20 V, and the barrier of 0.89 eV and 0.67 eV for 2e- ORR under gas phase, respectively, while in aqueous phase, hydrogen bond framework on the surface promotes the transfer of proton, resulting in the lower 2e- ORR overpotential (0.05 V) in Co/Nb 2 CS 2 and lower barrier (almost 0.01 eV) for rate-determining step (RDS) in Ni/Nb 2 CN 2. Electronically, we found that the less-electronegativity N and S relative to O more benefit to mediate the activation degree of O 2 on SACs and thereby improve catalytic selectivity. Thus, it is concluded that both surface atom and aqueous medium synergistically promote catalytic property for H 2 O 2 synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RNA-guided RNA modification is a naturally occurring process that introduces 2′-O-methylation and pseudouridylation into rRNA, spliceosomal snRNA and several other types of RNA. The Box C/D ribonucleoproteins (RNP) and Box H/ACA RNP, each containing one unique guide RNA (Box C/D RNA or Box H/ACA RNA) and a set of core proteins, are responsible for 2′-O-methylation and pseudouridylation respectively. Box C/D RNA and Box H/ACA RNA provide the modification specificity through base pairing with their RNA substrate. These post-transcriptional modifications could profoundly alter the properties and functions of substrate RNAs. Thus it is desirable to establish reliable and standardized modification methods to study biological functions of modified nucleotides in RNAs. Here, we present several sensitive and efficient methods and protocols for detecting and quantifying post-transcriptional 2′-O-methylation and pseudouridylation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The solubility of LiFSI in 11 organic solvents was determined. • Different thermodynamics models were used to correlate the solubility data. • Thermodynamic properties of LiFSI solution were calculated. • Molecular simulation was used to analyze the dissolution behavior of LiFSI. The solubility of LiFSI in ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, n-butanol, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, propyl acetate, butyl acetate, dimethyl carbonate, ethyl methyl carbonate, diethyl carbonate at 273.15 K to 313.15 K were determined. Elevated temperatures can actuate the continued mixing of LIFSI in the 11 fluids outlined above. In comparison, the addition of an alkyl group to the carbon chain of a structurally similar solvent molecule will result in a smaller solubility of LiFSI. Overall the molar solubility of LiFSI in esters are significantly higher than the other four alcohols. Besides, the corresponding theoretical results were mounted by fitting the classical equation. The deviation of the fitted values from the measured values showed that the Apelblat equation and Yaws model was more effectively in fitting the solubility of LiFSI. Then, The Δ sol H o, Δ sol G o, Δ sol S o of electrolyte solution were discussed by Van't Hoff equation. Their fruits implied that the dissolution of LiFSI is found to be accompanied by heat absorption and entropy gain processes. Finally, the solvent molecular polarity index and solvation free energy were calculated by molecular visualization analysis and molecular dynamics simulation, and the correlation analysis with solubility order was carried out to illustrate the role of molecular features on the LiFSI solubility was explained. Electrostatic interactions and molecular polarity are the leading players in determining its solubility limit. These results will provide valuable reference for the purification of LiFSI and the development of new electrolyte solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Solubility of 2,3-dichloropyridine in 14 pure solvents were measured. • Solubility modeling was realized by seven thermodynamic models. • Hansen solubility parameters were employed to explain solubility behaviors. • Solvent effect was studied by MEPs, Hirshfeld surface analysis and DFT calculation. • Thermodynamic properties were discussed by Van't Hoff equation. The solid–liquid equilibrium data of 2,3-dichloropyridine(23DCP) in 14 pure solvents were measured making use of the laser dynamic monitoring at 278.15/283.15/288.15 K − 313.15 K with 0.1 MPa. The findings of this study showed that the solubility increase of 23DCP in 14 pure solvents had a positive relation with temperature, and the solubility order was 1,4-dioxane > dichloromethane > n-butyl acetate > ethyl acetate > methyl acetate > acetonitrile > n-butanol > isobutyl alcohol > n-propanol > isopropanol > ethanol > cyclohexane > methanol > n-hexane. The solubility data of 23DCP was operated by seven models (Van't Hoff, modified Apelblat, λh, Yaws, NRTL, NRTL-SAC, Wilson) to correlate. And the average ARD values were 1.684 %,1.058 %, 1.031 %, 0.905 %, 0.937 %, 1.012 %, 2.062 % and the average 103RMSD values were 1.978, 1.396, 1.542, 1.221, 1.758, 1.658 and 1.883, respectively. In addition, Hansen solubility parameters were well evaluated to appraise the miscibility of 23DCP in 14 pure solvents. And the interactions between molecules were studied by means of molecular electrostatic potential surface, Hirshfeld surface analysis and density functional theory calculation. Finally, according to Van't Hoff equation, Δ sol G °, Δ sol H ° and Δ sol S ° of 23DCP in 14 pure solvents were got. Δ sol H ° and Δ sol S ° were bigger than zero, representing that this was a dissolution process of endothermic and entropy increase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Bacillus amyloliquefaciens HSSN09 with antagonistic effect on FON was isolated. • B. amyloliquefaciens HSSN09 could effectively control watermelon Fusarium wilt and promote the growth of watermelon seedlings. • Tacrolimus has a very obvious antifungal effect and can be used to control watermelon Fusarium wilt. • Tacrolimus was also able to stimulate the growth of watermelon seedlings. • Tacrolimus or its analogs may play a role as a pleiotropic factor in B. amyloliquefaciens HSSN09 biological control. Watermelon Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum (FON) is one of the most devastating diseases in watermelon production. Biological control approaches are efficient and environmentally-friendly, thus have aroused broad interest. However, only a few biocontrol factors/molecules have been characterized due to varied genomes and diversified secreted secondary metabolites of biocontrol microorganisms. We report the screen and identification of a Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain HSSN09 with high antagonism to FON and watermelon growth promotion capacity. B. amyloliquefaciens HSSN09 and its secondary metabolites showed inhibition on FON mycelial growth, spore formation and spore germination. Metabolomes of the highly antagonistic strain B. amyloliquefaciens HSSN09, medium antagonistic strain B. amyloliquefaciens FGW53, weakly antagonistic strain B. subtilis JC03 and non-antagonistic strain B. cereus FGW109 were compared with LC-MS/MS. By antagonistic assay, tacrolimus was screened out among the 531 molecules that appeared in the sequencing results of HSSN09 metabolome but not in that of the non-antagonistic strain without significant inhibition on the growth of FON. Among the four tested Bacillus strains, tacrolimus analogue was only observed in the supernatant of HSSN09 by HPLC and MALDI-TOF-MS. We further confirmed the ability of tacrolimus to suppress FON and promote watermelon seedling growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruit development is modified by different types of epigenetics. Histone methylation is an important way of epigenetic modification. Eight genes related to H3K4 methyltransferase, named VvH3K4s , were identified and isolated from the grape genome based on conserved domain analysis, which could be divided into 3 categories by the phylogenetic relationship. Transcriptome data showed that VvH3K4–5 was obviously up-regulated during fruit ripe, and its expression level was significantly different between 'Kyoho' and 'Fengzao'. The VvH3K4s promoters contains cis-acting elements of in response to stress, indicating that they may be involved in the metabolic pathways regulated by ROS signaling. The subcellular localization experiment and promoter activity analysis experiment on VvH3K4–5 showed that VvH3K4s may be regulated by H 2 O 2. With H 2 O 2 and Hypotaurine treatment, it was found that the expression pattern of most genes was opposite, and the expression level showed different expression trend with the extension of treatment time. • Eight H3K4 methyltransferase genes in grape are identified. • VvH3K4s contain a variety of stress-responsive cis-acting elements in promoter. • H 2 O 2 VvH3K4s and ROS inhibitor influence the expression levels. • VvH3K4s play different roles in grape ripening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The photoluminescence (PL) measurements on photons and the transport measurements on excitons are the two types of independent and complementary detection tools to search for possible exciton superfluids in electron–hole semi-conductor bilayer systems. In fact, it was believed that the transport measurements can provide more direct evidences on superfluids than the spectroscopic measurements. It is important to establish the relations between the two kinds of measurements. In this paper, using quantum Heisenberg–Langevin equations, we establish such a connection by calculating various exciton correlation functions in the putative exciton superfluids. These correlation functions include both normal and anomalous greater, lesser, advanced, retarded, and time-ordered exciton Green functions and also various two exciton correlation functions. We also evaluate the corresponding normal and anomalous spectral weights and the Keldysh distribution functions. We stress the violations of the fluctuation and dissipation theorem among these various exciton correlation functions in the non-equilibrium exciton superfluids. We also explore the input–output relations between various exciton correlation functions and those of emitted photons such as the angle resolved photon power spectrum, phase sensitive two mode squeezing spectrum and two photon correlations. Applications to possible superfluids in the exciton–polariton systems are also mentioned. For a comparison, using conventional imaginary time formalism, we also calculate all the exciton correlation functions in an equilibrium dissipative exciton superfluid in the electron–electron coupled semi-conductor bilayers at the quantum Hall regime at the total filling factor . We stress the analogies and also important differences between the correlations functions in the two exciton superfluid systems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Angiotensin II (Ang-II)-induced fibroblast differentiation plays an important role in the development of atrial fibrosis and atrial fibrillation (AF). Here, we show that the expression of the histone methyltransferase enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is increased in atrial muscle and atrial fibroblasts in patients with AF, accompanied by significant atrial fibrosis and atrial fibroblast differentiation. In addition, EZH2 is induced in murine models of atrial fibrosis. Furthermore, either pharmacological GSK126 inhibition or molecular silencing of EZH2 can inhibit the differentiation of atrial fibroblasts and the ability to produce ECM induced by Ang-II. Simultaneously, inhibition of EZH2 can block the Ang-II-induced migration of atrial fibroblasts. We found that EZH2 promotes fibroblast differentiation mainly through the Smad signaling pathway and can form a transcription complex with Smad2 to bind to the promoter region of the ACTA2 gene. Finally, our in vivo experiments demonstrated that the EZH2 inhibitor GSK126 significantly inhibited Ang-II-induced atrial enlargement and fibrosis and reduced AF vulnerability. Our results demonstrate that targeting EZH2 or EZH2-regulated genes might present therapeutic potential in AF. • EZH2 expression was significantly elevated in atrial muscle specimens of patients with atrial fibrillation. • EZH2 regulates the transformation and migration of atrial fibroblasts. • EZH2 regulates fibroblasts transformation mainly through Ang-II-TGF-β-Smads signaling pathway. • EZH2 inhibitor GSK126 significantly inhibits Ang-II-induced atrial enlargement, fibrosis, and reduced AF vulnerability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae , Sir proteins mediate heterochromatin epigenetic gene silencing. The assembly of silent heterochromatin requires histone deacetylation by Sir2, conformational change of SIR complexes, and followed by spreading of SIR complexes along the chromatin fiber to form extended silent heterochromatin domains. Sir2 couples histone deacetylation and NAD hydrolysis to generate an epigenetic metabolic small molecule, O-acetyl-ADP-ribose (AAR). Here, we demonstrate that AAR physically associates with Sir3 and that polySir3-AAR formation has a specific and essential role in the assembly of silent SIR-nucleosome pre-heterochromatin filaments. Furthermore, we show that AAR is capable of stabilizing binding of the Sir3 BAH domain to the Sir3 carboxyl-terminal region. Our data suggests that for the assembly of SIR-nucleosome pre-heterochromatin filament, the structural rearrangement of SIR-nucleosome is important and result in creating more stable interactions of Sir3, such as the inter-molecule Sir3-Sir3 interaction, and the Sir3-nucleosome interaction within the filaments. In conclusion, our results reveal the importance of AAR, indicating that it not only affects the conformational rearrangement of SIR complexes but also might function as a critical fine-tuning modulatory component of yeast silent SIR-nucleosome pre-heterochromatin by stabilizing the intermolecular interaction between Sir3 N- and C-terminal regions. The self interactions of N–N and C–C terminal regions exist in purified Sir3. Structural rearrangement of Sir3 allows AAR binding to Sir3 that stabilizes Sir3 intermolecular self-interaction and formation of polySir3-AAR. Image 1 • AAR physically associates with Sir3. • AAR is capable of stabilizing the intermolecular interaction between Sir3 N- and C-terminal regions. • AAR functions as a fine-tuning modulatory component of yeast silent SIR-nucleosome pre-heterochromatin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Solubility data of 1,4-cyclohexanedione in ten pure solvents were measured. • Experimental data were correlated by five thermodynamic models. • Dissolution mechanism of 1,4-cyclohexanedione in ten pure solvents was investigated. • Thermodynamic properties were discussed by Wilson model. As an important raw material in industrial production, the solubility studies of 1,4-cyclohexanedione (14CHD) in organic solvents may be of assistance in improving crystallization efficiency and yield in industry. Therefore, this work deeply explored the dissolution behavior of 14CHD by using the isothermal saturation method, model fitting and density functional theory (DFT) calculation. Firstly, we selected ten pure organic solvents that are environmentally friendly to measure the solubility of 14CHD at the temperature range of 278.15 ∼ 313.15 K under standard atmospheric pressure. According to the measurement results, the solubility of 14CHD increases with temperature, and there are some differences among the solubility of 14CHD in various solvents. For instance, it has a highest solubility in acetonitrile (x 1 = 0.5331) at 313.15 K while has the lowest solubility (x 1 = 6.757 × 10-4) in cyclohexane at 283.15 K. Whereafter, the measured solubility data was correlated by Van't Hoff equation, modified Apelblat equation, λh model, Yaws model and Wilson model. Among them, Yaws model represents the most accurate fitting outcomes. At the same time, the study results of mixing thermodynamic properties on the basis of Wilson model suggest that the dissolution processes of 14CHD in ten organic solvents are entropy-driven and spontaneous. Afterwards, in order to explain the large difference in solubility of 14CHD in ten organic solvents, we found that the dissolution of 14CHD depends mostly on the polarity (π) and cohesive energy density (CED), viewed from the physicochemical factors of solvents. Furthermore, we further studied intermolecular interactions between 14CHD and ten solvents through molecular electrostatic potential surface (MEPS) analysis and DFT methods. Results display that alcoholic and non-alcoholic solvents molecules have different sites of action with 14CHD and the absolute values orders of interaction energies of alcoholic and non-alcoholic solvents are all consistent with corresponding solubility laws. The solvent–solute interaction plays an important role in the solubilities of 14CHD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents experimental and numerical studies on the hydrodynamics of a two-body floating-point absorber (FPA) wave energy converter (WEC) under both extreme and operational wave conditions. In this study, the responses of the WEC in heave, surge, and pitch were evaluated for various regular wave conditions. For extreme condition analysis, we assume the FPA system has a survival mode that locks the power-take-off (PTO) mechanism in extreme waves, and the WEC moves as a single body in this scenario. A series of Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) simulations was performed for the survival condition analysis, and the results were validated with the measurements from experimental wave tank tests. For the FPA system in operational conditions, both a boundary element method (BEM) and the RANS simulations were used to analyze the motion response and power absorption performance. Additional viscous damping, primarily induced by flow separation and vortex shedding, is included in the BEM simulation as a quadratic drag force proportional to the square of body velocity. The inclusion of viscous drag improves the accuracy of BEM's prediction of the heave response and the power absorption performance of the FPA system, which agrees well with experimental data and the RANS simulation results over a broad range of incident wave periods, except near resonance in large wave height scenarios. Overall, the experimental and numerical results suggest that nonlinear effects, caused by viscous damping and interaction between waves and the FPA, significantly influence the system response and power absorption performance. Nonlinear effects were found to be particularly significant when the wave height was large and the period was near or shorter than the resonant period of the FPA system. The study is expected to be helpful for understanding the nonlinear interaction between waves and the FPA system so that the structure of the FPA can be adequately designed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Pluronic F127 gel is broadly applicable for the study of nematode behaviors. • Entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) aggregation to insect is directly observed with time. • EPN aggregation rates to root gnat differ among EPN species/strains. • Heterorhabditis species prefer low pH than Steinernema species. Abstract Pluronic F-127 gel (PF127) has proven to be a powerful medium in which to study host-finding behavior and chemotaxis for plant-parasitic nematodes. Pluronic gel can also be used to study host-habitat seeking behavior of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN), which are natural enemies of root-feeding insect pests. In this study, PF127 was used to study tritrophic interactions among EPNs, host-habitat roots and insects. We also tested whether EPN aggregated to acetic acid (pH gradient) which mimicked the conditions near the roots. The chive root gnat Bradysia odoriphaga alone significantly attracted more nematodes than chive roots alone or the combination of roots plus insects. The attractiveness of B. odoriphaga differed (3.7–15.4%) among all tested species/strains of EPNs. In addition, we found that Heterorhabditis spp. and Steinernema spp. infective juveniles responded to pH gradients formed by acetic acid in Pluronic gel. The preferred pH ranges for strains of H. bacteriophora and H. megidis were from 4.32–5.04, and from 5.37–6.92 for Steinernema species, indicating that Heterorhabditis spp. prefer low pH conditions than Steinernema species. A narrow pH gradient between 6.84 and 7.05 was detected around chive root tips in which EPN was attracted. These results suggest that Pluronic gel can be broadly used for the study of host or host-habitat seeking behaviors and chemotaxis of nematodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]