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• A stretchable polymer optical fiber with a sandwich structure was proposed. • Stretchable polymer optical fiber embedded in the mattress for respiratory and heart rate monitoring. • Different positions as well as body movement information can differentiate between different behavioral states. • The sensor are promising for long-term continuous monitoring of respiratory and heart rates during sleep. In this study, a stretchable polymer optical fiber with a sandwich structure was proposed, which integrated a silicone tube filled with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) with two common commercial polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) optical fiber. By integrating the stretchable polymer optical fiber into the designed sleep-monitoring mattress, the pressure sensitivity of the mattress to measure human respiratory rate, heart rate, and body motion information is improved. The weak respiratory and heartbeat signals were amplified by an amplifier circuit and the respiratory and heart rates were obtained by an algorithm. The experimental results indicated that the mattress can monitor respiratory rate and heart rate values in different positions as well as body movement information and can differentiate between three different behavioral states, including not on the bed, lying, and moving on the bed. In addition, clinical trials were conducted on 10 subjects, and the results were analyzed using the Bland-Altman analysis method, confirming the accuracy of the mattress, with maximum errors of less than 1 breath per minute and 2 beats per minute for respiration and heartbeat respectively. In addition, the mattress's reliability and stability were verified through continuous sleep monitoring at various times of day. The mattress has the advantages of low cost, softness, comfort, and high sensitivity, and is suitable as a home medical device for long-term continuous monitoring of respiratory and heart rates during sleep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The Paleoproterozoic JLJOB in the Liaodong peninsula comprises a sequence of metamorphosed volcanic-sedimentary rocks. • Different lines of evidence for and against existing tectonic models are reviewed. • Tectonic, geochronological, and geochemical data suggest the existence of a back-arc basin. • The evolution of the back-arc basin involved four-stages of closure. A global collisional orogenic event that formed the Columbia supercontinent occurred during 2100–1800 Ma. In the eastern North China Craton (NCC), the Paleoproterozoic Jiao-Liao-Ji orogenic belt (JLJOB), composed of metamorphosed volcanic-sedimentary rocks and intrusions, may have preserved records of the collisional event. Tectonics of the JLJOB thus becomes the key to the understanding of the tectonic evolution of the NCC, and may provide important information on assembly of the Columbia supercontinent. Two classical models, i.e. the rift closure model and arc-continent collision model, have been widely cited for the tectonic evolution of the JLJOB. The former is based on occurrence of A-type granites and bimodal volcanics within the orogenic belt, and comparable Archean blocks to the south and north of it, while the latter is supported by occurrence of calc-alkaline volcanics, I-type granites, paired metamorphic belts and detrital zircon age constraints. Integration of literature results and our data, we suggest that the JLJOB was formed by closure of a back-arc basin at an active continental margin. Tectonic evolution of the JLJOB is subdivided into four stages, i.e., pre-orogenic stage at 2200–2060 Ma, transitional stage at 2060–1940 Ma, orogenic stage at 1940–1860 Ma and post-orogenic stage after 1860 Ma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bone cancer pain (BCP), which seriously affects the quality of life of patients, remains a clinically challenging problem. Hence, there is an urgent need to investigate new mechanisms and develop new therapeutics to relieve BCP. In the present study, we investigated the analgesic effect of melatonin on BCP and the underlying mechanisms. Male C57BL/6 mice were used to establish BCP models. We found that the levels of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and nucleus-high mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) were decreased, whilst the levels of HMGB1, cytoplasm-HMGB1 and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β) were increased in the spinal cord of BCP mice on days 7, 14 and 21 after implantation compared with the levels in sham mice. Intrathecal administration of melatonin dose-dependently increased values of PWMT and TWL compared with the BCP group. However, intrathecal administration of EX527 (a selective SIRT1 antagonist) reversed the analgesic effect of melatonin. Moreover, mice in the melatonin group exhibited an increase in SIRT1 and nucleus-HMGB1, whilst there was a decrease in HMGB1, cytoplasm-HMGB1, rage, acetyl-HMGB1 and inflammatory cytokines compared with those in BCP mice. EX527 also reversed these changes. Furthermore, SIRT1 physically interacted with HMGB1 in the BCP mice. In conclusion, intrathecal administration of melatonin attenuates BCP through SIRT1-dependent inhibition of HMGB1 translocation and inflammatory cytokines. Melatonin may be a promising drug for the clinical treatment of BCP. • Spinal SIRT1 and HMGB1 are involved in the development of bone cancer pain. • HMGB1 translocation from nucleus to cytoplasm contributes to bone cancer pain. • Melatonin administration significantly alleviates bone cancer pain. • Melatonin suppresses spinal HMGB1 translocation through upregulating SIRT1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Postoperative delirium can occur following various types of surgeries. The specific risk factors for delirium following spinal surgery have not been systematically evaluated. The aim of this study is to conduct a meta-analysis of the risk factors for delirium after spinal surgery. Methods PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and Science Citation Index were searched from inception to October 2014 for original research studies. Relevant studies on patients with delirium following spinal surgery were included if they identified at least 1 risk factor as being associated with delirium. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used for the study quality assessment, and the pooled odds ratios (ORs) were used for determining the risk factors. Results Six articles met the inclusion criteria. Twenty-four risk factors in the multivariate analyses and 22 factors in the univariate analyses were significantly associated with delirium following spinal surgery. In the pooled analyses, age >65 years (OR: 6.13; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.75, 6.54); female sex (OR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.15, 1.28); number of medications (mean difference [MD]: 1.36; 95% CI: 0.73, 2.00); low preoperative hematocrit (MD: −1.67; 95% CI: −2.97, −0.38) and albumin (MD: −0.33; 95% CI: −0.53, −0.13); duration of surgery (MD: 35.79; 95% CI: 1.42, 70.16); intraoperative blood loss (MD: 124.44; 95% CI: 100.03, 148.85); low postoperative hematocrit (MD: −2.58; 95% CI: −3.70, −1.46), hemoglobin (MD: −1.10; 95% CI: −1.86, −0.35), and sodium (MD: −2.97; 95% CI: −5.42, −0.51); and postoperative fever (OR: 4.52; 95% CI: 2.94, 6.95) were significantly associated with delirium. Conclusions Several risk factors were consistently associated with delirium following spinal surgery, which can be used to identify high-risk patients. Recognizing these patients is important for physicians to develop preventive strategies to reduce postoperative delirium and its negative consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The mechanism by which a brief episode of sublethal ischemia followed by reperfusion (ischemic preconditioning, IPC) prevents the lethal effects of subsequent periods of prolonged ischemia, are poorly understood. A completely randomized, controlled study was designed to study the effect of IPC using a rabbit model of ischemic spinal cord injury. Twenty-four white adult New England rabbits were randomly assigned to one of 3 groups (n =8 per group); the groups were assigned as follows: Group I: sham-operation group, Group II: ischemic reperfusion (I/R) group, and Group III: ischemic preconditioning group. Spinal cord ischemia was induced by introducing an infra renal aortic cross-clamp for 30min. Following injury, rabbits were subjected to 30min, 2h, or 8h of reperfusion in Group II. In Group III, subjects underwent three cycles, 5min each, of ischemia followed by 5min of reperfusion, before receiving 30min of ischemia. We previously reported that the association between ASK1 (apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1) and 14-3-3 played an important role in regulating ischemia/reperfusion spinal cord injuries. To evaluate the effect of ischemic preconditioning in injured spinal cords, we examined alterations in spinal tissue morphology, activation of key members of the ASK1-mediated signaling pathway, and the association between ASK1 and 14-3-3. Changes in spinal cord morphology were observed with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and electron microscopy. The phosphorylation levels of ASK1, JNK, and p38 were assessed by immunoblot analysis. The association between ASK1 and 14-3-3 was analyzed by co-immunoprecipitation experiments. We observed that swelling of the neurocyte bodies and hemorrhage of the spinal cord were dramatically decreased in Group III compared to Group II. In addition, the degree of apoptosis among neurocytes was reduced in Group III compared to Group II. Finally, the phosphorylation of ASK1, JNK, p38 and the dissociation of ASK1 from 14-3-3 were dramatically decreased in Group III compared with Group II. These results indicate that ischemic preconditioning may have a protective affect against ASK1/14-3-3 dissociation-induced spinal cord injuries. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• SRT1720 treatment produced a dose-dependent analgesic effect on the BCP mice. • The CREB/CRTC1 signalling pathway was upregulated in a mouse model of BCP. • SRT1720 relieved BCP by inhibiting the CREB/CRTC1 signalling pathway. Bone cancer pain (BCP) caused by primary or metastatic bone tumours significantly interferes with the quality of life of patients. However, the relief of BCP remains a major challenge. Our previous study demonstrated that intrathecal administration of the Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) activator SRT1720 attenuated BCP in a murine model. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanisms have not been fully clarified. Previous studies demonstrated that the activation of the cAMP response element binding (CREB) protein played a critical role in BCP. Furthermore, SIRT1 can also regulate the balance between glucose and lipid metabolism through CREB deacetylation. In this study, we measured the analgesic effects of different intrathecal doses of SRT1720 on BCP in a murine model and further examined whether SRT1720 attenuated BCP by suppressing CREB/CREB-regulated transcription coactivator 1 (CRTC1) signalling pathway. Our results demonstrated that the BCP mice developed significant mechanical allodynia and spontaneous flinching, which were accompanied by the upregulation of phospho-Ser133 CREB (p-CREB) and CRTC1 expression in the spinal cord. SRT1720 treatment produced a dose-dependent analgesic effect on the BCP mice and downregulated the expression of p-CREB and CRTC1. These results suggest that intrathecal administration of SRT1720 reverses BCP likely by inhibiting the CREB/CRTC1 signalling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geminivirus infection results in systemic symptoms in plants, but the mechanism by which the virus affects cell-to-cell signalling involved in development and resistance remains unclear. Based on recent evidence, we suggest a potential mechanism that geminivirus C4 proteins interfere with intercellular signals by interacting with receptor-like kinases on the plasma membrane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two recent reports show that SUMO ligase AtMMS21 controls the cell cycle through dissociating the E2Fa/DPa complex, and regulates chromatin remodeling by maintaining the stability of BRAHMA. We discuss these novel functions of AtMMS21 and its potential role in linking DNA repair and root development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• SUMOylation controls the protein-protein interactions, subcellular localization, and stability of transcription factors. • SUMOylation contributes to transcriptional regulation during plant development and stress responses. • SUMOylation engages in cross-talk with other protein modifications to modulate transcription in plant cells. Gene transcription is critical for various cellular processes and is precisely controlled at multiple levels, and posttranslational modification (PTM) is a fast and powerful way to regulate transcription factors (TFs). SUMOylation, which conjugates small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO) molecules to protein substrates, is a crucial PTM that modulates the activity, stability, subcellular localization, and partner interactions of TFs in plant cells. Here, we summarize the mechanisms of SUMOylation in the regulation of transcription in plant development and stress responses. We also discuss the crosstalk between SUMOylation and other PTMs, as well as the potential functions of SUMOylation in the regulation of transcription-associated complexes on plant chromatin. This summary and perspective will improve understanding of the molecular mechanism of PTMs in plant transcription regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asphalt binder pavements in saline regions encounter multifaceted challenges in the high-temperature, high-humidity, and high-radiation settings of summer, significantly impacting pavement durability. This study presents an indoor simulation of a coupled salt solution-aging environment, designed to mirror the climatic characteristics of saline regions. Through meticulous experimentation, the dynamic modulus and phase angle master curves of asphalt binder were meticulously constructed via frequency sweep tests, leveraging the time-temperature equivalence principle. The outcomes revealed notable enhancements in the high-temperature performance of asphalt binder following the combined influence of saline-alkali environments and Rolling Thin Film Oven Test (RTFOT) aging. Conversely, the high-temperature performance experienced a decline subsequent to coupling the saline environment with Pressurized Aging Vessel (PAV) and Ultraviolet (UV) aging. To assess fatigue performance after saline-aging coupling, Linear Amplitude Scanning tests, guided by the viscoelastic continuum damage theory, were conducted. Remarkably, it was found that asphalt binder's fatigue life decayed most rapidly under alkaline salt environments, with the saline setting exerting the most significant influence during PAV aging. Comparative analysis indicated that SBS modified asphalt binder displayed greater resistance to saline effects than the 70# asphalt binder. However, SBS modified asphalt binder exhibited limited advantages in resisting alkaline salt environment action under substantial strain. Evaluation of asphalt binder's self-healing capability, employing fatigue-healing-fatigue tests and guided by the viscoelastic continuum damage theory model, revealed intriguing insights. Aging led to a reduction in the asphalt binder's self-healing ability, with sodium sulfate environments imposing the most substantial hindrance. Surprisingly, the sodium carbonate environment exhibited partial promotion of the asphalt binder's healing efficiency. Furthermore, the fatigue life of the healed asphalt binder exhibited increments, albeit with diminishing increases correlating to deeper salt solution-aging. This comprehensive study elucidates the multifaceted impacts of coupled saline-aging environments on asphalt binder performance. Insights into high-temperature behavior, fatigue resistance, and self-healing dynamics provide valuable foundations for advancing asphalt binder formulations tailored for enhanced durability in saline regions. • An indoor simulation of a coupled salt solution-aging environment was designed. • Viscoelastic, fatigue and self-healing performance of asphalt binder were evaluated. • Three coupling effects showed different influence on the viscoelastic performance. • Coupling effect of salt solution-aging negatively affected the fatigue performance. • Three coupling effects showed different influence on the self-healing performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The annual Zea mays ssp. mexicana L. is a member of the teosinte group and a close wild relative of maize. Thus, Zea mays ssp. mexicana L. can be effectively used in maize breeding. AtCCHA1 is a Mn2+ and/or Ca2+/H+ antiporter localized in chloroplasts in Arabidopsis. In this study, its homolog from Zea mays ssp. mexicana L., ZmmCCHA1, was isolated and characterized. The transcriptional level of ZmmCCHA1 in Zea mays ssp. mexicana L. was repressed in response to excessive Ca2+ or Mn2+. Heterologous functional complementation assays using yeast mutants showed that ZmmCCHA1 mediates Ca2+ and Mn2+ transport. The ZmmCCHA1 protein was localized in the chloroplasts when expressed in tobacco leaves. Furthermore, ectopic overexpression of ZmmCCHA1 in the Arabidopsis ccha1 mutant rescued the mutant defects on growth and the photosynthetic proteins in the thylakoid membranes. Moreover, the photosynthetic phenotypes of Arabidopsis ccha1 mutant at steady-state were greatly but not completely complemented by the overexpression of ZmmCCHA1. In addition, overexpressing the ZmmCCHA1 rescued the sensitives of PSII in the Arabidopsis ccha1 mutant to Mn2+ deficiency or high Ca2+ condition. These results indicate that the isolated ZmmCCHA1 is the homolog of AtCCHA1 and plays a conserved role in maintaining the Mn2+ and/or Ca2+ homeostasis in chloroplasts which is critical for the function of PSII in photosynthesis. • ZmmCCHA1, a Mn2+ (Ca2+)/H+ antiporter from Z. mays ssp. mexicana was identified. • ZmmCCHA1 mediates Ca2+ and Mn2+ transport in yeast complementation assays. • ZmmCCHA1 localizes in the chloroplasts in a transient expression system. • Overexpressing ZmmCCHA1 rescued the phenotypes of the Arabidopsis ccha1 mutant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMOylation is an important protein modification that regulates the properties of substrate proteins in a variety of cellular processes. SUMOylation is catalyzed via a cascade of enzymes and is usually stimulated by SUMO E3 ligases. However, the molecular functions and regulatory mechanisms of SUMOylation in forage crops are unknown. Here, we isolated and functionally characterized DiMMS21, a homolog of the Arabidopsis thaliana SUMO ligase AtMMS21, from the forage legume Desmodium intortum. DiMMS21 is expressed ubiquitously in various D. intortum organs and its encoded protein is found in the cytoplasm and nucleus. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that DiMMS21 contains a conserved SP-RING domain that is required for its activity. Biochemical evidence supports the notion that this protein is a functional SUMO ligase. When expressed in an Arabidopsis mms21 mutant, DiMMS21 completely rescued the defects in root, leaf, and silique development. The results from cotyledon greening and marker gene expression suggested that DiMMS21 can only partially complements the role of AtMMS21 in abscisic acid (ABA) responses. In summary, we characterized the molecular features of DiMMS21 and uncovered potential roles of this SUMO ligase in development and ABA responses, increasing our understanding on the function of SUMOylation in forage crops. Image 1 • DiMMS21 from the forage legume Desmodium intortum is a homolog of the Arabidopsis SUMO ligase AtMMS21. • DiMMS21 is expressed ubiquitously in various organs and its encoded protein is found in the cytoplasm and nucleus. • DiMMS21 is able to replace the functions of AtMMS21 in root, leaf, and silique development in Arabidopsis. • DiMMS21 can not completely complements the function of AtMMS21 in abscisic acid responses in Arabidopsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • The 26S proteasome subunit RPT2a interacts with a SUMO ligase AtMMS21. • The mutants of AtMMS21 and RPT2a have similar root developmental defects. • RPT2a is covalently modified by SUMO3 potentially mediated via AtMMS21. • The protein level of RPT2a and activity of the 26S proteasome are decreased in the AtMMS21 mutant. Abstract The 26S proteasome is a multi-subunit protease controlling most of the cytosolic and nuclear protein turnover, regulating many cellular events in eukaryotes. However, functional modification on this complex remains unclear. Here, we showed a novel mechanism that a SUMO ligase AtMMS21 regulates activity of the 26S proteasome in root development of Arabidopsis. Our in vitro and in vivo data supported that AtMMS21 interacts with RPT2a, a subunit of the 26S proteasome. The mutants of AtMMS21 and RPT2a display similar developmental defect of roots, suggesting their association in this process. In addition, RPT2a is modified by SUMO3, potentially related to AtMMS21. During development, the activity of the 26S proteasome is lower in both mutants of AtMMS21 and RPT2a , compared with that of wild type. Furthermore, the protein level but not the RNA level of RPT2a is decreased in the absence of AtMMS21 , implying stability regulation of the proteasome complex through the AtMMS21-RPT2a interaction. Taken together, the current study would improve our understanding on the regulatory mechanism of the 26S proteasome via protein modification in root development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The SWI/SNF complex is crucial to chromatin remodeling in various biological processes in different species, but the distinct functions of its components in plant development remain unclear. Here we uncovered the role of SWI3B, a subunit of the Arabidopsis thaliana SWI/SNF complex, via RNA interference. Knockdown of SWI3   B resulted in an upward-curling leaf phenotype. Further investigation showed that the RNA level of IAA carboxyl methyltransferase 1 ( IAMT1 ), encoding an enzyme involved in auxin metabolism, was dramatically elevated in the knockdown ( SWI3B-RNAi ) plants. In addition, activation of IAMT1 produced a leaf-curling phenotype similar to that of the SWI3B-RNAi lines. Database analysis suggested that the last intron of IAMT contains a site of polymerase V (Pol V) stabilized nucleosome, which may be associated with SWI3B. Data from a micrococcal nuclease (MNase) digestion assay showed that nucleosome occupancy around this site was downregulated in the leaves of SWI3B-RNAi plants. In addition, knockdown of IAMT1 in the SWI3B-RNAi background repressed the abnormal leaf development. Thus, SWI3B-mediated chromatin remodeling is critical in regulating the expression of IAMT1 in leaf development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel bands selection method based on ABS (Adaptive Band Selection) and JSKF (Joint Skewness-Kurtosis Figure) is proposed in this paper. The hyperspectral data is separated into different sub-spaces by employing ABS and JSKF respectively. Subsequently a novel optimal bands selection method NIA (Normalization Index Algorithm) is proposed to select the optimal bands according to the value of ABS and JSKF. Both the high correlations of the adjacent bands and the richness of complementary information are considered in detail in this proposed method. Some numerical simulations are made to test the validity and capability of the proposed dimension reduction algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The annual Zea mays ssp. mexicana L., a member of the teosinte group, is a close wild relative of maize and thus can be effectively used in maize improvement. In this study, an ICE- like gene, ZmmICE1 , was isolated from a cDNA library of RNA-Seq from cold-treated seedling tissues of Zea mays ssp. mexicana L. The deduced protein of ZmmICE1 contains a highly conserved basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) domain and C-terminal region of ICE -like proteins. The ZmmICE1 protein localizes to the nucleus and shows sumoylation when expressed in an Escherichia coli reconstitution system. In addition, yeast one hybrid assays indicated that ZmmICE1 has transactivation activities. Moreover, ectopic expression of ZmmICE1 in the Arabidopsis ice1-2 mutant increased freezing tolerance. The ZmmICE1 overexpressed plants showed lower electrolyte leakage (EL), reduced contents of malondialdehyde (MDA). The expression of downstream cold related genes of Arabidopsis C-repeat-binding factors ( AtCBF1 , AtCBF2 and AtCBF3) , cold-responsive genes ( AtCOR15A and AtCOR47) , kinesin-1 member gene ( AtKIN1) and responsive to desiccation gene ( AtRD29A) was significantly induced when compared with wild type under low temperature treatment. Taken together, these results indicated that ZmmICE1 is the homolog of Arabidopsis inducer of CBF expression genes ( AtICE1/2) and plays an important role in the regulation of freezing stress response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) modulates plant growth and developmental processes such as leaf senescence. In this study, we investigated the role of the Arabidopsis late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) protein ABR (ABA-response protein) in delaying dark-induced leaf senescence. The ABR gene was up-regulated by treatment with ABA, NaCl and mannitol, as well as by light deprivation. In the dark, abr mutant plants displayed a premature leaf senescence phenotype, and various senescence-associated indicators, such as an increase in chlorophyll degradation and membrane leakiness, were enhanced, whereas 35S: ABR / abr transgenic lines showed a marked delay in dark-induced leaf senescence phenotypes. In vitro and in vivo assays showed that ABI5 bind to the ABR promoter, indicating that ABI5 directly regulates the expression of ABR . The disruption of ABI5 function in abr abi5-1 plants abolished the senescence-accelerating phenotype of the abr mutant, demonstrating that ABI5 is epistatic to ABR. In summary, these results highlight the important role that ABR , which is negatively regulated by ABI5, plays in delaying dark-induced leaf senescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lambda-cyhalothrin (LCT), one of the type II pyrethroids, has been widely used throughout the world. The estrogenic effect of LCT to increase cell proliferation has been well established. However, whether the estrogenic effect of LCT will influence neurodevelopment has not been investigated. In addition, 17β-Estradiol (E2) plays a crucial role in neurodevelopment and induces an increase in synaptic proteins. The post-synaptic density 95 (PSD95) protein, which is involved in the development of the structure and function of new spines and localized with estrogen receptor α (ERα) at the post-synaptic density (PSD), was detected in our study by using hippocampal neuron cell line HT22. We found that LCT up-regulated PSD95 and ERα expression, estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist ICI182,780 and phosphatidylinositol-4; 5-bisphosphate 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor LY294,002 blocked this effect. In addition, LCT disrupted the promotion effect of E2 on PSD95. To investigate whether the observed changes are caused by ERα-dependent signaling activation, we next detected the effects of LCT on the ERα-mediated PI3K-Protein kinase B (PKB/Akt)-eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF) 4E-binding protein 1 (4E-BP1) pathway. There existed an activation of Akt and the downstream factor 4E-BP1 after LCT treatment. In addition, LCT could disrupt the activation effect of E2 on the Akt pathway. However, no changes in cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) activation and PSD95 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) were observed. Our findings demonstrated that LCT could increase the PSD95 protein level via the ERα-dependent Akt pathway, and LCT might disrupt the up-regulation effect of E2 on PSD95 protein expression via this signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The functions of jasmonic acid (JA) in various stress responses have been uncovered in details, but its role in salt tolerance remains unclear. Here, we characterize the function of Arabidopsis lipoxygenase3 (LOX3), an enzyme involved in JA synthesis, in salt stress response. The transcriptional analysis indicated that LOX3 was dramatically induced under salt treatment. Compared with wild type, the lox3 mutant exhibited hypersensitivity to salt stress in germination and different developmental stages. Interestingly, methyl jasmonate (MeJA) rescued the salt sensitivity phenotypes of the lox3 mutant, suggesting the impairment of salinity response in the mutant may be mediated by JA. Furthermore, the lateral root number of the lox3 mutant was similar with that in wild type under normal condition, but less than that in wild type during salt treatment, and this lateral root sensitivity phenotype was also complemented by exogenous MeJA. In addition, the measurement of oxylipins in the lox3 mutant and the analysis on germination of the JA receptor coi1 mutant under salt stress supported that JA may regulate the early response to salinity. In conclusion, we characterized the novel function of LOX3 in salinity stress response, and found that the salt hypersensitivity of the lox3 mutant can be complemented by MeJA, providing new evidence for the association between JA and salt tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Litchi fruit ( Litchi chinensis Sonn.) is highly perishable after harvest. The shelf life is only 4–6 days under ambient temperature storage conditions, which has restricted the development of the litchi industry to a considerable extent. To investigate the molecular mechanisms of litchi fruit senescence, comparative proteomic analysis was carried out on litchi pulp. After two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE), 64 spots were significantly differentially expressed, 61 of which were successfully identified using liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC–ESI–MS/MS). All of the identified proteins were classified according to biological process, molecular function, and cellular component using Blast2GO. Results showed that those proteins were mainly involved in signal transduction, cell wall metabolism, primary and secondary metabolism, energy metabolism. Specifically, many up-regulated proteins were involved in auxin/ethylene regulation, which suggested that auxin and ethylene might cooperate to regulate litchi pulp senescence. Histone deacetylase and DNA methyltransferase might involve the down-regulation of proteins related to reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging, glycolysis, tricarboxylic acid cycle, and ATP synthesis in litchi senescence. A higher proportion of differentially expressed proteins were up-regulated and these were involved in a range of processes including cell wall organization or biogenesis, anaerobic respiration, protein degradation, lipid degradation. All of those proteins might accelerate fruit softening, deterioration and senescence. This study is the first to carry out proteomic analysis of the regulation of litchi fruit senescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geminiviruses are a large group of plant viruses that have been a serious threat to worldwide agriculture. Transcription of the virus-encoded genes is necessary for geminiviruses to complete their life cycle, but the host proteins which directly target geminivirus promoters for suppression of viral gene transcription remain to be identified. Using Beet severe curly top virus (BSCTV) which causes severe plant symptoms as a system, we performed a yeast one-hybrid screening and identified ABA INSENSITIVE 5 (ABI5), a critical transcription factor in Abscisic acid (ABA) signaling transduction, as an interactor with the viral promoter. Further data showed that an ABA-responsive element in the viral promoter is necessary for its interaction with ABI5 and symptom development. Overexpression of ABI5 suppresses the transcription activity of the viral promoter and BSCTV infection in Nicotiana benthamiana and Arabidopsis; whilst depletion of ABI5 enhances the infection of BSCTV in Arabidopsis. Taken together, our study uncovered the function of ABI5 in the plant-virus interaction and will provide us with a new strategy to protect crops from geminivirus infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We proposed an optical color image hiding algorithm based on Gerchberg–Saxton retrieval algorithm in fractional Fourier domain. The RGB components of the color image are converted into a scrambled image by using 3D Arnold transform before the hiding operation simultaneously and these changed images are regarded as the amplitude of fractional Fourier spectrum. Subsequently the unknown phase functions in fractional Fourier domain are calculated by the retrieval algorithm, in which the host RBG components are the part of amplitude of the input functions. The 3D Arnold transform is performed with different parameters to enhance the security of the hiding and extracting algorithm. Some numerical simulations are made to test the validity and capability of the proposed color hiding encryption algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A color image encryption algorithm is designed by using the affine transform in the gyrator transform domains. The RGB components of the color image are converted into the real part and the imaginary part of a complex function by employing the affine transform. Subsequently the complex function is encoded and transformed in gyrator domain. The gyrator transform is performed twice to enhance the security of this encryption algorithm. The parameters in the affine transform and the gyrator transform are regarded as the key in the encryption algorithm. Some numerical simulations are made to test the validity and capability of the proposed color encryption algorithm. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

SUMOylation is a critical post-translational modification that regulates the nature and activity of protein substrates. The reaction is usually enhanced by a SIZ/PIAS-type of SUMO E3 ligase, but the functions of its homologs in maize have not yet been reported. In this study, we functionally characterized three members of this family of SUMO ligases, ZmSIZ1a, ZmSIZ1b, and ZmSIZ1c, from Zea mays. These maize SIZ1 homologs harbor conserved domains and structures with AtSIZ1, suggesting that they are potential functional SUMO ligases, which is supported by further biochemical data. The expression of these maize SIZ1 genes was detectable ubiquitously in different maize tissues and was usually induced by abiotic stresses. Expression of ZmSIZ1 members complements the leaf developmental defects of the AtSIZ1 mutant, suggesting their conserved function in development regulation. Interestingly, overexpression of ZmSIZ1c , but not ZmSIZ1a or ZmSIZ1b , in the wild-type Arabidopsis resulted in early flowering, implying that these members differ in terms of flowering control. Besides, overexpression of these ZmSIZ1 genes also improved salt tolerance in Arabidopsis. Collectively, our functional characterization of the ZmSIZ1 members provides hints for further investigation on the functions of SUMOylation in the development and stress responses in maize. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar cells are becoming a strong competitor in the new energy market due to their superior ability to generate electricity in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner. The present study is devoted to presenting a theoretical framework for nonlinear dynamic buckling behaviours of imperfect multilayer solar cells subjected to impact loading resting on the elastic foundation. Two types of solar cell models, namely, organic solar cell (OSC) and perovskite solar cell (PSC), with simply supported and clamped boundary conditions are investigated. Sinusoidal, exponential, rectangular, and damping pulse functions are considered Based on the first-order shear deformation plate theory, the nonlinearity are introduced with the aid of von Kármán theory. The equations of the dynamic system of the plate with the consideration of large-deflection are derived by the Galerkin method and then solved by the fourth-order Runge–Kutta methods. After validation, some parametric experiments are performed to explore the influences of the pulse duration, pulse function pulse amplitude, initial imperfection, boundary conditions, Winkler–Pasternak​ elastic foundation coefficients, and damping ratios on the dynamic stability of the structures. • Nonlinear dynamic buckling analysis of solar cells is studied. • Sinusoidal, exponential, rectangular, and damping pulse functions are considered. • The organic and perovskite solar cells are under investigation. • Geometric imperfection, elastic foundation, and damping effects are examined. • Simply supported and clamped boundary conditions are studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMOylation, which transfers the Small Ubiquitin-related Modifier (SUMO) polypeptides to target proteins, regulates diverse cellular processes in eukaryotes. The SUMO conjugation reaction is usually promoted by SUMO E3 ligases, but the molecular functions of this type of enzymes remain unclear in cereal crops. Here, OsMMS21, a SUMO E3 ligase, was functionally characterized in rice (Oryza sativa). Bioinformatics analysis showed that OsMMS21 harbors a conserved SP-RING domain that is essential for the activity of SUMO ligases. Biochemical data indicated that this protein is auto-SUMOylated. Besides, overexpression of OsMMS21 rescued the developmental defects of the AtMMS21 mutant, supporting that OsMMS21 is a functional homolog of the Arabidopsis SUMO ligase AtMMS21. The OsMMS21 rice T-DNA mutant displays a short-root and dwarfism phenotype. RNA-seq data revealed that the expression levels of many genes involved in signaling transduction of hormones, including auxin, are altered in the OsMMS21 mutant. Further results under the auxin treatment showed that the OsMMS21 mutant is insensitive to auxin. Collectively, our results demonstrated the molecular features of OsMMS21 and uncovered the roles of this SUMO ligase in development and auxin response, providing hints for further studies on protein SUMOylation in rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cartilage degradation is the main characterization of osteoarthritis (OA). Accumulating evidence suggests that chondrocyte apoptosis and autophagy are associated with cartilage degradation. Thus, we investigated the protective effect and underlying mechanism of eupatilin for treating OA. IL-1β was used to simulate OA in vitro. Data show that eupatilin treatment attenuated IL-1β-induced apoptosis of chondrocytes. Autophagy was also activated by eupatilin in a dose-dependent manner. Then, pretreatment with chloroquine (CQ), an autophagic inhibitor, decreased eupatilin-induced autophagy and increased apoptosis in the chondrocytes. To investigate the mechanism of eupatilin, the expressions of sestrin2 and mTOR were measured using Western blot; eupatilin upregulated sestrin2 but downregulated mTOR phosphorylation. The administration of sestrin2-siRNA significantly decreased autophagy and reversed the protective effect of eupatilin against chondrocyte apoptosis and degradation of the cartilage matrix. Thus, eupatilin can inhibit IL-1β-induced apoptosis via sestrin2-dependent autophagy in chondrocytes. • Eupatilin inhibits apoptosis of chondrocytes induced by IL-1β. • Eupatilin induces autophagy in chondrocytes and autophagy protects chondrocytes against IL-1β-induced apoptosis. • Inhibition of sestrin2 by siRNA significantly attenuated eupatilin-induced autophagy and increased apoptosis in chondrocytes. • Eupatilin has the protective effect on ECM degeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]