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Invisibility, robustness and payload are three indispensable and contradictory properties for any image watermarking systems. Recently, to achieve the tradeoff among above three requirements, statistical watermarking schemes have gained a lot of attention. Most existing approaches, however, often bear a number of drawbacks, in particular: (i) They all employ directly transform coefficients, which are always fragile to some attacks, for watermark embedding and statistical modeling; (ii) The adopted model cannot capture accurately the statistical distributions of the transform coefficients; (iii) Most of them simply use the linear function for watermark embedding, which often either miss higher capacity or may cause visible distortions. This has motivated us to introduce in this paper a novel non-linear statistical image watermark detector based on undecimated discrete wavelet transform (UDWT)-polar complex exponential transform (PCET) magnitude and the exponentiated Cauchy-Rayleigh distribution. We begin with a detailed study on the robustness and statistical characteristics of local UDWT-PCET magnitudes of natural images. This study reveals the strong robustness and highly non-Gaussian marginal statistics of local UDWT-PCET magnitudes. We also find that, with a small number of parameters, the new exponentiated Cauchy-Rayleigh model can capture accurately the statistical properties of the robust UDWT-PCET magnitudes of the image. Meanwhile, the statistical model parameters can be computed effectively by using the genetic simulated annealing (GSA)-based maximum likelihood (ML) estimation. Based on these findings, we finally develop a new non-linear statistical image watermark detector using the exponentiated Cauchy-Rayleigh PDF and locally most powerful (LMP) decision rule. Also, we use the exponentiated Cauchy-Rayleigh statistical model to derive the closed-form expressions for the watermark detector. Extensive experimental results show the superiority of the proposed blind watermark detector over most of the state-of-the-art methods recently proposed in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the main characteristics of optical imaging systems is spatial resolution, which is restricted by the diffraction limit to approximately half the wavelength of the incident light. Along with the recently developed classical super-resolution techniques, which aim at breaking the diffraction limit in classical systems, there is a class of quantum super-resolution techniques which leverage the non-classical nature of the optical signals radiated by quantum emitters, the so-called antibunching super-resolution microscopy. This approach can ensure a factor of n improvement in the spatial resolution by measuring the n -th order autocorrelation function. The main bottleneck of the antibunching super-resolution microscopy is the time-consuming acquisition of multi-photon event histograms. We present a machine learning-assisted approach for the realization of rapid antibunching super-resolution imaging and demonstrate 12 times speed-up compared to conventional, fitting-based autocorrelation measurements. The developed framework paves the way to the practical realization of scalable quantum super-resolution imaging devices that can be compatible with various types of quantum emitters. Quantum super-resolution techniques take advantage of the non-classical nature of the quantum emitters, but are time-consuming. Here, the authors present a machine learning-assisted approach for fast antibunching-based super-resolution imaging, with a 12-fold speed up over the conventional approach [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective protection against X-ray is the premise of utilizing the X-ray, thus it is critical to develop novel X-ray shielding materials with both low density and high X-ray attenuation efficiency. As the even distribution of high-Z element components is of great significance for increasing the attenuation efficiency of X-ray shielding materials, in this study, the microfiber membrane (MFM), a type of synthetic leather featuring hierarchical structure was chosen to provide large surface area for the dispersion of rare earth (RE) element. Meanwhile, plant polyphenol was utilized to achieve the stable loading and uniform dispersion of the Ce or Er into MFM. Benefiting from the assistance of polyphenol and hierarchical structure of MFM, the even dispersion of RE element was successfully realized. The resultant shielding materials displayed approximately 10% superior X-ray attenuation efficiency compared to that without polyphenol, and an averagely 9% increment in X-ray attenuation efficiency than that without hierarchical structure. Moreover, the obtained composite with a thickness of 2.8 mm displayed superior X-ray shielding performance compared to 0.25 mm lead sheet in 16–83 keV and retained an ultralow density of 1.4 g cm–3. Our research results would shed new light on the manufacture of high-performance X-ray shielding materials with excellent X-ray shielding performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) is one of the most common malignancies and places a heavy burden on patients worldwide. HAUS augmin-like complex subunit 5 (HAUS5) is involved in the occurrence and development of various cancers. However, the functional role and significance of HAUS5 in LIHC remain unclear. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx), Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases were used to analyze the mRNA expression of HAUS5. The value of HAUS5 in predicting LIHC prognosis and the relationship between HAUS5 and clinicopathological features were assessed by the Kaplan–Meier plotter and UALCAN databases. Functional enrichment analyses and nomogram prediction model construction were performed with the R packages. The LinkedOmics database was searched to reveal co-expressed genes associated with HAUS5. The relationship between HAUS5 expression and immune infiltration was explored by searching the TISIDB database and single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA). The Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium (CPTAC) and the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) databases were used to evaluate HAUS5 protein expression. Finally, the effect of HAUS5 on the proliferation of hepatoma cells was verified by CCK-8, colony formation and EdU assays. HAUS5 is aberrantly expressed and associated with a poor prognosis in most tumors, including LIHC. The expression of HAUS5 is significantly correlated with clinicopathological indicators in patients with LIHC. Functional enrichment analysis showed that HAUS5 was closely related to DNA replication, cell cycle and p53 signaling pathway. HAUS5 may serve as an independent risk factor for LIHC prognosis. The nomogram based on HAUS5 had area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.74 and 0.77 for predicting the 3-year and 5-year overall survival (OS) of LIHC patients. Immune correlation analysis showed that HAUS5 was significantly associated with immune infiltration. Finally, the results of in vitro experiments showed that when HAUS5 was knocked down, the proliferation of hepatoma cells was significantly decreased. The pan-oncogene HAUS5 is a positive regulator of LIHC progression and is closely associated with a poor prognosis in LIHC. Moreover, HAUS5 is involved in immune infiltration in LIHC. HAUS5 may be a new prognostic marker and therapeutic target for LIHC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although urban community food gardens have the capacity to strengthen and support neighborhoods in need, the benefits of such operations must be considered in tandem with the potential risks associated with urban environmental contamination. Therefore, research is needed to characterize existing community gardens in urban areas. In the present study, a survey of Houston, TX, community gardeners (N = 20) was conducted to better understand their risk-based knowledge and perceptions, current gardening practices, and willingness to implement risk mitigation measures. Soil samples collected from the beds (N = 22) and surrounding grounds (N = 24) of existing community garden sites in Houston, TX, were screened for trace and heavy metals using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. The survey indicated that community gardeners had few concerns with regard to potential soilborne hazards and were generally willing to use diverse strategies to reduce potential hazards related to garden soil contamination. Ground and garden bed soil collected from community gardens were found to have excess concentrations of arsenic compared to federal health screening limits. The information provided here provides insight into possible discordance between community gardening risk perception and contamination risk that could be addressed through outreach, engagement, and remediation approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been reported to play vital regulatory roles in human diseases. However, the functions of circRNAs in ischemic stroke (IS) are limited. In this study, we aimed to explore the functions and mechanisms of circRNA DLG associated protein 4 (circDLGAP4) in IS development. Oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD)-treated HCN-2 cells were used to mimic IS environment in vitro. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assay was used to detect the levels of circDLGAP4, microRNA-503-3p (miR-503-3p) and neuronal growth regulator 1 (NEGR1) mRNA. RNase R assay was conducted to analyze the stability of circDLGAP4. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and flow cytometry analysis were adopted for cell viability and death, respectively. Western blot assay was performed for protein levels. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits were used to examine the concentrations of inflammatory cytokines. Dual-luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay and RNA pull-down assay were employed to analyze the relationships among circDLGAP4, miR-503-3p and NEGR1. CircDLGAP4 level was declined in HCN-2 cells after OGD treatment. CircDLGAP4 overexpression promoted cell viability and suppressed cell death and inflammatory cytokine concentrations in OGD-treated HCN-2 cells. CircDLGAP4 acted as the sponge for miR-503-3p and the impacts of circDLGAP4 overexpression on cell viability, death and inflammation in OGD-treated HCN-2 cells were reversed by miR-503-3p elevation. Furthermore, NEGR1 was the target gene of miR-503-3p. MiR-503-3p inhibition ameliorated OGD-induced HCN-2 cell impairments, but NEGR1 knockdown abolished the effects. CircDLGAP4 alleviated OGD-induced HCN-2 cell damage by regulating miR-503-3p/NEGR1 axis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multiple ascending–dose study evaluated safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of multiple doses of milvexian, an oral small-molecule FXIa inhibitor, in healthy Japanese participants. Participants received oral milvexian daily under fasted (50 mg and 200 mg) or fed conditions (500 mg) or placebo over 14 days; 24 participants (8/cohort: 6 milvexian; 2 placebo) were planned. Due to an unblinding event, participants in one cohort (200 mg daily) were discontinued, and a second cohort enrolled; 32 participants were included in safety and pharmacodynamic analyses, and 24/32 in pharmacokinetic analyses. Milvexian up to 500 mg daily for 14 days was generally well tolerated, with no deaths, serious adverse events, or discontinuations due to adverse events. Milvexian exposure increased between 50-mg and 200-mg doses. Median Tmax was similar with 50-mg and 200-mg doses (2.5–3.0 h) and delayed under fed conditions (500 mg, 7.0–8.0 h). Median T1/2 was similar across doses (8.9–11.9 h). Multiple oral milvexian administrations resulted in concentration-related prolongation of aPTT and decreased FXI clotting activity. Milvexian was generally safe and well tolerated. The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile of milvexian demonstrates suitability for further clinical development in Japanese participants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background OsWRKY62 and OsWRKY76, two close members of WRKY transcription factors, function together as transcriptional repressors. OsWRKY62 is predominantly localized in the cytosol. What are the regulatory factors for OsWRKY62 nuclear translocation? Results In this study, we characterized the interaction of OsWRKY62 and OsWRKY76 with rice importin, OsIMα1a and OsIMα1b, for nuclear translocation. Chimeric OsWRKY62.1-GFP, which is predominantly localized in the cytoplasm, was translocated to the nucleus of Nicotiana benthamiana leaf cells in the presence of OsIMα1a or OsIMαΔIBB1a lacking the auto-inhibitory importin β-binding domain. OsIMαΔIBB1a interacted with the WRKY domain of OsWRKY62.1, which has specific bipartite positively charged concatenated amino acids functioning as a nuclear localization signal (NLS). Similarly, we found that OsIMαΔIBB1a interacted with the AvrPib effector of rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae, which contains a scattered distribution of positively charged amino acids. Furthermore, we identified a nuclear export signal (NES) in OsWRKY62.1 that inhibited nuclear transportation. Overexpression of OsIMα1a or OsIMα1b enhanced resistance to M. oryzae, whereas knockout mutants decreased resistance to the pathogen. However, overexpressing both OsIMα1a and OsWRKY62.1 were slightly more susceptible to M. oryzae than OsWRKY62.1 alone. Ectopic overexpression of OsWRKY62.1-NES fused gene compromised the enhanced susceptibility of OsWRKY62.1 to M. oryzae. Conclusion These results revealed the existence of NLS and NES in OsWRKY62. OsWRKY62, OsWRKY76, and AvrPib effector translocate to nucleus in association with importin α1s through new types of nuclear localization signals for negatively regulating defense responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This pilot study aimed to determine if a biophilic Green Therapy or Virtual Reality environment can decrease an oncology patient's pain and distress while receiving chemotherapy. A case-crossover pilot study was conducted in a comprehensive cancer infusion center. 33 participants with breast, gynecologic, gastrointestinal, pancreatic and prostate cancers were all included in three rooms in a random order at different cycles: control room, Green Therapy room, and Virtual Reality room to receive chemotherapy, respectively. Participants' pain, distress, heart rate, blood pressure, and saliva cortisol were measured before and after infusion in each room. No statistical significance differences were shown in the changes of heart rate, systolic, or diastolic blood pressure, saliva cortisol, pain, or distress before and after infusion between the control, Green Therapy, and Virtual Reality rooms. However, more patients reported the experience as "fun" and "enjoyable" when they were in Green Therapy or Virtual reality room as compared to in the control room. Additionally, since participating in the study, 14 patients reported spending at least 30 min or more outside in nature. In this study, we found that patients' heart rate, blood pressure, and self-reported distress levels were reduced after each biophilic intervention although results are not statistically significant. The study also suggested that biophilic interventions are safe and feasible and may complement the standard of care for oncology patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigate reaction-diffusion complex-valued neural networks with mixed delays. The mixed delays include both time-varying and infinite distributed delays. Criteria are derived to ensure the existence, uniqueness, and exponential stability of the equilibrium state of the addressed system on the basis of the M-matrix properties and homeomorphism mapping theories as well as the vector Lyapunov function method. The results demonstrate the positive effect of reaction-diffusion on the stability, which further improves the existing conditions. Finally, the analysis of several examples is compared to the present results to verify the correctness and reduced conservatism of the primary results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: NRF2, a prime target of cellular defense against oxidative stress, has shown a dark side profile in cancer progression. GRIM-19, an essential subunit of the mitochondrial MRC complex I, was recently identified as a suppressive role in tumorigenesis of human gastric cancer (GC). However, little information is available on the role of GRIM-19 and its cross-talk with NRF2 in GC metastasis. Methods: Online GC database was used to investigate DNA methylation and survival outcomes of GRIM-19. CRISPR/Cas9 lentivirus-mediated gene editing, metastasis mice models and pharmacological intervention were applied to investigate the role of GRIM-19 deficiency in GC metastasis. Quantitative RT-PCR, FACS, Western blot, IHC, IF and reporter gene assay were performed to explore underlying mechanisms. Results: Low GRIM-19 is correlated with poor survival outcome of GC patients while DNA hypermethylation is associated with GRIM-19 downregulation. GRIM-19 deficiency facilitates GC metastasis and triggers aberrant oxidative stress as well as ROS-dependent NRF2-HO-1 activation. Experimental interventions of specific ROS, NRF2 or HO-1 inhibitor significantly abrogate GRIM-19 deficiency-driven GC metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, HO-1 inhibition not only reverses GRIM-19 deficiency-driven NRF2 activation, but also feedback blocks NRF2 activator-induced NRF2 signaling, resulting in decreased metastasis-associated genes. Conclusions: Our data suggest that GRIM-19 deficiency accelerates GC metastasis through the oncogenic ROS-NRF2-HO-1 axis via a positive-feedback NRF2-HO-1 loop. Therefore, this study not only offers novel insights into the role of oncogenic NRF2 in tumor progression, but also provides new strategies to alleviate the dark side of NRF2 by targeting HO-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs)1–3 are known for their specific interactions with gas molecules4,5; this, combined with their rich and ordered porosity, makes them promising candidates for the photocatalytic conversion of gas molecules to useful products6. However, attempts to use MOFs or MOF-based composites for CO2 photoreduction6–13 usually result in far lower CO2 conversion efficiency than that obtained from state-of-the-art solid-state or molecular catalysts14–18, even when facilitated by sacrificial reagents. Here we create 'molecular compartments' inside MOF crystals by growing TiO2 inside different pores of a chromium terephthalate-based MOF (MIL-101) and its derivatives. This allows for synergy between the light-absorbing/electron-generating TiO2 units and the catalytic metal clusters in the backbones of MOFs, and therefore facilitates photocatalytic CO2 reduction, concurrent with production of O2. An apparent quantum efficiency for CO2 photoreduction of 11.3 per cent at a wavelength of 350 nanometres is observed in a composite that consists of 42 per cent TiO2 in a MIL-101 derivative, namely, 42%-TiO2-in-MIL-101-Cr-NO2. TiO2 units in one type of compartment in this composite are estimated to be 44 times more active than those in the other type, underlining the role of precise positioning of TiO2 in this system. Investigation of a chromium-based metal–organic framework shows that the location of added TiO2 inside specific mesopores strongly affects the ability of the material to catalyse photoreduction of CO2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) is a degenerative disease of the optic nerve associated with one of three mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) m.3460G>A, m.11778G>A and m.14484T>C mutations. Although several procedures are available to genotype these mutations, quantitative approaches with rapid, low-cost and easy to handle advantages for three LHON mtDNA mutations are rarely reported. Here, we firstly developed a "one-step" tetra-primer amplification-refractory mutation system (T-ARMS) PCR for qualitative genotyping of three LHON mtDNA mutations. Subsequently, we established single, duplex and triplex TaqMan MGB probe-based fluorescence quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays to perform both qualitative and quantitative analyses of three LHON mtDNA mutations. Standard curves based on tenfold diluted plasmid standard exhibited high specificity and sensitivity, stable repeatability and reliable detectable ability of TaqMan probe qPCR assays without cross-reactivity upon probes combination. Moreover, by comparing with SYBR Green qPCR, we further validated the feasibility of the triplex-probe qPCR assay for the quantitative detection of mtDNA copy number in blood samples. In conclusion, our study describes a rapid, low-cost, easy to-handle, and high-throughput TaqMan-MGB probe qPCR assay to perform both qualitative and quantitative analysis of three primary LHON mtDNA mutations, offering a promising approach for genetic screening and testing of LHON mutations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HIV-infected (HIV+) women may be more vulnerable to neurocognitive impairment (NCI) due to psychological and physiological factors but previous studies show mixed findings. We investigated the neurocognitive performances in HIV+ versus HIV− women and men. This cross-sectional analysis included 669 HIV+ patients (223 women) and 1338 HIV-uninfected (HIV−) controls (446 women) which were frequency matched on sex, education, and 5-year age categories. NCI was screened using the Mini-mental State Examination. Psychomotor speed was assessed using timed alternating hand sequence test. Prevalence of NCI was higher among women versus men in the HIV+ group (16.1% vs 10.5%) but not the HIV− group (4.3% vs 3.5%). HIV+ women performed worse compared to men on psychomotor speed, orientation, attention, and calculation, whereas HIV− women performed worse compared to men on attention and calculation. Adjusted interaction effects of HIV status × sex (women vs men) were significant on orientation, attention, and calculation, and marginally significant on psychomotor speed (p = 0.053). In multivariable models, among both HIV+ women and men, less years of education and depressive symptoms were associated with NCI. Waist-to-hip ratio above the cut-off was strongly associated with NCI among HIV+ women. HIV+ women perform worse on cognitive measures compared to HIV+ men. The association of central obesity with NCI in HIV+ women should be noted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mammalian prefrontal cortex comprises a set of highly specialized brain areas containing billions of cells and serves as the centre of the highest-order cognitive functions, such as memory, cognitive ability, decision-making and social behaviour. Although neural circuits are formed in the late stages of human embryonic development and even after birth, diverse classes of functional cells are generated and migrate to the appropriate locations earlier in development. Dysfunction of the prefrontal cortex contributes to cognitive deficits and the majority of neurodevelopmental disorders; there is therefore a need for detailed knowledge of the development of the prefrontal cortex. However, it is still difficult to identify cell types in the developing human prefrontal cortex and to distinguish their developmental features. Here we analyse more than 2,300 single cells in the developing human prefrontal cortex from gestational weeks 8 to 26 using RNA sequencing. We identify 35 subtypes of cells in six main classes and trace the developmental trajectories of these cells. Detailed analysis of neural progenitor cells highlights new marker genes and unique developmental features of intermediate progenitor cells. We also map the timeline of neurogenesis of excitatory neurons in the prefrontal cortex and detect the presence of interneuron progenitors in early developing prefrontal cortex. Moreover, we reveal the intrinsic development-dependent signals that regulate neuron generation and circuit formation using single-cell transcriptomic data analysis. Our screening and characterization approach provides a blueprint for understanding the development of the human prefrontal cortex in the early and mid-gestational stages in order to systematically dissect the cellular basis and molecular regulation of prefrontal cortex function in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we aim to solve the stabilization problem for a large class of fractional-order nonautonomous systems via linear state feedback control and adaptive control. By constructing quadratic Lyapunov functions and utilizing a new property for Caputo fractional derivative we derive some sufficient conditions for the global asymptotical stabilization of a class of fractional-order nonautonomous systems. We give two illustrative examples to validate the effectiveness of the theoretical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In order to maximise the utility of [C]-PBR28 for use in longitudinal studies and clinical trials in Alzheimer's disease (AD), there is a need to develop non-invasive metrics of tracer binding that do not require arterial cannulation. Recent work has suggested that standardised uptake value (SUV)-based methods may be sensitive to changes in translocator protein (TSPO) levels associated with neurodegeneration. However, the test-retest reliability of these approaches in AD over a time period relevant for clinical trials is unknown. In this study, the test-retest reliability of three SUV-based metrics was assessed in AD patients over 12 weeks. Methods: Five patients with mild AD and the high-affinity binding TSPO genotype underwent two [C]-PBR28 PET scans approximately 12 weeks apart. The test-retest reliability (TRR) of the unadjusted SUV, SUV relative to cerebellar grey matter (SUVR) and SUV normalised to whole brain activity (SUVR) in nine cortical and limbic regions of interest was assessed using the absolute variability and the intraclass correlation coefficient. Results: Of the three measures, SUVR performed best overall, showing low absolute variability (mean −0.13 %, SD 2.47 %) and high reliability (mean ICC = 0.83). Unadjusted SUV also performed well, with high reliability (ICC = 0.94) but also high variability (mean −1.24 %, SD 7.28 %). By comparison, the SUVR showed higher variability (mean −3.98 %, SD 7.07 %) and low reliability (ICC = 0.65). Conclusions: In this AD sample, we found that SUV-derived metrics of [C]-PBR28 binding showed high stability over 12 weeks. These results compare favourably with studies reporting TRR of absolute quantification of [C]-PBR28. Pending further validation of SUV-based measures of [C]-PBR28, semi-quantitative methods of [C]-PBR28 analysis may prove useful in longitudinal studies of AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: As a haloalkaliphilic, sulfur-oxidizing bacteria, Thialkalivibrio versutus D301 can remove sulfide, thiosulfate and polysulfide in wastewater, we investigated how it might be reused when mixed with high concentrations of elemental sulfur. Results: A process is described to immobilize T. versutus cells by using superparamagnetic FeO nanoparticles (NPs) under haloalkaliphilic conditions (i.e. pH 9.5, 0.5 M Na). The saturation magnetization value (δ) of immobilized cells was 55.1 emu/g. The FeO NPs-coated cells had the similar sulfur oxidization activity to that of free cells, and they could be reused six batch cycles. Analysis of hydraulic diameters showed that bacterial cells were immobilized by FeO NPs due to the nano-size effects. Conclusions: Magnetic immobilization is a convenient technique for cell immobilization under haloalkaliphilic conditions and is a promising technology for large scale application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes the structure of the putative ABC-type 2 transporter TM0543 from Thermotoga maritima MSB8 determined at a resolution of 2.3 Å. In comparative sequence-clustering analysis, TM0543 displays similarity to NatAB-like proteins, which are components of the ABC-type Na efflux pump permease. However, the overall structure fold of the predicted nucleotide-binding domain reveals that it is different from any known structure of ABC-type efflux transporters solved to date. The structure of the putative TM0543 domain also exhibits different dimer architecture and topology of its presumed ATP binding pocket, which may indicate that it does not bind nucleotide at all. Structural analysis of calcium ion binding sites found at the interface between TM0543 dimer subunits suggests that protein may be involved in ion-transporting activity. A detailed analysis of the protein sequence and structure is presented and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cell growth in primary cell culture of the brine shrimp ( Artemia sinica) embryo at 12 and 20 h after rehydration at 25°C was examined comparatively in modified Leibovitz-15 medium. The cells from A. sinica embryo at 12 h after rehydration were dispersed, and the cells disseminated but did not attach to the surface of wells and multiply at 2 d of culture, and 12 d later, the cells were degenerated and dead. The best growth of the brine shrimp cells was obtained from the prenauplii of A. sinica at 20 h after dormant embryo rehydration. The fibroblast-like cells attached to the well surface and multiplied at 15 d after the primary culture was set up. Confluent monolayer was formed at 50 d. The prenauplii cells have been subcultured up to passage 3 and maintained for approximately 200 d. The reasons for cell growth potential at the different developmental stages of Artemia embryo were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Type VI secretion pathway transports proteins across the cell envelope of Gram-negative bacteria. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an opportunistic Gram-negative bacterial pathogen infecting humans, uses the type VI secretion pathway to export specific effector proteins crucial for its pathogenesis. The HSI-I virulence locus encodes for several proteins that has been proposed to participate in protein transport including the Hcp1 protein, which forms hexameric rings that assemble into nanotubes in vitro. Two Hcp1 paralogues have been identified in the P. aeruginosa genome, Hsp2 and Hcp3. Here, we present the structure of the Hcp3 protein from P. aeruginosa. The overall structure of the monomer resembles Hcp1 despite the lack of amino-acid sequence similarity between the two proteins. The monomers assemble into hexamers similar to Hcp1. However, instead of forming nanotubes in head-to-tail mode like Hcp1, Hcp3 stacks its rings in head-to-head mode forming double-ring structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crystal structure of the hypothetical protein TA1238 from Thermoplasma acidophilum was solved with multiple-wavelength anomalous diffraction and refined at 2.0 Å resolution. The molecule consists of a typical four-helix antiparallel bundle with overhand connection. However, its oligomerization into a trimer leads to a ‘coiled ‘super-helix’ which is novel for such bundles. Its central feature, a six-stranded coiled coil, is also novel for proteins. TA1238 does not have strong sequence homologues in databases, but shows strong structural similarity with some proteins in the Protein Data Bank. The function could not be inferred from the sequence but the structure, with some rearrangement, bears some resemblance to the active site region of cobalamin adenosyltransferase (TA1434). Specifically, TA1238 retains Arg104, which is structurally equivalent to functionally critical Arg119 of TA1434. For such conformational change, the overhand connection of TA1238 might need to be involved in a gating mechanism that might be modulated by ligands and/or by interactions with the physiological partners. This allowed us to hypothesize that TA1238 could be involved in cobalamin biosyntheses [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-020-03101-x [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A correction to the article "RILP interacts with HOPS complex via VPS41 subunit to regulate endocytic trafficking. " in the December 2, 2014 issue is presented which discusses the role of Rab-interacting lysosomal protein (RILP) on the formation of endosomal membranes.