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Key message: The exploration and dissection of a set of QTLs and candidate genes for gray leaf spot disease resistance using two fully assembled parental genomes may help expedite maize resistance breeding. The fungal disease of maize known as gray leaf spot (GLS), caused by Cercospora zeae-maydis and Cercospora zeina, is a significant concern in China, Southern Africa, and the USA. Resistance to GLS is governed by multiple genes with an additive effect and is influenced by both genotype and environment. The most effective way to reduce the cost of production is to develop resistant hybrids. In this study, we utilized the IBM Syn 10 Doubled Haploid (IBM Syn10 DH) population to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with resistance to gray leaf spot (GLS) in multiple locations. Analysis of seven distinct environments revealed a total of 58 QTLs, 49 of which formed 12 discrete clusters distributed across chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 8 and 10. By comparing these findings with published research, we identified colocalized QTLs or GWAS loci within eleven clustering intervals. By integrating transcriptome data with genomic structural variations between parental individuals, we identified a total of 110 genes that exhibit both robust disparities in gene expression and structural alterations. Further analysis revealed 19 potential candidate genes encoding conserved resistance gene domains, including putative leucine-rich repeat receptors, NLP transcription factors, fucosyltransferases, and putative xyloglucan galactosyltransferases. Our results provide a valuable resource and linked loci for GLS marker resistance selection breeding in maize. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study intends to inspect the effects of acute aerobic exercise (AE) on resting state functional connectivity (RSFC) in motor cortex of college students and the moderating effect of fitness level. Methods: 20 high fitness level college students and 20 ordinary college students were recruited in public. Subjects completed 25 min of moderate- and high-intensity acute aerobic exercise respectively by a bicycle ergometer, and the motor cortex's blood oxygen signals in resting state were monitored by functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS, the Shimadzu portable Light NIRS, Japan) in pre- and post-test. Results: At the moderate intensity level, the total mean value of RSFC pre- and post-test was significantly different in the high fitness level group (pre-test 0.62 ± 0.18, post-test 0.51 ± 0.17, t(19) = 2.61, p = 0.02, d = 0.58), but no significant change was found in the low fitness level group. At the high-intensity level, there was no significant difference in the difference of total RSFC between pre- and post-test in the high and low fitness group. According to and change trend of 190 "edges": at the moderate-intensity level, the number of difference edges in the high fitness group (d = 0.58, 23) were significantly higher than those in the low fitness group (d = 0.32, 15), while at high-intensity level, there was a reverse trend between the high fitness group (d = 0.25, 18) and the low fitness group (d = 0.39, 23). Conclusions: moderate-intensity AE can cause significant changes of RSFC in the motor cortex of college students with high fitness, while high fitness has a moderating effect on the relationship between exercise intensity and RSFC. RSFC of people with high fitness is more likely to be affected by AE and show a wider range of changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR) is a promising means for generating the energy carrier ammonia. Herein, we report the synthesis of heterostructure copper-nickel phosphide electrocatalysts via a simple vapor-phase hydrothermal method. The resultant catalysts were evaluated for electrocatalytic nitrate reduction to ammonia (NH3) in three-type electrochemical reactors. In detail, the regulation mechanism of the heterogeneous Cu3P−Ni2P/CP−x for NO3RR performance was systematically studied through the H-type cell, rotating disk electrode setup, and membrane-electrode-assemblies (MEA) electrolyzer. As a result, the Cu3P−Ni2P/CP−0.5 displays the practicability in an MEA system with an anion exchange membrane, affording the largest ammonia yield rate (RNH3) of 1.9 mmol·h−1·cm−2, exceeding most of the electrocatalytic nitrate reduction electrocatalysts reported to date. The theoretical calculations and in-situ spectroscopy characterizations uncover that the formed heterointerface in Cu3P−Ni2P/CP is beneficial for promoting nitrate adsorption, activation, and conversion to ammonia through the successive hydrodeoxygenation pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Recurrence of adhesions after hysteroscopic adhesiolysis is a challenging clinical problem without a unified management approach. Therefore, we conducted a network meta-analysis that considered both direct and indirect comparisons between interventions to identify optimal strategies for preventing recurrence. Methods: We searched for research trials published up to July 2023 from PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Database. We selected randomized controlled trials comparing the use of different interventions for the prevention of adhesion recurrence, with no language or regional restrictions. We used random-effects models to assess odds ratios (OR) and mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Adverse events associated with the interventions were also assessed. This study was registered on PROSPERO, CRD42023449068. Results: Data from 21 randomized controlled trials involving 2406 patients were synthesized, including interventions with balloon, amnion, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), intrauterine device (IUD), hyaluronic acid (HA), platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). The top 5 interventions for change in AFS scores were: PRP + Balloon (MD = 5.44; 95% CI, 2.63–8.25), Amnion + Balloon (MD = 5.08; 95% CI, 2.71–7.44), IUD + Balloon (MD = 4.89; 95% CI, 2.49–7.30), HA + Balloon (MD = 3.80; 95% CI, 1.78–5.82), and G-CSF + Balloon (MD = 3.84; 95% CI, 1.05–6.63). There were no statistically significant differences between interventions in the recurrence rate of moderate-to-severe uterine adhesions and the clinical pregnancy rate. Most interventions were safe. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the most comprehensive network meta-analysis to date of interventions for preventing postoperative intrauterine adhesion recurrence. Our results indicate that PRP + Balloon seems to be the most effective approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the prognostic value of low T3 syndrome in peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCLs). Methods: One hundred and seventy-four patients of newly diagnosed PTCLs were enrolled in the study. We performed statistical analysis based on the clinical data collected. Results: Thirty-Six (20.69%) patients had low T3 syndrome at first admission. Results suggested that the patients with higher score of ECOG PS, International Prognostic Index (IPI) and Prognostic Index for T-cell lymphoma (PIT), bone marrow involvement and lower level of albumin tended to develop low T3 syndrome. The median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 10 months and 36 months, respectively, for all patients. Pre-existing low T3 syndrome was in correlation with worse PFS and OS. Patients with low T3 syndrome showed worse PFS (4 months vs 13 months, P = 0.0001) and OS (7 months vs 83 months, P < 0.0001) than patients without low T3 syndrome. IPI and PIT, respectively, combined with low T3 syndrome improved the ability to predict OS and PFS of PTCLs. Conclusions: The study indicated that low T3 syndrome may be a good candidate for predicting prognosis of peripheral T-cell lymphomas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research evidence indicated that a specific type of augmented reality–assisted (AR-assisted) science learning design or support might not suit or be effective for all students because students' cognitive load might differ according to their experiences and individual characteristics. Thus, this study aimed to identify undergraduate students' profiles of cognitive load in AR-assisted science learning and to examine the role of their distinct profiles in self-efficacy together with associated behavior patterns in science learning. After ensuring the validity and reliability of each measure, a latent profile analysis confirmed that 365 Chinese undergraduates carried diverse dimensions of cognitive load simultaneously. The latent profile analysis findings revealed four fundamental profiles: Low Engagement, Immersive, Dabbling, and Organized, characterized as carrying various respective cognitive loads. The multivariate analysis of variance findings revealed different levels of the six AR science learning self-efficacy dimensions across profiles. Low Engagement students displayed the lowest self-efficacy among all dimensions. Organized students recorded better conceptual understanding and higher-order cognitive skills than Dabbling ones. Students with the Immersive profile had the highest science learning self-efficacy. The lag sequential analysis results showed significant differences in behavior patterns among profiles. Among them, profiles with social interaction, test, and reviewing feedback behavior had a significantly higher score for self-efficacy than those patterns mainly based on test learning and resource visits. This finding provides a unified consideration of students' diverse profiles and can inform interventions for effective design of AR-assisted science learning to match appropriate strategies to facilitate the science learning effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Language is an advanced cognitive function of humans, and verbs play a crucial role in language. To understand how the human brain represents verbs, it is critical to analyze what knowledge humans have about verbs. Thus, several verb feature datasets have been developed in different languages such as English, Spanish, and German. However, there is still a lack of a dataset of Chinese verbs. In this study, we developed a semantic feature dataset of 1140 Chinese Mandarin verbs (CVFD) with 11 dimensions including verb familiarity, agentive subject, patient, action effector, perceptual modality, instrumentality, emotional valence, action imageability, action complexity, action intensity, and the usage scenario of action. We calculated the semantic features of each verb and the correlation between dimensions. We also compared the difference between action, mental, and other verbs and gave some examples about how to use CVFD to classify verbs according to different dimensions. Finally, we discussed the potential applications of CVFD in the fields of neuroscience, psycholinguistics, cultural differences, and artificial intelligence. All the data can be found at https://osf.io/pv29z/. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia in older individuals and is an escalating challenge to global public health. Pharmacy therapy of AD is one of the well-funded areas; however, little progress has been made due to the complex pathogenesis. Recent evidence has demonstrated that modifying risk factors and lifestyle may prevent or delay the incidence of AD by 40%, which suggests that the management should pivot from single pharmacotherapy toward a multipronged approach because AD is a complex and multifaceted disease. Recently, the gut-microbiota-brain axis has gained tremendous traction in the pathogenesis of AD through bidirectional communication with multiple neural, immune, and metabolic pathways, providing new insights into novel therapeutic strategies. Dietary nutrition is an important and profound environmental factor that influences the composition and function of the microbiota. The Nutrition for Dementia Prevention Working Group recently found that dietary nutrition can affect cognition in AD-related dementia directly or indirectly through complex interactions of behavioral, genetic, systemic, and brain factors. Thus, considering the multiple etiologies of AD, nutrition represents a multidimensional factor that has a profound effect on AD onset and development. However, mechanistically, the effect of nutrition on AD is uncertain; therefore, optimal strategies or the timing of nutritional intervention to prevent or treat AD has not been established.Thus, this review summarizes the current state of knowledge concerning nutritional disorders, AD patient and caregiver burden, and the roles of nutrition in the pathophysiology of AD. We aim to emphasize knowledge gaps to provide direction for future research and to establish optimal nutrition-based intervention strategies for AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ross-Amundsen sector is experiencing an accelerating warming trend and a more intensive advective influx of marine air streams. As a result, massive surface melting events of the ice shelf are occurring more frequently, which puts the West Antarctica Ice Sheet at greater risk of degradation. This study shows the connection between surface melting and the prominent intrusion of warm and humid air flows from lower latitudes. By applying the Climate Feedback-Response Analysis Method (CFRAM), the temporal surge of the downward longwave (LW) fluxes over the surface of the Ross Ice Shelf (RIS) and adjacent regions are identified for four historically massive RIS surface melting events. The melting events are decomposed to identify which physical mechanisms are the main contributors. We found that intrusions of warm and humid airflow from lower latitudes are conducive to warm air temperature and water vapor anomalies, as well as cloud development. These changes exert a combined impact on the abnormal enhancement of the downward LW surface radiative fluxes, significantly contributing to surface warming and the resultant massive melting of ice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tea plant (Camellia sinensis) has very long history of cultivation and abundant germplasm resources in China. Purple bud is a characteristic variety, which has attracted the attention of breeding researchers because it accumulated a large number of anthocyanins naturally. In many species, R2R3-MYB transcription factors (TFs) were proved to be involved in the regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis. Research on anthocyanin metabolism has been relatively clear in some species, but that needs to be further elucidated in tea plants. In this research, an R2R3-MYB transcription factor CsMYB113 related to the anthocyanin accumulation regulation was identified from tea plants. Spatial and temporal expression analysis revealed differential expression of CsMYB113 among different tissues and organs, with highest expression occurring in the roots. Subcellular localization assays showed that CsMYB113 localized in the nucleus. Ectopic expression of CsMYB113 increased pigmentation and anthocyanin contents by the upregulation of the expression levels of genes in anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway among different tissues of Arabidopsis. Moreover, transient overexpression of 35S::CsMYB113 in tea plant increased the anthocyanin contents in the leaves. Our results indicated that CsMYB113 plays important role in the anthocyanin biosynthesis regulation in tea plants. It will also provide useful candidate gene for the modification of anthocyanin metabolism by genetic engineering in plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lignocellulosic biomass is considered the most abundant and renewable feedstock for biobased butyric acid production. However, the furan derivatives (FAs, mainly furfural and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural) generated from the pretreatment of lignocellulose severely inhibit the growth of Clostridium tyrobutyricum, which is the best strain for producing butyric acid. The tolerance mechanism of C. tyrobutyricum to FAs has not been investigated thus far. Here, the response of C. tyrobutyricum ATCC 25755 to FA challenge was first evaluated by using comprehensive transcriptional analysis. The results indicated that the genes related to membrane transport, heat shock proteins, and transcriptional regulation were upregulated under FA stress. However, the expression of almost all genes encoding reductases was not changed, and only the ad gene CTK_RS02625 and the bud gene CTK_RS07810 showed a significant increase of ~ 1.05-fold. Then, the enzyme activity assays indicated that BUD could catalyze the reduction of FAs with relatively low activity and that AD could not participate in the conversion of FAs, indicating that the inability to rapidly convert FAs to their low-toxicity alcohols may be the main reason for the low FA tolerance of C. tyrobutyricum. This research provides insights into the development of FA-tolerant strains, thereby enhancing the bioconversion of lignocellulosic biomass to butyric acid. Key points: • The response of C. tyrobutyricum to FAs was evaluated for the first time. • Genes encoding membrane transporters and heat shock proteins were triggered by FAs. • A lack of effective FA reductases leads to low FA tolerance in C. tyrobutyricum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyberbullying has become a global problem that victimizes social media users and threatens freedom of speech. Charged language against victims undermines the sharing of opinion in the absence of online oversight. Aggressive cyberbullies routinely patrol social media to identify victims, post abusive comments, and curtail public discourse. The victims typically suffer depression and may even attempt suicide. However, simply banning abusive words used by cyberbullies is not an effective response. This study examines the efficacy of using charged language-action cues as predictor variables to profile cyberbullying on Twitter. The study contributes to a proactive confirmation for computationally profiling cyberbullying based on charged language. Charged language-action cues can strongly profile cyberbullying activity with statistical significance and consistency. Big data profiling analytics based on charged language can prevent cyberbullies from possible criminal activity, protect potential victims, and provide a proactive measure to profile cyberbullying for mediation entities such as social media platforms, youth counselors and law enforcement agencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predicting brain invasion preoperatively should help to guide surgical decision-making and aid the prediction of meningioma grading and prognosis. However, only a few imaging features have been identified to aid prediction. This study aimed to develop and validate an MRI-based nomogram to predict brain invasion by meningioma. In this retrospective study, 658 patients were examined via routine MRI before undergoing surgery and were diagnosed with meningioma by histopathology. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regularization was used to determine the optimal combination of clinical characteristics and MRI features for predicting brain invasion by meningiomas. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were used to determine the discriminatory ability. Furthermore, a nomogram was constructed using the optimal MRI features, and decision curve analysis was used to validate the clinical usefulness of the nomogram. Eighty-one patients with brain invasion and 577 patients without invasion were enrolled. According to LASSO regularization, tumour shape, tumour boundary, peritumoral oedema, and maximum diameter were independent predictors of brain invasion. The model showed good discriminatory ability for predicting brain invasion in meningiomas, with an AUC of 0.905 (95% CI, 0.871–0.940) vs 0.898 (95% CI, 0.849–0.947) and sensitivity of 93.0% vs 92.6% in the training vs validation cohorts. Our predictive model based on MRI features showed good performance and high sensitivity for predicting the risk of brain invasion in meningiomas and can be applied in the clinical setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TCR stimulation triggers Ca2+ signals that are critical for T cell function and immunity. Several pore-forming α and auxiliary β subunits of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (VGCC) were reported in T cells, but their mechanism of activation remains elusive and their contribution to Ca2+ signaling in T cells is controversial. We here identify CaVβ1, encoded by Cacnb1, as a regulator of T cell function. Cacnb1 deletion enhances apoptosis and impairs the clonal expansion of T cells after lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection. By contrast, Cacnb1 is dispensable for T cell proliferation, cytokine production and Ca2+ signaling. Using patch clamp electrophysiology and Ca2+ recordings, we are unable to detect voltage-gated Ca2+ currents or Ca2+ influx in human and mouse T cells upon depolarization with or without prior TCR stimulation. mRNAs of several VGCC α1 subunits are detectable in human (CaV3.3, CaV3.2) and mouse (CaV2.1) T cells, but they lack transcription of many 5' exons, likely resulting in N-terminally truncated and non-functional proteins. Our findings demonstrate that although CaVβ1 regulates T cell function, these effects are independent of VGCC channel activity. The function of voltage-gated calcium channels in T cells is not well understood and controversial. Here the authors report that a regulatory beta subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels regulates T cell function despite no evidence that these channels were functional within T cells during activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving resource efficiency and reducing waste discharge are the inevitable trends of the development of sustainable machining system. Therefore, a data-driven sustainability evaluation method of machining system is proposed. The input (energy, materials, equipment, R&D, and services) and output (wastes and products) data of machining system are collected. These dimensional data are processed by emergy. The emergy flow calculation model of the machining process is established for data modeling, and the sustainability evaluation index of machining system is constructed for data analysis. Finally, an engine base machining process is taken as a case study for innovative practice, and the targeted process optimization is adopted based on its sustainability evaluation for innovative practice. The feasibility and effectiveness of the method are verified. This study provides theoretical and methodological support for promoting the sustainability of the manufacturing industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During carbon fiber–reinforced plastic (CFRP) hole-making, exit damages such as burrs and delamination frequently occur. Some hole-making technologies are invented to cater to the demands of the high hole quality for CFRP laminates. To adequately eliminate the process-induced damages, a novel dill-milling tool is designed, and a series of drill-milling experiments are conducted on CFRP by using this novel drill-milling tool. Theoretical and experimental analyses of the drill-milling process and the performance of the novel drill-milling have been conducted. The result indicates that compared with the drilling process, using the new drill-milling process, the burrs can be thoroughly removed and the delamination can be reduced significantly, even removed. The changes of the hole quality and the exit damages are different with the variations of the helical milling parameters. Therefore, by comprehensive consideration, proper helical milling parameters should be chosen adequately. Furthermore, in theory, the right-handed helix angles βy should be raised, which is favorable for improving the hole accuracy and reducing the exit damages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies the concentration of Pb, Cd, Hg and As in vegetable and soil of 13 main vegetable base, Chongqing, China, as well as the correlation between them. Results show that the concentrations of heavy metals in different vegetables from 13 main vegetable bases of Chongqing are also significantly different. The order of Pb concentration is root vegetable (the average value is 0.203 mg/kg) > leaf vegetable (the average value is 0.065 mg/kg) > solanaceous vegetable (the average value is 0.004 mg/kg); the order of Cd concentration is leaf vegetable (the average value is 0.090 mg/kg) > solanaceous vegetable (the average value is 0.061 mg/kg) > root vegetable (the average value is 0.049 mg/kg); the order of Hg concentration is leaf vegetable (the average value is 0.004 mg/kg) > root vegetable (the average value is 0.003 mg/kg) > solanaceous vegetable (the average value is 0.001 mg/kg); the order of As concentration is root vegetable (the average value is 0.116 mg/kg) > solanaceous vegetable (the average value is 0.057 mg/kg) > leaf vegetable (the average value is 0.026 mg/kg). Significant positive correlation was found between the Cd concentration in vegetables and the Cd concentration in soil, and the linear equation was y = 0.065 + 0.012x. There was no significant correlation between the concentrations of Pb, Hg and As in vegetables and Pb, Hg and As in soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cationic antimicrobial peptides have been investigated for their potential use in combating infections by targeting the cell membrane of microbes. Their unique chemical structure has been investigated to understand their mode of action and optimize their dose–response by rationale design. One common feature among cationic AMPs is an amidated C-terminus that provides greater stability against in vivo degradation. This chemical modification also likely modulates the interaction with the cell membrane of bacteria yet few studies have been performed comparing the effect of the capping groups. We used maculatin 1.1 (Mac1) to assess the role of the capping groups in modulating the peptide bacterial efficiency, stability and interactions with lipid membranes. Circular dichroism results showed that C-terminus amidation maintains the structural stability of the peptide (α-helix) in contact with micelles. Dye leakage experiments revealed that amidation of the C-terminus resulted in higher membrane disruptive ability while bacteria and cell viability assays revealed that the amidated form displayed higher antibacterial ability and cytotoxicity compared to the acidic form of Mac1. Furthermore, 31P and 2H solid-state NMR showed that C-terminus amidation played a greater role in disturbance of the phospholipid headgroup but had little effect on the lipid tails. This study paves the way to better understand how membrane-active AMPs act in live bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural systems display sophisticated control of light-matter interactions at multiple length scales for light harvesting, manipulation, and management, through elaborate photonic architectures and responsive material formats. Here, we combine programmable photonic function with elastomeric material composites to generate optomechanical actuators that display controllable and tunable actuation as well as complex deformation in response to simple light illumination. The ability to topographically control photonic bandgaps allows programmable actuation of the elastomeric substrate in response to illumination. Complex three-dimensional configurations, programmable motion patterns, and phototropic movement where the material moves in response to the motion of a light source are presented. A "photonic sunflower" demonstrator device consisting of a light-tracking solar cell is also illustrated to demonstrate the utility of the material composite. The strategy presented here provides new opportunities for the future development of intelligent optomechanical systems that move with light on demand. Programmable optical actuation in a material provides special possibilities for applications. Here, the authors combine photonic crystals with elastomers to provide material composites with tunable deformation and actuation as a function of moving light. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During CFRP hole-making, exit damages such as burrs and delamination frequently occur. To adequately eliminate the influence of the axial force on the damages, a new combined drill-milling process was proposed. But the details of the cutting forces and the undeformed chip geometry in the helical milling phase for special drill-milling tool have not yet been comprehensively described and analyzed. Theoretical and experimental analyses of the drill-milling cutting forces and the performance of the novel drill-milling tool are investigated. The results indicate that the helical milling parameters significantly affect the undeformed chip transverse areas as well as the cutting forces. During the drilling phase, the exit tears and delamination can be observed, but few exit burrs can be left. During the helical milling phase, the drilling-induced damages can be further reduced even removed completely. The cutting forces Fx and Fy increase up to 15.9% and 22.6%, respectively, when ng increases from 60 to 180 rpm. When e increases from 0.1 to 1.3 mm, Fx and Fy increase up to 69.9% and 44.4%, respectively. Fx and Fy increase up to 40.3% and 35.2% respectively, when vf increases from 6 to 24 mm/min. But Fx and Fy decrease up to 18.0% and 10.4% respectively, when nz increases from 2000 to 5000 rpm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compromised β-cell identity is emerging as an important contributor to β-cell failure in diabetes; however, the precise mechanism independent of hyperglycemia is under investigation. We have previously reported that mTORC1/Raptor regulates functional maturation in β-cells. In the present study, we find that diabetic β-cell specific Raptor-deficient mice (βRapKOGFP) show reduced β-cell mass, loss of β-cell identity and acquisition of α-cell features; which are not reversible upon glucose normalization. Deletion of Raptor directly impairs β-cell identity, mitochondrial metabolic coupling and protein synthetic activity, leading to β-cell failure. Moreover, loss of Raptor activates α-cell transcription factor MafB (via modulating C/EBPβ isoform ratio) and several α-cell enriched genes i.e. Etv1 and Tspan12, thus initiates β- to α-cell reprograming. The present findings highlight mTORC1 as a metabolic rheostat for stabilizing β-cell identity and repressing α-cell program at normoglycemic level, which might present therapeutic opportunities for treatment of diabetes. During the progression of type 2 diabetes, insulin-producing β-cells can lose their identity and become reprogrammed into other cell types. Here the authors show that murine diabetic β-cells require the protein Raptor for maintaining β-cell health and preventing them from turning into α-cells, independent of Raptor's involvement in regulating blood sugar levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the measurement of spectral luminous efficiency function V λ , monochromatic visual stimuli of higher luminance can be obtained by narrow band optical filters with broad band light sources, compared to monochromators. However, the distortion of V λ is inevitably caused due to the bandwidth of the optical filters. In this paper, the effect of optical filters and light source spectra on the spectral luminous efficiency function V λ measurement is studied. Filters with different spectral transmittances and light sources with different spectral power distributions are considered in the model to simulate visual sensitivity experiment. Compared with real V λ , the distortion of the simulated V λ caused by the bandwidth of filters is quantitatively evaluated with the aid of a quality indicator, mismatch error f ′ . Results and conclusions in this paper can be used as a guide to optimize the design of the visual sensitivity experiments for V λ measurement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Process-induced damages, such as burrs and delamination, frequently occur and are the critical hole quality issues for CFRPs. These damages are strongly influenced by the axial cutting force. By employing the novel drill-milling process, the influence of the axial cutting force may be completely eliminated, and the process-induced damages can be remarkably removed. The drill-milling tools with a better performance are very critical to the drill-milling process. In this paper, according to the drill structure with V-shaped cutting edges and the mill structure with double-crossed helix flutes, two different new drill-milling tools are designed, and a series of tests are conducted on CFRPs. The result indicates that the influences of the cutting forces on the damages can be remarkably reduced during the helical milling phase by employing the drill-milling process. Under the same cutting conditions, the cutting forces of T2 are significant less than that of T1. The re-trimming effect of T2 is superior significant than that of T1 during the helical milling phase. The damages can be significantly reduced by using these two tools, especially by using T2 tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melittin is the peptide toxin found in bee venom and is effective against cancer cells. To enhance its activity, a branched dimeric form of melittin was designed. The monomeric form of the peptide was more cytotoxic against gastric cancer cells at low concentrations (1-5 μM) than the dimer form, while the cytotoxic effect was comparable at higher concentrations (10 μM). Confocal microscopy showed that both the monomer and dimer forms of melittin with fluorescent label at the C terminus penetrated the cytoplasm and localized at the cell nucleus and disrupted the cell membrane. The results indicated that both peptides localized in the nucleus and no significant difference in penetration was observed between monomer and dimer of melittin. Although the C and N termini are important for melittin activity, using C terminus for dimerization of the peptide resulted in similar activity for the monomer and dimer against bacteria and gastric cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Native and designer cationic antimicrobial peptides are increasingly acknowledged as host defense molecules rather than true antimicrobials. Due to their ability to activate the innate immune system, these structures are used to treat uninfected and bacterially-infected wounds, including those harboring Acinetobacter baumannii. Previously we documented that when administered intramuscularly or topically in liquid formulations, the proline-rich host defense peptide dimer A3-APO accelerates uninfected wound re-epithelization and eliminates systemic and local A. baumannii, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and other pathogen load from infected lesions better than conventional antibiotics. In the current study we sought to produce and characterize a novel delivery system, suitable for immediate and convenient application in non-hospital environments. The APO monomer was incorporated into polyvinyl alcohol nanofibers and the complex was polymerized into a solid patch dressing. Mice were subjected to skin abrasion where the wounds were either left uninfected or were inoculated with a near lethal dose of multidrug resistant A. baumannii strain. Analyzed after 3 days, APO monomer-containing patches improved wound appearance significantly better than polymer patches without antibiotics. When compared to colistin, the APO patches accelerated wound healing, and statistically significantly reduced wound size and wound bacterial load. The in vivo antimicrobial effect was more extensive than after intramuscular administration of the peptide drug, by using only one tenth of the active pharmaceutical ingredient. These data suggest that the APO monomer-impregnated nanofiber dressing can be developed as an economical first-line treatment option to skin injuries in general and battlefield burn and blast injuries in particular. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing resistance of pathogens to antibiotics causes a huge clinical burden that places great demands on academic researchers and the pharmaceutical industry for resolution. Antimicrobial peptides, part of native host defense, have emerged as novel potential antibiotic alternatives. Among the different classes of antimicrobial peptides, proline-rich antimicrobial peptides, predominantly sourced from insects, have been extensively investigated to study their specific modes of action. In this review, we focus on recent developments in these peptides. They show a variety of modes of actions, including mechanism shift at high concentration, non-lytic mechanisms, as well as possessing different intracellular targets and lipopolysaccharide binding activity. Furthermore, proline-rich antimicrobial peptides display the ability to not only modulate the immune system via cytokine activity or angiogenesis but also possess properties of penetrating cell membranes and crossing the blood brain barrier suggesting a role as potential novel carriers. Ongoing studies of these peptides will likely lead to the development of more potent antimicrobial peptides that may serve as important additions to the armoury of agents against bacterial infection and drug delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rap1 is expressed in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Rap1-GTPase activating protein (Rap1GAP), with its specific target, Rap1, has been shown to be important in the regulation of many physiological and certain pathological processes. In this study, we investigated the effect of Rap1GAP expression on endothelial cell function, or, more specifically, proliferation and migration of endothelial cells. HUVECs were transfected with pcDNA3.1 (empty vector), pcDNA3.1 containing Flag-tagged-Rap1GAP or Myc-tagged-Rap1N17. The proliferation, migration and tube formation were examined and compared among the 3 groups. Expression of Rap1, Rap1GAP, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), phospho-ERK, Akt, phosphor-Akt was detected by Western blotting. The results showed that the proliferation, migration and tube formation were significantly reduced in Rap1GAP- and Rap1N17-transfected HUVECs as compared with empty vector-transfected control. These changes were coincident with increased expression of Rap1GAP and decreased expression of activated Rap1, phospho-ERK and -Akt. After treatment of Rap1GAP-transfected HUVECs with a stimulator of Rap1 guanine-nucleotide-exchange factor (Rap1GEF) 8CPT-2′OMe-cAMP, it was found that Rap1 activity was decreased as compared with empty vector-transfected control. Pretreatment of HUVECs with an ERK inhibitor PD98059 or a PI3K inhibitor LY294002 prior to stimulation not only blocked 8CPT-2′OMe-cAMP-induced phosphorylation of ERK and Akt, but also significantly reduced cell proliferation and migration. Finally, we examined the effect of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on HUVECs overexpressing Rap1GAP. VEGF-stimulated Rap1 activity, phosphorylation of ERK and Akt, cyclin D1 expression and cell proliferation were repressed in HUVECs overexpressing Rap1GAP as compared to empty vector-transfected control. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that Rap1GAP/Rap1 and their downstream effectors regulate proliferation and migration of HUVECs via ERK and Akt pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A referral patient who had previously undergone varicose vein surgery was admitted as an emergency case. On admission, the patient complained of intolerable pain, paralysis and paresthesia of the affected limb, which was characterized by acute arterial ischemia symptoms. Color Doppler of the artery of the affected limb indicated that no blood flow signal existed in the superficial femoral artery. During exploratory operation, we found that the right superficial femoral artery instead of the great saphenous vein of the affected limb had been stripped and ligated. Therefore, the intact right great saphenous vein was taken for auto-transplantation by inverse end-to-end anastomosis to the proximal and distal residual superficial femoral artery, which resulted in gradual recovery. Except for ischemic reperfusion injury, no other post-operative complications occurred after a 10 month follow-up; however, the long-term curative effect needs further observation. Here we report our treatment experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taking the Songnen Plain as the research region and basing on the structural division of river water resources, the impounding models of flood water utilization are proposed. Considering the water requirement, potential impoundage and the degree of risk, two modes of the flood water utilization are developed: full impounding and partial impounding. A risk assessment method is put forward according to variation of the flood storage capacity before and after impounding water. A representative hydrological year is taken as an example to analyze the application of the model at the down-stream of the Nenjiang River. It is found that the model is very useful for the flood utilization and protection. For flood utilization, the spring drought can be relieved and the risk of impounding water is also acceptable. For flood protection, the river flood peak can be largely reduced and the impounding water can increase the river discharge at the low water period, at the same time the structure of river water resources can be improved as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Comprehensive assessment of serum lipidomic alterations by glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) has not been conducted. An approach using targeted lipidomics was applied to determine whether lipid profiles are altered in type 2 diabetes (T2D) management in response to GLP-1 RA therapy.Twelve newly diagnosed T2D patients and six healthy controls were enrolled in this study and serum lipid profiles were compared using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry prior to and following dulaglutide and liraglutide treatments.T2D patients include 6 that received dulaglutide and 6 that received liraglutide treatment. Compared to the healthy controls, a total of 9 species involving 53 lipids were identified that exhibited a significant (p < 0.05) differential abundance in T2D patients. The lipidomic signature of T2D before treatment was characterized by an elevated level of the diglyceride (DG) cluster that was consistently positively correlated with fasting blood glucose, body mass index, and insulin resistance index while negatively correlated with islet β cell function. Lyso-phosphatidylcholine (LPC) 18:0 and LPC (35:4) displayed strong negative associations with glycosylated hemoglobin and body mass index. Dulaglutide treatment significantly (p < 0.05) improved serum levels of 7 lipids including DG, fatty acids, and lyso-phosphatidylethanolamine (LPE), while 10 DG, phosphatidylcholine, LPC, and SM lipid members were significantly decreased after liraglutide treatment. Differentially abundant lipids in both groups were not accompanied by an improvement in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.Our study confirmed that early-stage T2D patients display broad lipidomic abnormalities that could be at least partially improved after GLP-1 RA treatment.Methods: Comprehensive assessment of serum lipidomic alterations by glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) has not been conducted. An approach using targeted lipidomics was applied to determine whether lipid profiles are altered in type 2 diabetes (T2D) management in response to GLP-1 RA therapy.Twelve newly diagnosed T2D patients and six healthy controls were enrolled in this study and serum lipid profiles were compared using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry prior to and following dulaglutide and liraglutide treatments.T2D patients include 6 that received dulaglutide and 6 that received liraglutide treatment. Compared to the healthy controls, a total of 9 species involving 53 lipids were identified that exhibited a significant (p < 0.05) differential abundance in T2D patients. The lipidomic signature of T2D before treatment was characterized by an elevated level of the diglyceride (DG) cluster that was consistently positively correlated with fasting blood glucose, body mass index, and insulin resistance index while negatively correlated with islet β cell function. Lyso-phosphatidylcholine (LPC) 18:0 and LPC (35:4) displayed strong negative associations with glycosylated hemoglobin and body mass index. Dulaglutide treatment significantly (p < 0.05) improved serum levels of 7 lipids including DG, fatty acids, and lyso-phosphatidylethanolamine (LPE), while 10 DG, phosphatidylcholine, LPC, and SM lipid members were significantly decreased after liraglutide treatment. Differentially abundant lipids in both groups were not accompanied by an improvement in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.Our study confirmed that early-stage T2D patients display broad lipidomic abnormalities that could be at least partially improved after GLP-1 RA treatment.Results: Comprehensive assessment of serum lipidomic alterations by glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) has not been conducted. An approach using targeted lipidomics was applied to determine whether lipid profiles are altered in type 2 diabetes (T2D) management in response to GLP-1 RA therapy.Twelve newly diagnosed T2D patients and six healthy controls were enrolled in this study and serum lipid profiles were compared using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry prior to and following dulaglutide and liraglutide treatments.T2D patients include 6 that received dulaglutide and 6 that received liraglutide treatment. Compared to the healthy controls, a total of 9 species involving 53 lipids were identified that exhibited a significant (p < 0.05) differential abundance in T2D patients. The lipidomic signature of T2D before treatment was characterized by an elevated level of the diglyceride (DG) cluster that was consistently positively correlated with fasting blood glucose, body mass index, and insulin resistance index while negatively correlated with islet β cell function. Lyso-phosphatidylcholine (LPC) 18:0 and LPC (35:4) displayed strong negative associations with glycosylated hemoglobin and body mass index. Dulaglutide treatment significantly (p < 0.05) improved serum levels of 7 lipids including DG, fatty acids, and lyso-phosphatidylethanolamine (LPE), while 10 DG, phosphatidylcholine, LPC, and SM lipid members were significantly decreased after liraglutide treatment. Differentially abundant lipids in both groups were not accompanied by an improvement in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.Our study confirmed that early-stage T2D patients display broad lipidomic abnormalities that could be at least partially improved after GLP-1 RA treatment.Conclusion: Comprehensive assessment of serum lipidomic alterations by glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) has not been conducted. An approach using targeted lipidomics was applied to determine whether lipid profiles are altered in type 2 diabetes (T2D) management in response to GLP-1 RA therapy.Twelve newly diagnosed T2D patients and six healthy controls were enrolled in this study and serum lipid profiles were compared using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry prior to and following dulaglutide and liraglutide treatments.T2D patients include 6 that received dulaglutide and 6 that received liraglutide treatment. Compared to the healthy controls, a total of 9 species involving 53 lipids were identified that exhibited a significant (p < 0.05) differential abundance in T2D patients. The lipidomic signature of T2D before treatment was characterized by an elevated level of the diglyceride (DG) cluster that was consistently positively correlated with fasting blood glucose, body mass index, and insulin resistance index while negatively correlated with islet β cell function. Lyso-phosphatidylcholine (LPC) 18:0 and LPC (35:4) displayed strong negative associations with glycosylated hemoglobin and body mass index. Dulaglutide treatment significantly (p < 0.05) improved serum levels of 7 lipids including DG, fatty acids, and lyso-phosphatidylethanolamine (LPE), while 10 DG, phosphatidylcholine, LPC, and SM lipid members were significantly decreased after liraglutide treatment. Differentially abundant lipids in both groups were not accompanied by an improvement in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.Our study confirmed that early-stage T2D patients display broad lipidomic abnormalities that could be at least partially improved after GLP-1 RA treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Employing a suitable crystal structure can significantly modify the electrochemical performances of materials. Herein, hydrogenated TiO2 nanotube arrays with <001> orientation and different rutile/anatase ratio were fabricated via anodisation, high-temperature annealing and electrochemical hydrogenation. The crystal structure was determined by TEM and X-ray diffraction pattern refinement of whole powder pattern fitting. Combined with the model of anatase to rutile transformation and the characterisation of crystal structure, the effect of phase transition on the super capacitive properties of <001> oriented hydrogenated TiO2 nanotube arrays was discussed. The results suggested that the anatase grains were characterised by orientation in <001> direction with plate crystallite and stacking vertically to the substrate resulting in excellent properties of electron/ion transport within hydrogenated TiO2 nanotube arrays. In addition, the specific capacitance of <001> oriented hydrogenated TiO2 could be further improved from 20.86 to 24.99 mF cm−2 by the partial rutile/anatase transformation due to the comprehensive effects of lattice disorders and rutile, while the good rate performance and cyclic stability also retained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]