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Language difficulties exert profound negative effects on the cognitive and social development of autistic children. Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) is a promising intervention for improving social communication in autistic children, but there is a lack of a comprehensive examination of language functions. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of PRT in promoting the primary language functions (requesting, labeling, repeating, responding) defined by (Skinner, B. F. (1957). Verbal behavior. Martino Publishing.) theory of verbal behavior in autistic children. Thirty autistic children were randomly divided into the PRT group (Mage = 6.20, SDage = 1.21) and control group (Mage = 6.07, SDage = 1.49). The PRT group were provided with an 8-week training of the PRT motivation component in addition to treatment as usual (TAU) in their schools, whereas the control group only received TAU. Parents of the PRT group were also trained to practice the PRT motivation procedures at home. The PRT group demonstrated greater improvements in all four measured language functions compared to the control group. The improvement in language functions in the PRT group was generalized and maintained at the follow-up assessment. In addition, the PRT intervention enhanced untargeted social and communicative functioning, cognition, motor skills, imitation, and adaptive behaviors in the autistic children. In conclusion, language intervention using the motivation component of PRT is effective in promoting language functions as well as widespread untargeted cognitive and social functions in autistic children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: VyPUB21 plays a key role during the defense against powdery mildew in grapes. Ubiquitin-ligating enzyme (E3), a type of protein widely found in plants, plays a key role in their resistance to disease. Yet how E3 participates in the disease-resistant response of Chinese wild grapevine (Vitis yeshanensis) remains unclear. Here we isolated and identified a U-box type E3 ubiquitin ligase, VyPUB21, from V. yeshanensis. This gene’s expression level rose rapidly after induction by exogenous salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA), and ethylene (ETH) and powdery mildew. In vitro ubiquitination assay results revealed VyPUB21 could produce ubiquitination bands after co-incubation with ubiquitin, ubiquitin-activating enzyme (E1), and ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme (E2); further, mutation of the conserved amino acid site in the U-box can inhibit the ubiquitination. Transgenic VyPUB21 Arabidopsis had low susceptibility to powdery mildew, and significantly fewer conidiophores and spores on its leaves. Expression levels of disease resistance-related genes were also augmented in transgenic Arabidopsis, and its SA concentration also significantly increased. VyPUB21 interacts with VyNIMIN and targets VyNIMIN protein hydrolysis through the 26S proteasome system. Thus, the repressive effect of the NIMIN–NPR complex on the late systemic acquired resistance (SAR) gene was attenuated, resulting in enhanced resistance to powdery mildew. These results indicate that VyPUB21 encoding ubiquitin ligase U-box E3 activates the SA signaling pathway, and VyPUB21 promotes the expression of late SAR gene by degrading the important protein VyNIMIN of SA signaling pathway, thus enhancing grape resistance to powdery mildew. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The mode of delivery for twins born before 32 weeks of gestation remains controversial. Our purpose is to conduct a meta-analysis of twin pregnancies less than 32 weeks or twin weight less than 1500 g, so as to find a suitable delivery mode. Methods: We searched PubMed database, Cochrane Library database, and EMBASE database through December 2022. This protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023386946) prior to initiation. Studies that compared vaginal delivery to cesarean section for newborns less than 32 weeks of gestation or birthweight under 1500 g were included. The primary result was neonatal mortality rate. Secondary result was neonatal morbidity. The quality of literatures included in the research was evaluated in accordance with Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS) literature quality evaluation scale. We use odds ratio (OR) as the effect index for binary variables. Point estimates and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated. P < 0. 05 indicated statistically significant difference. Results: Our search generated 5310 articles, and a total of 8 articles comprising a total of 14,703 newborns were included in the analysis. The odds ratios of neonatal mortality rate were for twins delivered by vaginal delivery compared to cesarean section were 0.84 (95% CI 0.57–1.24, P = 0.38). The 5-min Apgar score < 7 (95% CI 0.44–1.75, P = 0.72), necrotizing enterocolitis (95% CI 0.81–1.19, P = 0.82), intraventricular hemorrhage (95% CI 0.41–1.86, P = 0.71), periventricular leukomalacia (95% CI 0.16–4.52, P = 0.84), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (95% CI 0.88–1.36, P = 0.42), and respiratory distress syndrome (95% CI 0.23–2.01, P = 0.48) were not statistically significant between the two groups. Conclusion: We have observed that vaginal delivery does not confer an increased risk of neonatal morbidity and mortality in twins born before 32 weeks of gestation. However, the current results are affected by substantial heterogeneity and confounding factors. We still need high-quality randomized-controlled studies require to address this important question. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laser melting deposition (LMD) is an advanced repairing and remanufacturing technology that involves complex thermodynamic and kinetic characteristics in a molten pool. A thorough understanding of the thermal-fluid dynamic behavior of molten metal is crucial for investigating the distribution of reinforced particles and the characterization of solidification. This study proposes a three-dimensional transient thermal-fluid coupling model for describing thermal-fluid dynamic behavior and particle migration behavior within a molten pool during LMD. The simulated morphology of the deposition layer and temperature agree well with the experiments. The simulation results indicate that Marangoni convection induced by temperature gradient dominates the convection mode. The fluid velocity distribution along the scanning direction of the molten metal is showing M shape. Meanwhile, the dimension of molten pool increases slightly, and the Marangoni convection becomes more vigorous with higher heat input. The Marangoni motion tends to drive the TiC particle migration from the center to both lateral sides, resulting in a more uniformly distributed of TiC particle in deposition layer. Furthermore, the solidification parameters at solid–liquid interface are calculated, which used to assess the solidification microstructure in deposition layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laser welding is a feasible process for joining the additive manufactured (AMed) parts to meet the manufacturing demand of specific large-scale components. Microstructure and property evolution as well as weldability of the laser welding of wire arc additive manufactured (WAAMed) Al-Cu alloy are investigated. Results indicate that the WAAMed Al-Cu alloy has excellent laser weldability and the joint is nearly free of defect. The width of the heat-affected-zone (HAZ) and equiaxed crystal zone (EQZ) as well as the grain size of the fusion zone (FZ) will increase with higher laser power and heat input. The joint with laser power of 3500 W has the highest tensile strength and elongation, reaching 203.48 MPa and 4.13%. The result from electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) test indicates that the texture intensity will affect tensile properties. The tensile strength and elongation of the laser welded WAAM sample perpendicular to the deposition direction are higher than that parallel to the deposition direction. The microhardness value of HAZ is higher than that of FZ and BM due to 163 HV. The feasibility of laser welding of WAAMed samples is validated, and process parameters are found for hybrid manufacturing of large-scale components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

β-Alanine (3-aminopropionic acid) is the only naturally occurring β-type amino acid. Although it is not incorporated into proteins, it has important physiological functions in the metabolism of animals, plants and microorganisms. Furthermore, it has attracted great interest due to its wide usage as a precursor of many significant industrial chemicals for medicine, feed, food, environmental applications and other fields. With the depletion of fossil fuels and concerns regarding environmental issues, biological production of β-alanine has attracted more attention relative to chemical methods. In this review, we first summarize the pathways through which natural microorganisms synthesize β-alanine. Then, the current research progress in the biological synthesis of β-alanine is also elaborated. Finally, we discuss the main problems and challenges in optimizing the biological pathways, offering perspectives on promising new biological approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effect of different nitrogen levels (0, 150, and 300 kg hm−2) at booting stage on storage protein biosynthesis and processing quality of wheat was investigated using microstructural and ultrastructural observation, RNA sequencing, and quality analysis in this study. The results showed that the storage protein genes encoding ω- and γ-gliadin and low molecular weight glutenin subunit were upregulated at N150, and the genes encoding α- or β-gliadin and avenin-like protein were upregulated at N300. Two nitrogen levels induced expression of some interesting regulating genes, such as USE1, STX1B_2_3, SEC23, SEC24, SEC61A, HSP A1_8, HSP20, and HSP90B/TRA1. These regulatory genes were enriched in the KEGG pathway protein export, SNARE interactions in vesicular transport, and protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum. The amount, morphology, and accumulation pattern of protein body in four different endosperm regions in developing caryopsis show different response to N150 and N300, of which N300 had greater influence than N150. N150 and N300 both enhanced the contents of protein components, endosperm fullness, grain hardness, and parameters of processing quality, with the latter showing a greater degree of influence. Contrary to the accumulation pattern of protein body, N300 reduced the ratio of the amount of starch granules to the area ratio of protein body to starch granule. Results suggested that the difference of different nitrogen levels affecting storage protein biosynthesis might be through affecting the expression of the encoding and regulating gene of storage protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autophagy is a self-digestive process that eliminates impaired or aged proteins and potentially toxic intracellular components to maintain homeostasis. We previously demonstrated that TNF-α played a critical role in cementoblast differentiation, mineralization and apoptosis; however, the effect of TNF-α on cementoblast autophagy has remained unclear. In this study, an elevated immunofluorescence signal of LC3B and autophagic vacuoles, autophagosomes and autolysosomes were detected under TNF-α stimulation in OCCM-30 cells. Autophagy-related genes and proteins, Beclin-1, LC3A and Atg-5, were significantly upregulated by TNF-α in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. During this process, the activity of Stat3 was dramatically enhanced and when the activity of Stat3 was blocked by either a specific chemical inhibitor or siRNA transfection before TNF-α stimulation, the TNF-α-induced upregulation of autophagy-related genes and proteins was strongly inhibited. Our results suggest that TNF-α induced autophagy in cementoblasts was dependent, or partially dependent on the activity of Stat3 signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Activation of inflammasome leads to the formation of an inflammatory microenvironment which plays an important role in the process of cancer development. Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is a ketone body that has recently been reported to exert anti-inflammatory effects via inhibition of NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. Here, we investigated the potential influence of BHB on the in vitro migration of C6 glioma cells and the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome. Our results indicated that administration of BHB suppressed C6 cells migration and NLRP3 inflammasome activation, reducing the levels of activated cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase 1 (caspase-1) and mature Interleukin 1β (IL-1β). Fully activation of NLRP3 inflammasome was induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) prime plus adenosine triphosphate (ATP) stimulation in C6 cells, which promoted in vitro migration of C6 cell. BHB also counteracted the LPS/ATP-promoted cell migration by suppressing the activation of caspase-1 and the maturation of IL-1β. The enhancement of phospho-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (p-STAT3), degradation of nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells inhibitor, alpha (IκBα) as well as the overexpression of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) resulting from LPS/ATP treatment, and subsequent IL-1β maturation could also be compensated by BHB. Our results suggested that BHB inhibits the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in C6 glioma cells and consequently suppressed the C6 cell migration. These findings also implicated that by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome, BHB reduced the inflammatory microenvironment which provided ancillary therapeutic benefits for the intervention of glioma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) is widely studied due to its high deposition rate. However, WAAM samples have poor forming quality compared with other additive manufacturing technologies. The quality of sample formation is directly related to the time required for subsequent mechanical processing. Hence, cycle time can further be reduced by controlling the forming quality. Additionally, better forming quality results in less material wastage. Therefore, the forming quality of samples has always been the focus of WAAM. In this paper, the droplet transfer process of the WAAM is shot with a high-speed camera. This article attempts to explain the WAAM forming process from the perspective of droplet transfer and evaluate the influence mechanism of droplet transfer on the side surface forming quality. High-speed photography is used to extract the molten pool size and droplet transfer frequency. The study also explored the variation of these factors with wire feed speed and number of layers. A two-dimensional droplet transfer model is established based on the results of high-speed photography to study the droplet transfer process. Next, the 3D sample model is built to obtain the roughness of deposition samples. Finally, the relationship between the forming quality and droplet transfer process is studied through the fitting planes. The relationship model of wire feeding speed, molten pool length/droplet transfer frequency, and roughness is obtained. The roughness of the side surface increases with higher wire feed speeds when the wire feed speed is 5.5–6.5 m/min. However, at a wire feed speed of 7.0 m/min, the roughness of the side surface suddenly decreases. The droplet transfer motion rule is then used to explain this change in forming quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) is a class of microbial synthesized biodegradable and biocompatible aliphatic polymer which has been developed into nanoparticles (NPs) for sustained release of hydrophobic compounds. Taking advantage of the natural PHA binding protein PhaP which could be steadily adsorbed onto PHA NPs through hydrophobic interaction, a tumor targeting system was developed in this study by presenting an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeting peptide (ETP) on the surface of PHA NPs, via PhaP mediated adsorption. To reveal the effects of residual emulsifiers on PhaP mediated ETP modification and optimize the tumor targeting capacity of the system, a novel emulsifier-free PHA NPs (EF-NPs) was fabricated together with other two kinds of conventional emulsifier-required PHA NPs (PVA-NPs and P68-NPs, which were prepared with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and Pluronic F68 as emulsifiers, respectively). By analyzing the surface hydrophobicity, the amount of adsorbed fusion protein, and the cellular uptake of all kinds of PHA NPs, our results demonstrated that EF-NPs with stronger surface hydrophobicity were the most proper formulation for further PhaP mediated ETP functionalization. The residual PVA and Pluronic F68 affected the modification efficiency and secondary structure of ETP-PhaP fusion protein, and finally obstructed the targeting effect of ETP-PhaP modified PVA-NPs and P68-NPs to EGFR over-expressed tumor cells. The animal experiment further confirmed the effectiveness and feasibility of in vivo application of ETP-PhaP functionalized EF-NPs, indicating that it could be served as a promising tumor targeting system with satisfactory EGFR targeting ability. This PhaP mediated bio-modification process also opens a wide way for developing various PHA-based targeting systems by presenting different tumor or other tissue-specific targeting peptides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Friction stir additive manufacturing technology has emerged as an efficient solid-state process option that provides superior connectivity for lightweight structural material with equiaxed microstructures and outstanding mechanical properties. In this paper, a multilayer ring-shaped build made from 6061-T6 aluminum alloy using friction stir additive manufacturing (FSAM) was characterized. The rotating torque exerted on the friction tool by the surrounding material was measured as it moves to the middle and the end of the ring. Additionally, the correlation between the microstructure and the rotating torque was investigated. The results revealed a significant decrease in rotating torque when the stir tool returned to its original position in the additive zone, leading to a reduction in grain size within the additive zone. Underneath the bottom of the stir zone, there was an overlapping interface filled with deformed grains. Along the horizontal direction, the highest hardness existed in the base material region, while the lowest value appeared in the mixed area of the thermal–mechanical affected zone and heat-affected zone. The hardness value of the stir zone was found to be intermediate between the base material region and the mixed area of the thermal–mechanical affected zone and heat-affected zone. The highest and lowest hardness values along the tool-axial direction were observed at the top of the stir zone and the overlapping interface below it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this investigation, a sinusoid modulated pulse gas metal arc welding (SP-GMAW) method based on a current waveform control method and on the welding mechanism of pulsed gas metal arc welding (P-GMAW) was proposed. This method achieved smooth control over the welding current. The process formulas were simplified. Then, the control parameters were discussed and optimized. Finally, three comparison experiments were conducted. The results indicated that the SP-GMAW method, as an improved double-pulsed gas metal arc welding (DP-GMAW) method, had the following features: The SP-GMAW minimized porosity rate and generated palpable weld ripples in contrast with the P-GMAW. The SP-GMAW produced the finest fusion zone grain, highest fusion zone microhardness, and highest tensile strength among three welding methods. The feasibility and superiority of the method for welding aluminum sheet were verified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bottom-locking joint is widely used in the aerospace manufacturing field as an imperative connection structure. The laser welding experiment for the Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy bottom-locking joint is carried out in the present paper. Meanwhile, porosity in the weld seam including the process porosity and metallurgical porosity is investigated. Furthermore, it is novel that the distribution, element characteristics, and formation mechanism of process porosities and metallurgical porosities in the bottom-locking joint are comprehensively analysed based on the porosity morphology, microstructure, and element analysis of the resultant bottom-locking joints. The process porosity, which mainly appeared in the weld seam centre, is formed by the combined effect of two mechanisms which closely related to the dynamic behaviour of the molten pool and the stability of the keyhole. Besides, a large number of micropores with a diameter of 2–5 µm are observed on the surface of the process porosity, whose formation is related to the evaporation of elements. Moreover, the tensile stress generated during the solidification and shrinkage of the molten metal is the main factor leading to microcracks in the micropores. The nucleation characteristics of bubbles cause metallurgical porosities to be mainly distributed at the bottom of the weld seam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to meet the shape control requirements of "dead flat" transverse thickness profile of electrical steel sheet in cold rolling process, the 3D finite element model (FEM) for roll stacks and strip of 6-high tandem cold rolling mills (TCMs) was built with the developed Edge Drop Control Work Rolls for Non-shifting (EDW-N). The efficiency curves of the work roll bending (WRB), the intermediate roll bending (IRB), and the intermediate roll shifting (IRS) in cold rolling process are obtained for transverse thickness profile control performance. The control strategy of multi-stand and multi-variable profile and flatness control actuators, i.e., WRB, IRB, and IRS of stands 1 ~ 5 in 6-high TCMs is proposed based on the GA-PSO hybrid algorithm with better optimization ability. The results show that the control strategy can fully exploit the shape control ability and achieve the high precision control for transverse thickness profile of 6-high TCMs. The industrial application on the production gives remarkable results that the rate of the measured strip crown less than 7 μm increased from 38.58 to 67.74% for electrical steel sheet in the 1420-mm 6-high TCMs. The control strategy has applied to the production successfully. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the material experiences non-uniform thermal expansion and contraction under different thermal behavior during laser melting deposition (LMD), the microstructure of the components will be affected, which also causes changes in mechanical properties. It is essential to understand the thermal behavior of the melt pool during LMD to improve the microstructure and joint quality. In this study, two 80-mm-thick Ti6Al4V plates are successfully joined using three different scanning speeds (10, 15, and 20 mm/s). The effects of thermal behavior on the grain morphology and dimension of deposition area, equiaxed crystal zone (EQZ), and the substrate at different scanning speeds are quantitatively analyzed. The results show that the fine equiaxed crystals are formed near the joint boundary due to the high-temperature gradient and cooling rate. The growth direction of fine columnar crystals continuously changes from the joint boundary to the center of the deposition area due to the change of heat-extraction direction. However, the epitaxial growth direction of the coarse columnar crystal is the same as the previous deposition layer at the center of the deposition area. Given the effect of high heat accumulation and low-temperature gradient during LMD, the dimension of columnar crystal is coarsen significantly at the center of the deposition area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate the biological role of 6-methyladenine (m6A) methylation in inducing the carcinogenesis of glioma and its proliferation. Relative levels of ALKBH5 and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) in glioma tissues and cell lines were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot. Gain-of-function and loss-of-function approaches were used to investigate the role of ALKBH5 in mediating proliferation and energy metabolism of glioma cells. The regulatory effect of ALKBH5 on G6PD was analyzed using m6A-qRT-PCR. Our results showed that ALKBH5 was upregulated in glioma, which stimulated glioma cells to proliferate. Serving as a m6A eraser, ALKBH5 demethylated the target transcript G6PD and enhanced its mRNA stability, thereby promoting G6PD translation and activating the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP). Collectively, ALKBH5 stimulates glioma cells to proliferate through erasing the m6A methylation of G6PD, which can be utilized as a potential therapeutic target for glioma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the mirror image symmetry of laser mirror welding heat sources, the post-weld deformation is observably lower than that of conventional welding methods. However, the mechanism of gravitational effects on the coupled keyhole molten pool at different welding positions is still unclear, which results in the tough control of welding defects, hindering the application of laser mirror welding in precision manufacturing of aerospace structural parts. In this study, the gravity effects on keyhole behaviors in laser mirror welding of 2219 aluminum alloy were investigated by establishing a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model. The keyhole morphology, coupling characteristics, and its dynamic evolution as well as force conditions were analyzed at length by employing the calibrated model. The results showed that gravity prominently affects the fluid velocity in the molten pool, which determines the keyhole characteristics. The keyhole surface flow, which enlarges the keyhole diameter, is impeded by gravity, resulting in weak keyhole coupling. The keyhole area on the weld cross-section before coupling is less than 2 mm2 and is negatively correlated with the gravitational component on this section. The keyhole area after coupling is tightly relevant to the keyhole diameter. The increase or decrease in the keyhole diameter is contingent on the resultant direction of gravity, fluid pressure, and vapor recoil pressure. Additionally, the keyhole coupling and dynamic behaviors in the welding direction are primarily affected by the surface tension gradient, while slightly affected by gravity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Majiagou landslide of the Three Gorges Reservoir Area, there appears a wide crack between the anti-pile and sliding body behind the piles, which can hardly be clarified by the sliding force of the sliding body. Therefore, the deformation mechanism of anti-piles in the Majiagou landslide was studied to explain how the crack appears between the anti-pile and sliding body behind the piles from perspectives of embedded rock degradation and declining water level. The mechanical degradation of the embedded rock was studied experimentally with triaxial compression and Brazilian splitting tests at first. Then, the embedded rock degradation and declining water level were introduced into the FLAC3D model, where the deformation mechanism of anti-piles and soils behind the anti-piles were studied. The results show that the rock resistances in front of anti-piles gradually decrease and the embedding effect of anti-piles gradually weakens due to the embedded rock degradation, resulting in plastic deformation in the rock and forward inclination of anti-piles. In addition, the declining water level leads to an increasing seepage force, leading to an increasing sliding deformation of the sliding body in front of the anti-piles, which weakens the front support of the anti-pile. Thus, the anti-pile displacements continually increase and exceed those of the sliding body behind the pile, and a wide crack appears between the anti-pile and sliding body behind the piles as a result. Consequently, the mechanical and deformation parameters after degradation should be employed for the reinforcement design of anti-piles in reservoir bank slopes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To report a rare type of Pallister-Killian syndrome (PKS) diagnosed prenatally by the utility of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT). Methods: NIPT was performed in the first trimester. Conventional karyotyping and chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) were performed on the amniotic samples in the second trimester. Copy number variation sequencing (CNV-seq) was used for the validation of fetal skin and the placental tissue after pregnancy termination. Results: NIPT results showed increased signal from chromosome 12p. Subsequent prenatal diagnostic testing by karyotype revealed 47, XY, +i (12p), and CMA displayed four copies of 12p: 12p13.33-12p11.1(173786_34835641) × 4. The CNV-seq results of the fetal skin and the fetal side of placenta showed four copies of 12p13.33-p11 and an estimated chimeric duplication of 34.08 Mb (chimerism ratio: 10%) in 12 p13.33-p11, respectively. However, no abnormality was detected by CNV-seq at the maternal side of placenta. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that a positive signal from chromosome 12p on NIPT should raise suspicion for PKS. With the wide application of NIPT, the true positive of incidental finding is expected to increase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abnormalities in subcortical brain structures may reflect higher suicide risk in mood disorders, but less is known about its associations for schizophrenia. This cross-sectional imaging study aimed to explore whether the history of suicide attempts was associated with subcortical changes among individuals with schizophrenia. We recruited 44 individuals with schizophrenia and a history of suicide attempts (SZ-SA) and 44 individuals with schizophrenia but without a history of suicide attempts (SZ-NSA) and 44 healthy controls. Linear regression showed that SZ-SA had smaller volumes of the hippocampus (Cohen's d = −0.72), the amygdala (Cohen's d = −0.69), and some nuclei of the amygdala (Cohen's d, −0.57 to −0.72) than SZ-NSA after adjusting for age, sex, illness phase, and intracranial volume. There was no difference in the volume of the subfields of the hippocampus. It suggests the history of suicide attempts is associated with subcortical volume alterations in schizophrenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laser direct joining of carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites (CFRTP) to aluminum alloy with diverse surface micro-patterns was performed. The influence of micro-pattern type on interface characteristic and mechanical property of CFRTP/aluminum alloy laser bonding joint was concerned especially. Prior to the laser joining, two different micro-patterns including groove structure and circular hole structure were fabricated on the metal surface using nanosecond pulsed laser. Then, the appearance of joint and the morphology at joining interface were observed by optical microscope and scanning electron microscope. Moreover, the tensile shear test was conducted to obtain the fracture load and fracture surface morphology. The results indicated that the cross section of the groove structure was a trapezoid, while that of the circular hole structure was a triangle with a large ratio of depth to diameter. In spite of the more pores existed at the interface of joints with circular hole structure, this type of micro-pattern strengthened the mechanical anchoring effect between CFRTP and aluminum alloy more significantly. With the change of micro-pattern from groove structure to circular hole structure, the maximum tensile load of laser bonding joint increased from 1616.40 to 2623.40 N, and the main failure mode transformed from interface failure to cohesive failure. The micro-pattern fabricated on the metal surface before the laser joining process is an effective approach to obtain the larger bonding area and higher mechanical strength of laser bonding joint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the unique soil structure and the temperature rise effect of seawater’s electrical and thermal parameters, accurately simulating the grounding characteristics of marine DC grounding electrodes is the basis for ensuring the safe and stable operation of offshore wind power grid-connected DC projects. The paper proposes a dynamic finite element model of ocean grounding electrode characteristics based on the coupling of circuits and electrical–thermal fields. In the finite element model, soil parameters can be controlled by the time-varying temperature distribution, and the dynamic process of the coupling of soil electrical and thermal fields in the process of direct flow can be accurately simulated. A time-varying equivalent circuit model for controlling the electric–thermal field can be implemented to accurately simulate the dynamic process of the shunt coefficient for each conductor segment in a composite DC grounding electrode with multiple injection points. The effectiveness is verified by comparing with the experimental data. Finally, the dynamic flow process, temperature rise process and their mutual influence are quantitatively analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been reported that matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are induced by many cytokines, and they are involved in various inflammatory processes, including periodontitis. However, the effects of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) on MMP-9 expression in cementoblasts, the cells responsible for cementum production, remain largely unknown. In this study, we used qPCR and gelatin zymogram analysis to show that IL-1β upregulated MMP-9 expression in cementoblast-derived cell line. Several signaling pathways, such as ERK1/2, JNK, p38, and AP-1 (c-Fos and ATF-2), were activated in response to IL-1β stimulation. Furthermore, enhancement of AP-1 activity by IL-1β was further confirmed by the AP-1 reporter assay and the electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). Pretreatment with specific inhibitors of ERK1/2 (U0126), JNK (SP600125), and AP-1 (tanshinone IIA) attenuated IL-1β-induced MMP-9 expression. In addition, inhibitors of ERK1/2 (U0126) and JNK (SP600125) attenuated IL-1β-enhanced AP-1 activity. This suggested that IL-1β stimulated AP-1 activation, at least partially, through ERK1/2 and JNK signaling pathways. Moreover, we found that IL-1β also upregulated the expression of MMP-13 and enhanced MMP-mediated degradation of type I collagen. Collectively, these results suggested that IL-1β induced MMP-9 expression by activation of AP-1 through the ERK1/2 and JNK signaling pathways in cementoblast-derived cell line and enhanced MMP-mediated collagen degradation possibly by MMP-13 and MMP-9. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We reported the synthesis of polystyrene@(silver-polypyrrole) (PS@(Ag-PPy)) nanocomposite microspheres with the well-defined core/shell structure, in which the functionalized PS microspheres by the sulfonic acid groups were employed as template. The diameter of the synthesized PS microsphere template and AgNP was 1.26 μm and 50 nm, respectively. In order to well control the redox reaction between Ag and Py monomer and to avoid the accumulation of these AgNPs during synthesis process, the complexation of triethanolamine (TEA) and silver ion ([Ag(TEA)]) was employed as the oxidant, so that the generation rate of AgNPs was in turn decreased. Moreover, compared with the redox reaction between AgNO and Py, the introduction of [Ag(TEA)] ions resulted in the improved coverage and distribution of AgNPs around the surface of PS microspheres. Meanwhile, the loading amount of Ag-PPy nanocomposites on the final microspheres was adjustable. The increasing concentrations of Py monomer and [Ag(TEA)] ions resulted in the increase of Ag-PPy nanocomposite loading. The results of antibacterial experiment suggested that the synthesized PS@(Ag-PPy) composite microspheres showed the prominent antibacterial properties against both the Gram-negative bacteria of Escherichia coli and the Gram-positive bacteria of Staphylococcus aureus. For the bacteria with concentration at 1 × 10 - 9×10 cfu/mL, the microspheres can kill the bacteria above 3-log reduction with the concentration of PS@(Ag-PPy) composite microspheres at 50 μg/mL, in which the weight fraction of Py in the composite microspheres was above 10 wt%. When the weight fraction of Py in the composite microspheres was at 5 wt%, the 2-log reduction of in bacterial viability could also be obtained. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macrophage scavenger receptor 1 (MSR1) mediates the endocytosis of modified low-density lipoproteins and plays an important antiviral role. However, the molecular mechanism underlying MSR1 antiviral actions remains elusive. We report that MSR1 activates autophagy to restrict infection of Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), an arthritogenic alphavirus that causes acute and chronic crippling arthralgia. Msr1 expression was rapidly upregulated after CHIKV infection in mice. Msr1 knockout mice had elevated viral loads and increased susceptibility to CHIKV arthritis along with a normal type I IFN response. Induction of LC3 lipidation by CHIKV, a marker of autophagy, was reduced in Msr1−/− cells. Mechanistically, MSR1 interacted with ATG12 through its cytoplasmic tail and this interaction was enhanced by CHIKV nsP1 protein. MSR1 repressed CHIKV replication through ATG5-ATG12-ATG16L1 and this was dependent on the FIP200-and-WIPI2-binding domain, but not the WD40 domain of ATG16L1. Our results elucidate an antiviral role for MSR1 involving the autophagic function of ATG5-ATG12-ATG16L1. Using Msr1 knockout mice, Long Yang et al. demonstrate that macrophage scavenger receptor 1 (MSR1) activates autophagy to restrict the proliferation of Chikungunya virus, an alphavirus that causes crippling joint stiffness. This study provides insights into how host cellular machinery fights off Chikungunya virus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study we quantified the alterations of retinal histone post-translational modifications (PTMs) in diabetic rats using a liquid chromatography - tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) approach. Some diabetic rats were subsequently treated with minocycline, a tetracycline antibiotic, which has been shown to inhibit the diabetes-induced chronic inflammation in the retinas of rodents. We quantified 266 differentially modified histone peptides, including 48 out of 83 methylation marks with significantly different abundancein retinas of diabetic rats as compared to non-diabetic controls. About 67% of these marks had their relative abundance restored to non-diabetic levels after minocycline treatment. Mono- and di-methylation states of histone H4 lysine 20 (H4K20me1/me2), markers related to DNA damage response, were found to be up-regulated in the retinas of diabetic rats and restored to control levels upon minocycline treatment. DNA damage response biomarkers showed the same pattern once quantified by western blotting. Collectively, this study indicates that alteration of some histone methylation levels is associated with the development of diabetic retinopathy in rodents, and the beneficial effect of minocycline on the retinas of diabetic rodents is partially through its ability to normalize the altered histone methylation levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A C-type lectin (CfLec-3) from Chlamys farreri with three carbohydrate-recognition domains (CRDs) was selected to dissect the possible mechanisms of PAMP binding and functional differentiation of invertebrate lectins. CfLec-3 distributed broadly, and its mRNA expression in hemocytes increased significantly after stimulations with LPS, PGN or β-glucan, but not poly(I:C). The recombinant CfLec-3 (rCfLec-3) could bind PAMPs and several microbes. rCfLec-3 mediated hemocytes phagocytosis against Escherichia coli and encapsulation towards agarose beads. Obvious functional differentiation occurred among the three CRDs, as CRD1 exhibited higher activity to bind PAMPs, while CRD2/3 were expert in promoting hemocyte mediated opsonisation. The tertiary structural differences were suspected to be associated with such functional differentiation. PAMP binding abilities of CfLec-3 were determined by Ca2+-binding site 2 motif. When Pro in this motif of each CRD was mutated into Ser, their PAMP binding abilities were deprived absolutely. rCRD2 acquired mannan binding capability when its EPD was replaced by EPN, but lost when EPN in rCRD3 was changed into EPD. The Pro in Ca2+-binding site 2 was indispensable for PAMPs binding, while Asn was determinant for specific binding to mannan. It shed new insight into PAMPs binding mechanism of invertebrate C-type lectins and their functional differentiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]