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Increasing evidence shows that depression is associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the causality and direction of this association remain unclear, because links between the two diseases might be caused by shared environmental confounding factors. Our study aims to understand a putative causal link between the two diseases.We retrieved summary statistics from meta-analyses of non-overlapping genome-wide association studies (GWASes) for depression (n = 807,553, 246,363 cases and 561,190 controls) and RA (n = 58,284, 14,361 cases and 42,923 controls). We combined Mendelian randomization (MR) estimates from each genetic instrument using inverse-variance weighted (IVW) meta-analysis, with alternate methods (e.g., simple median approach, weighted median approach, and MR-Egger regression) and conducted sensitivity analyses to assess the robustness of MR analyses.We found no evidence of causal relationships between depression and RA across all MR methods (IVW OR, 1.028 for RA; 95% CI, 0.821-1.287; P = 0.810) or vice versa (IVW OR, 0.999 for depression; 95% CI, 0.984-1.014; P = 0.932), indicating the links between the two diseases might be due to confounders.Despite the results, to optimize treatment outcomes of RA patients, we still emphasize depression should be managed as part of routine clinical care to optimize treatment outcomes of RA.

Identification and utilization of genetic resistance is an effective strategy to control stripe rust disease in wheat. Cultivar Xinong 3517 (XN3517) has remained highly resistant to stripe rust since its release in 2008. To understand the genetic architecture of stripe rust resistance, Avocet S (AvS) × XN3517 F6 RIL population was assessed for stripe rust severity in five field environments. The parnets and RILs were genotyped by using the GenoBaits Wheat 16K Panel. Four stable QTL from Xinong 3517 were detected on chromosome arms 1BL, 2AL, 2BL, and 6BS. Based on the Wheat 660K array and bulked segregant exome sequencing (BSE-seq), the most effective QTL on chromosome 1BL is most likely different for the known adult plant resistance gene Yr29 and was mapped to a 1.7 cM region [336 kb, including twelve candidate genes in International Wheat Genome Sequencing Consortium (IWGSC) RefSeq version 1.0]. The 6BS QTL was identified as Yr78, and the 2AL QTL was probably same as QYr.caas-2AL or QYrqin.nwafu-2AL. The novel QTL on 2BL was effective in seedling stage against the races used in phenotyping. Candidate gene analysis of 1BL overlapping region indicated TraesCS1B01G460000, TraesCS1B01G460100, TraesCS1B01G460200, TraesCS1B01G460300, and TraesCS1B01G460400 to be most likely genes associated with the stripe rust resistance. In addition, allele-specifc quantitative PCR (AQP) marker nwafu.a5 was developed for QYrXN3517-1BL to assist marker-assisted breeding.

Lupus nephritis (LN) is a type of immune-complex nephritis caused by systemic lupus erythematosus and is a major contributor to mortality and morbidity. Honokiol (HNK) has been found to have a therapeutic effect on LN, but its action mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we first demonstrated that HNK attenuates kidney injury in MRL/lpr mice. Results from RNA sequencing combined with ingenuity pathway analysis suggested that HNK plays an anti-LN role through inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome and IL33. GEO chip data, single-cell data, and clinical samples from LN patients demonstrated that the pyroptosis and IL-33/ST2 pathways are abnormally activated during the stage of LN. In vivo, similar to the results of the AAV-mediated NLRP3 shRNA MRL/lpr model, HNK downregulated serum and renal IL-33 levels, and suppressed NLRP3 inflammasome and the IL-33/ST2 axis in the kidney. In vitro, co-culturing NLRP3-overexpressing or IL-33 knocked-down rat renal macrophages with NRK-52E cells confirmed that NLRP3 activation in resident macrophages directly upregulates IL-33, which in turn mediates the IL-33/ST2/NF-κB pathway to promote the inflammatory response of renal tubular epithelial cells. Furthermore, a molecular docking model and surface plasmon resonance analysis were utilized to demonstrate a direct interaction between HNK and NLRP3. In conclusion, this study provides a novel anti-LN treatment strategy in which HNK plays a preventive and therapeutic role against LN by suppressing the abnormal crosstalk between renal resident macrophages and renal tubular epithelial cells by inhibiting the activation of the NLRP3/IL-33/ST2 axis.

Background Icariin (ICA), a main active ingredient of Herba Epimedium, could promote bone formation, inhibit bone resorption and alleviate inflammatory responses. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ICA on the inhibition of bacteria associated with peri-implantitis, and fabricate a calcium phosphate cement (CPC) with ICA-loaded gelatin microspheres (GMs) as a local drug delivery system efficiently promoting bone formation and alleviating inflammation. Results In this study, ICA exhibited antibacterial activity against P. gingivalis with a MIC value of 1 × 10–4 mol/L. When the concentration of ICA was 0.5 mM, the encapsulation efficiency of GMs reached the maximum value of 76.26 ± 3.97%. GMs with ICA revealed a controlled release profile, 0.5 mM ICA exhibited a higher ICA release profile than the other groups during a 21 d monitoring span. The results of SEM and XRD demonstrated successful fabrication of a calcium phosphate cement with ICA-loaded GMs. ICA released from CPC/GMs (ICA) was slower than ICA released from GMs within 10 days. CPC/GMs (ICA) exhibited antibacterial activity against P. gingivalis, but the antibacterial rate of CPC/GMs (ICA) was only 17.15 ± 6.06%. In addition, CPC/GMs (ICA) promoted the proliferation of BMSCs and significantly stimulated the differentiation and maturation of BMSCs. In vivo, H&E and Masson staining experiments demonstrated that CPC/GMs (ICA) exhibited better capacity for bone regeneration than CPC/GMs and CPC, and the expression of TNF-α and IL-1β in the tissue around CPC/GMs (ICA) was significantly lower than CPC/GMs and CPC in IHC staining (P Conclusion In this study, ICA exhibited limited antibacterial activity against bacteria associated with peri-implantitis. A composite material of calcium phosphate cement with ICA-loaded gelatin microspheres was developed, which not only promoting osteoinductivity and bone formation, but also alleviating inflammation, demonstrating its potential as a promising bone substitute material for treatment of peri-implantitis.

YrFDC12 and PbcFDC, co-segregated in chromosome 4BL, and significantly interacted with Yr30/Pbc1 to enhance stripe rust resistance and to promote pseudo-black chaff development. Cultivars with durable resistance are the most popular means to control wheat stripe rust. Durable resistance can be achieved by stacking multiple adult plant resistance (APR) genes that individually have relatively small effect. Chinese wheat cultivars Ruihua 520 (RH520) and Fengdecun 12 (FDC12) confer partial APR to stripe rust across environments. One hundred and seventy recombinant inbred lines from the cross RH520 × FDC12 were used to determine the genetic basis of resistance and identify genomic regions associated with stripe rust resistance. Genotyping was carried out using 55 K SNP array, and eight quantitative trait loci (QTL) were detected on chromosome arms 2AL, 2DS, 3BS, 4BL, 5BL (2), and 7BL (2) by inclusive composite interval mapping. Only QYr.nwafu-3BS from RH520 and QYr.nwafu-4BL.2 (named YrFDC12 for convenience) from FDC12 were consistent across the four testing environments. QYr.nwafu-3BS is likely the pleiotropic resistance gene Sr2/Yr30. YrFDC12 was mapped in a 2.1-cM interval corresponding to 12 Mb and flanked by SNP markers AX-111121224 and AX-89518393. Lines harboring both Yr30 and YrFDC12 displayed higher resistance than the parents and expressed pseudo-black chaff (PBC) controlled by loci Pbc1 and PbcFDC12, which co-segregated with Yr30 and YrFDC12, respectively. Both marker-based and pedigree-based kinship analyses revealed that YrFDC12 was inherited from founder parent Zhou 8425B. Fifty-four other wheat cultivars shared the YrFDC12 haplotype. These results suggest an effective pyramiding strategy to acquire highly effective, durable stripe rust resistance in breeding.

The evolution behavior of the γ″ phase of IN718 superalloy in a temperature/stress coupled field was investigated. Results showed that the coarsening rate of the γ″ phase was significantly accelerated in the temperature/stress coupled field. Based on the detail microstructural and crystal defect analysis, it was found that the coarsening rate of the γ″ phase with applied stress was significantly higher than that without stress. The main reasons for the increase in the coarsening rate of the γ″ phase are as follows: the vacancy formation energy is decreased by the applied stress, which leads to an increase in the vacancy concentration; in the temperature/stress coupled field, the Nb atoms easily combine with vacancies to form complexes and diffuse with the complexes, resulting in a significant increase in the Nb atom diffusion coefficient; Nb atom diffusion is the key control factor for the coarsening of the γ″ phase.

Background The main objective of this study was to investigate the risk factors for recollapse of new vertebral compression fractures (NVCFs) after percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) treatment for osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) and to construct a new nomogram model. Methods We retrospectively analysed single-level OVCFs from January 2017 to June 2020, randomizing patients to a training set and a testing set. In the training set, independent risk factors for NVCFs in OVCF patients treated with PKP were obtained by univariate and multivariate regression analyses. These risk factors were then used as the basis for constructing a nomogram model. Finally, internal validation of the built model was performed in the testing set using the consistency index (C-index), receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves and decision curve analysis (DCA). Results In total, 371 patients were included in this study. NVCFs occurred in 21.7% of the training set patients, and multivariate regression analysis showed that a low Hounsfield unit (HU) value, cement leakage, and thoracolumbar (TL) junction fracture were independent risk factors for NVCF after PKP. The C-index was 0.81 (95% CI: 0.74–0.81), and the validation showed that the predicted values of the established model were in good agreement with the actual values. Conclusions In this study, three independent risk factors were obtained by regression analysis. A nomogram model was constructed to guide clinical work and to make clinical decisions relatively accurately to prevent the occurrence of vertebral recollapse fractures.

A large genomic region spanning over 300 Mb on chromosome 6A under intense artificial selection harbors multiple loci associated with favorable traits including stripe rust resistance in wheat. The development of resistance cultivars can be an optimal strategy for controlling wheat stripe rust disease. Although loci for stripe rust resistance have been identified on chromosome 6A in previous studies, it is unclear whether these loci span a common genetic interval, and few studies have attempted to analyze the haplotype changes that have accompanied wheat improvement over the period of modern breeding. In this study, we used F2:3 families and F6:7 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between a resistant CIMMYT wheat accession P10090 and the susceptible landrace Mingxian 169 to improve the resolution of the QTL on chromosome 6A. The co-located QTL, designated as YrP10090, was flanked by SNP markers AX-94460938 and AX-110585473 with a genetic interval of 3.5 cM, however, corresponding to a large physical distance of over 300 Mb in RefSeq v.1.0 (positions 107.1–446.5 Mb). More than 1,300 SNP markers in this genetic region were extracted for haplotype analysis in a panel of 1,461 worldwide common wheat accessions, and three major haplotypes (Hap1, Hap2, and Hap3) were identified. The favorable haplotype Hap1 associated with stripe rust resistance exhibited a large degree of linkage disequilibrium. Selective sweep analyses were performed between different haplotype groups, revealing specific genomic regions with strong artificial selection signals. These regions harbored multiple desirable traits associated with resilience to environmental stress, different yield components, and quality characteristics. P10090 and its derivatives that carry the desirable haplotype can provide a concrete foundation for bread wheat improvement including the genomic selection.

One of the most significant challenges in the neuroscience community is to understand how the human brain works. Recent progress in neuroimaging techniques have validated that it is possible to decode a person’s thoughts, memories, and emotions via functional magnetic resonance imaging (i.e., fMRI) since it can measure the neural activation of human brains with satisfied spatiotemporal resolutions. However, the unprecedented scale and complexity of the fMRI data have presented critical computational bottlenecks requiring new scientific analytic tools. Given the increasingly important role of machine learning in neuroscience, a great many machine learning algorithms are presented to analyze brain activities from the fMRI data. In this paper, we mainly provide a comprehensive and up-to-date review of machine learning methods for analyzing neural activities with the following three aspects, i.e., brain image functional alignment, brain activity pattern analysis, and visual stimuli reconstruction. In addition, online resources and open research problems on brain pattern analysis are also provided for the convenience of future research.

With the rapid development in artificial intelligence and mobile networks, the past decade has witnessed the flourish of social media, and information diffusion popularity prediction in social media has attracted wide attention in both academics and industrials. However, existing popularity prediction methods either rely heavily on human experience to handcraft the features, designate the generative model, or largely depend on the underlying user relation network for embedding learning. Motivated by the above observation, this paper studies the precise prediction of the information diffusion popularity only based on early repost information, given that the underlying user relation network is unknown. To solve this problem, we propose RNe2Vec (repost network to vector), a repost network embedding-based diffusion popularity prediction algorithm. Specifically, we first build a repost network from the early repost data, and then use biased random walks to generate node sequences, in which we elaborately design walking rules to capture different repost behaviors. After that we employ the skip-gram method to learn low dimensional node vectors from the node sequences. Finally, we apply PCA (principal component analysis) algorithm on the node vectors for dimensionality reduction, and combine the embedding features with handcrafted features to train the downstream machine learning models. Experimental results on a microblog dataset show that incorporating network embedding features can significantly improve the overall prediction accuracy.

This paper presents an oscillating slider wave energy device which is based on a seabed anchoring and uses eagle beak as the absorber. The self-compiled program uses the boundary element theory based on the simple Green’s function to solve the wave forces and hydrodynamic parameters. And the equation of motion, the oscillation of the float and the capture width ratio are obtained by the modal method. The influences of the shape of the eagle beak, the angle of the slider and the wave heading on the capture ability of the device are investigated. According to the calculation results and the wave resources in the sea area, the optimal shape of the eagle beak and external damping can be selected to maximize the wave energy capture capability.

In February 2017, a Microcystis aeruginosa bloom (maximum 55 μg L−1 chl a and microcystin concentration of 40 μg L−1) occurred in a freshwater pond in Padre Island National Seashore (PINS), TX, USA, causing mortality of migratory redhead ducks and local animals. To treat the pond without further damage to the ecosystem, we proposed the use of H2O2. A nomograph of H2O2 required for oxidizing different initial cyanobacterial biomass levels to achieve desired final microcystin and chl a concentration was developed. With a chl a concentration > 50 μg L−1, the nomograph predicted > 97% removal efficiency when 50 mg L−1 peroxide was used. Then, an outdoor mesocosm experiment with four treatment levels (0, 10, 50 mg L−1 H2O2 and 10 mg L−1 H2O2 with ultrasonication) was tested. In the mesocosm experiment, discrete samples were assessed for cell morphology, pigment, and microcystin toxin content (n = 3) at six different time intervals during the 48-h treatment period. Cell morphology was affected after 4-h exposure at 50 mg L−1 H2O2 treatment. Overall, > 75% of microcystin and > 80% of chl a were destroyed after 48-h exposure to 50 mg L−1 H2O2. The pond was treated with 10 mg L−1 H2O2 which reduced chl a by 60% and microcystin by 35% after 2 days. Control of the cyanobacterial bloom using H2O2 was effective in lab and mesocosm experiments, but the cyanobacterial bloom recovered at PINS 2 weeks after the treatment. The recovery resulted from an insufficient H2O2 addition, identifying a need to re-evaluate current protocols. Overall, no residual H2O2 were detected in any scales of treatment.

Low-carbon economy is gaining growing attention nowadays as global warming intensifies. As a market-based policy, emission trading policy is widely considered an effective means to achieve the doublewin of economic development and environmental protection. Under such circumstances, carbon trading markets are developing rapidly in many countries and regions, demanding more attention to compliance strategy issues for emission-intensive companies. In this study, we build a dynamic programming model in search of the optimal emission trading and technology investment decisions for a make-to-order company faced with a stochastic demand under emission trading policy. After a comprehensive analysis of the proposed model, we find that an optimal emission permit level, which increases in carbon penalty and decreases in carbon price, exists in each period. As for the abatement technology investment decision, the firm should invest only if the investment cost per unit of abatement effort is less than a certain threshold, which increases in carbon penalty and carbon price. On the basis of a two-period dynamic programming model, we further explore the problem of investment timing. Results show how optimal investment decisions are influenced by the speed of technology progress under different parameters. These findings are important for firms to choose the time of investment depending on specific situations.

To examine whether free fatty acid receptor 4 (FFAR4) activation can protect against choroidal neovascularization (CNV), which is a common cause of blindness, and to elucidate the mechanism underlying the inhibition, we used the mouse model of laser-induced CNV to mimic angiogenic aspects of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Laser-induced CNV was compared between groups treated with an FFAR4 agonist or vehicle, and between FFAR4 wild-type (Ffar4(+/+)) and knock out (Ffar4(−/−)) mice on a C57BL/6J/6N background. The ex vivo choroid-sprouting assay, including primary retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and choroid, without retina was used to investigate whether FFAR4 affects choroidal angiogenesis. Western blotting for pNF-κB/NF-κB and qRT-PCR for Il-6, Il-1β, Tnf-α, Vegf, and Nf-κb were used to examine the influence of FFAR4 on inflammation, known to influence CNV. RPE isolated from Ffar4(+/+) and Ffar4(−/−) mice were used to assess RPE contribution to inflammation. The FFAR4 agonist suppressed laser-induced CNV in C57BL/6J mice, and CNV increased in Ffar4(−/−) compared to Ffar4(+/+) mice. We showed that the FFAR4 agonist acted through the FFAR4 receptor. The FFAR4 agonist suppressed mRNA expression of inflammation markers (Il-6, Il-1β) via the NF-κB pathway in the retina, choroid, RPE complex. The FFAR4 agonist suppressed neovascularization in the choroid-sprouting ex vivo assay and FFAR4 deficiency exacerbated sprouting. Inflammation markers were increased in primary RPE cells of Ffar4(−/−) mice compared with Ffar4(+/+) RPE. In this mouse model, the FFAR4 agonist suppressed CNV, suggesting FFAR4 to be a new molecular target to reduce pathological angiogenesis in CNV.

An eco-friendly hydrophobic flame retardant, ammonium salt of octadecyl phosphate (AMOP) was synthesized and its structure was verified by 1HNMR, 13CNMR and 31PNMR. AMOP imparted flame retardancy and superhydrophobicity to cotton fabrics simultaneously. The water contact angles and limiting oxygen index values of treated cotton reached 161.8° and 27%, respectively. After 30 laundering cycles, the hydrophobicity sustained very well. Thermogravimetric analysis and thermogravimetric-infrared spectroscopy suggested AMOP changed the thermal decomposition path of cotton fibers and the treated sample released less flammable gas during the thermal decomposition process. Cone calorimetry results showed the total heat release and the heat release rate of treated cottons were much lower than those of control cottons. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy suggested the AMOP successfully grafted on cotton fabrics through P-O-C groups. Scanning electron micrography showed AMOP caused a rough surface.

In this paper, a simple and efficient electrochemical sensor based on indium sulfide nanosheet arrays (In2S3 NSAs) grown on 3D graphene (3D Gr) has been developed. 3D Gr was obtained by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and In2S3 NSAs were prepared by a hydrothermal method. The composite (In2S3 NSAs-3D Gr) has a large accommodation space to contact with biological molecules. The current generated by the redox reaction of epinephrine (EP) on the surface of the In2S3 NSAs-3D Gr becomes an important indicator of the sensor value. The sensitivity of the sensor for the detection of EP in the range of 0–60 µm is 2.46 µA µM− 1 with a detection limit of 0.12 µM (S/N = 3). Meanwhile, the novel sensor has a good stability and selectivity. It also has potential for real detection of EP in human serum.

A comprehensive understanding of the cellular heterogeneity and molecular mechanisms underlying the development, homeostasis, and disease of human intervertebral disks (IVDs) remains challenging. Here, the transcriptomic landscape of 108 108 IVD cells was mapped using single-cell RNA sequencing of three main compartments from young and adult healthy IVDs, including the nucleus pulposus (NP), annulus fibrosus, and cartilage endplate (CEP). The chondrocyte subclusters were classified based on their potential regulatory, homeostatic, and effector functions in extracellular matrix (ECM) homeostasis. Notably, in the NP, a PROCR+ resident progenitor population showed enriched colony-forming unit-fibroblast (CFU-F) activity and trilineage differentiation capacity. Finally, intercellular crosstalk based on signaling network analysis uncovered that the PDGF and TGF-β cascades are important cues in the NP microenvironment. In conclusion, a single-cell transcriptomic atlas that resolves spatially regulated cellular heterogeneity together with the critical signaling that underlies homeostasis will help to establish new therapeutic strategies for IVD degeneration in the clinic.

To avoid water spewing out of the screw conveyor, foam is often used to reduce the permeability coefficient of the soil during earth pressure balance (EPB) shield tunneling. Whether foam can effectively reduce the permeability or not strongly depends on soil gradation characteristics. A series of permeability tests were carried out on foam-conditioned soil with changing effective grain size (d10), curvature coefficient (Cc), and uniformity coefficient (Cu), further, three characteristic times were defined to evaluate the permeation safety of the conditioned soil, including critical time (tc), flow rate safety time (ta) and flow quantity safety time (ts). The test results show that with an increase in d10, the initial permeability coefficient of the conditioned soil increased greatly, however, it only changed slightly with increases in Cc and Cu. In addition, permeability coefficient was still much lower than that of the unconditioned soil, even though entered the slow growth period for a long time. It is shown that as the Cc and Cu increased, the ta and ts changed slightly, however, as the d10 increased, the ta and ts decreased significantly. The results indicate that d10 can greatly affect the permeability characteristics of conditioned soil, more specifically, the initial permeability coefficient and the permeation safety. By contrast, Cc and Cu have less effects. In addition, it is not reasonable to consider that the permeability coefficient of the conditioned soil will reach or be close to that of unconditioned soil when most, or all, of foam in the foam-conditioned soil dissipates.

H19andGtl2are paternal imprinted genes that are pivotal for prenatal embryonic development. Meanwhile, mouse nongrowing oocytes and sperm- or oocyte-originated haploid embryonic stem cells (haESCs) carrying bothH19andIG-DMR (differentially DNA-methylated region) deletions (DKO) that partially mimic paternal imprinting ofH19-Igf2andDlk1-Dio3can be employed as sperm replacement to efficiently support full-term embryonic development. However, howH19-DMR andIG-DMR act together to regulate embryonic development is still largely unknown. Here, using androgenetic haESC (AG-haESC)-mediated semi-cloned (SC) technology, we showed that paternalH19-DMR andIG-DMR are not essential for pre-implantation development of SC embryos generated through injection of AG-haESCs into oocytes.H19-DMR plays critical roles before 12.5 days of gestation whileIG-DMR is essential for late-gestation of SC embryos. Interestingly, we found that combined deletions ofH19andH19-DMR can further improve the efficiency of normal development of SC embryos at mid-gestation compared to DKO SC embryos. Transcriptome and histology analyses revealed thatH19andH19-DMR combined deletions rescue the placental defects. Furthermore, we showed thatH19,H19-DMR andIG-DMR deletions (TKO) give rise to better prenatal and postnatal embryonic development of SC embryos compared to DKO. Together, our results indicate the temporal regulation of paternal imprinted loci during embryonic development.

Polyester/carbon (PET/CAR) blend fabrics were prepared by treating polyester/cotton (PET/COT) fabrics with dilute phosphoric acid at high temperatures to carbonize the cotton fibers in the PET/COT fabrics. Fourier-transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis results were in accordance with the carbonization of cotton fibers. The surface morphology images showed only slight etching was on the polyester fibers and the fibers structures almost remained intact. The PET/CAR fabrics exhibited excellent antistatic properties. The induced voltage and half-life of the PET/CAR fabrics treated with 5% phosphoric acid solution were close to 0 V and 0 s, respectively. The ultraviolet protection factor value of the fabric treated with 5%-phosphoric acid reached 243 ± 8. The emergency recovery crease angle and the slow recovery crease angle reached 222 ± 4° and 230 ± 2°, respectively. The light shielding properties of PET/CAR were also superior. The tensile strengths of the PET/CAR fabrics decreased; regardless, the PET/CAR fabrics remained adequately strong for many applications such as blackout curtain, agricultural greenhouse shading textile and anti-UV umbrella textile etc.

Nickel foam (NF) was used as sacrificial template to synthesize graphene foam (GF) by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). ZnO NSAs were grown on the GF by hydrothermal synthesis to fabricate ZnO NSA/GF, which was used to detect dopamine in the presence of ascorbic acid and uric acid. The inter-connected ZnO NSAs with the sheet size of ~ 10 μm and thickness of ~ 500 nm uniformly distributed on the GF. The ZnO NSA/GF shows a sensitivity of 0.95 μA μM−1 in the concentration range of 0–80 μM and a measured limit of detection of 1 μM for determination of dopamine. Furthermore, the prepared electrode displays a reliable anti-interference to ascorbic acid and uric acid. It also shows an excellent reproducibility and long-time stability. The ZnO NSA/GF electrode was applied in human urine samples and exhibited satisfied recoveries.

A durable and effective flame retardant (FR) was synthesized in this work by taking advantage of the high reactivity of a cyclodiphosphazane derivative, without the use of formaldehyde. The FR is halogen-free and has the synergistic effect of phosphorus, nitrogen and silicon. Fire resistance of the cotton fabrics is significantly enhanced after the FR treatment. The limiting oxygen indices of cotton treated with 30% FR increase from 18.2 to 52.9% and decrease to 27.2% after 50 launder cycles, demonstrating that the proposed material is a durable FR. The thermo-gravimetric analysis results indicate that compared with the control cotton, the degradation process of the treated cotton occurred at a lower temperature range, the degree of degradation was lower, and the residue is improved. The total heat release and the effective heat combustion values are notably lower for the treated cotton than the control cotton. Furthermore, mechanical property tests demonstrate that the tensile strength is largely retained, while the bending length of the treated cotton partly increases. The surface morphology of the treated cotton is investigated with scanning electron microscopy. Fourier transform infrared and elemental analysis show that the FR was successfully grafted onto the surface of the cotton fabric. 1H, 13C, and 31P nuclear magnetic resonance verify the chemical structure of the FR.

The gastrointestinal tract is the site of nutrient digestion and absorption and is also colonized by diverse, highly mutualistic microbes. The intestinal microbiota has diverse effects on the development and function of the gut-specific immune system, and provides some protection from infectious pathogens. However, interactions between intestinal immunity and microorganisms are very complex, and recent studies have revealed that this intimate crosstalk may depend on the production and sensing abilities of multiple bioactive small molecule metabolites originating from direct produced by the gut microbiota or by the metabolism of dietary components. Here, we review the interplay between the host immune system and the microbiota, how commensal bacteria regulate the production of metabolites, and how these microbiota-derived products influence the function of several major innate and adaptive immune cells involved in modulating host immune homeostasis.

The effects of the grain size and thickness of Sn films on the kinetics of spontaneous Sn whisker growth have been quantitatively analyzed separately. The results reveal that the length and diameter of the whiskers are related to the parameters of the Sn film. A thicker film has a stronger influence on the whisker morphology than does the grain size. When the biaxial stress in the film reached a steady state, the growth rate was dependent on the grain size and thickness of the film. An equation is proposed to calculate the spontaneous growth rate of Sn whiskers in correlation with the dimension and microstructure of the Sn film. Spontaneous Sn whisker growth can be suppressed by increasing the thickness and grain size of the film.

A novel finishing agent, N,N-dimethyl-octadecyl phosphate acrylamide (NDOPA), was synthesized with octadecanol, phosphorous acid, formaldehyde and acrylamide, and applied to cotton fabrics by ultraviolet curing to endow cotton fabrics with superhydrophobicity and flame retardancy. Results showed that NDOPA could be grafted onto cotton fabrics through C–O–C covalent bonds during the ultraviolet curing process. The contact angle of cotton fabric treated with the 10% NDOPA agent could reach 157.5°. The treated cotton fabrics exhibited clear flame retardancy. The treated cotton retained strong hydrophobicity and flame retardancy after 30 laundering cycles, indicating that the treated cotton fabrics had excellent durability. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that the treated samples had flame-retardant properties. The results of Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis and scanning electron micrography showed that NDOPA was successfully grafted onto the cotton fabrics; X-ray diffraction analysis indicated that the crystallized structure of treated cotton fibers nearly did not change.

This study aims to explore whether 4-(2S,4R)-[18F]fluoroglutamine (4-[18F]FGln) positron emission tomography (PET) imaging is helpful in identifying and monitoring MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma by enhanced glutamine metabolism. Cell uptake studies and dynamic small-animal PET studies of 4-[18F]FGln and 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose ([18F]FDG) were conducted in human MYCN-amplified (IMR-32 and SK-N-BE (2) cells) and non-MYCN-amplified (SH-SY5Y cell) neuroblastoma cells and animal models. Subsequently, short hairpin RNA (shRNA) knockdown of alanine-serine-cysteine transporter 2 (ASCT2/SLC1A5) in IMR-32 cells and xenografts were investigated in vitro and in vivo. Western blot (WB), real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and immunofluorescence (IF) assays were used to measure the prevalence of ASCT2, Ki-67, and c-Caspase 3, respectively. IMR-32 and SK-N-BE (2) cells showed high glutamine uptake in vitro (31.6 ± 1.7 and 21.6 ± 6.6 %ID/100 μg). In the in vivo study, 4-[18F]FGln was localized in IMR-32, SK-N-BE (2), and SH-SY5Y tumors with a high uptake (6.6 ± 0.3, 5.6 ± 0.2, and 3.7 ± 0.1 %ID/g). The maximum uptake (tumor-to-muscle, T/M) of the IMR-32 and SK-N-BE (2) tumors (3.71 and 2.63) was significantly higher than that of SH-SY5Y (1.54) tumors (P

Ni(OH)2 nanoflakes (NFs) and graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets were prepared by a hydrothermal process and the modified Hummer’s method, respectively. Then, Ni(OH)2 NFs were dispersed in the GO suspension with the assistance of ultrasonic. Finally, the mixed colloidal solution was uniformly sprayed onto the surface of indium tin oxide (ITO) glass and annealed to obtain the NiO-reduced GO (RGO)/ITO electrode, which subsequently used for electrochemical sensing of dopamine (DA) analyte. The NiO-RGO/ITO electrode exhibits enhanced electrochemical response in the aqueous solution of DA analyte, which shows a high sensitivity (1.04 µA µM− 1), the lower measured detection limit (1 µM). The NiO-RGO/ITO electrode also exhibits an excellent selectivity under the interference of uric acid, repeatability and stability. The prepared sensor has been successfully applied in real samples and has a great potential to be used in clinical medicine.

Co-localization of a major QTL for wheat stripe rust resistance to a 3.9-cM interval on chromosome 6BL across both populations and another QTL on chromosome 2B with epistatic interaction. Cultivars with diverse resistance are the optimal strategy to minimize yield losses caused by wheat stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici). Two wheat populations involving resistant wheat lines P10078 and Snb"S" from CIMMYT were evaluated for stripe rust response in multiple environments. Pool analysis by Wheat660K SNP array showed that the overlapping interval on chromosome 6B likely harbored a major QTL between two populations. Then, linkage maps were constructed using KASP markers, and a co-localized locus with large effect on chromosome 6BL was detected using QTL analysis in both populations. The coincident QTL, named QYr.nwafu-6BL.2, explained 59.7% of the phenotypic maximum variation in the Mingxian 169 × P10078 and 52.5% in the Zhengmai 9023 × Snb"S" populations, respectively. This co-localization interval spanning 3.9 cM corresponds to ~ 30.5-Mb genomic region of the newest common wheat reference genome (IWGSC RefSeq v.1.0). In addition, another QTL was also detected on chromosome 2B in Zhengmai 9023 × Snb"S" population and it can accelerate expression of QYr.nwafu-6BL.2 to enhance resistance with epistatic interaction. Allowing for Pst response, marker genotypes, pedigree analysis and relative genetic distance, QYr.nwafu-6BL.2 is likely to be a distinct adult plant resistance QTL. Haplotype analysis of QYr.nwafu-6BL.2 revealed specific SNPs or alleles in the target region from a diversity panel of 176 unrelated wheat accessions. This QTL region provides opportunity for further map-based cloning, and haplotypes analysis enables pyramiding favorable alleles into commercial cultivars by marker-assisted selection.

A high-efficiency, halogen-free flame retardant: ammonium salt of guanazole-penta-(methylphosphonic acid) (AGPMPA) was synthesized in water solution under a mild reaction condition. The chemical structure of AGPMPA was characterized by FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and 31P NMR spectra. Vertical burning tests showed that cotton fabrics treated with 20%, 25% and 30% AGPMPA cannot be ignited, and the shortest carbon length reaches 2.9 cm for 30% treated cotton. The limiting oxygen indices of the treated cottons go up to 43.7–47.9% with the increases of AGPMPA concentrations and are still beyond 26.8% even after 50 laundering cycles, indicating that AGPMPA is a superior, durable flame retardant. Simultaneously, cone calorimeter data indicate that the heat release rate and the total heat release of treated cotton was remarkably decreased compared with those of control cotton. The TG-IR results indicate that the amounts of volatile products are prominently reduced, and the degradation temperature of treated cotton is lower than that of control cotton. The residual amounts of 46.1% in N2 gas and 31.6% in air for treated cotton fabric were attained, respectively. No noteworthy change for the surface of treated cotton fiber was observed by SEM. The mechanical properties of cotton fabrics before and after treatment have barely changed. These results proved that eco-friendly AGPMPA is an effective anti-flaming agent and has excellent durability.

ZnO nanoflowers (ZnO NFs) were prepared by hydrothermal synthesis and graphene oxide nanosheets (GO NSs) were synthesized by the Hummer’s method. Then, ZnO NFs were dispersed in GO dispersion and sprayed onto ITO-coated glass. Finally, the ZnO NFs-GO NSs/ITO was annealed to form the ZnO NFs-rGO NSs/ITO, acting as the electrode for the determination of levodopa (LD) under the interference of uric acid (UA). The results reveal that the ZnO NFs are made up of nanorods with the diameter of ∼ 150 nm and the length of ∼ 2 µm and ZnO NFs are covered by rGO NSs. The ZnO NFs-rGO NSs/ITO electrode exhibits an enhanced electrochemical response due to its excellent redox activity, which shows a high sensitivity (0.66 µA µM−1), low measured detection limit (1 µM) and excellent selectivity for determination of LD. The electrode was used to detect the LD in the actual sample of human serum for practical application, revealing satisfactory results.

A novel bio-based flame retardant ammonium salt of sodium glutamate tetramethylenephosphonic acid (ASGTMPA) was synthesized for cotton. The structure of ASGTMPA was characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance. When the concentration of ASGTMPA was 30%, the limit oxygen index of treated cotton fabric reached 39.5% and was 26.3% after 50 laundering cycles. TG and TG-IR results suggested that ASGTMPA-treated cotton remarkably promoted dehydration of cellulose to form char and reduced production of flammable volatiles. Cone calorimetry and thermogravimetry tests indicated that the ASGTMPA-treated cotton fabric had a lower decomposing temperature and promoted char formation, with peak heat release rate and total heat release lower than those of unfinished cotton fabrics. In a vertical flammability test, the treated cotton fabric showed no after-flame or after-glow, and the char length was 35 mm. The Fourier-transform infrared spectra showed that ASGTMPA combined with cellulose through P–O–C and –COOC– covalent bonds. SEM images revealed that the morphologies of the original and treated cotton fibers were similar.

The effect of cooling rate on the microstructure and mechanical properties of equimolar NiCoFeCrGa high-entropy alloy (HEA) was studied by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spec ...

Carbon nanofiber (CNF) was prepared by electrospinning using polypropylene and nickel was coated on the CNF by electroless plating. Then, graphene (Gr) was synthesized on the surface of nickel by chemical vapor deposition. After etching nickel, the Gr/CNF was obtained eventually and then used as a working electrode for the determination of levodopa in the presence of uric acid by cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry. The morphology and structure were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy, respectively. The results indicate that the electrode exhibits a high sensitivity of 0.26 μA·μM−1 and a low measured limit of detection of 1 μM for levodopa in the range of 1–60 μM. The electrode shows excellent selectivity, reproducibility, and stability. It was also applied to determine levodopa in the spiked human urine samples.

Nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots (N-GQDs) were synthesized by direct electrolysis of a carbon cloth electrode coated with nitrogen-doped nanomesh graphene (NG) in high yield (~ 25%). The N-GQDs emit intense blue fluorescence with a quantum yield (QY) of 10% ± 3%. Meanwhile, the N-GQDs are rich in hydroxyl, carboxyl, basic pyridinic nitrogen, and nitro groups, which are conducive to strengthen the interaction between N-GQDs and Fe3+ for highly sensitive determination of Fe3+ ions. Specifically, the determination for Fe3+ was conducted at different concentrations of N-GQD solution with a wide linear range of 10–1000 μM (150 μg·mL−1) and a low detection limit of 0.19 μM (10 μg·mL−1). Moreover, the fluorescence quenching mechanism illustrated that the functional groups generated by electrochemical oxidation enhanced the interaction of N-GQDs and Fe3+, and the narrow band gap (2.83 eV) of N-GQDs accomplished electron transfer from N-GQDs to Fe3+ easily.

The total variation method is widely used in image noise suppression. However, this method is easy to cause the loss of image details because of over-smoothing, so it is sensitive to the value of parameters. In this work, the total variation method has been modified using a diffusion rate adjuster based on the phase congruency and a fusion filter of median filter and phase consistency boundary, which is called “the MPC-TV method”. Experimental results indicate that MPC-TV method is effective in noise suppression, especially for the removing of speckle noise. It can prevent the image from over-smoothing, especially when the iteration time is larger than the best value. Therefore, it helps to improve the robustness of parameters of TV method to noise variance.

A nonenzymatic voltammetric assay for dopamine (DA) was developed based on the combination of three-dimensional graphene (3D Gr) and indium oxide nanosheet arrays (In2O3 NSAs). 3D Gr was prepared by chemical vapor deposition (CVD), and In2O3 NSAs were grown on its surface by hydrothermal synthesis. The results show that 3D Gr maintains a good porous structure (200 μm), and the pore size of In2O3 NSAs is 0.50 μm. Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) is mainly used to determine the electrochemical properties of In2O3 NSAs/3D Gr. It possesses a sensitivity of 2.69 μA·μM−1·cm−2 towards DA (5–60 μM) at 0.14 V, and the detection limit (LOD) is 0.10 μM (S/N = 3). The recoveries obtained for spiked samples in the real sample detection is 105 (± 8)%.

Stripe rust caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst) is one the most important diseases of wheat in Ethiopia and worldwide. To identify resistance genes, 90 bread wheat lines and 10 cultivars were tested at the seedling stage against one Pst race from Ethiopia and six races from China as well as evaluated for the stripe rust response in an inoculated field nursery at Yangling, Shaanxi province and in a naturally infected field in Jiangyou, Sichuan, China. Resistance genes were postulated using molecular assays for Yr9, Yr17, Yr18, Yr26, Yr29, Yr36, Yr44 and Yr62. Of the 100 entries tested, 16 had all stage resistance to all races. Molecular markers were positive for Yr9 in five genotypes, Yr17 in 21 genotypes, Yr18 in 27 genotypes, Yr26 in ten genotypes, Yr29 in 22 genotypes, Yr36 in 12 genotypes, Yr44 in 30 genotypes, and Yr62 in 51 genotypes. No line had Yr5, Yr8, Yr10 or Yr15. Complete or all stage resistance was observed in genotypes carrying gene combinations Yr9 + Yr18 + Yr44 + Yr62, Yr29 + Yr62 + Yr26 and Yr9 + Yr17 + Yr26 + Yr44 + Yr62. The results are helpful for developing wheat cultivars with effective and more durable resistance to stripe rust both in China and Ethiopia.

Accurate and rapid assessment of liver condition is the key to therapy for hepatitis patients. This study aim is to evaluate the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) radioligand [18F]N-fluoroacetyl-N-(2,5-dimethoxybenzyl)-2-phenoxyaniline ([18F]PBR06) as a positron emission tomography (PET) imaging tracer of chronic liver damage in a rat model. A rat model of liver damage was made by bile duct ligation (BDL), which initiates a complex cascade of pathological events that leads to cholestasis and inflammation, eventually resulting in a severe fibrotic and severe hepatocyte injury. PET scanning, immunofluorescence staining, H&E staining, Masson’s staining, and Quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR) were performed to elucidate the correlation among the expression level of PBR, radioactivity uptake, and the level of liver damage in the rat model of chronic inflammatory. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and total bilirubin (TBIL) increased after BDL and peaked in 1 week, then gradually decreased over the following 3 weeks, although still higher than that of control (all P

CRISPR-mediated base editing can introduce single-nucleotide changes in the DNA of living cells. One intriguing application of base editing is to screen pivotal amino acids for protein function in vivo; however, it has not been achieved. Here, we report an enhanced third-generation base-editing system with extra nuclear localization sequences that can efficiently introduce a homozygous base mutation in embryonic stem cells. Meanwhile, we establish a strategy to generate base-mutant mice by injection of haploid embryonic stem cells carrying a constitutively expressed enhanced third-generation base-editing system (4B2N1) and single guide RNA into oocytes. Moreover, transfection of 4B2N1 cells with a single guide RNA library targeting the Dnd1 gene allows one-step generation of mutant mice with a base mutation. This enables the identification of four missense mutations that completely deplete primordial germ cells through disruption of DND1 protein stability and protein-protein interaction. Thus, our strategy provides an effective tool for in vivo screening of amino acids that are crucial for protein function.

Nickel powders were prepared by the liquid phase reduction method. Using the nickel powders as the template, three-dimensional graphene foam (3D GF) was prepared via chemical vapor deposition (CVD) at high temperature, followed by acid etching. It was transferred onto the indium tin oxide (ITO) glass (3D GF/ITO) and acted as the electrode for the simultaneous determination of dopamine (DA) and uric acid (UA). The 3D GF/ITO electrode shows a high sensitivity and excellent selectivity for the detection of DA and UA. The measured detection limit for DA and UA is 0.1 μM, respectively. The 3D GF/ITO was employed for the measurement of human urine, exhibiting satisfactory results.

Biological nanopores are capable of resolving small analytes down to a monoatomic ion. In this research, tetrachloroaurate(III), a polyatomic ion, is discovered to bind to the methionine residue (M113) of a wild-type α-hemolysin by reversible Au(III)-thioether coordination. However, the cylindrical pore geometry of α-hemolysin generates shallow ionic binding events (~5–6 pA) and may have introduced other undesired interactions. Inspired by nanopore sequencing, a Mycobacterium smegmatis porin A (MspA) nanopore, which possesses a conical pore geometry, is mutated to bind tetrachloroaurate(III). Subsequently, further amplified blockage events (up to ~55 pA) are observed, which report the largest single ion binding event from a nanopore measurement. By taking the embedded Au(III) as an atomic bridge, the MspA nanopore is enabled to discriminate between different biothiols from single molecule readouts. These phenomena suggest that MspA is advantageous for single molecule chemistry investigations and has applications as a hybrid biological nanopore with atomic adaptors., Engineered biological nanopores enable observation of single molecule chemistry events; however a cylindrical pore geometry can have undesired effects. The authors report a conical biological pore which was embedded with tetrachloroaurate(III) to allow for discrimination between different biothiols.

High-entropy alloys (HEAs) consisting of multiprincipal elements have demonstrated many interesting structural, physical, and chemical properties for a wide range of applications. This article is a review of the current theoretical research on the elastic parameters of HEAs. The performance of various ab initio-based computational models (effective medium and supercell approaches) is carefully analyzed. Representative theoretical elastic parameters of different HEAs, including single-crystal elastic constants, polycrystalline elastic moduli, elastic anisotropy, and Debye temperature, are presented and discussed. For comparison, simple mixtures of the elastic moduli of pure elements are calculated and contrasted with the ab initio results. The present work provides a reference for future theoretical investigation of the micromechanical properties of systems based on HEAs.