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BACKGROUND: Food‐grade Pickering particles, particularly plant proteins, have attracted significant interest due to their bio‐based nature, environmental friendliness, and edibility. Mulberry‐leaf protein (MLP) is a high‐quality protein with rich nutritional value and important functional properties. It has special amphoteric and emulsifying characteristics, making it valuable for use in Pickering emulsions. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of using MLP nanoparticles as solid particles to stabilize Pickering emulsions. RESULTS: The particle size of MLP nanoparticles was less than 300 nm under neutral and alkaline conditions. At pH 9, the zeta potential value reached −34.3 mV, indicating the electrostatic stability of the particles. As ion concentration increased, the particle size of MLP nanoparticles increased, and the zeta potential decreased. Throughout the storage process, no obvious aggregation or precipitation was observed in the dispersion of MLP nanoparticles, indicating strong stability. The particle size of the Pickering emulsion decreased with the increase in protein concentration. When the protein concentration was low, the particles on the oil–water interface became sparse, resulting in poor stability of the prepared emulsion and making it susceptible to aggregation and thus larger particle sizes. Increasing the oil‐phase ratio to 70% (v/v) promotes the formation of Pickering emulsions, which exhibit exceptional stability when MLP nanoparticles are fixed at a concentration of 20 mg mL−1. CONCLUSION: The overall findings indicated that MLP nanoparticles have potential as food‐grade materials for Pickering emulsions, marking a novel application of these nanoparticles in the food industry. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aluminum alloys are widely used in lightweight automotive structures due to their excellent properties. To deeply explore the development of surface bonding technology, aluminum alloy is selected as the object, and current research status of aluminum alloy surface treatment methods is reviewed. The adhesion mechanism during joint preparation, the method of adhesive selection, and the bonding process are summarized. This overview discusses the impact of different surface treatment processes on aluminum alloy joints from two perspectives: substrate characteristics and joint failure modes. It examines how these processes affect surface roughness, surface morphology, surface contact angle, surface free energy, surface chemical composition, and bonding performance. Additionally, it looks ahead to key directions for future research on adhesive joint performance. The results indicate that surface treatment increases the surface roughness of aluminum alloys, reduces the contact angle, and improves surface wettability. Moreover, chemical elements or functional groups that enhance adhesion are introduced on the surface, improving the bonding capability between the adhesive and the substrate. Compared to single‐surface treatment methods, hybrid treatment methods significantly enhance the surface characteristics of aluminum alloys and are expected to become a primary focus for future research on bonded joint performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Floral patterns are unique to rice and contribute significantly to its reproductive success. SL1 encodes a C2H2 transcription factor that plays a critical role in flower development in rice, but the molecular mechanism regulated by it remains poorly understood. Here, we describe interactions of the SL1 with floral homeotic genes, SPW1, and DL in specifying floral organ identities and floral meristem fate. First, the sl1 spw1 double mutant exhibited a stamen‐to‐pistil transition similar to that of sl1, spw1, suggesting that SL1 and SPW1 may located in the same pathway regulating stamen development. Expression analysis revealed that SL1 is located upstream of SPW1 to maintain its high level of expression and that SPW1, in turn, activates the B‐class genes OsMADS2 and OsMADS4 to suppress DL expression indirectly. Secondly, sl1 dl displayed a severe loss of floral meristem determinacy and produced amorphous tissues in the third/fourth whorl. Expression analysis revealed that the meristem identity gene OSH1 was ectopically expressed in sl1 dl in the fourth whorl, suggesting that SL1 and DL synergistically terminate the floral meristem fate. Another meristem identity gene, FON1, was significantly decreased in expression in sl1 background mutants, suggesting that SL1 may directly activate its expression to regulate floral meristem fate. Finally, molecular evidence supported the direct genomic binding of SL1 to SPW1 and FON1 and the subsequent activation of their expression. In conclusion, we present a model to illustrate the roles of SL1, SPW1, and DL in floral organ specification and regulation of floral meristem fate in rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the frequency, genomic patterns, and clinical significance of HER2 status in UBC. The study found that 22.8% of UBC patients had high HER2 expression, but further research and larger sample sizes are needed to validate these findings. The insights gained from this study may help develop new therapeutic strategies for UBC. The Terms and Conditions for using Wiley Online Library emphasize the importance of adhering to copyright laws and respecting intellectual property rights. The document outlines permitted uses of articles for personal research and educational purposes, while prohibiting unauthorized distribution or commercial use. Licensing terms for Open Access articles are also explained. [Extracted from the article]

Nucleotide excision repair (NER) of ultraviolet (UV)‐induced DNA lesions known as cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer (CPD) and (6–4)‐pyrimidine‐pyrimidone (6‐4PP) photoproducts depends on the activities of multiple anti‐UV radiation (RAD) proteins in budding yeast. However, NER remains poorly known in filamentous fungi, whose DNA lesions are photorepaired by one or two photolyases, namely CPD‐specific Phr1 and/or 6‐4PP‐specific Phr2. Previously, the white collar proteins WC1 and WC2 were proven to regulate expressions of phr2 and phr1 and photorepair 6‐4PP and CDP DNA lesions, respectively, in Metarhizium robertsii, a filamentous entomopathogenic‐phytoendophytic fungus. We report here high activities of orthologous Rad1 and Rad10 in 5‐h photoreactivation of UVB‐injured or UVB‐inactivated conidia but a severely compromised capability of their reactivating those conidia via 24‐h dark incubation in M. robertsii. The null mutants of rad1 and rad10 were much more compromised in conidial UVB resistance and photoreactivation capability than the previous null mutants of phr1, phr2, wc1 and wc2. Multiple protein–protein (Rad1‐Rad10, Rad1‐WC2, Rad10‐Phr1, WC1‐Phr1/2 and WC2‐Phr1/2) interactions detected suggest direct/indirect links of Rad1 and Rad10 to Phr1/2 and WC1/2 and an importance of the links for their photoreactivation activities. Conclusively, Rad1 and Rad10 photoreactivate UVB‐impaired M. robertsii through their interactions with the DNA photorepair‐required proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a case of bilateral common carotid artery occlusion and aneurysm in the V4 segment of the right vertebral artery with constriction of the left vertebral artery is presented. By improving digital subtraction angiography, an elderly female patient with subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) was diagnosed with a V4 segment of right vertebral artery aneurysm, a microaneurysm at the beginning of basilar aneurysms, bilateral common carotid artery occlusion, and narrowing vessel of left vertebral artery (DSA). Through the compensation of the basilar artery, the bilateral vertebral arteries provide intracranial and extracranial blood. Because the vertebral artery is narrowed, the right vertebral artery has priority in intracranial and extracranial blood delivery. Many members of the patient's immediate family have vasculitis, which has yet to be proven by appropriate laboratory testing but is thought to be the major cause of big artery occlusion. After cerebral angiography, the major source of this subarachnoid haemorrhage was determined to be a V4 segment of right vertebral artery aneurysm. Endovascular stent-assisted coil embolization was used to treat a V4 section of the right vertebral artery aneurysm. Because the basilar aneurysm was distal to the artery, interventional embolization was difficult to do, and it was not the major cause of the subarachnoid haemorrhage, the patient was advised to have follow-up surveillance, and she recovered well following the procedure. The combination of endovascular intervention of bilateral common carotid artery blockage and V4 segment of right vertebral artery aneurysm yielded excellent clinical outcomes in this instance. Endovascular treatment of a bilateral common carotid artery blockage paired with a V4 segment of a right vertebral artery aneurysm yielded excellent clinical outcomes in this patient, although long-term follow-up is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Probiotics are expected to be an ideal alternative for antibiotics in the poultry industry. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Lactobacillus plantarum on growth traits, slaughter performance, serum markers and intestinal bacterial community of Daheng broilers. A total of 2400 healthy one‐day‐old Daheng broilers were randomly divided into 5 groups with 6 replicates per group and 40 individuals per replicate. Birds in control group were fed a basal diet, and others were fed basal diets supplemented with 105, 106, 107 and 108 CFU/kg Lactobacillus plantarum, respectively. It turned out that adding Lactobacillus plantarum to diet could significantly improve the serum immune performance of broilers (p < 0.05), enhance the antioxidant capacity to a certain extent (p > 0.05), but had no significant effect on growth traits and slaughter performance. Moreover, Lactobacillus plantarum could improve the diversity of intestinal bacterial community, but with the increase of addition concentration, the diversity would gradually decrease. In conclusion, Lactobacillus plantarum can be used as feed additive in broiler production, but whether it is more effective than antibiotics needs further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, with the rapid development of the material market, the requirements of high performance and high precision of materials are increasingly exposed. Nanomagnetic fluid materials are more and more widely used in oil film bearings, but their compressive strength and performance are insufficient, which is difficult to meet the current requirements of material chemical properties. First of all, a device for simulating a microgravity environment with magnetic compensation is fabricated. Then, in the microgravity environment, according to the different proportions of magnetic solid particles, the base carrier liquid and the surfactant are mixed to produce nanomagnetic fluid and the nanomagnetic fluid with different composition proportions is prepared by adjusting the proportion of ferrous and ferric ions. Finally, the lubrication performance of oil film-bearing magnetic fluid with different composition ratios was tested. The results show that when the ratio of Fe2+ to Fe3+ is between 11 : 20 and 13 : 20, the MHD (magnetohydrodynamics) lubrication performance of oil film bearing is in the peak region. When the ratio is 3 : 5, the best lubrication performance can be achieved. When it is slightly higher than this ratio, the oxidation rate is accelerated due to more ferrous ions. Although it can have a good lubrication effect, it is easy to cause the overall fluidity of oil film-bearing magnetic fluid to deteriorate. Therefore, the oil film bearing nano-MHD with the ratio of 3 : 5 ferrous to ferric has the best lubrication performance in the microgravity environment simulated by magnetic compensation. Experiments have shown that when the magnetic fluid is heated in a magnetic field, the temperature gradient will cause the magnetization to change, which makes the magnetic force experienced by the liquid in each part different, causing convection. Therefore, by selecting the direction of the magnetic field and the heating surface, by applying an external magnetic field or promoting convection, or suppressing convection, convection in the opposite direction to the natural convection of gravity can also be realized. Moreover, magnetism can immediately promote high-temperature boiling, generate bubbles, and eliminate the generation of bubbles to promote heat transfer. With the above effects, the heat conduction between the heating wall and the liquid can be controlled, and its practical and potential application fields are very wide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous investigations have implicated the basolateral amygdala (BLA) epigenetic mechanisms in the pathophysiology of depression. SIRT1 is a NAD+‐dependent class III histone deacetylase, widely expresses in BLA. However, epigenetic mechanisms in the BLA under the regulation of SIRT1 in the depression are largely uncharacterized. Under the chronic unpredictable chronic mild stress (CUMS) mouse model, we used adeno‐associated viral vectors (AAV) that encoded SIRT1‐shRNA or SIRT1 to specifically knockdown or overexpress SIRT1 in BLA neurons, respectively. CUMS procedure induced significant depression symptoms including the decreased sucrose preference, the less bodyweight gained, the decreased immobile latency and the increased immobile time both in forced swim test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST). Knockdown of SIRT1 in BLA glutamatergic neurons reversed these depression‐like behaviors and restored the synaptic abnormalities. Overexpression of SIRT1 in BLA glutamatergic neurons induced depression‐like behaviors in non‐stressed control mice. The result of protein expressions and ultrastructural changes were consistent with the behavioral results. Our study suggested that downregulation of SIRT1 in BLA has certain beneficial effect on CUMS‐induced depression‐like behaviors such as anorexia, anhedonia, hopelessness and despair. In addition, the increased expression of SIRT1 may be the immediate cause of depressive‐like symptoms. The abnormal expression of SIRT1 may affect the transcriptional regulation mechanism and signaling protein acetylation, affecting neuroplasticity and ultimately contribute to MDD. In the stress‐susceptible mice, these two mechanisms may co‐exist, but the specific mechanism needs further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Imaging of biomolecules by ionizing radiation, such as electrons, causes radiation damage which introduces structural and compositional changes of the specimen. The total number of high‐energy electrons per surface area that can be used for imaging in cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo‐EM) is severely restricted due to radiation damage, resulting in low signal‐to‐noise ratios (SNR). High resolution details are dampened by the transfer function of the microscope and detector, and are the first to be lost as radiation damage alters the individual molecules which are presumed to be identical during averaging. As a consequence, radiation damage puts a limit on the particle size and sample heterogeneity with which electron microscopy (EM) can deal. Since a transmission EM (TEM) image is formed from the scattering process of the electron by the specimen interaction potential, radiation damage is inevitable. However, we can aim to maximize the information transfer for a given dose and increase the SNR by finding alternatives to the conventional phase‐contrast cryo‐EM techniques. Here some alternative transmission electron microscopy techniques are reviewed, including phase plate, multi‐pass transmission electron microscopy, off‐axis holography, ptychography and a quantum sorter. Their prospects for providing more or complementary structural information within the limited lifetime of the sample are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The upstream developmental activation (UDA) pathway comprises three fluG‐cored cascades (fluG‐flbA, fluG‐flbE/B/D and fluG‐flbC) that activate the key gene brlA of central developmental pathway (CDP) to initiate conidiation in aspergilli. However, the core role of fluG remains poorly understood in other fungi. Here, we report distinctive role of fluG in the insect‐pathogenic lifecycle of Beauveria bassiana. Disruption of fluG resulted in limited conidiation defect, which was mitigated with incubation time and associated with time‐course up‐regulation/down‐regulation of all flb and CDP genes and another fluG‐like gene (BBA_06309). In ΔfluG, increased sensitivities to various stresses correlated with repression of corresponding stress‐responsive genes. Its virulence through normal cuticle infection was attenuated greatly due to blocked secretion of cuticle‐degrading enzymes and delayed formation of hyphal bodies (blastospores) to accelerate proliferation in vivo and host death. In submerged ΔfluG cultures mimicking insect haemolymph, largely increased blastospore production concurred with drastic up‐regulation of the CDP genes brlA and abaA, which was associated with earlier up‐regulation of most flb genes in the cultures. Our results unveil an essentiality of fluG for fungal adaptation to insect‐pathogenic lifecycle and suggest the other fluG‐like gene to act as an alternative player in the UDA pathway of B. bassiana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The photolyases PHR1 and PHR2 enable photorepair of fungal DNA lesions in the forms of UV‐induced cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer (CPD) and (6‐4)‐pyrimidine‐pyrimidone (6‐4PP) photoproducts, but their regulation remains mechanistically elusive. Here, we report that the white collar proteins WC1 and WC2 mutually interacting to form a light‐responsive transcription factor regulate photolyase expression required for fungal UV resistance in the insect‐pathogenic fungus Metharhizum robertsii. Conidial UVB resistance decreased by 54% in Δwc1 and 67% in Δwc2. Five‐hour exposure of UVB‐inactivated conidia to visible light resulted in photoreactivation rates of 30% and 9% for the Δwc1 and Δwc2 mutants, contrasting to 79%–82% for wild‐type and complemented strains. Importantly, abolished transcription of phr1 in Δwc‐2 and of phr2 in Δwc1 resulted in incapable photorepair of CDP and 6‐4PP DNA lesions in UVB‐impaired Δwc2 and Δwc1 cells respectively. Yeast two‐hybrid assays revealed interactions of either WC protein with both PHR1 and PHR2. Therefore, the essential roles for WC1 and WC2 in both photorepair of UVB‐induced DNA lesions and photoreactivation of UVB‐inactivated conidia rely upon their interactions with, and hence transcriptional activation of, PHR1 and PHR2. These findings uncover a novel WC‐cored pathway that mediates filamentous fungal response and adaptation to solar UV irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, four‐point bending tests of six prestressed reactive powder concrete (RPC) sound barrier unit panels were performed, the flexural behavior, deflection, and failure modes of both in situ and prefabricated panels were studied. The results show that the major failure modes for in situ panels were bending failure. Prestressing the panels can effectively increase the cracking loads and improve the stiffness of the in situ panels, but it cannot improve the ultimate flexural capacities. The ductility of the in situ panels decreased with the increase of prestressing degree. The stiffness of the prefabricated panels was improved by prestressing. Increasing the thickness of back and front plates, the ductility of the panels decreased accordingly, and the ductility of the prefabricated panels decreased more obviously than that of in situ panels. Based on the test results, considering tensile strength of RPC and prestressing stress, a modified formula for flexural capacity of in situ panels was established. In the meantime, considering the "bridge" effect of steel fiber, the formulae to calculate the crack width and deflection at service limit state were also developed for future design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geomagnetic data from 20 observatories in East-Asia and Oceania regions were used to investigate the seasonal variation characteristics of the external and internal Sq current systems by spherical harmonic analysis (SHA). The seasonal current models of D (northern winter) season, E (equinox) season, and J (northern summer) season have been constructed respectively, and the current parameters of these models were analyzed. The main results are obtained as follows: (1) The local time T of the northern vortex moves from local noon to prenoon from D to E to J season for both external and internal currents; meanwhile, in the southern hemisphere, the T moves from local noon to afternoon. (2) The vortex intensity J increases from local winter to equinox then to local summer. The interseasonal change rate of internal current is larger than that of external current. (3) The latitude Φ of the external current vortex exhibits seasonal variation in the southern hemisphere, while in the northern hemisphere the latitude Φ of the internal current vortex shows obvious seasonal changes. (4) The correlations between the internal and external currents are further analyzed. In the E season the correlation of T is the highest, and in the local summer and winter, the correlation of J is the strongest. The different seasonal behavior of the external and internal current systems is unexpected, and its mechanism remains to be identified in future study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sichuan mountainous black‐bone (SMB) chicken is a small‐sized black‐feathered chicken breed with low amount of meat, while Dahen (DH) chicken has a larger body size and a faster growth rate. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in various physiological processes, but their role in chicken muscle growth remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the miRNAs and pathways participating in the muscle growth of chicken. MiRNA profiles of four SMB chickens and four DH chickens were detected by small RNA sequencing. A total of 994 known miRNAs were identified, among which gga‐miR‐1a‐3p, gga‐miR‐148‐3p and gga‐miR‐133a‐3p exhibited the highest enrichment in both breeds of chickens. Thirty‐two miRNAs were differently expressed between SMB and DH chickens. The differently expressed miRNAs were mainly associated with fatty acid metabolism, immunity and MAPK activation‐related processes. Kyoto encyclopaedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) analysis showed that miRNAs were involved in the immunity‐related and MAPK signalling pathways. Moreover, miR‐204 was downregulated in DH chicken compared with SMB chicken, and significantly inhibited the expression of MAP3K13, which is involved in the MAPK pathway. It was confirmed through luciferase reporter assays that miR‐204 specifically inhibited the activity of MAP3K13. Our results helped demonstrate the potential molecular mechanisms of muscle growth in chickens and provide valuable information for chicken breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Telomere shortening follows a developmentally regulated process that leads to replicative senescence of dividing cells. However, whether telomere changes are involved in postmitotic cell function and aging remains elusive. In this study, we discovered that the level of the TRF2 protein, a key telomere‐capping protein, declines in human skeletal muscle over lifetime. In cultured human myotubes, TRF2 downregulation did not trigger telomere dysfunction, but suppressed expression of the mitochondrial Sirtuin 3 gene (SIRT3) leading to mitochondrial respiration dysfunction and increased levels of reactive oxygen species. Importantly, restoring the Sirt3 level in TRF2‐compromised myotubes fully rescued mitochondrial functions. Finally, targeted ablation of the Terf2 gene in mouse skeletal muscle leads to mitochondrial dysfunction and sirt3 downregulation similarly to those of TRF2‐compromised human myotubes. Altogether, these results reveal a TRF2‐SIRT3 axis controlling muscle mitochondrial function. We propose that this axis connects developmentally regulated telomere changes to muscle redox metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient C–S/S–S formation for the chemoselective synthesis of aryl dithiocarbamate (C–S formation) and aryl dialkylcarbamo(dithioperoxo)thioate (S–S formation) was studied. The chemoselectivity could be controlled by modulating the reaction temperature, base, and catalyst. The transformation features a simple reaction, easily available starting materials, high selectivity and easy performance, showing its practical synthetic value for the preparation of some potential biologically or pharmaceutically active compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a new MR system using display integrated with cameras that we call DCam. It is supported by a powerful driver IC, in which there are ISP and image processing algorithm IP. By making use of DCam, the new MR system contributes to reduce weight of all‐in‐one device to 150g, provide a large FOV of 90, and save image transmission and processing time of 2 frame. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple, highly efficient and environmentally benign method for the synthesis of benzyl dithiocarbamates was reported. Without addition of metal catalyst, a series of 34 benzyl dithiocarbamates were obtained in good to excellent yields by treating benzyl halides with tetraalkylthiuram disulfides in water. The protocol allows easy access to C(sp3)–S bond formation, features the advantages of easy performance, environmental friendliness, good to excellent yields, and good functional tolerance, showing potential value for the preparation of some biologically active compounds. By the treatment of benzyl halides with tetraalkylthiuram disulfides (TMTD, TETD and TBTD), the desired C(sp3)‐S coupling products (benzyl dithiocarbamates) could be obtained in good to excellent yields. The protocol features advantages of experimental simplicity, water as solvent, metal‐free, good functional compatibility, good to excellent yields, illustrating its potential synthetic value in the convenient preparation of some potentially biologically active compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wavelet transform is one of the most desirable tools for depressing noise. However, the traditional linear wavelets are not always suitable for any real world signals with strong background noises. In this work, we present a new morphological wavelet, named averaged dilation-erosion morphological wavelet (ADEMW), for depressing the noise in signals of firing shock force on the shoulder. Simulated signals with different SNRs are generated to evaluate and compare the proposed new wavelet scheme with the traditional linear wavelet and another two morphological wavelets presented in literature. Experimental results reveal that the presented ADEMW gives the most promising noise suppression performance. Then, the ADEMW is employed to process the real-world signals acquired from a firing shock force testing system. Processing results demonstrate that the ADEMW also outperforms another three wavelets obviously for depressing the strong background noise in the signals of firing shock force on the shoulder. The main impulsive components in the firing shock force can be clearly detected for analyzing the impacts on shoulder during the shooting process. The presented ADEMW scheme has provided a novel desirable tool for analyzing the complicated signals with strong noise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A facile and efficient formation of 2‐aminobenzothiazoles by a copper(II)‐promoted one‐pot cascade process was developed. The desired 2‐aminobenzothiazoles were synthesized in good to excellent yields (up to 97 %) in the presence of Cu(OAc)2 and K2CO3, a variety of functional groups on 2‐iodoanilines could be tolerated. The method features ligand‐free and mild reaction conditions and good yields, illustrating its practical synthetic value in some potentially biologically active compounds. A facile and efficient synthesis of 2‐aminobenzothiazoles by a copper(II)‐promoted one‐pot cascade process was developed. The desired 2‐aminobenzothiazoles were synthesized in good to excellent yields (up to 97 %), and a variety of functional groups could be tolerated. The method features ligand‐free and mild reaction conditions and good yields, illustrating its practical synthetic value in some potentially biologically active compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruit swelling determines fruit size and usually occurs in two distinct time periods in peach. However, little is known about the gene regulation of fruit swelling. In this study, measurements of longitudinal and transverse diameters in developing and ripening peach fruits unveiled two periods of fruit swelling: the first swelling ends at approximately 65 days after flower blooming (DAFB) and the second swelling starts at approximately 75 DAFB. Comparisons of diameters sizes and development periods among cultivars and accessions revealed a cooperative regulation of swelling velocity and swelling duration, which leads to final determination of fruit size. Furthermore, RNA‐sequencing was conducted for fruits at the initial swelling, non‐swelling interval between the two swellings (hereafter, 'the interval'), second swelling and ripening stages. A total of 110 and 128 differentially expressed genes were screened from fruits in the first and second swelling, respectively. Besides, the nine most differentially expressed genes located within the reported quantitative trait locations (QTLs) of fruit size in peach were detected in both the first and second swelling stages. Those genes have been reported to be involved in mediating cell size, which indicates the occurrence of both cell proliferation and cell expansion in each of the two major periods of fruit swelling. In addition, a potential gene regulation network is proposed herein and could be used to elucidate the molecular mechanism of peach fruit swellings mediated by multiple key genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A convenient and efficient protocol has been developed for the preparation of aryl‐isothioureas based on the Chan–Lam C–S coupling reaction. The desired aryl‐isothioureas were synthesized in good yields (up to 95 %) in the presence of Cu(OAc)2·H2O as catalyst and bipyridine as ligand. A variety of functional groups on the aryl‐thiourea and arylboronic acid reagents are tolerated. The method features mild reaction conditions and good yields, thereby illustrating its practical synthetic value in organic synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identification and characterization of the limbal epithelial stem cells (LESCs) has proven to be a major accomplishment in anterior ocular surface biology. These cells have been shown to be a subpopulation of limbal epithelial basal cells, which serve as the progenitor population of the corneal epithelium. LESCs have been demonstrated to play an important role in maintaining corneal epithelium homeostasis. Many ocular surface diseases, including intrinsic (e.g., Sjogren’s syndrome) or extrinsic (e.g., alkali or thermal burns) insults, which impair LESCs, can lead to limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD). LSCD is characterized by an overgrowth of conjunctival-derived epithelial cells, corneal neovascularization, and chronic inflammation, eventually leading to blindness. Treatment of LSCD has been challenging, especially in bilateral total LSCD. Recently, advances in LESC research have led to novel therapeutic approaches for treating LSCD, such as transplantation of the cultured limbal epithelium. These novel therapeutic approaches have demonstrated efficacy for ocular surface reconstruction and restoration of vision in patients with LSCD. However, they all have their own limitations. Here, we describe the current status of LSCD treatment and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the available therapeutic modalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Bottom-up and top-down forces are major components of biological control against pests in an agro-ecosystem. Understanding the multi-trophic interactions between plants and secondary consumers would help optimize pest control strategies. We manipulated nitrogen and/or water inputs to tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum) to test whether these manipulations could trigger bottom-up effects on the parasitoid Necremnus tutae via host (Tuta absoluta) and/or non-host (Bemisia tabaci) exposures, and compared the control efficacy of N. tutae on T. absoluta in the presence and absence of B. tabaci. RESULTS: The results showed no cascading effects of plant nitrogen and/or water inputs on N. tutae via either host or non-host exposure. The bottom-up force was mitigated by chewing or sap-feeding insect consumers at the second energy level. By contrast, the top-down force on T. absoluta from parasitoids was enhanced by an additionally provided non-host, which could produce alternative food sources extending N. tutae longevity and enhancing the fitness of its offspring. CONCLUSION: Our results provided evidence for the combination of bottom-up and top-down approaches in tomato integrated pest management programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corneal avascularity is critical for achieving transparency necessary for proper transmission of light to the lens and visual acuity. Although much is known about angiogenesis and angiostasis, the precise regulation of these processes in the cornea is unclear. MicroRNA (miR)‐184, the most abundant corneal epithelial miRNA, has been suggested to function in corneal angiostasis by altering VEGF signaling; however, the mechanism(s) underlying this regulation have not been addressed. Using a combination of in vitro and in vivo assays to evaluate angiogenesis, we demonstrated that human limbal epithelial keratinocytes (HLEKs) engineered to overexpress miR‐184 secreted lower amounts of angiogenicmitogens. Human dermal microvascular cells exposedto conditioned medium from miR‐184‐over expressing HLEKs were less proliferative and failed to seal linear scratch wounds. The in vivo Matrigel plug assay showed that conditioned medium from miR‐184‐expressing HLEKs elicited a lesser degree of neovascularization compared with controls. We found that miR‐184 directly targets and represses the proangiogenic factors, friend of Gata 2 (FOG2), platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF)‐b, and phosphatidic acid phosphatase 2b (PPAP2B). FOG2 regulates VEGF expression, whereas PDGF‐band PPAP2B regulate Akt activity. By attenuating both VEGF and Akt signaling, miR‐184 acts as a broad‐spectrum negative regulator of corneal angiogenesis.—Park, J. K., Peng, H., Yang, W., Katsnelson, J., Volpert, O., Lavker, R.M. miR‐184 exhibits angiostatic properties via regulation of Akt and VEGF signaling pathways. FASEB J. 31, 256–265 (2017) www.fasebj.org [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The large adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid renewable energy systems (HRESs), and the increasing of the loads shall bring significant challenges to the microgrid. The methodology to model microgrid with high EVs and HRESs penetrations is the key to EVs adoption assessment and optimized HRESs deployment. However, considering the complex interactions of the microgrid containing massive EVs and HRESs, any previous single modelling approaches are insufficient. Therefore in this paper, the methodology named Hierarchical Agent-based Integrated Modelling Approach (HAIMA) is proposed. With the effective integration of the agent-basedmodelling with other advancedmodelling approaches, the proposed approach theoretically contributes to a new microgrid model hierarchically constituted by microgrid management layer, component layer, and event layer. Then the HAIMA further links the key parameters and interconnects them to achieve the interactions of the whole model. Furthermore, HAIMA practically contributes to a comprehensive microgrid operation system, through which the assessment of the proposed model and the impact of the EVs adoption are achieved. Simulations show that the proposed HAIMA methodology will be beneficial for the microgrid study and EV's operation assessment and shall be further utilized for the energy management, electricity consumption prediction, the EV scheduling control, and HRES deployment optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impact on petroleum based vehicles on the environment, cost, and availability of fuel has led to an increased interest in electric vehicle as a means of transportation. Battery is a major component in an electric vehicle. Economic viability of these vehicles depends on the availability of cost-effective batteries. This paper presents a generalized formulation for determining the optimal operating strategy and cost optimization for battery. Assume that the deterioration of the battery is stochastic. Under the assumptions, the proposed operating strategy for battery is formulated as a nonlinear optimization problem considering reliability and failure number. And an explicit expression of the average cost rate is derived for battery lifetime. Results show that the proposed operating strategy enhances the availability and reliability at a low cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving the SiC- Si/ MAS interface is essential for enhancing the SiC- Si/ MAS joint strength. In this work, well-dispersed SiC nanowires (NWs) were in situ synthesized at the SiC- Si/ MAS interface in the joints as the anchors, which made the fracture feature of the joints change from SiC- Si/ MAS interface fracture to MAS fracture, resulting in an obvious improvement of the shear strength. The results showed that the average shear strength of the joints was increased by 49% by in situ synthesizing SiC NWs, which was primarily attributed to the excellent interface anchoring effects of SiC NWs involving the interfacial bonding anchoring between SiC NWs and SiC- Si layer and the mechanical interlocking anchoring between SiC NWs with the junctions and the surrounding grains. This study may provide new insight into the anchoring mechanisms and suggest a new design methodology for nanowire joints, leading to improved joint strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives/Hypothesis: To report the reliability and reconstructive outcome of using anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap with or without titanium mesh to repair maxillectomy defects in a patient from a low resource region (LRR). Study Design: Retrospective review. Methods: Clinical data of patients with oral-maxillofacial cancers who underwent maxillectomy and reconstruction using ALT flap in two tertiary cancer centers in southern China were retrospectively reviewed. Reconstructive techniques, flap survival, postoperative oral functions, and surgical complications were reported. Results: Apart from one total flap loss, 18 of the 19 free ALT flaps survived. Titanium mesh was used in two patients with total maxillectomy defects. Eighteen of the 19 patients resumed a normal oral diet. Fourteen patients had good speech, except one patient with poor pronunciation, and four patients had average speech. One patient presented with postoperative palatal fistula. No other complications were observed. Conclusions: The application of ALT flaps with or without titanium mesh to repair maxillectomy defects is straightforward and reliable and has an acceptable reconstructive outcome. It might be a suitable procedure for patients from an LRR. Laryngoscope, 2012 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The brittleness of poly(styrene maleic anhydride) (SMA) was improved by compositing with elastic poly(methyl methacrylate-butadiene-styrene) (MBS) to develop it into optical film. Transparent and flexible SMA films were prepared, and the flexibility of them was checked by folding endurance test and folding bend. The transparence of SMAMBS films were proved by the transmittance and haze measurements. In actual view, the letters could be clearly observed while they were covered by prepared films. The thermal stability of them was confirmed by DSC and TGA analysis. These physical properties of films are comparable to that of polycarbonate which is widely used as optical film. Besides of these, mechanical and fracture properties of them were found to be also suitable for this purpose. Furthermore, negative birefringence could be obtained by orientationally stretching them. Such results indicate that, films prepared from composites are competent for negative birefringence optical compensator in the field of liquid crystal display. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The muscularis externa of the developing rodent esophagus is initially composed of smooth muscle, and later replaced by skeletal muscle in a craniocaudal progression. There is growing evidence of distinct developmental origins for esophageal smooth and skeletal muscles. However, the identification of skeletal muscle progenitor cells is controversial, and the detailed cell lineage of their descendants remains elusive. In the current study, we carried out multiple labeling immunofluorescence microscopy of nestin and muscle type-specific markers to characterize the dynamic process of rat esophageal myogenesis. The results showed that nestin was transiently expressed in immature esophageal smooth muscle cells in early developing stages. After nestin was downregulated in smooth muscle cells, a distinct population of nestin-positive cells emerged as skeletal muscle precursors. They were mitotically active, and subsequently co-expressed MyoD, followed by the embryonic and later the fast type of skeletal muscle myosin heavy chain. Thus, the cell lineage of esophageal skeletal muscle differentiation was established by an immunotyping approach, which revealed that skeletal myocytes arise from a distinct lineage rather than through transdifferentiation of smooth muscle cells during rat esophageal myogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) yellow mosaic virus (WYMV) is transmitted by a fungal vector through soil and causes serious wheat yield losses due to yellow mosaic disease, with yellow-streaked leaves and stunted plants. In the present study, the amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLP) and simple sequence repeat (SSR) were used to identify the molecular linkages with the resistance gene against WYMV. Bulked segregant analysis was performed with an F2 population derived from the cross of cultivar Ningmai 9 (resistant) × cultivar Yangmai 10 (susceptible). By screening among the resistant or susceptible parents, the F2 pools and the individuals in the F2 population with 64 combined selective AFLP primers ( EcoRI/ MseI) or 290 reported SSR primers, a polymorphic DNA segment (approximately 120 bp) was amplified using the primer pair E2/M5, and an SSR marker (approximately 180 bp) was located on wheat chromosome 2 A using the primer Xgwm328. Analysis with MAPMAKER/Exp Version 3.0b (Whitehead institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA) indicated that these two markers were dominantly associated with the resistance gene at distances of 5.4 cM or 17.6 cM, respectively. The resistance gene to WYMV derived from Ningmai 9, is temporarily named YmNM, and was mapped to wheat chromosome 2A. (Managing editor: Li-Hui ZHAO) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

B The Front Cover b shows an efficient C-S/S-S formation for the chemo-selective synthesis of aryl dithio-carbamates and aryl dialkylcarbamo-(dithioperoxo)thioates. The approach uses inexpensive and readily available diphenyl disulfides and tetramethyl thiuram disulfides as starting materials, a series of aryl dithiocarbamates and aryl dimethylcarbamo(dithioperoxo)thioates could be furnished smoothly in moderate to good yields by modulating the reaction temperature, base, and catalyst. B The Front Cover b shows an efficient C-S/S-S formation for the chemo-selective synthesis of aryl dithio-carbamates and aryl dialkylcarbamo-(dithioperoxo)thioates. [Extracted from the article]

Stimuli‐responsive polymers in response to both low temperature and pH are of great potential for designing drug carriers to obtain a better therapeutic effect during cryotherapy of tumors. In this work, novel low‐temperature and pH dual‐responsive poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐co‐1H‐benzimidazolyl‐ethyl acrylate) (PNBM) linear copolymers are developed, which can undergo stretching/shrinking conformational transition at low temperature and mildly acidic conditions. The dual‐responsive properties of PNBM copolymers can be affected and regulated by the host–guest inclusion action between benzimidazole and hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (HP‐β‐CD) molecules. The critical response temperature of the copolymers can be flexibly adjusted when the benzimidazole groups in copolymer chains are captured by HP‐β‐CD. And the PNBM copolymers present a pH‐responsive stretching‐to‐shrinking‐to‐stretching conformational transition in a narrow pH range in HP‐β‐CD solution. The results provide valuable guidance for designing and applying PNBM‐based smart materials in biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the title complex, [Ag(NO3)(C6H7N3O)] n or [Ag(NO3)(pyaoxH2)] (pyaoxH2 is N-hydroxypyridine-2-carboxamidine), the Ag+ ion is bridged by the pyaoxH2 ligands and nitrate anions, giving rise to a two-dimensional molecular structure. Each pyaoxH2 ligand coordinates to two Ag+ ions using its pyridyl and carboxamidine N atoms, and the OH and the NH2 groups are uncoordinated. Each nitrate anion uses two O atoms to coordinate to two Ag+ ions. The Ag...Ag separation via the pyaoxH2 bridge is 2.869 (1) Å, markedly shorter than that of 6.452 (1) Å via the nitrate bridge. The two-dimensional structure is fishscale-like, and can be described as pyaoxH2-bridged Ag2 nodes that are further linked by nitrate anions. Hydrogen bonding between the amidine groups and the nitrate O atoms connects adjacent layers into a three-dimensional network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]