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TEOSINTE-BRANCHED/CYCLOIDEA/PCF (TCP) proteins are plant-specific transcription factors (TFs) that play a pivotal role in leaf development by controlling cell proliferation and differentiation. In this study, the authors systematically analyzed the phylogeny, sequence structure, domain feature and expression profiles of TCP genes in Liriodendron chinense, an ornamental tree species with peculiar leaf shape. A total of 17 LcTCP genes were identified in L. chinense genome, which could be grouped into two classes according to their features in the TCP domain. RT-qPCR analysis showed that the expression levels of four TCP genes in Class I (LcTCP21, LcTCP9, LcTCP19a, and LcTCP19b) and three genes in Class II (LcTCP4a, LcTCP4b, and LcTCP24) were consistently higher than those of the other LcTCP genes during leaf development. Degradome data analysis revealed that three LcTCP genes, LcTCP4a, LcTCP4b, and LcTCP24, are targeted by lch-miR319c. Further, LcTCP4a/b and LcTCP24 differed significantly in their expression levels between leaf buds and lobed leaves. However, the expression patterns of LcTCP21 and LcTCP9 contrasted with those of LcTCP19a and LcTCP19b, implying that leaf development in L. chinense may be regulated by a balance between the antagonistic roles of Class I and Class II LcTCP genes. Furthermore, overexpression of LcTCP4 in Arabidopsis thaliana caused a tendency of leaf margin smoothness, and down-regulated the expression levels of genes involved in cell division, AtCYCD3,1 and AtKNOLLE, indicating that LcTCP4 may influence leaf margin shape by inhibiting cell proliferation. Overall, this study provided a comprehensive assessment of the LcTCP gene family and serves as a cornerstone for subsequent functional verification of the LcTCP genes in regulating the leaf development of L. chinense. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes an online monitoring and defect identification method for XLPE power cables using harmonic visualization of grounding currents. Four typical defects, including thermal aging, water ingress and dampness, insulation scratch, and excessive bending, were experimentally conducted. The AC grounding currents of the cable specimens with different defects were measured during operation. By using the chaotic synchronization system, the harmonic distortion was transformed into a 2D scatter diagram with distinctive characteristics. The relationship between the defect type and the diagram features was obtained. A YOLOv5 (you only look once v5) target recognition model was then established based on the dynamic harmonics scatter diagrams for cable defect classification and identification. The results indicated that the overall shape, distribution range, density degree, and typical lines formed by scatter aggregation can reflect the defect type effectively. The proposed method greatly reduces the difficulty of data analysis and enables rapid defect identification of XLPE power cables, which is useful for improving the reliability of the power system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plant-specific SQUAMOSA promoter-binding protein-like (SPL) transcription factors play a pivotal role in various developmental processes, including leaf morphogenesis and vegetative to reproductive phase transition. Liriodendron chinense and Liriodendron tulipifera are widely used in landscaping due to their tulip-like flowers and peculiar leaves. However, the SPL gene family in Liriodendron has not been identified and systematically characterized. We systematically identified and characterized the SPL family members in Liriodendron , including phylogeny, gene structure and syntenic analyses. Subsequently, we quantified the expression patterns of LcSPLs across various tissue sites through transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assays and identified the target gene, LcSPL2. Finally, we characterized the functions of LcSPL2 via ectopic transformation. Altogether, 17 LcSPL and 18 LtSPL genes were genome-widely identified in L. chinense and L. tulipifera , respectively. All the 35 SPLs were grouped into 9 clades. Both species had three SPL gene pairs arising from segmental duplication events, and the LcSPLs displayed high collinearity with the L. tulipifera genome. RT-qPCR assays showed that SPL genes were differentially expressed in different tissues, especially. Because LcSPL2 is highly expressed in pistils and leaves, it was selected to describe the SPL gene family of L. chinense by ectopic expression. We showed that overexpression of LcSPL2 in Arabidopsis thaliana resulted in earlier flowering and fewer rosette leaves. Moreover, we observed that overexpression of LcSPL2 in A. thaliana up-regulated the expression levels of four genes related to flower development. This study identified SPL genes in Liriodendron and characterized the function of LcSPL2 in advancing flower development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the abuse of antibiotics, bacterial antibiotic resistance is becoming a major public healthcare issue. Natural plants, especially traditional Chinese herbal medicines, which have antibacterial activity, are important sources for discovering potential bacteriostatic agents. This study aimed to develop a fast and reliable method for screening out antimicrobial compounds targeting the MRSA membrane from Psoralea corylifolia Linn. seed. A UPLC-MS/MS method was applied to identify the prenylated flavonoids in major fractions from the extracts of Psoralea corylifolia Linn. seed. The broth microdilution method was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of different fractions and compounds. The morphological and ultrastructural changes of MRSA were determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The membrane-targeting mechanism of the active ingredients was explored by membrane integrity assays, membrane fluidity assays, membrane potential assays, ATP, and ROS determination. We identified eight prenylated flavonoids in Psoralea corylifolia Linn. seed. The antibacterial activity and mechanism studies showed that this type of compound has a unique destructive effect on MRSA cell membranes and does not result in drug resistance. The results revealed that prenylated flavonoids in Psoralea corylifolia Linn. seeds are promising candidates for the development of novel antibiotic agents to combat MRSA-associated infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: A series of mesoporous Pt@KIT−6/SAPO−11 catalysts with SiO2:Al2O3 molar ratios of 0.3, 0.4, or 0.5 and Pt loadings of 0.4, 0.8, or 1.2 wt% were prepared via an in situ encapsulation process using a PEO − PPO − PEO triblock copolymer (EO20PO70EO20, P123) as the mes. China 750001 oporous template and KIT−6 molecular sieves as the silicon source. RESULTS: These catalysts were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), specific surface area analysis, and pyridine–infrared spectroscopy (Py − IR). The results showed that Pt nanoparticles with particle sizes of 3–7 nm were uniformly dispersed on the supports. These materials also exhibited good mesoporous structures with specific surface areas of 138–197 m2/g and average pore sizes of 7.1–9.9 nm. The specimens having a SiO2:Al2O3 molar ratio of 0.4 also showed an orderly strip−shaped pore structure. The Py − IR results indicated that the catalysts had both Brønsted acid and Lewis acid sites, with total acid contents in the range of 77.8–131.1 μmol/g. CONCLUSION: The decarboxylation of oleic acid using these materials under CO2 was examined. The catalyst with a SiO2:Al2O3 molar ratio of 0.4 and a Pt loading of 0.8 exhibited the best catalytic performance and a C8 − C17 alkanes yield as high as 85.1% at 340 °C by using a catalyst−to−oil mass ratio of 1:10 and a reaction time of 5 h. This performance was attributed to the ordered mesoporous structure of this catalyst along with its high surface area (173 m2/g), good crystallinity (92.8%), suitable acid content (98.6 μmol/g), and abundant Pt metal active sites. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are many films and televisions (FATs) on the Internet, but the quality is uneven. This study explores the ability of college students to screen good films and resist bad films in television works in such a large environment. In the deep learning model of FAT, the ability of college students to think about the ideas expressed and the degree of influence on college students' values are analyzed. Based on this conceptual basis, a questionnaire is designed for the intention and influencing factors of college students' FAT innovation and entrepreneurship. It reflects the influence of concentration on FAT learning, the cognitive level of deep learning, the ability to process deep learning ideas, the feeling of the teaching process, and the process of self-learning, which all positively impact college students' FAT entrepreneurial intentions. The importance of innovative deep learning is highlighted, which proves that a good deep learning course guidance method can improve students' interest and ability and provide a reference for relevant colleges and universities to cultivate pertinent talents of the field of FAT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation of carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) with endothelial function and atherosclerosis degree in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: A total of 80 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus admitted and treated in our hospital from January 2017 to January 2018 were selected and randomly divided into two groups (n = 40). Patients who were definitely diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus were selected as observation group, and individuals who received health examination and were excluded from type 2 diabetes mellitus were enrolled as control group. The diagnosed proportions of carotid plaque, Crouse scores, endothelial-dependent flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) function and nitroglycerin-mediated dilation (NMD) function of the brachial arteries in the two groups were compared. The indexes related to vascular endothelial functions [vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), endothelin-1 (ET-1) and nitric oxide (NO) levels] in the two groups were detected. The correlations of Crouse score with brachial arterial FMD value, VEGF level, ET-1 level and NO level in observation group were analyzed. RESULTS: The diagnosed proportion of carotid plaque in observation group was significantly higher than that in control group (P < 0.05), and the Crouse score in observation group was higher than that in control group (P < 0.05). The brachial arterial FMD value in observation group was remarkably lower than that in control group (P < 0.05). Compared with control group, VEGF and ET-1 levels were significantly reduced in observation group (P < 0.05), with the statistical increase of NO level (P < 0.05). In observation group, the Crouse score was negatively correlated with the brachial arterial FMD value, VEGF level and ET-1 level, whereas positively correlated with the NO level (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our data show that the carotid IMT is increased significantly among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, and the vascular endothelial function is impaired. Moreover, after the occurrence of atherosclerosis, we found the carotid IMT is negatively correlated with endothelial-dependent FMD, as well as levels of VEGF and ET-1, whereas shows positive correlation with the vasodilative factor NO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triphenyl phosphate (TPHP) is a widely used organophosphate flame retardant and has biological toxicity. Previous studies showed TPHP can restrain testosterone biosynthesis in Leydig cells, while the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, C57BL/6J male mice were exposed to 0, 5, 50, and 200 mg/kg B.W. of TPHP for 30 d by oral, as well as TM3 cells were treated with 0, 50, 100, and 200 μM of TPHP for 24 h. Results showed that TPHP induced testes damage, including spermatogenesis disorders and testosterone synthesis inhibition. Meanwhile, TPHP can cause apoptosis in testicular Leydig cells and TM3 cells, as evidenced by the increased apoptosis rate and decreased Bcl-2/Bax ratio. Moreover, TPHP disrupted mitochondrial ultrastructure of testicular Leydig cells and TM3 cells, reduced healthy mitochondria content and depressed mitochondrial membrane potential of TM3 cells, as well as inhibited mitochondrial fusion proteins mitofusin 1 (Mfn1), mitofusin 2 (Mfn2), and optic atrophy 1 (Opa1) expression, without effect on mitochondrial fission proteins dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) and fission 1 (Fis1) in testicular tissue and/or TM3 cells. Then, the mitochondrial fusion promoter M1 was used to pre-treat TPHP-exposed TM3 cells to determine the roles of mitochondrial fusion inhibition in TPHP-induced Leydig cells apoptosis. The results showed M1 pretreatment alleviated the above changes and further mitigated TM3 cells apoptosis and testosterone levels decreased, indicating TPHP induced TM3 cells apoptosis by inhibited mitochondrial fusion. Intriguingly, the intervention experiment of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) showed that TPHP-induced mitochondrial fusion inhibition is ROS dependent, because inhibition of ROS overproduction alleviated mitochondrial fusion inhibition, and subsequently relieved TPHP-induced apoptosis in TM3 cells. In summary, above data revealed that apoptosis is a specific mechanism for TPHP-induced male reproductive toxicity, and that ROS-mediated mitochondrial fusion inhibition is responsible for Leydig cells apoptosis caused by TPHP. [Display omitted] • TPHP induced mitochondrial damage and apoptosis in Leydig cells and TM3 cells. • ROS inhibits mitochondrial fusion, promoting TPHP-induced TM3 cells apoptosis. • Mitochondria may be a potential target for male reproductive toxicity of TPHP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dendritic cell-specific ICAM-3-grabbing nonintegrin (DC-SIGN) is an essential process for virus infection, such as HIV and hepatitis C, and plays a role in immune escape. However, the role of DC-SIGN in hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is still unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of DC-SIGN in mediating the maturation and activation of dendritic cells (DCs) when infected by HBV. Highly mannosylated HBV particles were obtained by treating HBV-producing HepG2.2.15 cells with the a-mannosidase I-inhibitor kifunensine. Highly mannosylated HBV or wild type HBV was added to infect the DCs of the DC-SIGN gene-silencing group and normal group, respectively. Then, the expression of CDla, CD80, CD83, CD86 and HLA-DR on DCs was detected by flow cytometry, the capacity of stimulating lymphocyte proliferation was tested by MTT assay, the level of IL-12p70 that was released by DCs was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the expression of the proteins NF-κBp65 and p38 was detected by western blot. Both wild type and highly mannosylated HBV could promote DCs maturation and activation. However, the highly mannosylated HBV could promote DCs immune activation more strongly. The difference in the effect on DCs between the two types of HBV could be eliminated by DC-SIGN gene silencing. DC-SIGN can promote the maturation and activation of DCs when recognized HBV, but wild type HBV can escape recognition by DC-SIGN to a certain extent with the help of demannosylated modification, leading to defective DCs function and chronic HBV infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photolysis behavior of a new herbicide propisochlor in water media as well as the effects of light sources, initial concentration of propisochlor, pH value, dissolved oxygen (DO) level, and salinity on the photolysis process was investigated. It was found that the relationship between initial concentration of propisochlor and its photodegradation rate was negatively correlated. The changes in acidity and alkalinity of the reaction medium influenced the photoreaction rate evidently. In the alkaline solution the degradation was accelerated. In the reaction media with different pH values, the photolysis followed the first-order kinetics. The presence of dissolved oxygen may promote the photolysis and there existed an optimum of dissolved oxygen concentrations. Increasing the DO level can weaken the promotion and even have an adverse effect. It was demonstrated that with dissolved oxygen the photodegradation of propisochlor followed the first-order kinetics equation. The addition of salt ions Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ changed the ionic strength and solvent polarity, resulting in the effect on propisochlor photolysis. The photoproducts were detected by both HPLC and GC-MS methods. It was found that photolysis products varied under different light sources. Conclusions may be reached that in the photodegradation of propisochlor, the benzene ring remained intact under irradiation of both solar light and high-pressure mercury lamp, and the amido link was relatively stable, while dechlorination was liable to take place; moreover, a-hydrogen at the substituent of benzene ring was active. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lamivudine, adefovir, telbivudine, and entecavir are nucleoside analogues that can inhibit hepatitis B virus replication and are licensed in China by the Food and Drug Administration. This study presents the cases of 2 patients who were chronically infected with HBV and suffered hepatic failure resulting from withdrawal of telbivudine and adefovir, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Basic region/leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factors function as critical regulators in numerous abiotic stress responses. Massive bZIPs have been systematically identified in plants, but not in sweetpotato. In this study, 87 sweetpotato IbbZIPs unevenly distributed onto 15 chromosomes were identified, and segmental duplications were shown to play dominant roles in the diversity of IbbZIPs. The collinearity between IbbZIPs and the related orthologs from nine plants depicted evolutionary insights into bZIP gene family. Additionally, IbbZIP proteins were clustered into 11 subfamilies while no members were found in the M subfamily, and the regularity of gene structures and conserved motifs was consistent with the subgroup classification. Evidence from transcriptome data and qRT-PCR analysis of 12 selected IbbZIPs revealed that they were significantly and varyingly induced under multiple abiotic stresses (salt, drought, heat and cold) and hormone treatments (ABA, ACC, JA and SA). Consistently, the promoters of IbbZIPs harbored multiple stress- and hormone-related cis-acting elements. Besides, IbbZIP17 and IbbZIP61 exhibited transactivation activity in yeasts, while IbbZIP-14/-69/-84 did not. These findings supply worthy foundations for further functional investigation of IbbZIPs , and multiple members may serve as promising regulators to enhance the abiotic stress tolerance of transgenic plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]