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Discusses the determination of the cleavage step of ribonuclease P catalysis using ribozyme-substrate interactions. Choice of 2'OH group in the substrate; Structural transition between the two complexes prior to the bond-breaking event.

Studies the recognition of the T stem-loop of a pre-transfer RNA substrate by the ribozyme from Bacillus subtilis ribonuclease P. Coaxially stacked T stem-loop; Mediation through tertiary interactions; Alignment of functional groups.

• Rosin-based epoxy composites were prepared by adding MWCNTs and cork. • Cork and MWCNTs had significant strengthening and toughening effects on epoxy resin. • The maximum impact toughness of epoxy composites with 1.5% MWCNTs was increased by 324%. • Cork had better performance in thermal stability and flame retardance than MWCNTs. • Cork could be used as a potential flame retardant to modify epoxy resin. Rosin-based epoxy composites with high-impact toughness, tensile strength, modulus, and excellent flame retardance were prepared through a simple and effective approach. In this study, rosin-based epoxy resin (acrylopimaric diglycidyl ester, APA-ER) was synthesized from rosin, and the chemical structures of the products were determined by 1H NMR and FT-IR. The multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and cork powders were introduced to the APA-ER to enhance the mechanical and thermal properties of epoxy composites. For the first time, cork powder was used to reinforce the modified rosin-based epoxy resin. Testing results of the mechanical properties indicated that the impact toughness of epoxy composite with 1.5 wt% MWCNTs and 3 wt% cork powders (100–200 mesh) had the highest value (12.34 and 12.04 kJ m−2), which was increased by 324% and 314%, respectively, compared to pure resin (2.91 kJ m−2). The composites with 1.5 wt% MWCNTs displayed better flexural and tensile performance compared to APA-ER/Cork. Moreover, the DMA, TG, and cone calorimeter results showed that APA-ER/Cork had a better performance in thermal stability and flame retardance than APA-ER/MWCNTs. Additionally, the flame retardance of rosin-based epoxy resin was further improved by adding MWCNTs and cork powder simultaneously. These results showed that the rosin-based epoxy resin could be toughened and strengthened effectively, and the thermal performance was improved by MWCNTs and cork powders. In conclusion, the value-added development of rosin and cork products was increased and applied in the field of functional materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The early detection of esophageal cancer is crucial for enhancing patient survival. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), renowned for its precise detection capabilities of low-concentration molecules and organisms, holds immense promise for early diagnosis. However, the use of silver nanoparticles to enhance the Raman signal can disrupt the detection process. To address this problem in this study, we synthesized polyethylene glycol (PEG)-coated silver nanocubes (PEG-AgNCs) as stable, label-free, and low-toxicity nanoprobes for detecting esophageal cancer. AgNCs with sharp corners and edges are selected as the SERS substrate to increase the strength of the Raman signal. To minimize the toxicity of AgNCs, the surface is coated with PEG, which exhibits outstanding biocompatibility. The SERS effectiveness of PEG-AgNCs was evaluated using 4-mercaptobenzoic acid as a Raman probe molecule, and the toxicity of PEG-AgNCs at different concentrations was investigated using human keratinocytes (HaCaT) and human esophageal carcinoma cells (TE-1). Results showed that PEG-AgNCs can effectively reduce the toxicity of AgNCs while maintaining a strong SERS signal. Remarkable differences in Raman spectra were observed between HaCat and TE-1 cells within the spectral range of 588–768 cm−1, indicating the potential of PEG-AgNCs in the early detection of esophageal cancer using Raman detection. Our study highlights the potential of developing low-toxicity SERS biosensors for biological and chemical analyses. • The toxicity of AgNCs to living organisms was systematically investigated by two different methods. • PEG-AgNCs was can effectively reduce the toxicity of AgNCs while maintaining a strong SERS signal. • The prepared PEG-AgNCs have great potentialfor early esophageal cancer detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Rosin-based derivatives were synthesized and showed antifungal activity. • Compound 5e exhibit marked antifungal activities against Valsa mali. • The biochemical response of Valsa mali to fungicide were assessed. • Electrostatic, steric and energy descriptors affect antifungal activity. In order to investigate the effect of thiophene heterocyclic group on antifungal activity, two series of rosin-based derivatives were designed and synthesized. The antifungal effects on Thanatephorus cucumeris , Botrytis cinerea , Valsa mali , and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum were assessed. The dehydroabietyl acyl-thiourea compounds containing a thiophene heterocyclic group had mild to strong antifungal effects on V. mali. Among these molecules, compound 5e showed more excellent effects on V. mali with concentration for 50% of maximal effect (EC 50) of 0.184 mg/L, which was lower than carbendazim. Compound 5e was also efficient against V. mali in vivo , with remarkably altered morphology, elevated cell membrane permeability, and decreased pectinase activity compared with the control group. Next, four parameters linking structural features and antifungal effects on V. mali were examined, including max net atomic charge for a S atom (q S max), energy gap between the highest occupied molecular orbit and the lowest unoccupied orbit in atomic units (HOMO-LUMO), the logarithm of molecular surface area (log MS), and dipole moment (DM), and used for building a quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) model (R 2 = 0.9660). Preliminary structure-activity relationship (SAR) and QSAR evaluations indicated electronic and steric effects, and energy differences of different compounds had remarkable influences on antifungal properties. These results provided new insights into the mechanisms behind the antifungal properties of rosin-based with thiophene heterocyclic group derivatives. Guided by this study, some potential substitutes can be currently used in fungicides and some new antifungals can be led for developing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Esophageal foreign body impaction is a notable clinical emergency. If the high-risk esophageal foreign bodies are not removed in time, life-threatening complications, such as perforation, infection and injury to the vessels, may occur. In the present study, the case of a patient experiencing a foreign body sensation in the throat after ingesting a fish bone by mistake is presented. A high risk of impending arterial puncture was confirmed using thoracic CT and thoracic aorta CT angiography scanning. The ends of the fish bone were first confirmed using a fibro-bronchoscopy light source passing through the bronchial and esophageal walls, before biopsy forceps were used to successively free the thoracic aorta and bronchial ends under gastroscopy. Finally, the fish bone was safely removed using a combination of gastroscopy and the rarely used fibro-bronchoscopy, and the patient recovered well after standard care. In certain cases of foreign bodies, it is necessary to use multiple strategies in a timely manner according to the type and location of the ingested foreign body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the safety, efficacy, and survival outcomes of computed tomography (CT)-guided thermal ablation for adrenal metastases from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: This long-term retrospective study included 27 male patients (median age, 50 years; range, 34-77 years) with 29 adrenal metastatic tumors associated with HCC who underwent ablation between January 2004 and December 2015. The technical success rate, effectiveness rate, complications, and survival were recorded. Complications were assessed according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events. Survival curves were estimated using the Kaplan--Meier method. A Cox regression model was used for the evaluation of factors predicting survival. Results: A total of 33 ablation sessions were performed for the 29 tumors. No ablation-related death was observed, and the incidence of complications was 87.9%. Grade 1-2 complications occurred in 23 of the 33 sessions (69.7%), and grade 3 hypertension was the only major complication, occurring in eight sessions (24.2%). The technical success and effectiveness rates were 93.1% (27 of 29 tumors) and 92.6% (25 of 27 patients), respectively. The median progression-free survival and overall survival (OS) durations for the 27 patients were 6.9months and 16.8months, respectively. The median OS duration was longer for patients with adrenal oligometastases (21.8months) than for those with (12.8months) multiple metastases (p = .037). Adrenal oligometastases were the only significant predictor of OS (p = .043). Conclusions: CT-guided ablation is a feasible and safe procedure for adrenal metastases from HCC, and it may be more beneficial for patients with adrenal oligometastases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives The genus Streptococcus contains species of important zoonotic pathogens such as those that cause bovine mastitis. Unfortunately, many Streptococcus species have developed antibiotic resistance. Phage lysins are considered promising alternatives to antibiotics because it is difficult for bacteria to develop lysin resistance. However, there remains a lack of phage lysin resources for the treatment of streptococci-induced mastitis. Methods We identified the prophage lysin Lys0859 from the genome of the Streptococcus suis SS0859 strain. Lys0859 was subsequently characterized to determine its host range, MIC, bactericidal activity in milk, and ability to clear biofilms in vitro. Finally, to determine the effects of Lys0859 on the treatment of both bovine mastitis and S. suis infection in vivo , we established models of Streptococcus agalactiae ATCC 13813-induced mastitis and S. suis serotype 2 SC19 systemic infection. Results Our results demonstrate that Lys0859 possesses broad-spectrum lytic activity against Streptococcus and Staphylococcus species isolated from animals with bovine mastitis and 15 serotypes of S. suis isolated from swine. Intramammary and intramuscular injection of Lys0859 reduced the number of bacteria in mammary tissue by 3.75 and 1.45 logs compared with the PBS group, respectively. Furthermore, 100 μg/mouse of Lys0859 administered intraperitoneally at 1 h post-infection protected 83.3% (5/6) of mice from a lethal dose of S. suis infection. Conclusions Overall, our results enhance the understanding and development of new strategies to combat both streptococci-induced mastitis and S. suis infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mild and operationally simple copper-catalyzed vinylogous aerobic oxidation of β,γ- and α,β-unsaturated esters is described. This method features good yields, broad substrate scope, excellent chemo- and regioselectivity, and good functional group tolerance. This method is additionally capable of oxidizing β,γ- and α,β-unsaturated aldehydes, ketones, amides, nitriles, and sulfones. Furthermore, the present catalytic system is suitable for bisvinylogous and trisvinylogous oxidation. Tetramethylguanidine (TMG) was found to be crucial in its role as a base, but we also speculate that it serves as a ligand to copper(II) triflate to produce the active copper(II) catalyst. Mechanistic experiments conducted suggest a plausible reaction pathway via an allylcopper(II) species. Finally, the breadth of scope and power of this methodology are demonstrated through its application to complex natural product substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have shown that increasing estradiol concentrations had a toxic effect on the embryo and were deleterious to embryo adhesion. In this study, we evaluated the physiological impact of estradiol concentrations on endometrial cells to reveal that serum estradiol levels probably targeted the endometrium in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) protocols. An attachment model of human choriocarcinoma (JAr) cell spheroids to receptive-phase endometrial epithelial cells and Ishikawa cells treated with different estradiol (10-9 M or 10-7 M) concentrations was developed. Differentially expressed protein profiling of the Ishikawa cells was performed by proteomic analysis. Estradiol at 10-7 M demonstrated a high attachment rate of JAr spheroids to the endometrial cell monolayers. Using iTRAQ coupled with LC-MS/MS, we identified 45 differentially expressed proteins containing 43 significantly upregulated and 2 downregulated proteins in Ishikawa cells treated with 10-7 M estradiol. Differential expression of C3, plasminogen and kininogen-1 by Western blot confirmed the proteomic results. C3, plasminogen and kininogen-1 localization in human receptive endometrial luminal epithelium highlighted the key proteins as possible targets for endometrial receptivity and interception. Ingenuity pathway analysis of differentially expressed proteins exhibited a variety of signaling pathways, including LXR/RXR activation pathway and acute-phase response signaling and upstream regulators (TNF, IL6, Hmgn3 and miR-140-3p) associated with endometrial receptivity. The observed estrogenic effect on differential proteome dynamics in Ishikawa cells indicates that the human endometrium is the probable target for serum estradiol levels in COH cycles. The findings are also important for future functional studies with the identified proteins that may influence embryo implantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the synthesis of α‐tertiary amino acids (ATAAs) has been extensively studied, the development of an inexpensive and facile methodology to incorporate multifunctionality on ATAAs remains challenging. In this article, we present a single‐step radical approach for the modular synthesis of functionally diverse ATAAs. This synthesis takes place under mild conditions with an absence of metals, photocatalysts, and all other additives. We demonstrate the broad applications of this approach on a variety of aliphatic and aromatic carboxylic acids, alkenes, 1,3‐enynes, and oxazolones. The results prove that our method provides excellent functional group tolerance and late‐stage applicability, as well as gram‐scale synthesis via flow chemistry. Additionally, we include mechanistic studies which reveal that the excited state of oxazolone enolate upon light excitation is a key intermediate that acts as a radical precursor and an efficient reductant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the synthesis of α‐tertiary amino acids (ATAAs) has been extensively studied, the development of an inexpensive and facile methodology to incorporate multifunctionality on ATAAs remains challenging. In this article, we present a single‐step radical approach for the modular synthesis of functionally diverse ATAAs. This synthesis takes place under mild conditions with an absence of metals, photocatalysts, and all other additives. We demonstrate the broad applications of this approach on a variety of aliphatic and aromatic carboxylic acids, alkenes, 1,3‐enynes, and oxazolones. The results prove that our method provides excellent functional group tolerance and late‐stage applicability, as well as gram‐scale synthesis via flow chemistry. Additionally, we include mechanistic studies which reveal that the excited state of oxazolone enolate upon light excitation is a key intermediate that acts as a radical precursor and an efficient reductant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on first-principles calculations, the BaTiO3(BTO) film with local La-doping is studied. For a selected concentration and position of doping, the surface metal-insulator transition occurs under the applied electric field, and the domain appears near the surface for both bipolar states. Furthermore, for the insulated surface state, i.e., the downward polarization state in the doped film, the gradient bandgap structure is achieved, which favors the absorption of solar energy. Our investigation can provide an alternative avenue in modification of surface property and surface screening effect in polar materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Paris Agreement proposes a 1.5 °C target to limit the increase in global mean temperature (GMT). Studying the population exposure to droughts under this 1.5 °C target will be helpful in guiding new policies that mitigate and adapt to disaster risks under climate change. Based on simulations from the inter-Sectoral Impact Model Intercomparison Project (ISI-MIP), the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI) was used to calculate drought frequencies in the reference period and 1.5 °C global warming scenario. Then population exposure was evaluated by combining drought frequency with simulated population data from shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs). In addition, the relative importance of climate and demographic change and the cumulative probability of exposure change were analyzed. Results revealed that population exposure to droughts on the east side of the Hu line is much more than on the west side; exposure in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River region is the highest and lowest in the Qinghai-Tibet region. An additional 6.97 million people will be exposed to droughts under the 1.5 °C global warming scenario relative to the reference period. Demographic change is the primary contributor to exposure (79.95 %) in the 1.5 °C global warming scenario, more than climate change (29.93 %) or the interaction effect (-9.88 %). Of the three drought intensities, mild, moderate, and extreme, moderate droughts contribute the most to exposure (63.59 %). The frequency of extreme droughts is likely to decrease (71.83 % probability), while mild and moderate droughts may increase slightly (55.17 % and 51.71 % probability, respectively) in the 1.5 °C global warming scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four pentasaccharide resin glycosides, acutacoside F-I (1-4), were isolated from the aerial parts of Argyreia acuta. These compounds were characterized as a group of macrolactones of operculinic acid A, and their lactonization site of 11S-hydroxyhexadecanoic acid was esterified at the second saccharide moiety (Rhamnose) at C-2. The absolute configuration of the aglycone was S. Their structures were elucidated by established spectroscopic and chemical methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TiO 2 nanoflowers composed of nano-needles had been synthesized by hydrothermal method and their field electron emission properties were studied for the first time, which exhibit a low turn-on field of 4.76 V/μm, a high field enhancement factor of up to 5216. This performance was better than that of the as reported TiO 2 nanostructure arrays. The efficient field emission behaviours were found to be not only attributed to their 3 dimensional structures of the nanoflowers but also related to their nano-needle morphology. Besides, self-powered ultraviolet photodetector based on TiO 2 nanoflowers had been fabricated and it showed an obvious response trend in both UV and visible regions with good repeatability and stability, also the photoresponse mechanism at zero bias had been depicted through the energy band theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We use centrifuge experiments and large deformation finite element simulations to investigate the capacity of vertically loaded spudcan foundations under sustained uplift. • The sustained threshold load of spudcans ranges from about 50 % to 70 % of their monotonic capacity. • The monotonic capacity after vertical sustained loading is investigated. • A step-by-step guide is provided to estimate the sustained capacity of spudcans for various operational durations. Spudcan extraction has long been a challenging issue in engineering, necessitating a thorough understanding of spudcan sustained capacity. Prior studies have predominantly focused on the monotonic capacity of spudcans, which is distinct from the engineering practice of sustained loading. This paper studies the capacity of spudcans deeply embedded in normally consolidated clay during and after vertical sustained loading through centrifuge tests and numerical simulations. The sustained threshold load of spudcans ranges from approximately 50 % to 70 % of their monotonic capacity, and it gradually decreases with increasing operation period. When the applied load exceeds the threshold load, the uplift displacement of the spudcan exhibits creep characteristics characterised by an initial rapid rate, followed by consistent growth and ultimately accelerated failure. The greater the sustained load is, the sooner the spudcan fails. When the sustained load is far lower than the threshold load, the undrained spudcan capacity after sustained loading closely aligns with the monotonic undrained capacity under long-term operation consolidation. However, this capacity diminishes considerably at sustained forces near the threshold load. A step-by-step guide is also included to estimate the sustained threshold load for various operational durations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent epidemiological studies have discovered that a lot of cases of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) infection are frequently accompanied by porcine kobuvirus (PKV) infection, suggesting a potential relationship between the two viruses in the development of diarrhea. To investigate the impact of PKV on PEDV pathogenicity and the number of intestinal lymphocytes, piglets were infected with PKV or PEDV or co-infected with both viruses. Our findings demonstrate that co-infected piglets exhibit more severe symptoms, acute gastroenteritis, and higher PEDV replication compared to those infected with PEDV alone. Notably, PKV alone does not cause significant intestinal damage but enhances PEDV's pathogenicity and alters the number of intestinal lymphocytes. These results underscore the complexity of viral interactions in swine diseases and highlight the need for comprehensive diagnostic and treatment strategies addressing co-infections. • Co-infection with PKV synergistically aggravates the clinical symptoms and pathological damage of PEDV-infected piglets. • PKV promotes the replication of PEDV in the epithelial cells of the small intestine of the piglets. • PKV infection reduces CD3+ T lymphocytes , CD4+ T lymphocytes , and B lymphocytes in the small intestine of the piglets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chalcogenide glasses (ChGs) excellent optical materials in the infrared range. ChG lens has important applications in the environmental detection and biochemical imaging field. In this paper, microlens arrays (MLA) with good optical quality were prepared by wet-etching assisted femtosecond laser direct writing technology and 2300 microlenses were prepared in the range of 1 mm2. By controlling the power of laser direct writing and the time of chemical etching, microlenses with diameters ranging from 15 to 70 μm could be prepared. An uniform dense stacked MLA with a small volume in the wavelength range of 0.6–12 μm was achieved. The fabricated MLA has a broad application scenario in cutting-edge mid-infrared fields, due to their tiny size, light weight, high integration, and excellent optical quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We recently identified Tembusu virus (TMUV) as a causative agent of duck infectious disease, which has spread in China since 2010. A recent study has indicated a potential case of human infection by TMUV, highlighting the need for further study of TMUV, especially its evolution. Because no information exists regarding the evolution of TMUV, we conducted comprehensive phylogenetic analyses using the largest collection of complete open reading frame (ORF) sequences of TMUV. Our results indicated that two lineages of viruses were associated with the 2010 outbreak in China, and lineage II, in particular sublineage II-c, has arisen as the dominant lineage currently circulating. We inferred that the most recent common ancestor (MRCA) of this TMUV was emerged around 1996. Evidence of natural recombination was also detected in TMUV. Molecular adaptation analyses revealed that strong negative selection shaped the evolution of TMUV, while a number of codons subjected to positive pressure were also identified. Our study, for the first time, illustrated the evolutionary history and character of TMUV and will be helpful for vaccine and diagnostic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The temperature-dependent photophysical properties of a series of 4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene (BODIPY) derivatives with different oligo(ethylene glycol) (OEG) dendrons were investigated. Weak fluorescence emission was observed for these BODIPY derivatives in dilute solution with low viscosity. BDP-G0 and BDP-G1-TEG exhibit a high quantum yield in viscous glycerol solutions, contrary to the moderate and little fluorescence enhancement for BDP-G1 and BDP-G2 under the same conditions. The photoinduced electron transfer (PET) may have quenched the fluorescence, as supported by calculation. Interestingly, the thermoresponsive BODIPY derivatives show heat-induced luminescence enhancement with a high signal-to-noise ratio and their emission maxima are dependent on the structures of branched tri(ethylene glycol) moieties. Finally, preliminary studies on the BODIPY derivatives as intracellular fluorescence indicators in living HeLa cells were carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) is a highly contagious pathogen that has caused significant economic losses in the livestock industry. Peptide vaccines engineered with the protective epitopes of FMDV have provided a safer alternative for disease prevention than the traditional inactivated vaccines. However, the immunogenicity of the peptide is usually poor and therefore an adjuvant is required. Here, we showed that recombinant T4 phages displaying the B-cell epitope of the FMDV VP1 protein (VP1 130–158), without additional adjuvants, induced similar levels of antigen-specific IgG1 but higher levels of IgG2a compared to the peptide vaccine. Incorporation of a CD4+ T cell epitope, either 3A 21–35 of FMDV 3A protein or P2 830–844 of tetanus toxoid, further enhanced the immunogenicity of VP1-T4 phage nanoparticles. Interestingly, the extrinsic adjuvant cannot enhance the immunogenicity of the nanoparticles, indicating the intrinsic adjuvant activities of T4 phage. Furthermore, the recombinant T4 phage can be produced on a large scale within a short period of time at a relatively low-cost using Escherichia coli , heralding its potential in the development of a safe and effective FMDV vaccine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is the preferred treatment of advanced gastric cancer. However, the choice of an optimal regimen remains controversial. The present study aimed to assess the effectiveness of preoperative chemotherapy with EOX and FOLFOX in Chinese patients with advanced gastric cancer. A total of 87 and 26patients underwent FOLFOX and EOX regimens, respectively, for advanced gastric cancer between July2004 and September2012. Clinicopathological characteristics, pathological T stage, N stage and pathological response to tumour regression were retrospectively compared between the two groups. Following neoadjuvant chemotherapy, a higher number of patients manifested deeper invasive cancer in the FOLFOX group than those in the EOX group (P=0.047). In addition, a higher number of patients also exhibited metastatic lymph nodes in the FOLFOX group (67.8%) than in the EOX group (57.7%) (P=0.000). In the FOLFOX and EOX groups, 4 (4.6%) and 3 (11.5%) cases of complete regression were observed, respectively. A higher number of patients (38.5%) also exhibited tumour regression grades of 3 and 4 in the EOX group than in the FOLFOX group (19.5%) (P=0.047). Results of the present study suggest that the EOX regimen may be more effective than the FOLFOX regimen as preoperative chemotherapy for Chinese patients with advanced gastric cancer. The EOX regimen may be suitable for younger patients subjected to individual neoadjuvant chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Welding expulsion is a common problem in the resistance spot welding (RSW) process, which severely impacts weld quality and surrounding facilities. Existing expulsion control strategies are ineffective for complex and changeable welding conditions. This article studied the growth relationship between weld nugget and corona bond under two abnormal conditions: edge proximity (EP) and initial sheet gaps (IG). It is testified that expulsion would occur when the nugget size exceeds the corona bond size under EP and IG conditions. Reducing the welding current before the expulsion time can increase the size difference between the corona bond and the weld nugget, thereby delay and even eliminate the occurrence of expulsion. In this way, a novel online expulsion control strategy, named short-time current regulation (STCR), is proposed through the expulsion moment analysis of historical weld data. The effect of the new control strategy is verified with workpieces ranging from low carbon steel to ultra-high strength steel. Experimental results showed that STCR can effectively reduce the amount of expelled metal, decrease the indentation depth, and increase the nugget diameter. The method not only works well under one specific abnormal condition but also adapts to the transition between different welding conditions. This novel expulsion control strategy can help achieve the expulsion-free RSW process in mass production without frequent manual offline optimization of welding parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat is one of the most common and productive crops in the world, and the growth and production of wheat are sensitive to climate change. Climate change affects wheat phenology by influencing sowing/maturity dates and the duration of growing stages, and ultimately affects the grain yield. Reliable prediction of changes in wheat yield is significant for maintaining global food security. However, studies addressing the potential impact of crop phenology changes on grain yield are rarely reported, which is a big challenge. Using the CERES-Wheat model and first-order differential equation models, we quantified the impact of future climate change on wheat phenology and grain yield for two periods (P1: 2011-2040; P2: 2041-2070) under three representative concentration pathways (RCP2.6, RCP4.5, RCP8.5) in China's twomain wheat-growing areas (Northwest SpringWheat-Growing Area(NWSWA) and Huang-Huai-Hai Winter Wheat-Growing Area (HHWWA)); the baseline period was 1981-2010. Accumulated thermal time during thewhole growing period (WGP) tends to significantly increase in NWSWA and HHWWA under all RCPs and periods. This rising accumulated thermal time will reduce the time to anthesis and maturity and shorten the vegetative growing period (VGP), reproductive growing period (RGP), and theWGP. In P2, spring wheat grain yield is projected to diminish by a regional average of 2.67% for RCP2.6, 4.07% for RCP4.5, and 5.66% for RCP8.5, which is dominated by the lower accumulated solar radiation during the VGP in NWSWA. Additionally, for the winter wheat grain yield in HHWWA in P2, its grain yield reduction is projected to decline by 4.8% (RCP2.6), 7.9% (RCP4.5), and 9.8% (RCP8.5), which is caused by increasing accumulated thermal time in the VGP. These results suggest that breeding high-temperature-tolerant varieties with high calorie requirements is an adaptive strategy to mitigate the negative impact of climate change on wheat yield in the study areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

5-Hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC) is a newly discovered DNA base modification in mammalian genomic DNA that is proposed to be a major epigenetic mark. We report here the syntheses of two new versions of phosphoramidites III and IV from 5-iodo-2′-deoxyuridine in 18% and 32% overall yields, respectively, with TBDMS as the 5-hydroxyl protecting group. Phosphoramidites III and IV allow efficient incorporation of 5-hmC into DNA and a "one-step" deprotection procedure to cleanly remove all the protecting groups. A "two-step" deprotection strategy is compatible with ultramild DNA synthesis, which enables the synthesis of 5hmC-containing DNA with additional modifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases perform a critical step in translation by aminoacylating tRNAs with their cognate amino acids. Although high fidelity of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases is often thought to be essential for cell biology, recent studies indicate that cells tolerate and may even benefit from tRNA misacylation under certain conditions. For example, mammalian cells selectively induce mismethionylation of nonmethionyl tRNAs, and this type of misacylation contributes to a cell's response to oxidative stress. However, the enzyme responsible for tRNA mismethionylation and the mechanism by which specific tRNAs are mismethionylated have not been elucidated. Here we show by tRNA microarrays and filter retention that the methionyl-tRNA synthetase enzyme from Escherichia coli (EcMRS) is sufficient to mismethionylate two tRNA species, tRNAArgCCU and tRNAThrCGU, indicating that tRNA mismethionylation is also present in the bacterial domain of life. We demonstrate that the anticodon nucleotides of these misacylated tRNAs play a critical role in conferring mismethionylation identity. We also show that a certain low level of mismethionylation is maintained for these tRNAs, suggesting that mismethionylation levels may have evolved to confer benefits to the cell while still preserving sufficient translational fidelity to ensure cell viability. EcMRS mutants show distinct effects on mismethionylation, indicating that many regions in this synthetase enzyme influence mismethionylation. Our results show that tRNA mismethionylation can be carried out by a single protein enzyme, mismethionylation also requires identity elements in the tRNA, and EcMRS has a defined structure-function relationship for tRNA mismethionylation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liquid−liquid equilibrium (LLE) data of the solubility curves and tie-line compositions have been determined for mixtures of (water 3-hydroxy-2-butanone butyl ethanoate) at (298.15, 308.15, and 318.15) K and 101.3 kPa. Distribution coefficients and separation factors have been evaluated for the immiscibility region. The reliability of the experimental tie-lines has been confirmed by using the Othmer−Tobias correlation. The LLE data of the ternary systems have been predicted by UNIFAC methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyvinilidene fluoride (PVDF) single-element transducers for high-frequency (>30 MHz) ultrasound imaging applications have been developed using MEMS (Micro-electro-Mechanical Systems) compatible techniques. Performance of these transducers has been investigated by analyzing the sources and effects of on-chip parasitic capacitances on the insertion-loss of the transducers. Modeling and experimental studies showed that on-chip parasitic capacitances degraded the performance of the transducers and an improved method of fabrication was suggested and new devices were built. New devices developed with minimal parasitic effects were shown to improve the performance significantly. A 1-mm aperture PVDF device developed with minimal parasitic effects has resulted in a reduction of insertion loss of 21 dB compared with devices fabricated using a previous method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyvinilidene fluoride (PVDF) single-element transducers for high-frequency (>30 MHz) ultrasound imaging applications have been developed using MEMS (Micro-electro-Mechanical Systems) compatible techniques. Performance of these transducers has been investigated by analyzing the sources and effects of on-chip parasitic capacitances on the insertion-loss of the transducers. Modeling and experimental studies showed that on-chip parasitic capacitances degraded the performance of the transducers and an improved method of fabrication was suggested and new devices were built. New devices developed with minimal parasitic effects were shown to improve the performance significantly. A 1-mm aperture PVDF device developed with minimal parasitic effects has resulted in a reduction of insertion loss of 21 dB compared with devices fabricated using a previous method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The response of a trailing shielded perpendicular magnetic recording (PMR) write head with a three-turn two-layer coils is calculated using a full micromagnetic large scale model including return pole and soft underlayer. We study the effect of PMR yoke length and write current overshoot on the dynamic response of the head at high frequency. In particular, recording performance parameter, nonlinear transition shift (NLTS) is simulated using micromagnetic media model. Shorter yoke length head improves NLTS as compared with longer yoke length. Measured NLTS has qualitative agreement with micromagnetic model results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immunoaffinity monolith pretreatment columns have been coupled with capillary electrophoresis separation in poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) microchips. Microdevices were designed with eight reservoirs to enable the electrically controlled transport of selected analytes and solutions to carry out integrated immunoaffinity extraction and electrophoretic separation. The PMMA microdevices were fabricated reproducibly and with high fidelity by solvent imprinting and thermal bonding methods. Monoliths with epoxy groups for antibody immobilization were prepared by direct in situ photopolymerization of glycidyl methacrylate and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate in a porogenic solvent consisting of 70% 1-dodecanol and 30% cyclohexanol. Antifluorescein isothiocyanate was utilized as a model affinity group in the monoliths, and the immobilization process was optimized. A mean elution efficiency of 92% was achieved for the monolith-based extraction of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-tagged human serum albumin. FITC-tagged proteins were purified from a contaminant protein and then separated electrophoretically using these devices. The developed immunoaffinity column/capillary electrophoresis microdevices show great promise for combining sample pretreatment and separation in biomolecular analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The normal PrPC (cellular prion protein) contains sLeX [sialyl-LeX (Lewis X)] and LeX. sLeX is a ligand of selectins. To examine whether PrPC is a ligand of selectins, we generated three human PrPC–Ig fusion proteins: one with LeX, one with sLeX, and the other with neither LeX nor sLeX. Only LeX-PrPC–Ig binds E-, L- and P-selectins. Binding is Ca2+-dependent and occurs with nanomolar affinity. Removal of sialic acid on sLeX-PrPC–Ig enables the fusion protein to bind all selectins. These findings were confirmed with brain-derived PrPC. The selectins precipitated PrPC in human brain in a Ca2+-dependent manner. Treatment of brain homogenates with neuraminidase increased the amounts of PrPC precipitated. Therefore the presence of sialic acid prevents the binding of PrPC in human brain to selectins. Hence, human brain PrPC interacts with selectins in a manner that is distinct from interactions in peripheral tissues. Alternations in these interactions may have pathological consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over 450 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes have been annotated in the human genome. Reliable quantitation of tRNA levels in human samples using microarray methods presents a technical challenge. We have developed a microarray method to quantify tRNAs based on a fluorescent dye-labeling technique. The first-generation tRNA microarray consists of 42 probes for nuclear encoded tRNAs and 21 probes for mitochondrial encoded tRNAs. These probes cover tRNAs for all 20 amino acids and 11 isoacceptor families. Using this array, we report that the amounts of tRNA within the total cellular RNA vary widely among eight different human tissues. The brain expresses higher overall levels of nuclear encoded tRNAs than every tissue examined but one and higher levels of mitochondrial encoded tRNAs than every tissue examined. We found tissue-specific differences in the expression of individual tRNA species, and tRNAs decoding amino acids with similar chemical properties exhibited coordinated expression in distinct tissue types. Relative tRNA abundance exhibits a statistically significant correlation to the codon usage of a collection of highly expressed, tissuespecific genes in a subset of tissues or tRNA isoacceptors. Our findings demonstrate the existence of tissue-specific expression of tRNA species that strongly implicates a role for tRNA heterogeneity in regulating translation and possibly additional processes in vertebrate organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RNA folding during transcription resembles folding in a cellular environment. We previously investigated the folding of a large ribozyme derived from a bacterial RNase P RNA during its transcription by the Escherichia coli RNA polymerase and the effect of the elongation factor NusA. We found that transcriptional pausing at a specific site induced by NusA significantly altered the folding pathway. In this work, we compare folding during transcription by the E. coli RNA polymerase of circularly permuted variants and site-specific mutants of the RNase P ribozyme to elucidate the molecular mechanism of transcriptional pausing and RNA folding. The effect of NusA-induced pausing depends on the order of RNA synthesis and only affects local folding of the RNA. Pausing likely prevents a misfolded structure between the 5' strand of a helix and its adjacent junction located in the specificity domain and a region known to bind single-stranded RNA located in the catalytic domain. These results lead to a structural model on how transcriptional pausing affects folding of RNase P RNA. Structural rearrangements of a nascent RNA transcript enhanced by transcriptional pausing may be a general feature of RNA folding during transcription. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Old World buntings (Aves: Emberizidae) mainly inhabit open habitats in Eurasia and Africa. It has long been debated whether the group originated in the New World or the Old World and whether their radiation is related to the expansion of open habitats and shifts in migratory behaviours. To answer these questions, we reconstructed their biogeographic histories and analysed their diversification patterns in terms of time, space and traits using a near-complete phylogeny. We found the most recent common ancestor of Emberizidae and their sisters distributed in the New World. After invasion into the eastern Palearctic through the Bering Straits Bridge in the middle Miocene, subsequent loss of migrations probably split Emberizidae into two lineages: one radiated in Afrotropical deserts and savannah and the other mainly diversified in Palearctic semi-open to open forests, the mountains of Central Asia and the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. This group began to diversify in the late Miocene (~10 Ma), at first rapidly, coinciding with the expansion of open habitats due to global cooling. As the available habitats were occupied, the diversification rate of buntings decreased rapidly in arid habitats, but shifts of habitat preference to open forests led to terminal radiations on the southern edge of taiga forests in the mountains of Central Asia and the eastern Palearctic. Our results provide insight into the biogeographic histories and radiation of the Old World buntings in open habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a modular construction model for a tertiary RNA structure of Bacillus subtilis. Specificity domain of the Bacillus subtilis RNase P RNA; Equilibrium folding and substrate binding of RNA S-domain; Design of RNA using a buttress module to stabilize a functional module; RNA conformation.

Examines the isothermal equilibrium folding of the unmodified yeast transfer RNA (tRNA). Stability of a tRNA; Interaction of tRNA with the negatively charged phosphodiester backbone; Differences in the stability of the acceptor stem and the tertiary structure.

The article offers information on the spatial patterns and conservation of genetic and phylogenetic diversity of wildlife in China. It mentions about the genetic diversity and phylogenetic diversity reflect the evolutionary potential and history of species. It discusses that findings helps guide national-level genetic diversity conservation plans and a post-2020 biodiversity conservation framework.

Laser beam drift greatly influences the accuracy of a four degrees of freedom (4-DOF) measurement system during the detection of machine tool errors, especially for long-distance measurement. A novel method was proposed using bellows to serve as a laser beam shield and air pumps to stabilize the refractive index of air. The inner diameter of the bellows and the control mode of the pumps were optimized through theoretical analysis and simulation. An experimental setup was established to verify the feasibility of the method under the temperature interference condition. The results indicated that the position stability of the laser beam spot can be improved by more than 79% under the action of pumping and inflating. The proposed scheme provides a cost-effective method to reduce the laser beam drift, which can be applied to improve the detection accuracy of a 4-DOF measurement system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RNA modifications play diverse roles in regulating RNA function, and viruses co-opt these pathways for their own benefit. While recent studies have highlighted the importance of N6-methyladenosine (m6A)--the most abundant mRNA modification--in regulating retrovirus replication, the identification and function of other RNA modifications in viral biology have been largely unexplored. Here, we characterize the RNA modifications present in a model retrovirus, murine leukemia virus (MLV), using mass spectrometry and sequencing. We find that 5-methylcytosine (m5C) is highly enriched in viral genomic RNA relative to uninfected cellular mRNAs, and we map at single-nucleotide resolution the m5C sites, which are located in multiple clusters throughout the MLV genome. Further, we show that the m5C reader protein ALYREF plays an important role in regulating MLV replication. Together, our results provide a complete m5C profile in a virus and its function in a eukaryotic mRNA. Importance: Over 130 modifications have been identified in cellular RNAs, which play critical roles in many cellular processes, from modulating RNA stability to altering translation efficiency. One such modification, 5-methylcytosine, is relatively abundant in mammalian mRNAs, but its precise location and function are not well understood. In this study, we identify unexpectedly high levels of m5C in the murine leukemia virus RNA, precisely map its location, and show that ALYREF, a "reader" protein that specifically recognizes m5C, regulates viral production. Together, our findings provide a high-resolution atlas of m5C in murine leukemia virus and reveal a functional role of m5C in viral replication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aminoacyl-transfer RNA (tRNA) synthetases (aaRSs) are the largest protein family causatively linked to neurodegenerative Charcot- Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease. Dominant mutations cause the disease, and studies of CMT disease-causing mutant glycyl-tRNA synthetase (GlyRS) and tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase (TyrRS) showed their mutations create neomorphic structures consistent with a gain-offunction mechanism. In contrast, based on a haploid yeast model, loss of aminoacylation function was reported for CMT disease mutants in histidyl-tRNA synthetase (HisRS). However, neither that nor priorwork of any CMT disease-causing aaRS investigated the aminoacylation status of tRNAs in the cellular milieu of actual patients. Using an assay that interrogated aminoacylation levels in patient cells, we investigated a HisRS-linked CMT disease family with the most severe disease phenotype. Strikingly, no difference in charged tRNA levels between normal and diseased family members was found. In confirmation, recombinant versions of 4 other HisRS CMT disease-causing mutants showed no correlation between activity loss in vitro and severity of phenotype in vivo. Indeed, a mutation having the most detrimental impact on activity was associated with a mild disease phenotype. In further work, using 3 independent biophysical analyses, structural opening (relaxation) of mutant HisRSs at the dimer interface best correlated with disease severity. In fact, the HisRS mutation in the severely afflicted patient family caused the largest degree of structural relaxation. These data suggest that HisRS-linked CMT disease arises from open conformationinduced mechanisms distinct from loss of aminoacylation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel miniaturised dual‐band bandpass filter using a single modified stepped impedance resonator (SIR) is presented. Some different shaped slots cutting on the middle patch of the SIR are adopted to improve the return loss in the two passbands and control the resonant frequencies. Meanwhile, the impedance ratio can be changed by changing L or W to tune the resonant frequencies. To improve the selectivity and achieve a high out‐of‐band rejection, source–load coupling is utilised. The simulated and measured results are presented and show good agreement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vaccines that trigger mucosal immune responses at the entry portals of pathogens are highly desired. Here, we showed that antigen-decorated nanoparticle generated through CRISPR engineering of T4 bacteriophage can serve as a universal platform for the rapid development of mucosal vaccines. Insertion of Flu viral M2e into phage T4 genome through fusion to Soc (Small Outer Capsid protein) generated a recombinant phage, and the Soc-M2e proteins self-assembled onto phage capsids to form 3M2e-T4 nanoparticles during propagation of T4 in E. coli. Intranasal administration of 3M2e-T4 nanoparticles maintains antigen persistence in the lungs, resulting in increased uptake and presentation by antigen-presenting cells. M2e-specific secretory IgA, effector (T EM), central (T CM), and tissue-resident memory CD4+ T cells (T RM) were efficiently induced in the local mucosal sites, which mediated protections against divergent influenza viruses. Our studies demonstrated the mechanisms of immune protection following 3M2e-T4 nanoparticles vaccination and provide a versatile T4 platform that can be customized to rapidly develop mucosal vaccines against future emerging epidemics. [Display omitted] • A CRISPR/Cas-engineered universal T4 phage platform for mucosal vaccine development. • Antigen-decorated T4 phage nanoparticles mediate antigen persistence in the lung. • Influenza viral M2e-T4 nanoparticles promote antigen presentation in the lung. • Intranasal delivery of M2e-T4 nanoparticles elicits robust mucosal immune responses. • A M2e-T4 mucosal vaccine confers mice full protection against divergent flu viruses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Viral respiratory and intestinal infections are the most common causes of canine viral illness. Infection with multiple pathogens occurs in many cases. Rapid diagnosis of these multiple infections is important for providing timely and effective treatment. To improve diagnosis, in this study, two new multiplex polymerase chain reactions (mPCRs) were developed for simultaneous detection of canine respiratory viruses (CRV) and canine enteric viruses (CEV) using two separate primer mixes. The viruses included canine adenovirus type 2 (CAV-2), canine distemper virus (CDV), canine influenza virus (CIV), canine parainfluenza virus (CPIV), canine circovirus (CanineCV), canine coronavirus (CCoV) and canine parvovirus (CPV). The sensitivity of the mPCR results showed that the detection limit of both mPCR methods was 1×104 viral copies. Twenty nasal swabs (NS) and 20 anal swabs (AS) collected from dogs with symptoms of respiratory disease or enteric disease were evaluated using the novel mPCR methods as a clinical test. The mPCR protocols, when applied to these respiratory specimens and intestinal samples, could detect 7 viruses simultaneously, allowing rapid investigation of CRV (CAV-2, CDV, CIV and CPIV) and CEV (CAV-2, CanineCV, CCoV and CPV) status and prompt evaluation of coinfection. Our study provides an effective and accurate tool for rapid differential diagnosis and epidemiological surveillance in dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, with the increase of production capacity and the promotion of production, the reserves of most mining enterprises under the original industrial indexes are rapidly consumed, and the full use of low-grade resources is getting more and more attention. If mining enterprises want to make full use of low-grade resources simultaneously and obtain good economic benefits to strengthening the analysis and management of costs is necessary. For metal underground mines, with the gradual implementation of exploration and mining projects, capital investment and labor consumption are dynamic and increase cumulatively in stages. Consequently, in the evaluation of ore value, we should proceed from a series of processes such as: exploration, mining, processing and the smelting of geological resources, and then study the resources increment in different stages of production and the processing. To achieve a phased assessment of the ore value and fine evaluation of the cost, based on the value chain theory and referring to the modeling method of computer integrated manufacturing open system architecture (CIMOSA), the analysis framework of gold mining enterprise value chain is established based on the value chain theory from the three dimensions of value-added activities, value subjects and value carriers. A value chain model using ore flow as the carrying body is built based on Petri nets. With the CPN Tools emulation tool, the cycle simulation of the model is carry out by the colored Petri nets, which contain a hierarchical structure. Taking a large-scale gold mining enterprise as an example, the value chain model is quantified to simulate the ore value formation, flow, transmission and implementation process. By analyzing the results of the simulation, the ore value at different production stages is evaluated dynamically, and the cost is similarly analyzed in stages, which can improve mining enterprise cost management, promote the application of computer modeling and simulation technology in mine engineering, more accurately evaluate the economic feasibility of ore utilization, and provide the basis for the value evaluation and effective utilization of low-grade ores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Even though epidermal growth factor-like domain 7 is known to be overexpressed in osteosarcoma and is associated with poor clinical outcome, few reports are available regarding its mechanism. Aims: The objective of this study was to explore the effect and mechanism of downregulating epidermal growth factor-like domain 7 expression in a human osteosarcoma cell line on the biological function of co-cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Study Design: Cell study. Methods: In the present study, human osteosarcoma cell lines U2OS, Saos-2, HOS, and MG63, and normal human osteoblasts were cultured in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum and 1x antibiotics at 37 °C and 5% CO2 in an incubator. Of the four osteosarcoma cell lines, U2OS expresses the highest level of epidermal growth factor-like domain 7 mRNA as determined using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. With the knockdown of epidermal growth factor-like domain 7 in U2OS and human umbilical vein endothelial cells by lentivirus, the proliferation and apoptosis of U2OS and human umbilical vein endothelial cells were investigated using MTT and flow cytometry assays. After the coculture of human umbilical vein endothelial cells and epidermal growth factor-like domain 7-knockdown U2OS, the in vitro effects on cell proliferation, apoptosis, adhesion, migration, and the angiogenic ability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells were detected using MTT, flow cytometry, Transwell, and tube formation assays, respectively. The expressions of phosphoinositide 3-kinase, phospho-Akt, total Akt, and vascular endothelial growth factor in human umbilical vein endothelial cells were detected using western blot assay. Results: Lentivirus with epidermal growth factor-like domain 7 shRNA could not significantly affect the proliferation and apoptosis of both U2OS and human umbilical vein endothelial cells, whereas the knockdown of epidermal growth factor-like domain 7 in U2OS could significantly inhibit the migration, adhesion, and angiogenic ability of co-cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells. In addition, the expressions of phosphoinositide 3-kinase, phospho- Akt, and vascular endothelial growth factor in human umbilical vein endothelial cells decreased after co-culturing with epidermal growth factor-like domain 7-knockdown U2OS. Conclusion: Epidermal growth factor-like domain 7-knockdown U2OS cells inhibit the migration, adhesion, and angiogenesis of co-cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells by diminishing phosphoinositide 3-kinase, Akt signaling pathway activity and vascular endothelial growth factor expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species Rana dabieshanensis sp. n. is described from the Dabie Mountains in Anhui Province, China, based on morphological character differences and molecular analyses. The new species can be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of diagnostic characters. The results of phylogenetic analyses (based on 12s rRNA, 16s rRNA, ND2, Cyt b, RAG1, BDNF and Tyr) and genetic distances (based on Cyt b) indicate that the new species belongs to the Rana longicrus group, and is placed as the sister taxon to R. hanluica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The surface characterization and electrostatic property of Hybrid Pennisetum (HP) after alkaline sulfite pretreatment were explored for enhanced enzymatic hydrolysability. The O/C ratio in HP increased from 0.34 to 0.60, and C1 concentration decreased from 62.5% to 31.6%, indicating that alkaline sulfite pretreatment caused poorer lignin but richer carbohydrate on HP surface. Zeta potential and sulfur element analysis indicated that more enzymes would preferably adsorb on the carbohydrate surface of alkaline sulfite pretreated HP because the lignin was sulfonated, which facilitated the decrease of non-productive adsorption. Glucose yield of alkaline sulfite pretreated HP reached to 100% by synergistic action of cellulase and xylanase in the hydrolysis, which was significantly higher than that of NaOH pretreated, and the concentration of glucose released was 1.52 times higher. The results suggested that alkaline sulfite pretreatment had potential for improving the HP hydrolysability, and the surface characterization and electrostatic property facilitated the enzymatic digestibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]