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In the era of knowledge economy today, social development and progress are much more relying on HEIS (higher education institutions) than ever before. Besides, the three familiar missions of "training capable persons", "doing research" and "serving the society", in the tussle of knowledge race in East Asia, a new mission for HE (higher education) has been added, i.e., upgrading knowledge competitiveness. To attain this target, HEIs should aim at the innovation of HE, accumulation of knowledge capital, ability-building of human resources and blossom of boundless HE. (Contains 1 figure.)

N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) at excitatory synapses are central to activity-dependent synaptic plasticity and learning and memory. NMDARs act as ionotropic and metabotropic receptors by elevating postsynaptic calcium concentrations and by direct intracellular protein signaling. In the forebrain, these properties are controlled largely by the auxiliary GluN2 subunits, GluN2A and GluN2B. While calcium conductance through NMDAR channels and intracellular protein signaling make separate contributions to synaptic plasticity, it is not known if these properties individually influence learning and memory. To address this issue, we created chimeric GluN2 subunits containing the amino-terminal domain and transmembrane domains from GluN2A or GluN2B fused to the carboxy-terminal domain of GluN2B (termed ABc) or GluN2A ATD (termed BAc), respectively, and expressed these mutated GluN2 subunits in transgenic mice. Expression was confirmed at the mRNA level and protein subunit translation and translocation into dendrites were observed in forebrain neurons. In the spatial version of the Morris water maze, BAc mice displayed signs of a learning deficit. In contrast, ABc animals performed similarly to wild-types during training, but showed a more direct approach to the goal location during a long-term memory test. There was no effect of ABc or BAc expression in a nonspatial water escape task. Since background expression is predominantly GluN2A in mature animals, the results suggest that spatial learning is more sensitive to manipulations of the amino-terminal domain and transmembrane domains (calcium conductance) and long-term memory is regulated more by the carboxy-terminal domain (intracellular protein signaling).

Ischemic stroke is the leading cause of adult disability. Ischemia leads to progressive neuronal death and synapse loss. The engulfment of stressed synapses by microglia further contributes to the disruption of the surviving neuronal network and related brain function. Unfortunately, there is currently no effective target for suppressing the microglia-mediated synapse engulfment. Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is an important participant in innate immune response. In the brain, microglia are the primary cell type that mediate immune response after brain insult. The intimate relationship between STING and microglia-mediated neuroinflammation has been gradually established. However, whether STING affects other functions of microglia remains elusive. In this study, we found that STING regulated microglial phagocytosis of synapses after photothrombotic stroke. The treatment of STING inhibitor H151 significantly improved the behavioral performance of injured mice in grid-walking test, cylinder test, and adhesive removal test after stroke. Moreover, the puncta number of engulfed SYP or PSD95 in microglia was reduced after consecutive H151 administration. Further analysis showed that the mRNA levels of several complement components and phagocytotic receptors were decreased after STING inhibition. Transcriptional factor STAT1 is known for regulating most of the decreased molecules. After STING inhibition, the nucleus translocation of phosphorylated STAT1 was also suppressed in microglia. Our data uncovered the novel regulatory effects of STING in microglial phagocytosis after stroke, and further emphasized STING as a potential drug-able target for post-stroke functional recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since China's clean air action, PM 2.5 (particulate matter with an aerodynamic equivalent diameter of 2.5 µm or less) air quality has improved, while ozone (O 3) pollution has become more severe. Here we apply a coupled meteorology–chemistry model (WRF-Chem: Weather Research and Forecasting model coupled to Chemistry v3.7.1) to quantify the responses of aerosol–radiation interaction (ARI) to anthropogenic emission reductions from 2013 to 2017, including aerosol–photolysis interaction (API) related to photolysis rate change and aerosol–radiation feedback (ARF) related to meteorological field change and their contributions to O 3 increases over eastern China in summer and winter. Sensitivity experiments show that the decreased anthropogenic emissions play a more prominent role in the increased daily maximum 8 h average (MDA8) O 3 in both summer (+ 1.96 ppb vs. + 0.07 ppb) and winter (+ 3.56 ppb vs. - 1.08 ppb) than the impacts of changed meteorological conditions in urban areas. The decreased PM 2.5 caused by emission reductions can result in a weaker impact of ARI on O 3 concentrations, which superimposes its effect on the worsened O 3 air quality. The weakened ARI due to decreased anthropogenic emissions aggravates the summer (winter) O 3 pollution by + 0.81 ppb (+ 0.63 ppb), averaged over eastern China, with weakened API contributing 55.6 % (61.9 %) and ARF contributing 44.4 % (38.1 %), respectively. This superimposed effect is more significant for urban areas during summer (+ 1.77 ppb). Process analysis indicates that the enhanced chemical production is the dominant process for the increased O 3 concentrations caused by weakened ARI in both summer and winter. This study innovatively reveals the adverse effect of weakened aerosol–radiation interaction due to decreased anthropogenic emissions on O 3 air quality, indicating that more stringent coordinated air pollution control strategies should be implemented for significant improvements in future air quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis, sugars in root cortical cells could be exported as glucose or sucrose into peri‐arbuscular space for use by AM fungi. However, no sugar transporter has been identified to be involved in sucrose export. An AM‐inducible SWEET transporter, GmSWEET6, was functionally characterised in soybean, and its role in AM symbiosis was investigated via transgenic plants. The expression of GmSWEET6 was enhanced by inoculation with the cooperative fungal strain in both leaves and roots. Heterologous expression in a yeast mutant showed that GmSWEET6 mainly transported sucrose. Transgenic plants overexpressing GmSWEET6 increased sucrose concentration in root exudates. Overexpression or knockdown of GmSWEET6 decreased plant dry weight, P content, and sugar concentrations in non‐mycorrhizal plants, which were partly recovered in mycorrhizal plants. Intriguingly, overexpression of GmSWEET6 increased root P content and decreased the percentage of degraded arbuscules, while knockdown of GmSWEET6 increased root sugar concentrations in RNAi2 plants and the percentage of degraded arbuscules in RNAi1 plants compared with wild‐type plants when inoculated with AM fungi. These results in combination with subcellular localisation of GmSWEET6 to peri‐arbuscular membranes strongly suggest that GmSWEET6 is required for AM symbiosis by mediating sucrose efflux towards fungi. Summary statement: GmSWEET6 is localised to the peri‐arbuscular membranes and essential for stabilisation of AM symbiosis by mediating sucrose efflux towards AM fungi in soybean. Soybean growth and sugar allocation are affected by GmSWEET6 overexpression and RNA interference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The enriched proteins within in vitro fertilisation (IVF)-generated human embryonic microenvironment could reverse progestin resistance in endometrial cancer (EC). Methods: The expression of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) in EC was evaluated by immunoblot and IHC analysis. Transcriptome sequencing screened out the downstream pathway regulated by TSLP. The role of TSLP, androgen receptor (AR) and KANK1 in regulating the sensitivity of EC to progestin was verified through a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments. Results: TSLP facilitates the formation of a BMP4/BMP7 heterodimer, resulting in activation of Smad5, augmenting AR signalling. AR in turn sensitises EC cells to progestin via KANK1. Downregulation of TSLP, loss of AR and KANK1 in EC patients are associated with tumour malignant progress. Moreover, exogenous TSLP could rescue the anti-tumour effect of progestin on mouse in vivo xenograft tumour. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that TSLP enhances the sensitivity of EC to progestin through the BMP4/Smad5/AR/KANK1 axis, and provide a link between embryo development and cancer progress, paving the way for the establishment of novel strategy overcoming progestin resistance using embryo original factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vertical mass exchange of ozone (O3) plays an important role in determining surface O3 air quality, the understanding of which, however, is greatly limited by the lack of continuous measurements in the vertical direction. Here, we characterize O3 variations at a high-altitude monitoring site at the top of Shanghai Tower (SHT) and discuss the potential impacts of the vertical exchange of air pollutants on O3 air quality within the urban planetary boundary layer (PBL) based on continuous measurements during 2017–2018. During the daytime, two distinct patterns of vertical O3 gradient are detected. In summer, the daytime O3 formation at SHT is observed to be more limited by nitrogen oxides (NOx) than the surface, which, together with the efficient vertical mixings, results in higher O3 levels in the upper mixing layer. In cold months, the opposite vertical gradient is observed, which is associated with weak vertical exchange and NOx-saturated O3 formation. A nighttime O3 reservoir layer and consistent morning O3 entrainments are detected all year round. These results provide direct evidence of the vertical mixings within the urban PBL, underscoring the pressing need for improving vertical resolution in near-surface layers of air quality models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ozone concentrations in China are increasing in recent years and future changes of ozone and their impacts have attracted much attention. We use global chemical transport model (GEOS‐Chem) to simulate the surface ozone concentrations in China in 2020 and 2050 under four Shared Socio‐economic Pathways and evaluate the impacts of future ozone pollution on vegetation and premature mortality in four polluted regions (Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei, BTH; Yangtze River Delta, YRD; Pearl River Delta, PRD; Sichuan Basin, SCB) and three major crop growing areas (Huang–Huai–Hai, HHH; Northeast Plain, NEP; middle and lower reaches of Yangtze River, MLRY) in China. The changes of simulated seasonal maximum daily 8‐hr average (MDA8) ozone from 2020 to 2050 (−15.5 to +11.9 ppbv) are significant under SSP126 (low forcing pathway) and SSP245 (medium forcing pathway) scenarios in all regions due to large changes of emissions. MDA8 ozone in summer 2050 will be above the WHO guidelines (100 μg/m3) in BTH, YRD, HHH and MLRY under four scenarios. By 2050, W126 (vegetative ozone exposure index) in summer will be much above the maximum of US secondary standard (21 ppm‐h) in HHH under SSP245, SSP370 (medium to high forcing pathway) and SSP585 (high forcing pathway) scenarios, and in MLRY under SSP370 and SSP585 scenarios. Annual ozone‐related deaths for people over 30 years old will mainly decrease in four polluted areas from 2020 to 2050 under SSPs scenarios, but only increase much under SSP245 scenario in BTH (+3.1 to +4.2 thousand) and YRD (+1.1 to +1.6 thousand). Plain Language Summary: With the development of industrialization and urbanization, ozone pollution in China has become increasingly serious. Ozone pollution is harmful to vegetation and human health and thus future ozone in China and its impacts have attracted much attention. We use global chemical transport model to simulate ozone concentrations in 2020 and 2050 under four emission scenarios and then quantify the effects of future ozone pollution on premature mortality and vegetation in four polluted regions and three major crop growing areas in China. Seasonal MDA8 ozone concentrations and vegetative ozone exposure index (W126) change much from 2020 to 2050 under low and medium forcing pathways due to large changes of emissions. Due to ozone pollution, vegetation in summer 2050 will be at high risk in Huang–Huai–Hai region under medium to high and high forcing pathways. Ozone‐related deaths will mainly decrease under future emission scenarios in four polluted areas by 2050, but increase much under medium forcing pathway in Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei and Yangtze River Delta regions. Key Points: MDA8 ozone in summer 2050 will be above WHO guideline of 100 μg/m3 in Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei and Yangtze River Delta under four SSPsVegetative ozone exposure index will be above US secondary standard of 21 ppm‐h in Huang–Huai–Hai under SSP370 and SSP585 in summer 2050Mortality will mainly reduce by 2050 in four areas under SSPs, but increase in Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei and Yangtze River Delta under SSP245 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the advancement of information technology and artificial intelligence, translation technologies have seen rapid development in language services and increasing integration in higher education. However, research on factors affecting students' acceptance of these technologies remains limited. This study intends to formulate and test an extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) incorporating computer self-efficacy and perceived enjoyment to investigate students' adoption of translation technologies. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 370 college students in China experienced with using translation technologies. The results from the structural equation modeling demonstrated a positive prediction on perceived ease of use and enjoyment from computer self-efficacy. Perceived enjoyment increased perceived ease of use and attitudes. Perceived ease of use positively influenced perceived usefulness and attitudes. Finally, attitudes positively predicted greater behavioral intentions to use translation technologies. However, computer self-efficacy was identified to have no significant effect on perceived usefulness. The study makes significant theoretical contributions by expanding TAM and offering practical guidance to improve students' acceptance of translation technologies in tertiary education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high‐voltage induced undesirable surface passivation bilayer (cathode/electrolyte interface and cation‐densified surface phase) of LiCoO2 inevitably leads to battery degradation. Herein, a continual/uniform enamel‐like olivine layer on LiCoO2 surface is fabricated by employing a high‐speed mechanical fusion method. The enamel‐like layer suppresses interfacial side reactions by tuning EC dehydrogenation, contributing to an ultrathin and stable cathode/electrolyte interface. The strong bonding affinity between LiCoO2 and enamel‐like layer restrains both lattice oxygen loss and associated layered‐to‐spinel structural distortion. Moreover, the thermal stability of highly delithiated LiCoO2 is improved, as both the onset temperatures of layered‐to‐spinel transition and O2 evolution are simultaneously postponed. Stable operation of LiCoO2 at 4.6 V high‐voltage and 55 °C elevated temperature (both >85% capacity retention after 200 cycles) is achieved. This facile and scalable high‐speed solid‐phase coating strategy establishes a technical paradigm to enhance surface/interface stability of high‐energy‐density cathode candidates by constructing an ideal enamel‐like surface layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PM 2.5 pollution is a major air quality issue that deteriorates human health, and numerous studies have focused on PM 2.5 pollution in major regions such as the North China Plain (NCP) and Yangtze River Delta (YRD). However, the characteristics of PM 2.5 concentrations and the associated formation mechanism in the transport corridor (referred to as SWLY) between the NCP and YRD are largely ignored. Based on observational data, we find that the number of PM 2.5 pollution events in SWLY is comparable to that in the NCP, far exceeding that in the YRD, which is indicative of the severity of air pollution in this area. Utilizing a regional climate and air quality model, we isolate the effect of seesaw transport events, e.g., transport between the NCP and YRD, and atmospheric stagnation on the accumulation of PM 2.5 over SWLY. Specifically, seesaw events and stagnation, comparable to each other, collectively account for an average of 67 % of pollution days, with PM 2.5 exceeding 75 µgm-3 , and this fraction (85 %) is even larger for severe haze events, with PM 2.5 exceeding 150 µgm-3. Furthermore, the connection between seesaw transport and large-scale circulation is examined. The transregional transport of pollutants from the NCP to the YRD (YRD to NCP) is likely stimulated by positive (negative) to negative (positive) geopotential height anomalies at 500 hPa located in northern China. The health effect due to short-term PM 2.5 exposure induced by the transregional transport and stagnation is investigated, yielding a total of 8634 (95 % CI: 6023–11 223) and 9496 (95 % CI: 6552–12 413) premature deaths, respectively, in SWLY during winter 2014–2019, which is as high as 9 % of the total premature deaths in China, even though SWLY takes up less than 1 % of China's area. While atmospheric stagnation is in general projected to occur more frequently under a warming climate, this study indicates the importance of regional emission control to alleviate PM 2.5 pollution from seesaw transport and stagnation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Nodulation begins with the initiation of infection threads (ITs) in root hairs. Though mutual recognition and early symbiotic signaling cascades in legumes are well understood, molecular mechanisms underlying bacterial infection processes and successive nodule organogenesis remain largely unexplored.We functionally investigated a novel pectate lyase enzyme, GmNPLa, and its transcriptional regulator GmPTF1a/b in soybean (Glycine max), where their regulatory roles in IT development and nodule formation were elucidated through investigation of gene expression patterns, bioinformatics analysis, biochemical verification of genetic interactions, and observation of phenotypic impacts in transgenic soybean plants.GmNPLa was specifically induced by rhizobium inoculation in root hairs. Manipulation of GmNPLa produced remarkable effects on IT and nodule formation. GmPTF1a/b displayed similar expression patterns as GmNPLa, and manipulation of GmPTF1a/b also severely influenced nodulation traits. LI soybeans with low nodulation phenotypes were nearly restored to HI nodulation level by complementation of GmNPLa and/or GmPTF1a. Further genetic and biochemical analysis demonstrated that GmPTF1a can bind to the E‐box motif to activate transcription of GmNPLa, and thereby facilitate nodulation.Taken together, our findings potentially reveal novel mediation of cell wall gene expression involving the basic helix–loop–helix transcription factor GmPTF1a/b acts as a key early regulator of nodulation in soybean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrolyte engineering is a fascinating choice to improve the performance of Li‐rich layered oxide cathodes (LRLO) for high‐energy lithium‐ion batteries. However, many existing electrolyte designs and adjustment principles tend to overlook the unique challenges posed by LRLO, particularly the nucleophilic attack. Here, we introduce an electrolyte modification by locally replacing carbonate solvents in traditional electrolytes with a fluoro‐ether. By benefit of the decomposition of fluoro‐ether under nucleophilic O‐related attacks, which delivers an excellent passivation layer with LiF and polymers, possessing rigidity and flexibility on the LRLO surface. More importantly, the fluoro‐ether acts as "sutures", ensuring the integrity and stability of both interfacial and bulk structures, which contributed to suppressing severe polarization and enhancing the cycling capacity retention from 39 % to 78 % after 300 cycles for the 4.8 V‐class LRLO. This key electrolyte strategy with comprehensive analysis, provides new insights into addressing nucleophilic challenge for high‐energy anionic redox related cathode systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In view of the traditional agricultural irrigation in hills and mountains, which usually uses artificial control solenoid valve for irrigation, the problems of water waste and high labor cost has come into being. A set of automatic irrigation control system based on fuzzy control and PID control is designed. The stability of PID control and adaptability of fuzzy control are combined to control irrigation time. The irrigation system of hills and mountains built by Simulink is controlled by conventional PID and fuzzy PID respectively. The simulation experiments show that compared with the conventional PID control, the fuzzy PID control system has significantly reduced overshoot and adjustment time, and has higher stability, adaptability and adjustment performance. It can be used in the automatic irrigation system of hilly and mountainous agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The positive definiteness of real quadratic forms with convolution structures plays an important role in stability analysis for time-stepping schemes for nonlocal operators. In this work, we present a novel analysis tool to handle discrete convolution kernels resulting from variable-step approximations for convolution operators. More precisely, for a class of discrete convolution kernels relevant to variable-step L1-type time discretizations, we show that the associated quadratic form is positive definite under some easy-to-check algebraic conditions. Our proof is based on an elementary constructing strategy by using the properties of discrete orthogonal convolution kernels and discrete complementary convolution kernels. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first general result on simple algebraic conditions for the positive definiteness of variable-step discrete convolution kernels. Using the unified theory, the stability for some simple non-uniform time-stepping schemes can be obtained in a straightforward way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]