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The present study aimed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and major signal transduction pathways that were related to the immune response of epithelioma papulosum cyprinid (EPC) cells to reoviruses isolated from allogynogenetic silver crucian carp. The study also lays a theoretical foundation for the pathogenesis and immunity of the reovirus, which is helpful to the breeding of cyprinids fish. Reovirus infected and uninfected EPC cells were analyzed by using a new-generation high-throughput sequencing technology. DEGs were identified, annotated, and classified, and the signal pathways involved in the response to reovirus infection were identified by using bioinformatics tool. The data were assembled into 92,101 contigs with an average length of 835.24 bp and an N50 value of 1432 nt. Differential expression analysis of all the genes identified 3316 DEGs at a false discovery rate (FDR) of <0.01 and a fold-change of ≥3, of which 1691 were upregulated genes, 1625 were downregulated, and about 305 were immune-related genes. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis resulted in the annotation of 3941 GO terms, including 2719 biological processes (37,810 unigenes), 376 cell components (7943 unigenes), and 846 molecular functions (11,750 unigenes). KEGG metabolic pathway analysis matched the DEGs from pre-and post-infection EPC cells to 193 pathways, of which 35 were immune-related, including the Toll-like receptor, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, and the JAK-STAT signaling pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report herein seven novel lanthanide metal–organic frameworks (Ln-MOFs), [M(L27)(DMA)(H2O)·XH2O]n (TCZ-M), (M = Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho), (X = 2 or 3) (H3L27 = 2,7-bis(4-benzoic acid)-N-(4-benzoic acid)carbazole, DMA = N,N-dimethylacetamide, TCZ = “T”-shape carbazole-based MOFs, L27 = fully deprotonated H3L273− ligand). X-ray crystallography showed that all the TCZ-M (M = Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho) are isomorphous and possess a 3,6-connected three-dimensional (3D) framework with a point symbol of {4·62}2{42·610·83}. The photoluminescence measurement indicates that TCZ-Eu shows reddish-orange emission bands and TCZ-Sm shows both visible and near-infrared (NIR) emission bands. Magnetic susceptibility measurements show deviations from the Curie law mainly owing to the split of the ground term due to the ligand field and spin–orbit coupling in TCZ-Eu and TCZ-Sm. The magnetic properties of TCZ-M (M = Nd, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho) are also investigated, and the results indicate a ferromagnetic interaction between the Tb3+ magnetic centers in TCZ-Tb and the antiferromagnetic interactions in TCZ-M (M = Nd, Gd, Dy, Ho). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ferns, originated about 360 million years ago, are the sister group of seed plants. Despite the remarkable progress in our understanding of fern phylogeny, with conflicting molecular evidence and different morphological interpretations, relationships among major fern lineages remain controversial. Results:With the aim to obtain a robust fern phylogeny, we carried out a large-scale phylogenomic analysis using high-quality transcriptome sequencing data, which covered 69 fern species from 38 families and 11 orders. Both coalescent-based and concatenation-based methods were applied to both nucleotide and amino acid sequences in species tree estimation. The resulting topologies are largely congruent with each other, except for the placement of Angiopteris fokiensis, Cheiropleuria bicuspis, Diplaziopsis brunoniana, Matteuccia struthiopteris, Elaphoglossum mcclurei, and Tectaria subpedata. Conclusions: Our result confirmed that Equisetales is sister to the rest of ferns, and Dennstaedtiaceae is sister to eupolypods. Moreover, our result strongly supported some relationships different from the current view of fern phylogeny, including that Marattiaceae may be sister to the monophyletic clade of Psilotaceae and Ophioglossaceae; that Gleicheniaceae and Hymenophyllaceae form a monophyletic clade sister to Dipteridaceae; and that Aspleniaceae is sister to the rest of the groups in eupolypods II. These results were interpreted with morphological traits, especially sporangia characters, and a new evolutionary route of sporangial annulus in ferns was suggested. This backbone phylogeny in ferns sets a foundation for further studies in biology and evolution in ferns, and therefore in plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel esterase gene (e25) was identified from Altererythrobacter epoxidivorans CGMCC 1.7731T by genome sequence screening. The e25 gene is 948 nucleotides in length and encodes a 315 amino acid protein (E25) with a predicted molecular mass of 33,683 Da. A phylogenetic tree revealed that E25 belongs to the hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) family of lipolytic enzymes. An activity assay of E25 showed that it exhibited the highest catalytic efficiency when using p-nitrophenyl caproate (C6) as a substrate. The optimum pH and temperature were determined to be approximately pH 9 and 45°C, and the Km and Vmax values were 0.12 mM and 1,772 µmol/min/mg, respectively. After an incubation at 40°C for 80 min, E25 retained 75% of its basal activity. The enzyme exhibited good tolerance to metal cations, such as Ba2+, Ca2+, and Cu2+ (10 mM), but its activity was strongly inhibited by Co2+, Ni2+, Mn2+, and Zn2+. The E25 enzyme was stimulated by glycerol and retained over 60% of its basal activity in the presence of 1% Tween-80 and Triton X-100. Overall, the activity of E25 under alkaline conditions and its organic solvent and detergent tolerance indicate that E25 could be useful as a novel industrial catalyst in biotechnological applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field electron emission from carbon nanotubes shows promising application potential in devices. Low adhesive bonding strength between the carbon nanotubes and the substrate presents a practical challenge in environments such as high field emission current density. In this paper, we report on the performance of a carbon nanotube microbundle attached to a tungsten needle by a uniform glue layer. The device is easily fabricated without complex fixture and possesses a complete array structure. After curing the glue in air, the adhesive strength between the carbon nanotubes and the needle is over 2000 N/cm2. Field emission measurements demonstrate that the maximum current density of the emitters is over 20 A/cm2 under a low applied field (<0.4 V/μm). The emitter with high current density, low emission field, and good stability has a wide range of applications in flat displays, X-ray tubes, and lamps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The changes law of microbial flora during Sanchuan ham processing was studied, and the dominant bacteria was further identified by morphological and physiological and biochemical tests. The results showed that the curing period, dry period and ripening period were the stages of rapid increase, steady growth and reduction of total bacteria and Staphylococcus on the surface and inside of Sanchuan ham, respectively. The total Pseudomonas count on the inside of Sanchuan ham was higher than that on the surface during the whole processing, revealing a decreasing trend due to the competitive growth between microorganisms (except for the early curing period). The total Yeast count on the surface and inside of Sanchuan ham increased during the late curing period, but substantially decreased during ripening period. The identified dominant bacteria were Staphylococcus equorum and Staphylococcus simulans. In ham processing strengthening the control of time and temperature in the curing and dry period could help form precursor substance to further the unique flavor formation of ham in ripening period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The three-dimensional (3D) porous cobalt(II) metal-organic framework (MOF), [Co3(L)2(DMA)2(MeOH)2·4(DMA)·6(MeOH)]n (1) [L = fully deprotonated 2,7-bis(4-benzoic acid)-N-(4-benzoic acid) carbazole, DMA = N,N-dimethylacetamide], was synthesized by hydrothermal reaction. Based on X-ray single-crystal diffraction, structural analysis indicates that complex 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic C2/c space group. Complex 1 possesses a 3,6-connected three-dimensional (3D) topological structure with a point symbol of {4²·6}2{44·6²·87·10²} when a trinuclear CoII cluster was regarded as 6-connected node and the organic ligands could be regarded as 3-connected linkers between the 6-connected nodes. The framework structure exhibits a one-dimension (1D) channel with an accessible void of 4223.0 ų, amounting to 42.8% of the total unit-cell volume (9862.0 ų). Moreover, the magnetic properties of complex 1 were studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the rate stability and make a balance for different viewpoints in distributed multi-view video coding (DMVC) system, a novel symmetric DMVC (SDMVC) scheme is proposed in this paper. In the proposed scheme, every frame from all views adopts the same encoding mode and stable output rates are achieved, which are significant to improve the transmission efficiency in the channel. Both temporal and spatial correlations are exploited, in addition, a novel side information (SI) generation algorithm aiming at better exploring the correlations of proposed scheme has been proposed to obtain better performance. The simulation results show that the proposed SDMVC scheme gets a much more stable rate than the asymmetric scheme, only with neglectable bit-rate increasing. Meanwhile, the proposed SI generation algorithm significantly improves the coding performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the design and construction of a magnetically coupled modular bio-inspired underwater robot named the Modular Magnetic Bio-Inspired Underwater Vehicle (MMBAUV). Designed to form a traveling wave to mimic efficient Body Caudal Fin (BCF) swimming and manoeuvring, its modularity allows for flexible system setup and offers an opportunity for redundancy and cost reduction through a common design structure. The specific feature of this design presents a novel application of a permanent synchronous magnetic coupling between neighbouring modules with a rotational degree of freedom (DoF). The actuated magnetic coupling provides a reliable and low maintenance solution to the fundamental issues of water tightness of flexible underwater structures. When encountering extreme conditions, the magnetic coupling allows the safe decoupling of the modules increasing the survivability of the robotic system. Presented lab testing results demonstrate the function of the design and provide initial evidence of its thrust generation and manoeuvrability. • Design of Modular Magnetic Bio-inspired Robot that mimics Body Caudal Fin (BCF) Fish swimming by forming a traveling wave along its centre line. • Description of design and development of prototype with detailed description of magnetic coupling. • Experimental lab testing to assess performance for different caudal fin materials and combination of swimming kinematic parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The “Three-River Headwaters” region (TRHR) rangeland ecosystem is extremely sensitive and fragile, and in recent years has undergone continuous degradation. The vast area and severe nature conditions inhibit data acquisition and field experiments, resulting in different understandings about the spatial characteristics and dynamics of rangeland degradation in the region. Therefore, a reliable monitoring method of rangeland degradation is urgently needed for the rangeland protection and management. In this paper, a novel rangeland degradation monitoring scheme based on Local NPP Scaling (LNS) is suggested; A suitable partition program of rangeland productivity unit is set up by using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). The spatio-temporal pattern of degradation in 1990 and 2004 were revealed and validated by multiple data sets including field measured data, land use and land cover maps and findings from related research. This research provides basis in the avoidance of intensive field work and labor costs for visual interpretation of remote sensing image. The results show that the percentage of rangeland degradation is 32.86% in 1990 and 36.7% in 2004, indicating 3.84% increase in 15 years. The eastern part of the study area, comprising of Banma, Gadê, Henan, Jigzhi, Tongde and Zêkog had minimal degradation. The most severely degraded area is Qumarlêb, and its degraded rangeland accounted for 63.33% of the total area in 1990 and increased to 77.47% in 2004. The degradation at Madoi and Chindu is over 40%. It is found that the results on the spatio-temporal distribution of the rangeland degradation at TRHR are reasonable through various verifications. Thus, the novel approach is effective in monitoring rangeland degradation in an inaccessible region and harsh environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Acute intracranial atherosclerotic disease (IAD)-related large artery occlusion (LAO) is typically refractory to mechanical thrombectomy. We evaluated the feasibility and safety of emergency balloon-assisted or stent-assisted angioplasty performed with tirofiban administration for acute IAD-related LAO. Methods We identified, from among 55 consecutive patients who underwent endovascular treatment for LAO, 12 patients with acute IAD-related LAO who underwent balloon-assisted or stent-assisted angioplasty with ( n = 3) or without passage of a stent retriever. The treatment included tirofiban administration. We obtained, from patients' clinical records, thrombolysis in cerebral infarction scores (to assess the extent of reperfusion), follow-up magnetic resonance angiography images (to assess patency of the responsive arteries), and 90-day modified Rankin (mRS) scores (to assess outcomes). Results Temporary blood flow and severe stenosis were observed angiographically in all 12 patients, either when the stent retriever was deployed or when a microcatheter was advanced through the site of occlusion. Persistent recanalization was achieved in all patients, and there was no operative complication or arterial reocclusion. All 8 patients with an occluded major artery in the anterior circulation had a good outcome, with an mRS score of ≤2. Two of the 4 patients with basilar artery occlusion had a good outcome, with an mRS score of ≤2. One patient (25%) died within 72 hours after procedure. Conclusions Our data point to the safety and feasibility of emergency balloon-assisted or stent-assisted angioplasty performed with tirofiban administration and a single or no passage of the stent retriever for acute IAD-related LAO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies demonstrated that herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSVtk) could phosphorylate non-toxic gancyclovir (GCV) efficiently to produce phosphorylated products that result in cell apoptosis, to kill tumor cells. The present study aimed to construct a plasmid vector, pcDNA3.1-pAFP-TK, carrying the suicide gene driven by the alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) promoter, to investigate the cytotoxicity of HSVtk/GCV suicide gene system on hepatoma carcinoma cells. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blotting results demonstrated that the HSVtk gene was effectively expressed in HepG2 hepatoma carcinoma cells transfected with pcDNA3.1-pAFP-TK plasmid, whereas HSVtk gene expression was not detected in normal HL-7702 liver cells. In addition, MTT assays indicated that cell viability of HepG2 cells with the plasmid pcDNA3.1-pAFP-TK decreased in a dose-dependent manner following treatment with GCV for 48 h. Flow cytometry also revealed that the cell apoptosis rate and mitochondrial membrane potential reduction rate in the HepG2 cells treated with HSVtk/GCV suicide gene system were significantly higher than in the control group. Apoptosis rates in the control group and the pcDNA3.1-pAFP-TK group were (1.00±0.62%) and (38.70±6.03%), respectively. Mitochondrial membrane potential reduction rates in the control group and the pcDNA3.1-pAFP-TK group were (0.57±0.11%) and (22.84±5.79%), respectively. Caspase-3 staining demonstrated that activated caspase-3 increased significantly in the HepG2 cells treated with HSVtk/GCV suicide gene system, whereas in the control group activated caspase-3 increase was not observed. The results of the present study, therefore, indicated that HSVtk suicide gene was obviously expressed in the HepG2 cells and that the HSVtk/GCV system was effective at killing HepG2 hepatoma carcinoma cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports a photoresponsive hollow molecularly imprinted polymer for the determination of trace triamterene in biological sample. The photoresponsive hollow molecularly imprinted polymer was prepared on sacrificial silica microspheres via surface imprinting technique through atom transfer radical polymerization using a novel water-soluble azobenzene derivative, 4-[(4-methacryloyloxy)phenylazo]-3,5-dimethyl benzenesulfonic acid, as the functional monomer, and the sacrificial silica core was subsequently removed using HF etching method with 1.25 vol.% HF ethanolic solution. The morphologies and properties of the photoresponsive hollow molecularly imprinted polymer were further characterized and compared systematically with the corresponding photoresponsive surface molecularly imprinted polymer. Compared with surface imprinted polymer, the hollow material displayed higher binding capacity, better recognition ability, faster mass-transfer rate, and larger isomerization rate constants toward triamterene. The static binding properties of the imprinted materials were investigated under three irradiation conditions. The photoresponsive hollow molecularly imprinted polymer showed better specificity toward triamterene than its structural analogues (folic acid and caffeine) as examined by UV–vis and HPLC. The photoresponsive hollow molecularly imprinted polymer was utilized for the determination of trace triamterene in biological samples (human urine and serum) with advantages of simple sample pre-treatment, good recovery and good sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein we report five porous luminescent coordination polymers (CPs), namely, [Zn3(L27)2(DMA)6(H2O)4]n (TCZ-001), [Zn3(L27)2(DMA)6(CH3CH2OH)2]n (TCZ-002), [Zn3(L27)2(DMA)6(CH3OH)]n (TCZ-003), [Cd3(L27)2(DMA)6(H2O)2]n (TCZ-004), and [Cd9(L27)6DMA13(4,4′-BPY)2(OH)2(H2O)13.5]n (TCZ-005) [H3L27 = 2,7-bis(4-benzoic acid)-N-(4-benzoic acid) carbazole, DMA = N,N-dimethylacetamide, 4,4′-BPY = 4,4′-bipyridine, TCZ = “T”-shape carbazole-based polymers, L27 = fully deprotonated H3L273− ligand]. All of the five CPs were assembled from a novel luminescent carbazole-based ligand. X-ray crystallography showed that TCZ-001 is a 3-connected one-dimensional (1D) chain structure with a {42·6} topology. TCZ-002 possesses a 3,6-connected three-dimensional (3D) framework with a point symbol of {42·6}2{44·62·87·102}. TCZ-003 displays a 3,6-connected two-dimensional 2D network with a Schläfli symbol of {411·64}·{43}2, which is a new topology. TCZ-004 features a 3,6-connected 2D net with a {43}2·{46·66·83} topology. In TCZ-005, the structure can be classified into two groups: one of the two groups is a 3-connected 1D chain structure with a {42·6} topology, similar to TCZ-001; the other one possesses a 3,3,3,4-connected network with a Schläfli symbol of {42·63·8}{42·6}3. The structure of TCZ-005 could be described as an SP 1-periodic net (4,4)(0,2) in the 1D_2D.ttd database. TCZ-001, TCZ-003 and TCZ-004 show a remarkable response to the Ni2+ concentration in DMA, H2O or EtOH. Some of Zn2+ ions were replaced by Ni2+ ions and the rate of the transmetalation depended on the concentration of Ni2+ ions. Also, changing part of the metal node would transform the colour of emitted light. Additionally, the colour of the luminescence displays a linear correlation with the Ni2+ concentration range from 0.005 to 0.35 M (mol L−1). Besides selective sensing of Ni2+, TCZ-004 can also be utilized to detect Eu3+ in DMA solution. Thus, several potential sensory probe materials for Ni2+ and Eu3+ detection in DMA solution have been obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the adoption of some ambiguous and quantitative characters in Flora Republicae Popularis Sinicae 3(1), species identifications of the series Gravesiana have been in disarray, requiring clarification. Two hundred and fifty-nine individuals from 47 different populations were collected for the estimation of morphological characters and phylogenetic analyses. Spores of 26 populations were observed through scanning electron microscope. Our results were different from those of previous research: (1) six identifiable species, rather than five species observed previously, were confirmed in the series Gravesiana, they are A. gravesii, A. juxtapositum, A. mariesii, A. dentatum, A. longzhouensis and A. obovatum, of which the latter three are newly recognized species. (2) Thirteen characters were measured and estimated through the program Mesquite v. 2.71. The character whether the pinna stalks were 1/3-1/2 times longer than the pinna was used to distinguish A. gravesii and A. lianxianense previously and was found to be unreliable here, whereas such characters as the height of the plant (H), pinna aligned forms (FP), number of pinna (NP), pinna margin (M), number of veins flabellate at base (NV), sori number and shape per pinna (NSS), pinna texture (T), and powder-covered or not on the abaxial surface of the pinna (P) are estimated to be stable and reliable characters useful for identification. Descriptions of new species and their retrieve keys are also listed. (3) Surface ornamentations and spore sizes are helpful for us to distinguish species in series Gravesiana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because synonymy treatment traditionally relies on morphological judgments, it usually causes many problems in species delimitation and in the biodiversity catalogue. For example, Diplopterygium simulans, which belongs to the Gleicheniaceae family, has been considered to be synonymous with D. glaucum or D. giganteum based mainly on the morphology of its pinna rachis and blade. In the absence of molecular evidence, these revisions remain doubtful. DNA barcoding, which is considered to be a powerful method for species-level identification, was employed to assess the genetic distance among 9 members of the Diplopterygium genus. The results indicate that D. simulans is an independent species rather than a synonymy of D. glaucum or D. giganteum. Moreover, phylogenetic analysis uncovered the sisterhood of D. simulans and D. cantonense, which is supported by their geographical distributions and morphological traits. Incorrect synonymy treatment is prevalent in the characterization of biological diversity, and our study proposes a convenient and effective method for validating synonym treatments and discovering cryptic species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combined use of multiple measurement sensors is considered as a promising solution in surface metrology. Such hybrid instruments require sophisticated data fusion process to achieve overall better measurement results. This paper presents a reconstruction–registration integrated data fusion method to address the difficulty in modeling and fusing multiscaled complex data sets. The method decomposes the data sets into different scales by fitting a common surface via reconstruction and registration process so that the modeling and fusion process are also decomposed, and are only performed among the fitting and matching residuals of the data sets. The quality of the fused results is improved based on weighted mean method with the aid of Gaussian process model by taking into account the associated errors of each data set. The validity of the proposed method is verified through a series of comparison tests with existing methods by both computer simulation and actual measurement. It is shown that both enhanced registration accuracy and fusion quality are achieved by the proposed method with acceptable computation cost. The method should improve the metrological performance of the multisensor instruments in measuring complex surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims The present study investigated the association of serum levels of angiopoietin-related growth factor (AGF) with lower extremity peripheral arterial disease (LEPAD). Methods The study group is comprised of 105 patients with lower extremity peripheral arterial disease. The control group consisted of 80 individuals without lower extremity peripheral arterial disease. Serum AGF concentrations were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The relationship between AGF and clinical and biochemical parameters was studied. Besides, this study analyzed AGF levels in LEPAD patients according to disease severity and evaluated the prognostic value of AGF for amputation and mortality in LEPAD patients after a follow-up period of 1.7 years. Results Median serum AGF levels were significantly higher in LEPAD group (103.70 ± 64.69 ng/mL) as compared with control group (53.83 ± 37.87 ng/mL) ( P < 0.001). In addition, T2DM patients with LEPAD exhibited markedly higher serum AGF concentrations (118.7 ± 60.90 ng/mL) than those without LEPAD (60.23 ± 32.62 ng/mL) ( P < 0.0001). Moreover, LEPAD positively predicted AGF concentrations in multivariate linear regression analysis ( P < 0.0001). Serum AGF levels were independently associated with LEPAD in binary logistic regression analysis model. Among LEPAD patients, those with critical limb ischemia (n = 43) showed higher AGF levels (124.9 ± 73.9 vs. 88.98 ± 53.26 ng/mL, P = 0.01) compared with those with intermittent claudication (n = 62). Furthermore, patients with the highest AGF tertile had an increased all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality ( P = 0.033 and P = 0.025, respectively). Conclusions Our results suggested that lower extremity peripheral artery disease was positively associated with AGF serum levels. High serum AGF level was a potential risk factor for LEPAD and associates with disease severity and poor outcome in LEPAD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new dinuclear dysprosium compounds, namely, [Dy 2 (L1) 2 (hfac) 6 ]·C 7 H 16 ( 1 ) and [Dy 2 (L2) 2 (hfac) 6 ]·C 7 H 16 ( 2 ) (HL1 = 5-(2-thenylidene)-8-hydroxylquinoline; HL2 = 5-(4-methoxylbenzylidene)-8-hydroxylquinoline; hfac = hexafluoroacetylacetonate) have been successfully obtained via applying two different ligands, and further characterized by crystallography. Structural analysis shows that both of 1 and 2 possess a four-membered [Dy 2 O 2 ] core with similar coordination pockets. The center Dy(III) ions in 1 and 2 are all completed by eight coordination environments with O 8 set. Interestingly, the different features of ligand HL1 and HL2 result in their different magnetic relaxation behaviors with the energy barrier of 6.81 K for 1 and 0.72 K for 2 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The non-recurrent laryngeal nerve ( NRLN) is a rare but potentially serious anomaly that is commonly associated with the aberrant right subclavian artery ( ARSA). It is easy to damage during surgical resection of esophageal cancer, leading to severe complications. Methods Preoperative enhanced thoracic computed tomography ( CT) scans of 2697 patients with esophageal carcinoma treated in our hospital between January 2010 and December 2013 were examined. We classified the positional relationship between the right subclavian artery and the membranous wall of the trachea into two types and used this method to predicate NRLN by identifying ARSA. Results Twenty-six patients (0.96%) were identified with ARSA, all of which were cases of NRLN by CT. NRLN was identified during surgery in the 26 patients, and a normal right recurrent laryngeal nerve was observed in 2671 patients. The ARSA was detected on the dorsal side of the membranous wall of the trachea in all 26 NRLN cases, while it was detected on the ventral side in all 2671 recurrent laryngeal nerve cases. Conclusion Enhanced CT scanning is a reliable method for predicting NRLN by identifying ARSA. Preoperative recognition of this nerve anomaly allows surgeons to avoid damaging the nerve and abnormal vessels during esophagectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • 169 accessions representing ca. 68 (85% of total) species of Bolbitis are sampled. • Species of Bolbitis are resolved into four major clades. • Six well-supported subclades are identified in the most speciose Asian clade. • Evolution of six characters is analyzed and free venation evolved from anastomosing venation in Bolbitis. • Bolbitis originated from Africa and a dispersal from Asia resulted in continental disjunction between Africa and America. Bolbitis is a pantropical fern genus of Dryopteridaceae with ca. 80 species mainly in tropical Asia. Earlier studies confirmed the monophyly of Bolbitis when Mickelia is excluded and identified three major clades in Bolbitis. However, earlier studies are based on relatively small sampling and the majority of Asian species are not sampled. In this study, DNA sequences of three plastid markers of 169 accessions representing ca. 68 (85 % of total) species of Bolbitis in nine out of the 10 series recognized by Hennipman (1977), and 54 accessions representing the five remaining bolbitidoid genera are used to infer a global phylogeny with a focus on Asian species. The major results include: (1) Bolbitis is strongly supported as monophyletic; (2) species of Bolbitis are resolved into four major clades and their relationships are: the Malagasy/Mascarene clade is sister to the rest, followed by the African clade which is sister to the American clade + the Asian clade; (3) six well-supported subclades are identified in the most speciose Asian clade; (4) the free-veined Egenolfia is embedded in Bolbitis and is paraphyletic in relation to species with anastomosing venation; (5) three series sensu Hennipman (1977), B. ser. Alienae , B. ser. Egenolfianae , and B. ser. Heteroclitae , are paraphyletic or polyphyletic; (6) evolution of six morphological characters is analyzed and free venation is found to have evolved from anastomosing venation and reversed to free venation in Bolbitis ; and (7) biogeographical implications are drawn and it is shown that a single recent dispersal from Asia resulted in continental disjunction of closely related ferns of Bolbitis between Africa and America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of dried tangerine peel extract (DTPE) supplementation on the growth performance and immune and antioxidant status of broiler chicks. A total of 525 day-old, male, Arbour Acres (AA) broiler chicks were fed a basal diet (CTR) either with or without 80, 160, 240 and 480 mg DTPE/kg diet. The chicks were randomly assigned into five dietary groups for a 42-day experiment. There were seven replicates per group and 15 chicks per replicate. At 42 days of age, two birds from each cage were selected for blood sampling. The dietary DTPE supplementation linearly increased the body weight and the average daily gain (p = .03;p = .03) and quadratically increased the average daily feed intake (p = .02) during the starter period. In addition, the plasma lysozyme level in the 80 or 160 mg/kg DTPE group increased compared to the CTR group (p = .02 and .07, respectively). Chicks fed 80-mg/kg DTPE reduced the malondialdehyde concentration (p = .02) compared with birds fed the CTR diets. Moreover, the plasma glutathione peroxidase activities in the low DTPE dietary groups (80 and 160 mg/kg) were higher than in the CTR (p < .01) and 240 mg/kg DTPE group (p < .01 andp = .02, respectively). The results of the present study indicate that dietary DTPE with low supplemental dosage (≤160 mg/kg) might positively modulate the systemic antioxidative defence property of chicks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adiantum × meishanianum F. S. Hsu ex Y. C. Liu & W. L. Chiou was regarded as an endemic species in Meishan Village, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, China and a hybrid between A. malesianum Ghatak (the maternal parent) and a sexually reproducing diploid cryptic species of A. philippense L. (the paternal parent), as revealed by chloroplast and nuclear markers. However, morphological research revealed that A. × meishanianum is also disjunctively distributed in Yunnan and that its paternal parent is possibly A. menglianense Y. Y. Qian. Thus, this study aimed to confirm these findings by using two chloroplast regions and a low-copy nuclear marker in DNA barcoding and phylogenetic analyses, spore measurement, and flow cytometry. Our results indicated that A. × meishanianum in Yunnan is triploid and abortive, the same as A. × meishanianum in Taiwan, and they both originated from the hybridization between the maternal parent of A. malesianum and the paternal parent of A. menglianense, but not A. philippense. In conclusion, A. × meishanianum probably originated from multiple hybridizations in Taiwan and Yunnan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inactivating mutations of the thyrotropin receptor (TSHR) gene are responsible for non-goitrogenic congenital hypothyroidism (CHNG). This study aimed to investigate mutations in theTSHRgene in 20 children with CHNG. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes and was used for mutation screening by direct sequencing. Analyses of theTSHRgene revealed two novel variants in a 2-year-old boy with thyroid hypoplasia: a missense mutation c.1582C>T (p.R528C) and a splice-site deletion c.392+4del4. Bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that both variants are capable of causing disease. Family members of the patient with two mutations and normal controls were also recruited and investigated. Germline mutations from the proband’s family were consistent with an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. These findings indicate that two novel inactivating mutations (p.R528C and c.392+4del4) in theTSHRgene can cause CHNG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Targeted protein degradation (TPD) uses small molecules to recruit E3 ubiquitin ligases into the proximity of proteins of interest, inducing ubiquitination-dependent degradation. A major bottleneck in the TPD field is the lack of accessible E3 ligase ligands for developing degraders. To expand the E3 ligase toolbox, we sought to convert the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1) inhibitor KI696 into a recruitment handle for several targets. While we were able to generate KEAP1-recruiting degraders of BET family and murine focal adhesion kinase (FAK), we discovered that the target scope of KEAP1 was narrow, as targets easily degraded using a cereblon (CRBN)-recruiting degrader were refractory to KEAP1-mediated degradation. Linking the KEAP1-binding ligand to a CRBN-binding ligand resulted in a molecule that induced degradation of KEAP1 but not CRBN. In sum, we characterize tool compounds to explore KEAP1-mediated ubiquitination and delineate the challenges of exploiting new E3 ligases for generating bivalent degraders. [Display omitted] • DGY-06-177-pk2 induced KEAP1-dependent BRD4 degradation • NJH-04-098 results in FAK degradation in mice but not human cells • KEAP1-recruiting PROTACs are less versatile than VHL or CRBN • CRBN-based KEAP1 PROTAC effectively degrades KEAP1 Du et al. explores a variety of bivalent KEAP1-recruiting degraders to assess the generality of KEAP as an E3 ligase for targeted protein degradation They found the targets easily degraded using a cereblon (CRBN)- or VHL-recruiting degrader were refractory to KEAP1-mediated degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• All individual complications including shock, ARDS, meningitis and acute kidney injury were found to be significantly associated with treatment failure and time to defervescence, after adjusting for the effects of age, sex, initial antibiotic type, and interval from symptom onset to start of antibiotic treatment. • Treatment failure risk was higher for azithromycin than doxycycline for patients with meningitis; and treatment failure risk was higher for chloramphenicol than doxycycline for patients with acute kidney injury, pneumonia or shock. • Antibiotic resistance occurred in 2.4% of doxycycline group, 6.3% of azithromycin group and 10.4% of chloramphenicol group. Deaths occurred in 29.4% (5/17), 0% (0/5) and 10.0% (1/10) of patients, respectively, with no significant differences between groups (P =0.232). Previous studies have evaluated treatment efficacy of various antibiotics for patients with mild-to-moderate scrub typhus (ST). However, the efficacy of different antibiotics for treating severe ST remains uncertain. A retrospective study of patients with severe ST was undertaken in China. The treatment efficacy rates of doxycycline, azithromycin and chloramphenicol were compared, using treatment failure and time to defervescence as primary outcomes. In total, 876 patients with severe ST who initially received doxycycline, azithromycin or chloramphenicol were recruited. The treatment failure rate did not differ significantly between patients receiving doxycycline and patients receiving azithromycin (6.0% vs 11.4%; P =0.109). However, a higher treatment failure rate was observed for chloramphenicol compared with doxycycline (14.6% vs 6.0%; P =0.004). No significant difference in time to defervescence was observed between patients receiving doxycycline, azithromycin or chloramphenicol. Further subgroup analysis revealed a higher risk of treatment failure for chloramphenicol compared with doxycycline in patients with acute kidney injury, pneumonia and shock; and a higher risk of treatment failure for azithromycin compared with doxycycline in patients with meningitis. Significant correlation was found between azithromycin resistance and meningitis (P =0.009), and between chloramphenicol resistance and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (P <0.001) using Cramer's V correlation coefficient. Multi-variate Cox regression analysis revealed significant associations between time to defervescence and presence of ARDS, shock, myocarditis, meningitis and acute kidney injury. Azithromycin and doxycycline were found to have significant therapeutic effects in patients with severe ST. In contast, chloramphenicol was less efficacious for the treatment of these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peridinium umbonatum causes harmful algal blooms in freshwater ecosystems; however, environmental conditions that promote accelerated growth and blooming of this organism have not been resolved. Increasing global temperatures has been suggested as a possible factor for shifts in phytoplankton composition to more harmful species. Therefore, this study investigated the physiological responses of this freshwater dinoflagellate to different temperatures, a factor that will strongly be affected by future climate change scenarios. Specific growth rates of P. umbonatum were markedly lower at 10°C and 14°C than at 18°C, 25°C and 30°C, with the highest growth rate measured at 18°C. Cell mobility was significantly inhibited at 10°C and 14°C. The maximum photochemical efficiency ( Fv/ Fm) of photosystem II and maximum relative electron transport rate decreased significantly at temperatures below 14°C. However, nonphotochemical quenching significantly increased at 10°C and 14°C. Variable fluorescence at phase J increased in chlorophyll a fluorescence transients for P. umbonatum grown at 10°C and 14°C. The density of reaction centres and quantum energy flux ratios increased with increasing temperature, whereas the absorption and trapping energy flux, as well as the relative variable fluorescence intensity at the J-step, decreased with increasing temperature. These results suggest that low temperatures inhibit photosynthesis in P. umbonatum, resulting in low specific growth rates and increased cell immobility. This finding suggests that exposure to a temperature of 18°C plays an important role in the growth and cyst germination of Peridinium, implying that increasing temperature might promote dinoflagellate Peridinium blooms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aberrant activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways is closely involved in the occurrence and progression of several types of human malignancies. However, as a fundamental component in this cascade, Wnt3 has not been well understood for the expression level and pathogenic mechanism in gastric carcinogenesis. Here, this research was undertaken to elucidate the important role of Wnt3 in gastric cancer. Wnt3 expression in gastric carcinomas and their respective normal tissues was examined by immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. In all cases, Wnt3 expression was significantly elevated in gastric carcinomas compared with normal tissues. Knocking down Wnt3 in MGC-803 gastric cancer cells by small interfering RNAs transfection led to an obvious decrease in both transcript and protein levels. Silence of Wnt3 expression in gastric cancer cells inhibited the expression of β-catenin and cyclin D1 genes in Wnt/β-catenin pathway, significantly blocked cellular proliferation, delayed cell cycle, suppressed cell invasion and metastasis, accompanied by a higher apoptosis rate. Together, we conclude that upregulation of Wnt3 plays a crucial role in gastric tumorigenesis by inducing proliferation, migration, and invasion and inhibiting apoptosis of cancer cells, and Wnt3 might be a potential target for the treatment of gastric cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A neural network (NN)‐based cascade control system is developed, in which the primary proportional–integral–derivative (PID) controller is constructed by NN. A new entropy‐based measure, named the centred error entropy (CEE) index, which is a weighted combination of the error cross‐correntropy (ECC) criterion and the error entropy criterion (EEC), is proposed to tune the NN‐PID controller. The purpose of introducing CEE in controller design is to ensure that the uncertainty in the tracking error is minimised and also the peak value of the error probability density function being controlled toward zero. The NN‐controller design based on this new performance function is developed and the convergent conditions are investigated using a linearisation technique. During the control process, the CEE index is estimated by a Gaussian kernel function. Adaptive rules are developed to update the kernel size in order to achieve more accurate estimation of the CEE index. This NN cascade control approach is applied to superheated steam temperature control of a simulated power plant system, from which the effectiveness and strength of the proposed strategy are discussed by comparison with NN‐PID controllers tuned with EEC and ECC criterions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Vertebral-basilar artery stenosis is associated with posterior circulation infarction. So correct detection of vertebral basilar artery stenosis is very important. Studies concerning the sensitivity and specificity of 3-dimensional contrast enhanced MR angiography (3D-CE-MRA) in detecting vertebral basilar artery stenosis is generally lacking. Methods Retrospectively reviewed the imagines of consecutive one hundred and forty-nine Chinese patients with ischemic stroke or vertigo/dizziness who underwent 3D-CE-MRA and DSA. DSA and CE-MRA images were studied separately and to determine the presence of mild, moderate, or severe stenosis of the vertebral-basilar arteries. Analysis combined with vascular origin image was applied when evaluating the vertebral artery origin stenosis. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and the accuracy of 3D-CE-MRA in detecting and grading of vertebral-basilar artery stenosis were calculated. Results Compared with DSA, sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 3D-CE-MRA in detecting of vertebral artery origin ≥ 70% stenosis or occlusion was 97.1%, 77.4% and 81.9%, but diagnostic consistency was poor (K = 0.59); Analysis combined with vascular origin images, the specificity (97.8%), accuracy (92.9%) and consistency (K = 0.826) was significantly improved. Conclusions 3D-CE-MRA is a sensitive and noninvasive technique for the detection of vertebral artery origin stenosis. Furthermore, analysis combined with vascular origin image would improve the diagnostic accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The taxonomic status and phylogenetic placement of the monotypic genus Trichoneuron is studied using DNA sequences of three plastid-coding genes. Trichoneuron was originally assigned to Thelypteridaceae but has been considered to be a synonym of Lastreopsis in recent treatments. In this study, the proposed relationship of Trichoneuron to Lastreopsis was tested using a comprehensive taxa sampling of Dryopteridaceae. Our results strongly support the recognition of Trichoneuron as a distinct genus belonging to Dryopteridaceae. Trichoneuron does not group together with Lastreopsis. Instead the genus was found to be sister to the Neotropical genus Polystichopsis. This sister relationship is supported by the occurrence of long pluricellular hairs attached to the rachis of both genera. The morphological distinction of Trichoneuron from Lastreopsis is backed by the structure of the adaxial groove of rachis-costa junction and the hairs at abaxial side of leaf axes. The Polystichopsis- Trichoneuron clade was found to form the sister clade to an entirely Neotropical clade comprising Polybotrya and its relatives. The new subfamily Polybotryoideae is introduced based on the presented observations. In turn, the newly recovered sister relationship between Polystichopsis and Trichoneuron provides evidence for geographic disjunctions involving the Caribbean islands and the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flexibility or rigidity of the linker between two fused proteins is an important parameter that affects the function of fusion proteins. In this study, we constructed a linker library with five elementary units based on the combination of the flexible (GGGGS) and the rigid (EAAAK) units. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation showed that more rigid units in the linkers lead to more helical conformation and hydrogen bonds, and less distance fluctuation between the N- and C-termini of the linker. The diversity of linker flexibility of the linker library was then studied by fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) of cyan fluorescent protein (CFP)-yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) fusion proteins, which showed that there is a wide range of distribution of the FRET efficiency. Dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) simulation of CFP-YFP with different linkers also gave identical results with that of FRET efficiency analysis, and we further found that the combination manner of the linker peptide had a remarkable effect on the orientation of CFP and YFP domains. Our studies demonstrated that the construction of the linker library with the widely controllable flexibility could provide appropriate linkers with the desirable characteristics to engineer the fusion proteins with the expected functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new genus and two new species of mites in the family Eriophyidae, Theaphyes rapaneae gen. n. and sp. n. which is found on the type host Rapanea neriifolia (Sieb. et Zucc.) Mez (Myrsinaceae) and Paracaphyllisa theacea sp. n., are described and illustrated. They are vagrants on the tea plant Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze and no apparent symptoms were detected. A key to the eriophyoid mites including thirteen species associated with tea plants all over the world is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of time from diagnosis to treatment (TDT) on overall survival of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains obscure. Furthermore, whether chemotherapy delay impacts overall survival (OS) of patients with a special molecular subtype has not been investigated. Here, we enrolled 364 cases of AML to assess the effect of TDT on OS by fractional polynomial regression in the context of clinical parameters and genes of FLT3ITD, NPM1, CEBPA, DNMT3a, and IDH1/2 mutations. Results of the current study show IDH1/2 mutations are associated with older age, M0 morphology, an intermediate cytogenetic risk group, and NPM1 mutations. TDT associates with OS for AML patients in a nonlinear pattern with a J shape. Moreover, adverse effect of delayed treatment on OS was observed in patients with IDH1/2 mutations, but not in those with IDH1/2 wildtype. Therefore, initiating chemotherapy as soon as possible after diagnosis might be a potential strategy to improve OS in AML patients with IDH1/2 mutations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meiosis halves diploid genomes to haploid and is essential for sexual reproduction in eukaryotes. Meiotic recombination ensures physical association of homologs and their subsequent accurate segregation and results in the redistribution of genetic variations among progeny. Most organisms have two classes of cross-overs (COs): interference-sensitive (type I) and -insensitive (type II) COs. DNA synthesis is essential for meiotic recombination, but whether DNA synthesis has a role in differentiating meiotic CO pathways is unknown. Here, we show that Arabidopsis POL2A, the homolog of the yeast DNA polymerase-e (a leading-strand DNA polymerase), is required for plant fertility and meiosis. Mutations in POL2A cause reduced fertility and meiotic defects, including abnormal chromosome association, improper chromosome segregation, and fragmentation. Observation of prophase I cell distribution suggests that pol2a mutants likely delay progression of meiotic recombination. In addition, the residual COs in pol2a have reduced CO interference, and the double mutant of pol2a with mus81, which affects type II COs, displayed more severe defects than either single mutant, indicating that POL2A functions in the type I pathway. We hypothesize that sufficient leading-strand DNA elongation promotes formation of some type I COs. Given that meiotic recombination and DNA synthesis are conserved in divergent eukaryotes, this study and our previous study suggest a novel role for DNA synthesis in the differentiation of meiotic recombination pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A highly specific fluorescent probe (OC9) was discovered exhibiting tubulin-specific affinity fluorescence, which allowed selective labeling of cellular tubulin in microtubules. Moreover, distinct tubulin dynamics in various cellular bio-settings such as drug resistant or epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) cancer cells were directly observed for the first time via OC9 staining. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a method to determine the optimal power of the microwave resonance transition that simultaneously improves the signal-to-noise ratio and reduces line width based on saturation broadening theory and experiment. Saturation broadening spectra of the ground state hyperfine transition of trapped 199Hg+ ions are measured and analyzed. The value of the optimal microwave power is obtained by using the proposed method and is verified. Rabi oscillations decay spectra of trapped 199Hg+ ions are observed and the optimal microwave irradiation time for the maximum transition signal intensity is determined. This work will help to improve the short-term frequency stability of the mercury ion microwave frequency standard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Finding that salt stress and ABA treatment induced the expression of MpSnRK2.10. • Finding that overexpression of MpSnRK2.10 alleviated growth restriction caused by salt stress in apple. • Finding that MpSnRK2.10 alleviated the salt stress inhibition of apple plants by altering the Na+ balance and ABA pathway. Sucrose non-fermentation-1 related protein kinase 2 (SnRK2) family members play an important role in the abscisic acid (ABA) signaling pathway and adaptation to various environments in plants. Here, we found that salt stress and ABA treatment induced the expression of MpSnRK2.10 , and overexpression of this gene alleviated growth restriction caused by salt stress in apple. After treated with salt stress for 15 d, the relative electrolyte leakage, malondialdehyde content, and reactive oxygen species production were lower in overexpression (OE) lines, and the chlorophyll content, superoxide dismutase activity, photosynthetic capacity, and accumulation of several amino acids were higher in OE lines than in wild-type (WT) plants. OE plants also accumulated less Na+ in response to salt stress, and several genes involved in Na+ balance under salt stress were up-regulated in OE plants compared with WT plants. Overexpression of MpSnRK2.10 altered the role of the ABA pathway in the response to salt stress. We found that the ABA content and stomatal aperture were greater in OE plants than in WT plants. Exogenous ABA and the ABA inhibitor nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) altered the morphology and physiological status of plants under salt stress, especially OE plants, which became more sensitive to salt stress treatment. The ABA content and stomatal aperture were also altered in response to ABA and NDGA. In sum, our results showed that MpSnRK2.10 alleviated the salt stress inhibition of apple plants by altering the Na+ balance and ABA pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Although many markers were associated with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), there is no clear consensus on which marker is of the most value. Studies have implicated the role of Notch signaling in the pathogenesis of AAA. We investigate the value of plasma Jagged1, Notch receptors and tumor necrosis factor-α converting enzyme (TACE) in identifying AAA. Main methods 42 patients with AAA and 36 controls were enrolled in our study. The concentrations of plasma Jagged1, Notch receptors and TACE were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The diagnostic value of plasma Notch1 and TACE was assessed by logistic regression and receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve. Double immunofluorescence staining was used to investigate the distribution of Notch1 and TACE in AAA tissue specimens. Key findings The concentrations of plasma Notch1 and TACE were significantly higher in AAA than in the controls, respectively (Notch1: P < 0.001; TACE: P = 0.0001). The area under the curve (AUC) from ROC curve of plasma Notch1 and TACE in determining the presence of AAA was 0.878 and 0.804, respectively. Combining detection of plasma Notch1 and TACE could improve the accuracy in detecting AAA (AUC 0.984, P < 0.0001). The predicted probability cutoff of 0.70 gave a sensitivity of 90.5% and a specificity of 100% for combining detection of plasma Notch1 and TACE in predicting AAA. Significance This is the first report revealing that plasma Notch1 and TACE are highly expressed in AAA. Combining detection of plasma Notch1 and TACE may be reliable for identifying the presence of AAA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration impacts on food security and climate change and may be affected by soil microbes in fertilized croplands. A 12-year field experiment under the rice–wheat system was used to evaluate the effect of the long-term fertilization on the SOC accumulation, culturable soil microbes, and their interaction in purple paddy soil. Results showed that varied fertilizations resulted in a significant increase of the SOC content and stock in the plow layer, as well as rise in populations of major soil microbes, including bacteria, actinomycetes, and fungi compared with no fertilization. Soil with combined application of chemical NPK fertilizer and organic amendment (pig manure or rice straw return) on average had the highest organic carbon content and stock, amounts of bacteria, actinomycetes, and fungi, which were 7.8%, 5.8%, 75.8%, 130.5%, and 16.2% higher than the NPK fertilization alone. Fertilization differentially altered populations of the functional anaerobic bacteria in paddy soil. With the combined application of chemical NPK fertilizer and organic amendment, soil displayed higher amounts of anaerobic cellulolytic bacteria, anaerobic fermentative bacteria, hydrogen-producing acetogen, methanogenic bacteria, denitrifying bacteria, and sulphate-reducing bacteria than that with the NPK fertilization alone or no fertilization. Populations of all three major soil microbes showed significantly positive correlations with the SOC content, indicating their interaction was of mutual promotion. Data suggest that the combined application of the NPK fertilizer with organic amendment especially by the rice straw return is recommended to sustain the soil biological fertility and mitigate the emission of the greenhouse gas by the SOC sequestration in purple paddy soil. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: The two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae, is infected with Wolbachia, which have the ability to manipulate host reproduction and fitness. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that are involved in many biological processes such as development, reproduction and host-pathogen interactions. Although miRNA was observed to involve in Wolbachia-host interactions in the other insect systems, its roles have not been fully deciphered in the two-spotted spider mite. Results: Small RNA libraries of infected and uninfected T. urticae for both sexes (in total four libraries) were constructed. By integrating the mRNA data originated from the same samples, the target genes of the differentially expressed miRNAs were predicted. Then, GO and pathway analyses were performed for the target genes. Comparison of libraries showed that Wolbachia infection significantly regulated 91 miRNAs in females and 20 miRNAs in males, with an overall suppression of miRNAs in Wolbachia-infected libraries. A comparison of the miRNA and mRNA data predicted that the differentially expressed miRNAs negatively regulated 90mRNAs in females and 9 mRNAs in males. An analysis of target genes showed that Wolbachia-responsive miRNAs regulated genes with function in sphingolipid metabolism, lysosome function, apoptosis and lipid transporting in both sexes, as well as reproduction in females. Conclusion: Comparisons of the miRNA and mRNA data can help to identify miRNAs and miRNA target genes involving in Wolbachia-host interactions. The molecular targets identified in this study should be useful in further functional studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improper regulation of signaling in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) by angiotensin II (AngII) can lead to hypertension, vascular hypertrophy and atherosclerosis. The extent to which the homeostatic levels of the components of signaling networks are regulated through microRNAs (miRNA) modulated by AngII type 1 receptor (AT 1 R) in VSMCs is not fully understood. Whether AT 1 R blockers used to treat vascular disorders modulate expression of miRNAs is also not known. To report differential miRNA expression following AT 1 R activation by AngII, we performed microarray analysis in 23 biological and technical replicates derived from humans, rats and mice. Profiling data revealed a robust regulation of miRNA expression by AngII through AT 1 R, but not the AngII type 2 receptor (AT 2 R). The AT 1 R-specific blockers, losartan and candesartan antagonized > 90% of AT 1 R-regulated miRNAs and AngII-activated AT 2 R did not modulate their expression. We discovered VSMC-specific modulation of 22 miRNAs by AngII, and validated AT 1 R-mediated regulation of 17 of those miRNAs by real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. We selected miR-483-3p as a novel representative candidate for further study because mRNAs of multiple components of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) were predicted to contain the target sequence for this miRNA. MiR-483-3p inhibited the expression of luciferase reporters bearing 3′-UTRs of four different RAS genes and the inhibition was reversed by antagomir-483-3p. The AT 1 R-regulated expression levels of angiotensinogen and angiotensin converting enzyme 1 (ACE-1) proteins in VSMCs are modulated specifically by miR-483-3p. Our study demonstrates that the AT 1 R-regulated miRNA expression fingerprint is conserved in VSMCs of humans and rodents. Furthermore, we identify the AT 1 R-regulated miR-483-3p as a potential negative regulator of steady-state levels of RAS components in VSMCs. Thus, miRNA-regulation by AngII to affect cellular signaling is a novel aspect of RAS biology, which may lead to discovery of potential candidate prognostic markers and therapeutic targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the relationship of Maternal-fetal interface local cytokine CSF-1 and its receptors with the occurrence of the early spontaneous abortion. Methods From August 2009 to December 2011, we collected 30 villi tissue samples with artificial abortion and 30 villi tissue samples with spontaneous abortion. At the same time, we collected 30 villi tissue samples with artificial abortion and 30 decidua tissue samples with spontaneous abortion, and 30 decidua tissue samples with spontaneous abortion. The human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) was detected by radioimmunoassay in each group. The expressions of colony Stimulating Factor 1 (CSF-l) and colony Stimulating Factor 1 receptor ( CSF-1 R ) were detected by Immunohistochemical staining and Western Blot in the villi tissue and decidua tissue in every group. Results The levels of HCG in the spontaneous abortion group were lower than those in the artificial abortion group ( P < 0.05) . The protein expression of CSF-1 and CSF-1 R about the artificial abortion and spontaneous abortion in the the spontaneous abortion group were found. The protein expression levels of CSF-1 and CSF-1 R about the artificial abortion and spontaneous abortion in the the spontaneous abortion group were higher than the artificial abortion group by immunohistochemical staining and Western Blot (P<0.05) . Conclusions The right concentrations of CSF-1 and CSF-1R maintain the pregnancy continued. However, The higher concentrations of CSF-1 and CSF-1 R may be one of the factors leading to spontaneous abortion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A combination of the lattice Boltzmann method and the most recently developed dynamic mode decomposition is proposed for stability analysis. The simulations are performed on a graphical processing unit. Stability of the flow past a cylinder at supercritical state, Re = 50, is studied by the combination for both the exponential growing and the limit cycle regimes. The Ritz values, energy spectrum, and modes for both regimes are presented and compared with the Koopman eigenvalues. For harmonic-like periodic flow in the limit cycle, global analysis from the combination gives the same results as those from the Koopman analysis. For transient flow as in the exponential growth regime, the combination can provide more reasonable results. It is demonstrated that the combination of the lattice Boltzmann method and the dynamic mode decomposition is powerful and can be used for stability analysis for more complex flows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of a twin boundary (TB) on the mechanical properties of two types of bicrystal Al thin films during the nanoimprint process are investigated by using molecular dynamics simulations. The results indicate that for the TB direction parallel to the imprinting direction, the yield stress reaches the maximum for the initial dislocation nucleation when the mould directly imprints to the TB, and the yield stress first decreases with the increase of the marker interval and then increases. However, for the TB direction perpendicular to the imprinting direction, the effect of the TB location to the imprinting forces is very small, and the yield stress is greater than that with the TB direction parallel to the imprinting direction. The results also demonstrate that the direction of the slip dislocations and the deformation of the thin film caused by spring-back are different due to various positions and directions of the TB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influences of different buffer gas, neon and helium, on 199Hg+ clock transition are compared in trapped 199Hg+linear trap. By the technique of time domain's Ramsey separated oscillatory fields, the buffer gas pressure frequency shifts of 199Hg+ clock transition are measured to be (df/dPNe)(1/f) = 1.8 × 10−8 Torr−1 for neon and (df/dPHe)(1/f) = 9.1×10−8 Torr−1 for helium. Meanwhile, the line-width of 199Hg+ clock transition spectrum with the buffer gas neon is narrower than that with helium at the same pressure. These experimental results show that neon is a more suitable buffer gas than helium in 199Hg+ ions microwave frequency standards because of the 199Hg+ clock transition is less sensitive to neon variations and the better cooling effect of neon. The optimum operating pressure for neon is found to be about 1.0×10−5 Torr in our linear ion trap system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cell membranes are the initial site of stimulus perception from environment and phospholipids are the basic and important components of cell membranes. Phospholipases hydrolyze membrane lipids to generate various cellular mediators. These phospholipase-derived products, such as diacylglycerol, phosphatidic acid, inositol phosphates, lysophopsholipids, and free fatty acids, act as second messengers, playing vital roles in signal transduction during plant growth, development, and stress responses. This review focuses on the structure, substrate specificities, reaction requirements, and acting mechanism of several phospholipase families. It will discuss their functional significance in plant growth, development, and stress responses. In addition, it will highlight some critical knowledge gaps in the action mechanism, metabolic and signaling roles of these phospholipases and their products in the context of plant growth, development and stress responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate how the central metalloligand geometry influences distant or vicinal metal-to-metal charge-transfer (MMCT) properties of polynuclear complexes, c is- and trans-isomeric heterotrimetallic complexes, and their one- and two-electron oxidation products, cis/ trans- [Cp(dppe)FeIINCRuII(phen)2CN-FeII(dppe)Cp][PF6]2 ( cis/ trans- 1[PF6]2), cis/ trans-[Cp(dppe)FeIINCRuII(phen)2CNFeIII-(dppe)Cp][PF6]3 ( cis/ trans- 1[PF6]3) and cis/ trans-[Cp(dppe)FeIIINCRuII(phen)2CN-FeIII(dppe)Cp][PF6]4 ( cis/ trans- 1[PF6]4) have been synthesized and characterized. Electrochemical measurements show the presence of electronic interactions between the two external FeII atoms of the cis- and trans-isomeric complexes cis/ trans- 1[PF6]2. The electronic properties of all these complexes were studied and compared by spectroscopic techniques and TDDFT//DFT calculations. As expected, both mixed valence complexes cis/ trans- 1[PF6]3 exhibited different strong absorption signals in the NIR region, which should mainly be attributed to a transition from an MO that is delocalized over the RuII-CN-FeII subunit to a FeIII d orbital with some contributions from the co-ligands. Moreover, the NIR transition energy in trans- 1[PF6]3 is lower than that in cis- 1[PF6]3, which is related to the symmetry of their molecular orbitals on the basis of the molecular orbital analysis. Also, the electronic spectra of the two-electron oxidized complexes show that trans- 1[PF6]4 possesses lower vicinal RuII→FeIII MMCT transition energy than cis- 1[PF6]4. Moreover, the assignment of MMCT transition of the oxidized products and the differences of the electronic properties between the cis and trans complexes can be well rationalized using TDDFT//DFT calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]