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In this study, a novel three-dimensional photoelectric system was designed and constructed for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) via photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, and photoelectric catalysis. To this end, a Ti/RuO2-IrO2-SnO2-CeO2 electrode was prepared via a thermal oxidation coating method and used as a dimensionally-stable anode (DSA). The cathode was made of a titanium sheet with Fe3+-doped TiO2 loaded on coal gasification slag (CGS) (Fe3+-TiO2@CGS) as a photocatalyst. The factors affecting the degradation efficiency, such as the supporting electrolyte, current density, and initial pH were systematically investigated. The results revealed Fe3+-TiO2@CGS three-dimensional photoelectric system exhibiting efficient synergistic performance of photocatalysis and electrocatalysis with a synergistic factor of 1.11. Photo-generated holes (h+) were generated by light irradiation and direct anodic oxidation. Furthermore, hydroxyl radicals (HO·) radicals were induced via other pathways. Such active species showed highly-oxidizing abilities, beneficial to the degradation of methylene blue (MB). The representative Fe3+-TiO2@CGS three-dimensional photoelectric system showed super high degradation efficiency at pH 11 and current density of 18.76 mA cm−2. Using NaCl as a supporting electrolyte, the degradation yield reached 99.98% after 60 min of photoelectrical treatment. Overall, the novel Fe3+-TiO2@CGS three-dimensional photoelectrical system looks very promising for the highly efficient catalytic degradation of organic contaminants.

Abstract Background Rabbits are well-domesticated animals. As a crucial economic animal, rabbit has been successfully bred into wool-use, meat-use and fur-use breeds. Hair length is one of the most economically important traits affecting profitability in wool rabbits. In this study, to identify selection signatures with the long-hair trait, whole-genomic resequencing of long-haired rabbits (Angora rabbits) and short-haired rabbits (Rex and New Zealand rabbits) was performed. Results By genome-wide selective sweeping analysis based on population comparison, we identified a total of 5.85 Mb regions (containing 174 candidate genes) with strong selection signals. Six of these genes (Dusp1, Ihh, Fam134a, Map3k1, Spata16, and Fgf5) were enriched in the MAPK signalling and Hedgehog signalling pathways, both of which are closely associated with hair growth regulation. Among these genes, Fgf5 encodes the FGF5 protein, which is a well-established regulator of hair growth. There was a nonsynonymous nucleotide substitution (T19234C) in the Fgf5 gene. At this locus, the C allele was present in all of the tested Angora rabbits, while the T allele was dominant in New Zealand and Rex rabbits. We further confirmed that the C allele was conserved in Angora rabbits by screening an additional 135 rabbits. Moreover, the results of functional predictions and co-immunoprecipitation revealed that the T19234C mutation impaired the binding capacity of FGF5 to its receptor FGFR1. Conclusions We discovered that the homozygous missense mutation T19234C within Fgf5 might contribute to the long-hair trait of Angora rabbits by reducing its receptor binding capacity. This finding will provide new insights into the genetic basis underlying the genetic improvement of Angora rabbits and benefit the improvement of rabbit breeding in the future.

To realize unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) situation assessment, a Bayesian network (BN) for situation assessment is established. Aimed at the problem that the parameters of the BN are difficult to obtain, an improved whale optimization algorithm based on prior parameter intervals (IWOA-PPI) for parameter learning is proposed. Firstly, according to the dependencies between the situation and its related factors, the structure of the BN is established. Secondly, in order to fully mine the prior knowledge of parameters, the parameter constraints are transformed into parameter prior intervals using Monte Carlo sampling and interval transformation formulas. Thirdly, a variable encircling factor and a nonlinear convergence factor are proposed. The former and the latter enhance the local and global search capabilities of the whale optimization algorithm (WOA), respectively. Finally, a simulated annealing strategy incorporating Levy flight is introduced to enable the WOA to jump out of the local optimum. In the experiment for the standard BNs, five parameter-learning algorithms are applied, and the results prove that the IWOA-PPI is not only effective but also the most accurate. In the experiment for the situation BN, the situations of the assumed mission scenario are evaluated, and the results show that the situation assessment method proposed in this article is correct and feasible.

Two series of OAc–-dependent unique homoleptic nonanuclear [Ln9(L1)3(HL1)2(μ3-OH)4(OAc)10] (1–7) and hexanuclear {[Ln6(L2)4(HL2)(μ3-OH)(OAc)2(H2O)2]·(OAc)} (8–14) are obtained from the self-assembly of the partially deprotonated OH-H2Salen ligand H3L1 (N,N′-bis(salicylidene)(propylene-2-ol)-1,3-diamine) or OH-MeO-H2Salen ligand H3L2 (N,N′-bis(3-methoxysalicylidene)(propylene-2-ol)-1,3-diamine) with Ln(OAc)3 (Ln = La, Eu, Tb, Gd, Nd, Yb, or Er), respectively. The result of their photophysical properties shows that the sensitization for single-component near-white-light of complex 2, efficient Eu3+-centered red-light (ΦLEu = 13.4%) of complex 9, or or Tb3+-centered yellowish-green-light (ΦLTb = 8.1% and 21.3%) of complexes 3 and 10, and Nd3+- or Yb3+-centered NIR luminescence (η = ΦLLn/ΦLnLn = 67–75% and 76–85%) for complexes 5–6 and 12–13, arose from the ligands’ 3π–π* excited state, due to effective intramolecular energy transfer and multiple Ln3+-to-Ln3+ electron-communications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growth and physiological process of microalgae interact with environmental nutrients. In the present study, we compared the growth and physiological characteristics of coccolithophore Chrysotila roscoffensis under the effects of phosphate at high and low concentrations, and of organic phosphorus of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and Na2-glycerophosphate (SG). The growth, photosynthesis, calcification, alkaline phosphatase activity, and inorganic nutrient absorption rate were comparatively studied. The results showed that the culture with a low concentration of initial phosphate (6 μM) had a lower growth rate than that with a high concentration (45 μM). However, a relatively similar maximum cell density could be achieved. Equimolar inorganic phosphorus supported a higher initial growth rate than organic phosphorus. ATP was better than SG at supporting higher growth rates, higher photosynthetic activity, and higher cell density. Cellular alkaline phosphatase (AP) responded rapidly to nutrient variations with sharp changes of activities, independent of the initial P resources. Cellular calcification was at a higher level in groups with lower growth rates. Phosphate in low concentration in the medium was not absorbed during the early growth period while that in high concentration was rapidly absorbed. Instead, phosphate in low concentration was rapidly absorbed in the late stationary phase. The absorption of nitrate was affected by the initial P resources as well. The DIN/DIP ratio in the water varied significantly during the growth periods. The results indicated that C. roscoffensis had flexible physiological strategies in utilizing varied phosphorus resources, and high cell density maintenance of C. roscoffensis may play roles in nutrient conditions in the water. This study may help to extend the understanding of nutrient utilization strategy in microalgae and to apply reference in the application of Chrysotila species in the removal of nutrient pollution.

Abstract Background Marmots are large Holarctic rodents with unique biological features, making them potential animal models in various research fields. Due to the rapid accumulation of the genetic data in marmots, a highly integrative database is urgent needed. Description iMarmot is freely available on the web at http://www.marmotdb.org/ and currently contains the biological information of 14 marmots, genomic sequence of 6 marmots, syntenic relationship and orthologs among 3 marmots, and expression profiles of several hibernators and plague hosts. To assist with the genomic and transcriptomic analysis, we also integrated a set of analysis and visualization tools, such as KEGG or GO enrichment analysis, PCA, Blast, Muscle, GeneWise, Lastz, and JBrowse. Particularly, one DEGs (differentially expressed genes) module has been implemented in this database to visualize the gene expression changes in hibernators and plague hosts. Conclusion This database will provide comprehensive information and analysis platform for researchers interested in understanding the biological features of marmots.

Summary: The Himalayan marmot (Marmota himalayana) is a hibernating mammal that inhabits the high-elevation regions of the Himalayan mountains. Here we present a draft genome of the Himalayan marmot, with a total assembly length of 2.47 Gb. Phylogenetic analyses showed that the Himalayan marmot diverged from the Mongolian marmot approximately 1.98 million years ago. Transcriptional changes during hibernation included genes responsible for fatty acid metabolism in liver and genes involved in complement and coagulation cascades and stem cell pluripotency pathways in brain. Two selective sweep genes, Slc25a14 and ψAamp, showed apparent genotyping differences between low- and high-altitude populations. As a processed pseudogene, ψAamp may be biologically active to influence the stability of Aamp through competitive microRNA binding. These findings shed light on the molecular and genetic basis underlying adaptation to extreme environments in the Himalayan marmot. : Physiology; Genetics; Evolutionary Biology; Bioinformatics; Omics Subject Areas: Physiology, Genetics, Evolutionary Biology, Bioinformatics, Omics

Recently, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2), a novel coronavirus, which results in corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has caused over 40 millions of people infected and over 1 million fatalities, challenging the public health. The recognition of its functional receptor, angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), have facilitated the antivirus drugs testing and vaccines development. Due to the natural resistance of mouse model to SARS-Cov-2, there is an urgent need to find out the alternative animal model. Considering the crucial role of ACE2 in the host cell entry, we analyzed the phylogeny and expression pattern of ACE2 from various mammals. Firstly, crab-eating macaque possesses all of the 5 identical hotspot residues with human, suggesting high likelihood of interaction between ACE2 and spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 to occur. Cattle and pig show 4 identical sites. Ferret, cat and dog possess 3 identical sites. Bat and mouse only share 2 same amino acids with human. Secondly, in humans, ACE2 is widely present, with particularly high expression in adipose, thyroid, lung and colon tissues. In crab-eating macaque, liver, lung, thyroid and colon showed high expression level of ACE2. For dog, ACE2 is most highly expressed in colon with obvious differential expression level between female and male group. The results would provide clues for establishing the appropriate animal model in the research and clinical cure of COVID-19.

Abstract Background Gut microbiota plays an important role in many metabolic diseases such as diabetes and atherosclerosis. Apolipoprotein E (apoE) knock-out (KO) mice are frequently used for the study of hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis. However, it is unknown whether apoE KO mice have altered gut microbiota when challenged with a Western diet. Methods In the current study, we assessed the gut microbiota profiling of apoE KO mice and compared with wild-type mice fed either a normal chow or Western diet for 12 weeks using 16S pyrosequencing. Results On a western diet, the gut microbiota diversity was significantly decreased in apoE KO mice compared with wild type (WT) mice. Firmicutes and Erysipelotrichaceae were significantly increased in WT mice but Erysipelotrichaceae was unchanged in apoE KO mice on a Western diet. The weighted UniFrac principal coordinate analysis exhibited clear separation between WT and apoE KO mice on the first vector (58.6%) with significant changes of two dominant phyla (Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes) and seven dominant families (Porphyromonadaceae, Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcaceae, Desulfovibrionaceae, Helicobacteraceae, Erysipelotrichaceae and Veillonellaceae). Lachnospiraceae was significantly enriched in apoE KO mice on a Western diet. In addition, Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae were positively correlated with relative atherosclerosis lesion size in apoE KO. Conclusions Collectively, our study showed that there are marked changes in the gut microbiota of apoE KO mice, particularly challenged with a Western diet and these alterations may be possibly associated with atherosclerosis.

Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) are one of the most widely used animal models for the study of human lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis because they are more sensitive to a cholesterol diet than other experimental animals such as rodents. Currently, two hypercholesterolemic rabbit models are frequently used for atherosclerosis studies. One is a cholesterol-fed wild-type rabbit and the other is the Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic (WHHL) rabbit, which is genetically deficient in low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor function. Wild-type rabbits can be easily induced to develop severe hypercholesterolemia with a cholesterol-rich diet due to the marked increase in hepatically and intestinally derived remnant lipoproteins, called β-very low density lipoproteins (VLDL), which are rich in cholesteryl esters. WHHL rabbits are characterized by elevated plasma LDL levels on a standard chow diet, which resembles human familial hypercholesterolemia. Therefore, both rabbit models develop aortic and coronary atherosclerosis, but the elevated plasma cholesterol levels are caused by completely different mechanisms. In addition, cholesterol-fed rabbits but not WHHL rabbits exhibit different degrees of hepatosteatosis. Recently, we along with others have shown that there are many differentially expressed genes in the atherosclerotic lesions and livers of cholesterol-fed rabbits that are either significantly up- or down-regulated, compared with those in normal rabbits, including genes involved in the regulation of inflammation and lipid metabolism. Therefore, dietary cholesterol plays an important role not only in hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis but also in hepatosteatosis. In this review, we make an overview of the recent progress in genomic and transcriptomic analyses of hypercholesterolemic rabbits. These transcriptomic profiling data should provide novel insight into the relationship between hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis or hepatic dysfunction caused by dietary cholesterol.