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Containerization is regarded as an important driver of globalization and international trade, and it also drives the development of global ports. Seasonal container throughput prediction is crucial for planning and operation by port authorities, and for the strategies formulated by logistics companies. To accurately predict the seasonal fluctuations in port container throughput, we propose a novel grey seasonal model called, FNDGSM(1,1). The proposed model involves lime item, cycle Hausdorff fractional accumulating generation, and seasonal dummy variables. The particle swarm optimization algorithm is used to obtain the optimized parameters. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed seasonal grey prediction model performs significantly better than other prediction models with quarterly container throughput data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anionic metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with a negatively charged framework have attracted extensive attention for their potential applications in organic dye adsorption and separation. However, the rational synthesis of anionic MOFs with tunable channel size is still difficult. In this work, two pillar-layered MOFs, namely [(CH3)2NH2]2[Zn4(BTC)2TCPB]·3DMF·H2O (JOU-44) and [(CH3)2NH2]2[Zn4(BPTC)2TCPB]·12DMF·6H2O (JOU-45), were solvothermally synthesized by using a reticular chemistry strategy (H3BTC = 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid; H3BPTC = [1,1′-biphenyl]-3,4′,5-tricarboxylic acid; H4TCPB = 1,2,4,5-tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl)benzene). Structural analyses show that JOU-44 and JOU-45 show an isoreticular three-dimensional anionic framework based on [Zn2(COO−)5]− clusters. It should be noted that the pillar-layered framework of JOU-44 is expanded by adjusting the length of the ligands in the layer part, which is different from the pillar extension method reported in the literature. Due to its anionic and highly porous framework, JOU-44 was exploited for adsorption and chromatographic separation of organic dyes. In addition, JOU-44 was also developed as an antenna to selectively sensitize EuIII ions. This work provides a new clue for constructing pillar-layered MOFs with an extensible structure, as well as a new way to extend the applications of MOFs in separation and fluorescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An ensemble-based method for the observation system simulation experiment (OSSE) is employed to design optimal observation stations and assess the present observation stations in the northeastern South China Sea (SCS). We employed the 20-year (1992–2012) sea surface height (SSH) data to design an array to monitor the intraseasonal to interannual variability. The results show that the most key region was found located at the northwest of Luzon Island (LI) where the energetic Luzon cyclonic gyre (LCG) occurs; other key regions include the edge of the LCG, the northwest of the Luzon Strait (LS), and the southwest of Taiwan, China. By contrast, we found that the present observation stations might oversample at the northwest of the LS and undersample at the northwest of LI. In addition, the optimal stations perform better in a larger area than the present stations. In vertical direction, the key layer is located within the upper 200-m depth, of which the surface and subsurface layers are most valuable to the observing system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eukaryotic cells coordinate growth under different environmental conditions via mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1). In the amino-acid-sensing signalling pathway, the GATOR2 complex, containing five evolutionarily conserved subunits (WDR59, Mios, WDR24, Seh1L and Sec13), is required to regulate mTORC1 activity by interacting with upstream CASTOR1 (arginine sensor) and Sestrin2 (leucine sensor and downstream GATOR1 complex). GATOR2 complex utilizes β-propellers to engage with CASTOR1, Sestrin2 and GATOR1, removal of these β-propellers results in substantial loss of mTORC1 capacity. However, structural information regarding the interface between amino acid sensors and GATOR2 remains elusive. With the recent progress of the AI-based tool AlphaFold2 (AF2) for protein structure prediction, structural models were predicted for Sentrin2-WDR24-Seh1L and CASTOR1-Mios β-propeller. Furthermore, the effectiveness of relevant residues within the interface was examined using biochemical experiments combined with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Notably, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) analysis detected the structural transition of GATOR2 in response to amino acid signals, and the deletion of Mios β-propeller severely impeded that change at distinct arginine levels. These findings provide structural perspectives on the association between GATOR2 and amino acid sensors and can facilitate future research on structure determination and function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A water-soluble 2,6-helic[6]arene derivative was conveniently synthesized, and it showed strong binding abilities towards quaternary phosphonium salts in aqueous solution. Moreover, an acid/base controlled switchable complexation process was also described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, three isoreticular covalent-organic frameworks (COFs) were successfully synthesized at room temperature, namely C1, C2, and C3, respectively. Due to their wide absorption ranges and sufficient photoredox potentials, the constructed COFs exhibited good photocatalytic performance for reducing Cr(VI). Among them, C2 displayed the best photocatalytic performance, which may be attributed to the unique donor-acceptor structure, good light absorption, and excellent photoinduced carriers' separation and migration efficiency. When the COFs were modified with gold nanoparticles (labeled as Au@C1, Au@C2, and Au@C3), their photocatalytic performance can be further improved. For Au@C2, 98.2% of Cr(VI) can be reduced within 120 min, and its photocatalytic activity can be maintained over five reaction cycles. The structure-activity correlation was studied via both experimental and DFT calculation methods. It is shown that although C3 displayed wider absorption range and smaller energy band gap, its photocatalytic activity was much lower than C2. This may be due to the rapid nonradiative electron-hole recombination in C3, leading to low light utilization. These results indicate that to construct excellent COF photocatalysts, it not only needs to pursue wider absorption range and smaller energy band gap, but also improve the utilization of light energy and photogenerated charge carriers. In addition, the active species and photocatalytic mechanism were also studied. Three isoreticular Schiff-based covalent-organic frameworks (COFs) were facial prepared at room temperature and modified by gold nanoparticles. The Au@COFs were developed as efficient photocatalysts for reducing Cr(VI) in water. [Display omitted] • Three Schiff-based Au@COF composites were facile prepared at room temperature. • Tiny regulation of D-A units can obviously promote COFs' photocatalytic activity. • The structure-activity correlation was studied via both experimental and DFT calculation methods. • 98.2% of Cr(VI) can be reduced by Au@C2 within 120 min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complexation of racemic 2,6-helic[6]arene 1 and its hexamethyl-substituted derivative 2 with quaternary ammonium salts, N-heterocyclic salts, and tetracyanoquinodimethane have been described in detail. It was found that host 2 could form stable complexes with acetyl choline, thiaacetyl choline, N, N, N-trimethylbenzenammonium salt, pyridinium, and 4,4′-bipyridinium salts in solution and/or in the solid state. The unsubstituted macrocycle 1 showed more significant complexation with the widely tested quaternary ammonium salts and N-heterocyclic salts, and exhibited stronger complexation towards the guests than its derivative 2. Moreover, it was found that macrocycle 1 and its derivative 2 could also complex with neutral electron-deficient tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ), and the association constants were determined to be 2840±94 and 1358±46 m−1, respectively. These results could make this new macrocycle and its derivatives find wide applications in the design and construction of functional supramolecular assemblies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Charge-transfer (CT) complexes formed from 2,6-helic[6]arene hosts and a tropylium cation are described in detail. In particular, it was found that the binding and release processes of the guest in the complexes could be efficiently controlled by a redox stimulus, and the responsive process could be visually observed by the color change of the solution. To our knowledge, this represents the first visible redox stimulus-responsive host–guest system formed from the tropylium cation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new class of chiral macrocyclic arene composed of three chiral 2,6-dihydroxyltriptycene subunits bridged by methylene groups was designed and synthesized. Structural studies showed that the macrocyclic molecule adopts a hex-nut-like structure with a helical chiral cavity and highly fixed conformation. Efficient resolution was achieved through the introduction of chiral auxiliaries to give a couple of enantiopure macrocycles, which exhibited high enantioselectivity towards three pairs of chiral compounds containing a trimethylamino group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new class of chiral macrocyclic arene composed of three chiral 2,6-dihydroxyltriptycene subunits bridged by methylene groups was designed and synthesized. Structural studies showed that the macrocyclic molecule adopts a hex-nut-like structure with a helical chiral cavity and highly fixed conformation. Efficient resolution was achieved through the introduction of chiral auxiliaries to give a couple of enantiopure macrocycles, which exhibited high enantioselectivity towards three pairs of chiral compounds containing a trimethylamino group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the conventional energy resources are limited and environmental problems are becoming increasingly prominent, new energy resources, being environmental friendly and renewable, are paid more and more attention by all the countries. At present, the development and utilization of new energy resources in China has made progress. However, due to the factors such as the international energy competition situation, China׳s productivity level and its development phase, and the lagging of related system and mechanism reforms, China׳s new energy has been faced with constraints in the aspects of the system, efficiency, supply, region and technology. If related reforms were not implemented, the development of new energy in China would be severely hindered for a long period of time in the future. In view of this, this paper reviewed the development status of China׳s new energy industry, and analyzed five aspects of constraints. Moreover, a discussion was carried out from four aspects of the system, consumption, production, technology reforms in order to break the corresponding constraints. Finally the future development planning of new energy was presented. All in all, the deep investigation into China׳s new energy development status, constraints, reforms and planning in this paper is aimed at promoting the reform of new energy resources production and utilization modes, improving the policy system continuously, addressing the deep-rooted institutional contradictions of the new energy industry, and providing the reference and advice for the transformation of China׳s energy structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two novel covalent triazine polymers were successfully synthesized and applied for simultaneous photocatalytic Cr(VI) reduction and dyes degradation in water without the presence of any sacrificial agents, oxidizer or assisted acid. [Display omitted] • Two novel CTPs were successfully prepared as an efficient photocatalyst for Cr(VI) reduction in water. • The unique D-A structure of the CTPs accelerates the charge separation efficiency. • The photogenerated electrons and ensuing active radicals play important roles in the catalytic process of Cr(VI) reduction. • The design of these CTPs provides a new strategy for constructing functional CTF materials. Two new donor–acceptor covalent triazine polymers (CTPs), namely Th-Trz (JOU-6) and Th-Ph-Trz (JOU-7), containing electron-donating thieno[2,3-b]thiophene (Th) units and electron-withdrawing triazine (Trz) units have been successfully constructed (Ph = benzene ring). The unique conjugated structure of the CTPs invokes wide absorption range and high charge transfer efficiency. Because of these advantages, the as-prepared CTPs are highly effective photocatalysts for Cr(VI) reduction. It is found that high acid concentration in the photocatalytic system may assist the protonation of triazine groups in CTPs, which not only can enhance their adsorption ability for Cr 2 O 7 2−, but also can promote their charge transfer ability. Another important finding is that compared with JOU-6 , JOU-7 shows more efficient charge separation owing to the introduction of benzene ring between the donor and acceptor units, inducing a spatial separation of photogenerated electrons and holes, and thereby giving a better photocatalytic performance. The spatial charge distribution of the CTPs was also investigated by theoretical calculation based on molecular orbital theory. Fascinatingly, Cr(VI) and organic pollutions can be simultaneously removed by JOU-7 without any sacrificial agents, oxidizer, or acid. This work provides a valuable strategy for the design and construction of effective photocatalysts for the removal of pollutants in wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conjugated organic polymers (COPs) have attracted increasing attentions as promising metal-free photocatalysts in the past decade. In this work, two newly designed COPs (An-TATB and An-TPA; An ​= ​anthracene, TATB ​= ​1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-Triphenyl, TPA ​= ​triphenylamine) were solvothermally synthesized. The conjugated structures of the constructed COPs endow them wide absorption ranges and sufficient photoredox potentials. Then, these constructed COPs are developed as photocatalysts for Cr(VI) reduction and organic pollution degradation in water. Due to the unique donor-acceptor structure, An-TATB showed more efficient photoinduced charge separation and better photocatalytic performances than An-TPA. Importantly, Cr(VI) and organic pollution can be simultaneously removed by An-TATB without any sacrificial agent, oxidant or additional acid. In addition, the reaction active species in pollutant removal process have been studied and the photocatalytic mechanism has also been proposed. This work provides an effective way for the design and construction of new high-efficiency metal-free photocatalysts for wastewater treatment. A newly designed conjugated organic polymer with donor-acceptor skeleton were prepared and developed as an efficient photocatalyst for reducing Cr(VI) and degrading organic pollution in water. [Display omitted] • Two novel conjugated organic polymers were successfully designed as photocatalysts. • An-TATB showed good photocatalytic performances by virtue of its unique donor-acceptor structure. • Cr(VI) and organic pollution can be simultaneously removed by An-TATB without any sacrificial agent, oxidant or acid. • This work provides an effective way for the construction of high-efficiency metal-free photocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A newly pyrene functionalized zinc(II)-MOF was solvothermal synthesized and developed for fluorescence sensing of nitroaromatic compounds due to its good photoluminescence properties. [Display omitted] In this work, a zinc(II)-based metal–organic framework, namely [Zn 2 (TBAPy)(H 2 O)(DMF)]·4DMF·2H 2 O (JOU-34) (TBAPy = 1,3,6,8-tetrakis (p-benzoic acid) pyrene; DMF = N,N'-Dimethylformamide), has been solvothermally synthesized and characterized. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction shows that JOU-34 displays three-dimensional microporous framework with rare topology. Due to the introduction of pyrene groups, JOU-34 shows strong fluorescent emission cantered at about 470 nm. Furthermore, it shows a good fluorescence sensing performance toward nitroaromatic compounds, especially nitrobenzene (NB). Although the NB concentration was only 8.33 × 10−4 M, the quenching efficiency can reach 89 %. Further studies show that the quenching effect of JOU-34 in the presence of nitroaromatics may be attributed to the fluorescence resonant energy transfer and electron transfer between nitroaromatics and JOU-34. These results indicate that JOU-34 can be applied as a functional material for nitroaromatics detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calcium (Ca) is an important nutrient element for plant growth and development. Nevertheless, excessive Ca restricts plant communities in Ca-rich environments. Lonicera confusa DC. is one species adapted to Ca-rich environments in the karst area of southwest China; however, the anatomical mechanism that allows these plants to respond to a Ca-rich environment remains unclear. L. confusa was cultivated in two types of soil with controlled Ca levels. The ultrastructure of leaves at different developmental stages was observed, and their Ca contents analyzed by laser scanning confocal microscope and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. There was no significant difference in leaves between the two experimental groups at very early stages of development. The glands of leaves growing in Ca-rich soil became saturated and showed a steady increase of Ca content in the following stages. The Ca level in leaf trichomes also increased steadily, compared with those from Ca-poor soil. When the leaves matured, Ca salts were excreted via stomata of L. confusa from Ca-rich soil. L. confusa had a special anatomical mechanism of responding to Ca-rich environments by excreting Ca salts via stomata, and storing Ca in leaf glands and trichomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spontaneous neoplasm metastasis, a fatalist pathological feature of cancer, is a long-evolving, multi-steps process that can now only be treated or controlled by drugs or immuno-modulators. As we have previously hypothesized, each drug or immuno-modulator might act differently within various stages of a metastasis. Therefore any researches helping to determine these differences will be beneficial for updating therapeutics for metastasis. In this work, we have testified this hypothesis by using a series of well-known anti-metastatic agents - Bisdioxopiperazine compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays essential roles in cell proliferation and differentiation, and deregulated β-catenin protein levels lead to many types of human cancers. On activation by Wnt, the Wnt co-receptor LDL receptor related protein 6 (LRP6) is phosphorylated at multiple conserved intracellular PPPSPXS motifs by glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) and casein kinase 1 (CK1), resulting in recruitment of the scaffolding protein Axin to LRP6. As a result, β-catenin phosphorylation by GSK3 is inhibited and β-catenin protein is stabilized. However, how LRP6 phosphorylation and the ensuing LRP6-Axin interaction lead to the inhibition of β-catenin phosphorylation by GSK3 is not fully understood. In this study, we reconstituted Axin-dependent β-catenin phosphorylation by GSK3 and CK1 in vitro using recombinant proteins, and found that the phosphorylated PPPSPXS peptides directly inhibit β-catenin phosphorylation by GSK3 in a sequence and phosphorylation-dependent manner. This inhibitory effect of phosphorylated PPPSPXS motifs is direct and specific for GSK3 phosphorylation of β-catenin at Ser33/Ser37/Thr41 but not for CK1 phosphorylation of β-catenin at Ser45, and is independent of Axin function. We also show that a phosphorylated PPPSPXS peptide is able to activate Wnt/β-catenin signaling and to induce axis duplication in Xenopus embryos, presumably by inhibition of GSK3 in vivo. Based on these observations, we propose a working model that Axin recruitment to the phosphorylated LRP6 places GSK3 in the vicinity of multiple phosphorylated PPPSPXS motifs, which directly inhibit GSK3 phosphorylation of β-catenin. This model provides a possible mechanism to account, in part, for inhibition of β-catenin phosphorylation by Wnt-activated LRP6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a crystalline electroactive triphenylamine-based covalent-organic framework (TPA-COF) was composited with carbon black (CB) using a facile one-pot solvothermal method. It is shown that the loaded amount of CB significantly affects the electrochemical performance of the composites. On one hand, CB dispersed in the COF matrix can improve the conductivity of the composite. On the other hand, the π - π interactions between COF layers and carbon particles may affect the accumulation of COF layers, resulting in the increasement of the surface area and the exposure of active sites. These structural advantages promote the performance of the composite toward dopamine (DA) detection. When 30 wt% CB was loaded, the composite modified electrode demonstrates best activity with a wide linear range of 20 μ M–1000 μ M and a low detection limit of 0.17 μ M (S/N = 3). Moreover, due to its high selectivity, satisfying stability, and good repeatability, the constructed electrochemical sensor was successfully used to detect the DA concentration in real medical injection with satisfactory recovery results, that is in the range of 98.7–111.0%. Further studies show that the good performance of the constructed sensor is attributed to its good conductivity, high specific surface area and effective host guest interaction between DA molecules and COF framework. This work provides a simple method to utilize COFs for quantitative detection of DA, as well as a new way to extend the applications of COFs in sensing. A serial of composites composed of crystalline two-dimensional COF and carbon black was synthesized by using one pot method. Owing to its improved conductivity and highly porous structure, TPA-COF/CB 0.3 was developed as an electrochemical sensor for dopamine determination. [Display omitted] • A series of porous carbon-loaded TPA-COF composites were facile prepared by one-pot solvothermal method. • The loaded carbon black effectively promotes the conductivity and the specific surface area of the composites. • TPA-COF/CB 0.3 @GCE reveals good electrochemical performance toward dopamine detection. • TPA-COF/CB 0.3 @GCE was successfully used to detect the dopamine concentration in real medical injection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies chaos synchronization between two different fractional-order chaotic systems using an active control method. In particular, the technique is applied to achieve chaos synchronization for each pair of the Lorenz, Lü, and Chen fractional-order differential systems. Some theoretical results on synchronization are derived using Laplace transformation theory. Finally, numerical simulations are used to demonstrate the effectiveness of this technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

β-Catenin phosphorylation at serine 45 (Ser45), threonine 41 (Thr41), Ser37, and Ser33 is critical for β-catenin degradation, and regulation of β-catenin phosphorylation is a central part of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway. β-Catenin mutations at Ser45, Thr41, Ser37, and Ser33 perturb β-catenin degradation and are frequently found in cancers. It is established that Ser45 phosphorylation by casein kinase I (CKI) initiates phosphorylation at Thr41, Ser37, and Ser33 by glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) and that phosphorylated Ser37 and Ser33 are recognized by the F-box protein β-TrCP, a component of a ubiquitin ligase complex that mediates β-catenin degradation. While the roles of Set45, Ser37, and Ser33 are well documented, the function of Thr41 remains less defined. Here we show that Thr41 strictly acts as a phosphorylation relay residue and that the Ser-X-X-X-Ser (X is any amino acid) motif is obligatory for β-catenin phosphorylation by GSK3. β-Catenin phosphorylation/degradation and its regulation by Wnt can occur normally in the absence of Thr41 as long as the Ser-X-X-X-Ser motif/spacing is preserved. These results suggest that Thr41 functions to bridge sequential phosphorylation from Ser45 to Ser37 and provide further insights into the discrete steps and logic in β-catenin phosphorylation-degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flavoprotein monooxygenases catalyze reactions, including hydroxylation and epoxidation, involved in the catabolism, detoxification, and biosynthesis of natural substrates and industrial contaminants. Among them, the 6-hydroxy-3-succinoyl-pyridine (HSP) monooxygenase (HspB) from Pseudomonas putida S16 facilitates the hydroxylation and C-C bond cleavage of the pyridine ring in nicotine. However, the mechanism for biodegradation remains elusive. Here, we refined the crystal structure of HspB and elucidated the detailed mechanism behind the oxidative hydroxylation and C-C cleavage processes. Leveraging structural information about domains for binding the cofactor flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) and HSP substrate, we used molecular dynamics simulations and quantum/molecular mechanics calculations to demonstrate that the transfer of an oxygen atom from the reactive FAD peroxide species (C4a-hydroperoxyflavin) to the C3 atom in the HSP substrate constitutes a rate-limiting step, with a calculated reaction barrier of about 20 kcal/mol. Subsequently, the hydrogen atom was rebounded to the FAD cofactor, forming C4a-hydroxyflavin. The residue Cys218 then catalyzed the subsequent hydrolytic process of C-C cleavage. Our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the versatile functions of flavoproteins in the natural transformation of pyridine and HspB in nicotine degradation.IMPORTANCE Pseudomonas putida S16 plays a pivotal role in degrading nicotine, a toxic pyridine derivative that poses significant environmental challenges. This study highlights a key enzyme, HspB (6-hydroxy-3-succinoyl-pyridine monooxygenase), in breaking down nicotine through the pyrrolidine pathway. Utilizing dioxygen and a flavin adenine dinucleotide cofactor, HspB hydroxylates and cleaves the substrate’s side chain. Structural analysis of the refined HspB crystal structure, combined with state-ofthe- art computations, reveals its distinctive mechanism. The crucial function of Cys218 was never discovered in its homologous enzymes. Our findings not only deepen our understanding of bacterial nicotine degradation but also open avenues for applications in both environmental cleanup and pharmaceutical development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a diketopyrrolopyrrole‐based 2D covalent–organic framework (COF) is realized and featured with broadband optical absorption and high solar‐thermal conversion performance. Moreover, a 3D hierarchical structure, referred to as COF‐based hierarchical structure (COFHS), is rationally designed to achieve an enhanced photothermal conversion efficiency. In this water evaporator, diketopyrrolopyrrole is immobilized into conjugated COF to achieve enhanced light absorption, whereas a porous PVA network scaffold is utilized to support COF sheets as well as to enhance the hydrophilicity of the evaporator. Due to this structural advantage, COFHS displays a high solar‐to‐vapor energy conversion efficiency of 93.2%. Under 1 sun AM1.5 G irradiation, a stable water evaporation rate of 2.5 kg m–2 h–1 can be achieved. As a proof‐of‐concept application, a water collection device prepared with the COFHS can achieve high solar‐thermal water collection efficiency of 10.2 L m–2 d–1 under natural solar irradiation. The good solar‐thermal conversion properties and high‐water evaporation rate make the COFHS a promising platform for solar‐thermal water production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary chloride (Cl) levels on performance, eggshell mechanical quality, and ultrastructure in layers based on the substitution of sodium chloride (NaCl) by sodium sulfate (Na2SO4). Three hundred sixty Jing Brown laying hens aged 43 wk were randomly divided into 5 groups and fed with corn–soybean meal diets containing 0.06, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, and 0.25% total Cl inclusion. Every group had 8 replicates of 9 birds each. The feeding trial lasted for 12 wk. The results showed dietary 0.06% Cl due to complete substitution of NaCl by Na2SO4, depressed performance (P < 0.05) from 45 to 54 wk of age, increased serum creatinine level (P < 0.05), and caused visible renal tubular atrophy. Dietary Cl levels quadratically affected breaking strength, thickness, and weight of eggshell (P < 0.05). Better eggshell quality could be obtained when NaCl was partly replaced by Na2SO4 in laying hen diets maintaining Cl level at 0.10 or 0.15%. Moreover, the eggshell ash content was affected by Cl levels in a quadratic (P < 0.001) manner, with higher values observed in the 0.10 and 0.15% Cl groups (P < 0.05). Besides, the eggshell ultrastructural data showed that the total thickness and effective thickness significantly increased (P < 0.05) and mammillary thickness decreased (P < 0.05) in the group of dietary 0.15% Cl compared with the groups of 0.06 and 0.25% Cl. In conclusion, the complete substitution of dietary NaCl by Na2SO4 may induce Cl deficiency and depress laying performance and eggshell quality. Na2SO4 could partly replace NaCl in diets for laying hens (43–54 wk of age) without adverse effects on performance at the dietary Cl level from 0.10 to 0.25%. Better eggshell quality could be obtained when NaCl was partly replaced by Na2SO4 in laying hen diets maintaining Cl level at ∼0.15%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to determine the standardized ileal digestible amino acids (SID AA) and nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn) contents of 6 wheats from different origins in China and incidentally to investigate the effects of exogenous xylanase addition on SID AA and AMEn determination in broiler chicks. A total of 480 chicks were divided into 48 cages of 10 birds each balanced for body weight and fed 8 types of diets in a completely randomized design (6 replicated cages per diet) from 21 to 26 d of age. The individual wheat constituted the only source of crude protein in a semi-purified experimental diet. A nitrogen-free diet was designed to estimate basal endogenous AA loss and determine the SID AA. Titanium oxide (0.3%) was used as an indigestibility marker, and nutrient digestibility and retention were determined by the substitution method. From day 24 to 26, excreta samples were collected for AMEn determination. On day 26, the birds were euthanized, and ileum contents were obtained for AA digestibility determination. Wheat from Gansu had greater (P < 0.05) SID AA contents except Lys, Thr, Phe, and Cys, with a higher (P < 0.001) AMEn (11.83 MJ/kg) than the other wheats. The SID content of mean indispensable amino acids and dispensable amino acids were 87.35% and 88.17%, respectively, and the average AMEn value of 6 wheats was 11.14 MJ/kg. Compared with the diet without xylanase, the added xylanase resulted in higher (P < 0.05) SID contents of Met, Lys, Trp, Arg, Ile, Leu, Val, Gly, Asp, Glu, Pro, and Ala; the SID AA values were raised by 1.96% (mean of all AA); and the AMEn content was significantly increased (+0.87 MJ/kg) (P < 0.05). In conclusion, origins of wheats have significant effects on SID AA and AMEn values which were positively correlated with crude protein content of wheat; exogenous xylanase addition to a wheat-based poultry diet could significantly improve SID AA and AMEn contents for broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to determine and compare the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and the standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA) in soybean meal (SBM), cottonseed meal (CSM), and low-gossypol cottonseed meal (LCSM) fed to broiler chickens and laying hens. Methods: Three semi-purified diets containing the identical crude protein concentration at 20% were formulated to contain SBM, CSM, or LCSM as the sole source of N. A N-free diet was also formulated to estimate the basal ileal endogenous losses of AA for broilers and hens. A total of 300 male Ross 308 chicks at one-day-old and 144 Hy-Line Brown laying hens at 30-week-old with initial egg production rate of 88.3%±1.0% were randomly allocated into 1 of 4 dietary treatments, respectively. Results: CSM and LCSM showed more Arg and Cys+Met while less Lys, Ile, Leu, and Thr relative to SBM. Significant interactions existed between species and experimental diets for AID (except for Arg, Asp, Glu, Gly, and Pro) and SID (except for Arg, His, and Phe) of most AA. Most AA in diets showed higher AID (except for Lys) and SID (except for Lys, Met, and Ser) in broilers relative to laying hens. The AID and SID of all AA were significantly different between the three diets. In broilers, the AID and SID of most indispensable AA except for Arg in SBM and LCSM was higher than CSM. In laying hens, the AID and SID of most indispensable AA except for Arg, Met+Cys, and Phe in SBM was higher than CSM and LCSM. Conclusion: The accurate determination of AID and SID of AA in CSM and LCSM for broilers and layers benefits the application of CSM and LCSM in chicken diets. The cottonseed by-products CSM or LCSM showed the species-specific AA digestibility values for broilers and layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Is M2M hype or the future of our information society? What does it take to turn the M2M vision into reality? In this article we discuss the business motivations and technology challenges for machine-to-machine communications. We highlight key M2M application requirements and major technology gaps. We analyze the future directions of air interface technology improvements and network architectures evolution to enable the mass deployment of M2M services. In particular, we consider the salient features of M2M traffic that may not be supported efficiently by present standards, and provide an overview of potential enhancements. Finally, we discuss standards development for M2M. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

TiAl alloys containing high Nb are significantly promising for high-temperature structural applications in aerospace and automotive industries. Unfortunately the low plasticity at room temperature limits their extensive applications. To improve the plasticity, not only optimizing the opposition, but also refining grain size through equal channel angular extrusion (ECAE) is necessary. The equal channel angular extrusion simulation of Ti-44Al-8Nb-(Cr,Mn,B,Y)(at%) alloy was investigated by using the Deform-3D software. The influences of friction coefficient, extrusion velocity, and different channel angles on effective strain, damage factor, and the load on the die were analyzed. The results indicate that, with the increasing of friction coefficient, effective strain is enhanced. The extrusion velocity has little effect on the uniformity of effective strain; in contrast it has large influence on the damage factor. Thus smaller extrusion rate is more appropriate. Under the condition of different channel angles, the larger one results in the lower effective strain magnitude and better strain distribution uniformity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shortage of protein feed resources is the major challenge to the world farm animal industry. Insects are known as an alternative protein source for poultry. A wide range of insects are available for use in poultry diets. Insect larvae thrive in manure, and organic waste, and produce antimicrobial peptides to protect themselves from microbial infections, and additionally these peptides might also be functional in poultry feed. The feed containing antimicrobial peptides can improve the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, intestinal health, and immune function in poultry. Insect meal contains a higher amount of essential amino acids compared to conventional feedstuffs. Black soldier fly, mealworm, housefly, cricket/Grasshopper/Locust (Orthoptera), silkworm, and earthworm are the commonly used insect meals in broiler and laying hen diets. This paper summarizes the nutrient profiles of the insect meals and reviews their efficacy when included in poultry diets. Due to the differences in insect meal products, and breeds of poultry, inconsistent results were noticed among studies. The main challenge for proper utilization, and the promising prospect of insect meal in poultry diet are also addressed in the paper. To fully exploit insect meal as an alternative protein resource, and exert their functional effects, modes of action need to be understood. With the emergence of more accurate and reliable studies, insect meals will undoubtedly play more important role in poultry feed industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rod In-MOF (JOU-25) constructed from a 4,4′,4′′-triphenylamine tricarboxylic acid ligand has been solvothermally synthesized. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction shows that JOU-25 displays a three-dimensional framework with two types of unique homochiral In–O–In helical chains. Due to its strong fluorescence emission and exposed uncoordinated carboxyl groups within channels, JOU-25 was developed as a highly sensitive fluorescence sensor for detecting Cu2+, Fe3+ and nitroaromatics in water. These results indicate that JOU-25 holds potential applications in the development of new fluorescence sensing materials. This work also provides a new clue for the construction of chiral MOFs based on rod-shaped building blocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An eddy-resolving four-dimensional variational (adjoint) data assimilation and state estimate was constructed for the low- to mid-latitude Pacific, Indian Oceans, and South China Sea based on the framework of "Estimating the Circulation and Climate of the Oceans (ECCO)". It is named as the Two Oceans One Sea State Estimate (TOOSSE). It fits a model to a number of modern observations of 2015–2016, including the Argo float temperature and salinity, satellite altimetric sea surface anomalies, by adjusting initial temperature and salinity, sea surface boundary conditions, and background diapycnal diffusivities. In total, ∼50% of the original model-data misfits have been eliminated, and the estimated state agreed well with a variety of independent observations at meso- to large scales, and on the intra-seasonal to interannual timescales. Mesoscale variability is systematically strengthened in TOOSSE and closer to observations than that without data assimilation, which is especially evidenced by the improved simulation of the mesoscale tropical instability waves (TIWs). Adjustments to ocean surface forcing parameters exhibit both large and frontal/mesoscale structures, and the magnitude reach 20%–100% of the first guesses; the adjustments to diapycnal diffusivity exhibit an obvious elevation (decrement) in (below) the thermocline in the equatorial band. The results indicate that TOOSSE represents a dynamically and thermodynamically consistent ocean state estimate of the 2015–2016 Indo-Pacific Ocean, and can be widely utilized for regional process studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A microporous indium-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), namely [(CH 3) 2 NH 2 ] 2 [In 2 (H 3 L) 2 (OX)]·3DMF·2H 2 O (JOU-23) (H 3 L ​= ​terphenyl-3, 4′, 5-tricarboxylic acid; OX ​= ​oxalic acid), have been solvothermal synthesized and characterized. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction show that JOU-23 displays three-dimensional anionic framework with 2-fold interpenetrated nets and rare topology. Due to its anionic and porous framework, JOU-23 can be developed for effective absorbing and separating cationic organic dyes. Further studies reveal that both the charge and size of dye molecules would affect the dyes' absorption and separation. In addition, JOU-23 dispersed in dimethyl formamide shows strong emission at about 364 ​nm. Thus, it was developed as an efficient fluorescent sensor for probing Fe3+ ions and nitroaromatic compounds. The detection limit of Fe3+ is as low as 2 ​× ​10−6 ​M (K SV ​= ​59,755 ​M−1), which is excellent in MOFs fluorescent probe. At the same time, JOU-23 shows widespread sensing performance to nitroaromatic compounds. Especially, the detection ability of JOU-23 for nitrobenzene (NB) is good. Although the NB concentration reaches only 4.175 ​× ​10−5 ​M, the quenching efficiency can achieve 86.4%. Further studies show that the quenching performance of JOU-23 is mainly attributed to the competition of excitation light absorption and the absorption of emission light by measured objects. These results indicate that JOU-23 can be applied as a multifunctional material for organic dyes adsorption/separation, Fe3+ ions detection, and nitroaromatic compounds sensing. A microporous anionic 2-fold interpenetrated In(III)-MOF has been synthesized and developed as multifunctional materials for organic dyes adsorption/separation and fluorescent sensitization of Fe3+ ions and nitroaromatic compounds. [Display omitted] • A microporous In-MOF with 2-fold interpenetrated anionic framework has been solvothermal synthesized. • JOU-23 represents a rare (3,6)-connected topology with the Schläfli symbol of (4·62) 2 (42·610·83). • JOU-23 can selective absorption and chromatographic separation of cationic dyes. • JOU-23 has been utilized as an efficient fluorescence "turn-off" sensor for probing Fe3+ ions and nitroaromatic molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spherical polyethylene/polypropylene (PE/PP) in-reactor blend granules with various ethylene/propylene molar ratios and high porosity were synthesized using a high yield TiCl4/MgCI2 supported catalyst. A solution of benzoyl peroxide (BPO)/maleic anhydride (MAH)/xylene (interfacial reagent) or BPO/MAH/St (comonomer) was absorbed onto the PE/PP m- reactor blend granules, and solid phase graft polymerization of MAH on PE/PP was conducted. The amount of grafted MAH on PE/PP was measured through chemical titration The results showed that solid phase graft polymerization of MAH m PE/PP in-reactor blend granules produced graft copolymer with high amount of grafted MAH, and the amount of grafted MAH was raised slightly when St was introduced as comonomer. The graft in-reactor blend was fractionated into five fractions through temperature-gradient extraction fractionation (TGEF), and the fractions were analyzed by FTIR. The results revealed that MAH is mainly grafted on the PE segments, whereas MAH was predominantly grafted on the PP segments when St was present in the graft polymerization system. In addition, the final product is still in the form of regular spherical granules, which is beneficial for industrial processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a highly stable Fe-MOF, namely [Fe2(OH)2(BPTC)]·2DMF·2H2O (JOU-22, H4BPTC = biphenyl-3,3′,4,4′-tetracarboxylic acid, DMF = N,N-dimethylformamide), was solvothermally synthesized using lanthanum nitrate and HF as modulators. Single-crystal diffraction shows that JOU-22 reveals a 3D microporous framework based on Fe–O chains. Due to its high chemical stability, suitable band gap (2.1 eV), and appropriate HOMO (−0.21 V) and LUMO (1.89 V) energy, JOU-22 shows efficient visible-light induced photocatalytic activity for Cr(VI) reduction and dye degradation. JOU-22 can also be used for the degradation of organic dyes, including MB, MO, BG and RhB. Fascinatingly, in the mixed system with the co-existence of dichromate anions and MB, the degradation rate of both Cr(VI) and MB increased significantly due to the synergistic effect between the photocatalytic reduction and oxidation process. This work not only provides a new clue for the preparation of large-size Fe-MOF single crystals, but also enriches the application of Fe-MOFs in the treatment of water pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to investigate the comparative effects of dietary supplementation with microalgae oil or fish oil on fatty acid composition, sensory quality, and overall acceptability of table eggs. A total of six hundred thirty, 30-week-old, Hy-Line Brown laying hens were allocated to 7 dietary treatments. Layers were fed with a control diet or the control diet supplemented with graded levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 1.25, 2.50, and 5.00 mg/g feed) derived from microalgae oil or fish oil. The feeding trial lasted 10 wk. Enrichment of eggs with DHA by dietary supplementation with microalgae oil or fish oil enhanced yolk DHA and total n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) enrichment and reduced n-6-to-n-3 ratio in a doseresponse manner, whereas the efficiency decreased (P < 0.05). The overall efficiency of DHA incorporation into eggs was similar for the 2 sources (P < 0.05). In comparison with fish oil, dietary microalgae oil supplementation resulted in higher scores for egg flavor and overall acceptability, both of which declined linearly in response to DHA supplementation (P < 0.05). Among the aroma and flavor characteristics, fishy aroma and flavor scores increased linearly and quadratically (P < 0.05) in response to dietary DHA supplementation, and egg aroma and flavor and milky flavor scores decreased linearly (P < 0.05). The results from partial least squares analysis showed that fishy flavor and aroma were closely associated with DHA, a-linolenic acid, and total n-3 PUFA, and oleic acid, arachidonic acid, and dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid were more related to egg aroma and flavor. The results suggested that microalgae oil would be more promising for egg DHA enrichment owing to better sensory quality of the resultant eggs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clean energy dominant and electricity centric is the inevitable trend of the future energy development. Electric power industry has entered into an increasingly competitive era in recent years due to the deregulation of power systems. However, power market should not be fully competitive and need to be regulated strictly to satisfy the safe and reliable operation of power systems. Base on the market equilibrium principle in microeconomics, a novel power market clearing model with limited competition was put forward, in which the limited competition power satisfies the power flow adjustment and the network losses distribution. Further, the free transaction ratio which can be regarded as the measurement of the degree of power market deregulation was analyzed according to the formulated market clearing model. Finally, three case studies were made on the IEEE-30 test system to verify the practicality and efficiency of the method. The results show that different transaction ratio has significant influence on the operation of power systems and the optimal transaction ratio can be determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although iron-based metal-organic frameworks (Fe-MOFs) have displayed the photocatalytic activity, there is still abundant room for improving their photocatalytic performance through tuning the structures. In this work, four novel iron-based metal-organic frameworks (Fe-MOFs) were successfully synthesized via ligand modulation for better photocatalytic Cr(VI) reduction, in which MTBDC-TPT-Fe had the highest catalytic activity (MTBDC = 2,5-bis(methylthio)terephthalic acid, TPT = 2,4,6-tri(4-pyridyl)− 1,3,5-triazine). The boosted photocatalytic reduction may be mainly ascribed to the enhanced electron push-pull effect between iron-oxygen clusters and organic ligands. The introduction of -SCH 3 groups can enhance the light absorption and donate electrons to iron center under visible-light irradiation, meanwhile the separation and transfer of photogenerated charge carriers can be enhanced resulting from the electron-pulling effect when introducing TPT. Moreover, enhanced specific surface areas and positive skeleton charge due to the introduction of TPT may improve active sites exposure and Cr(VI) adsorption, thereby enhancing photocatalytic Cr(VI) reduction activity without the presence of any assisted scavengers. In addition, the photocatalytic mechanism (i.e. active species) were also studied and presented. This work confirmed an effective structure-performance regulation strategy on Fe-MOFs for photocatalytic Cr(VI) reduction. [Display omitted] • Four novel Fe-MOFs are constructed by ligand modulation for superb photocatalytic Cr(VI) reduction. • The introduction of -SCH 3 group can significantly improve the light absorption ability of Fe-MOF. • TPT ligand can improve the separation and migration of charge carriers through electron-pulling effect. • Larger pores and more positive skeleton formed by TPT introduction are favorable for the adsorption of Cr(VI) substrate. • The e-, ·OH radicals, and O 2 ·- radicals are main active species in the Cr(VI) reduction process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large-scale blackouts have occurred frequently throughout the world. The blackouts that have occurred in recent years not only seriously affect the lives of local residents, but they also cause substantial economic losses. In particular, as modern society increasingly depends on electricity, power outages occurring at any time may result in devastating consequences. Accordingly, identifying the reasons for blackouts and implementing proper restoration measures are of particular importance. This paper analyses the sphere of influence, the scale of the effects, the restoration measures and the causes of previous worldwide blackouts. Based on the findings, suggestions for the development of China׳s power industry are then offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enzyme stability is an important issue for protein engineers. Understanding how rigidity in the active site affects protein kinetic stability will provide new insight into enzyme stabilization. In this study, we demonstrated enhanced kinetic stability of Candida antarctica lipase B (CalB) by mutating the structurally flexible residues within the active site. Six residues within 10 Å of the catalytic Ser105 residue with a high B factor were selected for iterative saturation mutagenesis. After screening 2200 colonies, we obtained the D223G/L278M mutant, which exhibited a 13-fold increase in half-life at 48 °C and a 12 °C higher T5015, the temperature at which enzyme activity is reduced to 50% after a 15-min heat treatment. Further characterization showed that global unfolding resistance against both thermal and chemical denaturation also improved. Analysis of the crystal structures of wild-type CalB and the D223G/L278M mutant revealed that the latter formed an extra main chain hydrogen bond network with seven structurally coupled residues within the flexible α10 helix that are primarily involved in forming the active site. Further investigation of the relative B factor profile and molecular dynamics simulation confirmed that the enhanced rigidity decreased fluctuation of the active site residues at high temperature. These results indicate that enhancing the rigidity of the flexible segment within the active site may provide an efficient method for improving enzyme kinetic stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA phosphorothioation is widespread among prokaryotes, and might function to restrict gene transfer among different kinds of bacteria. There has been little investigation into the structural mechanism of the DNA phosphorothioation process. DndA is a cysteine desulfurase which is involved in the first step of DNA phosphorothioation. In this study, we determined the crystal structure of Streptomyces lividans DndA in complex with its covalently bound cofactor PLP, to a resolution of 2.4 Å. Our structure reveals the molecular mechanism that DndA employs to recognize its cofactor PLP, and suggests the potential binding site for the substrate L-cysteine on DndA. In contrast to previously determined structures of cysteine desulfurases, the catalytic cysteine of DndA was found to reside on a β strand. This catalytic cysteine is very far away from the presumable location of the substrate, suggesting that a conformational change of DndA is required during the catalysis process to bring the catalytic cysteine close to the substrate cysteine. Moreover, our in vitro enzymatic assay results suggested that this conformational change is unlikely to be a simple result of random thermal motion, since moving the catalytic cysteine two residues forward or backward in the primary sequence completely disabled the cysteine desulfurase activity of DndA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The human Discs Large 1 (DLG1) protein uses two of its three PDZ domains to interact with the C-terminal peptide of the Adenomatous Polyposis Coli (APC) tumor suppressor protein. The DLG1/APC complex inhibits the cell cycle progression from the G0/G1 to the S phase, regulates epithelial cell migration and morphogenesis, and is required for polarization of the microtubule cytoskeleton. However, the molecular details of how DLG1 recognizes APC is not clear. In this study, we performed biochemical and biophysical assays to investigate the interactions between PDZ domains of DLG1 and the Cterminal peptide of APC. In addition, we determined the crystal structures of the PDZ1 and PDZ2 domains of DLG1 each in complex with the C-terminal 11-residue peptide of APC. Our biochemical, biophysical, and structural results revealed structural elements and residues on PDZ1 and PDZ2 domains of DLG1 and on APC crucial for their mutual interaction. In particular, our results show that the b2/b3 loops of PDZ1 and PDZ2 play important roles in contributing to the binding affinities between PDZ domains and APC, through interacting with the residues upstream of the canonical PDZ-binding S/TX- V motif. The results provide new insights into the binding mode of a defined C-terminal segment of APC by the PDZ domains of DLG1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Carbazole is a recalcitrant compound with a dioxin-like structure and possesses mutagenic and toxic activities. Bacteria respond to a xenobiotic by recruiting exogenous genes to establish a pathway to degrade the xenobiotic, which is necessary for their adaptation and survival. Usually, this process is mediated by mobile genetic elements such as plasmids, transposons, and insertion sequences. Findings: The genes encoding the enzymes responsible for the degradation of carbazole to catechol via anthranilate were cloned, sequenced, and characterized from a carbazole-degrading Sphingomonas sp. strain XLDN2-5. The car gene cluster (carRAaBaBbCAc) and fdr gene were accompanied on both sides by two copies of IS6100 elements, and organized as IS6100::ISSsp1-ORF1-carRAaBaBbCAc-ORF8-IS6100-fdr-IS6100. Carbazole was converted by carbazole 1,9a-dioxygenase (CARDO, CarAaAcFdr), meta-cleavage enzyme (CarBaBb), and hydrolase (CarC) to anthranilate and 2-hydroxypenta-2,4- dienoate. The fdr gene encoded a novel ferredoxin reductase whose absence resulted in lower transformation activity of carbazole by CarAa and CarAc. The ant gene cluster (antRAcAdAbAa) which was involved in the conversion of anthranilate to catechol was also sandwiched between two IS6100 elements as IS6100-antRAcAdAbAa-IS6100. Anthranilate 1,2-dioxygenase (ANTDO) was composed of a reductase (AntAa), a ferredoxin (AntAb), and a two-subunit terminal oxygenase (AntAcAd). Reverse transcription-PCR results suggested that carAaBaBbCAc gene cluster, fdr, and antRAcAdAbAa gene cluster were induced when strain XLDN2-5 was exposed to carbazole. Expression of both CARDO and ANTDO in Escherichia coli required the presence of the natural reductases for full enzymatic activity. Conclusions/Significance: We predict that IS6100 might play an important role in the establishment of carbazole-degrading pathway, which endows the host to adapt to novel compounds in the environment. The organization of the car and ant genes in strain XLDN2-5 was unique, which showed strong evolutionary trail of gene recruitment mediated by IS6100 and presented a remarkable example of rearrangements and pathway establishments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhodococcus erythropolis strains have shown excellent characteristics in petroleum oil biodesulfurization. Here we present the first announcement of the draft genome sequence of an efficient biodesulfurizing bacterium named R. erythropolis XP (7,229,582 bp). The biodesulfurizing genes dszABC are located on a plasmid, while the flavin reductase gene dszD is located on the chromosome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sphingobium yanoikuyae XLDN2-5 is an efficient carbazole-degrading strain. Carbazole-degrading genes are accompanied on both sides by two copies of IS6100 elements. Here, we describe the draft genome sequence of strain XLDN2-5, which may provide important clues as to how it recruited exogenous genes to establish pathways to degrade the xenobiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacillus pumilus S-1 is an efficient isoeugenol-utilizing producer of natural vanillin. The genome of B. pumilus S-1 contains the epoxide hydrolase and six candidate monooxygenases that make it possible to explore the mechanism involved in conversion of isoenguenol to vanillin in the B. pumilus strain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]