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Crossing certain aridity thresholds in global drylands can lead to abrupt decays of ecosystem attributes such as plant productivity, potentially causing land degradation and desertification. It is largely unknown, however, whether these thresholds can be altered by other key global change drivers known to affect the water-use efficiency and productivity of vegetation, such as elevated CO2 and nitrogen (N). Using >5000 empirical measurements of plant biomass, we showed that crossing an aridity (1–precipitation/potential evapotranspiration) threshold of ∼0.50, which marks the transition from dry sub-humid to semi-arid climates, led to abrupt declines in aboveground biomass (AGB) and progressive increases in root:shoot ratios, thus importantly affecting carbon stocks and their distribution. N addition significantly increased AGB and delayed the emergence of its aridity threshold from 0.49 to 0.55 (P  < 0.05). By coupling remote sensing estimates of leaf area index with simulations from multiple models, we found that CO2 enrichment did not alter the observed aridity threshold. By 2100, and under the RCP 8.5 scenario, we forecast a 0.3% net increase in the global land area exceeding the aridity threshold detected under a scenario that includes N deposition, in comparison to a 2.9% net increase if the N effect is not considered. Our study thus indicates that N addition could mitigate to a great extent the negative impact of increasing aridity on plant biomass in drylands. These findings are critical for improving forecasts of abrupt vegetation changes in response to ongoing global environmental change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated how lncRNA Meg3 affects the onset of puberty in female rats. We determined Meg3 expression in the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary axis of female rats at the infancy, prepubertal, pubertal, and adult life stages, using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). We also assessed the effects of Meg3 knockdown on the expression levels of puberty-related genes and Wnt/β-catenin proteins in the hypothalamus, time of puberty onset, levels of reproductive genes and hormones, and ovarian morphology in female rats. Meg3 expression in the ovary varied significantly between prepuberty and puberty (P < 0.01). Meg3 knockdown decreased the expression of Gnrh , and Kiss1 mRNA (P < 0.05) and increased the expression of Wnt (P < 0.01) and β-catenin proteins (P < 0.05) in the hypothalamic cells. Onset of puberty in Meg3 knockdown rats was delayed compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Meg3 knockdown decreased Gnrh mRNA levels (P < 0.05) and increased Rfrp- 3 mRNA levels (P < 0.05) in the hypothalamus. The serum concentrations of progesterone (P 4) and estradiol (E 2) of Meg3 knockdown rats were lower than those in the control animals (P < 0.05). Higher longitudinal diameter and ovary weight were found in Meg3 knockdown rats (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that Meg3 regulates the expression of Gnrh , Kiss- 1 mRNA and Wnt/β-catenin proteins in the hypothalamic cells, and Gnrh , Rfrp- 3 mRNA of the hypothalamus and the serum concentration of P 4 and E 2 , and its knockdown delays the onset of puberty in female rats. • Meg3 was expressed in the hypothalamus, pituitary, and ovary of female rats at different developmental stages. • Vaginal opening in Meg3 knockdown rats was delayed. • Knockdown Meg3 delayed the onset of puberty in rats and the concentration of reproductive hormone in serum. • In vitro, knockdown of Meg3 affected the transcription level of Kiss1 mRNA and Wnt/β-catenin proteins in hypothalamic cells. • In vivo, knockdown of Meg3 affected the transcription level of Gnrh and Rfrp- 3 mRNA in the hypothalamus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psoriasis is an immune disease caused by rapid and incomplete differentiation of skin basal cells. Natural products such as indirubin have historically served as excellent sources for the treatments of psoriasis. However, the poor solubility and bioavailability due to its plane and rigid crystal structure, which limits its efficacy. Herein, to improve the efficacy of indirubin, a hydrogel-based microemulsion drug delivery system was developed for transdermal delivery. The mean droplet size of the optimized microemulsion was 84.37 nm, with a polydispersity index (PDI) less than 0.2 and zeta potential value of 0~−20 mV. The transdermal flux and skin retention of indirubin at 24 h were 47.34 ± 3.59 μg/cm2 and 8.77 ± 1.26 μg/cm2, respectively. The optimized microemulsion was dispersed in carbomer 934 hydrogel to increase the consistency. The indirubin-loaded microemulsion gel was tested on an imiquimod-induced psoriasis mouse model. Results showed that this preparation can improve psoriasis symptoms by down-regulating the expression of IL-17A, Ki67, and CD4+T. This experiment provides great scalability for researchers to treat psoriasis, avoid first-pass effects, and increase the concentration of targeted drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Swine influenza virus (SIV) is an important zoonosis pathogen. The 2009 pandemic of H1N1 influenza A virus (2009/H1N1) highlighted the importance of the role of pigs as intermediate hosts. Liaoning province, located in northeastern China, has become one of the largest pig-farming areas since 2016. However, the epidemiology and evolutionary properties of SIVs in Liaoning are largely unknown. We performed systematic epidemiological and genetic dynamics surveillance of SIVs in Liaoning province during 2020. In total, 33,195 pig nasal swabs were collected, with an SIV detection rate of 2%. Our analysis revealed that multiple subtypes of SIVs are co-circulating in the pig population in Liaoning, including H1N1, H1N2 and H3N2 SIVs. Furthermore, 24 H1N1 SIVs were confirmed to belong to the EA H1N1 lineage and divided into two genotypes. The two genotypes were both triple reassortant, and the predominant one with polymerase, nucleoprotein (NP), and matrix protein (M) genes originating from 2009/H1N1; hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) genes originating from EA H1N1; and the nonstructural protein (NS) gene originating from triple reassortant H1N2 (TR H1N2) was detected in Liaoning for the first time. According to our evolutionary analysis, the EA H1N1 virus in Liaoning will undergo further genome variation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The WetlandC model was developed and combined with the TEM model. • Modelled soil organic carbon density in the alpine wetlands on the Tibetan Plateau. • Precipitation dominated the spatial heterogeneity in soil organic carbon density. • Soil organic carbon density showed widespread increases from 2000 to 2018. • Changes of soil organic carbon stock in alpine wetlands contributed a carbon sink. The Tibetan Plateau has been undergoing profound warming and slight wetting over recent decades, which have contradictory effects on soil organic carbon (SOC) by enhancing plant growth and thereafter carbon input into the soil and increasing the soil organic carbon decomposition rate. In this study, we developed a SOC model (WetlandC model) for wetlands, considering the process of litterfall decomposition and parameterizing the effect of grazing on SOC accumulation. We also established a modelling framework to combine the WetlandC model with the terrestrial ecosystem model (TEM model) to simulate the changes in SOC in the alpine wetlands on the Tibetan Plateau from 2000 to 2018. The results showed that spatially, the soil organic carbon density (SOCD) of alpine wetlands was higher in the southeast and lower in the northwest, ranging from 1358.22 to 22571.81 g C m−2. Precipitation played an important role in regulating the spatial heterogeneity of SOCD. The temporal trends of SOCD varied from −55.84 to 407.59 g C m−2 yr−1, and 97.98% of the wetland area accumulated SOC. Temperature, precipitation and livestock carrying, as the top influencing factors of the temporal trend of SOCD, accounted for 35.1%, 34.5% and 30.4% of the area in the alpine wetlands, respectively. The 0–30 cm SOC stock of the alpine wetlands on the Tibetan Plateau increased from 518.06 Tg C in 2000 to 607.67 Tg C in 2018. The surface soil of alpine wetlands acted as a carbon sink of 4.98 Tg C yr−1. Our results indicated that in the context of climate change, additional soil carbon sequestration in the alpine wetlands was facilitated by enhanced plant growth, although grazing consumed the aboveground biomass. Future climate warming and wetting are likely to benefit SOC accumulation in the alpine wetlands on the Tibetan Plateau if overgrazing does not occur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To solve a series of problems of Cu–Sn–Ti fillers, Ga is added to the fillers to promote its mechanical properties and microstructure. The metallographic structure of Cu–Sn–Ti–xGa filler metals is detected by optical microscope. Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) areal, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and differential thermal analysis (DSC) are used to analyze the morphology and microstructure of the fillers. The results show that doped Ga can significantly decrease the melting point and increase mechanical properties of the fillers. The shear strength of the filler metals with 1% Ga content is 160% higher than without Ga. In addition, it is also observed that a small amount of Ga refine the CuSnTi filler metals matrix structure. The diffusion of elements in the filler metals is detected. Compared with Sn solid solution, Ga tends to form a solid solution with Cu. When the Ga content is 2 wt%, the shear strength of the filler metal decreases due to the appearance of coarse crystals at the bottom of the dimple. Through the study of the reaction layer between diamond and filler metal, it is found that Ga can increase the thickness of the interface reaction layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Reveal the soil organic carbon (SOC) stock change in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP) alpine wetlands in the past fifty years. The Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP) has a large area of alpine marshland and wet meadows. Artificial drainage, overgrazing and climate change have caused severe degradation of the alpine wetlands. However, little is known about the effects of wetland degradation on SOC stock, and studies only focused on the Zoige marshland, the biggest marshland of China. Direct SOC observations from the extensively distributed wet meadows remain scarce. Methods: SOC in the soil surface layer (0–50 cm) were investigated at four wetland sites where degradation has continued for decades. One site is in marshland, and three are in wet meadows of the QTP. Using datasets from the literature and the field measurements of the present study, we estimated the loss of alpine wetland SOC. Results and conclusions: Initially, marshland degradation to wet meadows prompted the accumulation of SOC; however, grazing in wet meadows reduced SOC accumulation. Wetland degradation to dried meadows led to a much greater SOC loss than that in the initial degradation stage, and grazing exacerbated the loss of SOC. An exponential decay rate of SOC was found in the grazed dried meadows. The wetlands of the QTP, have lost 141 ± 25 Tg in 1966–2016, representing 15% of the SOC stock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to solve the problem of low accuracy of traditional construction project risk prediction, a project risk prediction model based on EW-FAHP and 1D-CNN(One Dimensional Convolution Neural Network) is proposed. Firstly, the risk evaluation index value of construction project is selected by literature analysis method, and the comprehensive weight of risk index is obtained by combining entropy weight method (EW) and fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP). The risk weight is input into the 1D-CNN model for training and learning, and the prediction values of construction period risk and cost risk are output to realize the risk prediction. The experimental results show that the average absolute error of the construction period risk and cost risk of the risk prediction model proposed in this paper is below 0.1%, which can meet the risk prediction of construction projects with high accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Irreversible aggregation can extremely limit the bioavailability and therapeutic activity of peptide-based drugs. There is therefore an urgent demand of effective strategy to control peptide aggregation. Recently, we found that tyrosine nitration at certain sites of peptide can effectively inhibit its aggregation. This minor modification may be an ideal strategy to the rational design of peptide-based drugs with low aggregation propensity yet without loss of bioactivity. Human calcitonin (hCT) is such a peptide hormone known for its hypocalcaemic effect but has limited pharmaceutical potential due to a high tendency to aggregate. In this study, by using multiple techniques including Fluorescence, TEM, Nu-PAGE and CD, we demonstrated that Y12 nitration of hCT would significantly inhibit its self-assembles, and we also found that this modification would not only reduce the cytotoxicity induced by peptide aggregation, but also had little effect on its potency. This finding may provide a novel strategy for clinically application of hCT instead of sCT. Tyr12 nitration of hCT could be a useful strategy for inhibiting its aggregation but not reducing the hypocalcaemic activity. Image 1 • Tyrosine nitration could effectively inhibit the formation of hCT fibril. • The low aggregation propensity of hCT (3 N) makes it less cytotoxicity than hCT. • hCT (3 N) could still maintain the approximately equally potency compared with hCT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to investigate the effect of alternating current (AC) on corrosion, it is not yet clear about the exact mechanism of the corrosion induced by AC. Previous reports indicated that AC corrosion was similar to the effect of continuous cathodic and anodic polarization on the corrosion process of the metals. Wan et al. studied the effect of negative half-wave AC on stress corrosion cracking behavior and mechanism of X80 pipeline steel in near-neutral solution. Design/methodology/approach: This study attempted to understand the AC-induced corrosion by imposing the half-cycle AC on the X80 pipeline steel in an acid bicarbonate solution. The AC corrosion mechanism was determined by weight loss and potentiodynamic polarization curve measurements, as well as surface characterization. Findings: The results show that the positive half-cycle AC accelerated the uniform corrosion in the NaHCO3 solution, the negative half-cycle AC would decrease the uniform corrosion and local corrosion was increased and some Ca and Mg deposited on the surface of X80 steel, so the corrosion rate decreased by negative half-cycle AC. The corrosion product was composed of α-FeOOH under the application of positive half-cycle AC. The oxygen reduction led to a local increase of pH near the electrode surface and led to the formation of α-FeOOH, which enhanced the protectability of corrosion products. Originality/value: Researchers studied the effect of negative half-wave AC on stress corrosion cracking behavior and mechanism of X80 pipeline steel in near-neutral solution. However, the AC behavior and corrosion mechanism in acid solution are unknown. So to make clear about the corrosion behavior of metals in different polarization states and the mechanism involved, diode technology was used to research the AC corrosion, half-wave AC was applied on the metals after the full-wave rectified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and right ventricular (RV) failure have a poor clinical outcome, but the mechanisms of PAH and RV failure development are not totally clear. PAH is associated with reduced NO bioavailability and increased endogenous NOS inhibitor asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA). Dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase-1 (DDAH1) plays a critical role in ADMA degradation. Here we generated a novel DDAH1 deficiency rat strain using the CRISPR-Cas9 technique, and studied the effect of DDAH1 dysfunction on monocrotaline-induced PAH, lung vascular remodeling and RV hypertrophy. DDAH1 knockout resulted in abolished DDAH1 expression in various tissues, and significant increases of plasma and lung ADMA content. DDAH1 knockout has no detectable effect on cardiac and lung structure, and LV function under control conditions in rats. However, DDAH1 knockout significantly aggravated monocrotaline-induced lung and RV oxidative stress, lung vascular remodeling and fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension and RV hypertrophy in rats. DDAH1 KO resulted in significantly greater increases of plasma and lung ADMA content under control conditions. In the wild type rats monocrotaline resulted in significant increases of plasma and lung ADMA contents and reduction of lung eNOS protein content and these changes were more marked in DDAH1 KO rats. Together, our results demonstrated that DDAH1 plays an important role in attenuating monocrotaline-induced lung oxidative stress, pulmonary hypertension and RV hypertrophy in rats. • DDAH1 deficiency results in increase of blood and tissue ADMA in rats. • DDAH1 knockout does not cause spontaneous pulmonary hypertension in rats. • DDAH1 knockout exacerbated MCT-induced decrease of lung NO production in rats. • DDAH1 attenuates MCT-induced lung remodeling and pulmonary hypertension in rats. • DDAH1 attenuates MCT-induced RV oxidative stress, hypertrophy and failure in rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The alpine wetlands on the Tibetan Plateau (TP) are ecosystems vulnerable to global climate change. It has been recognized that future climate change may have a significant impact on methane (CH 4) emissions from the plateau, while less attention has been paid to predicting temporal and spatial variations in CH 4 emissions from TP natural wetlands. In this study, we used an integrated model framework based on the CH4MOD wetland , TOPMODEL and TEM models to predict CH 4 emissions from potential natural wetlands on the TP under IPCC AR5 scenarios from 2006 to 2100. The model estimates suggest that the mean area-weighted CH 4 fluxes will increase from 4.45 ± 0.42 g m−2 yr−1 in 2006 to 4.79 ± 0.72, 5.99 ± 0.85 and 11.53 ± 1.33 g m−2 yr−1 under 3 Representative Concentration Pathway scenarios (RCP 2.6, RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 scenarios), respectively, by 2100. The dominant drivers stimulating CH 4 emissions are air temperature, precipitation and net primary productivity (NPP). Spatially, CH 4 fluxes and emissions showed a decreasing trend from south to north and from east to west. In response to climate change, a total of 0.42 ± 0.06, 0.54 ± 0.09 and 1.01 ± 0.12 Tg yr−1 of CH 4 emissions will be emitted from the TP's potential natural wetlands by the end of this century under the RCP 2.6, RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 scenarios, respectively. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • An integrated model framework based on CH4MOD wetland , TOPMODEL and TEM was established. • CH 4 fluxes will increase by 7.6%, 27.0% and 124.5% under CMIP5 scenarios by 2100. • The dominant drivers for stimulating CH 4 fluxes are the temperature, precipitation and NPP. • CH 4 fluxes showed decreasing trend from south to north, east to west. • The potential natural wetlands on TP will emit 0.42–1.01 Tg CH 4 under CMIP5 scenarios by 2100. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanocomposite exchange coupled magnets are most likely the next-generation magnets because of their potentially high energy products. However, their corrosion resistance is a serious concern. The electrochemical behaviour of the nanocomposite magnets is largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the corrosion behaviours of α-Fe/Nd 2 Fe 14 B type nanocomposite magnets in a 3.5 wt% NaCl solution at room temperature using an electrochemical technique. Our results demonstrate that microstructure coarsening can improve the corrosion performance of the magnets, but it greatly degrades the magnetic properties. To enhance the corrosion resistance without scarifying the magnetic performance of the magnets, an amorphous phase with good corrosion resistance is introduced to the grain boundary of α-Fe/Nd 2 Fe 14 B type nanocomposite magnets by controlled melt-spinning process or adding Nb element. The nanocomposite magnets with an interfacial amorphous phase exhibit a lower corrosion current density (22.7 μA/cm 2 ) and higher maximum energy product (23 MGOe) than the magnets without an interfacial amorphous phase. These results indicate that the interfacial modification is beneficial to the improvement of both corrosion resistance and magnetic properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the heterogeneity of different sub-sectors of clean energy, such as clean fuels, renewable energy and energy efficiency, this paper adopts the time-domain spillover index model, extreme spillover index model, and frequency-domain spillover model to analyze the spillover effects between sub-sector clean energy markets and traditional energy and metal markets under normal conditions, extreme conditions, and frequency-domain conditions. The empirical results highlight three interesting and noteworthy aspects: (1) Clean energy efficiency is almost a net transmitter in normal time domain spillover, extreme spillover, short-term and long-term spillover perspectives, which reveal that clean energy efficiency is the key risk maker among traditional energy, metal and sub-sector clean energy markets, while traditional energy markets and metal markets are the risk recipients. (2) Our results provide evidence that there is a higher spillover effect among these markets under lower and upper extreme market conditions, and there is a significant asymmetry effect between lower and upper conditions. (3) We also find that the spillover effect is long-term dominated, and the contributions to other markets in the short-term and long-term are positively correlated. Our paper focuses on the heterogeneity of spillover effects between different sub-sectors of clean energy and traditional energy and metal markets, which can better understand the market and make reasonable and accurate decisions for investors and regulators. • Spillover effect among traditional energy markets, metal markets and sub-sector clean energy markets. • Time domain spillover, extreme spillover and frequency domain spillover perspective are used. • Clean energy efficiency is the main net transmitter, and is a key risk maker. • The spillover effect is higher and asymmetric under lower and upper conditions. • The dynamic spillover is long-term dominated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigated the effect of strain on the microstructure and magnetic properties of bulk α-Fe/Nd 2 Fe 14 B nanocomposite magnets produced by a combination of severe plastic deformation at room temperature and subsequent thermal annealing. Experiment results indicate that severe plastic deformation can induce the formation of α-Fe and Nd 2 Fe 14 B nanocrystals in the amorphous matrix and then suppress the formation of metastable intermediate phases during thermal annealing. The volume fraction of α-Fe phase in the magnets increases as the strain increases，and the grain size of α-Fe and Nd 2 Fe 14 B phases significantly decreases. As a result, the bulk magnets made at ε =6.2 show enhanced magnetic properties, ( BH ) max =17.8 MGOe and H c =7.2 kOe, compared with that of directly annealed partially amorphous (Nd-Pr)-Fe-Co-Nb-B, ( BH ) max =12.2 MGOe and H c =6.2 kOe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, the Nd 9 Fe 85 B 6−x P x (x = 0–0.3) magnets were prepared via melt rapid quenching method. The P addition greatly improved the microstructure and magnetic properties. The study shows that the P addition increased the nucleation resistance of α-Fe, and hindered the precipitation of the α-Fe phase. The distribution of P in the Nd 9 Fe 85 B 5.9 P 0.1 permanent alloys was characterized by the three-dimensional atom probe (3DAP) technique. Experimental results demonstrated that the P element is mainly concentrated at the grain boundary, inhibiting the growth of soft and hard magnetic crystals. The maximum energy product (BH) max of 20.0 MGOe and coercivity H ci of 6.34 kOe were obtained with the P content at x = 0.1, these values were larger than those of Nd 9 Fe 85 B 6 alloys, with (BH) max = 17.7 MGOe and H ci = 5.61 kOe. The improvements of magnetic properties originate from the enhanced domain-wall-pinning strength and exchange coupling between the soft and hard phases. The 3DAP results demonstrate that the P element mainly concentrates at the grain boundary, which can inhibit the growth of soft and hard magnetic crystals. The improvements of magnetic properties originate from the enhanced domain wall pinning strength and exchange coupling between the soft and hard phases. [Display omitted] • Adding P element is an effective way to improve the magnetic properties. • P mainly concentrates at the grain boundary inhibiting the growth of nanocrystals. • P can enhance both the domain wall pinning and exchange coupling of the magnets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the phase evolution, microstructure and magnetic properties of bulk α-Fe/Nd 2 Fe 14 B nanocomposite magnets prepared by a combination of severe plastic deformation (SPD) and thermal annealing have been investigated. Experimental results demonstrate that SPD affects the phase evolution of (Nd,Pr)-Fe-Co-Nb-B alloy upon annealing significantly. The formation of metastable intermediate phases, such as Nd 2 Fe 23 B 3 and Fe 3 B, in the alloy has been effectively inhibited as the strain ε is increased to ε = 6.1, yielding a high volume fraction of α-Fe phase ( V c ∼ 37%) in the bulk α-Fe/Nd 2 Fe 14 B magnets. The grain size of α-Fe and Nd 2 Fe 14 B phases in the magnets decreases with increasing strain. A smaller grain size d = 13.3 nm for α-Fe and 26.5 nm for Nd 2 Fe 14 B is achieved at ε = 6.1, and the magnets show the magnetic properties, ( BH ) max = 14.9 MGOe and H c = 6.4 kOe, larger than those in the α-Fe/Nd 2 Fe 14 B magnets made by directly annealing amorphous ribbons, ( BH ) max = 10.3 MGOe and H c = 4.6 kOe. The enhanced coercivity in the SPD magnets results from an increase in domain-wall-pinning strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Leaf iWUE increases but ecosystem WUE decreases with aridity level. • iWUE and ecosystem WUE displayed almost opposite trends in response to abiotic factors. • MAT was the strongest factor in predicting iWUE, whereas the most robust factor in predicting ecosystem WUE was LAI. Water use efficiency (WUE) links carbon and water cycling and has been recognized as important in understanding the carbon-water budget of terrestrial ecosystems. However, there are few studies comparing WUE at leaf and ecosystem levels in response to environmental variables on a global scale. Here, we compare global-scale patterns and the drivers of leaf and ecosystem WUEs and quantify the relative influence of biotic and abiotic factors. Using published world-wide δ13C (carbon stable isotope composition) measurements for 6751 C 3 plant populations from 174 publications, as well as our own measurements of δ13C for 418 C 3 plant populations across drylands in China, and satellite-based datasets of gross primary production and evapotranspiration, we determined global patterns and the drivers of leaf and ecosystem WUEs. Leaf intrinsic WUE (iWUE) and ecosystem WUE displayed almost opposite trends, in response to abiotic factors on a global scale. iWUE was highest in arid regions and lowest in humid regions, whereas ecosystem WUE was lowest in arid regions and highest in humid regions. Phylogeny had a significant effect on iWUE. Mean annual temperature (MAT) was the strongest factor in predicting iWUE, whereas the most robust factor in predicting ecosystem WUE was leaf area index (LAI). The data indicate that the two different responses at the leaf and ecosystem levels must be considered when modeling carbon and water balances in response to climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stacked WO 3 /Ag/WO 3 (WAW) films were employed as both transparent electrodes and electrochromic materials. These nontoxic, low-cost WAW films that were prepared at room temperature exhibited not only low sheet resistance (12.2 Ω/□) and high transmittance (>80%) but also compelling electrochromic performance with high optical contrast (53%) at 650 nm, long-term cycling stability (3000 cycles), and short switching time (coloration time=11 s; bleaching time=10.5 s). The coloration efficiency of the WAW films was 136 cm 2 C –1 , which is higher than those of most electrochromic transition metal oxides. In addition, by utilizing such bi-functional films, the flexible electrochromic film with acceptable performance was obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An easy and versatile Cu-catalyzed propargylic substitution process is presented. Using easily prepared prochiral dichloro substrates, readily available Grignard reagents together with catalytic amount of copper salt and chiral ligand, we accessed a range of synthetically interesting trisubstituted chloroallenes. Substrate scope and nucleophile scope are broad, providing generally high enantioselectivity for the desired 1,3-substitution products. The enantioenriched chloroallenes could be further transformed into the corresponding trisubstituted allenes or terminal alkynes bearing all-carbon quaternary stereogenic centers, through the copper-catalyzed enantiospecific 1,1/1,3-substitutions. The two successive copper-catalyzed reactions could be eventually combined into a one-pot procedure and different desired allenes or alkynes were obtained respectively with high enantiomeric excesses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A new susceptor with a partial-torus groove in the vertical metal organic vapor deposition (MOCVD) reactor by induction heating is presented. By using the finite element method (FEM), it is found that this groove changes the mode of the heat transfer in the susceptor. That is to say, the single mode of the heat conduction in the conventional susceptor is changed to the modes combining the heat conduction and the radiation. By optimizing this susceptor for heating 8-inch substrate, it is observed that compared with the conventional susceptor, the uniformity of the temperature distribution is improved more than 83%. The uniformity of the temperature distribution in the substrate is significantly improved, which will be of benefit to the film growth. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In general, there is a trade-off between magnetization and coercivity in nanocomposite magnets. Here, we demonstrate a simultaneous enhancement of both the magnetization and coercivity in bulk α-Fe/Nd2Fe14B nanocomposite magnets prepared via a severe plastic deformation (SPD) compared with thermally annealed magnets. The enhanced magnetization results from a high fraction (>30%) of α-Fe phase induced by SPD, while the increase in coercivity from 4.6 to 7.2 kOe is attributed to an enhancement in domain wall pinning strength. This study shows an increase in energy product is possible in the nanocomposite magnets for a large inclusion of soft-magnetic phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vaspin has insulin-sensitizing effects, as well as additional beneficial effects on metabolic diseases. However, little is known about the direct effects of vaspin on vascular complications mediated by diabetes. The objective of this study is to determine the efficacy and mechanism of vaspin on hyperglycemia-induced vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) proliferation, chemokinesis and cell signaling. Methods: Rat VSMCs proliferation was determined with 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine cell proliferation assays, chemokinesis was monitored with scratch assays, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was assessed using H2DCFDA and SOD-inhibited reduction of ferricytochrome c assay. Luciferase activity is assayed using a Dual Luciferase Reporter Assay System. Cell signaling is assessed by immunblotting. Results: Vaspin significantly inhibited VSMCs proliferation and chemokinesis, as well as ROS generation and NADPH oxidase activity, induced by high glucose (HG) treatment. Compared with HG, vaspin significantly decreased VSMCs proliferation by 40 ± 8% at 100 ng/ml. Vaspin also decreased ROS production by 16 ± 8% at 100 ng/ml and 30 ± 8% at 300 ng/ml (all P < 0.01). Vaspin significantly abolished HG-induced phosphorylation of oxidase subunits p47phox, Akt, p38, and JNK1/2 without affecting their total levels, and attenuated HG-induced phosphorylation of insulin receptor and its downstream IRS-1 and IRS-2. For downstream targets, NF-κB activity and IκBα phosphorylation were both enhanced significantly after HG stimulation, and these effects were inhibited by vaspin. Vaspin also significantly abolished HG-induced PCNA and cyclin D1 expression. Conclusions: Vaspin inhibits HG-induced VSMCs proliferation and chemokinesis by preventing ROS activation and MAPK, PI3K/Akt, and NF-κB signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple copper-catalyzed enantioselective synthesis of axially chiral chloroallenes from the propargylic dichlorides is reported, employing a catalytic amount of easily prepared SimplePhos ligand. Exclusive formation of the desired allenes was observed with good enantioselectivities (ee’s 62–96%). Further transformations to trisubstituted allenes or terminal alkynes with a propargylic quaternary carbon center keep a high level of enantiopurity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Excessive tissue iron levels are associated with the increase of oxidative/nitrative stress which contributes to tissue damage that may elevate the risk of diabetes. Therefore, we investigated the effects of iron on diabetes-associated liver injury and whether iron-related tyrosine nitration participated in this process. Rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, iron overload (300 mg/kg iron dextran, i.p.), diabetic (35 mg/kg of streptozotocin i.p. after administration of a high-fat diet) and diabetic simultaneously treated with iron. Iron supplement markedly increased diabetes-mediated liver damage and hepatic dysfunction by increasing liver/body weight ratio, serum levels of aspartate and alanine aminotransferase, and histological examination, which were correlated with elevated levels of lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyls and tyrosine nitration, oxidative metabolism of nitric oxide, and reduced antioxidant capacity. Consequently, the extent of oxidized/nitrated glucokinase was markedly increased in the iron-treated diabetic rats that contribute to a decrease in its expression and activity. Further studies revealed a significant contribution of iron-induced specific glucokinase nitration sites to its inactivation. In conclusion, iron facilitates diabetes-mediated elevation of oxidative/nitrative stress, simultaneously impairs liver GK, and can be a link between enzymatic changes and hepatic dysfunction. These findings may provide new insight on the role of iron in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Protein tyrosine nitration is a post-translational modification associated with numerous pathological conditions. The biological consequences of this modification strongly depend on the site selectivity. Unfortunately, to date there is still no reliable model for predicting the selectivity of protein tyrosine nitration. Previously, we found that amyloid beta (Aβ) changed the selectivity of enolase tyrosine nitration upon binding to heme. It seemed that there was a link between the hydrophilicity of Aβ and the site-specific tyrosine nitration. We further investigated the role of the hydrophilicity of the molecules that bind to heme in the selectivity of protein tyrosine nitration. We found that Aβ, Aβ, and Aβ, upon binding to heme and interacting with glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) in a site-specific manner, differently modulated the site selectivity of heme-catalyzed GAPDH tyrosine nitration. The modulation is associated with the hydrophilicity of the Aβ peptides, which changed the surrounding environment of the heme. At the same time, the Aβ-heme complexes were found to be more effective at inactivating GAPDH than heme alone, and the selective tyrosine nitration that was catalyzed by Aβ-heme played an important role. These findings suggest an alternative mechanism for the selectivity of protein tyrosine nitration, which may lead to a better understanding of the factors that influence protein tyrosine nitration selectivity and the important roles of Aβ and heme in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease, where Aβ accumulation and Aβ-dependent protein nitration play central roles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) had been shown as potential important regulators in pregnancy. Circulating miRNAs are considered as potentially useful non-invasive biomarkers for the diagnosis of pregnancy-related disease and congenital disorders, but maternal peripheral blood miRNAs expression profile in pregnancy remains less investigated. We thus set out to investigate maternal plasma miRNAs expression profile using genome-wide sequencing. Methods: Maternal plasma miRNA expression profiles of different pregnancy stages were detected by SOLiD sequencing. We observed the expression level of the most abundant miRNAs in maternal plasma during pregnancy process. We examined functional relationships of targets of pregnancy-relative miRNAs by enrichment analyzing of signaling pathways. Results: 147 miRNAs were sequenced from maternal plasma in this study, among them, 90 types of miRNAs were found in all of the samples, while 136 miRNAs in the first trimester gestation, 108 in second trimester gestation, and 99 miRNAs in the third trimester gestation, respectively. The varieties and the expression level of maternal plasma miRNAs were changing during pregnancy. The expression level of miRNA cluster members was changing with the same trend during pregnancy. The function and functional relationship analysis of target genes of pregnancy-relative miRNAs showed that genetic disorder, immunological disease, cell signaling, cancer, and cell cycle were the enriched pathways. Conclusions: Maternal plasma miRNA expression profiles are dynamically changing during pregnancy. The results of function analysis suggested that miRNAs may play an important role in regulating pregnancy process, which can help us understand the refine regulation mechanism in pregnancy. Moreover, the results of this present study may be the basis for a further study to find useful prenatal diagnosis biomarkers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background and objectives: Circulating microRNAs in maternal plasma as one type of the cell free nucleotide acid revealed its potential for non-invasive prenatal diagnosis. The next generation sequencing technology provides promising approach detecting miRNA for such purpose. Method: In this present study, a modified library preparation method for SOLiD sequencing technology was developed and maternal plasma miRNA from single and twin pregnancies was analyzed. Quantitative PCR was carried out for comparison. Results: Results showed that the sequenced data was improved remarkably with this modified library preparation method; different types and levels of miRNA expression were found in twin pregnancy compared with control. Several miRNAs were validated that remarkably changed in twin pregnancy. Interpretation and conclusion: It is indicated that miRNAs might involve the process of pregnancy such as the generation of twin pregnancy, and it also suggested that the specific miRNAs could act as potential biomarkers for clinical diagnosis and therapy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Let [image omitted] be a complex semisimple Lie algebra, [image omitted] be a Borel subalgebra of [image omitted] and [image omitted] denote the maximal nilpotent subalgebra of [image omitted]. In this article, we prove that every generalized Lie triple derivation of [image omitted] can be written as the sum of a Lie triple derivation and a block diagonal map. We also show that every generalized Lie triple derivation for [image omitted] of each classical complex simple Lie algebra is the sum of a Lie triple derivation and a homothety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

microRNAs, a class of small non-coding regulatory RNAs, are involved in oncogenesis and cancer development. Studies have shown that aberrant miRNA expression occurs in breast cancer and is associated with specific clinicopathological features. Some miRNAs might act as suppressor genes or oncogenes, which can be considered as novel markers for breast cancer diagnosis and as prognostic factors. Here we present a review of recent discoveries on miRNAs involved in breast cancer tumorigenesis, invasion, and metastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The preparation of new chiral α-acyloxynitroso derivatives 4a–e as chiral dienophiles for the nitroso Diels–Alder reaction is reported. These compounds are obtained from amino acid-derived iodobenzene dicarboxylates and ketoximes, and are stable and easy-to-handle reagents. Initial studies for their nitroso Diels–Alder reactions with cyclohexadiene are also reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bose–Einstein condensation of molecules and BCS condensation of Cooper pairs of atoms in an ultra-cold Fermi gas of atoms with a repulsive two-body interaction are studied by using the path integral representation of the grand partition function. From the self-consistent equations obtained in the present work for the order parameters, we have found that BCS condensation of atoms cannot occur in such a Fermi gas of atoms and that the condensate observed experimentally is composed of condensed molecules or possibly of preformed Cooper pairs. To substantiate our conclusions from the self-consistent equations for the order parameters, the effective atom–atom interaction mediated through molecules has also been computed with the Foldy–Wouthuysen transformation and has been found to be repulsive, which implies a net repulsive two-body interaction between atoms and hence the absence of BCS condensation of atoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Iron doped nickel oxide films which can work as the oxygen reactive catalysts were deposited by reactive sputtering from an alloy target in this experiment. We studied the influence of the sputtering parameters (working pressure and oxygen content in reactive atmosphere) on the oxygen evolution overpotential. It was found that higher atmospheric pressure and higher oxygen content in reactive atmosphere can effectively decrease the overpotentials of the films to a large extent. By physical analysis from XRD, SEM, EDS and XPS we summarized the factors which can influence the catalytic properties and also analyzed the role of ion in films in detail. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Hemin–nitrite–H2O2 system may play a role in liver oxidative injury in some pathological events. In this paper, the effects of the three active components of the root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, i.e. baicalin, baicalein and wogonin, on hemin–nitrite–H2O2 induced liver injury were studied in liver homogenate, liver microsome and human hepatoblastoma cell line HepG2 cells. It was found that hemin–nitrite–H2O2 could induce liver homogenate protein nitration, lipid peroxidation and liver microsome protein oxidation; it also caused a decrease of HepG2 cells viability. Baicalein, baicalin and wogonin could inhibit protein nitration and lipid peroxidation in liver homogenate as well as in HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent manner, the inhibition order was baicalein>baicalin≫wogonin. These three flavonoids also inhibited the oxidation of protein in liver microsome, the decrease of cell viability and the content of GSH in HepG2 cells, among which baicalin represented the most inhibitory effect. Besides, hemin–H2O2 induced cell injury could be augmented with the existence of nitrite, indicating protein nitration involved in hemin–nitrite–H2O2 induced liver injury. These results demonstrated hemin–nitrite–H2O2 could induce liver injury through oxidizing or nitrating different biomolecules. Baicalein, baicalin and wogonin could inhibit hemin–nitrite–H2O2 induced liver injury in dose-dependent manners by inhibiting oxidation and nitration. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The introduction of new iron chelating drugs may ultimately improve iron-chelation therapy for patients with iron overload diseases such as thalassaemia and other disorders. In this paper, the in vivo effects of baicalin and quercetin on iron overload induced liver injury were studied on mice. It was found that when iron-dextran induced iron overload mice were fed baicalin or quercetin containing diet (1% w/w) for 45days, both flavonoids significantly inhibited iron overload induced lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation of liver, decreased hepatic iron and hepatic collagen content, increased the serum non-heme iron level but not serum ferritin level. Flavonoids supplementation also increased the excretion of iron through feces. In vitro study demonstrated that both flavonoids could release iron from ferritin. These results indicate that besides acting as antioxidants, both flavonoids can also release iron from liver and finally excrete it through feces. The present study provides further support for flavonoids to be medicines for iron overload diseases. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Iron overload is one of the most common metal related toxicity. Under this circumstance, excessive iron deposition in liver will lead to further injury such as hepatocellular necrosis, inflammation, fibrosis, and in some cases even to carcinoma. In this paper, the effect of a nature flavonoid, baicalin, on iron overload-induced mouse liver oxidative injury has been studied. It was found that when iron–dextran-induced iron overload, mice were fed baicalin-containing diet (0.25% and 1%) for 50 days, hepatic iron, liver-to-body weight ratio, and hepatic lipid peroxidation were dose-dependently decreased; while catalase activity, total antioxidant status, and serum iron content were dose dependently increased. The protective effect of baicalin on liver of iron overload mouse may due to both the antioxidant and iron chelation activities of baicalin. These data provide preliminary experimental support for baicalin as medicine for iron overload diseases. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

To explore the semi-supervised learning (SSL) algorithm for long-tail endoscopic image classification with limited annotations. We explored semi-supervised long-tail endoscopic image classification in HyperKvasir, the largest gastrointestinal public dataset with 23 diverse classes. Semi-supervised learning algorithm FixMatch was applied based on consistency regularization and pseudo-labeling. After splitting the training dataset and the test dataset at a ratio of 4:1, we sampled 20%, 50%, and 100% labeled training data to test the classification with limited annotations. The classification performance was evaluated by micro-average and macro-average evaluation metrics, with the Mathews correlation coefficient (MCC) as the overall evaluation. SSL algorithm improved the classification performance, with MCC increasing from 0.8761 to 0.8850, from 0.8983 to 0.8994, and from 0.9075 to 0.9095 with 20%, 50%, and 100% ratio of labeled training data, respectively. With a 20% ratio of labeled training data, SSL improved both the micro-average and macro-average classification performance; while for the ratio of 50% and 100%, SSL improved the micro-average performance but hurt macro-average performance. Through analyzing the confusion matrix and labeling bias in each class, we found that the pseudo-based SSL algorithm exacerbated the classifier's preference for the head class, resulting in improved performance in the head class and degenerated performance in the tail class. SSL can improve the classification performance for semi-supervised long-tail endoscopic image classification, especially when the labeled data is extremely limited, which may benefit the building of assisted diagnosis systems for low-volume hospitals. However, the pseudo-labeling strategy may amplify the effect of class imbalance, which hurts the classification performance for the tail class. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Evaluating the TFWGTE from enterprise perspective based on four-stage SBM-DEA model. • The average TFWGTE of 65 CISEs showed an upward trend from 2005 to 2014. • The improvement of TFWGTE is mainly due to the external environmental factors. • The improvement of environmental awareness has a positive effect in TFWGTE. • Electric furnace steelmaking has significant environmental positive externalities. Taking the four-stage SBM-DEA as the theoretical tool, this paper evaluates the total factor waste gas treatment efficiency (TFWGTE) of 65 Chinese iron and steel enterprises (CISEs) from 2005 to 2014. Then, after the influences of external environmental factors and statistical noise are eliminated, TFWGTE is decomposed into total factor waste gas managerial efficiency (TFWGME) and total factor waste gas environmental efficiency (TFWGEE), and the differences between TEWGTE, TEWGME and TEWGEE are systematically analysed from regional and enterprise perspectives. The results reveal that: (1) TFWGTE and TFWGEE showed an upward trend from 2005 to 2014, whereas TFWGME showed a downward trend from 2005 to 2014. The elimination of external environmental factors had provincial specific effects on TFWGTE; (2) By comparing the dynamic trends of TFWGTE in eastern, central and western regions, it is found that there are differences among different regions, which indicates that the external environmental factors in the region have an impact on TFWGTE; (3) In 4 provinces, TFWGME increased compared with TFWGTE, while in 23 provinces, TEWGME decreased compared with TFWGTE; (4) The Tobit regression results show that the command-and-control environmental regulation, environmental awareness and manufacturing process have significant effects on the input slacks of waste gas treatment, indicating that the strengthening of command-and-control environmental regulation, the improvement of environmental awareness, and the decline of the proportion of the short process can effectively reduce the input slacks of waste gas treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most research about Light and elevated Temperature Induced Degradation (LeTID) is focused on multicrystalline silicon (mc-Si). In this work, the degradation kinetics of Czochralski-grown monocrystalline silicon (Cz-Si) induced by light at an elevated temperature were studied in detail. The lifetime evolutions over time during (1) light soaking (LS), (2) dark annealing–light soaking (DA–LS), and (3) DA–LS cycling experiments were analyzed. Ratios of the capture coefficients for the electrons and holes (k-values) were used to characterize the possible defects responsible for degradation. We found that the behavior of degradation and recovery under light soaking with or without a dark annealing treatment was mostly like boron–oxygen (BO)-related degradation but gave k-values from 19 to 25. In the DA–LS cycling experiment, the max degradation amplitudes hardly changed from the second cycle, and the k-values decreased with an increase in the cycling number. We then analyzed the possible reactions in Cz-Si and discuss the relationship between BO defects and LeTID. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most research about Light and elevated Temperature Induced Degradation (LeTID) is focused on multicrystalline silicon (mc-Si). In this work, the degradation kinetics of Czochralski-grown monocrystalline silicon (Cz-Si) induced by light at an elevated temperature were studied in detail. The lifetime evolutions over time during (1) light soaking (LS), (2) dark annealing–light soaking (DA–LS), and (3) DA–LS cycling experiments were analyzed. Ratios of the capture coefficients for the electrons and holes (k-values) were used to characterize the possible defects responsible for degradation. We found that the behavior of degradation and recovery under light soaking with or without a dark annealing treatment was mostly like boron–oxygen (BO)-related degradation but gave k-values from 19 to 25. In the DA–LS cycling experiment, the max degradation amplitudes hardly changed from the second cycle, and the k-values decreased with an increase in the cycling number. We then analyzed the possible reactions in Cz-Si and discuss the relationship between BO defects and LeTID. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas are the most common types of cervical cancer. Compared to squamous cell carcinomas, adenocarcinomas are more common in younger women and have a poorer prognosis. Yet, so far, no useful biomarkers have been developed for these two types of cancer. In the following study, we examined the combination of cytokeratin 5/6, p63, p40 and MUC5AC for distinguishing squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) from adenocarcinoma of the cervix (AEC). Materials and methods: A total of 101 SCC and 108 AEC were collected. Immunohistochemical analyses were conducted to determine the expression of CK5/6, p63, p40, CK7 and MUC5AC. One pathologist who was blinded to the patient's clinical and pathological data interpreted the staining results. Results: MUC5AC and CK7 were detected in 81.48 and 82.41% of AEC cases compared to 9.9 and 49.50% of SCC cases (P < 0.05); the specificity of MUC5AC was higher than that of CK7 in AEC (P < 0.05). The sensitivity of MUC5AC combined with p40 or p63 was similar to that of CK7, but the specificity was slightly higher than that of CK7 in AEC. Moreover, the expression of MUC5AC was correlated with the degree of tumor differentiation in adenocarcinomas (P = 0.036) and was not related to the prognosis of cervical adenocarcinoma and subtypes. Conclusions: MUC5AC may be useful as a biomarker for differential diagnoses between squamous carcinoma and adenocarcinoma of the cervix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the main solid waste disposal method in China, landfill sites are considerable sources of methane (CH 4) and carbon dioxide (CO 2). This study characterized the seasonal variation of CH 4 and CO 2 effluxes at a large and well-managed final covered landfill site in China. A three-year monitoring program was conducted. There were two different seasonal variation patterns for hotspot and non-hotspot' CH 4 and CO 2 effluxes. For non-hotspots, the CH 4 and CO 2 effluxes' seasonal variations were mainly affected by the seasonal change of the landfill's cover soil respiration activity, particularly the CH 4 oxidation capability. CH 4 had a higher efflux in winter; in other seasons, the CH 4 efflux fluctuated around 0; the CO 2 effluxes were (1) increased in spring and peaked in summer or early autumn; (2) then, they decreased to a minimum value in late autumn or early winter; and (3) fluctuated with the CH 4 efflux in winter. The CH 4 emissions in winter account for 60.4–84.4% of the all year outputs. For the hotspots', the CH 4 and CO 2 effluxes seasonal variations were mainly determined by the seasonal change of the landfill cover's soil gas permeability. The ratio of CH 4 emissions in winter to the all year outputs range from 17.4 to 68.7%. Unlabelled Image • Two different seasonal patterns for hotspots and non-hotspots CH 4 and CO 2 effluxes • CH 4 emissions of non-hotspots in winter account for 60 to 84% of all year outputs • CH 4 emissions of hotspots in winter account for 17 to 69% of all year outputs [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study evaluated the effect of γ-aminobutyric acid transaminase (GABA-T) on reproduction in female rats. Our results showed that GABA-T expressed in the reproductive axis of female rats at different developmental stages, and inhibiting GABA-T affected Rfrp-3, Gnrh and Kiss1 mRNA transcription levels in hypothalamic and reduced the concentration of GABA-T, LH, and P4 in serum. At the same time, the initiation of the puberty was delayed, and led to disordered estrous cycle and reduced breastfeeding performance in adult female rats. This study showed that GABA-T affects the reproductive function of female rats by regulating the levels of Gnrh, Kiss1 and Rfrp-3 in the hypothalamus as well as the concentrations of LH and P4. This study explored the role of γ-aminobutyric acid transaminase (GABA-T) in the puberty and reproductive performance of female rats. Immunofluorescence technique, quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to detect the distribution of GABA-T and the expression of genes and hormones in female rats, respectively. The results showed that GABA-T was mainly distributed in the arcuate nucleus (ARC), paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and periventricular nucleus (PeN) of the hypothalamus, and in the adenohypophysis, ovarian granulosa cells and oocytes. Abat mRNA level at 28 d was lowest in the hypothalamus and the pituitary; at puberty, it was lowest in the ovary. Abat mRNA level was highest in adults in the hypothalamus; at infancy and puberty, it was highest in the pituitary; and at 21 d it was highest in the ovary. After vigabatrin (GABA-T irreversible inhibitor) was added to hypothalamus cells, the levels of Abat mRNA and Rfrp-3 mRNA were significantly reduced, but Gnrh mRNA increased at the dose of 25 and 50 μg/mL; Kiss1 mRNA was significantly increased but Gabbr1 mRNA was reduced at the 50 μg/mL dose. In prepubertal rats injected with vigabatrin, puberty onset was delayed. Abat mRNA, Kiss1 mRNA and Gnrh mRNA levels were significantly reduced, but Rfrp-3 mRNA level increased in the hypothalamus. Vigabatrin reduced the concentrations of GABA-T, luteinizing hormone (LH) and progesterone (P4), and the ovarian index. Lactation performance was reduced in adult rats with vigabatrin treatment. Four hours after vigabatrin injection, the concentrations of GABA-T and LH were significantly reduced in adult and 25 d rats, but follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) increased in 25 d rats. In conclusion, GABA-T affects the reproductive function of female rats by regulating the levels of Gnrh, Kiss1 and Rfrp-3 in the hypothalamus as well as the concentrations of LH and P4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the manufacturing processes panel data for 42 iron and steel enterprises (ISEs) in China from 2005 to 2014, a data envelopment analysis (DEA) model with undesirable output and a Malmquist-Luenberger (ML) index model are used to calculate the pollution control efficiency (PCE) and its variation trend of China's 42 ISEs. The results show that the comprehensive PCE of the 42 ISEs is relatively low, and the PCE of short-process enterprises is better than that of long-process enterprises. The total factor pollution control efficiency (TFPCE) of China's ISEs with a short process presents an increasing trend, which is mainly attributed to the increase of the technical change, while the efficiency change has a slight negative effect. In contrast, the TFPCE of ISEs with a long process is in the trend of decreasing, which is mainly affected by the decline of the technical change, while the efficiency change has a slight positive effect. In addition, the PCE varies significantly across regions and ISEs. Among 42 ISEs, the TFPCE of 18 enterprises shows an increasing trend, while that of 24 enterprises presents a decreasing trend. • We use the SBM-DEA model to measure the pollution control efficiency. • The ML index is used to analyse the change in the pollution control efficiency. • The pollution control efficiency of China's iron and steel industry is relatively low. • The pollution control efficiency shows differences in different manufacturing processes. • The pollution control efficiency varies significantly across regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The H6 subtype of avian influenza viruses (AIVs) has emerged as one of the predominant subtypes in both wild and domestic avian species. Currently, H6 AIVs have acquired the ability to infect a wide range of mammals, though the related molecular mechanisms have yet to be fully investigated. In this study, a wild bird-origin H6N2 AIV was isolated from the East Asian–Australasian migratory flyway region located in Liaoning Province. This H6N2 virus initially expressed limited replication in mice. However, after one passage in mice, the virus acquired two mutations, PB2 E627K and HA A110V. The mutant displayed enhanced replication both in vitro and in vivo, proving lethal to mice. But the mutant retained the α-2, 3-linked sialic acid binding property and failed to transmit in guinea pigs. We explored the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenicity difference between the wild type and the mutant. Our findings revealed that PB2 E627K dramatically enhanced the polymerase activity of the H6N2 virus, while the HA A110V mutation decreased the pH of HA activation. This study demonstrated that the H6N2 subtype wild bird-origin AIV easily acquired the mammalian adaptation. The monitoring and evaluation of H6 wild bird-origin AIV should be strengthened. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Solar-driven interface evaporation is promising to alleviate the fresh water scarcity in an economical and sustainable way. However, most of currently reported photothermal conversion materials (PMs) are time-consuming costly, inefficient, or complex preparation process, which causes low utilization efficiency, and difficult to be practical for large-scale application. To solve this problem, a facile and green strategy for preparing hydrogel evaporator (SiO 2 -PILs/starch) by grafting poly(ionic liquid)s onto silica and doping it with starch is proposed. Benefiting from the broad solar absorption (ca. 91 %), strong hydrophilic, and superb salt tolerance and stain resistance of SiO 2 -PILs/starch. Under 1 sun irradiation, the SiO 2 -PILs/starch achieves a remarkable solar evaporation efficiency of 91.72 % in pure water and 81.45 % in 20 wt% NaCl solution, respectively. In particular, SiO 2 -PILs/starch exhibited outstanding long-term salt stability (8 h) and crystalline salt can be self-cleaned in the dark environment. It is worth noting that the prepared hydrogel also possesses a satisfied evaporation efficiency of 75.84 % in oily wastewater (3 wt% n -hexadecane solution) due to its excellent water retention. These properties of SiO 2 -PILs/starch may provide desperately needed solution for efficient desalination and guaranteed high applicability and durability in practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the relationships between stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1ɑ) and renal cell carcinoma (RCC) susceptibility and the presence of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the human X-ray cross-complementary repair gene (XRCC1). Compare SDF-1 based on RCC related data in the TCGA database α, The expression difference of XRCC1 between RCC tissue and normal tissue; Collect 166 newly diagnosed RCC cases and 166 healthy individuals who underwent physical examinations during the same period, and detect genotype using iMLDR method. The results The rs1801157 locus (C:T) of the SDF-1α gene was not significantly associated with the pathohistological type, the rs1799782 locus (G:A) of the XRCC1 gene was associated with the pathohistological type of RCC, and there were interactions between rs1799782 and smoking, alcohol consumption, pesticide exposure, hair dye, and urine holding. The rs1799782 locus of the XRCC1 gene may be a key factor in the pathogenesis and pathological development of RCC. High SDF-1ɑ expression is a protective factor for the overall survival of patients with RCC, and SDF-1ɑ and XRCC1 may be important for the treatment of RCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taking the regional production restriction policy in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and surrounding areas (BTH2+26) -- Chinese off-peak production (COPP) policy in heating season from 2017 -- as a quasi-natural experiment, this paper adopts the DID method to explore how the COPP policy impacts firms' green transition from the dual perspective of pollutant emissions reduction and efficiency gains and its internal mechanism. The results show that: (1) The COPP policy can significantly reduce air pollutant emissions without decreasing the TFP of Chinese heavy-polluting listed companies in BTH2+26. (2) Mechanism analysis find that the COPP policy can achieve firms' green transition that combined emission reduction and efficiency gains, which is due to the promotion effect of technological innovation activities and the reduction effect of environmental costs. (3) Further analysis shows that the COPP policy on the innovation output ability of Chinese heavy-polluting companies in BTH2+26 is greater than that on the innovation input ability. (4) Heterogeneity analysis shows that the COPP policy has a more significant promoting effect on the green transition of private enterprises. Our paper can provide empirical evidence and policy recommendation for the Chinese government to promote pollution control in specific regions. • The COPP significantly reduces pollution without reducing the productivity of Chinese heavy-polluting enterprises. • The COPP affects the innovation output ability of Chinese heavy-polluting enterprises is greater than input. • The COPP mainly affects the TFP of enterprises by promoting green innovation and improving environmental cost efficiency. • The COPP can promote the TFP of non-state-owned enterprises more than that of state-owned enterprises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]