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Mechanoluminescence (ML) with the unique mechanical‐to‐optical energy conversion attracts wide attention for stress sensing. However, the development of ML materials is primarily based on crystalline material due to the crystal structure can provide an appropriate crystal field environment for emission center, which limits the expansion of ML materials and affects the deeper understanding of ML mechanism. Herein, the tunable full‐color ML can be achieved in transparent amorphous glass system. The rare earth‐doped transparent amorphous glass can produce ML under stress stimulations when in direct contact with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) or mixed with PDMS to prepare the ML elastomers. Based on the excellent ML performance of amorphous glass, an advanced device regarding the visualized detection of automotive brake tribo‐force has been developed. The findings provide profound insights into the triboelectric potential induced ML phenomenon, which offers the guiding significance in the mechanics‐related visualized detection and the design of multi‐color ML materials in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies the salvo attack problem for multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) against a maneuvering target, and a guidance scheme based on distributed model predictive control (DMPC) is presented to achieve cooperative interception with constraints of terminal impact angle and no-fly zone (or obstacle) avoidance. Firstly, for guaranteeing the synchronization of UAVs in calculating their acceleration commands, the assumed predictive trajectories are introduced, whose deviation from the actual state trajectories is limited by the designed compatibility constraints. Secondly, based on the velocity-obstacle model, the obstacle avoidance constraints are presented, and for guaranteeing the convergence of impact time and impact angles, the auxiliary controller and terminal ingredients are developed, which complete the design of DMPC cooperative guidance scheme. Subsequently, the rigorous proof for the convergence of the proposed guidance scheme is provided. Based on the above design, a complete implementation process of the guidance scheme is presented, in which each UAV uses the particle swarm optimization algorithm to solve the preprocessed local optimization problem, and only the shared information among neighbors is utilized for calculation. Finally, the numerical simulations are conducted under diverse cases, which demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed guidance scheme when solving cooperative interception problems with terminal angle and obstacle avoidance constraints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The differences in the luminescent performance of phosphors determine their application in diverse occasions. However, the development of Eu2+ ion doped phosphors materials with high optical properties is not satisfactory due to the harsh synthesis conditions. Herein, a series of Sr 4 Al 14 O 25 : Eu2+, Nd3+, Tm3+ are constructed by high temperature solid reaction without applying reducing gas and protective gas. The charge mismatch caused by the unequal substitution promotes the spontaneous reduction of Eu3+ ions to Eu2+. Nd3+ and Tm3+ are co-doped into Sr 4 Al 14 O 25 : Eu2+ to regulate the trap structure, and photoluminescence, long persistent luminescence, photo-stimulated luminescence and mechanoluminescence of Eu2+ ions are simultaneously achieved in Sr 4 Al 14 O 25 : Eu2+, Nd3+, Tm3+. The relationship between trap and optical performance is explored in detail, and the temperature effect during mechanoluminescence is demonstrated for the first time. This research provides a new idea for the rapid synthesis of highly optical performance Eu2+-doped phosphors in air. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid development of mechanoluminescence (ML)‐based stress‐sensing has drawn wide concern for real‐time stress‐visualized detection. While the traditional ML‐intensity‐dependent stress‐sensing is challenged in terms of reliability and stress‐sensing visualization, ratiometric ML featured with stress‐dependent ML color variation provides an alternative solution. Herein, a strategy based on the manipulation of initial ML threshold of the individual phosphor via the flexible sandwich structure to realize ratiometric ML has been proposed. The two independent ML materials with different stress‐sensitivity can be incorporated into a sandwich structure to construct ratiometric ML, where the stress‐dependent ML color variation can be feasibly modified by means of judicious adjustment of sandwich structure. This strategy offers a versatile and convenient design solution for ratiometric ML aiming at stress‐visualized quantitative analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured with specific relationship between luminescence intensity and stress, mechanoluminescence (ML) has shown great application potential in stress sensing. However, the uncertainty in acquisition of absolute ML intensity may cause significant error in ML‐intensity‐based stress sensing. A ratiometric ML scheme has been recently proposed as an alternative solution to circumvent such problem. In this paper, a novel strategy based on a lanthanide structural probe is demonstrated to realize the ratiometric ML for stress sensing, where the stress‐induced change in local site symmetry leads to the establishment of the relationship between the ML asymmetry ratio of the structural probe and the applied stress. This strategy offers a brand‐new design solution toward ratiometric ML aiming at improving the reliability of stress sensing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluorescent anti‐counterfeiting technologies have become indispensable by virtue of their high concealment properties. In this work, the observation of the characteristic emission originated from Eu2+ and Eu3+ ions in CaYAl3O7 realizes a dual‐mode anti‐counterfeiting strategy. The host matrix provides an environment, where blue and red emission could be manipulated with the introduction of Nd3+ ions for the reduced occupation of Eu3+ in the sites of Y3+ ions. Moreover, the photoluminescence spectra of these samples exhibit time and temperature‐dependent dynamic changes thanks to the capture and release of carriers in the reconstructed traps induced by Nd3+ ions. Herein, a multi‐stimuli responsive dynamic and static anti‐counterfeiting could be achieved in this work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) is a widely spread and evolutionarily conserved process across species during development. In Ciona embryogenesis, the notochord cells undergo the transition from the non-polarized mesenchymal state into the polarized endothelial-like state to initiate the lumen formation between adjacent cells. Based on previously screened MET-related transcription factors by ATAC-seq and Smart-Seq of notochord cells, Ciona robusta Snail (Ci-Snail) was selected for its high-level expression during this period. Our current knockout results demonstrated that Ci-Snail was required for notochord cell MET. Importantly, overexpression of the transcription factor Brachyury in notochord cells resulted in a similar phenotype with failure of lumen formation and MET. More interestingly, expression of Ci-Snail in the notochord cells at the late tailbud stage could partially rescue the MET defect caused by Brachyury-overexpression. These results indicated an inverse relationship between Ci-Snail and Brachyury during notochord cell MET, which was verified by RT-qPCR analysis. Moreover, the overexpression of Ci-Snail could significantly inhibit the transcription of Brachyury, and the CUT&Tag-qPCR analysis demonstrated that Ci-Snail is directly bound to the upstream region of Brachyury. In summary, we revealed that Ci-Snail promoted the notochord cell MET and was essential for lumen formation via transcriptionally repressing Brachyury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Long persistent luminescence (LPL) phosphors can keep emitting light after the removal of excitation sources under thermal disturbances at room temperature, which provides a wide application from emergency signs to in vivo biological imaging. Unfortunately, these phosphors will exhibit poor LPL performance once the thermal activation energy is not sufficient to release the captured carriers from the traps at low-temperature. Herein, a red phosphor of Pr3+ doped NaNbO 3 with a perovskite structure is designed, which realizes a low-temperature LPL. The red emission (λ em = 612 nm) is ascribed to the 1D 2 →3H 4 transition of Pr3+ ions, and LPL can be visually recognized over 16 h after the removal of the excitation source at 200 K. Low-temperature thermoluminescence curves, temperature-dependent photoluminescence spectra indicate that abundant traps (≤ 0.6 eV) exist in NaNbO 3 : Pr3+, which is critical for ensuring the low-temperature LPL. The investigation on low-temperature LPL properties of NaNbO 3 : Pr3+ helps us to reveal the importance of defects structure, and provides new opportunities in exploring luminescence materials applied in an extreme conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a complex environment, security and reliability of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) dynamic obstacle-avoidance becomes one of the key technology researches. To this end, considering the collision-avoidance effect of the potential threatening obstacles on UAV; firstly, establish an obstacle avoidance model with three-dimensional space and put forward a method of space obstacle spherical cap(SC), achieve quantization for the perceived obstacles effect through the SC parameters; and then, transform the potential threatening obstacles SC into the range of infeasible velocity vector direction, realize the overall consideration of UAV on all perceived obstacles effect, and receive the obstacle-avoidance velocity vector direction upon considering the influence of the potential threat obstacles and the space angle of obstacle-avoidance deflection is the smallest. Finally, the proposed UAV autonomous obstacle-avoidance algorithm based on grading model is applied to on-line path planning of the three-dimensional five Pythagorean Hodograph (PH) curve, the simulation results verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemokines and adhesion molecules are major inflammatory mediators of chronic and recurrent vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC). Sulforaphane (SFN) is a natural plant extract that is known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. SFN is demonstrated to be effective against a variety of human diseases. The current investigation examines the effects and the molecular mechanisms of SFN on cytokine-induced human corneal fibroblasts (HCFs) expression of adhesion molecules and chemokines. HCFs were exposed to both interleukin (IL)-4 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in the absence or presence of SFN treatment. The levels of thymus- and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC) and eotaxin-1 in culture supernatants were evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis (RT-PCR) enabled quantification of mRNA levels of vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1, eotaxin-1, and TARC along with cytokine receptors. An immunoblotting assay was used to evaluate the activities of VCAM-1, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), signal transducer and activator of transcription factor (STAT)6 pathways, along with the expression of the cytokine receptors including IL-4 receptor (R)α, IL-13Rα1, TNFRI, as well as TNFRII. SFN inhibited TARC and eotaxin-1 release in HCFs stimulated by TNF-α and IL-4 in a manner dependent on dose and time. SFN suppressed transcriptions of TARC, eotaxin-1, and VCAM-1. Furthermore, the mRNA and protein expression levels of IL-4Rα, TNFRI, and TNFRII were also attenuated by SFN exposure, however, those of IL-13Rα1 remained unaffected. In addition, SFN downregulated the expression of VCAM-1 and the phosphorylation of MAPKs, IκBα, and STAT6. These results suggest that SFN inhibited cytokine-stimulated TARC, eotaxin-1 secretion as well as VCAM-1 expression in HCFs, with these effects likely occurring as a result of cytokine receptor inhibition and attenuation of MAPK, NF-κB, and STAT6 signaling. SFN may therefore have therapeutic potential in VKC treatment. • TNF-α and IL-4 induce TARC, eotaxin-1 and VCAM-1 expression in corneal fibroblasts. • Sulforaphane inhibits cytokine-stimulated TARC, VCAM-1, and eotaxin-1 expressions. • Sulforaphane exerts its effects by inhibiting the expression of cytokine receptors. • Sulforaphane exerts its effects by inhibiting MAPK, NF-κB, and STAT6 signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulforaphane (SFN) is an organosulfur compound categorized as an isothiocyanate (ITC), primarily extracted from cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cabbage. The molecular formula of sulforaphane (SFN) is C6H11NOS2. SFN is generated by the hydrolysis of glucoraphanin (GRP) through the enzyme myrosinase, showing notable properties including anti‐diabetic, anti‐inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti‐angiogenic, and anticancer attributes. Ongoing clinical trials are investigating its potential in diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes‐related complications, chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and liver diseases. Several animal carcinogenesis models and cell culture models have shown it to be a very effective chemopreventive agent, and the protective effects of SFN in ophthalmic diseases have been linked to multiple mechanisms. In murine models of diabetic retinopathy and age‐related macular degeneration, SFN delays retinal photoreceptor cell degeneration through the Nrf2 antioxidative pathway, NF‐κB pathway, AMPK pathway, and Txnip/mTOR pathway. In rabbit models of keratoconus and cataract, SFN has been shown to protect corneal and lens epithelial cells from oxidative stress injury by activating the Keap1‐Nrf2‐ARE pathway and the Nrf‐2/HO‐1 antioxidant pathway. Oral delivery or intraperitoneal injection at varying concentrations are the primary strategies for SFN intake in current preclinical studies. Challenges remain in the application of SFN in eye disorders due to its weak solubility in water and limited bioavailability because of the presence of blood–ocular barrier systems. This review comprehensively outlines recent research on SFN, elucidates its mechanisms of action, and discusses potential therapeutic benefits for eye disorders such as age‐related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy (DR), cataracts, and other ophthalmic diseases, while also indicating directions for future clinical research to achieve efficient SFN treatment for ophthalmic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problem of nitrogen (N) excess and magnesium (Mg) deficiency in farmland is becoming more common, severe, and widespread in southern China. Magnesium is known to be an essential nutrient for higher plants; however, the physiological responses of field crops to Mg deficiency, particularly to its interaction with N forms, remain largely unknown. In this study, a hydroponic experiment was conducted using three Mg levels (0.01, 1.00, and 5.00 mM) and three nitrate/ammonium ratios (NO 3 −/NH 4 + of 0/100, 25/75, and 50/50) under greenhouse conditions. The results show that Mg deficiency (0.01 mM) could result in yellow leaves, dwarf plants, and fewer tillers during rice growth. Furthermore, Mg deficiency induced a major reduction in root morphology and activity, photosynthetic properties, and nutrient accumulation, while it resulted in a clear increase in malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase activities in rice. However, under Mg-deficiency stress, the supply of partial NO 3 − led to a significant drop in these antioxidant enzyme activities. Moreover, partial NO 3 − supply significantly improved the net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, and intercellular CO 2 concentrations under Mg-deficiency conditions. In particular, the supply of partial NO 3 − dramatically promoted the growth of the root system, boosted the occurrence of lateral roots, and enhanced root vitality under Mg-deficiency stress. Additionally, the supply of partial NO 3 − led to significant increases in dry weight and N and Mg contents under Mg deficiency. The results of this study suggest that the symptoms of Mg-deficiency stress in rice can be alleviated by partial NO 3 − supply. • The symptoms of magnesium-deficiency stress in rice can be alleviated by partial NO 3 − supply. • Magnesium and NO 3 − had significant synergistic effects on agronomic and physiologic relevance in rice. • Under Mg-deficiency stress, suppling partial NO 3 − lead to a significant drop in antioxidant enzyme activities. • The optimal ratio of NO 3 −/NH 4 + is 25%/75% when rice plants are grown under low Mg conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dual-specificity tyrosine-(Y)-phosphorylation-regulated kinase 1 (DYRK1) encodes a conserved protein kinase that is indispensable to neuron development. However, whether DYRK1 possesses additional functions apart from kinase function remains poorly understood. In this study, we firstly demonstrated that the C-terminal of ascidian Ciona robusta DYRK1 (CrDYRK1) showed transcriptional activation activity independent of its kinase function. The transcriptional activation activity of CrDYRK1 could be autoinhibited by a repression domain in the N-terminal. More excitingly, both activation and repression domains were retained in HsDYRK1A in humans. The genes, activated by the activation domain of HsDYRK1A, are mainly involved in ion transport and neuroactive ligand–receptor interaction. We further found that numerous mutation sites relevant to the DYRK1A-related intellectual disability syndrome locate in the C-terminal of HsDYRK1A. Then, we identified several specific DNA motifs in the transcriptional regulation region of those activated genes. Taken together, we identified a conserved transcription activation domain in DYRK1 in urochordates and vertebrates. The activation is independent of the kinase activity of DYRK1 and can be repressed by its own N-terminal. Transcriptome and mutation data indicate that the transcriptional activation ability of HsDYRK1A is potentially involved in synaptic transmission and neuronal function related to the intellectual disability syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new polythiophene-based conjugated polymers Poly{3-[(4-{[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]amino}cyclohexylidene)methyl]thiophene} ( P1 ), Poly{3-[(4-{[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]amino}cyclohexylidene)methyl]thiophene} ( P2 ) and Poly{3-{[4-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)cyclohexylidene]methyl}thiophene} ( P3 ) have been synthesized by FeCl 3 oxidative polymerization. Among the common metal ions tested, P1 , P2 and P3 exhibited high selectivity and sensitivity toward Hg 2+ in methanol aqueous solutions at pH 3 with a turn-off mode in which the detection limit of P3 for Hg 2+ reached a level of 10 −8 M. Additionally, the fluorescence of P1 in Tris–HCl buffer solution could be dramatically quenched in the presence of Cu 2+ with a detection limit of 10 −9 M. These sensing processes for Hg 2+ and Cu 2+ have been shown to be mediated by electrostatic effects and complexation. In addition, the P1 –Cu 2+ system was also employed as a turn-on fluorescence probe for the label-free detection of amino acids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exploration of the high thermal stability near‐infrared (NIR) phosphors is significantly crucial for the development of plant lighting. However, NIR phosphors suffer from the poor chemical and thermal stability, which severely limits their long‐term operation. Here, the successful improvement of luminous intensity (149.5%) and thermal stability at 423 K of Zn3Ga2GeO8 (ZGGO): Cr3+ phosphors is achieved for the introduction of Al3+ ions into the host. The release of carriers in deep traps inhibits the emission loss for the thermal disturbance. Furthermore, an NIR light emitting diodes (LEDs) lamp is explored by combining the optimized Zn3Ga1.1675Al0.8GeO8: 0.0325Cr3+ phosphors with a commercial 460 nm blue chip, and the emission band can match well with the absorption bands of photosynthetic pigments and the phytochrome (PR and PFR) of plants. The explored LEDs lamp further determines the growth and the pheromone content of the involved plants for the participation of the NIR emission originated from Cr3+ ions. Our work provides a promising NIR lamp as plant light with improved thermal stability for long‐term operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of long-term fertilizer on ammonia (NH) volatilization in a double rice-cropping system is not well documented. A long-term fertilizer experiment in Chinese double rice-cropping systems initiated in 1990 was used in this study to evaluate the NH volatilization. Six fertilizer treatments were designed, including inorganic fertilizer [nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer (NP), nitrogen and potassium fertilizer (NK), and balanced mineral fertilizer (NPK)], combined inorganic/organic fertilizers at full and reduced rate (FOM and ROM), and no fertilizer application (served as control). Ammonia volatilization fluxes were measured using a continuous airflow enclosure method during double rice growing seasons from 2007 to 2009. Results showed that the cumulative NH volatilizations in the fertilizer plots ranged from 12.8 to 27.3 kg N ha for the early rice season and from 17.3 to 32.7 kg N ha for the late rice season, which accounted for 9.2-33.6 % and 17.8-32.2 % of the applied N, respectively. The NH concentration in floodwater is a predominant factor to NH losses in the double rice-cropping systems. Compared with the NPK, the cumulative NH volatilizations during double rice growing seasons were respectively increased by 9.7, 50.6, and 37.6 % for the NP, NK, and FOM plots, respectively, while they were decreased by 24.6 % for the ROM plots. Compared with the NPK, N uptakes by rice were decreased by 7.2-49.7 % with imbalanced fertilizer application (NP and NK), while they were increased by 9.6-41.0 % with combined inorganic/organic fertilizers application (ROM and FOM). Grain yields were comparable among the NPK, ROM, and FOM treatments, but they were declined by the treatments with imbalanced fertilizer application. These results suggested that agricultural economic viability and NH volatilization mitigation can be simultaneously achieved by balanced inorganic and organic fertilizers application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phenomenon whereby ammonium enhances the tolerance of rice seedlings (Oryza sativa L., cv. ‘Shanyou 63’ hybrid indica China) to water stress has been reported in previous studies. To study the intrinsic mechanism of biomass synthesis related to photosynthesis, hydroponic experiments supplying different nitrogen (N) forms were conducted; water stress was simulated by the addition of polyethylene glycol. Water stress decreased leaf water potential (Ψleaf) under nitrate nutrition, while it had no negative effect under ammonium nutrition. The decreased Ψleaf under nitrate nutrition resulted in chloroplast downsizing and subsequently decreased mesophyll conductance to CO2 (gm). The decreased gm and stomatal conductance (gs) under nitrate nutrition with water stress restrained the CO2 supply to the chloroplast and Rubisco. The relatively higher distribution of leaf N to Rubisco under ammonium nutrition might also be of benefit for photosynthesis under water stress. In conclusion, chloroplast downsizing induced a decline in gm, a relatively higher decrease in gs under nitrate nutrition with water stress, restrained the CO2 supply to Rubisco and finally decreased the photosynthetic rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The multicolor luminescence property are designed by excitation wavelength fine-selectivity. • A opto-responsive delayed emission has been well-established. • The phosphor can achieve multi-model optical output. Luminescent materials are one of the most fascinating candidates for the field of data communication and information security because of their special optical characteristics. Unfortunately, unimodal output of luminescent performance reaches unsatisfied security of anti-counterfeiting. Hence, achieving multicolor, multitemporal, and multimodal luminescence performance simultaneously is still a fascinating target, especially in a single host. Here, multi-model optical output is realized for the multiple emission centers of CaAl 2 Si 2 O 8 doped with Eu3+/Eu2+ ions. Moreover, a successive defect structure is constructed via the introduction of Nd3+ ions, which enables the thermo-/photon- responded luminescence properties. Herein, an efficient three-path authenticating model that performs a dynamic multiple color response and stimulated-sources dependent emission is accomplished in the CaAl 2 Si 2 O 8 host matrix. The explored multichannel approach offers a unique insight for designing advanced anti-counterfeiting technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The temperature-dependent long persistent luminescence decay curves, temperature-dependent thermoluminescence curves, temperature-dependent long persistent luminescence brightness and temperature-dependent long persistent luminescence model diagram. • NaBaScSi 2 O 7 possesses stable crystal structure at above room temperature. • Tb3+ was introduced in NaBaScSi 2 O 7 to generate feasible trap structure. • The LPL time of NaBaScSi 2 O 7 : Tb3+ reaches more than 12 h at 353 K. • NaBaScSi 2 O 7 : Tb3+ have potential application in tropical environment display. Thermal energy induces long persistent luminescent (LPL) at room temperature, however, the performance is deteriorated for an accelerated release of carriers once these LPL phosphors were employed in an ambient environment with higher temperature such as in vivo imaging, or display in tropical environment. In this work, we report that NaBaScSi 2 O 7 possessing stable crystal structure at high temperature, with the introduction of Tb3+ ions acting as emitting and traps centers, exhibits an obvious LPL properties above room temperature. The LPL time reaches more than 12 h at 353 K, thanks to the feasible trap depth ensuring the slowly release of the captured carriers. Outstanding chemical and physical stability guarantees the developed LPL phosphor could be applied for display and biological imaging above room temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corneal stromal fibroblasts are connected to each other via gap junctions, which contribute to maintenance of corneal homeostasis. Viral infection of the corneal stroma can result in inflammation and scarring. The effects of polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid [poly(I:C)], an analog of viral double-stranded RNA, on gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) in cultured human corneal fibroblasts (HCFs) were examined. Cultured HCFs were exposed to poly(I:C) in the absence or presence of inhibitors of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling or the antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC). Expression of the gap junction protein connexin 43 (Cx43) was examined by immunoblot and immunofluorescence analyses. The level of Cx43 mRNA or microRNA-21 or −130a was determined by quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction analysis. GJIC was measured with a dye coupling assay. The amount of malondialdehyde and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured with assay kits. Exposure of HCFs to poly(I:C) resulted in down-regulation of Cx43 expression and GJIC activity as well as in up-regulation of microRNA-21 expression. Poly(I:C) increased the amount of malondialdehyde and reduced the activity of SOD in the cells, and these effects were prevented by NAC. The inhibitory effects of poly(I:C) on both Cx43 expression and GJIC activity were attenuated by NAC and by c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor II. Poly(I:C) inhibited Cx43 expression and GJIC in cultured HCFs, possibly as a result of the associated up-regulation of microRNA-21. Poly(I:C) also increased oxidative stress in these cells, and such stress together with signaling by the MAPK JNK was implicated in the effects of poly(I:C) on Cx43 expression and GJIC activity. Down-regulation of GJIC activity among corneal fibroblasts by double-stranded RNA may thus contribute to the disruption of stromal homeostasis during viral infection of the cornea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tunicates occupy the evolutionary position at the boundary of invertebrates and vertebrates. It exhibits adaptation to broad environmental conditions and is distributed globally. Despite hundreds of years of embryogenesis studies, the genetic basis of the invasive habits of ascidians remains largely unknown. The leathery sea squirt, Styela clava, is an important invasive species. We used the chromosomal‐level genome and transcriptome of S. clava to explore its genomic‐ and molecular‐network‐based mechanisms of adaptation to environments. Compared with Ciona intestinalis type A (C. robusta), the size of the S. clava genome was expanded by 2‐fold, although the gene number was comparable. An increase in transposon number and variation in dominant types were identified as potential expansion mechanisms. In the S. clava genome, the number of genes encoding the heat‐shock protein 70 family and members of the complement system was expanded significantly, and cold‐shock protein genes were transferred horizontally into the S. clava genome from bacteria. The expanded gene families potentially play roles in the adaptation of S. clava to its environments. The loss of key genes in the galactan synthesis pathway might explain the distinct tunic structure and hardness compared with the ascidian Ciona species. We demonstrated further that the integrated thyroid hormone pathway participated in the regulation of larval metamorphosis that provides S. clava with two opportunities for adapting to their environment. Thus, our report of the chromosomal‐level leathery sea squirt genome provides a comprehensive genomic basis for the understanding of environmental adaptation in tunicates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Thermal quenching has been extensively regarded as one of the most significant challenges that limits the application of phosphors in today's world. Further effort is urgently required to understand the mechanism of thermal stability for achieving the improved performance of these phosphors. Sr 2 Ga 2 GeO 7 : Pr3+ has been synthesized by the conventional high temperature solid state reaction. A dominant green emitting is presented for the partial energy transition quenching process of the 3P 0 →3H 4 emission. The defect states structure is improved via the introducing of co-solvents, and the thermal stability of 1D 2 →3H 4 and 3P 0 →3H 4 levels can be further adjusted. The intervalence charge transfer (IVCT) and traps are introduced to explain the luminescence quenching properties of Sr 2 Ga 2 GeO 7 : Pr3+. The synergy of various models will provide a new idea for improving the luminescence stability of phosphors in the future. Graphical abstract With the increase of temperature, the thermal quenching temperature of 1D 2 and 3P 0 level is mainly due to the different effects of defects and IVCT on two levels. fx1 Highlights • The thermal stability mechanism of Sr 2 Ga 2 GeO 7 : Pr3+ needs to be further studied. • The introducing of co-solvents changes defect states structure. • The thermal stability of 1D 2 →3H 4 and 3P 0 →3H 4 levels is relative to IVCT and traps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corneal alkali burn (AB) is a blindness-causing ocular trauma commonly seen in clinics. An excessive inflammatory reaction and stromal collagen degradation contribute to corneal pathological damage. Luteolin (LUT) has been studied for its anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, the effect of LUT on cornea stromal collagen degradation and inflammatory damage in rats with corneal alkali burn was investigated. After corneal alkali burn, rats were randomly assigned to the AB group and AB + LUT group and received an injection of saline and LUT (200 mg/kg) once daily. Subsequently, corneal opacity, epithelial defects, inflammation and neovascularization (NV) were observed and recorded on Days 1, 2, 3, 7 and 14 post-injury. The concentration of LUT in ocular surface tissues and anterior chamber, as well as the levels of collagen degradation, inflammatory cytokines, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their activity in the cornea were detected. Human corneal fibroblasts (HCFs) were co-cultured with interleukin (IL)-1β and LUT. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were assessed by CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry respectively. Measurement of hydroxyproline (HYP) in culture supernatants was used to quantify the amount of collagen degradation. Plasmin activity was also assessed. ELISA or real-time PCR was used to detect the production of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), IL-8, IL-6 and monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1. Furthermore, the immunoblot method was used to assess the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), transforming growth factor-β-activated kinase (TAK)-1, activator protein-1 (AP-1) and inhibitory protein IκB-α. At last, immunofluorescence staining helped to develop nuclear factor (NF)-κB. LUT was detectable in ocular tissues and anterior chamber after intraperitoneal injection. An intraperitoneal injection of LUT ameliorated alkali burn-elicited corneal opacity, corneal epithelial defects, collagen degradation, NV, and the infiltration of inflammatory cells. The mRNA expressions of IL-1β, IL-6, MCP-1, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A, and MMPs in corneal tissue were downregulated by LUT intervention. And its administration reduced the protein levels of IL-1β, collagenases, and MMP activity. Furthermore, in vitro study showed that LUT inhibited IL-1β-induced type I collagen degradation and the release of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines by corneal stromal fibroblasts. LUT also inhibited the IL-1β-induced activation of TAK-1, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), c-Jun, and NF-κB signaling pathways in these cells. Our results demonstrate that LUT inhibited alkali burn-stimulated collagen breakdown and corneal inflammation, most likely by attenuating the IL-1β signaling pathway. LUT may therefore prove to be of clinical value for treating corneal alkali burns. • Luteolin's impact on alkali burn-induced collagen degradation was mediated through decreasing MMPs' production and activity. • Luteolin alleviated corneal opacity and inflammation induced by alkali burn through reducing inflammatory factors expression. • Luteolin may possess an anti-angiogenesis effect. • The inflammatory signaling pathways were modulated by luteolin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Comprehensive analysis of the inherent laws and the biomechanic principles of human walking with load carriage and building kinematics, and kinematics model of human walking with load carriage, are very meaningful for the development of devices and apparatus that are related to human walking with load carriage, such as a lower limb exoskeleton.Objective: The gait experiment of human walking with load carriage is designed and performed in this paper.Methods: The obtained video is marked and analyzed by using SIMI motion analytical software. The space motion coordinates at each body's mark point that is needed in the kinematics model of established human walking with load carriage is obtained. Based on inverse kinematics, a dynamic model of human walking with load carriage is established. The SPSS statistical analysis software is used for statistical processing for determining key gait parameters.Results: The influence of load and speed on the walking gait parameters is analyzed systematically.Conclusions: The method provides a theoretical basis for the design of an exoskeleton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and background: Soil fertility quality index is a useful indicator that helps to improve sustainable land use management and achieve economical yield in agriculture production. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the changes of soil fertility quality between the 1980s and 2000s in different cropping systems and its significance to crop productivity and sustainability. Methods: We collected all published data on crop yields and soil parameters from 58 long-term experiments in three typical double-cropping systems in China, including maize-wheat (M-W), rice-rice (R-R) and rice-wheat (R-W) cropping systems, and selected seven fertilizer treatments in each experiment, including inorganic fertilizer [nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer (NP), nitrogen and potassium fertilizer (NK), phosphorus and potassium fertilizer (PK) and balanced mineral fertilizer (NPK)], combined NPK with farmyard manure (NPKM) or crop straw (NPKS), and no fertilizer application (served as control). For comparison, an integrated fertility quality index (IFQI) was used to estimate the variations in soil fertility in different cropping systems. Moreover, the mean production variability index (PVI, %) in each cropping system was calculated to evaluate the stability of crop production. Results: Over cropping systems, the averaged relative yields of PK, NK and NP ranged from 38.0 to 97.4 %, while the mean yields can be increased by 2.4-5.1 % in NPKM, compared to NPK. The mean yields were similar between NPK and NPKS for maize and wheat crops, but the yield was increased by 4.3-10.0 % in NPKS. Among the different treatments, the highest variability of cereal productivity was obtained in NK, PK or Control, while the lowest value was mostly recorded in NPKM or NPKS in these three cropping systems. Relative to the control, the IFQIs in fertilization treatments were increased by 9.4-150.0 %, 6.2-41.5 % and 1.3-17.5 % in M-W, R-W and R-R systems, respectively (except for PK treatment in R-R system). However, changes of IFQI in topsoil differed among fertilizer treatments, and greater increases existed in the treatments receiving organic residues (NPKM and NPKS). Conclusions: The increase in crop yield is exponentially correlated with the increased IFQI over treatments in three cropping systems. Over the treatments and systems, production variability among years is shown to be negatively, linearly related to IFQI ( P < 0.001). Therefore, the high grain yield and low production variability can be simultaneously achieved by increasing soil fertility in all three cropping systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: To determine effective activators of crab hemocyanin (Hc) and the properties of Hc-derived phenoloxidase (HdPO), Hc, for the first time, was purified from hemolymph of Charybdis japonica, and the properties of activated HdPO were studied by using L-DOPA as a substrate. Three distinct subunits were isolated, and each had a molecular mass of about 80, 75 and 70 kDa, respectively. SDS and HLS were much effective in conversion of Hc into HdPO whose PO activity was optimal at pH 7.0 and temperature of 40 °C. The Km value of the HdPO was 2.90 mM for L-DOPA and 7.33 mM for tyrosine. The PO activity of HdPO was most sensitive to 1-phenyl-2-thiourea, cysteine and ascorbic acid, and much sensitive to thio urea and sodium sulfite. Based on its inhibition characteristics and the substrate specificity, this HdPO could be classified as a kind of tyrosinase-type phenoloxidase. The PO activity of HdPO was also strongly inhibited by Cu2+, Zn2+, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and diethyldithiocarbamate (DETC). The results with EDTA, DETC, and some metal ions, combined with the perfect recovery effect of Cu2+ on DETC-inhibited PO activity, indicate that the HdPO is a kind of copper-containing metalloenzyme. All these imply that the Hc, as an oxygen carrier, can be activated to have PO activities by SDS or HLS, and the activated HdPO has the properties of a tyrosinase-type copper-containing phenoloxidase. This study makes us to understand more easily the multifunctions of crustacean Hc in oxygen carrier and melaninization at certain stresses in host defence as well. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• RT practice are promising in rice production for higher grain yield with similar GHGI and CF. • CH 4 was largest contribution to NGWP, GHGI and CF in paddy field. • CH 4 emissions were conspicuously correlated with SOC content below 5 cm soil depth. • NT practice tended to reduce SOC sequestration with the increase of soil depth. Conservation tillage may be an alternative system for rice production in China, yet differences in net global warming potential (NGWP), greenhouse gas intensity (GHGI) and carbon footprint (CF) among different tillage methods are poorly documented. Accordingly, a 3-year field experiment was conducted to simultaneously measure methane (CH 4) and nitrous oxide (N 2 O) emissions and changes in soil organic carbon (SOC) under conventional tillage (CT), reduced tillage (RT) and no-tillage (NT) methods in Chinese double-rice cropping systems. There was no difference in SOC content among the tillage treatments, but SOC sequestration under NT reduced obviously with the increase of soil depth at 0∼20 cm. CH 4 emissions were conspicuously correlated with SOC content at soil depth below 5 cm. Tillage methods had no significant effect on N 2 O emission, except for the substantial N 2 O emission under NT during non-rice season. Compared with the NT plots, the annual CH 4 emission and NGWP were significantly increased in the CT and RT plots over the three years. There were no significant differences among the tillage methods with respect to GHGI and CF, whereas the grain yields were greatly increased in the RT plot. We conclude that RT practice are promising in rice production for higher grain yield with similar GHGI and CF, while increasing productivity of the NT system is a high priority since the CH 4 emission and NGWP can be dramatically reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The performance of the LPIG is similar to their counterpart without glass coating. • The phosphor displays outstanding physical-chemical stability. • LPIG long-term reliable triple-color LPL is suitable for outdoor environment. Long persistent luminescence (LPL) phosphors have been widely commercialized as 'glow-in-the-dark' paints, which release the stored excitation energy in traps slowly by thermal disturbance as light. Thus, LPL materials suitable for outdoor applications require weatherability, especially a high degree of water-resistance. In this work, robust tricolors originated from LPL phosphor-in-glass (LPIG) is deliberately fabricated with the respectively combination of ZnGa 2 O 4 : Cr3+, Bi3+ (red), SrAl 2 O 4 : Eu2+, Dy3+ (green), CaAl 2 O 4 : Eu2+, Nd3+ (blue) LPL phosphor and B 2 O 3 -SiO 2 -ZnO precursor glass matrix. The excellent LPL performance of the LPIG is comparable to their counterpart phosphor, meanwhile, exhibits remarkably acidic and alkaline solution resistance, as well as the anti-hydration reaction. Thanks to the long-term protection of glass host matrix to the activators, our study unambiguously demonstrates the long-term reliable tri-color LPL output from LPIG, which ensures their potential application for outdoor extreme environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]