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Understory bird communities, especially those comprising insectivores, are highly sensitive to forest loss and fragmentation. Currently, there is little knowledge regarding the large‐scale diversity patterns of understory bird communities, particularly in Eastern Asia. Consequently, we aimed to identify the distribution patterns of understory birds in southern China and the factors underlying these patterns. We analysed the diversity distribution patterns of taxonomic and functional α and β diversity for understory Passeriformes birds in southern China utilising cluster and ordination analyses. Subsequently, we analysed the effects of geographic distance, annual mean temperature, annual temperature range, annual mean precipitation, and annual precipitation range on diversity distribution patterns. In total, 9282 individuals belonging to 11 orders, 48 families, and 297 species were captured over 98,544 net hours, with Alcippeidae being the most abundant family in southern China. The understory bird communities of the 25 sites were categorised into six sub‐regions of the Oriental Realm (Indo‐Malayan Realm). The pattern in the distribution of taxonomic and functional β‐diversity of understory birds in southern China was consistent with zoogeographical regionalisation. Three distinct geographical groups were identified: Group 1 was located in the Min‐Guang Coast and Hainan sub‐regions; Group 2 was located in the East Hilly Plain, Southwest Mountains, and Western Mountains and Plateaus sub‐regions; and Group 3 was located in the Southern Yunnan Mountain subregion. The most critical factors related to the distribution patterns of β‐diversity were geographical distance, annual mean temperature, and annual temperature range. Our results showed that the understory bird communities of the Southwest Mountain, East Hilly Plain, and Western Mountains, and Plateaus sub‐regions were similar, as were those of the Min‐Guang Coast and Hainan sub‐regions. Our results underscore the joint roles of distance, temperature, and historical evolution in understory bird communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Imaging technologies have played a pivotal role in advancing biological research by enabling visualization of biological structures and processes. While traditional electron microscopy (EM) produces two-dimensional images, emerging techniques now allow high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) characterization of specimens in situ, meeting growing needs in molecular and cellular biology. Combining transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with serial sectioning inaugurated 3D imaging, attracting biologists seeking to explore cell ultrastructure and driving advancement of 3D EM reconstruction. By comprehensively and precisely rendering internal structure and distribution, 3D TEM reconstruction provides unparalleled ultrastructural insights into cells and molecules, holding tremendous value for elucidating structure–function relationships and broadly propelling structural biology. Here, we first introduce the principle of 3D reconstruction of cells and tissues by classical approaches in TEM and then discuss modern technologies utilizing TEM and on new SEM-based as well as cryo-electron microscope (cryo-EM) techniques. 3D reconstruction techniques from serial sections, electron tomography (ET), and the recent single-particle analysis (SPA) are examined; the focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM), the serial block-face scanning electron microscopy (SBF-SEM), and automatic tape-collecting lathe ultramicrotome (ATUM-SEM) for 3D reconstruction of large volumes are discussed. Finally, we review the challenges and development prospects of these technologies in life science. It aims to provide an informative reference for biological researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis (AR). The current investigation is focused on elucidating the functional impact of a specific lncRNA, FGD5 antisense RNA 1 (FGD5-AS1), on the development and progression of AR through its interaction with miR-223-3p. Methods: An experimental framework for AR was constructed in both cellular and animal models. Quantitative assessment of FGD5-AS1, miR-223-3p, and COX11 mRNA expression was conducted using real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR. The expression of inflammatory factors, immunoglobulin E, LTC4, and ECP, was examined using ELISA. Apoptosis in human nasal epithelial cells was assessed by the flow cytometry method. The protein expression of COX11 was examined using Western blotting. Nasal mucosal function was further evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Furthermore, bioinformatics evaluations, dual-luciferase reporter assays, and a series of experimental procedures unveiled a putative competitive endogenous RNA regulatory mechanism. Results: We found the expression of lncRNA FGD5-AS1 was decreased in AR. In vitro lncRNA FGD5-AS1 attenuated the production of inflammatory cytokines in nasal epithelial cells. Furthermore, elevated FGD5-AS1 expression significantly alleviated AR symptoms by reducing nasal epithelial apoptosis and inflammation. MiR-223-3p was identified as a direct target of FGD5-AS1. Moreover, miRNA-223-3p directly downregulated the expression of COX11 mRNA. Subsequent experiments confirmed that FGD5-AS1 regulated AR through the miR-223-3p/COX11 axis, thereby inhibiting inflammation. Conclusion: The FGD5-AS1/miR-223-3p/COX11 axis plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of AR, suggesting that FGD5-AS1 could serve as a potential diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for AR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Wound healing, especially impaired chronic wound healing, poses a tremendous challenge for modern medicine. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying wound healing is essential to the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Methods: A wound-healing mouse model was established to analyze histopathological alterations during wound healing, and the expression of SRY-box transcription factor 17 (SOX17), DNA methyltransferase 3 alpha (DNMT3A), and a specific fibroblast marker S100 calcium-binding protein A4 (S100A4) in wound skin tissues was tested by immunofluorescence (IF) assay. Cell proliferation and migration were evaluated using 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) and Transwell migration assays. RT-qPCR and western blotting were used to measure RNA and protein expression. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to detect the secretion of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β). Chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by qPCR (ChIP-qPCR) and DNA pull-down assays were performed to confirm the interaction between DNMT3A and the CpG island of the SOX17 promoter. Promoter methylation was examined by pyrosequencing. Results: SOX17 and DNMT3A expression were regularly regulated during the different phases of wound healing. SOX17 knockdown promoted HUVEC migration and the production and release of TGF-β. Through establishing an endothelial cells-fibroblasts co-culture model, we found that SOX17 knockdown in HUVECs activated HFF-1 fibroblasts, which expressed α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and type I collagen (COL1). DNMT3A overexpression reduces SOX17 mRNA levels. ChIP-qPCR and DNA pull-down assays verified the interaction between DNMT3A and CpG island in the SOX17 promoter region. Pyrosequencing confirmed that DNMT3A overexpression increased the methylation level of the SOX17 promoter. Conclusion: DNMT3A-mediated downregulation of SOX17 facilitates wound healing by promoting endothelial cell migration and fibroblast activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of green and low-carbon development is integrated into territorial spatial planning and district control research. It is one of the systematic policy tools for emission reduction and carbon sequestration, greatly contributing to achieving the double carbon goal. This paper presents a method for measuring the carbon emissions of urban territorial spaces using multisource big data, aiming to identify the spatial patterns and levels of carbon emissions at microspatial scales. The spatial patterns of carbon emissions were used to construct a carbon balance zoning method to evaluate the regional differences in the spatial distribution of carbon emissions, taking Suzhou as an example to achieve carbon balance zoning at the micro scale of the city. Based on our research, the following was determined: (1) Suzhou's total carbon emissions in 2020 was approximately 240.3 million tons, with the industrial sector accounting for 81.32% of these emissions. The total carbon sink was about 0.025 million tons. (2) In Suzhou City, the high-value plots of carbon emissions are mainly located in industrial agglomeration areas. By contrast, low-value plots are primarily located in suburban areas and various carbon sink functional areas, exhibiting a scattered distribution. (3) The territorial space unit was divided into four functional areas of carbon balance, with 36 low-carbon economic zone units accounting for 37.11%, 29 carbon-source control zone units accounting for 29.90%, 14 carbon-sink functional zone units accounting for 14.43%, and 18 high-carbon optimization zone units accounting for 18.56%. As a result of this study, carbon balance zoning was achieved at the grassroots space level, which will assist the city in low-carbon and refined urban governance. Some ideas and references are also provided to formulate policies for low-carbon development at the micro scale of a city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the effects of blood lipid concentration and blood lipid growth rate in the first and third trimesters of pregnancy on adverse pregnancy outcomes. The study subjects were 1051 singleton pregnant women who established archives in Chengdu Maternity and Child Specialty Hospital. The pregnancy information was continuously recorded until the pregnant woman gave birth, and lipid biochemical indicators were performed every three months. The average age of the pregnant women recruited was 27.82 ± 3.07 years. Compared with the first trimester, the concentration of triglyceride, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the third trimester were increased significantly (all p <.05). The growth rate of triglyceride was closely related to the occurrence of gestational diabetes mellitus and large for gestational, and the growth rate of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was closely related to gestational diabetes mellitus and cholestasis of pregnancy. For every unit increase in triglyceride growth rate, the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus and large for gestational age increases by 1.237 times and 1.317 times, respectively. Among non-high-risk pregnant women, blood lipid concentration is generally high among pregnant women with complications during pregnancy. It is necessary to combine a single blood lipid test concentration during pregnancy with the blood lipid growth rate to assess the condition of pregnant women and provide better guidance during pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is difficult to diagnose necrotizing fasciitis early. In addition, untimely or incorrect treatment worsens the disease, which may then develop into severe necrotizing fasciitis. A retrospective analysis of the clinical data of 35 patients with severe necrotizing fasciitis admitted to the Burn Department of Gansu Provincial Hospital from 1 January 2015, to 1 January 2020, and the etiology, causes and diagnosis of their aggravated conditions was performed. Thirty cases were directly or indirectly related to trauma, 4 cases were pressure sores caused by long-term paraplegia, and 1 case was from mosquito bites on the left side of the chest. The preliminary diagnosis of 24 patients was unclear, and these cases were misdiagnosed as cellulitis or skin infections; 11 patients were diagnosed at the early stage, but due to the incorrect treatment or failure of timely treatment, their condition was further aggravated and developed into critical necrotizing fasciitis. 1. The diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis mainly depends on clinical manifestations, and early diagnosis is key; 2. When the patient has local trauma accompanied by local inflammation, fever or hypothermia, necrotizing fasciitis should be highly suspected, and a differential diagnosis should be made between necrotizing fasciitis and cellulitis. The affected tissue should be thoroughly debrided and drained to avoid necrosis spreading to the distal limb along the fascial space. 3. Necrotizing fasciitis should be treated with systemic comprehensive treatment, rational use of antibiotics, correction of water and electrolyte disturbance, early active and thorough debridement and effective wound closure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The transient behaviour of the mixing zone after reclamation was revealed. • Mixing zone width first increases and then gradually decreases after reclamation. • Dispersivity had only a minor role on retreat timescales after reclamation. The interaction between freshwater and saltwater in the mixing zone governs regional groundwater flow and the exchange of water and salt between groundwater and the ocean. However, previous studies have overlooked the impact of land reclamation on the transient behavior of the mixing zone. This research investigated the dynamic influence of reclamation length, reclamation material properties, and recharge rate on the transient behavior of the mixing zone and timescale of mixing zone variation (TMV) through a series of field-scale numerical simulations. In general, the width of the mixing zone (WMZ) in the upper and center regions of the aquifer exhibited initial increase followed by subsequent decrease in various scenarios, displaying a consistent trend. For reclamation lengths less than 300 m, the mixing zone reached a steady-state condition within 8,000 days, while the corresponding TMV for a 500 m-length reclamation case increased to 20,000 days. The growth rates of the WMZ in the upper and center regions of the aquifer were notably slower, requiring more time to reach steady state in low-permeability scenarios. This observation underscored that reclamation with lower permeability could significantly extend the TMV. It was noteworthy that varying the longitudinal dispersion of the reclamation area between 0.5–10 m had only a slight effect on the TMV, ranging from 8,000 to 8,500 days. The peaks of the mixing zone width showed a proportional increase with longitudinal dispersion. Furthermore, increasing the recharge rate led to a substantial decrease in the TMV, from 10,000 days to 2,000 days. The WMZ exhibited faster growth with increasing recharge rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy poverty is the inability to meet necessary household energy needs and has threatened human well-being and exacerbated climate change. However, there has been a lack of systematic analysis regarding the driving factors of energy poverty and their interaction mechanisms, which is crucial for achieving effective energy poverty reduction. This paper proposes a novel integrated technique composed of the Backpropagation Neural Network (BPNN) and Weighted Influence Non-linear Gauge System (WINGS) method to identify the most important driving factors of energy poverty and understand their interaction mechanism by using household-level survey data in China from 2016, 2018, and 2020. The findings reveal that per capita household income is the most important cause-driving factor. Household heads' education attainment and policy support, such as government subsidy and housing provident fund, are also significant causes of energy poverty. Factors, such as household central heating system usage and house ownership, are in the downstream of the interaction mechanism chain to be considered as the effect-driving factors. Finally, a robustness test is conducted to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method and the obtained findings, which could assist energy-related decision-makers with the most significant drivers for reducing energy poverty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adenoviral vectors are superior to plasmid vectors in their gene transport efficiency. The A subunit of the diphtheria toxin (DTA) gene is a popular suicide gene in cancer gene therapy. However, DTA is seldom used in adenoviral therapy due to its great toxicity. The toxicity of DTA is so great that even a single molecule of DTA is enough to kill one cell. To avoid this highly toxic effect on normal cells, DTA should be controlled by tumor-specific promoters. The survivin promoter is a widely used tumor-specific promoter. But genes driven by the survivin promoter show a low level of basal gene expression in non-cancer cells. DTA driven by the survivin promoter in adenoviral vectors may be highly toxic not only to cancer cells but also to normal cells. Therefore, DTA should be attenuated when it is used in adenoviral vectors driven by the survivin promoter. In this study, we compared the three kinds of recombinant adenoviruses that carry DTA or its attenuated forms (DTA176 and DTA197) in the treatment of human lung cancer. The results showed that in comparison with both DTA and DTA176, DTA197 is more suitable for adenoviral cancer therapy controlled by the survivin promoter. In addition, Adsur-DTA197 (DTA197 delivered by an adenoviral vector with the survivin promoter) sensitized human lung cancer cells to cisplatin both in vitro and in vivo. These results indicated that Adsur-DTA197 may be a potential chemosensitizer in cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype (HTWP) and its quantitative indicator, waist circumference-triglyceride index (WTI), are common quantitative indices of visceral obesity and are closely related to metabolic diseases. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between fatty pancreas (FP) and HTWP in China. FP was diagnosed using trans-abdominal ultrasonography in all participants. According to the waist circumference and serum triglyceride levels, the participants were divided into four phenotype groups: normal waist circumference-normal triglyceride, normal waist circumference-elevated triglyceride, elevated waist circumference-normal triglyceride, and elevated waist circumference-elevated triglyceride (indicating HTWP). Clinical characteristics and biochemical indices were compared among the groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate the utility of WTI as a reference factor for FP screening. The HTWP group had a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome (84.2%), FP (10.4%), fatty liver (64.5%), and hypertension (15.8%) than the other three phenotype groups. The occurrence rate of HTWP and the median WTI were significantly higher in participants with FP than in those without FP (54.7% vs 21.0%, 222 ± 135 vs 142 ± 141, p < 0.001). In the ROC curve analysis, when the maximum area under the curve was 0.746, the WTI was 107.09 and the corresponding sensitivity and specificity were 90.6% and 51.9%, respectively. HTWP is closely associated with FP and can be used as a reference factor for FP screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chloride widely exists in the environment and will cause serious interference for arsenic speciation analysis. The determination of four arsenic species including arsenite (As(III)), arsenate (As(V)), monomethylarsenate (MMA), and dimethylarsonate (DMA) in samples containing high concentrations of Cl− was carried out in this work by coupling of liquid chromatography (LC) with hydride generation atomic fluorescence spectrometry (HG-AFS). The interference of Cl− was successfully eliminated by coupling two anion-exchange chromatographic columns in series and eluting with 35.0 mmol L−1 (NH4)2HPO4 (pH = 6.00). A novel pre-treatment system was subsequently developed to realize on-line column switch and pre-reduction of As(V). The analysis time was shortened by an isocratic elution but programmed flow rate method, and the sensitivity of As(V) was also enhanced by the introduction of pre-reduction using the developed system. The proposed method can resist at least 10 g L−1 Cl− without any pre-treatment operations. Since LC-HG-AFS is low-cost and can be afforded or self-assembled by most labs, the developed method can be adopted as a routine analysis method for arsenic species in chloride-bearing samples, such as urine and seawater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Overlying sediment and pore waters were collected in summer and winter at upstream (Jintang) and downstream (Neijiang) sites of the Tuohe River, which is one of the five largest tributaries of the Yangtze River in China. Phosphorus species, including soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP), soluble unreactive phosphorus (SUP), and total dissolved phosphorus (TDP), and some diagenetic constituents including dissolved Fe(II), Mn(II), and sulfide in overlying and pore waters, were measured systematically. The seasonal variations and vertical distributions of phosphorus species in overlying and pore waters at both sampling sites were obtained to elucidate some aspects of the transport and transformations of phosphorus. Based on the profiles of pore and overlying waters as well as the TDN/TDP data during an algal bloom in 2007, it was clearly demonstrated that phosphorus was the main factor limiting the phytoplankton growth in the Tuohe River. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allergic rhinitis (AR) was a chronic airway inflammatory disease. Nasal administration showed superiorities due to its effective drug absorption. Cetirizine (CTZ) was a common H 1 -antihistamine in allergic disorders therapy, while hydrophobicity and irritation to nasal mucosa limited its application. In this regard, deoxycholate-chitosan-hydroxybutyl nanoparticles with CTZ covalently grafted and free CTZ encapsulated (CTZ:CDHBCs-NPs) were synthesized as nasal adaptive nano-drug delivery systems. CDHBCs-NPs with various lower critical solution temperature (LCST) (29, 33, 37 °C) were prepared, with particle sizes of ~120 nm and zeta potentials of ~4 mV. In nasal condition (pH 5.5, 33 °C), the diameters of CDHBCs-NPs increased slightly (~129 nm to ~134 nm) because of the pH-responsive expansion. Burst release of free CTZ from CDHBC-29-NPs (~76%) was significantly (p < 0.05) accelerated compared with that of CDHBC-33-NPs and CDHBC-37-NPs (~60%), owing to thermo sensitive drug squeeze out (T > LCST). Incubating with lysozyme (30 μg/mL), CDHBCs-NPs swelled and exhibited ~2-fold increase (p < 0.01) of sizes, with additional CTZ releasing (~5%) attributing to the digestion of polysaccharide backbone covalent connected with CTZ. It could be speculated that stimuli-responsive CDHBCs-NPs might hold tremendous potential as nasal adaptive delivery vehicles in allergic airway inflammatory diseases therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bis (3′,5′)-cyclic diguanylic acid (c-di-GMP) is a ubiquitous second messenger that controls several metabolic pathways in bacteria. In Streptomyces, c-di-GMP is associated with morphological differentiation, which is related to secondary metabolite production. In this study, we identified and characterized a diguanylate cyclase (DGC), CdgB, from Streptomyces diastatochromogenes 1628, which may be involved in c-di-GMP synthesis, through genetic and biochemical analyses. To further investigate the role of CdgB, the cdgB-deleted mutant strain Δ-cdgB and the cdgB-overexpressing mutant strain O-cdgB were constructed by genetic engineering. A phenotypic analysis revealed that the O-cdgB colonies exhibited reduced mycelium formation, whereas the Δ-cdgB colonies displayed wrinkled surfaces and shriveled mycelia. Notably, O-cdgB demonstrated a significant increase in the toyocamycin (TM) yield by 47.3%, from 253 to 374 mg/L, within 10 days. This increase was accompanied by a 6.7% elevation in the intracellular concentration of c-di-GMP and a higher transcriptional level of the toy cluster within four days. Conversely, Δ-cdgB showed a lower c-di-GMP concentration (reduced by 6.2%) in vivo and a reduced toyocamycin production (decreased by 28.9%, from 253 to 180 mg/L) after 10 days. In addition, S. diastatochromogenes 1628 exhibited a slightly higher inhibitory effect against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cucumerinum and Rhizoctonia solani compared to Δ-cdgB, but a lower inhibition rate than that of O-cdgB. The results imply that CdgB provides a foundational function for metabolism and the activation of secondary metabolism in S. diastatochromogenes 1628. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The utilization of energy hubs (EHs) in the power system and simultaneous energy management of several energy networks is of high importance to increase energy efficiency. Therefore, this paper focuses on the energy management of grid-connected flexible energy hubs. Scheme includes electrical and heating networks, where renewables and storage devices are in connection using the hub as a coordinator. Problem minimizes the expected operating cost of the mentioned networks subject to networks optimal power flow model and the mathematical representation of flexible EHs. Uncertainties related to the amount of demand, price of electrical and heating energy, and renewable power have also been considered in the problem formulation. The unscented transformation method has been adopted to reduce the volume of the problem to obtain the optimal solution in low computation time, along with the precise modeling of flexibility and modeling of the aforementioned uncertainties. Modeling the flexibility of EHs in the presence of renewable sources, modeling bio-waste energy unit for the simultaneous generation of electric and heat energy, and modeling the various uncertainties of load using the unscented transformation are among the contributions of the paper. The obtained numerical results demonstrate the capability of the proposed scheme in improving the economic and operating status of electrical and heating networks, along with improving the flexibility of EHs in such a way that energy storages in renewable hubs can extract 100% flexibility conditions. In these conditions, the hubs are able to reduce energy costs, energy losses, voltage drop, and temperature by about 25%, 24%, 60%, and 59%, respectively, compared with the power flow studies of the networks under study. Also, based on sensitivity analysis results, the increase in load and energy price leads to an increase in the operating cost of the networks, while the increase in the size of renewable resources and storage devices reduces the networks' energy cost. • Utilizing various flexibility sources besides renewables, to establish a FEH by considering flexibility modeling. • Modeling performance of bio-waste unit with the CHP technology, which can generate electrical and thermal energy. • Modeling uncertainties of load, energy price, and renewable power based on the unscented transformation method. • Using unscented transformation method to accurately model the flexibility and reduce the computation time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A lower concentration of iodine (<0.2 mg/L) in the salt water used for caustic soda production is crucial to prolong the service life of ionic membrane and decrease the cost of production. The removal of iodine from salt water by resin adsorption was carried out in this work. It was found that the existing species of iodine is the key factor to affect the adsorption, and I 2 is the optimal adsorbed species in salt water through the reaction between I 2 and Cl− in the resin to form (ClI 2)−. A simple pre-treatment method was developed to transform different iodine species in salt water into I 2 by adjusting the solution to pH 1.5–2.5 and redox potential (Eh) 530–560 mV. A novel purification system for the removal of iodine from salt water was subsequently developed and constructed based on the pre-treatment method and the adsorption thermokinetics of I 2. The stability and reliability of this developed method and system were demonstrated by a scale-up experiment to remove iodine from the refined salt water used for caustic soda production, by which the concentration of iodine can be stably decreased to far <0.2 mg/L. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • A purification system was designed and constructed to remove iodine. • I 2 is the optimal adsorbed iodine species in salt water. • A simple pre-treatment method of salt water was developed. • Iodine can be stably decreased to <0.2 mg/L. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the occurrence and development of lung adenocarcinoma, and to reveal long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) prognostic factors to identify patients at high risk of disease recurrence or metastasis. Based on extensive RNA sequencing data and clinical survival prognosis information from patients with lung adenocarcinoma, obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas and the Gene Expression Omnibus databases, a co-expression network of lncRNAs with different expression levels was built using weighted correlation network analysis and MetaDE.ES. The prognostic lncRNAs were identified using the Cox proportional hazards model and Kaplan-Meier survival curves to construct a risk scoring system. The reliability of the system was confirmed in validation datasets. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis was performed on the genes significantly associated with the prognostic lncRNAs using gene set enrichment analysis. A total of 58 and 1,633 differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs were identified, respectively. Considering the module stability, annotation, correlation between modules and clinical factors, and the differential expression levels of lncRNAs, 32 differentially expressed lncRNAs were selected from the brown, red, blue, green and yellow modules for subsequent survival analysis. A signature-based risk scoring system involving five lncRNAs [DIAPH2 antisense RNA 1, FOXN3 antisense RNA 2, long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 652, maternally expressed 3 and RHPN1 antisense RNA 1 (head to head)] was developed. The system successfully distinguished between low- and high-risk prognostic samples. System effectiveness was further verified using two independent validation datasets. Further KEGG pathway analysis indicated that the target genes of the five prognostic lncRNAs were associated with a number of cellular processes and signaling pathways, including the cell receptor-mediated signaling and cell adhesion pathways. A five-lncRNA signature predicts the prognosis of patients with lung adenocarcinoma. These prognostic lncRNAs may be potential diagnostic markers. The present results may help elucidate the pathogenesis of lung adenocarcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The solubility and physicochemical properties, including density and refractive index in the ternary mixture solvent system (LiCl + CH3OH + H2O) at 298.15, 308.15 and 318.15 K were determined using the isothermal equilibrium method. Based on the experimental data, the phase diagrams and physicochemical properties versus composition diagrams at different temperatures were plotted and compared. It was found that the isothermal phase diagram at each temperature consists of one invariant point (LiCl + LiCl·H2O), two univariant curves and two crystalline regions corresponding to LiCl·H2O and LiCl, respectively. The densities and refractive indices in the ternary mixture solvent system at each temperature change regularly with the increase of LiCl concentration. The calculated densities and refractive indices at the three temperatures agree well with the experimental results. The salting-out rate of LiCl solution increases gradually with the increase of CH3OH concentration at each temperature. The results obtained in this work can be used to produce anhydrous LiCl at relatively low temperatures, even room temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical species and contents of selenium and mercury in water, sediments, and crucian carps collected from three wild and three aquaculture fishponds in Tianjin, China, were determined, and the interaction between selenium and mercury in water was also investigated by the calorimetry method. The results revealed that the average contents of total selenium (TSe) and total mercury (THg) in each item of the wild areas were higher than in those of the aquaculture areas, and significant differences (95% confidence) were presented for THg both in the sediments and crucian carps. The molar ratios between TSe and THg in all investigated fishponds were far higher than 1, indicating good protective effects of selenium on mercury toxicity. Obviously, negative correlations (r > 0.9993) were found between TSe and THg in water. The antagonism of selenium on mercury in water was confirmed to mainly result from the reaction between selenate and Hg2+ to form an insoluble selenium–mercury oxygenated compound, by which the addition of selenate into the water of fishponds would reduce the environmental risk of mercury. Practitioner points: Se and Hg in different fishpond ecosystems were investigated and compared.Direct evidence was provided for the interaction between Se and Hg in water.The addition of Se(VI) into fishpond ecosystems would reduce the environmental risk of Hg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Lithium in underground brine was recovered by centrifugal extraction. • A novel extraction system and technical process were developed. • The recycling of Fe3+ was successfully solved. • Without any washing steps were required. Abstract The recovery of lithium from brine is a focus of worldwide due to the increasing demand of lithium in modern energy industry. Multistage centrifugal extraction was used in this work to recover lithium from underground brine. It was found that the centrifugal extraction rate of lithium is low by conventional methods, during which a multimolecular reaction with slow equilibrium time is involved. This problem was successfully solved by using an extraction system containing 80% tri-isobutyl phosphate (TIBP) and 20% sulfonated kerosene in combination with a novel operating method. The recycling of co-extractant (Fe3+) which is one of the bottleneck problems to limit the application of solvent extraction was also solved based on an innovative technical process. The recovery rate of lithium in underground brine reached to 90.05% by five-stage centrifugal extraction at optimized conditions. The stripping rate of lithium in organic phase was almost 100% using a solution containing 1.0 mol/L HCl at R (O/A) = 2:1. Lithium was not only separated from brine but also fourfold concentrated without any washing of the organic phase. This developed method is simple and thus is promising to be applied for the industrialized recovery of lithium from underground brine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to obtain a low-cost, high latent heat and thermostable phase change material with a phase change temperature between 18 and 25 °C as a room temperature phase change material, a novel solid-liquid calcium-based composite named as PCM-Ca of 44.6% CaCl2, 6.9% Ca(NO3)2, 1.2% SrCl2 and 47.3% H2O with a phase change temperature of 21.8 °C and latent heat of 155.5 J g−1 was developed. The determination of thermal performances of PCM-Ca indicated that the thermal conductivities in liquid and solid state are of 0.6429 and 0.8256 W m−1 K−1, and the thermal conductivity in the phase change point is 1.2401 W m−1 K−1; the specific heat capacities at the temperature range of 5.5-26.5 °C and 31.5-38.5 °C were fitted as y = 0.0001x4 − 0.0042x3 + 0.0707x2 − 0.4151x + 3.9526 (r = 0.9999) and y = −0.0001x4 + 0.0208x3 − 1.1155x2 + 26.477x + 231.57 (r = 0.9984), respectively. The stability analysis demonstrated that PCM-Ca is stable at the temperatures less than 130 °C, and no phase separation and the obvious supercooling phenomenon were presented after thirty times cycle use. This material PCM-Ca has a potential for energy storage application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sediment cores were collected at an upstream site (Jintang) and a downstream site (Neijiang) in summer and winter in the Tuohe River, which is one of the five largest tributaries of the Changjiang (Yangtze) River in China. A sequential leaching procedure was applied to determine the concentrations of the different forms of solid phosphorus, including exchangeable phosphorus (Exc-P) as well as phosphorus associated with iron oxides (Fe-P), with aluminum oxides (Al-P), with apatite (Ca-P) and with the residual fraction (Res-P), as correlated with water content and total organic carbon. The seasonal variations and the vertical distributions of phosphorus species in sediments at both sampling sites demonstrated that: 1) total phosphorus (TP) in summer and winter were ranged between 1 313–2 330, 1 491–2 228 mg/kg in Jintang and 543–2 128, 603–1 175 mg/kg in Neijiang, respectively. It can predicated the pollution of TP in Jintang is serious than that in Neijiang both in summer and winter; 2) total inorganic phosphorus (TIP) was the dominant form of TP; 3) Ca-P was the main chemical forms of TIP in the sediments. Based on the profiles in sediments and bio-available phosphorus data, it revealed that bio-available phosphorus (BAP) represented only a minor portion (0.61%–3.59%) of TP, and the vertical distribution of soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) in corresponding porewaters was more abundant in the upper layer of the sediment, which suggests that BAP may be converted to non-bioavailable phosphorus in deeper layer of the sediment of this dynamic system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to identify the effects of seasonal variation on the migration and transformation of antimony species at the sediment-water interface of the Poyang Lake, the largest fresh lake in China, a simulation study was carried out in the laboratory. Antimony species including antimonite Sb(III), antimonate Sb(V) and the fraction of organic forms (Sb-org) in overlying water at different temperatures were regularly measured during the simulation period. Different bound antimony forms in sediments were also determined along with the different antimony species in porewaters after the simulation terminated. The results indicated that temperature change during seasonal alternation plays an important role in the migration and transformation behavior of antimony at the sediment-water interface of the Poyang Lake. Antimony species both in porewaters and overlying water were sensitive to the variation of temperature, especially the Sb-org species. Antimony migrates from porewaters to the overlying water when the temperature decreases, and meanwhile the equilibrium between Sb(III) and Sb(V) in porewaters shifts toward Sb(V) when the temperature increases during seasonal alternation. Although temperature had less influence on the antimony species in sediments than in porewaters or in the overlying water, the average content of each antimony species in sediments increased with the decrease of temperature, suggesting that the decrease of temperature causes enrichment of antimony in the sediment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to economical and environmental-friendly recycle of boron from underground brine, the extraction of boron was carried out in this work by the continuous centrifugal technique using 2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol (EHD) + sulfonated kerosene (SK) extraction system, and the extraction mechanism was also investigated by the combination of FT-IR with slope method. The results showed that boron can be effectively extracted from underground water with the concentration of boron 5.43 g·L−1 by five-stage centrifugal extraction using 30% EHD + 70% SK at pH = 2.0–3.0, R(O/A) = 1 : 2, and the extraction rate reached 98.46%. Boron in the organic phase can be well five-stage back-extracted by 1.0 mol·L−1·NaOH at R(O/A) = 1 : 1 with a back-extraction rate of 97.00%. About 88.32% boron in the aqueous phase obtained by back-extraction can be recycled in H3BO3 form by evaporation crystallization after acidified to pH < 2.5. The extraction mechanism indicated that the extraction is completed mainly based on the esterification reaction between alcoholic hydroxyl in EHD and -OH in B(OH)3 at the stoichiometric ratio 1 : 1 to generate a stable six-membered ring structure of boric acid ester. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: High-quality genome data of birds play a significant role in the systematic study of their origin and adaptive evolution. The Temminck's tragopan (Tragopan temminckii) (Galliformes, Phasianidae), a larger pheasant, is one of the most abundant and widely distributed species of the genus Tragopan, and was defined as class II of the list of national key protected wild animals in China. The absence of a sequenced genome has restricted previous evolutionary trait studies of this taxa. Results: The whole genome of the Temminck's tragopan was sequenced using Illumina and PacBio platform, and then de novo assembled and annotated. The genome size was 1.06 Gb, with a contig N50 of 4.17 Mb. A total of 117.22 Mb (11.00%) repeat sequences were identified. 16,414 genes were predicted using three methods, with 16,099 (98.08%) annotated as functional genes based on five databases. In addition, comparative genome analyses were conducted across 12 Galliformes species. The results indicated that T. temminckii was the first species to branch off from the clade containing Lophura nycthemera, Phasianus colchicus, Chrysolophus pictus, Syrmaticus mikado, Perdix hodgsoniae, and Meleagris gallopavo, with a corresponding divergence time of 31.43 million years ago (MYA). Expanded gene families associated with immune response and energy metabolism were identified. Genes and pathways associated with plumage color and feather development, immune response, and energy metabolism were found in the list of positively selected genes (PSGs). Conclusions: A genome draft of the Temminck's tragopan was reported, genome feature and comparative genome analysis were described, and genes and pathways related to plumage color and feather development, immune response, and energy metabolism were identified. The genomic data of the Temminck's tragopan considerably contribute to the genome evolution and phylogeny of the genus Tragopan and the whole Galliformes species underlying ecological adaptation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arsenic species including arsenite As(III), arsenate As(V), monomethylarsenate (MMA), dimethylarsenate (DMA), and some diagenetic constituents (Fe, Mn, and S2−) in porewaters along with the unstable arsenic species in sediments collected from a typical intertidal zone of Bohai Bay in China were measured. Their vertical distributions were subsequently obtained to reveal the transportation and transformation characteristics of arsenic at the intertidal sediment-water interface (SWI). Results show that the reduction of As(V) by microorganisms occurred in sediments, but the methylation of arsenic by microorganisms was weak in the intertidal zone. The distribution of As(V) was mainly controlled by Mn, whereas As(III) appeared to be more likely controlled by Fe. Arsenic in sediments mainly existed in a stable state, so that only little arsenic could be released from sediments when the environmental conditions at the SWI are changed. As(III) diffused from porewaters to the overlying water while the opposite was true for As(V) at that time when the samples were collected. The total diffusion direction for arsenic across the SWI was from porewaters to the overlying water with a total diffusive flux estimated at 1.23 mg·m−2·a−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dryland biodiversity plays important roles in the fight against desertification and poverty, but is highly vulnerable to the impacts of environmental change. However, little research has been conducted on dual pressure from climate and land cover changes on biodiversity in arid and semi-arid environments. Concequntly, it is crutial to understand the potential impacts of future climate and land cover changes on dryland biodiversity. Here, using the Chinese Altai Mountains as a case study area, we predicted the future spatial distributions and local assemblages of nine threatened mammal species under projected climate and land cover change scenarios for the period 2010–2050. The results show that remarkable declines in mammal species richness as well as high rates of species turnover are seen to occur across large areas in the Chinese Altai Mountains, highlighting an urgent need for developing protection strategies for areas outside of current nature reserve network. The selected mammals are predicted to lose more than 50% of their current ranges on average, which is much higher than species' range gains (around 15%) under future climate and land cover changes. Most of the species are predicted to contract their ranges while moving eastwards and to higher altitudes, raising the need for establishing cross-border migration pathways for species. Furthermore, the inclusion of land cover changes had notable effects on projected range shifts of individual species under climate changes, demonstrating that land cover changes should be incorporated into the assessment of future climate impacts to facilitate biodiversity conservation in arid and semi-arid environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To develop a functional nanosized mucosal drug delivery system, a series of amphiphilic cetirizine-chitosan polymer (CTZ-CSs) were constructed. CTZ-CSs could self-assemble into nanoparticles (NPs) which gradually evolved from irregular aggregates to spherical particles with an increasing substitution degree (DS) in CTZ group. The average particle size of CTZ-CSs-NPs with nano ZS90 Zetasizer varied from 153.92 nm to 184.48 nm and their zeta potential varied between +19.14 mV and +22.93 mV. Biocompatibility assay exhibited CTZ-CS-NPs had few adverse effects within a certain concentration range. Cetirizine dihydrochloride(CedH):CTZ-CS-NPs displayed burst and sustained drug release profiles in the presence of lysozyme. CedH showed a burst release during the first 6 h, after which the release rate slowed down significantly. The release of CedH totally sustained for 72 h. Ex vivo mucosal adhesion indicated CedH:CTZ-CS-NPs were able to prolong the residence time in the entire small intestine mucosa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer (CRC) are rapidly increasing worldwide. Recently, there has been significant attention given to N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most common mRNA modification, especially for its effects on CRC development. It is important to note that the progression of CRC would be greatly hindered without the tumor microenvironment (TME). The interaction between CRC cells and their surroundings can activate and influence complex signaling mechanisms of epigenetic changes to affect the survival of tumor cells with a malignant phenotype. Additionally, the TME is influenced by m6A regulatory factors, impacting the progression and prognosis of CRC. In this review, we describe the interactions and specific mechanisms between m6A modification and the metabolic, hypoxia, inflammatory, and immune microenvironments of CRC. Furthermore, we summarize the therapeutic role that m6A modification can play in the CRC microenvironment, and discuss the current status, limitations, and potential future directions in this field. This review aims to provide new insights into the molecular targets and theoretical foundations for the treatment of CRC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bionic building energy efficiency and bionic green architecture are important means of ensuring harmony between buildings and the natural environment, maintaining ecological balance, and achieving the sustainable development of buildings. Based on a review of bionic technologies for building functions, structures, and materials, the present study analyzes applications and typical cases of bionic building energy efficiency and bionic green architecture. For example, utilizing the wisdom of nature in buildings, architectural innovations using bionic functions have been created based on the favorable natural ventilation system found in termite mounds. Moreover, passive construction technology using solar energy resources can not only improve the indoor thermal environment but also achieve low energy consumption for buildings. Drawing inspiration from mechanical properties, structural relationships, and the material performance of natural objects, and applying this to a building's structure or shape design, large span structures, such as suspension cable and thin shell structure, which imitate cobwebs and eggshell respectively, have been designed to improve the efficiency of building resources. Using polar bear fur, lotus leaves, and other natural animals and plants as bionic building materials, self-compensation, regulation, and maintenance mechanisms have been achieved on building surfaces, allowing the buildings to actively adapt to their environment, thus reflecting the symbiotic relationship between architecture and the environment, and achieving the green development of buildings with high efficiency and low energy consumption. In addition, based on ecological principles and climate-adaptive design rules, the present study proposes an overall design concept for bionic green architecture and further notes that, in future research, it will be necessary to implement the following: strengthen the integration and optimization of diverse green building technologies; manage the energy efficiency of bionic buildings throughout their life cycles; develop bionic technologies for building functions based on the principle of regional suitability; promote innovative bionic technologies for building structures based on the principle of green ecological coexistence; and strengthen the research, development, and application of bionic building materials that regulate, repair, clean, and protect themselves. In short, the development of bionic building energy efficiency and bionic green architecture should follow and respect natural laws. It is necessary to study the mechanisms used in biological systems, which, combined with modern building technologies, should be employed to support building innovation and to realize the rapid development of building energy efficiency and green buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obtaining the exact spatial information of moving objects is a crucial and difficult task during visual object tracking. In this study, a comprehensive spatial feature similarity (CSFS) strategy is proposed to compute the confidence level of target features. This strategy is used to determine the current position of the target among candidates during the tracking process. Given that the spatial information and appearance feature of an object should be considered simultaneously, the CSFS strategy offers the benefit of reliable tracking position decisions. Moreover, we propose an appearance-based multi-independent features distribution fields (MIFDFs) object representation model, which represents targets using spatial distribution fields with multiple features independently. This representation model can preserve a large amount of original spatial and feature data synthetically. Various experimental results show that the proposed method exhibits significant improvement in terms of tracking drift in complex scenes. In particular, the proposed approach outperforms other techniques in tracking robustness and accuracy in some challenging situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. Serum and glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 3 (SGK3) promotes the progression and drug resistance of estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer. Therefore, SGK3 is a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of ER + breast cancer. In this study, we used computer-aided drug discovery/design to perform a virtual screening of SGK3 inhibitors from the ZINC database. The results of MTT assay, real-time cell proliferation analysis, colony formation assay, transwell migration assay, and orthotopic implantation model show that Zinc-09 inhibited the proliferation and migration of ER + breast cancer cells in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, Zinc-09 decreased SGK3 expression, and knockdown of SGK3 by siRNA reversed the inhibitory effect of Zinc-09 in MCF-7 cells. Moreover, Zinc-09 treatment induced G1 phase arrest and autophagic cell death. Taken together, Zinc-09 can suppress ER + breast cancer. This study provides an experimental and theoretical basis for the research and development of new anti-ER + breast cancer drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper develops a rapid method using near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy for analyzing the antioxidant activity of brown rice as total phenol content (TPC) and radical scavenging activity by DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) expressed as gallic acid equivalent (GAE). Brown rice (n=121) collected from five producing areas was analyzed for TPC and DPPH by reference methods. The NIR reflectance spectra were measured with compact powders of samples and no treatment was used. Full-spectrum partial least squares (FS-PLS) and interval PLS (iPLS) were used as the regression methods to relate the antioxidant activity values to the NIR data. The spectral range of 4800–5600 cm−1 plus 6000–6400 cm−1 has the best correlation with TPC, while the range of 4400–5200 cm−1 plus 6000–6400 cm−1 is the most suitable for predicting DPPH. With standard normal variate (SNV) transformation and the selected wavelength ranges, the root mean squared error of prediction (RMSEP) is 0.062 mg GAE g−1 for TPC and 0.141 mg GAE g−1 for DPPH radical, respectively. The multiple correlation coefficients of predictions for TPC and DPPH are 0.962 and 0.974, respectively. The developed NIR method might have a potential application to quality control of brown rice in the domestic market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the discovery of collateral cleavage activity, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas systems have become the new generation of nucleic acid detection tools. However, their widespread application remains limited. A pre-amplification step is required to improve the sensitivity of CRISPR systems, complicating the operating procedure and limiting quantitative precision. In addition, nonspecific collateral cleavage activity makes it difficult to realize multiplex detection in a one-pot CRISPR reaction with a single Cas protein. Microfluidics, which can transfer nucleic acid analysis process to a chip, has the advantages of miniaturization, integration, and automation. Microfluidics coupled with CRISPR systems improves the detection ability of CRISPR, enabling fast, high-throughput, integrated, multiplex, and digital detection, which results in the further popularization of CRISPR for a range of scenarios. Microfluidic platforms can integrate clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-based nucleic acid detection procedures, reduce the need for manual operation, and shorten turnaround times. Microfluidics enables multiplex CRISPR detection in a low-cost way. For example, droplet fusion-based combinatorial arrayed reactions can detect 169 human-associated viruses simultaneously. The confinement effect in small-volume partitions (microchambers or water-in-oil droplets) promotes the concentration of nucleic acids and improves the reaction efficiency, thus realizing amplification-free digital CRISPR detection. Microfluidic-assisted CRISPR detection platforms combine the advantages of CRISPR (high specificity) and microfluidics (miniaturization/integration/easy-to-automation), which is promising for point-of-care applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel pretreatment system and method for arsenic species continuous analysis of arsenite, arsenate, monomethylarsenate ( MMA) and dimethylarsonate ( DMA) in freshwater using liquid chromatography combined to hydride generation atomic fluorescence spectrometry ( LC-HG-AFS) was designed. Arsenic species of As(III), As(V), MMA and DMA in freshwater samples can be well separated, and the analytical time using the developed method is shortened twice compared to the conventional analytical procedure. Besides, the signal of As(V) can be increased by about 50% and the sensitivity to As(V) has been enhanced. The common coexisting ions in freshwater samples have no interferences with arsenic speciation analysis. A sensitive, low cost and interference-free procedure was developed and successfully applied to arsenic speciation in freshwater with the recoveries of four arsenic species within 89.2-106.2%. LC-HG-AFS has good prospects for speciation analysis of trace and ultra trace elements allowing for hydride generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The insight into the neglected reduction process accompanied by UV-based oxidation process may provide new ideas for the development of advanced oxidation and reduction technologies. In this study, aniline was comprehensively investigated as an unexpected indicator of hydrated electron (e aq −) under UV irradiation. Monochloroacetic acid (MCAA) was selected as the probe of e aq − and the balance of chloride ions indicated the reduction of MCAA. Further, laser flash photolysis experiments demonstrated the generation of e aq − in the UV/aniline process and the half-life period of formed e aq − was demonstrated to be 0.13 μs. The photolysis of aniline along with the decay of the excited state of aniline was responsible for the e aq − generation. Besides, the hydrogen atom (H) generated from the photolysis can subsequently reacted with OH− to generate e aq −. The photolysis pathways of aniline were proposed by the results of GC-MS. Aniline was abstracted of H in solution to the formation of aniline radical (PhNH) or form aminophenol in three different isomers (orto-, meta- and para-aminophenol). Moreover, UV/aniline showed a higher reducing capacity of MCAA compared with other organic electron donors and sustained a highly reducing ability in a wide pH. And the calculation results of quantum efficiency (Φ) showed that excessive aniline was not conducive to the elevation of Φ. This study introduced a novel pathway of e aq − generation during the photolysis of aniline and provided a new perspective for e aq −-based advanced reduction processes. [Display omitted] • Highly reductive e aq − was generated in the UV/aniline process. • The photolysis of aniline along with the decay of the excited state of aniline was responsible for the e aq − generation. • The excessive aniline was not conducive to the elevation of Φ (quantum efficiency). • UV/aniline process showed high reduction ability in MCAA reduction in a wide range of pH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The golden pheasant (Chrysolophus pictus) is an endemic pheasant of central China and is protected under national legislation. The Qinling Mountains form a natural barrier between northern and southern China. We investigated the population genetic structure using 1123 nucleotides of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control-region from 55 individuals sampled from five populations of gold pheasant in the Qinling Mountains. We found sixteen haplotypes defined by fourteen polymorphic sites. Phylogenetic analyses showed that the haplotypes sampled from the five putative populations did not cluster into separate geographic branches. There was an insignificant genetic differentiation among the putative populations (except GSTS population), probably due to high levels of gene flow. Results from the mismatch distribution and neutrality test analyses indicated the populations did not experience a range expansion over the course of their histories. They also suggested there was no geographical isolation shaped by the Qingling Mountains for Chrysolophus pictus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The effective nonlinear dielectric response of a dilute (or nondilute) suspension of coated cylinders is investigated. The coated cylindrical inclusions consist of nonlinear core and linear anisotropic dielectric shell. By taking into account the radial dielectric anisotropy, new partial resonant conditions are derived to be or (, are the linear dielectric functions of the core and the host medium, while and (), are the radial and tangential dielectric function of the shell respectively). Under partial resonant conditions, without changing the external potential, the coated cylinders can be replaced by the solid ones with larger nonlinear susceptibility and volume fractions than those of original cylindrical cores. As a result, the effective nonlinear dielectric response of the partially resonant systems may be greatly enhanced. Analytical results show that is in proportional to (λ is the interfacial parameter ranging from 0 to 1). Therefore, increasing dielectric anisotropy s results in further enhancement of . We conclude that the partially resonant composites with radially dielectric anisotropy can be served as a new kind of nonlinear dielectric materials. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper outlines organoruthenium with dppf (dppf=1,1′‐bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene) ligand. The structures, reactivity, catalysis and electrochemistry features of dppf‐containing (Cp/Cp*)Ru(II) and (arene)Ru(II) {Cp=η5‐C5H5; Cp*=η5‐C5Me5; arene=p‐cymene, 1,2,3,5‐Me4C6H2, 1,3,5‐Me3C6H3, 1,2,3‐Me3C6H3Me4‐C6H2, C6Me6; dppf=1,1′‐bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene} complexes are presented in this review, as well as some from our research. This review mainly covered the differences observed in their structures, reactivity and their catalytic and electrochemical properties published over 2000 to 2005. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Delphinidin is a type of anthocyanin monomer with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor effects. However, the biological mechanisms underlying its anti-breast cancer activity have not been thoroughly studied. We further studied the effect of delphinidin on breast cancer cells through comprehensive network pharmacology, cellular and molecular experiments. We acquired the know therapeutic targets of delphinidin and obtained differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of breast cancer using RTCGA. We used topological analysis to screen out the 106 core targets of delphinium anti-breast cancer and performed functional analysis. These genes were mainly enriched in the pathways in cancer, Progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation and cell cycle. Then, by taking the intersection of the three analyzed data sets, important core targets (EGFR, TOP2A and PTGS2) were obtained and molecular-docking was performed to validate the result. Additionally, In Vitro experiments, MCF-7 and BT-474 cell proliferation was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by delphinidin and the expressions of EGFR, TOP2A and PTGS were reduced. Moreover, delphinidin influenced cell cycle, the expressions of cdk1 and cyclin B1 were reduced. Furthermore, delphinidin induced apoptosis by activating the MAPK-Signaling pathway. Collectively, our findings suggested that delphinidin may offer effective approaches in breast cancer prevention and therapy. Supplemental data for this article is available online at http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/01635581.2021.2012582 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The H5N1 avian influenza virus seriously affects the health of poultry and humans. Once infected, the mortality rate is very high. Therefore, accurate and timely detection of the H5N1 avian influenza virus is beneficial for controlling its spread. This article establishes a dual gene detection method based on dual RPA for simultaneously detecting the HA and M2 genes of H5N1 avian influenza virus, for the detection of H5N1 avian influenza virus. Design specific primers for the conserved regions of the HA and M2 genes. The sensitivity of the dual RT-RPA detection method for HA and M2 genes is 1 × 10−7 ng/μL. The optimal primer ratio is 1:1, the optimal reaction temperature is 40 °C, and the optimal reaction time is 20 min. Dual RT-RPA was used to detect 72 samples, and compared with RT-qPCR detection, the Kappa value was 1 (p value < 0.05), and the clinical sample detection sensitivity and specificity were both 100%. The dual RT-RPA method is used for the first time to simultaneously detect two genes of the H5N1 avian influenza virus. As an accurate and convenient diagnostic tool, it can be used to diagnose the H5N1 avian influenza virus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pulmonary sclerosing pneumocytoma (PSP) and pulmonary carcinoid (PC) are difficult to distinguish based on conventional imaging examinations. In recent years, radiomics has been used to discriminate benign from malignant pulmonary lesions. However, the value of radiomics based on computed tomography (CT) images to differentiate PSP from PC has not been well explored. Purpose: We aimed to investigate the feasibility of radiomics in the differentiation between PSP and PC. Methods: Fifty‐three PSP and fifty‐five PC were retrospectively enrolled and then were randomly divided into the training and test sets. Univariate and multivariable logistic analyses were carried to select clinical predictor related to differential diagnosis of PSP and PC. A total of 1316 radiomics features were extracted from the unenhanced CT (UECT) and contrast‐enhanced CT (CECT) images, respectively. The minimum redundancy maximum relevance and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator were used to select the most significant radiomics features to construct radiomics models. The clinical predictor and radiomics features were integrated to develop combined models. Two senior radiologists independently categorized each patient into PSP or PC group based on traditional CT method. The performances of clinical, radiomics, and combined models in differentiating PSP from PC were investigated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The diagnostic performance was also compared between the combined models and radiologists. Results: In regard to differentiating PSP from PC, the area under the curves (AUCs) of the clinical, radiomics, and combined models were 0.87, 0.96, and 0.99 in the training set UECT, and were 0.87, 0.97, and 0.98 in the training set CECT, respectively. The AUCs of the clinical, radiomics, and combined models were 0.84, 0.92, and 0.97 in the test set UECT, and were 0.84, 0.93, and 0.98 in the test set CECT, respectively. In regard to the differentiation between PSP and PC, the combined model was comparable to the radiomics model, but outperformed the clinical model and the two radiologists, whether in the test set UECT or CECT. Conclusions: Radiomics approaches show promise in distinguishing between PSP and PC. Moreover, the integration of clinical predictor (gender) has the potential to enhance the diagnostic performance even further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens (Stål), is one of the most important rice pests in Asia rice regions. BPH has monophagy, migration, rapid reproduction and strong environmental adaptability, and its control is a major problem in pest management. Adult BPH exhibit wing dimorphism, and the symbiotic microbiota enriched in the gut can provide energy for wing flight muscles as a source of nutrition. In order to study the diversity of symbiotic microbiota in different winged BPHs, this paper takes female BPH as the research object. It was found that the number of symbiotic microbiota of different winged BPHs would change at different development stages. Then, based on the 16S rRNA and ITS sequences, a metagenomic library was constructed, combined with fluorescent quantitative PCR and high-throughput sequencing, the dominant symbiotic microbiota flora in the gut of different winged BPHs was found, and the community structure and composition of symbiotic microbiota in different winged BPHs were further determined. Together, our results preliminarily revealed that symbiotic microbiota in the gut of BPHs have certain effects on wing morphology, and understanding the mechanisms underlying wing morph differentiation will clarify how nutritional factors or environmental cues alter or regulate physiological and metabolic pathways. These findings also establish a theoretical basis for subsequent explorations into BPH-symbiont interplay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• SA was used to prepare Sr2+ adsorbent by ion-imprinting method. • The adsorbent was modified by TGA to improve its adsorption performance. • Selectivity recovery of Sr2+ from oilfield water was achieved. The efficient recovery of Sr2+ from brine is a great challenge due to the interference of a large number of coexisting ions. Herein, a new-type spherical Sr2+ adsorbent with a diameter of about 2–3 mm was developed by the ion-imprinting method using low-cost and high hydrophilic sodium alginate (SA). It was found that although SA could be granulated in HCl solution, it showed no adsorption ability for Sr2+. However, when SA was ion-imprinted with Sr2+ and then eluted with HCl, the material exhibited excellent adsorption performance. Especially, after modification with thioglycollic acid, the maximum adsorption capacity reached approximately 177 mg·g−1, which was far higher than that of the spherical materials reported at present. The Sr2+ in the material could be eluted easily with 0.05 mol·L−1 HCl at an eluent dosage of only 0.02 L·g−1, and the Sr2+ concentration in the eluate was nearly 25 times higher than that in the original solution. Because of the ion-sieve effect, the developed adsorbent presented high stability and selectivity when used for Sr2+ recovery from oilfield water. The attenuation of adsorption capacity was only 0.42% after five adsorption-desorption. The separation factors between Sr2+ and other ions were all higher than 54, indicating that the selective recovery of Sr2+ is almost unaffected by coexisting Na+, K+, Mg2+, and Ca2+. All these properties suggest that the proposed material has excellent properties and can be used as a candidate for selective recovery of Sr2+ from oilfield water or other liquid strontium resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research systematically investigates the atenolol (ATL) degradation in integrated UV/Ozone (O 3)/peroxymonosulfate (PMS) process focusing on the synergistic mechanism, reaction kinetics, pollutant degradation pathway and antibacterial activity. The results manifested that the integrated UV/O 3 /PMS process showed the noteworthy superiority to ATL degradation compared with UV/PMS, UV/O 3 and O 3 /PMS systems. Simultaneously, the impacts of operating parameters like PMS dosage, initial ATL concentration, solution pH and water matrix were comprehensively explored. The ATL elimination efficiency increased linearly with PMS dose and significantly enhanced in alkaline conditions. The •OH and SO 4 •− were the primary reactive radicals for ATL oxidation in UV/O 3 /PMS system based on the radical scavenging experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance characterization. Besides, a simplified kinetic model on the basis of the dominant reactions and the steady-state assumption was established to foretell the relative contributions of reactive oxidants for ATL elimination in UV/O 3 /PMS process. Main transformation products were determined via UPLC-QTOF-MS to infer the possible degradation pathways of ATL. Furthermore, the UV/O 3 /PMS process could distinctly mitigate the antibacterial activity of ATL and its intermediates to E. coli and B. subtilis. Our findings may have critical implications for the development of novel oxidation processes for recalcitrant contaminants mitigation in water purification. ga1 • UV/O 3 /PMS process showed a notably synergistic effect on the ATL degradation. • A kinetic model based on the calculation of [•OH] ss and [SO 4 •−] ss was established. • The contributions of •OH and SO 4 •− for ATL degradation were highly pH-dependent. • UV/O 3 /PMS process distinctly mitigated the antibacterial activity of ATL and its intermediates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Mg2+ in high Mg/Li ratio brine was separated by extraction. • Direct electrodeposition of metal Mg from organic phase was proposed. • The electroconductivity of organic phase was solved using ionic liquid. • Extraction mechanism and thermokinetics were investigated. The extraction of Mg2+ by di-(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid (P204) was carried out to separate lithium and magnesium. To facilitate the direct electrodeposition of metallic magnesium from the magnesium-rich organic phase, different diluents and ionic liquids were investigated. It was found that tributylhexylphosphonium bis (trifluoromethyl sulfonyl) imide ionic liquid ([P4446][NTf 2 ]) can serve as an excellent supporting electrolyte to solve the electroconductibility of the weak polarity organic phase. The electroconductivity was further increased by more than 1500 times by the use of methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) as a diluent. The single-stage extraction rate of Mg2+ at a concentration up to 76.87 g/L reached 68.4% using 40% P204 + 55% MIBK + 5% [P4446][NTf 2 ] at R (O/A) = 6:1, and the electroconductivity of organic phase was 254.5 μS·cm−1 after extraction. The extraction mechanism and thermokinetics indicated that both [P4446][NTf 2 ] and MIBK do not participate in the extraction process, and the extraction is an obvious endothermic process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a unique and indispensable element in modern battery and energy industries, the recovery of lithium has attracted wide attention worldwide. In this work, the recovery of low concentration of Li+ in geothermal water was carried out by a green and novel FePO 4 /K 2 NiFe(CN) 6 [FPO/KNiFC] electrochemical ion pump technique. Different K 2 MFe(CN) 6 (M = Cu, Co, or Ni) was synthesized and used to construct an electrochemical ion pump with FePO 4. It was found that K 2 NiFe(CN) 6 has excellent electrochemical properties, and the recovery of Li+ is mainly restricted by the insertion capacity and rate of the FePO 4 electrode. This problem was successfully solved by the modification of electrode using multiwalled carbon nanotube. Even though the optimized ion pump system has a low single insertion capacity for low concentrations of Li+, a cycle extraction method was developed and successfully realized high-effective recovery of Li+ from geothermal water. Subsequently, a multi-stage extraction device was designed and proposed for the continuous recovery of low concentrations of Li+. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The smut fungi include a large number of plant pathogens that establish obligate biotrophic relationships with their host. Throughout the whole life inside plant tissue, smut fungi keep plant cells alive and acquire nutrients via biotrophic interfaces. This mini-review mainly summarizes the interactions between smut fungi and their host plants during the infection process. Despite various strategies recruited by plants to defense invading pathogens, smut fungi successfully evolved an arsenal for colonization. Mating of two compatible haploids gives rise to parasitic mycelium, which can sense plant surface cues such as fatty acids and hydrophobic surface, and induce the formation of appressoria for surface penetration. Plants can recognize fungal invading and activate defense response, including callose and lignin deposition, programmed cell death, and SA signaling pathway. To suppress plant immunity and alter the metabolic pathway of host plants, a cocktail of effectors is secreted by smut fungi depending on the plant organ and cell type that is infected. • Smut fungi comprise a set of obligate biotrophic plant pathogens. • Parasitic mycelia can sense plant surface cues and initiate penetration by secreting cell wall degrading enzymes. • Unspecific plant defense response was activated at the initial stage of smut fungi infection. • Multiple effectors have been identified to be responsible for suppressing plant defense response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]