The maize PLASTID TERMINAL OXIDASE (PTOX) locus controls the carotenoid content of kernels.

Carotenoids perform a broad range of important functions in humans; therefore, carotenoid biofortification of maize (Zea mays L.), one of the most highly produced cereal crops worldwide, would have a global impact on human health. PLASTID TERMINAL OXIDASE (PTOX) genes play an important role in carotenoid metabolism; however, the possible function of PTOX in carotenoid biosynthesis in maize has not yet been explored. In this study, we characterized the maize PTOX locus by forward- and reverse-genetic analyses. While most higher plant species possess a single copy of the PTOX gene, maize carries two tandemly duplicated copies. Characterization of mutants revealed that disruption of either copy resulted in a carotenoid-deficient phenotype. We identified mutations in the PTOX genes as being causal of the classic maize mutant, albescent1. Remarkably, overexpression of ZmPTOX1 significantly improved the content of carotenoids, especially ß-carotene (provitamin A), which was increased by ~threefold, in maize kernels. Overall, our study shows that maize PTOX locus plays an important role in carotenoid biosynthesis in maize kernels and suggests that fine-tuning the expression of this gene could improve the nutritional value of cereal grains.

Clinical Effectiveness of Automated Coronary CT-derived Fractional Flow Reserve: A Chinese Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background Coronary CT-derived fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR) has been used in patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD); however, whether it decreases invasive coronary angiography (ICA) use and affects prognosis remains insufficiently evidenced. Purpose To explore the effectiveness of adding CT-FFR to routine coronary CT angiography (CCTA) on short-term ICA rate and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in a Chinese setting. Materials and Methods A multicenter randomized controlled trial was conducted in 17 Chinese centers, with patient inclusion from May 2021 to September 2021. Eligible individuals with 25%-99% stenosis at CCTA were randomly assigned 1:1 to a strategy of CCTA plus automated CT-FFR or CCTA alone for guiding downstream care. The primary end point was the ICA rate 90 days after enrollment. Secondary end points included 90-day and 1-year MACE rates (comprised of all-cause mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and urgent revascularization) and 1-year cardiac events (comprised of cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and urgent revascularization). The Cox proportional hazards model with center effect adjustment was used for survival comparisons. Results A total of 5297 participants (mean age, 63.5 years ± 10.8 [SD]; 3178 male) were included. During the 90-day follow-up, ICA was performed in 263 of 2633 participants (10.0%) in the CCTA plus CT-FFR group and 327 of 2640 participants (12.4%) in the CCTA-alone group (absolute rate difference: -2.40%; 95% CI: -4.10, -0.70; P = .006). The MACE rates at 90 days (0.5% [12 of 2633 participants] vs 0.8% [21 of 2640 participants]; P = .12) and 1 year (2.9% [74 of 2546 participants] vs 2.8% [72 of 2531 participants]; P = .90) were similar for both groups. At 1-year follow-up, fewer cardiac events were observed in the CCTA plus CT-FFR group compared with the CCTA-alone group (0.5% vs 1.1%; adjusted hazard ratio: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.27, 0.99; P = .047). Conclusion CT-FFR added to CCTA led to a lower 90-day ICA rate and similar 1-year MACE rate in a Chinese real-world setting. Further follow-up is warranted to demonstrate the long-term prognostic value of this management approach. © RSNA, 2024 Supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Pundziute-do Prado in this issue.

Sex differences in functional connectivity and the predictive role of the connectome-based predictive model in Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by cognitive decline. Sex differences in the progression of AD exist, but the neural mechanisms are not well understood. The purpose of the current study was to explore sex differences in brain functional connectivity (FC) at different stages of AD and their predictive ability on Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores using connectome-based predictive modeling (CPM). Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging was collected from 81 AD patients (44 females), 78 amnestic mild cognitive impairment patients (44 females), and 92 healthy controls (50 females). The FC analysis was conducted and the interaction effect between sex and group was investigated using two-factor variance analysis. The CPM was used to predict MoCA scores. There were sex-by-group interaction effects on FC between the left dorsolateral superior frontal gyrus and left middle temporal gyrus, left precuneus and right calcarine fissure surrounding cortex, left precuneus and left middle occipital gyrus, left middle temporal gyrus and left precentral gyrus, and between the left middle temporal gyrus and right cuneus. In the CPM, the positive network predictive model significantly predicted MoCA scores in both males and females. There were significant sex-by-group interaction effects on FC between the left precuneus and left middle occipital gyrus, and between the left middle temporal gyrus and right cuneus could predict MoCA scores in female patients. Our results suggest that there are sex differences in FC at different stages of AD. The sex-specific FC can further predict MoCA scores at individual level.

Constrution of Quinazoline-Linked Covalent Organic Frameworks via a Multicomponent Reaction for Photocatalysis.

Quinazoline (Qz)-linked covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have been constructed via a three-component reaction of ortho-acylanilines, benzaldehydes and NH4OAc. The structure of Qz-COFs has been confirmed by solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared and powder X-ray diffraction patterns. The Qz-COFs possess high chemical stability, showing good endurance to strong acid, strong base, oxidant, reductant and other conditions. Particularly, Qz-COF-3 can catalyze the aerobic photooxidation of toluene and other compounds containing C(sp3)-H bonds.

Cardiac T1ρ Mapping Values Affected by Age and Sex in a Healthy Chinese Cohort.

BACKGROUND: To facilitate the clinical use of cardiac T1ρ, it is important to understand the impact of age and sex on T1ρ values of the myocardium. PURPOSE: To investigate the impact of age and gender on myocardial T1ρ values. STUDY TYPE: Cross-sectional. POPULATION: Two hundred ten healthy Han Chinese volunteers without cardiovascular risk factors (85 males, mean age 34.4 ± 12.5 years; 125 females, mean age 37.9 ± 14.8 years). FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: 1.5 T; T1ρ-prepared steady-state free precession (T1ρ mapping) sequence. ASSESSMENT: Basal, mid, and apical short-axis left ventricular T1ρ maps were acquired. T1ρ maps acquired with spin-lock frequencies of 5 and 400 Hz were subtracted to create a myocardial fibrosis index (mFI) map. T1ρ and mFI values across different age decades, sex, and slice locations were compared. STATISTICAL TESTS: Shapiro-Wilk test, Student's t test, Mann-Whitney U test, linear regression analysis, one-way analysis of variance and intraclass correlation coefficient. SIGNIFICANCE: P value <0.05. RESULTS: Women had significantly higher T1ρ and mFI values than men (50.3 ± 2.0 msec vs. 47.7 ± 2.4 msec and 4.7 ± 1.0 msec vs. 4.3 ± 1.1 msec, respectively). Additionally, in males and females combined, there was a significant positive but weak correlation between T1ρ values and age (r = 0.27), while no correlation was observed between the mFI values and age (P = 0.969). DATA CONCLUSION: We report potential reference values for cardiac T1ρ by sex, age distribution, and slice location in a Chinese population. T1ρ was significantly correlated with age and sex, while mFI was only associated with sex. EVIDENCE LEVEL: 2 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 1.

The Association of Epicardial Adipose Tissue Volume and Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: As Assessed by Cardiac MR.

BACKGROUND: Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is a metabolically active visceral fat linked to cardiovascular disease. Prior studies demonstrated the predictive value of EAT volume (EATV) in atrial fibrillation (AF) among hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy patients. PURPOSE: To investigate the association between EATV and AF in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). STUDY TYPE: Retrospective. POPULATION: Two hundred and twenty-four HCM patients (including 79 patients with AF and 145 patients without AF, 154 men) and 80 healthy controls (54 men). FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: 3.0 T scanner; balanced steady-state free precession (SSFP) cine sequence, gradient echo. ASSESSMENT: EAT thickness was assessed in the 4-chamber and basal short-axis planes. EAT volume was calculated by outlining the epicardial border and visceral pericardium layer on short-axis cine images. STATISTICAL TESTS: Shapiro-Wilk test, Student's t test or the Mann-Whitney U test, chi-square test or Fisher's exact test, Multivariate linear regression analyses, Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis. Intraclass correlation coefficient. Significance was determined at P < 0.05. RESULTS: EATV and EAT volume index (EATVI) were significantly greater in HCM patients with AF than those without AF (126.6 ± 25.9 mL vs. 90.5 ± 24.5 mL, and 73.0 ± 15.9 mL/m2 vs. 51.3 ± 13.4 mL/m2). EATVI was associated with AF in multivariable linear regression analysis among HCM patients (ß = 0.62). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that compared to other indicators, the area under curve (AUC) of EATVI was 0.86 (cut-off, 53.9 mL/m2, 95% CI, 0.80-0.89), provided a better performance, with the sensitivity of 96.2% and specificity of 58.6%. The combined model exhibited superior association with AF presence compared to the clinical model (AUC 0.96 vs. 0.76) and the imaging model (AUC 0.96 vs. 0.93). DATA CONCLUSION: EATVI was associated with AF. EATVI was significantly correlated with incident AF, and provided a better performance in HCM patients compared to other indicators. EVIDENCE LEVEL: 3 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.

Cardiac magnetic resonance assessment of cardiac function across chronic kidney disease stages.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease prevalence remains high among chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Mechanisms and treatments to improve prognosis remain of paramount important and imaging biomarkers of left ventricular myocardial structure and function have better defined the phenotype of renal cardiomyopathy. The left atrial function and right heart remain are less well reported in CKD. This study used cardiac MRI to assess the interplay of left atrial and right ventricular function. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, we examined 58 CKD patients (Group I: stages 2-3, n = 25; Group II: stages 4-5, n = 33). Additionally, 26 age-matched healthy controls were included. Comprehensive CMR protocols (1.5T) were employed, encompassing cine imaging, native T1 and T2 mapping, and tissue tracking strain analysis. LV, RV, and LA structure, function, and strain parameters were assessed. RESULTS: Compared to healthy controls, both groups I and II exhibited impaired RV and LA function. RVEDVi and RVESVi showed significant increases in both groups I and II (p < 0.001). All LV, RV, and LA strain parameters were reduced in the patient groups (all p < 0.001). In the univariate binary logistic regression, several parameters, including age, blood pressure, RV volumes and LV/RV strain were found to have a statistically significant association with CKD. In a multivariable model adjusted for other confounders, RV GLS and left atrial strain remained as independent significant predictors. CONCLUSIONS: RV size, LA strain and volume assessed by CMR serve as markers of RV and LA cardiac dysfunction in CKD patients with preserved LVEF. Greater attention should be given to RV and LA dysfunction for early identification of cardiac dysfunction in CKD patients.

Periodontitis is associated with altered brain structure and function in normal cognition middle-aged and elderly individuals.

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have proposed that periodontitis is a potential risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. However, the association between periodontitis and brain normal cognition in aged and elderly individuals (NCs) is unclear. Such a link could provide clues to Alzheimer's disease development and strategies for early prevention. OBJECTIVE: To explore the associations between periodontal condition and metrics of both brain structure and function among NCs with the help of multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS: High-resolution T1-weighted structural data, resting-state functional-MRI data, and measures of periodontal condition were collected from 40 NCs. Cortical volume, thickness, and area as well as regional homogeneity were calculated with the aid of DPABISurf software. Correlation analyses were then conducted between each imaging metric and periodontal index. RESULTS: Consistent negative correlations were observed between severity of periodontitis (mild, moderate, severe) and cortical volume, area, and thickness, not only in brain regions that took charge of primary function but also in brain regions associated with advanced cognition behavior. Among participants with mild attachment loss (AL) and a shallow periodontal pocket depth (PPD), periodontal index was positively correlated with most measures of brain structure and function, while among participants with severe AL and deep PPD, periodontal index was negatively correlated with measures of brain structure and function (all p < .005 for each hemisphere). CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that periodontitis is associated with widespread changes in brain structure and function among middle-aged and elderly adults without signs of cognitive decline, which might be a potential risk factor for brain damage.

Value of fractional-order calculus (FROC) model diffusion-weighted imaging combined with simultaneous multi-slice (SMS) acceleration technology for evaluating benign and malignant breast lesions.

BACKGROUND: This study explores the diagnostic value of combining fractional-order calculus (FROC) diffusion-weighted model with simultaneous multi-slice (SMS) acceleration technology in distinguishing benign and malignant breast lesions. METHODS: 178 lesions (73 benign, 105 malignant) underwent magnetic resonance imaging with diffusion-weighted imaging using multiple b-values (14 b-values, highest 3000 s/mm2). Independent samples t-test or Mann-Whitney U test compared image quality scores, FROC model parameters (D,, ), and ADC values between two groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified independent variables and constructed nomograms. Model discrimination ability was assessed with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and calibration chart. Spearman correlation analysis and Bland-Altman plot evaluated parameter correlation and consistency. RESULTS: Malignant lesions exhibited lower D, and ADC values than benign lesions (P < 0.05), with higher values (P < 0.05). In SSEPI-DWI and SMS-SSEPI-DWI sequences, the AUC and diagnostic accuracy of D value are maximal, with D value demonstrating the highest diagnostic sensitivity, while value exhibits the highest specificity. The D and combined model had the highest AUC and accuracy. D and ADC values showed high correlation between sequences, and moderate. Bland-Altman plot demonstrated unbiased parameter values. CONCLUSION: SMS-SSEPI-DWI FROC model provides good image quality and lesion characteristic values within an acceptable time. It shows consistent diagnostic performance compared to SSEPI-DWI, particularly in D and values, and significantly reduces scanning time.

Replacing the tropolonic methoxyl group of colchicine with methylamino increases tubulin binding affinity with improved therapeutic index and overcomes paclitaxel cross-resistance.

AIMS: Microtubule inhibitors are widely used in first line cancer therapy, though drug resistance often develops and causes treatment failure. Colchicine binds to tubulins and inhibits tumor growth, but is not approved for cancer therapy due to systemic toxicity. In this study, we aim to improve the therapeutic index of colchicine through structural modification. METHODS: The methoxyl group of the tropolonic ring in colchicine was replaced with amino groups. The cross-resistance of the derivatives with paclitaxel and vincristine was tested. Antitumor effects of target compounds were tested in vivo in A549 and paclitaxel-resistant A549/T xenografts. The interaction of target compounds with tubulins was measured using biological and chemical methods. RESULTS: Methylamino replacement of the tropolonic methoxyl group of colchicine increases, while demethylation loses, selective tubulin binding affinity, G2/M arrest and antiproliferation activity. Methylaminocolchicine is more potent than paclitaxel and vincristine to inhibit tumor growth in vitro and in vivo without showing cross-resistance to paclitaxel. Methylaminocolchicine binds to tubulins in unique patterns and inhibits P-gp with a stable pharmacokinetic profile. CONCLUSION: Methylanimo replacement of the tropolonic methoxyl group of colchicine increases antitumor activity with improved therapeutic index. Methylaminocolchicine represents a new type of mitotic inhibitor with the ability of overcoming paclitaxel and vincristine resistance.

Salt responsive alternative splicing of a RING finger E3 ligase modulates the salt stress tolerance by fine-tuning the balance of COP9 signalosome subunit 5A.

Increasing evidence points to the tight relationship between alternative splicing (AS) and the salt stress response in plants. However, the mechanisms linking these two phenomena remain unclear. In this study, we have found that Salt-Responsive Alternatively Spliced gene 1 (SRAS1), encoding a RING-Type E3 ligase, generates two splicing variants: SRAS1.1 and SRAS1.2, which exhibit opposing responses to salt stress. The salt stress-responsive AS event resulted in greater accumulation of SRAS1.1 and a lower level of SRAS1.2. Comprehensive phenotype analysis showed that overexpression of SRAS1.1 made the plants more tolerant to salt stress, whereas overexpression of SRAS1.2 made them more sensitive. In addition, we successfully identified the COP9 signalosome 5A (CSN5A) as the target of SRAS1. CSN5A is an essential player in the regulation of plant development and stress. The full-length SRAS1.1 promoted degradation of CSN5A by the 26S proteasome. By contrast, SRAS1.2 protected CSN5A by competing with SRAS1.1 on the same binding site. Thus, the salt stress-triggered AS controls the ratio of SRAS1.1/SRAS1.2 and switches on and off the degradation of CSN5A to balance the plant development and salt tolerance. Together, these results provide insights that salt-responsive AS acts as post-transcriptional regulation in mediating the function of E3 ligase.

Normal Values of Magnetic Resonance T1ρ Relaxation Times in the Adult Heart at 1.5 T MRI.

BACKGROUND: T1ρ mapping is a new quantitative MRI technique in recent years. In order to use T1ρ mapping as a noncontrast method to assess myocardial fibrosis, it is necessary to establish a range of normal values. PURPOSE: To establish a potential normal range of cardiac T1ρ values in healthy adults and to explore the influence of slice location and gender on T1ρ values. STUDY TYPE: Prospective. POPULATION: A total of 57 healthy volunteers without cardiovascular risk factors (age 26.7 ± 11.8 years; 29 males). FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: 1.5 T; modified Look-Locker inversion recovery (MOLLI) (T1 mapping), multiecho gradient-spin-echo (GraSE) (T2 mapping) and T1ρ -prepared steady-state free precession (T1ρ mapping) sequences. ASSESSMENT: Basal, mid, and apical short-axis left ventricular T1 , T2 , and T1ρ maps were acquired. T1ρ maps at spin-locking frequencies of 5 and 400 Hz were subtracted to create myocardial fibrosis index (mFI) maps. Slice-average and global average T1 , T2 , T1ρ , and mFI values were determined. STATISTICAL TESTS: Shapiro-Wilk test, Independent t-test, ANOVA test, Pearson correlation coefficient (r). SIGNIFICANCE: P value < 0.05. RESULTS: The global average values of T1 , T2 , T1ρ, and mFI were 1053 ± 34 msec, 51.9 ± 2.3 msec, 47.9 ± 2.8 msec, and 4.4 ± 1.6 msec. T1ρ values showed a significant gradual increase from the basal slice to the apical slice of the heart (basal 46.5 ± 2.7 msec, mid 48.0 ± 2.9 msec, apical 49.2 ± 3.3 msec). The T1ρ and mFI values of females (49.7 ± 2.4 msec and 5.1 ± 1.2 msec, respectively) were significantly higher than those of males (46.2 ± 1.9 msec and 3.7 ± 1.7 msec, respectively). In addition, there was a moderate positive correlation between global T1ρ values and global T1 values (r = 0.44, P < 0.05) and a moderate positive correlation between global T1ρ values and global T2 values (r = 0.42, P < 0.05). DATA CONCLUSION: In this study, the global T1ρ values of healthy adults' hearts were 47.9 ± 2.8 msec. This study found that gender and slice location of myocardium can affect the T1ρ values. EVIDENCE LEVEL: 4 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 1.

Predicting coronary plaque progression with conventional plaque parameters and radiomics features derived from coronary CT angiography.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the value of combining conventional plaque parameters and radiomics features derived from coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) for predicting coronary plaque progression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical data and CCTA images of 400 patients who underwent at least two CCTA examinations between January 2009 and August 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. Diameter stenosis, total plaque volume and burden, calcified plaque volume and burden, noncalcified plaque volume and burden (NCPB), pericoronary fat attenuation index (FAI), and other conventional plaque parameters were recorded. The patients were assigned to a training cohort (n = 280) and a validation cohort (n = 120) in a 7:3 ratio using a stratified random splitting method. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) was used to evaluate the predictive abilities of conventional parameters (model 1), radiomics features (model 2), and their combination (model 3). RESULTS: FAI and NCPB were identified as independent risk factors for coronary plaque progression in the training cohort. Both model 2 (training cohort AUC: 0.814, p < 0.001; validation cohort AUC: 0.729, p = 0.288) and model 3 (training cohort AUC: 0.824, p < 0.001; validation cohort AUC: 0.758, p = 0.042) had better diagnostic performances in predicting plaque progression than model 1 (training cohort AUC: 0.646; validation cohort AUC: 0.654). Moreover, model 3 was slightly higher than model 2, although not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of conventional coronary plaque parameters and CCTA-derived radiomics features had a better ability to predict plaque progression than conventional parameters alone. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: The conventional coronary plaque characteristics such as noncalcified plaque burden, pericoronary fat attenuation index, and radiomics features derived from CCTA can identify plaques prone to progression, which is helpful for further clinical decision-making of coronary artery disease. KEY POINTS: • FAI and NCPB were identified as independent risk factors for predicting plaque progression. • Coronary plaque radiomics features were more advantageous than conventional parameters in predicting plaque progression. • The combination of conventional coronary plaque parameters and radiomics features could significantly improve the predictive ability of plaque progression over conventional parameters alone.

White and green striate leaves 1, predicted to encode a 16S rRNA processing protein, plays a critical role in the processing of chloroplast ribosomes in maize (Zea mays L.).

Ribosomes play a crucial role in protein biosynthesis and are linked to plant growth and development. The RimM protein has been shown to be involved in the maturation of 30S ribosomal subunits, but its exact function in plants is still unknown. In this study, we discovered a maize mutant with white and green striate leaves (wgsl1) and reduced chlorophyll content. Genetic analysis showed that the wgsl1 mutation was recessive and controlled by a single nuclear gene. Map-based cloning of ZmWGSL1 identified a base substitution (G to A) that generated a missense mutation within the Zm00001d039036 gene in the wgsl1 mutant. Zm00001d039036 encodes a 16S rRNA processing protein containing the RimM motif. Further analysis of transcriptomic data showed that the transcript levels of many ribosomal proteins involved in the small and big ribosomal subunits were dramatically up-regulated in the wgsl1 mutant. Moreover, the level of ribosomal multimers was decreased. This suggests that ZmWGSL1 plays a crucial role in the maturation of the ribosome, leading to abnormal plant growth and development. In addition, subcellular localization results indicate that WGSL1 is localized in chloroplasts. Therefore, we suggest that WGSL1 is a nuclear-encoded protein, is transported to the chloroplast to drive functions, and affects the processing of ribosomes in the chloroplast. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11032-023-01407-y.

Clinical manifestations and MRI features of Danon disease: a case series.

BACKGROUND: Danon disease (DD) is an exceptionally uncommon X-linked dominant lysosomal glycogen storage disorder characterized by pronounced ventricular hypertrophy and cardiac insufficiency. The timely identification of cardiac impairment in individuals with DD holds significant clinical importance. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of Danon Disease in a three-generation pedigree from Anhui Province, China. Clinical features and laboratory data were collected and analyzed for a 16-year-old male proband (III-1) and two affected female family members (II-2 and II-3). The proband exhibited Wolf-Parkinson-White syndrome, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, abnormal cognitive function, and muscle weakness. Gene sequencing confirmed a mutation (c.963G > A) in the LAMP-2 gene. CONCLUSION: Patients with DD may present both dilated and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Comprehensive myocardial tissue characterization by MRI plays a key role in the diagnosis of the disease.

Ultrafast short-range catalytic pathway modified peroxymonosulfate activation over CuO with surface oxygen defects for tetracycline hydrochloride degradation.

The presence of antibiotics in water bodies seriously threatens the ecosystem and human health. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) based on peroxymonosulfate (PMS), an effective method to remove antibiotics, have a bottleneck problem that the low oxidant utilization is attributed to the hindered electron transfer between metal oxides and peroxides. Here, CuO with rich oxygen vacancies (OVs), MSCuO-300, was synthesized to efficiently degrade tetracycline hydrochloride (TTCH) (k = 0.095 min-1). The dominant role of direct adsorption and activation of OVs and its regulated Cu-O, rather than surface hydroxyl adsorption, mediated a short-range catalytic pathway. The shortened catalytic pathway between active sites and PMS accelerated the charge transfer at the interface, which promoted PMS activation. Compared with CuxO-500 and Commercial CuO, the activation rate of PMS was increased by 11.97, and 12.64 times, respectively. OVs contributed to the production of 1O2 and O2•-, the main active species. In addition, MSCuO-300/PMS showed excellent adaptability to real water parameters, such as pH (3-11), anions, and continuous reactor maintained for 168 h. This study provides a successful case for the purification of antibiotic-containing wastewater in the design of efficient catalysts by oxygen defect strategies.

Education reduces cognitive dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease by changing regional cerebral perfusion: An in-vivo arterial spin labeling study.

OBJECTIVE: Formal education and other cognitive challenges influence brain structure and improve function. It is believed that cognitive activities create a cognitive reserve (CR) that can slow the decline due to aging and neurodegenerative diseases. This study investigated alterations of regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) associated with high and low CR in different stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and examined whether rCBF alteration mediates the relationship between education and cognitive performance. METHODS: Patients with AD or amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and healthy controls were divided into low cognitive reserve (LCR) and high cognitive reserve (HCR) subgroups according to median of education years (≤ 9 vs. > 9 years). The final study population included 89 AD patients (67 LCR, 22 HCR), 74 aMCI patients (44 LCR, 30 HCR), and 66 healthy controls (29 LCR, 37 HCR). All subjects were examined by arterial spin labeling magnetic resonance imaging and a neurocognitive test battery. rCBF was compared among groups by two-way analysis of variance. Mediation analyses were used to explore the relationships among education, rCBF, and cognitive test scores. RESULTS: There were significant interaction effects of disease state (AD, aMCI, HC) and education level (LCR, HCR) on CBF in right hippocampus, posterior cingulate cortex, and right inferior parietal cortex (R_IPC). Education regulated episodic memory score by influencing right hippocampal CBF in HC_HCR and aMCI_HCR subgroups. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that the protective effect of education against cognitive dysfunction in early-stage AD is mediated at least partially by altered CBF in right hippocampus.

[A bio-inspired hierarchical spiking neural network with biological synaptic plasticity for event camera object recognition].

With inherent sparse spike-based coding and asynchronous event-driven computation, spiking neural network (SNN) is naturally suitable for processing event stream data of event cameras. In order to improve the feature extraction and classification performance of bio-inspired hierarchical SNNs, in this paper an event camera object recognition system based on biological synaptic plasticity is proposed. In our system input event streams were firstly segmented adaptively using spiking neuron potential to improve computational efficiency of the system. Multi-layer feature learning and classification are implemented by our bio-inspired hierarchical SNN with synaptic plasticity. After Gabor filter-based event-driven convolution layer which extracted primary visual features of event streams, we used a feature learning layer with unsupervised spiking timing dependent plasticity (STDP) rule to help the network extract frequent salient features, and a feature learning layer with reward-modulated STDP rule to help the network learn diagnostic features. The classification accuracies of the network proposed in this paper on the four benchmark event stream datasets were better than the existing bio-inspired hierarchical SNNs. Moreover, our method showed good classification ability for short event stream input data, and was robust to input event stream noise. The results show that our method can improve the feature extraction and classification performance of this kind of SNNs for event camera object recognition.

Genome assembly of the Chinese maize elite inbred line RP125 and its EMS mutant collection provide new resources for maize genetics research and crop improvement.

Maize is an important crop worldwide, as well as a valuable model with vast genetic diversity. Accurate genome and annotation information for a wide range of inbred lines would provide valuable resources for crop improvement and pan-genome characterization. In this study, we generated a high-quality de novo genome assembly (contig N50 of 15.43 Mb) of the Chinese elite inbred line RP125 using Nanopore long-read sequencing and Hi-C scaffolding, which yield highly contiguous, chromosome-length scaffolds. Global comparison of the RP125 genome with those of B73, W22, and Mo17 revealed a large number of structural variations. To create new germplasm for maize research and crop improvement, we carried out an EMS mutagenesis screen on RP125. In total, we obtained 5818 independent M2 families, with 946 mutants showing heritable phenotypes. Taking advantage of the high-quality RP125 genome, we successfully cloned 10 mutants from the EMS library, including the novel kernel mutant qk1 (quekou: "missing a small part" in Chinese), which exhibited partial loss of endosperm and a starch accumulation defect. QK1 encodes a predicted metal tolerance protein, which is specifically required for Fe transport. Increased accumulation of Fe and reactive oxygen species as well as ferroptosis-like cell death were detected in qk1 endosperm. Our study provides the community with a high-quality genome sequence and a large collection of mutant germplasm.

Gas-phase synthesis of racemic helicenes and their potential role in the enantiomeric enrichment of sugars and amino acids in meteorites.

The molecular origins of homochirality on Earth is not understood well, particularly how enantiomerically enriched molecules of astrobiological significance like sugars and amino acids might have been synthesized on icy grains in space preceding their delivery to Earth. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) identified in carbonaceous chondrites could have been processed in molecular clouds by circularly polarized light prior to the depletion of enantiomerically enriched helicenes onto carbonaceous grains resulting in chiral islands. However, the fundamental low temperature reaction mechanisms leading to racemic helicenes are still unknown. Here, by exploiting synchrotron based molecular beam photoionization mass spectrometry combined with electronic structure calculations, we provide compelling testimony on barrierless, low temperature pathways leading to racemates of [5] and [6]helicene. Astrochemical modeling advocates that gas-phase reactions in molecular clouds lead to racemates of helicenes suggesting a pathway for future astronomical observation and providing a fundamental understanding for the origin of homochirality on early Earth.