Confidential multiple-input multiple-output optical camera communication aided by a two-dimensional pilot.

Optical camera communication (OCC) has attracted increased attention for its inherent security advantage. However, there still exists the risk of eavesdropping on the broadcasting channel of OCC. To achieve confidential communication, we propose the confidentiality-interference dual light-emitting diode (LED) communication (CIDLC) scheme at the transmitter (TX) and elimination of interference (EI) scheme at the receiver (RX). Meanwhile, interference signals refer to the bit shift of confidential signals. Further, we propose the two-dimensional pilot-aided channel estimation (2D-PACE) scheme to enhance the reliability of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) OCC. Experiment results validate the effectiveness of our schemes, which guarantee confidentiality while performing well at a 2 m non-line-of-sight (NLOS) distance. Finally, the communication-illumination integration OCC is constructed via the energy equalization coding (EEC) scheme.

Ame-miR-980-3p participates in autophagy-mediated midgut remodelling in Apis mellifera via targeting Atg2B.

Autophagy is a process that serves to degrade damaged proteins and organelles, thereby promoting cell homeostasis, differentiation, development and survival. Many miRNAs have been found to have regulatory roles in autophagy. In insects, it has been shown that autophagy is involved in hormone-regulated programmed cell death during metamorphic midgut remodelling. However, whether this is also true during the remodelling of the honey bee midgut is unclear. In the present study, we explored the relationship between autophagy and midgut remodelling and sought to identify miRNAs involved in this physiological process. We found that autophagy occurred during midgut remodelling and that the inhibition of autophagy resulted in midgut dysplasia in prepupae. Differentially expressed miRNAs enriched in the autophagy signalling pathway during midgut remodelling were identified by small RNA-seq. Ame-miR-980-3p, which targets the autophagy-related gene Atg2B, was screened out. Furthermore, abnormal expression of ame-miR-980-3p in the pupal stage led to the thinning of the midgut wall of newly emerged bees (NE). When ame-miR-980-3p expression was inhibited, the intestinal villi of NE bees became significantly shorter and sparse, and the lipid signal in the peritrophic matrix of Pb almost disappeared, indicating that the adult midgut was underdeveloped and the lipid absorption ability was weakened. Taken together, ame-miR-980-3p targeted Atg2B to participate in the regulation of midgut autophagy in the pupae, and the abnormal expression of ame-miR-980-3p would interfere with cell proliferation and death in the process of midgut remodelling, hinder the formation of adult midgut and eventually lead to adult midgut dysplasia and affect the lipid absorption function of the midgut in Apis mellifera.

Pathogen Receptor Membrane-Coating Facet Structures Boost Nanomaterial Immune Escape and Antibacterial Performance.

Nanomaterials show great potential for the treatment of bacterial infections, but their effects remain limited by low antibacterial efficiency and immune clearance. Facet-dependent nanozymes coated with pathogen receptor membranes were fabricated, providing an approach for producing superphotothermal antibacterial nanomaterials with high biocompatibility and low immune clearance. (100)- and (112)-Faceted CuFeSe2 presented excellent photothermal conversion efficiency (46%). However, the peroxidase-like activity of (100)-faceted CuFeSe2 enhanced the decomposition of H2O2 to hydroxyl radicals (•OH) and was markedly greater than that of (112)-faceted CuFeSe2, with nearly 100% of Staphylococcus aureus being killed under near-infrared (NIR) irradiation. Importantly, bacteria-pretreated immune membranes (i.e., pathogen receptor membranes) coated with CuFeSe2 exhibited superior S. aureus-binding ability, presented obvious immune-evading capability, and resulted in targeted delivery to infected sites. As a proof-of-principle demonstration, these findings hold promise for the use of pathogen receptor membrane-coated facet-dependent nanomaterials in clinical applications and the treatment of bacterial infections.

Non-line-of-sight optical camera communication aided by a pilot.

Currently, optical camera communication (OCC), as an emerging network access mode for the fifth-generation (5G), is valued for its advantages over radio frequency (RF). In the long-distance communication scenario, the data rate of line-of-sight (LOS) OCC is restricted. To address this, we propose a pilot-aided demodulation scheme to realize extending the communication distance, while also ensuring the data rate and reliability of the non-line-of-sight (NLOS) OCC. The experiment result validates the effectiveness of the proposed pilot-aided signal layer estimation (PSLE) and extreme value clustering (EVC) scheme, which can perform well against a heterogeneous background with ghost shadows at 2.5 m distance.

Influence of glucose fermentation on CO2 assimilation to acetate in homoacetogen Blautia coccoides GA-1.

Fermentation of glucose influences CO2 assimilation to acetate in homoacetogens. Blautia coccoides was investigated for a better understanding of the metabolic characteristics of homoacetogens in mixotrophic cultures. Batch cultures of the strain with H2/CO2 as a sole carbon source reached an acetate yield of 5.32 g/g dry cell weight after 240 h of incubation. Autotrophic metabolism was inhibited as glucose was added into the culture: the higher the glucose concentration the lower the autotrophic ability of the bacterium. Autotrophy was inhibited by high glucose concentration, probably due to the competition for coenzyme A between the Embden-Meyerhof-Parnas pathway and the Wood-Ljungdahl carbon fixation pathway, the energy (adenosine triphosphate) allocation for synthesis of cell carbon and reduction of CO2, in combination with the low pH caused by the accumulation of acetate.

Proline inhibits postharvest physiological deterioration of cassava by improving antioxidant capacity.

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz), a crucial global tuber crop, encounters significant economic losses attributed to postharvest physiological deterioration (PPD). The PPD phenomenon in cassava is closely related to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and amino acids play a pivotal role in regulating signaling pathways and eliminating ROS. In this study, the storage performance of eight cassava varieties were conducted. Cassava cultivar SC5 showed the best storage performance among the eight cassava varieties, but the edible cassava cultivar SC9 performed much worse. Comparative analysis of free amino acids was conducted in eight cassava varieties, revealing changes in proline, aspartic acid, histidine, glutamic acid, threonine, and serine. Exogenous supplementation of these six amino acids was performed to inhibit PPD of SC9. Proline was confirmed as the key amino acid for inhibiting PPD. Treatment with optimal exogenous proline of 5 g/L resulted in a 17.9% decrease in the deterioration rate compared to untreated cassava. Accompanied by a decrease in H2O2 content and an increase in catalase, superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase activity. Proline treatment proved to be an effective approach to alleviate cell oxidative damage, inhibit PPD in cassava, and prolong shelf life.

Role of Type VI secretion system in pathogenic remodeling of host gut microbiota during Aeromonas veronii infection.

Intestinal microbial disturbance is a direct cause of host disease. The bacterial Type VI secretion system (T6SS) often plays a crucial role in the fitness of pathogenic bacteria by delivering toxic effectors into target cells. However, its impact on the gut microbiota and host pathogenesis is poorly understood. To address this question, we characterized a new T6SS in the pathogenic Aeromonas veronii C4. First, we validated the secretion function of the core machinery of A. veronii C4 T6SS. Second, we found that the pathogenesis and colonization of A. veronii C4 is largely dependent on its T6SS. The effector secretion activity of A. veronii C4 T6SS not only provides an advantage in competition among bacteria in vitro, but also contributes to occupation of an ecological niche in the nutritionally deficient and anaerobic environment of the host intestine. Metagenomic analysis showed that the T6SS directly inhibits or eliminates symbiotic strains from the intestine, resulting in dysregulated gut microbiome homeostasis. In addition, we identified three unknown effectors, Tse1, Tse2, and Tse3, in the T6SS, which contribute to T6SS-mediated bacterial competition and pathogenesis by impairing targeted cell integrity. Our findings highlight that T6SS can remodel the host gut microbiota by intricate interplay between T6SS-mediated bacterial competition and altered host immune responses, which synergistically promote pathogenesis of A. veronii C4. Therefore, this newly characterized T6SS could represent a general interaction mechanism between the host and pathogen, and may offer a potential therapeutic target for controlling bacterial pathogens.

[Shenghua decoction reversed methotrexate-induced interferon-gamma immunosuppression].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of Shenghua Decoction in reversing IFN-gamma inhibition induced by methotrexate (MTX). METHODS: Pregnant Balb/C mice were randomly divided into the negative control group, Shenghua Decoction group, the MTX control group, and the MTX combined with Shenghua Decoction group. Pregnant mice in the 4 groups were respectively treated with normal saline (NS), Shenghua Decoction, MTX, and MTX combined with Shenghua Decoction for 7 successive days. Then mice were sacrificed 1 h after the last administration. Living fetus and dead fetus were counted to assess meto-maternal rejection. The percentages of interferon-gamma+(IFN-gamma+) and CD3+CD+IFN-gamma+ cells in spleen lymphocytes of pregnant mice were double stained for cytometric analysis. At the same time IFN-gamma message ribonucleic acid (mRNA) in the spleen mononuclear cells was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: Compared with the negative control group, the number of dead fetus increased significantly after the administration of Shenghua Decoction (P > 0.05). The percentages of IFN-gamma+ and CD3+CD4+IFN-gamma+ in spleen mononuclear cells were elevated by 28.81% and 35.61% respectively (both P < 0.05). IFN-gamma mRNA expression increased (P < 0.05). After the administration of MTX, the number of dead fetus increased significantly. The percentages of IFN-gamma+ and CD3+CD4+IFN-gamma+ in spleen mononuclear cells were reduced by 24.23% and 26.77% respectively compared with the negative control group. Besides, the expression of IFN-gamma mRNA decreased obviously (P < 0.05). However, after the administration of MTX in combination of Shenghua Decoction, the number of dead fetus was further added. Moreover, the percentages of IFN-gamma+ and CD3+CD4+IFN-gamma+ cells obviously increased. The increment was 64.96% and 71.38% respectively when compared with the MTX group, and the expression of IFN-gamma mRNA was obviously up-regulated (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Shenghua Decoction showed reversing effect on MTX induced IFN-gamma inhibition by promoting the differentiation of IFN-gamma+Th1 subpopulation and up-regulating IFN-gamma expression, thus promoting the feto-maternal immunological rejection.

Facile Bioself-Assembled Crystals in Plants Promote Photosynthesis and Salt Stress Resistance.

Salty soil is a global problem that has adverse effects on plants. We demonstrate that bioself-assembled molybdenum-sulfur (Mo-S) crystals formed by the foliar application of MoCl5 and cysteine augment the photosynthesis of plants treated with 200 mM salt for 7 days by promoting Ca2+ signal transduction and free radical scavenging. Reductions in glutathione and phytochelatins were attributed to the biosynthesized Mo-S crystals. Plants embedded with the Mo-S crystals and exposed to salty soil exhibited carbon assimilation rates, photosynthesis rates (Fv/Fm), and electron transport rates (ETRs) that were increased by 40%, 63-173%, and 50-78%, respectively, compared with those of plants without Mo-S crystals. Increased compatible osmolyte levels and decreased levels of oxidative damage, stomatal conductance (0.63-0.42 mmol m2 s-1), and transpiration (22.9-15.3 mmol m2 s-1), free radical scavenging, and calcium-dependent protein kinase, and Ca2+ signaling pathway activation were evidenced by transcriptomics and metabolomics. The bioself-assembled crystals originating from ions provide a method for protecting plant development under adverse conditions.

Hyper-production of butyric acid from delignified rice straw by a novel consolidated bioprocess.

A novel consolidated bioprocess for hyper-production of butyric acid from delignified rice straw without exogenous enzymes involved was developed by co-fermentation of Clostridium thermocellum ATCC 27405 and C. thermobutyricum ATCC 49875. Feasibility of the consolidated bioprocess was approved by batch fermentations, with the optimum pH of 6.5. Fed-batch fermentation with a constant pH of 6.5 at 55 °C could enhance the butyric acid yield to a remarkable 33.9 g/L with a selectivity as high as 78%. Metabolic analysis of the co-culture indicated that sugars liberated by C. thermocellum ATCC 27405 were effectively converted to butyric acid by C. thermobutyricum ATCC 49875. Secondary metabolism of C. thermobutyricum ATCC 49875 also contributed to the hyper-production of butyric acid, resulting in the re-assimilation of by-products such as acetic acid and ethanol. This work provides a more effective fermentation process for butyric acid production from lignocellulosic biomass for future applications.

Bioaugmentation with Clostridium tyrobutyricum to improve butyric acid production through direct rice straw bioconversion.

One-pot bioconversion is an economically attractive biorefinery strategy to reduce enzyme consumption. Direct conversion of lignocellulosic biomass for butyric acid production is still challenging because of competition among microorganisms. In a consolidated hydrolysis/fermentation bioprocessing (CBP) the microbial structure may eventually prefer the production of caproic acid rather than butyric acid production. This paper presents a new bioaugmentation approach for high butyric acid production from rice straw. By dosing 0.03 g/L of Clostridium tyrobutyricum ATCC 25755 in the CBP, an increase of 226% higher butyric acid was yielded. The selectivity and concentration also increased to 60.7% and 18.05 g/L, respectively. DNA-sequencing confirmed the shift of bacterial community in the augmented CBP. Butyric acid producer was enriched in the bioaugmented bacterial community and the bacteria related to long chain acids production was degenerated. The findings may be useful in future research and process design to enhance productivity of desired bio-products.

Consolidated Bioprocessing for Butyric Acid Production from Rice Straw with Undefined Mixed Culture.

Lignocellulosic biomass is a renewable source with great potential for biofuels and bioproducts. However, the cost of cellulolytic enzymes limits the utilization of the low-cost bioresource. This study aimed to develop a consolidated bioprocessing without the need of supplementary cellulase for butyric acid production from lignocellulosic biomass. A stirred-tank reactor with a working volume of 21 L was constructed and operated in batch and semi-continuous fermentation modes with a cellulolytic butyrate-producing microbial community. The semi-continuous fermentation with intermittent discharging of the culture broth and replenishment with fresh medium achieved the highest butyric acid productivity of 2.69 g/(L· d). In semi-continuous operation mode, the butyric acid and total carboxylic acid concentrations of 16.2 and 28.9 g/L, respectively, were achieved. Over the 21-day fermentation period, their cumulative yields reached 1189 and 2048 g, respectively, corresponding to 41 and 74% of the maximum theoretical yields based on the amount of NaOH pretreated rice straw fed in. This study demonstrated that an undefined mixed culture-based consolidated bioprocessing for butyric acid production can completely eliminate the cost of supplementary cellulolytic enzymes.

Butyric acid fermentation of sodium hydroxide pretreated rice straw with undefined mixed culture.

This study describes an alternative mixed culture fermentation technology to anaerobically convert lignocellulosic biomass into butyric acid, a valuable product with wide application, without supplementary cellulolytic enzymes. Rice straw was soaked in 1% NaOH solution to increase digestibility. Among the tested pretreatment conditions, soaking rice straw at 50°C for 72 h removed ~66% of the lignin, but retained ~84% of the cellulose and ~71% of the hemicellulose. By using an undefined cellulose-degrading butyrate-producing microbial community as butyric acid producer in batch fermentation, about 6 g/l of butyric acid was produced from the pretreated rice straw, which accounted for ~76% of the total volatile fatty acids. In the repeated-batch operation, the butyric acid production declined batch by batch, which was most possibly caused by the shift of microbial community structure monitored by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. In this study, batch operation was observed to be more suitable for butyric acid production.

[An experimental study on the penetration abilities of resin infiltration into proximal caries lesions in primary molars].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the penetration abilities of resin infiltration into proximal lesions in primary molars with those of adhesive in vitro. METHODS: Thirty-two extracted or exfoliated primary molars showing proximal white spot lesions were selected. Roots of the teeth were removed, and the crowns were cut across the white spot lesions perpendicular to the surface. Cut surfaces were examined (by stereo microscopy) and classified with respect to histological lesion extension (C1-C4): lesions confined to the outer half on enamel (C1), lesions confined to the inner half on enamel (C2), lesions confined to the outer half on dentin (C3), lesions extending into the inner half of dentin (C4). Corresponding lesion halves were etched for 120 s with 15% hydrochloric acid gel and were subsequently treated with either adhesive or resin infiltration. Specimens were observed with laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM) in dual fluorescence mode. In confocal microscopic images, lesion depth and penetration depth of the resin infiltration or the adhesive in corresponding halves were measured, and penetration percentages were calculated respectively. Differences of the data between two groups were analyzed by Wilcoxon signed rank test. Variations of histological caries extensions were detected with Kruskal-Wallis H test. RESULTS: At the same grading level (C1-C3) in histological caries extension, penetration depths of the resin infiltration group and the adhesive group were 240 (230, 260) µm vs 190 (150, 210) µm, 405 (300, 523) µm vs 180 (160, 200) µm, and 590 (430, 640) µm vs 180 (160, 200) µm respectively. There was significant statistical difference in the data between two groups (P < 0.05). Statistically significant difference in penetration depths of the resin infiltration group (at C1-C3) were found (P < 0.01). At the same grading level (C1-C3) in histological caries extension, percentage penetrations of the resin infiltration group and the adhesive group were [100.0% (96.2%, 100.0%)], [99.1% (95.7%, 100.0%)], [82.0% (81.1%, 92.2%)] and [79.2% (68.4%, 87.5%)], [41.8% (29.1%, 74.5%)], [30.2% (29.2%, 39.6%)], respectively. The difference between the above data was also significant (P < 0.05). Percentage penetrations of the resin infiltration group at C1 and C2 level was higher than those at C3 level (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The resin infiltration is capable of penetrating almost completely into proximal lesions in primary molars.

Parallel algorithm research on several important open problems in bioinformatics.

High performance computing has opened the door to using bioinformatics and systems biology to explore complex relationships among data, and created the opportunity to tackle very large and involved simulations of biological systems. Many supercomputing centers have jumped on the bandwagon because the opportunities for significant impact in this field is infinite. Development of new algorithms, especially parallel algorithms and software to mine new biological information and to assess different relationships among the members of a large biological data set, is becoming very important. This article presents our work on the design and development of parallel algorithms and software to solve some important open problems arising from bioinformatics, such as structure alignment of RNA sequences, finding new genes, alternative splicing, gene expression clustering and so on. In order to make these parallel software available to a wide audience, the grid computing service interfaces to these software have been deployed in China National Grid (CNGrid). Finally, conclusions and some future research directions are presented.

[Left lower first premolar with 3 root canals: a case report].

3 root canals were found when a left lower first premolar, which preoperative radiograph showing root canal variety, was treated and were verified by postoperative radiograph. The root canal variety of lower premolars should be paid more attention to prevent root canal from losing.