One-Pot Direct Mechanochemical Silicon Replacement of Sodium Fluorosilicate into Sodium Fluorozirconate and Functionalization of Graphite for Enhanced Sodium-Ion Storage.

Efficient sodium ion storage in graphite is as yet unattainable, because of the thermodynamic instability of sodium ion intercalates-graphite compounds. In this work, sodium fluorozirconate (Na3ZrF7, SFZ) functionalized graphite (SFZ-G) is designed and prepared by the in situ mechanochemical silicon (Si) replacement of sodium fluorosilicate (Na2SiF6, SFS) and functionalization of graphite at the same time. During the mechanochemical process, the atomic Si in SFS is directly replaced by atomic zirconium (Zr) from the zirconium oxide (ZrO2) balls and container in the presence of graphite, forming SFZ-G. The resulting SFZ-G, working as an anode material for sodium ion storage, shows a significantly enhanced capacity of 418.7 mAh g-1 at 0.1 C-rate, compared to pristine graphite (35 mAh g-1) and simply ball-milled graphite (BM-G, 200 mAh g-1). In addition, the SFZ-G exhibits stable sodium-ion storage performance with 86% of its initial capacity retention after 1000 cycles at 2.0 C-rate.

Radiomic features of gray matter in never-treated first-episode schizophrenia.

Alterations of radiomic features (RFs) in gray matter are observed in schizophrenia, of which the results may be limited by small study samples and confounding effects of drug therapies. We tested for RFs alterations of gray matter in never-treated first-episode schizophrenia (NT-FES) patients and examined their associations with known gene expression profiles. RFs were examined in the first sample with 197 NT-FES and 178 healthy controls (HCs) and validated in the second independent sample (90 NT-FES and 74 HCs). One-year follow-up data were available from 87 patients to determine whether RFs were associated with treatment outcomes. Associations between identified RFs in NT-FES and gene expression profiles were evaluated. NT-FES exhibited alterations of 30 RFs, with the greatest involvement of microstructural heterogeneity followed by measures of brain region shape. The identified RFs were mainly located in the central executive network, frontal-temporal network, and limbic system. Two baseline RFs with the involvement of microstructural heterogeneity predicted treatment response with moderate accuracy (78% for the first sample, 70% for the second sample). Exploratory analyses indicated that RF alterations were spatially related to the expression of schizophrenia risk genes. In summary, the present findings link brain abnormalities in schizophrenia with molecular features and treatment response.

Probing natural gas components with Raman integrating sphere technology.

Raman spectroscopy is a powerful method of probing natural gas components, but higher sensitivity, greater miniaturization, and lower cost techniques are required. Therefore, we designed a Raman integrating sphere-enhanced spectroscopy technology in a volume of 40 × 40 × 20 cm3 based on the principle of integrating sphere reflection. This technology consists of two parts: the first is an integrating sphere model to collect scattered signals, and the second is a right-angle light-boosting system to increase the optical path of the pump light in the sample. Raman integrating sphere technology has a detection limit of 0.5 ppm in the air with an exposure time of 600 s under room temperature and ambient pressure conditions. Experiments of natural gas detection display that the detection limits of ethane, propane, n-butane, isobutane, n-pentane, and isopentane are 28, 28, 95, 28, 189, and 95 ppm, respectively. In addition, there is a linear relationship between the relative Raman intensity and the concentration of each component in natural gas, which can be used as a probe for detecting unknown natural gas components in gas wells.

CT hyperdense lesions after endovascular therapy in acute ischemic stroke: imaging findings and clinical significance.

Background The hyperdense lesion on non-contrast CT (NCCT) is a common postoperative phenomenon in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients who are treated with endovascular therapy (EVT). Both contrast extravasation and hemorrhagic transformation presented hyperdense lesions on NCCT, which are sometimes difficult to distinguish them. Summary of Review Radiographic findings are important for identifying contrast extravasation and hemorrhagic transformation. We recommended a standardized follow-up protocol involving imaging and clinical evaluation as it will allow neurologists and neuroradiologists to reveal the relationships between these hyperdensities and various clinical outcomes. Key Messages Dual-energy CT and susceptibility weighted imaging are capable of distinguishing contrast extravasation and hemorrhagic transformation at an early stage after EVT. However, in institutions without access to such technology, a follow-up protocol based on NCCT is crucial.

MAPK-directed activation of the whitefly transcription factor CREB leads to P450-mediated imidacloprid resistance.

The evolution of insect resistance to pesticides poses a continuing threat to agriculture and human health. While much is known about the proximate molecular and biochemical mechanisms that confer resistance, far less is known about the regulation of the specific genes/gene families involved, particularly by trans-acting factors such as signal-regulated transcription factors. Here we resolve in fine detail the trans-regulation of CYP6CM1, a cytochrome P450 that confers resistance to neonicotinoid insecticides in the whitefly Bemisia tabaci, by the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-directed activation of the transcription factor cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB). Reporter gene assays were used to identify the putative promoter of CYP6CM1, but no consistent polymorphisms were observed in the promoter of a resistant strain of B. tabaci (imidacloprid-resistant, IMR), which overexpresses this gene, compared to a susceptible strain (imidacloprid-susceptible, IMS). Investigation of potential trans-acting factors using in vitro and in vivo assays demonstrated that the bZIP transcription factor CREB directly regulates CYP6CM1 expression by binding to a cAMP-response element (CRE)-like site in the promoter of this gene. CREB is overexpressed in the IMR strain, and inhibitor, luciferase, and RNA interference assays revealed that a signaling pathway of MAPKs mediates the activation of CREB, and thus the increased expression of CYP6CM1, by phosphorylation-mediated signal transduction. Collectively, these results provide mechanistic insights into the regulation of xenobiotic responses in insects and implicate both the MAPK-signaling pathway and a transcription factor in the development of pesticide resistance.

Trace Analysis of Gases and Liquids with Spontaneous Raman Scattering Based on the Integrating Sphere Principle.

Spontaneous Raman scattering is an attractive optical technique for the analysis of gases and liquids; however, their low densities and notoriously weak scattering cross sections demand an enhancement of the spontaneous Raman scattering signal for detection. Here, we have developed a simple but highly effective and fast technique to enhance the signal of spontaneous Raman scattering from gases and liquids. The technique is developed based on the principle of an integrating sphere, which realizes the multiple pass actions of low-energy pump light and the collection of all Raman scattered light for a sample volume of 2 mL. By measuring the ambient air sample with an exposure time of 180 s, we found the experimental detection limit of our spontaneous Raman scattering setup can reach 3 ppm. CH4 (<2 ppm) in air can be also examined by increasing the exposure time to 300 s. The performance of our setup used for the analysis of trace gases is further illustrated by characterizing ethane, propane, butane, and pentane in methane as well as isotopes of carbon dioxide. The results reveal that the detection limit of our setup for liquids can be improved by nearly 4 orders of magnitude compared to that of confocal Raman scattering spectroscopy with the same experimental conditions.

Differential photoregulation of the nuclear and cytoplasmic CRY1 in Arabidopsis.

Arabidopsis cryptochrome 1 (CRY1) is a blue light receptor distributed in the nucleus and cytoplasm. The nuclear CRY1, but not cytoplasmic CRY1, mediates blue light inhibition of hypocotyl elongation. However, the photobiochemical mechanisms distinguishing the CRY1 protein in the two subcellular compartments remains unclear. Here we show that the nuclear CRY1, but not the cytoplasmic CRY1, is regulated by phosphorylation, polyubiquitination and 26S proteasome-dependent proteolysis in response to blue light. The blue light-dependent CRY1 degradation is observed only under high fluences of blue light. The nuclear specificity and high fluence dependency of CRY1 explain why this photochemical regulatory mechanism of CRY1 was not observed previously and it further supports the hypothesis that CRY1 is a high light receptor regulating photomorphogenesis. We further show that the nuclear CRY1, but not cytoplasmic CRY1, undergoes blue light-dependent phosphorylation by photoregulatory protein kinase 1 (PPK1) followed by polyubiquitination by the E3 ubiquitin ligase Cul4COP1/SPAs , resulting in the blue light-dependent proteolysis. Both phosphorylation and ubiquitination of nuclear CRY1 are inhibited by blue-light inhibitor of cryptochromes 1 (BIC1), demonstrating the involvement of photo-oligomerization of the nuclear CRY1. These finding reveals a photochemical mechanism that differentially regulates the physiological activity of the CRY1 photoreceptor in distinct subcellular compartments.

CLA4 regulates leaf angle through multiple hormone signaling pathways in maize.

Leaf angle is an important agronomic trait in cereals and shares a close relationship with crop architecture and grain yield. Although it has been previously reported that ZmCLA4 can influence leaf angle, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we used the Gal4-LexA/UAS system and transactivation analysis to demonstrate in maize (Zea mays) that ZmCLA4 is a transcriptional repressor that regulates leaf angle. DNA affinity purification sequencing (DAP-Seq) analysis revealed that ZmCLA4 mainly binds to promoters containing the EAR motif (CACCGGAC) as well as to two other motifs (CCGARGS and CDTCNTC) to inhibit the expression of its target genes. Further analysis of ZmCLA4 target genes indicated that ZmCLA4 functions as a hub of multiple plant hormone signaling pathways: ZmCLA4 was found to directly bind to the promoters of multiple genes including ZmARF22 and ZmIAA26 in the auxin transport pathway, ZmBZR3 in the brassinosteroid signaling pathway, two ZmWRKY genes involved in abscisic acid metabolism, ZmCYP genes (ZmCYP75B1, ZmCYP93D1) related to jasmonic acid metabolism, and ZmABI3 involved in the ethylene response pathway. Overall, our work provides deep insights into the ZmCLA4 regulatory network in controlling leaf angle in maize.

3D Technique-Based Nonsurgical Correction of Deformational Congenital Auricular Deformities.

INTRODUCTION: Congenital auricular deformity (CAD) is a common postpartum deformity, and nonsurgical correction of CAD has been recognized as a safe and effective approach. Three-dimensional (3D) technique has been used in surgical reconstruction of unilateral microtia; however, 3D technique used in nonsurgical correction for deformational CAD has not been reported. METHODS: In this study, 12 CAD patients aged from 0.6 to 7 months with 16 deformational CAD were treated with 3D technique-based personalized nonsurgical correction (3D-NSC). Patients' CAD was photographed pre- and post-correction, and clinical outcome was evaluated as poor, fair, good, and excellent by comparing pre- and post-correction pictures. Different kinds of tests were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: All patients got an improved auricle shape (10 excellent, 2 good, and 4 fair). Multivariate regression analysis showed that CAD type was significantly associated with correction outcome, sex and age were significantly associated with correction outcome for the 11 constructed types of CAD, and age was significantly associated with the correction outcome when we focused on the male constructed auricles. CONCLUSION: 3D-NSC provided a significant nonsurgical clinical treatment for CAD patients, with younger patients getting better clinical outcomes with shorter correction time.

Au Modified F-TiO2 for Efficient Photocatalytic Synthesis of Hydrogen Peroxide.

In this work, Au-modified F-TiO2 is developed as a simple and efficient photocatalyst for H2O2 production under ultraviolet light. The Au/F-TiO2 photocatalyst avoids the necessity of adding fluoride into the reaction medium for enhancing H2O2 synthesis, as in a pure TiO2 reaction system. The F- modification inhibits the H2O2 decomposition through the formation of the ≡Ti-F complex. Au is an active cocatalyst for photocatalytic H2O2 production. We compared the activity of TiO2 with F- modification and without F- modification in the presence of Au, and found that the H2O2 production rate over Au/F-TiO2 reaches four times that of Au/TiO2. In situ electron spin resonance studies have shown that H2O2 is produced by stepwise single-electron oxygen reduction on the Au/F-TiO2 photocatalyst.

Ru Single Atoms on N-Doped Carbon by Spatial Confinement and Ionic Substitution Strategies for High-Performance Li-O2 Batteries.

Nonaqueous rechargeable lithium-oxygen batteries (LOBs) are one of the most promising candidates for future electric vehicles and wearable/flexible electronics. However, their development is severely hindered by the sluggish kinetics of the ORR and OER during the discharge and charge processes. Here, we employ MOF-assisted spatial confinement and ionic substitution strategies to synthesize Ru single atoms riveted with nitrogen-doped porous carbon (Ru SAs-NC) as the electrocatalytic material. By using the optimized Ru0.3 SAs-NC as electrocatalyst in the oxygen-breathing electrodes, the developed LOB can deliver the lowest overpotential of only 0.55 V at 0.02 mA cm-2. Moreover, in-situ DEMS results quantify that the e-/O2 ratio of LOBs in a full cycle is only 2.14, indicating a superior electrocatalytic performance in LOB applications. Theoretical calculations reveal that the Ru-N4 serves as the driving force center, and the amount of this configuration can significantly affect the internal affinity of intermediate species. The rate-limiting step of the ORR on the catalyst surface is the occurrence of 2e- reactions to generate Li2O2, while that of the OER pathway is the oxidation of Li2O2. This work broadens the field of vision for the design of single-site high-efficiency catalysts with maximum atomic utilization efficiency for LOBs.

MicroRNA transcriptomic analysis of the sixth leaf of maize (Zea mays L.) revealed a regulatory mechanism of jointing stage heterosis.

BACKGROUND: Zhengdan 958 (Zheng 58 × Chang 7-2), a commercial hybrid that is produced in a large area in China, is the result of the successful use of the heterotic pattern of Reid × Tang-SPT. The jointing stage of maize is the key period from vegetative to reproductive growth, which determines development at later stages and heterosis to a certain degree. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play vital roles in the regulation of plant development, but how they function in the sixth leaf at the six-leaf (V6) stage to influence jointing stage heterosis is still unclear. RESULT: Our objective was to study miRNAs in four hybrid combinations developed in accordance with the Reid × Tang-SPT pattern, Zhengdan 958, Anyu 5 (Ye 478 × Chang 7-2), Ye 478 × Huangzaosi, Zheng 58 × Huangzaosi, and their parental inbred lines to explore the mechanism related to heterosis. A total of 234 miRNAs were identified in the sixth leaf at the V6 stage, and 85 miRNAs were differentially expressed between the hybrid combinations and their parental inbred lines. Most of the differentially expressed miRNAs were non-additively expressed, which indicates that miRNAs may participate in heterosis at the jointing stage. miR164, miR1432 and miR528 families were repressed in the four hybrid combinations, and some miRNAs, such as miR156, miR399, and miR395 families, exhibited different expression trends in different hybrid combinations, which may result in varying effects on the heterosis regulatory mechanism. CONCLUSIONS: The potential targets of the identified miRNAs are related to photosynthesis, the response to plant hormones, and nutrient use. Different hybrid combinations employ different mature miRNAs of the same miRNA family and exhibit different expression trends that may result in enhanced or repressed gene expression to regulate heterosis. Taken together, our results reveal a miRNA-mediated network that plays a key role in jointing stage heterosis via posttranscriptional regulation.

ZmIBH1-1 regulates plant architecture in maize.

Leaf angle (LA) is a critical agronomic trait in maize, with more upright leaves allowing higher planting density, leading to more efficient light capture and higher yields. A few genes responsible for variation in LA have been identified by map-based cloning. In this study, we cloned maize ZmIBH1-1, which encodes a bHLH transcription factor with both a basic binding region and a helix-loop-helix domain, and the results of qRT-PCR showed that it is a negative regulator of LA. Histological analysis indicated that changes in LA were mainly caused by differential cell wall lignification and cell elongation in the ligular region. To determine the regulatory framework of ZmIBH1-1, we conducted RNA-seq and DNA affinity purification (DAP)-seq analyses. The combined results revealed 59 ZmIBH1-1-modulated target genes with annotations, and they were mainly related to the cell wall, cell development, and hormones. Based on the data, we propose a regulatory model for the control of plant architecture by ZmIBH1-1 in maize.

The fertilization effect of global dimming on crop yields is not attributed to an improved light interception.

Global dimming, a decadal decrease in incident global radiation, is often accompanied with an increase in the diffuse radiation fraction, and, therefore, the impact of global dimming on crop production is hard to predict. A popular approach to quantify this impact is the statistical analysis of historical climate and crop data, or use of dynamic crop simulation modelling approach. Here, we show that statistical analysis of historical data did not provide plausible values for the effect of diffuse radiation versus direct radiation on rice or wheat yield. In contrast, our field experimental study of 3 years demonstrated a fertilization effect of increased diffuse radiation fraction, which partly offset yield losses caused by decreased global radiation, in both crops. The fertilization effect was not attributed to any improved canopy light interception but mainly to the increased radiation use efficiency (RUE). The increased RUE was explained not only by the saturating shape of photosynthetic light response curves but also by plant acclimation to dimming that gradually increased leaf nitrogen concentration. Crop harvest index slightly decreased under dimming, thereby discounting the fertilization effect on crop yields. These results challenge existing modelling paradigms, which assume that the fertilization effect on crop yields is mainly attributed to an improved light interception. Further studies on the physiological mechanism of plant acclimation are required to better quantify the global dimming impact on agroecosystem productivity under future climate change.

Resveratrol Stimulates the Na+-Ca2+ Exchanger on the Plasma Membrane to Reduce Cytosolic Ca2+ in Rat Aortic Smooth Muscle Cells.

Resveratrol is well known to exhibit vascular relaxant and antihypertensive effects. In this study, we determined the effects of resveratrol on the modulation of cytosolic [Ca] level and adenosine 5'-triphosphate-induced Ca release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) in rat aortic smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) and explored its underlying mechanisms. In this article, cytosolic [Ca] and SR [Ca] in ASMCs were determined by Fluo-4/acetoxymethyl and Mag-Fluo-4/acetoxymethyl respectively. Resveratrol (20, 50, and 100 µM) caused a rapid and substantial reduction in cytosolic [Ca] in ASMCs bathed in normal Hank's Balanced Salt Solution or Ca-free Hank's Balanced Salt Solution. Pretreatment with resveratrol reduced adenosine 5'-triphosphate-induced SR Ca release and SR Ca content. In the cells bathed in Na-free physiological saline, which favors the reverse mode of the Na-Ca exchanger (NCX), resveratrol induced an increase in cytosolic [Ca] and SR [Ca]. However, its effect on cytosolic [Ca] was inhibited by the selective NCX inhibitor, SEA0400. Our findings suggest that resveratrol reduces cytosolic [Ca] and SR [Ca] in ASMCs in normal physiological saline, which might be, at least in part, mediated by the NCX.

Isolation and Complete Genome Sequence of a Novel Cyanophage S-B68.

Cyanophages, which play a significant role in food web and global biochemical cycle, are one of the main causes of microbial death in aquatic environment. A novel cyanophage S-B68 was isolated from the surface water of the Bohai Sea, northern China. It can infect marine Synechococcus sp. (strain WH7803). The transmission electron microscopy results demonstrate that this cyanophage has an icosahedral head (51 nm in diameter) and a long tail (110 nm in length) and belongs to family Siphophages. The complete genome sequence of cyanophage S-B68 contains a linear, double-stranded 163,982 bp DNA molecule with a 51.7% G+C content. Except for four tRNAs, the genome contains 229 open reading frames (ORFs) which were grouped into six functional modules as follows: structure, hypothetical protein, DNA replication and expression, lysis, packaging, and some additional functions. It was found in one-step growth curve that the latent period of the S-B68 was about 49 h after infection with Synechococcus, and then it entered the rising period, and tended to stable after 61 h. Using the BLASTN tool in the NCBI database for genome comparison, there was no significant similarity between S-B68 and other known cyanophages. Present study adds a novel Siphoviridae genome to marine cyanophage dataset and provides useful basic information for its further research.

A Multi-Node Detection Algorithm Based on Serial and Threshold in Intelligent Sensor Networks.

With the continuous progress of science and technology, intelligent wireless sensor network (IWSN) communication has become indispensable in its role in production and life because of its convenient network settings and flexible use. However, with the widespread availability of intelligent wireless sensor networks, the use of many wireless sensor nodes constitutes a multi-node wireless communication system, which turns the accuracy and low complexity of multi-node detection in sensor networks into a problem. Although the traditional algorithm has excellent performance, it cannot give consideration to both accuracy and complexity. Therefore, a maximum logarithm message passing algorithm based on serial and threshold (S-T-Max-log-MPA) for multi-mode detection in IWSN is proposed in this paper. In this algorithm, the threshold is used to determine the necessary conditions of sensor node stability first, and then the sensor node information updating is integrated into the resource node information updating, so that the system can maintain good accuracy, performance, and change the situation of poor system accuracy at low threshold. Compared with the traditional algorithm, the proposed algorithm significantly changes the algorithm complexity reduction rate of the system multi-node detection. Simulation results show that the algorithm has a good balance between accuracy and complexity reduction rate.

A Threshold-Based Max-log-MPA Low Complexity Multiuser Detection Algorithm.

Sparse Code Multiple Access (SCMA) technology is a new multiple access scheme based on non-orthogonal spread spectrum technology, which was proposed by Huawei in 2014. In the algorithm application of this technology, the original Message Passing Algorithm (MPA) has slow convergence speed and high algorithm complexity. The threshold-based MPA has a high Bit Error Ratio (BER) when the threshold is low. In the Maximum logarithm Message Passing Algorithm (Max-log-MPA), the approximation method is used, which will cause some messages to be lost and the detection performance to be poor. Therefore, in order to solve the above problems, a Threshold-Based Max-log-MPA (T-Max-log-MPA) low complexity multiuser detection algorithm is proposed in this paper. The Maximum logarithm (Max-log) algorithm is combined with threshold setting, and the stability of user nodes is considered as a necessary condition for decision in the algorithm. Before message updating, the user information nodes are judged whether the necessary conditions for the stability of the user node have been met, and then the threshold is determined. Only users who meet the threshold condition and pass the necessary condition of user node stability can be decoded in advance. In the whole process, the logarithm domain MPA algorithm is used to convert an exp operation and a multiplication operation into a maximum value and addition operation. The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can effectively reduce the computational complexity while ensuring the BER, and with the increase of signal-to-noise ratio, the effect of the Computational Complexity Reduction Ratio (CCRR) is more obvious.

Successful Treatment of Chronic Lower Extremity Ulcers with Allogeneic Platelet-Rich Plasma and Artificial Dermis: A Case Report.

Hydroxyurea is an oral medication associated with painful, nonhealing ulcers, for which there is no effective treatment but permanent discontinuation of hydroxyurea. The authors present a case of leg ulcers that likely occurred as a result of hydroxyurea use in a patient with essential thrombocythemia. Topical treatment with allogeneic platelet-rich plasma and artificial dermis completely healed the leg ulcers without hydroxyurea cessation.

Sphaerisporangium rhizosphaerae sp. nov., an actinomycete isolated from the rhizosphere soil of a rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg).

A novel actinomycete, designated strain NEAU-mq3T, was isolated from the rhizosphere soil of a rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg) collected from Xianglu Mountain in Heilongjiang Province, north-east China, and characterized by using a polyphasic approach. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that the organism should be assigned to the genus Sphaerisporangium and that it forms a monophyletic clade with its closest relatives 'Sphaerisporangium dianthi' NEAU-CY18T (99.2 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity) and Sphaerisporangium cinnabarinum JCM 3291T (98.8 %). Morphological and chemotaxonomic properties of strain NEAU-mq3T were also consistent with the description of the genus Sphaerisporangium. The whole-cell sugars were madurose, mannose, ribose and glucose. The menaquinones were MK-9(H2), MK-9(H4), MK-9(H0) and MK-9(H6). The diagnostic diamino acid of the peptidoglycan was meso-diaminopimelic acid. The phospholipid profile consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol mannoside, an unidentified polar lipid and an unidentified phospholipid. The major fatty acids were identified as iso-C16 : 0, 10-methyl C17 : 0, C16 : 1ω7c and C17 : 1ω7c. DNA-DNA hybridization experiments and phenotypic tests were carried out between strain NEAU-mq3T and its most closely related strains, which further clarified their relatedness and demonstrated that NEAU-mq3T could be distinguished from these strains. Therefore, it is concluded that strain NEAU-mq3T represents a novel species of the genus Sphaerisporangium, for which the name Sphaerisporangium rhizosphaerae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NEAU-mq3T (=CGMCC 4.7429T=JCM 32389T).