Effect of different shapes of steel fibers and palygorskite-nanofibers on performance of ultra-high-performance concrete.

Herein, a practical ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) was created by adding two different shapes of steel fibers and curing them at ambient temperature using palygorskite-nanofiber (PN) as the modifier. The compressive strength, flexural strength, water absorption capacity, and porosity were analyzed to determine the effects of the steel fibers and PNs on the UHPC mechanical and physical properties. The steel fibers and PNs were found to improve these properties. The UHPC mechanical properties were outstanding at 1.5% fiber dosage, while physical properties were excellent at 1.0% fiber dosage. The mechanical and physical characteristics of UHPC were preferably at a PN dosage of 0.2% and the fiber dosage of 1.0%. The compressive and flexural strengths of straight-steel-fiber UHPC were 145.57 and 19.67 MPa, respectively, i.e., 42.0 and 109.4% higher than those of the reference specimens (i.e., those without fibers or PNs); the water absorption capacity and porosity decreased by 50.1 and 60.7%, respectively. The compressive and flexural strengths of hooked-end-steel-fiber UHPC were 18.3 and 96.0% higher than those of the reference specimens, respectively, and the water absorption capacity and porosity decreased by 43.2 and 29.8%, respectively. These results could provide vital information for the promotion and practical application of UHPC.

Boosting CO2 Hydrogenation to Methanol over Monolayer MoS2 Nanotubes by Creating More Strained Basal Planes.

The controlled creation, selective exposure, and activation of more basal planes while simultaneously minimizing the generation and exposure of edge sites are crucial for accelerating methanol synthesis from CO2 hydrogenation over MoS2 catalysts but remain a bottleneck. Here, we report a facile method to fabricate heteronanotube catalysts with single-layer MoS2 coaxially encapsulating the carbon nanotubes (CNTs@MoS2) through host-guest chemistry. Inheriting the long tubular structure of CNTs, the grown MoS2 nanotubes exhibit significantly more basal planes than bulk MoS2 crystals. More importantly, the tubular curvature not only promotes strain and sulfur vacancy (Sv) generation but also preferentially exposes more in-plane Sv while limiting edge Sv exposure, which is conducive to methanol synthesis. Both the strain and layer number of MoS2 can be easily and finely adjusted by altering CNT diameter and quantity of precursors. Remarkably, CNTs@MoS2 with monolayer MoS2 and maximum strain displayed methanol selectivity of 78.1% and methanol space time yield of 1.6 g gMoS2-1 h-1 at 260 °C and GHSV of 24000 mL gcat.-1 h-1, representing the best results to date among Mo-based catalysts. This study provides prospects for novel catalyst design by synthesizing coaxial tubular heterostructure to create additional catalytic sites and ultimately enhance conversion and selectivity.

Pre-breeding of spontaneous Robertsonian translocations for density planting architecture by transferring Agropyron cristatum chromosome 1P into wheat.

KEY MESSAGE: We developed T1AL·1PS and T1AS·1PL Robertsonian translocations by breakage-fusion mechanism based on wheat-A. cristatum 1P(1A) substitution line with smaller leaf area, shorter plant height, and other excellent agronomic traits Agropyron cristatum, a wild relative of wheat, is a valuable germplasm resource for improving wheat genetic diversity and yield. Our previous study confirmed that the A. cristatum chromosome 1P carries alien genes that reduce plant height and leaf size in wheat. Here, we developed T1AL·1PS and T1AS·1PL Robertsonian translocations (RobTs) by breakage-fusion mechanism based on wheat-A. cristatum 1P (1A) substitution line II-3-1c. Combining molecular markers and cytological analysis, we identified 16 spontaneous RobTs from 911 F2 individuals derived from the cross of Jimai22 and II-3-1c. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was applied to detect the fusion structures of the centromeres in wheat and A. cristatum chromosomes. Resequencing results indicated that the chromosomal junction point was located at the physical position of Triticum aestivum chromosome 1A (212.5 Mb) and A. cristatum chromosome 1P (230 Mb). Genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) in pollen mother cells showed that the produced translocation lines could form stable ring bivalent. Introducing chromosome 1PS translocation fragment into wheat significantly increased the number of fertile tillers, grain number per spike, and grain weight and reduced the flag leaf area. However, introducing chromosome 1PL translocation fragment into wheat significantly reduced flag leaf area and plant height with a negative effect on yield components. The pre-breeding of two spontaneous RobTs T1AL·1PS and T1AS·1PL was important for wheat architecture improvement.

Chromosomal mapping of a major genetic locus from Agropyron cristatum chromosome 6P that influences grain number and spikelet number in wheat.

KEY MESSAGE: A novel locus on Agropyron cristatum chromosome 6P that increases grain number and spikelet number was identified in wheat-A. cristatum derivatives and across 3 years. Agropyron cristatum (2n = 4x = 28, PPPP), which has the characteristics of high yield with multiple flowers and spikelets, is a promising gene donor for wheat high-yield improvement. Identifying the genetic loci and genes that regulate yield could elucidate the genetic variations in yield-related traits and provide novel gene sources and insights for high-yield wheat breeding. In this study, cytological analysis and molecular marker analysis revealed that del10a and del31a were wheat-A. cristatum chromosome 6P deletion lines. Notably, del10a carried a segment of the full 6PS and 6PL bin (1-13), while del31a carried a segment of the full 6PS and 6PL bin (1-8). The agronomic characterization and genetic population analysis confirmed that the 6PL bin (9-13) brought about an increase in grain number per spike (average increase of 10.43 grains) and spikelet number per spike (average increase of 3.67) over the three growing seasons. Furthermore, through resequencing, a multiple grain number locus was mapped to the physical interval of 593.03-713.89 Mb on chromosome 6P of A. cristatum Z559. The RNA-seq analysis revealed the expression of 537 genes in the del10a young spike tissue, with the annotation indicating that 16 of these genes were associated with grain number and spikelet number. Finally, a total of ten A. cristatum-specific molecular markers were developed for this interval. In summary, this study presents novel genetic material that is useful for high-yield wheat breeding initiatives to meet the challenge of global food security through enhanced agricultural production.

Growth differentiation factor-11 upregulates matrix metalloproteinase 2 expression by inducing Snail in human extravillous trophoblast cells.

The human extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cell invasion is an important process during placentation. Although the placenta is normal tissue, the EVT cells exhibit some features common to cancer cells, including high migratory and invasive properties. Snail and Slug are transcription factors that mediate the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a crucial event for cancer cell migration and invasion. It has been shown that GDF-11-induced matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) expression is required for EVT cell invasion. Whether GDF-11 can regulate Snail and Slug expression in human EVT cells remains unknown. If it does, the involvement of Snail and Slug in GDF-11-induced MMP2 expression and EVT cell invasion must also be defined. In the present study, using the immortalized human EVT cell line, HTR-8/SVneo, and primary cultures of human EVT cells as experimental models, our results show that GDF-11 upregulates Snail and Slug expression. ALK4 and ALK5 mediate the stimulatory effects of GDF-11 on Snail and Slug expression. In addition, we demonstrate that SMAD2 and SMAD3 are required for the GDF-11-upregulated Snail expression, while only SMAD3 is involved in GDF-11-induced Slug expression. Moreover, our results reveal that Snail mediates GDF-11-induced MMP2 expression and cell invasion but not Slug. This study increases our understanding of the biological function of GDF-11 in human EVT cells and provides a novel mechanism for regulating MMP2 and EVT cell invasion.

Bone morphogenetic protein-9 downregulates StAR expression by inducing snail expression via SMAD1/5/8 signaling in human granulosa-lutein cells.

Ovarian steroidogenesis mediated by granulosa cells is pivotal in maintaining normal female reproductive function. The steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) regulates the rate-limiting step in steroidogenesis. Bone morphogenetic protein-9 (BMP-9), also known as growth differentiation factor-2 (GDF-2), is a member of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß) superfamily. BMP-9 induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) that contributes to cancer progression. However, the function of BMP-9 in the female reproductive system remains largely unknown. It has been recently shown that BMP-9 is expressed in human follicular fluid and can downregulate StAR expression in human ovarian granulosa cells. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms warrant investigation. Our results show that treatment of primary granulosa-lutein (hGL) cells with BMP-9 downregulates StAR expression. In addition, two EMT-related transcription factors, Snail and Slug, are upregulated by the treatment of BMP-9. Using pharmacological inhibitors and a siRNA-mediated knockdown approach, we show that BMP-9 upregulates Snail and Slug expression by activating SMAD1/5/8 signaling. We also examine the effects of BMP-9 on SMAD-independent signaling pathways, including ERK1/2, p38, JNK, AKT, and CREB. However, none of them is affected by the BMP-9. Moreover, we use gain- and loss-of-function approaches to reveal that only Snail, not Slug, is required for the BMP-9-induced downregulation of StAR expression in hGL cells. This study increases the understanding of the physiology function of BMP-9 in hGL cells and provides important insights into the regulation of StAR expression.

Strained few-layer MoS2 with atomic copper and selectively exposed in-plane sulfur vacancies for CO2 hydrogenation to methanol.

In-plane sulfur vacancies (Sv) in molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) were newly unveiled for CO2 hydrogenation to methanol, whereas edge Sv were found to facilitate methane formation. Thus, selective exposure and activation of basal plane is crucial for methanol synthesis. Here, we report a mesoporous silica-encapsulated MoS2 catalysts with fullerene-like structure and atomic copper (Cu/MoS2@SiO2). The main approach is based on a physically constrained topologic conversion of molybdenum dioxide (MoO2) to MoS2 within silica. The spherical curvature enables the generation of strain and Sv in inert basal plane. More importantly, fullerene-like structure of few-layer MoS2 can selectively expose in-plane Sv and reduce the exposure of edge Sv. After promotion by atomic copper, the resultant Cu/MoS2@SiO2 exhibits stable specific methanol yield of 6.11 molMeOH molMo-1 h-1 with methanol selectivity of 72.5% at 260 °C, much superior to its counterparts lacking the fullerene-like structure and copper decoration. The reaction mechanism and promoting role of copper are investigated by in-situ DRIFTS and in-situ XAS. Theoretical calculations demonstrate that the compressive strain facilitates Sv formation and CO2 hydrogenation, while tensile strain accelerates the regeneration of active sites, rationalizing the critical role of strain.

Deficiency of salt-inducible kinase 2 (SIK2) promotes immune injury by inhibiting the maturation of lymphocytes.

Salt-inducible kinase 2 (SIK2) belongs to the serine/threonine protein kinases of the AMPK/SNF1 family, which has important roles in cell cycle, tumor, melanogenesis, neuronal damage repair and apoptosis. Recent studies showed that SIK2 regulates the macrophage polarization to make a balance between inflammation and macrophage. Macrophage is critical to initiate immune regulation, however, whether SIK2 can be involved in immune regulation is not still well understood. Here, we revealed that the protein of SIK2 was highly expressed in thymus, spleen, lung, and brain. And SIK2 protein content increased in RAW264.7 and AHH1 cells with a time and dose-dependent after-ionizing radiation (IR). Inhibition of SIK2 could promote AHH1 cells apoptosis Moreover, we used the Cre-LoxP system to construct the SIK2+/- mice, and the research on function suggested that the deficiency of SIK2 could promote the sensitivity of IR. The deficiency of SIK2 promoted the immune injury via inhibiting the maturation of T cells and B cells. Furthermore, the TCRß rearrangement was inhibited by the deficiency of SIK2. Collectively, this study demonstrated that SIK2 provides an essential function of regulating immune injury, which will provide new ideas for the treatment of immune injury-related diseases.

Activation of G protein-coupled estrogen receptor stimulates placental human chorionic gonadotropin expression through PKA-CREB signaling.

The placenta-secreted human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone that plays a critical role in inducing ovarian progesterone production, which is required for maintaining normal pregnancy. The bioavailability of hCG depends on the expression of the beta-subunit of hCG (hCG-ß) which is encoded by the chorionic gonadotropin beta (CGB) gene. G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) is a membrane estrogen receptor involved in non-genomic estrogen signaling. Estradiol (E2) has been shown to stimulate hCG production. However, the role of the GPER in regulating CGB expression remains unknown. In the present study, our results revealed that treatment with G1 upregulated CGB expression in two human choriocarcinoma cell lines, BeWo and JEG-3, and primary human cytotrophoblast cells. In addition, G1 treatment activated the cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB). Using a pharmacological inhibitor and siRNA-mediated knockdown approach, we showed that the stimulatory effect of G1 on CGB expression is mediated by the protein kinase A (PKA)-CREB signaling pathway. This study increases the understanding of the role of GPER in the human placenta. In addition, our results provide important insights into the molecular mechanisms that mediate hCG expression, which may lead to the development of alternative therapeutic approaches for treating placental diseases.

Extreme atmospheric rivers in a warming climate.

Extreme atmospheric rivers (EARs) are responsible for most of the severe precipitation and disastrous flooding along the coastal regions in midlatitudes. However, the current non-eddy-resolving climate models severely underestimate (~50%) EARs, casting significant uncertainties on their future projections. Here, using an unprecedented set of eddy-resolving high-resolution simulations from the Community Earth System Model simulations, we show that the models' ability of simulating EARs is significantly improved (despite a slight overestimate of ~10%) and the EARs are projected to increase almost linearly with temperature warming. Under the Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5 warming scenario, there will be a global doubling or more of the occurrence, integrated water vapor transport and precipitation associated with EARs, and a more concentrated tripling for the landfalling EARs, by the end of the 21st century. We further demonstrate that the coupling relationship between EARs and storms will be reduced in a warming climate, potentially influencing the predictability of future EARs.

The Genomic Variation and Differentially Expressed Genes on the 6P Chromosomes in Wheat-Agropyron cristatum Addition Lines 5113 and II-30-5 Confer Different Desirable Traits.

Wild relatives of wheat are essential gene pools for broadening the genetic basis of wheat. Chromosome rearrangements and genomic variation in alien chromosomes are widespread. Knowledge of the genetic variation between alien homologous chromosomes is valuable for discovering and utilizing alien genes. In this study, we found that 5113 and II-30-5, two wheat-A. cristatum 6P addition lines, exhibited considerable differences in heading date, grain number per spike, and grain weight. Genome resequencing and transcriptome analysis revealed significant differences in the 6P chromosomes of the two addition lines, including 143,511 single-nucleotide polymorphisms, 62,103 insertion/deletion polymorphisms, and 757 differentially expressed genes. Intriguingly, genomic variations were mainly distributed in the middle of the chromosome arms and the proximal centromere region. GO and KEGG analyses of the variant genes and differentially expressed genes showed the enrichment of genes involved in the circadian rhythm, carbon metabolism, carbon fixation, and lipid metabolism, suggesting that the differential genes on the 6P chromosome are closely related to the phenotypic differences. For example, the photosynthesis-related genes PsbA, PsbT, and YCF48 were upregulated in II-30-5 compared with 5113. ACS and FabG are related to carbon fixation and fatty acid biosynthesis, respectively, and both carried modification variations and were upregulated in 5113 relative to II-30-5. Therefore, this study provides important guidance for cloning desirable genes from alien homologous chromosomes and for their effective utilization in wheat improvement.

Alveolar type 2 epithelial cell senescence and radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis.

Radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis (RIPF) is a chronic and progressive respiratory tract disease characterized by collagen deposition. The pathogenesis of RIPF is still unclear. Type 2 alveolar epithelial cells (AT2), the essential cells that maintain the structure and function of lung tissue, are crucial for developing pulmonary fibrosis. Recent studies indicate the critical role of AT2 cell senescence during the onset and progression of RIPF. In addition, clearance of senescent AT2 cells and treatment with senolytic drugs efficiently improve lung function and radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis symptoms. These findings indicate that AT2 cell senescence has the potential to contribute significantly to the innovative treatment of fibrotic lung disorders. This review summarizes the current knowledge from basic and clinical research about the mechanism and functions of AT2 cell senescence in RIPF and points to the prospects for clinical treatment by targeting senescent AT2 cells.

Maize yield reduction and economic losses caused by ground-level ozone pollution with exposure- and flux-response relationships in the North China Plain.

Ground-level ozone (O3) has negative effects on agricultural crops. Maize is an important grain crop in China. The North China Plain (NCP) serves as the major crops' production area of China and experiences severe ozone pollution. Using the ground-level ozone simulated by an atmospheric chemistry transport model (WRF-Chem), we quantified the yield reduction and economic losses of maize during 2015-2018 over NCP based on exposure-response AOT40 (accumulation of hourly O3 concentration exceed 40 ppb) and flux-response POD6 (phytotoxic dose of ozone over 6 nmol m-2 s-1). Results showed that the ozone concentration, AOT40, and POD6 clearly increased from 2015 to 2018 in growing season of maize over NCP. The four-year annual mean ozone concentration, AOT40, and POD6 were 0.055 ppm, 18.02 ppm h, and 5.02 mmol m-2, respectively. At county level, the relative loss of maize yield (MRYL) based on AOT40 and POD6 had clearly spatio-temporal differences in NCP. The average MRYLs of AOT40 and of POD6 from 2015 to 2018 were 10.4% and 21.4%, respectively, and these reductions were associated with 2399 million and 5637 million US dollars, respectively. This study suggests that surface ozone increased the yield losses of maize, and indicates that further reductions in ozone concentrations can enhance the food security in China.

Effects of soil moisture, net radiation, and atmospheric vapor pressure deficit on surface evaporation fraction at a semi-arid grass site.

Surface energy partitioning is one of the most important aspects of the land-atmosphere coupling. The objective of this study is to examine how soil moisture (SM) and atmospheric conditions (net radiation, Rn and vapor pressure deficit, VPD) affect surface evaporation fraction (EF, determined by LE/(LE + H), where LE and H are latent and sensible heat flux, respectively) with measurements at a semi-arid grass site in China during the mid-growing season, 2020. The three factors (SM, Rn, and VPD) were divided into different levels, and then their effects on EF were investigated qualitatively using a combinatorial stratification method and quantificationally using a path analysis. Generally, the results indicated that the effect of one factor of SM, Rn and VPD on EF was influenced by the other two factors. EF tended to increase with increasing SM. Increased VPD (Rn) enhanced (weakened) the SM-EF relationship. When soil was dry, EF tended to decrease with increasing VPD; when soil was wet, EF initially levelled off and then decreased with increasing VPD. Increased Rn enhanced (weakened) the positive (negative) effect of VPD on EF when soil was wet (dry). In terms of Rn effect, EF tended to decrease as Rn increases. Further, path analysis suggested that SM, Rn, and VPD not only directly affected EF, but also indirectly affected EF, mainly through canopy conductance (Gs) and temperature difference between land surface and air (∆T). The direct effect of SM accounted for >50 % of its total effect on EF, while the total effects of Rn and VPD on EF were dominated by their indirect effects. These observational evidences may have implications for improving representation of land-atmosphere coupling in atmospheric general circulation models over the semi-arid regions covered by grass.

Comparative Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Gene Expression and Regulatory Characteristics of Broad-Spectrum Immunity to Leaf Rust in a Wheat-Agropyron cristatum 2P Addition Line.

Wheat leaf rust (caused by Puccinia triticina Erikss.) is among the major diseases of common wheat. The lack of resistance genes to leaf rust has limited the development of wheat cultivars. Wheat-Agropyron cristatum (A. cristatum) 2P addition line II-9-3 has been shown to provide broad-spectrum immunity to leaf rust. To identify the specific A. cristatum resistance genes and related regulatory pathways in II-9-3, we conducted a comparative transcriptome analysis of inoculated and uninoculated leaves of the resistant addition line II-9-3 and the susceptible cultivar Fukuhokomugi (Fukuho). The results showed that there were 66 A. cristatum differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 1389 wheat DEGs in II-9-3 during P. triticina infection. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) revealed that the DEGs of II-9-3 were associated with plant-pathogen interaction, MAPK signaling pathway-plant, plant hormone signal transduction, glutathione metabolism, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. Furthermore, many defense-related A. cristatum genes, such as two NLR genes, seven receptor kinase-encoding genes, and four transcription factor-encoding genes, were identified. Our results indicated that the key step of resistance to leaf rust involves, firstly, the gene expression of chromosome 2P upstream of the immune pathway and, secondly, the effect of chromosome 2P on the co-expression of wheat genes in II-9-3. The disease resistance regulatory pathways and related genes in the addition line II-9-3 thus could play a critical role in the effective utilization of innovative resources for leaf rust resistance in wheat breeding.

Chromosomal mapping of a locus associated with adult-stage resistance to powdery mildew from Agropyron cristatum chromosome 6PL in wheat.

KEY MESSAGE: The powdery mildew resistance locus was mapped to A. cristatum chromosome 6PL bin (0.27-0.51) and agronomic traits evaluation indicated that this locus has potential breeding application value. Agropyron cristatum (2n = 4x = 28, PPPP) is a wild relative of wheat with an abundance of biotic and abiotic stress resistance genes and is considered one of the best exogenous donor relatives for wheat breeding. A number of wheat-A. cristatum derived lines have been generated, including addition lines, translocation lines and deletion lines. In this study, the 6P disomic addition line 4844-12 (2n = 2x = 44) was confirmed to have genetic effects on powdery mildew resistance. Four 6P deletion lines (del16a, del19b, del21 and del27) and two translocation lines (WAT638a and WAT638b), derived from radiation treatment of 4844-12, were used to further assess the 6P powdery mildew resistance locus by powdery mildew resistance assessment, genomic in situ hybridization (GISH), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and 6P specific sequence-tagged-site (STS) markers. Collectively, the locus harboring the powdery mildew resistance gene was genetically mapped to a 6PL bin (0.27-0.51). The genetic effects of this chromosome segment on resistance to powdery mildew were further confirmed by del16a and del27 BC3F2 lines. Comprehensive evaluation of agronomic traits revealed that the powdery mildew resistance locus of 6PL (0.27-0.51) has potential application value in wheat breeding. A total of 22 resistant genes were annotated and 3 specific gene markers were developed for detecting chromatin of the resistant region based on genome re-sequencing. In summary, this study could broaden the powdery mildew resistance gene pool for wheat genetic improvements.

Risk of polymyxin B-induced acute kidney injury with a non adjusted dose versus adjusted dose based on renal function.

Aim: To observe the difference in the risk of polymyxin B (PMB)-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) with or without dose adjustment based on the patients renal function. Materials & methods: This retrospective cohort analysis was carried out in 115 patients treated with PMB from November 2018 to October 2019. Results: No significant difference in the incidence of AKI as well as secondary outcomes was observed between these two groups (47.5 vs 37.14%; p = 0.304). Conclusion: Dosing adjustment based on renal function does not significantly lower the risk of PMB-induced AKI. A non adjusted dosing strategy for PMB is recommended in patients exhibiting various levels of renal impairment.

Forecasting groundwater level of karst aquifer in a large mining area using partial mutual information and NARX hybrid model.

Predicting the groundwater level of karst aquifers in North China Coalfield is essential for early warning of mine water hazards and regional water resources management. However, the dynamic changes of strata structure and hydrogeological parameters driven by coal mining activity cause challenges to the process-oriented groundwater model. In order to achieve accurate prediction of groundwater level in large mining areas, this study was the first to use the data-driven Nonlinear Autoregressive with External Input (NARX) model to predict the groundwater level of six karst aquifer observation wells in Pingshuo Mining Area. Three variable input scenarios were set up, solely considering meteorological factors, anthropogenic disturbance factors, and considering both meteorological and anthropogenic disturbance factors. The novel partial mutual information (PMI) screening algorithm was adopted to determine optimized input variables in each scenario. The input and feedback delay coefficients of NARX model were determined by using Seasonal-trend Decomposition Procedure Based on Loess (STL) algorithm and auto- and cross-correlation functions. The results showed that PMI algorithm can effectively screen out the optimal input variables for predicting groundwater level, the NSE coefficients of the PMI-NARX models under the three scenarios were 38.81%, 4.26% and 41.46% higher than those of the corresponding control experiments, respectively. In addition, the prediction performance of the PMI-NARX built on the basis of meteorological factors is poor (NSE <0.63). However, in scenarios which solely use anthropogenic disturbance factors and both use meteorological and anthropogenic disturbance factors, the PMI-NARX coupling models exhibit good prediction performance (NSE and R2 are all greater than 0.8). Especially under solely considering anthropogenic disturbance factors scenario, the model still exhibited good prediction accuracy with a negligible number of input variables. The results can provide technical and theoretical support for the prediction of groundwater level in other mining areas.

Inhibition of lncRNA RET enhances radio-sensitivity of tumor cells via miR-3179/Slug/PTEN axis.

Radioresistance is one of the key obstacles that may lead to the failure of cancer treatment. The underlying mechanisms of radioresistance remain largely unknown; however, increasing evidence has shown that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in radiotherapy resistance of several cancers. In the present study, we demonstrated that radiation-elevated transcript (RET), a newly identified lnRNA, was highly expressed in cancer cells. Knockdown of RET significantly inhibited the proliferation and colony formation of cancer cells and markedly inhibited apoptosis. Furthermore, downregulation of RET in cancer cells significantly inhibited cell growth, decreased colony survival fractions, and promoted apoptosis in response to radiation treatment, indicating a role in radiation resistance. Moreover, RET knockdown significantly increased the expression of γ-H2AX, an indicator of DNA double strand damage, and reversed radiation-induced EMT, both of which contributed to its radiation resistance. In addition, a negative correlation was found between the expression of RET and PTEN. Rescue assays confirmed RET knockdown enhanced radiosensitivity of cancer cells by upregulating the expression of PTEN. Mechanistically, RET positively regulated Slug, a repressor of PTEN transcription, by acting as a molecular sponge of miR-3179. Our present study showed that RET conferred radioresistance by regulating miR-3179/Slug/PTEN axis, indicating that RET may be a potential target for the clinical application in cancer patients with radioresistance.

A reference-guided TILLING by amplicon-sequencing platform supports forward and reverse genetics in barley.

Barley is a diploid species with a genome smaller than those of other members of the Triticeae tribe, making it an attractive model for genetic studies in Triticeae crops. The recent development of barley genomics has created a need for a high-throughput platform to identify genetically uniform mutants for gene function investigations. In this study, we report an ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS)-mutagenized population consisting of 8525 M3 lines in the barley landrace "Hatiexi" (HTX), which we complement with a high-quality de novo assembly of a reference genome for this genotype. The mutation rate within the population ranged from 1.51 to 4.09 mutations per megabase, depending on the treatment dosage of EMS and the mutation discrimination platform used for genotype analysis. We implemented a three-dimensional DNA pooling strategy combined with multiplexed amplicon sequencing to create a highly efficient and cost-effective TILLING (targeting induced locus lesion in genomes) platform in barley. Mutations were successfully identified from 72 mixed amplicons within a DNA pool containing 64 individual mutants and from 56 mixed amplicons within a pool containing 144 individuals. We discovered abundant allelic mutants for dozens of genes, including the barley Green Revolution contributor gene Brassinosteroid insensitive 1 (BRI1). As a proof of concept, we rapidly determined the causal gene responsible for a chlorotic mutant by following the MutMap strategy, demonstrating the value of this resource to support forward and reverse genetic studies in barley.