Electrochemically Reconstructed Vanadic Oxide-Doped Cobalt Pyrophosphate as an Electrocatalyst for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction.

More and more attention has been paid to the development of the efficient electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Herein, a porous vanadic oxide-doped cobalt pyrophosphate electrocatalyst, namely V2O5-Co2P2O7, was exploited by using the electrochemical reconstruction method in the alkaline electrolyte and selecting a cobalt vanadium phosphate Co(H2O)4(VOPO4)2 as a precursor. The reconstructed vanadic oxide-doped cobalt pyrophosphate catalyst V2O5-Co2P2O7 exhibited efficient electrocatalytic activity for the OER in 1.0 M KOH, requiring a low overpotential of 199 mV at 10 mA cm-2, compared to the reported pyrophosphate electrocatalysts. The porous morphology and doping of vanadic oxide after electrochemical reconstruction were beneficial to enhance the electrocatalytic performance for the OER, through improving the surface area to bring in more accessibly active sites and regulating the electronic structures. The results provided a promising strategy to prepare the pyrophosphate electrocatalysts and improve the performance of the OER catalyst.

Transcriptome analysis and identification of chemosensory genes in the larvae of Plagiodera versicolora.

BACKGROUND: In insects, the chemosensory system is crucial in guiding their behaviors for survival. Plagiodera versicolora (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), is a worldwide leaf-eating forest pest in salicaceous trees. There is little known about the chemosensory genes in P. versicolora. Here, we conducted a transcriptome analysis of larvae heads in P. versicolora. RESULTS: In this study, 29 odorant binding proteins (OBPs), 6 chemosensory proteins (CSPs), 14 odorant receptors (ORs), 13 gustatory receptors (GRs), 8 ionotropic receptors (IRs) and 4 sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs) were identified by transcriptome analysis. Compared to the previous antennae and foreleg transcriptome data in adults, 12 OBPs, 2 CSPs, 5 ORs, 4 IRs, and 7 GRs were newly identified in the larvae. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted and found a new candidate CO2 receptor (PverGR18) and a new sugar receptor (PverGR23) in the tree of GRs. Subsequently, the dynamic expression profiles of various genes were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR. The results showed that PverOBP31, OBP34, OBP35, OBP38, and OBP40 were highly expressed in larvae, PverOBP33 and OBP37 were highly expressed in pupae, and PverCSP13 was highly expressed in eggs, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We identified a total of 74 putative chemosensory genes based on a transcriptome analysis of larvae heads in P. versicolora. This work provides new information for functional studies on the chemoreception mechanism in P. versicolora.

Foreleg Transcriptomic Analysis of the Chemosensory Gene Families in Plagiodera versicolora (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae).

Plagiodera versicolora (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is a worldwide leaf-eating forest pest in salicaceous trees. The forelegs play important roles in the chemoreception of insects. In this study, we conducted a transcriptome analysis of adult forelegs in P. versicolora and identified a total of 53 candidate chemosensory genes encoding 4 chemosensory proteins (CSPs), 19 odorant binding proteins (OBPs), 10 odorant receptors (ORs), 10 gustatory receptors (GRs), 6 ionotropic receptors (IRs), and 4 sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs). Compared with the previous antennae transcriptome data, 1 CSP, 4 OBPs, 1 OR, 3 IRs, and 4 GRs were newly identified in the forelegs. Subsequently, the tissue expression profiles of 10 P. versicolora chemosensory genes were performed by real-time quantitative PCR. The results showed that PverOBP25, PverOBP27, and PverCSP6 were highly expressed in the antennae of both sexes. PverCSP11 and PverIR9 are predominately expressed in the forelegs than in the antennae. In addition, the expression levels of PverGR15 in female antennae and forelegs were significantly higher than those in the male antennae, implying that it may be involved in some female-specific behaviors such as oviposition site seeking. This work would greatly further the understanding of the chemoreception mechanism in P. versicolora.

Potential Carbohydrate Regulation Mechanism Underlying Starvation-Induced Abscission of Tomato Flower.

Tomato flower abscission is a critical agronomic problem directly affecting yield. It often occurs in greenhouses in winter, with the weak light or hazy weather leading to insufficient photosynthates. The importance of carbohydrate availability in flower retention has been illustrated, while relatively little is understood concerning the mechanism of carbohydrate regulation on flower abscission. In the present study, we analyzed the responding pattern of nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC, including total soluble sugars and starch) and the potential sugar signal pathway involved in abscission regulation in tomato flowers under shading condition, and their correlations with flower abscission rate and abscission-related hormones. The results showed that, when plants suffer from short-term photosynthesis deficiency, starch degradation in flower organs acts as a self-protection mechanism, providing a carbon source for flower growth and temporarily alleviating the impact on flower development. Trehalose 6-phosphate (T6P) and sucrose non-fermenting-like kinase (SnRK1) signaling seems to be involved in adapting the metabolism to sugar starvation stress through regulating starch remobilization and crosstalk with IAA, ABA, and ethylene in flowers. However, a continuous limitation of assimilating supply imposed starch depletion in flowers, which caused flower abscission.

Photochemistry of Nitrate Ion: Reduction by Formic Acid under UV Irradiation.

Mutual transformations of various nitrogen compounds and their reaction mechanisms have been a subject of great concern to the chemical, ecological and environmental communities. In the paper, the reactions of NO 3 - ion with small organic acids such as formic acid (HCOOH), acetic acid (CH3 COOH) and lactic acid (C3 H6 O3 ) under ultraviolet illumination were investigated systematically. It was found that NO 3 - ion is easily reduced into NO 2 - and NOx and then further into N2 and NH3 (in the form of NH 4 + ) in the process. The carboxyl anion radicals and hydrogen formed by photodecomposition of formic acid are responsible for the rapid photoreduction reaction of nitrate. The initial pH and the nitrate concentration considerably affect the product distribution and nitrate conversion. Based on a preliminary simulation study, we speculated that the photoinduced reaction may effectively proceed in oceans, lakes and rivers because of ever-increasing nitrate and organic emissions. This research is helpful to understand nitrogen cycle mechanism and develop water environmental control technologies.

Metabonomic approaches investigate diosbulbin B-induced pulmonary toxicity and elucidate its underling mechanism in male mice.

Air Potato Yam is widely used in the treatment of many conditions such as cancer, inflammation, and goiter. Diosbulbin B (DIOB) is the primary active component of Air Potato Yam, and it exhibits anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory properties. The main purpose of this study was to determine the mechanism by which DIOB induces lung toxicity, using metabonomics and molecular biology techniques. The results showed that the lung toxicity induced by DIOB may occur because of a DIOB-induced increase in the plasma levels of long-chain free fatty acids and endogenous metabolites related to inflammation. In addition, treatment with DIOB increases the expression of the cyp3a13 enzyme, which leads to enhanced toxicity in a dose-dependent manner. The molecular mechanism underlying toxicity in mouse lung cells is the DIOB-mediated inhibition of fatty acid ß-oxidation, partial glycolysis, and the TCA cycle, but DIOB treatment can also compensate for the low Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) supply levels by improving the efficiency of the last step of the glycolysis reaction and by increasing the rate of anaerobic glycolysis. Using metabonomics and other methods, we identified the toxic effects of DIOB on the lung and clarified the underlying molecular mechanism.

Identification of Chemosensory Genes Based on the Antennal Transcriptomic Analysis of Plagiodera versicolora.

Insects can sense surrounding chemical signals by their accurate chemosensory systems. This system plays a vital role in the life history of insects. Several gene families participate in chemosensory processes, including odorant receptors (ORs), ionotropic receptors (IRs), gustatory receptors (GRs), chemosensory proteins (CSPs), odorant binding proteins (OBPs), and sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs). Plagiodera versicolora (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), is a leaf-eating forest pest found in salicaceous trees worldwide. In this study, a transcriptome analysis of male and female adult antennae in P. versicolora individuals was conducted, which identified a total of 98 candidate chemosensory genes including 40 ORs, 7 IRs, 13 GRs, 10 CSPs, 24 OBPs, and 4 SNMPs. Subsequently, the tissue expression profiles of 15 P. versicolora OBPs (PverOBPs) and 39 ORs (PverORs) were conducted by quantitative real-time PCR. The data showed that almost all PverOBPs and PverORs were highly expressed in the male and female antennae. In addition, several OBPs and ORs (PverOBP10, PverOBP12, PverOBP18, PverOR24, and PverOR35) had higher expression levels in female antennae than those in the male antennae, indicating that these genes may be taking part in some female-specific behaviors, such as find mates, oviposition site, etc. This study deeply promotes further understanding of the chemosensory system and functional studies of the chemoreception genes in P. versicolora.

Remote modulation of lncRNA GCLET by risk variant at 16p13 underlying genetic susceptibility to gastric cancer.

The biological effects of susceptibility loci are rarely reported in gastric tumorigenesis. We conducted a large-scale cross-ancestry genetic study in 18,852 individuals and identified the potential causal variant rs3850997 T>G at 16p13 significantly associated with a decreased risk of gastric cancer [odds ratio (OR) = 0.87, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.83 to 0.91, P = 2.13 × 10-9]. This risk effect was mediated through the mapped long noncoding RNA GCLET (Gastric Cancer Low-Expressed Transcript; ORindirect = 0.987, 95% CI = 0.975 to 0.999, P = 0.018). Mechanistically, rs3850997 exerted an allele-specific long-range regulatory effect on GCLET by affecting the binding affinity of CTCF. Furthermore, GCLET increased FOXP2 expression by competing with miR-27a-3p, and this regulation remarkably affected in vitro, in vivo, and clinical gastric cancer phenotypes. The findings highlight the genetic functions and implications for the etiology and pathology of cancers.

Simultaneous removal of sulphur dioxide and nitric oxide at different oxygen concentrations in a thermophilic biotrickling filter (BTF): Evaluation of removal efficiency, intermediates interaction and characterisation of microbial communities.

Simultaneous flue gas desulphurisation and denitrification in biotrickling filter was investigated under different O2 concentrations (0%, 3%, 5%, 8% and 10%) at 45 °C. NO and SO2 removal efficiency, intermediates (NO3-, NO2-, NO2, SO42- and S2-) interaction and accumulation, S0 recovery and microbial community structure were investigated. Results indicated the highest NO removal efficiency was 96.5% at 5% O2. Maximum SO2 removal efficiency was 95.6% at 3% O2. Moreover, N intermediates accumulation increased when O2 concentration increased from 0% to 10%. The lowest S2- concentration of 61 mg/L and the maximum S0 recovery of 76.9% were achieved at 5% O2. The bioreactor at 10% O2 contained less bacterial OTUs richness and evenness compared with other conditions. Illumina analysis indicated Proteobacteria, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were the dominant members. Overall, microbial community structure differs significantly under different O2 concentrations.

Simultaneous removal of nitric oxide and sulfur dioxide in a biofilter under micro-oxygen thermophilic conditions: Removal performance, competitive relationship and bacterial community structure.

The efficiency of a biofilter to simultaneously remove nitric oxide (NO) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) was investigated under thermophilic (48 ±â€¯2 °C) micro-oxygen (3 vol%) conditions. After the start-up stage (Days 0-14), the stable operation period was divided into three stages. SO2 inlet concentration remained 500 mg/m3, NO inlet concentrations were 300 mg/m3 (Days 15-40), 500 mg/m3 (Days 41-70) and 700 mg/m3 (Days 71-100). In each stable stage, the removal efficiency of NO and SO2 exceeded 90%, the maximum removal rates of NO and SO2 were 98.08% and 99.61%, respectively. The final products of SO2 were mostly sulphur. Nitrate-reducing bacteria inhibited sulphate-reducing bacteria. Illumina high-throughput sequencing confirmed that the relative abundance of nitrate-reducing bacteria was positively correlated with NO removal efficiency, the relative abundance of sulphate-reducing bacteria was related to the conversion rate of sulphur.

Effects of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol on simultaneous nitrification and denitrification: Performance, possible degradation pathway and bacterial community structure.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of different 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (TCP) concentrations on the performance of simultaneous nitrification and denitrification processes established in a sequential batch biofilm reactor. And the degradation and the possible degradation pathway of 2,4,6-TCP and microbial community structure were also explored. Results indicated that 2,4,6-TCP inhibited the nitrification with the decrease in ammonium nitrogen removal. However, 2,4,6-TCP had different effects on denitrification. Nitrate accumulation showed the tendency to decrease first and then increase, whilst nitrite accumulation showed the opposite with a small change. The adaptation and recovery time of 25 mg/l 2,4,6-TCP was longest. In addition, the process had a good degradation effect on 2,4,6-TCP. Comparing the degradation of 2,4,6-TCP under different concentrations, the result showed that 2,4,6-TCP was mainly reduced to 2,4-dichlorophenol. With the increase in 2,4,6-TCP concentration, the differences in the bacterial community in the reactor were significant.

A genetic variant located in the miR-532-5p-binding site of TGFBR1 is associated with the colorectal cancer risk.

BACKGROUND: Genome-wide association studies have identified genes in the transforming growth factor-ß (TGFß) signaling pathway that are responsible for regulating carcinogenesis. METHODS: We searched for single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located within 3'-untranslated regions (3'-UTRs) that might affect the ability of miRNAs to bind genes in the TGFß pathway for further analysis. We used TaqMan technology to genotype these SNPs in a population-based case-control study of 1147 colorectal cancer patients and 1203 matched controls in a Chinese population. RESULTS: The rs1590 variant of TGFBR1 exhibited a significant association with colorectal cancer risk. Compared with individuals carrying the rs1590 TT genotype, individuals carrying the GT/GG genotypes had a decreased risk of colorectal cancer [odd ratio (OR) = 0.82, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.68-0.97], which was more evident among older individuals with a family history of cancer. Luciferase assays confirmed that the rs1590 T allele altered the capacity of miR-532-5p to bind TGFBR1. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these findings, the rs1590 variant in the 3'-UTR of TGFBR1 may contribute to the susceptibility to colorectal cancer, predominantly by altering miR-532-5p binding.

Water-Soluble and Low-Toxic Ionic Polymer Dots as Invisible Security Ink for MultiStage Information Encryption.

Nanodots are attractive stimuli-responsive luminescence materials for anti-counterfeiting and information encryption. However, their applications are limited by low water solubility and single-mode information identification by naked eyes under UV light illumination. Herein, we report one type of new nanodots, main-chain imidazolium-based ionic polymer dots (IPDs). There is no edge effect in IPDs, and the ionic groups are homogenously distributed in the entire dot. IPDs exhibit high water solubility, good stability, narrow size distribution, low toxicity, and exceptional optical performance without additional modification. Written information using aqueous IPD solution is invisible in natural light, but can be recognized by a portable UV lamp. Moreover, they can be further encrypted and decrypted using easily available and nontoxic sodium carbonate and acetic acid, respectively. The encrypted information is invisible in natural light and/or UV light. This study provides a new prospect for high-level data recording and security protection by using water-soluble IPDs as invisible security ink.

Oxygen vacancy modulation of two-dimensional γ-Ga2O3 nanosheets as efficient catalysts for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution.

Controlling the creation of oxygen vacancies can effectively regulate the optical and electronic properties of metal oxide nanomaterials. Over the past several decades, numerous metal oxides with oxygen vacancies have been developed. However, an investigation about oxygen vacancies leading to the formation of nanosheets with different thicknesses has not been available up to now. Here, we report the oxygen vacancy modulated formation of γ-Ga2O3 nanosheets and demonstrate that the thickness of the nanosheets is not the decisive factor in the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction of ultrathin 2D nanosheets. Detailed structural characterization indicated that γ-Ga2O3 prepared at 160 °C (γ-160) with a morphology of ultrathin nanosheets possesses the highest oxygen vacancy concentration and an optimal thickness of the nanosheets. The enhanced photocatalytic performance could be determined from the synergistic effects between the ultrathin 2D structure and the O-vacancies confined in the ultrathin nanosheets. This work provides an efficient strategy to regulate the formation of nanosheets at the atomic scale and enrich the study on the effect of oxygen vacancies in the photocatalytic water splitting reaction.

Evaluation of microbial p-chloroaniline degradation in bioelectrochemical reactors in the presence of easily-biodegrading cosubstrates: Degradation efficiency and bacterial community structure.

This study aimed to illustrate p-Chloroaniline (p-CIA) biodegradation efficiencies in bioelectrochemical reactors under stimulation by a low-voltage electric field (0.2 V versus Ag/AgCl) in the presence of easily-degrading cosubstrates including glucose and acetate. The biodegradation efficiencies of closed-circuit bioreactors were compared with those of open-circuit reactors. Experimental results showed that the six different bioreactors provided different p-CIA biodegradation efficiencies. The highest biodegradation efficiency of 38.5 ±â€¯10.3 mg/l was obtained in a closed-circuit bioreactor with acetate and the lowest biodegradation efficiency of 15.7 ±â€¯9.4 mg/l was obtained in an open-circuit bioreactor. This difference may be attributed to the presence of electrical stimulation and acetate. The results for generated current and biodegradation efficiency indicated that acetate is a better cosubstrate than glucose. High-throughput sequencing technologies were used to characterise the bacterial community structure of the six bioreactors and revealed that different bacterial communities resulted in different treatment efficiencies.

Simple Fabrication of SnO2 Quantum-dot-modified TiO2 Nanorod Arrays with High Photoelectrocatalytic Activity for Overall Water Splitting.

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting has been demonstrated as a promising way to acquire clean hydrogen energy. However, the efficiency has been limited by the high recombination rate of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. Herein, we provided a simple approach to construct a novel SnO2 quantum dots (QDs) modified TiO2 nanorod arrays (NAs) by the calcination of SnCl2 -adsorbed TiO2 NAs. The photocurrent density of SnO2 QDs/TiO2 NAs exhibits about 5 times higher than that of parent TiO2 NAs at a bias of 0.4 V vs. Ag/AgCl. SnO2 QDs/TiO2 NAs also show a high photoelectrocatalytic activity for overall water splitting with an actual yield of H2 and O2 to be 27.85 and 11.87 µmol cm-2 h-1 , respectively. The excellent performance of photoanode for PEC water splitting could be attributed to its Z-scheme heterostructure for good separation efficiency and transport rate of photogenerated charge carries.

Simultaneous autotrophic removal of sulphate and nitrate at different voltages in a bioelectrochemical reactor (BER): Evaluation of degradation efficiency and characterization of microbial communities.

The autotrophic removal of sulphate and nitrate in bioelectrochemical reactors was investigated at different external voltages (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 V) under anaerobic conditions. Sulphate and nitrate removal, nitrite accumulation, reduction trend of nitrate and sulphate and microbial community structure were explored. Results indicate the highest removal efficiencies of nitrate and sulphate at 43.3 ±â€¯2.8 and 7.1 ±â€¯0.2 mg·l-1·d-1 when the voltage is 0.6 V. Moreover, nitrite accumulation decreases with increased voltage from 0.2 V to 1.0 V. Illumina high-throughput sequencing results show similar richness and diversity of bacterial species with increased voltage from 0.2 V to 0.8 V. However, with further increased voltage to 1.0 V, bacterial diversity and richness decrease significantly. Overall, significant differences in community compositions are observed at different voltages.

Degradation of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol and determination of bacterial community structure by micro-electrical stimulation with or without external organic carbon source.

This study aimed to investigate the degradation efficiency of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol through a batch of potentiostatic experiments (0.2 V vs. Ag/AgCl). Efficiencies in the presence and absence of acetate and glucose were compared through open-circuit reference experiments. Significant differences in degradation efficiency were observed in six reactors. The highest and lowest degradation efficiencies were observed in the closed-circuit reactor fed with glucose and in the open-circuit reactor, respectively. This finding was due to the enhanced bacterial metabolism caused by the application of micro-electrical field and degradable organics as co-substrates. The different treatment efficiencies were also caused by the distinct bacterial communities. The composition of bacterial community was affected by adding different organics as co-substrates. At the phylum level, the most dominant bacteria in the reactor with the added acetate and glucose were Proteobacteria and Firmicutes, respectively.

Evaluation of vulnerable PM2.5-exposure individuals: a repeated-measure study in an elderly population.

Numerous studies have shown that elderly people are susceptible to high-level particles with aerodynamic diameter ≤ 2.5 µm (PM2.5) exposure. However, not all elderly people exposed to PM2.5 suffer from diseases. In this study, we aim to establish a method to predict the vulnerable PM2.5-exposure individuals among elderly population. Fourteen elderly people were recruited from May 8 to July 4, 2016, in Nanjing, China. Ten physiological indicators were repeatedly measured for 15 times. Liner mixed-effects model, principal component analysis (PCA), and PM2.5 lag score were used to estimate the effects of PM2.5 on blood pressure, pulse, and lung function. As a result, each quartile increase of ambient PM2.5 was significantly associated with increased pulse (P < 0.05 for lag0, 1, 4, 0-1, 0-2, 0-3, and 0-5 days), decreased blood pressure (P < 0.05 for lag4 and 0-3 days), and decreased lung function (P < 0.05 for lag0, 1, 0-1, and 0-2 days) among the 14 elderly people. In terms of pulse or lung function, three elderly people were considered as vulnerable PM2.5-exposure individuals. No vulnerable individual was found for blood pressure. Blood pressure, pulse, and lung function could be affected by high-level PM2.5 exposure in elderly people. This method for screening three elderly people may provide a new insight on identifying the vulnerable PM2.5-exposure individuals.