Development of Neural Network Potentials for Studying Chemical Behaviors of La/Nd Ions in Molten LiCl-KCl-CsCl in Combination with Raman Spectroscopy.

The chemistry of molten salts has attracted great research interest owing to their wide applications in diverse fields. In the pyrochemical reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel or molten salt nuclear reactors, lanthanide elements as the principal fission products bring about changes in the composition and properties of molten salts. Herein, we report a comprehensive study on the coordination chemistry of the representative trivalent lanthanide ions (La/Nd) in LiCl-KCl-CsCl using a multiscale strategy combining Raman spectroscopy, deep learning, and large-scale molecular dynamics (MD) simulations.

Precipitation modulates the net effect of solar radiation on litter decomposition and CO emission - a meta-analysis.

Introduction: Solar radiation plays a crucial role in the decomposition of litter and the cycling of nutrients. Previous studies have investigated that the net effect of solar radiation on litter decomposition depends on the balance of its facilitative and inhibitory effects on microbial activity; however, a gap in understanding the mechanism by which precipitation affects the net effect of solar radiation and the mechanism of litter decomposition on a global scale was observed.

Methods: In addressing this gap, a comprehensive meta-analysis of 351 data points from 37 published studies was conducted to estimate the sole radiation effect and interactive effect of solar radiation and precipitation on a global scale, as well as how they vary at different precipitation levels.

Arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase 1 gene (AANAT1) regulates cuticle pigmentation and ovary development of the adult oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis.

The arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AANAT) enzymes catalyze the acetyl-CoA-dependent acetylation of an amine or arylalkylamine, which is involved in important biological processes of insects. Here, we carried out the molecular and biochemical identification of an arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AANAT) from the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis. Using a bacterial expression system, we expressed and purified the encoded recombinant BdorAANAT1-V3 protein.

Serotonin modulates insect gut bacterial community homeostasis.

Background: Metazoan guts are in permanent contact with microbial communities. However, the host mechanisms that have developed to manage the dynamic changes of these microorganisms and maintain homeostasis remain largely unknown.

Results: Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) was found to modulate gut microbiome homeostasis via regulation of a dual oxidase (Duox) gene expression in both Bactrocera dorsalis and Aedes aegypti.

Effects of short-term nitrogen and phosphorus addition on leaf stoichiometry of a dominant alpine grass.

The effects of increasing nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) deposition on the nutrient stoichiometry of soil and plant are gaining improving recognition. However, whether and how the responses of N cycle coupled with P of the soil-plant system to external N and P deposition in alpine grassland is still unclear. A short-term external N and P addition experiment was conducted in an alpine grazing grassland in the KunLun Mountain to explore the effects of short-term N and P addition on the nutrient stoichiometry in soil and plant.

In-situ anodic precipitation process for highly efficient separation of aluminum alloys.

Electrorefining process has been widely used to separate and purify metals, but it is limited by deposition potential of the metal itself. Here we report in-situ anodic precipitation (IAP), a modified electrorefining process, to purify aluminium from contaminants that are more reactive. During IAP, the target metals that are more cathodic than aluminium are oxidized at the anode and forced to precipitate out in a low oxidation state.

A fluorophore's electron-deficiency does matter in designing high-performance near-infrared fluorescent probes.

The applications of most fluorescent probes available for Glutathione -Transferases (GSTs), including which we developed recently based on 1,8-naphthalimide (), are limited by their short emission wavelengths due to insufficient penetration. To realize imaging at a deeper depth, near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent probes are required. Here we report for the first time the designing of NIR fluorescent probes for GSTs by employing the NIR fluorophore which possesses a higher brightness, hydrophilicity and electron-deficiency relative to .

Actinide Separation Inspired by Self-Assembled Metal-Polyphenolic Nanocages.

The separation of actinides has a vital place in nuclear fuel reprocessing, recovery of radionuclides, and remediation of environmental contamination. Here we propose a new paradigm of nanocluster-based actinide separation, namely, nanoextraction, that can achieve efficient sequestration of uranium in an unprecedented form of giant coordination nanocages using a cone-shaped macrocyclic pyrogallol[4]arene as the extractant. The U-based hexameric pyrogallol[4]arene nanocages with distinctive [U(PG)] binuclear units (PG = pyrogallol) that rapidly assembled in situ in monophasic solvent were identified by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, NMR spectroscopy, and small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering.

Challenges for Obstetricians and the Countermeasures of COVID-19 Epidemic.

Since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus in Wuhan, China, as obstetricians, we also face great challenges. We need to identify pregnant patients with 2019 coronavirus disease infection timely, and give them appropriate treatment in order to obtain a good maternal and infant prognosis. Here, we would like to share a case and provide some suggestions on how to screen, diagnose and treat pregnant women with 2019 coronavirus disease infection during the outbreak.

Intestinal responses of the oriental fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) after ingestion of an entomopathogenic bacterium strain.

Background: Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) is the main fruit fly pest of tropical and subtropical countries. The application of insecticides to manage this pest has led to serious resistance problems; therefore, new ways to control B. dorsalis are required.

Epithelial cell transforming sequence 2 expression is associated with the progression of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

Epithelial cell transforming sequence 2 (ECT2) is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor and its expression is associated with the development of malignant tumor types. However, to the best of our knowledge, there is no information on the role of ECT2 in the development and progression of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). The present study aimed at investigating the expression pattern and potential role of ECT2 in the development and progression of LSCC.

IL-17A-Producing γδT Cells Inhibit the Formation of Malignant Pleural Effusions.

γδT cells are an important source of IL-17A and play an anti- or protumor role depending on the surrounding microenvironment. The precise role of γδT cells in the development of malignant pleural effusions (MPE) remains unknown. Using flow cytometry, we analyzed the distribution and differentiation of γδT cells in wild-type (WT) and mice.

[Enhanced Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria Removal from Wastewater Treatment Plant by Different Disinfection Technologies].

Based on the removal of total heterotrophic bacteria (HPC) and antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB), including the ampicillin resistant bacteria (AMP), erythromycin resistant bacteria (ERY), tetracycline resistant bacteria (TET), kanamycin resistant bacteria (KAN), and ciprofloxacin resistant bacteria (CIP), this study investigates the enhanced removal performance of ARB by different disinfection technologies. The experimental results showed that ARB removal by ultraviolet (UV) disinfection from the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) was only 18.2%-40.

Wnt signaling pathway involvement in genotypic and phenotypic variations in Waardenburg syndrome type 2 with MITF mutations.

Mutation in the gene encoding microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) lead to Waardenburg syndrome 2 (WS2), an autosomal dominantly inherited syndrome with auditory-pigmentary abnormalities, which is clinically and genetically heterogeneous. Haploinsufficiency may be the underlying mechanism for WS2. However, the mechanisms explaining the genotypic and phenotypic variations in WS2 caused by MITF mutations are unclear.

Functional analysis of a SOX10 gene mutation associated with Waardenburg syndrome II.

Waardenburg syndrome (WS) is an autosomal dominant inherited non-syndromic type of hereditary hearing loss characterized by varying combinations of sensorineural hearing loss and abnormal pigmentation of the hair, skin, and inner ear. WS is classified into four subtypes (WS1-WS4) based on additional symptoms. WS2 is characterized by the absence of additional symptoms.

Alterations of Thymic Epithelial Cells in Lipopolysaccharide-induced Neonatal Thymus Involution.

Background: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the thymus was mainly produced by the thymic epithelial cells (TECs), the predominant component of the thymic microenvironment. The progression of TECs and the roles of VEGF in the neonatal thymus during sepsis have not been reported. This study aimed to explore the alterations of TECs and VEGF level in the neonatal thymus involution and to explore the possible mechanisms at the cellular level.

Body Fluid Interferon-γ Release Assay for Diagnosis of Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The diagnosis of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) is difficult. In recent years, T-cell interferon-γ release assays (IGRAs) are widely used in diagnosing tuberculosis. The aim of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of body fluid IGRAs in diagnosing EPTB.