Experimental study on the axial tensile properties of polypropylene fiber reinforced concrete.

In order to study the axial tensile properties of polypropylene fiber reinforced concrete, an axial tensile test device for concrete is developed in this paper. The device is composed of three parts: rigid frame, spherical hinge and puller, and specimen fabrication part. The test device can accurately measure the tensile strength and peak tensile strain of concrete, and perfectly solves the eccentricity problem of concrete specimens under tension.

APETALA2 is involved in ABA signaling during seed germination.

APETALA2 (AP2) is well known for regulating the development of floral organs, ovules, seed coats, and the mass of seeds, but the role of AP2 in seed germination remains unclear. Here, we report that AP2 interacts with ABI5 in nuclear speckles and functions in controlling seed germination. Genetic study showed that the abi5 mutation could restore the ABA-sensitive phenotype of ap2 mutants, supporting that AP2 antagonizes ABI5 in ABA signaling and ABA-mediated inhibition of seed germination.

The Sm core protein SmEb regulates salt stress responses through maintaining proper splicing of RCD1 pre-mRNA in Arabidopsis.

Salt stress adversely impacts crop production. Several spliceosome components have been implicated in regulating salt stress responses in plants, however, the underlying molecular basis is still unclear. Here we report that the spliceosomal core protein SmEb is essential to salt tolerance in Arabidopsis.

Modulation of plant development and chilling stress responses by alternative splicing events under control of the spliceosome protein SmEb in Arabidopsis.

Cold stress resulting from chilling and freezing temperatures substantially inhibits plant growth and reduces crop production worldwide. Tremendous research efforts have been focused on elucidating the molecular mechanisms of freezing tolerance in plants. However, little is known about the molecular nature of chilling stress responses in plants.

SUMO E3 ligase SIZ1 negatively regulates arsenite resistance via depressing GSH biosynthesis in Arabidopsis.

Arsenic is a metalloid toxic to plants, animals and human beings. Small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) conjugation is involved in many biological processes in plants. However, the role of SUMOylation in regulating plant arsenic response is still unclear.

The Arabidopsis spliceosomal protein SmEb modulates ABA responses by maintaining proper alternative splicing of HAB1.

Abscisic acid (ABA) signaling is critical for seed germination and abiotic stress responses in terrestrial plants. Pre-mRNA splicing is known to regulate ABA signaling. However, the involvement of canonical spliceosomal components in regulating ABA signaling is poorly understood.

Investigating the changes in amino acid values in premature infants: a pilot study.

Background: The objective of the study was to investigate the changes in amino acid (AAs) values in premature infants.

Methods: A total of 2159 premature and/or low birth weight infants were recruited for this study. They were divided into three groups: premature infants with normal birth weight (G1), simple low birth weight infants (G2) and premature combined with low birth weight infants (G3).