Potassium and nitrogen are essential macronutrients for plant growth and have a positive impact on crop yield. Previous studies have indicated that the absorption and translocation of K+ and NO3
− ...are correlated with each other in plants; however, the molecular mechanism that coordinates K+ and NO3
− transport remains unknown. In this study, using a forward genetic approach, we isolated a low-K+-sensitive Arabidopsis thaliana mutant, lks2, that showed a leaf chlorosis phenotype under low-K+ conditions. LKS2 encodes the transporter NRT1.5/NPF7.3, a member of the NRT1/PTR (Nitrate Transporter 1/Peptide Transporter) family. The lks2/nrt1.5 mutants exhibit a remarkable defect in both K+ and NO3
− translocation from root to shoot, especially under low-K+ conditions. This study demonstrates that LKS2 (NRT1.5) functions as a proton-coupled H+/K+ antiporter. Proton gradient can promote NRT1.5-mediated K+ release out of root parenchyma cells and facilitate K+ loading into the xylem. This study reveals that NRT1.5 plays a crucial role in K+ translocation from root to shoot and is also involved in the coordination of K+/NO3
− distribution in plants.
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BFBNIB, NMLJ, NUK, PNG, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK
Metalens research has made major advances in recent years. These advances rely on the simple design principle of arranging meta‐atoms in regular arrays to create an arbitrary phase and polarization ...profile. Unfortunately, the concept of equally spaced meta‐atoms reaches its limit for high deflection angles where the deflection efficiency decreases. The efficiency can be increased using nano‐antennas with multiple elements, but their polarization sensitivity hinders their application in metalenses. Here, it is shown that by designing polarization‐insensitive dimer nano‐antennas and abandoning the principle of equally spaced unit cells, polarization‐insensitive ultrahigh numerical aperture (NA = 1.48) oil‐immersion operation with an efficiency of 42% can be demonstrated. This represents a significant improvement on other polarization‐insensitive designs at visible wavelength. This single layer metalens is used to replace a conventional objective lens and demonstrates the confocal scanning microscopic imaging of a grating with a period of 300 nm at 532 nm operating wavelength. Overall, the results experimentally demonstrate a novel design concept that further improves metalens performance.
A polarization‐insensitive metalens is realized using dimer nano‐antennas. The polarization insensitive operation and the very high efficiency of 42% at 532 nm operation for an NA = 1.48 is achieved by placing the nano‐antennas onto an adaptive grid. Optical imaging is demonstrated with 300 nm resolution.
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FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
Functional textiles are ideal substrates for wearable electronics. Herein, superhydrophobic, flame-retardant and conductive cotton fabrics were fabricated by sequential assembly of ...poly(ethylenimine), ammonium polyphosphate and carbon nanotubes, followed by post-treatment with poly(dimethylsiloxane). The resulting fabrics possessed excellent superhydrophobic stability toward acid, alkali, organic solvent, UV irradiation, abrasion and long-time laundering. Meanwhile, when suffering to fire, the coated fabric could generate an efficient char layer and extinguish the fire to protect the cotton fiber from forming flame. Furthermore, this conductive cotton fabric exhibited stable sensing ability in contact with water droplets, showing wide potential application in wearable electronics as multifunctional smart textiles.
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EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NLZOH, NUK, OBVAL, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ
Root samples of 'Sanhu' red tangerine trees infected with and without Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas) were collected at 50 days post inoculation and subjected to RNA-sequencing and isobaric ...tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) to profile the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and proteins (DEPs), respectively. Quantitative real-time PCR was subsequently used to confirm the expression of 16 selected DEGs. Results showed that a total of 3956 genes and 78 proteins were differentially regulated by HLB-infection. Among the most highly up-regulated DEPs were sperm specific protein 411, copper ion binding protein, germin-like proteins, subtilisin-like proteins and serine carboxypeptidase-like 40 proteins whose transcript levels were concomitantly up-regulated as shown by RNA-seq data. Comparison between our results and those of the previously reported showed that known HLB-modulated biological pathways including cell-wall modification, protease-involved protein degradation, carbohydrate metabolism, hormone synthesis and signaling, transcription activities, and stress responses were similarly regulated by HLB infection but different or root-specific changes did exist. The root unique changes included the down-regulation in genes of ubiquitin-dependent protein degradation pathway, secondary metabolism, cytochrome P450s, UDP-glucosyl transferases and pentatricopeptide repeat containing proteins. Notably, nutrient absorption was impaired by HLB-infection as the expression of the genes involved in Fe, Zn, N and P adsorption and transportation were significantly changed. HLB-infection induced some cellular defense responses but simultaneously reduced the biosynthesis of the three major classes of secondary metabolites, many of which are known to have anti-pathogen activities. Genes involved in callose deposition were up-regulated whereas those involved in callose degradation were also up-regulated, indicating that the sieve tube elements in roots were hanging on the balance of life and death at this stage. In addition, signs of carbohydrate starvation were already eminent in roots at this stage. Other interesting genes and pathways that were changed by HLB-infection were also discussed based on our findings.
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DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Abstract The neurotoxicity of aluminum (Al) − the most abundant metal element on earth − has been known for years. However, the mechanism of Al-induced neurodegeneration and its relationship to ...Alzheimer's disease are still controversial. In particular, in vivo functional data are lacking. In a Drosophila model with chronic dietary Al overloading, general neurodegeneration and several behavioral changes were observed. Al-induced neurodegeneration is independent of β-amyloid or tau-associated toxicity, suggesting they act in different molecular pathways. Interestingly, Drosophila frataxin ( dfh ), which causes Friedreich's ataxia if mutated in humans, displayed an interacting effect with Al, suggesting Friedreich's ataxia patients might be more susceptible to Al toxicity. Al-treated flies accumulated large amount of iron and reactive oxygen species (ROS), and exhibited elevated SOD2 activity. Genetic and pharmacological efforts to reduce ROS or chelate excess Fe significantly mitigated Al toxicity. Our results indicate that Al toxicity is mediated through ROS production and iron accumulation and suggest a remedial route to reduce toxicity due to Al exposure.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPUK
Natural products are a source of many novel compounds with biological activity for the discovery of new pesticides and pharmaceuticals. Quinoxaline is a fused N-heterocycle in many natural products ...and synthetic compounds, and seven novel quinoxaline derivatives were designed and synthesized via three steps. Pesticidal activities of title quinoxaline derivatives were bioassayed. Most of these compounds had herbicidal, fungicidal, and insecticidal activities. The compounds 2-(6-methoxy-2-oxo-3-phenylquinoxalin-1(2H)-yl)acetonitrile (3f) and 1-allyl-6-methoxy-3-phenylquinoxalin-2(1H)-one (3g) were the most active herbicides and fungicides. Mode-of-action studies indicated that 3f is a protoprophyrinogen oxidase-inhibiting herbicide. Compound 3f also possessed broad-spectrum fungicidal activity against the plant pathogen Colletotrichum species. Some of these compounds also had insecticidal activity. Molecular docking and DFT analysis can potentially be used to design more active compounds.
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IJS, KILJ, NUK, PNG, UL, UM, UPUK
Stable isotope chemical labeling methods have been widely used for high‐throughput mass spectrometry (MS)‐based quantitative proteomics in biological and clinical applications. However, the existing ...methods are far from meeting the requirements for high sensitivity detection. In the present study, a novel isobaric stable isotope N‐phosphorylation labeling (iSIPL) strategy was developed for quantitative proteome analysis. The tryptic peptides were selectively labeled with iSIPL tag to generate the novel reporter ions containing phosphoramidate P−N bond with high intensities under lower collision energies. iSIPL strategy are suitable for peptide sequencing and quantitative analysis with high sensitivity and accuracy even for samples of limited quantity. Furthermore, iSIPL coupled with affinity purification and mass spectrometry was applied to measure the dynamics of cyclin dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) interactomes during transactivation of the HIV‐1 provirus. The interaction of CDK9 with PARP13 was found to significantly decrease during Tat‐induced activation of HIV‐1 gene transcription, suggesting the effectiveness of iSIPL strategy in dynamic analysis of protein‐protein interaction in vivo. More than that, the proposed iSIPL strategy would facilitate large‐scale accurate quantitative proteomics by increasing multiplexing capability.
A novel isobaric phosphorus reagent enables the accurate quantitative proteome analysis and peptide sequencing with high sensitivity. The reporter ion clusters with characteristic P−N bonds were efficiently generated with very high intensities for protein quantification.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a common and serious complication in patients with diabetic mellitus (DM), the risk of cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality also increases in DKD patients. ...This study aimed to detect the influencing factors of DKD in type 2 DM (T2DM) patients, and construct DKD prediction models and nomogram for clinical decision-making.
A total of 14,628 patients with T2DM were included. These patients were divided into pre-DKD and non-DKD groups, depending on the occurrence of DKD during a 3-year follow-up from first clinic attendance. The influencing indicators of DKD were analyzed, the prediction models were established by multivariable logistic regression, and a nomogram was drawn for DKD risk assessment.
Two prediction models for DKD were built by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Model 1 was created based on 17 variables using the forward selection method, Model 2 was established by 19 variables using the backward elimination method. The Somers' D values of both models were 0.789. Four independent predictors were selected to build the nomogram, including age, UACR, eGFR, and neutrophil percentages. The C-index of the nomogram reached 0.864, suggesting a good predictive accuracy for DKD development.
Our prediction models had strong predictive powers, and our nomogram provided visual aids to DKD risk calculation, which was simple and fast. These algorithms can provide early DKD risk prediction, which might help to improve the medical care for early detection and intervention in T2DM patients, and then consequently improve the prognosis of DM patients.
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DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Background: Flavonoid glycosides are known to possess diverse bioactivities including antitumor and anti‐inflammatory properties. Hesperetin is abundant in nature and can be used to synthesize ...bioactive flavonoids. This has the advantages of low cost, short synthetic steps, simple operation, and good yields. Objective: In this study, we aimed to synthesize bioactive flavonoids and flavonoid glycosides from hesperetin and evaluate the antitumor and anti‐inflammatory activities of these compounds. Methods: A series of flavonoids and their derivatives were synthesized by methoxylation, oxidative dehydrogenation, benzylation, debenzylation, and deacetylation as well as using a modified peroxyacetone method and a glycoside condensation reaction. Their anti‐inflammatory activities were evaluated for their inhibitory effects on nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor (TNF‐α), and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) production in LPS‐induced RAW264.7 mouse macrophages. Their structures were characterized by HRMS, 1H‐NMR, and 13C‐NMR, and their cytotoxicity on the human triple‐negative breast cancer cell (TNBC) line, SUM 149, was tested by using the MST assay. Results: Most of the compounds markedly reduced NO production in LPS‐stimulated murine macrophages at the tested concentrations in a dose‐dependent manner. Among these, compounds 1, 7, 9, and 17 showed significant anti‐inflammatory activities against NO production in LPS‐induced RAW264.7 mouse macrophages. In addition, they could also reduce the release of TNF‐α and IL‐6 in a concentration‐dependent manner. Most of the tested compounds showed remarkable anti‐human TNBC activities. Compounds 1b–1m, 1, and 3 showed a certain degree of growth inhibition effect on the human TNBC cell lines and their IC50 values were all below 16.61 μM. In addition, compound 1l was the most cytotoxic with IC50 values of 1.38±0.31 μM, while the other compounds were inactive with inhibition rates <50 % at the highest concentration tested (20 μM). Conclusions: A novel series of flavonoids were synthesized from the natural flavonoid, hesperetin, including 17 new compounds. Screening tests indicated that most of these compounds reduced NO production in LPS‐stimulated murine macrophages at concentrations of 15 to 60 μM, and the inhibition generally increased in a dose‐dependent manner. Some compounds showed different degrees of cytotoxicity on the human TBNC cell lines, SUM 149.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
•A reduced-order equivalent thermal parameters (ETP) model is adopted.•The model is simplified into a linearized form.•Free from uncertainty of the indoor mass temperature.•Free from being influenced ...by inconsistent sampling intervals.
Air conditioners (ACs) are considered to be one of the best candidates in demand response (DR) programs due to their heat/cold storage capacities. The potential of ACs in DR is to a great extent dependent on their thermal parameters. Existing ACs’ parameters estimation methods have difficulties in dealing with varying sampling intervals and unmeasurable mass temperature. To fill this gap, this paper proposes an ACs’ thermal parameters estimation method based on reduced-order equivalent thermal parameters (ETP) model, which is applicable of data with inconsistent sampling intervals and unknown mass temperature. After the model is converted into a linearized form, the parameters can be derived through least square (LS) or recursive least square (RLS) method. Testing results based on real ACs data verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
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