Gut microbiota remodeling drived by dietary millet protein prevents the metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome(Met S)is a chronic disease associated with the disturbance of gut microbiota homeostasis.Metabolites derived from gut microbes play essential roles in Met S prevention and therapy.Here,we focused on the inhibitory effect of the extract of millet bran protein(EMBP)on a high-fat diet(HFD)-induced Met S,aiming to identify gut microbiota and their metabolites that involve in the anti-Met S activity of EMBP.The obesity,chronic inflammation,insulin resistance in Met S mouse models were abolished after EMBP treatment.The protective mechanism of EMBP against HFD-induced Met S may depend on improved gut barrier function.Using microbiome analysis,we found that EMBP supplementation improved gut microbiome dysbiosis in Met S mice,specifically upregulating Bacteroides acidifaciens.The fecal microbiota transplantation(FMT)also demonstrated this phenomenon.In addition,metabolomic analysis showed that EMBP mediates metabolic profiling reprogramming in Met S mice.Notably,a microbiota-derived metabolite,gamma-aminobutyric acid(GABA),is enriched by EMBP.In addition,exogenous GABA treatment produced a similar protective effect to EMBP by improving NRF2-dependent gut barrier function to protect HFDinduced Met S.The results suggest that EMBP suppress host Met S by remodeling of gut microbiota as an effective candidate for next-generation medicine food dual purpose dietary supplement to intervene in MetS.

形成性评价在遗传学实验课程考核中的应用研究

对于生物学专业来说,遗传学是一门主干课程,而遗传学实验课程不仅对遗传学的教学起到巩固与补充的作用,而且能使学生掌握相应的遗传学实验操作技能。在传统的教学评价过程中学生是被动接受者,因此较难体现出学生的整体素质,而形成性评价是对学生学习全过程进行的评价,是发展性评价,能更好的对学生做出全面客观的评价。通过实验课上观察并记录学生的精神状态和实验操作中的表现以及对学生进行现场提问,并结合期中测试和期末测试成绩综合性给予学生全面的评价。成绩的形成来源于学生自评、小组互评、教师评价、实验操作技能、期中考试、期末考试六项内容,针对6项内容结合教学实际制定适宜的分配比例,对学生的遗传学实验课程完成形成性评价。

A Green Paradigm for Internet of Things: Ambient Backscatter Communications

Internet of Things (IoT) has attracted extensive interest from both academia and industries, and is recognized as an ultimate infrastructure to connect everything at anytime and anywhere. The implementation of IoT generally faces the challenges from energy constraint and implementation cost. In this paper, we will introduce a new green communication paradigm, the ambient backscatter (AmBC), that could utilize the environmental wireless signals for both powering a tiny-cost device and backscattering the information symbols. Specifically, we will present the basic principles of AmBC, analyze its features and advantages, suggest its open problems, and predict its potential applications for our future IoT.

AoA-Based Channel Estimation for Massive MIMO OFDM Communication Systems on High Speed Rails

Channel estimation is a well-known challenge for wireless orthogonal frequency division multiplexing(OFDM)communication systems with massive antennas on high speed rails(HSRs).This paper investigates this problem and design two practicable uplink and downlink channel estimators for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing(OFDM)communication systems with massive antenna arrays at base station on HSRs.Specifically,we first use pilots to estimate the initial angle of arrival(AoA)and channel gain information of each uplink path through discrete Fourier transform(DFT),and then refine the estimates via the angle rotation technique and suggested pilot design.Based on the uplink angel estimation,we design a new downlink channel estimator for frequency division duplexing(FDD)systems.Additionally,we derive the Cramér-Rao lower bounds(CRLBs)of the AoA and channel gain estimates.Finally,numerical results are provided to corroborate our proposed studies.

Unraveling Passivation Mechanism of Imidazolium-Based Ionic Liquids on Inorganic Perovskite to Achieve Near-Record-Efficiency CsPbI_(2)Br Solar Cells

The application of ionic liquids in perovskite has attracted wide-spread attention for its astounding performance improvement of perovskite solar cells(PSCs).However,the detailed mechanisms behind the improvement remain mysterious.Herein,a series of imidazolium-based ionic liquids(IILs)with different cations and anions is systematically investigated to elucidate the passivation mechanism of IILs on inorganic perovskites.It is found that IILs display the following advantages:(1)They form ionic bonds with Cs^(+)and Pb^(2+)cations on the surface and at the grain boundaries of perovskite films,which could effectively heal/reduce the Cs^(+)/I−vacancies and Pb-related defects;(2)They serve as a bridge between the perovskite and the hole-transport-layer for effective charge extraction and transfer;and(3)They increase the hydrophobicity of the perovskite surface to further improve the stability of the CsPbI_(2)Br PSCs.The combination of the above effects results in suppressed non-radiative recombination loss in CsPbI_(2)Br PSCs and an impressive power conversion efficiency of 17.02%.Additionally,the CsPbI_(2)Br PSCs with IILs surface modification exhibited improved ambient and light illumination stability.Our results provide guidance for an indepth understanding of the passivation mechanism of IILs in inorganic perovskites.

A hybrid heterogeneous Pythagorean fuzzy group decision modelling for crowdfunding development process pathways of fintech‑based clean energy investment projects

This study aims to evaluate the crowdfunding alternatives regarding new service development process pathways of clean energy investment projects.In this framework,a new model has been generated by considering the consensus-based group decisionmaking with incomplete preferences,Pythagorean fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory(DEMATEL)and technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution(TOPSIS).Moreover,a comparative evaluation has been performed with Vise Kriterijumska Optimizacija I.Kompromisno Resenje methodology and sensitivity analysis has been made by considering 4 different cases.The main contribution is to identify appropriate crowdfunding-based funding alternatives for the improvement of the clean energy investments with a novel MCDM model.By considering the iteration technique and consensus-based analysis,the missing parts in the evaluations can be completed and opposite opinion problems can be reduced.Furthermore,with the help of hybrid MCDM model by combining DEMATEL and TOPSIS,more objective results can be reached.It is concluded that the analysis results are coherent and reliable.The findings indicate that the full launch is the most significant criterion for equity and debt-based crowdfunding alternatives.On the other side,the analysis has the highest weight for reward and donation-based alternatives whereas design is the most essential item regarding the royalty-based alternative.Additionally,it is also defined that equity-based crowdfunding alternative is the most significant for the service development process of clean energy investment projects.In this way,it will be possible to provide a continuous resource for clean energy investment projects.On the other hand,by providing financing with equity,there will be no fixed financing cost for clean energy investors.If these investors make a profit,they distribute dividends with the decision of their authorized bodies.

Graded 2D/3D(CF_(3)-PEA)_(2)FA_(0.85)MA_(0.15)Pb_(2)I_(7)/FA_(0.85)MA_(0.15)PbI_(3) heterojunction for stable perovskite solar cell with an efficiency over 23.0%

The replacement of small cations with bulkier organic cations containing long alkyl chains or benzene rings to form a thin two-dimensional(2D)perovskite passivation layer on three-dimensional(3D)perovskite(2D/3D)has become a promising strategy for improving both the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells(PSCs).The 2 D layer defines the interfacial chemistry and physics at the 2D/3D bilayer and endows the 2D/3D structure with better chemical and thermal stability.Herein,2D/3D(CF_(3)-PEA)_(2) FA_(0.85)MA_(0.15)Pb_(2)I_(7)/FA_(0.85)MA_(0.15)PbI_(3) planar heterojunction perovskite was produced using a facile interfacial ion exchange process.The 2 D(CF_(3)-PEA)_(2) FA_(0.85)MA_(0.15)Pb_(2)I_(7) capping layer can not only passivate the FA_(0.85)MA_(0.15)PbI_(3) film but also act as super-hydrophobic layer to inhibit water diffusion and significantly enhance the stability.The 2D capping layer can also establish a unique graded band structure at the perovskite/Spiro-OMeTAD interface and lead to p-type doping for Spiro-OMeTAD layer which is beneficial for efficient charge transport.Optimized PSCs based on this 2D/3D heterojunction yield a champion power conversion efficiency(PCE)of 23.1%and improved stability.The device maintains 84%output for 2400 h aging under ambient environmental conditions without encapsulation,and maintains 81%for 200 h under illumination with encapsulation.This work will inspire the design of more fluorinated 2D perovskite interfaces for advanced photovoltaics and beyond.

A Special Additive Enables All Cations and Anions Passivation for Stable Perovskite Solar Cells with Efficiency over 23%

Passivating undercoordinated ions is an effective way to reduce the defect densities at the surface and grain boundaries(GBs)of perovskite materials for enhanced photovoltaic performance and stability of perovskite solar cells(PSCs).Here,(BBF)complex is chosen as a multifunctional additive,which contains both C7H9N and BF3 groups working as Lewis base and Lewis acid,respectively,can bond with Pb^(2+)/I^(−) and FA+on the surface and in the GBs in the perovskite film,affording passivation of both cation and anion defects.The synergistic effect of the C7H9N and BF3 complex slows the crystallization during the perovskite film deposition to improve the crystalline quality,which reduces the trap density and the recombination in the perovskite film to suppress nonradiative recombination loss and minimizes moisture permeation to improve the stability of the perovskite material.Meanwhile,such an additive improves the energy-level alignment between the valence band of the perovskite and the highest occupied molecular orbital of the hole-transporting material,Spiro-OMeTAD.Consequently,our work achieves power conversion efficiency of 23.24%,accompanied by enhanced stability under ambient conditions and light illumination and opens a new avenue for improving the performance of PSCs through the use of a multifunctional complex.

High thermoelectric performance sheds new light on low-grade waste heat recovery

Recovering waste heat from fuel energy supply is a haunting challenge for greatly reducing the emissions of greenhouse gas CO_(2),and achieving sustainable economy.Importantly,a significant amount of energy is dissipated to environment as low-grade heat(below 250~oC),largely produced in transportation and chemical engineering industry.It accounts for~30%of the total global energy products but is much more difficult to recycle than high-grade heat(Figure 1 A)[1].So the reuse of low-grade heat is of great importance for the future energy demands and the issue of climate change[2,3].So far,several technologies have been developed to recover low-grade waste heat,such as organic Rankine cycle,water desalination,piezoelectric,and thermoelectric conversion[4].

医学科学研究的牵引力和驱动力建模:健康需求与未知探索

当前,医学已成为全球科技创新最活跃的领域之一.我国高度重视面向人民生命健康的科技创新.医学科技创新在保障人民健康、促进经济增长、维护健康安全中发挥着越来越重要的作用.从国际组织的行动上看,世界卫生组织、世界知识产权组织和世界贸易组织联合建立了关于公共卫生、知识产权和经济贸易的三边合作机制^([1]).这3个组织分别代表了健康促进、科技创新和经济增长3个方面.关注医学科技创新的健康效应、知识产权(核心技术)和经济影响等重大问题,凸显了医学科技创新的多维度属性.我国对科技发展的指导思想从2016年“三个面向”到2020年“四个面向”的跨越,标志着“面向人民生命健康”已经上升到与“面向世界科技前沿”“面向经济主战场”“面向国家重大需求”同样的高度.

Efficient X-ray luminescence imaging with ultrastable and eco-friendly copper(Ⅰ)-iodide cluster microcubes

The advancement of contemporary X-ray imaging heavily depends on discovering scintillators that possess high sensitivity,robust stability,low toxicity,and a uniform size distribution.Despite significant progress in this field,the discovery of a material that satisfies all of these criteria remains a challenge.In this study,we report the synthesis of monodisperse copper(Ⅰ)-iodide cluster microcubes as a new class of X-ray scintillators.The as-prepared microcubes exhibit remarkable sensitivity to X-rays and exceptional stability under moisture and X-ray exposure.The uniform size distribution and high scintillation performance of the copper(Ⅰ)-iodide cluster microcubes make them suitable for the fabrication of large-area,flexible scintillating films for X-ray imaging applications in both static and dynamic settings.

Designing a multi-epitope vaccine against Peptostreptococcus anaerobius based on an immunoinformatics approach

Peptostreptococcus anaerobius is an anaerobic bacterium,which has been found selectively en-riched in the fecal and mucosal microbiota of colorectal cancer(CRC)patients.Emerging evidence suggest P.anaerobius may contribute to the development of CRC in human.In this study,we designed a multi-epitope chimeric vaccine against P.anaerobius PCWBR2,a recently identified adhesin that interacts directly with colon cell lines by bindingα2/β1 integrin frequently overexpressed in human CRC tumors and cell lines.Immunoinformatics tools predicted six cytotoxic T lymphocyte epitopes,five helper T lymphocyte epitopes,and six linear B lymphocyte epitopes.The predicted epitopes were joined with AAY or GPGPG linkers and a previously reported TLR4 agonist was added to the vaccine construct’s N terminal as an adjuvant using EAAAK linkers and the order of epitopes was optimized.Further in silico analysis revealed that the vaccine construct possesses satisfactory antigenicity,allergenicity,solubility,physicochemical properties,adjuvant-TLR4 molecular docking,and immune profile characteristics.Our study provided a promising design for vaccines against P.anaerobius.

Unprecedent green macroalgae bloom:mechanism and implication to disaster prediction and prevention

Green macroalgae bloom(GMB),with the dominant species of Ulva prolifera,has regularly occurred since 2007 along the China coast.Although disaster prevention and control achieved favorable results in 2020,the satellite-observed GMB annual maximum coverage(AMC)rebounded sharply in 2021 to an unprecedented level.The reasons for this rebound and the significant interannual variability over past 15 years are still open questions.Here,by using long-term time-series(2007-2022)optical and Synthetic Aperture Radar satellite observations(1000+scenes),meteorological data and water quality statistics,the mechanism analysis was performed by exploring effects from natural factors and human activities.Two key determinants for AMC are successfully identified from numerous potential factors which are the macroalgae distribution in a key area(the Subei Shoal)during a critical period(from April to May 20)and the nutrient availability.Furthermore,by using these two parameters,a novel model for AMC prediction(R^(2)=0.87,p<0.01)is proposed and independently validated,which can reasonably explain the significant interannual variability(2014-2021)and agree well with the latest observation in 2022(percentage difference 12%).Finally,suggestions are proposed for future disaster prevention and alleviation.This work may aid future bloom prediction and management measure optimization.

Design of GH4169 diaphragm for combined improvements of yield strength and surface roughness

Diaphragm compressors have become the primary source of on-site hydrogen compression for hydrogen fuelling stations around the world.The most common hydrogen-compressor-failure mechanism has been identified as diaphragm fracture due to low ten-sile strength and poor surface properties.In this study,a new type of GH4169 diaphragm with high yield strength and low surface roughness was fabricated.Microstructures,tensile behaviours and surface properties of the specimens were characterized by using scanning electron microscopy,an electronic universal testing machine and atomic force microscopy,respectively.The evolution of theandphases with temperature has been examined.Bothandphases were precipitant-strengthened phases for GH4169 and the volume and size ofandphases increase with ageing time.In addition,thephase is the main strengthening phase andis the supportive strengthening phase.Tensile strength was increased due to the strengthening phases at the cost of ductility.The roughness of the diaphragm could reach an arithmetic average roughness(Ra)of 0.1μm by applying a cooling-assisted polishing process.This work improves the reliability and reduces the auxiliary steps and down-time for diaphragm compressors.

Effect of stereoregularity on excitation-dependent fluorescence and room-temperature phosphorescence of poly(2-vinylpyridine)

Preparation of non-conjugated luminescent polymers(NCLPs)with excellent cluster luminescence(CL)performance is of great significance for scientific and industrious applications,and yet improving the performance of NCLPs through proper structural design is still a huge challenge.Herein,we report a non-conjugated ionized polymeric system consisting of(−)-camphorsulfonic acid((−)-CSA)and poly(2-vinylpyridine)(P2VP).These acid-base complexes exhibit typical excitationdependent fluorescence and room-temperature phosphorescence(RTP)with a lifetime up to 364 ms.We discover that changing the stereoregularity from atactic to isotactic significantly improves the CL performance of the complex.It(1)broadens the fluorescence emission spectra to cover the entire visible region,(2)enhances the fluorescence emission intensity at long wavelength beyond 500 nm,(3)enhances the phosphorescence intensity,and(4)extends the phosphorescence lifetime.Systematical experimental characterization and molecular dynamics simulation unravel the key role of stereoregularity in determining the formation of different pyridine aggregates that strongly influence the CL performance.Moreover,the different luminescence shows great potential in excitation divided information display and time-resolved encrypted display.This work not only points to a new direction for developing NCLPs with excellent performance,but also broadens the applications of NCLPs materials.

铜绿假单胞菌cntRLMN操纵子介导锌离子摄取的功能鉴定

【目的】本研究以铜绿假单胞菌PAO1(Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1,菌种编号ATCC15692)为对象,研究cntRLMN在锌离子摄取中的功能。【方法】在ΔznuBC的基础上,以同源重组的方法构建了cntRLMN的各种突变菌株,通过质粒接合转移的方法构建其互补菌株及lacZ转录融合报告菌株,运用β-半乳糖苷酶酶活检测研究了Zur蛋白对cntRLMN的转录调控,凝胶阻滞实验(EMSA)检验Zur蛋白与cnt启动子及cnt启动子的突变片段的体外结合,并进一步通过生长曲线分析对cntRLMN中cntR、cntL、cntN等基因的锌离子摄取功能进行了分析和鉴定。最终,通过构建大蜡螟幼虫的侵染模型来研究cntRLMN对铜绿假单胞菌毒力发挥的影响。【结果】lacZ转录融合的酶活分析显示cntRLMN受Zur蛋白的负调控,其表达以Zur蛋白依赖的方式受锌离子饥饿的诱导;EMSA实验的结果显示cntRLMN的启动子可以与His-Zur结合形成DNA-蛋白质复合体,结合位点为GCGTTATAGTATATCAT;生长曲线和大蜡螟幼虫侵染实验的分析结果显示ZnuBC和CntRLMN的功能存在互补性,仅znuBC和cntRLMN双缺失突变时菌株在限锌培养条件下的生长和对大蜡螟幼虫的毒性才受到显著抑制,说明CntRLMN代表另一种独立的锌离子摄取系统。【结论】cntRLMN是受Zur直接负调控的另一种独立的铜绿假单胞菌锌离子摄取系统,对铜绿假单胞菌毒力的发挥起重要作用。

家蝇几丁质酶MDCht9基因的克隆表达与酶活分析

[目的]对MDCht9基因进行生物信息学分析,构建原核表达载体,获得重组蛋白,并测其酶学活性。[方法]构建邻位连接树研究MDCht9基因的分类归属及其与黑腹果蝇、冈比亚按蚊和致倦库蚊几丁质酶的进化关系,采用生物信息学软件,分析MDCht9基因及编码蛋白的理化性质,信号肽、二级结构等,预测蛋白质的功能;根据其c DNA序列设计引物,PCR扩增,以p ET28(+)为载体构建重组质粒,并转化到大肠杆菌BL21(DE3)中,异丙硫代-β-D半乳糖苷(IPTG)进行诱导,表达产物用十二烷基磺酸钠-聚丙烯酰胺凝胶电泳鉴定,质谱鉴定纯化蛋白。几丁质酶活测定:以4MU-(Glc NAc)3为底物,测定重组蛋白的酶学活性。[结果]系统发育树表明MDCht9基因与果蝇Cht9基因同源性最高,其ORF全长1 401 bp,编码466个氨基酸,理论分子量为50 827. 2 Da,等电点为6. 97,属于亲水性蛋白。MDCht9基因编码蛋白的第1-22氨基酸为信号肽,剪切位点位于第22与第23位氨基酸之间。MDCht9蛋白的功能结构域位于第24-357位氨基酸间,是18家族几丁质糖基水解酶的催化域,第413-466位氨基酸之间的序列为几丁质结合区域。MDCht9蛋白的二级结构及三级结构显示有3种类型:以无规则卷曲为主(Cc),其次为α-螺旋(Hh)和β折叠(Ee)。构建了具有正确序列的MDCht9重组表达质粒,重组蛋白在大肠杆菌BL21(DE3)中表达;通过亲和层析柱纯化的重组蛋白质谱鉴定,与MDCht9序列一致,提示MDCht9重组蛋白获取成功。酶学活性表明不同浓度的MDCht 9重组蛋白均有几丁质酶活性,而且呈现一定的量效关系,0. 18 mg/m L重组蛋白的4 MU生成量为53. 63 U,0. 045 mg/m L重组蛋白的4 MU生成量为9. 97 U。[结论]采用原核表达系统成功获得MDCht9的重组蛋白,且重组蛋白有较强的酶活性,为进一步研究其功能奠定了基础。

The microbiome in inflammatory bowel diseases:from pathogenesis to therapy

Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)has become a global disease with accelerating incidence worldwide in the 21st century while its accurate etiology remains unclear.In the past decade,gut microbiota dysbiosis has consistently been associated with IBD.Although many IBDassociated dysbiosis have not been proven to be a cause or an effect of IBD,it is often hypothesized that at least some of alteration in microbiome is protective or causative.In this article,we selectively reviewed the hypothesis supported by both association studies in human and pathogenesis studies in biological models.Specifically,we reviewed the potential protective bacterial pathways and species against IBD,as well as the potential causative bacterial pathways and species of IBD.We also reviewed the potential roles of some members of mycobiome and virome in IBD.Lastly,we covered the current status of therapeutic approaches targeting microbiome,which is a promising strategy to alleviate and cure this inflammatory disease.

Application of immune checkpoint targets in the anti-tumor novel drugs and traditional Chinese medicine development

Immune checkpoints are the crucial regulators of immune system and play essential roles in maintaining self-tolerance,preventing autoimmune responses,and minimizing tissue damage by regulating the duration and intensity of the immune response.Furthermore,immune checkpoints are usually overexpressed in cancer cells or noninvasive cells in tumor tissues and are capable of suppressing the antitumor response.Based on substantial physiological analyses as well as preclinical and clinical studies,checkpoint molecules have been evaluated as potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of multiple types of cancers.In the last few years,extensive evidence has supported the immunoregulatory effects of traditional Chinese medicines(TCMs).The main advantage of TCMs and natural medicine is that they usually contain multiple active components,which can act on multiple targets at the same time,resulting in additive or synergistic effects.The strong immune regulation function of traditional Chinese medicine on immune checkpoints has also been of great interest.For example,Astragalus membranaceus polysaccharides can induce anti-PD-1 antibody responses in animals,and these antibodies can overcome the exhaustion of immune cells under tumor immune evasion.Furthermore,many other TCM molecules could also be novel and effective drug candidates for the treatment of cancers.Therefore,it is essential to assess the application of immune checkpoints in the development of new drugs and TCMs.In this review,we focus on research progress in the field of immune checkpoints based on three topics:(1)immune checkpoint targets and pathways,(2)development of novel immune checkpoint-based drugs,and(3)application of immune checkpoints in the development of TCMs.

Laboratory Characterizations on 2007 Cases of Monoclonal Gammopathies in East China

Monoclonal gammopathies are characterized by the presence of monoclonal immunoglobulin in patients with or without evidence of multiple myeloma （MM）, macroglobulinemia, amyloidosis （AL）, or a related plasma cell proliferative disorder. This study aims to evaluate laboratory diagnostic characters of monoclonal gammopathies and investigates the correlation between monoclonal gammopathies and transforming growth factor β1 （TGFβ1）. Immunofixation electrophoresis （IFE）, serum protein electrophoresis （SPE）, nephelometry and urine light chain ELISA were used for laboratory identification of monoclonal immunoglobulins. Plasma TGFβ1 was detected with double-antibodies ELISA. Lightcycler was used for single nucleotide polymorphism （SNP） analysis. Totally 2,007 cases of monoclonal immunoglobulin （M protein） were identified in 10,682 samples. The isotypes of M protein were IgG type 47.1%, IgA 23.0%, IgM 8.7%, IgD 5.3%, free light chain κ 6.1%, λ 9.8%. In reference to IFE, the coherency of diagnosis was serum light chain ratio （κ/λ） 94.4%, quantitation of Igs 83%, light chain quantitation 80.9%, and urine light chain ratio （κ/λ） 58.0%. Plasma TGFβ1 was elevated significantly compared to normal control. The allelic frequency of codon 10 （C 〉 T） was neither associated with the existence of the M protein nor with the M protein isotype. Monoclonal gammopathies can be identified with the combination of IFE, SPE, Igs quantitaion and urine light chain determination. Although TGFβ1, an important cytokine in immune regulation, was elevated in monoclonal gammopathies, the SNPs in coding region of TGFβ1 gene did not confer susceptibility to the development of monoclonal gammopathies in this study. Cellular ＆ Molecular Immunology. 2008;5（4）： 293-298.