Dietary supplementation of Macleaya cordata extract and Bacillus in combination improve laying performance by regulating reproductive hormones,intestinal microbiota and barrier function of laying hens

Background:This study aimed to investigate whether the combination of Macleaya cordata extract(MCE)and Bacil-lus could improve the laying performance and health of laying hens better.Methods:A total of 36029-week-old Jingbai laying hens were randomly divided into 4 treatments:control group(basal diet),MCE group(basal diet+MCE),Probiotics Bacillus Compound(PBC)group(basal diet+compound Bacil-lus),MCE+PBC group(basal diet+MCE+compound Bacillus).The feeding experiment lasted for 42 d.Results:The results showed that the laying rate and the average daily egg mass in the MCE+PBC group were significantly higher than those in the control group(P<0.05)and better than the MCE and PBC group.Combina-tion of MCE and Bacillus significantly increased the content of follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH)in the serum and up-regulated the expression of related hormone receptor gene(estrogen receptor-β,FSHR and luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor)in the ovary of laying hens(P<0.05).In the MCE+PBC group,the mRNA expressions of zonula occluden-1,Occludin and mucin-2 in jejunum was increased and the intestinal epithelial barrier detected by transmission electron microscopy was enhanced compared with the control group(P<0.05).In addition,compared with the control group,combination of MCE and Bacillus significantly increased the total antioxidant capacity and catalase activity(P<0.05),and down-regulated the mRNA expressions of inflammation-related genes(interleukin-1βand tumor necrosis factor-α)as well as apoptosis-related genes(Caspase 3,Caspase 8 and P53)(P<0.05).The concen-tration of acetic acid and butyric acid in the cecum content of laying hens in the MCE+PBC group was significantly increased compared with the control group(P<0.05).Conclusions:Collectively,dietary supplementation of 600μg/kg MCE and 5×108 CFU/kg compound Bacillus can improve laying performance by improving microbiota to enhance antioxidant capacity and intestinal barrier,regulate reproductive hormones and the concentration of cecal short-chain fatty acids of laying hens,and the combined effect of MCE and Bacillus is better than that of single supplementation.

Square Geometrical Shaping 128QAM Based Time Domain Hybrid Modulation in Visible Light Communication System

We proposed two kinds of visible light communication(VLC)systems which respectively based on 64QAM/square geometrical shaping(SGS)128QAM time domain hybrid modulation scheme(SGSHY)and 64QAM/128QAM time domain hybrid modulation scheme(REGHY).These two systems can operate around specific forward error correction(FEC)threshold and maximize the achievable information rate(AIR)of the system.The principles of SGSHY and REGHY are proposed in detail,which has very low computation complexity compared with probabilistic shaping.The SGSHY outperforms REGHY at high peak to peak voltage(Vpp).Experimental results show that at high Vpp like 1.4V,which means the system is suffering from high nonlinear distortion,the AIR of SGSHY outperforms that of REGHY by 0.12Gb/s at the 2×10-2 FEC threshold.The AIR of the REGHY is at most 0.36Gb/s higher than that of 64QAM at 0.8V Vpp and 7%FEC threshold,while the(achievable information rate)AIR of SGSHY is at most 0.40Gb/s higher than that of 64QAM at 1.4V Vpp and 20%FEC threshold.

Can an injection model replenish filaments in a weak magnetic environment?

We observed an Hα surge that occurred in NOAA Active Region 12401 on 2015 August 17, and we discuss its trigger mechanism, and kinematic and thermal properties. It is suggested that this surge was caused by a chromospheric reconnection which ejected cool and dense material with transverse velocity of about 21–28 km s-1 and initial Doppler velocity of 12 km s^-1. This surge is similar to the injection of newly formed filament materials from their footpoints, except that the surge here occurred in a relatively weak magnetic environment of 100 G. Thus, we discuss the possibility of filament material replenishment via the erupting mass in such a weak magnetic field, which is often associated with quiescent filaments. It is found that the local plasma can be heated up to about 1.3 times the original temperature, which results in an acceleration of about –0.017 km s^-2. It can lift the dense material up to 10 Mm and higher with an inclination angle smaller than 50°, namely the typical height of active region filaments, but it can hardly inject the material up to those filaments higher than 25 Mm, like some quiescent filaments. Thus, we think that the injection model does not work well in describing the formation of quiescent filaments.

Demonstration of a low‐complexity memory‐polynomial‐aided neural network equalizer for CAP visible‐light communication with superluminescent diode

Visible-light communication(VLC)stands as a promising component of the future communication network by providing high-capacity,low-latency,and high-security wireless communication.Superluminescent diode(SLD)is proposed as a new light emitter in the VLC system due to its properties of droop-free emission,high optical power density,and low speckle-noise.In this paper,we analyze a VLC system based on SLD,demonstrating effective implementation of carrierless amplitude and phase modulation(CAP).We create a low-complexity memory-polynomial-aided neural network(MPANN)to replace the traditional finite impulse response(FIR)post-equalization filters of CAP,leading to significant mitigation of the linear and nonlinear distortion of the VLC channel.The MPANN shows a gain in Q factor of up to 2.7 dB higher than other equalizers,and more than four times lower complexity than a standard deep neural network(DNN),hence,the proposed MPANN opens a pathway for the next generation of robust and efficient neural network equalizers in VLC.We experimentally demonstrate a proof-of-concept 2.95-Gbit/s transmission using MPANN-aided CAP with 16-quadrature amplitude modulation(16-QAM)through a 30-cm channel based on the 442-nm blue SLD emitter.

Hsa-mir-499 rs3746444 polymorphism and cancer risk:a meta-analysis

MicroRNAs（miRNAs） are gene regulators involved in numerous diseases including cancer,heart disease,neurological disorders,vascular abnormalities and autoimmune conditions.Although hsa-mir-499 rs3746444 polymorphism was shown to contribute to the susceptibility of multiple genes to cancer,the data have yielded conflicting results.Therefore,this meta-analysis was performed to provide a comprehensive assessment of potential association between hsa-mir-499 rs3746444 polymorphism and cancer risk.In this meta-analysis,a total of 9 articles regarding 10 eligible case-control studies in English（including 6134 cases and 7141 controls） were analyzed.No significant association between hsa-mir-499 rs3746444 polymorphism and overall cancer risk was demonstrated.However,an increased risk was observed in the subgroup of breast cancer patients（G allele vs A allele：OR = 1.10,95% CI = 1.00-1.20;P heterogeneity = 0.114;I 2 = 53.9%） and population-based studies（G allele vs A allele：OR = 1.12,95% CI = 1.00-1.25;P heterogeneity = 0.062;I 2 = 64.0%）.The findings suggested an association between hsa-mir-499 rs3746444 polymorphism and increased risk to breast cancer.

Differences in action potential propagation speed and axon initial segment plasticity between neurons from Sprague-Dawley rats and C57BL/6 mice

Action potentials(APs)in neurons are generated at the axon initial segment(AIS).AP dynamics,including initiation and propagation,are intimately associated with neuronal excitability and neurotransmitter release kinetics.Most learning and memory studies at the single-neuron level have relied on the use of animal models,most notably rodents.Here,we studied AP initiation and propagation in cultured hippocampal neurons from Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats and C57BL/6(C57)mice with genetically encoded voltage indicator(GEVI)-based voltage imaging.Our data showed that APs traveled bidirectionally in neurons from both species;forward-propagating APs(fpAPs)had a different speed than backpropagating APs(bpAPs).Additionally,we observed distinct AP propagation characteristics in AISs emerging from the somatic envelope compared to those originating from dendrites.Compared with rat neurons,mouse neurons exhibited higher bpAP speed and lower fpAP speed,more distally located ankyrin G(AnkG)in AISs,and longer Nav1.2 lengths in AISs.Moreover,during AIS plasticity,AnkG and Nav1.2 showed distal shifts in location and shorter lengths of labeled AISs in rat neurons;in mouse neurons,however,they showed a longer AnkG-labeled length and more distal Nav1.2 location.Our findings suggest that hippocampal neurons in SD rats and C57 mice may have different AP propagation speeds,different AnkG and Nav1.2 patterns in the AIS,and different AIS plasticity properties,indicating that comparisons between these species must be carefully considered.

Preparation of chitosan-Epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate nanoparticles and their inhibitory effect on the growth of breast cancer cells

In this paper,we prepared the nanoparticle drug carrier system between nanoparticles chitosan and Epigallocatechin-3 O-gallate(EGCG)for breast cancer cell inhibiting application.For this drug carrier system,chitosan acts as a carrier and EGOG as a drug.Which were systematically characterized and thoroughly evaluated in terms of their inhibition rate and biocompatibility.We also did a cell scratch test and the result indicated that the chitosan EGCG nanoparticles have inhibitory effect on the growth of breast cancer cells.The inhibition rate could reach up to 21.91%.This work revealed that the modification of nanopartidles paved a way for specific biomedical applications.

Experimental investigation on indoor daylight environment of building with Cadmium Telluride photovoltaic window

Photovoltaic(PV)windows have received more and more attention in recent years since their active energy-saving advantages.Considering the surface covered with solar cell modules,the indoor daylight environment of PV windows is obviously different with clear glass windows.However,despite many scholars have studied the indoor daylight environment of PV windows,there few investigations study it from the perspective of human subjective visual perception.In this paper,the indoor daylight environment and human visual comfort of building with Cadmium Telluride Photovoltaic(CdTe-PV)window were investigated.Firstly,the parameters of indoor daylight environment and subjective questionnaires in rooms with CdTe-PV window and clear glass window were analyzed respectively.On the basis of this,combined with indoor working surface illuminance and results of subjective questionnaires,the daylight illuminance threshold of human visual comfort was investigated by the method of Mean Bias Degree(MBD).Finally,an evaluation model for indoor daylight environment of buildings with CdTe-PV window was developed by Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation Method.The results showed that the working surface illuminance of CdTe-PV window was lower than that of clear glass room,the CCT of different windows room had a minor gap and the CdTe-PV window room was closer to the recommended range that was 3300-5000K.As for CRI,both the CdTe-PV window room and the clear glass room could meet the visual comfort requirements of office staff.Furthermore,it was found that the requirement of human visual comfort was met when indoor working surface illuminance varies between 500-2200lx in the room with CdTe-PV window.At last,according to the comprehensive evaluation model proposed in this paper,it was found that the indoor daylight environment of buildings with CdTe-PV window was excellent in the present experiment.

Photo-Modulation of Gene-Editing Enzymes CRISPR/Cas9 with Bifunctional Small-Molecule Ligands

The control of protein functions with light is valuable for spatiotemporal probing of biological systems.Current small-molecule photo-modulation methods include the light-induced uncaging of inhibitors and chromophore-assisted light inactivation with reactive oxygen species(ROS).However,the constant target protein expression results in inadequate photo-modulation efficiency,particularly for less potent inhibitors and chromophores.Herein,we report a novel bifunctional small-molecule ligands strategy to photo-modulate gene-editing enzymes CRISPR/Cas9.A coumarin-derived small-molecule ligand Bhc-BRD0539 is developed to uncage the active inhibitor upon light irradiation and to generate ROS in the Cas9 proximity for the dual inhibition of Cas9 activity.Our results highlight the synergistic photo-modulation with bifunctional small-molecule ligands,which offers a valuable addition to current CRISPR/Cas9 photo-modulation technologies and may extend to other protein classes.

Dynamic phosphorylation of CENP-N by CDK1 guides accurate chromosome segregation in mitosis

In mitosis,accurate chromosome segregation depends on the kinetochore,a supermolecular machinery that couples dynamic spin-dle microtubules to centromeric chromatin.However,the structure–activity relationship of the constitutive centromere-associated network(CCAN)during mitosis remains uncharacterized.Building on our recent cryo-electron microscopic analyses of human CCAN structure,we investigated how dynamic phosphorylation of human CENP-N regulates accurate chromosome segregation.Our mass spectrometric analyses revealed mitotic phosphorylation of CENP-N by CDK1,which modulates the CENP-L–CENP-N interaction for accurate chromosome segregation and CCAN organization.Perturbation of CENP-N phosphorylation is shown to prevent proper chromosome alignment and activate the spindle assembly checkpoint.These analyses provide mechanistic insight into a previously undefined link between the centromere–kinetochore network and accurate chromosome segregation.

Dietary pattern and hepatic lipid metabolism

The liver is the leading site for lipid metabolism,involving not only fatty acid beta-oxidation but also de novo synthesis of endogenous triglycerides and ketogenesis.The liver maintains systemic lipid homeostasis by regulating lipid synthesis,catabolism,and transportation.Dysregulation of hepatic lipid metabolism precipitates disorders,such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD),affecting the whole body.Thus,comprehending and studying hepatic lipid metabolism is crucial for preventing and treating metabolic liver diseases.Traditionally,researchers have investigated the impact of a single nutrient on hepatic lipid metabolism.However,real-life dietary patterns encompass diverse nutrients rather than single components.In recent years,there have been increased studies and notable progress regarding the effects of distinct dietary patterns on hepatic lipid metabolism.This review summarizes the influence of diverse dietary patterns on hepatic lipid metabolism,elucidating underlying molecular mechanisms and appraising the therapeutic potential of dietary patterns in managing hepatic steatosis.

PML–LRIF1 interactions form a novel link between promyelocytic leukemia bodies and centromeres

Dear Editor,Promyelocytic leukemia(PML)is the scaffold protein that organizes PML bod-ies,which are nuclear membraneless organelles involved in various biologi-cal processes,including tumor suppres-sion and antiviral responses(Ugge et al.,2022).Early electron microscopic analy-ses revealed contacts between the sur-face of PML bodies and chromatin struc-ture(Corpet et al.,2020).In fact,sev-eral chromatin and cell cycle regulators,such as TIP60,P300,and heterochro-matin protein 1(HP1),are localized in PML bodies in interphase cells(Corpet et al.,2020).

Physiological effects of weightlessness: countermeasure system development for a long-term Chinese manned spaceflight

The Chinese space station will be built around 2020. As a national space laboratory, it will offer unique opportunities for studying the physiological effects of weightlessness and the efficacy of the countermeasures against such effects. In this paper, we described the development of countermeasure systems in the Chinese space program. To emphasize the need of the Chinese space program to implement its own program for developing countermeasures, we reviewed the literature on the negative physiological effects of weightlessness, the challenges of completing missions, the development of countermeasure devices, the establishment of countermeasure programs, and the efficacy of the countermeasure techniques in American and Russian manned spaceflights. In addition, a brief overview was provided on the Chinese research and development on countermeasures to discuss the current status and goals of the development of countermeasures against physiological problems associated with weightlessness.

Probiotic Paenibacillus polymyxa 10 and Lactobacillus plantarum 16 enhance growth performance of broilers by improving the intestinal health

With the ever-growing strict prohibitions on antibiotic growth promoters(AGP)in animal production,in-feed probiotics are becoming attractive alternatives to antibiotics in the poultry industry.To investigate the effects of Paenibacillus polymyxa 10 and Lactobacillus plantarum 16 on the growth performance and intestinal health of broilers,540 male Cobb 500 broilers of 1 d old were randomly divided into 3 groups with 6 replicates per group and 30 chicks per replicate.Broilers were fed with either a basal diet or basal diets supplemented with 1×108 colony-forming units(CFU)/kg P.polymyxa 10(BSC10)or L.plantarum 16(Lac16)for 42 d.Results showed that Lac16 treatment improved(P<0.05)the growth performance(body weight and feed conversion)of broilers at the starter phase,while BSC10 treatment slightly improved(P>0.05)the growth performance of the starter phase broilers.The increased villus height(P<0.05)at d 14,21 and 42 and villus height to crypt depth ratio(P<0.05)at d 14 and 21 were observed in the ileum of the 2 probiotic groups.Besides,transmission electron microscopy results showed that the 2 probiotics enhanced the intestinal epithelial barrier.Both probiotic treatments up-regulated(P<0.05)the mRNA expression of fatty acid binding protein 1(FABP1)and sodium-dependent glucose transporters-1(SGLT-1)in the ileal mucosa of broilers at d 21.In addition,BSC10 and Lac16 treatments significantly(P<0.05)increased the relative abundance of short-chain fatty acids-producing bacteria,such as Butyricicoccus pullicaecorum,Faecalibacterium prausnitzii,Lachnospira and Cop-rococcu,and significantly(P<0.05)decreased the relative abundance of enteric pathogens(Escherichia coli,Bacteroides fragilis and Shigella sonnei).Furthermore,the 2 probiotic treatments also increased the positive connection among the intestinal microbes and the carbohydrate metabolism-related pathways of the intes-tinal bacteria(P<0.05),with decreasing(P<0.05)nucleotides biosynthesis-related pathways of the intestinal bacteria.Overall,these results suggest that the 2 probiotics,especially Lac16,have a potential beneficial effect on the growth performance and intestinal health of starter phase broilers.

Common-anode LED on a Si substrate for beyond 15 Gbit/s underwater visible light communication

Visible light communication based on light-emitting diodes(LEDs) has become a promising candidate by providing high data rates, low latency, and secure communication for underwater environments. In this paper,a self-designed common-anode GaN-based five-primary-color LED(RGBYC LED) on a Si substrate is proposed and fabricated. The design of a common anode is used to mitigate the saturation effect for a low-frequency component. Additionally, compared with commercially available LEDs that suffer from nonlinearity distortion,applying the designed LED can provide much better and broader linearity according to the measurement results.Therefore, the modulation depth and system performance can be further improved to implement a high-speed underwater visible light communication(UVLC) system. There is no nonlinearity compensation algorithm applied due to the good linearity of the proposed LED;thus, the offline digital signal processing is simplified. We experimentally demonstrate 14.81 Gbit/s 64 quadrature amplitude modulation(QAM)-discrete multitone(DMT)and 15.17 Gbit/s bit-loading-DMT transmissions through a 1.2-m-long underwater channel based on the proposed RGBYC LED with an intrasymbol frequency-domain averaging channel estimation and zero-forcing equalization.As far as we know, this is the highest data rate for an LED-based UVLC system.

Visible light communication for Vehicle to Everything beyond 1 Gb/s based on an LED car headlight and a 2 × 2 PIN array

Visible light communication(VLC) shows great potential in Internet of Vehicle applications. A single-input multi-output VLC system for Vehicle to Everything is proposed and demonstrated. A commercial car headlight is used as transmitter. With a self-designed 2 × 2 positive-intrinsic-negative(PIN) array, four independent signals are received and equalized by deep-neural-network post-equalizers, respectively. Maximum-ratio combining brings high signal-to-noise ratio and data rate gain. The transmission data rate reaches 1.25 Gb/s at 1 m and exceeds 1 Gb/s at 4 m. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first-time demonstration of beyond 1 Gb/s employing a commercial car headlight.

Damage propagation and strength prediction of a single-lap interference-fit laminate structure

Experimental and finite element research was conducted on the bolted interference fit of a single-lap laminated structure to reveal the damage propagation mechanism and strength change law. A typical single-lap statically loading experiment was performed, and a finite element damage prediction model was built based on intralaminar progress damage theory. The model was programmed with a user subroutine and an interlaminar cohesive zone method. The deformation and damage propagation of the specimen were analyzed, and the failure mechanism of intralaminar and interlaminar damage during loading was discussed. The effect of secondary bending moment on load translation and damage distribution was revealed. The experimental and simulated load–displacement curves were compared to validate the developed model’s reliability, and the ultimate bearing strengths under different fit percentages were predicted. An optimal percentage was also recommended.

Modeling on mechanical behavior and damage evolution of single-lap bolted composite interference-fit joints under thermal effects

This paper reports the modeling method and outcomes of mechanical performance and damage evolution of single-lap bolted composite interference-fit joints under extreme temperatures.The anisotropic continuum damage model involving thermal effects is established on continuum damage mechanics which integrates the shear nonlinearity constitutive relations characterized by Romberg-Osgood equation.The temperature-induced modification of thermal strains and material properties is incorporated in stress-strain analysis,extended 3 D failure criteria and exponential damage evolution rules.The proposed model is calibrated and employed to simulate behavior of composite joints in interference fitting,bolt preloading,thermal and bearing loading processes,during which the influence of interference-fit sizes,preload levels,laminate layups and service temperatures is thoroughly investigated.The predicated interfacial behavior,bearing response and failure modes are in good agreement with experimental tests.The numerical model is even capable of reflecting some non-intuitive experimental findings such as residual stress relaxation and matrix softening at elevated temperatures.

Dynamic modifications of biomacromolecules: mechanism and chemical interventions

Biological macromolecules(proteins,nucleic acids,polysaccharides,etc.)are the building blocks of life,which constantly undergo chemical modifications that are often reversible and spatial-temporally regulated.These dynamic properties of chemical modifications play fundamental roles in physiological processes as well as pathological changes of living systems.The Major Research Project(MRP)funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(NSFC)—"Dynamic modifications of biomacromolecules:mechanism and chemical interventions"aims to integrate cross-disciplinary approaches at the interface of chemistry,life sciences,medicine,mathematics,material science and information science with the following goals:(i)developing specific labeling techniques and detection methods for dynamic chemical modifications of biomacromolecules,(ii)analyzing the molecular mechanisms and functional relationships of dynamic chemical modifications of biomacromolecules,and(iii)exploring biomacromolecules and small molecule probes as potential drug targets and lead compounds.

Development of small-molecule viral inhibitors targeting various stages of the life cycle of emerging and re-emerging viruses

In recent years, unexpected outbreaks of infectious diseases caused by emerging and re-emerging viruses have become more frequent, which is possibly due to environmental changes. These outbreaks result in the loss of life and economic hardship. Vaccines and therapeutics should be developed for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. In this review, we summarize and discuss the latest progress in the development of small-molecule viral inhibitors against highly pathogenic coronaviruses, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, Ebola virus, and Zika virus. These viruses can interfere with the specific steps of viral life cycle by blocking the binding between virus and host cells, disrupting viral endocytosis, disturbing membrane fusion, and interrupting viral RNA replication and translation, thereby demonstrating potent therapeutic effect against various emerging and re-emerging viruses. We also discuss some general strategies for developing small-molecule viral inhibitors.