Sexual systems play important roles in angiosperm evolution and exhibit substantial variations among different floras. Thus, studying their evolution in a whole flora is crucial for understanding the formation and mai...Sexual systems play important roles in angiosperm evolution and exhibit substantial variations among different floras. Thus, studying their evolution in a whole flora is crucial for understanding the formation and maintenance of plant biodiversity and predicting its responses to environmental change. In this study, we determined the patterns of plant sexual systems and their associations with geographic elements and various life-history traits in dry-hot valley region of southwestern China, an extremely vulnerable ecosystem. Of the 3166 angiosperm species recorded in this area, 74.5% were hermaphroditic,13.5% were monoecious and 12% were dioecious, showing a high incidence of diclinous species. Diclinous species were strongly associated with tropical elements, whereas hermaphroditic species were strongly associated with temperate and cosmopolitan elements. We also found that hermaphroditism was strongly associated with showy floral displays, specialist entomophily, dry fruits and herbaceous plants.Dioecy was strongly associated with inconspicuous, pale-colored flowers, generalist entomophily, fleshy fruits, and woody plants, whereas monoecy was strongly associated with inconspicuous, pale-colored flowers, anemophily, dry fruits, and herbaceous plants. In addition, hermaphroditic species with generalist entomophily tended to flower in the dry season, whereas diclinous species with specialist entomophily tended to flower in the rainy season. However, independent of sexual systems, plants that produce dry fruits tended to flower in the rainy season and set fruits in the dry season, but the opposite pattern was found for fleshy fruit-producing plants. Our results suggest that in the dry-hot valleys, plant sexual systems are associated with geographic elements as well as various life-history traits that are sensitive to environmental change.展开更多
Parkinson’s disease(PD)is a common neurodegenerative disorder with no cure.Astragalus membranaceus is used in Chinese culture as a food supplement to boost immunity.The present study aimed to explore the neuroprotect...Parkinson’s disease(PD)is a common neurodegenerative disorder with no cure.Astragalus membranaceus is used in Chinese culture as a food supplement to boost immunity.The present study aimed to explore the neuroprotective effects of total flavonoids extracted from A.membranaceus(TFA)and their protective mechanisms.TFA offered neuroprotection against 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine(MPTP)in the mouse model of Parkinsonism,by improving behavior performance in the gait analysis and pole test,and inhibiting the decline of tyrosine hydroxylase(TH)positive neurons and TH protein expression in substantia nigra of mice.TFA also prevented 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium(MPP+)induced neurotoxicity in SHSY5Y cells,by increasing GSH and GSH/GSSG ratio,and reducing reactive oxygen species.In addition,the neuroprotective effects of TFA were associated with its ability to restore MPTP/MPP+induced downregulation of SLC7A11 and glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX-4).In conclusion,we demonstrated that TFA exerted significant neuroprotection against MPTP/MPP+induced neurodegeneration by inhibiting ferroptosis through the regulation of SLC7A11/GPX-4 axis,suggesting the use of TFA as a possible food supplement in the prevention of PD.展开更多
Broody behavior is regulated by hypothalamic prolactin secretion,which seriously affects egg production in poulty production.Numerous studies have provided evidence that animal behavior is governed by dynamic bidirect...Broody behavior is regulated by hypothalamic prolactin secretion,which seriously affects egg production in poulty production.Numerous studies have provided evidence that animal behavior is governed by dynamic bidirectional communication between specific gut bacteria and their host via the brain-gut-microbiome axis.However,little research focused on how the gut microbiota influence broody behavior in poultry.In this study,Zhedong white geese in laying and brooding phases were selected.Ten differentially abundant bacteria in cecum were detected between brooding and laying geese through metagenomic analyses and 16S rRNA sequencing(P<0.05),and Bacteroides fragilis was specifically identified as a key driver species in the brooding geese.Moverover,the serum metabolites were quantified,and the 313 differentially abundant metabolites were found between the two groups of different physiological geese.They were primarily enriched in the tryptophan metabolism pathways.Pearson correlation analyses revealed there was a significant positive correlation between B.fragilis abundance and the context of 11 tryptophan metabolism-related metabolites(such as serotonin,etc.)in broody geese,which hinted that those tryptophan metabolites might be produced or driven by B.fragilis.Finally,the serum hormone levels were also measured.We found there was a positive correlation between B.fragilis abundance and content of serotonin.Besides,prolactin secreted by the pituitary gland was greater in brooding geese than that in laying geese,which was also highly correlated with B.fragilis abundance.This result implied that B.fragilis could promote the secretion of prolactin by the pituitary gland.Together,the current study findings provided the information on gut microbiota influencing broody behavior,B.fragilis produced or driven more serum serotonin,and stimulated the pituitary gland to secret more prolactin,which potentially offered a new enlightenment for the intervention of broody behavior in poultry.展开更多
To enable the detection and modulation of modularized neural networks in vitro,this study proposes a microfluidic microelectrode array chip for the cultivation,compartmentalization,and control of neural cells.The chip...To enable the detection and modulation of modularized neural networks in vitro,this study proposes a microfluidic microelectrode array chip for the cultivation,compartmentalization,and control of neural cells.The chip was designed based on the specific structure of neurons and the requirements for detection and modulation.Finite-element analysis of the chip’s flow field was conducted using the COMSOL Multiphysics software,and the simulation results show that the liquid within the chip can flow smoothly,ensuring stable flow fields that facilitate the uniform growth of neurons within the microfluidic channels.By employing MEMS technology in combination with nanomaterial modification techniques,the microfluidic microelectrode array chip was fabricated successfully.Primary hippocampal neurons were cultured on the chip,forming a well-defined neural network.Spontaneous electrical activity of the detected neurons was recorded,exhibiting a 23.7%increase in amplitude compared to neuronal discharges detected on an open-field microelectrode array.This study provides a platform for the precise detection and modulation of patterned neuronal growth in vitro,potentially serving as a novel tool in neuroscience research.展开更多
Background:Glioma is a kind of tumor that easily deteriorates and originates from glial cells in nerve tissue.Honokiol is a bisphenol compound that is an essential monomeric compound extracted from the roots and bark ...Background:Glioma is a kind of tumor that easily deteriorates and originates from glial cells in nerve tissue.Honokiol is a bisphenol compound that is an essential monomeric compound extracted from the roots and bark of Magnoliaceae plants.It also has anti-infection,antitumor,and immunomodulatory effects.In this study,we found that honokiol induces cell apoptosis in the human glioma cell lines U87-MG and U251-MG.However,the mechanism through which honokiol regulates glioma cell apoptosis is still unknown.Methods:We performed RNA-seq analysis of U251-MG cells treated with honokiol and control cells.Protein-protein interaction(PPI)network analysis was performed,and the 10 top hub unigenes were examined via real-time quantitative PCR.Furthermore,MAPK signaling and ferroptosis were detected via western blotting.Results:332 differentially expressed genes(DEGs)were found,comprising 163 increased and 169 decreased genes.Analysis of the DEGs revealed that various biological processes were enriched,including‘response to hypoxia’,‘cerebellum development cellular response to hypoxia,’‘iron ion binding,’‘oxygen transporter activity,’‘oxygen binding,’‘ferric iron binding,’and‘structural constituent of cytoskeleton.’Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway analysis revealed that the DEGs were enriched in the following pathways:‘mitogen-activated protein kinases(MAPK)’,‘Hypoxia-inducible factor 1(HIF-1)’,‘ferroptosis,’‘Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor(PPAR),’‘Phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase(PI3K)-protein kinase B(Akt),’and‘phagosome.’Among these pathways,the MAPK signaling pathway and ferroptosis were verified.Conclusion:This study revealed the potential mechanism by which honokiol induces apoptosis and provided a comprehensive analysis of DEGs in honokiol-treated U251-MG cells and the associated signaling pathways.These data could lead to new ideas for future research and therapy for patients with glioma.展开更多
To provide a much more resilient transport scheme for tractor and trailer transportation systems,this paper explores the generation method of tractor and trailer transport schemes considering the influence of disrupte...To provide a much more resilient transport scheme for tractor and trailer transportation systems,this paper explores the generation method of tractor and trailer transport schemes considering the influence of disrupted events.Three states of tractors including towing loaded trailers,towing empty trailers,and idle driving are taken into account.Based on the disruption management theory,a scheduling model is constructed to minimize the total deviation cost including transportation time,transportation path,and number of used vehicles under the three states of tractors.A heuristics based on the contract net and simulated annealing algorithm is designed to solve the proposed model.Through comparative analysis of examples with different numbers of newly added transportation tasks and different types of road networks,the performance of the contract net algorithm in terms of deviations in idle driving paths,empty trailer paths,loaded trailer paths,time,number of used vehicles,and total deviation cost are analyzed.The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the model and algorithm,highlighting the superiority of the disruption management model and the contract net annealing algorithm.The study provides a reference for handling unexpected events in the tractor and trailer transportation industry.展开更多
Gingko biloba accumulates high levels of secondary metabolites of pharmaceutical value.Ginkgo calli develop a typical browning that reduces its regenerative capacity and thus its usefulness.To elucidate the browning m...Gingko biloba accumulates high levels of secondary metabolites of pharmaceutical value.Ginkgo calli develop a typical browning that reduces its regenerative capacity and thus its usefulness.To elucidate the browning mechanism,histological,transcriptomic,and metabolic alterations were compared between green and browning calli derived from immature ginkgo embryos.Histological observations revealed that browning calli had a more loosely arranged cell structure and accumulated more tannins than in green calli.Integrated metabolic and transcriptomic analyses showed that phenylpropanoid metabolism was specifi-cally activated in the browning calli,and 428 diff erentially expressed genes and 63 diff erentially abundant metabolites,including 12 fl avonoid compounds,were identifi ed in the browning calli compared to the green calli.Moreover,the expression of fl avonol synthase(FLS)and UDP-glucuronosyl-transferase(UGT)genes involved in the fl avonoid pathway was more than tenfold higher in browning calli than in green calli,thus promoting biosynthesis of fl avonol,which serves as a substrate to form glycosylated fl avonoids.Flavonoid glycosides constituted the major coloring component of the browning calli and may act in response to multiple stress conditions to delay cell death caused by browning.Our results revealed the cellular and biochemical changes in browning callus cells that accompanied changes in expression of browning-related genes,providing a scientifi c basis for improving ginkgo tissue culturability.展开更多
In order to analyze the evolution of the inclusions in the cold heading steel SWRCH35K during the steelmaking process, a systematic sampling of the steelmaking processes in a steel plant was carried out. Both SEM-EDS ...In order to analyze the evolution of the inclusions in the cold heading steel SWRCH35K during the steelmaking process, a systematic sampling of the steelmaking processes in a steel plant was carried out. Both SEM-EDS and the image processing software Image-Pro-Plus6.0 were employed to analyze the chemical composition, morphology, quantity and size of non-metal inclusions in the steel samples. The results show that from BOF tapping to continuous casting tundish, the composition of inclusions in SWRCH35K steel changes from Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> →MgO·Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> →CaO-MgO-Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>-CaS, and the typical morphology of the inclusions in the steel gradually changes from irregular blocks and clusters to spherical. The number of inclusions in the BOF argon blowing station is the largest, 213#/mm<sup>2</sup>, while the number of inclusions at the end of LF refining is the least, about 12#/mm<sup>2</sup>, and there are basically no inclusions above 5 μm. In addition, LF calcium treatment will adversely affect the size and quantity control of inclusions in steel. In order to effectively reduce the large-size calcium-containing spherical oxide inclusions in cold heading steel, it is necessary to find a technical method that can replace LF calcium treatment to solve the problem of molten steel continuous casting.展开更多
基金supported by the Key Projects of the Joint Fund of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (U23A20149)the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (XDA20050203)+3 种基金the Second Tibetan Plateau Scientific Expedition and Research program (2019QZKK0502)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (32371702, 32071669 and 31770249)the West Light Foundation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences Interdisciplinary Innovation Team Program (xbzg-zdsys202319)the Ten-thousand Talents Program of Yunnan Province (YNWR-QNBJ-2018-208)。
文摘Sexual systems play important roles in angiosperm evolution and exhibit substantial variations among different floras. Thus, studying their evolution in a whole flora is crucial for understanding the formation and maintenance of plant biodiversity and predicting its responses to environmental change. In this study, we determined the patterns of plant sexual systems and their associations with geographic elements and various life-history traits in dry-hot valley region of southwestern China, an extremely vulnerable ecosystem. Of the 3166 angiosperm species recorded in this area, 74.5% were hermaphroditic,13.5% were monoecious and 12% were dioecious, showing a high incidence of diclinous species. Diclinous species were strongly associated with tropical elements, whereas hermaphroditic species were strongly associated with temperate and cosmopolitan elements. We also found that hermaphroditism was strongly associated with showy floral displays, specialist entomophily, dry fruits and herbaceous plants.Dioecy was strongly associated with inconspicuous, pale-colored flowers, generalist entomophily, fleshy fruits, and woody plants, whereas monoecy was strongly associated with inconspicuous, pale-colored flowers, anemophily, dry fruits, and herbaceous plants. In addition, hermaphroditic species with generalist entomophily tended to flower in the dry season, whereas diclinous species with specialist entomophily tended to flower in the rainy season. However, independent of sexual systems, plants that produce dry fruits tended to flower in the rainy season and set fruits in the dry season, but the opposite pattern was found for fleshy fruit-producing plants. Our results suggest that in the dry-hot valleys, plant sexual systems are associated with geographic elements as well as various life-history traits that are sensitive to environmental change.
文摘Parkinson’s disease(PD)is a common neurodegenerative disorder with no cure.Astragalus membranaceus is used in Chinese culture as a food supplement to boost immunity.The present study aimed to explore the neuroprotective effects of total flavonoids extracted from A.membranaceus(TFA)and their protective mechanisms.TFA offered neuroprotection against 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine(MPTP)in the mouse model of Parkinsonism,by improving behavior performance in the gait analysis and pole test,and inhibiting the decline of tyrosine hydroxylase(TH)positive neurons and TH protein expression in substantia nigra of mice.TFA also prevented 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium(MPP+)induced neurotoxicity in SHSY5Y cells,by increasing GSH and GSH/GSSG ratio,and reducing reactive oxygen species.In addition,the neuroprotective effects of TFA were associated with its ability to restore MPTP/MPP+induced downregulation of SLC7A11 and glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX-4).In conclusion,we demonstrated that TFA exerted significant neuroprotection against MPTP/MPP+induced neurodegeneration by inhibiting ferroptosis through the regulation of SLC7A11/GPX-4 axis,suggesting the use of TFA as a possible food supplement in the prevention of PD.
基金supported by the Modern Agro-industry Technology Research System,China(CARS-42-3)the“JBGS”Project of Seed Industry Revitalization in Jiangsu Province,China(JBGS(2021)023)the Project in Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China(19211168).
文摘Broody behavior is regulated by hypothalamic prolactin secretion,which seriously affects egg production in poulty production.Numerous studies have provided evidence that animal behavior is governed by dynamic bidirectional communication between specific gut bacteria and their host via the brain-gut-microbiome axis.However,little research focused on how the gut microbiota influence broody behavior in poultry.In this study,Zhedong white geese in laying and brooding phases were selected.Ten differentially abundant bacteria in cecum were detected between brooding and laying geese through metagenomic analyses and 16S rRNA sequencing(P<0.05),and Bacteroides fragilis was specifically identified as a key driver species in the brooding geese.Moverover,the serum metabolites were quantified,and the 313 differentially abundant metabolites were found between the two groups of different physiological geese.They were primarily enriched in the tryptophan metabolism pathways.Pearson correlation analyses revealed there was a significant positive correlation between B.fragilis abundance and the context of 11 tryptophan metabolism-related metabolites(such as serotonin,etc.)in broody geese,which hinted that those tryptophan metabolites might be produced or driven by B.fragilis.Finally,the serum hormone levels were also measured.We found there was a positive correlation between B.fragilis abundance and content of serotonin.Besides,prolactin secreted by the pituitary gland was greater in brooding geese than that in laying geese,which was also highly correlated with B.fragilis abundance.This result implied that B.fragilis could promote the secretion of prolactin by the pituitary gland.Together,the current study findings provided the information on gut microbiota influencing broody behavior,B.fragilis produced or driven more serum serotonin,and stimulated the pituitary gland to secret more prolactin,which potentially offered a new enlightenment for the intervention of broody behavior in poultry.
基金sponsored by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos.61960206012,62121003,T2293731,62171434,61975206,61971400,and 61973292)the National Key Research and Development Program of China (Grant Nos.2022YFB3205602 and 2022YFC2402501)+1 种基金Major Program of Scientific and Technical Innovation 2030 (Grant No.2021ZD02016030)the Scientific Instrument Developing Project of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (Grant No.GJJSTD20210004).
文摘To enable the detection and modulation of modularized neural networks in vitro,this study proposes a microfluidic microelectrode array chip for the cultivation,compartmentalization,and control of neural cells.The chip was designed based on the specific structure of neurons and the requirements for detection and modulation.Finite-element analysis of the chip’s flow field was conducted using the COMSOL Multiphysics software,and the simulation results show that the liquid within the chip can flow smoothly,ensuring stable flow fields that facilitate the uniform growth of neurons within the microfluidic channels.By employing MEMS technology in combination with nanomaterial modification techniques,the microfluidic microelectrode array chip was fabricated successfully.Primary hippocampal neurons were cultured on the chip,forming a well-defined neural network.Spontaneous electrical activity of the detected neurons was recorded,exhibiting a 23.7%increase in amplitude compared to neuronal discharges detected on an open-field microelectrode array.This study provides a platform for the precise detection and modulation of patterned neuronal growth in vitro,potentially serving as a novel tool in neuroscience research.
基金The study was supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Jilin Province(Grant No.20200201444JC).
文摘Background:Glioma is a kind of tumor that easily deteriorates and originates from glial cells in nerve tissue.Honokiol is a bisphenol compound that is an essential monomeric compound extracted from the roots and bark of Magnoliaceae plants.It also has anti-infection,antitumor,and immunomodulatory effects.In this study,we found that honokiol induces cell apoptosis in the human glioma cell lines U87-MG and U251-MG.However,the mechanism through which honokiol regulates glioma cell apoptosis is still unknown.Methods:We performed RNA-seq analysis of U251-MG cells treated with honokiol and control cells.Protein-protein interaction(PPI)network analysis was performed,and the 10 top hub unigenes were examined via real-time quantitative PCR.Furthermore,MAPK signaling and ferroptosis were detected via western blotting.Results:332 differentially expressed genes(DEGs)were found,comprising 163 increased and 169 decreased genes.Analysis of the DEGs revealed that various biological processes were enriched,including‘response to hypoxia’,‘cerebellum development cellular response to hypoxia,’‘iron ion binding,’‘oxygen transporter activity,’‘oxygen binding,’‘ferric iron binding,’and‘structural constituent of cytoskeleton.’Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway analysis revealed that the DEGs were enriched in the following pathways:‘mitogen-activated protein kinases(MAPK)’,‘Hypoxia-inducible factor 1(HIF-1)’,‘ferroptosis,’‘Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor(PPAR),’‘Phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase(PI3K)-protein kinase B(Akt),’and‘phagosome.’Among these pathways,the MAPK signaling pathway and ferroptosis were verified.Conclusion:This study revealed the potential mechanism by which honokiol induces apoptosis and provided a comprehensive analysis of DEGs in honokiol-treated U251-MG cells and the associated signaling pathways.These data could lead to new ideas for future research and therapy for patients with glioma.
基金support provided by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.52362055)the Science and Technology Plan Project of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region(Grant No.2021AC19334)Guangxi Science and Technology Major Program(Grant No.AA23062053).
文摘To provide a much more resilient transport scheme for tractor and trailer transportation systems,this paper explores the generation method of tractor and trailer transport schemes considering the influence of disrupted events.Three states of tractors including towing loaded trailers,towing empty trailers,and idle driving are taken into account.Based on the disruption management theory,a scheduling model is constructed to minimize the total deviation cost including transportation time,transportation path,and number of used vehicles under the three states of tractors.A heuristics based on the contract net and simulated annealing algorithm is designed to solve the proposed model.Through comparative analysis of examples with different numbers of newly added transportation tasks and different types of road networks,the performance of the contract net algorithm in terms of deviations in idle driving paths,empty trailer paths,loaded trailer paths,time,number of used vehicles,and total deviation cost are analyzed.The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the model and algorithm,highlighting the superiority of the disruption management model and the contract net annealing algorithm.The study provides a reference for handling unexpected events in the tractor and trailer transportation industry.
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province(BK20210611)the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(2018M642261)+2 种基金the Postdoctoral Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province(2018K197C)the Jiangsu Science and Technology Plan Project(BE2021367)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31971689).
文摘Gingko biloba accumulates high levels of secondary metabolites of pharmaceutical value.Ginkgo calli develop a typical browning that reduces its regenerative capacity and thus its usefulness.To elucidate the browning mechanism,histological,transcriptomic,and metabolic alterations were compared between green and browning calli derived from immature ginkgo embryos.Histological observations revealed that browning calli had a more loosely arranged cell structure and accumulated more tannins than in green calli.Integrated metabolic and transcriptomic analyses showed that phenylpropanoid metabolism was specifi-cally activated in the browning calli,and 428 diff erentially expressed genes and 63 diff erentially abundant metabolites,including 12 fl avonoid compounds,were identifi ed in the browning calli compared to the green calli.Moreover,the expression of fl avonol synthase(FLS)and UDP-glucuronosyl-transferase(UGT)genes involved in the fl avonoid pathway was more than tenfold higher in browning calli than in green calli,thus promoting biosynthesis of fl avonol,which serves as a substrate to form glycosylated fl avonoids.Flavonoid glycosides constituted the major coloring component of the browning calli and may act in response to multiple stress conditions to delay cell death caused by browning.Our results revealed the cellular and biochemical changes in browning callus cells that accompanied changes in expression of browning-related genes,providing a scientifi c basis for improving ginkgo tissue culturability.
文摘In order to analyze the evolution of the inclusions in the cold heading steel SWRCH35K during the steelmaking process, a systematic sampling of the steelmaking processes in a steel plant was carried out. Both SEM-EDS and the image processing software Image-Pro-Plus6.0 were employed to analyze the chemical composition, morphology, quantity and size of non-metal inclusions in the steel samples. The results show that from BOF tapping to continuous casting tundish, the composition of inclusions in SWRCH35K steel changes from Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> →MgO·Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> →CaO-MgO-Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>-CaS, and the typical morphology of the inclusions in the steel gradually changes from irregular blocks and clusters to spherical. The number of inclusions in the BOF argon blowing station is the largest, 213#/mm<sup>2</sup>, while the number of inclusions at the end of LF refining is the least, about 12#/mm<sup>2</sup>, and there are basically no inclusions above 5 μm. In addition, LF calcium treatment will adversely affect the size and quantity control of inclusions in steel. In order to effectively reduce the large-size calcium-containing spherical oxide inclusions in cold heading steel, it is necessary to find a technical method that can replace LF calcium treatment to solve the problem of molten steel continuous casting.