Amorphous Iridium Oxide-Integrated Anode Electrodes with Ultrahigh Material Utilization for Hydrogen Production at Industrial Current Densities

Herein,ionomer-free amorphous iridium oxide(IrO_(x))thin electrodes are first developed as highly active anodes for proton exchange membrane electrolyzer cells(PEMECs)via low-cost,environmentally friendly,and easily scalable electrodeposition at room temperature.Combined with a Nafion 117 membrane,the IrO_(x)-integrated electrode with an ultralow loading of 0.075 mg cm^(-2)delivers a high cell efficiency of about 90%,achieving more than 96%catalyst savings and 42-fold higher catalyst utilization compared to commercial catalyst-coated membrane(2 mg cm^(-2)).Additionally,the IrO_(x)electrode demonstrates superior performance,higher catalyst utilization and significantly simplified fabrication with easy scalability compared with the most previously reported anodes.Notably,the remarkable performance could be mainly due to the amorphous phase property,sufficient Ir^(3+)content,and rich surface hydroxide groups in catalysts.Overall,due to the high activity,high cell efficiency,an economical,greatly simplified and easily scalable fabrication process,and ultrahigh material utilization,the IrO_(x)electrode shows great potential to be applied in industry and accelerates the commercialization of PEMECs and renewable energy evolution.

Genome and transcriptome of Papaver somniferum Chinese landrace CHM indicates that massive genome expansion contributes to high benzylisoquinoline alkaloid biosynthesis

Opium poppy(Papaver somniferum)is a source of morphine,codeine,and semisynthetic derivatives,including oxycodone and naltrexone.Here,we report the de novo assembly and genomic analysis of P.somniferum traditional landrace‘Chinese Herbal Medicine’.Variations between the 2.62 Gb CHM genome and that of the previously sequenced high noscapine 1(HN1)variety were also explored.Among 79,668 protein-coding genes,we functionally annotated 88.9%,compared to 68.8%reported in the HN1 genome.Gene family and 4DTv comparative analyses with three other Papaveraceae species revealed that opium poppy underwent two whole-genome duplication(WGD)events.The first of these,in ancestral Ranunculales,expanded gene families related to characteristic secondary metabolite production and disease resistance.The more recent species-specific WGD mediated by transposable elements resulted in massive genome expansion.Genes carrying structural variations and large-effect variants associated with agronomically different phenotypes between CHM and HN1 that were identified through our transcriptomic comparison of multiple organs and developmental stages can enable the development of new varieties.These genomic and transcriptomic analyses will provide a valuable resource that informs future basic and agricultural studies of the opium poppy.

Comparison of plastic and self-expandable metal stents in the palliative treatment of malignant biliary obstruction: a meta-analysis

Objective： Stent placement is one of the main methods in the palliative treatment of malignant biliary obstruc- tion, including plastic and self-expandable metal stents. The comparison of stent patency between self-expandable metal and plastic stents in palliation of malignant biliary obstruction is meaningful. We carried out a meta-analysis to summarize current evidence for clinical efficacy of self-expandable metal and plastic stents in the treatment of malignant biliary obstruc- tion. Methods： A comprehensive search of several databases including CNKI, Wanfang Data, Sino MED. A fixed-effects or random-effects model was used to pool data of aU study endpoint. Sensitivity analysis was also performed. Results： Eight randomized clinical trials were identified, including 633 patients. These results suggested that the self-expandable metal stents were associated with a significantly longer stent patency （OR = 8.15; 95% CI： 2.80-23.76; 12 = 85%）. No publication bias was observed. Conclusion： Self-expanding metal stents have a longer patency than plastic stents and offer adequate palliation in patients with malignant bUiary obstruction.

农业动物干细胞研究进展

干细胞技术是近年来被广泛应用于生命科学领域的重要技术。获取具有无限增殖能力和分化能力的干细胞系主要有3种途径:(1)从胚胎分离胚胎干细胞;(2)从成体组织分离成体干细胞;(3)通过体外诱导体细胞重编程为诱导多能干细胞。在农业领域中,畜禽干细胞的分离、培养、建系有望显著提升体细胞克隆和细胞水平基因修饰的效率;干细胞体外诱导配子技术能够极大简化基因编辑畜禽的制备流程,提升制备效率。同时,通过结合基因编辑、显微注射、干细胞移植、胚胎移植等技术,干细胞技术在基因编辑动物的生产、组织和器官的供体制备、体外配子诱导及遗传重组胚胎制备、疾病治疗靶点的筛选,以及新药药理研究等方面都具有极大的应用潜力,对农业动物的遗传改良、疾病防治具有重要意义。本文综述了干细胞相关研究在农业动物包括猪(Sus scrofa)、牛(Bos taurus)、鸡(Gallus gallus)、山羊(Capra hircus)和绵羊(Ovis aries)中的新进展,以期为农业动物干细胞领域的相关研究提供参考。

缺铁性贫血致青年缺血性脑卒中1例

贫血是全世界最常见营养缺乏症之一,约95%的患者与缺铁饮食有关,而青年缺铁性贫血患病率约为20%[1]。缺铁性贫血(iron-deficiency anemia,IDA)与多种疾病有关。已有IDA导致小儿脑卒中病例报道[2]。IDA致青年脑卒中病例报道较少,本文对陕西省人民医院收治的IDA致青年缺血性脑卒中1例进行分析,现报道如下。

Recent development of methanol electrooxidation catalysts for directmethanol fuel cell

Direct methanol fuel cells （DMFCs） are very promising power source for stationary and portable miniatureelectric appliances due to its high efficiency and low emissions of pollutants. As the key material, cata-lysts for both cathode and anode face several problems which hinder the commercialization of DMFCs.In this review, we mainly focus on anode catalysts of DMFCs. The process and mechanism of methanolelectrooxidation on Pt and Pt-based catalysts in acidic medium have been introduced. The influences ofsize effect and morphology on electrocatalytic activity are discussed though whether there is a size effectin MOP, catalyst is under debate. Besides, the non Pt catalysts are also listed to emphasize though Pt isstill deemed as the indispensable element in anode catalyst of DMFCs in acidic medium. Different cata-lyst systems are compared to illustrate the level of research at present. ome debates need to be verifiedwith experimental evidences.

The chromosome-based lavender genome provides new in sights into Lamiaceae evolution and terpenoid biosynthesis

The aromatic shrub Lavandula angustifolia produces various volatile terpenoids that serve as resources for essential oils and function in plant-insect communication.To better understand the genetic basis of the terpenoid diversity in lavender,we present a high-quality reference genome for the Chinese lavender cultivar‘Jingxun 2'using PacBio and Hi-C technologies to anchor the 894.50 Mb genome assembly into 27 pseudochromosomes.In addition to the y triplication event,lavender underwent two rounds of whole-genome duplication(WGD)during the Eocene-Oligocene(29.6 MYA)and Miocene-Pliocene(6.9 MYA)transitions.As a result of tandem duplications and lineage-specific WGDs,gene families related to terpenoid biosynthesis in lavender are substantially expanded compared to those of five other species in Lamiaceae.Many terpenoid biosynthesis transcripts are abundant in glandular trichomes.We further integrated the contents of ecologically functional terpenoids and coexpressed terpenoid biosynthetic genes to construct terpenoid-gene networks.Typical gene clusters,including TPS-TPS,TPS-CYP450,and TPS-BAHD,linked with compounds that primarily function as attractants or repellents,were identified by their similar patterns of change during flower development or in response to methyl jasmonate.Comprehensive analysis of the genetic basis of the production of volatiles in lavender could serve as a foundation for future research into lavender evolution,phytochemistry,and ecology.

Model Predictive Current Control with Adaptive-adjusting Timescales for PMSMs

A model predictive current control(MPCC)with adaptive-adjusting method of timescales for permanent magnet synchronous motors(PMSMs)is proposed in this paper to improve the dynamic response and prediction accuracy in transient-state,while lessening the computational burden and improving the control performance in steady-state.The timescale characteristics of different parts of MPCC,such as signal sampling,prediction calculation,control output,model error correction,are analyzed,and the algorithm architecture of MPCC with multi-timescale is proposed.The difference between reference and actual speed,and the change rate of actual speed are utilized to discriminate the transient state of speed change and load change,respectively.Adaptive-adjusting method of control period and prediction stepsize are illustrated in detail after operation condition discrimination.Experimental results of a PMSM are presented to validate the effectiveness of proposed MPCC.In addition,comparative evaluation of single-step MPCC with fixed timescale and proposed MPCC is conducted,which demonstrates the superiority of proposed control strategy.

Developmental stage-specific A-to-I editing pattern in the postnatal pineal gland of pigs(Sus scrofa)

Background: RNA editing is a widespread post-transcriptional modification mechanism in mammalian genomes.Although many editing sites have been identified in domestic pigs(Sus scrofa), little is known about the characteristics and dynamic regulation of RNA editing in the pineal gland(PG), a small neuroendocrine gland that synthesizes and secretes melatonin, which is primarily responsible to modulate sleep patterns.Results: This study analyzed the expression of adenosine-to-inosine(A-to-I) editing regulators and profiled the first dynamic A-to-I RNA editome during postnatal PG development. The results identified ADAR1 as the most abundantly expressed ADAR enzyme, which was down-regulated during postnatal PG development. Furthermore,47,284 high-confidence RNA editing sites were identified, the majority of which(93.6%) were of the canonical A-to-I editing type, followed by C-to-T editing. Analysis of its characteristics showed that the A-to-I editing sites mostly localized in SINE retrotransposons PRE-1/Pre0_SS. Moreover, a strong deficiency and preference for guanine nucleotides at positions of one base upstream or downstream were found, respectively. The overall editing level at the puberty stage was higher than at both infancy and adulthood stages. Additionally, genome-wide RNA editing was found to exhibit a dynamic stage-specific fashion(postnatally). Genes that underwent developmental changes in RNA editing were associated with catabolic processes as well as protein localization and transport functions,implying that RNA editing might be responsible for the molecular machineries of the postnatal developing PG.Remarkably, RNA editing in 3′-UTRs might regulate gene expression by influencing miRNA binding during PG development.Conclusions: This study profiles the first comprehensive developmental RNA editome in the pig PG, which contributes to the understanding of the importance of post-transcriptionally mediated regulation during mammalian postnatal PG development. Moreover, this study widely extends RNA editome resources in mammals.

Evidence of cortical reorganization of language networks after stroke with subacute Broca's aphasia:a blood oxygenation level dependent-functional magnetic resonance imaging study

Aphasia is an acquired language disorder that is a common consequence of stroke.The pathogenesis of the disease is not fully understood,and as a result,current treatment options are not satisfactory.Here,we used blood oxygenation level-dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate the activation of bilateral cortices in patients with Broca＇s aphasia 1 to 3 months after stroke.Our results showed that language expression was associated with multiple brain regions in which the right hemisphere participated in the generation of language.The activation areas in the left hemisphere of aphasia patients were significantly smaller compared with those in healthy adults.The activation frequency,volumes,and intensity in the regions related to language,such as the left inferior frontal gyrus（Broca＇s area）,the left superior temporal gyrus,and the right inferior frontal gyrus（the mirror region of Broca＇s area）,were lower in patients compared with healthy adults.In contrast,activation in the right superior temporal gyrus,the bilateral superior parietal lobule,and the left inferior temporal gyrus was stronger in patients compared with healthy controls.These results suggest that the right inferior frontal gyrus plays a role in the recovery of language function in the subacute stage of stroke-related aphasia by increasing the engagement of related brain areas.

磁性压迫融合技术在原位肝移植术后胆道吻合口重度狭窄再通畅中的应用与配合技巧

目的探讨磁性压迫融合技术(MCA)在原位肝移植(OLT)后胆道吻合口重度狭窄中的应用及配合技巧。方法回顾性分析1例OLT术后胆道吻合口重度狭窄的患者临床资料,该患者采用常规方法治疗失败后改用MCA治疗,在X线监视下通过经皮经肝穿刺胆道成像(PTC)和内镜下逆行胰胆管造影术(ERCP),分别在狭窄近端与远端各置入1枚磁铁,确认2枚磁铁位置及轴向与胆管长轴平行、磁铁近端及远端在同一条直线上后,缓慢释放磁铁。结果 7 d后2枚磁铁完全融合并移位,PTC证实胆管狭窄段已再通。再经ERCP去除磁铁,并置入胆道全覆膜金属支架。结论 MCA用于常规方法治疗失败的重度胆管狭窄和完全性胆道梗阻患者,可压迫狭窄部位组织,形成新通道,使胆管狭窄再通。

基于MGB1-TLR4-NF-κB信号通路分析右美托咪定对脓毒症小鼠急性肺损伤的保护作用

目的探究乳腺球蛋白(MGB1)-Toll样受体4(TLR4)-核因子κB(NF-κB)信号通路在脓毒症小鼠急性肺损伤中的作用机制及右美托咪定的保护作用。方法2017年8—12月于三峡大学第三临床医学院动物实验中心进行实验,将36只BALB/c小鼠按照完全随机法分为空白对照组、模型组及右美托咪定组(Dex组),每组12只。模型组及Dex组采用脂多糖(LPS)构建脓毒症小鼠急性肺损伤模型,Dex组小鼠给予右美托咪定(Dex),空白对照组和模型组小鼠给予等量生理盐水,观察各组小鼠肺组织病理形态结构变化、肺损伤指标[肺组织湿干重比(W/D)、肺损伤评分]及炎性因子[白介素-6(IL-6)、IL-1β、肿瘤坏死因子(TNF-α)、髓过氧化物酶(MPO)]水平。采用Western-blot法检测MGB1-TLR4-NF-κB通路的蛋白表达。结果空白对照组小鼠肺组织染色均匀且清晰可见,结构完整,排列紧密且有序,无明显炎性细胞浸润;模型组肺组织染色较深,边缘模糊,形态结构不完整,排列杂乱,毛细血管内皮细胞受损出血,肺泡空腔内观察到大量炎性细胞浸润;Dex组肺组织较为清晰,结构相对完整,排列较为整齐,较模型组炎性反应程度显著减轻,且无弥漫性出血。与空白对照组比较,模型组小鼠W/D比值、肺损伤评分显著升高(t=14.587、15.013,P均<0.01);与模型组比较,Dex组小鼠上述指标均显著降低(t=12.405、7.696,P均<0.01)。与空白对照组比较,模型组肺组织IL-6、IL-1β、TNF-α和MPO水平显著升高(t=98.601、18.049、33.506、5.929,P均<0.01);与模型组比较,Dex组上述指标水平显著下降(t=50.881、9.054、9.490、4.515,P均<0.01)。与空白对照组比较,模型组肺组织MGB1、TLR4、NF-κB的蛋白表达显著上调(t=24.779、22.033、22.642,P均<0.01);与模型组比较,Dex组上述通路的蛋白表达均显著下调(t=21.394、18.644、17.781,P均<0.01)。结论右美托咪定通过抑制MGB1-TLR4-NF-κB信号通路的活化,可以改善脓毒症小鼠的炎性反应,减轻小鼠急性肺损伤。

Correction: The chromosome-based lavender genome provides new insights into Lamiaceae evolution and terpenoid biosynthesis

After the publication of this article 1,the authors became aware that the legends of Figs.3 and 4 were inverted.The correct version is shown below.In addition,the Lavandula angustifolia‘Jingxun 2’was mistakenly edited as Lavandula angustifolia“Jingxun 2”.

Highly efficient and aberration-free off-plane grating spectrometer and monochromator for EUV—soft X-ray applications

We demonstrate a novel flat-field,dual-optic imaging EUV—soft X-ray spectrometer and monochromator that attains an unprecedented throughput efficiency exceeding 60%by design,along with a superb spectral resolution ofλ/Δλ>200 accomplished without employing variable line spacing gratings.Exploiting the benefits of the conical diffraction geometry,the optical system is globally optimized in multidimensional parameter space to guarantee optimal imaging performance over a broad spectral range while maintaining circular and elliptical polarization states at the first,second,and third diffraction orders.Moreover,our analysis indicates minimal temporal dispersion,with pulse broadening confined within 80 fs tail-to-tail and an FWHM value of 29 fs,which enables ultrafast spectroscopic and pump-probe studies with femtosecond accuracy.Furthermore,the spectrometer can be effortlessly transformed into a monochromator spanning the EUV—soft X-ray spectral region using a single grating with an aberration-free spatial profile.Such capability allows coherent diffractive imaging applications to be conducted with highly monochromatic light in a broad spectral range and extended to the soft X-ray region with minimal photon loss,thus facilitating state-of-the-art imaging of intricate nano-and bio-systems,with a significantly enhanced spatiotemporal resolution,down to the nanometer–femtosecond level.

miR-378a-3p responds to physical activity by modulating insulin-mediated glucose uptake and tricarboxylic acid cycle in skeletal muscle

Aerobic exercise training alters gene expression in skeletal muscle,and miRNAs significantly contribute to motion response.However,the molecular mechanisms by which miRNAs regulate the response to exercise training are not well understood.Here,we found that the abundance of miR-378a-3p in skeletal muscle significantly decreased after exercise training.miR-378a-3p knockout mice showed increased insulin sensitivity,insulin-mediated glucose uptake.

Construction of Controllable Expression Vector of Mus musculus Growth Hormone (GH) shRNA and Its Gene Si- lencing Efficiency Detection

Growth hormone （GH） is a polypeptide hormone secreted by the pituitary, which promotes animal growth, muscle development, metabolism regulation and other important physiological functions. In this study, a pair of mGH short hairpin RNA （shRNA） was designed according to mouse （ Mus musculus） GH mRNA sequence; pSingle-tTS-mGH shRNA-RFP, an integrated controllable expression vector of mGH shRNA, was constructed successfully. The recombinant vector was transfected into mouse pituitary tumor cell line AtT-20. After addition of doxycyelin （ DOX）, the expression of red fluorescent protein （RFP） was observed un- der a fluorescent microscope. The expression level of mGH in cells was detected by quantitative Realtime PCR （qRT-PCR） and Western blot. After DOX induction, the relative expression level of GH mRNA in cells transfected with GH shRNA was reduced by about 70% compared with that in DOX-free group and other control groups, exhibiting extremely significant differences （P 〈 0.01 ） ; moreover, the relative expression level of GH protein was reduced by about 90% ; the expression level of GH mRNA and GH protein exhibited no significant difference among other groups （P 〉 0.05）. In this study, a controllable expression vector of GH shRNA with high gene silencing efficiency was constructed successfully, which could be used to reveal GH autocfine / paracrine interactions and analyze functions of GH gene in growth, development and disease occurrence of animals by regulating GH expression levels.

SNPs and TFBS Associated with High Altitude Sickness

The rSNPs for the genes AKT3 (rs4590656), EGLN1 (rs480902), eNOS3 (rs1007311), and VEGFA (rs699947, rs13207311, rs1570360, rs2010963) have been significantly associated with the physiological parameters in high altitude sickness Han or Tibetan Chinese patients at the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau. The alleles of each rSNP have been found to create unique transcriptional factor binding sites for transcription factors that affect the process of hypoxia gene expression in this high altitude hypoxia environment.

A study on the application of diffuse axonal multi-axis general evaluation for braininjury assessment in small overlap barrier crash test

Purpose:Head injury criterion(HIC)companied by a rotation-based metric was widely believed to behelpful for head injury prediction in road traffic accidents.Recently,the Euro-New Car AssessmentProgram utilized a newly developed metric called diffuse axonal multi-axis general evaluation(DAMAGE)to explain test device for human occupant restraint(THOR)head injury,which demonstratedexcellent ability in capturing concussions and diffuse axonal injuries.However,there is still a lack ofcomprehensive understanding regarding the effectiveness of using DAMAGE for Hybrid III 50thpercentile male dummy(H50th)head injury assessment.The objective of this study is to determinewhether the DAMAGE could capture the risk of H50th brain injury during small overlap barrier tests.Methods:To achieve this objective,a total of 24 vehicle crash loading curves were collected as input datafor the multi-body simulation.Two commercially available mathematical dynamic models,namelyH50th and THOR,were utilized to investigate the differences in head injury response.Subsequently,adecision method known as simple additive weighting was employed to establish a comprehensive braininjury metric by incorporating the weighted HIC and either DAMAGE or brain injury criterion.Furthermore,35 sets of vehicle crash test data were used to analyze these brain injury metrics.Results:The rotational displacement of the THOR head is significantly greater than that of the H50thhead.The maximum linear and rotational head accelerations experienced by H50th and THOR modelswere(544.6±341.7)m/s^(2),(2468.2±1309.4)rad/s^(2) and(715.2±332.8)m/s^(2),(3778.7±1660.6)rad/s^(2),respectively.Under the same loading condition during small overlap barrier(SOB)tests,THOR exhibits ahigher risk of head injury compared to the H50th model.It was observed that the overall head injuryresponse during the small overlap left test condition is greater than that during the small overlap righttest.Additionally,an equation was formulated to establish the necessary relationship between theDAMAGE values of THOR and H50th.Conclusion:If H50th rather than THOR is employed as an evaluation tool in SOB crash tests,newlydesigned vehicles are more likely to achieve superior performance scores.According to the current injurycurve for DAMAGE and brain injury criterion,it is highly recommended that HIC along with DAMAGE wasprioritized for brain injury assessment in SOB tests.

Investigation on vehicle occupant dummy applicability for under-foot impactloading conditions

Purpose:Under-foot impact loadings can cause serious lower limb injuries in many activities,such asautomobile collisions and underbody explosions to military vehicles.The present study aims to comparethe biomechanical responses of the mainstream vehicle occupant dummies with the human body lowerlimb model and analyze their robustness and applicability for assessing lower limb injury risk in underfoot impact loading environments.Methods:The Hybrid III model,the test device for human occupant restraint(THOR)model,and a hybridhuman body model with the human active lower limb model were adopted for under-foot impactanalysis regarding different impact velocities and initial lower limb postures.Results:The results show that the 2 dummy models have larger peak tibial axial force and highersensitivity to the impact velocities and initial postures than the human lower limb model.In particular,the Hybrid III dummy model presented extremely larger peak tibial axial forces than the human lowerlimb model.In the case of minimal difference in tibial axial force,Hybrid III's tibial axial force(7.5 KN)isstill 312.5%that of human active lower limb's(2.4 KN).Even with closer peak tibial axial force values,thebiomechanical response curve shapes of the THOR model show significant differences from the humanlower limb model.Conclusion:Based on the present results,the Hybrid III dummy cannot be used to evaluate the lowerlimb injury risk in under-foot loading environments.In contrast,potential improvement in ankle biofidelity and related soft tissues of the THOR dummy can be implemented in the future for betterapplicability.

Gapless indica rice genome reveals synergistic contributions of active transposable elements and segmental duplications to rice genome evolution

The ultimate goal of genome assembly is a high-accuracy gapless genome.Here,we report a new assembly pipeline that is used to produce a gapless genome for the indica rice cultivar Minghui 63.The resulting 397.71-Mb final assembly is composed of 12 contigs with a contig N50 size of 31.93 Mb.Each chromosome is represented by a single contig and the genomic sequences of all chromosomes are gapless.Quality evaluation of this gapless genome assembly showed that gene regions in our assembly have the highest completeness compared with the other 15 reported high-quality rice genomes.Further comparison with the japonica rice genome revealed that the gapless indica genome assembly contains more transposable elements(TEs)and segmental duplications(SDs),the latter of which produce many duplicated genes that can affect agronomic traits through dose effect or sub-/neo-functionalization.The insertion of TEs can also affect the expression of duplicated genes,which may drive the evolution of these genes.Furthermore,we found the expansion of nucleotide-binding site with leucine-rich repeat disease-resistance genes and cis-zeatin-O-glucosyltransferase growth-related genes in SDs in the gapless indica genome assembly,suggesting that SDs contribute to the adaptive evolution of rice disease resistance and developmental processes.Collectively,our findings suggest that active TEs and SDs synergistically contribute to rice genome evolution.