Understanding the Activity Performance of Comets 38P/Stephan-Oterma,64P/Swift-Gehrels and C/2017 M4(ATLAS)through Broadband Photometric Observations

In this work,we report observations of three comets:38P/Stephan-Oterma,64P/Swift-Gehrels,and C/2017 M4(ATLAS),conducted with the Nanshan one-meter wide-field telescope in 2018 August and November,and 2019January.We extracted morphological features through image enhancement techniques and calculated the dust activity parameter,Afρ,along with dust mass loss rates and coma color indices using broadband photometric data.Our morphological analysis uncovered a spectrum of dust characteristics among the observed comets,ranging from a significant twisted structure in comet 38P/Stephan-Oterma’s coma to the regular coma envelope surrounding comet 64P/Swift-Gehrels.The Afρvalues varied between 148.8±0.3 cm for 64P/Swift-Gehrels and1118.5±6.2 cm for C/2017 M4(ATLAS)(measured within a reference aperture radius ofρ=6″),indicating a range from moderate to high activity levels.Dust mass loss rates were estimated from 328.1 kg s^(-1)for comet 64P/Swift-Gehrels to 1395.5 kg s^(-1)for comet C/2017 M4(ATLAS).The color indices of comets 38P/Stephan-Oterma and C/2017 M4(ATLAS)closely resemble the average colors of active short-period comets and active longperiod comets,respectively.In contrast,64P/Swift-Gehrels exhibits a significantly bluer hue than typical Jupiter family comets.

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Essential Oil Extracts in the Control of Termites (Isoptera: Termitidae) in Cashew Orchards in Badikaha (Côte d’Ivoire)

Cashew tree has gradually moved from a purely ecological aspect to a socio-economic one, due to the marketing of its nuts. But production per area, estimated at between 424 and 547 kg/ha, remains low, in contrast to India (2nd largest producer) and Vietnam (3rd largest producer), whose yields range from 1000 to 1500 and 2000 to 2500 kg/ha respectively. This low yield is due to a number of factors, among which insect pests are the most damaging. Among these insects, termites are considered to be one of the main pests of cashew trees. The general objective of this study is to contribute to termite management through the use of bioinsecticides, an alternative to the use of chemicals in cashew orchards. Five (5) biological products were tested: Limocide, Carapa oil, Neem oil, Kitana and Kaskara. Among them, two products proved effective, with a mortality rate of over 50%. These were Limocide, whose LC50 was obtained in 24 h at a dose of 3.6 g/ml and 3.1 g/ml , giving a mortality rate of 57.66% ± 4.04% and 51.33 ± 2.08 respectively , and Carapa, at a dose of 4.5 g/ml, with an estimated mortality rate of 52.33% ± 1.52%. Such results have demonstrated the potential application of Limocide and Carapa biopesticides to sustainably control termites in cashew orchards of Côte d’Ivoire.

Simulating the Dynamics of Bimetallic Clusters Deposited onto a Surface Using Molecular Dynamics

This paper examines the interface development between a single crystalline Ag matrix and core-shell AgnCom nanoclusters that have been deposited with energies varying between 0.25 eV and 1.5 eV per atom using computer modeling techniques. Clusters undergo deformation as a result of the slowing down;they may also become epitaxial with the substrate and maintain their core-shell structure. A detailed analysis of the effects of the cluster-surface interaction is conducted over a realistic size and energy range, and a model is created to show how clusters accumulate. It is discovered that both the silver shells and the cobalt cluster cores exhibit limited epitaxy with the substrate, and that the contact produced is only a few atomic layers thick. The effect is higher for Ag shells than for Co cores, and it is not very energy dependent.

Biology of Hippo signaling pathway:Skeletal muscle development and beyond

Global demand for farm animals and their meat products i.e.,pork,chicken and other livestock meat,is steadily incresing.With the ongoing life science research and the rapid development of biotechnology,it is a great opportunity to develop advanced molecular breeding markers to efficiently improve animal meat production traits.Hippo is an important study subject because of its crucial role in the regulation of organ size.In recent years,with the increase of research on Hippo signaling pathway,the integrative application of multi-omics technologies such as genomics,transcriptomics,proteomics,and metabolomics can help promote the in-depth involvement of Hippo signaling pathway in skeletal muscle development research.The Hippo signaling pathway plays a key role in many biological events,including cell division,cell migration,cell proliferation,cell differentiation,cell apoptosis,as well as cell adhesion,cell polarity,homeostasis,maintenance of the face of mechanical overload,etc.Its influence on the development of skeletal muscle has important research value for enhancing the efficiency of animal husbandry production.In this study,we traced the origin of the Hippo pathway,comprehensively sorted out all the functional factors found in the pathway,deeply analyzed the molecular mechanism of its function,and classified it from a novel perspective based on its main functional domain and mode of action.Our aim is to systematically explore its regulatory role throughout skeletal muscle development.We specifically focus on the Hippo signaling pathway in embryonic stem cell development,muscle satellite cell fate determination,myogenesis,skeletal muscle meat production and organ size regulation,muscle hypertrophy and atrophy,muscle fiber formation and its transformation between different types,and cardiomyocytes.The roles in proliferation and regeneration are methodically summarized and analyzed comprehensively.The summary and prospect of the Hippo signaling pathway within this article will provide ideas for further improving meat production and muscle deposition and developing new molecular breeding technologies for livestock and poultry,which will be helpful for the development of animal molecular breeding.

Effects of tree size and organ age on variations in carbon,nitrogen,and phosphorus stoichiometry in Pinus koraiensis

Carbon(C),nitrogen(N),and phosphorus(P)are of fundamental importance for growth and nutrient dynamics within plant organs and deserve more attention at regional to global scales.However,our knowledge of how these nutrients vary with tree size,organ age,or root order at the individual level remains limited.We determined C,N,and P contents and their stoichiometric ratios(i.e.,nutrient traits)in needles,branches,and fine roots at different organ ages(0-3-year-old needles and branches)and root orders(1st-4th order roots)from 64 Pinus koraiensis of varying size(Diameter at breast height ranged from 0.3 to 100 cm)in northeast China.Soil factors were also measured.The results show that nutrient traits were regulated by tree size,organ age,or root order rather than soil factors.At a whole-plant level,nutrient traits decreased in needles and fine roots but increased in branches with tree size.At the organ level,age or root order had a negative effect on C,N,and P and a positive effect on stoichiometric ratios.Our results demonstrate that nutrient variations are closely related to organ-specific functions and ecophysiological processes at an individual level.It is suggested that the nutrient acquisition strategy by younger trees and organ fractions with higher nutrient content is for survival.Conversely,nutrient storage strategy in older trees and organ fractions are mainly for steady growth.Our results clarified the nutrient utilization strategies during tree and organ ontogeny and suggest that tree size and organ age or root order should be simultaneously considered to understand the complexities of nutrient variations.

Effects of drought on non-structural carbohydrates and C,N,and P stoichiometric characteristics of Pinus yunnanensis seedlings

To study non-structural carbohydrate character-istics and nutrient utilization strategies of Pinus yunnanen-sis under continuous drought conditions,2-year-old seed-lings were planted in pots with appropriate water,light and moderate and severe drought treatments[(80±5),(65±5),(50±5),and(35±5)%of field water-holding capacity].Non-structural carbohydrates,carbon(C),nitrogen(N),and phosphorus(P)concentrations were measured in each plant component.The results show that:(1)With increasing drought,non-structural carbohydrates gradually increased in leaves,stems,and coarse roots,while gradually decreased in fine roots;(2)C concentrations of all were relatively stable under different stress levels.Phosphorous utilization of each component increased under light and moderate drought conditions,while N and P utilization efficiency of each plant component decreased under severe drought.Growth was mainly restricted by N,first decreasing and then increasing with increased drought;(3)There was a correlation between the levels of non-structural carbohydrates and C,N,and P in each component.Changes in N concentration affected the interconversion between soluble sugar and starch,which play a regulatory role in the fluctuation of the concentration of non-structural carbohydrates;and,(4)Plasticity analysis showed that P.yunnanensis seedlings responded to drought mainly by altering starch concentration,the ratio of soluble sugar to starch in leaves and stems,and further by alter-ing N and P utilization efficiencies.Overall,these results suggest that the physiological activities of all organs of P.yunnanensis seedlings are restricted under drought and that trade-offs exist between different physiological indicators and organs.Our findings are helpful in understanding non-structural carbohydrate and nutrient adaptation mechanisms under drought in P.yunnanensis seedlings.

Anticancer therapeutic strategies for targeting mutant p53-Y220C

The tumor suppressor p53 is a transcription factor with a powerful antitumor activity that is controlled by its negative regulator murine double minute 2(MDM2,also termed HDM2 in humans)through a feedback mechanism.At the same time,TP53 is the most frequently mutated gene in human cancers.Mutant p53 proteins lose wild-type p53 tumor suppression functions but acquire new oncogenic properties,among which are deregulating cell proliferation,increasing chemoresistance,disrupting tissue architecture,and promoting migration,invasion and metastasis as well as several other pro-oncogenic activities.The oncogenic p53 mutation Y220C creates an extended surface crevice in the DNA-binding domain destabilizing p53 and causing its denaturation and aggregation.This cavity accommodates stabilizing small molecules that have therapeutic values.The development of suitable small-molecule stabilizers is one of the therapeutic strategies for reactivating the Y220C mutant protein.In this review,we summarize approaches that target p53-Y220C,including reactivating this mutation with small molecules that bind Y220C to the hydrophobic pocket and developing immunotherapies as the goal for the near future,which target tumor cells that express the p53-Y220C neoantigen.

Expanding the liver donor pool worldwide with hepatitis C infected livers, is it the time?

Liver transplantation(LT)provides a life-saving option for cirrhotic patients with complications and hepatocellular carcinoma.Despite the increasing number of liver transplants performed each year,the number of LT candidates on the waitlist remains unchanged due to an imbalance between donor organ supply and the demand which increases the waitlist time and mortality.Living donor liver transplant had a great role in increasing the donor pool and shortened waitlist time for LT candidates.Nevertheless,further strategies can be implemented to increase the pool of potential donors in deceased donor LT,such as reducing the rate of organ discards.Utilizing hepatitis C virus(HCV)seropositive liver grafts is one of the expanded donor organ criteria.A yearly increase of hundreds of transplants is anticipated as a result of maximizing the utilization of HCV-positive organs for HCV-negative recipients.Direct-acting antiviral therapy's efficacy has revolutionized the treatment of HCV infection and the use of HCV-seropositive donors in transplantation.The American Society of Transplantation advises against performing transplants from HCV-infected liver donors(D+)into HCV-negative recipient(R-)unless under Institutional Review Board-approved study rules and with full informed consent of the knowledge gaps associated with such transplants.Proper selection of patients to be transplanted with HCV-infected grafts and confirming their access to direct-acting antivirals if needed is im-portant.National and international consensuses are needed to regulate this process to ensure the maximum benefit and the least adverse events.

Efficiency of Legumes in Increasing Yam Yield under Sandy Ferrasol in the Forest Zone of Southwestern Côte d’Ivoire

The cropping system is based on traditional farming in rural areas. In this way, yields of some food crops like yam are very low considering their high need for nutrients. The nutrient-rich land is under high land pressure as it is occupied by cash crops such as oil palm and rubber at the expense of food crops and soil fertility is declining. The study was conducted in Grand-Lahou to assess the effect of organic matter provided by legumes in increasing yam yield. The randomized complete block design included four (4) treatments: Arachis hypogaea + yam association (T1), Acacia mangium + yam association (T2), Arachis + Acacia mangium + yam association (T3) and pure yam crop (T0). The parameters measured were: the soil nutrients content, the rate of mineralization of organic matter through the C/N ratio as well as the yield of yam through different techniques that allowed the objective of the study to be achieved. It was noted a slight improvement of nitrogen and organic carbon in all treatments with a higher value recorded in the T2 treatment. The C/N ratio decreased to 12 in all treatments compared to the control, which reflects a normal decomposition of the organic matter. Treatment T1 increased yam yield (8.4 t/ha) in contrast to treatments T2 (4.1 t/ha) and T3 (2.8 t/ha). Legume-based treatments T2 and T3 were associated with a significant decrease in yam yield, resulting in losses of −46.34% to −25.09%, while treatment T1 resulted in a gain of 28.57%. As a result, the treatments involving legumes contributed to normalizing the organic matter content of the soil. The simultaneous association of these two legumes led to a decrease in yam production, contrary to the treatment associating only groundnut.

化瘀散水煎剂通过调控miR-129-5p/FOXC1轴抑制肝癌裸鼠移植瘤生长

目的:探讨化瘀散水煎剂通过调控微小RNA-129-5p/叉头框蛋白C1(FOXC1)轴对肝癌裸鼠移植瘤生长的影响。方法:建立肝癌裸鼠移植瘤模型,并分为裸鼠NC组、化瘀散水煎剂组、化瘀散水煎剂+inhibitor-NC组、化瘀散水煎剂+miR-129-5p inhibitor组,每组8只。qRT-PCR法检测miR-129-5p、FOXC1 mRNA表达水平,双荧光素酶报告基因实验验证miR-129-5p与FOXC1靶向调控关系,观察记录裸鼠的瘤重及移植瘤体积,HE染色观察移植瘤组织形态,TUNEL检测肿瘤组织细胞凋亡,免疫组织化学染色检测瘤组织Ki-67、Cleaved Caspase-3、FOXC1表达,Western blot检测Ki-67、Cleaved Caspase-3、FOXC1蛋白表达。结果:miR-129-5p在肝癌细胞中表达显著下降,FOXC1 mRNA表达显著升高,其中HepG2细胞变化最显著(P<0.05);双荧光素酶报告基因实验表明miR-129-5p与FOXC1存在靶向调控关系;与NC组相比,化瘀散水煎剂组肿瘤细胞出现坏死,凋亡数增加,miR-129-5p、Cleaved Caspase-3显著升高,移植瘤质量和体积、FOXC1、Ki-67表达显著降低(P<0.05);下调miR-129-5p逆转化瘀散水煎剂对肝癌移植瘤的抑制作用(P<0.05)。结论:化瘀散水煎剂可能通过上调miR-129-5p从而下调FOXC1表达,进而抑制肝癌移植瘤生长。

叶酸通过JNK/p38 MAPK信号通路调节小鼠C2C12成肌细胞分化

目的:观察叶酸(folic acid,FA)对小鼠C2C12成肌细胞增殖和分化的影响并探讨其作用机制。方法:(1)在小鼠C2C12成肌细胞增殖阶段,采用不同浓度(0、2.5、5、10和20μmol/L)的FA处理C2C12细胞,显微镜下观察各组细胞的状态,MTT法检测细胞活力,EdU法检测细胞增殖情况。(2)在小鼠C2C12成肌细胞分化阶段,将细胞分为对照(control,Ctrl)组(0μmol/L FA)和FA组(10μmol/L FA),于分化的第2天和第4天,采用免疫荧光染色和Western blot检测成肌细胞分化相关蛋白成肌细胞决定蛋白1(myoblast determination protein 1,MyoD)、成肌蛋白(myogenin,MyoG)和肌球蛋白重链(myosin heavy chain,MyHC)的表达水平,并统计各组细胞肌管形成情况。(3)在小鼠C2C12成肌细胞分化第4天时,加入FA处理0、1、3和6 h,采用Western blot检测各时点c-Jun氨基末端激酶(c-Jun N-terminal kinase,JNK)、磷酸化JNK(phosphorylated JNK,p-JNK)、p38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(mitogen-activated protein kinase,MAPK)和磷酸化p38 MAPK(phosphorylated p38 MAPK,p-p38 MAPK)蛋白水平。(4)将分化4 d的小鼠C2C12成肌细胞分为Ctrl组、FA组、SP600125(JNK特异性抑制剂)组、SB2035805(p38 MAPK特异性抑制剂)组、FA+SP600125组和FA+SB203580组。C2C12成肌细胞先接受10μmol/L的SP600125或SB203580处理1 h,再经10μmol/L的FA处理24 h,FA组经10μmol/L FA处理24 h,Ctrl组不作处理。采用Western blot检测p-JNK、JNK、p-p38 MAPK、p38 MAPK和MyHC蛋白水平。结果:(1)与0μmol/L FA组相比,其余各浓度组的细胞数量明显增多,细胞活力显著提高(P<0.05),EdU阳性细胞率均显著增加(P<0.05)。(2)与Ctrl组相比,FA组MyoD、MyoG和MyHC的表达水平均显著提高(P<0.05),肌管融合指数显著增加(P<0.05或P<0.01)。(3)与0 h组相比,FA处理1、3和6 h后p-JNK/JNK和p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK的比值均显著升高(P<0.05或P<0.01),且随着处理时间的延长,p-JNK/JNK和p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK的比值呈现逐渐升高的趋势。(4)与Ctrl组相比,FA组p-JNK、p-p38 MAPK和MyHC蛋白水平显著升高(P<0.01);与FA组相比,FA+SP600125组p-JNK和MyHC蛋白水平显著降低(P<0.05),FA+SB203580组p-p38 MAPK和MyHC蛋白水平显著降低(P<0.05或P<0.01)。结论:FA可以通过激活JNK/p38 MAPK信号通路促进小鼠C2C12成肌细胞分化。

Maize straw application as an interlayer improves organic carbon and total nitrogen concentrations in the soil profile: A four-year experiment in a saline soil

Soil salinization is a critical environmental issue restricting agricultural production.Deep return of straw to the soil as an interlayer (at 40 cm depth) has been a popular practice to alleviate salt stress.However,the legacy effects of straw added as an interlayer at different rates on soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) in saline soils still remain inconclusive.Therefore,a four-year (2015–2018) field experiment was conducted with four levels (i.e.,0,6,12and 18 Mg ha~(–1)) of straw returned as an interlayer.Compared with no straw interlayer (CK),straw addition increased SOC concentration by 14–32 and 11–57%in the 20–40 and 40–60 cm soil layers,respectively.The increases in soil TN concentration (8–22 and 6–34%in the 20–40 and 40–60 cm soil layers,respectively) were lower than that for SOC concentration,which led to increased soil C:N ratio in the 20–60 cm soil depth.Increases in SOC and TN concentrations in the 20–60 cm soil layer with straw addition led to a decrease in stratification ratios (0–20 cm:20–60 cm),which promoted uniform distributions of SOC and TN in the soil profile.Increases in SOC and TN concentrations were associated with soil salinity and moisture regulation and improved sunflower yield.Generally,compared with other treatments,the application of 12 Mg ha~(–1) straw had higher SOC,TN and C:N ratio,and lower soil stratification ratio in the2015–2017 period.The results highlighted that legacy effects of straw application as an interlayer were maintained for at least four years,and demonstrated that deep soil straw application had a great potential for improving subsoil fertility in salt-affected soils.

Effects of the combined application of organic and chemical nitrogen fertilizer on soil aggregate carbon and nitrogen:A 30-year study

To understand the long-term effects of combined organic and chemical nitrogen fertilization on soil organic C(SOC) and total N(TN), we conducted a 30-year field experiment with a wheat–maize rotation system on the Huang-HuaiHai Plain during 1990–2019. The experimental treatments consisted of five fertilizer regimes: no fertilizer(control), chemical fertilizer only(NPK), chemical fertilizer with straw(NPKS), chemical fertilizer with manure(NPKM), and 1.5 times the rate of NPKM(1.5NPKM). The NPK, NPKS, and NPKM treatments had equal N inputs. The crop yields were measured over the whole experimental duration. Soil samples were collected from the topsoil(0–10 and 10–20 cm) and subsoil(20–40 cm) layers for assessing soil aggregates and taking SOC and TN measurements. Compared with the NPK treatment, the SOC and TN contents increased significantly in both the topsoil(24.1–44.4% for SOC and 22.8–47.7% for TN) and subsoil layers(22.0–47.9% for SOC and 19.8–41.8% for TN) for the organically amended treatments(NPKS, NPKM and 1.5NPKM) after 30 years, while no significant differences were found for the average annual crop yields over the 30 years of the experiment. The 0–10 cm layer of the NPKS treatment and the 20–40 cm layer of the NPKM treatment had significantly higher macroaggregate fraction mass proportions(19.8 and 27.0%) than the NPK treatment. However, the 0–10 and 20–40 cm layers of the 1.5NPKM treatment had significantly lower macroaggregate fraction mass proportions(–19.2 and –29.1%) than the control. The analysis showed that the higher SOC and TN in the soil of organically amended treatments compared to the NPK treatment were related to the increases in SOC and TN protected in the stable fractions(i.e., free microaggregates and microaggregates within macroaggregates), in which the contributions of the stable fractions were 81.1–91.7% of the increase in SOC and 83.3–94.0% of the increase in TN, respectively. The relationships between average C inputs and both stable SOC and TN stocks were significantly positive with R2 values of 0.74 and 0.72(P<0.01) for the whole 40 cm soil profile, which indicates the importance of N for soil C storage. The results of our study provide key evidence that long-term combined organic and chemical nitrogen fertilization, while maintaining reasonable total N inputs, benefited soil C and N storage in both the topsoil and subsoil layers.

非线性M-C强度准则下预应力锚索加固边坡时效稳定性分析M-P法

拓展传统极限平衡方法在复杂条件下边坡稳定性分析中的适用性一直是岩土工程界的研究热点。众所周知,边坡岩土体剪切失效一般服从于非线性强度准则,而传统极限平衡方法仅适用于线性强度准则下边坡稳定性分析。此外,预应力锚索作为一种主动防护措施,可极大地即时提高边坡稳定性而被广泛应用于中、大型边坡工程加固。然而,在应力松弛、蠕变效应以及腐蚀环境影响下预应力锚索加固边坡稳定性时效特征往往被忽视。由此,基于Morgenstern-Price(M-P)法,嵌入非线性Mohr-Coulomb(M-C)强度准则,并融入应力松弛与蠕变效应下锚索预应力损失模型以及腐蚀环境下锚索性能劣化模型,从而,建立非线性强度准则下预应力锚索加固边坡安全系数时程表达式。进一步,为了解决非线性强度准则下隐式嵌套公式难以求解的问题,归零化条间法向力初始值,并应用迭代循环求解策略,在引入循环终止允许误差判别条件后,可实现边坡稳定性理论真实结果的逼近求解。经过后续算例对比分析,验证了所提方法的可行性和合理性,与此同时,还研究了不同预应力损失速率和不同锈蚀环境下预应力锚索加固边坡稳定性的时效变化规律。

基于5P要素理论构建医院高质量研究生导师团队4C2G模型研究

探讨基于5P要素理论构建医院高质量研究生导师团队4C2G模型的可行性。方法:通过查阅文献与讨论基础上,构建研究生导师团队4C2G模型,针对模型中5P要素明确。通过咨询专家评价研究生导师团队4C2G模型的可行性情况。结果:在两轮咨询后,专家意见基本一致,对于模型验证其可行性较高,4C2G模型经专家验证其重要性、权重均较高,专家对团队模型的评价高。结论:基于5P要素理论构建医院高质量研究生导师团队4C2G模型的可行性高,为高质量研究生的培养奠定基础。

Reclamation during oasification is conducive to the accumulation of the soil organic carbon pool in arid land

Soil organic carbon(SOC)and its stable isotope composition reflect key information about the carbon cycle in ecosystems.Studies of carbon fractions in oasis continuous cotton-cropped fields can elucidate the SOC stability mechanism under the action of the human-land relationship during the oasification of arid land,which is critical for understanding the carbon dynamics of terrestrial ecosystems in arid lands under global climate change.In this study,we investigated the Alar Reclamation Area on the northern edge of the Tarim Basin,Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China,in 2020.In original desert and oasis farmlands with different reclamation years,including 6,10,18,and 30 a,and different soil depths(0-20,20-40,40-60 cm),we analyzed the variations in SOC,very liable carbon(C_(VL)),liable carbon(C_(L)),less liable carbon(C_(LL)),and non-liable carbon(C_(NL))using the method of spatial series.The differences in the stable carbon isotope ratio(δ^(13)C)and beta(β)values reflecting the organic carbon decomposition rate were also determined during oasification.Through redundancy analysis,we derived and discussed the relationships among SOC,carbon fractions,δ^(13)C,and other soil physicochemical properties,such as the soil water content(SWC),bulk density(BD),pH,total salt(TS),total nitrogen(TN),available phosphorus(AP),and available potassium(AK).The results showed that there were significant differences in SOC and carbon fractions of oasis farmlands with different reclamation years,and the highest SOC was observed at the oasis farmland with 30-a reclamation year.C_(VL),C_(L),C_(LL),and C_(NL) showed significant changes among oasis farmlands with different reclamation years,and C_(VL) had the largest variation range(0.40-4.92 g/kg)and accounted for the largest proportion in the organic carbon pool.The proportion of C_(NL) in the organic carbon pool of the topsoil(0-20 cm)gradually increased.δ^(13)C varied from-25.61‰to-22.58‰,with the topsoil showing the most positive value at the oasis farmland with 10-a reclamation year;while theβvalue was the lowest at the oasis farmland with 6-a reclamation year and then increased significantly.Based on the redundancy analysis results,the soil physicochemical properties,such as TN,AP,AK,and pH,were significantly correlated with C_(L),and TN and AP were positively correlated with C_(VL).However,δ^(13)C was not significantly influenced by soil physicochemical properties.Our analysis advances the understanding of SOC dynamics during oasification,revealing the risk of soil carbon loss and its contribution to terrestrial carbon accumulation in arid lands,which could be useful for the sustainable development of regional carbon resources and ecological protection in arid ecosystem.

Effect of Combined Application of Organic Farming Aid (OFA) and Inorganic Fertilizers on the Growth and Yield of Maize and Soil Microbial Properties in the Guinea Savannah Agro-Ecological Zone of Ghana

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of different rates of organic farming aid (OFA) and inorganic fertilizer on the productivity of maize, chemical and microbial properties of soil for higher economic value. Field experiments were conducted during the 2020 and 2021 cropping seasons at the research fields of CSIR-Savanna Agricultural Research Institute located at Nyankpala in the Guinea savannah agroecology of Ghana. The study consisted of five treatment combinations: full rate of OFA, full rate of NPK, 1/2 OFA + 1/2 NPK, full OFA + 1/2 NPK and a control (no OFA and no NPK) which were arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Analysis of variance indicated significant (P 0.05) treatment and year interaction effect for all the growth parameters except for plant height, leaf area and leaf area index. Apart from hundred seed weight, treatment and year interaction effect for all the yield and yield components was significant (P 0.05). Application of full rate of NPK (90:60:60) resulted in the highest grain yield of 4960 kg·ha-1, however it was statistically similar to those obtained by the combined application of full rate of OFA (250 ml·ha-1) + 1/2 NPK and 1/2 OFA + 1/2 NPK with grain yield of 4856 kg·ha-1 and 4639 kg·ha-1 respectively. There was also a yield advantage of 197. 5%, 191.3%, 178.3 and 79.1% over the control for full NPK rate, full OFA rate + 1/2 NPK rate, 1/2 OFA rate + 1/2 NPK and full OFA rate respectively. Application of full OFA rate + 1/2 NPK enhanced soil basal respiration (evolved CO2) and mineralizable C, implying that, combination of full OFA rate and NPK fertilizer would be necessary to boost soil microbial activity and soil labile nutrient pool (labile C pool). This suggests that combined use of full OFA rate + 1/2 NPK fertilizer can be a better strategic tool for improving soil quality. The highest benefit cost ratios (BCR) of 2.58 and 3.77 were obtained following the application of full OFA rate + 1/2 NPK and 1/2 OFA rate + 1/2 NPK respectively. Hence, it could be concluded that complementary use of OFA and NPK is more profitable than using single inputs (either OFA or NPK). Thus, in promoting technology packages to farmers, development practitioners must carefully consider the complementary of inputs that are cost-effective but economically rewarding.

Effect size in papers published by the Journal of Forestry Research:A missing treasure?

P values based on standard hypothesis testing are commonly reported in articles published by the Journal of Forestry Research(JFR).However,effect sizes are barely used and reported,even if they are of direct relevance to the primary questions of many of the published studies.The incorporation of effect sizes in studies published by JFR should be encouraged and promoted.Inclusion of effect sizes as a requirement in the journal guidelines will facilitate a major change in the way data are tested and interpreted,with the ultimate goal to exempt researchers from the custom of drawing conclusions merely based upon a dichotomous statistical result(P value).Such a policy can also lead to more informed decisions of whether identified effects are of practical relevance to the forestry.

miR-34a-5p/PLCD3轴调控骨关节炎进展的机制

背景:目前已有针对miRNA/mRNA轴调节骨关节炎疾病进程的分子机制研究。先前生物信息学研究发现具有临床预测价值的mRNA(磷脂酶Cδ3:phospholipase C delta 3,PLCD3)及其靶向miRNA(miR-34a-5p),尚缺实验验证其调控骨关节炎的具体作用及机制。目的:探讨miR-34a-5p/PLCD3轴对骨关节炎进展的调控作用及机制。方法:选择15例膝骨关节炎患者的滑膜为骨关节炎组,同时选择同期因创伤致髌骨骨折行内固定术的15例年轻患者的健康滑膜为对照组,Real-time PCR法检测滑膜中PLCD3及miR-34a-5p的表达。通过细胞转染的方法,将人滑膜关节炎成纤维细胞(human fibroblast like synovial cells-osteoarthritis,HFLS-OA)进行处理,并分为miR-34a-5p模拟物组、pCDH-PLCD3组、miR-34a-5p模拟物+pCDH-PLCD3组、miR-34a-5p抑制剂组、si-PLCD3组、miR-34a-5p抑制剂+si-PLCD3组,通过Real-time PCR法检测PLCD3和miR-34a-5p表达的关系;通过CCK-8法、细胞划痕实验检测各组HFLS-OA细胞活力及细胞迁移的影响;使用Western Blot法检测凋亡标记蛋白表达水平;使用ELISA法检测炎症因子的表达。结果与结论:①PLCD3是miR-34a-5p的直接靶标,同时PLCD3和miR-34a-5p表达水平呈负相关。②PLCD3上调会促进HFLS-OA细胞的增殖并抑制细胞迁移,而miR-34a-5p上调会显著抑制HFLS-OA细胞的活性并增强细胞迁移;miR-34a-5p过表达使HFLS-OA细胞Casp3和Casp9蛋白水平显著升高,而PLCD3过表达则表现出相反趋势。③PLCD3过表达显著增加了HFLS-OA细胞白细胞介素6和肿瘤坏死因子α的表达,而miR-34a-5p模拟物则表现出保护活性。④结果说明,miR-34a-5p/PLCD3轴可能通过调节滑膜细胞的炎症过程或凋亡来影响骨关节炎的进展。

Impact of Heat Treatments and Hole Density (p) on the Structural, Electrical, and Superconducting Properties of LnSrBaCu3O6+z (Ln = Eu, Sm, Nd) Compounds

In this study, we thoroughly examined the impact of heat treatments and hole count (p) on the properties of LnSrBaCu3O6+z (Ln = Eu, Sm, Nd) compounds. We focused on preparation, X-ray diffraction with Rietveld refinement, AC susceptibility, DC resistivity measurements, and heat treatment effects. Two heat treatment types were applied: oxygen annealing [O] and argon annealing followed by oxygen annealing [AO]. As the rare earth Ln’s ionic radius increased, certain parameters notably changed. Specifically, c parameter, surface area S, and volume V increased, while critical temperature Tc and holes (p) in the CuO2 plane decreased. The evolution of these parameters with rare earth Ln’s ionic radius in [AO] heat treatment is linear. Regardless of the treatment, the structure is orthorhombic for Ln = Eu, tetragonal for Ln = Nd, orthorhombic for Ln = Sm [AO], and pseudo-tetragonal for Sm [O]. The highest critical temperature is reached with Ln = Eu (Tc [AO] = 87.1 K). Notably, for each sample, Tc [AO] surpasses Tc [O]. Observed data stems from factors including rare earth ionic size, improved cationic and oxygen chain order, holes count p in Cu(2)O2 planes, and in-phase purity of [AO] samples. Our research strives to clearly demonstrate that the density of holes (p) within the copper plane stands as a determinant impacting the structural, electrical, and superconducting properties of these samples. Meanwhile, the other aforementioned parameters contribute to shaping this density (p).