Overexpression of Mtr-miR319a Contributes to Leaf Curl and Salt Stress Adaptation in Arabidopsis thaliana and Medicago truncatula

Salt stress is a worldwide agronomic issue that limits crop yield and quality. Improving salt stress tolerance via genetic modification is the most efficient method to conquer soil salinization problems in crops. Crop miRNAs have been declared to be tightly associated with responding and adapting to salt stress and are advantageous for salt tolerance modification. However, very few studies have validated vital salt tolerance miRNAs and coupled potent target genes in Medicago species, the most economically important forage legume species. In this study, Mtr-miR319a, a miRNA that was identified from the previous next-generation sequencing assay of salt-treated Medicago truncatula, was overexpressed in M. truncatula and Arabidopsis thaliana, inducing the curly leaves and salt stress tolerance phenotypes. Combining the elevated expression level of Mtr-miR319a in the M. truncatula overexpression lines under normal and salt-treatment conditions, the regulatory roles of Mtr-miR319a in leaf development and salt stress adaptation were demonstrated. Several predicted target genes of Mtr-miR319a were also regulated by Mtr-miR319a and were associated with the aforementioned phenotypes in M. truncatula plants, most notably MtTCP4. Our study clarified the functional role of Mtr-miR319a and its target genes in regulating leaf development and defending salt stress, which can help to inform crop breeding efforts for improving salt tolerance via genetic engineering.     

Herbivore-Induced Volatile Production by Arabidopsis thaliana Leads to Attraction of the Parasitoid Cotesia rubecula: Chemical, Behavioral, and Gene-Expression Analysis

Many plant species defend themselves against herbivorous insects indirectly by producing volatiles in response to herbivory. These volatiles attract carnivorous enemies of the herbivores. Research on the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. has contributed considerably to the unraveling of signal transduction pathways involved in direct plant defense mechanisms against pathogens. Here, we demonstrate that Arabidopsis is also a good candidate for studying signal transduction pathways involved in indirect defense mechanisms by showing that: (1) Adult females of Cotesia rubecula, a specialist parasitic wasp of Pieris rapae caterpillars, are attracted to P. rapae-infested Arabidopsis plants. (2) Arabidopsis infested by P. rapae emits volatiles from several major biosynthetic pathways, including terpenoids and green leaf volatiles. The blends from herbivore-infested and artificially damaged plants are similar. However, differences can be found with respect to a few components of the blend, such as two nitriles and the monoterpene myrcene, that were produced exclusively by caterpillar-infested plants, and methyl salicylate, that was produced in larger amounts by caterpillar-infested plants. (3) Genes from major biosynthetic pathways involved in volatile production are induced by caterpillar feeding. These include AtTPS10, encoding a terpene synthase involved in myrcene production, AtPAL1, encoding phenylalanine ammonia-lyase involved in methyl salicylate production, and AtLOX2 and AtHPL, encoding lipoxygenase and hydroperoxide lyase, respectively, both involved in the production of green leaf volatiles. AtAOS, encoding allene oxide synthase, involved in the production of jasmonic acid, also was induced by herbivory.     

Overexpression of ZNT1 and NRAMP4 from the Ni Hyperaccumulator Noccaea caerulescens Population Monte Prinzera in Arabidopsis thaliana Perturbs Fe,Mn, and Ni Accumulation

Metalliferous soils are characterized by a high content of metal compounds that can hamper plant growth. The pseudometallophyte Noccaea caerulescens is able to grow on metalliferous substrates by implementing both tolerance and accumulation of usually toxic metal ions. Expression of particular transmembrane transporter proteins (e.g., members of the ZIP and NRAMP families) leads to metal tolerance and accumulation, and its comparison between hyperaccumulator N. caerulescens with non-accumulator relatives Arabidopsis thaliana and Thlaspi arvense has deepened our knowledge on mechanisms adopted by plants to survive in metalliferous soils. In this work, two transporters, ZNT1 and NRAMP4, expressed in a serpentinic population of N. caerulescens identified on the Monte Prinzera (Italy) are considered, and their expression has been induced in yeast and in A. thaliana. In the latter, single transgenic lines were crossed to test the effect of the combined over-expression of the two transporters. An enhanced iron and manganese translocation towards the shoot was induced by overexpression of NcZNT1. The combined overexpression of NcZNT1 and NcNRAMP4 did perturb the metal accumulation in plants.     

The photocatalytic oxidation of water to O2 over pure CeO2, WO3, and TiO2 using Fe3+ and Ce4+ as electron acceptors

We report here the results from a study on the photocatalytic decomposition of water to oxygen over pure WO₃, CeO₂, and TiO₂. It has been demonstrated that Fe_aq³⁺ and Ce_aq⁴⁺ species are efficient electron acceptors during the photoproduction of O₂ over a variety of oxides, even at very low concentrations. The O₂ yield was found to depend on the type and surface activity of the cation used as an electron acceptor, and the salt counter anion. While Ce_aq⁴⁺ gives slightly higher initial O₂ rates, Fe_aq³⁺ tends to give higher long-term O₂ yields. The O₂ yield was found to be mainly sensitive to the intrinsic properties of a given material, such as the type of the oxide used and its physicochemical characteristics, e.g. crystal structure and level of crystallinity. For the powders tested, O₂ production was independent of the BET surface area and the activity does not correlate directly with the onset of light absorption of the powders. With a light having λ≥330 nm, O₂ production activity decreased in the order TiO₂-rutile>TiO₂-anatase>WO₃>CeO₂⪢amorphous TiO₂, whereas with a light having λ≥420 nm, it decreased in the order WO₃>TiO₂>CeO₂. Small amounts of Sn on TiO₂-rutile markedly improved its activity. In addition, the O₂ yield strongly depended on the concentration of the electron acceptor and the pH of the suspension. During the reaction, small amounts of hydrogen were also produced. The reaction pathways for electron scavenging by Ce_aq⁴⁺ and Fe_aq³⁺, and the process leading to O₂ evolution will be discussed.     

Catalytic Production of Carbon Nanotubes by Decomposition of CH4 over the Pre-reduced Catalysts LaNiO3, La4Ni3O10, La3Ni2O7 and La2NiO4

A large amount of more graphitic carbon nanotubes with a narrow size distribution was produced from catalytic decomposition of CH₄ over pre-reduced LaNiO₃, La₄Ni₃O₁₀, La₃Ni₂O₇ and La₂NiO₄. The structure and component of fresh and reduced LaNiO₃, La₄Ni₃O₁₀, La₃Ni₂O₇ and La₂NiO₄ were determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The carbon nanotubes obtained were characterized by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Thermal oxidation of carbon nanotubes in air was made by thermogravimetric experiments (TG). The results revealed that the value of La/Ni in different catalyst precursors influences the diameter distribution and graphitic degree of carbon nanotubes. Lower La/Ni leads to wider diameter and higher graphitic degree of carbon nanotubes.     

甲烷、二氧化碳与氧气制合成气的动力学研究

在消除内、外扩散影响的条件下,研究了12% Ni-5% Ce/Al2O3(wt.)催化剂的动力学行为,得到本征动力学经验方程,并简单探讨了反应机理,为今后工艺放大和设计提供依据.     

Synthesis of Reactive Sulfur Species in Cultured Vascular Endothelial Cells after Exposure to TGF-β1: Induction of Cystathionine γ-Lyase and Cystathionine β-Synthase Expression Mediated by the ALK5-Smad2/3/4 and ALK5-Smad2/3-ATF4 Pathways

Transforming growth factor-β₁ (TGF-β₁) occurs at high levels at damage sites of vascular endothelial cell layers and regulates the functions of vascular endothelial cells. Reactive sulfur species (RSS), such as cysteine persulfide, glutathione persulfide, and hydrogen persulfide, are cytoprotective factors against electrophiles such as reactive oxygen species and heavy metals. Previously, we reported that sodium trisulfide, a sulfane sulfur donor, promotes vascular endothelial cell proliferation. The objective of the present study was to clarify the regulation and significance of RSS synthesis in vascular endothelial cells after exposure to TGF-β₁. Bovine aortic endothelial cells in a culture system were treated with TGF-β₁ to assess the expression of intracellular RSS, the effect of RSS on cell proliferation in the presence of TGF-β₁, induction of RSS-producing enzymes by TGF-β₁, and intracellular signal pathways that mediate this induction. The results suggest that TGF-β₁ increased intracellular RSS levels to modulate its inhibitory effect on proliferation. The increased production of RSS, probably high-molecular-mass RSS, was due to the induction of cystathionine γ-lyase and cystathionine β-synthase, which are RSS-producing enzymes, and the induction was mediated by the ALK5-Smad2/3/4 and ALK5-Smad2/3-ATF4 pathways in vascular endothelial cells. TGF-β₁ regulates vascular endothelial cell functions such as proliferation and fibrinolytic activity; intracellular high-molecular-mass RSS, which are increased by TGF-β₁, may modulate the regulation activity in vascular endothelial cells.     

The Role of Polymorphisms at the Interleukin-1, Interleukin-4, GATA-3 and Cyclooxygenase-2 Genes in Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy

Periodontitis is a multifactorial disease. The aim of this explorative study was to investigate the role of Interleukin-(IL)-1, IL-4, GATA-3 and Cyclooxygenase-(COX)-2 polymorphisms after non-surgical periodontal therapy with adjunctive systemic antibiotics (amoxicillin/metronidazole) and subsequent maintenance in a Caucasian population. Analyses were performed using blood samples from periodontitis patients of a multi-center trial (ClinicalTrials.gov {"type":"clinical-trial","attrs":{"text":"NCT00707369","term_id":"NCT00707369"}}NCT00707369=ABPARO-study). Polymorphisms were analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR. Clinical attachment levels (CAL), percentage of sites showing further attachment loss (PSAL) ≥1.3 mm, bleeding on probing (BOP) and plaque score were assessed. Exploratory statistical analysis was performed. A total of 209 samples were genotyped. Patients carrying heterozygous genotypes and single-nucleotide-polymorphisms (SNP) on the GATA-3-IVS4 +1468 gene locus showed less CAL loss than patients carrying wild type. Heterozygous genotypes and SNPs on the IL-1A-889, IL-1B +3954, IL-4-34, IL-4-590, GATA-3-IVS4 +1468 and COX-2-1195 gene loci did not influence CAL. In multivariate analysis, CAL was lower in patients carrying GATA-3 heterozygous genotypes and SNPs than those carrying wild-types. For the first time, effects of different genotypes were analyzed in periodontitis progression after periodontal therapy and during supportive treatment using systemic antibiotics demonstrating a slight association of GATA-3 gene locus with CAL. This result suggests that GATA-3 genotypes are a contributory but non-essential risk factor for periodontal disease progression.     

Solid state ionics—The ionic conductivity of the Ag2S-Ag1.70Te-AgX system (AgX; Ag4P2O7, Ag3PO4 and AgPO3)

The thermal reaction products in the Ag₂S-Ag_1.70 Te-Ag₄P₂O₇, Ag₂S-Ag_1.70 Te-Ag₃PO₄ and Ag₂S-Ag_1.70 Te-AgPO₃ systems were found to exhibit both high ionic and electronic conductivity at room temperature. For example, the ionic conductivities of (Ag₂S)_0.69 (Ag_1.70Te)_0.285 (Ag₄P₂O₇)_0.025, (Ag₂S)_0.5(Ag_1.70Te)_0.45 (Ag₃PO₄)_0.05 and (Ag₂S)_0.65 (Ag_1.70Te)_0.25(AgPO₃)_0.1 were 0.25, 0.25 and 0.22 (ohm. cm)^–1 at 25°C, respectively. Differential thermal analysis and X-ray diffraction showed that these high ionic conductivity solids had an -Ag₂S-like structure at room temperature.     

Molecular Pathogenesis of Pulmonary Fibrosis,with Focus on Pathways Related to TGF-β and the Ubiquitin-Proteasome Pathway

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive and fatal interstitial lung disease. During the past decade, novel pathogenic mechanisms of IPF have been elucidated that have shifted the concept of IPF from an inflammatory-driven to an epithelial-driven disease. Dysregulated repair responses induced by recurrent epithelial cell damage and excessive extracellular matrix accumulation result in pulmonary fibrosis. Although there is currently no curative therapy for IPF, two medications, pirfenidone and nintedanib, have been introduced based on understanding the pathogenesis of the disease. In this review, we discuss advances in understanding IPF pathogenesis, highlighting epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), the ubiquitin-proteasome system, and endothelial cells. TGF-β is a central regulator involved in EMT and pulmonary fibrosis. HECT-, RING finger-, and U-box-type E3 ubiquitin ligases regulate TGF-β-Smad pathway-mediated EMT via the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. p27 degradation mediated by the SCF-type E3 ligase, Skp2, contributes to the progression of pulmonary fibrosis by promotion of either mesenchymal fibroblast proliferation, EMT, or both. In addition to fibroblasts as key effector cells in myofibroblast differentiation and extracellular matrix deposition, endothelial cells also play a role in the processes of IPF. Endothelial cells can transform into myofibroblasts; therefore, endothelial–mesenchymal transition can be another source of myofibroblasts.     

The phase stability and thermophysical properties of InFeO3(ZnO)m (m = 2, 3, 4, 5)

The phase stability and thermophysical properties of InFeO₃(ZnO)_m (m = 2, 3, 4, 5) compounds were investigated, which are a general family of homologous layered compounds with general formula InFeO₃(ZnO)_m (m = 1–19). InFeO₃(ZnO)_m (m = 2, 3, 4, 5) ceramics were synthesized using cold pressing followed by solid-state sintering. They revealed an excellent thermal stability after annealing at 1450 °C for 48 h. No phase transformation occurred during heating to 1400 °C. InFeO₃(ZnO)₃ exhibited a thermal conductivity of 1.38 W m⁻¹ K⁻¹ at 1000 °C, which is about 30% lower than that of 8 wt.% yttria stabilized zirconia (8YSZ) thermal barrier coatings. The thermal expansion coefficients (TECs) of InFeO₃(ZnO)m bulk ceramics were in a range of (10.97 ± 0.33) × 10⁻⁶ K⁻¹ to (11.46 ± 0.35) × 10⁻⁶ K⁻¹ at 900 °C, which are comparable to those of 8YSZ ceramics.     

Simultaneous removal of SO2, SO3 and H2SO4 mist from the gas after TiO2 calcining

Absorption of SO₂ and SO₃ in the solutions of waste ferrous sulfate (so-called ‘green salt’) and in the spent acid after TiO₂ hydrolysis, at H₂SO₄ concentrations ranging from 0–5 to 15 g/m³ (STP), was studied. The rate of SO₃ absorption has been found to rise linearly with increasing SO₃ concentration in the gas and to be independent on H₂SO₄ concentration in solution. The SO₂ absorption also rises linearly with increasing SO₂ content in the gas, but diminishes as H₂SO₄ concentration increases—an upper limit of 100 g H₂SO₄/kg H₂O is indicated. The initial concentration of the solution must not be higher than 40 g H₂SO₄/kg H₂O.     

N-(2,3,4-三羟基-5-丙烯酰胺甲基苄基)丙烯酰胺的合成及性能研究

以联苯三酚和N-羟甲基丙烯酰胺为原料,通过傅-克烷基化反应,合成了含辣素衍生结构的丙烯酰胺类功能单体——N-(2,3,4-三羟基-5-丙烯酰胺甲基苄基)丙烯酰胺(AHMBA)。通过红外吸收光谱(FT-IR)、1H-NMR波谱和13C-NMR波谱对其结构进行了表征。初步研究了该化合物在海洋防污涂料中的防污性能。     

Effect of a new nonoxide additive,Y3Si2C2, on the thermal conductivity and mechanical properties of Si3N4 ceramics

Enhancement of the thermal conductivity of silicon nitride is usually achieved by sacrificing its mechanical properties (bending strength). In this study, β-Si₃N₄ ceramics were prepared using self-synthesized Y₃Si₂C₂ and MgO as sintering additives. It was found that the thermal conductivity of the Si₃N₄ ceramics was remarkably improved without sacrificing their mechanical properties. The microstructure and properties of the Si₃N₄ ceramics were analyzed and compared with those of the Y₂O₃-MgO additives. The addition of Y₃Si₂C₂ eliminated the inherent SiO₂ and introduced nitrogen to increase the N/O ratio of the grain-boundary phase, inducing Si₃N₄ grain growth, increasing Si₃N₄ grain contiguity, and reducing lattice oxygen content in Si₃N₄. Therefore, by replacing Y₂O₃ with Y₃Si₂C₂, the thermal conductivity of the Si₃N₄ ceramics was significantly increased by 31.5% from 85 to 111.8Wm⁻¹K⁻¹, but the bending strength only slightly decreased from 704 ± 63MPa to 669 ± 33MPa.     

Effect of ZnBi2O4 and Bi2O3 addition on the densification,microstructure, and varistor properties of ZnO varistors

In this study, 1 wt% Bi₂O₃ (1B), 1 wt% ZnBi₂O₄ (1BZ), and a composite (a mixture of 1 wt% Bi₂O₃ and various amounts (1-4 wt%) of ZnBi₂O₄ ,1B1BZ-1B4BZ) were added to ZnO varistors to investigate the effects of additives on the densification, microstructure, and varistor performance. The results showed that the addition of ZnBi₂O₄ can lower the densification temperature to about 850^oC. When the additive was changed from 1 wt% Bi₂O₃ to 1 wt% ZnBi₂O₄, the α value increased from 42 to 54, the breakdown voltage increased from 775 V/mm to 1011 V/mm, and the leakage current decreased to 0.11 μA. Additions of ZnBi₂O₄ and transition metal cations as donor dopants for the ZnO varistors promote oxygen chemisorption at grain boundaries, resulting in greater α value and lower leakage currents. This suggests the addition of ZnBi₂O₄ can effectively promote densification and improve the varistor properties of ZnO varistors.     

The cutting performance of Al2O3 and Si3N4 ceramic cutting tools in the milling plywood

ABSTRACT

This research focuses on the cutting performance of Al₂O₃ and Si₃N₄ ceramic cutting tools in up-milling plywood, the results of which are as follows. First, whether the tool material is Al₂O₃ or Si₃N₄ ceramic, the cutting forces at low-speed cutting were less than those at high-speed cutting, and the machining quality at low-speed cutting was greater than that at high-speed cutting. Then, whether at low- or high-speed cutting, the cutting forces of Al₂O₃ cutting tools were higher than those of Si₃N₄ cutting tools, and the machining quality of plywood milled by Al₂O₃ ceramic cutting tools was poorer than that milled by Si₃N₄ ceramic cutting tools. Finally, Si₃N₄ ceramic cutting tools were more suitable to machine the wooden productions with much glue content than Al₂O₃ ceramic cutting tools for the better machined quality.