Explore the vast range of titles available.

Long-term potentiation (LTP) has long been considered as an important cellular mechanism for learning and memory. LTP expression involves NMDA receptor-dependent synaptic insertion of AMPA receptors (AMPARs). However, how AMPARs are recruited and anchored at the postsynaptic membrane during LTP remains largely unknown. In this study, using CRISPR/Cas9 to delete the endogenous AMPARs and replace them with the mutant forms in single neurons, we have found that the amino-terminal domain (ATD) of GluA1 is required for LTP maintenance. Moreover, we show that GluA1 ATD directly interacts with the cell adhesion molecule neuroplastin-65 (Np65). Neurons lacking Np65 exhibit severely impaired LTP maintenance, and Np65 deletion prevents GluA1 from rescuing LTP in AMPARs-deleted neurons. Thus, our study reveals an essential role for GluA1/Np65 binding in anchoring AMPARs at the postsynaptic membrane during LTP.

Liquid crystalline network (LCN) actuator normally deforms upon thermally or optically induced order-disorder phase transition, switching once between two shapes (shape 1 in LC phase and shape 2 in isotropic state) for each stimulation on/off cycle. Herein, we report an LCN actuator that deforms from shape 1 to shape 2 and then reverses the deformation direction to form shape 3 on heating or under light only, thus completing the shape switch twice for one stimulation on/off cycle. The deformation reversal capability is obtained with a monolithic LCN actuator whose two sides are made to start deforming at different temperatures and exerting different reversible strains, by means of asymmetrical crosslinking and/or asymmetrical stretching. This desynchronized actuation strategy offers possibilities in developing light-fueled LCN soft robots. In particular, the multi-stage bidirectional shape change enables multimodal, light-driven locomotion from the same LCN actuator by simply varying the light on/off times. Liquid crystalline network (LCN) actuators switch reversibly between two states. Here, the authors report an asymmetrically processed LCN actuator which allows desynchronized actuation between three states using light and thermal stimuli.

Tetracentron sinense Oliv. ( T. sinense ), as a tertiary living fossil, has experienced a significant decline in population numbers. Currently, genetic resources depletion and human activities have led to habitat fragmentation of relict and endangered plants, despite the abundant evidence of its medicinal, economic, and ecological value. Conservation strategies were clarified and evaluated based on the genetic structure characteristics and diversity patterns among 25 wild populations using Restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq) technology. Through SNP calling, filtering, genetic diversity analysis, discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC), maximum-likelihood phylogenetic tree, and ADMIXTURE clustering, significant population structure and differentiation were identified. The results revealed a total of 2,169 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), indicating lower genetic variation but higher genetic differentiation ( He : 0.10, I : 0.16, Fst : 0.33). Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed that genetic variation within populations accounted for 77% of the total variance. DAPC, maximum-likelihood phylogenetic tree, and ADMIXTURE clustering analysis grouped the 25 populations into five distinct clades influenced by isolation, restricted gene flow, and complex topography. To preserve the genetic integrity of T. sinense , it is recommended to establish conservation units corresponding to different geographic clades, with a focus on populations with low/high genetic diversity by implementing artificial reproduction and germplasm resource nurseries. Given the species' vulnerable conservation status, urgent implementation of the aforementioned conservation strategies is necessary to safeguard the remaining genetic resources.

Dobinin K is a novel eudesmane sesquiterpenoids compound isolated from the root of Dobinea delavayi and displays potential antiplasmodial activity in vivo. Here, we evaluate the antiplasmodial activity of dobinin K in vitro and study its acting mechanism. The antiplasmodial activity of dobinin K in vitro was evaluated by concentration-, time-dependent, and stage-specific parasite inhibition assay. The potential target of dobinin K on Plasmodium falciparum was predicted by transcriptome analysis. Apoptosis of P. falciparum was detected by Giemsa, Hoechst 33258, and TUNEL staining assay. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, oxygen consumption, and mitochondrial membrane potential of P. falciparum were assessed by DCFH-DA, R01, and JC-1 fluorescent dye, respectively. The effect of dobinin K on the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) was investigated by enzyme activity analysis and the binding abilities of dobinin K with different enzymes were learned by molecular docking. Dobinin K inhibited the growth of P. falciparum in a concentration-, time-dependent, and stage-specific manner. The predicted mechanism of dobinin K was related to the redox system of P. falciparum. Dobinin K increased intracellular ROS levels of P. falciparum and induced their apoptosis. After dobinin K treatment, P. falciparum mitochondria lost their function, which was presented as decreased oxygen consumption and depolarization of the membrane potential. Among five dehydrogenases in P. falciparum ETC, dobinin K displayed the best inhibitory power on NDH2 activity. Our findings indicate that the antiplasmodial effect of dobinin K in vitro is mediated by the enhancement of the ROS level in P. falciparum and the disruption of its mitochondrial function.

ObjectivesTo collect data of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and clinical controlled trials (CCTs) for evaluating the effects of enhanced recovery after surgery on postoperative recovery of patients who received total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA).MethodsRelevant, published studies were identified using the following key words: arthroplasty, joint replacement, enhanced recovery after surgery, fast track surgery, multi-mode analgesia, diet management, or steroid hormones. The following databases were used to identify the literature consisting of RCTs or CCTs with a date of search of 31 December 2016: PubMed, Cochrane, Web of knowledge, Ovid SpringerLink and EMBASE. All relevant data were collected from studies meeting the inclusion criteria. The outcome variables were postoperative length of stay (LOS), 30-day readmission rate, and total incidence of complications. RevMan5.2. software was adopted for the meta-analysis.ResultsA total of 10 published studies (9936 cases) met the inclusion criteria. The cumulative data included 4205 cases receiving enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS), and 5731 cases receiving traditional recovery after surgery (non-ERAS). The meta-analysis showed that LOS was significantly lower in the ERAS group than in the control group (non-ERAS group) (p<0.01), and there were fewer incidences of complications in the ERAS group than in the control group (p=0.03). However, no significant difference was found in the 30-day readmission rate (p=0.18).ConclusionsERAS significantly reduces LOS and incidence of complications in patients who have had THA or TKA. However, ERAS does not appear to significantly impact 30-day readmission rates.

Trimethylation of histone H3 on lysine-4 (H3K4me3) is associated with gene-regulatory elements, but its transcription-independent function in cell division is unclear. CxxC-finger protein-1 (CFP1) is a major mediator of H3K4 trimethylation in mouse oocytes. Here we report that oocyte-specific knockout of Cxxc1 , inhibition of CFP1 function, or abrogation of H3K4 methylation in oocytes each causes a delay of meiotic resumption as well as metaphase I arrest owing to defective spindle assembly and chromosome misalignment. These phenomena are partially attributed to insufficient phosphorylation of histone H3 at threonine-3. CDK1 triggers cell division–coupled degradation and inhibitory phosphorylation of CFP1. Preventing CFP1 degradation and phosphorylation causes CFP1 accumulation on chromosomes and impairs meiotic maturation and preimplantation embryo development. Therefore, CFP1-mediated H3K4 trimethylation provides 3a permission signal for the G2–M transition. Dual inhibition of CFP1 removes the SETD1–CFP1 complex from chromatin and ensures appropriate chromosome configuration changes during meiosis and mitosis. The transcription-independent function of trimethylation of histone H3 (H3K4me) in cell division is unclear. Here, Heng-Yu Fan and colleagues report that CFP1, a subunit of the H3K4 methyltransferase, is required for oocyte meiosis, being phosphorylated and degraded during cell cycle transition.

Suppression of HIV replication by antiretroviral therapy (ART) or host immunity can prevent AIDS but not other HIV-associated conditions including neurocognitive impairment (HIV-NCI). Pathogenesis in HIV-suppressed individuals has been attributed to reservoirs of latent-inducible virus in resting CD4+ T cells. Macrophages are persistently infected with HIV but their role as HIV reservoirs in vivo has not been fully explored. Here we show that infection of conventional mice with chimeric HIV, EcoHIV, reproduces physiological conditions for development of disease in people on ART including immunocompetence, stable suppression of HIV replication, persistence of integrated, replication-competent HIV in T cells and macrophages, and manifestation of learning and memory deficits in behavioral tests, termed here murine HIV-NCI. EcoHIV established latent reservoirs in CD4+ T lymphocytes in chronically-infected mice but could be induced by epigenetic modulators ex vivo and in mice. In contrast, macrophages expressed EcoHIV constitutively in mice for up to 16 months; murine leukemia virus (MLV), the donor of gp80 envelope in EcoHIV, did not infect macrophages. Both EcoHIV and MLV were found in brain tissue of infected mice but only EcoHIV induced NCI. Murine HIV-NCI was prevented by antiretroviral prophylaxis but once established neither persistent EcoHIV infection in mice nor NCI could be reversed by long-acting antiretroviral therapy. EcoHIV-infected, athymic mice were more permissive to virus replication in macrophages than were wild-type mice, suffered cognitive dysfunction, as well as increased numbers of monocytes and macrophages infiltrating the brain. Our results suggest an important role of HIV expressing macrophages in HIV neuropathogenesis in hosts with suppressed HIV replication.

Soft robots outperform the conventional robots on enhanced safety for human–machine interaction, environmental adaptability, and continuous deformation. In this blooming area of fundamental and technological importance, liquid crystal polymer networks and liquid crystal elastomers (referred to as LCNs) have emerged as one of the most valuable candidates for soft robots due to their complex, large, and reversible shape change capabilities. To date, much research effort, mainly regarding chemical synthesis, fabrication technologies and soft robot design, has been dedicated to LCN robotic systems to endow them with versatile and complex actions controlled by various stimuli. Herein, starting with the principle that governs the stimuli‐responsiveness of LCNs, recent progress made in LCN soft robots is summarized while focusing on different robotic motions, such as grapping, walking, swimming, and oscillation. Especially, novel LCNs with intelligent functions such as reprocessability, reconfigurability, self‐regulating behavior and associative learning capability, are highlighted. This article aims to provide significant insights into the design and development of LCN‐based soft robots. Liquid crystal polymers have emerged as promising materials for making soft robots driven by a variety of stimuli. Herein, the state‐of‐the‐art of this research field is reviewed, which covers the actuation mechanisms, the progress on soft robots capable of doing diverse mechanical works, mimicking versatile locomotion modes, and displaying intelligent functions.

The protonic ceramic electrochemical cell (PCEC) is an emerging and attractive technology that converts energy between power and hydrogen using solid oxide proton conductors at intermediate temperatures. To achieve efficient electrochemical hydrogen and power production with stable operation, highly robust and durable electrodes are urgently desired to facilitate water oxidation and oxygen reduction reactions, which are the critical steps for both electrolysis and fuel cell operation, especially at reduced temperatures. In this study, a triple conducting oxide of PrNi 0.5 Co 0.5 O 3-δ perovskite is developed as an oxygen electrode, presenting superior electrochemical performance at 400~600 °C. More importantly, the self-sustainable and reversible operation is successfully demonstrated by converting the generated hydrogen in electrolysis mode to electricity without any hydrogen addition. The excellent electrocatalytic activity is attributed to the considerable proton conduction, as confirmed by hydrogen permeation experiment, remarkable hydration behavior and computations. While producing renewable fuel is crucial for a sustainable energy economy, there is still a need for active and durable materials capable of efficient fuel generation and utilization. Here, authors demonstrate a triple-conductive oxide as an oxygen electrode for H 2 or electricity production.

Directional thermal management is critical for energy harvesting and utilization. The common passive radiative cooling and heating strategies free of electricity input mainly focus on regulating the solar and thermal radiation properties of materials while neglecting the thermal conduction process. The directional thermal management for harvesting thermal energy based on the rare thermal rectifying materials is usually in the absence of radiation regulation. Here, the dual Janus foams with dual asymmetries in photothermal and thermal rectification are designed and exhibit high photothermal property contrast and excellent thermal rectification ratios (122 %). The temperature difference ratio of the managed end could be improved nearly 21 times from 3 % based on a single Janus structure to 65 % based on a dual Janus structure. This method provides a comprehensive and inspiring view for better directional thermal management in the future. Directional thermal management is critical for energy harvesting and the common passive radiative cooling and heating strategies free of electricity input focus on regulating the solar and thermal radiation properties of materials but neglect the thermal conduction process. Here, the authors report dual Janus foams with dual asymmetries in photothermal and thermal rectification showing high photothermal property contrast and thermal rectification ratios.