Near-infrared photoactivatable control of Ca signaling and optogenetic immunomodulation

The application of current channelrhodopsin-based optogenetic tools is limited by the lack of strict ion selectivity and the inability to extend the spectra sensitivity into the near-infrared (NIR) tissue transmissible range. Here we present an NIR-stimulable optogenetic platform (termed Opto-CRAC ) that selectively and remotely controls Ca2+ oscillations and Ca2+-responsive gene expression to regulate the function of non-excitable cells, including T lymphocytes, macrophages and dendritic cells. When coupled to upconversion nanoparticles, the optogenetic operation window is shifted from the visible range to NIR wavelengths to enable wireless photoactivation of Ca2+-dependent signaling and optogenetic modulation of immunoinflammatory responses. In a mouse model of melanoma by using ovalbumin as surrogate tumor antigen, Opto-CRAC has been shown to act as a genetically-encoded photoactivatable adjuvant to improve antigen-specific immune responses to specifically destruct tumor cells. Our study represents a solid step forward towards the goal of achieving remote control of Ca2+-modulated activities with tailored function

Near-infrared photoactivatable control of Ca2+ signaling and optogenetic immunomodulation

The application of current channelrhodopsin-based optogenetic tools is limited by the lack of strict ion selectivity and the inability to extend the spectra sensitivity into the near-infrared (NIR) tissue transmissible range. Here we present an NIR-stimulable optogenetic platform (termed 'Opto-CRAC') that selectively and remotely controls Ca(2+) oscillations and Ca(2+)-responsive gene expression to regulate the function of non-excitable cells, including T lymphocytes, macrophages and dendritic cells. When coupled to upconversion nanoparticles, the optogenetic operation window is shifted from the visible range to NIR wavelengths to enable wireless photoactivation of Ca(2+)-dependent signaling and optogenetic modulation of immunoinflammatory responses. In a mouse model of melanoma by using ovalbumin as surrogate tumor antigen, Opto-CRAC has been shown to act as a genetically-encoded 'photoactivatable adjuvant' to improve antigen-specific immune responses to specifically destruct tumor cells. Our study represents a solid step forward towards the goal of achieving remote and wireless control of Ca(2+)-modulated activities with tailored function. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.10024.00

Research on Vibration Characteristics of an Underground Powerhouse of Large Pumped-Storage Power Station

With the rapid development of pumped storage, the vibration problems caused by the operation of power stations have become increasingly prominent. In this paper, a large-scale pumped-storage power station is taken as the research object, and a three-dimensional refined finite element model of the underground powerhouse including the surrounding rock mass is established. Based on the analysis of the vibration source of the powerhouse and the water diversion pipeline, the modal and dynamic response analysis of the underground powerhouse of the hydropower station is carried out, and the distribution law of the larger vibration displacement position is revealed. The calculation results show that under the premise that the vibration source is selected reasonably and the numerical model is accurate, the main frequency of the underground powerhouse structure can be obtained more accurately. After optimizing the design of the underground powerhouse based on the calculation results, the resonance problem of the underground powerhouse of the hydropower station can be avoided. The dynamic elastic modulus of the rock mass around the underground powerhouse has little influence on the mode shape of the powerhouse, but has a great influence on its fundamental frequency. When the dynamic elastic modulus of the rock mass increases by 50%, the fundamental frequency of the plant increases by about 29%. At the same time, the mode shape of each order of the underground powerhouse structure does not change much, mainly manifested as the vibration of the beam system structure, which is mainly caused by the stiffness of the beam system components being much smaller than the structural stiffness of the windshield, machine pier, and mass concrete around the volute. The research results can provide references for the design of underground powerhouses of large-scale pumped-storage power stations and the analysis of vibration problems

Research on Vibration Characteristics of an Underground Powerhouse of Large Pumped-Storage Power Station

With the rapid development of pumped storage, the vibration problems caused by the operation of power stations have become increasingly prominent. In this paper, a large-scale pumped-storage power station is taken as the research object, and a three-dimensional refined finite element model of the underground powerhouse including the surrounding rock mass is established. Based on the analysis of the vibration source of the powerhouse and the water diversion pipeline, the modal and dynamic response analysis of the underground powerhouse of the hydropower station is carried out, and the distribution law of the larger vibration displacement position is revealed. The calculation results show that under the premise that the vibration source is selected reasonably and the numerical model is accurate, the main frequency of the underground powerhouse structure can be obtained more accurately. After optimizing the design of the underground powerhouse based on the calculation results, the resonance problem of the underground powerhouse of the hydropower station can be avoided. The dynamic elastic modulus of the rock mass around the underground powerhouse has little influence on the mode shape of the powerhouse, but has a great influence on its fundamental frequency. When the dynamic elastic modulus of the rock mass increases by 50%, the fundamental frequency of the plant increases by about 29%. At the same time, the mode shape of each order of the underground powerhouse structure does not change much, mainly manifested as the vibration of the beam system structure, which is mainly caused by the stiffness of the beam system components being much smaller than the structural stiffness of the windshield, machine pier, and mass concrete around the volute. The research results can provide references for the design of underground powerhouses of large-scale pumped-storage power stations and the analysis of vibration problems

Approaches to MATLAB Experimental Course

Abstract MATLAB programming is currently a widely established course for science and engineering specialty, different universities differ a lot in making the standard of this experimental course, however, the existing common problem is the weak disconnect between the contents and special training. To overcome the problem of disconnect between study and application of MATLAB, Schedule and contents of this course were discussed, and design experiment was enhanced. This revision takes not only into account for the connecting of contents but also fusion with corresponding frontier information field. Students enjoy the experiment, a preliminary understanding of the application situation of MATLAB programming language, and the educational quality can be improved

SUPPRESSOR OF MAX2 LIKE 6, 7, and 8 Interact with DDB1 BINDING WD REPEAT DOMAIN HYPERSENSITIVE TO ABA DEFICIENT 1 to Regulate the Drought Tolerance and Target <i>SUCROSE NONFERMENTING 1 RELATED PROTEIN KINASE 2.3</i> to Abscisic Acid Response in <i>Arabidopsis</i>

SUPPRESSOR OF MAX2-LIKE 6, 7, and 8 (SMXL6,7,8) function as repressors and transcription factors of the strigolactone (SL) signaling pathway, playing an important role in the development and stress tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana. However, the molecular mechanism by which SMXL6,7,8 negatively regulate drought tolerance and ABA response remains largely unexplored. In the present study, the interacting protein and downstream target genes of SMXL6,7,8 were investigated. Our results showed that the substrate receptor for the CUL4-based E3 ligase DDB1-BINDING WD-REPEAT DOMAIN (DWD) HYPERSENSITIVE TO ABA DEFICIENT 1 (ABA1) (DWA1) physically interacted with SMXL6,7,8. The degradation of SMXL6,7,8 proteins were partially dependent on DWA1. Disruption of SMXL6,7,8 resulted in increased drought tolerance and could restore the drought-sensitive phenotype of the dwa1 mutant. In addition, SMXL6,7,8 could directly bind to the promoter of SUCROSE NONFERMENTING 1 (SNF1)-RELATED PROTEIN KINASE 2.3 (SnRK2.3) to repress its transcription. The mutations in SnRK2.2/2.3 significantly suppressed the hypersensitivity of smxl6/7/8 to ABA-mediated inhibition of seed germination. Conclusively, SMXL6,7,8 interact with DWA1 to negatively regulate drought tolerance and target ABA-response genes. These data provide insights into drought tolerance and ABA response in Arabidopsis via the SMXL6,7,8-mediated SL signaling pathway