Magnetic properties of Er-doped ZnO films prepared by reactive magnetron sputtering

All Zn1−x Er x O (x=0.04, 0.05, and 0.17) films deposited on glass substrates by radio-frequency reactive magnetron sputtering exhibit the mixture of ferromagnetic and paramagnetic phases at room temperature. The estimated magnetic moment per Er ion decreases with the increase of Er concentration. The temperature dependence of the magnetization indicates that there is no intermetallic ErZn buried in the films. The ferromagnetism is attributed to the Er ions substitution for Zn2+ in ZnO lattices, and it can be interpreted by the bound-magnetic-polaron model

Use of Thread-hanging Microwave Antenna to Assist in Precise Puncture of Lung Nodule and Influencing Factors

Objective To explore a precise method with a microwave antenna for puncture of pulmonary nodules and analyze phenomena that affect the puncture results. Methods Clinical data of 107 cases with solitary malignant pulmonary nodules were collected, and the mean length of pulmonary nodules was 13.6±0.6 mm in CT axial position. A thread-hanging method was used to assist the puncture of pulmonary nodules. The procedure was successful when the needle was not withdrawn and inserted into the central region of the nodule. The success rate and complications of the pulmonary procedure were recorded. The incidence of the following phenomena were also documented: needle coercing, needle slipping, needle tip pushing, pulmonary nodule prolapsing, radial nodule deformation, nodular masking, and radial movement distance of needle tip. Results In all of 107 cases evaluated, the antenna puncture was successful in 101 cases (94.4%) but failed in 6 cases (5.6%). Pneumothorax and pulmonary hemorrhage occurred in 23 (21.5%) and 19 cases (17.8%), respectively. The following phenomena occurred: needle coercing in 9 cases (8.4%), needle slipping in 6 cases (5.6%), needle tip pushing in 19 cases (17.8%), pulmonary nodule prolapsing in 15 cases (14%), radial nodule deformation in 14 cases (13.1%), and nodular masking in 5 cases (4.7%). The mean radial adjusting distance of needle tip was 0.7±0.4 cm. Conclusion The thread-hanging method can assist in the accurate puncture of microwave antenna for pulmonary nodules. We should focus and deal with phenomena that may occur and affect the result of puncture

Detecting the QTL-Allele System of Seed Oil Traits Using Multi-Locus Genome-Wide Association Analysis for Population Characterization and Optimal Cross Prediction in Soybean

Soybean is one of the world's major vegetative oil sources, while oleic acid and linolenic acid content are the major quality traits of soybean oil. The restricted two-stage multi-locus genome-wide association analysis (RTM-GWAS), characterized with error and false-positive control, has provided a potential approach for a relatively thorough detection of whole-genome QTL-alleles. The Chinese soybean landrace population (CSLRP) composed of 366 accessions was tested under four environments to identify the QTL-allele constitution of seed oil, oleic acid and linolenic acid content (SOC, OAC, and LAC). Using RTM-GWAS with 29,119 SNPLDBs (SNP linkage disequilibrium blocks) as genomic markers, 50, 98, and 50 QTLs with 136, 283, and 154 alleles (2–9 per locus) were detected, with their contribution 82.52, 90.31, and 83.86% to phenotypic variance, corresponding to their heritability 91.29, 90.97, and 90.24% for SOC, OAC, and LAC, respectively. The RTM-GWAS was shown to be more powerful and efficient than previous single-locus model GWAS procedures. For each trait, the detected QTL-alleles were organized into a QTL-allele matrix as the population genetic constitution. From which the genetic differentiation among 6 eco-populations was characterized as significant allele frequency differentiation on 28, 56, and 30 loci for the three traits, respectively. The QTL-allele matrices were also used for genomic selection for optimal crosses, which predicted transgressive potential up to 24.76, 40.30, and 2.37% for the respective traits, respectively. From the detected major QTLs, 38, 27, and 25 candidate genes were annotated for the respective traits, and two common QTL covering eight genes were identified for further study

Fusobacterium nucleatum upregulates MMP7 to promote metastasis-related characteristics of colorectal cancer cell via activating MAPK(JNK)-AP1 axis

Abstract Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignant tumor. Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum) is overabundant in CRC and associated with metastasis, but the role of F. nucleatum in CRC cell migration and metastasis has not been fully elucidated. Methods Differential gene analysis, protein−protein interaction, robust rank aggregation analysis, functional enrichment analysis, and gene set variation analysis were used to figure out the potential vital genes and biological functions affected by F. nucleatum infection. The 16S rDNA sequencing and q-PCR were used to detect the abundance of F. nucleatum in tissues and stools. Then, we assessed the effect of F. nucleatum on CRC cell migration by wound healing and transwell assays, and confirmed the role of Matrix metalloproteinase 7 (MMP7) induced by F. nucleatum in cell migration. Furthermore, we dissected the mechanisms involved in F. nucleatum induced MMP7 expression. We also investigated the MMP7 expression in clinical samples and its correlation with prognosis in CRC patients. Finally, we screened out potential small molecular drugs that targeted MMP7 using the HERB database and molecular docking. Results F. nucleatum infection altered the gene expression profile and affected immune response, inflammation, biosynthesis, metabolism, adhesion and motility related biological functions in CRC. F. nucleatum was enriched in CRC and promoted the migration of CRC cell by upregulating MMP7 in vitro. MMP7 expression induced by F. nucleatum infection was mediated by the MAPK(JNK)-AP1 axis. MMP7 was highly expressed in CRC and correlated with CMS4 and poor clinical prognosis. Small molecular drugs such as δ-tocotrienol, 3,4-benzopyrene, tea polyphenols, and gallic catechin served as potential targeted therapeutic drugs for F. nucleatum induced MMP7 in CRC. Conclusions Our study showed that F. nucleatum promoted metastasis-related characteristics of CRC cell by upregulating MMP7 via MAPK(JNK)-AP1 axis. F. nucleatum and MMP7 may serve as potential therapeutic targets for repressing CRC advance and metastasis

Effects of the Root System Architecture of <i>Pinus taeda</i> and <i>Phyllostachys edulis</i> on the Index of Hydrological Connectivity in Subtropical Forest Ecosystems

The hydrological connectivity below the soil surface can influence the forest structure and function, especially soil and plant productivity. However, few studies have determined the changes in the hydrological connectivity below the soil surface with increasing soil depth and have quantified the effects of root systems on the hydrological connectivity in forest ecosystems. In this study, we evaluated the index of the hydrological connectivity (IHC) below the soil surface using a field dye tracing method and compared the difference in the index of hydrological connectivity in two subtropical forest stands (i.e., pine trees [SS] and bamboo [ZL]). We analyzed the interactions between the parameters of root system architecture and the index of hydrological connectivity. Back propagation (BP) neural networks were used to quantify which parameter can contribute the most relative importance to the changes of the IHC. The results revealed that the maximum value of the index of hydrological connectivity occurs at the soil surface, and it exhibits a non-linear decreasing trend with increasing soil depth. The parameters of root system architecture (root length, root projected area, root surface area, root volume, and root biomass) were rich in the top soil layers (0–20 cm) in the two sites. Those parameters were positively correlated with the IHC and the root length had the largest positive influence on the hydrological connectivity. Furthermore, we found that root system architecture with different root diameters had different degrees of influence on the index of hydrological connectivity. The very fine root systems (0 p < 0.01). The results of this study provide more information for the assessment of the hydrological connectivity below the soil surface and a better understanding of the effects of root systems in soil hydrology within the rhizosphere

Minimally Invasive Concepts in Treating Synchronous Liver Metastases Rectal Cancer Patients: Report of Six Cases

Background Rectal cancer patients with synchronous liver metastases (SLM) is common in clinical practice. However, the application of conventional natural orifice specimen extraction surgery (NOSES) and NOSES with specimen extraction via stoma/hepatectomy incision in the special population is rarely explored. Case report Six SLM rectal cancer patients were treated with simultaneous surgical resection and the specimens were extracted via anal/stoma/hepatectomy incision. Respectively, intraoperative and postoperative data, anal function 3 months after surgery and long-term prognosis were reviewed. Results Intraoperative and postoperative data and anal function were reliable for the six cases. Only one patient died of brain and bone metastases at 84 months after surgery and the other five patients were alive at their last follow-up. Conclusions Simultaneous surgical resection with the concept of conventional NOSES and NOSES with specimen extraction via stoma/hepatectomy incision is safety for SLM rectal patients

Quantification of Root Systems and Soil Macropore Networks Association to Soil Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity in Forested Wetland Soils

Understanding the relationship between root systems, soil macropore networks, and soil hydraulic properties is important to better assess ecosystem health. In this study, treatments were performed in forested wetland soils with different vegetation densities, i.e., large (LWa) and small communities (LWb) of reed (Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud.). At each plot, three undisturbed PVC cylinders (10 cm in diameter and 50 cm in height) were obtained, and X-ray microtomography (μCT) scanning was used to determine the root and macropore architectures. Results showed that the values of total root length and total root volume at LWa were significantly larger than those at LWb (p p < 0.05), whereas mean macropore length, mean macropore branch length, and mean macropore tortuosity at LWb were larger than those at LWa. Total root length and total root volume were positively correlated with soil saturated hydraulic conductivity. Imaged macroporosity, macropore volume, macropore length density, macropore node density, macropore branch density, mean macropore surface area, mean macropore diameter, and mean macropore volume were positively correlated with soil saturated hydraulic conductivity, whereas mean macropore length, mean macropore branch length, and mean macropore tortuosity were negatively correlated with soil saturated hydraulic conductivity. In conclusion, root systems and soil macropore networks constitute a complex synthesis inside soil environments, and together affect soil hydrological responses

Application of soil quality index to determine the effects of different vegetation types on soil quality in the Yellow River Delta wetland

Assessment of soil quality in different vegetation types of wetland ecosystems is essential for soil functioning, such as nutrient cycling and vegetation growth, particularly the maintenance of wetland ecosystem sustainability. Wetland degradation can extremely influence soil quality. However, prediction of soil quality in terms of soil quality index in wetland soils remains obscure. In this study with the fundamental goal to assess soil quality, we have intended to assemble a range of soil quality indicators to characterize the soil quality index (SQI). The minimum data set (MDS) from the Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to determine the SQI. With such objectives, three vegetation types: Robinia pseudoacacia community (tree), Tamarix chinensis community (bush), and Suaeda salsa community (grass) were selected in the Yellow River Delta wetland, eastern of China. A total of 108 soil samples [3 sites (tree, bush and grass)—3 field plots—3 replicates—4 soil depth layers: 0–10 cm, 10–20 cm, 20–40 cm, and 40–60 cm] were collected for laboratory analyses. This study showed that there were high variations in soil physical and chemical properties among the three sites. Soil organic carbon (SOC), silt, clay, and pH at tree site, total soil porosity (TSP), soil organic carbon (SOC), pH, and soil bulk density (SBD) at bush site, and total soil porosity (TSP), silt, and soil electronic conductivity (SEC) at grass site were retained in the MDS. SOC and TSP were the key soil quality indicators. The values of the SQI at 0–10 cm soil depth at all three sites (2.236, 0.895, and 2.573 respectively) were the highest compared with other soil depths, indicating the best soil quality in the upper soil layers (0–10 cm). The values of the SQI at 0–10 cm soil depth at both tree site and grass site were similar, and they were higher than those at bush site. At tree site, the values of the SQI decreased with increasing soil depth, which indicated that soil quality became worse with depth. At bush site, the values of the SQI decreased with increasing soil depth (0–40 cm), while the values increased at 40–60 cm depth, indicating better soil quality in the deeper soil layers (40–60 cm). At grass site, the values of the SQI at 10–20 cm and 40–60 cm soil depth were lower than those at 20–40 cm soil depth, indicating better soil quality at 20–40 cm soil depth. It is concluded that the SQI can be compared more accurately in different vegetation types of wetland ecosystems based on its simplicity and quantitative flexibility. These findings are of importance because the assessment of the SQI allows to quantify different vegetation effects on soil quality

Strength Damage and Acoustic Emission Characteristics of Water-Bearing Coal Pillar Dam Samples from Shangwan Mine, China

Long-term erosion and repeated scouring of water significantly affect the technical properties of coals, which are the essential elements that must be considered in evaluating an underground reservoir coal column dam’s standing sustainability. In the paper, the coal pillar dam body of the 22 layers of coal in the Shangwan Coal Mine is studied (22 represents No. 2 coal seam), and the water content of this coal pillar dam body is simplified into two types of different water content and dry–wet cycle. Through acoustic emission detection technology and energy dissipation analysis method, the internal failure mechanism of coal water action is analyzed. This study revealed three findings. (1) The crest pressure, strain, and resilient modulus in the coal sample were inversely related to the water content along with the dry–wet cycle number, while the drying–wetting cycle process had a certain time effect on the failure to the sample. (2) As the moisture content and the dry–wet cycle times incremented, three features were shown: first, the breakage pattern is the mainly stretching fracture for the coal specimen; second, the number and absolute value of acoustic emission count peaks decrease; third, the RA-AF probability density plot (RA is the ratio of AE Risetime and Amplitude, and AF is the ratio of AE Count and Duration) corresponds more closely to the large-scale destruction characteristics for the coal samples. (3) A higher quantity of wet and dry cycles results in a smoother energy dissipation curve in the compacted and flexible phases of the crack, indicating that this energy is released earlier. The research results can be applied to the long-term sustainability assessment of the dams of coal columns for underground reservoirs and can also serve as valuable content to the excogitation of water-bearing coal column dams under similar engineering conditions

Marker-assisted pyramiding of γ-tocopherol methyltransferase and glutamate formiminotransferase genes for development of biofortified sweet corn hybrids

Micronutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and other bioactive compounds, have tremendous impacts on human health. Much progress has been made in improving the micronutrient content of inbred lines in various crops through biofortified breeding. However, biofortified breeding still falls short for the rapid generation of high-yielding hybrids rich in multiple micronutrients. Here, we bred multi-biofortified sweet corn hybrids efficiently through marker-assisted selection. Screening by molecular markers for vitamin E and folic acid, we obtained 15 inbred lines carrying favorable alleles (six for vitamin E, nine for folic acid, and three for both). Multiple biofortified corn hybrids were developed through crossing and genetic diversity analysis