The Role of Pumilio RNA Binding Protein in Plants

Eukaryotic organisms have a posttranscriptional/translational regulation system for the control of translational efficiency. RNA binding proteins (RBPs) have been known to control target genes. One type of protein, Pumilio (Pum)/Puf family RNA binding proteins, show a specific binding of 3′ untranslational region (3′ UTR) of target mRNA and function as a post-transcriptional/translational regulator in eukaryotic cells. Plant Pum protein is involved in development and biotic/abiotic stresses. Interestingly, Arabidopsis Pum can control target genes in a sequence-specific manner and rRNA processing in a sequence-nonspecific manner. As shown in in silico Pum gene expression analysis, Arabidopsis and rice Pum genes are responsive to biotic/abiotic stresses. Plant Pum can commonly contribute to host gene regulation at the post-transcriptional/translational step, as can mammalian Pum. However, the function of plant Pum proteins is not yet fully known. In this review, we briefly summarize the function of plant Pum in defense, development, and environmental responses via recent research and bioinformatics data.

Adolescents may accurately self-collect pharyngeal and rectal clinical specimens for the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection

Background The COVID-19 pandemic illuminated the benefits of telemedicine. Self-collected specimens are a promising alternative to clinician-collected specimens when in-person testing is not feasible. In this study, we assessed the adequacy of self-collected pharyngeal and rectal specimens for the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae among individuals undergoing chlamydia and gonorrhea screening. Methods We used data from a large cohort study that included male and female adolescents between the ages of 12–24 years. We considered self-collected specimens adequate for clinical use if the human synthase gene (a control target of the assay) was detected in the specimen. Results In total, 2,458 specimens were included in the analysis. The human synthase gene was detected in 99.2% (2,439/2,458) of all self-collected specimens, 99.5% (1,108/1,114) of the pharyngeal specimens, and 99.0% (1,331/1,344) of the rectal specimens. Conclusion Self-collected pharyngeal and rectal specimens demonstrated a very high proportion of human gene presence, suggesting that self-collection was accurate. A limitation of this study is that the sample adequacy control detects the presence or absence of the human hydroxymethylbilane synthase gene, but it does not indicate the specific anatomic origin of the human hydroxymethylbilane synthase gene. Self-collected specimens may be an appropriate alternative to clinician-collected specimens.

ALGORITHMIC METHOD OF AUTONOMOUS CORRECTION MEASUREMENT ERRORS IN SYSTEMS AUTOMATIC CONTROL AND REGULATION

A method of autonomous a posteriori estimation of control target’s state coordinates is demonstrated. The method’s accuracy does not depend on automatic control system sensors errors. An algorithmic implementation of the method is proposed – an algorithm for processing the array of data on the control target observed inputs and outputs, obtained by passive information accumulation during the observation interval of the control target normal functioning. At the final stage of the estimation algorithm, the implemented control process is simulated with complete a priori information about the conditions for its implementation (simulation estimation method). The algorithm execution time should be negligible in relation to the duration of the observation interval (instantaneous a posteriori estimation of the control target’s state). The proposed method allows to cyclically correct instrumental errors of automatic control and regulation systems without using external sources of information.

Health Impact Attributable to Improvement of PM2.5 Pollution from 2014–2018 and Its Potential Benefits by 2030 in China

With the advancement of urbanization and industrialization, air pollution has become one of the biggest challenges for sustainable development. In recent years, ambient PM2.5 concentrations in China have declined substantially due to the combined effect of PM2.5 control and meteorological conditions. To this end, it is critical to assess the health impact attributable to PM2.5 pollution improvement and to explore the potential benefits which may be obtained through the achievement of future PM2.5 control targets. Based on PM2.5 and population data with a 1 km resolution, premature mortality caused by exposure to PM2.5 in China from 2014 to 2018 was estimated using the Global Exposure Mortality Model (GEMM). Then, the potential benefits of achieving PM2.5 control targets were estimated for 2030. The results show that premature mortality caused by PM2.5 pollution decreased by 22.41%, from 2,361,880 in 2014 to 1,832,470 in 2018. Moreover, the reduction of premature mortality in six major regions of China accounted for 52.82% of the national total reduction. If the PM2.5 control target can be achieved by 2030, PM2.5-related premature deaths will further decrease by 403,050, accounting for 21.99% of those in 2018. Among them, 87.02% of cities exhibited decreases in premature deaths. According to the potential benefits in 2030, all cities were divided into three types, of which type III cities should set stricter PM2.5 control targets and further strengthen the associated monitoring and governance. The results of this study provide a reference for the formulation of air pollution control policies based on regional differences.

Too Good to be Liked? When and How Prosocial Others are Disliked

Outstandingly prosocial individuals may not always be valued and admired, but sometimes depreciated and rejected. While prior research has mainly focused on devaluation of highly competent or successful individuals, comparable research in the domain of prosociality is scarce. The present research suggests two mechanisms why devaluation of extreme prosocial individuals may occur: they may (a) constitute very high comparison standards for observers, and may (b) be perceived as communal narcissists. Two experiments test these assumptions. We confronted participants with an extreme prosocial or an ordinary control target and manipulated comparative aspects of the situation (salient vs. non-salient comparison, Experiment 1), and narcissistic aspects of the target (showing off vs. being modest, Experiment 2). Consistent with our assumptions, the extreme prosocial target was liked less than the control target, and even more so when the comparison situation was salient (Experiment 1), and when the target showed off with her good deeds (Experiment 2). Implications that prosociality does not always breed more liking are discussed.

Quantum Optimal Control for Bose-Einstein-Condensates at Complex Space

Quantum control of Bose-Einstein-Condensates is interesting topic in the areas of control and physics. In this work, Gross-Pitaevskii equation expressed Bose-Einstein-Condensates is considered as control target. Full theoretical proof for the existence of quantum optimal control is provided for cubical Schrodinger equation in complex Hilbert spaces.

Quantum Optimal Control for Bose-Einstein-Condensates at Complex Space

Quantum control of Bose-Einstein-Condensates is interesting topic in the areas of control and physics. In this work, Gross-Pitaevskii equation expressed Bose-Einstein-Condensates is considered as control target. Full theoretical proof for the existence of quantum optimal control is provided for cubical Schrodinger equation in complex Hilbert spaces.