Emerging single-cell sequencing technology has generated large amounts of data, allowing analysis of cellular dynamics and gene regulation at the single-cell resolution. Advances in artificial intelligence enhance life sciences research by delivering critical insights and optimizing data analysis processes. However, inconsistent data processing quality and standards remain to be a major challenge. Here we propose scCompass, which provides a data quality solution to build a large-scale, cross-species and model-friendly single-cell data collection. By applying standardized data pre-processing, scCompass integrates and curates transcriptomic data from 13 species and nearly 105 million single cells. Using this extensive dataset, we are able to archieve stable expression genes (SEGs) and organ-specific expression genes (OSGs) in human and mouse. We provide different scalable datasets that can be easily adapted for AI model training and the pretrained checkpoints with state-of-the-art (SOTA) single-cell foundataion models. In summary, the AI-readiness of scCompass, which combined with user-friendly data sharing, visualization and online analysis, greatly simplifies data access and exploitation for researchers in single cell biology(http://www.bdbe.cn/kun). ### Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest.

Background: Recently, the utilization of sugar as a cryoprotectant has garnered significant attention. Sucrose and trehalose, as non-permeable cryoprotectants, can effectively regulate the osmotic pressure inside and outside cells while maintaining cell membrane stability during cryopreservation. Furthermore, it has been observed that monosaccharides sugars, particularly fructose, exhibit superior efficacy in preserving the quality of frozen substances as compared to disaccharides and trisaccharides sugars. Nevertheless, there is currently limited research assessing the cryopreservation effects of sucrose, trehalose, and fructose. The objective of this experiment is to identify the best cryoprotectant between sucrose, trehalose, and fructose for intact rat ovaries. Methods: Intact ovaries with blood vessels were obtained from 20 adult Lewis female rats and divided accordingly into four groups: control (non-vitrified), sucrose, fructose, and trehalose. The ovarian samples were subjected to a stepped cryoprotectant exposure and subsequently follicular histological analysis using light and electron microscopy. Ovarian cell apoptosis was evaluated by BCL2-Associated X (BAX) immunohistochemistry and Terminal Deoxynucleotidyl Transferase-Mediated Deoxyuridine Triphosphate nick End-Labeling (TUNEL) analyses. Results: The sucrose and the trehalose groups preserved the ovarian histological structure better than the fructose group. Additionally, there was no statistical difference in the total follicle number between the sucrose and trehalose groups, but the percentage of apoptotic cells in the trehalose group was significantly lower than that of the sucrose group (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Sucrose and trehalose perfusion protocols preserved the ovarian histology. However, the least apoptotic changes were observed in the trehalose group. The study suggested that trehalose would be a well-applied cryoprotectant in the cryopreservation of intact rat ovaries.

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has transformed our understanding of cellular diversity with unprecedented resolution. However, many current methods are limited in capturing full-length transcripts and discerning strand orientation. Here, we present RAG-seq, an innovative strand-specific total RNA sequencing technique that combines not-so-random (NSR) primers with Tn5 transposase-mediated tagmentation. RAG-seq overcomes previous limitations by delivering comprehensive transcript coverage and maintaining strand orientation, which are essential for accurate quantification of overlapping genes and detection of antisense transcripts. Through optimized reverse transcription with oligo-dT primers, rRNA depletion via Depletion of Abundant Sequences by Hybridization (DASH), and linear amplification, RAG-seq enhances sensitivity and reproducibility, especially for low-input samples and single cells. Application to mouse oocytes and early embryos highlights RAG-seq's superior performance in identifying stage-specific antisense transcripts, shedding light on their regulatory roles during early development. This advancement represents a significant leap in transcriptome analysis within complex biological contexts.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical and genetic characteristics of the retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulatory factor gene (RPGR) in a Chinese cohort. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 80 subjects with RPGR-retinal dystrophy (RPGR-RD) for detailed genetic and clinical characterization. The panel-based next-generation sequencing of 792 causative genes involved in common genetic eye diseases was conducted in all individuals, followed by clinical variant interpretation. Information, including age, sex, geographic distribution, family history, consanguineous marriage, age at symptom onset, disease duration, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and complete ophthalmologic examination results, was collected. Results: This cohort (41 men and 39 women) included 26 families (26 probands and their available family members) and 13 sporadic cases. The average age of these participants was 36.35 ± 17.68 years, and the majority of the families were from eastern China (28 families, 71.79%). The average duration of disease in the probands was 22.68 ± 15.80 years. In addition, the average BCVA values of the right and left eyes in the probands were 0.96 ± 0.77 and 1.00 ± 0.77, respectively. A total of 34 RPGR variants were identified, including 6 reported variants and 28 novel variants. Among these variants, NM_001034853.1: c.2899_2902delGAAG and c.2744_2745ins24 were considered de novo variants. The majority of the RPGR variants were classified as likely pathogenic, accounting for 70.59% of the variants (24 variants). The most common nucleotide and amino acid changes identified in this study were deletions (16 variants, 45.06%) and frameshifts (17 variants, 50.00%), respectively. Genetic analysis revealed that these RPGR variants were distributed in 10 different subregions of RPGR, and 70.59% of the RPGR variants (24 variants) were located in exon 15. Four RPGR variants, NM_001034853.1: c.2405_2406delAG, c.1345C > T, c.2218G > T and c.2236_2237delGA, occurred at a very high frequency of 28.21% (11 families) among 39 unrelated families. Conclusion: This study expands the known mutational spectrum of RPGR, and we provide a new reference for the genetic diagnosis of RPGR variants.

PURPOSE:To provides the clinical and genetic characteristics of a series of Chinese patients with X-linked juvenile retinoschisis (XLRS) through multimodal imaging and next-generation sequencing.METHODS:Thirty patients (60 eyes) from 29 unrelated families of Chinese origin with XLRS were screened using multigene panel testing, and underwent a complete clinical evaluation. All variants identified in this study and reported in the Human Gene Mutation Database were analysed.RESULTS:Twenty-five distinct variants in the retinoschisin gene were identified, of which eight were novel, and one was de novo. Missense mutations were the most prevalent type, and mutation hot spot was localized in the discoidin domain. The mean Snellen best-corrected visual acuity was 0.28 ± 0.17. Of all eyes presenting with schisis, 92.86% had lamellar schisis and 62.5% had peripheral schisis. Schisis changes mostly involved inner and outer nuclear layers. X-linked juvenile retinoschisis (XLRS) patients had a high incidence of complications, and peripheral schisis was a risk factor for it. No obvious genotype-phenotype association was observed.CONCLUSION:This study provides comprehensive analyses of the genetic and clinical characteristics of XLRS in a cohort of Chinese patients. The fourth de novo mutation in RS1 was identified. And we show that XLRS has a wide spectrum of clinical characteristics; hence, molecular diagnosis is crucial for its diagnosis, differential diagnosis and genetic counselling. Peripheral schisis is a risk factor for the high incidence of complications, and no clear genotype-phenotype correlations were found.

Eu2+ luminescence in the host of Na3Sc2(PO4)3 have attracted increasing attention due to its zero-thermal quenching phenomenon. In this paper, we have investigated a site modification strategy, in which Zn2+ is substituted for partial Sc3+ of the host lattice, and find such a strategy benefits great deal to Eu2+ luminescence. Through the solid-state reaction, a series of modified Na3Sc2-xZnx(PO4)3:0.03Eu2+ phosphors was synthesized. Phase purity of the synthesized phosphors was identified by powder X-ray diffraction and their luminescence properties were studied through excitation and emission spectra, fluorescence lifetime, quantum efficiency, temperature-dependent emission spectra and thermoluminescence spectra. With the nonequivalent substitution, the modified Na3Sc2-xZnx(PO4)3:0.03Eu2+ phosphors exhibit higher luminescence intensity. In the meantime, thermal performance of Eu2+ photoluminescence has been further optimized. Finally, the white light-emitting diodes (WLEDs) application is examined by combining 340 nm near ultraviolet (n-UV) LED chip and phosphors (Blue: Na3Sc1.92Zn0.08(PO4)3: 0.03Eu2+, Yellow: Y3Al5O12: Ce3+, Red: K2SiF6: Mn4+). The fabricated WLED device has excellent properties with CIE color coordinate x = 0.3844, y = 0.4206, correlated color temperature (CCT) = 4161 K and color rendering index (Ra) = 93.8, indicating the potential application in WLED fields.

Retina is a crucial tissue for capturing and processing light stimulus. It is critical to describe the characteristics of retina at the single-cell level for understanding its biological functions. A variety of abnormalities in terms of morphology and function are present in the trisomy 21 (T21) retina. To evaluate the consequences of chromosome aneuploidy on retina development, we identified the single-cell transcriptional profiles of a T21 fetus and performed comprehensive bioinformatic analyses. Our data revealed the diversity and heterogeneity of cellular compositions in T21 retina, as well as the abnormal constitution of T21 retina compared to disomic retina. In total, we identified seven major cell types and several subtypes within each cell type, followed by the detection of corresponding molecular markers, including previously reported ones and a series of novel markers. Through the analysis of the retinal differentiation process, subtypes of retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) exhibiting the potential of different retinal cell-type commitments and certain Müller glial cells (MGs) with differentiating potency were identified. Moreover, the extensive communication networks between cellular types were confirmed, among which a few ligand-receptor interactions were related to the formation and function of retina and immunoregulatory interactions. Taken together, our data provides the first ever single-cell transcriptome profiles for human T21 retina, which facilitates the understanding on the dosage effects of chromosome 21 on the development of retina.

Retina is a crucial tissue for the capturing and processing of light stimulus. Characterization of the retina at single cell level is essential for the understanding of its biological functions. A variety of abnormalities in terms of morphology and function were reported in T21 retina. To evaluate the effects of chromosome aneuploidy on retina development, we characterized single cell transcriptional profiles of a T21 fetus and performed comprehensive bioinformatic analyses. Our data revealed the diversity and heterogeneity of cellular compositions in T21 retina. In total, we identified seven major cell types, and detected several subtypes within each cell type, followed by the detection of corresponding molecular markers including previously reported ones and a series of novel markers. Our analyses identified extensive communication networks between distinct cellular types, among which a few ligand-receptor interactions were associated with the development of retina and immunoregulatory interactions. Taken together, our data provided the first single cell transcriptome profile for human T21 retina which facilitates our understanding on the dosage effects of chromosome 21 on the development of retina.

The repression of transposons by the Piwi-interacting RNA (piRNA) pathway is essential to protect animal germ cells. In Drosophila, Panoramix enforces transcriptional silencing by binding to the target-engaged Piwi-piRNA complex, although the precise mechanisms by which this occurs remain elusive. Here, we show that Panoramix functions together with a germline-specific paralogue of a nuclear export factor, dNxf2, and its cofactor dNxt1 (p15), to suppress transposon expression. The transposon RNA-binding protein dNxf2 is required for animal fertility and Panoramix-mediated silencing. Transient tethering of dNxf2 to nascent transcripts leads to their nuclear retention. The NTF2 domain of dNxf2 competes dNxf1 (TAP) off nucleoporins, a process required for proper RNA export. Thus, dNxf2 functions in a Panoramix-dNxf2-dependent TAP/p15 silencing (Pandas) complex that counteracts the canonical RNA exporting machinery and restricts transposons to the nuclear peripheries. Our findings may have broader implications for understanding how RNA metabolism modulates heterochromatin formation.

The present study focuses on the function of cpg15, a neurotrophic factor, in ischemic neuronal recovery using transient global cerebral ischemic (TGI) mouse model and oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD)-treated primary cultured cells. The results showed that expression of cpg15 proteins in astrocytes, predominantly the soluble form, was significantly increased in mouse hippocampus after TGI and in the cultured astrocytes after OGD. Addition of the medium from the cpg15-overexpressed astrocytic culture into the OGD-treated hippocampal neuronal cultures reduces the neuronal injury, whereas the recovery of neurite outgrowths of OGD-injured neurons was prevented when cpg15 in the OGD-treated astrocytes was knocked down, or the OGD-treated-astrocytic medium was immunoadsorbed by cpg15 antibody. Furthermore, lentivirus-delivered knockdown of cpg15 expression in mouse hippocampal astrocytes diminishes the dendritic branches and exacerbates injury of neurons in CA1 region after TGI. In addition, treatment with inhibitors of MEK1/2, PI3K, and TrkA decreases, whereas overexpression of p-CREB, but not dp-CREB, increases the expression of cpg15 in U118 or primary cultured astrocytes. Also, it is observed that the Flag-tagged soluble cpg15 from the astrocytes transfected with Flag-tagged cpg15-expressing plasmids adheres to the surface of neuronal bodies and the neurites. In conclusion, our results suggest that the soluble cpg15 from astrocytes induced by ischemia could ameliorate the recovery of the ischemic-injured hippocampal neurons via adhering to the surface of neurons. The upregulated expression of cpg15 in astrocytes may be activated via MAPK and PI3K signal pathways, and regulation of CREB phosphorylation.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTNeuronal plasticity plays a crucial role in the amelioration of neurological recovery of ischemic injured brain, which remains a challenge for clinic treatment of cerebral ischemia. cpg15 as a synaptic plasticity-related factor may participate in promoting the recovery process; however, the underlying mechanisms are still largely unknown. The objective of this study is to reveal the function and mechanism of neuronal-specific cpg15 expressed in astrocytes after ischemia induction, in promoting the recovery of injured neurons. Our findings provided new mechanistic insight into the neurological recovery, which might help develop novel therapeutic options for cerebral ischemia via astrocytic-targeting interference of gene expression.

EAST tokamak has been equipped with upper tungsten divertor since 2014. The tungsten accumulation has been often observed in NBI-heated H-mode discharges suggesting deleterious tungsten confinement in the plasma core. It causes not only H-L back transition but also plasma disruption in several discharges. Suppression of the tungsten accumulation is therefore the most important issue in EAST to achieve a long pulse H-mode discharge. In order to study the tungsten behavior in the long pulse discharge, tungsten spectra have been measured at 20-140 angstrom. The tungsten density, n(w), is evaluated from the intensity of tungsten unresolved transition array (W-UTA) in a wavelength range of 45-70 angstrom which is composed of several ionization stages of tungsten, e.g. W27+-W45+ at T-e0 similar to 2.5 keV). It is found that the tungsten accumulation can be suppressed when the 4.6 GHz LHW with P-LHW similar to 0.8 MW is superimposed on the NBI phase (P-NBI = 1.9 MW). During the superimposed phase the ELM frequency, f(ELM), increases from similar to 30 Hz to similar to 60 Hz and the tungsten density is halved compared to the NBI-heated discharge. The H-mode discharge can be thus steadily sustained for longer period. It is found that the n(w) is a large function of the ratio of LHW power to the total injection power, P-LHW/(P-LHW + P-NBI), and the n(w) can be reduced, at least, in an order of magnitude smaller than that in NBI-heated discharges at P-LHW/(P-LHW+P-NBI) >= 0.8. The result strongly suggests a possible way toward the steady H-mode discharge. (C) 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Using waveform data we applied the FOCMEC method to calculate focal mechanisms of 918 M-L >= 2.5 earthquakes occurred during the period of Jan. 2010 to Jun. 2014 in North China (latitude 36 degrees-42 degrees; longitude 111 degrees-125 degrees). Among the computed solutions, 572 were found robust based on their clear first motions and amplitudes in the event waveforms, and the similarities among solutions using different (5, 10, and 15) step sizes. Using the TDMT full waveform inversion method, we further calculated the moment tensors for 14 large events which have higher signal-to-noise ratio at low frequencies, and compared the solutions with that by the FOCMEC method. In addition, we compiled focal mechanism solutions for moderate and large earthquakes since 1937 in North China. Based on the focal mechanism types and their correlation with surface tectonics, we characterized the focal mechanism solutions into several spatial clusters. Our results show the solutions for moderate and small earthquakes are generally complex in the study region, but some intriguing patterns can be recognized. The focal mechanisms of moderate and small earthquake have a clear zoning characteristic, and they are mainly normal and strike-slip fault types, suggesting that crustal deformation is dominated by translation and tension. Most of the normal type focal mechanisms are distributed in the Shanxi rift zone, Tangshan and Haicheng seismic zones. For major earthquakes (M-L >= 4.0), we found that the focal mechanism type is mainly of strike-slip. We conclude that the horizontal stress is dominant in North China, while in localized regions such as the Shanxi rift zone, Tangshan and Haicheng seismic zones, and the Bohai sea (the local region of Yantai-Penglai section), the tensile stress may be prevailing.

Objective To investigate the changes of average body weight gain and serum biochemical indexes of C57BL/6J mice (B6 mouse) and their offspings after frozen-thawed embryo transfer of B6 mice.Methods The mice were divided into three groups in this study.In the experimental group I (E-I,30 males and 20 females),2-cell embryos after in-vitro fertilization were collected,and cryopreserved by EFS method,then obtained the offsprings after transplantation of the recovered embryos to oviduct of recipient mice (ICR mouse).In the experimental group II (E-II,26 males and 17 females),when the mice from E-I grew to maturity,the offsprings were obtained from natural mating of mice from E-I.In the control group (20 males and 20 females),the offsprings came from conventional feeding and natural mating.The three groups of mice were raised to 16 weeks old,weighing the body weight at a regular time intervals,and the serum biochemical indexes were obtained from 16-week-old mice.Then the changes of average body weight and serum biochemical indexes of the mice were analyzed.Results The average body weight of E-I mice was significantly higher than that of control group at each week-age (P<0.01).The average body weight of E-II female mice was significantly higher than that of the control group in 12-16-week old mice (P<0.01),but the average body weight of E-II male mice showed no significant differences compared with the control group except for few weeks.The serum biochemical indexes of E-I and E-II mice were changed in all items except for AST,TP and Ca.Conclusions There are some effects on the average body weight gain and serum biochemical indexes of C57BL/6J mice and their offspings after frozen-thawed embryo transfer.

The foil resistive bolometer diagnostic on experimental advanced superconducting tokamak has been upgraded partly with a new generation of detectors. The new detectors have faster response time. However, the microwave interference is still a serious issue for the bolometer system. The system response to microwave is tested, and the test results show that the closed Wheatstone bridge circuit in the detector is the most sensitive component to high power microwave field. Simulation results of microwave transmission by the high frequency structure simulator software and shielding design are also presented.

Objective To establish a rapid monitoring method of the three common bacteria in mice frozen resources, such as embryo, sperm, etc. Methods To extract DNA of the three positive bacteria( Staphylococcus auerus, Klebsiella?pneumoniae and β?hemolyticstreptococcus) , and establish PCR monitoring method of the three positive strains through designing primer and refining PCR condition. Then extract total DNA of the frozen resources, detect the DNA according to the PCR condition of the three positive bacteria, some samples were detect by fluorescence quantitative PCR at the same time. Results ①successfully establish a PCR detection method of the three positive bacteria, the minimum detectable concentration of Staphylococcus auerus, Klebsiella pneumoniae and β?hemolytic streptococcus is 4?19 × 10 -5 ng/μL, 1?98 × 10 -5 ng/μL and 1?07 × 10 -3 ng/μL. ②Proved that the three bacteria doesn ’ t exist in the sample by&nbsp;normal PCR and fluorescence quantitative PCR methods. Conclusions Establising a rapid monitoring method of common pathogens of frozen embryo and sperm in mice.

The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) gene expresses two major alternative splicing isoforms, full-length membrane-bound RAGE (mRAGE) and secretory RAGE (esRAGE). Both isoforms play important roles in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis, either via interaction of mRAGE with β-amyloid peptide (Aβ) or inhibition of the mRAGE-activated signaling pathway. In the present study, we showed that heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A1 (hnRNP A1) and Transformer2β-1 (Tra2β-1) were involved in the alternative splicing of mRAGE and esRAGE. Functionally, two factors had an antagonistic effect on the regulation. Glucose deprivation induced an increased ratio of mRAGE/esRAGE via up-regulation of hnRNP A1 and down-regulation of Tra2β-1. Moreover, the ratios of mRAGE/esRAGE and hnRNP A1/Tra2β-1 were increased in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from AD patients. The results provide a molecular basis for altered splicing of mRAGE and esRAGE in AD pathogenesis. The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) gene expresses two major alternative splicing isoforms, membrane-bound RAGE (mRAGE) and secretory RAGE (esRAGE). Both isoforms play important roles in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis. Mechanism for imbalanced expression of these two isoforms in AD brain remains elusive. We proposed here a hypothetic model to illustrate that impaired glucose metabolism in AD brain may increase the expression of splicing protein hnRNP A1 and reduce Tra2β-1, which cause the imbalanced expression of mRAGE and esRAGE.

目的 通过腹腔注射链脲佐菌素(streptozotocin,STZ)构建小鼠糖尿病(diabetes mellitus,DM) 模型后,运用体外受精技术研究母体高血糖环境对早期胚胎发育的影响.方法 选取6～8周龄ICR雌鼠经2次腹腔注射小剂量STZ构建小鼠糖尿病模型,并设实验对照组.实验母鼠体外受精得到2-细胞胚胎,统计受精率等,并将2-细胞胚胎移植至代孕母鼠体内.取14 d胎龄的胚胎提取总RNA,用Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer系统对总RNA进行质检合格后,经过逆转录、标记、杂交、洗脱,芯片结果用Affymetrix Scanner 3000进行扫描,用Command Console Software 3.1读取原始数据,实验重复3次,比较实验组与对照组的基因表达的差异情况.结果 较高血糖组(血糖为9.5 ～ 15.5 mmol/L)母鼠卵子体外受精后发育到2-细胞胚胎的比例为52.3％与对照组的72.1％存在显著统计学差异(P＜0.01),高血糖组(血糖值＞15.5 mmol/L)胚胎发育到2-细胞的比例为44.2％与对照组相比也存在显著统计学差异(P＜0.01).芯片筛选出差异表达基因121个(P＜0.05),其中有119个基因实验组的表达量是对照组的0.5倍以下,2个基因实验组的表达量是对照组的2倍以上.结论 糖尿病小鼠的卵子与正常精子体外受精后发育到2-细胞的比例较对照组小鼠低,并且血糖值越高比例越低.由此说明母体糖尿病环境能影响其卵子的生长发育,并且这些影响可能是通过上调代谢相关基因和下调发育相关基因产生的.

The MGI mitigated disruption experiments were carried out on EAST with a new fast gas controlling valve in 2012. Different amounts of noble gas He or mixed gas of 99% He+1% Ar are injected into plasma in current flat-top phase and current ramp-down phase separately. The initial results of MGI experiments are described. The MGI system and the radiation measurement system are briefly introduced. The characteristics of radiation distribution and radiation energy loss are analyzed. About 50% of the stored thermal energy Wdia is dissipated by radiation during the entire disruption process and the impurities of C and Li from the PFC play important roles to radiative energy loss. The amount of the gas can affect the pre-TQ phase. Strong poloidal asymmetry of radiation begins to appear in the CQ phase, which is possibly caused by the plasma configuration changes as a result of VDE. No toroidal radiation asymmetry is observed presently.

ABSTRACTThis study focuses on the function of NSSR1, a splicing factor, in neuronal injury in the ischemic mouse brain using the transient global cerebral ischemic mouse model and the cultured cells treated with oxygen‐glucose deprivation (OGD). The results showed that the cerebral ischemia triggers the expression of NSSR1 in hippocampal astrocytes, predominantly the dephosphorylated NSSR1 proteins, and the Exon3 inclusive NCAM‐L1 variant and the Exon4 inclusive CREB variant. While in the hippocampus of astrocyte‐specific NSSR1 conditional knockdown (cKD) mice, where cerebral ischemia no longer triggers NSSR1 expression in astrocytes, the expression of Exon3 inclusive NCAM‐L1 variant and Exon4 inclusive CREB variant were no longer triggered as well. In addition, the injury of hippocampal neurons was more severe in astrocyte‐specific NSSR1 cKD mice compared with in wild‐type mice after brain ischemia. Of note, the culture media harvested from the astrocytes with overexpression of NSSR1 or the Exon3 inclusive NCAM‐L1 variant, or Exon4 inclusive CREB variant were all able to reduce the neuronal injury induced by OGD. The results provide the evidence demonstrating that: (1) Splicing factor NSSR1 is a new factor involved in reducing ischemic injury. (2) Ischemia induces NSSR1 expression in astrocytes, not in neurons. (3) NSSR1‐mediated pathway in astrocytes is required for reducing ischemic neuronal injury. (4) NCAM‐L1 and CREB are probably mediators in NSSR1‐mediated pathway. In conclusion, our results suggest for the first time that NSSR1 may provide a novel mechanism for reducing neuronal injury after ischemia, probably through regulation on alternative splicing of NCAM‐L1 and CREB in astrocytes. GLIA 2015;63:826–845

Reductions in pore space caused by soil compaction considerably impact soil permeability to air and water by crop roots. The inoculation of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi to alleviate this problem has been explored around the world. A pot experiment was conducted to assess the effects of AM fungi inoculation on the growth of two crops, tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) and maize (Zea mays L.), and the soil structure in a clay soil (lime concretion black soil). The results showed that AM fungi inoculation increased shoot nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations of maize by 32.4% and 17.0%, respectively. Soil alkali-hydrolyzable N and Olsen-P were 30.1% and 29.9% higher, respectively, in inoculated maize plants than in the corresponding uninoculated treatments for 30 days. No effect of AM fungi on nutrient uptake and soil-available nutrients was found for tomato plants. The NMWD (normalized mean weight diameter, an index to evaluate soil aggregates) values for tomato and maize plants inoculated with AM fungi were 46.2% and 17.7% higher, respectively, than uninoculated plants and the same trends were detected for soil organic carbon (SOC) content. A significant positive relationship was found between SOC and NMWD, indicating that increasing SOC might be one mechanism by which AM fungi improved soil structure. Our results suggested that AM fungi might not always benefit plant growth and nutrient absorption after inoculating for 30 days, but contributed to soil structure improvement even with low colonization.