Search

Abstract: The Q-switched and mode-locked (QML) performance in a diode-pumped Nd:Lu0.2Y0.8VO4 laser with electro-optic (EO) modulator and GaAs saturaber absorber is investigated. In comparison with the solely passively QML laser with GaAs, the dual-loss-modulated QML laser with EO and GaAs can generate pulses with higher stability and shorter pulse width of Q-switched envelope, as well as higher pulse energy. At the repetition rate 1kHz of EO, the pulse width of Q-switched pulse envelope has a compression of 89% and the pulse energy has an improvement of 24 times. The QML laser characteristics such as the pulse width, pulse peak power etc. have been measured for different small-signal transmittance (T0) of GaAs, different reflectivity (R) of output coupler and modulation frequencies of the EO modulator (f e ). The highest peak power and the shortest pulse width of mode-locked pulses are obtained at f e =1kHz, R=90% and T0 =92.6%. By considering the influences of EO modulator, a developed rate equation model for the dual-loss-modulated QML laser with EO modulator and GaAs is proposed. The numerical solutions of the equations are in good agreement with the experimental results. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: By using both the single-walled carbon nanotube saturable absorber (SWCNT-SA) and the electro-optic (EO) modulator, the stably doubly Q-switched and mode-locked (QML) operation of Nd:Gd0.3Lu0.33Y0.37VO4 laser has been demonstrated. The QML laser characteristics such as the pulse width, single-pulse energy, etc., have been measured for different modulation frequencies of the EO modulator (f e ) and reflectivity (R) of output coupler. In comparison with the solely passively QML laser with SWCNT-SA, the experimental results show that the doubly QML laser can generate more stable and shorter pulses with higher pulse energy. At 9.24W pump power, f e =1kHz and R=93.5%, the doubly QML laser has compressed the Q-switched envelope pulse width 88% and improved the mode-locked pulsed energy 55 times. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A potent series of inhibitors against the B-RafV600E kinase have been developed that show excellent activity in cellular assays and good oral bioavailability in rats. The key structural features of the series are an arylsulfonamide headgroup, a thiazole core, and a fluorine ortho to the sulfonamide nitrogen. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: To explore the potential of a novel animal interferon formulation for controlled release, the yak interferon-alpha (IFN-α) glutathione S-transferase (GST) fusion protein was expressed in Escherichia coli (E. coli) and the purified recombinant IFN-α was encapsulated into solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) by double emulsion solvent evaporation (w/o/w) method. The particle size and zeta potential of IFN-α-loaded SLN were 124.2±10.2nm and −11.2±0.6mV. The encapsulation efficiency of IFN-α and loading capacity of the SLN were 83.7±4.5% and 1.73±0.15%, respectively. In vitro release study and antiviral assay demonstrated that the IFN-α released from the SLN in a 16-day period exhibited antiviral activity in Madin–Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) cells against vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), and showed a release pattern of an initial burst release followed by a sustained and slow release. Cytotoxicity assay in cell culture demonstrated that the SLN were not toxic. The results of this exploratory study suggest that the IFN-α-loaded SLN could be a useful formulation for controlled release in veterinary therapeutics. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: TATB (1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene) explosives were safely irradiated with microwave and showed no visible change according to XPS and XRD spectra. Temperature of TATB sample increased quickly at the beginning and gently during sequent continuous irradiation with temperature less than 140°C after 60min, 480W irradiation, and increased more quickly in 300g at 480W than in 150g at 480W, both implied that heat dissipation was in the majority of microwave energy. Two major risk factors in microwave irradiation were concerned including overheating which should be avoidable with temperature monitor and microwave discharge which should be controllable experimentally though dielectric breakdown mechanism was not elucidated theoretically yet. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Most proteins are hydrophilic and poorly encapsulated into the hydrophobic matrix of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN). To solve this problem, poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) was utilized as a lipophilic polymeric emulsifier to prepare hydrophilic protein-loaded SLN by w/o/w double emulsion and solvent evaporation techniques. Hydrogenated castor oil (HCO) was used as a lipid matrix and bovine serum albumin (BSA), lysozyme and insulin were used as model proteins to investigate the effect of PLGA on the formulation of the SLN. The results showed that PLGA was essential for the primary w/o emulsification. In addition, the stability of the w/o emulsion, the encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity of the nanoparticles were enhanced with the increase of PLGA concentration. Furthermore, increasing PLGA concentration decreased zeta potential significantly but had no influence on particle size of the SLN. In vitro release study showed that PLGA significantly affected the initial burst release, i.e. the higher the content of PLGA, the lower the burst release. The released proteins maintained their integrity and bioactivity as confirmed by sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and biological assay. These results demonstrated that PLGA was an effective emulsifier for the preparation of hydrophilic protein-loaded SLN. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Metal boride was firstly proposed as a novel catalyst for VRFB. • TiB 2 nanoparticles has low cost, large surface area and good electrical conductivity. • TiB 2 displays excellent electrocatalytic performance toward V3+/V2+ couple. • TiB 2 modified cell exhibits superior VRFB energy storage performance. [Display omitted] Transition metal borides have broad application prospects in the field of electrochemistry due to their excellent physicochemical stability and electrical conductivity. In this study, metal boride (titanium boride, TiB 2) was first proposed as a novel catalyst for V3+/V2+ in vanadium redox flow battery. Nano-TiB 2 exhibits large specific surface area and great electrical conductivity, and shows excellent catalytic performance in V3+/V2+ redox reaction. The performance of TiB 2 as negative catalyst for cell was further investigated. Compared with pristine cell, TiB 2 modified cell displays much higher discharge capacity (16.9 mA h) after 50 cycles and the incipient energy efficiency increases by 6.5%. The cell with TiB 2 as the negative electrode catalyst exhibits excellent rate performance at 50–150 mA cm−2. Voltage efficiency and energy efficiency of modified cell are 8.7% and 7.5% higher than those of pristine cell at 150 mA cm−2, respectively. In conclusion, this work reveals that nano-TiB 2 is a promising catalyst for enhancing the electrochemical performance toward V3+/V2+ redox reaction for vanadium redox flow battery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Ultrasonic vibration was applied on the compaction process of PBX powder. • By application of ultrasonic increase in the compressive modulus and the tensile fracture and strength was measured. • Enhanced homogeneity and microstructure evolution were reported by applying ultrasonic vibration. • The ultrasound assistance can effectively improve the densification level of samples and lower internal total particle surface area. Improving the density of parts, structural homogeneity, and mechanical properties are the most challenging issues in the PBX compaction process. In this study, the ultrasonic-assisted PBX compaction technique and equipment were introduced and designed. With this equipment, it is found that the density of compacted PBX parts increases, and the diameter expansion and density differences decrease by applying ultrasonic vibration. The influences of compaction pressure, hold time and particle size on the compaction were also analyzed. The results indicate that increasing the pressure and time, while decreasing the particle size, results in a higher density and strength of PBX parts. Then, the microstructures were analyzed to show the mechanism of density distributions. It is found that the density increase is due to the particle's rearrangement leading to a "dense" structure and smaller particle sizes with ultrasonic vibration. Finally, the compressive modulus and strength, and the tensile fracture and strength were found to increase by applying ultrasonic vibration. These mechanical properties decrease along the radial and axial direction, indicating the surface effect of the ultrasonic vibration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a certain image encryption algorithm to encrypt plain image into visually meaningless noise image is a common way to protect the security of image data. Nevertheless, meaningless noisy image will cause more attention during the transmission process and thus results in lots of attacks. Here, we propose a visually secure image encryption scheme based on two-dimensional compressive sensing (2DCS) and integer wavelet transform (IWT) embedding. During the encryption process, the confusion and diffusion of plain image are realized through random scrambling and grayscale transformation, then a pre-encrypted image is obtained, and then the pre-encrypted image is re-encrypted into a secret image via 2DCS. During the embedding process, the carrier image is converted into a coefficient matrix through IWT, then embedding technology is used to embed the secret image into the coefficient matrix to obtain the modified coefficient matrix, and then it is transformed into the spatial domain through inverse IWT to achieve the final meaningful cipher image. The application of 2DCS can ensure data security and increase the speed of the decryption algorithm, and the IWT embedding can achieve visual security without loss of information. The effectiveness, data security, visual security and real-time performance of the scheme have been tested in simulation results and comprehensive performance analysis. • The proposed image encryption scheme achieves visual security and data security. • The application of 2DCS can increase the speed of the encryption scheme. • The application of IWT can achieve visual security without loss of information. • Nonlinear transformation is introduced to enhance the security of the scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The EJ309 liquid scintillator detector and the developed gamma spectrum unfolding procedure are used to study the complex gamma spectra. The EJ309 liquid scintillator detector is calibrated by using measured response functions of the standard gamma sources 133Ba, 137Cs, and 60Co, which are verified by Monte Carlo simulations for detector calibration accuracy. A gamma spectra unfolding procedure is developed based on the One-fold Gold algorithm, which is used for unfolding simulated complex gamma spectra, experimentally measured response function of 133Ba and 137Cs, and composed complex gamma spectra using measured response function of 133Ba and 137Cs with different relative intensities (RI). The data of unfolded gamma-ray spectra are compared with the standard data. The results show that the EJ309 liquid scintillator detector and the developed gamma spectra unfolding procedure can quantitative and qualitative analysis of complex gamma spectra with reasonable accuracy. • Gamma spectrum analysis based on the EJ309 liquid scintillator detector is studied. • An unfolding program of gamma spectra has been developed. • The unfolding results were in good agreement with the standard data of gamma-rays. • This work can obtain the energy and relative intensity of gamma-rays. • This work can provide the basis for obtaining gamma radionuclide information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Providing a new method for the preparation of Al-Ti-C grain refiner. • The contact angle θ of aluminum-carbon interface is reduced under ultrasonic field. • TiC particles are detached from the interface driven by sound pressure, which results that the wetting interface is updated in real time. • The wetting and spreading of the aluminum melt on the graphite surface under ultrasonic field are simulated. In the preparation of an Al-Ti-C grain refiner under an ultrasonic field, the mechanism of the wetting behaviour between Al and C was systematically investigated. The results demonstrated that the wetting behaviour was mainly dependent on the wetting of the Al melt on graphite under the ultrasonic field (physical wetting) and the formation and mass transfer of TiC (reactive wetting). The diffusion of Ti atoms and their adsorption around the graphite could contribute to the wetting of Al-C. TiC particles were formed under the high temperature caused by the cavitation effect, and they detached from the interface due to the sound pressure, which resulted in consistently sufficient contact on the wetting interface. Moreover, the wetting and spreading behaviour of the Al melt on graphite under an ultrasonic field were numerically simulated, strongly manifesting that the ultrasonic field could facilitate the wetting of the Al-C interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The composite system composed of polymer, conductive and dielectric filler has excellent dielectric properties. Herein, by studying the effect of filler distribution on the composite system's performance, the graphene nanoplatelets/Polystyrene (GNP/PS)/Barium titanate/Polyvinylidene Fluoride (BT/PVDF) selective composite system is prepared. When the conductivity and dielectric loss change little, the dielectric constant and breakdown field strength of the selective composite system are improved obviously. In the selective composite system, as the dielectric constant is between 12 and 13, the characteristic breakdown field strength is as high as 25.8 kV/mm, which is over three times higher than it of the pure composite system. It is because the addition of BT and GNP particles enhances the establishment of polarization. Besides, the blending of PVDF and PS improves the breakdown field strength of the material. Comprehensive properties of the material are enhanced. Therefore, this study provides a basis for the subsequent study of dielectric materials. • The selective composite system of (graphene plate/polystyrene)/(barium titanate/polyvinylidene fluoride) is prepared. • In the selective composite system, the characteristic breakdown field strength is as high as 25.8 kV/mm, which is over three times higher than it of the pure composite system. • The dielectric constant of the blend system which has continuous matrix and selective distribution of fillers is predicted by the mixed dielectric model. • The theoretical predicted value of the dielectric constant is in good agreement with the measured value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Buffer influence on AlSb/InAs/AlSb quantum wells (QWs) was investigated by using Hall measurement, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). We found that the electron mobility of AlSb/InAs/AlSb QW with GaSb buffer is higher than that with AlSb buffer though the surface and crystal qualities of AlSb buffer are better than GaSb buffer. Relaxation measurement indicated that the 150Å InAs grown on AlSb buffer is partially relaxed, while it is fully strained when grown on GaSb buffer, which is also supported by critical thickness calculation. Because of InAs relaxation on AlSb buffer, mismatch dislocations will appear in the InAs layer and the interfaces of InAs QW will get rough, which is suggested as the reason leading to the lower mobility of InAs QW grown on AlSb buffer than on GaSb buffer. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

As a novel type of proton conductor, BaHfO 3 -based proton conductor has a promising application potential, but its poor sinterability and low conductivity limit its application as hydrogen separation membrane materials. In this paper, In and Sn co-doping BaHfO 3 strategy was adopted to further optimize its sinterability and electrical conductivity. BaHf 0.9−x In x Sn 0.1 O 3−δ (x = 0.05–0.25) proton conductors were prepared by high temperature solid state method. The results of X-ray diffraction show that In3+ and Sn4+ have been successfully doped into the lattice to form a cubic perovskite structure. BaHf 0.7 In 0.2 Sn 0.1 O 3−δ (BHSI) was facilely sintered and reached a relative density above 96.25% at 1600 °C. The scanning electron microscope observation shows that the introduction of In3+ and Sn4+ can effectively improve the sinterability and increase the grain size of the sample. High relative density and big grain size allow reducing the volume fraction of grain boundaries and increasing the electrical conductivity of BHSI. The total conductivity of BHSI in wet air reaches 5.69 × 10−3 S cm−1 at 700 °C. In addition, BHSI also shows excellent chemical stability in pure H 2 and CO 2 , 200 ppm H 2 S and water steam, and boiling water. The obtained BHSI membranes were evaluated for hydrogen separation under a mode-pure protonic conductor with external short circuit. The hydrogen separation performance of BHSI membrane was tested systematically. Gas humidification on the feed side and sweep side can obviously increase the hydrogen permeation fluxes. BHSI membrane still maintains a stable hydrogen permeation performance, even 3% CO 2 and 100 ppm H 2 S was introduced into the feed gas, respectively. • The sinterability of barium hafnate-based proton conductors is improved by In and Sn co-doping. • BaHf 0.7 In 0.2 Sn 0.1 O 3−δ exhibits the improved conductivity due to decreasing bulk and grain boundary resistances. • The BaHf 0.7 In 0.2 Sn 0.1 O 3−δ membrane shows high performance for hydrogen separation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid, reliable and easy-to-implement diagnostics that can be adapted in early severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) diagnosis are critical to combat the epidemic. SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein (NP) is an ideal target for viral antigen-based detection. A rapid and convenient method was developed based on fluorescence immunochromatographic (FIC) assay to detect the SARS-CoV-2 NP antigen. However, the accuracy of this diagnostic method needs to be examined. This prospective study was carried out between 10 and 15 February 2020 in seven hospitals in Wuhan and one hospital in Chongqing, China. Participants with clinically suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection were enrolled. NP antigen testing by FIC assay and nucleic acid (NA) testing by real-time reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) were performed simultaneously in a blinded manner with the same nasopharyngeal swab sample. The diagnostic accuracy of NP antigen testing was calculated by taking NA testing of RT-PCR as the reference standard, in which samples with a cycle threshold (C t) value of ≤40 were interpreted as positive for SARS-CoV-2. A total of 253 participants were enrolled; two participants were excluded from the analyses because of invalid NP testing results. Of 251 participants (99.2%) included in the diagnostic accuracy analysis, 201 (80.1%) had a C t value of ≤40. With C t value 40 as the cutoff of NA testing, the sensitivity, specificity and percentage agreement of the FIC assay was 75.6% (95% confidence interval, 69.0–81.3), 100% (95% confidence interval, 91.1–100) and 80.5% (95% confidence interval, 75.1–84.9) respectively. With RT-PCR assay as the reference standard, NP antigen testing by FIC assay shows high specificity and relatively high sensitivity in SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis in the early phase of infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• MSCs induced macrophage M2 polarization in vitro. • MSCs induced M2 macrophage polarization by activating STAT6. • M2 macrophages significantly reduced the secretion of ALT and AST from injured hepatocytes. Extensive infiltration of M2 macrophages plays a crucial role in repairing acute liver failure (ALF), however, the molecular pathways whereby mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) induce M2 macrophage polarization remains unknown. We investigated the molecular pathways involved in MSC-induced M2 polarization and describe the potential therapeutic effects of M2 macrophages on ALF. The expression of M2 macrophage markers was significantly increased after M0 macrophages were co-cultured with MSCs in vitro. MSCs induced M2 macrophage polarization by activating STAT6, whereas a STAT6 inhibitor significantly inhibited the expression of M2 macrophage polarization markers (IL-4, CD163, TGF-β, IL-10 and Arg-1). Finally, M2 macrophages significantly reduced the secretion of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) from injured hepatocytes. These results demonstrated that MSCs induced M2 macrophage polarization by activating STAT6, and that M2 macrophages increased the expression of anti-inflammatory factors to alleviate ALF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NaTi 2 (PO 4) 3-x Cl 3x /C (x = 0.00, 0.05, 0.10, and 0.20) samples were prepared by sol-gel modus, and were used as anode for aqueous lithium ion battery. Cl doping on PO 4 3− site demonstrates no significant effect on morphology and crystallographic phase for NaTi 2 (PO 4) 3. And it can obviously improve electrochemical properties of NaTi 2 (PO 4) 3 electrode. Among all composites, NaTi 2 (PO 4) 2.9 Cl 0.3 /C (NC-Cl-30) shows the best electrochemical performance. NC-Cl-30 presents discharge capacity of 131, 100, and 79 mAh g−1 at 0.2, 3.0, and 15C, separately, 55, 36, and 34 mAh g−1 higher than those of original sample. In addition, discharge capacity of 76.1 mAh g−1 for NC-Cl-30 is reserved, which is increased by 17.6 mAh g−1 than that of original sample after 1000 cycles (6C). This work shows that Cl doping on PO 4 3− site is an effective way to promote the electrochemical performance of NaTi 2 (PO 4) 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although light emitting diodes (LEDs) are widely used in our daily lives, there is little research regarding LED light's possible effects on biological functions. We used a zebrafish animal model to investigate the long-term effects of white, blue and red LED lights on cognitive learning and memory recall. Our data suggest that these treatments had not only an impact on learning but also surprisingly long-lasting effects, particularly with regard to individuals treated with red light. The qPCR results revealed that the expression levels of trpm4 , trpa1b , grin2aa and dlg4 in the skin were increased after monochromatic light treatment. Furthermore, the up-regulation of trpm4 in the brain may correlate to enhanced learning and memory following red-light treatment. Our results identify a light-based stimulation system for enhancing zebrafish learning, which has the potential to provide important insights into the relationship between LED lighting and animal behaviour. • The monochromatic LED light treatment changes zebrafish learning behaviour. • The LED light treatment has a long-termed effects on zebrafish cognitive learning. • The red light (630 nm) treatment promotes cognitive learning and memory recall. • The up regulation of trpm4 may play an important role for maintaining learning and memory in zebrafish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study of the distribution of the stress field at the bottom-hole in ultra-deep wells is one of the keys to understand the rock-breaking mechanism and to optimize the design of drilling tools and bits, thus improving rock-breaking efficiency. To date, investigations of the stress field at bottom-hole considered only the static solution after stress redistribution, and neglected the dynamic evolution of the stress field and only considered uniaxial stress or biaxial stresses. Based on Biot's theory of poroelastic mechanics, the complex loading state of the rock at bottom-hole is considered and a fully coupled model of seepage field and stress field is proposed. Time effects are taken into consideration, and the model is combined with the three-dimensional Mohr-Coulomb criteria to predict strength failure of the rock at the bottom-hole. The dynamic response of the rock at the well bottom is obtained by numerical solution and the fail function is proposed to analyze the influence of stress at the well bottom on rock strength failure. The results show that the time effect of the poroelastic medium can be reflected by the dynamic response of the borehole or damping fluctuation of the pore pressure at the central line of the well bottom, and the influence range of this stress or the changes in pore pressure is within 5 well radii (R) of the borehole. For the scenario considered, under balanced drilling conditions and within 0–0.6 R at the well bottom, the effective radial and hoop stresses remain in the tensile stress state after the borehole being drilled for several seconds, and the maximal values of effective radial and hoop stresses (compressive stress) appear near the borehole wall. The areas where tensile failure may occur are limited between the well bottom and 25 mm below the well bottom. The failure criteria calculated with the fail function shows that areas with smaller fail function values are concentrated in the convex part in the center of the wellbore and the junction part between the wellbore and the wellbore wall, where the rock strength failure is most likely to occur. Larger fail function values are found in a spherical area below the center of the wellbore, where the rock strength is greater due to the stress redistribution and resembles a tightly compacted core. • Dynamic evolution of bottom-hole stress closely related to the shape of well-bottom. • The fail function is established based on the 3D Mohr-Coulomb criterion and rock strength at well bottom is analyzed. • Rock strength distribution at well bottom can be used to guide bit and tool designing. • Bits with deep inner cone help to improve rock-breaking efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a novel combined forward osmosis (FO)-extraction process is applied for resource recovery and dye wastewater treatment simultaneously. FO process is utilized to concentrate the dye wastewater, to achieve a higher concentration factor and lower energy consumption compared with NF process. The FO pre-treatment can increase the dye concentration and reduce the stream volume, thereby reducing the reagent consumption in the subsequent extraction process and lowering the processing cost. In the extraction process, the compositions of the extractant and stripping agent are also optimized, and the recovery rates for congo red, fuchsin acid, orange acid and methyl blue are 97.8%, 82.1%, 80.1% and 76.1%, respectively. In addition, the FO process is driven by the simulated seawater (0.6 M NaCl) draw solution, which can avoid the energy-intensive operation for the draw solution regeneration. Therefore, this study provides a sustainable strategy for the dye wastewater treatment in the coastal areas. Image 1 • FO pre-treatment can reduces the reagent consumption in extraction process. • Hybrid process achieves high dye recovery from dye wastewater. • FO shows a higher concentration factor and lower energy consumption compare to NF. • Seawater-driven FO avoids energy-intensive regeneration of draw solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A new strategy for precise separation of lysine-specific demethylase 1 inhibitors • Multi-mode CCC separation guided by molecular docking and LC-MS/MS analysis • The PH-zone refining and recycling CCC separation finished by only one instrument • Compound 3 showed the potential ability of prohibiting tumor invasion and metastasis It is significant to precisely isolate potential active compounds from medicinal herbs containing multiple compounds. Herein, a new strategy for precise separation of lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) inhibitors from the rhizome of Corydalis yanhusuo (RCY) using counter-current chromatography (CCC) guided by molecular docking and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis was established. First, representative alkaloids from RCY were docked with LSD1 for screening active skeleton compounds. Simultaneously, the crude extract of RCY was preliminarily separated via pH-zone refining CCC. Subsequently, guided by LC-MS/MS analysis of the fragmentation pathways, three potential active fractions were obtained, followed by further online-storage and recycling CCC separation. Finally, three high-purity target quaternary alkaloids compound 3 (dehydrocorydaline) , 7 (coptisine) , and 8 (columbamine) were successfully isolated as a new class of potential natural LSD1 inhibitors by only one CCC instrument with multiple modes. Compound 3 , with the highest LSD1 inhibition ratio of 2.44 μ M, was tested for its ability to inhibit tumor invasion and metastasis in U2OS cells. Therefore, the CCC separation guided by virtual screening is a promising method for the targeted isolation of enzyme inhibitors from medicinal herbs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Shanganning Carbonate Platform (SCP) of the North China Craton (NCC) was located in the Trade Winds belt during the Cambrian, which influenced its facies development. In recent years, numerous drillcores have been recovered from these units, but the depositional environments and facies architecture of this large (~2.0 × 105 km2) carbonate platform system have not yet been reported in detail. In this study, we integrate sedimentological and magnetic fabric data collected from outcrops and drillcores in order to document variation in microfacies and facies associations within the SCP, to infer paleowind directions and constrain the paleogeographic location of the SCP, and to evaluate eolian controls on platform development. This analysis documented numerous carbonate microfacies belonging to six fabric types (mudstone, wackestone, packstone, grainstone, framestone, and dolostone) along with rarer siliciclastic sediments. These microfacies belong to facies associations representing tidal flat, open platform, platform margin, slope, and deep basinal depositional environments. Anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) measurements yielded mean paleocurrent directions for the Early, Middle, and Late Cambrian of 114°, 63°, and 83° (± ~30°) from paleo-north, respectively, that were relatively consistent for 12 out of 13 platform-margin sites, all vectors being corrected for a post-Cambrian ~150° clockwise rotation of the NCC. These wind orientations are consistent with the SCP shifting from south of the paleo-Equator in the Early Cambrian to north of it by the Middle Cambrian. Paleo-Trade Winds influenced facies patterns across the platform, producing a distinct windward-leeward zonation. The windward margin is characterized by well-sorted oolitic grainstone, as well as (favositids) coral and (dasycladacean) algal-sponge framestone, and the leeward margin by poorly-sorted oolitic wackestone-grainstone and fine bioclastic sediments. The present study is innovative in 1) integrating microfacies and AMS analyses in order to establish paleowind patterns and influences on an ancient carbonate platform, 2) documenting windward-leeward variation in quantifiable sediment properties across the SCP, and 3) constraining the paleo-hemispheric location of the NCC during the Cambrian. • Analysis of microfacies and depositional environments of Cambrian in Ordos Basin • Quantitative measurements of sediment properties across the platform were documented. • Paleo-hemispheric location of North China Craton was constrained during Cambrian. • Paleo-Trade Winds influenced windward versus leeward facies zonation patterns. • An integrated methodology of magnetic anisotropy and standard petrographic data [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective treatment of inflammatory pain is a major clinical concern for both patients and physicians. Traditional analgesics such as morphine and coxibs are not effective in all patients and have various unwanted side effects. Accumulating evidence has suggested that endomorphins (EMs), particularly EM-1, possess potent anti-inflammatory effects. However, poor bioavailability and low resistance to enzymatic degradation impede their direct application in the treatment of inflammation. A series of novel peptides based on the structure of EM-1, with lower undesired effects than their parent compounds, called MEL-EMs were discovered and synthetized in our preceding studies. Here, we selected two (MEL-0614 and MEL-N1606) to further investigate their anti-inflammatory effects. This work showed that MEL analogs exerted potent analgesic effects with the inhibition of activated glial cells and macrophages in a CFA-induced inflammatory pain model. Furthermore, multiple-dose administration of MEL analogs did not prolong CFA-induced chronic inflammatory pain, in contrast to morphine. Together, our findings revealed that MEL analogs may serve as effective candidates for chronic inflammation treatment. • MEL analogs relief the inflammatory pain induced by CFA. • MEL analogs inhibit the activation of non-neuronal cells, which is different from morphine. • Repetitive treatments of MEL analogs do not exaggerate inflammatory pain, but morphine has proinflammatory effects. • MEL analogs may not participate in spinal TLR4-NLRP3 pathway but morphine is involved. • MEL analogs reversed the prolongation and amplification induced by morphine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cambrian SPICE (Steptoean Positive Carbon Isotope Excursion) event is widely reported from the late Miaolingian to the early Furongian, but recent studies imply that the synchroneity and magnitude of the SPICE may be controversial. In order to test the spatial variation of the SPICE, here we present 367 carbonate δ13C data from six outcrop sections across a ~700 km transect along the eastern North China Platform. The SPICE is present in all the studied sections, but showing different features regarding the duration and magnitude. An abrupt increase in δ13C from ~1.5‰ to 3.5‰ occurs in three Shandong sections, with maximum value present only in a thin (0.5–1.2 m thick) transgressive lag deposit (crudely wave stratified, bioclastic grainstone). In contrast, the δ13C record of the Baijiashan and Shashan sections in the Liaoning region displays a gradual increase (~20 m thick) from ~1.5‰ to the maximum value of 4.7‰. Both facies analysis and trilobite collections suggest that the spatial variation of the SPICE in the North China Platform most likely resulted from missing of sedimentary record (with high δ13C values) in the Shandong sections as a result of erosion and non-deposition during sea-level lowstand, a possible coeval hiatus prior to the Sauk III transgression in the Laurentian basins. Further high-resolution, integrated studies of sedimentology, biostratigraphy, and sedimentary geochemistry on the SPICE event are required to better understand its nature. • Six outcrop sections from the eastern North China Platform were studied for SPICE. • A complete SPICE (with max. value of ~4.7‰) was recorded in northeastern NCP. • Spatial variation in SPICE resulted from stratigraphic missing in Shandong region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endomorphin (EM)-1 and EM-2 are the most effective endogenous analgesics with efficient separation of analgesia from the risk of adverse effects. Poor metabolic stability and ineffective analgesia after peripheral administration were detrimental for the use of EMs as novel clinical analgesics. Therefore, here, we aimed to establish new EM analogs via introducing different bifunctional d -amino acids at position 2 of [(2-furyl)Map4]EMs. The combination of [(2-furyl)Map4]EMs with D-Arg2 or D-Cit2 yielded analogs with enhanced binding affinity to the μ -opioid receptor (MOR) and increased stability against enzymatic degradation (t 1/2 > 300 min). However, the agonistic activities of these analogs toward MOR were slightly reduced. Similar to morphine, peripheral administration of the analog [D-Cit2, (2-furyl)Map4]EM-1 (10) significantly inhibited the pain behavior of mice in multiple pain models. In addition, this EM-1 analog was associated with reduced tolerance, less effect on gastrointestinal mobility, and no significant motor impairment. Compared to natural EMs, the EM analogs synthesized herein had enhanced metabolic stability, bioavailability, and analgesic properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forward osmosis (FO) is a promising membrane-based technology for water treatment and desalination. But, internal concentration polarization (ICP), a unique phenomenon in FO, generally leads to the sharp performance decline. In this study, a novel polyacrylonitrile (PAN) substrate with low polymer concentration (4 wt%) of the thin-film composite (TFC) membrane with a low membrane structural parameter (S) is developed with sodium chloride (NaCl) aqueous solution as the coagulation bath, and exhibits high performance for FO applications. The existence of NaCl in the coagulation bath not only affects the phase inversion process significantly, resulting in the formation of a thin substrate with finely tuned morphology structure, but also benefits the formation of a uniform and defect-free top polyamide (PA) layer. Effects of NaCl content in the coagulation bath on the morphology and intrinsic properties of resulting PAN substrates, the formed PA layer, as well as the morphology and FO performance of resulting TFC membranes, are investigated systematically. Moreover, an extended study on cellulose acetate (CA) substrate is also conducted to study the universality of this salt induction method to fabricate high-performance TFC membranes. Compared to the control TFC membrane, modified TFC membranes show much lower S parameters and superior separation performance with the higher water flux (324% increment) and lower reverse salt flux (58% reduction). Image 1 • Substrates with low ICP were fabricated using salt-containing coagulation bath. • Modified substrates exhibit higher porosity, smaller thickness and large pore size. • TFC membranes with a modified substrate have rougher and thicker PA layers. • Modified TFC membrane possesses much higher water flux and lower reverse salt flux. • Modified TFC membrane has significantly lower structural parameter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Qianjiang Depression is a typical Eocene hypersaline lake basin developing good source rocks in the Qianjiang Formation, which have recently been identified as a potential target for saline lacustrine shale oil exploration. Previous studies have only focused on estimates of source rock potential and reservoir quality. However, studies on organic matter enrichment mechanisms in evaporative environments are limited. Based on organic geochemical and mineralogical data, as well as sedimentological analyses, we researched the factors controlling differences in organic matter enrichment in the basin. The results show that total organic carbon (TOC) contents are closely associated with lithofacies with distinct variations. Three main lithofacies associations (LAs) were identified: (1) glauberite-rich LA1 with medium TOC; (2) carbonate-rich LA2 with high TOC; and (3) anhydrite-rich LA3 with low TOC. The distribution of biomarkers from 14 samples indicate both higher land plants and aquatic organisms were involved in the organic matter accumulations. Combining experimental results on gammacerane/C 30 hopane, extended tricyclic terpane ratio (ETR), Sr/Ba, V/Ni, and sedimentary characteristics, we analyzed the sedimentary environments of the three LAs. LA1 was deposited in a salinity stratified waterbody with strong evaporation, LA2 was deposited in a still, stratified deep waterbody, whereas LA3 was deposited in a disturbed, saline waterbody. Sedimentary environments not only controlled the formation of the lithofacies, but also influenced the organic matter sources and preservation. Relatively low salinity, strong anoxic condition without physical disturbance, appropriate nutritional terrigenous material inputs, and algal blooms produced the best organic matter enrichment in the saline lake system. • We studied a hypersaline lake rhythmite from the Qianjiang Formation, Hubei, China. • Saline lake environments influence organic matter accumulation. • Hypersalinity is unfavorable for organic matter enrichment. • ETR is a valid biomarker to assess redox conditions in saline lake sediments. • High lake levels with anoxic conditions favor organic matter accumulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The piedmont depression in the western Junggar Basin is a typical large-scale thrust belt rich in hydrocarbons, but there is still a debate whether its structural properties relate to a foreland basin. This controversy hinders the understanding of regional hydrocarbon plays, giving rise to this study. As a conclusion, we discovered that - it was a foreland basin in the Permian that accounted for the structural properties of the piedmont depression. The basin was generated by continuous thrusting of the Western Junggar Orogenic Belt against the Junggar–Tuha Plate. This occurred after the formation of the Western Junggar Orogenic Belt in the Carboniferous. The western basin in this study can be divided into five different zones moving from the Western Junggar Orogenic Belt to the internal plate, which are: the foreland thrust belt (the Ke–Bai and Wu–Xia thrust belts), the foreland depression (the western part of the Mahu Sag), the foreland slope (the eastern part of the Mahu Sag), the forebulge (the Dabasong Uplift), and the back-bulge basin (the Western Pen 1 Well Sag). Based on the characteristics of geological structure, and the sedimentary strata of the western Junggar Basin, the evolution of the basin was split into two distinctive stages: the Permian development stage and the Mesozoic–Cenozoic burial stage. Throughout the entire process three suites of hydrocarbon source rocks were developed, regional seal rocks, and four types of trap and reservoir assemblages. The western Junggar Basin should be considered as a typical petroliferous foreland basin. • The Permian Junggar Basin are typical of a foreland basin with five structure units. • The Basin evolution can be divided into foreland basin stage and burial stage. • The Junggar Basin could be regarded as a typical petroliferous foreland basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Eocene lacustrine carbonates in the western Dongying Depression, Bohai Bay Basin were examined based on integrated analysis of 3D seismic data, cores, thin-sections, and geochemical testing. Seismic profiles and geomorphological mapping revealed a landmass-attached (semi-isolated) carbonate platform restricted by marginal syn-sedimentary faults and surrounded by three deep sags. 3D topographic analysis of the platform revealed six districts characterized by variable buried depths, topographic gradient, and fault combinations, including two flat-topped areas (PFW and SD; topographic gradient <4°) and four transitional zones above deep sags (P1, P2, S1, and S2; 4–10°). Eight lithofacies types were identified, forming five lithofacies associations: reef-shoal complex deposits, small bio-buildups, shoal-intershoal deposits, event flow deposits, and near-landmass mixed deposits. Well cross-sections revealed that facies distributions were closely associated with the geomorphological districts. Therefore, a geomorphology-dominated carbonate platform model was constructed, which highlighted the relationship of platform topography, hydrodynamic conditions, and facies distributions. The littoral facies is mainly composed of medium–high-energy deposits including reef-shoal and shoal sediments, which are mostly distributed in flat-topped areas. The sublittoral facies is dominated by low-to medium-energy deposits but influenced by storm activities, especially in the windward step-fault transitional zones. The profundal facies is positioned away from the platform marginal faults and joined with surrounding deep sags. Besides the regional geomorphology and its controlled hydrodynamic zones, the formation of such considerable lacustrine carbonates throughout the whole basin may have occurred because the global warming of late Eocene period induced sea transgression, which facilitated the development of lacustrine carbonates via marine-sourced reef-builders and biologically-induced carbonate precipitation. Furthermore, the East-Asian paleomonsoon climate influenced regional windfield may also have enhanced the prevailing southeast wind, which influenced the distribution of lithofacies and favorable reservoirs. Porosity-permeability analysis revealed that reservoir properties have a close relationship with geomorphology and lithofacies, thus geomorphology-associated facies prediction is essential for further hydrocarbon prospecting in this area. • A new geomorphology-dominated model was constructed to depict the detailed architecture of the lacustrine carbonate platform.. • The global-warming-induced sea transgression faciliated the development of lacustrine carbonates in the Dongying Depression Geomorphological districts of the carbonate platform controlled the distributions of lithofacies and their associations.. • Lacustrine carbonate reservoir properties were strongly controlled by geomorphology and lithofacies-caused heterogeneity. • Paleomonsoon-climate-enhanced regional windfield could cause local redistribution of carbonate deposits on the platform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The limitation of P-wave amplitude versus azimuth (AVAZ) inversion for fracture attribute parameters was studied by numerical modeling. First, seismic reflection data from multiple azimuths and incident angles were synthetized using anisotropic elastic wave equation modeling performed on a geological model, with a homogeneous isotropic medium overlying an anisotropic medium comprising vertical fractures. Then AVAZ inversion for fracture attribute parameters was performed on the synthetic data, from noise free to a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) level of 2. The results were analyzed by comparison with the actual attribute parameters of the model. We demonstrate that the fracture azimuth attributes from the AVAZ inversion of noise free data agree well with the actual models, with difference <1°, over incident angle range from 9.8° to 44.2°. Inversion results from noisy data, on the other hand, vary widely and failed to characterize the actual azimuth, though an average of many inversions may still be able to approximate azimuth. In contrast, fracture intensity attributes from AVAZ inversion generally carry large inherent errors. The AVAZ attributes from noise free data underestimate the intensity, using incident angle range of 15° to ~26°, with errors ranging from 8% to ~92%. Using a lager incident angle, within ~26° to 35°, overestimates the intensity, with errors up to ~461%. The inherent errors are so large and variable that the fracture intensity attributes from AVAZ inversion are not suitable for use as direct quantitative interpretation of fracture intensity. However, the relative differences of fracture intensity attributes from AVAZ inversion qualitatively agree with the actual intensity differences and may be exploited as a qualitative measure of fracture intensity variation applied to a very limited range of incident angles. For noisy data, it is difficult to characterize fracture azimuth, not only by a single inversion but also by a statistical mean of multiple inversion results and an effective de-noising processing strategy is a critical step for fracture azimuth inversion. • Modeling confirms AVAZ inversion is effective for detection of fracture azimuth. • AVAZ inversion of fracture intensity carries large inherent errors. • AVAZ inversion is not effective for quantitative fracture intensity interpretation. • Qualitative interpretation is valid for very limited range of incident angles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Provenances of Permo-Triassic clastic rocks in eastern CAOB change from single to bidirectional. • The mixing of the Angaran and Cathaysian floras occurred during the Late Permian-Middle Triassic. • The PAO closed via a scissor-like closure model from west to east with bidirectional subduction. The mixture of the Cathaysian and Angaran floras signifies the evolution of the Paleo-Asian Ocean (PAO). In this study, we present new zircon U-Pb-Hf isotope analyses from the Jiefangcun Formation, Sidonggou Formation, Kedao Group, and Kaishantun Formation in the Yanbian area, NE China. The Kaishantun Formation contains the Kaishantun flora, which is dominated by the Cathaysian flora with a few Angaran elements. The Jiefangcun Formation is characterized by the Jiefangcun flora, which is dominated by the Angaran taxa and contains some Cathaysian elements. The ages of these strata are widely accepted as Permian. However, in this study, the youngest zircon ages of the rock samples from the Jiefangcun Formation, Kedao Group and Sidonggou Formation are 243–245 Ma. Only the Kaishantun Formation is assigned to the Late Permian. The Kaishantun Formation has age peaks at 758, 934, 1856, and 2493 Ma with negative ε Hf (t) values, and this formation is therefore mainly derived from the North China Craton (NCC). In contrast, the Kedao Group and Jiefangcun Formation have zircon age peaks at ~260, 338 and ~460 Ma with positive and negative ε Hf (t) values, at 800–1000 Ma with mostly positive ε Hf (t) values, and at ~1800 Ma with positive and negative ε Hf (t) values, which suggest bidirectional provenances, including the Jiamusi-Mongolia Block and the NCC. Thus, the mixing between the Angaran and Cathaysian floras occurred during the Late Permian-Middle Triassic, suggesting a scissor-like closure model of the PAO, and the Solonker suture zone extends eastward to the Yanbian area with bidirectional subduction of the PAO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aerobic granular sludge with larger size and more compact spherical structure generally shows excellent performance in antibiotic removal, yet little is known about the long-term effect of environmentally-relevant concentration (μg/L) of antibiotics on the proliferation of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and microbial community in aerobic granules. Herein, a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) was set up with dosing different concentrations (0–500 μg/L) of tetracycline to investigate its influences on microbial communities and ARG levels in aerobic granular sludge. Results show that the bioreactor could effectively remove chemical oxygen demand (COD), nitrogen, and tetracycline during the long-term operation. The quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis shows that tetracycline at μg/L level could greatly enhance the absolute and relative abundances of tetA , sulII , and bla TEM - 1 in the effluent and aerobic granules, indicating tetracycline could serve as a selection pressure on the development of ARGs corresponding to different types of antibiotics in aerobic granules. Pearson's correlation analysis also implies that sulII and bla TEM - 1 were correlated strongly with tetA. Moreover, the presence of tetracycline altered the microbial communities and diversity of the effluent and aerobic granules in the bioreactor. These findings would advance our understanding of the proliferation and development of ARGs in aerobic granules under tetracycline pressure and serve as a foundation to guide the application of aerobic granular sludge for treatment of antibiotic-containing wastewater. Unlabelled Image • Tetracycline did not inhibit the performance of bioreactor in pollutant removal. • Tetracycline altered microbial community and diversity of aerobic granular sludge. • Long-term pressure of tetracycline could co-enrich tetA , sulII , and bla TEM - 1. • sulII and bla TEM - 1 were strongly correlated with tetA in aerobic granular sludge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To assess the outcomes in aggressively treated patients with aneurysmal intracerebral hematoma (ICH) and signs of brain herniation, and to investigate possible predictive factors. Methods This retrospective study included 43 patients with aneurysmal ICH who presented to the Emergency Department with brain herniation and received aggressive surgical treatment between 2008 and 2016. Emergency surgical clipping, hematoma removal, and external decompression were combined as an aggressive surgical treatment. Outcomes were assessed using in-hospital survival and the Glasgow Outcome Scale at a 6-month follow-up. Results All the patients were World Federation of Neurological Societies grade V on presentation. The mean hematoma volume was 59.1 ± 16.5 mL. The in-hospital mortality rate was 48.8%. At the 6-month follow-up, favorable outcomes were achieved in 7 patients (16.3%). Significant factors related to death included bilateral mydriasis, lower initial Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, larger hematoma volume, and no recovery of pupil reactivity after surgery. Bilateral restoration of pupil reactivity and higher initial GCS score were associated with 6-month favorable outcomes. Patients with an intrasylvian hematoma were more likely than those with an intraparenchymal hematoma to achieve a favorable outcome (62.5% vs. 5.7%; P = 0.001). Conclusions Our data indicate that the protocol of aggressive surgical treatment in patients with a herniated aneurysmal ICH might be warranted. Despite mydriasis, favorable outcomes might be achieved in some patients. However, careful individual patient-centered decision making is essential, particularly when bilateral pupil dilation persists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]