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In this paper, we mainly study nonsmooth mixed-integer nonlinear programming problems and solution algorithms by outer approximation and generalized Benders decomposition. Outer approximation and generalized Benders algorithms are provided to solve these problems with nonsmooth convex functions and with conic constraint, respectively. We illustrate these two algorithms by providing detailed procedure of solving several examples. The numerical examples show that outer approximation and generalized Benders decomposition provide a feasible alternative for solving such problems without differentiability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) is a key component of information transmission networks in smart grid because it connects distribution stations to grid users. However, the ever-increasing amount of information transmitted through smart meters inevitably results in heavy path loads and route congestion in AMI, which can lead to transmission delay and data packet loss. Therefore, in this paper, we proposed a routing algorithm based on load balancing that enabled data packets to select the optimal route between smart meter and data aggregator unit. We defined the routing optimization objective function for estimating the path load by using load factor,and employed an ant colony algorithm combined with simulated annealing (ACA-SA) to solve the optimization problem. Furthermore, with considering the quality of service (QoS) requirements of latency and reliability for AMI applications, two routing methods were proposed: the method with variable initial pheromone for delay-sensitive applications, whereas the method with variable visibility for applications with low packet-loss rate requirements. Analytical and simulation results demonstrated that the proposed algorithm can offer real-time and reliable communication for AMI in smart grid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the advent of conducting polymers, electric vertical drains (EVDs) have been employed as electrodes in a small number of electro-osmosis trials. The design philosophy of EVDs is based on corrosion resistance, electric conduction, and drainage abilities. This paper summarizes the laboratory investigations of the electro-osmosis methods with different electrodes in kaolin clay. The electro-osmosis drainage time of EVDs was longer than the metal electrodes, which is beneficial to the strengthening effect. The filter membrane and drainage path of EVDs confers an obvious improvement on the drainage effect. The energy consumption of electro-osmosis by EVD is acceptable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of physiological integration on clonal plants growing in aquatic and terrestrial habitats have been extensively studied, but little is known about the role in the extension of amphibious clonal plants in the heterogeneous aquatic-terrestrial ecotones, especially when the water environments are polluted by heavy metals. Ramets of the amphibious clonal herb Alternanthera philoxeroides were rooted in unpolluted soil and polluted water at three concentrations of Cu. The extension of populations from unpolluted terrestrial to polluted aqueous environments mainly relied on stem elongation rather than production of new ramets. The absorbed Cu in the ramets growing in polluted water could be spread horizontally to other ramets in unpolluted soil via physiological integration and redistributed in different organs. The performances of ramets in both terrestrial and aquatic habitats were negatively correlated with Cu intensities in different organs of plants. It is concluded that physiological integration might lessen the fitness of connected ramets in heterogeneously polluted environments. The mechanical strength of the stems decreased with increasing Cu levels, especially in polluted water. We suggest that, except for direct toxicity to growth and expansion, heavy metal pollution might also increase the mechanical risk in breaking failure of plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioflocculation, being environmental-friendly and highly efficient, is considered to be a promising method to harvest microalgae. However, one limitation of this technology is high expense on substrates for bioflocculant bacteria cultivation. In this regard, we developed an innovative method for the inner-recycling of biomass that could harvest the typical microalgae, Microcystis aeruginosa, using a bioflocculant produced by Citrobacter sp. AzoR-1. In turn, the flocculated algal biomass could be reutilized as a substrate for Citrobacter sp. AzoR-1 cultivation and bioflocculant production. The experimental results showed that 3.4 ± 0.1 g of bioflocculant (hereafter called MBF-12) was produced by 10 g/L of wet biomass of M. aeruginosa (high-pressure steam sterilized) with an additional 10 g/L of glucose as an extra carbon source. The efficiency of MBF-12 for M. aeruginosa harvesting could reach ~95% under the optimized condition. Further analysis showed that MBF-12, dominated by ~270 kDa biopolymers, contributed the bioflocculation mechanisms of interparticle bridging and biosorption process. Bioflocculant synthesis by Citrobacter sp. AzoR-1 using microalga as a substrate, including the polyketide sugar unit, lipopolysaccharide, peptidoglycan and terpenoid backbone pathways. Our research provides the first evidence that harvested algae can be reutilized as a substrate to grow a bioflocculant using Citrobacter sp. AzoR-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two Cd(II) complexes, [Cd(CMOPAA)(Phen)(H2O)]n (1) and [Cd(CMOPAA)(Bipy)]n (2), (H2CMOPAA = 4-carboxymethoxy-3-phenylacrylic acid, Phen = 1,10-phenanthroline and 2,2′-bipyridine = Bipy) were synthesized with 4-carboxymethoxy-3-phenylacrylic acid ligands by solvothermal condition and structurally characterized by element analysis, IR, TGA and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Complex 1 crystalizes in the monoclinic system, space group C2/c with a = 12.4609 (11) Å, b = 18.7973 (16) Å, c = 13.4544 (12) Å, β = 99.732 (1)°, V = 3106.1 (5) Å3. The asymmetric unit of complex 1 consists of one Cd(II) ion, one CMOPAA2− ligand, one Phen ligand and one H2O. Cd(II) ion is an eight-coordinated distorted dodecahedron geometry. Each CMOPAA2− ligand coordinates with two adjacent Cd(II) ions to form a one-dimensional chain. Complex 2 crystalizes in the triclinic system, space group P-1 with a = 9.407 (3) Å, b = 9.838 (3) Å, c = 11.792 (4) Å, α = 83.974 (4)°, β = 78.392 (3)°, γ = 67.019 (3)°, V = 983.7 (5) Å3. The asymmetric unit of complex 2 consists of one Cd(II) ion, one CMOPAA2− ligand and one Bipy ligand. Cd(II) ion is a seven-coordinated twisted single-cap triangular prism configuration. The hexadentate bridging CMOPAA2− ligands coordinates with four adjacent Cd(II) ions to form a one-dimensional chain. The tetradentate bridging CMOPAA2− ligands link the neighboring one-dimensional chains to form a novel two-dimensional network structure. Two Cd(II) complexes, [Cd(CMOPAA)(Phen)(H2O)]n (1) and [Cd(CMOPAA)(Bipy)]n (2), (H2CMOPAA = 4-carboxymethoxy-3-phenylacrylic acid, Phen = 1,10-phenanthroline and 2,2′-bipyridine = Bipy) were synthesized with 4-carboxymethoxy-3-phenylacrylic acid ligands and structurally characterized by element analysis, IR, TGA and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Complex 1 is a one-dimensional chain and complex 2 is a two-dimensional network structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Superhydrophobic conjugated microporous polymer-coated sponges (CMP@sponges) were synthesized in one pot by an in situ Sonogashira coupling reaction of silyl and amino group-containing monomers in the presence of melamine sponges. The water contact angles of the superhydrophobic CMP@sponges reached 154.9°. Introducing a small number of amino groups enhanced the hydrophobicity and stability of the CMP@sponges. The CMP@sponges exhibited a good absorption capacity for various oils (more than 80 times their own weight) and were stable after 10 cycles. An oil collection device was also designed to perform continuous oil separation from water. Gasoline and diesel can be collected at speeds of 16–18 mL/s with an efficiency of 99%. The superhydrophobic CMP@sponges can not only separate oil/water mixtures but can also be used for separating water-in-oil emulsions with an efficiency of approximately 90%. In addition, the CMP@sponges show excellent flame retardancy, which can reduce the risk of fire and explosion and holds great promise for the treatment of flammable fuels and organic compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play vital regulatory roles in plant growth and development. The phase transition from vegetative growth to flowering is crucial in the life cycle of plants. To date, miRNA-mediated flowering regulatory networks remain largely unexplored in radish. In this study, two small RNA libraries from radish leaves at vegetative and reproductive stages were constructed and sequenced by Solexa sequencing. A total of 94 known miRNAs representing 21 conserved and 13 non-conserved miRNA families, and 44 potential novel miRNAs, were identified from the two libraries. In addition, 42 known and 17 novel miRNAs were significantly differentially expressed and identified as bolting-related miRNAs. RT-qPCR analysis revealed that some miRNAs exhibited tissue- or developmental stage-specific expression patterns. Moreover, 154 target transcripts were identified for 50 bolting-related miRNAs, which were predominately involved in plant development, signal transduction and transcriptional regulation. Based on the characterization of bolting-related miRNAs and their target genes, a putative schematic model of miRNA-mediated bolting and flowering regulatory network was proposed. These results could provide insights into bolting and flowering regulatory networks in radish, and facilitate dissecting the molecular mechanisms underlying bolting and flowering time regulation in vegetable crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that play pivotal roles in plant growth, development and stress response. Chromium (Cr) is one of common environmental contaminants possessing potential health hazards to living organisms. To date, little is known about the regulatory roles of miRNAs in response to Cr stress in radish. To systematically identify Cr-responsive miRNAs and their targets in radish, two sRNA libraries derived from Cr-free (CK) and Cr-treated (Cr200) roots were constructed. With Solexa sequencing, 81 known and 72 novel miRNAs were identified, from which 54 known and 16 novel miRNAs were significantly differentially expressed under Cr stress. Several target genes for Cr-responsive miRNAs encode different transcription factor (TF) families, including SPLs, MYBs, ERFs and bZIPs, might regulate corresponding HM-related transcriptional processes in plants. Notably, a few key responsive enzymes or proteins, including HMA, YSL1 and ABC transporter protein were involved in Cr uptake and homeostasis process. Furthermore, the expression patterns of some Cr-responsive miRNAs and their targets were validated by RT-qPCR. This study represents the first characterization of Cr-responsive miRNAs and their targets in radish. The outcomes of this study could provide novel insights into miRNA-mediated regulatory mechanisms underlying plant response to Cr stress in root vegetable crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat stress (HS) causes detrimental effects on plant morphology, physiology, and biochemistry that lead to drastic reduction in plant biomass production and economic yield worldwide. To date, little is known about HS-responsive genes involved in thermotolerance mechanism in radish. In this study, a total of 6600 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from the control and Heat24 cDNA libraries of radish were isolated by high-throughput sequencing. With Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis, some genes including MAPK, DREB, ERF, AP2, GST, Hsf, and Hsp were predominantly assigned in signal transductions, metabolic pathways, and biosynthesis and abiotic stress-responsive pathways. These pathways played significant roles in reducing stress-induced damages and enhancing heat tolerance in radish. Expression patterns of 24 candidate genes were validated by reverse-transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Based mainly on the analysis of DEGs combining with the previous miRNAs analysis, the schematic model of HS-responsive regulatory network was proposed. To counter the effects of HS, a rapid response of the plasma membrane leads to the opening of specific calcium channels and cytoskeletal reorganization, after which HS-responsive genes are activated to repair damaged proteins and ultimately facilitate further enhancement of thermotolerance in radish. These results could provide fundamental insight into the regulatory network underlying heat tolerance in radish and facilitate further genetic manipulation of thermotolerance in root vegetable crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message : The radish WRKY gene family was genome-widely identified and played critical roles in response to multiple abiotic stresses. Abstract: The WRKY is among the largest transcription factors (TFs) associated with multiple biological activities for plant survival, including control response mechanisms against abiotic stresses such as heat, salinity, and heavy metals. Radish is an important root vegetable crop and therefore characterization and expression pattern investigation of WRKY transcription factors in radish is imperative. In the present study, 126 putative WRKY genes were retrieved from radish genome database. Protein sequence and annotation scrutiny confirmed that RsWRKY proteins possessed highly conserved domains and zinc finger motif. Based on phylogenetic analysis results, RsWRKYs candidate genes were divided into three groups (Group I, II and III) with the number 31, 74, and 20, respectively. Additionally, gene structure analysis revealed that intron-exon patterns of the WRKY genes are highly conserved in radish. Linkage map analysis indicated that RsWRKY genes were distributed with varying densities over nine linkage groups. Further, RT-qPCR analysis illustrated the significant variation of 36 RsWRKY genes under one or more abiotic stress treatments, implicating that they might be stress-responsive genes. In total, 126 WRKY TFs were identified from the R. sativus genome wherein, 35 of them showed abiotic stress-induced expression patterns. These results provide a genome-wide characterization of RsWRKY TFs and baseline for further functional dissection and molecular evolution investigation, specifically for improving abiotic stress resistances with an ultimate goal of increasing yield and quality of radish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four kinds of conjugated microporous polymers (CMPs) with imine structures were synthesized by a Sonogashira coupling reaction followed by a postreaction between aldehydes and amines. Palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs) were successfully supported on the CMPs to prepare Pd/CMP heterogeneous catalysts and were used to catalyze the Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reaction. The number of aromatic nuclei and nitrogen atoms in the CMPs highly affects Pd loading. In the Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reaction, the Pd/CMP with good Pd NPs dispersibility and appropriate Pd content (Pd/CMP-NA) exhibited the highest catalytic efficiency with 100% conversion and 95.4% yield which can be used for many substrates. The Pd/CMP-NA heterogeneous catalyst was easy to recover and still exhibited good catalytic efficiency after 5 cycles. To further understand the catalytic mechanism of Pd/CMP-NA on the Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reaction, we proposed a rational catalytic cycle. This paper provides an idea for the structural design of CMPs used for Suzuki–Miyaura catalytic reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-speed rail (HSR) has recently expanded its networks globally, but its 350 km/h bridges have not yet been tested for high-level earthquakes. This study tests the typical HSR bridge on a shaking table to assess the seismic performance in high-level earthquakes such as Maximum Considered Earthquake. Based on the model similarity theory, it creates nine round-ended rectangular-shaped cross-section solid RC HSR bridge piers. It employs the orthogonal testing method to conduct experimental design considering four influential factors: aspect ratio, axial load ratio, longitudinal reinforcement rate, and volumetric stirrup ratio. Experimental research was conducted to examine the dynamic response of these piers subjected to varying seismic impacts and design parameters, and the implications of the four factors on the seismic performance of the piers were discussed. After all the earthquake circumstances, the test findings demonstrate that the concrete of the pier specimens has not cracked or spalled much. An earthquake with a peak acceleration of 0.96 g indicates that the pier body of the standard high-speed rail round-end solid pier retains its integrity and stability. The extent of the pier's earthquake damage is not immediately evident. HSR bridges' seismic design may benefit from this research, which examines the impact of dynamic characteristics, including aspect ratio, axial load ratio, and longitudinal reinforcement rate, on HSR bridge piers' seismic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) is the most frequent form of DNA variation in the genome. The cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) and derived CAPS (dCAPS) are co-dominant and cost-effective markers for SNP genotyping. Recently, the large-scale transcriptome sequencing has greatly facilitated SNP detection, and the applications of CAPS/dCAPS markers have been successfully carried out in various plant species. However, SNP detection via transcriptome sequencing and development of CAPS/dCAPS markers remain limited in radish. In this study, 56,089 SNPs were detected in the radish transcriptome, and 4941 high-confidence SNPs were further filtered out and analyzed, which could alter the recognition sites of 222 restriction enzymes. The available frequency of different enzymes varied a great deal, and ten enzymes were selected for marker development. A total of 262 pairs of CAPS and 15 pairs of dCAPS primers were synthesized, among which 148 and six could generate polymorphic bands after enzyme digestion, respectively. Furthermore, the polymorphism information content (PIC) values of 154 SNP markers ranged from 0.0739 to 0.3750. In addition, 24 radish genotypes were gradually distinguished by six CAPS markers with the manual cultivar identification diagram (MCID) approach, indicating the feasibility of CAPS/dCAPS markers in genetic diversity analysis and germplasm identification. These newly developed SNP markers could enrich the types and numbers of functional markers, and could be valuable in facilitating gene tagging, genetic mapping, comparative genomic studies and marker-assisted selection (MAS) of important horticultural traits in radish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon fiber reinforced silicon carbide matrix composites (Cf/SiC composites) are lightweight, high strength, wear-resistant, and heat-resistant, making them widely used in aerospace and other industries. However, machining holes in Cf/SiC composites is a great challenge due to the anisotropy and high hardness of the material. In this paper, a brazed diamond grinding rod was employed to grind 1 mm diameter holes in Cf/SiC composites, and the influence of grinding parameters on grinding force, hole entrance/exit defects, and hole wall quality was investigated. In addition, the material removal mechanism of Cf/SiC composites and the wear mechanism of the diamond grinding rod were explored. The findings showed that the damage at the hole entrance and exit predominantly manifests as tearing and burring. The damage factor at the hole exit is 3.5% larger than that at the hole entrance, and the damage factor at both the hole entrance and exit reduces with the growth of spindle speed and the decrease of feed rate. In addition, the diameter errors of the hole entrances and exits are all less than 10%, and the entrance diameter is 2.9% larger than the exit. The hole wall defects include fiber fracture, silicon carbide matrix peeling, and inherent porosity, with poorer surface quality at fiber orientation angles (FOA) of 90° to 180°. The main wear mechanisms were identified as abrasive wear and the spalling of abrasive grains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Joint destruction is a major burden and an unsolved problem in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. We designed an intra-articular mesoporous silica nanosystem (MSN-TP@PDA-GlcN) with anti-inflammatory and joint protection effects. The nanosystem was synthesized by encapsulating triptolide (TP) in mesoporous silica nanoparticles and coating it with pH-sensitive polydopamine (PDA) and glucosamine (GlcN) grafting on the PDA. The nano-drug delivery system with anti-inflammatory and joint protection effects should have good potency against RA.A template method was used to synthesize mesoporous silica (MSN). MSN-TP@PDA-GlcN was synthesized via MSN loading with TP, coating with PDA and grafting of GlcN on PDA. The drug release behavior was tested. A cellular inflammatory model and a rat RA model were used to evaluate the effects on RA. In vivo imaging and microdialysis (MD) system were used to analyze the sustained release and pharmacokinetics in RA rats.TMSN-TP@PDA-GlcN was stable, had good biocompatibility, and exhibited sustained release of drugs in acidic environments. It had excellent anti-inflammatory effects in vitro and in vivo. It also effectively repaired joint destruction in vivo without causing any tissue toxicity. In vivo imaging and pharmacokinetics experiments showed that the nanosystem prolonged the residence time, lowered the Cmax value and enhanced the relative bioavailability of TP.These results demonstrated that MSN-TP@PDA-GlcN sustained the release of drugs in inflammatory joints and produced effective anti-inflammatory and joint protection effects on RA. This study provides a new strategy for the treatment of RA.Methods: Joint destruction is a major burden and an unsolved problem in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. We designed an intra-articular mesoporous silica nanosystem (MSN-TP@PDA-GlcN) with anti-inflammatory and joint protection effects. The nanosystem was synthesized by encapsulating triptolide (TP) in mesoporous silica nanoparticles and coating it with pH-sensitive polydopamine (PDA) and glucosamine (GlcN) grafting on the PDA. The nano-drug delivery system with anti-inflammatory and joint protection effects should have good potency against RA.A template method was used to synthesize mesoporous silica (MSN). MSN-TP@PDA-GlcN was synthesized via MSN loading with TP, coating with PDA and grafting of GlcN on PDA. The drug release behavior was tested. A cellular inflammatory model and a rat RA model were used to evaluate the effects on RA. In vivo imaging and microdialysis (MD) system were used to analyze the sustained release and pharmacokinetics in RA rats.TMSN-TP@PDA-GlcN was stable, had good biocompatibility, and exhibited sustained release of drugs in acidic environments. It had excellent anti-inflammatory effects in vitro and in vivo. It also effectively repaired joint destruction in vivo without causing any tissue toxicity. In vivo imaging and pharmacokinetics experiments showed that the nanosystem prolonged the residence time, lowered the Cmax value and enhanced the relative bioavailability of TP.These results demonstrated that MSN-TP@PDA-GlcN sustained the release of drugs in inflammatory joints and produced effective anti-inflammatory and joint protection effects on RA. This study provides a new strategy for the treatment of RA.Results: Joint destruction is a major burden and an unsolved problem in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. We designed an intra-articular mesoporous silica nanosystem (MSN-TP@PDA-GlcN) with anti-inflammatory and joint protection effects. The nanosystem was synthesized by encapsulating triptolide (TP) in mesoporous silica nanoparticles and coating it with pH-sensitive polydopamine (PDA) and glucosamine (GlcN) grafting on the PDA. The nano-drug delivery system with anti-inflammatory and joint protection effects should have good potency against RA.A template method was used to synthesize mesoporous silica (MSN). MSN-TP@PDA-GlcN was synthesized via MSN loading with TP, coating with PDA and grafting of GlcN on PDA. The drug release behavior was tested. A cellular inflammatory model and a rat RA model were used to evaluate the effects on RA. In vivo imaging and microdialysis (MD) system were used to analyze the sustained release and pharmacokinetics in RA rats.TMSN-TP@PDA-GlcN was stable, had good biocompatibility, and exhibited sustained release of drugs in acidic environments. It had excellent anti-inflammatory effects in vitro and in vivo. It also effectively repaired joint destruction in vivo without causing any tissue toxicity. In vivo imaging and pharmacokinetics experiments showed that the nanosystem prolonged the residence time, lowered the Cmax value and enhanced the relative bioavailability of TP.These results demonstrated that MSN-TP@PDA-GlcN sustained the release of drugs in inflammatory joints and produced effective anti-inflammatory and joint protection effects on RA. This study provides a new strategy for the treatment of RA.Conclusions: Joint destruction is a major burden and an unsolved problem in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. We designed an intra-articular mesoporous silica nanosystem (MSN-TP@PDA-GlcN) with anti-inflammatory and joint protection effects. The nanosystem was synthesized by encapsulating triptolide (TP) in mesoporous silica nanoparticles and coating it with pH-sensitive polydopamine (PDA) and glucosamine (GlcN) grafting on the PDA. The nano-drug delivery system with anti-inflammatory and joint protection effects should have good potency against RA.A template method was used to synthesize mesoporous silica (MSN). MSN-TP@PDA-GlcN was synthesized via MSN loading with TP, coating with PDA and grafting of GlcN on PDA. The drug release behavior was tested. A cellular inflammatory model and a rat RA model were used to evaluate the effects on RA. In vivo imaging and microdialysis (MD) system were used to analyze the sustained release and pharmacokinetics in RA rats.TMSN-TP@PDA-GlcN was stable, had good biocompatibility, and exhibited sustained release of drugs in acidic environments. It had excellent anti-inflammatory effects in vitro and in vivo. It also effectively repaired joint destruction in vivo without causing any tissue toxicity. In vivo imaging and pharmacokinetics experiments showed that the nanosystem prolonged the residence time, lowered the Cmax value and enhanced the relative bioavailability of TP.These results demonstrated that MSN-TP@PDA-GlcN sustained the release of drugs in inflammatory joints and produced effective anti-inflammatory and joint protection effects on RA. This study provides a new strategy for the treatment of RA.Graphical Abstract: Joint destruction is a major burden and an unsolved problem in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. We designed an intra-articular mesoporous silica nanosystem (MSN-TP@PDA-GlcN) with anti-inflammatory and joint protection effects. The nanosystem was synthesized by encapsulating triptolide (TP) in mesoporous silica nanoparticles and coating it with pH-sensitive polydopamine (PDA) and glucosamine (GlcN) grafting on the PDA. The nano-drug delivery system with anti-inflammatory and joint protection effects should have good potency against RA.A template method was used to synthesize mesoporous silica (MSN). MSN-TP@PDA-GlcN was synthesized via MSN loading with TP, coating with PDA and grafting of GlcN on PDA. The drug release behavior was tested. A cellular inflammatory model and a rat RA model were used to evaluate the effects on RA. In vivo imaging and microdialysis (MD) system were used to analyze the sustained release and pharmacokinetics in RA rats.TMSN-TP@PDA-GlcN was stable, had good biocompatibility, and exhibited sustained release of drugs in acidic environments. It had excellent anti-inflammatory effects in vitro and in vivo. It also effectively repaired joint destruction in vivo without causing any tissue toxicity. In vivo imaging and pharmacokinetics experiments showed that the nanosystem prolonged the residence time, lowered the Cmax value and enhanced the relative bioavailability of TP.These results demonstrated that MSN-TP@PDA-GlcN sustained the release of drugs in inflammatory joints and produced effective anti-inflammatory and joint protection effects on RA. This study provides a new strategy for the treatment of RA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), particularly nano-sized small EV exosomes, are emerging biomarker sources. However, due to heterogeneous populations secreted from diverse cell types, mapping exosome multi-omic molecular information specifically to their pathogenesis origin for cancer biomarker identification is still extraordinarily challenging. Herein, we introduced a novel 3D-structured nanographene immunomagnetic particles (NanoPoms) with unique flower pom-poms morphology and photo-click chemistry for specific marker-defined capture and release of intact exosome. This specific exosome isolation approach leads to the expanded identification of targetable cancer biomarkers with enhanced specificity and sensitivity, as demonstrated by multi-omic exosome analysis of bladder cancer patient tissue fluids using the next generation sequencing of somatic DNA mutations, miRNAs, and the global proteome (Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD034454). The NanoPoms prepared exosomes also exhibit distinctive in vivo biodistribution patterns, highlighting the highly viable and integral quality. The developed method is simple and straightforward, which is applicable to nearly all types of biological fluids and amenable for enrichment, scale up, and high-throughput exosome isolation. 3D-structured nanographene immunomagnetic particles with flower pompoms morphology and photo-click chemistry are applied for specific marker-defined capture and release of exosomes from several types of biological fluids, identifying targetable cancer biomarkers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Watch and wait strategy is a safe and effective alternative to surgery in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) who have achieved pathological complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant therapy (NAT); present restaging methods do not meet clinical needs. This study aimed to construct a machine learning (ML) model to predict pCR preoperatively. Methods: LARC patients who received NAT were included to generate an extreme gradient boosting-based ML model to predict pCR. The group was divided into a training set and a tuning set at a 7:3 ratio. The SHapley Additive exPlanations value was used to quantify feature importance. The ML model was compared with a nomogram model developed using independent risk factors identified by conventional multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: Compared with the nomogram model, our ML model improved the area under the receiver operating characteristics from 0.72 to 0.95, sensitivity from 43 to 82.2%, and specificity from 87.1 to 91.6% in the training set, the same trend applied to the tuning set. Neoadjuvant radiotherapy, preoperative carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125), CA199, carcinoembryonic antigen level, and depth of tumor invasion were significant in predicting pCR in both models. Conclusion: Our ML model is a potential alternative to the existing assessment tools to conduct triage treatment for patients and provides reference for clinicians in tailoring individual treatment: the watch and wait strategy is used to avoid surgical trauma in pCR patients, and non-pCR patients receive surgical treatment to avoid missing the optimal operation time window. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keymessage: Multi-omics analysis of the transcriptome, metabolome and genome identified major and minor loci and candidate genes for seed coat color and explored the mechanism of flavonoid metabolites biosynthesis in Brassica rapa. Yellow seed trait is considered an agronomically desirable trait with great potential for improving seed quality of Brassica crops. Mechanisms of the yellow seed trait are complex and not well understood. In this study, we performed an integrated metabolome, transcriptome and genome-wide association study (GWAS) on different B. rapa varieties to explore the mechanisms underlying the seed coat color formation. A total of 2,499 differentially expressed genes and 116 differential metabolites between yellow and black seeds with strong association with the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway was identified. In addition, 330 hub genes involved in the seed coat color formation, and the most significantly differential flavonoids biosynthesis were detected based on weighted gene co-expression network analysis. Metabolite GWAS analysis using the contents of 42 flavonoids in developing seeds of 159 B. rapa lines resulted in the identification of 1,626 quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) and 37 chromosomal intervals, including one major locus on chromosome A09. A combination of QTNs detection, transcriptome and functional analyses led to the identification of 241 candidate genes that were associated with different flavonoid metabolites. The flavonoid biosynthesis pathway in B. rapa was assembled based on the identified flavonoid metabolites and candidate genes. Furthermore, BrMYB111 members (BraA09g004490.3C and BraA06g034790.3C) involved in the biosynthesis of taxifolin were functionally analyzed in vitro. Our findings lay a foundation and provide a reference for systematically investigating the mechanism of seed coat color in B. rapa and in the other plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study on dolomite characteristics and its forming mechanism is of great significance for dolomitization theory and dolomite reservoir exploration. In recent years, the exploration of dolomite reservoirs in the Sichuan Basin has reached a bottleneck state. This study takes the Qixia Formation, Middle Permian in Northwest Sichuan basin as an example, the characteristics, distribution, diagenetic fluid, diagenetic environment of dolomite, and the dolomite formation mechanism were analyzed by means of observation and sampling of outcrops and cores, electronic scanning microscopy (SEM), and measurements of rare-earth elements (REEs), carbon isotopes, oxygen isotopes, and strontium isotopes. The results show that the dolomite exists in two forms, P-dol (dolomite in the dolomitic part of the mottled dolomitic limestone), and C-dol (crystalline dolomite). Core photos show that C-dol can be divided into two types: dolomite-A (dol-A) and dolomite-B (dol-B). The samples are low ∑REEs + Y, 13C (1.32‰–4.32‰), negative δ18O (− 5.87‰ to − 1.99‰) and δCe, and high in δEu and 87Sr/86Sr ratio (0.70724–0.70923). The partition pattern of REEs in the samples shows seawater characteristics of LREE loss, La enrichment, Ce weak loss, and Gd enrichment. These characteristics indicate that the diagenetic fluid of dolomite in the study area was a hybrid of seawater and freshwater and the diagenetic environment was at relatively high temperature. Moreover, after extending the “Mg cage effect” theory proposed by Folk, it is found that Mg2+ removed from sediments that were flushed by fresh water during the syndiagenetic stage facilitate the formation of dolomites. In accordance with the geological setting, a unique dolomitization model of the Middle Permian Qixia formation in the northwestern Sichuan Basin was built. The stratum in this model can be divided into four zones from top to bottom: freshwater vadose zone, mixed vadose zone, mixed phreatic zone, and seawater phreatic zone. The mottled dolomitic limestone is developed in the mixed vadose zone and the crystalline dolomite in the mixed phreatic zone. This study provides important evidences for the formation mechanism of dolomite and a reference to the study of ancient dolomite genesis and reservoirs of the Middle Permian Qixia formation in the northwest Sichuan Basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new macrolide, named concanamycin H (1), together with 12 known compounds (2–13), was isolated from the endophytic Streptomyces humidus SCB0232 for the first time. Compounds 1–13 were identified by analysis of spectroscopic data. Compounds trienomycin A (2) and trienomycin E (3) exhibited moderate inhibitory activities against Fusarium verticillioides and Phytophthora infestans with IC50 values ranging from 32.64 to 72.35 μg·mL–1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aims of this study were to observe magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features and the frequency of hemorrhagic transformation (HT) in patients with acute cerebral infarction and to identify the risk factors of HT. Methods: We first performed multimodal MRI (anatomical, diffusion weighted, and susceptibility weighted) scans on 87 patients with acute cerebral infarction within 24 hours after symptom onset and documented the image findings. We then performed follow-up examinations 3 days to 2 weeks after the onset or whenever the conditions of the patients worsened within 3 days. We utilized univariate statistics to identify the correlations between HT and image features and used multivariate logistical regression to correct for confounding factors to determine relevant independent image features of HT. Results: HT was observed in 17 out of total 87 patients (19.5 %). The infarct size ( p = 0.021), cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) ( p = 0.004), relative apparent diffusion (rADC) ( p = 0.023), and venous anomalies ( p = 0.000) were significantly related with HT in the univariate statistics. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that CMBs (odd ratio (OR) = 0.082; 95 % confidence interval (CI) = 0.011-0.597; p = 0.014), rADC (OR = 0.000; 95 % CI = 0.000-0.692; p = 0.041), and venous anomalies (OR = 0.066; 95 % CI = 0.011-0.403; p = 0.003) were independent risk factors for HT. Conclusions: The frequency of HT is 19.5 % in this study. CMBs, rADC, and venous anomalies are independent risk factors for HT of acute cerebral infarction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the superiority of decubitus and supine radiographs for the reduction of olisthesis instead of the extension radiograph, and the inconsistency of the CT scout view, 3D-reconstruction and MR image in evaluating segmental instability. Methods: A cohort of 154 low-grade lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis patients with the average age of (60.9 ± 8.6) years were enrolled. Slip percentage was measured on the flexion, upright and extension radiographs, the decubitus lateral radiograph, CT scout view, the supine median sagittal 3D-reconstruction and MR image. The translational range of motion was calculated, and segmental instability was defined as translational motion ≥ 8%. Results: The flexion radiograph showed higher slip percentage than upright radiograph (p < 0.001). The slip percentage of the MR image was lower than CT scout view (p = 0.003) and CT sagittal radiograph (p = 0.001) on the basis of statistical differences among three groups (p = 0.002). The slip percentage of the CT scout view, decubitus radiograph, and extension radiograph was statistically different (p = 0.01). The CT scout view and sagittal reconstruction had lower slip percentage than the extension radiograph (p = 0.042; p = 0.003, respectively). Both the flexion-supine and flexion-decubitus modality had larger translational motion than the flexion–extension modality (p = 0.007; p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: Many modalities and techniques are used to show the vertebral displacement and its possible change and any cane used in the daily practice. In this study, supine and decubitus lateral radiography have larger reduction of olisthesis than the extension radiograph. The flexion radiograph coupled with a supine or decubitus radiograph reveals greater mobility than the flexion–extension modality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The association of contrast-enhanced MRI (CE-MRI) and the overall survival (OS) of biliary tract cancers (BTC) is ambiguous. Thus, the aim of this study is to evaluate the value of signal enhancement ratio (SER) and its early change in CE-MRI as biomarkers of survival after hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) in BTC. Results: One hundred and two BTC patients treated via HAIC with 3cir-OFF regimen between January 2011 and June 2020 were enrolled in this retrospective study. The median progression-free survival (PFS) and OS were 9.8 months [range 1.5–83.3 months, 95% confidence interval (CI) 7.789–11.811] and 14.2 months (range 1.8–83.3 months, 95% CI: 11.106–17.294), respectively. The cutoff value of SER before HAIC (SER0) was 1.04, and both median PFS and OS in the SER0 ≥ 1.04 group were longer than in the SER0 < 1.04 group (median PFS: 10.5 vs. 8.5 months, p = 0.027; median OS: 23.9 vs. 12.3 months, p < 0.001). The median OS in the ΔSER > 0 group was longer than in the ΔSER < 0 group (17.3 versus 12.8 months, p = 0.029 (ΔSER means the change of SER after two cycles of HAIC). Multivariate analysis showed SER0 (p = 0.029) and HAIC treatment cycle (p = 0.002) were independent predictors of longer survival. Conclusions: SER in CE-MRI before HAIC (SER0) is a potential biomarker for the prediction of survival after HAIC in advanced BTC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA methylation at selective cytosine residues (5-methylcytosine (5mC)) and their removal by TET-mediated DNA demethylation are critical for setting up pluripotent states in early embryonic development. TET enzymes successively convert 5mC to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), 5-formylcytosine (5fC), and 5-carboxylcytosine (5caC), with 5fC and 5caC subject to removal by thymine DNA glycosylase (TDG) in conjunction with base excision repair. Early reports indicate that 5fC and 5caC could be stably detected on enhancers, promoters and gene bodies, with distinct effects on gene expression, but the mechanisms have remained elusive. Here we determined the X-ray crystal structure of yeast elongating RNA polymerase II (Pol II) in complex with a DNA template containing oxidized 5mCs, revealing specific hydrogen bonds between the 5-carboxyl group of 5caC and the conserved epi-DNA recognition loop in the polymerase. This causes a positional shift for incoming nucleoside 5′-triphosphate (NTP), thus compromising nucleotide addition. To test the implication of this structural insight in vivo, we determined the global effect of increased 5fC/5caC levels on transcription, finding that such DNA modifications indeed retarded Pol II elongation on gene bodies. These results demonstrate the functional impact of oxidized 5mCs on gene expression and suggest a novel role for Pol II as a specific and direct epigenetic sensor during transcription elongation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a long history of studying and making use of ductile cast iron in China. Over the years, the foundrymen in China have carried out a lot of valuable research and development work for measuring parameters and controlling the quality in ductile cast iron production. Many methods, such as rapid metallographic phase, thermal analysis, eutectic expansion ratio, surface tension measurement, melt electrical resistivity, oxygen and sulfur activity measurement, ultrasonic measurement and sound frequency measurement, have been used and have played important roles in Chinese casting production in the past. These methods can be generally classified as liquid testing and solid testing according to the sample state. Based on the analysis of the present situation of these methods applied in the Chinese metal casting industry, the authors consider that there are two difficult technical problems to be currently solved in monitoring ductile iron quality. One is to seek an effective method for quickly evaluating the nodularizing result through on-the-spot sample analysis before the liquid iron is poured into the mould. The other is to find a nondestructive method for accurately identifying casting quality before castings are delivered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: The controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) using transient elastography (TE) was validated in chronic hepatitis C to evaluate hepatic steatosis; however, limited data are available on chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Therefore, we assessed the accuracy and the efficacy of CAP for the detection of steatosis in CHB.Methods: Consecutive CHB patients underwent liver biopsy and liver stiffness measurements (LSM) with simultaneous CAP determination using the M probe of the TE. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROC) was used to evaluate the performance of CAP in diagnosing steatosis compared with biopsy.Results: A total of 340 patients were included: 60 % were male, the median age was 37 years; the body mass index (BMI) was ≥ 28 kg/m(2) for 14 % of the subjects; and the distribution of the steatosis grade was S0 58.2 %, S1 34.2 %, S2 5.0 % and S3 2.6 %. The median (range) of CAP was 218 (100-400) dB/m, and CAP correlated with the BMI (ρ = 3.622) and steatosis grade (ρ = 29.203) according to a multivariate analysis (both P < 0.001). CAP could detect the different grades of steatosis: ≥ S1 with AUROC of 0.81 at a cutoff of 224 dB/m, ≥ S2 with AUROC of 0.90 at a cutoff of 236 dB/m and ≥ S3 with AUROC of 0.97 at a cutoff of 285 dB/m. Furthermore, the LSM and fibrosis and activity grades on biopsy did not influence the CAP performance.Conclusions: CAP presented excellent diagnostic performance for severe steatosis with high sensitivity and specificity in Chinese patients with CHB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: The controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) using transient elastography (TE) was validated in chronic hepatitis C to evaluate hepatic steatosis; however, limited data are available on chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Therefore, we assessed the accuracy and the efficacy of CAP for the detection of steatosis in CHB. Methods: Consecutive CHB patients underwent liver biopsy and liver stiffness measurements (LSM) with simultaneous CAP determination using the M probe of the TE. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROC) was used to evaluate the performance of CAP in diagnosing steatosis compared with biopsy. Results: A total of 340 patients were included: 60 % were male, the median age was 37 years; the body mass index (BMI) was ≥28 kg/m for 14 % of the subjects; and the distribution of the steatosis grade was S0 58.2 %, S1 34.2 %, S2 5.0 % and S3 2.6 %. The median (range) of CAP was 218 (100-400) dB/m, and CAP correlated with the BMI ( ρ = 3.622) and steatosis grade ( ρ = 29.203) according to a multivariate analysis (both P < 0.001). CAP could detect the different grades of steatosis: ≥S1 with AUROC of 0.81 at a cutoff of 224 dB/m, ≥S2 with AUROC of 0.90 at a cutoff of 236 dB/m and ≥S3 with AUROC of 0.97 at a cutoff of 285 dB/m. Furthermore, the LSM and fibrosis and activity grades on biopsy did not influence the CAP performance. Conclusions: CAP presented excellent diagnostic performance for severe steatosis with high sensitivity and specificity in Chinese patients with CHB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using steam as working fluid to replace compressed air is a promising cooling technology for internal cooling passages of blades and vanes. The local heat transfer characteristics and the thermal performance of steam flow in wide aspect ratio channels ( W/ H = 2) with different angled ribs on two opposite walls have been experimentally investigated in this paper. The averaged Nusselt number ratios and the friction factor ratios of steam and air in four ribbed channels were also measured under the same test conditions for comparison. The Reynolds number range is 6,000-70,000. The rib angles are 90°, 60°, 45°, and 30°, respectively. The rib height to hydraulic diameter ratio is 0.047. The pitch-to-rib height ratio is 10. The results show that the Nusselt number ratios of steam are 1.19-1.32 times greater than those of air over the range of Reynolds numbers studied. For wide aspect ratio channels using steam as the coolant, the 60° angled ribs has the best heat transfer performance and is recommended for cooling design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Representative volume element (RVE) method and asymptotic homogenization (AH) method are two widely used methods in predicting effective properties of periodic materials. This paper develops a novel implementation of the AH method, which has rigorous mathematical foundation of the AH method, and also simplicity as the RVE method. This implementation can be easily realized using commercial software as a black box, and can use all kinds of elements available in commercial software to model unit cells with rather complicated microstructures, so the model may remain a fairly small scale. Several examples were carried out to demonstrate the simplicity and effectiveness of the new implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A flexible free-standing electrochemical biosensor to detect carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is described based on a conducting polypyrrole (PPy) nanocomposite film electrode. The conducting PPy composite was constructed by the sandwiched structure formed by PPy doped with pentaerythritol ethoxylate (PEE) and 2-naphthalene sulfonate (2-NS-PPy) separately via electropolymerization. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were fixed on the PPy composite film by electrodeposition and then connected to CEA aptamer through self-assembly to construct a free-standing electrochemical biosensor breaking away from additional soft substrates and current collector. This PPy composite film-based electrochemical biosensor exhibits satisfying sensing performance for CEA detection, with a linear range from 10−10 g/mL to 10−6 g/mL and a detection limit of 0.033 ng/mL, good specificity and long-term sensing stability (96.8% of the original signal after 15 days). The biosensor also presents acceptable reproducibility with 1.7% relative standard deviation. Moreover, this electrochemical biosensor owns the deformation stability that could bear various deformations (twisting, folding, and knotting) without affecting device's sensing performance. It can even maintain 99.4% of the original signal under 25% strain deformation. Due to the superior sensing performance, high stability (mechanical deformation and long-term storage), and flexibility, this free-standing electrochemical biosensor proves huge potential in application of flexible and wearable electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wilms' tumor is the most common malignant solid tumor of the kidneys in children. Extrarenal Wilms' tumor is extremely rare. Herein, we report an 8-month-old boy with a chief complaint of frequent micturition and dysuria for 10 days. Physical examination and ultrasonography evaluation revealed simultaneous involvement of neoplasms in the left kidney and the bladder. Following excision of the masses, both were identified as Wilms' tumor by histopathology and immunohistochemistry. The two neoplasms are presumed to have developed independently because of the different pathological manifestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) contributes to the pathophysiological process of coronary artery disease (CAD). The expression profiles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) in EAT of patients with CAD have not been well characterized. We conducted high-throughput RNA sequencing to analyze the expression profiles of lncRNA in EAT of patients with CAD compared to patients without CAD. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were executed to investigate the principal functions of the significantly dysregulated mRNAs. We confirmed a dysregulated intergenic lncRNA (lincRNA) (LINC00968) by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Subsequently, we constructed a ceRNA network associated with LINC00968, which included 49 mRNAs. Compared with the control group, lncRNAs and genes of EAT in CAD were characterized as metabolic active and pro-inflammatory profiles. The sequencing analysis detected 2539 known and 1719 novel lncRNAs. Then, we depicted both lncRNA and gene signatures of EAT in CAD, featuring dysregulation of genes involved in metabolism, nuclear receptor transcriptional activity, antigen presentation, chemokine signaling, and inflammation. Finally, we identified a ceRNA network as candidate modulator in EAT and its potential role in CAD. We showed the expression profiles of specific EAT lncRNA and mRNA in CAD, and a selected non-coding associated ceRNA regulatory network, which taken together, may contribute to a better understanding of CAD mechanism and provide potential therapeutic targets. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, No. ChiCTR1900024782. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of milling parameters on chip shape and chip morphology for Zr-based bulk metallic glass was studied in this paper. The milling groove experiments of Zr-based bulk metallic glass (Zr-based BMG) (Zr52Cu17.5Ti16Ni12Nb2.5) were conducted by using a JX-1A ultra-precision machine tool. In order to study the milling quality and milling characteristics of Zr-based bulk metallic glass, it is very important to study the chip shape and chip morphology. In this paper, firstly, the temperature field distribution of Zr-based bulk metallic glass in milling process was simulated by finite element method, and the milling temperature and its distribution at different cutting speeds were obtained. Then the effect of different milling parameters on chip shape and chip morphology was studied, and the reason of the change was analyzed. Then the influence of milling cutters with different geometric parameters on the chip shape and chip morphology of Zr-based bulk metallic glass was also studied. At last, under the same milling conditions, the chip shape and chip morphology of traditional polycrystalline metal materials, monocrystalline metal alloy materials, high-entropy alloy which is in amorphous system, and Zr-based bulk metallic glass were compared. It provides theoretical and experimental basis for the groove milling technology of Zr-based bulk metallic glass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes an alternative time-dependent seismic fragility assessment framework for aging highway bridges considering the non-uniform chloride-induced corrosion and various modeling uncertainty parameters. Firstly, sensitivity analysis with the tornado diagram technique is performed to determine the sensitivity of some typical bridge engineering demand parameters (EDPs) to 22 modeling related uncertain parameters, and then 10 critical parameters are identified. Subsequently, based on a series of nonlinear time history analyses (NLTHAs) on the sample models generated by using the Latin hypercube sampling (LHS) method, comparative studies for the time-invariant and time-evolving seismic response, as well as the time-dependent seismic fragility estimates incorporating different levels of uncertainty are performed, respectively. It is concluded that (1) the uncertainty of the modeling related uncertain parameters may lead to the difference in the trajectory of seismic hysteretic response for a given bridge member, whereas the variation of the peak value of seismic response may result from the couple contributions of the uncertainty of ground motions and modeling related parameters; (2) the inclusion of only ground motion uncertainty is inadequate and inappropriate, and the proper way is to incorporate the uncertainty of the identified critical modeling parameters and ground motions into the time-evolving seismic response and the time-dependent seismic fragility assessment of the deteriorating highway bridges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five chalcone derivatives (E)-1-(2-(2-bromoethoxy)phenyl)-3-phenylprop-2-en-1-one(1), (E)-1-(2-(3-bromopropoxy)phenyl)-3-phenylprop-2-en-1-one(2),(E)-1-(2-(4-bromopropoxy)phenyl)-3-phenylprop-2-en-1-one(3),(E)-1-(2-(5-bromopropoxy)phenyl)-3-phenylprop-2-en-1-one(4),(E)-1-(2-(6-bromopropoxy)phenyl)-3-phenylprop-2-en-1-one(5) were synthesized and characterized by 1H NMR, HRMS. The crystalline structures of compounds 4 and 5 were further characterized by X-ray crystal diffraction. Among the five compounds, 1 and 2 showed inhibitory activity on α-glucosidase, but 4 and 5 increased the activity of α-glucosidase. Five chalcone derivatives were synthesized and characterized by 1H MNR and HRMS. The crystalline structures of two compounds were further characterized by X-ray crystal diffraction. Two of the compounds have the ability to inhibit α-glucosidase, and two different compounds have the ability to promote α-glucosidase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demand of medical materials for rapid and efficient elimination of bacteria has seen a dramatic surge over the past few years. In this study, antibacterial nanofilms with reactive oxygen species were generated by photocatalysis. To prepare these nanofilms, Ag and amorphous TiO2 nanoparticles decorated on polydopamine (PDA) were coated on three-dimensional (3D) nanopore arrays, which was fabricated on a substrate of anodized stainless steel. All the antibacterial tests were conducted with a household flashlight, which may be considered as a practical approach for antibacterial materials. The photoelectrochemical property of the 3D Ag/TiO2/PDA nanofilm on 316L stainless steel (Ag/TiO2/PDA SS) was about 15 times higher than that of the annealed Ag/TiO2/PDA SS, and consequently, it exhibited higher antibacterial activity. The enhanced photoelectrochemical property is attributed to the successful separation of electrons (amorphous TiO2) and holes (Ag nanoparticles). Further, when a plate containing 3D Ag/TiO2/PDA SS was irradiated with visible light just for 10 min, it immediately destroyed the bacteria in 106 CFU/mL without any bacterial colony. After five weeks, there were still no bacterial colonies in the plate corresponding to Ag/TiO2/PDA SS under visible light, while Ag/TiO2/PDA SS in dark had a negligible effect on the bacteria, i.e., the antibacterial mechanism through direct contact and ion dissolution was not efficient. The excellent antibacterial properties of 3D Ag/TiO2/PDA SS illuminated by flashlight provides an efficient, facile, and cost-effective technique for the development of antibacterial medical materials to meet the increasing demand of eliminating bacterial infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we propose a novel surface plasmon resonance sensor for both liquid and gas detections, which is based on the two dielectric planar waveguide (PWG)-coupled plasmonic structure. Two sharp Fano-type resonances, which arise from the electromagnetic coupling between surface plasmon polariton (SPP) and PWG modes, appear in the reflection curve, and they can be used to monitor the minute changes of the refractive indices of gas and liquid due to their high imaging sensitivities (> 9.0 × 103 RIU− 1). The Fano resonance angles and the figures of merit for imaging sensitivity can be effectively manipulated by the thicknesses of guiding layers, and the sensor system can measure over a wide range of the refractive indices of sensing media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The milling groove experiments of Zr-based bulk metallic glass (Zr-based BMG) (Zr52Cu17.5Ti16Ni12Nb2.5) are conducted by using an ultra-precision lathe. In order to study the milling groove flank contour accuracy in mesoscale groove milling for Zr-based bulk metallic glass component, the milling force and the flank contour shape were investigated by single-factor experiment. The effect of milling process parameters of Zr-based bulk metallic glass materials on the milling force and the flank contour profile of milling groove were obtained, and the relationship between flank contour profile of milling groove and milling force was also obtained. The flank contour profile of milling groove for Zr-based bulk metallic glass is analyzed theoretically. The effect of milling experimental parameters on the deviation between the actual flank contour profile of milling groove and the theoretical flank contour profile of milling groove is analyzed and summarized through the experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fibrosis in multiple organs increases with age. Circulating fibrocytes are bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal progenitors that contribute to heart, lung, and kidney fibrosis under the diseased conditions. Whether circulating fibrocytes contribute to aging-related fibrosis is very limited. Methods and results: We measured the proportion and differentiation of circulating fibrocytes (CD45+/CD34+/collagen I+) from elders (n = 12) and adults (n = 12) using flow cytometry. Differentiated fibrocytes in the culture dishes were isolated and microarray was performed. The percentage of circulating fibrocytes in elders (1.95 ± 0.43%) was comparable to that in the adults (1.71 ± 0.38%). Cultured fibrocytes displayed enhanced potential of differentiation in the elder group (67.91 ± 5.88%) vs the adult group (44.03 ± 7.98%). In addition, expression of fibroblast activation markers and cell migratory ability were also increased in differentiated fibrocytes from elders. Microarray analysis revealed that differentiated fibrocytes from elders expressed high level of interleukin-18 (IL-18) receptor 1 (IL-18R1). Furthermore, we found IL-18 was elevated in the plasma of elders and IL-18/IL-18R1 was shown to promote fibrocyte differentiation. Conclusion: Circulating fibrocytes from elders had an enhanced capacity to differentiate into myofibroblasts, and might contribute to age-dependent fibrosis. Age-dependent increment of differentiation at least in part arose from their enhanced expression of IL-18R1. Inhibiting fibrocyte differentiation might be useful as an adjuvant treatment to delay the fibrosis process in aging population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer have a dismal 5-year survival rate of only 24%. The RNA-binding protein Hu antigen R (HuR) is upregulated in breast cancer, and elevated cytoplasmic HuR correlates with high-grade tumors and poor clinical outcome of breast cancer. HuR promotes tumorigenesis by regulating numerous proto-oncogenes, growth factors, and cytokines that support major tumor hallmarks including invasion and metastasis. Here, we report a HuR inhibitor KH-3, which potently suppresses breast cancer cell growth and invasion. Furthermore, KH-3 inhibits breast cancer experimental lung metastasis, improves mouse survival, and reduces orthotopic tumor growth. Mechanistically, we identify FOXQ1 as a direct target of HuR. KH-3 disrupts HuR–FOXQ1 mRNA interaction, leading to inhibition of breast cancer invasion. Our study suggests that inhibiting HuR is a promising therapeutic strategy for lethal metastatic breast cancer. Wu et al. identify an inhibitor to the RNA-binding protein HuR, KH-3, that disrupts the interaction between HuR and target RNAs and inhibits human cancer growth and metastasis in mouse xenograft assays. This study suggests the therapeutic potential of targeting HuR in breast cancer with HuR overexpression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interactions between crown ether ligands (14-crown-4, 14C4; 4,4,5,5-tetramethylbenzo-14-crown-4, BC4H12-14C4; 4,4,5,5,9,9,10,10-octamethyl-14-crown-4, C8H24-14C4; dibenzo-14-crown ether-4, DB14C4) and alkaline and alkaline earth metal ions (Li+, Na+, Mg2+) were investigated using density functional theory modeling at the M062X/def2SVP and def2TZVP level. The condensed softness analysis of crown ethers, a condensed Fukui function, a condensed dual descriptor, and frontier molecular orbital theory were used to analyze the reactivities of the complexes. The complex stability was analyzed in terms of the binding energies, standard Gibbs free energy of formation, and energy decomposition of the interaction in aqueous solution. The results show that the active sites were mainly located at the carbon atoms of the benzene ring and oxygen atoms. The reactivities of DB14C4 and BC4H12-14C4 are higher than those of 14C4 and C8H24-14C4. The electrostatic interaction is the principal factor determining the stability of the complexes. The complexes containing Li+ has the greatest stability in aqueous solution among the complexes containing Li+, Na+, and Mg2+. BC4H12-14C4 shows selective adsorption toward Li+ in a mixed solution of Li+, Na+, and Mg2+. To evaluate the stability of complexes containing Mg2+, the solvent effect must be accurately described. An energy decomposition analysis was used to evaluate the stability of complexes containing Li+, Na+, and Mg2+, and the solvent effects were considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes an improved uniform design (UD)-response surface model (RSM) method to reduce the impacts of sample correlation among small sample data caused by UD method and variable substitution process in the traditional UD-RSM method. The proposed B-spline-PLS-UD-RSM method, which is a systematic approach that combines nonlinear B-spline functions, the conventional UD-RSM method and the partial least-squares (PLS) regression technique, assesses the reliability of structures with high nonlinearity and multi-dimensionality. First, two reliability examples from the literature are investigated to demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed RSM method. Subsequently, to investigate the applicability of the proposed method in seismic fragility analyses considering various parameter uncertainties and variable correlation, an alternative seismic fragility assessment framework is developed for highway bridges. Furthermore, this paper uses a typical multi-span reinforced concrete continuous girder (MSRCCG) bridge as a case study and performs a comparative analysis of the corresponding seismic fragility evaluations at both bridge component and system levels by using traditional and improved RSM methods. The results indicate the following conclusions: (1) The proposed B-spline-PLS-UD-RSM method can properly reduce the effect of sample correlation and achieve satisfactory reliability results for structures with highly nonlinear and multi-dimensional features through a much smaller sample size; (2) The proposed seismic fragility assessment framework is a good candidate for evaluating the seismic vulnerability of highway bridges incorporating variable correlation of structural parameters; (3) Seismic fragilities of bridge structures tend to be overestimated by using traditional UD-RSM methods and by ignoring the variable correlation of structural random parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dolomitization of reservoir reefs is common at platform margins of the Changxing Formation in northeastern Sichuan Basin, southwestern China. We carried out a research on these variously dolomitized reef microfacies based on sedimentology and petrology theories and geochemical technologies. The results show that the reservoir reefs at the platform margins of the formation can be divided into several microfacies: reef flats/caps, reef cores, reef bases, etc. The reef flats contain mostly crystal grain dolomites, the reef cores are made up of largely (calcite) reef dolomites, and the reef bases are generally dolomite limestone/calcite dolomites. Samples taken from different microfacies of the reefs were measured and showed a relatively high content of Fe and Sr and low content of Mn, with Mn/Sr ranging between 0.057 and 2. Samples from the east flank of the Kaijiang–Liangping trough and the Exi–Chengkou trough have higher Fe and Mn contents and Mn/Sr ratios than those from the west flank of the Kaijiang–Liangping trough. Dolomites in reef flats have the highest Fe and Mn contents and Mn/Sr ratios, followed by dolomites from reef cores, and those from reef bases are found to have the lowest Fe and Mn contents. Isotopic analyses of the samples from different microfacies of the reefs indicate more negative δ13C and δ18O values than that of limestone in seawater during the Changxing deposition period. The δ18O values were increasingly more negative in the order of reef flat–reef core–reef base. Based on the study, we propose that the dolomitization processes the reefs at different platform margins experienced have the following features: (1) Meteoric water affected dolomites at the eastern flank of the Kaijiang–Liangping and Exi–Chengkou troughs more than those of the west flank of the Kaijiang–liangping trough. From the microfacies perspective, the influence of meteoric water decreases from reef flats to cores and then to bases. Apart from meteoric water, the dolomitization was also under control of seawater at the same period. (2) Meteoric water dolomitization is closely linked to sedimentary microfacies. Reef flats and cores with better porosity and permeability are more dolomitized than reef bases containing mostly micrite with bioclastics. (3) Dolomitization processes driven both by early mixing of water and "juiced" marine fluids during the shallow burial and compaction stage were all completed before the first stage of hydrocarbon emplacement. Hydrothermal dolomitization occurred locally and its contribution to the whole reef dolomitization of the formation may be negligible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper studies the efficient prediction of effective mechanical properties of heterogeneous material by the FCA (FEM-Cluster based reduced order model Analysis) method proposed in Cheng et al. (Comput Methods Appl Mech Eng 348:157–168, 2019). The principle of minimum complementary energy and its cluster form for the RUC subjected to applied uniform eigenstrains and the PHBCs (Periodic Homogeneous Boundary Conditions) are developed. By using the known interaction matrix, an alternative form of the principle of cluster minimum complementary energy is constructed and proved very efficient for updating the interaction matrix and the effective elastic modulus when the material properties of clusters change. Moreover, the proposed principle of cluster minimum complementary energy is applied for the incremental nonlinear analysis of the cluster reduced order model, and thus greatly improves the prediction of nonlinear effective properties of the RUC in online stage computed in Cheng et al. (Comput Methods Appl Mech Eng 348:157–168, 2019). A number of numerical examples illustrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the FCA approach with the proposed principle of cluster minimum complementary energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To describe our clinical experience with nephron sparing surgery (NSS) for bilateral Wilms tumor and evaluate the outcomes of patients treated at one of the largest pediatric medical centers in China.Methods: Medical records of children with bilateral Wilms tumor undergoing NSS in the Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University during a 15-year period were retrospectively analyzed. Data collected were composed of age at surgery, tumor response, tumor rupture during resection, final pathologic margins, use of radiation therapy, pathology reports, renal function, and patient survival.Results: A total of 18 eligible patients (10 males, 8 females) with bilateral Wilms tumor at a mean age of 2.28 ± 1.12 years were identified. The administration of preoperative chemotherapy did not result in universally successful outcomes. All children underwent successfully unilateral or bilateral NSS, of which one had positive pathologic margins and five received radiation therapy postoperatively. The rates of tumor rupture and positive lymph nodes involvement were 11.1 and 19.4%, respectively. The pathological study showed favorable histology and unfavorable histology in 32 and 4 kidneys, respectively. The 4-year event-free survival and overall survival rates were 68.18 and 85.56%. In univariable analysis, tumor histology (p = 0.0028) and disease stage (p = 0.0303) appeared significantly associated with overall survival. After a median follow-up period of 41.5 months (range 10-89), three of the surviving patients were diagnosed with hypertension and one had renal insufficiency.Conclusions: Our experience suggests that NSS has become a feasible and effective option with good oncologic outcomes. Further research, ideally in a multicenter randomized manner, is warranted to better assess the role of NSS in this challenging clinical scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experimental and/or epidemiological studies suggest that prenatal exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) may delay fetal lung development and maturation and increase the susceptibility to childhood respiratory disease. However, the underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated. In our previous study with cultured human fetal lung fibroblasts (HFLF), we demonstrated that 24-h exposure to 1 and 100 µM BPA increased GPR30 protein in the nuclear fraction. Exposure to 100 μM BPA had no effects on cell viability, but increased cytoplasmic expression of ERβ and release of GDF-15, as well as decreased release of IL-6, ET-1, and IP-10 through suppression of NFκB phosphorylation. By performing global gene expression and pathway analysis in this study, we identified molecular pathways, gene networks, and key molecules that were affected by 100, but not 0.01 and 1 µM BPA in HFLF. Using multiple genomic and proteomic tools, we confirmed these changes at both gene and protein levels. Our data suggest that 100 μM BPA increased CYP1B1 and HSD17B14 gene and protein expression and release of endogenous estradiol, which was associated with increased ROS production and DNA double-strand breaks, upregulation of genes and/or proteins in steroid synthesis and metabolism, and activation of Nrf2-regulated stress response pathways. In addition, BPA activated ATM-p53 signaling pathway, resulting in increased cell cycle arrest at G1 phase, senescence and autophagy, and decreased cell proliferation in HFLF. The results suggest that prenatal exposure to BPA at certain concentrations may affect fetal lung development and maturation, and thereby affecting susceptibility to childhood respiratory diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]