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Fast protein folding involves complex dynamics in many degrees of freedom, yet microsecond folding experiments provide only low-resolution structural information. We enhance the structural resolution of the five-helix bundle protein λ6-85 by engineering into it three fluorescent tryptophan-tyrosine contact probes. The probes report on distances between three different helix pairs: 1-2, 1-3, and 3-2. Temperature jump relaxation experiments on these three mutants reveal two different kinetic timescales: a slower timescale for 1-3 and a faster one for the two contacts involving helix 2. We hypothesize that these differences arise from a single folding mechanism that forms contacts on different timescales, and not from changes of mechanism due to adding the probes. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed the corresponding three distances in one published single-trajectory all-atom molecular-dynamics simulation of a similar mutant. Autocorrelation analysis of the trajectory reveals the same "slow" and "fast" distance change as does experiment, but on a faster timescale; smoothing the trajectory in time shows that this ordering is robust and persists into the microsecond folding timescale. Structural investigation of the all-atom computational data suggests that helix 2 misfolds to produce a short-lived off-pathway trap, in agreement with the experimental finding that the 1-2 and 3-2 distances involving helix 2 contacts form a kinetic grouping distinct from 1 to 3. Our work demonstrates that comparison between experiment and simulation can be extended to several order parameters, providing a stronger mechanistic test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the presence of K 2 CO 3 /Cs 2 CO 3 (molar ratio 10:1), garcinol was subjected to methylation by reaction with iodomethane at room temperature to afford 13,14-dimethoxy garcinol. The methylated garcinol derivative was screened against oral cancer cell line SCC15 for cell proliferation and apoptosis. 13,14-Dimethoxy garcinol showed weaker inhibitory activity on SCC15 cell growth than garcinol, and had little effect on cell cycle and apoptosis of SCC15, whereas garcinol effectively induced cell cycle arrest and cell apoptosis. Meanwhile, the ELISA data showed that the inhibitory effect of garcinol on 5-Lox pathway was more potent than 13,14-dimethoxy garcinol ( P < 0.05). All these results have confirmed the important role of 13,14-dihydroxy groups for anti-cancer effects of garcinol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the labile status of phosphorus (P) in sediments is crucial for managing a eutrophic lake, but it is hindered by lacking in situ data particularly on a catchment scale. In this study, we for the first time characterized in situ labile P in sediments with the Zr-oxide diffusive gradients in thin films (Zr-oxide DGT) technique at a two-dimensional (2D), submillimeter resolution in a large eutrophic lake (Lake Taihu, China, with an area of 2338 km 2 ). The concentration of DGT-labile P in the sediment profiles showed strong variation mostly ranging from 0.01 to 0.35 mg L −1 with a considerable number of hotspots. The horizontal heterogeneity index of labile P varied from 0.04 to 4.5. High values appeared at the depths of 0–30 mm, likely reflecting an active layer of labile P under the sediment–water interface (SWI). Concentration gradients of labile P were observed from the high-resolution 1D DGT profiles in both the sediment and overlying water layers close to the SWI. The apparent diffusion flux of P across the SWI was calculated between −21 and 65 ng cm −2 d −1 , which showed that the sediments tended to be a source and sink of overlying water P in the algal- and macrophyte-dominated regions, respectively. The DGT-labile P in the 0–30 mm active layer showed a better correlation with overlying water P than the labile P measured by ex situ chemical extraction methods. It implies that in situ , high-resolution profiling of labile P with DGT is a more reliable approach and will significantly extend our ability in in situ monitoring of the labile status of P in sediments in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the importance of β-alanine, the nitrilase BjNIT3397 from Bradyrhizobium japonicum strain USDA110 was examined toward the hydrolysis of 3-aminopropionitrile. It has been found that nitrilase BjNIT3397 effectively hydrolyzed 3-aminopropionitrile with substrate concentration up to 3 M (210 g/L) at the pH 7.3 and temperature 30 °C. With the increase of substrate concentration from 0.6 to 3 M, 3-aminopropanamide was formed and its percentage in the products was increased up to 33%. In order to reduce the formation of 3-aminopropanamide, aspartate ammonia-lyase and fumaric acid were added into the reaction system to consume the byproduct ammonia. As expected, the reaction was shifted toward the formation of β-alanine, resulting in the decrease of 3-aminopropanamide from 33% to 3%. Therefore, a tandem reaction strategy was developed to effectively prevent the formation of 3-aminopropanamide. This might also offer a possibility of producing β-alanine and l -aspartic acid in one process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An improved Bosch etching process using inductively coupled plasma system has been investigated for the etching of 4H-silicon carbide (SiC). By optimizing the etch parameters, a mesa structure with nearly vertical sidewall and without microtrench at the bottom corner has been fabricated, and the formation and elimination of the microtrench are preliminarily discussed for the Bosch cycles in this paper. Scanning electron microscopic analysis was used to demonstrate the etched morphology under different etching conditions. Simple mesa-terminated 4H-SiC p-i-n diodes were fabricated. The effect of the improved mesa structure on the dc characteristics of the diodes has been experimentally verified by comparing with the nonoptimized mesa structure with microtrench. The results exhibited a completely consistent forward tendency and a similar reverse leakage level less than −900 V for both diodes, but different blocking performances. A maximum blocking voltage of 1565 V at room temperature was obtained from the nonmicrotrenched device with a mesa height of 4.3 \mu \textm , corresponding to 66% of a parallel plane breakdown voltage for the drift layer of 15 \mu \textm . Slight microtrench is the main cause of premature breakdown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For out-of-plane relative equilibrium of a two-spacecraft formation achieved by internal forces, this paper proposes a scheme which complies with the characteristics of angular momentum conservation to analyze such a formation over the entire parameter space. By purposely rewriting one of the equilibrium condition, this paper defines a modification of the set of equations for the out-of-plane equilibrium configurations. Thereby, the relative equilibrium can be solved analytically in the whole multidimensional real number field through these equations. Numerical examples are also included to provide some insight about the equilibrium conditions. Moreover, the results from derivation and illustrative examples disclose a novel picture of the out-of-plane relative equilibrium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To extract information from high-dimensional data efficiently, visualization tools based on data projection methods have been developed and shown useful. However, a single two-dimensional visualization is often insufficient for capturing all or most interesting structures in complex high-dimensional datasets. For this reason, Tipping and Bishop developed mixture probabilistic principal component analysis (MPPCA) that separates data into multiple groups and enables a unique projection per group; that is, one probabilistic principal component analysis (PPCA) data visualization per group. Because the group labels are assigned to observations based on their high-dimensional coordinates, MPPCA works well to reveal homoscedastic structures in data that differ spatially. In the presence of heteroscedasticity, however, MPPCA may still mask noteworthy data structures. We propose a new method called covariance-guided MPPCA (C-MPPCA) that groups subsets of observations based on covariance, not locality, and, similar to MPPCA, displays them using PPCA. PPCA projects data in the dimensions with the highest variances, thus grouping by covariance makes sense and enables some data structures to be visible that were masked originally by MPPCA. We demonstrate the performance of C-MPPCA in an extensive simulation study. We also apply C-MPPCA to a real world dataset. Supplementary materials for this article are available online. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of a dinuclear Cu 2 (II)-β-cyclodextrin complex (Cu 2 -β-CyD) as a chiral selector (CS) was successfully applied to chiral high speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC) for the enantioseparation of aromatic α-hydroxycarboxylic acids. α-cyclohexylmandelic acid (CHMA) as a case was studied to optimize the separation temperature, the pH value of the aqueous phase, and the concentration of the chiral selector, which were comparatively studied between Cu 2 -β-CyD and native β-cyclodextrin (β-CyD) as CSs. The thermodynamic parameters of the formation of the complex between the enantiomers and the CSs were obtained, and the complex formation constants between the enantiomers and Cu 2 -β-CyD or β-CyD were determined using induced circular dichroism technology. The results indicate that Cu 2 -β-CyD can remarkably improve the enantioseparation compared with β-CyD, mainly due to the ion-pairing interactions between the deprotonation of carboxyl group of CHMA and the Cu(II) ion of Cu 2 -β-CyD. Five of other aromatic α-hydroxycarboxylic acids were also enantioseparated successfully by HSCCC using Cu 2 -β-CyD as a CS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant-pathogenic fungi produce cellulases. However, little information is available on cellulase as an elicitor in plant-pathogen interactions. Here, an endocellulase ( EG1) was isolated from Rhizoctonia solani. It contains a putative protein of 227 amino acids with a signal peptide and a family-45 glycosyl hydrolase domain. Its aspartic acid ( Asp) residue at position 32 was changed to alanine ( Ala), resulting in full loss of its catalytic activity. Wild-type and mutated forms of the endoglucanase were expressed in yeast and purified to homogeneity. The purified wild-type and mutant forms induced cell death in maize, tobacco and Arabidopsis leaves, and the transcription of three defence marker genes in maize and tobacco and 10 genes related to defence responses in maize. Moreover, they also induced the accumulation of reactive oxygen species ( ROS), medium alkalinization, Ca2+ accumulation and ethylene biosynthesis of suspension-cultured tobacco cells. Similarly, production of the EG1 wild-type and mutated forms in tobacco induced cell death using the Potato virus X ( PVX) expression system. In vivo, expression of EG1 was also related to cell death during infection of maize by R. solani. These results provide direct evidence that the endoglucanase is an elicitor, but its enzymatic activity is not required for its elicitor activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient, clean, and environmental friendly ‘one-pot’ four-component reaction was developed for assembling a novel type of spirooxindole derivatives containing dihydropyridine and pyrrolidinone. The reaction could be easily performed in aqueous ethanol with 4-DMAP as catalyst in good yields. The high efficiency and the simple and mild condition of the reaction, in addition with its avoidance of time-consuming, costly syntheses, and tedious workup, endowed the reaction with application significance. A series of spirooxindole derivatives were therefore prepared in excellent yields by using this ‘one-pot’ four-component reaction method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fabrication of a novel microfluidic system, integrated with a set of laser-controlled microactuators on an ePetri on-chip microscopy platform, is presented in this paper. In the fully integrated microfluidic system, a set of novel thermally actuated paraffin-based microactuators, precisely controlled by programmed laser optics, was developed to regulate flow and to provide pumping of liquid solutions without external connections. The microfluidic chip was fabricated on a complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS)-imaging sensor chip on an ePetri platform; this configuration provided real-time, wide field-of-view, high-resolution imaging using a sub-pixel sweeping microscopy technique. The system of microactuators, which consisted of microvalves and a micropump, operated well in the microfluidic channel with a focused near-infrared laser beam providing the actuation control. As a demonstration, we used our prototype to assess cell–drug interactions and to monitor cell growth directly within an incubator in real time. The powerful combination of laser-actuated microfluidics and chip-scale microscopy techniques represents a significant step forward in terms of a simple, robust, high-throughput, and highly compact analysis system for biomedical and bioscience applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on Lee–Low–Pines unitary transformation, characteristics of spin polarization ground state of quasi-2D magneto-bipolarons in the strong-coupling limit have been investigated by using the variational method of Pekar type. The changes law of the ground state energy E 0 and the mean number of phonon N ‾ with the confinement strength ω 0 , permittivity ratio η , strength of electron–phonon coupling α , and cyclotron resonance frequency of magnetic field ω c have been derived. The results show that mean number phonons N ‾ of magnetic bipolarons increased with increment of α , ω 0 , and ω c . The energy of ground state of magneto-bipolarons is consisted of single-particle energy of two electrons E e , Coulomb interaction energy between two electrons E c , interaction energy of electron spin and magnetic field E S , and interaction energy between electrons and phonons E e-ph . The energy E e-ph was always less than zero, and the absolute value increases with increasing of α , ω 0 , and ω c , which is the favorable factor in the formation of bound state magneto-bipolarons. The Coulomb repulsive energy between restriction and electrons is against to the formation of bound state magneto-bipolarons, and the fine structure of ground state manifold is caused by interaction between the electron spin and magnetic field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed germination is a complex physiological process that allows the seed embryo to grow and develop into a photosynthetic organism. The two major constituents of rice seed include the embryo and endosperm, with embryo being of much significance despite its small size. In this study, we conducted a systematic proteomic analysis of the embryos dissected from rice seed at different stages of germination through a combination of gel-based and gel-free strategies. In total, 343 differentially expressed proteins were identified. Among them, 191 were decreased and 152 were increased in terms of expression levels. All these proteins could be sorted into 11 functional groups based on MapMan analysis. Some starch biosynthesis-related enzymes such as starch branching enzyme, granule-bound starch synthase 1 and starch synthase increased during the early stage of germination and then decreased at the late stage, which was similar to the expressional patterns of glycolysis-related enzymes. However, tricarboxylic acid cycle-related enzymes only increased at the later stage. It was also found that sucrose might be an important intermediate for the biosynthesis of starch in embryos. Furthermore, gel-based proteomic analysis of the dissected endosperm showed that the biological processes in the endosperm were heavily regulated by the embryo. This study could provide some new insights into the distinct roles of the embryo and endosperm in rice seed germination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The observation of viral plaques is the standard method for determining the viral titer and understanding the behaviors of viruses. Here, we report the application of a wide field-of-view (FOV), time-lapse, on-chip imaging platform, termed the ePetri, for plaque analysis of murine norovirus 1 (MNV-1). The ePetri offers the ability to dynamically track plaques at the individual cell death event level over a wide FOV of 6 mm × 4 mm. As demonstration, we captured high-resolution time-lapse images of MNV-1-infected cells at 30 min intervals. We implemented a customized image-processing program containing a density-based clustering algorithm to analyze the spatial-temporal distribution of cell death events to identify plaques at their earliest stages. By using the results in a viral titer count format, we showed that our approach gives results that are comparable to conventional plaque assays. We further showed that the extra information collected by the ePetri can be used to monitor the dynamics of plaque formation and growth. Finally, we performed a demonstration experiment to show the relevance of such an experimental format for viral inhibitor study. We believe the ePetri is a simple and compact solution for the automation of viral plaque assays, plaque behavior analysis, and antiviral drug discovery and study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed germination is a well regulated process, which incorporates many events including signal transduction, mobilization of reserves, reactive oxygen species scavenging and cell division. Although many transcriptomic and proteomic studies have been conducted on this process, regulation of protein modification has not been studied. To better understand the mechanism, a gel-based comparative phosphoproteomic study was performed on rice embryo during the germination process. In total, 168 protein spots exhibited significantly changed Pro-Q staining intensity during germination. Using matrix-assisted laser deionization-time of flight/time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/TOF MS) analysis, 193 proteins were identified. By combining Pro-Q and Coomassie brilliant blue stain intensity analyses, 109 proteins were verified to be phosphorylation regulation proteins. Functional analyses indicated that phosphorylation of proteins involved in stress response and storage was gradually enhanced. Phosphorylation of signal transduction proteins was mainly activated during the early stage of germination, while stress response and storage protein phosphorylation were enhanced at the late stage. Enzyme assays proved that the phosphorylation of fructokinase, pyruvate kinase, malate dehydrogenase, GDP-mannose 3,5-epimerase1, ascorbate peroxidase and glutathione S-transferase could consistently enhance their activity. This study showed the dynamic changes of protein phosphorylation status in rice embryo during germination and provided new insight into understanding the mechanism underlying this process. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

(1) Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most common movement disorder. Imbalanced protein homeostasis and α-syn aggregation are involved in PD pathogenesis. Autophagy is related to the occurrence and development of PD and can be regulated by histone deacetylases (HDACs). Various inhibitors of HDACs exert neuroprotective effects within in vitro and in vivo models of PD. HDAC4, a class Ⅱ HDAC, colocalizes with α-synuclein and ubiquitin in Lewy bodies and also accumulates in the nuclei of dopaminergic neurons in PD models. (2) Methods: In the present study, the gene expression profile of HDACs from two previously reported datasets in the GEO database was analyzed, and the RNA levels of HDAC4 in brain tissues were compared between PD patients and healthy controls. In vitro, SH-SY5Y cells transfected with HDAC4 shRNA or pretreated with mc1568 were treated with 1 μM of rotenone for 24 h. Then, the levels of α-syn, LC3, and p62 were detected using Western blot analysis and immunofluorescent staining, and cell viabilities were detected using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8). (3) Results: HDAC4 was highly expressed in PD substantia nigra and locus coeruleus. Mc1568, an inhibitor of HDAC4, decreased α-synuclein levels in rotenone-treated SH-SY5Y cells in a concentration-dependent manner and activated autophagy, which was impaired by rotenone. The knockdown of HDAC4 reversed rotenone-induced α-syn accumulation in SH-SY5Y cells and protected the neurons by enhancing autophagy. (4) Conclusions: HDAC4 is a potential therapeutic target for PD. The inhibition of HDAC4 by mc1568 or a gene block can reduce α-syn levels by regulating the autophagy process in PD. Mc1568 is a promising therapeutic agent for PD and other disorders related to α-syn accumulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Several studies have examined NCAPH2 methylation in amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD), but little is known of NCAPH2 methylation in subjective cognitive decline (SCD). Objective: To examine whether methylation of peripheral NCAPH2 are differentially changed at various phases of AD, and whether it could serve as a diagnostic biomarker for SCD. Methods: A total of 40 AD patients, 52 aMCI patients, 148 SCD patients, and 193 cognitively normal controls (NCs) were recruited in the current case-control study. Besides, 54 cognitively normal individuals have received amyloid positron emission tomography (amyloid PET) scans. Using bisulfite pyrosequencing method, we measured blood DNA methylation in the NCAPH2 gene promoter. Results: The main outcomes were: 1) For SCD, there was no significant difference between SCD and NC regarding NCAPH2 methylation; 2) For aMCI, NCAPH2 methylation at CpG2 were significantly lower in aMCI compared with NC and SCD in the entire population and male subgroup; 3) For AD, NCAPH2 methylation at CpG1 were significantly lower in AD compared with NC among females; 4) A relationship with apolipoprotein E (APOE) ɛ4 status was shown. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis by combining NCAPH2 methylation, age, education, and APOEɛ4 status could distinguish between patients with aMCI (area under the curve (AUC): 0.742) and AD (AUC: 0.873) from NCs. Conclusion: NCAPH2 methylation levels were altered at the aMCI and AD stage and may be convenient and cost-effective biomarkers of AD and aMCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An analytical preliminary design method for abort trajectory with a lunar flyby is proposed based on pseudostate theory. • Two parameters in the design process are taken as variables, then an ergodic representation of the feasible abort trajectories with a certain abort time is developed. • The performances of these abort trajectories in an ergodic representation including duration time, injection propellant and re-entry points distribution are investigated. • The effects of abort time and the nominal mission trajectory on abort trajectories are evaluated. This article proposes an analytical preliminary design method for abort trajectory with a lunar flyby and the trajectory ergodic representation based on parameterization, as well as their application in studying the abort trajectories' characteristics. First, by introducing two parameters, the perilune altitude and the perilune transfer time, the preliminary solution is developed parametrically using pseudostate theory to connect two special Lambert processes. The fast convergence of the improved differential correction under the high-fidelity gravity field verifies the accuracy of the proposed preliminary design method. Next, the two parameters are regarded as a set of variables to define an abort trajectory. Based on this, an ergodic representation of the abort trajectory with a certain abort time is yielded using the proposed design method, which offers a global view of the feasible abort trajectories. In addition, the influences of some factors on the performance of these abort trajectories are investigated based on the proposed design method and ergodic representation. The simulation results show that the abort time and the transfer time of the nominal trajectory significantly affect the ergodic representation and characteristics of the abort trajectory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Sodium alginate gel foam (SC-GF) was prepared based on biomass materials. • The gelation time of SC-GF was successfully controlled by weakly electrolytic calcium L-lactate as a cross-linking agent. • SC-GF exhibited excellent fire prevention and extinguishing properties. • The fire prevention and extinguishing mechanism of SC-GF was investigated. In order to address the environmentally friendly issue of fire prevention and extinguishing materials in coal mines, A new biomass sodium alginate gel foam (SC-GF) was prepared by using sodium alginate (SA), calcium L-lactate (CL), alkyl glycoside (APG) and tea saponin (TS). The effect of different concentrations of CL on the properties of SC-GF was analyzed by studying the gelation time, foaming volume and half-life of the SC-GF. The results show that the gelation time of SC-GF is successfully controlled by using the weak electrolyte CL as the cross-linking agent. When SA: CL: APG: TS = 4 : 1 : 2 : 1, the gelation time of SC-GF is 10 min with half-life of 16 days. Furthermore, A metal coordination bond favorable to the stability of SC-GF is formed by the carboxylate ion of α-L-gulonic acid in SA and Ca2+ ionized by CL. SC-GF exhibits excellent fire prevention and extinguishing properties. The CO concentration of the coal sample treated with SC-GF decreases from 7556.8 to 34.92 ppm in the process of oxidation at room temperature for 48 h. The temperature-programmed oxidation test shows that SC-GF can delay the accelerated oxidation temperature from 120 to 160 °C, and the CO inhibition rate is as high as 60.5 % at 200 °C. The fire extinguishing test indicates that SC-GF can significantly reduce the temperature of the coal sample and extinguish the coal fire quickly. The study is useful to develop efficient and environmentally friendly coal mine fire prevention and extinguishing materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: 3D hybrid analyses on the interlaminar stresses near the free edges of piezoelectric laminated plates are presented on the basis of three-dimensional piezoelasticity. The state space equations for cross-ply piezoelectric laminates subjected to a uniform axial extension are obtained by considering all the independent elastic and piezoelectric constants. With the application of the transfer matrix and recursive solution approach, the equations satisfy the traction-free and open-circuit boundary conditions at free edges and the continuity conditions across the interfaces between material layers. Three-dimensional exact solution is sought and validated by comparing the present analytical results with those from existing approximate and finite element models. The singularities of interlaminar stresses near free edges are observed and the significant electromechanical influence on the free-edge effect is found. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Siltuximab, a monoclonal antibody (mAb) against interleukin (IL-6), is under development by Janssen Research & Development, LLC. During early clinical development, siltuximab was produced in a murine Sp2/0 myeloma cell line. The production cell line was switched to stably transfected Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell line for subsequent clinical development. A two-part, parallel-group, phase 1 study was designed to evaluate the safety and pharmacokinetics (PK) of a single IV administration of Sp2/0- and CHO-derived siltuximab in healthy subjects. The results from this study demonstrated PK comparability of siltuximab produced from Sp2/0 and CHO cell lines. The 90% confidence interval of the ratios of geometric means of Cmax and AUC0-84day following 1.4 mg/kg doses was (99.4%, 111.3%) and (98.1%, 109.6%), respectively, both within the pre-specified comparability range of 80-125%. Siltuximab derived from either the Sp2/0 or CHO cell lines was in general well tolerated and was not found to be immunogenic in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct conversion of heat into electricity through advanced thermoelectric (TE) materials has been one of the most attractive solutions to the severe environmental and energy issues facing humanity. In recent years, great progress has been made in improving their dimensionless figure of merit ( ZT), which determines the conversion efficiency of TE devices. ZT is related to three 'interlocked' factors-the Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity, and thermal conductivity. These three factors are interdependent in bulk TE materials, and altering one changes the other two. The difficulty in simultaneously optimizing them caused TE research to stagnate, until great reductions in thermal conductivity were both theoretically and experimentally proven in nanomaterials in 1993. In this review, we first introduce some TE fundamentals and then review the most recently improvements in ZT in different kinds of inorganic and organic TE materials, which is followed by an investigation of the outlook for new directions in TE technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To simulate brain microenvironment, adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AMSC) were induced to differentiate to neuronal-like cells in rat cortex and hippocampus medium (Cox + Hip). First, isolated AMSC were characterized by flow cytometer and the capacity of adipogenesis and osteogenesis. After induction in rat cortex and hippocampus conditioned medium, the cell morphological change was examined and neural marker proteins (β-Ш-Tubulin, NSE, Nissl body) expression was detected by immunofluorescence staining. A variety of synaptic marker proteins, including GAP43, SHANK2, SHANK3 and Bassoon body, were detected. ELISA was used to measure brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) secretion at different time-points. AMSCs positively expressed CD13, CD44 and CD90 and could differentiate into osteoblasts or adipocytes. After induction in Cox + Hip medium for 14 days, cells had a typical neuronal perikaryal appearance, which was suggestive of neuronal differentiation. After 14 days of Cox + Hip treatment, the percentage of cells expressing β-Ⅲ-Tubulin, NSE and Nissl was 53.9 ± 0.8%, 51.3 ± 1.7% and 16.4 ± 2.1%, respectively. Expression of GAP43, SHANK2, SHANK3 and Bassoon body was detected, indicating synapse formation after treatment in Cox + Hip medium. Differentiated AMSCs secreted neurotrophic factors NGF and BDNF. Thus rat cortex and hippocampus-derived soluble factors can induce AMSCs to a neuronal-like phenotype, suggesting that AMSCs have a dual role in supplementing newborn neurons and secreting neurotrophic factors, and therefore could be help as a potential treatment for nervous system diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On the basis of Lee-Low-Pines unitary transformation, the influence of magnetic field and LO phonon effects on the energy of spin polarization states of strong-coupling bipolarons in a quantum dot (QD) is studied by using the variational method of Pekar type. The variations of the ground state energy $$E_0$$ and the first excited state the energy $$E_1$$ of bipolarons in a two-dimensional QD with the confinement strength of QDs $$\omega _0$$ , dielectric constant ratio $$\eta $$ , electron-phonon coupling strength $$\alpha $$ and cyclotron resonance frequency of the magnetic field $$\omega _{c}$$ are derived when the influence of the spin and external magnetic field is taken into account. The results show that both energies of the ground and first excited states ( $$E_0$$ and $$E_1)$$ consist of four parts: the single-particle energy of electrons $$E_\mathrm{e}$$ , Coulomb interaction energy between two electrons $$E_\mathrm{c}$$ , interaction energy between the electron spin and magnetic field $$E_\mathrm{S}$$ and interaction energy between the electron and phonon $$E_{\mathrm{e-ph}}$$ ; the energy level of the first excited state $$E_1$$ splits into two lines as $$E_1^{(1+1)}$$ and $$E_1^{(1-1)}$$ due to the interaction between the single-particle 'orbital' motion and magnetic field, and each energy level of the ground and first excited states splits into three 'fine structures' caused by the interaction between the electron spin and magnetic field; the value of $$E_{\mathrm{e-ph}}$$ is always less than zero and its absolute value increases with increasing $$\omega _0$$ , $$\alpha $$ and $$\omega _c$$ ; the effect of the interaction between the electron and phonon is favorable to forming the binding bipolaron, but the existence of the confinement potential and Coulomb repulsive energy between electrons goes against that; the bipolaron with energy $$E_1^{(1-1)}$$ is easier and more stable in the binding state than that with $$E_1^{(1+1)}$$ . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] A new method for chiral separation of TVN racemate using HSCCC was established. [•] Induced circular dichroism was first applied to optimize the chiral HSCCC conditions. [•] This method could be applied to improve the production rate of the chiral separation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The actin-depolymerizing factor (ADF)/cofilin protein family has been reported to be associated with ischemia-induced renal disorders. We examine whether cofilin-1 is associated with acute kidney injury (AKI) using human urine samples. We exploited a 96-well based high-throughput biosensor that uses gold nanoparticles and a sandwich immunoassay to detect the urine cofilin-1 level of AKI patients. The mean urine cofilin-1 level of the AKI patients (n = 37 from 47 cases analyzed) was twofold higher than that of healthy adults (n = 21 from 29 cases analyzed). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed that cofilin-1 was acceptable for discriminating AKI patients from healthy adults. However, an increase of the sample size is required to conclude the importance of urine cofilin-1 on AKI diagnosis, and the high-throughput ultrasensitive biosensor used in this study would greatly accelerate the measurement of urine cofilin-1 in an increased sample size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most in vitro fertilization (IVF) experts and infertility patients agree that the most ideal assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcome is to have a healthy, full-term singleton born. To this end, the most reliable policy is the single-embryo transfer (SET). However, unsatisfactory results in IVF may result from plenty of factors, in which aneuploidy associated with advanced maternal age is a major hurdle. Throughout the past few years, we have got a big leap in advancement of the genetic screening of embryos on aneuploidy, translocation, or mutations. This facilitates a higher success rate in IVF accompanied by the policy of elective SET (eSET).As the cost is loweringwhile the scale of genome characterization continues to be up over the recent years, the contemporary technologies on trophectoderm biopsy and freezing-thaw, comprehensive chromosome screening (CCS) with eSET appear to be getting more and more popular for modern IVF centers. Furthermore, evidence has showen that, by these avant-garde techniques (trophectoderm biopsy, vitrification, and CCS), older infertile women with the help of eSET may have an opportunity to increase the success of their live birth rates approaching those reported in younger infertility patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gap between learning courses and practical demands has existed in Taiwanese solar photovoltaic and LED industries; therefore, this study attempts to analyze the existing curriculum design of universities. This study collected the current 103 course programs from all optoelectronics-related departments in Taiwanese 36 colleges and universities and sorted these curriculums by three domains of education objectives theory. This theoretical framework was verified on the basis of samples from 150 Taiwanese industrial experts and 354 optoelectronics-related undergraduates and postgraduates. We found that the levels of correlation among the independent variables including cognitive, affective, and skill-based domains and the dependent variable employability are all positively related to each other. We also found the currently curriculum design in Taiwanese universities rarely fit into theory of education objectives from the results of multiple regression analysis. Industrial and student's group also have few consistent ideas on courses within the curriculum. Finally in order to bridge the gap between learning and practical application, the study provides an idea on curriculum design and suggests that curriculum review should be executed by industrial experts to confirm the courses related to the employability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Hg2+, MeHg, EtHg and PhHg were separated on two sequential 12.5-mm SCX columns. [•] The shortest separation time (2–2.5min) was consumed. [•] The mobile phase was most environment-friendly and fairly compatible with ICP-MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper performs large eddy simulations (LES) to investigate coherent structures in the flows after the Sydney bluff-body burner, a circular bluff body with an orifice at its center. The simulations are validated by comparison to existing experimental data. The Q function method is used to visualize the instantaneous vortex structures. Three kinds of structures are found, a cylindrical shell structure in the outer shear layer, a ring structure and some hairpin-like structures in the inner shear layer. An eduction scheme is employed to investigate the coherent structures in this flow. Some large streaks constituted by counter-rotating vortices are found in the outer shear layer and some well-organized strong structures are found in the inner shear layer. Finally, the influences of coherent structures on scalar mixing are studied and it is shown that scalar in the recirculation region is transported outward by coherent structures. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Four mercurial forms were separated via a 12.5-mm strong anion exchange column by complexing with 3-mercapto-1-propanesulfonate into negatively charged complexes. [•] The fastest analysis of mercury speciation in 5.0min was obtained so far. [•] The most environment-friendly mobile phase (1.0mM sodium 3-mercapto-1-propanesulfonate at pH 7.0) was employed. [•] Mercurial species in fish was determined by the proposed AEC–ICP-MS method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Titanium/silica (Ti/SiO2) composites are fabricated using powder metallurgy (P/M). Nanoscale biocompatible SiO2 particles are selected as reinforcement for the Ti/SiO2 composite to enhance its biocompatibility and strength, especially when with high porosity. Effects of the SiO2 particle addition and sintering temperature on mechanical properties of the Ti/SiO2 composites are investigated. The results indicate that the mechanical property of Ti/SiO2 composites sintered at 1100°C are better than those at 900 and 1000°C. The strength of the Ti/SiO2 composites is significantly higher than that of pure titanium. The composite with the SiO2 content of 2wt% sintered at 1100°C for 4h shows an appropriate mechanical property with a relative density of 96.5%, a compressive strength of 1566MPa and good plasticity (an ultimate strain of 15.96%). In vitro results reveal that the Ti/SiO2 composite possesses excellent biocompatibility and cell adhesion. Osteoblast-like cells grow and spread well on the surfaces of the Ti/SiO2 composites. The Ti/SiO2 composite is a promising material for great potential used as an orthopedic implant material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background and purpose Methods Results Conclusions Spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) patients are still at risk of postoperative ischemic complications (PICs) after surgery. In addition, the proportion of patients receiving antiplatelet therapy (APT) in ICH patients increased significantly with age. This study aims to evaluate the impact of preoperative antiplatelet therapy on PICs in ICH patients.This is a cohort study that retrospectively analyzed the data of ICH patients who underwent surgical treatment. PICs rate was compared between patients with preoperative ATP and those without preoperative ATP. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to evaluate the impact of preoperative APT on PICs. In addition, Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis and the impact of PICs on patients’ postoperative outcomes was evaluated.A total of 216 patients were included in this study. There were 47 patients (21.76%) with preoperative APT; 169 patients (78.24%) without preoperative APT. The incidence of PICs in the APT group was significantly higher when compared with that in the nAPT group (36.17% vs. 20.71%, p = 0.028＜0.05). Furthermore, significant differences were both observed in multivariate analysis (p = 0.035＜0.05) and survival analysis (log rank χ2 = 5.415, p = 0.020＜0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the outcomes of patients suffering from PICs and that of patients not suffering from PICs (p = 0.377 > 0.05).In conclusion, preoperative APT may be a risk factor for PICs in ICH patients undergoing surgical treatment significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maneuvering to a free return trajectory is a vital abort means for crewed lunar missions. A novel method of solving the fuel optimization of free return abort trajectory for Earth-Moon transfer by two-stage transformation on optimization model and Bayesian optimization is documented. Two new design variables—perilune altitude and transfer time from earth to perilune, instead of the original injection velocity vector, are introduced to transform the general model into a two-dimensional model. Each feasible abort trajectory is determined by a numerical method including initial estimate and exact solution. Then the characteristics of the relationship between the new variables and the fuel objective of impulse maneuver are applied to further transform the model into a one-dimensional model. Based on the Bayesian optimization method, fuel optimization is successfully and efficiently implemented for the free return abort trajectory at multiple abort moments during the Earth-Moon transfer. Furthermore, the influence of the initial Earth-Moon phase on the result of fuel optimization is presented. Numerical simulations are conducted to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed method. • Fuel optimization of free return abort trajector. • y for Earth-Moon transfer is studied. • We propose a two-stage transformation method to overcome the difficulty of optimization model. • Bayesian Optimization method is applied to solve the optimization efficiently based on problem's characteristics. • The time window of abort trajectory and influence of the initial Earth-Moon phase is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An emerging body of studies has claimed that exposure to phonetically varying speech sounds results in strictly phonological representations of speech sounds by the brain's auditory prediction system (Cornell et al., 2011; Eulitz & Lahiri, 2004; Hestvik et al., 2020; Hestvik & Durvasula, 2016; Phillips et al., 2000). We test this claim by measuring mismatch negativity (MMN) to a subcategorical contrast with two sets of phonetically varying standards. When controlling for non-prediction related contributors to the MMN, we find a mismatch in a late time window. However, the mismatch effect is only significant for participants who perceived the contrast as an across-category contrast (/t/ vs /d/). Additionally, we find no modulation of mismatch amplitude predicated on phonetic distance between standards and deviant. Taken together, this indicates that the prediction generated by the auditory system in response to phonetically varying speech sounds is indeed phonological and lacks any fine-grained phonetic content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Membranes with high permeance, excellent selectivity coupled with adequate solvent resistance are required for organic solvent nanofiltration (OSN) applications. But the "trade-off" relationship between the solvent resistance and permeance remains a critical challenge for polymeric-based thin film composite (TFC) membranes with necessary chemical crosslinking. Herein, a novel facile cyclization modification of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofiber substrate is proposed by a simply thermal treatment and subsequent alkaline hydrolysis, and employed for the fabrication of TFC-OSN membrane for the first time in strong polar aprotic solvent systems. The reaction mechanism involved, solvent resistance and pore structure of PAN nanofiber substrate brought by the modification are investigated. TFC-OSN membrane supported by the modified PAN nanofiber substrate exhibits ultrahigh solvent permeance up to 13.3 L m−2 h−1 bar−1 coupled with a 99.7% rejection in rose bengal/DMF system and a good long-term stability. This study is therefore believed to provide useful guidelines for the development of next-generation OSN membranes. [Display omitted] • A facile cyclization modification of PAN with thermal and alkaline treatment is proposed. • Modified PAN nanofiber substrate shows enhanced resistance in strong polar aprotic solvents. • The substrate with high porosity shows superior pure solvent permeance. • TFC membrane exhibits superior OSN performance to most previous works. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increasing traffic loading and changing climatic conditions, there is a need to use novel superior performing pavement materials such as high-modulus asphalt binders and asphalt mixtures to mitigate field distress such as rutting, cracking, etc. This laboratory study was thus conducted to explore and substantiate the usage of Rubber Polymer Composite Modifier (RPCM) for high-modulus asphalt binder modification. The base asphalt binder used in the study comprised A-70# Petroleum asphalt binder with RPCM dosages of 0.25%, 0.30%, 0.35%, 0.40% and 0.45%, separately. The laboratory tests conducted for characterizing the asphalt binder rheological and morphological properties included the dynamic mechanical analysis (DM), temperature-frequency sweep in the dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) device, bending beam rheometer (BBR), and florescence microscopic (FM) imaging. The corresponding test results exhibited satisfactory compatibility and potential for using RPCM as a high-modulus asphalt binder modifier to enhance the base asphalt binder's rheological properties, both with respect to high- and low-temperature performance improvements. For the A-70# Petroleum asphalt binder that was evaluated, the optimum RPCM dosage was found to be 0.30–0.35%. In comparison to styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS), asphalt binder modification with RPCM exhibited superior high-temperature rutting resistance properties (as measured in terms of the complex modulus and phase angle) and vice versa for the low-temperature cracking properties. Overall, the study beneficially contributes to the literature through provision of a reference datum toward the exploratory usage of RPCM for high-modulus asphalt binder modification and performance enhancements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soybean-derived bio-oil is one of the vegetable-based oils that is gaining the most interest for potential use in the rejuvenation of aged asphalt binders. This laboratory study was conducted to characterize and quantify the diffusion and rheological properties of bio-oil-rejuvenated aged asphalt binder (BRAA) using soybean oil. In the study, the chemical structure of the soybean oil was comparatively characterized using an element analyzer (EA), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and a Fourier infrared (FTIR) spectrometer, respectively. Based on the chemical structure of the bio-oil, BRAA molecular models were built for computing the diffusion parameters using molecular dynamic simulations. Likewise, a dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) test device was used for measuring and quantifying the rheological properties of the aged asphalt binder rejuvenated with 0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, and 5% soybean oil, respectively. The laboratory test results indicate that bio-oil could potentially improve the diffusion coefficients and phase angle of the aged asphalt binder. Similarly, the corresponding decrease in the complex shear modulus has a positive effect on the low-temperature properties of BRAA. For a bio-oil dosage 4.0%, the diffusion coefficients of the BRAA components are 1.52 × 10−8, 1.33 × 10−8, 3.47 × 10−8, 4.82 × 10−8 and 3.92 × 10−8, respectively. Similarly, the corresponding reduction in the complex shear modulus from 1.27 × 107 Pa to 4.0 × 105 Pa suggests an improvement in the low-temperature properties of BRAA. Overall, the study contributes to the literature on the potential use of soybean-derived bio-oil as a rejuvenator of aged asphalt binders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two metal organic frameworks based on flexible bis(benzimidazole) ligand, namely {[Co 2 (L) 2 (OBA) 2 ]·3H 2 O} n (1) and {[Zn(L)(OBA)]·H 2 O} n (2), were synthesized under hydrothermal condition. 1 and 2 can serve as probes for sensing acetylacetone and Fe3+ ions. [Display omitted] • Two new CPs based on bis(benzimidazole) ligands were synthesized and characterized. • 1 and 2 are dual-responsive probes for detection of acetylacetone and Fe3+ ions. • The luminescence sensing mechanisms can be ascribed to competitive absorption of energy and electron transfer. Two new metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), {[Co 2 (L) 2 (OBA) 2 ]·3H 2 O} n (1) and {Zn(L)(OBA)]·H 2 O} n (2) were constructed via N -donor and dicarboxylic acids co-ligands (L = 1,3-bis(5,6-dimethylbenzimidazol-1-yl)-2-propanol and H 2 OBA = 4,4′-oxybisbenzoic acid) under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by physico-chemical and spectroscopic methods. Two MOFs display 2D layers that are simplified as sql networks. 2 is further extended to 3D supramolecular framework via π–π stacking interactions. 1 and 2 feature high thermal and pH stability. Finally, both MOFs can serve as luminescence probes for sensing of acetylacetone and Fe3+ ions, the related sensing mechanisms are discussed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • High-flux loose NF membrane prepared by assembly of branched PEI and PEI-PO 3 Na. • Cross-linkable PEI and PEI-PO 3 Na enable the good stability of the membrane. • Chelatable phosphonate groups in PEI-PO 3 Na lower the membrane scaling tendency. • Membrane properties are optimizable by varying Mw of PEI-PO 3 Na. • Great potential for actual textile wastewater treatment is expected. Conventional nanofiltration membrane with high rejections to both dyes and inorganic salts are not suitable for the treatment of the textile wastewater. Herein, novel loose nanofiltration membranes were fabricated by the assembly of polyethyleneimine (PEI) and phosphorylated PEI (PEI-PO 3 Na) coupled with glutaraldehyde crosslinking. The PEI-based polyelectrolytes with branched structures and plentiful amine crosslinking sites enabled the formation of a highly permeable and robust selective layer. Meanwhile, the introduced phosphonate groups endowed the membrane with anti-fouling and anti-scaling properties owing to their surface hydrophilicity and chelation ability. By varying the molecular weight of PEI-PO 3 Na, the surface properties, pore size, and selective layer thickness and corresponding performances of the resultant PEI-PO 3 Na/PEI membranes can be successfully manipulated. The PEI-PO 3 Na 10 k/PEI membrane showed a high permeability (24.2 LMH/bar), high Victoria blue BO (99.5%) but low NaCl rejection (10.1%), demonstrating the best dye/salt fractionation performance. While PEI-PO 3 Na 70 k/PEI membrane exhibited the highest chroma and chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal rates, and the best anti-fouling ability for the textile wastewater treatment. The PEI-PO 3 Na/PEI membrane also exhibited good stability in various pH, and relatively low scaling propensity. This work provides a facile and convenient method for fabricating high-performance loose NF membranes for the practical textile wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the determination of Xinjunan pesticide residue in apple, cottonseed, pepper, tomato, grape and pear by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) was established. The samples were purified by a modified QuEChERS method. The analysis was performed by UPLC-MS/MS in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. Acetonitrile and 1.0 mmol L−1 ammonium acetate (containing 0.1% formic acid) were used as the mobile phases. The external standard method was used for quantification. The average recoveries were 75.6–106.2% with an RSD ≤8.8%. The limits of quantification (LOQs) were 2.0 μg/kg for apple, pepper, tomato, grape and pear and 10.0 μg/kg for cottonseed. The proposed method is fast, sensitive, simple, and accurate and could be used for the quantification of Xinjunan pesticide residue in foodstuffs of plant origin. [Display omitted] • First determination of Xinjunan residue in food by UPLC-MS/MS. • The accuracy of the results is based on MRM mode. • The samples were purified by a modified QuEChERS method. • The structure analysis of Xinjunan was carried out for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] PLE–LC–MS/MS was firstly used for analyzing Curcuma wenyujin Y.H.chen et C.Ling. [•] A green and efficient method was used for pretreating traditional Chinese medicine. [•] Similar Curcuminoids were determined simultaneously without complete separation. [•] Operating parameters of PLE–LC–MS/MS were thoroughly optimized. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Laboratory identification of carbapenemase-producing clinical isolates is crucial to limit the spread of the bacteria. In this study, we shall first develop the matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) assay in automatic identification of carbapenemase producers. A total of 143 well-characterized isolates were studied. After an incubation of bacteria with meropenem trihydrate, the mixture was centrifuged and the supernatant analyzed by MALDI-TOF MS. A genetic algorithm model with ClinProTools software was built using spectra of 43 carbapenemase-positive isolates and 40 carbapenemase-negative isolates after 2 h of incubation. This model was externally validated using 60 test isolates. All spectra of supernatants of the carbapenemase-negative isolates showed peak profiles comparable to that of pure meropenem ( m/ z 384.159, 406.140, and 428.122 of its two sodium salt variants) regardless of the incubation time tested. For the carbapenemase-positive isolates, the specific peak for meropenem at m/ z 384.159 disappeared during the incubation time, two products of meropenem degradation were identified with m/ z 358.18 (the decarboxylated product) and 380.161 (sodium salt of the decarboxylated product), and other degradation products were observed (native molecule with disrupted amide bond with m/ z 402.169, three sodium salt variants with m/ z 424.151, 446.133, and 468.115). Sixty test isolates were 100 % correctly classified as carbapenemase positive and carbapenemase negative with the genetic algorithm model. MALDI-TOF MS coupled with ClinProTools is capable of rapidly, accurately, and automatically identifying carbapenemase producers. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agile satellites are the new generation of Earth observation satellites (EOSs) with stronger attitude maneuvering capability. Since optical remote sensing instruments cannot see through the cloud, the cloud coverage brings a significant influence on the satellite observation missions. The scheduling of multiple agile EOSs (AEOSs) is already complicated due to strong satellite maneuverability and onboard satellite energy constraints. Moreover, introducing cloud coverage uncertainty further increases scheduling complexity. Motivated by these challenges, we address the multiple AEOSs scheduling problem under cloud coverage uncertainty where the objective aims to maximize the entire observation profit. A chance constraint programming model is adopted to describe the uncertainty initially, and the observation profit under cloud coverage uncertainty is then calculated via a sample approximation method. To overcome the solving difficulty, an improved simulated annealing (ISA)-based heuristic including a fast insertion strategy is proposed for large-scale observation missions. Finally, extensive experiments are conducted to verify the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed method. Experimental results show that the ISA-based heuristic outperforms other algorithms for the multiple AEOSs scheduling problem under cloud coverage uncertainty, which validates the proposed algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All-polymer thermo-optic (TO) waveguide switch arrays at 650-nm wavelength based on novel organic–inorganic grafting poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) materials are successfully designed and fabricated. The thermal stability and optical properties of the sol–gel materials are studied. The TO coefficient of organic–inorganic grafting PMMA core material is obtained as -1.65\times 10^4~^\circC^-1. The characteristic parameters of the embedded waveguide and arrayed electrode heaters are carefully designed and simulated. The propagation loss of a 4-\mum wide straight waveguide is 0.85 dB cm^-1. The M-Z interferometer TO switch on–off time is 600 \mus. The extinction ratio is \sim8.2~dB and the applied electric power as the switching power is \sim22.6~mW. The device could have great potential in biomedical applications. The technique could be well suited for polymer optical fiber integrated network systems. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) possessed much potential hazard to environment because of its chemical stability and biological toxicity. Here, we identified the binding mode of a representative compound, PCB153, to human serum albumin (HSA) using fluorescence and molecular dynamics simulation methods. The fluorescence study showed that the intrinsic fluorescence of HSA was quenched by addition of PCB153 through a static quenching mechanism. The thermodynamic analysis proved the binding behavior was mainly governed by hydrophobic force. Furthermore, as evidenced by site marker displacement experiments using two probe compounds, it revealed that PCB153 acted exactly on subdomain IIIA (site II) of HSA. On the other hand, the molecular dynamics studies as well as free energy calculations made another important contribution to understand the conformational changes of HSA and the stability of HSA-PCB153 system. Molecular docking revealed PCB153 can bind in a large hydrophobic activity of subdomain IIIA by the hydrophobic interaction and hydrogen bond interactions between chlorine atoms and residue ASN391. The present work provided reasonable models helping us further understand the transporting, distribution and toxicity effect of PCBs when it spread into human blood serum. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A new method based on pressurized liquid extraction followed by LC-MS/MS analysis has been developed for the identification and quantification of three capsaicinoids (capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, and nordihydrocapsaicin) in extracts of Capsicum annuum. For the recovery of three capsaicinoids, the efficiency levels of ultrasonic-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, Soxhlet extraction, and pressurized liquid extraction were compared under different conditions. Pressurized liquid extraction resulted in higher yields. Pressurized liquid extractions were performed using methanol; temperature was set at 100°C and pressure at 1500 psi. LC analysis was performed on a Waters XBridge™ C18 column (150 × 2.1 mm, id 3.5 μm) eluted by a mobile phase of 0.1% formic acid and ACN. Data acquisition was carried out in multiple reaction monitoring transitions mode, monitoring two-reaction monitoring transitions to ensure an accurate identification of target compounds in the samples. The proposed method is rapid, simple, and could be utilized for the routine analysis of three capsaicinoids in C. annuum samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient procedure for the synthesis of 2-aminoisoindolin-1-ones via a palladium-catalyzed three-component reaction of 2-halobenzaldehydes, hydrazines and carbon monoxide is reported. This cyclocarbonylation process can be performed smoothly under 1 atmospheric pressure of carbon monoxide to afford 2-aminoisoindolin-1-ones in moderate to excellent yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Seed germination is a complex physiological process during which mobilization of nutrient reserves happens. In different crops, this event might be mediated by different regulatory and metabolic pathways. Proteome profiling has been proved to be an efficient way that can help us to construct these pathways. However, no such studies have been performed in soybean germinating seeds up to date. Results: Proteome profiling was conducted through one-dimensional gel electrophoresis followed by liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry strategy in the germinating seeds of soybean (glycine max). Comprehensive comparisons were also carried out between rice and soybean germinating seeds. 764 proteins belonging to 14 functional groups were identified and metabolism related proteins were the largest group. Deep analyses of the proteins and pathways showed that lipids were degraded through lipoxygenase dependent pathway and proteins were degraded through both protease and 26S proteosome system, and the lipoxygenase could also help to remove the reactive oxygen species during the rapid mobilization of reserves of soybean germinating seeds. The differences between rice and soybean germinating seeds proteome profiles indicate that each crop species has distinct mechanism for reserves mobilization during germination. Different reserves could be converted into starches before they are totally utilized during the germination in different crops seeds. Conclusions: This study is the first comprehensive analysis of proteome profile in germinating soybean seeds to date. The data presented in this paper will improve our understanding of the physiological and biochemical status in the imbibed soybean seeds just prior to germination. Comparison of the protein profile with that of germinating rice seeds gives us new insights on mobilization of nutrient reserves during the germination of crops seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]