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In Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), the sequential acquisition of raw complex-valued image data in Fourier space, also known as k-space, results in extended examination times. To speed up the MRI scans, k-space data are usually undersampled and processed using numerical techniques such as compressed sensing (CS). While the majority of CS-MRI algorithms primarily focus on magnitude images due to their significant diagnostic value, the phase components of complex-valued MRI images also hold substantial importance for clinical diagnosis, including neurodegenerative diseases. In this work, complex-valued MRI reconstruction is studied with a focus on the simultaneous reconstruction of both magnitude and phase images. The proposed algorithm is based on the nonsubsampled contourlet transform (NSCT) technique, which offers shift invariance in images. Instead of directly transforming the complex-valued image into the NSCT domain, we introduce a wavelet transform within the NSCT domain, reducing the size of the sparsity of coefficients. This two-level hierarchical constraint (HC) enforces sparse representation of complex-valued images for CS-MRI implementation. The proposed HC is seamlessly integrated into a proximal algorithm simultaneously. Additionally, to effectively minimize the artifacts caused by sub-sampling, thresholds related to different sub-bands in the HC are applied through an alternating optimization process. Experimental results show that the novel method outperforms existing CS-MRI techniques in phase-regularized complex-valued image reconstructions. • Focus on speeding up MRI scanning while improving the quality of reconstructed complex-valued images; • Propose a two-level hierarchical constraint that introduces a wavelet transform within the nonsubsampled contourlet domain; • The proposed constraint enforces a sparse representation of complex-valued images; • Subband-related thresholds are applied to effectively reduce sub-samplinginduced artifacts; • Experimental results show the novel method outperforms existing techniques in reconstructing complex-valued MR images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are associated with metastasis. However, the low rate of detection of CTCs in peripheral vein blood (PVB) limits their clinical application. In this study, we observed higher positive rates of CTC in first drainage vein blood (FDVB) relative to peripheral venous blood (p < 0.001). Moreover, the CTC content was related to liver metastasis, T stage, and CA19-9 levels. Our collective data suggest that CTCs in FDVB have good predictive utility for the risk of liver metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC), in particular, metachronous liver metastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A new quinoline-pyrimidine hydrazone (FPHQ) was designed and synthesized. • Nine FPHQ-Ln complexes were synthesized and characterized by crystal structures. • Complex FPHQ-Pr/Dy/Ho exhibited superior anticancer/antimicrobial efficacy to FPHQ. • FPHQ-Ln complexes showed lower toxicity on normal liver/lung cells than cisplatin. • The lower toxicity of FPHQ-Ln might be ascribed to the low-toxic Ln(III) center. A new fluoropyrimidine hydrazone 8-quinolinol ligand (FPHQ) was designed and synthesized aiming to improve the potential anti-cancer/anti-microbial efficacy of 8-quinolinol by combining pyrimidine hydrazone as side chain. A series of lanthanide(III) complexes, namely FPHQ-Pr (1), FPHQ-Nd (2), FPHQ-Sm (3), FPHQ-Dy (4), FPHQ-Ho (5), FPHQ-Er (6), FPHQ-Tm (7), FPHQ-Yb (8), and FPHQ-Lu (9) was further synthesized and characterized by X-ray single crystal diffraction analysis. The in vitro anticancer activity of FPHQ was found to be weak against the tested cell lines, while those for the FPHQ-Ln(III) complexes were significantly enhanced. Specifically, complexes 1, 4 and 5 exhibited superior anticancer efficacy against T-24 cells, as evidenced by their IC 50 values of 20.03 ± 0.85, 20.39 ± 0.89, and 20.44 ± 1.12 μM, respectively, together with much lower cytotoxicity on normal cell lines. Four typical pathogens were chosen for the further initial anti-microbial evaluation on FPHQ-Ln(III), which indicated that FPHQ-Ln(III) also exhibited enhanced anti-microbial property compared to FPHQ, particularly the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for FPHQ-Ho (5) against Candida albicans and Bacillus subtilis were 0.125 and 0.0625 mg/mL, respectively. These results suggest that the hydrazone 8-quinolinol could achieve promising bioactivity, along with satisfying cytotoxicity, by coordinating with appropriate lanthanide(III). Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis revealed that complexes 1, 4 and 5 exhibited hydrophilic characteristics, potentially attributed to the presence of the coordinated counter-ion NO 3 ‒. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The construction of porous d-LDH@ZIF heterostructures with abundant defects and vacancies through in situ growth and defect engineering strategies. • First report of porous liquid in flame retardant field. • A flame retardant-functionalized porous liquid (PLs-d-L@Z) was designed to improve the fire safety and mechanical properties of polyurea composites. • An inspiration for the design of liquefied functional fillers and the influence on the comprehensive properties of composites. Preventing aggregation and inducing homogeneous dispersion of flame retardant nanofillers is critical to enhance the fire safety and mechanical properties of nanocomposites. Although chemical modifications are commonly used to improve the filler's compatibility with the polymer chain, such methods are often cumbersome and limited. Herein, porous liquids (PLs) with flame retardant function were constructed in which porous defect-Co-LDH@ZIF-67 (d-LDH@ZIF) heterostructure particles were converted into liquid materials by electrostatic interaction with a large-volume solvent. This is also the first report of PLs in the field of flame retardant. Specifically, the d-LDH@ZIF heterostructure was designed by defect engineering and in situ growth strategy to compensate for the low catalytic activity and specific surface area of Co-LDH, and to serve as a rigid porous framework for PLs. Numerous cobalt/oxygen vacancies and lattice defects in the d-LDH@ZIF heterostructure have also been proven to confer higher flame retardancy relative to Co-LDH. d-LDH@ZIF porous liquids (PLs-d-L@Z) presents favorable liquid characteristics and achieves a monodisperse state in the polyurea matrix. The limiting oxygen index of polyurea composites blended with 20 wt% PLs-d-L@Z (3 wt% d-LDH@ZIF content) can be increased to 24.2 % and pass the V-0 rating in the UL-94 test. Moreover, the peak of heat release rate, total heat release, and total smoke production are reduced by around 40.4, 27.0, and 39.9 %, respectively, compared to neat polyurea. Emphatically, the PLs-modified polyurea composites exhibit significantly improved mechanical and impact resistance properties, as well as favorable chemical resistance. This strategy of liquefying solid flame retardant fillers will open an avenue to the design of functional nanomaterials for fire safety and other potential applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: For cervical cancer patients whose tumors display a combination of intermediate risk factors, postoperative radiation with or without adjuvant chemotherapy is suggested for them. However, who should be administered with adjuvant chemotherapy is unknown. The current study was designed to explore the clinical value of squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC-Ag) in guiding the use of adjuvant chemotherapy in cervical cancer patients.Methods: A total of 301 cervical cancer patients were included in the present study from March 2006 to March 2016. There were 156 patents who received adjuvant chemotherapy, while the rest of 145 patents did not receive it. The survival analysis including Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) was assessed by using the Kaplan-Meier method. Cox proportional hazards regression was done to detect factors in predicting the tumor prognosis.Results: In patients with high pre-treatment SCC-Ag level, those who received adjuvant chemotherapy acquired better prognosis than patients who did not receive it. Particularly, a lower rate of distant metastasis was found in the group of adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy than that in the group of adjuvant radiotherapy. As for patients with low pre-treatment SCC-Ag level, we observed no differences in both the OS and DFS between patients who were given and not given with adjuvant chemotherapy. In the multivariable analysis, adjuvant chemotherapy was significantly correlated with DFS and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) in patients with high SCC-Ag level.Conclusion: Preoperative SCC-Ag can be a predictive marker for the use of adjuvant chemotherapy in cervical squamous cell carcinoma with intermediate-risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of feeding decoction of a traditional nourishing Chinese herbal medicine formula on rates of plasma phenylalanine and tyrosine turnover and whole body protein synthesis in sheep. Ruminal fermentation characteristics and blood metabolites were also determined. Six sheep were subjected to either mixed hay (MH‐diet, as control) or MH‐diet supplemented with 2% of Chinese herbal medicine (mixture of Astragalus root, Angelica root, and Atractylodes rhizome; CHM‐diet) in a crossover design for each of 3‐week period. The isotope dilution of [2H5]phenylalanine and [2H2]tyrosine was performed as a primed‐continuous infusion to measure plasma phenylalanine and tyrosine kinetics. Concentrations of total volatile fatty acid, acetate, and propionate in the rumen tended to be higher (p < 0.10), and the pH value was lower (p = 0.04) for the CHM‐diet than the MH‐diet. Turnover rates of plasma phenylalanine and tyrosine tended to be higher (p < 0.10) for the CHM‐diet than the MH‐diet. Furthermore, whole body protein synthesis was greater (p = 0.04) for the CHM‐diet compared with the MH‐diet. The Chinese herbal medicine improved rumen fermentation and enhanced protein metabolism in sheep. Hence, it is suggested that the decoction of Chinese herbal medicine formula could be considered as a potential feed additive for ruminant production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • RP is transformed into a 2D lamellar structure by a simple method. • PUA composites (PUA/2D RP@ZIF) exhibit excellent flame-retardant properties. • The compatibility of the 2D RP@ZIF and PUA matrix is good. • The mechanical properties of PUA/2D RP@ZIF are improved compared to PUA. Red phosphorus (RP) is a promising polymeric flame retardant due to its abundance of flame-retardant elements. Unfortunately, the irregular size of RP leads to poor dispersion in polymer matrices, which greatly limits its wide application in flame-retardant polymer materials. Here, RP is transformed into a two-dimensional (2D) lamellar structure by a simple green method, while ZIF-67 nanoparticles are grown in situ and uniformly embedded in them. The 2D porous RP@ZIF (2D RP@ZIF) composites exhibit excellent flame-retardant properties and mechanical properties in polyurea (PUA) matrix. The peak heat release rate, total heat release, the peak of smoke production rate and total smoke production of PUA composites added with 5 wt% 2D RP@ZIF decreased by 48.0 %, 54.2 %, 20.4 % and 22.2 %, respectively. Due to its well compatibility, the elongation at break and tensile strength of PUA composites were 308.02 % and 9.21 N in the mechanical test, respectively. Compared with previous work, this is the first time that a 2D RP hybrid flame retardant has been prepared by metal organic framework and applied to flame retardant PUA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing a good back contact material is important for high efficiency CdTe solar cells. In this work, the graphite oxide (GO) was prepared by the Hummers method through liquid oxidization, and the Bi-doping reduced graphene oxides (Bi@RGO) with different concentrations were synthesized by a chemical reduction of GO and BiCl 3 aqueous solution using hydrazine hydrate. The doping concentration of bismuth was varied by controlling the mass ratio of GO/BiCl 3 . The peaks of bismuth and RGO can be easily observed in the X-ray diffraction patterns. Both Raman spectra analysis and infrared spectra analysis also show that RGO is reduced successfully. Transmission electron microscopy shows Bi nanoparticles are entrapped inside the flake-like RGO. Furthermore, Bi-containing RGO/Au system was used as a back contact to CdTe thin film solar cells. The devices with Bi-containing RGO layers were fabricated and their photovoltaic characteristics such as short circuit current density, open circuit voltage, fill factor and efficiency were obtained. The results illustrate that Bi@RGO improves the hole collection ability, and supplies an active Bi diffusion source for the absorption layer, thereby enhancing CdTe solar cell performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates processing of fast-response data and corrections of turbulent fluxes obtained by using eddy covariance method based on data collected at an offshore observation tower during three Coldintrusion (CI) events in the South China Sea in 2010. This study presents the data processing procedure in detail and compares frictional velocities (u*), sensible heat fluxes (H) and latent heat fluxes (LE) yielded by using different averaging periods and different coordinate rotation methods; evaluates the sonic temperature correction for sensible heat flux and the Webb correction for latent heat flux as a function of 10 m wind speed (u10) during the CIs. The results show (1) that the different averaging periods of 30 min and 10 min cause biases of u*(H,LE) within 5% (15%, 62%). The values of u(u* H,LE) averaged from 30 mins are mostly larger than those averaged from 10 mins. We suggest that the averaging period of 10 min is not sufficiently long to capture all scale eddies and recommend 30 min averaging period in calculating turbulent fluxes using eddy covariance method during CIs; (2) that the values of u*(H,LE) obtained from double rotation (DR2) and those obtained from planar fit rotation (PF) have good agreements and correlation coefficients between them are larger than 0.99. BecausePF method requires unchanged environment and it is easier to applyDR2 method, we suggestDR2 coordinate rotation method in processing fast-response data; and (3) that the median values of frictional velocity (sensible heat flux and latent heat flux) binned according to 2 m s-1 intervals of u10 increase (decrease, increase) by less than 9% (4%, 10%) by Coriolis corrections (sonic temperature corrections, Webb corrections), which decreases (decreases, increases) with increasing u10when u10are 5-17 m s-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In view of the problem of tubing breaking, based on the situation that real contact state of the oil production pipe strings could only be classified into 3 categories and 4 kinds, a double layer static force model is set up for analysing the contact system between sucker rod, tubing strings, and casing. The general balance equations and the conditions for the solution of the system are given. The comparison has been made between the calculated value based on the model and the measured values of the suspended point load. The error is with 15%, which meet the engineering requirement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: The activation of M3 cholinoceptors (M3 receptors) by choline reduces cardiovascular risk, but it is unclear whether these receptors can regulate ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced vascular injury. Thus, the primary goal of the present study was to explore the effects of choline on the function of mesenteric arteries following I/R, with a major focus on Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) regulation.Experimental Approach: Rats were given choline (10 mg · kg(-1), i.v.) and then the superior mesenteric artery was occluded for 60 min (ischaemia), followed by 90 min of reperfusion. The M3 receptor antagonist, 4-diphenylacetoxy-N-methylpiperidine methiodide (4-DAMP), was injected (0.12 μg · kg(-1), i.v.) 5 min prior to choline treatment. Vascular function was examined in rings of mesenteric arteries isolated after the reperfusion procedure. Vascular superoxide anion production, CaMKII and the levels of Ca(2+)-cycling proteins were also assessed.Key Results: Choline treatment attenuated I/R-induced vascular dysfunction, blocked elevations in the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decreased the up-regulated expression of oxidised CaMKII and phosphorylated CaMKII. In addition, choline reversed the abnormal expression of Ca(2+)-cycling proteins, including Na(+)Ca(2+) exchanger, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor, sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase and phospholamban. All of these cholinergic effects of choline were abolished by 4-DAMP.Conclusions and Implications: Our data suggest that inhibition of the ROS-mediated CaMKII pathway and modulation of Ca(2+)-cycling proteins may be novel mechanisms underlying choline-induced vascular protection. These results represent a significant addition to the understanding of the pharmacological roles of M3 receptors in the vasculature, providing a new therapeutic strategy for I/R-induced vascular injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous findings have shown that acetylcholine (ACh) decreased hypoxia-induced tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF α) production, thus protected against cardiomyocyte injury. However, whether and how ACh affects TNF α-induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and cell apoptosis remain poorly defined. This study was aimed at determining the effect of ACh in H9c2 cells after TNF α stimulation. Presence of ER stress was verified using the ER stress protein markers glucose regulatory protein 78 (GRP78) and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP). Cell apoptosis was shown by caspase-3 activation and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling. Exogenously administered ACh significantly decreased these TNF α-induced changes. Moreover, when the cells were exposed to nonspecific muscarinic receptor (M AChR) inhibitor atropine, methoctramine (M2 AChR inhibitor) or the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor AG1478, the cardioprotection elicited by ACh was diminished. Furthermore, the above effects were also blocked by M2 AChR or EGFR siRNA, indicating that EGFR transactivation by M2 AChR may be the major pathway responsible for the benefits of ACh. In addition, LY294002, a phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor, displayed the similar trends as AG1478, suggesting that PI3K/Akt signaling may be the downstream of EGFR in ACh-elicited anti-apoptotic property. Together, these data indicate that EGFR-PI3K/Akt signaling is involved in M2 AChR-mediated ER apoptotic pathway suppression and the subsequent survival of H9c2 cardiomyocytes. We have identified a novel pathway underlying the cardioprotection afforded by ACh. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 767-774, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two diastereopure ligands, N,N′-bis(4-pyridyl)idene(1R,2R)- diaminocyclohexane (L1 ) and N,N′-bis(3-pyridyl)idene(1R,2R)-diaminocyclohexane (L2 ), have been synthesized and characterized. The interaction of L1 with Ag(I) ions and L2 with Cd(II) ions has been investigated. The structure of {[Ag(L1 )2](CF3SO3)·4H2O} n (1) exhibits a (4,4)-connected two-dimensional sheet with a corrugated surface and the complex [Cd(L2 )2(NO3)(3H2O)]n·NO3·2H2O (2) forms an infinite single helical chain with a pitch of 47.25Å. When viewed from the top of the chain, the infinite helical chain forms the wall of a hexagonal nanochannel with an opening of ∼1.2×1.2nm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five new silver(I) coordination polymers of types [Ag2L1(NO3)2]n(1), [Ag2L2(NO3)2]n(2), [Ag2L3(NO3)2]n(3), [Ag2L4(NO3)2]n(4), and [AgL5(NO3)]n(5) have been synthesized, where L1–L5are the Schiff base ligands formed from 2:1 condensation of acetylacetone with the symmetrical diamines H2N(CH2)nNH2, with n= 2 and 6 to give L1and L2, 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane to give L3, 1,4-bis(2-aminophenoxy)butane to give L4, and 1,6-bis(4-aminophenoxy)butane to give L5. The single crystal X-ray structures of the Ag(I) complexes 1–5have been determined. Both 1and 2adopt three-dimensional polymeric network structures, while 3–5adopt two-dimensional-layered framework structures. In 1and 2, the terminal O and γ-C atoms of two acacH-imine domains of the same ligand bind to different silver ions, while in each of 3–5a γ-C from one or both acacH-imine domains binds to a silver ion, with the remaining coordination sites occupied by bridging monodentate or bidentate nitrato groups and/or a Schiff base ligand oxygen donor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Compressed sensing (CS) has been widely concerned and sparsity of a signal plays a crucial role in CS to exactly recover signals. Contourlet transform provides sparse representations for images, so an algorithm of CS reconstruction based on contourlet is considered. Meanwhile, taking into account the computation and the storage of large random measurement matrices in the CS framework, we are trying to introduce the wavelet transform into the contourlet domain to reduce the size of random measurement matrices. Several numerical experiments demonstrate that this idea is feasible. The proposed algorithm possesses the following advantages: reduced size of random measurement matrix and improved recovered performance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The 1:1 interaction of the diastereopure Schiff bases (1S,2S)-bis(acetylacetone)-cyclohexanediimine (L 1 ) and (1R,2R)-bis(acetylacetone)cyclohexanediimine (L 2 ) with CdI2 yields the new helical metal coordination polymers [CdL 1 I2] n (1) and [CdL 2 I2] n (2). The respective X-ray structures, as expected, confirmed 1 and 2 to be enantiomeric, existing as right-handed (P) and left-handed (M) helical chains in which both L 1 and L 2 are formally present in their (unusual) uncharged ketoamine form, with the (protonated) amine nitrogens not coordinated. The Cd(II) centres in 1 and 2 display distorted tetrahedral coordination geometries being bound to two iodo ligands and two oxygen donor atoms from individual ketoamine domains belonging to different Schiff base ligands. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Diastereopure (1R,2R)-N,N′-bis(acetylacetone)cyclohexanedi-imine L1and its corresponding (1R,2R)L1/(1S,2S)L2enantiomeric mixture react with AgNO3to yield the unusual coordination polymer [Ag2(L1)(L2)(NO3)2]n(1) and the unique trimetallic discrete species {[Ag3(L1)3(μ3-O,O,O-NO3)(H2O)3]2(NO3)}(NO3)3·8.5H2O (2) which incorporates a symmetrical μ3-bridging nitrato group that gives rise to a C3-symmetric triskelion motif; both species also feature γ-carbon η1aryl-like coordination of neutral bridging acetylacetone-imine units to the respective Ag(I) centres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interaction of the diastereopure N,N'-bis(acetylacetone)cyclohexanediimine ligands, L[sup1](1R,2R), L[sup2] (1S,2S), and their 1:1 mixture, with Zn(lI) chloride has been investigated. Four new coordination polymers, [ZnL[sup1]CI[sub2] ̇ H[sub2]O][subn](1), [ZnL[sup2]CI[sub2]̇ H[sub2]O][subn] (2), [ZnL[sub2]Cl[sub2]][subn] (3), and [Zn[sub6](L[sub2])[sub6]Cl[sub12]̇2H[sub2]O][subn] (4), each consisting of an infinite single helical chain displaying different pitches and/or handedness have been isolated. The complexed Schiff base ligands are present in their deprotonated enol forms, and the nitrogen atoms, which do not coordinate, are protonated because of proton transfer from the adjacent enol oxygen (coupled with concomitant N-H⋯O bond formation); each bound ligand is thus pseudo-zwitterionic. The respective zinc centers are bound to two chioro ligands and two oxygen donors from acacH-imine units belonging to different N,N'-bis(acetylacetone)cyclohexanediimine ligands such that the coordination at each zinc is distorted tetrahedral. Compounds 1 and 2, prepared from enantiopure L[sup1] and L[sup2], respectively, are enantiomers with similar structures, with the helical pitch in each being 17.0 Å. Overall, the structure Of 3 may be described as a one-dimensional helical chain with a pitch of 17.3 Å, with each period corresponding to two L[sup2] ligands and two metal centers. The structure of [(Zn[sub6]L[sup2][sub6]CI[sub12])̇2H[sub2]O][subn] (4) contains six Zn(Il) centers connected via six L[sup2] ligands to form a "bowed" helical repeat unit, with the pitch of the helix corresponding to 43.5 Å. Supramolecular (intra- and intermolecular) aspects of all these unusual polymeric structures are discussed. Finally, the synthesis and characterization of an unprecedented six zinc-node discrete supramolecular assembly, [Zn[sub6](L[sup1])[sub3](L[sup2])[sub3]Cl[sub12]] (5), incorporating a 78-membered metallacycle, is also reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A preparation strategy of MOF derivatives inspired by strawberry skin morphology. • Biopolymers are tessellated in the skeleton of polyphosphazene by supramolecular assembly. • The single-layer hollow nano hybrid is integrated with multiple flame retardant elements. • The flame retardancy of epoxy resin composites is significantly improved after the introduction of CoA/PZM due to its unique components and nanostructure. The preparation of derivatives using metal–organic framework (MOF) as template is often accompanied by the loss of pore structure. Inspired by the distribution of strawberry achenes on skin, restriction sites based on biopolymers were introduced to reduce the loss of mesoporous structure. Hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene (HCCP) and melamine (MEL) are used as monomers to synthesize dodecahedral polyphosphazene (PZS) on ZIF-67 (named as ZIF@PZM). The micropore structure of PZM allows hydrogen ions of alginic acid (AA) to pass through, thus etching the internal ZIF-67. The released cobalt ions are complexed to form cobalt alginate (CoA) biopolymer. At the same time, hydrogen-bonded supramolecular assembly of CoA with N-H of MEL occurs in PZM skeleton. Tessellation of CoA in PZM as a limiting site reduces the loss of mesoporous structure. As a result, a novel hollow dodecahedron flame retardant composed of two polymers is obtained (CoA/PZM). With the addition of 2.0 wt%, the total heat release (THR) and total smoke production (TSP) of EP/CoA/PZM composites decreased by 55.3% and 50.8%, respectively. The component of PZM significantly improved the UV resistance with a 98.3 % reduction in UV transmittance. CoA improved the compatibility between filler and EP matrix, enhancing mechanical properties. This work takes MOF as sacrificial templates, constructing multifunctional flame retardants with multiple elements and special nanostructures through the supramolecular assembly of biopolymers and PZM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel ionic liquid-modified flake-NiNH 4 PO 4 ·H 2 O (IL-ANP) hybrid material was prepared using a mechanochemical method with weak interactions. Characterization methods, including scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis indicated the successful synthesis of IL-ANP. The prepared IL-ANP was incorporated into epoxy resin (EP) to improve the flame retardancy and mechanical properties. The limiting oxygen index (LOI) and cone calorimeter tests showed that IL-ANP enhanced the flame retardancy of EP composites. The 6 part per hundred resin (phr) IL-ANP/EP achieved excellent flame retardancy with the LOI value of 30.3% (that of pure EP was 24.4) and a significant decrease in the peak heat release rate, total heat release rate and the maximum release rates of CO production. This is attributed to the synergistic effect of the condensed phase and gas phase. During combustion, IL-ANP generated an incombustible gas (ammonia gas), nickel phosphate and nickel phosphide. On one hand, the incombustible gas diluted the concentrations of the combustible gas and oxygen in the gas phase. On the other hand, the phosphorus compounds catalyzed the carbonisation of EP to form a stable char layer and accumulated on the char layer surface as a physical barrier to delay the heat release. Additionally, the IL-ANP/EP composites exhibited excellent tensile strength, elongation at break, and impact strength, owing to their good compatibility and dispersion. • Novel flake-IL-ANP hybrid material was prepared by mechanochemical method to improve the flame retardancy of epoxy resin. • The LOI and the cone calorimeter test exhibited that IL-ANP enhanced the flame retardancy of EP composites. • The flame-retardant mechanism is the combination with condensed phase and gas phase. • IL-ANP/EP composites had remarkable tensile strength, elongation at break, and impact strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• · VIDHP and Li-POSS were used to enhance the mechanical properties and mechanics of VER. • · A coordination bond was formed between VIDHP and Li-POSS. • · The thermal stability of VIDHP and the solubility of Li-POSS in VER were both improved. • · VIDHP4/POSS1/VER exhibited excellent flame retardancy and mechanical properties. Vinyl ester resin (VER) are widely used in various applications, including automotive parts, yachts, wind turbine blades, and cooling towers, due to their excellent properties. However, the high flammability of VER limits its application in fields requiring stringent fire resistance. In this work, we used ionic liquid containing phospholipid structures (VIDHP) in combination with lithium-containing polyhedral oligomeric phenyl sesquisiloxanes (Li-POSS) to improve the mechanical and flame retardant properties of VER. The coordination between the VIDHP and Li-POSS increases the thermal stability of VIDHP and improve the solubility of Li-POSS in VER. The experimental results show an increase in initial decomposition temperature of VIDHP4/POSS1/VER compared to VIDHP/VER, while the solubility of Li-POSS in VER is improved. The Cone calorimeter results show that the total heat and smoke release of VIDHP4/POSS1/VER are reduced by 29.37 % and 36.55 % compared with the pure VER. The investigation of the flame retardant mechanism shows that the combined use of VIDHP and Li-POSS exhibits flame-retardant activity in both the gas and condensed phases, effectively enhancing the flame-retardant property of VER. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The synthesis and X-ray structure of a dinuclear nickel(II) complex of the triply deprotonated pentadentate Schiff base, N,N′-(2-hydroxypropane-1,3-diyl)bis(acetylacetoneimine) (apacaH3), are reported. The complex, which was obtained by reaction of apacaH3 with nickel acetate in ethanol, has a binuclear structure of type [Ni2 (apaca)(OAc)] in which each metal centre is bound to a deprotonated enolic oxygen and an imine nitrogen from an acetylacetoneimine ‘arm’ of apaca. The nickel centres are bridged by both an alkoxide oxygen derived from the 2-hydroxypropane unit in apaca and an acetato group. Each metal centre has a distorted square-planar geometry, with the overall configuration being non-planar. This complex is isostructural with a previously-reported, copper(II) complex of similar stoichiometry, prepared by an analogous procedure from copper(II) acetate. The present result contrasts with a previous report in which apacaH3 was claimed to interact with nickel(II) acetate in ethanol in the presence of potassium ethoxide to yield a square-planar complex of the corresponding doubly deprotonated Schiff base ligand. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Heart failure and cardiac remodeling are both characterized by mitochondrial dysfunction. Healthy mitochondria are required for adequate contractile activity and appropriate regulation of cell survival. In the mammalian heart, enhancement of the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt) is cardioprotective under pressure overload conditions. We explored the UPRmt and the underlying regulatory mechanism in terms of hypertension‐induced cardiac remodeling and the cardioprotective effect of metformin. Male spontaneously hypertensive rats and angiotensin II‐treated neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were used to induce cardiac hypertrophy. The results showed that hypertension induced the formation of aberrant mitochondria, characterized by a reduced mtDNA/nDNA ratio and swelling, as well as lower levels of mitochondrial complexes I to V and inhibition of the expression of one protein subunit of each of complexes I to IV. Such changes eventually enlarged cardiomyocytes and increased cardiac fibrosis. Metformin treatment increased the mtDNA/nDNA ratio and regulated the UPRmt, as indicated by increased expression of activating transcription factor 5, Lon protease 1, and heat shock protein 60, and decreased expression of C/EBP homologous protein. Thus, metformin improved mitochondrial ultrastructure and function in spontaneously hypertensive rats. In vitro analyses revealed that metformin reduced the high levels of angiotensin II‐induced mitochondrial reactive oxygen species in such animals and stimulated nuclear translocation of heat shock factor 1 (HSF1). Moreover, HSF1 small‐interfering RNA reduced the metformin‐mediated improvements in mitochondrial morphology and the UPRmt by suppressing hypertrophic signals and cardiomyocyte apoptosis. These results suggest that HSF1/UPRmt signaling contributes to the beneficial effects of metformin. Metformin‐mediated targeting of mitochondrial protein homeostasis and modulation of HSF1 levels have potential therapeutic implications in terms of cardiac remodeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid developments in quantum information processing have been made, and remarkable achievements have been obtained in recent years, both in theory and experiments. Coherent control of nuclear spin dynamics is a powerful tool for the experimental implementation of quantum schemes in liquid and solid nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) system, especially in liquid-state NMR. Compared with other quantum information processing systems, the NMR platform has the advantages such as the long coherence time, the precise manipulation, and well-developed quantum control techniques, which make it possible to accurately control a quantum system with up to 12-qubits. Extensive applications of liquid-state NMR spectroscopy in quantum information processing such as quantum communication, quantum computing, and quantum simulation have been thoroughly studied over half a century. This article introduces the general principles of NMR quantum information processing, and reviews the new-developed techniques. The review will also include the recent achievements of the experimental realization of quantum algorithms for machine learning, quantum simulations for high energy physics, and topological order in NMR. We also discuss the limitation and prospect of liquid-state NMR spectroscopy and the solid-state NMR systems as quantum computing in the article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structure and diversity of microbial communities in the leaves of Cinnamomum camphora at different growth stages were studied by high-throughput sequencing. Moreover, the relationships between microbial communities and borneol content were analyzed in this paper. The results indicated that the community structure of endophytic bacteria in C. camphora exhibited temporal variations, with the microbial diversity presented as follows: T1 (low content period) > T3 (peak period) > T2 (small peak period). The population of endophytic bacteria and the ratio of primary metabolism in the leaves of C. camphora were T2 > T1 > T3, while the metabolic intensity of endophytic bacterial terpenoids and polyketides was T3 > T2 > T1, which had the same trend as borneol content in C. camphora. The metabolic ratio of terpenoids and polyketides in T3 was 7.44% higher than that in T1, while that in T2 was 4.10% higher than that in T1. The abundance and diversity of Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, Ochrobactrum, Escherichia-Shigella, Pseudomonas, and Massilia significantly promoted the content of terpenoids in C. camphora. Together, those results provide the first evidence that borneol content and potential metabolic intensity in leaves of C. camphora greatly depend on microbial communities composition and diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on observed rainfall data, this study makes a composite analysis of rainfall asymmetry in tropical cyclones (TCs) after making landfall in Guangdong province (GD) during 1998-2015. There are 3.0 TCs per year on average making landfall in GD and west of GD (WGD) has the most landfall TCs. Most of TCs make landfall in June, July, August, and September at the intensities of TY, STS, and TS. On average, there is more rainfall in the southwest quadrant of TC in CGD (center of GD), WGD, and GD as a whole, and the maximum rainfall is located in the southwest near the TC center. The mean TC rainfall in the east of GD (EGD) leans to the eastern side of TC. The TC rainfall distributions in June, July, August, and September all lean to the southwest quadrant and the maximum rainfall is located in the southwest near the TC center. The same features are found in the mean rainfall of TD, TS, STS, TY, and STY. The maximum rainfall is mainly in the downshear of vertical wind shear. Vertical wind shear is probably the dominate factor that determines asymmetric rainfall distribution of TCs in GD. Storm motion has little connection with TC rainfall asymmetry in GD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zeolite imidazole salt frame (ZIF-67) has a highly regular microporous structure, large specific surface and certain flame retardant properties, and 2-methylimidazole in it is very sensitive to protolation reaction, so ZIF-67 can be etched to get more properties. However, different etching methods often yield different results. So we use H+ produced by the synthesis of 2-aminopyrazine and hexachlorophosphazene (HCCP) to directly or synchronously etch ZIF-67. Two kinds of flame retardants with sugar-frosting structure and fig-like structure with UV shielding capability are designed and synthesized, and the two etching methods are compared. When 2.0 wt% flame retardant is added to epoxy resin system, the total heat release rate of EP/AHCTP epoxy composite is reduced by 29.4 %, the peak heat release rate of EP/CHCTP composite is reduced by 38.5 %, and the CO and CO 2 production of EP/CHCTP composite are reduced by 45.2 % and 40.1 %, respectively. The UV shielding performance is improved while the mechanical properties are maintained. In the background of the rapid development of MOFs modification research, we compare two methods of binding ZIF-67 with small molecule phosphazenes and suggest its potential application in flame retardancy and UV resistance of EP. • A simple method for synthesizing flame retardants with icing structure and fig-like structure. • The effects of different etching methods on flame retardancy and UV resistance were compared. • Phosphoronitrile and ZIF-67 improved the flame retardancy and smoke suppression properties of epoxy resin. • The synergistic effect of phosphazene and ZIF enhances the UV absorption of functional flame retardants. • The introduction of nitrile phosphate improved the mechanical properties of epoxy resin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In daily life, sodium hypochlorite is often used as household bleach and a sanitary disinfectant. It is widely used in the disinfection of drinking water, such as tap water, well water and bucket water, public swimming pools and various departments in hospitals. However, excessive use of chlorine-containing disinfectants can cause HClO/ClO− to react with organic matter in water to form carcinogenic substances such as chloroform and carbon tetrachloride, and excessive exposure to HClO/ClO− can result in asthma, oesophagitis, laryngitis, and spontaneous vomiting, thereby posing a potential threat to human health. Therefore, it is of great significance to develop materials and methods that can selectively recognise and detect HClO/ClO−, to explore the mechanism of action and its mode of detecting HClO/ClO−, and to apply new systems to the recognition and detection of HClO/ClO− in domestic drinking water. Based on this, we have designed and synthesized the 2-hydroxynaphthalenyl hemicarbocyanine molecule ((E)-3-(2-(2-(2-hydroxy-naphthalen-1-yl)vinyl)-3,3-dimethyl-3H-indol-1-ium-1-yl)propane-1-sulfonate, PAH2) and utilised it to identify and detect HClO/ClO−. The results showed that the fluorescence at 461 nm increased 50-fold after the addition of 2-fold HClO/ClO−; and the detection limit was 26.7 nM. The UV absorption spectrum gradually decreased at 562 nm, and the system allowed for naked-eye detection. The PAH2 probe had a rapid response time and strong anti-interference ability in different pH environments. The PAH2 probe was also successfully applied to the detection of HClO/ClO− in real drinking water samples. More interestingly, when the PAH2-HClO/ClO− mixed reaction solution was subjected to 365 nm UV light irradiation, the solution could be observed to change from blue fluorescence to green fluorescence. We isolated the green-fluorescent substance and characterised its structure by 1H NMR spectroscopy and X-ray single-crystal diffraction, and found that, under the synergistic effect of hypochlorite oxidation and UV catalysis, 2-hydroxynaphtho semicarbocyanine PAH2 could be converted into 3-(5-chloro-3,3-dimethyl-2-(naphtho[2,1- b ]furan-2-yl)-3H-indol-1-ium-1-yl)propane-1-sulfonate (PAF), which achieves cyclisation and chlorination of the molecule. This work provides a new insight into the light-activated hypochlorite response and UV-catalysed ring-forming reaction. [Display omitted] • A new mechanism of photoactivated hypochlorite reaction and UV-catalysed ring-forming/chlorination reaction is reported. • Specific and rapid detection of HClO/ClO in high water content (95% water content) by fluorescence/colourimetric dual mode. • Strong anti-interference ability and low fluorescence detection limit (26.7 nM). • The probe is suitable for the detection of HClO/ClO in domestic drinking water samples and in chlorine disinfectants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a highly fatal malignant tumor with a high metastatic rate and poor prognosis. Matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP13) is involved in OS metastasis. Its increased expression is closely related to distant metastasis and poor prognosis. The trifluoromethyl quinazoline compound KZL-201 was designed and synthesized, and its inhibitory effect on the progression of OS cells was investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the underlying mechanism of action of KZL-201 in OS using a combination of bioinformatics analysis, molecular biology, cytology, and zoology. The in vitro experiments showed that KZL-201 inhibited OS cell proliferation, invasion, and migration; KZL-201 induced apoptosis and arrested the cell cycle at the G2/M phase. The results of molecular docking, the cellular thermal shift assay, and gene silencing experiments showed that KZL-201 had a strong affinity for MMP13. KZL-201 inhibited the progression of 143B cells by regulating the TGF-β1/Smad2/3 pathway. Thus, MMP13 is an important target gene of KZL-201 in inhibiting 143B cell progression. The in vivo experiments showed that KZL-201 inhibited the growth of OS tissues and the expression of MMP13 in OS tissues. In summary, KZL-201 targeted MMP13 and inhibited its expression, consequently suppressing the progression of OS by regulating the TGF-β1/Smad2/3 pathway. [Display omitted] • KZL-201 has anti-osteosarcoma activity in vivo and in vitro. • KZL-201 targeted and inhibited the expression of MMP13. • KZL-201 suppressed the progression of OS by regulating the TGF-β1/Smad2/3 pathway. • MMP13 inhibited the migration and invasion in OS cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The prognostic efficiency of clinical grading and staging in patients with confined or moderately differentiated prostate cancer (PCa) has been markedly improved, which underscores the importance of new prognostic markers. Extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) has been demonstrated to be involved in cancerangiogenesis, metastasis and invasion. EMMPRIN expression was evaluated by measuring mRNA and protein levels in a large cohort of patients with PCa following prostatectomy and the findings were compared with clinico-pathological parameters, including prostate-specific antigen (PSA) relapse time.Methods: EMMPRIN mRNA levels in 20 pairs of normal and cancerous prostate tissues were determined by quantitative real-time PCR. Protein expression in paraffin-embedded specimens of prostates gathered from 300 patients with PCa was detected by immunohistochemistry using a monoclonal antibody against EMMPRIN. The associations of EMMPRIN protein expression with the clinico-pathological parameters and PSA relapse-free time after radical prostatectomy were subsequently assessed.Results: Both EMMPRIN mRNA and protein levels were higher in PCa tissue, compared with adjacent normal tissue. In addition, the positive expression rates of EMMPRIN in PCa tissues were significantly associated with preoperative PSA levels (p=0.008), AJCC stage (p=0.006) and Gleason Score (p < 0.001), Risk classification (p < 0.001), lymph node status post-surgery (p < 0.001) and surgical margin status (p < 0.001) were also determined. Multivariate analysis, using the Cox proportional hazards model, revealed that positive EMMPRIN expression was an independent prognostic factor for an increased risk of PSA relapse.Conclusion: Over-expression of EMMPRIN correlated with the aggressiveness of PCa, and the PSA relapse-free time, and may be a novel and useful biomarker for follow-up and treatment decisions for PCa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Excessive activation of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) has been found in several inflammatory diseases. Previous studies have shown that acetylcholine (ACh) reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and decreased tissue damage. Therefore, this study was designed to explore the potential effects and mechanisms of ACh on MMP-9 production and cell migration in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation in RAW264.7 cells. Methods: MMP-9 expression and activity were induced by LPS in RAW264.7 cells, and examined by real-time PCR, western blotting and gelatin zymography, respectively. ELISA was used to determine the changes in MMP-9 secretion among the groups. Macrophage migration was evaluated using transwell migration assay. Knockdown of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7 nAChR) expression was performed using siRNA transfection. Results: Pre-treatment with ACh inhibited LPS-induced MMP-9 production and macrophage migration in RAW264.7 cells. These effects were abolished by the α7 nAChR antagonist methyllycaconitine (MLA) and α7 nAChR siRNA. The α7 nAChR agonist PNU282987 was found to have an effect similar to that of ACh. Moreover, ACh enhanced the expression of JAK2 and STAT3, and the JAK2 inhibitor AG490 and the STAT3 inhibitor static restored the effect of ACh. Meanwhile, ACh decreased the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of NF-κB, and this effect was abrogated in the presence of MLA. In addition, the JAK2 and STAT3 inhibitor abolished the inhibitory effects of ACh on phosphorylation of NF-κB. Conclusions: Activation of α7 nAChR by ACh inhibited LPS-induced MMP-9 production and macrophage migration through the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. These results provide novel insights into the anti-inflammatory effects and mechanisms of ACh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The solid micro/nanospheres of uniform size precipitated from the Schiff base condensation reaction showed good adsorption capacity towards Zn2+, and displayed satisfactory adsorption capacities and good reusabilities towards the dyes CV, MB, and NR. [Display omitted] • Macrocycle M exhibited AIEE characteristics in DMF/water and displayed a highly selective recognition of Zn2+ in DMF. • The micro/nanospheres of M showed an adsorption capacity of 121 mg·g−1 towards Zn2+. • The micro/nanospheres displayed satisfactory adsorption capacities and good reusabilities towards the dyes CV, MB, and NR. A Schiff base macrocycle (M) containing both isophthalamide and bissalicylaldehyde scaffolds was successfully designed and synthesized. M exhibited typical aggregation-induced enhanced emission characteristics in a mixed solvent of DMF/water, and showed high selectivity for the recognition of Zn(II) over other metal ions. The binding process, binding ratio, and association constant of M with Zn(II) were estimated through UV–vis and fluorescence spectra titrations, isothermal titration calorimetry, and 1H NMR titration experiments, and the detection limit towards Zn(II) was calculated as 1.03 × 10−7 mol·L−1. Interestingly, a large amount of micro/nanospheres of M with remarkable size uniformity were obtained from the reaction medium with sulfuric acid as a catalyst. On the basis of exploring the formation process of the micro/nanospheres and the key factors affecting their morphology and size, the Zn(II) and dye adsorption experiments were carried out. The results indicated that the micro/nanospheres of M can be applied to Zn(II) and dye adsorption with satisfactory removal rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Two Schiff base macrocycle complexes with different structures were synthesized. • The two complexes exhibit satisfactory adsorption capacities toward methanol and ethanol vapor. • The two complexes exhibit different photocatalytic degradation activities toward three dyes. A Schiff base macrocycle (H 2 L) containing both pyridine-2,6-dicarboxamide and bissalicylaldehyde skeletons was designed and synthesized. In the presence of Zn(Ac) 2 or Cu(Ac) 2 salts, two complexes, formulated as [Zn 4 (L 2–) 2 (Ac–) 2 (OH–) 2 ]·2DMSO (1) and [Cu 2 (L 2–) 2 ]·4DMSO (2), were synthesized and further characterized via elemental analysis, IR spectra, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complex 1 exists as a centrosymmetric tetranuclear dimer with a 1:2 molar ratio of H 2 L and Zn2+ ions, while complex 2 exists as a binuclear dimer with a 1:1 molar ratio of H 2 L and Cu2+ ions. The structural difference between the two complexes reveals that metal ions are the key factors determining the coordination structures. Moreover, the gas/vapor adsorption and photocatalytic degradation experiments were carried out, which show that both complexes exhibit good adsorption capacities for methanol and ethanol vapor, and complex 2 possesses a better photocatalytic activity than 1 toward organic dyes RhB, MB, and MO under UV light irradiation. Two complexes were synthesized from a Schiff base macrocycle with Zn(II) or Cu(II). Complex 2 exhibits a better photocatalytic degradation activity than 1 toward RhB, MB, and MO under UV irradiation, and it is of potential use as a photocatalyst. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Two helical Schiff base probes containing a triphenylamine or tetraphenylethylene scaffold were synthesized. • Both H 4 TPA and H 4 TPE exhibit typical AIE characteristics in the mixed solvent of THF/H 2 O. • H 4 TPA and H 4 TPE display high selectivity and sensitivity for the recognition of Cu2+ in THF/HEPES. Two helical Schiff base compounds (H 4 TPA and H 4 TPE) containing a triphenylamine (TPA) or tetraphenylethylene (TPE) scaffold were successfully synthesized and characterized. Both H 4 TPA and H 4 TPE exhibited typical aggregation-induced emission characteristics in the mixed solvent of THF/H 2 O. The two compounds also showed high selectivity and sensitivity for the recognition of Cu2+ over other ions in THF/HEPES (1:4, V / V , pH = 7.4, 2.0 × 10–5 M), and could be used as turn-off fluorescent probes for Cu2+. The stoichiometric ratios and association constants were estimated via Job's plots and UV–vis spectra titration, and the detection limits of H 4 TPA and H 4 TPE toward Cu2+ were calculated to be 2.41 × 10–7 M and 1.38 × 10–7 M, respectively. Besides, the crystal structure of the complex obtained from the interaction of H 4 TPA with Cu2+ well illustrated the binding modes, which helped us understand the Cu2+ recognition mechanism of H 4 TPA and H 4 TPE. Moreover, the detection of Cu2+ and spiked recovery experiments were carried out, which indicated that the two probes can be applied to Cu2+ detection in real samples with satisfactory recoveries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Template-free synthesis of a tetrastyrene [2 + 2] Schiff base macrocycle with AIE properties and a twisted mesomer crystal structure. • The macrocyclic molecule has high affinity for Cu2+, a low detection limit and a high anti-interference ability. • During the synthetic process, uniform microspheres with particle size varying with water content can be obtained by adding different ratios of water to the reaction solvent. Despite positive progress on the study of the supramolecular self-assembly of 2,6-diimidopyridine-containing macrocycles with interpenetrating or interlocking structures via anionic recognition and hydrogen bonding interactions between the pyridine imide group and the axial ligand, there are few studies on the assembly of micro-nanomaterials formed by non-covalent interactions between such molecules. Schiff base compounds containing 2,6-diacyliminopyridine units are also an excellent class of metal ion acceptor, and their structures can be easily modified and modulated to be widely used in metal ion probes. Based on previous studies, we obtained an AIE [2 + 2] Schiff base macrocyclic LCX containing 2,6-diimidopyridine units by a one-step condensation reaction. LCX has excellent AIE fluorescence properties, high affinity for Cu2+, and its binding to Cu2+ is not interfered by pH changes or co-existing metal ions. The detection limit is low at 242.00 nM. Electron microscopy experiments showed that the self-assemblies formed by LCX and Cu2+ were core–shell nano-microspheres with spiked surfaces. In addition, during the synthetic process, different nanosized nanospheres of uniform size were obtained by simply adjusting the ratio of water, thereby providing a new method for the synthesis of uniformly sized nanorods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A racemic salicylaldehyde Schiff base (L) containing a pyridine-2,6-dicarboxamide scaffold was successfully synthesized and characterized. L exhibited a typical aggregation-induced emission (AIE) characteristic in the mixed solvent of THF/H 2 O. The UV–Vis absorption spectra and fluorescence emission spectra showed a high selectivity and sensitivity of L for the recognition of Cu2+ over other ions in the solution of THF/H 2 O (2:3), and indicated L can be used as a turn-off fluorescent probe for Cu2+. The stoichiometric ratio, association constant, and the detection limit of probe L toward Cu2+ were estimated using Job's plot method, UV–Vis spectra titration, and fluorescence spectra titration. More importantly, a Cu(II) complex was synthesized from the coordination interaction of probe L with Cu2+ and characterized by X-ray crystal diffraction technique. The crystal structure well illustrated the binding mode of L with Cu2+, contributing to the further understanding of the coordination mechanism. [Display omitted] • The fluorescence spectra showed an AIE characteristic of L in THF/H 2 O. • L displayed a selective recognition and acted as a turn-off fluorescent probe for Cu2+ in THF/H 2 O (2:3). • The structure of the Cu(II) complex provided a good interpretation for the Cu2+ recognition mechanism of probe L. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four complexes were synthesized based on a salen-type Schiff base ligand. The structural differences of complexes 1 – 4 disclose both metal ions and coordination sites influence the structures. Gas adsorption measurements show that all the complexes exhibit good adsorption capacity toward methanol vapor. [Display omitted] • Four complexes with 2D sheet, 1D zig-zag, or centrosymmetric trinuclear structures were synthesized and characterized. • The structures of the complexes indicated both the metal ions and coordination sites affect the final structures. • All the complexes displayed a relatively good adsorption performance toward methanol vapor. A salen-type Schiff base ligand (H 4 L) was designed and synthesized from the condensation reaction. Four complexes, formulated as {[Cd(H 5 L+)Cl 2 (μ 2 − Cl)]·2CH 3 OH} n (1), {[Cd(H 4 L)Br 2 ]·H 2 O} n (2), {[Cd 2 (H 4 L) 2 I 4 ]·CH 3 OH} n (3), and [Cu 3 (L 4-)(μ 3 − Ac) 2 ]·CH 3 OH·H 2 O (4) were synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complex 1 exists as a 2D sheet structure and each Cd(II) ion in the complex is six-coordinated with an octahedral geometry. Both complexes 2 and 3 exist as 1D zig-zag structures and each Cd(II) ion in the two complexes is five-coordinated with a trigonal bipyramidal geometry. Complex 4 exists as a centrosymmetric trinuclear structure, in which two Cu(II) ions are five-coordinated with a square pyramidal geometry and the other Cu(II) ion is six-coordinated with an octahedral geometry. The structural differences are attributed to coordination ability of the coordination sites and coordination configurations of the metal ions. Furthermore, alcohol vapor adsorption measurements showed that all the synthesized complexes exhibited good adsorption capacities toward methanol vapor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bloom (BLM) helicase is an important member of the RecQ family of DNA helicases that plays a vital role in the maintenance of genomic stability. The defect of BLM helicase leads to a human genetic disorder called Bloom syndrome, characterized by genomic instability, specific phenotypic features, and a predisposition to many types of cancer. The predisposition to cancer caused by BLM helicase is due to defects in important DNA metabolic pathways such as replication, recombination, and repair. Therefore, the aim of this work was to investigate the effects of two prenylated chalcones, WZH-10 and WZH-43, on the expression of BLM helicase in prostate cancer cells, as well as the biological activity of the purified BLM helicase from cancer cells. This might lead to a better understanding of the role of BLM helicase in the aforementioned DNA metabolic pathways that directly influence chromosomal integrity leading to cancer. The results indicated that the two prenylated chalcones inhibited the growth of prostate cancer cells PC3 by inducing apoptosis and arresting the cell cycle. However, they only inhibited the protein expression of BLM helicase without regulating its transcriptional expression. In addition, they did not significantly regulate the expression of the homologous family members WRN and RECQL1, although the DNA unwinding and ATPase activity of BLM helicase were inhibited by the two prenylated chalcones. Finally, a negligible effect was found on the DNA-binding activity of this enzyme. These results demonstrated that prenylated chalcones can be an effective intervention on the expression and function of the BLM helicase protein in cancer cells to inhibit their growth. Therefore, they might provide a novel strategy for developing new anti-cancer drugs targeting the genomic stability and DNA helicase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) induces inflammatory response that may lead to remote vascular injury. Vagal nerve elicits the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway by activating α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7nAChR). Nevertheless, the role of vagal nerve-mediated anti-inflammatory pathway in the vasculature has not been studied previously. Therefore, we aimed to clarify the potential role of vagal stimulation (VNS) in regulating remote vascular injury after myocardial I/R. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to VNS starting 15 min prior to ischemia until the end of reperfusion. VNS not only reduced infarct size and improved cardiac function, but also ameliorated myocardial I/R-induced dysfunctional vasoconstriction and vasodilatation and degradation of endothelial structure in mesenteric arteries. VNS decreased serum and vascular levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and IL-1β. Interestingly, in vivo microdialysis studies demonstrated that VNS increased ACh concentration in the mesenteric circulation. Furthermore, VNS up-regulated expressions of muscarinic ACh receptors-3 (MAChR) and α7nAChR in mesenteric arteries. Preserved endothelial relaxations by VNS were inhibited by atropine or methyllycaconitine, indicating that functional protection was associated with M and α7nAChR activation. Finally, VNS increased STAT3 phosphorylation and inhibited NF-κB activation in mesenteric arteries, and these effects were abolished by α7nAChR shRNA treatment, indicating VNS-mediated anti-inflammatory effect mainly involved α7nAChR. These results demonstrated for the first time that VNS protected against remote vascular dysfunction, through the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway which is dependent on α7nAChR. Our findings represent a significant addition to the understanding of vagal nerve-mediated pathways and the potential roles they play in regulating the vasculature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: CD147/extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) expressed by tumor cells stimulates peri-tumorous fibroblasts to produce matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), thus contributing to tumor invasion and metastasis. To assess its suitability as a potential therapeutic target, as well as its association with the clinicopathologic features and the prognosis of patients, the expression of CD147/EMMPRIN in neoplastic tissues of the genitourinary system were analyzed. Methods: CD147/EMMPRIN expression in 52 patients with renal carcinoma, 58 patients with bladder carcinoma, 101 patients with prostate carcinoma, 17 patients of penis carcinoma, and 17 patients of testis carcinoma were examined by immunostaining on paraffin-embedded tumor specimens using monoclonal antibodies. Then, the association of its expression with clinicopathologic characteristics to the patients’ prognosis was analyzed. The RNA interference approach was used to silence CD147/EMMPRIN expression in the human prostate carcinoma cell line LNCAP and human bladder carcinoma cell line J82. The in vitro proliferative ability of CD147/EMMPRIN-deficient cells was determined by a 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide MTT assay. Results: CD147/EMMPRIN was expressed in neoplastic tissues, but not in normal tissues. Positive expression was shown in 42 of 52 (80.77%) of the patients with renal carcinoma, 41 of 58 (70.69%) of the patients with bladder carcinoma, 67 of 101 (66.34%) of the patients with prostate carcinoma, 16 of 17 (94.12%) of the patients with penis carcinoma and testis carcinoma. Positive CD147/EMMPRIN staining was significantly associated with TNM stages and histological subtypes of patients with various urinary carcinomas (P < 0.05). In all five groups, for different expression levels of CD147/EMMPRIN, the patients with a highly positive expression of CD147/EMMPRIN had the poorest prognosis. The siRNA-treated cells exhibited significantly decreased growth ability compared with control cells in vitro. Conclusion: These results may assist in defining the suitability of CD147/EMMPRIN as a therapeutic target and as a method for predicting a poor outcome in patients with various urinary carcinomas. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Several Echinacea species have been used as nutraceuticals or botanical drugs for "immunostimulation", but scientific evidence supporting their therapeutic use is still controversial. In this study, a phytocompound mixture extracted from the butanol fraction (BF) of a stem and leaf (S+L) extract of E. purpurea ([BF/S+L/Ep]) containing stringently defined bioactive phytocompounds was obtained using standardized and published procedures. The transcriptomic and proteomic effects of this phytoextract on mouse bone marrowderived dendritic cells (BMDCs) were analyzed using primary cultures. Results: Treatment of BMDCs with [BF/S+L/Ep] did not significantly influence the phenotypic maturation activity of dendritic cells (DCs). Affymetrix DNA microarray and bioinformatics analyses of genes differentially expressed in DCs treated with [BF/S+L/Ep] for 4 or 12 h revealed that the majority of responsive genes were related to cell adhesion or motility (Cdh10, Itga6, Cdh1, Gja1 and Mmp8), or were chemokines (Cxcl2, Cxcl7) or signaling molecules (Nrxn1, Pkce and Acss1). TRANSPATH database analyses of gene expression and related signaling pathways in treated-DCs predicted the JNK, PP2C-β, AKT, ERK1/2 or MAPKAPK pathways as the putative targets of [BF/S+L/Ep]. In parallel, proteomic analysis showed that the expressions of metabolic-, cytoskeleton- or NF-κB signaling-related proteins were regulated by treatment with [BF/S+L/Ep]. In vitro flow cytometry analysis of chemotaxis-related receptors and in vivo cell trafficking assay further showed that DCs treated with [BF/S+L/Ep] were able to migrate more effectively to peripheral lymph node and spleen tissues than DCs treated as control groups. Conclusion: Results from this study suggest that [BF/S+L/Ep] modulates DC mobility and related cellular physiology in the mouse immune system. Moreover, the signaling networks and molecules highlighted here are potential targets for nutritional or clinical application of Echinacea or other candidate medicinal plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG), the major polyphenol found in green tea, exerts multiple protective effects against cardiovascular diseases, including cardiac hypertrophy. However, the molecular mechanism underlying its anti‐hypertrophic effect has not been clarified. This study revealed that EGCG could inhibit pressure overload‐induced cardiac hypertrophy by regulating the PSMB5/Nmnat2/SIRT6‐dependent signalling pathway. Methods: Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were used to determine the expression of mRNA and protein respectively. A fluorometric assay kit was used to determine the activity of SIRT6, a histone deacetylase. Luciferase reporter gene assay and electrophoretic mobility shift assay were employed to measure transcriptional activity and DNA binding activity respectively. Results: EGCG could significantly increase Nmnat2 protein expression and enzyme activity in cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes stimulated with angiotensin II (Ang II) and heart tissues from rats subjected to abdominal aortic constriction. Nmnat2 knockdown by RNA interference attenuated the inhibitory effect of EGCG on cardiac hypertrophy. EGCG blocked NF‐κB DNA binding activity induced by Ang II, which was dependent on Nmnat2 and the subsequent SIRT6 activation. Moreover the activation of PSMB5 (20S proteasome subunit β‐5, chymotrypsin‐like) was required for EGCG‐induced Nmnat2 protein expression. Additionally, we demonstrated that EGCG might interact with PSMB5 and inhibit the activation of the proteasome. Conclusions: These findings serve as the first evidence that the effect of EGCG against cardiac hypertrophy may be, at least partially, attributed to the modulation of the PSMB5/Nmnat2‐dependent signalling pathway, suggesting the therapeutic potential of EGCG in the prevention and treatment of cardiac hypertrophy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two complexes, [HgL1Cl2]n (1) and [Hg2(L2)2Cl4]n (2), have been synthesized and characterized from two dipyridylamide ligands (L1 and L2) with mercury(II) chloride, respectively. The two complexes exist as 1D coordination polymers but exhibit different architectures with slightly adjusted 3‐ and 4‐position of nitrogen atom in the pyridyl rings from the two ligands. In complex 1, the mercury(II) center is four‐coordinated with distorted tetrahedral geometry in 1D‐chain structures. In complex 2, the mercury(II) center is five‐coordinated with distorted square pyramidal geometry in the 1D‐looped structures. The thermal stabilities and vapor adsorption properties of the two complexes were investigated as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the values of 10-m drag coefficient (CD) in different coastal areas under the influence of tropical cyclones, the present study used the observational data from four towers in different coastal areas of the South China Sea (SCS) during six tropical cyclone (TC) passages, and employed the eddy covariance method and the flux profile method. The analysis of footprint showed that the fluxes at Zhizai Island (ZZI), Sanjiao Island (SJI) and Donghai Island (DHI) were influenced basically by the ocean, and the flux at Shangyang Town (SYT) was influenced mainly by the land. The results showed that the dependence relationships of CD on 10-m wind speed (U10) in four different coastal areas under the influence of TCs were different. CD at ZZI and SJI initially increased and then decreased as U10 increased, similar to the pattern over the ocean. CD at ZZI and SJI represented the values over shallow water with seawater depths of ~7 m and ~2 m, respectively. Moreover, the critical wind speed at which CD peaked gradually decreased as the seawater depth became shallower in the coastal areas. CD at DHI and SYT decreased monotonously as U10 increased, similar to the pattern over the land. CD at DHI represented the value over the transition zone from shallow water to coastal land, and CD at SYT represented the value over the coastal land. Meanwhile, the eddy covariance method and the flux profile method were compared at ZZI and SYT during TC passages. It was found that their CD values obtained by the two methods were close. Finally, the parameterizations of observed u* and CD as a function of U10 over four different coastal areas were given under the influence of high winds. These parameterizations of observed CD may be used in high-resolution numerical models for landfalling TC forecast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A facile one-step chemical method was used for the synthesis of Cu@rGO composites. • A Cu@rGO/Au system as a back contact layer was developed for the CdTe solar cells. • rGO improves the hole collection ability, and supplies an active Cu diffusion source. • Significantly enhanced performance (e.g., E ff > 16%,Voc > 830 mV; FF > 73%) was achieved for CdTe solar cells. The copper/reduced graphene oxide (Cu@rGO) composites have been synthesized via a novel and facile chemical method and been characterized by a series of measuring techniques. Then the Cu@rGO as a primary back contact has been coated on the absorber in the CdTe solar cells. After optimizing the Cu@rGO back contact processing, significantly enhanced performance especially in efficiency, open-circuit voltage and fill factor has been achieved for CdTe solar cells. The Cu@rGO supplies an effective Cu diffusion source after annealing which achieves a considerable hole concentration, and the rGO is converted into p-type conducting with Au metallization, resulting in the decrease of the back barrier and improvement of the hole collection ability. The cells with Cu@rGO/Au exhibit more outstanding photovoltaic performance than those with Cu/Au or rGO/Au back contact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two racemic Schiff bases (H 4 L 1 and H 4 L 2) were synthesized and characterized, and the crystal structures indicated their helical configurations with equal amounts of P - and M -helicity. The aggregation-induced emission (AIE) and selective ion recognition properties of H 4 L 1 and H 4 L 2 were investigated using UV–vis absorption and fluorescence spectra. The results showed that both H 4 L 1 and H 4 L 2 exhibited obvious "AIE + ESIPT" characteristics in THF/H 2 O solution upon increasing the water fraction. Both H 4 L 1 and H 4 L 2 displayed an obvious turn-off fluorescence response to Cu2+ and F−, and a slight turn-off response to Fe3+ in DMSO, while they displayed an efficient selective ion recognition of Cu2+ in THF/H 2 O (1: 1, V / V). The corresponding stoichiometry ratio, association constant, Stern-Volmer quenching constant, and the detection limits were determined via Job's plots, UV–vis spectra titration as well as fluorescence spectra titration experiments. The crystal structures of the complexes obtained from the interactions of H 4 L 1 with Cu2+ and Fe3+ illustrated their binding modes and binding differences, which helped us interpret the ion recognition mechanism of H 4 L 1 and H 4 L 2. In addition, the application of H 4 L 2 on test strips was performed, indicating that H 4 L 2 can be used for the rapid detection of Cu2+ and F− in THF. The acid-responsive fluorescence behavior of H 4 L 2 showed that the white light emission can be obtained upon the addition of hydrochloric acid or aldehyde c into H 4 L 2. [Display omitted] • Two helical Schiff base probes were synthesized and structurally characterized. • Both H 4 L 1 and H 4 L 2 exhibit obvious "AIE + ESIPT" characteristics in THF/H 2 O solution. • H 4 L 1 and H 4 L 2 display an efficient selective ion recognition of Cu2+ in THF/H 2 O (1: 1, V / V). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel type of zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-8) encapsulated hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene (ZIF-8@HCCP) dodecahedral flame retardant was synthesized and incorporated into epoxy (EP) for reducing the fire hazard of EP. HCCP was successfully encapsulated into ZIF-8 by one-pot approach combining ZIF-8 synthesis and molecule encapsulation benefiting the small windows and large holes effect of ZIF-8. HCCP was interact with ZIF-8 by P–Cl–N. The thermal decomposition temperature of ZIF-8@HCCP was 550.9 °C, significantly higher than that of HCCP (105.6 °C). This encapsulation exhibits high efficiency in flame retardancy and smoke suppression. The peak heat release rate, smoke release rate and CO release rate of 4 phr ZIF-8@HCCP-incorporated EP sample decreased by 56.2%, 57.2% and 45.7% because of the "quenching mechanism". This mechanism was proposed in which the structure of ZIF-8 collapsed following the rapid release of flame retardant exhibiting instantaneous flame-retardant behavior. Additionally, EP corresponded with ZIF-8@HCCP have good mechanical properties. This work provides a promising advance in designing good-thermal stability flame retardants for improving the fire safety of EP. Image 1 • Novel ZIF-8 encapsulated HCCP flame retardant was designed and was incorporated into epoxy resin to improve its fire safety. • The thermal stability of ZIF-8@HCCP composites could be controlled by dominating of encapsulating quantity. • ZIF-8@HCCP exhibited temperature-responsive transient release. • The flame retardancy and smoke suppression of the composites were improved dramatically. • Quenching flame-retardant mechanism was proposed and confirmed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]