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Although zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) are widely applied in the energy storage and catalysis fields, their multifunctional applications are extremely limited by their closed rhombohedral dodecahedron structure. Herein, a bimetallic CoFe-ZIF with an open nanoflower structure is synthesized via a simple one-step stirring strategy at room temperature. CoFe-ZIF exhibits superior sodium-ion storage performance as the anode for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) and glucose sensing performance as the electrode for a non-enzymatic glucose sensor, as a result of the synergistic effect between the metal ions and highly open nanoflower structure. CoFe-ZIF exhibits a specific capacity of 410.32 mA h g-1 at a current density of 0.10 A g-1 after 500 cycles for SIBs and a high sensitivity of 1484.22 µA mM-1 cm-2 in the range of 0.30-2.00 mM for glucose sensing, which also shows a low detection limit of less than 25 µM. This work also provides insight into designing bimetallic MOFs via a simple strategy for multifunctional device applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although class A auxin response factors (ARFs) are known to regulate adventitious root (AR) development through the canonical SCFTIR1- Aux/IAA-ARF signaling pathway, the regulatory role of class B ARFs in AR development remains largely unclear. Therefore, this research focused on the role of class B ARF transcription factors in peach (Prunus persica 'Shengli') adventitious root formation. Here, we report the role of a class B ARF gene PpARF4 in adventitious root formation in peach. Comparative transcriptome and qRT-PCR analyses showed that the transcription of PpARF4 was significantly up-regulated in auxin-treated stem explants. Y2H assay showed that PpARF4 had no interaction with PpIAAs (AUXIN/INDOLE ACETIC ACIDs). PpARF4 could bind the promoters of lateral root development gene PpLBD16 and auxin transport gene PpPIN1 to activate their transcription. Ectopic overexpression of PpARF4 and PpLBD16 in Arabidopsis promoted AR development. Additionally, PpARF4 could act as a negative regulator of flavone synthesis and thus prevent the explants from browning. The results not only provide novel insights into the functions of ARFs in regulating plant growth and development, but will also be useful for fulfilling asexual propagation by stem cuttings in peach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Axon projection is a spatial- and temporal-specific process in which the growth cone receives environmental signals guiding axons to their final destination. However, the mechanisms underlying changes in axonal projection direction without well-defined landmarks remain elusive. Here, we present evidence showcasing the dynamic nature of axonal projections in Drosophila’s small ventral lateral clock neurons (s-LNvs). Our findings reveal that these axons undergo an initial vertical projection in the early larval stage, followed by a subsequent transition to a horizontal projection in the early-to-mid third instar larvae. The vertical projection of s-LNv axons correlates with mushroom body calyx expansion, while the s-LNv-expressed Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule (Dscam1) interacts with Netrins to regulate the horizontal projection. During a specific temporal window, locally newborn dorsal clock neurons secrete Netrins, facilitating the transition of axonal projection direction in s-LNvs. Our study establishes a compelling in vivo model to probe the mechanisms of axonal projection direction switching in the absence of clear landmarks. These findings underscore the significance of dynamic local microenvironments in the complementary regulation of axonal projection direction transitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate whether interferon-alpha 1 (IFNA1) is predictive of Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) progression and treatment response to Tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFis). Methods: Data of 50 AS patients receiving TNFi for 24 weeks were retrospectively analysed. AS patients who reached the Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society 40 response at the W24 were classified as responders to TNFi treatment; otherwise, they were classified as nonresponders. Human fibroblast–like synoviocytes (HFLS) isolated from AS patients (AS-HFLS) were used for in vitro validation. Results: When the IFNA1 expression level was used to diagnose AS patients, an area under the curve of 0.895 was yielded (P < .001). Pearson correlation analysis showed negative correlations between IFNA1 expression, C-reactive protein (CRP) level, Bath AS Disease Activity Index scores, AS Disease Activity Score with CRP, and the production of inflammatory cytokines. An increased IFNA1 expression level was found to be associated with a better treatment response to TNFi. IFNA1 overexpression could protect HFLS against inflammatory response in the setting of AS. Conclusions: Blood IFNA1 deficiency is correlated with inflammatory cytokine production and disease activity and is indicative of unsatisfied response to TNFi treatment in AS patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a major complication of diabetes. Interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 2 (IRAK2) has been implicated in various diseases. This study aimed to investigate the role of IRAK2 in DN progression and its association with inflammation and the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway. DN model mice were generated by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. IRAK2 expression was upregulated in the DN model mice. IRAK2 knockdown increased weight and reduced blood glucose levels in DN model mice. In addition, IRAK2 downregulation improved glomerular morphology in DN mice. IRAK2 knockdown reduced the levels of kidney damage biomarkers (24-h urinary protein, urine albumin-creatinine ratio, and plasma creatinine) and inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α, TNF-1R, and TNF-2R). Moreover, IRAK2 activated the NF-κB signaling pathway in DN model mice. Overexpression of NF-κB exacerbated DN progression, and IRAK2 knockdown reversed these effects. IRAK2 promoted DN progression and inflammation by activating the NF-κB signaling pathway. These findings suggest that IRAK2 is a potential therapeutic target for DN treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To compare the diagnostic efficacy and safety of CT-guided percutaneous core needle biopsy (CNB) and fine-needle aspiration (FNA) for pancreatic lesions. Methods and Material: A total of 176 patients with 176 pancreatic lesions who visited our hospital between January 2016 and March 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into three groups: FNA group A (<1.5 cm between the lesion and great vessels necessitating FNA), FNA group B, and CNB (the latter two with ≥1.5 cm between the lesion and great vessels necessitating FNA). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, accuracy, and postoperative. The statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 17.0. Results: One hundred and seventy six patient's specimens all met the requirements. There were no statistically significant differences in sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy between the CNB group and FNA group B, ( P > 0.05). Thirteen samples submitted for genetic testing (5 in CNB group, 4 in each of the FNA groups A and B) all met the standards of next-generation sequencing gene detection. The main complications of these groups included abdominal pain, fever, and hyperamylasemia. Conclusions: CT-guided percutaneous FNA and CNB have similar diagnostic efficacy for pancreatic biopsy. Furthermore, FNA has a wide range of puncture indications and is very safe. Like CNB, the obtained tissue through FNA can be genetically tested to guide clinical treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the safety between cervical conization (CC) alone and hysterectomy for patients with adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) of the cervix. Methods: Patients diagnosed with AIS after CC during 2007-2021 were identified by computerized databases at Women's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine. A total of 453 AIS patients were divided into 2 groups according to uterus preservation: hysterectomy group (n=300) and CC(s) alone group (n=153). The prevalence of residual disease and disease recurrence was compared between patients treated by CC(s) alone and hysterectomy. The prevalence of residual disease in specimens from women who had a hysterectomy and repeat CC were compared between positive and negative margins of CC. The factors influencing residual disease and disease recurrence were assessed. Results: Among 310 specimens from women who had a hysterectomy or repeat CC, the prevalence of residual disease was 50.6% (45/89) for a positive margin and 2.3% (5/221) for a negative margin (p=0.000). Four patients had recurrence of vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia in those treated by hysterectomy and one had recurrence of cervical squamous intraepithelial neoplasia in those treated by CC(s) alone. The prevalence of recurrence was 0.7% (1/153) for CC(s) alone and 1.3% (4/300) for hysterectomy (p=0.431). Hysterectomy did not influence residual disease or disease recurrence. Conclusion: CC is an efficacious and safe option for patients with AIS of the cervix provided the margin is negative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dynamic regulation of transcription is crucial for the cellular responses to various environmental or developmental cues. Gdown1 is a ubiquitously expressed, RNA polymerase II (Pol II) interacting protein, essential for the embryonic development of metazoan. It tightly binds Pol II in vitro and competitively blocks the binding of TFIIF and possibly other transcriptional regulatory factors, yet its cellular functions and regulatory circuits remain unclear. Here, we show that human GDOWN1 strictly localizes in the cytoplasm of various types of somatic cells and exhibits a potent resistance to the imposed driving force for its nuclear localization. Combined with the genetic and microscope-based approaches, two types of the functionally coupled and evolutionally conserved localization regulatory motifs are identified, including the CRM1-dependent nucleus export signal (NES) and a novel Cytoplasmic Anchoring Signal (CAS) that mediates its retention outside of the nuclear pore complexes (NPC). Mutagenesis of CAS alleviates GDOWN1's cytoplasmic retention, thus unlocks its nucleocytoplasmic shuttling properties, and the increased nuclear import and accumulation of GDOWN1 results in a drastic reduction of both Pol II and its associated global transcription levels. Importantly, the nuclear translocation of GDOWN1 occurs in response to the oxidative stresses, and the ablation of GDOWN1 significantly weakens the cellular tolerance. Collectively, our work uncovers the molecular basis of GDOWN1's subcellular localization and a novel cellular strategy of modulating global transcription and stress-adaptation via controlling the nuclear translocation of GDOWN1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ceramic foams constructed by aqueous-based foam templating have demonstrated great potential in industrial and research applications. However, a multiple-phased suspension with inherently improved complexity inevitably leads to a severe deterioration of foam stability. Herein, we proposed a colloidal co-assembly strategy that introduces Al–Al2O3 dual-phased particles for constructing ultralight yet mechanically robust cellular ceramics. Owing to the Al2O3 oxidation layer on Al particles, both of Al and Al2O3 suspensions demonstrated similar zeta potential and rheological properties, enabling a stable foam structure after colloidal co-assembly. High-temperature oxidation of Al particles contributed to the reinforcement of cell wall and formation of Al2O3 whiskers. The calcined products demonstrated a lightweight structure (0.31 g cm−3), a robust compressive strength (3.64 MPa) at a porosity level of 88.5%, and a relatively high specific surface area (14.7 m2 g−1 ). The current strategy paves the way for the construction of high-performance ceramic foams for a broad range of applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermal protection layer of the solid rocket motor (SRM) is an important elastic material applied to the adhesive shell and propellant; the thickness of the layer is related to the performance of the SRM. This paper proposes a method of linear laser scanning to realise the precise thickness measurement of the thermal protection layer. The custom-designed data acquisition device separately collects distance values from the inner surface of the thermal protection layer, before and after coating, using a linear laser sensor. The two measured distance values are subtracted and D-H modelling (a classical kinematics modelling method proposed by Denavit and Hartenberg) is conducted, then the system errors are analysed and calibrated to obtain the 3D point cloud data of the profile. The iterative closest point (ICP) algorithm is used to register the point cloud data relating to the internal surface, then an octree-based simplification method is proposed to realise the denoising and simplification of the point cloud data. Next, the normal vector of the point cloud data is calculated and the reference surface is extracted as the projection plane. The simplified point cloud is then projected onto the plane and the geometric information of the point cloud data after projection is extracted. A series of distance differences, namely the thickness of the thermal protection layer, is obtained. Finally, the Poisson surface reconstruction algorithm is used to display the inner surface of the thermal protection layer. The results show that the difference between the calculated values and the rneasured values is less than 0.1 mm, indicating that the thickness of the thermal protection layer of the 5RM can be measured by the proposed non-contact method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a response regulator of the EsrA-EsrB two-component system, EsrB is conserved in Hafniaceae and plays a crucial role in virulence and pathogenicity. EsrB possesses DNA binding abilities, enabling it to regulate the transcription of virulence genes to confront different stresses and achieve systematic infections. Here, ChIP-seq analysis of EsrB in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium (DMEM) (mimicking in vivo environments) revealed that EsrB preferred to bind to virulence-associated promoters with a distinct 7'-4-7" pseudopalindromic DNA motif and interact with metabolic-related promoters with a high AT DNA motif. The crystal structure of the C-terminal of EsrB (EsrBC) was solved at 2.20-Å resolution. Specifically, Lys181 enabled the DNA-binding affinity of EsrB and promoted the in vitro and in vivo pathogenicity of Edwardsiella piscicida. Moreover, EsrB directly regulated the expression of genes associated with basal metabolism, including iron and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycles. Furthermore, EsrB enhanced iron transport capability and the enzyme activity of succinate dehydrogenase and pyruvate dehydrogenase in DMEM. Collectively, our structural and ChIP-seq analysis provides valuable insights into the DNA binding mechanism of EsrB which will facilitate our understanding of EsrB coordinating virulence and basal metabolism gene expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cognitive impairment is prevalent among individuals, especially women, with methamphetamine dependence. Although aerobic exercise has been shown to affect cognitive function in humans and animals, few related studies have focused on subjects with methamphetamine dependence. Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the detoxification-related effects of aerobic exercise on cognitive function in women with methamphetamine dependence. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was used with 98 women with methamphetamine dependence undergoing a detoxification program at a mental hospital. The women were distributed using a computer-generated grouping random method into either the study or control group. The investigator conducting the baseline questionnaire, the neuropsychologist assessing the cognitive function, and the data analyst were blinded to group assignment. In addition to hospital routine care, the study group received an aerobic exercise intervention for 3 months. The control group only received hospital routine care. Attention and working memory were measured using the Trail Making Test and Digit Span Test, verbal memory was measured using Logical Memory (LM) and Memory for Persons Data (MPD), and executive function was measured using the Color-Word Stroop Test. Results: Forty-nine participants were randomized into each group, and the valid data of 43 participants in the study group and 46 in the control group were analyzed. The study group showed significantly more improvement over time in terms of Digit Span Test, Trail Making Test, LM-delayed, MPD-5 minutes delayed, MPD-30 minutes delayed, and Color-Word Stroop Test than the control group (p <.05). LM-immediate and MPD-immediate scores showed that the effects of time and the interaction between time and group were significant but that the main effect of group was not. Conclusions/Implications for Practice: Women undergoing detoxification for methamphetamine dependence may practice aerobic exercise to improve attention, working memory, executive function, and parts of verbal memory. Aerobic exercise may be incorporated into detoxification treatment programs to facilitate the recovery of cognitive functions in women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cardiac magnetic resonance (MR) has become an essential diagnostic imaging modality in cardiovascular disease. However, the insufficient image quality of traditional breath-hold (BH) T2-weighted (T2W) imaging may compromise its diagnostic accuracy. Purpose: To assess the efficacy of the BLADE technique to reduce motion artifacts and improve the image quality. Material and Methods: Free-breathing TSE-T2W imaging sequence with cartesian and BLADE k-space trajectory were acquired in 20 patients. Thirty patients underwent conventional BH turbo spin-echo (TSE) T2W imaging and free-breathing BLADE T2W (FB BLADE-T2W) imaging. Twenty-one patients who had a signal loss of myocardium in BH short-axis T2W turbo inversion recovery (TSE-T2W-TIR) were scanned using free-breathing BLADE T2W turbo inversion recovery (BLADE TSE-T2W-TIR). The overall image quality, blood nulling, and visualization of the heart were scored on a 5-point Likert scale. The signal loss of myocardium, incomplete fat suppression near the myocardium, and the streaking or ghosting artifacts were noted in T2W-TIR sequences additionally. Results: The overall imaging quality, blood nulling, and the visualization of heart structure of FB BLADE-T2W imaging sequence were significantly better than those of FB T2W imaging with Cartesian k-space trajectory and BH TSE-T2W imaging sequence (P<0.01). The FB BLADE TSE-T2W-TIR reduces the myocardium signal dropout (P<0.05), incomplete fat suppression near myocardium (P<0.05), and the streaking and ghosting artifacts (P<0.05) in comparison with the BH TSE-T2W-TIR. Conclusions: FB BLADE T2W imaging provides improved myocardial visibility, less motion sensitivity, and better image quality. It may be applied in patients who have poor breath-holding capability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wavelet algorithms for high-resolution image reconstruction has been shown effectively, it relies on the decomposition of low/high frequency, and hard/soft thresholding arguments are often used to denoise for high frequency. In this paper, instead of using this kind of thresholding arguments, we apply the gradient based shrinkage thresholding optimization for high-frequency, in this way, we can keep the useful information in the original signal as much as possible, coupling the shrinkage thresholding optimization with the wavelet algorithm, we get an efficient reconstruction algorithm. Numerical results show we obtain a higher resolution, better peak signal-to-noise ratios and lower relative errors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vaccines therapeutics manipulate host's immune system and have broad potential for cancer prevention and treatment. However, due to poor immunogenicity and limited safety, fewer cancer vaccines have been successful in clinical trials. Over the past decades, nanotechnology has been exploited to deliver cancer vaccines, eliciting longlasting and effective immune responses. Compared to traditional vaccines, cancer vaccines delivered by nanomaterials can be tuned towards desired immune profiles by (1) optimizing the physicochemical properties of the nanomaterial carriers, (2) modifying the nanomaterials with targeting molecules, or (3) co-encapsulating with immunostimulators. In order to develop vaccines with desired immunogenicity, a thorough understanding of parameters that affect immune responses is required. Herein, we discussed the effects of physicochemical properties on antigen presentation and immune response, including but not limited to size, particle rigidity, intrinsic immunogenicity. Furthermore, we provided a detailed overview of recent preclinical and clinical advances in nanotechnology for cancer vaccines, and considerations for future directions in advancing the vaccine platform to widespread anti-cancer applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glioma is one of the most common types of primary brain tumors. Ivermectin (IVM), a broad-spectrum antiparasitic drug, has been identified as a novel anticancer agent due to its inhibitory effects on the proliferation of glioma cells in vitro and in vivo. However, the ability of IVM to induce autophagy and its role in glioma cell death remains unclear. The main objective of the present study was to explore autophagy induced by IVM in glioma U251 and C6 cells, and the deep underlying molecular mechanisms. In addition, we examined the effects of autophagy on apoptosis in glioma cells. In the present study, transmission electronmicroscopy (TEM), immunofluorescence, Western blot and immunohistochemistry were used to evaluate autophagy activated by IVM. Cell viability was measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and colony formation assay. The apoptosis rate was detected by flow cytometry and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL). Meanwhile, autophagy inhibition was achieved by using chloroquine (CQ). U251-derived xenografts were established for examination of IVM-induced autophagy on glioma in vivo. Taken together, the results of the present study showed that autophagy induced by IVM has a protective effect on cell apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, IVM induced autophagy through AKT/mTOR signaling and induced energy impairment. Our findings show that IVM is a promising anticancer agent and may be a potential effective treatment for glioma cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article looks at a study regarding timing and mechanisms of the eastern equatorial Pacific (EEP) cold tongue development and late Miocene linked to extratropical climate. It mentions gradual intensification with apparently increasing sensitivity of the cold tongue to extratropical temperature changes. It also mentions tropical Pacific is characterized by a zonally asymmetric pattern of sea surface temperature (SST) distribution along the equator.

Potassium-ion batteries (PIBs) have been widely studied owing to the abundant reserves, widespread distribution, and easy extraction of potassium (K) resources. Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) has received a great deal of attention as a key anode material for PIBs owing to its two-dimensional diffusion channels for K+ ions. However, due to its poor electronic conductivity and the huge influence of embedded K+ ions (with a large ionic radius of 3.6 Å) on MoS2 layer, MoS2 anodes exhibit a poor rate performance and easily collapsed structure. To address these issues, the common strategies are enlarging the interlayer spacing to reduce the mechanical strain and increasing the electronic conductivity by adding conductive agents. However, simultaneous implementation of the above strategies by simple methods is currently still a challenge. Herein, MoS2 anodes on reduced graphene oxide (MoS2/rGO) composite were prepared using one-step hydrothermal methods. Owing to the presence of rGO in the synthesis process, MoS2 possesses a unique scaled structure with large layer spacing, and the intrinsic conductivity of MoS2 is proved. As a result, MoS2/rGO composite anodes exhibit a larger rate performance and better cycle stability than that of anodes based on pure MoS2, and the direct mixtures of MoS2 and graphene oxide (MoS2-GO). This work suggests that the composite material of MoS2/rGO has infinite possibilities as a high-quality anode material for PIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel protocol for the activation of the Beckmann rearrangement utilizing the readily available and economical geminal dichloroimidazolidinediones (DCIDs) on a substoichiometric scale (10 mol %) has been developed. A unique self-propagating mechanism for the substoichiometric dichloroimidazolidinedione-activated transformation was proposed and validated. The substrate scope of the developed protocol has been demonstrated by 23 examples with good to excellent yields (mostly 90-98%) in a short time (mostly 10-30 min), including a substrate for synthesizing the monomer of nylon-12 and a complicated steroidal substrate on a preparative scale. This research not only unveils for the first time the synthetic potential of substoichiometric amounts of dichloroimidazolidinediones in promoting chemical transformation but also offers yet another important illustration of the self-propagating cycle in the context of the Beckmann rearrangement activated by a structurally novel organic promoter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first example of catalytic enantioselective tautomerization of structurally labile but isolable enamines for accessing their chiral imine-tautomers is described. Kinetically stable enamine-based dibenzo[b,d]azepines were tautomerized by a simple chiral BINOL-phosphoric acid, providing a variety of seven-membered imine products bearing both central and axial stereogenic elements in good yields (up to 96%) with excellent enantio- and diastereoselectivities (up to 97% ee, >20:1 dr). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A convenient and economical one-pot synthesis of a series of new 1-aryl-substituted 4-iodopyrazole-3-ols from easily available pyrazolidin-3-ones in the presence of sodium iodide, 30% solution of hydrogen peroxide and a catalytic amount of sulfuric acid in dichloromethane via aromatisation and oxidative iodination reactions are described. This protocol has the advantages of high atom economy, costeffectiveness, short reaction time and environmental friendliness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A light-up fluorescent probe for the detection of adenosine was constructed with an AIE (aggregation-induced emission) molecule and a DNA aptamer. The AIE molecule was used as a signal generator, and the DNA aptamer was used as a recognition element for adenosine. The emission of the AIE molecule was due to its intramolecular rotation restriction induced by the aptamer upon binding of adenosine. The optimal component ratio of the probe was AIE molecule/DNA aptamer = 100 (μM/μM). The calibration curve of adenosine detection showed a linear range of 10 pM to 0.5 μM with an R2 of 0.996, and the detection limit of the probe was 10 pM. The probe exhibited a good selectivity to adenosine against its analogs (uridine, guanosine, and cytidine). The probe was used to detect adenosine in urine samples, a recovery from 86.8% to 90.0% for the spiked concentrations of adenosine (0.01, 0.05, 0.1 μM). The relative standard deviation from 1.2% to 2.0% was obtained. The intra-day and inter-day tests also showed good precisions, with measurement RSD values of 2.3% and 2.1%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malignant cancer is one of the most serious diseases threatening the health of human beings. Natural plant alkaloids exhibit multiple biological functions, including inhibition of cell proliferation, and may have potential anticancer activity. However, most natural alkaloids may not be suitable for human therapies owing to instability, poor dissolubility and potential side effects. To improve their anticancer activity and drug effect, the present study aimed to develop new alkaloid derivatives, the phenanthroindolizidine alkaloid compounds, and evaluated their potential antitumor effects on human cancer cells in vitro. Among the several newly synthesized analogues of phenanthroindolizidine alkaloids (PAs), the compounds YS306 and YS206 exhibited an increased growth inhibition activity on HepG2 liver cancer cells and on HCT116 and HT29 colon cancer cells, with half‑maximal inhibitory concentrations in the micromolar range. YS206 and YS306 (5 µg/ml) both significantly induced cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase and notably decreased cell distribution at the G0/G1 and S phase. In addition, these two molecules significantly inhibited cancer cell migration, as analyzed by the wound‑healing and Transwell assays. However, neither YS306 nor YS206 exhibited observable effects on apoptosis. Therefore, chemical structure modifications of natural PAs based on anticancer activity assessments may be feasible in the development of new cancer chemotherapeutic agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis of crystalline two-dimensional polymers (2DPs) with proper bandgaps and welldefined repeating units presents a great challenge to synthetic chemists. Here we report the first solution synthesis of a single-layer/few-layer triazine-based 2DP via trimerization of carbonitrile at the interface of dichloromethane and trifluoromethanesulfonic acid. The processable triazine-based 2DP can be assembled into mechanically strong layered free-standing films with a high specific surface area via filtration. Moreover, the highly crystalline triazine-based 2DP can function as the active semiconducting layer in a field-effect transistor via drop coating and exhibits slightly bipolar behavior with a high on/off ratio of 103 and a remarkable mobility of 0.15 cm2 V-1 s-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Newcastle disease (ND) leading to heavy economic losses to the poultry industry worldwide is caused by Newcastle disease virus (NDV). Even though intensive vaccination programs have been implemented in many countries, virulent NDV can still be frequently isolated in well-vaccinated flocks. We compared the protection efficiency of LaSota and two sub-genotype VIId vaccines, NDV/AI4 and NDV O/AI4, in which NDV O/AI4 was constructed by replacing the hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) gene of the vaccine strain NDV/AI4 with that from the variant NDV strain JS-14-12-Ch by the cross hemagglutination inhibition test and immune protection test. The number of birds shedding the virus and the titer of the shedding virus from the challenged birds were tested to evaluate the protection efficiency in the immune protection test. The cross hemagglutination inhibition and neutralization tests between JS-14-12-Ch and the three vaccines displayed a significant antigenic difference between JS-14-12-Ch and LaSota or NDV/AI4, but not between JS-14-12-Ch and NDV O/AI4. The results of the immune protection test showed that NDV O/AI4 could provide improved protection as determined by a significant decrease in both the number of birds shedding the virus and the titer of the shedding virus from the challenged birds. The results in this study indicated that the antigenic similarity between the vaccine strain and the challenge strain is important in reducing the shedding of virulent virus in which the congruence of the NDV HN protein may play a critical role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has developed rapidly and becomes a significant treatment for emergency. Current blood pumps for ECMO have different disadvantages.Objective: To design a pulsatile DC electromagnetic blood pump for ECMO.Methods: The design is presented with a driving principle which the rectilinear reciprocation of a magnet inside energized solenoids is implemented, and with a structure of solenoids with compensation coils. Furthermore, a prototype was constructed and the performance indexes of it were measured with the experimental evaluations, where the acceleration experiment was performed without any loads, and the flows were measured in the ranges of preload and afterload are 5 to 30 mmHg and 50 to 80 mmHg respectively when the frequency of the motion is 80 beats per minute.Results: The electromagnetic force is greater than 1.4 N when the DC reaches 2.7 A and the flow of the prototype is greater than 3.0 L/min except the differences between the preload and the afterload are greater than or equal to 70 mmHg.Conclusions: The design of the blood pump for ECMO meets the theoretical and clinical requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the preparation of large-scale biomimetic organic/inorganic hybrid nanocoatings with a nacre-like microstructure. These nanocoatings are said to contain a high concentration of nanosheets. Also, the nanosheets and polymer matrix can be chemically co-cross-linked, giving exceptional mechanical properties, barrier properties and flame retardancy.

This study addresses the effects of the SOC (State of Charge) and the charging-discharging process on the thermal runaway of 18650 lithium-ion batteries. A series of experiments were conducted on an electric heating and testing apparatus. The experimental results indicate that 6W is the critical heating power for 40% SOC.With a 20Wconstant heating rate, the thermal runaway initial temperature of the lithium-ion battery decreases with the increasing SOC. The final thermal runaway temperature increases with the SOC when the SOC is lower than 80%. However, a contrary conclusion was obtained when the SOC was higher than 80%. Significant mass loss, accompanied by an intense exothermic reaction, took place under a higher SOC. The critical charging current, beyond which the thermal runaway occurs, was found to be 2.6 A. The thermal runaway initial temperature decreases with the increasing charging current, while the intensity of the exothermic reaction varies inversely. Mass ejection of gas and electrolytes exists during thermal runaway when the charging current is higher than 10.4 A, below which only a large amount of gas is released. The thermal runaway initial temperature of discharging is higher than that of non-discharging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previously, we showed that levels of sphingosine-1 phosphate receptor 3 (S1PR3) are increased in a panel of cultured human lung adenocarcinoma cell lines, and that S1PR3-mediated signaling pathways regulate proliferation, soft agar growth, and invasion of human lung adenocarcinoma cells in vitro. In the present study, we examine S1PR3 levels in human lung adenocarcinoma specimens. cDNA array and tumor microarray analysis shows that mRNA and protein levels of S1PR3 are significantly increased in human lung adenocarcinomas when compared with normal lung epithelial cells. Promoter analysis shows 16 candidate SMAD3 binding sites in the promoter region of S1PR3. ChIP indicates that TGF-β treatment stimulates the binding of SMAD3 to the promoter region of S1PR3. Luciferase reporter assay demonstrates that SMAD3 transactivates S1PR3 promoter. TGF-β stimulation or ectopic expression of TGF-β up-regulates S1PR3 levels in vitro and ex vivo. Pharmacologic inhibition of TGF-β receptor or SMAD3 abrogates the TGF-β-stimulated S1PR3 up-regulation. Moreover, S1PR3 knockdown dramatically inhibits tumor growth and lung metastasis, whereas ectopic expression of S1PR3 promotes the growth of human lung adenocarcinoma cells in animals. Pharmacological inhibition of S1PR3 profoundly inhibits the growth of lung carcinoma in mice. Our studies suggest that levels of S1PR3 are up-regulated in human lung adenocarcinomas, at least in part due to the TGF-β/SMAD3 signaling axis. Furthermore, S1PR3 activity promotes the progression of human lung adenocarcinomas. Therefore,S1PR3mayrepresentanoveltherapeutictargetfor the treatment of deadly lung adenocarcinomas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compressed sensing (CS) based sampling techniques exhibit many advantages over other existing approaches for sparse signal spectrum sensing; they are also incorporated into non-uniform sampling signal reconstruction to improve the efficiency, such as random equivalent sampling (RES). However, in CS based RES, only one sample of each acquisition is considered in the signal reconstruction stage, and it will result in more acquisition runs and longer sampling time. In this paper, a sampling sequence is taken in each RES acquisition run, and the corresponding block measurement matrix is constructed using a Whittaker-Shannon interpolation formula. All the block matrices are combined into an equivalent measurement matrix with respect to all sampling sequences. We implemented the proposed approach with a multi-cores analog-to-digital converter (ADC), whose ADC cores are time interleaved. A prototype realization of this proposed CS based sequential random equivalent sampling method has been developed. It is able to capture an analog waveform at an equivalent sampling rate of 40 GHz while sampled at 1 GHz physically. Experiments indicate that, for a sparse signal, the proposed CS based sequential random equivalent sampling exhibits high efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical modifications of proteins have been well-documented to play important roles in normal cell physiology such as cell signaling and protein functions. They have also been demonstrated to be one of the milestones in the pathophysiology of many human diseases such as cancer, age-related pathology, and neurodegenerative disorders. Here, we report the initial identification of a novel protein modification, cysteine thiazolidination, through reaction with endogenous and exogenous formaldehyde with cysteine residues in proteins. Using an isotope-dilution liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric (LC-MS3) method, we initiated the study by quantitating thioproline in formaldehyde-treated Escherichia coli (E. coli) protein. The study was then extended to quantitate thioproline in protein obtained from formaldehyde- and oxidant-exposed E. coli. Furthermore, N6-formyllysine, a well-defined formylation product between formaldehyde and lysine, was exploited in a comparative study to evaluate the relative reactivity and amount of cysteine thiazolidination in the reaction of formaldehyde with proteins. It is anticipated that cysteine thiazolidination may serve as a novel biomarker for oxidative stress and formaldehyde exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines separately the composition and metal content of the ash generated during the combustion of domestic waste and combustion of coal mixed with different proportion of domestic waste and the impact of domestic waste mixing proportion on acidic gas of gases generated during fuel combustion as well as influencing factors analysis. The results show that when the garbage content is less than 60%, it can be used as fuel substitute materials of cement. SiO2, CaO, Al2O3, Fe2O3 content of mixed fuel ash are more than 10%, the total content of four kinds of oxide is between 75% and 85%, alkali content (0.658K2O+NaO) is between 2.71% and 6.22%, and five heavy metals (Pb, Ni, Cd, As, Hg) contents are all less than that generated during the combustion of coal alone. Mixed fuel with domestic waste can reduce NOx and SO2 emissions of combustion gases to a certain extent, and HCl gas emissions is increasing with increasing proportion of domestic waste. When garbage content reaches 30%, acidic gases emissions generated during combustion of mixed fuel is optimal. Combustion temperature and air flow rate influence NOx and SO2 gas emissions during mixed fuel combustion, but have little effect on HCl gas emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two previous studies published by our group identified that mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) conferred neuroprotection in a rat model of hypoxic-ischaemic brain damage (HIBD), and that MSCs secreted abundant interleukin-6 (IL-6) when co-cultured with oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD)-injured PC12 cells. The present study has further investigated the role of IL-6, and explored potential signalling pathways in vitro. In vitro models were established by co-culturing OGD-injured PC12 cells with MSCs. Subsequently, the expression levels of the signalling molecules, Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2)/nuclear factor κB (NFκB), and IL-6 were altered separately in this in vitro model by treatment with an agonist, antagonist, siRNA or overexpression adenovirus. The expression levels of B cell lymphoma-associated X (Bax), TLR2, NFκB and IL-6 were detected by western blot analysis, real-time polymerase chain reaction or ELISA. The resting membrane potential (RMP) of the PC12 cells was analysed by whole-cell patch-clamp recordings. Compared with controls or the PC12 co-culture group, the MSC co-cultured group induced less expression of Bax, but more IL-6 secretion. Up- or down-regulation of the TLR2/NFkB signalling pathway resulted in a corresponding increase or decrease in the IL-6 expression level in the MSCs. Co-culture with siIL-6-MSCs increased the expression levels of Bax and increased the RMP in the OGD PC12 cells. In conclusion, the release of IL-6 from MSCs was regulated via the TLR2/NFκB signalling pathway. Endogenous IL-6 reduced apoptosis and protected OGD-injured PC12 cells when they were co-cultured with MSCs. The present study has reported a novel immunomodulatory effect of the microenvironment of neural damage during MSC cytotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In flowering plants, extensive male-female interactions are required for successful fertilization in which various signaling cascades are involved. Prevacuolar compartments (PVC) and vacuoles are two types of subcellular compartments that terminate signal transduction by sequestrating signaling molecules in yeast and mammalian cells; however, the manner in which they might be involved in male- female interactions in plants is unknown. In this study, we identified Arabidopsis thaliana vacuolar protein sorting 41 (AtVPS41), encoded by a single-copy gene with sequence similarity to yeast Vps41p, as a new factor controlling pollen tube-stigma interaction. Loss of AtVPS41 function disrupted penetration of pollen tubes into the transmitting tissue and thus led to failed male transmission. In the pollen tubes, AtVPS41 protein is associated with PVCs and the tonoplast. We demonstrate that AtVPS41 is required for the late stage of the endocytic pathway (i.e., endomembrane trafficking from PVCs to vacuoles) because internalization of cell-surface molecules was normal in the vps41-deficient pollen tubes, whereas PVC-to-vacuole trafficking was impaired. We further show that the CHCR domain is required for subcellular localization and biological functioning of AtVPS41. These results indicate that the AtVPS41-mediated late stage of the endocytic pathway is essential for pollen tube-stigma interaction in Arabidopsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a natural flavonoid in Ampelopsis grossedentata, dihydromyricetin (DHM, 2R,3R-3,5,7,3′,4′,5′-hexahydroxy-2,3-dihydroflavonol) was observed to increase the viability of •OH-treated mesenchymal stem cells using a MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl] assay and flow cytometry analysis. This protective effect indicates DHM may be a beneficial agent for cell transplantation therapy. Mechanistic chemistry studies indicated that compared with myricetin, DHM was less effective at ABTS+• (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid radical) scavenging and reducing Cu2+, and had higher •O2− and DPPH• (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical) scavenging activities. Additionally, DHM could also chelate Fe2+ to give an absorption maximum at 589 nm. Hence, such protective effect of DHM may arise from its antioxidant activities which are thought to occur via direct radical-scavenging and Fe2+-chelation. Direct radical-scavenging involves an electron transfer (ET) pathway. The hydrogenation of the 2,3-double bond is hypothesized to reduce the ET process by blocking the formation of a larger π-π conjugative system. The glycosidation of the 3–OH in myricitrin is assumed to sterically hinder atom transfer in the •O2− and DPPH• radical-scavenging processes. In DHM, the Fe2+-chelating effect can actually be attributed to the 5,3′,4′,5′–OH and 4–C=O groups, and the 3–OH group itself can neither scavenge radicals nor chelate metal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deposition and hydrolysis reaction of SO2 + H2O in small clusters of sulfuric acid and water are studied by theoretical calculations of the molecular clusters SO2-(H2SO4)n-(H2O)m (m = 1,2; n = 1,2). Sulfuric acid exhibits a dramatic catalytic effect on the hydrolysis reaction of SO2 as it lowers the energy barrier by over 20 kcal/mol. The reaction with monohydrated sulfuric acid (SO2 + H2O + H2SO4 - H2O) has the lowest energy barrier of 3.83 kcal/mol, in which the cluster H2SO4-(H2O)2 forms initially at the entrance channel. The energy barriers for the three hydrolysis reactions are in the order SO2 + (H2SO4)-H2O > SO2 + (H2SO4)2-H2O > SO2 + H2SO4-H2O. Furthermore, sulfurous acid is more strongly bonded to the hydrated sulfuric acid (or dimer) clusters than the corresponding reactant (monohydrated SO2). Consequently, sulfuric acid promotes the hydrolysis of SO2 both kinetically and thermodynamically. Kinetics simulations have been performed to study the importance of these reactions in the reduction of atmospheric SO2. The results will give a new insight on how the pre-existing aerosols catalyze the hydrolysis of SO2, leading to the formation and growth of new particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cationexchange-based route was used to produce Cu2ZnSnS4(CZTS)–Ag2S nanoparticles withcontrolled composition. We report a detailed study of the formationof such CZTS–Ag2S nanoheterostructures and of theirphotocatalytic properties. When compared to pure CZTS, the use ofnanoscale p–n heterostructures as light absorbers for photocatalyticwater splitting provides superior photocurrents. We associate thisexperimental fact to a higher separation efficiency of the photogeneratedelectron–hole pairs. We believe this and other type-II nanoheterostructureswill open the door to the use of CZTS, with excellent light absorptionproperties and made of abundant and environmental friendly elements,to the field of photocatalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigated the formation mechanism and chemical structure of melanin that results from the self-assembly of l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (l-DOPA). Using a combination of "top-down" and "bottom-up" approaches, and on the basis of state-of-the-art electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) results, we propose a new formation mechanism and an alternative structure for melanin. Specifically, our study of the self-aggregation of l-DOPA based on l-DOPA clusters revealed that melanin is comprised partially of noncovalent supramolecular aggregate that is formed by self-aggregation of l-DOPA and with the individual monomers linked together by a combination of hydrogen bonds, π-π stacking, and ionic bonds. Furthermore, our study showed that unmodified l-DOPA may be part of the building block for melanin in addition to the previously proposed indole derivative based on l-DOPA cyclization. A similar self-aggregation phenomenon was also observed in other structurally related catecholamines, for example, adrenaline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guangxi Province is a large agricultural province and agricultural eco-environment protection becomes important. The research analyzed major problems of agricultural eco-environment and proposed a series of countermeasures to improve Guangxi agricultural eco-environment and provides references for agricultural eco-environment protection in Guangxi and agricultural development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carcinogenicformaldehyde is produced by endogenous protein oxidationand various exogenous sources. With formaldehyde being both ubiquitousin the ambient environment and one of the most common reactive carbonylsproduced from endogenous metabolism, quantifying formaldehyde exposureis an essential step in risk assessments. We present in this studyan approach to assess the risk of exposure to oxidative stress byquantifying thiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid (TA), a cysteine-conjugatedmetabolite of formaldehyde in toxicant-exposed Escherichiacoli. The method entails TA derivatization with ethylchloroformate, addition of isotope-labeled TA derivatives as internalstandards, solid-phase extraction of the derivatives, and quantificationby liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS).After validating for accuracy and precision, the developed methodwas used to detect TA in oxidizing agent-exposed E.colisamples. Dose-dependent TA formation was observedin E. coliexposed to hydroxyl radicalmediators Fe2+-EDTA, H2O2, and NaOCl,indicating the potential use of TA as a biomarker of exposure to oxidativestress and disease risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of ammonia and water moleculeson the hydrolysis of sulfurdioxide are investigated by theoretical calculations of two seriesof the molecular clusters SO2-(H2O)n(n= 1–5) and SO2-(H2O)n-NH3(n= 1–3). The reaction in pure water clusters isthermodynamically unfavorable. The additional water in the clustersreduces the energy barrier for the reaction, and the effect of eachwater decreases with the increasing number of water molecules in theclusters. There is a considerable energy barrier for reaction in SO2-(H2O)5, 5.69 kcal/mol. With ammoniaincluded in the cluster, SO2-(H2O)n-NH3, the energy barrier is dramaticallyreduced, to 1.89 kcal/mol with n= 3, and the correspondingproduct of hydrated ammonium bisulfate NH4HSO3-(H2O)2is also stabilized thermodynamically.The present study shows that ammonia has larger kinetic and thermodynamiceffects than water in promoting the hydrolysis reaction of SO2in small clusters favorable in the atmosphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new Tikhonov regularization method of Fuhry and Reichel [A new Tikhonov regularization method, Numerical Algorithms, 59:433-445, 2011] exhibits the excellent properties for ill-posed problems, but it can only deal with small or moderate size problems because of the expensive computation of singular value decomposition (SVD). In this paper, we extend the above new Tikhonov regularization method to solve large-scale problems, e.g., image restoration problem with periodic boundary conditions, and realize this extending by applying Fast Fourier Transformation (FFT) algorithm to the spectral decomposition of the block circulant with circulant blocks (BCCB) matrices. Experimental results confirm the superiority of our new method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]