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A mild, efficient and practical protocol for the preparation of 2-sulfonylquinolines through CS2/Et2NH-induced deoxygenative C2-H sulfonylation of quinoline N-oxides with readily available RSO2Cl was developed. The reaction proceeded well under transition-metal-free conditions and exhibited a wide substrate scope and functional group tolerance. The preliminary studies suggested that the nucleophilic sulfonyl sources were generated in situ via the reaction of CS2, Et2NH and sulfonyl chlorides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The causal connectivity of a network is often inferred to understand network function. It is arguably acknowledged that the inferred causal connectivity relies on the causality measure one applies, and it may differ from the network's underlying structural connectivity. However, the interpretation of causal connectivity remains to be fully clarified, in particular, how causal connectivity depends on causality measures and how causal connectivity relates to structural connectivity. Here, we focus on nonlinear networks with pulse signals as measured output, e.g., neural networks with spike output, and address the above issues based on four commonly utilized causality measures, i.e., time-delayed correlation coefficient, time-delayed mutual information, Granger causality, and transfer entropy. We theoretically show how these causality measures are related to one another when applied to pulse signals. Taking a simulated Hodgkin-Huxley network and a real mouse brain network as two illustrative examples, we further verify the quantitative relations among the four causality measures and demonstrate that the causal connectivity inferred by any of the four well coincides with the underlying network structural connectivity, therefore illustrating a direct link between the causal and structural connectivity.We stress that the structural connectivity of pulse-output networks can be reconstructed pairwise without conditioning on the global information of all other nodes in a network, thus circumventing the curse of dimensionality. Our framework provides a practical and effective approach for pulseoutput network reconstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many animals, including insects, exhibit plasticity of body colour in response to environmental changes. Varied expression of carotenoids, major cuticle pigments, significantly contributes to body colour flexibility. However, the molecular mechanisms by which environmental cues regulate carotenoid expression remain largely unknown. In this study, we used the ladybird Harmonia axyridis as a model to investigate the photoperiodic‐responsive plasticity of elytra coloration and its endocrine regulation. It was found that H. axyridis females under long‐day conditions develop elytra that are much redder than those under short‐day conditions, resulting from the differential accumulation of carotenoids. Exogenous hormone application and RNAi‐mediated gene knockdown indicate that carotenoid deposition was directed through the juvenile hormone (JH) receptor‐mediated canonical pathway. Moreover, we characterized an SR‐BI/CD36 (SCRB) gene SCRB10 as the carotenoid transporter responding to JH signalling and regulating the elytra coloration plasticity. Taken together, we propose that JH signalling transcriptionally regulates the carotenoid transporter gene for the photoperiodic coloration plasticity of elytra in the beetles, which reveals a novel role of the endocrine system in the regulation of carotenoid‐associated animal body coloration under environmental stimuli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sex pheromone-binding proteins (PBPs) play an important role in sex pheromone recognition in Lepidoptera. However, the mechanisms of chemical communication mediating the response to sex pheromones remain unclear in the diurnal moths of the superfamily Zygaenoidea. In this study, Phauda flammans (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Zygaenoidea: Phaudidae) was used as a model insect to explore the molecular mechanism of sex pheromone perception in the superfamily Zygaenoidea. Two novel pheromone-binding proteins (PflaPBP1 and PflaPBP2) from P. flammans were identified. The two pheromone-binding proteins were predominantly expressed in the antennae of P. flammans male and female moths, in which PflaPBP1 had stronger binding affinity to the female sex pheromones Z-9-hexadecenal and (Z, Z, Z)-9, 12, 15-octadecatrienal, PflaPBP2 had stronger binding affinity only for (Z, Z, Z)-9, 12, 15-octadecatrienal, and no apparent binding affinity to Z-9-hexadecenal. The molecular docking results indicated that Ile 170 and Leu 169 are predicted to be important in the binding of the sex pheromone to PflaPBP1 and PflaPBP2. We concluded that PflaPBP1 and PflaPBP2 may be responsible for the recognition of two sex pheromone components and may function differently in female and male P. flammans. These results provide a foundation for the development of pest control by exploring sex pheromone blocking agents and the application of sex pheromones and their analogs for insect pests in the superfamily Zygaenoidea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conservation genetics research of Tetracentron sinense, an endangered tree species in China used as medicine, ornament, and for its timber, depends on development of fast–evolving and reliable genetic markers. A simplified genome sequence was obtained by restrictive–site associated DNA sequencing based on high throughput sequencing and used to develop primers for identification of simple sequence repeat (SSR) molecular markers suitable for T. sinense. The results showed that 121,022 SSR loci obtained in 114,350 SSR containing sequences, which included mononucleotide repeats (59.14%), dinucleotide repeats (28.71%), and trinucleotide repeats (9.97%). These SSR sequences were used to design 1212 primers to detect the polymorphism. Therein, 67 pairs of primers containing 2–6 nucleotide repeats were selected for PCR amplification of 16 samples collected from four populations. Forty–eight primers were polymorphic, and the PIC values varied from 0 to 0.9297, with the average of 0.7168. Finally, 21 pairs of SSR primers suitable for T. sinense were screened. These results suggest that the species of T. sinense which without genomic information, the newly developed SSR primers provide a foundation for the analysis of genetic diversity, genetic variation, genetic structure, population dynamic history and development of effective conservation and management technology of T. sinense germplasm resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insect–host relationships can generate spatial patterns. The effect of plant species has been widely investigated, whereas the effect of plant size was ignored.The authors characterized the spatial pattern of the swift moth Endoclita excrescens Butler by combining spatial analysis by distance indices (SADIE) and spatial point pattern analysis (SPPA). Two contiguous plots of monospecific plantations of Manchurian ash Fraxinus mandshurica with different diameters at breast height (DBH) were sampled, and the position, DBH, and count of attack holes of each ash tree were recorded.The aggregation at the landscape scale is far stronger than those at the stand scale. At the landscape scale, trees with small number of bored holes were close to each other at distances of r < 4 m. None of the significant patterns were found at the stand scale.SADIE results showed a strong association between count of attack holes and DBH at the landscape scale, whereas weak association at the stand scale. SPPA results showed that, either at the landscape or stand scale, the locations of ash trees were randomly distributed at small distance, but aggregated at large distance. The counts of holes are only dependent on the point (tree) at small distances (r < 2.5 m) at the landscape scale. These results provide basic information for sampling and precision‐targeted controlling programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To assess the effect of laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis after percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGBD). Methods. A total of 70 patients with acute cholecystitis diagnosed and treated in our hospital between April 2020 and November 2021 were recruited and assigned to receive either conventional treatment (conventional group) or PTGBD plus laparoscopic cholecystectomy (experimental group) according to the order of admission (with January 2021 as the cut-off time point), with 35 cases in each group. Outcome measures included treatment outcomes, surgical indices, and postoperative recovery. Results. Patients in the experimental group showed significantly less intraoperative hemorrhage volume and shorter operative time, time-lapse before passing gas, and hospital stay (83.15 ± 31.17, 32.54 ± 12.61, 23.02 ± 4.61, 7.98 ± 3.24) versus those in the conventional group (120.56 ± 30.55, 61.01 ± 15.54, 28.15 ± 5.91, 11.95 ± 4.15) (P < 0.05). The incidence of conversion to open surgery and postoperative drainage in the experimental group was significantly lower (2.86%, 5.71%) than that of the conventional group (25.71%, 45.71%) (P < 0.05). The differences in the postoperative body temperature of the two groups did not come up to statistical standard (P > 0.05). The experimental group had faster body temperature recovery and leukocyte recovery and better leukocyte levels (1.25 ± 0.56, 2.36 ± 0.48, 7.92 ± 1.36) than the conventional group (3.11 ± 1.05, 5.41 ± 0.63, 10.52 ± 2.78) (P < 0.05). There was 1 (2.86%) case of pneumothorax and 1 (2.86%) case of intestinal bleeding in the experimental group, and there were 2 (5.71%) cases of biliary leakage, 3 (8.57%) cases of pneumothorax, 4 (11.43%) cases of intestinal bleeding, 5.71% cases of incisional infection, 1 (2.86%) case of respiratory failure, and 1 (2.86%) case of liver damage in the conventional group. The experimental group showed a significantly lower incidence of complications (5.71%) versus the conventional group (37.14%) (P < 0.05). Conclusion. PTGBD plus laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis effectively improves surgical safety, promotes patients' postoperative recovery, and reduces the incidence of conversion to open surgery and postoperative complications with a high safety profile. Further trials are, however, required prior to clinical promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway is a well-conserved intracellular signal transduction pathway, and has important roles in mammalian reproduction. However, it is unknown whether MAPK also regulates insect reproductive mechanisms. Therefore, we investigated the role of the MAPK signaling pathway in ovarian growth and oviposition in the cabbage beetle Colaphellus bowringi, an economically important pest of Cruciferous vegetables. As an initial step, 14 genes from the extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 MAPK (P38) cascades were knocked down using RNA interference (RNAi). The results revealed that RNAi knockdown of MAPK-ERK kinase (MEK), ERK, Kinase suppressor of RAS 2 (KSR2), and P38 induced ovarian development stagnation, low fecundity, and decreased longevity, which indicate that ERK and P38 signaling pathways are important for female C. bowringi survival and reproduction. The potential regulatory role of ERK and P38 pathways in the female reproductive process was investigated using quantitative real-time PCR. We found that ERK pathway possibly regulated ecdysone biosynthesis and P38 pathway possibly involved in the germline stem cell (GSC) development and differentiation. Our findings demonstrated the importance of the MAPK signaling pathway in the female reproduction of insects, and further enhanced the molecular mechanism of female reproductive regulation in insects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To treat various cancers, including lung cancer, chemotherapy requires the systematic administering of chemotherapy. The chemotherapeutic effectiveness of anticancer drugs has been enhanced by polymer nanoparticles (NPs), according to new findings. As an outcome, we have developed biodegradable triblock poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(e-caprolactone)-poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG-PCL-PEG, PECE) polymeric NPs for the co-delivery of sorafenib (SORA) and crizotinib (CRIZ) and investigated their effect on lung cancer by in vitro and in vivo. There is little polydispersity in the SORA-CRIZ@NPs, an average size of 30.45 ± 2.89 nm range. A steady release of SORA and CRIZ was observed, with no burst impact. The apoptosis rate of SORA-CRIZ@NPs was greater than that of free drugs in 4T1 and A549 cells. Further, in vitro cytotoxicity of the polymeric NPs loaded with potential anticancer drugs was more quickly absorbed by cancer cells. On the other hand, compared to free drugs (SORAþCRIZ), SORAþCRIZ@NPs showed a substantial reduction of tumor development, longer survival rate, and a lowered side effect when delivered intravenously to nude mice xenograft model with 4T1 cancer cells. TUNEL positivity was also increased in tumor cells treated with SORA-CRIZ@NPs, demonstrating the therapeutic effectiveness. SORA-CRIZ@NPs might be used to treat lung cancer soon, based on the results from our new findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diapause, a programmed developmental arrest primarily induced by seasonal environmental changes, is very common in the animal kingdom, and found in vertebrates and invertebrates alike. Diapause provides an adaptive advantage to animals, as it increases the odds of surviving adverse conditions. In insects, individuals perceive photoperiodic cues and modify endocrine signaling to direct reproductive diapause traits, such as ovary arrest and increased fat accumulation. However, it remains unclear as to which endocrine factors are involved in this process and how they regulate the onset of reproductive diapause. Here, we found that the long day-mediated drop in the concentration of the steroid hormone ecdysone is essential for the preparation of photoperiodic reproductive diapause in Colaphellus bowringi, an economically important cabbage beetle. The diapause-inducing long-day condition reduced the expression of ecdysone biosynthetic genes, explaining the drop in the titer of 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E, the active form of ecdysone) in female adults. Application of exogenous 20E induced vitellogenesis and ovarian development but reduced fat accumulation in the diapause-destined females. Knocking down the ecdysone receptor (EcR) in females destined for reproduction blocked reproductive development and induced diapause traits. RNA-seq and hormone measurements indicated that 20E stimulates the production of juvenile hormone (JH), a key endocrine factor in reproductive diapause. To verify this, we depleted three ecdysone biosynthetic enzymes via RNAi, which confirmed that 20E is critical for JH biosynthesis and reproductive diapause. Importantly, impairing Met function, a component of the JH intracellular receptor, partially blocked the 20E-regulated reproductive diapause preparation, indicating that 20E regulates reproductive diapause in both JH-dependent and -independent manners. Finally, we found that 20E deficiency decreased ecdysis-triggering hormone signaling and reduced JH production, thereby inducing diapause. Together, these results suggest that 20E signaling is a pivotal regulator that coordinates reproductive plasticity in response to environmental inputs. Author summary: Developmental arrest pervades organismal development and physiology where it facilitates an enormous range of adaptive responses to stressful conditions. Many animals exhibit various forms of developmental arrest that ensures survival under the most adverse environments. Reproductive diapause occurs when adults temporarily suspend reproduction in response to environmental stress and has been documented for a variety of invertebrates, particularly insects. Endocrine signals play a central role in translating environmental cues such as photoperiod into reproductive diapause-related physiology and behavior. However, it has been an unresolved issue as to which endocrine factors can respond to photoperiodic inputs and regulate diapause outputs. In this study, we found that a decrease in ecdysone levels is critical for reproductive diapause to occur. Also, ecdysone could interact with juvenile hormone to regulate the occurrence of reproductive diapause in response to photoperiodic cues. Our findings provide new insight into endocrine mechanisms of photoperiodic reproductive diapause and an example of phenotypic plasticity in animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Starting with a short biography, Schatz then reviews Van Duyne's leading contributions to the discovery and development of SERS as well as pioneering work on localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), tip-enhanced Raman scattering (TERS), electrochemical surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)/TERS, and ultrafast nonlinear techniques. SP [ sp 1 SP ] sp The second paper by Moskovits and Piorek is also important, giving a brief history of SERS and its connection with localized surface plasmon excitation. The resulting particle-tipped needles allow dual enhancement of the Raman signals from microdroplets of low concentration analytes by combining analyte enrichment through solvent evaporation and plasmonic SERS enhancement. They discuss the challenges and perspectives in designing and synthesizing nanogap structures that deliver strong, reproducible, and reliable SERS signals for quantitative SERS analysis. SP [ sp 11 SP ] sp In the work presented by Xu, Bell, et al., a SERS-active superhydrophobic (SHP) tip is constructed by an adsorbing a layer of densely packed and uniform plasmonic nanoparticles onto a hydrophilic tip. Also, by utilizing the LRSP mode, electrochemical reactions on the Pt surface could be protected from any nanoscale effects, which is advantageous over conventional SERS. SP [ sp 16 SP ] sp Murakoshi et al. carry out electrochemical SERS measurements to clarify the detailed molecular behavior in the strong coupling regime. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Hypertension is a major pathogenic factor of cardiovascular diseases. Insufficient blood pressure control rate and sub-optimal medication adherence remain challenges for effective management of hypertension. Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) has been used to treat various diseases, including hypertension, but the scientific evidence for its benefit remains insufficient. Therefore, we will perform a randomized, controlled clinical trial in patients with stage 1 hypertension to evaluate the effect of TEAS.Methods/design: The study will be a two-arm parallel, randomized controlled trial. Sixty patients with stage 1 hypertension will be randomly assigned to the TEAS group and the control group in a 1:1 ratio. The participants in the TEAS group will receive non-invasive acupoint electrical stimulation for 30 min at four acupoints in the upper and lower extremities at home, 4 times weekly for 12 weeks for a total of 48 sessions. Participants in the control group will not receive any form of acupoint stimulation. All participants in both groups will receive lifestyle education on how to control high blood pressure, including diet, weight control, and exercise. The primary outcome measure will be the change of the mean systolic blood pressure from baseline to 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes include the change of mean diastolic blood pressure, quality of life, body mass index, and physical activity level.Discussion: This pilot, randomized, controlled trial will explore the feasibility of TEAS. It will also provide potential clinical evidence for the efficacy and safety of TEAS in the treatment of patients with stage 1 hypertension. The results of this study will be published in peer-reviewed journals. Furthermore, this pilot trial as the precursor of a large scale randomized controlled trial will inform the sample size of the subsequent trial.Trial Registration: Chinese clinical trial registry, ChiCTR1900025042, Registered on 8 August 2019 (http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=41496). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a new variable curvature bend called the maximum probability bend was applied to supercritical flows. Based on the maximum probability bend, the geometric and mechanical continuity of supercritical flow were studied, and the regulation of its superelevation, that is, the water surface elevation difference between both sides in every cross section, was analysed. The hydraulic characteristics of both the maximum probability bend and the traditional fixed curvature bend were experimentally investigated. It was found that the flow transitioned stably between straight and curve reaches in the maximum probability bend. Furthermore, the superelevation is reduced by a maximum of 65% compared with that in the traditional fixed curvature bend. Data comparison indicated that the proposed theory agreed well with the experimental results in terms of superelevation and the bend apex position. It was concluded that the maximum probability bend performed much better than the traditional fixed curve bend in supercritical flow control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, the dynamic magnetostrictive effect of giant magnetostrictive materials is studied and a novel general nonlinear transient constitutive model is established, in which the eddy current effects are incorporated. The validity and reliability of the obtained nonlinear transient constitutive model are verified by comparing its predicted results with existing experimental data. The excellent agreements between predicted results and experimental data indicate that the nonlinear transient constitutive model with eddy current effects can accurately capture frequency-dependent hysteretic behavior exhibited by giant magnetostrictive materials under different applied magnetic field amplitudes and frequencies. Moreover, the obtained constitutive model can also effectively capture the nonlinear magnetic-elastic-thermal coupling effect of giant magnetostrictive materials, since the stress and temperature-dependencies are incorporated in the nonlinear transient constitutive model. In such a case, the influences of exciting frequency and temperature on the dynamic magnetostrictive effect of giant magnetostrictive materials are discussed in detail by using this nonlinear transient constitutive model. The numerical simulation results evidence the notable dependences of dynamic magnetostrictive effect on exciting frequency and temperature, which indicate that the effects of eddy current and temperature on the dynamic magnetostrictive effect can not be ignored. Therefore, the nonlinear transient constitutive model with eddy current effects established in this article has great practical value for both theoretical researches and engineering applications of giant magnetostrictive materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Many organisms have evolved a series of adaptions, such as dormancy or diapause in insects that enable them to withstand seasonally adverse conditions. In insects, photoperiodic signals received during the diapause induction phase have irreversible effect on diapause initiation. Insects continue to be exposed to diapause-inducing photoperiod after the diapause induction phase during diapause preparation before they enter diapause. However, how photoperiodic signals experienced during the diapause preparation phase (DPP) regulate diapause remains largely unclear. In this paper, we investigate this in the cabbage beetle Colaphellus bowringi. The cabbage beetle is in many respects an ideal experimental model in which to investigate the effect of photoperiodic signals on the DPP because it has facultative reproductive diapause induced by long-day length and has differentiable diapause induction and preparation phases. We found that the lipid content of female cabbage beetles decreased after diapause-destined (DD) individuals were exposed to a diapause-inhibiting photoperiod during the DPP. Two circadian clock negative regulators, per and tim , were probably involved in the photoperiodic response of beetles during the DPP. Per and tim presented obvious oscillation of circadian rhythm and photoperiodic response during the DPP in DD females and knock-down of these genes in DD females caused their lipid content to decrease. Per and tim probably promote lipid accumulation by regulating the expression of genes that regulate lipogenesis and lipolysis. Moreover, decreased lipid accumulation caused by exposure to different photoperiods during the DPP was independent of juvenile hormone. In summary, these results suggest that photoperiodic signals received during the DPP influence lipid accumulation in DD insects. DD insects still have some ability to monitor photoperiodic changes during the DPP and per and tim are probably involved in regulating physiological responses to photoperiodic signals during diapause preparation. These results shed light on the relationship between photoperiodic signals and diapause preparation, and may provide new insights on both how to better utilize insects as resources and for pest management. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Diapause-inducing photoperiod during diapause preparation did not affect diapause destiny but promoted lipid accumulation. • Period and timeless linked the photoperiodic signal to the lipid accumulation during diapause preparation. • Period and timeless promoted lipid accumulation through mediating the gene expressions related to lipogenesis and lipolysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work aimed at evaluating the performance of a gas engine driven heat pump (GEHP) for cooling and hot water supply. A test prototype working with R134a was built, and the cooling performance with hot water supply were experimented in a range of evaporator water inlet temperature from 12 °C to 22 °C, ambient air temperature from 24.2 °C to 37 °C, and gas engine speeds from 1400 rpm to 2000 rpm. The results show that the effects of evaporator water inlet temperature and gas engine speed on the system performance are more significant than those of ambient air temperature. Average hot water outlet temperatures between 40.7 °C and 61.7 °C are obtained over the considered range of the external operating parameters and this met the temperature demand of domestic water for shaving, residential dish washing, and laundry. Moreover, the primary energy ratio (PER 2 ) of GEHP system is between 1.14 and 1.45 with waste heat recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Microvesicles (MVs) are plasmalemmal vesicles that are released from various cells and regarded as a mediator of intermolecular communication. In present study, we aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of the bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs)-derived MVs in the mice kidney transplant model and explored the underlying mechanism. Methods BM-MSCs were isolated from C57BL/6 mice and identified using flow cytometry. In vivo allogenic kidney transplantation model of mice was performed between C57BL/6 mice (recipient) and BALB/c mice (donor). Recipient-type BM-MSC (0.1 ml) or equal volume of medium as a control was injected i.v. 24 h after kidney transplantation. Serum was collected for creatinine concentration detection at 14 d after transplantation. Dendritic cells (DCs) phenotype and miR-146a expression level in plant was identified. Immature DCs (iDCs) and mature DCs (mDCs) were derived from monocytes. MVs were separated from BM-MSCs. Results BM-MSCs positive for CD29 (95.8%) and CD44 (94.7%) were cultured and confirmed to prolong the allogenic kidney graft survival in mice. Importantly, the expression of miR-146a increased significantly in DCs of BM-MSCs-treated allogenic kidney. Moreover, both BM-MSCs and MVs derived from BM-MSCs enhanced miR-146a expression in iDCs and mDCs in vitro . Furthermore, MVs substantially reduced IL-12 mRNA expression and IL-12 production of mDCs whereas this action was reversed by miR-146a silencing. MiR-146a silencing also abrogated the MVs-induced decrease in serum creatinine, reduction of immature DCs phenotype in transplant and increase in miR-146a expression level. Conclusion In summary, our data suggested that the BM-MSCs-derived MVs improved allogenic kidney transplantation survival through inhibiting DCs maturity by miR-146a. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work is aimed at exploring the performance characteristics of a gas engine heat pump (GEHP) system in the aspect of the heating and domestic hot water. A test prototype was established using R134a as working fluid. The performance characteristics of the gas engine and the GEHP system working were studied by experiments in heating mode. The results showed that the output efficiency of the gas engine increased when the gas engine speed is constant. The coefficient of performance (COP) and primary energy ratio (PER) of the GEHP system decreased with the growing of the gas engine speed, but increased with increasing condenser water inlet temperature and ambient air temperature. And the PER of the GEHP system was between 1.23 and 1.48 under experimental condition. In addition, the energy of heat recovery accounted for about 30%–45% of the total heating capacity of the GEHP system, and the temperature of the domestic hot water which was heated by the waste heat could reach 40 °C–60 °C, thus ordinary families' demands for domestic hot water could be satisfied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optical quantum memories are essential elements in quantum networks for long-distance distribution of quantum entanglement. Scalable development of quantum network nodes requires on-chip qubit storage functionality with control of the readout time. We demonstrate a high-fidelity nanophotonic quantum memory based on a mesoscopic neodymium ensemble coupled to a photonic crystal cavity. The nanocavity enables >95% spin polarization for efficient initialization of the atomic frequency comb memory and time bin–selective readout through an enhanced optical Stark shift of the comb frequencies. Our solid-state memory is integrable with other chip-scale photon source and detector devices for multiplexed quantum and classical information processing at the network nodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to evaluate the modified performance of concrete with mixing of iron ore tailings in order to solve the shortage of natural sand and make full use of industrial waste. Firstly, the raw materials of mixing were analyzed, and the test ratio was determined. Secondly, the workability and mechanical property of concrete specimens with different amounts of iron ore tailings as replacement were tested. Results show that 35% replacement of natural aggregate by iron ore tailings is optimal. Finally, tests of impermeability, frost resistance, and carbonation resistance were further performed for the concrete specimens with optimal amount of iron ore tailings. The compression performance of the specimens after a durability test was determined. The change in the mechanical properties of the specimens was obtained after seepage, freezing-thawing, and carbonation. Findings showed that the performance of the concrete with 35% replacement of iron ore tailings is basically equivalent to that of natural sand concrete. Hence, it can be utilized in engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Streptococcus suis is an important swine pathogen and zoonotic agent. Infection with this highly pathogenic strain can cause streptococcal toxic shock-like syndrome (STSLS), characterized by a Th-1 inflammatory cytokine storm, and a high mortality rate. Monocyte derived dendritic cells (MoDCs) are known to stimulate Th-1 cell differentiation, but the role of MoDCs in STSLS remains to be elucidated. Methodology and Findings: Porcine CD14-positive monocytes, purified from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), were used to generate MoDCs using granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and interleukin-4 (IL-4). Highly pure MoDCs were generated, as proved by their morphology, phenotype analysis, phagocytic ability, and induction of T cells proliferation. The MoDCs were further stimulated by the virulent S. suis serotype 2 (SS2) SC19 strain which triggered a strong release of several pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β, IL-8, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-12. Furthermore, the stimulated MoDCs induced CD4+ T cell differentiation towards Th-1 cells in vitro. Conclusions: The results of this study indicated that the porcine MoDCs stimulated by SS2 could release high levels of Th-1 inflammatory cytokines and induce CD4+ T cell differentiation towards Th-1 cells. Hence, it is likely that porcine MoDCs play an important role in the STSLS caused by SS2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although the relationship between dietary monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and saturated fatty acids (SFAs) intake and pancreatic cancer risk has been reported by several studies, the evidence is controversial. We firstly conducted this comprehensive meta-analysis to summarize the aforementioned evidence from observational studies. Methods: The MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, and ISI Web of Science databases were used to search for epidemiological studies of dietary SFA, MUFA, and PUFA and pancreatic cancer risk that were published until the end of June 2014. Random- or fixed-effects models were used to estimate the relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We also carried out subgroup, sensitivity, and publication bias analyses. Results: We identified 13 case-control studies and 7 prospective studies which including 6270 pancreatic cancer cases in the meta-analysis of SFA, MUFA, and PUFA and risk of pancreatic cancer. The summary RR was 1.13 (95%CI = 0.94-1.35, I2 = 70.7%) for SFA, 1.00 (95%CI = 0.87-1.14, I2 = 43.4%) for MUFA, and 0.87 (95%CI = 0.75-1.00, I2 = 55.3%) for PUFA for high versus low intake categories. We found no evidence of publication bias. Conclusion: In summary, findings of this study supports an inverse association between diets high in PUFA and pancreatic cancer risk. Further large prospective studies are warranted to report the results stratified by the subtypes of MUFA and PUFA and adjust for other potential risk factors to eliminate residual confounding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Acute lung injury (ALI) is an acute inflammatory disease characterized by excess production of inflammatory factors in lung tissue. Quercetin, a herbal flavonoid, exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. This study was performed to assess the effects of quercetin on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI. Material and methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: the control group (saline alone), the LPS group challenged with LPS (Escherichia coli 026:B6; 100 μg/kg), and the quercetin group pretreated with quercetin (50 mg/kg, by gavage) 1 h before LPS challenge. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples and lung tissues were collected 6 h after LPS administration. Histopathological and biochemical parameters were measured. Results: The LPS treatment led to increased alveolar wall thickening and cellular infiltration in the lung, which was markedly prevented by quercetin pretreatment. Moreover, quercetin significantly (p < 0.05) attenuated the increase in the BALF protein level and neutrophil count and lung wet/dry weight ratio and myeloperoxidase activity in LPS-challenged rats. The LPS exposure evoked a 4- to 5-fold rise in BALF levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6, which was significantly (p < 0.05) counteracted by quercetin pretreatment. Additionally, quercetin significantly (p < 0.05) suppressed the malondialdehyde level and increased the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase in the lung of LPS-treated rats. Conclusions: Quercetin pretreatment effectively ameliorates LPS-induced ALI, largely through suppression of inflammation and oxidative stress, and may thus have therapeutic potential in the prevention of this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two metal coordination polymers [Ni(oba)(Py2TTz)1.5(H2O)]·2H2O·DMF (1) and [Co(oba)(Py2TTz)(H2O)4]·2H2O (2) have been synthesized under solvothermal conditions [H2oba = 4,4′-oxybis(benzoic acid) and Py2TTz = 2,5-di(pyridine-4-yl)thiazolo[5,4-d]thiazole]. Crystals of compound 1 belong to the orthorhombic system, space group Ibam, with a = 38.928(8), b = 7.7113(14), c = 28.508(6) Å, V = 8558(3) Å3, Z = 8. Compound 2 crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system, space group C2/c, with a = 33.816(3), b = 6.2697(6), c = 13.5821(13) Å, β = 96.393(3)°, V = 2861.7(5) Å3, Z = 4. The oba2− dianions link two Ni atoms through unidentate carboxylate moieties in a μ1 − η1:η0 coordination mode. Compound 1 features a three-dimensional (3D) framework structure with Py2TTz and oba2− ligands. In compound 2, the central cobalt ion is in an octahedral geometry, which is defined by four oxygen atoms from four different coordinated water molecules and two nitrogen atoms from two different Py2TTz ligands. It is noteworthy that the dicarboxylate ligands oba2− with four oxygen atoms do not directly coordinate with the cobalt ion, and only act as a counter-anion. The luminescence properties of 1 and 2 were also investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the contributio n of uterine arterial chemoembolization (UACE) and uterine arterial infusion chemotherapy (UAIC) to advanced cervical cancer before radical radiotherapy. Methods: A total of 735 patients with primary advanced cervical cancer were retrospectively studied; of these patients, 299 were classified as FIGO stage II, 359 as stage III and 77 as stage IVa. 126 underwent UACE, 103 underwent UAIC before radiotherapy, and 506 received radical radiotherapy alone (RT). Disease-specific survival (DSS), pelvic control (PC), distant metastasis-free survival (MFS), and risk factors of late toxicity were analyzed. Results: The 1-, 2-, 5-, and 8-year DSS of all patients was 94.4, 82.1, 50.2, and 30.7 %, respectively. The DSS of the UACE group was 96.0, 83.4, 39.6, 18.3 %; UAIC group was 95.6, 84.3, 59.6, 42.7 % and RT group was 93.7, 80.8, 51.5, 31.5 % ( χ = 10.236, P = 0.006). The 1- and 2-year DSS of the UAIC and UACE groups was higher than those of the RT group ( χ = 2.510, P = 0.285; χ = 2.822, P = 0.244). The 5- and 8-year DSS of the UACE group was obviously decreased ( χ = 14.962, P = 0.001; χ = 14.043, P = 0.001). PC and MFS were highest in the UAIC group and lowest in the UACE group. The incidence of late radiation toxicity of the small intestine and rectosigmoid was similar. The bladder injury was highest in the UACE group (UACE:UAIC:RT = 11.1:4.8:4.2 %, χ = 9.579, P = 0.008). UACE is a risk factor for late radiation toxicity of the urinary bladder. Conclusions: The use of UAIC before radical radiotherapy could improve the treatment outcome and prognosis of patients with advanced cervical cancer, while the UACE would significantly decrease long-time survival. UACE is an important risk factor for late radiation toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] The magnetic-elastic-thermal coupled constitutive model with eddy current effects is employed. [•] A nonlinear dynamic model with multi-fields coupling effects is established. [•] The results predicted by the model are coincident with the experimental data in quantity. [•] The effects of the dynamic stress and temperature on the effective magnetic field and ensuing magnetization are incorporated. [•] The dynamic components of the actuator such as spring loads and damping factors are considered. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Emerging evidence showed that the common polymorphism (CYP1A2*1F, rs762551 C→A) in the promoter region of the CYP1A2 gene might be associated with susceptibility to cancer in humans. But individually published results were inconclusive. The aim of this meta-analysis is to investigate the association between CYP1A2*1F polymorphism and cancer risk. Methods: The Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science and Chinese BioMedical databases were searched for all articles published up to September 1st, 2012. Statistical analyses were performed using the STATA 12.0 software. Results: Forty-six case–control studies were included with a total of 22,993 cancer cases and 28,420 healthy controls. Meta-analysis results showed that the A allele of CYP1A2*1F polymorphism was associated with a decreased cancer risk (odds ratio [OR]=0.92, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.87–0.98, P =0.013). In the subgroup analysis by cancer types, the A allele of CYP1A2*1F polymorphism may increase the risk of breast cancer (OR=1.05, 95% CI: 1.01–1.10, P =0.024), and is also associated with a decreased risk of ovarian cancer (OR=0.70, 95% CI: 0.54–0.89, P =0.004). However, similar results were not found in lung, colorectal, bladder, endometrial, pancreatic and gastric cancers. Further subgroup analysis by ethnicity also showed a significant association between the A allele of CYP1A2*1F polymorphism and a decreased cancer risk among Caucasian populations (OR=0.91, 95% CI: 0.84–0.98, P =0.014); but no significant associations were observed among Asian populations. Conclusions: Results from the current meta-analysis indicate that the A allele of CYP1A2*1F polymorphism may be associated with breast and ovarian cancer risk, especially among Caucasian populations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A novel nonlinear theoretical model is established for magnetoelectric (ME) effect in trilayer of magnetostrictive and piezoelectric phases, in which the nonlinear magnetic–mechanical coupling behavior for the magnetostrictive phase is firstly taken into account. In this theoretical model, the interface coupling parameter k is used for characterizing actual bonding conditions at the interface. The coupled magnetic–mechanical–electric effect involving linear and nonlinear coupling interactions in the ME laminated composites is numerically simulated using this nonlinear model. The numerical results predict giant ME effect for Terfenol-D based ME laminated composites. The quantitative dependences of the giant ME effect on the applied magnetic field, the piezoelectric property of piezoelectric phase, the volume fraction of magnetostrictive phase and the interface coupling parameter k are discussed in details. All of these dependences indicate that the nonlinear theoretical model established in this article can accurately capture nonlinear magnetic–mechanical–electric coupling behavior for Terfenol-D based ME laminated composites. The giant ME effect predicted for the Terfenol-D/PMN-PT/Terfenol-D composites is in excellent agreement with recent experimental data available. It confirms the validity and reliability of the obtained nonlinear theoretical model, and demonstrates the significance and necessity of considering the nonlinear magnetic–mechanical coupling behavior of Terfenol-D. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Four host–guest complexes, {(gI)@(CyH)6Q[6]}·3H2O (1), {(gIIH2)2+@(CyH)2Q[6]}·2Cl−·21H2O (2), {(gIII)@Q[6]}·27H2O (3), and {(gIVH)+@(CyH)2Q[6]}·Cl−·13H2O (4), have been prepared from cyclohexanocucurbit[6]uril, {(CyH)6Q[6]}, symmetrical dicyclohexanocucurbit[6]uril {(CyH)2Q[6]}, and cucurbit[6]uril {Q[6]} as hosts, and four different guests, namely 2-phenyl-2H-imidazole (gI), the HCl salt of N 1,N 4-bis(pyridin-3-ylmethyl)butane-1,4-diamine (gII), benzylamine (gIII), and the HCl salt of 4-(1H-imidazolyl)phenol (gIV). Their crystal structures have been characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses and revealed that these hosts can form supramolecular assemblies through iondipole interactions, hydrogen bonding, CH···π or NH···π interactions, and π···π stacking. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

To investigate the change pattern of substance P (SP) and nitric oxide (NO) in the portal vein during the recto-anal inhibitory reflex (RAIR), and its physiological significance; the influence of external splanchnic nerve (ESN) of rectum and anus to the RAIR. Seventy-six rats divided into five groups according to the distance of Foley’s tube in the rectum and whether or not to cut off ESN supply to the rectum and anal canal, to measure the values of SP and NO in the portal vein during the RAIR. The stimulus in rectum can cause change of SP and NO in portal vein. The greatest increase of SP is at the 6-cm group. The 6-cm group with total ESN supply had significant difference compared with the 4-cm group before and after the ESN supply and control group were cut ( P < 0.01). After cutting-off ESN, the increase of SP in the portal vein reduced significantly when compared with the normal ESN supply at the 6-cm group ( P < 0.05). The greatest change of NO is at the 4-cm group with total ESN. There were significant differences among the 4- and 6-cm groups and control group. After cutting off ESN, the increase of NO was lower than with the intact ESN. There were still differences between the 4- and 6-cm groups and control group( P < 0.05). The stimulations at different points of the rectum cause different SP and NO change in the portal vein. This may be the explanation why the stimulation on the different points on the rectum induces different change pattern of RAIR from the neurotransmitters point. The ESN supplies of the rectum and anal canal have an influence on the change of SP and NO in the portal vein during RAIR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lipids are a critical source of stored energy in insects, and their metabolism is essential for growth, development, and reproduction. Adequate provisioning of lipids and yolk proteins in the oocytes is essential to ensure reproductive output. Therefore, it is particularly important to understand the molecular mechanisms linking lipid metabolism and reproduction. Lipin proteins are emerging as pivotal modulators of lipid metabolism. They exert a dual function as phosphatidate phosphatase enzymes involved in lipid synthesis and as transcriptional coactivators of genes related to lipid metabolism. However, the functional relationship between lipid metabolism and reproduction remains unclear. In this study, the role of lipin protein in the reproduction of female cabbage beetle Colaphellus bowringi was examined. It was found that Lipin was broadly expressed in the tissues of adult females, with relatively high transcript levels in the head, midgut, fat body, malpighian tubules, and epidermis. RNA interference experiments were conducted using double-stranded RNA against Lipin in C. bowringi females. Lipin silencing blocked ovarian development and strongly suppressed transcription of vitellogenin and vitellogenin receptor genes. In addition, the reduction in Lipin expression led to a rapid increase in lipid storage in the fat body and also promoted the expression of genes related to lipid synthesis and stress tolerance. Overall, these results suggest that a Lipin -mediated lipolytic system is essential for maintaining lipid homeostasis during reproduction in C. bowringi. The findings of this study provide a foundation for future studies on the relationship between lipid metabolism and reproduction in invertebrates. [Display omitted] • Lipin is broadly expressed in tissues of adult cabbage beetle female. •Ovarian growth and yolk deposition are blocked by Lipin knockdown. • Lipin knockdown increases lipid storage in adult female beetles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In insects, the juvenile hormone (JH) biosynthetic pathway regulates the in vivo JH titer. Thus, its downregulation potentially contributes to the lowering of JH titers typically observed in insects undergoing reproductive diapause, a developmental arrest at the adult stage. However, no systematic evidence has yet been presented to demonstrate the physiological and genetic roles of JH biosynthetic genes in reproductive diapause. In this work, we performed RNA interference (RNAi)-based reverse genetic analyses by targeting JH biosynthetic genes, followed by analysis of the reproductive diapause traits in Colaphellus bowringi , an economically important cabbage beetle. We identified a total of 22 genes encoding homologues of enzymes involved in the mevalonate pathway and the JH branch of JH biosynthesis in C. bowringi. Among these, 18 genes showed significant downregulation of their expression in the long day-induced diapausing females, compared to the short day-induced reproductive females. RNAi knockdown of almost any one of the 18 genes in reproductive females reduced the expression of the JH-responsive gene, Krüppel homolog1 (Kr-h1), indicating a lowered circulating JH. Most importantly, depleting transcripts of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase 2 (HMGR2), farnesyl-pyrophosphate synthase 1 (FPPS1) and juvenile hormone acid methyltransferase 1 (JHAMT1) induced diapause-associated traits, including immature and inactive ovaries, large accumulations of lipids and adult burrowing behavior. Meanwhile, genes related to ovarian development, lipid accumulation and stress response showed expression patterns like those of diapausing females. RNAi-mediated diapause phenotypes could be reversed to reproductive phenotypes by application of methoprene, a JH receptor agonist. These results suggest that photoperiodic reproductive diapause in C. bowringi is triggered by transcriptional suppression of JH biosynthetic genes, with HMGR2 , FPPS1 and JHAMT1 playing a critical role in this process. This work provides sufficient evidence to reveal the physiological roles of JH biosynthetic genes in reproductive diapause. [Display omitted] • Orthologs of JH biosynthetic genes from the cabbage beetle are identified. • JH biosynthetic genes are naturally suppressed in non-reproductive (diapausing) beetle females. • Knockdown of JH biosynthetic genes induces diapause traits in reproductive females. • A JH receptor agonist restores reproduction in females under RNAi-induced diapause. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Three host–guest complexes, {(H2O)2@(CyH)2Q[6]} (4,4′-bpyH)+·Cl−·10H2O (1), {(1,4-dioxane)@m-TriCyHQ[6]}(4,4′-bpyH)+·Cl−·19H2O (2), {(4,4′-bpyH 2)2+@TMeQ[6]}·2Br−·11H2O (3), were prepared with three different alkyl substituted cucurbit[6]urils, symmetrical dicyclohexanocucurbit[6]uril {(CyH)2Q[6]}, meta tricyclohexanocucurbit[6]uril (m-TriCyHQ[6]), symmetrical tetramethylcucurbit[6]uril (TMeQ[6]), and a HCl salt 4,4′-dipyridyl(4,4′-bpyHCl) or a HBr salt 4,4′-dipyridyl[4,4-bpy(HBr) 2] guest. Their crystal structures characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffractions revealed that these hosts can form supramolecular assemblies with the halogen hydride salts of the guest 44bpy through the ion–dipole interaction, hydrogen bonding, C–H⋯π or N–H⋯π interaction and π⋯π stacking. The substituted alkyl group could affect the interaction model and assembled characteristic of the host and the guest. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To study the role of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signal pathway and downstream cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) in androgen-independent growth of prostate cancer (PC). Methods: The human androgen-dependent PC (ADPC) cell line LNCaP and androgen-independent PC (AIPC) cell line DU145 were cultured in vitro. Immunocytochemistry was used to examine the expression of the androgen receptor (AR), GR, HSP90 and IL-6. The GR antagonist RU486 was used to treat cultured cells, and the effects of RU486 on the proliferation of both cell lines were analyzed by MTT assay. Expression of HSP90 and IL-6 mRNA and protein was assessed by RT-PCR and Western blots, respectively. Results: LNCaP cells were AR-positive and GR-negative, whereas DU145 cells were GR-positive and AR-negative. The expression of HSP90 and IL-6 in DU145 cells were significantly stronger than that in LNCaP cells (p < 0.01). RU486 had no obvious effects on the growth of LNCaP cells, but exerted a significant time- and dose-dependent growth inhibition on DU145 cells at doses as low as 0.1 μmol/l. RU486 treatment of DU145 cells also resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in the expression of HSP90 and IL-6 mRNA and protein. Conclusions: The GR signal pathway may be the main survival pathway for DU145 cells. Abnormal hyperactivation of the GR signal pathway and its promoting the expression of HSP90 and IL-6 contribute to the progression of ADPC to AIPC after androgen ablation. Copyright © 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Spatial patterns are characteristics of spatial processes, although they do not always match each other exactly. An ordinary way to explore the spatial progresses driving these spatial patterns is spatial pattern analysis, which has been widely employed in ecology studies but not in the studies of forest diseases. For diseased forest trees, the spatial pattern is a complex of the spatial pattern of forest trees and the disease itself. So, it is necessary to explore whether an antecedent pattern of host/nonhost trees affects the spatial pattern of a forest disease. Another subject that is neglected is the effect size of an antecedent pattern. In this study, taking a stem fungal disease caused by Inonotus hispidus as an example, we explored the two questions. Our results showed that the spatial pattern of host size affected the spatial pattern of the infection and the infection likelihood of the focal tree. Our results provide a new perspective to understand the effect of host patterns on forest disease. The spatial pattern of diseased forest trees is a product of the spatial pattern of host trees and the disease itself. Previous studies have focused on describing the spatial pattern of diseased host trees, and it remains largely unknown whether an antecedent spatial pattern of host/nonhost trees affects the infection pattern of a disease and how large the effect sizes of the spatial pattern of host/nonhost trees and host size are. The results from trivariate random labeling showed that the antecedent pattern of the host ash tree, Fraxinus mandshurica, but not of nonhost tree species, impacted the infection pattern of a stem fungal disease caused by Inonotus hispidus. To investigate the effect size of the spatial pattern of ash trees, we employed the SADIE (Spatial Analysis by Distance IndicEs) aggregation index and clustering index as predictors in the GLMs. Globally, the spatial pattern (vi index) of ash trees did not affect the infection likelihood of the focal tree; however, the spatial pattern of DBH (diameter at breast height) of ash trees significantly affected the infection likelihood of the focal tree. We sampled a series of circular plots with different radii to investigate the spatial pattern effect of host size on the infection likelihood of the focal tree locally. The results showed that the location (patch/gap) of the DBH of the focal tree, rather than that of the focal tree itself, significantly affected its infection likelihood in most plots of the investigated sizes. A meta-analysis was employed to settle the discrepancy between plots of different sizes, which led to results consistent with those of global studies. The results from meta-regression showed that plot size had no significant effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to investigate the adsorption process of malachite green (MG) on gold nanoparticles, a simple gold nanoparticles‐assembled film was prepared as a substrate of surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), and it was soaked in MG solutions of different concentrations. The kinetic adsorption process was investigated by SERS method and density functional theoretical calculations. When saturated adsorption was achieved, the relationship between the characteristic SERS band signal intensity and the logarithm of solution concentration of MG was consistent with Temkin adsorption isotherm model, where the R2 value was greater than 0.995, and the linear range was 1 × 10−3–1 × 10−7 M. Finally, a SERS quantitative analysis model of the relationship between the adsorption properties of surface species and the bulk concentration was established. According to the electrostatic interaction and co‐adsorption, we proposed the surface adsorption configurations and adsorption process of MG on the nanostructured gold films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the superior catalytic activity and efficient utilization of noble metals, nanocatalysts are extensively used in the modern industrial production of chemicals. The surface structures of these materials are significantly influenced by reactive adsorbates, leading to dynamic behavior under experimental conditions. The dynamic nature poses significant challenges in studying the structure–activity relations of catalysts. Herein, we unveil an anomalous entropic effect on catalysis via surface pre‐melting of nanoclusters through machine learning accelerated molecular dynamics and free energy calculation. We find that due to the pre‐melting of shell atoms, there exists a non‐linear variation in the catalytic activity of the nanoclusters with temperature. Consequently, two notable changes in catalyst activity occur at the respective temperatures of melting for the shell and core atoms. We further study the nanoclusters with surface point defects, i.e. vacancy and ad‐atom, and observe significant decrease in the surface melting temperatures of the nanoclusters, enabling the reaction to take place under more favorable and milder conditions. These findings not only provide novel insights into dynamic catalysis of nanoclusters but also offer new understanding of the role of point defects in catalytic processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterogeneous Catalysis. In their Communication (e202405379), Jun Cheng et al. use machine learning molecular dynamics to demonstrate anomalous entropic effect on catalysis via surface pre‐melting of nanoclusters...By Fu‐Qiang Gong; Yun‐Pei Liu; Ye Wang; Weinan E; Zhong‐Qun Tian and Jun ChengReported by Author; Author; Author; Author; Author; Author [Extracted from the article]

Due to the superior catalytic activity and efficient utilization of noble metals, nanocatalysts are extensively used in the modern industrial production of chemicals. The surface structures of these materials are significantly influenced by reactive adsorbates, leading to dynamic behavior under experimental conditions. The dynamic nature poses significant challenges in studying the structure–activity relations of catalysts. Herein, we unveil an anomalous entropic effect on catalysis via surface pre‐melting of nanoclusters through machine learning accelerated molecular dynamics and free energy calculation. We find that due to the pre‐melting of shell atoms, there exists a non‐linear variation in the catalytic activity of the nanoclusters with temperature. Consequently, two notable changes in catalyst activity occur at the respective temperatures of melting for the shell and core atoms. We further study the nanoclusters with surface point defects, i.e. vacancy and ad‐atom, and observe significant decrease in the surface melting temperatures of the nanoclusters, enabling the reaction to take place under more favorable and milder conditions. These findings not only provide novel insights into dynamic catalysis of nanoclusters but also offer new understanding of the role of point defects in catalytic processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Using a strategy of rapid amplification of cDNA ends, the cDNA of diapause hormone (DH) and pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (PBAN) was cloned from the head of Clostera anastomosis (L.). The Cloan-DH-PBAN cDNA contains an open reading frame encoding a 196-amino acid preprohormone, from which five putative FXPRL peptides, DH, PBAN, α-SGNP(SGNP, suboesophageal ganglion neuropeptide), β-SGNP and γ-SGNP, are released. Comparing the deduced amino acid sequences from cDNAs of these five FXPRL peptides to those known from other insects, Cloan-DH shows highest similarity of 93.1% to that from Agrotis ipsilon, Cloan-PBAN 93.9% to those from Helicoverpa armigera, Helicoverpa zea and Helicoverpa assulta, which show the highest similarity to species of Noctuidae. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Cloan-DH-PBAN gene is relatively closely related to those from Noctuoidea, but distant from those from Tortricoidea, Yponomeutoidea and Bombycoidea species. The DNA sequence encoding Cloan-DH-PBAN was cloned by PCR, which is 3698bp in size and comprises six exons interspersed by five introns. Developmental expression of the DH-PBAN transcripts in the head was also showed by a semi-quantitative RT-PCR method, which was relatively low in larvae and remained low in pupae of both sexes, increased sharply in adults of both sexes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Pure LaAlO3 powder was prepared by a combustion synthesis processing using a concentrated solution of nitrates of lanthanum and aluminate as oxidiser, and glycine acid as fuel, with the aim of obtaining nanosized crystallites of this material with high specific area at relatively low temperature. Precursor powders and calcined powders were characterized by differential thermal analysis (DTA), thermogravimetry analysis (TG), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results demonstrate that pure perovskite LaAlO3 powder formed at 700°C for 2h and the particle size ranges 78–100nm. The specimen sintered at 1500°C for 12h shows the maximum bulk density and gave the best microwave dielectric properties: ɛ r =23 and Q f =38,000GHz. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The objective of this study was to investigate the alteration of the protein profile in cells after sonication and to identify the key proteins involved in the process of cell apoptosis. Walker 256 carinosarcoma cells were exposed to focused ultrasound (US) at the intensity of 2.0, 7.0, 10.2, 14.2 and 17.0 W/cm2 (Ispta) for 10 min in vitro and the morphologic and functional changes of the cells were detected by hematoxylin & eosin staining and flow cytometry, with double staining of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled Annexin V/propidium iodide (PI). The protein compositions in the cells after sonication were detected by 2-D SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Our results showed that apoptosis of Walker 256 carinosarcoma cells could be induced by US. The percentage of early apoptosis and secondary necrosis increased with increasing intensity of US irradiation. Comparing with the protein patterns of cells before sonication, it was found that around 420 new protein spots were present in the gel after sonication. Among them, Hsp60 and Bcl-2 like protein 13 were found to be involved in the process of cell apoptosis and US-induced apoptosis of the cells was probably performed through the pathway of promoting the activation of caspase-3. (E-mail: mxwan@mail.xjtu.edu.cn) [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Encapsulating proteins in polymeric microspheres is a useful mode of drug delivery, but the proteins are subjected to damage in the process of ultrasound emulsion microencapsulation. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of ultrasound power and duration on the function and structure of trypsin, and the reason of protein denaturation when it was irradiated by 20 kHz ultrasound. The relatively stable enzyme, trypsin, was dissolved in aqueous solution in the presence and absence of additives to study the stability of trypsin during the ultrasound irradiation. The damage of the molecular structure of trypsin was detected via combined high performance liquid chromatogram and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC–ESI-MS). The results showed that the activity of trypsin decreased with increasing ultrasound power from 100 to 500 W or extending the irradiation time from 1 to 20 min. This effect could be enhanced via aerating the solution for a duration 10 min at 300 W. Fragments of trypsin were detected in the treatment (300 W, 10 min) by HPLC–ESI-MS. The additives, Tween 80 and mannitol, could protect trypsin against the inactivation caused by ultrasound. The reason of inactivation was partly from the alteration of the molecular conformation and partly from the modification or damage of trypsin''s molecular structure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The effect of BaWO4 addition on the microstructures, the phase formation, 1:2 ordering and microwave dielectric properties of Ba(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3 was investigated. Ba5Nb4O15 and BaWO4 secondary phases were found in all specimens containing BaWO4. The B-site ordering parameter (S) and the lattice constant (c/a) values increased with BaWO4 increased. Ba(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3 ceramics with BaWO4 addition can be sintered to 95% theoretical density at 1500 °C due to the liquid phase effect of BaWO4. At 0.03 mol BaWO4, the specimen shows the maximum Qf value of 82 300 GHz attributed to high density and ordering degree. The decrease of Qf value with further addition of BaWO4 is due to the increase of secondary phases BaWO4 and Ba5Nb4O15, which have lower Qf values than Ba(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3 phase. The variation of #x03B5;r and τf was also explained based on the logarithmic mixture rule and the volume mixture ruler, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of ultrasound on the structure and function of human tumor necrosis factor–alpha (TNF-α) and to study whether TNF-alpha underwent a denaturation process and the molecular structure was damaged when it was irradiated by ultrasound. The samples of TNF-alpha were dissolved in aqueous solution and filled into polystyrene tubes. High intensity ultrasound processor (20 kHz frequency, burst mode, 0.5 duty factor, 100–500 W total electrical power, 0–20 min total treatment time) was used during the treatment. The biologic activity of TNF-alpha was determined by its toxic activity towards TNF-alpha sensitive cell line L929 in the presence of actinomycin D. The methods of sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) were used to detect the integrity of TNF-alpha molecule after it was irradiated by ultrasound. The results showed TNF-alpha could keep its biological activity, instead of undergoing a denaturation process, when it is irradiated by ultrasound in the aqueous solution; at the same time, the aggregates of TNF-alpha formed by the recombinant DNA E. coli could be dissociated through the molecular vibration induced by ultrasound energy. The biologic activity of TNF-alpha was not reduced, but small quantities of TNF-alpha molecular structure were damaged during the process of sonication. These features of TNF-α molecule irradiated by ultrasound probably gave TNF-α the advantage in being used in the drug microencapsulation and provided a new drugs formulation for tumor therapy. (mxwan@mail.xjtu.edu.cn) [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Molecular dynamics method is the most powerful numerical technology in molecular simulation in the scale of nanometer, but it is time-consumed and hard to be used to multiscale simulation not only because the large number of atoms in a complex molecular system but also the femtosecond order of time step requirement. To enable a larger time step and less time-consuming in molecular simulation, a freezing atom method (FAM) is developed by using of the principle of movement discomposing and composing of particles. It is shown that in case of weak coupling between high- and low-frequency process, the use of FAM enable a time step 105 longer than the classic molecular dynamics method and higher accuracy of convergence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on a study which considered a practical approach for extracting approximate inductances of on-chip interconnect. Importance of inductance and inductive coupling in the timing and noise analysis of signal lines; Background of the study; Return-limited inductance extraction; Results; Directions for future work.

Ion-adsorbed rare earth minerals are rich in medium and heavy rare earth (RE), which are important strategic resources. In this article, a novel approach for the extraction of RE from ion adsorbed minerals was developed. Through a comprehensive assessment of their extraction and separation performance, the hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (HDES) with a composition of trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO): dodecanol (LA): 2-thiophenoyltrifluoroacetone (HTTA) = 1:1:1 was determined as the optimal configuration. Under optimized conditions, only RE were extracted by the HDES, while Al, Ca, Mg were not extracted at all. The HDES based extraction obviated the need for diluent such as kerosene, eliminating the generation of impurity removal residues. The RE in the stripping solution could be successfully enriched by saponified lauric acid, achieving an impressive precipitation rate of 99.7%. The RE precipitate underwent further enrichment, resulting in a RE concentration of 176 g/L (REO = 210 g/L). Unlike industrial precipitants such as oxalic acid and ammonium bicarbonate, lauric acid can be effectively recycled, thereby avoiding a large amount of wastewater and carbon dioxide emissions. The obtained RE solution product exhibits high yield and purity, this study provides an eco-friendly and high-yield approach for extracting RE. [Display omitted] • Nine novel HDES composed of TOPO, LA and HTTA were prepared. • Impurities of Al, Ca, Mg were completely removed from RE with HDES extraction. • RE was enriched from 895 mg/L to 176 g/L with extraction-precipitation. • The separation process reveals eco-friendly and high-yield advantages for RE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]