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Highly selective capture of radiocesium is an urgent need for environmental radioactive contamination remediation and spent fuel disposal. Herein, a strategy is proposed for construction of “inorganic ion-imprinted adsorbents” with ion recognition-separation capabilities, and a metal sulfide Cs2.33Ga2.33Sn1.67S8·H2O (FJSM-CGTS) with “imprinting effect” on Cs+ is prepared. We show that the K+ activation product of FJSM-CGTS, Cs0.51K1.82Ga2.33Sn1.67S8·H2O (FJMS-KCGTS), can reach adsorption equilibrium for Cs+ within 5 min, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 246.65 mg·g−1 . FJMS-KCGTS overcomes the hindrance of Cs+ adsorption by competing ions and realizes highly selective capture of Cs+ in complex environments. It shows successful cleanup for actual 137Cs-liquid-wastes generated during industrial production with removal rates of over 99%. Ion-exchange column filled with FJMS-KCGTS can efficiently treat 540 mL Cs+ -containing solutions (31.995 mg·L−1 ) and generates only 0.12 mL of solid waste, which enables waste solution volume reduction. Single-crystal structural analysis and density functional theory calculations are used to visualize the “ion-imprinting” process and confirm that the “imprinting effect” originates from the spatially confined effect of the framework. This work clearly reveals radiocesium capture mechanism and structure-function relationships that could inspire the development of efficient inorganic adsorbents for selective recognition and separation of key radionuclides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to explore the roles of PARP1 mRNA and protein expression in platinum resistance and prognosis of EOC patients, and reveal the different roles of PARP1 protein in epithelial tumor and stroma cells. Methods: The PARP1 mRNA expression of the EOC tissues was examined by RT-qPCR. The impacts of PARP1 expression on prognosis were measured by Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was employed for calculating the diagnostic value of PARP1 on platinum resistance. The microarray of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues was processed for multiplex immunofluorescence to detect the protein levels of PARP1 and cytokeratin (CK). Results: The PARP1 mRNA expression of EOC patients was higher in the platinum-resistant group compared with the sensitive group (P<0.01). Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that high PARP1 mRNA expression was associated with poor survival of EOC patients. In Cox regression analyses, high PARP1 mRNA expression independently predicted poor prognosis (P=0.001, HR=2.076, 95%CI=1.373-3.140). The area under the ROC curve of PARP1 mRNA for predicting the platinum resistance in EOC patients was 0.649, with a sensitivity of 0.607 and specificity of 0.668. Furthermore, the protein expression of PARP1 was higher in the platinum-resistant group than in the sensitive group (P<0.01) and associated with a worse prognosis. Additionally, according to CK labeling, we observed that enhanced expression of PARP1 in the CK+ region was associated with platinum resistance and lower survival, but in CK-region, it predicted a good prognosis and platinum sensitivity. Conclusion: PARP1 may be a potential biomarker to predict platinum resistance and prognosis for EOC patients, exerting different roles on epithelial tumor and stromal cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In order to satisfy the requirement of visual emergency plan compilation and revision, a new method plotting elements integrated with animation is presented based on static structure model and spatiotemporal data model. Emergency plan can be compiled by coordinating consultation and deduced cross-platform. Symbol library and animations are designed. Furthermore, plotting elements can be added remarks, video and audio, and remarks can be converted into audio. The system is developed and a case is provided to prove the methods of being scientific, rational and effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cycloartane triterpenoids exhibited anticancer efects. This study aims to identify any potential novel anticancer cycloartane triterpenoids from Cimicifuga foetida L. rhizome (Sheng ma) and the mode of actions. Methods: Cycloartane triterpenoids were isolated from the C. foetida rhizome by a series of column chromatography and identiied by IR, MS and NMR. Their anticancer efects on several human cancer cell lines, MCF-7, HepG2, HepG2/ ADM, HeLa, and PC3, and normal human mammary epithelial cells MCF10A were investigated by colony formation and MTT assays. Morphological analysis of apoptosis induction was performed by acridine orange/ethidium bromide dual-staining and Hoechst 33258 nuclear staining. The cell-cycle proile and annexin V staining were evaluated by low cytometry. Apoptosis were investigated by measuring changes in mitochondrial membrane potential and analyzing expression of cell cycle- and apoptosis-related proteins in MCF-7 cells by Western blotting. Results: A novel cycloartane triterpenoid, 25-O-acetyl-7,8-didehydrocimigenol-3-O-β-D-(2-acetyl)xylopyranoside (ADHC-AXpn), together with the known 7,8-didehydrocimigenol-3-O-β-d-xylopyranoside (DHC-Xpn) were isolated. MCF-7 growth was signiicantly inhibited by ADHC-AXpn in a dose- and time-dependent manner (IC50 : 27.81 µM at 48 h; P = 0.004 vs. control at 25 µM for 48 h treatment), and ADHC-AXpn was selectively cytotoxic for cancerous cells (MCF-7, HepG2/ADM, HepG2 and HELA cells) based on its higher IC50 values for normal cells MCF10A (IC50 : 78.63 µM at 48 h) than for tumor cells. In MCF-7 cells, ADHC-AXpn induced G2/M cell cycle arrest by mediating cyclin-B1, and CDK1 and its phosphorylation; and induced apoptosis through the mitochondrial-mediated apoptotic pathway, with inhibition of Akt activation. As ADHC-AXpn suppressed phosphorylation of ERK1/2, Raf and Akt proteins in MCF-7 cells, its apoptotic efect might be associated with Raf/MEK/ERK signaling and Akt activation. Conclusions: ADHC-AXpn signiicantly suppressed the growth of MCF-7 cells, induced mitochondrial apoptosis and cell-cycle arrest, and inhibited Raf/MEK/ERK signaling pathway and Akt phosphorylation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Centipeda minima (Ebushicao) has been used for the treatment of various diseases, such as nasal allergies, rhinitis and sinusitis, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, cough, and headache. This study aims to investigate the anticancer activities of Centipeda minima ethanol extracts (CME) against nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell CNE-1 and their underlying mechanism. Methods: CNE-1 cells were treated with diferent concentrations (15-50 µg/mL) of CME for diferent time intervals (24, 48, and 72 h). Cytotoxicity of CME was determined by MTT assay. Cell morphological changes were observed by luorescence microscopy after HO 33258 staining. Cell cycle status was evaluated by low cytometry following propidium iodide staining. Apoptosis was detected by low cytometry following annexin V-FITC/PI staining. The levels of apoptosis-associated and PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling related proteins were measured by western blotting analysis. Results: CME (15-50 µg/mL) signiicantly inhibited the proliferation of CNE-1 in a dose- and time-dependent manner (P = 0.026 for 15 µg/mL, P < 0.001 for 25, 30, 40, and 50 µg/mL, respectively); the IC50 values (µg/mL) were 41.57 ± 0.17, 30.34 ± 0.06 and 24.98 ± 0.08 for 24, 48 and 72 h treatments, respectively. Signiicant morphological changes of CNE-1 cells displaying apoptosis were observed after CME treatment. CME showed low cytotoxicity toward normal LO2 cells. CNE-1 cells were arrested in the G2/M phase while treated with 15, 25, 40 µg/mL of CME, respectively (P = 0.032, P = 0.0053, P < 0.001). CME (15, 25, 40 µg/mL) down-regulated Bcl-2 expression (P = 0.032, P = 0.0074, P < 0.001), and up-regulated Bax (P = 0.026, P = 0.0056, P < 0.001) with activation of caspase-3, caspase-8, caspase-9, and PARP observed in CNE-1 cells (P = 0.015, P = 0.0067, P < 0.001 for caspase 3; P = 0.210, 0.028, < 0.001 for caspase 8; P = 0.152, 0.082, 0.0080 for caspase 9; P = 0.265, 0.0072, < 0.001 for PARP). CME suppressed the activation of the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway (P = 0.03, 0.0007, 0.004, 0.006, 0.022 for p-PI3K, p-Akt-Ser473, p-Akt-Thr308, p-mTOR-Ser2448, p-mTOR-Ser2481, respectively after 40 µg/mL of CME treated for 24 h). Conclusion: CME inhibited the proliferation of CNE-1 cells and activation of the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Centipeda minima (Ebushicao) has been used for the treatment of various diseases, such as nasal allergies, rhinitis and sinusitis, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, cough, and headache. This study aims to investigate the anticancer activities of Centipeda minima ethanol extracts (CME) against nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell CNE-1 and their underlying mechanism. Methods: CNE-1 cells were treated with diferent concentrations (15-50 µg/mL) of CME for diferent time intervals (24, 48, and 72 h). Cytotoxicity of CME was determined by MTT assay. Cell morphological changes were observed by luorescence microscopy after HO 33258 staining. Cell cycle status was evaluated by low cytometry following pro- pidium iodide staining. Apoptosis was detected by low cytometry following annexin V-FITC/PI staining. The levels of apoptosis-associated and PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling related proteins were measured by western blotting analysis. Results: CME (15-50 µg/mL) signiicantly inhibited the proliferation of CNE-1 in a dose- and time-dependent manner (P = 0.026 for 15 µg/mL, P < 0.001 for 25, 30, 40, and 50 µg/mL, respectively); the IC50 values (µg/mL) were 41.57 ± 0.17, 30.34 ± 0.06 and 24.98 ± 0.08 for 24, 48 and 72 h treatments, respectively. Signiicant morphological changes of CNE-1 cells displaying apoptosis were observed after CME treatment. CME showed low cytotoxicity toward normal LO2 cells. CNE-1 cells were arrested in the G2/M phase while treated with 15, 25, 40 µg/mL of CME, respectively (P = 0.032, P = 0.0053, P < 0.001). CME (15, 25, 40 µg/mL) down-regulated Bcl-2 expression (P = 0.032, P = 0.0074, P < 0.001), and up-regulated Bax (P = 0.026, P = 0.0056, P < 0.001) with activation of caspase-3, caspase-8, caspase-9, and PARP observed in CNE-1 cells (P = 0.015, P = 0.0067, P < 0.001 for caspase 3; P = 0.210, 0.028, < 0.001 for caspase 8; P = 0.152, 0.082, 0.0080 for caspase 9; P = 0.265, 0.0072, < 0.001 for PARP). CME suppressed the activation of the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway (P = 0.03, 0.0007, 0.004, 0.006, 0.022 for p-PI3K, p-Akt-Ser473, p-Akt-Thr308, p-mTOR-Ser2448, p-mTOR-Ser2481, respectively after 40 µg/mL of CME treated for 24 h). Conclusion: CME inhibited the proliferation of CNE-1 cells and activation of the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new replacement name is proposed for the species Tropidocephala speciosa Ding, 2006 (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Delphacidae: Tropidocephalini), preoccupied by Tropidocephala speciosa (Bierman, 1908): Tropidocephala dingi Sun, Yang & Chen, nom. n. = Tropidocephala speciosa Ding, 2006. The photographs and illustrations of this species are also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The epididymis and efferent ducts play major roles in sperm maturation, transport, concentration and storage by reabsorbing water, ions and proteins produced from seminiferous tubules. Gpr48-null male mice demonstrate reproductive tract defects and infertility. In the present study, we found that estrogen receptor α (ERα) was dramatically reduced in the epididymis and efferent ducts in Gpr48-null male mice. We further revealed that ER? could be upregulated by Gpr48 activation via the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway. Moreover, we identified a cAMP responsive element (Cre) motif located at -1307 to -1300 bp in the ERα promoter that is able to interact with Cre binding protein (Creb). In conclusion, Gpr48 participates in the development of the male epididymis and efferent ducts through regulation of ERα expression via the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  Based on the linear theory of gyrotron traveling wave amplifier (gyro-TWA) and the boundary condition, the model of the gyro-TWA with the reflections at the output port is established. The influence of the reflections on the wave gain rate, the back wave starting length and the back wave starting current for a Ka band TE01 gyro-TWA at fundament is analyzed. The simulating results show that the increased reflection may lower its stability to some extent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Human dental follicle cells (hDFC) have the ability to differentiate into mineralized tissue-forming cells during root and periodontal development or os-teogenic induction in vitro. The present study aimed to validate the osteogenic induction of hDFC by dexamethasone (DEX) and to explore the changes of related genes responsible for the osteogenic differentiation process. Methods: Passage-cultured hDFC were induced by DEX and analyzed for mineralization activity by morphological observation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and alizarin red S staining. GEArray Q series human osteogenesis gene array was used to describe large-scale gene expression in treated hDFC compared to the control group. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR was performed to confirm the microarray data by analyzing the expression of 7 critical transcripts. Results: Osteogenic differentiation of hDFC was confirmed by morphological change, elevated ALP activity and calcified nodules. In 96 genes investigated through the microarray analysis, 20 genes were upregulated and 8 genes were downregu-lated more than 2-fold. The results of the real-time RT-PCR correlated with the microarray analysis. The expression of the transforming growth factor-β superfamily showed varying degrees of increase, and fibroblast growth factors exhibited a differential changing trend of expression. The expression of most types of collagen genes representative of extracellular matrixes increased under DEX treatment while small mothers against decapentaplegic 6 and 7 expressions significantly decreased. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that hDFC displayed osteoblastic features in both phenotypic and genotypic traits induced by DEX in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in cultured human dental follicle cells (HDFC), and to examine the roles of VEGF in the proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis of HDFC in vitro. Methods: Immunocytochemistry, ELISA, and RT-PCR were use to detect the expression and transcription of VEGF in cultured HDFC. The dose-dependent and the timecourse effect of VEGF on cell proliferation and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in cultured HDFC were determined by MTT assay and colorimetric ALP assay, respectively. The effect of specific mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitors (PD98059 and U0126) on the VEGF-mediated HDFC proliferation was also determined by MTT assay. The effect of VEGF on HDFC apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry. Results: VEGF was transcribed and expressed in cultured HDFC. VEGF at 10—300 μg/L significantly increased HDFC proliferation adn ALP activity compared to the control. Following 1, 3, 5, or 7 d of stimulation, VEGF induces a significant increase in HDFC proliferation compared with the corresponding control, while VEGF was effective at increasing ALP activity at the incubation time point of 3, 5, or 7 d. PD98059 and U0126 could attenuate the VEGF-mediated HDFC proliferation. Fewer apoptotic cells were observed in the VEGF-treated groups compared to the controls, although the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: VEGF is expressed in cultured HDFC to differenciate in a “cementoblast/osteoblast” pathway and protect HDFC form apoptosis. The MAPK signaling pathway might be involved inthe VEGF-mediated HDFC proliferation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers a research on the ultraviolet-shielding properties of new porous hollow silica nanoparticle (PHSN) carriers for avermectin. The manifestation of PHSN carriers of UV-shielding properties was influenced by the strength of UV light, the ph, and the hotness and coldness of the release medium. Results showed the remarkable use of PHSN carriers in various applications needing sustained pesticide release. This conclusion was strengthened by the carriers' improvement of the photostability of avermectin through its entrapment into the core of the nanoparticle carriers as well as the reduction of the UV-shielding properties of PHSN with increasing UV intensity.

A newly isolated strain, Penicillium sp. S-22, was used to produce an enzyme that hydrolyses raw yam starch [raw yam starch digesting enzyme (RYSDE)]. The enzyme activity and overall enzyme productivity were respectively 16 U/ml and 0.19 U/ml h in the batch culture. The enzyme activity increased to 85 U/ml by feeding of partially hydrolyzed raw yam starch. When a mixture containing partially hydrolyzed raw yam starch and peptone was fed by a pH-stat strategy, the enzyme activity reached 366 U/ml, 23-fold of that obtained in the batch culture, and the overall productivity reached 3.4 U/ml h, which was 18-fold of that in the batch culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Totally 24 arbor tree species and 6 shrub species were measured on their absorption capacities to heavy metal Pb, Cd, Cr, and Hg by collecting and analyzing the leaves of trees along different streets in Harbin city in Sept. to Oct. of 2003. The results showed that all the measured species had certain absorbency to the pollutants (Pb, Cd, Cr and Hg), but there existed significant difference in absorption capacity for different species to different pollutants. The measured tree species were classified into three categories by their absorption quantum of heavy metal pollutants. Among the species measured, Betula platyphylla, Ulmus pumila var. pendula, and Prunus persicaf. rubro-plena had high capacity in absorbing Pb; Populus xiahei, P. nigra var. Italica, P. alba x P. berolinensis and Salix matsudana had had high capacity in absorbing Cd; Phellodendron amurense, Syringa oblata, Salix matsudana, Pinus tabulaeformis var. mukdensis, Picea koraiensis, Prunus persica f. rubro-plena, P. triloba and Acer negundo, etc. had high capacity in absorption of Cr; Prunus triloba, Quercus mongolica, Salix matsudana, Sambucus williamsii, Pyrus ussuuriensis and Spiraea fritschiana were good at absorption of Hg. This study might offer scientific foundation for selection of urban afforestation species in different polluted conditions caused by heavy metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: One major reason of the high mortality of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is due to platinum-based chemotherapy resistance. Aberrant DNA methylation may be a potential mechanism underlying the development of platinum resistance in EOC. The purpose of this study is to discover potential aberrant DNA methylation that contributes to drug resistance. Methods: By initially screening of 16 platinum-sensitive/resistant samples from EOC patients with reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS), the upstream region of the hMSH2 gene was discovered hypermethylated in the platinum-resistant group. The effect of hMSH2 methylation on the cellular response to cisplatin was explored by demethylation and knockdown assays in ovarian cancer cell line A2780. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry was employed to examine the methylation levels of hMSH2 upstream region in additional 40 EOC patient samples. RT-qPCR and IHC assay was used to detect the hMSH2 mRNA and protein expression in extended 150 patients. Results: RRBS assay discovered an upstream region from − 1193 to − 1125 of hMSH2 was significant hypermethylated in resistant EOC patients (P = 1.06 × 10−14). In vitro analysis demonstrated that global demethylation increased cisplatin sensitivity along with a higher expression of the hMSH2 mRNA and protein. Knockdown hMSH2 reduced the cell sensitivity to cisplatin. MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry assay validated the strong association of hypermethylation of hMSH2 upstream region with platinum resistance. Spearman's correlation analysis revealed a significantly negative connection between methylation level of hMSH2 upstream region and its expression. The Kaplan-Meier analyses showed the high methylation of hMSH2 promoter region, and its low expressions are associated with worse survival. In multivariable models, hMSH2 low expression was an independent factor predicting poor outcome (P = 0.03, HR = 1.91, 95%CI = 1.85–2.31). Conclusion: The hypermethylation of hMSH2 upstream region is associated with platinum resistant in EOC, and low expression of hMSH2 may be an index for the poor prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present a three-dimensional (3D) vacuum packaging technique at a wafer level for a radio frequency micro-electromechanical system (RF MEMS) resonator, in which low-loss silicon vias is used to transmit RF signals. Au–Sn solder bonding is adopted to provide a vacuum encapsulation as well as electrical conductions. A RF model of the encapsulation cap is established to evaluate the parasitic effect of the packaging, which provides an effective design solution of 3D RF MEMS encapsulation. With the proposed packaging structure, the signal-to-background ratio (SBR) of 24 dB is achieved, as well as the quality factor (Q-factor) of the resonator increases from 8000 to 10400 after packaging. The packaged resonator has a linear frequency–temperature (f–T) characteristic in a temperature range between 0 °C and 100 °C. And the package shows favorable long-term stability of the Q-factor over 200 days, which indicates that the package has excellent hermeticity. Furthermore, the average shear strength is measured to be 43.58 MPa among 10 samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]