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This study reports the synthesis of a flexible light‐emitting polymer film by casting the solution formed by blending poly[2‐methoxy‐5‐((2‐ethylhexyl)oxy)‐1,4‐phenylenevinylene] (MEH‐PPV) with poly(styrene‐co‐butadiene‐co‐styrene) (SBS). Scanning force microscopy (SFM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) confirm that MEH‐PPV molecules are selectively positioned in the polystyrene (PS) domain of the fabricated film. As MEH‐PPV molecules are dissolved in the PS phase without aggregation, the photoluminescence (PL) spectrum of the MEH‐PPV/SBS film exhibits a nanometer‐scale bicontinuous luminescent domain with low aggregation quenching. Furthermore, the MEH‐PPV/SBS film exhibits typical elastomeric characteristics (with linear elasticity, a plateau, and densification regions in its stress–strain curves), and its tensile properties are comparable to those of neat SBS films. As MEH‐PPV molecules are almost absent in the polybutadiene (PB) phase (which influences the bulk‐film elastic properties), the concentration of MEH‐PPV shows very little effect on the elastic properties of the composite film. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological significance: Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) are ingredients extracted from traditional Chinese medicinal herb Panax notoginseng. It has been demonstrated that PNS have extensive effects on the cardiovascular system, including inhibition of platelet aggregation, increasing blood flow, improving left ventricular diastolic function in hypertensive patients and anti-inflammatory effect. Aim of study: Recent researches indicated that PNS administration inhibited foam cells’ formation. The present study was designed to study the effects of PNS on atherogenesis and to explore the relevant molecular mechanisms. Materials and methods: The Zymosan A induced atherosclerosis models were used to investigate the anti-atherosclerosis effects of PNS. The integrin express array was used to check the changes of integrins. The foam cell formation was observed with transmission electron microscope. The effect of PNS on phosphorylation of FAK on threonine 397 and protein level of NF-κB was also evaluated in vitro. Results: PNS treated rats had less plaque spots on the aortas compared with Zym induced group. The formation of foam cell was inhibited by PNS. Compared with Zym treated group, the expression of most integrin families decreased except Itgav and Itgb2 after PNS treatment. PNS inhibited phosphorylation of FAK on threonine 397 and translocation of NF-κB. Conclusion: High fat diet together with Zym induces atherogenesis of rat. PNS inhibits zymosan A induced atherogenesis by suppressing FAK phosphorylation, integrins expression and NF-κB translocation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) play an important role in the establishment and maintenance of plant communities in forest ecosystems. Most previous studies about AMF have been conducted in natural forests, and little attention has been paid to trees in planted forests. This study investigated AMF associated with tree species and the relationships between edaphic factors and AMF communities in a planted forest of eastern China. We found high total AMF colonization rates in the roots of Carya illinoensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch, Zelkova serrata (Thunb.) Makinoz, Taxodium 'zhongshansha', Eucommia ulmoides Oliv., and Elaeagnus pungens Thunb., ranging from 62.07% to 100%, indicating that AMF can establish effective symbiotic relationships with these tree species. The AMF colonization rate was significantly and negatively correlated with soil phosphorus, while AMF colonization intensity was significantly and negatively correlated with soil moisture content, total carbon, and organic matter content. Spore density was in the range of 4.38 to 76.38 spores per g soil. In total, 35 AMF species from 10 genera were identified. Glomus and Acaulospora were the dominant genera. Acaulospora foveata and Septoglomus constrictum were the dominant species. AMF communities differed among the tree species and were closely related to edaphic factors, and AMF diversity was significantly related to soil carbon and pH. Our results revealed the colonization, community, and diversity of AMF associated with tree species, as well as their relationships with edaphic factors, in planted forests. Our findings can be used to provide insight on the utilization and management of AMF to maintain sustainable management of planted forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]