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Re-excavation of the Peking man site at Zhoukoudian was initiated in 2009. A taphonomic analysis of the skeletal remains of Cervus ( Sika ) grayi , a dominant species from Layer 3 of the extant West Section of the site strongly negates a role played by hominins in the accumulation and modification of the bones. Instead, it is argued here that some individuals of this medium-sized deer species were probably trapped in the cave by accident and eventually preserved in situ in the Quaternary sediments. The virtual absence of stone artifacts and human skeletal remains from the 2009–2010 field seasons has further strengthened this conclusion. Bearing in mind evidence of a series of cave collapse episodes, we tentatively propose that the cave morphology during the formation of Layer 3 at the West Section was probably inhospitable to Homo erectus pekinensis . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nuclear Chirality-Parity (ChP) violation, a simultaneous breaking of chiral and reflection symmetries in the intrinsic frame, is investigated with a reflection-asymmetric triaxial particle rotor model. A new symmetry for an ideal ChP violation system is found and the corresponding selection rules of the electromagnetic transitions are derived. The fingerprints for the ChP violation including the nearly degenerate quartet bands and the selection rules of the electromagnetic transitions are provided. These fingerprints are examined for ChP quartet bands by taking a two- j shell h 11 / 2 and d 5 / 2 with typical energy spacing for A = 130 nuclei. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The process of the Middle to Upper Palaeolithic transition has been hotly debated for many years, but East Asia has not been a significant part of that debate until recently. The Shuidonggou (SDG) site complex, yielding Initial Upper Paleolithic (IUP) blade-rich assemblages, has been given more and more importance since its discovery and first excavation in the 1920s. This paper presents a specific study of the archaeological remains yielded by three years of systematic, modern excavations at Shuidonggou locality 7 (SDG7), an important locality within the SDG site cluster. Although the archaeological deposits of SDG7 had undergone some hydraulic disturbances, detailed lithic analyses identified two distinct technological systems. One is termed autochthonous and is a predominantly flake-tool technology, and the other is an allochthonous Levallois-like technology which coexisted within the same Lower Concentrated Layer for some time before disappearing, implying the potential existence of technological diffusion and interaction between the two different technologies. The technological variability and change suggested by the evidence from SDG7 reveal a kind of cultural mosaic, rather than the replacement of one lithic technology by another. We believe the new round of excavations and research in the SDG site will provide more evidence for answering key questions about the process of the Middle–Upper Paleolithic transition in North China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus is one of the main pathogens threatening the global pig industry, and there is still a lack of effective therapeutic drugs. Sanggenon C is a flavanone Diels-Alder adduct compound extracted from the root bark of the mulberry genus, which has blood pressure-reducing, anti-atherosclerotic, anti-oxidative, and anti-inflammatory effects. In our previous study, Sanggenon C was confirmed to significantly inhibit PRRSV replication in vitro. However, its antiviral potential to inhibit PRRSV infection in vivo has not been evaluated in piglets. Here, the antiviral effect of Sanggenon C was evaluated in PRRSV-challenged piglets based on assessments of rectal temperature, viral load, pathological changes of lung tissue and secretion of inflammatory cytokines. The results showed that Sanggenon C treatment relieved the clinical symptoms, reduced the viral loads in the lungs and bloods, alleviated the pathological damage of lung tissue, decreased the secretion of inflammatory cytokines, and shorten the excretion time of virus from the oral and nasal secretions and feces of piglets after PRRSV infection. The results indicated that Sanggenon C is a promising anti-PRRSV drug, which provides a new strategy for the prevention and control of PRRS in clinical practice. • Sanggenon C relieved the clinical symptoms of PRRSV-challenged piglets. • Sanggenon C reduced viral loads in the lungs and bloods of infected piglets. • Sanggenon C alleviated the pathological damage of lung tissues in infected piglets. • Sanggenon C shorten the excretion time of virus from oral and nasal secretions and feces of piglets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Substantial quantities of sediments are known to enter the deep lithosphere at subduction zones, but the extent to which sediments melt and the process involved in sediment contribution to the deep lithosphere are inadequately understood. Vigorous debate continues about whether the subducted sediment component is terrigenous or pelagic and transported as a hydrous melt, an aqueous fluid, or bulk sediment. In this contribution, we conduct an integrated study on a variety of deep-seated xenoliths in the Neogene Hannuoba basalts from the northern margin of the North China Craton. Among these xenoliths, clinopyroxenite xenoliths are compositionally and isotopically distinct. Mineral chemistry shows that the clinopyroxenite xenoliths come from a depth near the MOHO, rather than from the mantle as suggested previously. The clinopyroxenite xenoliths have extremely evolved Sr-Nd-Hf isotopic compositions and are interpreted to have a late Archean protolith age. The extremely low contents of Cr and Ni for the clinopyroxenite xenoliths preclude a magmatic origin. Instead, a metasomatic origin is suggested, which is strongly supported for the clinopyroxenites by the occurrence of hydrous minerals and high contents of large-ion-lithophile elements (K, Rb, Ba, Th and Sr) and light rare earth elements, as well as elevated δ18O (9.9–11.3‰) and light δ26Mg (−1.04‰ to −1.42‰) isotopic compositions. Furthermore, their high high-field-strength element (Nb, Ta, Zr and Hf) contents indicate that the metasomatic agent is a hydrous melt, rather than an aqueous fluid. The metasomatic melts are considered to be derived from a mixed source of sedimentary carbonates and ancient, felsic continental materials. A combination of zircon ages and oxygen isotope data for the clinopyroxenite xenoliths further restricts the timing of metasomatism to the late Paleozoic. Considering the regional tectonic setting, the sediments most likely came from the subducted Paleo-Asian oceanic slab. Thus the Hannuoba clinopyroxenite xenoliths provide direct evidence for melting of the subducted Paleo-Asian oceanic slab sediment and its interaction with the deep lithosphere. The data show that melting of subducted sediments can take place at a much shallower depth than commonly thought and place an independent constraint on future models of slab geotherms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In western Yunnan, potassic felsic suites with important Cu mineralization have been interpreted as being genetically associated with the Ailao Shan-Red River (ASRR) shear zone. In this paper, we show that the magmatism is unrelated to the shear zone, but shares many characteristics in common with potassic suites along the Jinsha suture to the north and northwest on the northern Tibetan Plateau, representing a magmatic response to the continued India-Asia convergence since the collision in the early Eocene. These felsic suites include syenite, monzogranite porphyries and granite porphyries. We dated 15 representative samples using zircon U-Pb method that gives a tight emplacement age of ~37–35 Ma. On 45 representative samples, we have done bulk-rock major element, trace element and Sr-Nd-Pb isotope analysis. We use these data, together with zircon Hf isotope data and the literature data on potassic mafic suites in the region to discuss the petrogenesis of these rocks. We conclude that the petrogenesis of the felsic potassic suites is most consistent with a scenario of deep (≥ 40 km) melting of thickened crust. The crustal melting is caused by intrusion and underplating of potassic mafic melts derived from melting of metasomatized mantle lithosphere. The mafic potassic suites in the region result from such mantle melts. Mixing of the mafic melts with the felsic melts explains the syenite and monzogranite porphyries and their extended fractional crystallization gives rise to the granite porphyries. The potassic suites along the Jinsha suture, including those from northern Tibet, western Yunnan and Vietnam, share the same tectonic setting during the Eocene-Oligocene. In response to the continued India-Asia convergence, removal of the lower continental lithospheric mantle triggered by Rayleigh-Taylor convective instability induces asthenosphere upwelling, partial melting of the metasomatized mantle lithosphere. We hypothesize that the eastward migration of the potassic magmatism along the Jinsha suture in the period of Eocene-Oligocene results from eastward thickening and removing of the continental lithospheric mantle along the suture, which, in time and space, correlates with the dischronal subduction of the torn Indian continental slab at ca. 52 Ma along the India-Asia collision zone. • The 35-37 Ma potassic suites in western Yunnan result from lower crust melting. • Their varied felsic compositions result from varying extent of fractional crystallization. • The removal of lithospheric mantle along the Jinsha suture was eastward-migrating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Cat (Felis catus) BAFF and its receptor BAFF-R were cloned. • csBAFF, EGFP/csBAFF, and cBAFF-R were expressed in E. coli and purified using a Ni2+ column. • csBAFF cellular localization was assessed. • csBAFF promoted B-cell survival in vitro. • Ligand–receptor interaction was assessed. B-cell survival depends on signals induced by binding of B-cell activating factor (BAFF) to its receptor (BAFF-R). In this study, the full-length cDNAs of cat BAFF (cBAFF) and BAFF-R (cBAFF-R) were amplified from the spleen by reverse transcription PCR. The open reading frame of cBAFF cDNA encodes a protein of 285 amino acids containing a predicted transmembrane domain and a furin protease cleavage site, similar to mammalian, avian, and reptile BAFFs. The cBAFF-R gene encodes a 189 amino acid protein. Real-time quantitative PCR analyses revealed that the two genes are predominantly expressed in the spleen. csBAFF, EGFP/csBAFF, and cBAFF-R were efficiently expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3), as confirmed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blotting analyses. After purification, the EGFP/csBAFF fusion protein showed a fluorescence spectrum similar to that of EGFP. Confocal laser scanning microscopy showed that EGFP/csBAFF bound to its receptor. In vitro , csBAFF promoted the survival of cat and mouse splenic B cells with/without a priming agent (Staphylococcus aureus Cowan 1, SAC) or anti-mouse IgM. Furthermore, it stimulated the survival of mouse B cells, similar to msBAFF. Recombinant cBAFF-R blocked the function of sBAFF in vitro. These findings indicate that csBAFF plays an important role in the survival of cat B cells and has functional cross reactivity between cats and other mammals, and suggest a role for the BAFF–BAFF-R system in regulating B-cell survival. Therefore, BAFF and BAFF-R show promise for enhancing the immune systems of animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract B cell activating factor from the TNF family (BAFF) is implicated in not only the physiology of normal B cells, but also the pathophysiology of aggressive B cells related to malignant and autoimmune diseases. Autophagy plays a crucial role in balancing the beneficial and detrimental effects of immunity and inflammation. However, little is known about whether and how excessive BAFF mediates autophagy contributing to B-cell proliferation and survival. Here, we show that excessive human soluble BAFF (hsBAFF) inhibited autophagy with a concomitant reduction of LC3-II in normal and B-lymphoid (Raji) cells. Knockdown of LC3 not only potentiated hsBAFF inhibition of autophagy, but also attenuated hsBAFF activation of Akt/mTOR pathway, thereby diminishing hsBAFF-induced B-cell proliferation/viability. Further, we found that hsBAFF inhibition of autophagy was Akt/mTOR-dependent. This is supported by the findings that hsBAFF increased mTORC1-mediated phosphorylation of ULK1 (Ser757); Akt inhibitor X, mTORC1 inhibitor rapamycin, mTORC1/2 inhibitor PP242, expression of dominant negative Akt, or knockdown of mTOR attenuated hsBAFF-induced phosphorylation of ULK1, decrease of LC3-II level, and increase of cell proliferation/viability. Chelating intracellular free Ca2+ ([Ca2+] i) with BAPTA/AM or preventing [Ca2+] i elevation using EGTA or 2-APB profoundly blocked hsBAFF-induced activation of Akt/mTOR, phosphorylation of ULK1 and decrease of LC3-II, as well as increase of cell proliferation/viability. Similar effects were observed in the cells where CaMKII was inhibited by KN93 or knocked down by CaMKII shRNA. Collectively, these results indicate that hsBAFF inhibits autophagy promoting cell proliferation and survival through activating Ca2+-CaMKII-dependent Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in normal and neoplastic B-lymphoid cells. Our findings suggest that manipulation of intracellular Ca2+ level or CaMKII, Akt, or mTOR activity to promote autophagy may be exploited for prevention of excessive BAFF-induced aggressive B lymphocyte disorders and autoimmune diseases. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • hsBAFF promotes B-cell proliferation and survival by inhibiting autophagy. • Downregulation of LC3 protein level is critical for hsBAFF inhibition in B cells. • hsBAFF-activated Akt/mTOR signaling represses autophagy via phosphorylating ULK1 (Ser757) in B cells. • hsBAFF inhibits autophagy by activating Ca2+-CaMKII-dependent Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in B cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of Cenozoic post-collisional mantle-derived magmas developed in the Southeastern Tibetan Plateau (the SE Plateau), which can be utilized to trace source components and mantle metasomatism, and further constrain the mantle evolution. In this paper, we present a systematic study on petrography, whole-rock major and trace element, Sr-Nd-Pb-Mg isotopes of Miocene-Holocene alkali basalts at the southeastern margin of the SE Plateau. These Miocene-Holocene alkali basalts were the products of the northward extension of the Cenozoic mantle-derived magmatism in Southeast Asia (SE Asia), since they are comparable in terms of geographical distributions, petrographic characteristics, geochronology patterns, and geochemical compositions. The alkali basalts in this study are mainly basanite and trachybasalt, characterized by enriched LILEs, depleted Sr-Nd-Pb isotopes, positive anomaly in HFSEs, and significantly lighter Mg isotopes (−0.51‰ to −0.32‰) relative to primitive mantle. Integrated Sr-Nd-Mg isotopes and seismic tomography suggest a source regions from the mantle transition zone that has been enriched by significant carbonate sediments. The decoupling of high Sr contents and depleted Sr Nd isotopes in the alkali basalts indicate that the mantle carbonation is subjected to recent subduction events and is possibly related to the subduction of the Neo-Tethyan seafloor. The calculated melting temperature of these basalts are generally high (1487–1583 °C), which is consistent with that of Cenozoic basalts in SE Asia (1470–1480 °C) and Hainan island (1480–1530 °C), showing a high-temperature gradient similar to that of mantle plume-related magmatism. Consequently, the generation of Miocene-Holocene alkali basalts is plausibly associated with the Hainan plume. • Sanjiang alkaline basalts are the northward extension of basalts in Southeast Asia. • Sanjiang alkali basalts are originated from the mantle transition zone. • Alkali basalts in the southeastern Plateau originated from the carbonated mantle. • Alkali basalts are related to the Hainan mantle plume. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spin symmetry in the Dirac sea has been investigated with relativistic Brueckner–Hartree–Fock theory using the bare nucleon–nucleon interaction. Taking the nucleus 16 O as an example and comparing the theoretical results with the data, the definition of the single-particle potential in the Dirac sea is studied in detail. It is found that if the single-particle states in the Dirac sea are treated as occupied states, the ground state properties are in better agreement with experimental data. Moreover, in this case, the spin symmetry in the Dirac sea is better conserved and it is more consistent with the findings using phenomenological relativistic density functionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A systematic and specific pattern due to the effects of the tensor forces is found in the evolution of spin–orbit splittings in neutron drops. This result is obtained from relativistic Brueckner–Hartree–Fock theory using the bare nucleon–nucleon interaction. It forms an important guide for future microscopic derivations of relativistic and nonrelativistic nuclear energy density functionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat straw (WS) was thermally pretreated at 200, 300 and 400 °C in a muffle furnace, respectively, before co-gasified with Shengli lignite (SL). The results from thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) experiments showed that interaction of solid phases between SL and the pretreated WSs occurred at the gasification stage rather than the pyrolysis stage and the synergy varied with the biomass pretreatment temperature. Co-gasification of WS-200/SL had an inhibitory effect, and there was no synergy effect during WS-300/SL co-gasification. In contrast, co-gasification of WS-400/SL had a positive effect in the gasification stage. The investigation of co-gasification in a fixed-bed reactor, however, found synergies in product gas yields and carbon conversion for both WS-200/SL and WS-400/SL. The (H 2 +CO) yield and carbon conversion increased by 3.95% and 18.32%, respectively, for co-gasification of WS-400/SL blends compared with the calculated values based on individual materials. From the results of both the TGA and fixed-bed experiments, it is concluded that 400 °C of pyrolysis temperature for WS is the best to produce hydrogen for co-gasification with SL. The maximum synergetic effect was explained by the relatively high surface area and high content of alkali metals in WS-400. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conduct a study of petrography, geochronology, trace element and Hf isotope compositions on zircons from granulite terrain and granulite xenoliths in the Zhangjiakou region, northern North China Craton. Most zircons from both types of granulite have core-rim structure in their CL images. All the magmatic zircon cores yield essentially identical ∼2.5 Ga ages, whereas metamorphic zircons yield ages of ∼1.85 Ga and 120–140 Ma, respectively. Most the ∼1.85 Ga metamorphic zircons have Th/U ratios lower than 0.4 with a range of 0.01 to 0.63. However, the range of Th/U ratios of Mesozoic (120–140 Ma) metamorphic zircons (0.12–3.48) overlaps that of the magmatic zircons (0.12–2.44). The Mesozoic and ∼1.85 Ga metamorphic zircons have REE patterns consistent with magmatic zircons, except that the ∼1.85 Ga ones show less enrichments and much less negative Eu anomalies than those of magmatic zircons. Therefore, Th/U ratios and the REE patterns cannot be used to distinguish metamorphic zircons from magmatic ones. The ∼1.85 Ga metamorphic zircons, however, have lower formation temperatures, oxygen fugacity and 176 Lu/ 177 Hf ratios than the Mesozoic ones. We speculate that the ∼1.85 Ga metamorphic zircons represent newly grown zircons coexisting with garnets and melt/fluid while the Mesozoic metamorphic zircons were formed quickly without the presence of garnet. The Mesozoic metamorphic zircons vary in their origins; some of these zircons were metamorphic newly grown while the others experienced recrystallization from a U-depleted melt/fluid. Our results suggest that P-T conditions, the melt/fluid and oxygen fugacity play important roles in controlling the trace element distribution and Hf isotope compositions of metamorphic zircons in the granulites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a member of the TNF superfamily and plays multifunctional roles in the immune system. In the present study, a homolog of TRAIL from the Mongolian horse (named ecTRAIL) was identified and characterized. The 870-bp open reading frame encodes a polypeptide of 289 amino acid residues with a predicted molecular weight of 33.47 kDa and p I of 8.47. The genomic structure of ecTRAIL shares a five-exon/six-intron arrangement similar to its orthologs. Multiple alignments show that ecTRAIL is a type II transmembrane protein with a typical transmembrane region, three conserved cysteine residues (Cys56, Cys77, Cys238) and a TNF family signature sequence ([LV]-x-[LIVM]-x(3)-G-[LIVMF]-Y-[LIVMFY](2)-x(2)-[QEKHL]-[LIVMGT]-x-[LIVMFY]). Three-dimensional structure prediction based on the same template revealed that the positional arrangement of the key amino acid residues, Cys238 and Cys230 in ecTRAIL and human TRAIL, respectively, is significantly conserved. Evolutionary analysis suggests that ecTRAIL is most closely related to its ortholog from pigs, with an identity of 83.99%. The solubilizing small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO) tag fused recombinant protein SUMO-ecsTRAIL was successfully expressed in E. coli and exhibited binding activity and cytotoxicity to HeLa cells in a cross-species manner in vitro . These results provide a better understanding of TRAILs in mammals and indicate that ecTRAIL may play an important role in the immune response in horses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

U–Pb zircon dating for 10 rock samples collected from the Archean Jiaobei terrain of the eastern block of the North China craton (NCC) yield three groups of ages: ∼2.9 Ga, ∼2.7 Ga and ∼2.5 Ga. Thirteen rock samples studied can be classified into a low Mg# (molecular Mg/(Mg + Fe)) (Mg# = 34–52) and a high Mg# group (Mg# = 52–61), respectively. The low Mg# rocks are typical Archean TTGs with emplacement ages of ∼2.9 Ga, ∼2.7 Ga and ∼2.5 Ga whereas the high Mg# rocks are Archean sanukitoids with age of ∼2.5 Ga. Despite having different ages, all the Jiaobei TTGs have zircon δ 18 O values between 5.6‰ and 6.3‰, essentially identical to those of the ∼2.7 Ga TTGs from adjourning Taishan area and Archean TTGs from other parts of the world. Magmatic zircons from the Jiaobei sanukitoids have δ 18 O values between 6.4‰ and 7.5‰, significantly higher than the Archean TTGs. The whole-rock Nd and the zircon Hf isotopic compositions indicate that the ∼2.9 Ga and ∼2.5 Ga TTGs and ∼2.5 Ga sanukitoids represent crustal growth at ∼2.9 Ga and ∼2.5 Ga in the Jiaobei terrain. Unlike the ∼2.7 Ga TTGs in the adjourning Taishan area that are considered to reflect juvenile crust, the Jiaobei ∼2.7 Ga TTGs, however, are most likely resulted from the reworking of the pre-existing ∼3.0 Ga crust. This is in contrast to the previous suggestion that ∼2.7 Ga is the most significant crust-forming episode and ∼2.5 Ga a period of crustal reworking in the Jiaobei terrain. The high Mg# and high contents of Cr, Ni, LREE and LILE of the ∼2.5 Ga Jiaobei sanukitoids, require a metasomatized peridotitic mantle source for their origin. The significant negative Zr and Hf anomalies and the elevated δ 18 O values of the ∼2.5 Ga sanukitoids, are inconsistent with a mantle source metasomatized solely by the TTG melts. Instead, we suggest that the Jiaobei sanukitoids could have originated from a mantle wedge metasomatized by a high δ 18 O component, most likely the slab-derived fluids. The similarity of multi-element patterns and the zircon δ 18 O values between the Jiaobei and Superior Province sanukitoids may imply similar processes involved to form sanukitoids in both Jiaobei and Superior Province terrains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paleogene potassium-rich volcanic rocks (PVRs) are widespread in the southeastern Tibetan Plateau, providing an opportunity to illustrate the architecture of the lithosphere and further constrain the development of the SE Plateau. Their petrogenesis, together with the geodynamic mechanism, remains in dispute. Mg isotopic compositions of the PVRs in western Yangtze Craton, along with new elemental and Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic data, are utilized to elucidate their petrogenesis and reveal the plausible metasomatic and genetic mechanisms. The PVRs give a compositional spectrum from basaltic trachyandesite to trachyte and are characterized by high large ion lithophile elements concentrations, negative anomalies in high field strength elements, and enriched Sr-Nd-Pb isotopes, suggesting an origin of enriched lithospheric mantle. The correlations among varying major oxides and fractional crystallization simulation results jointly reveal fractional crystallization of olivine and clinopyroxene in the magmatic process. The less-evolved PVRs present similar major oxide contents (e.g., Ti, Na, K) to those melts originated from carbonated peridotite + silicate sediment. Apart from enriched Sr-Nd-Pb isotopes, they also show high La/Yb ratios (11.73–58.95), low Ti/Ti* (0.08–0.71), Hf/Sm (mostly <0.70), and varying δ26Mg values (−0.13 to −0.36‰). Combined with the Sr-Nd-Mg isotope numerical simulations, it points out that the mantle source of the PVRs was replenished by a hybrid carbonate-silicic sediment, which was plausibly caused by the Neoproterozoic seafloor subduction. These volcanic rocks also present relatively high K 2 O (3.29–7.50 wt%) and K 2 O/Na 2 O ratios (1.00–2.85). Besides, varying elevated Rb/Sr and low Ba/Rb ratios, together with the La/Yb-Yb non-modal batch melting result, suggest that the enriched mantle source recorded by these PVRs is predominantly constituted by a hybrid phlogopite-bearing garnet-spinel lherzolite. Constrained by petrology studies and seismic tomography, the generation of the PVRs is proposed to be closely associated with the delamination of the thickened lithosphere and thereafter asthenosphere upwelling. • Paleogene K-rich volcanic rocks in the western Yangtze Craton are variably evolved. • These volcanic rocks are sourced from phlogopite-bearing garnet-spinel lherzolite. • Recorded mantle source was replenished by a hybrid carbonate-silicic sediment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Therapeutically targeting B cells has received great attention in the treatment of B-cell malignancies and autoimmune diseases. The B-cell activating factor (BAFF) is critical to the survival of normal and neoplastic B cells, and excess production of BAFF contributes to autoimmune diseases. Resveratrol, a natural polyphenolic compound, has a positive effect on the treatment of autoimmune diseases. However, how resveratrol affects BAFF-stimulated B-cell proliferation and survival is poorly understood. Here, we show that resveratrol increased autophagosome formation and ATG5/LC3-II levels and decreased p62 level, promoting autophagic flux/autophagy and thereby suppressing the basal or human soluble BAFF (hsBAFF)-stimulated proliferation and survival of normal and B-lymphoid (Raji) cells. This is supported by the findings that inhibition of autophagy with 3-methyladenine (3-MA, an inhibitor of Vps34) or ATG5 shRNA attenuates resveratrol-induced autophagy and -reduced proliferation/viability in B-cells. Inhibition of mTOR with rapamycin or knockdown of mTOR potentiated resveratrol-induced autophagy and inhibition of hsBAFF-stimulated B-cell proliferation/viability, while overexpression of wild-type mTOR conferred resistance to the actions of resveratrol. Similarly, inhibition of Akt with Akt inhibitor X or ectopic expression of dominant negative Akt reinforced resveratrol-induced autophagy and inhibition of hsBAFF-stimulated B-cell proliferation/viability, whereas expression of constitutively active Akt conferred resistance to the actions of resveratrol. Taken together, these results indicate that resveratrol induces autophagy impeding BAFF-stimulated proliferation and survival via blocking the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in normal and neoplastic B cells. Our findings highlight that resveratrol has a great potential for prevention and treatment of excessive BAFF-elicited aggressive B-cell disorders and autoimmune diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few sites in China have yielded definite evidence for a complex bone technology. In this paper, we present a detailed description and an integrated techno-functional study of seven bone needles from Shuidonggou locality 12 dated to 12.2–11.0 ka BP in North China. Tool production processes conforming to the classic descriptions of formal techniques, including scraping, grinding, perforating, polishing and occasionally heat-treating were streamlined to process osseous materials at this site. In Shuidonggou locality 12, the bone needles manufactured accordingly were used to produce sophisticated and fitted clothing, which helps to counter winter subsistence risk, until they were very blunt or broken or no more appropriate for use, and then were discarded in situ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mysterious loss of five calvaria of Homo erectus and three skulls of Homo sapiens sapiens , unearthed from Zhoukoudian, a world cultural heritage site, during World War II is a great loss for paleoanthropological research. Although frontal and occipital bones of Homo erectus were unearthed in 1966, additional important human fossils cannot be found due to the fact that most of the fossil-bearing deposits were removed in early diggings at ZKD Locality 1, the so-called Peking Man Site. From 1995 to 2004, a series of in situ geological and geophysical investigations using electromagnetic, electric panel, magnetic, microgravity, electric tomograms, surface seismic waves, ground penetrating radar, and test drilling methods, were conducted on Dragon Bone Hill, where the Peking Man Site is located. Here, we report that some geophysical anomalies have been clearly detected and there are still significant deposits suitable for archaeological excavations in hidden cavities in the hill, which demonstrate how some civil engineering methods can be employed for archaeological purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protostane triterpenes from Alisma orientale (Sam.) Juz. have exhibited distinct pharmacological properties that are currently in high demand. 3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGR) is considered the first rate-limiting enzyme in isoprenoid biosynthesis via the mevalonic acid (MVA) pathway. In this study, we cloned a full-length cDNA of A. orientale (Sam.) Juz. HMGR (AoHMGR; 2252 bp; GenBank accession no. KP342318) with an open reading frame (ORF) of 1809 bp. The deduced protein sequence contained four conserved motifs and exhibited homology with HMGR proteins from other plants. We next expressed the cloned gene in Escherichia coli BL21 (Rosetta) cells, collected the expressed products, and incubated those with 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) to determine enzymatic activity. GC/MS analysis revealed that the products were able to catalyze HMG-CoA and NADPH to form MVA. The purified protein was used to immunize New Zealand rabbits and prepare an antibody against AoHMGR. Western blot results demonstrated that the antibodies specifically recognized AoHMGR protein in A. orientale (Sam.) Juz. We then established a rapid test to detect AoHMGR protein in the plant, and found the tuber to be the most AoHMGR protein-abundant organ in A. orientale (Sam.) Juz. Furthermore, we detected the expression level of AoHMGR and contents of the main active component, Alisol B 23-acetate, at different growth phases of A. orientale (Sam.) Juz. A significant positive correlation was identified, indicating that AoHMGR represents a key enzyme in the synthetic pathway of protostane triterpenes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cenozoic mantle-derived magmas are widespread on the Tibetan Plateau, and provide evidence for the evolution of deep mantle and its influence on the Plateau development. Miocene basalts in the Maguan area on the southeastern Plateau have high MgO (9.13–13.10 wt%) and Mg# (0.60–0.70) with high Ce/Pb (10.6–32.5) and Nb/U (43.7–52.9) ratios, similar to those of oceanic basalts. Distinct from Eocene-Oligocene mantle-derived potassic magmas in Western Yunnan and Cenozoic basic volcanic rocks in Tengchong, these Maguan basalts are characterized by high large ion lithophile elements (LILEs) concentrations, positive anomaly in high field strength elements (HFSEs) and depleted Sr Nd isotopes, consistent with the melt of an asthenospheric mantle origin. The high Ce/Pb and Nb/Y (1.80–2.68) ratios together with low Ba/Y and Ba/Th ratios indicate a significant input of slab-derived melt into the asthenospheric source. Besides, Hf/Hf* and Ti/Ti* ratios are significantly lower than those of ocean island basalt (OIB), which are proportional to the lighter δ26Mg (-0.6‰ to -0.4‰) values. Based on the results of experimental petrology, the Sr Mg isotope mixing model suggests that the asthenospheric mantle beneath the Maguan area had undergone the significant metasomatism of recycled carbonates prior to the late Miocene. The above petrological and geochemical understanding, together with the geophysical data, allows us to propose that the mantle metasomatism is most probably associated with the Neo-Tethys seafloor subduction, which is further testified by the decoupling between depleted Sr Nd isotopes and elevated LILE concentrations. • Miocene basalt in Maguan area, SW China was evolved without crustal contamination • The Maguan basalt is derived from metasomatized asthenospheric mantle • The mantle metasomatism was predominantly caused by deep recycled carbonates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Metformin attenuates BAFF-stimulated B-cell proliferation and survival. • Metformin inhibits BAFF activation of Erk1/2-dependent B-cell proliferation/survival. • Metformin prevents BAFF-activated Erk1/2 from B-cell proliferation/survival by mTOR-PTEN/Akt signaling. • Metformin has a great potential for prevention of excess BAFF-induced aggressive or neoplastic B-cell disorders. B-cell activating factor (BAFF) is an essential cytokine for B-cell maturation, differentiation and survival, and excess BAFF induces aggressive or neoplastic B-cell disorders and contributes to development of autoimmune diseases. Metformin, an anti-diabetic drug, has recently garnered a great attention due to its anti-proliferative and immune-modulatory features. However, little is known regarding the effect of metformin on BAFF-stimulated B cells. Here, we show that metformin attenuated human soluble BAFF (hsBAFF)-induced cell proliferation and survival by blocking the Erk1/2 pathway in normal and B-lymphoid (Raji) cells. Pretreatment with U0126, knockdown of Erk1/2, or expression of dominant negative MKK1 strengthened metformin's inhibition of hsBAFF-activated Erk1/2 and B-cell proliferation/viability, whereas expression of constitutively active MKK1 rendered high resistance to metformin. Further investigation found that overexpression of wild type PTEN or ectopic expression of dominant negative Akt potentiated metformin's suppression of hsBAFF-induced Erk1/2 activation and proliferation/viability in Raji cells, implying a PTEN/Akt-dependent mechanism involved. Furthermore, we noticed that metformin hindered hsBAFF-activated mTOR pathway in B cells. Inhibition of mTOR with rapamycin or knockdown of mTOR enhanced metformin's suppression of hsBAFF-induced phosphorylation of S6K1, PTEN, Akt, and Erk1/2, as well as B-cell proliferation/viability. These results indicate that metformin prevents BAFF activation of Erk1/2 from cell proliferation and survival by impeding mTOR-PTEN/Akt signaling pathway in normal and neoplastic B-lymphoid cells. Our findings support that metformin has a great potential for prevention of excessive BAFF-induced aggressive B-cell malignancies and autoimmune diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is important to understand the mechanism of toluene absorption by phosphonium ionic liquids (PILs) for volatile organic compound removal with ionic liquids. In this work, the molecular structures of trimethyl(butyl)phosphonium tetrafluoroborate ([P 1114 [BF 4), trimethyl(butyl)phosphonium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([P 1114 [Tf 2 N]), tributyl(propyl)phosphonium tetrafluoroborate ([P 4443 [BF 4) and tributyl(propyl)phosphonium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([P 4443 [Tf 2 N]) were optimized by quantum chemical calculations at the GGA/PW91 level with the DNP basis set of density functional theory (DFT). The most stable configurations for toluene absorption by these PILs with multiple sites were also obtained by calculation under the same conditions. The main parameters for the most stable structure, data for the Mulliken charge and frontier molecular orbitals were further determined and discussed. It was found that the interactions of PILs with toluene are mainly composed of hydrogen bonds, C-H···π bond interactions and electrostatic attraction, and most of the calculated frontier molecular orbitals are concentrated on the toluene molecule. Additionally, analysis showed that [BF 4 − is inclined to form hydrogen bonds with cations and the methyl groups of toluene, and [Tf 2 N]− tends to attract toluene via electrostatic attraction. Investigation of the absorption energy with multiple sites indicated that PILs have great performance for toluene absorption. Analysis of the ionic size and geometric structure of the PILs demonstrated that the space available for accommodating toluene is an important condition for toluene absorption and is mainly provided by cations. In particular, PILs with cations having suitable long alkyl side chains show excellent capacity for toluene absorption. Moreover, NBO and AIM analyses confirmed the existence of weak closed-shell interactions (hydrogen bonds and C-H···π bonds) between toluene and PILs. The experimental results obtained for the static toluene absorption by the PILs provide a great supplement and confirmation of the calculations [Display omitted] • Structure of phosphonium cation is conducive for multiple sites absorption. • Space for accommodating toluene is mainly provided by phosphonium cation. • Suitable long alkyl chain is necessary for the high toluene absorption. • Static toluene absorption amount for [P 8883 [BF 4 is as high as 2840 mg/g. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The origin of intermediate rocks in large igneous provinces (LIPs) is unclear. We investigated this with an integrated petrological, mineralogical, geochronological, and geochemical study of the Chigu Tso tholeiitic intrusive suite (including dolerite, diorite, and tonalitic dykes and sills) in central Comei LIP, SE Tibet. The intermediate rocks (diorites and tonalites) within this suite were dated at c. 133 Ma, coeval with the c. 132 Ma Comei LIP. This suite exhibits a compositional continuum from dolerite through diorite to tonalite (SiO 2 = 51.2–62.6 wt%) and similar Nd isotopic compositions, suggesting derivation from a common parental magma. Mass balance calculations of major elements suggest that the tholeiitic intermediate rocks with a high FeOt/MgO ratio (> 3.4) in Chigu Tso can be produced by large degrees (60–85 wt%) of differentiation of primary magmas with a low FeOt/MgO ratio (0.7). The P–T estimates based on clinopyroxene and amphibole compositions suggest a persistent mid-crustal magma chamber (11–19 km deep) beneath Chigu Tso that allowed for cooling (> 350 °C) and extensive magma differentiation (up to 85 wt% fractional crystallization). We attribute the generation of intermediate tholeiitic magmas to the fractional crystallization of a large amount of SiO 2 -poor and halogen-rich amphiboles at the late stage of differentiation. This process can also explain the generation of "granophyre" in large layered intrusions, based on their similar volatile-rich nature and high FeOt/MgO ratio. • Presence of tholeiitic dolerite-diorite-tonalite association in the Comei LIP. • Tholeiitic intermediate rocks were produced by amphibole fractional crystallization. • Amphibole crystallized in volatile-rich magma at the late stage of differentiation. • A mid-crustal chamber provides room for persistent magma storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A new type of grooved GFRP shear key was studied and applied. • High-strength concrete was applied to investigate the durability of GFRP plate-concrete interfaces. • The durability of four types of GFRP plate-high-strength concrete interfaces was compared. • The bond behaviour of the four types of interfaces were studied. The excellent bonding performance of the glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) profile-high-strength concrete interface is the key to ensuring the safety, reliability and durability of a composite structure. Therefore, it is necessary to study the durability of the composite interface. In this paper, a total of 48 GFRP plate-high-strength concrete double-lap joints were tested to investigate the effect of the epoxy resin type, interfacial type and artificial seawater immersion time on the bonded interfaces. The main properties of the bonded joints were examined, including the failure mode, ultimate load, load-slip curve, typical strain and shear stress distributions along GFRP plates. The results showed that the ultimate loads of each type of interface gradually decreased with increasing immersion time. After 360 days of artificial seawater immersion at a constant temperature, the ultimate load of the wet bond (WB) interface had the largest reduction, and the ultimate load of the dry bond (DB) interface showed a minimal decrease. The ultimate load of the shear key combined with wet bond (SK-WB) interface was significantly greater than that of the other three interfaces under different immersion ages. In general, the durability of the interface with the CFSR type (B-type) epoxy resin was superior to that of the Sanyu L-500 type (A-type) epoxy resin. The strain and interfacial shear stress distributions along GFRP plates of the DB interface specimens were different from that of the SK-WB interface specimens under different immersion ages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aiming to improve the gas diffusion in ionic liquid (IL) and give full play to the selectivity of IL for CO 2 sorption, dispersed 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([BMIM][PF 6), tri- n -butyl propyl phosphonium succinimide ([P 4443 [SUC]) and tri- n -butyl propyl phosphonium iminodiacetic acid ([P 4443 2 [IDA]) droplets as core materials were encapsulated in silica gel, polysulfone and polystyrene by sol-gel method, solvent evaporation and suspension polymerization method to form the novel microcapsules containing ionic liquid. The microcapsules were evaluated by infrared analysis, thermogravimetry, morphology and CO 2 /N 2 sorption. It is concluded that the preparation method and IL type have a great influence on loading amount and morphology, which further affect CO 2 sorption. The IL-based microcapsules display irregular or spherical particles and contain relatively high amounts of ionic liquid (~60–70 wt%) by sol-gel method and suspension polymerization. Encapsulated ionic liquid materials have the better CO 2 sorption capacity and CO 2 /N 2 selectivity than the supporters, especially phosphonium ionic liquid ([P 4443 [SUC]) microcapsules prepared by sol-gel method. The loss of CO 2 sorption capacity is only about 0.104 wt% after being recycled for 8 times. Additionally, CO 2 sorption kinetics of the ionic liquid microcapsules follow pseudo-second-order model and microcapsules have a drastic increase in mass transfer rate. Image 1 • The microcapsules containing about 20–70% w/w of ionic liquid were obtained. • Microcapsules with phosphonium cation and succinimide or iminodiacetic acid anion had better CO 2 sorption. • CO 2 sorption of the microcapsules followed pseudo-second-order kinetic model. • CO 2 sorption equilibrium time of microcapsules was about 30 min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determining the origin and related mantle dynamics responsible for the generation of giant granitic batholiths in convergent margins is critical to unravel the formation mechanism of the silica–rich continental crust. This paper reports the whole–rock major element, trace element, Sr-Nd isotopic, and zircon U-Pb age and Hf isotope data of samples from the Menglian Batholith in the eastern Tengchong Terrane of southwest Yunnan. These samples consist of two groups, including the Group I rocks that are mostly granitic with zircon U-Pb ages of 132–122 Ma and the Group II rocks that display varying compositions from gabbroic to granitic with zircon U-Pb ages of 122–112 Ma. The Group I samples have zircon ε Hf (t) of −11.7 to −4.2 and whole–rock ε Nd (t) of −10.1 to −8.9, whereas the Group II samples show elevated zircon ε Hf (t) of −7.8 to +7.1 and whole–rock ε Nd (t) of −9.0 to −6.9 and ε Hf (t) of −3.1 to −1.0. The Nd-Hf isotopic compositions of the Group I rocks are coupled, likely resulting from the partial melting of an ancient lower crust. However, the Nd-Hf isotopic compositions of the Group II rocks are decoupled, likely inheriting from the mantle–derived material with decoupled Nd-Hf isotopic compositions. Regional geological correlation and compositional transition documented by the Group I and Group II samples collectively indicate that the slab rollback and subsequent breakoff of the subducting Bangong–Nujiang ocean lithosphere during the Tengchong–Baoshan collision can be invoked to explain the generation of the Menglian Batholith. The similarity of average compositions between the Group II samples and the bulk continental crust suggests that the addition of mantle–derived material to the ancient crust–derived melts seems to be an efficient process for crustal growth during continental collisions. • Menglian Batholith was emplaced at 132–122 Ma (Group I) and 122–112 Ma (Group II). • Group I and II samples are coupled and decoupled in Nd-Hf isotopes, respectively. • Decoupling Nd-Hf isotopic compositions are inherited from mantle–derived material. • Group I and II samples are associated with slab rollback and breakoff. • Addition of mantle–derived material contributes to crustal growth efficiently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lithospheric mantle should be depleted in base- and precious-metals as these elements are transferred to the crust during partial melting. However, some melt-depleted mantle peridotites are enriched in these ore-forming elements. This may reflect re-fertilization of the mantle lithosphere and/or sequestering of these elements by residual mantle phase(s). Both processes remain poorly understood because of the low abundances of incompatible elements in peridotite and the nugget-like distribution of digestion-resistant mantle phases that pose analytical challenges for conventional geochemical methods. Herein we report new major and trace element concentrations for a suite of mantle peridotite and pyroxenite samples from the Late Permian to Middle Triassic Nahlin ophiolite (Cache Creek terrane, British Columbia, Canada) using Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICPMS) analysis of nanoparticulate powders and olivine. Compatible to moderately incompatible element concentrations suggest that Nahlin ophiolite peridotites represent residues after ≥20% melt extraction. Pyroxenite dykes and replacive dunite bands are folded and closely intercalated with residual harzburgite. These field relationships, coupled with the presence of intergranular base metal sulphide, clinopyroxene and Cr-spinel at the microscale, point to percolating melts that variably re-fertilized melt-depleted mantle peridotite. Radiogenic Pb (206Pb/204Pb = 15.402–19.050; 207Pb/204Pb = 15.127–15.633; 208Pb/204Pb = 34.980–38.434; n = 45) and Os (187Os/188Os 0.1143–0.5745; n = 58) isotope compositions for a subset of melt-depleted peridotite samples further support metasomatic re-fertilization of these elements. Other ore-forming elements are also implicated in these metasomatic reactions because some melt-depleted peridotite samples are enriched relative to the primitive mantle, opposite to their expected behaviour during partial melting. New LA-ICPMS analysis of fresh olivine further demonstrates that a significant proportion of the highly incompatible element budget for the most melt-depleted rocks is either hosted by, and/or occurs as trapped inclusions within, the olivine-rich residues. Trapped phases from past melting and/or re-fertilization events are the preferred explanation for unradiogenic Pb isotope compositions and Paleozoic to Paleoproterozoic Re-depletion model ages, which predate the Nahlin ophiolite by over one billion years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toluene absorption by the ion pairs of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis((trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl)imide ([Bmim][TFSI]), 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([Bmim][BF 4) and tributyl(propyl)phosphonium tetrafluoroborate ([P 4443 [BF 4) is performed at the GGA/PW91 level using a density functional theory (DFT). The ion pairs of [Bmim][TFSI], [Bmim][BF 4 and [P 4443 [BF 4 are stable with five, five and six hydrogen bonds between the anions and cations, respectively. There is no hydrogen bond and just one C–H⋯π bond between toluene and [Bmim][TFSI], while two hydrogen bonds and three C–H⋯π bonds are formed between absorbed toluene and [Bmim][BF 4 or [P 4443 [BF 4. That shows the interaction between the ion pairs of [Bmim][BF 4 and [P 4443 [BF 4 with toluene is stronger than that of [Bmim][TFSI]. Moreover, [P 4443 + has greater effect on the charge transfer of toluene than [Bmim]+ based on the higher electrostatic force with toluene, which indicates that [P 4443 [BF 4 has better advantage on toluene absorption than [Bmim][BF 4. The absorption energy (Eabs, in kJ·mol-1) between toluene and ion pairs of [Bmim][TFSI], [Bmim][BF 4 and [P 4443 [BF 4 is −28.88 kJ mol−1, -34.13 kJ mol−1 and -39.38 kJ mol−1, respectively. The frontier molecular orbital (FMO) analysis indicates that absorption of toluene by ionic liquids is a physical process. The HOMO and LUMO of [P 4443 [BF 4 ·C 7 H 8 are all localized in toluene, but the LUMO of [Bmim][BF 4 ·C 7 H 8 is composed by the atoms of imidazolium ring in cation, which also shows that the interaction between toluene and [P 4443 [BF 4 is stronger. In the simulation study, the molecular insight into mechanism of toluene absorption by imidazolium and phosphonium ionic liquids is provided by the comprehension including hydrogen bond, C–H⋯π bonds, electrostatic force and the frontier molecular orbital, which is fundamental for industrial application of ionic liquids in toluene separation. • [P 4443 + charge transfer to toluene is larger than [Bmim]+. • HOMO and LUMO of [P 4443 [BF 4 ·C 7 H 8 are all concentrated in toluene. • Hydrogen bond and C–H⋯π bond are all present in ILs absorption of toluene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]