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Abstract: One novel 2-D polythreading framework named as [Cu3(CN)3(NH3)] (1), was obtained through the self-assembling of CuCN under hydrothermal reaction. It is remarkable that there is a 26-membered [Cu10(CN)8] decanuclear metallamacrocycle with the effective size of ca. 16.8×6.83Å2 along the a-axis. These 2-D layers stack in an ··ABAB···staggered fashion, with the lateral {(CN)Cu3(NH3)} moieties of each layer inserting into the voids of the decanuclear metallamacrocycles from two adjacent layers. Optical diffuse reflectance spectrum and the result of DFT calculation reveal that 1 is potential direct semiconducting material. In the solid state at room temperature, 1 shows bright yellow fluorescence under ultraviolet light illumination. Its emissive excited state is primarily attributed to the LMCT, LLCT and 3[MMLCT] excited state, based on the result of DFPT calculation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Embryonic stem cells were isolated from rabbit blastocysts derived from fertilization (conventional rbES cells), parthenogenesis (pES cells) and nuclear transfer (ntES cells), and propagated in a serum-free culture system. Rabbit ES (rbES) cells proliferated for a prolonged time in an undifferentiated state and maintained a normal karyotype. These cells grew in a monolayer with a high nuclear/cytoplasm ratio and contained a high level of alkaline phosphate activity. In addition, rbES cells expressed the pluripotent marker Oct-4, as well as EBAF2, FGF4, TDGF1, but not antigens recognized by antibodies against SSEA-1, SSEA-3, SSEA-4, TRA-1–10 and TRA-1–81. All 3 types of ES cells formed embryoid bodies and generated teratoma that contained tissue types of all three germ layers. rbES cells exhibited a high cloning efficiency, were genetically modified readily and were used as nuclear donors to generate a viable rabbit through somatic cell nuclear transfer. In combination with genetic engineering, the ES cell technology should facilitate the creation of new rabbit lines. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Synchronization is a crucial operation in many parallel applications. Conventional synchronization mechanisms are failing to keep up with the increasing demand for efficient synchronization operations as systems grow larger and network latency increases. The contributions of this paper are threefold. First, we revisit some representative synchronization algorithms in light of recent architecture innovations and provide an example of how the simplifying assumptions made by typical analytical models of synchronization mechanisms can lead to significant performance estimate errors. Second, we present an architectural innovation called active memory that enables very fast atomic operations in a shared-memory multiprocessor. Third, we use execution-driven simulation to quantitatively compare the performance of a variety of synchronization mechanisms based on both existing hardware techniques and active memory operations. To the best of our knowledge, synchronization based on active memory outforms all existing spinlock and non-hardwired barrier implementations by a large margin. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

An amorphous GeO x /NC composite as an efficient host for room-temperature sodium–sulfur batteries. The fabricated S@GeO x /NC electrodes with enriched oxygen vacancies to immobilize and facilitate the redox kinetics of polysulfide for RT Na–S batteries, delivering superior electrochemical performance. [Display omitted] The practical applications of room-temperature sodium-sulfur (RT Na-S) batteries have been greatly hindered by the natural sluggish reaction kinetics of sulfur and the shuttle effect of sodium polysulfide (NaPSs). Herein, oxygen vacancy (OV)-mediated amorphous GeO x /nitrogen doped carbon (donated as GeO x /NC) composites were well designed as sulfur hosts for RT Na–S batteries. Experimental and density functional theory studies show that the introduction of oxygen vacancies on GeO x /NC can effectively immobilize polysulfides and accelerate the redox kinetics of polysulfides. Meanwhile, the micro-and mesoporous framework, acting as a reactor for storing active S, is conducive to alleviating the expansion of S during the charging/discharging process. Consequently, the S@GeO x /NC cathode affords a reversible capacity of 1017 mA h g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 after 100 cycles, outstanding rate capability of 333 mA h g−1 at 10.0 A g−1 and long lifespan cyclability of 385 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1 after 1200 cycles. This work furnishes a new way for the rational design of metal oxides with oxygen vacancies and boosts the application for RT Na-S batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Transition metal selenides (TMSs) have drawn substantial attention as promising anode materials for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) on account of their rapid reaction kinetics and high reversible capacity. However, the undesirable capacity decay and inferior rate performance still hamper their large-scale application. Herein, an anode material comprising combination of olivary nanostructure FeSe 2 core and nitrogen-doped carbon shell (designated as FeSe 2 @NC) is well designed by in-situ polymerization and selenization method. The well-designed nitrogen-doped carbon shell can not only alleviate the volume variation during the electrode cycling but also provide an optimized ion/electron transport pathway. The resulting FeSe 2 @NC electrodes exhibit a superior rate capability of 228.4 mA h g−1 at 10 A g−1 and a long cycling performance of 246.5 mA h g−1 at 5 A g−1 after 1000 cycles, which can be assigned to the enhanced structural integrity and improved electrical conductivity. The strategy would present a promising thought for structure design of TMSs as anode materials, which could enhance high-rate and long-lasting cycle performances for SIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Bimetallic cobalt iron boride nanoparticle catalyst was successfully synthesized. • The bimetallic cobalt iron boride catalyst shows excellent over all water splitting performance. • Outstanding performance of the catalyst roots form the synergistic effect of the optimized electronic and composition. Developing an efficient bifunctional catalyst for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER) and Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER) in water splitting technology is very attractive for clean energy. Here, a new Co-Fe-B ternary catalyst with improved crystallinity is successfully synthesized by combining the chemical reduction and subsequent solid-state reaction method. Synchrotron-based X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) indicate the electronic structure redistribution is favor for the improved performance. The overpotential is only 129 mV and 280 mV for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline condition, the corresponding Tafel slope is 67.3 mV dec−1 and 38.9 mV dec−1. Density functional theory calculations distinguish that the ternary crystalline Co-Fe-B catalysts are thermodynamically favorable for HER and OER. The actual active species of the ternary catalyst in OER is the CoOOH and FeOOH as indicated in ex situ Raman spectra. The present work may introduce promising crystallinity borides material for the anode and cathode of water splitting device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The benefit of lateral pelvic lymph node dissection (LPLD) for locally advanced rectal cancer remains controversial. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of LPLD in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. We performed a systematic search in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for publications comparing radical resection plus LPLD (LPLD group) with single radical resection (non-LPLD group) for locally advanced rectal cancer. A total of 15 studies satisfied our inclusion criteria and were assessed. Random-effects and fixed-effects meta-analytical models were used where indicated, and between-study heterogeneity was assessed. LPLD significantly increased grade 3-4 postoperative complications (odds ratio [OR]1.44, 95% CI 1.03-2.02; P = 0.03) compared with non-LPLD. There were no significant differences in 5-y overall survival (hazard ratio = 0.90, 95% CI 0.77-1.05; P = 0.17), 5-y disease-free survival (hazard ratio 1.12, 95% CI 0.60-2.09; P = 0.73), local recurrence (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.53-1.51; P = 0.68) or distant recurrence (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.64-1.12; P = 0.24). We found that LPLD significantly increased grade 3-4 postoperative complications but did not increase 5-y overall survival or 5-y disease-free survival compared with single radical resection for locally advanced rectal cancer. Furthermore, it did not decrease the local recurrence or distant recurrence rates. Thus, more multicenter large-scale randomized controlled trials should be conducted to further explore whether the long-term survival benefits of LPLD truly exist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Histone lysine demethylase 4D (KDM4D), also known as JMJD2D, plays an important role in cell proliferation and survival and has been associated with several tumor types. KDM4D has emerged as a potential target for the treatment of human cancer. Here, we reported crystal complex structures for two KDM4D inhibitors, OWS [2-(1 H -pyrazol-3-yl)isonicotinic acid] and 10r (5-hydroxy-2-methylpyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrido[3,2-e]pyrimidine-3-carbonitrile), which were both determined to 2.0 Å. OWS is a newly discovered KDM4D inhibitor (IC 50 = 4.28 μM) and the critical pharmacophores of this compound are confirmed by the complex structure. Compound 10r is a KDM4D inhibitor reported by us previously. To clarify the binding mode in more detail, the crystal structure was determined and the comparison analysis revealed unique interactions that had never been observed before. Overall, our data provide new structural insights for rational design and offer an opportunity for optimization of KDM4D inhibitors. • Crystal complex structures for two KDM4D inhibitors, OWS [2-(1 H -pyrazol-3-yl)isonicotinic acid] and 10r (5-hydroxy-2-methylpyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrido[3,2-e]pyrimidine-3-carbonitrile), were determined. • We report the discovery of a new KDM4D inhibitor, OWS, containing the 2-(1 H -pyrazol-3-yl)pyridine scaffold. • KDM4D- 10r complex structure reveals new details of protein-ligand interaction that have never been observed before. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monoubiquitination of FANCD2 is a central step in the activation of the Fanconi anemia (FA) pathway after DNA damage. Defects in the FA pathway centered around FANCD2 not only lead to genomic instability but also induce tumorigenesis. At present, few studies have investigated FANCD2 in tumors, and no pan-cancer research on FANCD2 has been conducted. We conducted a comprehensive analysis of the role of FANCD2 in cancer using public databases and other published studies. Moreover, we evaluated the role of FANCD2 in the proliferation, migration and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma cells through in vitro and in vivo experiments, and explored the role of FANCD2 in cisplatin chemoresistance. We investigated the regulatory effect of FANCD2 on the cell cycle of lung adenocarcinoma cells by flow cytometry, and verified this effect by western blotting. FANCD2 expression is elevated in most TCGA tumors and shows a strong positive correlation with poor prognosis in tumor patients. In addition, FANCD2 expression shows strong correlations with immune infiltration, immune checkpoints, the tumor mutation burden (TMB), and microsatellite instability (MSI), which are immune-related features, suggesting that it may be a potential target of tumor immunotherapy. We further found that FANCD2 significantly promotes the proliferation, invasion, and migration abilities of lung adenocarcinoma cells and that its ability to promote cancer cell proliferation may be achieved by modulating the cell cycle. The findings indicate that FANCD2 is a potential biomarker and therapeutic target in cancer treatment by analyzing the oncogenic role of FANCD2 in different tumors. • This study provides the first pan-cancer analysis of FANCD2 using data from public databases. • FANCD2 is upregulated and has poor prognosis in most cancers and plays a potential role in regulating tumor immunity. • We further validated FANCD2 as an important oncogenic gene and promotes tumor progression by regulating cell cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • FKN involves in the inflammatory and remodeling processes after AMI. • FKN is negative correlated with myocardial salvage in STEMI patients underwent PCI. • Higher FKN level after primary PCI predicts worse MACE events in AMI patients. Abstract Background Recent studies demonstrated that fractalkine (FKN) is critically involved in the regulation of inflammation and cardiac function. Objective This study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of circulating FKN in patients with ST-elevated acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) after primary PCI. Methods We enrolled ninety consecutive STEMI patients and investigated the association of circulating FKN with myocardial salvage and the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) after PCI. Results During a median follow-up of 387 days, total 15 MACE (16.67%) were registered in the study population. Patients with MACE were more likely to be occurred in elderly patients with 3-vessel disease. Correlation analysis demonstrated the level of FKN at day 1 after PCI (FKN@day-1) not only significantly correlated with the levels of hs-TnT at day 7 after PCI (R2 = 0.06; p = 0.02) but inversely correlated with the measurements of LVEF at 1-month observation (R2 = 0.10; p = 0.00). Kaplan-Meier survival analyses further revealed that patients with the level of FKN@day-1 above the median had a higher incidence of MACE compared with those whose FKN@day-1 levels below the median (log-rank test x2 = 13.29, p < 0.001). In addition, multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that FKN@day-1 was an independent predictor of MACE (hazard ratio: 4.63; 95% confidence interval: 1.53–14.01; p = 0.00), together with WBC count and 3-vessel disease for STEMI patients. Conclusions Our study demonstrates that FKN@day-1 is negative correlated with myocardial salvage after acute myocardial infarction and might be a valuable prognostic marker of MACE in patients with STEMI undergone PCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract AtNPF7.3/AtNRT1.5, which is a nitrate transporter that drives root-to-shoot transport of NO 3 −, is also involved in modulating the response to K+ deprivation in Arabidopsis by affecting root development and K+ transport. However, whether NPF7.3/NRT1.5 functions in regulating plant responses to deficiencies of other nutrients remains unknown. In this study, we found that the expression of AtNPF7.3/AtNRT1.5 was predominant in the roots and was substantially induced by phosphate (Pi) starvation. The atnrt1.5 mutants displayed conspicuously longer primary roots along with a significantly reduced lateral root density under Pi-deficient conditions than did the wild-type plants, and these morphological differences in the roots were eliminated to a certain extent by the ethylene synthesis antagonist Co2+. Further analyses revealed that the expression of important Pi starvation-induced genes, which are directly involved in Pi transport, mobilization and distribution, were significantly higher in the atnrt1.5 mutants than that in the wild-type plants under Pi-starvation conditions; therefore, the atnrt1.5 mutants retained higher tissue Pi concentrations. Taken together, our results suggest that NPF7.3/NRT1.5 is an important component in the regulation of phosphate deficiency responses in Arabidopsis. Highlights • Expression of NRT1.5 was strongly induced by Pi-starvation. • Nrt1.5 mutants displayed altered root architecture under Pi-deficiency. • Nrt1.5 mutants might lose the ethylene responsiveness under Pi-deficiency. • The mutation of NRT1.5 enhanced the expression of Pi starvation-induced genes. • The mutation of NRT1.5 increased the tissue Pi content under Pi-deficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Butyrate production from renewable biomass shows great potential against climate change and over-consumption of fossil fuels. Herein, key operational parameters of a cathodic electro-fermentation (CEF) process were optimized for efficient butyrate production from rice straw by mixed culture. The cathode potential, controlled pH and initial substrate dosage were optimized at −1.0 V (vs Ag/AgCl), 7.0 and 30 g/L, respectively. Under the optimal conditions, 12.50 g/L butyrate with yield of 0.51 g/g-rice straw were obtained in batch-operated CEF system. In fed-batch mode, butyrate production significantly increased to 19.66 g/L with the yield of 0.33 g/g-rice straw, but 45.99% butyrate selectivity still needs to be improved in future. Enriched butyrate producing bacteria (Clostridium cluster XIVa and IV) with proportion of 58.75% on the 21st day of the fed-batch fermentation, contributed to the high-level butyrate production. The study provides a promising approach for efficient butyrate production from lignocellulosic biomass. [Display omitted] • A CEF system is optimized for efficient butyrate production from rice straw. • The optimal cathode potential, pH and initial substrate are −1.0 V, 7.0 and 30 g/L. • Optimized batch CEF obtained 12.50 g/L butyrate with 0.51 g/g-rice straw yield. • 19.66 g/L butyrate is achieved by enriched functional bacteria in fed-batch CEF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous meta-analyses of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) combination therapy pooled sequential and initial combination together, which might threaten their authenticity and clinical significance for the difference between two strategies. PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared sequential combination therapy (SCT) with background therapy (BT) in PAH patients. Raw data were extracted to calculate risk ratio (RR) or weighted mean difference (WMD) for predefined efficacy and safety outcomes. Mantel-Haenszel fixed or random effects model was used based on heterogeneity. 17 RCTs involving 4343 patients (97.2% of patients with WHO-FC II-III) were included. SCT decreased clinical worsening (RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.58 to 0.76), nonfatal clinical worsening (RR 0.61, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.71), functional class (decrease of 28% in the portion of patients with WHO-FC worsening and increase of 33% in the portion of patients with WHO-FC improvement), and increased 6-min walk distance (WMD 17.68 m, 95% CI 10.16 to 25.20), but didn't reduce mortality, lung transplantation, admission to hospital, and treatment escalation compared with BT. Although any adverse event and serious adverse event were similar between SCT and BT, SCT increased all-cause treatment discontinuation (RR 1.49, 95% CI 1.30 to 1.71) and drug-related treatment discontinuation (RR 2.30, 95% CI 1.86 to 2.84) with higher incidence of headache, flushing, nausea, diarrhoea and jaw pain. For WHO-FC II-III PAH patients who have established BT, our study reinforced the recommendation of SCT to improve clinical worsening, functional status, and exercise capacity, although with higher incidence of side-effects and withdrawal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poor cell survival post transplantation compromises the therapeutic benefits of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in myocardial infarction (MI). Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is an important cytokine for angiogenesis, anti-inflammation and anti-apoptosis. This study aimed to evaluate the cardioprotective effects of MSCs overexpressing HGF in a mouse model of MI. The apoptosis of umbilical cord-derived MSCs (UC-MSCs) and HGF-UC-MSCs under normoxic and hypoxic conditions was detected. The conditioned medium (CdM) of UC-MSCs and HGF-UC-MSCs under a hypoxic condition was harvested and its protective effect on neonatal cardiomyocytes (NCMs) exposed to a hypoxic challenge was examined. UC-MSCs and HGF-UC-MSCs were transplanted into the peri-infarct region in mice following MI and heart function assessed 4 weeks post transplantation. The apoptosis of HGF-UC-MSCs under hypoxic conditions was markedly decreased compared with that of UC-MSCs. NCMs treated with HGF-UC-MSC hypoxic CdM (HGF-UC-MSCs-hy-CdM) exhibited less cell apoptosis in response to hypoxic challenge than those treated with UC-MSC hypoxic CdM (UC-MSCs-hy-CdM). HGF-UC-MSCs-hy-CdM released the inhibited p-Akt and lowered the enhanced ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 induced by hypoxia in the NCMs. HGF-UC-MSCs-hy-CdM expressed higher levels of HGF, EGF, bFGF and VEGF than UC-MSCs-hy-CdM. Transplantation of HGF-UC-MSCs or UC-MSCs greatly improved heart function in the mouse model of MI. Compared with UC-MSCs, transplantation of HGF-UC-MSCs was associated with less cardiomyocyte apoptosis, enhanced angiogenesis and increased proliferation of cardiomyocytes. This study may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for MSC-based therapy in cardiovascular disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Modulation on the duration of intracellular Ca2+ transients is essential for B-cell activation. We have previously shown that extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) can phosphorylate inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor type 1 (IP3R1) at serine 436 and regulate its calcium channel activity. Here we investigate the potential physiological interaction between ERK and IP3R1 using chicken DT40 B-cell line in which different mutants are expressed. The interaction between ERK and IP3R1 is confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) assays. This constitutive interaction is independent of either ERK kinase activation or IP3R1 phosphorylation status. Back phosphorylation analysis further shows that type 1 IP3R (IP3R1) is phosphorylated by ERK in anti-IgM-activated DT40 cells. Finally, our data show that the phosphorylation of Ser 436 in the IP3-binding domain of IP3R1 leads to less Ca2+ release from endoplasmic reticulum (ER) microsomes and accelerates the declining of calcium increase in DT40 cells in response to anti-IgM stimulation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Type 1 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R1) is a widely expressed intracellular calcium-release channel found in many cell types. The operation of IP3R1 is regulated through phosphorylation by multiple protein kinases. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) has been found involved in calcium signaling in distinct cell types, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we present evidence that ERK1/2 and IP3R1 bind together through an ERK binding motif in mouse cerebellum in vivo as well as in vitro. ERK-phosphorylating serines (Ser 436) was identified in mouse IP3R1 and Ser 436 phosphorylation had a suppressive effect on IP3 binding to the recombinant N-terminal 604-amino acid residues (N604). Moreover, phosphorylation of Ser 436 in R(224–604) evidently enhance its interaction with the N-terminal “suppressor” region (N223). At last, our data showed that Ser 436 phosphorylation in IP3R1 decreased Ca2+ releasing through IP3R1 channels. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: It has been shown recently that hyperplasia suppressor gene (HSG) is a powerful regulator for cell proliferation and has a critical role in mitochondrial fusion in many cells. However, little is known about its expression, localization, and function during oocyte maturation and early embryogenesis. In this study, with indirect immunofluorescent staining and Western blotting, we found that HSG was expressed in mouse oocytes and preimplantation embryos which primarily exhibited a submembrane distribution pattern in the cytoplasm. Moreover, HSG mainly associated with β-tubulin during oocyte maturation and early embryonic development. When mouse zygotes were injected with HSG antisense plasmid and cultured in vitro, their capacity to form blastocysts was severely impaired. Our results indicate that HSG plays an essential role in mouse preimplantation development. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Mammalian freeze-dried sperm can maintain their genetic integrity and event support full development to term when microinjected into mature oocytes. However, it is unknown whether freeze-dried sperm can still maintain their calcium oscillation-inducing capability. Here, we microinjected mouse and bovine freeze-dried sperm into mouse MII oocytes and examined their calcium oscillation-inducing ability following intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Two pieces of information are revealed. First, nearly all oocytes injected with a freeze-dried mouse sperm head or a bovine sperm showed fertilization-like calcium oscillations, indicating that freeze-drying treatment does not affect the activity of the sperm factor responsible for calcium oscillations. Second, freeze-dried sperm exhibited high resistance to external temperature increase. This is shown by the finding that the freeze-dried sperm can maintain their calcium oscillation-inducing capacity even following exposure to 100°C for 3h. We therefore conclude that mammalian sperm can maintain their calcium oscillation-inducing capability following freeze-drying, rehydration, and ICSI treatments. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]