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Abstract Waveguiding in a phononic crystal (PC) can be achieved along either linear line defects or a sequence of cavities, for frequencies belonging to a complete bandgap. When waves are coupled inside a PC waveguide, modulations in the frequency transmission are generally observed, leading to the formation of a channeled spectrum. We show that the channeled spectrum results from the interference of forward and backward guided Bloch waves. We first theoretically develop a Bloch wave interference model. Then, we consider the case of linear waveguides and of coupled-resonator waveguides formed in a 2D square PC composed of water cylinders in mercury. The transmission properties of waveguides with different length and defect distribution are examined. In all cases, the observed channeled spectra are well explained by the theoretical model. This work is relevant to the design of new acoustic and elastic wave devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a carboxylic oligopyridine ligand, 4′-(4-carboxyphenyl)−4,2′:6′,4″- terpyridine (Hcptpy), and imidazole-4,5-dicarboxylic acid (H 3 idc), two metal(II)-cptpy compounds formulated as [Zn 2 (cptpy) 4 ] n ·nH 2 O ( 1 ), [Zn 2 (cptpy) 2 (Hidc)(H 2 O) 2 ] n ·nH 2 O ( 2 ) have been hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 1 shows a 2D +2D →3D supramolecular framework structure generated by two-fold interpenetrating 3-connected 2D framework (2D+2D→2D) with the sql topological net and the Schläfli symbol of {4 4 ·6 2 }. Compound 2 displays a 1D ladder chain structure. The luminescent properties of 1 and the ones immersed in various kinds of organic compounds and nitrate@DMF solutions have been investigated. Importantly, 1 shows highly selective and sensitive response to acetone and Cu 2+ through luminescence quenching effects, making it a promising luminescent sensor for acetone molecule and Cu 2+ . Meaningwhile, compound 2 shows highly selective sensitivity for Cr 2 O 7 2− . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate two-dimensional phononic metaplates consisting of a periodic array of cups on a thin epoxy plate that is perforated with periodic cross holes. The cups are individually filled with water or remain empty, in view of creating reconfigurable phononic waveguides. Phononic band gaps exist for empty or filled epoxy cups, leading to waveguides defined with either positive or negative contrast. Straight and 90° bent waveguides are considered experimentally. Lamb waves are excited by a piezoelectric patch glued onto the metaplate and are imaged using a scanning laser vibrometer. Experimental results are compared to a three-dimensional finite element model of fluid–structure interaction. Passing and forbidden frequency ranges are identified for positive and negative contrast, and confined propagation is observed along the waveguides. Significantly, the propagation of acoustoelastic waves in the 90° bent waveguides is observed experimentally. Reconfigurability and reusability are thus realized based on the coupling of elastic waves in the solid and acoustic waves in the fluid. The results show plenty of potentiality for the practical design of multiplexed and programmable acoustic devices implemented with reconfigurable waveguides printed on demand in a phononic metaplate. • Reconfigurable waveguides with positive or negative contrast by filling fluids. • Bandgaps/passing bands exchange in 2D metaplates via fluid-solid interaction. • Propagation of acoustoelastic waves in 90°-bent waveguides is achieved experimentally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Interleukin-8 (IL-8) is a CXC chemokine that plays key regulatory roles in the immune and inflammatory responses implicated in many human diseases. In this study, we identified and characterized an IL-8 homologue from the grass carp, Ctenopharyngodon idellus. A sequence alignment of the full-length cDNA and genomic DNA showed that the exon/intron organization of grass carp IL-8 (gcIL-8) is identical to those of other known CXC chemokine genes. A multiple alignment analysis showed that gcIL-8 is an ELR–CXC chemokine, and its deduced amino acid sequence shares 81% and 36% identity with common carp IL-8s L1 (GenBank ID: ABE47600) and L2 (GenBank ID: AB470924), respectively, suggesting that it belongs to the lineage 1 group of fish IL-8 proteins. On a phylogenetic tree, gcIL-8 clustered with other teleost IL-8 proteins to form a fish-specific clade, clearly distinct from those of bird, mammal, and amphibian proteins. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis indicated that gcIL-8 is differentially expressed in various tissues under normal conditions and that the expression of gcIL-8 mRNA in immune-related tissues is clearly upregulated by Aeromonas hydrophila infection. To explore the biological effects of gcIL-8, we produced a recombinant protein, rgcIL-8, in a prokaryotic expression system. Purified rgcIL-8 was confirmed to be chemoattractive for head kidney neutrophils and mononuclear leukocytes in vitro. Our histopathological study also revealed that rgcIL-8 exerts proinflammatory effects by inducing neutrophil infiltration and erythrocyte extravasation. Overall, these results suggest that IL-8 is crucially involved in the inflammatory responses of fish. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: To evaluate the effect of biochar amendment on the bioavailability of chlorantraniliprole (CAP) in soils with different physico-chemical properties, the uptake of CAP from various soils by earthworms was studied. It was observed that the biochar amendment of the soils affected the sorption of CAP, but the magnitude of the sorption enhancement by biochar amendment among the soils was varied, presumably due to the attenuation of the sorptivity of the biochar when amended in the soil. The amendment with biochars leads to a decrease in the bioavailability of CAP in the soils to earthworms, and more prominent for biochar BC850 amendment. In the soil with a CAP concentration of 10mgkg−1, the residue of CAP in the earthworm tissues was found to be 9.65mgkg−1, in comparison with that the CAP residue was 4.05mgkg−1 in BC450 amended soil and 0.59mgkg−1 in BC850, respectively. The degree of bioavailability reduction by same level of biochar amendment was different among soils with different properties. The results demonstrate that the properties of soils are important to performance of biochar in soil. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Multifunctional uniform and versatile hollow and rattle-type nanocapsules composed of spindle-shaped Au nanoparticles as cores and fluorescent mesoporous silica shells with tunable optical and fluorescent properties have been developed by controlled etching Au nanorods (AuNRs) coated with mesoporous SiO2 (AuNR@mSiO2) via a small amount of aqua regia (volume ratio HCl/HNO3 =3/1) as an etching agent in a facile way. The etching process can be tracked by UV–Vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy and the size of cavities in the hollow/rattle-type particles can be tuned by controlling the reaction time. The dye molecules incorporated in mSiO2 walls enabled the nanocapsules to be utilized as a fluorescent imaging agent in cancer cell imaging. Furthermore, such hollow/rattle-structured nanocapsules have the merit of enhanced drug loading capacity acting as carriers for the loading and delivery of an anticancer drug, doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX), with higher storage for cancer therapy. Herein, the combined functionalities of simultaneous cell imaging and drug delivery of the synthesized nanocapsules have been demonstrated, which provide a very promising candidate for application in optical imaging and drug delivery for cancer cells. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Arabidopsis RESISTANCE TO POWDERY MILDEW 8.1(RPW8.1) confers broad-spectrum resistance to both fungal and bacterial pathogens. To uncover the regulatory mechanism of RPW8.1 -mediated resistance, we constructed an EMS mutagenesis library based on the Arabidopsis transgenic line R1Y4 expressing RPW8.1-YFP from native promoter. Here, we described a variegation mutant B26m1-4 from the library. Map-based cloning identified a G-to-A point mutation at the border between the 7th intron and the 8th exon of IMMUTANS (IM , AT4G22260) locus, leading to deletion of the entire 8th exon. Although the variegation phenotype is independent of RPW8.1 , mutation in IM significantly compromised RPW8.1 -mediated resistance against powdery mildew and bacterial pathogens, which were associated with attenuated defense responses, such as H 2 O 2 accumulation, cell death, and callose deposition. Taken together, these data indicate that IM positively regulates RPW8.1 -mediated disease resistance. • We identified a variegation mutant and cloned its responsible gene as IM. • IM is required for full function of RPW8.1in resistance to fungal and bacterial pathogens. • IM mutation attenuates defense responses in RPW8.1-expressing Arabidopsis. • The variegation phenotype of im is independent of RPW8.1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ectopic expression of Arabidopsis gene RESISTANCE TO POWDERY MILDEW 8.1 (R1Y4 plant line) triggers a hypersensitive response (HR) providing defense potentially effective against different pathogens. In order to understand the regulation of RPW8.1- mediated signaling, an approach based on ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) mutagenesis was adopted to identify mutants that enhance or impair RPW8.1 -mediated cell death. Here we describe the identification of mutants b10-6 and b9-1, point mutations that were induced in the At2g37630 locus resulting in an amino acid substitution or a premature stop codon in ASYMMETRIC LEAVES 1 (AS1), respectively. Loss-of-function in AS1 altered the transcription of RPW8.1 , RPW8.1 -dependent necrotic lesions in leaves and resistance to powdery mildew. In the mutant b10-6, RPW8.1 -mediated cell death and disease resistance was compromised, however. in b9-1 RPW8.1 -mediated cell death and resistance to powdery mildew was slightly enhanced. Expression of AS1-eYFP within b10-6 background suppressed RPW8.1 -mediated cell death and disease resistance in the short-day condition, but largely restored the phenotypes of b10-6 to that of R1Y4 in the long-day condition. These data imply that proper expression of AS1 is required for full function of RPW8.1 in triggering cell death and resistance to powdery mildew. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The development of D-glucaric acid (GA) production in recombinant cells has leapt forward in recent years, and higher throughput screening and selection of better-performing recombinant cells or biocatalysts is in current demand. A biosensor system which converts GA concentration into fluorescence signal in Escherichia coli was developed in 2016, but its application has rarely been reported. Herein, an effective high-throughput screening approach independent of special-purpose devices such as microfluidic platforms was established and tentatively applied. In this one-pot two-strain system, GA producers—bacterial or yeast cells containing the GA biosynthetic pathway—were sorted with the help of another E. coli strain acting as a GA biosensor. The identification of highly active mutants of myo-inositol oxygenase through this system validates its effectiveness in sorting E. coli cells. Subsequently, accurate ranking of the GA synthesis capacity of a small library of Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains containing distinct GA synthesis pathways demonstrated that this optimized one-pot two-strain system may also be used for eukaryotic producer strains. These results will assist in research into metabolic engineering for GA production and development of biosensor applications. Graphical abstract fx1 Highlights • An effective rapid screening approach based on D-glucaric acid (GA) biosensor in E. coli or yeast. • GA producers were sorted with the help of another E. coli biosensor cell. • D82Y and S173N mutations result in increased activity of MIOX. • Fine-tuning the cofactor balance could increase the GA production of yeast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eleven new coordination polymers, [Zn 2 (ctpy) 2 (HCOO) 2 ] n ·3nH 2 O (1) , [Zn 2 (ctpy) 2 (HCOO) 2 (H 2 O) 2 ] n ·nH 2 O (2) , [Zn 2 (ctpy) 2 (H 2 O) 4 ] n ·2n(CH 3 COO)·nH 2 O (3) , [Zn 2 (ctpy) 2 (CH 3 COO) 2 ] n ·nH 2 O (4) , [Zn(ctpy) 2 ] n ·nH 2 O (5) , [Zn 2 (ctpy) 2 (Hidc)(H 2 O) 2 ] n (6) , [Cd 2 (ctpy) 4 ] n (7) , [Cd 2 (ctpy) 2 (Hidc)] n (8) , [Co 2 (ctpy) 2 (HCOO) 2 (H 2 O) 2 ] n ·nH 2 O (9) , [Co(ctpy)(DMF)(ox) 0.5 ] n (10) , [Co(ctpy)(ox) 0.5 ] n (11) and the closely related compound [Zn(ctpy)(ox) 0.5 ] n ·0.5nH 2 O (12) (Hctpy = 4′-carboxy-4,2′:6′,4′′-terpyridine, H 2 ox = oxalic acid and H 3 idc = imidazole-4,5-dicarboxylic acid) have been synthesized by hydro(solvo)thermal reaction of 4′-carboxy-4,2′:6′,4′′-terpyridine with divalent metal salts and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra, single crystal X-ray diffraction. Compounds 1 and 4 have similar structure which demonstrate a two-fold interpenetrating 3D framework with a 3-connected utp topological net, which contains the same number of left and right-handed 2 1 helical chains. Compounds 2 and 9 are isostructural 2D layer with a 3-connected hcb topological net. Similar to 2 , compound 3 also display s a 3-connected 2D hcb topological net. Compounds 5 and 10 are a 2D layer with a 4-connected sql topological net. Compound 6 shows a chiral 2D layer based on a 1D left- or right-handed helical chains, which are further extended into an achiral 2D + 2D→3D supramolecular network by hydrogen bonds with alternately arrangement. Compound 7 features an unusual 2-fold interpenetrating 3D coordination network which exhibits a new intriguing (3,5)-connected binodal topological net with the Schläfli symbol of (5 2 ·6)(5 3 ·6 3 ·7 3 ·8). Compound 8 shows a 2D→3D supramolecular structure based on (3,4)-connected 2D bilayers with the Schläfli symbol of (4 4 ·6 2 ). Compound 11 displays an unusual three-dimensional coordination network which exhibits an intriguing (3,8)-connected binodal new topological net with Schläfli symbol (4 2 ·6 2 ) 2 (4 2 ·6 23 ·8 3 ). Compound 12 features a two-fold interpenetrating (3,4)-connected 3D framework with the fsc topological net. Compounds 1–12 were obtained under similar reaction conditions. The diverse structures indicate that rational selection of the second ligand, metal salt, counter anion and solvent are good methods to further design metal-organic compounds with new structures and properties. Moreover, their thermal stabilities, photoluminescent and magnetic properties were also investigated. More importantly, compound 12 has been successfully applied in the detection of Fe 3+ ion in DMF solutions and nitrobenzene and the possible detecting mechanism was also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new dihydrobenzofuran neolignans, mappiodoinins A-C ( 1 - 3 ), together with nine known analogues ( 4  - 12 ) were isolated from the stems and leaves of Mappianthus iodoies . Their structures with the absolute configurations were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic methods. This is the first time to find dihydrobenzofuran neolignans from the genus Mappianthus. All isolated compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxicities against five human cancer cell lines: HL-60, SMMC-7721, A-549, MCF-7 and SW-480 in vitro . Neolignans 1 - 12 showed significant cytotoxic effects against various human cancer cell lines with IC 50 values ranging from 0.16 to 18.62 μM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This is the first study to investigate the efficacy and safety of levetiracetam in Uygur pediatric patients. • A total of 680 (64%) pediatric patients responded to levetiracetam therapy with more than 50% reduction in the frequency of seizures. • Seizure-free rates increased over time, being 13%, 15%, and 18% at 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively. • During levetiracetam treatment, 233 pediatric patients (22%) experienced at least one adverse reaction. Levetiracetam is approved as an add-on therapy to treat refractory partial seizures in pediatric patients over four years old. The efficacy and safety in pediatric patients with epilepsy in Uygur, China, is unknown. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the safety, efficacy, and tolerability of levetiracetam in pediatric patients with epilepsy in Uygur, China. This retrospective study compared the efficacy and safety of levetiracetam monotherapy and in combination with other antiseizure medications (ASMs) in 1055 pediatric patients with epilepsy treated with levetiracetam. The seizure frequencies at 1, 2, and 3 years after starting levetiracetam therapy were recorded and compared with the baseline yearly frequency. Safety variables included the incidence and type of adverse reactions. A total of 680 (64%) pediatric patients responded to levetiracetam therapy with a more than 50% reduction in the frequency of seizures. Seizure-free rates increased over time, 13%, 15%, and 18% at 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively. The number of baseline ASMs and the order of levetiracetam introduction were highly significant, impacting the likelihood of seizure remission during a 3-year follow-up period (p < 0.001). During levetiracetam treatment, 233 pediatric patients (22%) experienced at least one adverse reaction. These significant findings indicate that levetiracetam is likely to become a widely prescribed ASM for epilepsy in pediatric clinical practice because of its long-term safety, efficacy, and tolerability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neutrophils are conspicuous components of gastric cancer (GC) tumors, increasing with tumor progression and poor patient survival. However, the phenotype, regulation and clinical relevance of neutrophils in human GC are presently unknown. Most intratumoral neutrophils showed an activated CD54+ phenotype and expressed high level B7-H3. Tumor tissue culture supernatants from GC patients induced the expression of CD54 and B7-H3 on neutrophils in time-dependent and dose-dependent manners. Locally enriched CD54+ neutrophils and B7-H3+ neutrophils positively correlated with increased granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) detection ex vivo; and in vitro GM-CSF induced the expression of CD54 and B7-H3 on neutrophils in both time-dependent and dose-dependent manners. Furthermore, GC tumor-derived GM-CSF activated neutrophils and induced neutrophil B7-H3 expression via JAK-STAT3 signaling pathway activation. Finally, intratumoral B7-H3+ neutrophils increased with tumor progression and independently predicted reduced overall survival. Collectively, these results suggest B7-H3+ neutrophils to be potential biomarkers in GC. • Neutrophils in GC tumors showed an activated CD54+ phenotype and expressed high level B7-H3. • GC tumor-derived GM-CSF activated neutrophils and induced neutrophil B7-H3 expression via JAK-STAT3 signaling pathway activation. • B7-H3+ activated neutrophils induced by GM-CSF correlate with tumor progression and poor survival in human gastric cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Lacosamide (LCM) was approved in China in 2018. However, the safety of LCM has not been established in pediatric patients. • Fifty (69%) children responded to LCM therapy with a more than 50% reduction in the frequency of seizures. • Seizure-free rates increased over time, at 14%, 19%, and 20% at 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. • During the entire period of LCM treatment, twenty-two children (30.5%) experienced at least one adverse reaction. Lacosamide (LCM) was approved in China in 2018. However, the safety of LCM has not been established in pediatric patients. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate its safety, efficacy, and tolerability in pediatric patients living in Uygur, Northwest China. This is a retrospective analysis of pediatric patients diagnosed with epilepsy and on LCM therapy at a medical center. The seizure frequencies at 3, 6, and 12 months after starting LCM therapy were recorded and compared with the baseline monthly frequency. The primary outcome variables were the 50% responder and seizure-free rates. The secondary outcome variables included the terminal 6-month seizure remission and percentages of discontinuation due to a lack of efficacy and tolerability. Safety variables included the incidence and type of adverse reactions. Seventy-two pediatric patients with epilepsy living in Uygur, China and receiving LCM treatment were included in the present study. Fifty (69%) children responded to LCM therapy with a more than 50% reduction in the frequency of seizures. Seizure-free rates increased over time, at 14%, 19%, and 20% at 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. The number of baseline anti-seizure medications (ASMs) and order of LCM introduction significantly impacted the likelihood of seizure remission during the 12-month follow-up period (p < 0.05). During the entire period of LCM treatment, twenty-two children (30.5%) experienced at least one adverse reaction. This retrospective study of 72 pediatric patients with epilepsy in Uygur, China, showed that LCM therapy is safe and effective for epilepsy in children, resulting in a reduction in the seizure rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]