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In order to increase the tap density of Li-rich layered materials, a new pre-heat treatment procedure of (Ni 1/6 Co 1/6 Mn 4/6 )CO 3 precursors firstly using N 2 and then O 2 is adopted to separate processes of CO 2 emission and O 2 absorption, which presumably can reduce porosity of materials and then result in an improved tap density. In contrast to one-step pre-heat treatment procedure only in O 2 , two-steps procedure causes differences in morphology, tap density, particle distribution as well as structure for resultant metal oxides. A remarkably improved tap density of metal oxide with dense particles is observed with two-steps procedure. Consequently, Li 1.167 (Ni 0.139 Co 0.139 Mn 0.556 )O 2 obtained through two-steps procedure (LM-N) presents dense particle, much improved tap density, small BET specific surface area and additional existence of Ni 3+ in comparison with that obtained through one-step procedure (LM-O), although both samples exhibit similar well-defined layered structure. However, the results of cyclic voltammograms and charge–discharge test demonstrate the inferior electrochemical performances of LM-N with a discharge capacity of 76.7 mAh g −1 for LM-N, which is in stark contrast with 267.9 mAh g −1 of LM-O. This is possibly associated with the dense morphology, lattice defect as well as large R ct for LM-N. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims Fusarium root-rot and fusarium head blight are plant diseases caused by Fusarium sp. in different growth periods of wheat, bring heavy losses to crop production in China. This research is aiming to screen biocontrol agents conjunctively for controlling these two diseases at the same time, as well as evaluate our previous BCAs (Biological Control Agents) screening strategies in more complex situation, considering biocontrol is well concerned as an environmental-friendly plant disease controlling method. Methods Totally 966 bacterial isolates were screened from different parts of wheat tissues, of which potential biocontrol values were detected according to their abilities in antagonism inhibition and secreting extracellular hydrolytic enzyme. Biocontrol tests against fusarium root rot and fusarium head blight were carried out on 37 bacterial isolates with potential biocontrol capacity after pre-selection through ARDRA- and BOX-PCR analysis on strains with high assessment points. Results We acquired 10 BCAs with obvious biocontrol efficacy (more than 40%) in greenhouse and field tests. Pseudomonas fluorescens LY1-8 performed well in both two tests (biocontrol efficacy: 44.62% and 58.31%), respectively. Overall, correlation coefficient is 0.720 between assessment values of 37 tested BCA strains and their biocontrol efficacy in trails against fusarium root rot; correlation coefficient is 0.806 between their assessment values and biocontrol efficacy in trails against fusarium head blight. Conclusion We acquired 10 well-performed potential BCAs, especially P. fluorescens LY1-8 displayed good biocontrol capacity against two different diseases on wheat. Biocontrol efficacies results in both greenhouse and field tests showed high positive correlation with assessment values (0.720 and 0.806), suggesting that the BCAs screening and assessing strategy previously developed in our lab is also adaptable for conjunctively screening BCAs for controlling both root and shoot diseases on wheat caused by same fungal pathogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cross-sectional analyses showed that the prevalence of basal core promoter (BCP) double mutations (nt 1762T, 1764A) of hepatitis B virus (HBV) gradually increases with age. We aimed to determine the incidence rate of the mutations over 10 years. Study subjects were selected from the Long An cohort established in 2004, including 59 with HBV with single mutations at nt 1762 or 1764 in the BCP and 342 with wild type BCP sequences at baseline. Their serum samples for analysis were obtained at the 3rd and 10th annual visits, respectively. The results showed that the annual incidence rate of BCP double mutations is 3.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.4–6.2) and tends to decrease with age. The peak incidence is in the 30–34 years age-group. The incidence rate in HBeAg positive individuals (5.5%) is significantly higher than in those without HBeAg (3.4%) ( P < 0.05). The incidence rate is significantly higher in genotype C (4.8%) than in genotype B (2.8%) or I (3.1%). The incidence rate of the mutations (6.8%) developing from a single mutation at nt 1762 or 1764 is significantly higher than that (3.8%) from the wild type sequence ( P < 0.005). The difference in incidence of single mutations between nt 1762 (0.7%) and 1764 (0.03%) is significant ( P < 0.05). In conclusion, the incidence rate of BCP double mutations tends to decrease with age after the age of 35 years. Viruses with a single mutation at nt 1762 or 1764 are more prone to develop double mutations. Nt 1762 is the more common site of the first mutation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a chronic and fatal disease, for which new therapeutic drugs and approaches are needed urgently. Baicalein and baicalin, the active compounds of the traditional Chinese medicine, Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi , exhibit a wide range of pharmacological activities. Numerous studies involving in vitro and in vivo models of PH have revealed that the treatment with baicalin and baicalein may be effective. This review summarizes the potential mechanisms driving the beneficial effects of baicalin and baicalein treatment on PH, including anti-inflammatory response, inhibition of pulmonary smooth muscle cell proliferation and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transformation, stabilization of the extracellular matrix, and mitigation of oxidative stress. The pharmacokinetics of these compounds have also been reviewed. The therapeutic potential of baicalin and baicalein warrants their continued study as natural treatments for PH. [Display omitted] • The pathogenesis of PH is briefly reviewed from a therapeutic perspective. • The paper summed up the protective effects of baicalein and baicalin on PH in vivo and vitro. • This paper clarified the underlying mechanism of baicalein and baicalin against PH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent observations of unusual ferromagnetic and superconductive phenomena in sulfur-doped amorphous carbon and highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) have attracted significant attention. In this work we present a novel in-depth investigation on the relationship between magnetic-ordering and sulfur-doping-induced structural modifications in pyrolytic graphite. We demonstrate the nucleation of an unusual amorphous carbon film with sp3-rich characteristics as a result of chemical interactions between sulfur and HOPG. Investigations were performed at the controlled temperatures (T) of ~300, 350, 500 °C, with the residence time parameter varying from 1 min to 15 h. Magnetic characterization revealed a re-entrant spin-glass behavior, possibly originating from vacancy-defects created by sulfur migration. Noticeably, long-time air-exposure of the samples (3 weeks) was found to significantly enhance the diamagnetic component. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations applied to a sp3-rich amorphous‑carbon-system in presence of sulfur-bonding revealed a significant variation of the system-metallicity. We report the presence of insulating states up to sulfur concentrations of ~6.25% (atom %), which then vanish at ~7.5% (atom %) of sulfur-doping. Interestingly, inclusion of the sulfur-migration effect within the DFT calculations revealed significant contributions arising from magnetic-moments generated by electron localization at the vacancy sites. Total spin isosurface analyses (spin up - spin down) highlighted the presence of ferromagnetic contributions arising from carbon-atoms, due to dangling bonds generated by point defects (with the largest magnetic moment values being 0.42 μ Β and 0.379 μ Β respectively). [Display omitted] • We present a novel investigation on sulfur-doping-induced structural modifications in pyrolytic graphite. • The nucleation of a sulfur-doped amorphous carbon film is demonstrated. • Magnetic characterization reveals a re-entrant spin-glass behavior. • DFT reveal presence of insulating states up to sulfur concentrations of ~ 6.25% (atom %) • Simulations of sulfur-migration highlighted electron-correlation in proximity of vacancies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • An innovative nitrogen self-doped alveolate biochar was successfully prepared. • Samples possessed outstanding characteristics, such as OH, C O and CONH. • AKB-600 represented with the specific surface area up to 1738 m2/g. • Up to 94.61 % removal efficiency of dye was achieved during reaction system. • Nitrogen-containing and conjugated structures facilitated the actual adsorption. Novel N-doped biochar (AKB) nanomaterials derived from raw kelp root were successfully developed at different temperatures (600–1000 °C) and were used to explore the adsorption performance of cationic dye from water. Various characterization technologies including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy were used to analyze the physical and chemical properties of the samples. The porosity analysis demonstrated that AKB carbonized at 600 °C (AKB-600) possessed a higher specific surface area (1738 m2/g) with a honeycomb-like microstructure. Meanwhile, AKB exhibited abundant functional groups on its surface, such as OH, C O and CONH from FT-IR and XPS analysis, resulting to the high removal efficiency of dye, up to 94.61 % at 60 min. The adsorption isotherm and kinetics data were more suitable for the Langmuir model and the Pseudo-second-order model. Electrostatic interactions and physical adsorption played dominant roles in the adsorption process, particularly, the nitrogen-containing and conjugated structures also facilitated the actual adsorption. Hence, AKB has enormous practical application potential acting as a high-effective adsorbent in the field of dye wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological relevance Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCMs) are increasingly used in combination with Western medicine. Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (Lamiaceae) is a widely used TCM in treating various diseases. However, the in vivo metabolism of its main bioactive flavonoids, baicalin, baicalein, wogonoside and wogonin, needs further study. Materials and methods A systematic method based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS) technique combined with Metabolynx TM software was developed to speculate the metabolites and excretion profiles of the main flavonoids in S. baicalensis extract in rats bile, urine and feces samples after oral administration of the extract. Results Four parent components and a total of 15 metabolites were tentatively detected in vivo . All metabolites were detected including sulfate and glucuronide conjugates, hydroxylated, methylated, acetylated and deoxygenated products. Twelve metabolites were from the rat urine, five from the feces and two from the bile. Among them, several products were reported firstly. Conclusion The research provided useful information for further study of the pharmacology and mechanism of action of S. baicalensis extract in vivo and a proposed method which could develop an integrated template approach to analyze screening and identification of biological samples after oral administration of TCMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological relevance COX-2 has been considered as a potent molecular target for prevention and therapy of depression. However, a recent study showed that COX-2 inhibitor does not improve depressive symptoms in persons aged 70 and over. Therefore, whether treatments targeting COX-2 have a clinical efficacy in depression, especially elderly individuals, remains unclear. Cinnamic aldehyde is a major constituent of Cinnamomum cassia , which has exhibited excellent anti-inflammatory activities as a COX-2 inhibitor. To investigate the potential antidepressant effect of cinnamic aldehyde in mid-aged rats. Materials and methods The depressive-like behaviors were measured after the rats exposed to chronic unexpected mild stress (CUMS). Cinnamic aldehyde was administrated by oral gavage to stressed rats (22.5, 45, 90 mg/kg, respectively) for 21 days. The mRNA, protein expression and activity of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), as well as prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ) levels were measured in the frontal cortex and hippocampus of stressed animals. Results We found that CUMS procedure not only decreased the sucrose preference, but also elevated the COX-2 activity, mRNA and protein levels, and increased PGE 2 concentration in rat brain regions. Treatment with high doses of cinnamic aldehyde (45, 90 mg/kg) reversed the behavioral abnormalities, and decreased the COX-2 protein and activity (but not COX-2 mRNA expression) and PGE 2 concentration in frontal cortex and hippocampus of stressed rats. Conclusion Cinnamic aldehyde exerted antidepressant-like effects in stressed mid-aged rats, and its mechanism of action appears to decrease COX-2 protein and activity. The current findings suggest that targeting COX-2 system might be benefit to the depression, especially elderly individuals and cinnamic aldehyde might be a promising medicine to treat the subjects in the depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nine selaginellin derivatives, including a novel isoquinoline-type selaginellin named selaginisoquinoline A ( 1 ), and three ethoxy selaginellins P–R ( 2 – 4 ), were isolated from the plant of Selaginella pulvinata . Their structures were determined by extensive spectroscopic analyses, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction, as well as CD calculations. Selaginisoquinoline A ( 1 ) is a racemate due to quinone methide-phenol tautomerism; while in the case of selaginellins P–R ( 2 – 4 ), whose tautomerism was blocked by alkylation of C10–OH, the interesting racemization process is induced by axial chirality and molecular rotation, thus existing as a pair of slowly interconverting enantiomers. Compounds 3 , 5 and 9 showed moderate cytotoxicity against BGC-823 human gastric cancer cell line. All compounds, including four enantiomers, exhibited good antifungal activities against four pathogenic fungi cell lines with MIC 80 values in the range of 4–32 μg/mL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial fruit blotch (BFB) was a serious threat to cucurbitaceae crops. It was caused by the gram-negative bacterium Acidovorax avenae subsp. citrulli . Two hundred strains, which have the potential in controlling plant diseases in our laboratory's biocontrol strain library, were employed to this research to screen some antagonistic bacteria, which can efficiently control bacterial fruit blotch disease. Based on the results of antagonistic activity experiments, greenhouse tests and field trials, 5 of the test strains have high abilities to control BFB. One of the 5 bacteria strains has the highest potential to control BFB named 54. The biocontrol efficacy of 54 was up to 60%. To characterize the strain, we used series of methods to evaluate the bacterium, including morphology analysis, physiological biochemical test and biomolecular assay. We found that the bacterium 54 belongs to the species Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. The colonization test results showed that 54 had the highest colonization levels, and the density of the strain on leaves was up 10 5 colony forming units (CFU) per gram of leaf tissue. Our recent results show that B. amyloliquefaciens 54 can promote the plant growth due to raised the contents of available N, P, K and the leaf chlorophyll. The antagonistic bacterium 54 can significantly control the BF B by increasing the expression level of defense-related gene PR1 and the accumulation the hydrogen peroxide in the plant. The results of trail experiment was also verified this efficient results of bacterium. This is also the first report of B. amyloliquefaciens strain that is able to control BFB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate warming and heavy livestock grazing are known to have great impacts on alpine ecosystems. However, it is still unclear how plant belowground biomass, soil carbon, and nitrogen respond to climate warming and heavy livestock grazing at different soil depths in these alpine ecosystems. The aim of this research was to investigate the individual and combined effects of warming and clipping on plant and soil properties in an alpine meadow ecosystem. Here, we report the results from a manipulation experiment, which has been running in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP) since 2010. Infrared radiators were used to simulate year-round warming starting in July 2010, while clipping was performed once a year in October to mimic the local heavy livestock grazing beginning from 2011. The experiment, including 3-year warming and 2-year clipping, was a randomized block design which consisted of five replications and four treatments: control (CK), warming without clipping (W), clipping without warming (C), and warming combined with clipping (W × C). Plant and soil properties were determined in the growing season of the alpine meadow in 2012 and 2013. The W treatments induced the downward transport of soil moisture to deeper layers. The drought caused by the downward transport of soil moisture in upper layers altered the allocation of plant belowground biomass at various soil depths. The relative effects on plant belowground biomass, organic carbon, activated carbon, and total nitrogen were also observed in deeper soil layers in W, C, and W × C. Therefore, the allocation of plant belowground biomass to deeper layers likely modified the distribution of organic carbon, activated carbon, and total nitrogen in soil of the alpine meadow in the QTP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] exposure is known to induce respiratory inflammation and contribute to lung cancer development, but little is known about its target cell type in lung. In the current study, we investigated the effects of repeated Cr(VI) intratracheal instillation on club (Clara) cells and club (Clara) cell secretory protein (CC16) in rats and explored whether the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) related pathway was involved. We also studied the role of orally delivered Zn against Cr-induced adverse health effects. For four weeks, sixty Sprague-Dawley male rats received weekly intratracheal instillation of potassium dichromate (K 2 Cr 2 O 7 ) at 0, 0.063 and 0.630 mg Cr/kg with or without daily intragastric administration of zinc sulfate (ZnSO 4 ) at 10 mg Zn/kg. Results showed that exposure to Cr(VI) significantly increased the organ coefficient of lung (organ weight as a percentage of body weight), albumin and total protein level in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), indicating lung injury and compromised bronchoalveolar/blood barrier (BA/BB) integrity. With increasing Cr(VI) dose, the secretion of CC16 decreased in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting that CC16 can serve as a peripheral biomarker for club cell damage during early lung injury induced by Cr(VI). Increased expression of NF-κB were observed in club cells in both Cr-exposed groups, indicating upregulation of NF-κB, which can be induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by club cells during Cr reduction with repetitive Cr(VI) exposure. Cr-induced DNA damage was also observed, as significant increase of 8-OHdG was found with Cr exposure at 0.630 mg/kg week. Oral Zn supplementation did not alleviate changes in serum CC16 level under Cr(VI) exposure, indicating its failure in protecting against Cr(VI)-induced club cell damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 is redesigned into a new core-shelled Li[(Ni0.8Co0.1Mn0.1)2/7]core[(Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3)3/14]inner-shell[(Ni0.4Co0.2Mn0.4)1/2]outer-shellO2, in which LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 may deliver high capacity and LiNi0.4Co0.2Mn0.4O2 provides structural and thermal stability. To achieve such designed structure, double-shelled hydroxide precursors are firstly prepared via a co-precipitation route. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) shows that all precursors are of 6–10 μm spherical secondary particles developed from nanosheet-shaped primary particles. Energy disperse X-ray spectrum (EDS) on the surface of precursors, in combination with increase of particles size from core to shell during co-precipitation process, confirms the formation of core–shell structure as designed. The spherical morphology is preserved after lithiation at different temperatures from 800 °C to 900 °C while the morphology of primary particles changes from nano-sized plate to micron-sized rectangular-like shapes. EDS surface composition analysis of lithiated compounds also strongly suggests the formation of core–shell structure; nevertheless, diffusion of transition metal ions between the core and shell occurs and becomes severe with increase of sintering temperature. Consequently, the double-shelled materials especially prepared at 850 °C display the remarkably improved cycleability, rate capability, and thermal stability in contrast to normal one. The enhancement of those properties may be ascribed to structurally stable double shell components, especially outer shell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Objectives The aims of this study were to determine the mechanism of an outbreak of measles in adults and to provide scientific measures for putting forward a measles elimination program. Methods We performed a cross-sectional investigation during the measles outbreak to identify a possible communication link. Results From November 1, 2011 to January 26, 2012, the town reported 11 cases of measles in total. The case study identified an obvious propagation chain, which showed ordered and intimate exposure between cases. Conclusions Hospital exposure 1–2 weeks before infection with measles was the main cause of the measles outbreak. We must be fully aware of the possibility of nosocomial infection in an outbreak of measles; controlling nosocomial infections is a vital step in the prevention and control of the propagation of measles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Brain microstructural characteristics of monocular CM were thoroughly investigated. • The FA decreased in IFOF and ILF, and increased in ipsilateral cingulum. • Altered tendencies of FA/AD/RD on forceps major and forceps minor were opposite. • The LDH were increased in contralateral CST and decreased in ipsilateral SLF in CM. • The compensatory plasticity mechanism may occur in early monocular blindness. Individuals with congenital monocular blindness are born without binocular vision and stereopsis, the effects of which on the brain microstructure are largely unknown. This study aims to investigate the microstructural characteristics of white matter tracts over the whole brain in congenital monocular blindness. We used T1-weighted MRI and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to investigate the microstructural characteristics of the brain in 16 patients with unilateral congenital microphthalmia (CM) and 16 matched normally sighted controls. The DTI-derived metrics were assessed using atlas-level analysis with FDR correction and TBSS-level analysis with threshold-free cluster enhancement correction (TFCE). CM exhibited significantly abnormal DTI-derived indices (p < 0.05, q < 0.05 of FDR correction) as follows: 1) declined fractional anisotropy (FA) in the inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus contralateral to the affected eye, bilateral inferior longitudinal fasciculus, while enhanced in the ipsilateral cingulum; 2) increased local diffusion homogeneity in the contralateral corticospinal tract while decreased in the ipsilateral superior longitudinal fasciculus; 3) reduced axial diffusivity (AD) in the body of corpus callosum. Meanwhile, the alteration tendencies of FA, AD, and radial diffusivity (RD) in the forceps major (increased FA and AD, decreased RD) and forceps minor (decreased FA and AD, increased RD) were interestingly opposite. These results reveal extensive microstructural abnormalities of WM ranging from sensory modalities to other cross-modal pathways involving language, execution, memory, emotion, fine movement, and interhemispheric communication as well. This study provides novel evidence of large-scale subcortical involvement subsequent to prolonged loss of half visual inputs, which may be associated with developmental delay and compensatory plasticity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• ZnO nanorod arrays were prepared using hydrothermal assisted with PEI. • The photodetectors based on PEI-ZnO show a quick response time (~4 s) and high responsivity (~56 A/W). • The flexible devices display reliable stability and robustness under bending tests. • Raman and XPS spectra reveal the defect mechanisms on improved performance. [Display omitted] Investigations on the high-performance flexible ultraviolet photodetectors have been becoming one of the interesting research focuses in recent years. ZnO is considered as suitable material for ultraviolet photodetection due to its wide bandgap (~3.37 eV). In this work, ZnO nanorod arrays were prepared using the hydrothermal method at the temperature of 70 ℃ on flexible substrates. Polyethyleneimine (PEI) was added into hydrothermal solution as the growth additive to achieve the performance improvement of the ZnO nanorod arrays ultraviolet photodetector. SEM, XRD, absorption spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and XPS were employed to characterize the morphology, crystallinity, optical properties and chemical composition. The introduction of PEI adjusts the growth process of ZnO nanorod arrays and affects the distribution of defect states, which brings out the improvement of the optoelectronic performance of ZnO nanorod arrays ultraviolet photodetectors. Compared with pure ZnO, the higher photo to dark current ratio and responsivity, and quicker time response speed are demonstrated in the PEI-assisted ZnO nanorod arrays photodetectors. And more photoresponse parameters are also discussed and compared. Furthermore, the photodetectors also display outstanding mechanical flexibility and robustness under multiple bending cycle tests. Our work presents a potential approach for improving the optoelectronic performance of simple-operated flexible ultraviolet photodetectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herbal formulas have unique efficacy and are of great significance to the theory and practice of Chinese medicine and are therefore gaining increasing attention in research. Painong powder (PNS), composed of Aurantii fructus immaturus (Zhishi in Chinese, ZS), Paeoniae Radix Alba (Baishao in Chinese, BS), and Platycodonis Radix (Jiegeng in Chinese, JG), has remarkable effects on the detoxification and discharge of pus. JG is traditionally used to treat pulmonary carbuncles and is considered a 'medicinal guide'. According to the composition theory of prescriptions, JG is an 'assistant and guide' medicine. The role of JG as an adjuvant has gained increasing attention. The study was designed to prove the efficacy of PNS in ulcerative colitis (UC) and to study the role of JG in PNS via pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic, and tissue distribution analyses. For the pharmacodynamic study, the UC rat model was induced using 5% trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS). The results of the macroscopic characterization, histological analysis, and cytokine levels, including those of tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), were integrated to evaluate the treatment of UC with PNS. In addition, an LC-MS/MS method was established and validated to analyze the blood pharmacokinetic parameters and tissue distribution of naringin and paeoniflorin. After the administration of high-dose PNS, the UC rats showed amelioration of macroscopic damage at the lesion site. The cytokine levels in the plasma, colon, and lung tissues were also decreased. The pharmacokinetic parameters showed that compared with UC rats administered with PNS-JG, those administered with PNS showed an increase in the AUC, MRT, and T max of naringin and paeoniflorin, and a decrease in their clearance rate. Furthermore, naringin and paeoniflorin had higher concentrations in the colon and lung tissues in the normal and model groups administered with PNS than in those administered with PNS-JG. PNS was shown to have marked therapeutic efficacy against TNBS-induced UC in rats. The effect of JG in PNS was reflected by the differences in the pharmacokinetic parameters and tissue distribution of the active components, providing valuable information for the clinical application of PNS in the treatment of UC. However, knowledge about how JG works as an adjuvant medicine in PNS is still lacking. [Display omitted] • In this study, the efficacy of Painong powder (PNS) in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) was proved by comprehensive macroscopic characterization, histological analysis and cytokine level, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and nuclear factor- κB (NF-κB). • The LC-MS/MS method was established and validated to analyze the blood pharmacokinetic parameters of naringin and paeoniflorin after treatment with PNS and PNS without JG (PNS-JG). • The established LC-MS/MS method was also applied to analyze the distribution of naringin and paeoniflorin in rat colon and lung tissues following treatment with PNS and PNS-JG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IFNLR1 has been recently identified to be related to autosomal dominant nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss (ADNSHL). It is reported to be expressed in the inner ear of mice and the lateral line of zebrafish. However, it remains unclear how defects in this gene lead to hearing loss. To elucidate the global gene expression changes in zebrafish when the expression of ifnlr1 is downregulated. Transcriptome analysis was performed on ifnlr1 morpholino knockdown zebrafish and the control zebrafish using RNA-seq technology. The results show that 262 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were up-regulated while 146 DEGs were down-regulated in the E4I4–Mo zebrafish larvae compared to the control-Mo. Six pathways were significantly enriched, including steroid biosynthesis pathway, adipocytokine signaling pathway, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction pathway, p53 signaling pathway, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, and terpenoid backbone biosynthesis pathway. Among them, three pathways (steroid biosynthesis pathway, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction pathway and p53 signaling pathway) are immune-associated. The transcriptome analysis results contribute to the groundwork for future research on the pathogenesis of IFNLR1 -associated hearing loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The appearance of coexisting ferromagnetic and superconductive phenomena in graphite‑sulfur and amorphous carbon‑sulfur composites has recently attracted an important attention. In this work we propose a novel re-investigation of the carbon‑sulfur doping mechanism performed by employing carbon nanotube networks (cm-scale buckypapers) and graphene-oxide films as host-materials. In the buckypaper-case, the presence of multiple sulfidation processes involving formation of 1) carbon‑sulfur and 2) metal-sulfide phases was demonstrated. Presence of carbon‑sulfur bonding was identified by employing both Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The conductive and magnetic properties of the sulfur-rich areas within the buckypaper were also investigated. An enhanced carbon‑sulfur bonding was then identified in sulfur-doped graphene-oxide films. In this latter case we demonstrate an almost complete annihilation of ferromagnetic-signals. ESR-spectroscopy of this second-type of system revealed the appearance of a paramagnetic transition for g ~ 2.08 at T ~ 77 K, possibly originating from the carbon‑sulfur bonding. A weak enhancement in the diamagnetic component could be interestingly detected below T ~ 60 K as a consequence of sulfur doping, after subtraction of the percolative ferromagnetic signals. [Display omitted] • We investigate carbon-sulfur doping by employing CNT- networks and graphene-oxide as host-materials. • In the buckypaper-case, formation of carbon-sulfur and metal-sulfide phases was demonstrated. • The conductive and magnetic properties of the sulfur-rich areas were investigated. • Carbon-sulfur bonding was identified also in sulfur-doped graphene-oxide films • Annihilation of ferromagnetic-signals is demonstrated, with appearance of a paramagnetic transition for g~2.08 (T~77K) • A weak enhancement in the diamagnetic component could be interestingly detected below T ~ 60K [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alveolar epithelial cell senescence is a core event in the development of pulmonary fibrosis. Endoplasmic reticulum stress accelerates cellular senescence significantly; however, whether this stress promotes alveolar epithelial cell senescence in pulmonary fibrosis and its mechanisms are unclear. As a common intersection of endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling pathways, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) homologous protein (CHOP) activates the oxidative stress pathway, which in turn accelerates cellular senescence. Therefore, we speculated CHOP pathway activation would affect endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced alveolar epithelial cell senescence in pulmonary fibrosis. In this study, we observed that alveolar epithelial cell senescence was accompanied by CHOP overexpression in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis lung tissues. Bleomycin and tunicamycin combination models in vivo and in vitro showed that CHOP downregulation rescued alveolar epithelial cell senescence, reduced fibroblast activation mediated by the senescence-associated secretory phenotype, and improved pulmonary fibrosis pathology. Mechanistic studies showed that CHOP accelerated alveolar epithelial cell senescence by promoting reactive oxygen species generation, which activated the nuclear factor-kappa B pathway. Our study suggested that CHOP activates the downstream nuclear factor-kappa B pathway, thus contributing to endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced alveolar epithelial cell senescence and pulmonary fibrosis. [Display omitted] • ER stress induces AEC senescence in pulmonary fibrosis. • CHOP activation is closely related to AEC senescence during ER stress. • CHOP modulates AEC senescence through ROS/NF-κB pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Xiang–Fu–Si–Wu Decoction (XFSWD) has been widely used to treat primary dysmenorrhea in clinical practice for hundreds of years and shown great efficacy. One fraction of XFSWD, which was an elution product by macroporous adsorption resin from aqueous extract solution with 60% ethanol (XFSWE), showed great analgesic effect. The present study was conducted to investigate the possible pharmacokinetic and tissue distribution profiles of four major bioactive constituents (berberine, protopine, tetrahydrocoptisine and tetrahydropalmatine) after oral administration of XFSWE in dysmenorrheal symptom rats, and to compare the difference between normal and dysmenorrheal symptom rats. Materials and methods: Estradiol benzoate and oxytocin were used to produce dysmenorrheal symptom rat model. The experimental period was seven days. At the final day of experimental period, both normal and dysmenorrheal symptom rats were orally administrated with XFSWE, and then the blood and tissues samples were collected at different time points. Berberine, protopine, tetrahydrocoptisine and tetrahydropalmatine in blood and tissue samples were determined by LC–MS/MS. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated from the plasma concentration–time data using non-compartmental methods. The differences of pharmacokinetic parameters among groups were tested by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: There were statistically significant differences (P<0.05) in C max, T max, AUC 0−t , AUC 0−∞ , MRT 0−t , MRT 0−∞ and CL/F between normal and dysmenorrheal symptom rats that orally administered with same dosage of XFSWE. In tissue distribution study, the results showed that the overall trend was C Spleen>C Liver>C Kidney>C Uterus>C Heart>C Lung>C Ovary>C Brain>C Thymus, C M-60min>C M-120min>C M-30min>C C-60min>C C-120 min>C C-30 min. The contents of protopine in liver, spleen and uterus were more than that in other tissues of dysmenorrheal symptom rats. Compared to normal rats, partial contents of the compounds in dysmenorrheal symptom rats׳ tissues at different time points had significant difference (P<0.05). Conclusions: This study was the first report about pharmacokinetic and tissue distribution investigation in dysmenorrheal symptom animals. The results indicated that berberine, protopine, tetrahydrocoptisine and tetrahydropalmatine have higher uptake and slower elimination in the rats with dysmenorrheal syndrome, which suggests that the rate and extent of drug metabolism were altered in dysmenorrheal syndrome rats. And the results also demonstrated that berberine, protopine and tetrahydropalmatine in normal and dysmenorrheal symptom rats had obvious differences in some organs and time points, suggesting that the blood flow and perfusion rate of the organ were altered in dysmenorrheal symptom animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Xiang–Fu–Si–Wu Decoction (XFSWD) has been widely used to treat primary dysmenorrhea in clinical practice for hundreds of years and shown great efficacy. One fraction of XFSWD, which was an elution product by macroporous adsorption resin from aqueous extract solution with 60% ethanol (XFSWE), showed great analgesic effect. The present study was conducted to investigate the possible pharmacokinetic and tissue distribution profiles of four major bioactive constituents (berberine, protopine, tetrahydrocoptisine and tetrahydropalmatine) after oral administration of XFSWE in dysmenorrheal symptom rats, and to compare the difference between normal and dysmenorrheal symptom rats. Materials and methods: Estradiol benzoate and oxytocin were used to produce dysmenorrheal symptom rat model. The experimental period was seven days. At the final day of experimental period, both normal and dysmenorrheal symptom rats were orally administrated with XFSWE, and then the blood and tissues samples were collected at different time points. Berberine, protopine, tetrahydrocoptisine and tetrahydropalmatine in blood and tissue samples were determined by LC–MS/MS. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated from the plasma concentration–time data using non-compartmental methods. The differences of pharmacokinetic parameters among groups were tested by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: There were statistically significant differences (P<0.05) in C max, T max, AUC 0−t , AUC 0−∞ , MRT 0−t , MRT 0−∞ and CL/F between normal and dysmenorrheal symptom rats that orally administered with same dosage of XFSWE. In tissue distribution study, the results showed that the overall trend was C Spleen>C Liver>C Kidney>C Uterus>C Heart>C Lung>C Ovary>C Brain>C Thymus, C M-60min>C M-120min>C M-30min>C C-60min>C C-120 min>C C-30 min. The contents of protopine in liver, spleen and uterus were more than that in other tissues of dysmenorrheal symptom rats. Compared to normal rats, partial contents of the compounds in dysmenorrheal symptom rats׳ tissues at different time points had significant difference (P<0.05). Conclusions: This study was the first report about pharmacokinetic and tissue distribution investigation in dysmenorrheal symptom animals. The results indicated that berberine, protopine, tetrahydrocoptisine and tetrahydropalmatine have higher uptake and slower elimination in the rats with dysmenorrheal syndrome, which suggests that the rate and extent of drug metabolism were altered in dysmenorrheal syndrome rats. And the results also demonstrated that berberine, protopine and tetrahydropalmatine in normal and dysmenorrheal symptom rats had obvious differences in some organs and time points, suggesting that the blood flow and perfusion rate of the organ were altered in dysmenorrheal symptom animals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 is designed into new core-shelled structure. [•] Core-shelled layered oxides present better cycleability. [•] The significantly improved safety property is observed for core-shelled samples. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) is a potential biomarker for chondrosarcoma that is overexpressed at the invading edges of articular cartilage, and its expression correlates with poor survival rates. However, the molecular mechanisms of MMP-1 regulation and its potential contribution to chondrosarcoma cell invasion have yet to be elucidated, especially in shear-activated cells. Using molecular biology tools and an in vitro fluid shear model, we report that shear stress upregulates cyclic AMP (cAMP) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) release, which in turn promotes the invasion of chondrosarcoma cells via the induction of MMP-1 in a phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3-K)- and ERK1/2-dependent manner. Activated PI3-K and ERK1/2 signaling pathways phosphorylate c-Jun, which in turn transactivates MMP-1 in human chondrosarcoma cells. Collectively, fluid shear stress upregulates matrix MMP-1 expression, which is responsible for the enhanced invasion of human chondrosarcoma cells. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] We studied how Cr(VI) exposure individually affected the element distribution in target organs and tissues. [•] The more susceptible tissues like RBC were found, which would contribute to the future studying of early sensitive health impact of Cr(VI). [•] This is the first in vivo study to investigate the interfering role of Zn intervention on Cr(VI) induced element imbalance and its relationship with oxidative stress. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] A core-shell cathode material is redesigned without composition change. [•] Core-shell material displayed a superior cyclability and thermal stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] A surface-to-surface contact between graphene and SnO2 nanoplates is synthesized for the first time. [•] The synthesized method is easier to implement without template. [•] The as-synthesized materials exhibit high-performance supercapacitor than pure SnO2 and other SnO2/graphene nanocomposites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper established an in-situ synthesis strategy that the mixing solution of aniline, CNTs and CoCl2 was directly reduced to prepare polyaniline-cobalt-carbon nanotube (PANI-Co-CNT) electrocatalyst. Furthermore, this strategy was effectively modified by pretreating CoCl2 precursor with citric acid (CA), forming 2-4nm cobalt nanoparticles uniformly distributed on PANI-CNT support with porous structure. The control experiments revealed various PANI states in the growth stage, further proposing the self-assembly mechanisms in these two routes with and without CA pretreatment. These two PANI-Co-CNT electrocatalysts were also checked by oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in acid environment, to corroborate their basically 4-electron processes. Inspiringly, the large activity and stability for the pretreated route could be comparable with those of the advanced electrocatalysts. All these progresses lay a bottom-up approach for future electrocatalysts. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] A novel three-dimensional porous luminescent silver(I) complex 1 has been isolated. [•] Anion exchange with NaNO3 was also monitored by FT-IR, PXRD and elemental analysis. [•] 1 can behave anion-responsive tunable luminescence properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Direct-current (DC) arc plasma jet has been utilized to anneal chemical vapor deposited (CVD) polycrystalline diamond produced by the same device. Intense heating pulses around several target temperatures were achieved under constant plasma state and chamber pressure (∼5kPa), which ensured this plasma low-pressure/high-temperature (LPHT) treatment succeed without diamond graphitization. The treatment significantly improves the fracture strengths of the diamond samples. The enhancement is ideally proportional to the temperature and the largest increase is up to 96.38%. Fractographic analysis has been done by scanning electron microscope (SEM), and the transgranular fracture/intergranular fracture ratio increases as the temperature increases. Raman spectra indicate that there exists huge compressive stress (>1.6GPa) at the grain boundaries after the treatment so that the boundary strength is greatly enhanced. The interacting relationship between the interface graphitization and the compressive stress might play a crucial role in preventing the interface from further graphitization. This suggests that the plasma LPHT treatment can be improved by using higher temperature or longer time. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Dynamic variations in early selective attention to the color and direction of moving stimuli were explored during a 30 days period of head-down bed rest. Event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded at F5, F6, P5, P6 scalp locations in seven male subjects who attended to pairs of bicolored light emitting diodes that flashed sequentially to produce a perception of movement. Subjects were required to attend selectively to a critical feature of the moving target, e.g., color or direction. The tasks included: a no response task, a color selective response task, a moving direction selective response task, and a combined color–direction selective response task. Subjects were asked to perform these four tasks on: the 3rd day before bed rest; the 3rd, 15th and 30th day during the bed rest; and the 5th day after bed rest. Subjects responded quickly to the color than moving direction and combined color–direction response. And they had a longer reaction time during bed rest on the 15th and 30th day during bed rest after a relatively quicker response on the 3rd day. Using brain event-related potentials technique, we found that in the color selective response task, the mean amplitudes of P1 and N1 for target ERPs decreased in the 3rd day during bed rest and 5th day after bed rest in comparison with pre-bed rest, 15th day and 30th day during bed rest. In the combined color–direction selective response task, the P1 latencies for target ERPs on the 3rd and 30th day during bed rest were longer than on the 15th day during bed rest. As 3rd day during bed rest was in the acute adaptation period and 30th day during bed rest was in the relatively adaptation stage of head-down bed rest, the results help to clarify the effects of bed rest on different task loads and patterns of attention. It was suggested that subjects expended more time to give correct decision in the head-down tilt bed rest state. A difficulty in the recruitment of brain resources was found in feature selection task, but no variations were detected in the no response and direction selective response tasks. It is suggested that the negative shift in color selective response task on the 3rd day of bed rest are a result of fluid redistribution. And feature selection was more affected than motion selection in the head down bed rest. The variations in cognitive processing speed observed for the combined color–direction selective response task are suggested to reflect the interaction between top-down mechanisms and hierarchical physiological characteristics during 30 days head-down bed rest. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Single-atomic-Co cocatalyst on (040) facet of BiVO 4 photoanode were prepared, presenting enhanced charge separation efficiency and nearly 100 % charge injection efficiency. [Display omitted] • BiVO 4 (040) photoanodes with various exposure degree of (040) facets were fabricated. • Single-atomic-cobalt cocatalyst was in-situ grown on BiVO 4 (040) photoanode. • BiVO 4 (040)/Co SAs-NC presented nearly 100% charge injection efficiency. Monoclinic bismuth vanadate (BiVO 4) shows promising application prospect in photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting on account of its relatively ideal band gap to harvest sunlight. However, the poor charge migrate property and sluggish water oxidation kinetics severely limit the PEC performance of BiVO 4 photoelectrodes. In this work, BiVO 4 photoanode with highly exposed (040) facets for superior charge transfer was prepared by a seed assisted hydrothermal method. Moreover, cobalt single atoms stabilized in N-doped carbon nanosheet (Co SAs-NC) was well modified on BiVO 4 (040) (denoted as BiVO 4 (040)/Co SAs-NC) with much improved water oxidation efficiency. The as-prepared BiVO 4 (040)/Co SAs-NC photoanode generated 2.2 times higher photocurrent density than that of pristine BiVO 4 (040) at 1.23 V vs. RHE, and presented nearly 100% charge injection efficiency. The detail kinetic measurements reveal that the modified Co SAs-NC cocatalyst effectively suppresses the carrier recombination and promotes the surface reaction kinetics. This work provides a promising strategy to fabricate composite photoanodes for solar energy conversion based on facet engineering matched with single-atomic-catalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a novel investigation of the electronic and magnetic properties of exfoliated lamellae of highly-oriented-pyrolytic-graphite (HOPG) doped with great excess of sulfur. The sulfur-doping process was achieved through annealing at T ~ 250 °C, ~500 °C and ~990 °C. The obtained lamellae were investigated by employing transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman point/map spectroscopy and temperature dependent electron paramagnetic resonance (T-EPR). HRTEM analyses of samples doped at T ~ 990 °C revealed an unusual amorphization-effect arising within hexagonal moiré superlattices as a consequence of the sulfur-doping. Complete amorphization was found at T ~ 500 °C. Raman-spectroscopy point/mapping analyses highlighted a dominant carbon-sulfur-band, appearing at Raman-Shifts of 1450 cm−1. T-EPR of heavily doped samples revealed presence of shifts in the position of the π-electron differential absorption feature together with an anomalous signal broadening at T doping ~ 500 °C (from g ~ 1.99 to g ~ 2.10), while zero field cooled (ZFC) and field cooled FC superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometry from 2 K to 300 K revealed a critical percolative ferromagnetic temperature at T ~ 25 K and the absence of superconductive transitions. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations applied to a Bernal (AB stacked) bilayer-graphene-system in presence of sulfur-bonding revealed a significant variation of the system-metallicity. We highlight the appearance of insulating states (E -gap of 0.325 eV) at sulfur concentrations of ~1%, which then vanish at ~5.5% of sulfur-doping, due to an enhanced degree of system-metallicity and a modification of the π-bonding- and antibonding-signals. [Display omitted] • We report a novel investigation of sulfur-doped HOPG at T~ 250 ºC, ~ 500 ºC and ~ 990 ºC. • Characterization was achieved through HRTEM, Raman spectroscopy, T-EPR, and T-SQUID. • Magnetometry from 2K to 300K revealed a critical percolative ferromagnetic temperature at T~25K. • DFT calculations applied to a bilayer-graphene-system in presence of sulfur revealed a variation of the system-metallicity. • We highlight the appearance of insulating states (E-gap of 0.325 eV) at sulfur concentrations of ~ 1%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• PEMFC of zigzagged flow field configuration with contrary arrangement is simulated. • Detailed characteristics of the flow field configuration are investigated. • The PEMFC performance is significantly improved in high current density regions. • Quantitative analysis reveals the flow field configuration improves oxygen transport. • Uniformity index analyses find the flow field makes key quantities more uniform. Flow field configuration of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is crucial to its performance enhancement because it determines the distribution of reactants and reaction products. This paper numerically investigates a zigzag flow field with a contrary anode/cathode arrangement (ZFFCA). First, a three-dimensional numerical model is developed and validated against the published experimental data of a PEMFC that operates under low-humidity conditions. Then, the behavior of the contrary arrangement design is analyzed and compared with the zigzag parallel flow field (ZPFF) and straight parallel flow field (SPFF) designs. The model predictions show that the ZFFCA and ZPFF flow field designs provide more uniform distributions of oxygen, water content, temperature, and current density compared to the SPFF design, while the ZFFCA configuration is found to exhibit the most uniform distributions. More importantly, besides the enhanced transport along the flow direction in-between the underneath-land and underneath-channel regions in zigzag-shaped channels, the ZFFCA configuration is found to further reduce the mass transport resistance of reactants and boost up the heat/mass transfer rates. Additionally, the findings show that the positive effects of the ZFFCA configuration can further increase under higher relative humidity and larger operating pressure conditions, indicating that the ZFFCA design might be a more advanced option for the PEMFC stacks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Granites and related Sn mineralization are coeval at ~150 Ma. • Dayishan A-type granites are formed from the crustal-mantle interaction. • Dayishan granites are in favor of Sn mineralization. The roles of the mantle in generating granites and the extent of crust-mantle interaction are fundamental topics to our understanding of Sn mineralization. In this study, we report geochronological, geochemical, and Sr-Nd–Hf isotopic data for the granites, and muscovite 40Ar/39A isotopic data of the greisen type Sn ores, in the Dashunlong Sn deposit, Dayishan orefield, middle Qinzhou-Hangzhou metallogenic belt. LA–ICP–MS zircon U–Pb dating for the medium-fine grained- and coarse grained-biotite monzogranite of Dayishan pluton yields emplacement ages of 154.6 ± 1.2 Ma (MSWD = 0.73) and 154.7 ± 1.6 Ma (MSWD = 1.9), respectively, which are consistent with the muscovite 40Ar/39Ar plateau age of 151.1 ± 0.9 Ma (MSWD = 0.09) for the greisen-type Sn ores. It is indicated that the Sn mineralization in the Dashunlong deposit is related to the Late Jurassic Dayishan granite. The granite shows the geochemical features of highly fractionated A-type granite: 1) high 10,000 Ga/Al ratios of 2.95–3.88; 2) high Zr + Nb + Ce + Y contents of 292–637 ppm; 3) high TFeO/(TFeO* + MgO) ratios of 0.86–0.97; and 4) high Rb/Sr ratios of 2.80–18.8. Whole rocks isotopes show that this granite has variable initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.71607–0.72437), negative ε Nd (t) values (−7.20 to −5.46), and two-stage Nd model ages of 1530–1388 Ma. LA–MC–ICP–MS zircon Lu-Hf isotopes show that the medium-fine-grained monzogranite has ε Hf (t) values of −0.94–2.20 and two-stage Hf model ages of 1298–1059 Ma, whereas the coarse-grained biotite monzogranite has relatively high ε Hf (t) values of −0.84–5.95 and two-stage Hf model ages of 1257–823 Ma. Different Hf and Nd isotopes indicate that the Nd-Hf isotopic decoupling occurs in the Dayishan granite, which was likely caused by the partial melting of the rocks containing abundant high Lu/Hf minerals. The magma of the Dayishan granite is reduced, highly fractionated, and enriched in Sn and F, resulting in large-scale Sn mineralization in the Dayishan orefield. It is proposed that these granites are originated from melts mixed by crustal- and mantle constituents and are formed in an extensional setting caused by the subduction of the Palaeo-pacific plate. A two end-member modeling indicates that ca. 10–20 percent of mantle-derived melts were likely involved in the formation of the Dayishan granites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • GA nanofibrils are effective and robust stabilizer to make soft-solid emulsion foams. • Stability and structural properties of emulsion foams were controlled by oil phase polarity. • Emulsion foam with polar castor oil had denser network microstructure, higher mechanical strength, and lower friction coefficients. • Volatile limonene oil weakened structural stability and lubrication ability of emulsion foams. Novel supramolecular nanofibrils assembled from food-grade saponin glycyrrhizic acid (GA) are effective building blocks to make complex multiphase systems, e.g., emulsion foams. In this work, the effects of different oil phases (castor oil, sunflower oil, dodecane, and limonene) on the formation, stability and structural properties of long-lived emulsion foams prepared by GA nanofibrils (GNs) were investigated. The obtained results showed that soft-solid emulsion foams (4 wt% GNs) can be fabricated, independently of oil phase, and their structural properties, viscoelasticity, and tribological properties can be well tuned by oil phase polarity. Compared to the GNs aqueous foams, the presence of jammed emulsion droplets in the liquid channels and at the surfaces of bubbles can provide a higher bubble stability for emulsion foams. For more polar oil phase (castor oil), GNs showed a higher affinity to the oil–water interface with a lower interfacial tension, thus forming smaller oil droplets and bubbles, which leads to the higher mechanical strength, denser network microstructures, and lower friction coefficients of emulsion foams. However, the limonene foam exhibited weak storage stability and rheological properties, as well as the relatively low lubrication, which may be related to the formation of oil droplet aggregates and clusters induced by the volatility of limonene. GN-based emulsion foams are thermoresponsive, independently of oils, and the temperature-switchable process for the destabilization and regeneration of foams can be controlled and repeated. These emulsion foams based on natural saponin nanofibrils with tunable properties have potential sustainable applications in foods, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurogenesis in the adult brain is well recognized and plays a critical role in the maintenance of brain function and homeostasis. However, whether neurogenesis also occurs in the adult peripheral nervous system remains unknown. Here, using sensory ganglia (dorsal root ganglia, DRGs) as a model, we show that neurogenesis also occurs in the peripheral nervous system, but in a manner different from that in the central nervous system. Satellite glial cells (SGCs) express the neuronal precursor markers Nestin, POU domain, class 4, transcription factor 1, and p75 pan-neurotrophin receptor. Following sciatic nerve injury, the suppression of endogenous proBDNF by proBDNF antibodies resulted in the transformation of proliferating SGCs into doublecortin-positive cells in the DRGs. Using purified SGCs migrating out from the DRGs, the inhibition of endogenous proBDNF promoted the conversion of SGCs into neuronal phenotypes in vitro. Our findings suggest that SGCs are neuronal precursors, and that proBDNF maintains the SGC phenotype. Furthermore, the suppression of proBDNF signaling is necessary for neuronal phenotype acquisition by SGCs. Thus, we propose that peripheral neurogenesis may occur via the direct conversion of SGCs into neurons, and that this process is negatively regulated by proBDNF. [Display omitted] • The SGC phenotype is maintained by endogenous proBDNF. • DRG-SGCs may be multipotent neuronal precursors. • DRG-SGCs differentiate into sensory neuron-like phenotypes by inhibition of proBDNF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The hollow and porous Fe 3 C-NC nanoballoons (Fe 3 C-NC-NBs) are obtained by a novel template-induced strategy. • The Fe 3 C-NC-NBs has unique structure of a large specific surface area, rich porous structures, a high N and Fe content. • The Fe 3 C-NC-NBs nanozymes possess intrinsic and excellent peroxidase-like activity including large linear range and low detection limit, good reproducibility and selectivity for detection of H 2 O 2 both in HAc-NaAc buffer solution and released from HeLa cells via a fluorescence assay. In this work, we reported a new template-induced strategy for the controlled synthesis of hollow and porous Fe 3 C-NC nanoballoons (Fe 3 C-NC-NBs) with intrinsic peroxidase-like activity. The resulting Fe 3 C-NC-NBs nanozymes with a large specific surface area, rich porous structures, a high N and Fe content exhibit excellent performance including large linear range and low detection limit, good reproducibility and selectivity for detecting H 2 O 2 both in buffer solution and released from Hela cells via a fluorescence assay. This work provides a new strategy for controlled construction of novel M-NC hybrid and expand the applications of Fe-NC nanomaterials as high-efficiency nanozymes in biological detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most stable structures and spectra of neutral, anionic and cationic Ag 20 clusters have been studied by using density functional theory in conjunction with an unbiased CALYPSO structure searching method. Structural searches indicate that the regular tetrahedron which was widely regarded as the ground-state of neutral Ag 20 cluster is a low-lying isomer. Several new isomers with lower energy than the regular tetrahedron were found in geometry optimizations. The ground state structures of neutral and anionic Ag 20 cluster are confirmed by the optical absorption and photoelectron spectra. On the other hand, the investigation of CO adsorption on Ag 20 clusters shows that CO adsorption on anionic Ag 20 cluster is stronger than that on neutral and cationic Ag 20 clusters. The lowest energy structure of anionic Ag 20 cluster can bind CO molecular number up to 19. The adsorption of CO on Ag 20 clusters significantly changes the Infrared spectra of neutral and cationic Ag 20 clusters and the Raman spectrum of anionic Ag 20 cluster. Raman scattering intensity of CO adsorbed on Ag 20 cluster was enormously enhanced. The experimental and calculated optical-absorption spectra of Ag 20 nanocluster and CO adsorption on Ag 20 − nanocluster. [Display omitted] • The regular tetrahedron which was universally regarded as the ground-state of Ag 20 nanocluster is a low-lying isomer. • The ground state structure of anionic Ag 20 nanoclusters is confirmed by ultraviolet photoelectron spectrum. • The adsorption capacity of anionic Ag 20 nanocluster to CO is stronger than that of neutral and cationic Ag 20 nanoclusters. • Intensity of IR and Raman spectra can be greatly enhanced when CO is absorbed on Ag 20 nanoclusters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The equivalent model of power transformer fault classification based on (C-set&FCM-MCSVM) is first developed. • A novel data preparation (optimization) method based on the combination subset of the set (C-set) & FCM is implemented to solve the problems of the unbalanced data set, outliers, and boundary ratio associated with both conventional and AI methods. • The final output of performing the data preparation process via C-set&FCM is producing clean, balanced data set, namely, the labeled expert training data set. • This model focuses on optimizing the data itself rather than the parameters of the classification algorithms. • The implementation of the C-set & FCM method will improve the robustness of the data and enhance the performance of fault classification models of power transformers. The current paper aims to present a hybrid model for classifying faults in power transformers. The innovation of this paper can be shown by introducing a new method of data optimization based on the combination (subsets) of the set (C-set) method and the unsupervised fuzzy C-means (FCM) clustering algorithm. The new method aims to solve the quandaries of unbalanced data, outliers, and boundary ratios that exist in conventional and artificial methods. Considering the compactness of dissolved gas analysis (DGA) data, the C-set method is employed for dividing the data samples according to their fault types into multiple groups without repetition. The FCM algorithm is then adopted for the samples pre-selection process by obtaining the cluster centers of each C-set class. The obtained cluster centers are combined to form the labeled expert training data (LETD) set, which will train the 1-vs-1 multiclass support vector machine (MCSVM) with a linear kernel. The proposed model diagnosis obtained accuracy is 88.9%. Our proposed model has been compared with other soft computing and traditional models. The experimental results of this model revealed high performance in classifying transformer faults and improving the fault identification accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The reaction process between MgSiN2 SiO2 and Si3N4 was investigated by analyzing the composition change of the powder mixture of 61wt% MgSiN2, 34wt% SiO2 and 5wt% α-Si3N4 after heat treatment at different temperatures. The phase and chemical compositions of the grain boundary phase in the silicon nitride ceramic was analyzed by x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscope, and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. The results demonstrated that MgSiN2 reacted with the surface silica and Si3N4 to form Mg–Si–O–N liquid phase, which promoted the consolidation densification of silicon nitride powders through liquid-phase sintering mechanism. The amount of Mg–Si–O–N glass boundary phase using MgSiN2 as additives is much less than that using the same amount of MgO additive, owing to the lower oxygen concentration and higher nitrogen content. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: It has been verified that borneol could promote the accumulation of other drugs in the whole brain. In this study, a microdialysis sampling system coupled with UPLC–MS was developed to evaluate the delivery of geniposide to four brain regions (cortex, hippocampus, hypothalamus and striatum) of conscious rats in the absence/presence of borneol: rats were administrated with geniposide alone (300mg/kg, iv) or administrated with both geniposide and borneol (0.2g/kg, ig). The dialysate collected from specific brain area was analyzed by a UPLC–MS system: separated on a BEH C18 column (50mm×2.1mm id, 1.7μm) within 1.5min, and detected in positive ion electrospray mode. The calibration curve was in good linearity over the concentration range of 0.009–90μg/mL. The inter- and intra-day accuracies were within ±10%, and the precisions were within 9.13%. The established method was applied to study the brain pharmacokinetics of geniposide and the results demonstrated that borneol markedly facilitated the delivery of geniposide to hippocampus and hypothalamus, but slightly hampered its delivery in cortex. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: α/β Si3N4 composites with β-Si3N4 content ranging from 26% to 100% were hot-pressed with or without β-Si3N4 seeds, using MgSiN2 as additives, and their mechanical properties were investigated. When the α-Si3N4 content was over 58%, the microhardness of α/β Si3N4 composites was in the range of 23–24GPa, and then the indentation hardness decreases with decreasing the content of α-Si3N4, whether with β-Si3N4 seeds or not. The toughness increased with increasing elongated β-Si3N4 grains, which improved fracture resistance by crack bridging, pull out or the crack deflection mechanism, and reached the maximum value of 7.0MPam1/2 with 1wt% β-seeds. In comparison with α/β Si3N4 composite with a similar phase composition, the fracture strength was improved by adding β-Si3N4 seeds because of the relatively smaller grain sizes and higher toughness. The α/β Si3N4 composite with 5wt% β-seeds showed a high strength of 1253MPa, a high hardness of 20.9GPa and a toughness of 6.9MPam1/2. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A translucent α/β Si3N4 composite, consisting of 85% α-Si3N4 and 15% β-Si3N4, was fabricated by hot-pressing at 1563°C for 1h, using an MgSiN2 additive. The α/β Si3N4 composite achieves a maximum transmittance of 66% for a 0.42mm thick specimen in the medium infrared region, which is attributed to its high density and to a small amount of intergranular phase and β-Si3N4. In addition to optical transmittance, the sample showed a very high hardness of 24.0±0.5GPa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study investigated whether cytokine enhancement of a biodegradable patch could restore cardiac function after surgical ventricular restoration (SVR) even when seeded with cells from old donors. Background: SVR can partially restore heart size and improve function late after an extensive anterior myocardial infarction. However, 2 limitations include the stiff synthetic patch used and the limited healing of the infarct scar in aged patients. Methods: We covalently immobilized 2 proangiogenic cytokines (vascular endothelial growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor) onto porous collagen scaffolds. We seeded human mesenchymal stromal cells from young (50.0 ± 8.0 years, N = 4) or old (74.5 ± 7.4 years, N = 4) donors into the scaffolds, with or without growth factors. The patches were characterized and used for SVR in a rat model of myocardial infarction. Cardiac function was assessed. Results: In vitro results showed that cells from old donors grew slower in the scaffolds. However, the presence of cytokines modulated the aging-related p16 gene and enhanced cell proliferation, converting the old cell phenotype to a young phenotype. In vivo studies showed that 28 days after SVR, patches seeded with cells from old donors did not induce functional recovery as well as patches seeded with young cells. However, cytokine-enhanced patches seeded with old cells exhibited preserved patch area, prolonged cell survival, and augmented angiogenesis, and rats implanted with these patches had better cardiac function. The patch became an elastic tissue, and the old cells were rejuvenated. Conclusions: This sustained-release, cytokine-conjugated system provides a promising platform for engineering myocardial tissue for aged patients with heart failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper, a simple analytical method for the visualization of thiol compounds including glutathione (GSH), N-acetylcysteine (NAC), cysteine (Cys) and coenzyme A (CoA) in living cells is developed based on 1,3,5,7-tetramethyl-8-phenyl-(2-maleimide)-difluoroboradiaza-s-indacene (TMPAB-o-M) labeling. By using of this fluorogenic reagent, in-situ imaging of thiol compounds in cells could be achieved in only 90s, which is much faster than that mentioned in other reports. The fluorescence of derivative products in living cells could be stable for atleast 15min under irradiation, and can be quantified by HPLC easily in only 6min. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Soybean oil bodies and oleosins are known to be useful in foods and other emulsion systems. The influence of NaCl addition (0–500 mM), thermal processing (30, 60, 90 and 120 °C, 30 min), and freeze-thaw cycling (−20 °C, 24 h/30 °C, 2 h) on the stability of uncoated and ι-carrageenan coated soybean oil body emulsions at pH 3 and 7 was analyzed using particle electrical charge, particle size distribution, creaming stability and confocal laser scanning microscopy measurements. The stability of the uncoated emulsions to NaCl addition depended on pH, which was attributed to electrostatic screening effects. For NaCl, the uncoated emulsions were relatively stable from 0 to 150 mM at pH 3, but aggregated at ≥ 50 mM at pH 7; however, the ι-carrageenan coated emulsions at pH 3 and 7 were stable at all NaCl concentrations. The thermal stability of uncoated and ι-carrageenan coated emulsions may be relative to pH and holding temperature. Both uncoated and ι-carrageenan coated emulsions were stable at pH 7, whereas the uncoated emulsions at pH 3 became unstable when heated above 90 °C, but the ι-carrageenan coated emulsion droplets at pH 3 only extensively coalesced at 120 °C. The ι-carrageenan coated emulsions at pH 3 and 7 exhibited little droplet aggregation after three freeze-thaw cycles in the presence of sucrose. These results suggest that ι-carrageenan coated soybean oil body emulsions have similar or improved stability compared to uncoated emulsions and may be utilized as functional soy products in the food and other industries. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]