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Room-temperature (RT) solid-state sodium-sulfur batteries (SSNSBs) are one of the most promising next-generation energy storage systems because of their high energy density, enhanced safety, cost-efficiency, and non-toxicity. While most of the studies for SSNSBs focused on designing and developing sulfur cathodes, we carve out a new path to understanding and modulating the structures and properties of sulfide solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) for achieving high-performance SSNSBs. A novel cation and anion co-doped approach was developed to enhance the ionic conductivity and expand the electrochemical stability of sulfide SSEs, and eventually improve the electrochemical performance of SSNSBs. The crystal structure and local structure of the cation/anion co-doped sulfide SSEs have been studied in detail combined with the density functional theory (DFT) calculations for mechanism understanding. SSNSBs incorporating co-doped sulfide SSEs demonstrate high capacity and stable cycling performance, even at high rates, which is at the top of the reported performances in the literature. Our novel approach for cation and anion-tuned SSEs demonstrates excellent ionic conductivity and electrochemical stability, paving a new way for the next generation of solid-state sodium batteries. [Display omitted] • Comprehending SSE structures and properties for enhancing the performance of solid-state Na-S batteries. • Cation (W) and anion (Cl) co-doping approach was developed to enhance ionic conductivity and extend electrochemical windows. • Deeply understand the crystal structure and local environment of the cation/anion co-doped Na 3 SbS 4 SSEs. • The solid-state Na-S batteries demonstrate a remarkable performance with high capacity and good stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sumalarins D–G (1 – 4), four previously undescribed curvularin derivatives, along with two known related metabolites, curvularin (5) and dehydrocurvularin (6), were isolated and identified from the mangrove-derived fungus Penicillium sumatrense MA-325. Among them, sumalarin D (1) represents a unique example of curvularin derivative featuring a 5-methylfuran-2-yl-methyl group. Their structures were elucidated based on analysis of NMR and MS data as well as comparison of ECD spectra and quantum chemical calculations of NMR, and compound 1 was confirmed by X-ray crystallographic analysis. Compounds 1 , 2 , 5 , and 6 are active against aquatic pathogenic bacteria Vibrio alginolyticus and V. harveyi with MIC values ranging from 4 to 64 μ g/mL, while compound 6 is cytotoxic against tumor cell lines 5673, HCT 116, 786-O, and Hela with IC 50 values of 3.5, 10.6, 10.9, and 14.9 μ M, respectively. Sumalarin D (1), the first curvularin featuring a unique 5-methylfuran-2-yl-methyl group at C-4, along with three curvularin congeners, were identified from the mangrove-derived Penicillium sumatrense MA-325. [Display omitted] • Four previously undescribed curvularins were isolated from mangrove-derived Penicillium sumatrense. • Sumalarin D (1) is the first curvularin featuring a unique 5-methylfuran-2-yl-methyl group at C-4. • ECD and DP4+ calculation and X-ray diffraction were used for structure determination. • Dehydrocurvularin (6) exhibited potent cytotoxic activities against a panel of tumor cell lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal lenticular gaskets have been widely applied in the bolt flange joints of high and ultrahigh pressure pipelines due to their semi-self-tightening sealing properties. However, research on the leakage prediction of the metal lenticular gaskets is still lacking, which limits their further optimal design and sealing performance improvement. In this paper, an elastoplastic contact mechanics analysis of a metal lenticular gasket used in the bolted flange joint of ultra-high pressure polyethylene pipelines was firstly carried out. The analytical formulas of contact stress and contact width were derived and compared with corresponding numerical results. Then, based on the surface topography measurement, a leakage model was established, in which the pipe surface was simplified to a smooth rigid flat surface, and the gasket surface was simplified to an equivalent rough surface composed of identical wedges. Finally, an analytical leakage prediction formula for the metal lenticular gasket was proposed. In addition, the effects of influence factors on leakage rate were discussed. It is shown that the analytical formulas can accurately calculate the contact stress and contact width in elastoplastic contact. The leakage rate increases with the decrease of the bolt load and the increase of internal pressure. For the ultrahigh pressure pipeline with internal pressure of 200 MPa, the minimum bolt load should be ensured to be higher than 120 kN in order to meet the T5 tightness level. In addition, the initial contact diameter is basically proportional to the leakage rate, while the change of gasket inclination angle has little effect on the leakage rate. Therefore, the contact diameter can be designed to be as small as possible within a reasonable range. This work can provide a theoretical basis for the sealing optimal design of metal lenticular gaskets. • An elastoplastic contact mechanics analysis of lenticular gasket used in ultra-high pressure (UHP) seal was carried out. • The theoretical formulas of contact stress and contact width were derived and verified by numerical simulations. • A leakage prediction formula of the UHP gaskets associated with contact mechanics and gasket parameters was derived. • The factors affecting leakage rates are discussed, which provided a theoretical basis for research of UHP seal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lanthanide coordination polymers have been successfully assembled by Ln3+ ions and asymmetric carboxylic acid ligand under solvothermal conditions. The structure analysis display that complexes 1 – 3 are isostructural three-dimensional (3D) supramolecular network. Furthermore, luminescence properties of complexes 1 – 4 have been measured in the solid state at room temperature. Complex 2 exhibits a strong red luminescence upon excitation at 283 nm and its lifetimes is 33.554 ns. In addition, magnetic studies reveal that complex 1 has a weak antiferromagnetic interaction. Lanthanide coordination polymers (Ln-CPs) {[Ln(H L) 2 (H 2 O) 3 ]·(H 2 O) 4 ·Cl} n (Ln = Dy, 1 ; Eu, 2 ; Sm, 3) and [Ln 0.18 (H L) 0.18 (CH 3 COO) 0.36 (H 2 O) 0.54 ] n (Ln = La, 4 ; H 2 L = 2-(hydroxymethyl)-1 H -benzo[ d ]imidazole-5-carboxylic acid) have been successfully assembled by Ln3+ ions and asymmetric carboxylic acid ligand under solvothermal conditions. The structures of the complexes 1 – 4 were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction and further characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The structure analysis display that complexes 1 – 3 are isostructural three-dimensional (3D) supramolecular network. Complexes 1 – 4 were constructed by hydrogen bonding interactions between the coordinated water molecules and the O atoms of the hydroxy group or free chloride ions. Furthermore, luminescence properties of complexes 1 – 4 have been measured in the solid state at room temperature. Complex 2 exhibits a strong red luminescence upon excitation at 283 nm and its lifetimes is 33.554 ns. In addition, magnetic studies reveal that complex 1 has a weak antiferromagnetic interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a general form of three-term conjugate gradient method is presented, in which the search directions simultaneously satisfy the Dai–Liao conjugacy condition and sufficient descent property. In addition, the choice for an optimal parameter is suggested in the sense that the condition number of the iteration matrix could arrives at its minimum, which can be regarded as the inheritance and development of the spectral scaling quasi-Newton equation. Different from the existent methods, a new update strategy in constructing the search direction is proposed to establish the global convergence for the general function. Numerical results show our algorithm is practical and effective for the test problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Failure analysis of bolt-gasket-flange joints in ultra-high pressure pipelines was carried out by the combination of experimental and simulated methods. • The differences of microstructure and mechanical properties between serviced gaskets and unused gaskets were investigated by a series of tests. • An improved layer-variable parameter numerical model which considers the heterogeneous mechanical properties of the gasket along the thickness direction is to accurately predict its stress and deformation. • Gasket material degradation caused by frequent pressure fluctuations at the working environment of high temperature and high pressure is the main cause of seal failure. This study was focused on the conical gaskets in ultra-high pressure pipeline sealing devices. Failure analysis of the conical gaskets was carried out by combining gasket experiments and numerical simulations. Macroscopic dimension inspection, miniature specimen tensile tests, micro-hardness tests, metallographic tests, and scanning electron microscope (SEM) experiments were carried out to study the differences between used gaskets and unused gaskets. Results show that the mechanical properties of the used gaskets degenerate and microstructural changes occur, which is caused by frequent pressure fluctuations in the working environment of high temperature and high pressure. Besides, the stress distribution and deformation of the gasket, as well as the effect of pressure fluctuation on the gasket stress, were analyzed by numerical simulation. Meanwhile, an improved layer-variable parameter numerical model is proposed for the numerical simulation of the used conical gaskets. The model was used to compare the elastic resilience of the gaskets before and after service under different preload, respectively. Results show that the simulated results by the model is closer to the experimental results. The elastic resilience of the used gaskets is significantly less than that of the unused gaskets. Therefore, it can be concluded that the mechanical properties degradation and accumulation of plastic deformation of the gaskets caused the lack of the elastic resilience of the gasket, which may be the direct cause of the seal failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanism and effects of " Danggui–kushen " herb pair (DKHP) better than single drug in ischemic heart disease (IHD). IHD model was established by left anterior descending branch of coronary artery in rats. Rats were randomized into six groups and oral administration for 7 days: control, model, Danshen dripping pills (DS) (5.103 g/kg), Danggui (DG) (2.7 g/kg), Kushen (KS) (2.7 g/kg) and DKHP (2.7 g/kg). Electrocardiogram (ECG), myocardial infarction and damage assessment, histological inspection analysis, and various biochemical indexes of myocardial tissue were measured to evaluate the myocardial damage and the protective effects of drugs. The inflammatory levels were identified by HE staining and serum cytokine, and the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α), inhibitor kappa B kinaseβ (IKKβ) and nuclear transcription factor kappa B (NF-κB) were measured by immunohistochemistry. The results suggested that: compared with the control group, model group showed significantly myocardial tissue abnormalities, and increased levels of inflammatory cytokine. Treatment with drugs inhibited the increase of α-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (α-HBDH), creatine kinase (CK), creatinekinase isoenzyme (CK-MB), interleukin 1 (IL-1) and interleukin 6 (IL-6). The results of immunohistochemical showed that drugs-treatment inhibited the expression of IKKβ and the P-p65, increased the expression of HIF-1α, which demonstrated that the anti-inflammatory effects of DKHP was achieved by suppressing of NF-κB signaling. These observations indicated that DKHP can ameliorate myocardial injury better than single. And these are related to the inhibition of NF-κB and actives HIF-1α signaling. [Display omitted] • Angelica - Sophora flavescens is a traditional Chinese medicine pair. The combination of the two drugs improved the state of myocardial ischemia. • Inflammation and hypoxia are the key pathologic states of ischemic heart disease. • HIF-1 affects inflammation, cancer and the cardiovascular system. • Angelica-Sophora flavescens can control inflammation and affect HIF-1 by regulating NF-κB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The primary fluid in a steam-jet vacuum pump is not assumed as a perfect gas as general research in the present study. A mathematic model based on the wet steam model for transonic flow is proposed to investigate the flow behaviours of primary fluid in the nozzle of a steam-jet vacuum pump. The simulation based on a wet steam model was carried out to predict the flow characteristics of primary fluid along the nozzle axis by a commercial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code (FLUENT6.3). The simulation results showed that there was spontaneous condensation as the supersonic flow passing through the nozzle and the simulation results had a good agreement with the experimental data. It is found from the numerical simulation results that the steam flow characteristics in nozzle are quite different from a wet steam model and a perfect gas assumption: the outlet pressure of the nozzle predicted in the present study is higher than that as the primary fluid assumed as perfect gas, the outlet velocity is about 10% lower than that as the primary fluid assumed as a perfect gas, and the temperature at the outlet of the nozzle is much higher than that as the primary fluid assumed as a perfect gas. The simulation results demonstrate that the thermo-positive process due to steam condensation would hinder the supersonic expanding flow process in nozzle and depress the efficiency of the nozzle which would affect the pumping performance of steam-jet pump. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Aiming to attenuate the fluctuation caused by static friction torque of the SPG, the dissipation energy produced by the slip distance from the static friction to the lubrication is analyzed based on the Hertz Contact Theory. Considering the time amplification effect of the structure resonance, the amplitude and the width of the single pulse are calculated to impulse the first order rotation mode of the SPG. Then, a formula of the compensation pulse is deduced, and At last, the disturbance caused by the slipping energy is well compensated by the vibration energy of SPG. Using this method, the torque fluctuation of passing zero speed degrade and the residual stress from the SPG to the spacecraft is reduced. At the same time, this conclusion provides a theory basis for the optimization of the controlling system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A mathematic model based on realizable k-ɛ turbulence model for transonic flow was proposed to investigate the mixing flow behaviours of primary and secondary fluids in steam-jet vacuum pump and the affections to the pumping performances. The simulation was carried out to predict the static pressure distribution among mixing chamber wall by a commercial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code FLUENT 6.2. Close agreements between the predicted results and experimental data validated the present theoretical model. Using the present approach, the velocity vectors and Mach number profiles in mixing chamber at different back pressures and the secondary fluid pathlines and mass flux profiles at different suction pressures were predicted. It is found that there are swirls separated from secondary fluid near the wall and the velocity of secondary fluid was fallen down obviously when the back pressure was bigger than critical back pressure. The above two factors lead to the entrainment ratio (Em ) reduced rapidly. It is also found that the mass flux increased with the increasing of suction pressures and made the entrainment ratios increased. The prediction results show that the pressure ratio (K) is a dominant position in affecting the pump''s performances. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Pentachlorophenol (PCP) is a highly toxic contaminant of chlorophenols. Due to its slow and incomplete biodegradation, it can be found in surface, groundwater and in soils. To investigate the role of intracellular calcium and reactive oxygen species in apoptosis induced by PCP in cultured hepatocytes, the primary hepatocytes of Carassius carassius were incubated with different concentrations of PCP at 25 °C for 8 h in vitro. Apoptosis was detected by DNA laddering, caspase activation and flow cytometry. The results demonstrated that apoptosis was involved in the cytotoxic effect of PCP, and that PCP-induced apoptosis occurred in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the induction of apoptosis by PCP was accompanied with Ca2+, Mg2+-ATPase activity decline, intracellular Ca2+ elevation, generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm ) disruption and ATP depletion. Concomitantly, there were dose-dependent increases in lipid peroxidation production (MDA) and decreases in glutathione (GSH). These investigations suggest that PCP-induces apoptosis in the cultured hepatocytes by affecting multiple targets, and suggest that [Ca2+] i increase and ROS generation may be involved in apoptosis induction by PCP. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Four new complexes [Ni 3 ( L 1 ) 3 (H 2 O) 10 ] ( 1 ), [Zn 3 ( L 2 ) 3 (H 2 O)] n ( 2 ), [Cd( L 2 )(H 2 O)] n ( 3 ) and [Cd 2 (H L 2 ) 4 (H 2 O) 4 ] ( 4 ) have been synthesized by the reaction of 4-(1 H -tetrazol-5-yl)phenol (H 2 L 1 ) and 2-(1 H -tetrazol-5-yl)phenol (H 2 L 2 ) with nickel, zinc, cadmium salts. Complex 1 was synthesized by H 2 L 1 ligand at room temperature conditions, 2 and 3 are synthesized by H 2 L 2 ligand in situ reaction under hydrothermal conditions, 4 is synthesized by H 2 L 2 ligand at room temperature reflux conditions. All of them were characterized by elemental analysis and single-crystal X-ray diffraction, infrared spectrosopy, powder X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Complexes 1 and 4 are the small-size clusters, the structure of complexes 2 and 3 reveal 2D coordination network. Topologically, complexes 2 and 3 show that binodal networks with a 4-connected and the point symbol of (4 4 ·6 2 ). In addition, magnetic, fluorescence, and UV–Vis properties of these complexes have been studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Co incorporation in CeO 2 nanorods enhances the Pt dispersion, redox properties, and oxygen vacancies content of catalyst. • Co greatly improves low-temperature CO oxidation activity and low content of Co (Co/Ce < 0.03) promotes the CO oxidation under wet condition. • CO oxidation mainly follows the H 2 O-mediated L-H mechanism and formate pathway in the presence of H 2 O. • Pt/Co-CeO 2 catalyst exhibits outstanding SO 2 resistance. Catalytic oxidation represents a highly efficient and extensively employed approach for the elimination of CO in exhaust gas. Rationally designing and preparing catalysts with exceptional activity and stability in the presence of H 2 O and SO 2 at low temperatures represent crucial avenues for future advancements. In this work, a series of Pt catalysts supported on CeO 2 nanorods incorporated with varying amounts of Cobalt (Co/CeO 2 ratio ranging from 0 to 10 %) were prepared and evaluated for their catalytic activity in CO oxidation under both dry and wet conditions. The ultrahigh dispersion of Pt, outstanding redox properties, and abundant oxygen vacancies on the surface of Co-doped CeO 2 nanorod supported Pt catalysts were revealed by XRD, TEM, Raman spectroscopy and H 2 -TPR techniques. The catalytic activity for CO oxidation strongly depends on the Co content and reaction conditions. Among them, Pt/Co-CeO 2 -5 % exhibits the highest CO oxidation performance with a T 90 (the temperature to achieve 90 % conversion of CO) of 170 °C under dry conditions, which is significantly lower by 140 °C compared to T 90 of Pt/CeO 2. Pt/Co-CeO 2 -1 % demonstrates superior CO oxidation performance with a T 90 of 195 °C under wet conditions, exhibiting a reduction in temperature by 65 °C compared to the T 90 of Pt/CeO 2. Moreover, Pt/Co-CeO 2 exhibits excellent resistance to SO 2 compared to Pt/CeO 2. Kinetic studies, in situ DRIFT analysis and isotopic experiments demonstrated direct participation of H 2 O in the reaction. On the catalysts with a low Co/Ce ratio (Co/Ce < 0.03), CO readily reacts with hydroxyl groups dissociated from H 2 O to form carboxyl intermediates, which subsequently undergo rapid decomposition into CO 2 , resulting in an enhanced reaction rate of CO oxidation at low temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A wet steam model for transonic flow was proposed to investigate the flow behaviours in a steam-jet pump. Contrary to the general ideal gas assumption adopted by the most of the researches focusing on steam-jet pump investigation, the numerical simulation using this wet steam model that was implemented based on a commercial computational fluid dynamics code, and the simulation results demonstrated the existence of the spontaneous condensation as the supersonic flow passing through the nozzle. Our results also gave good agreement with the referenced experimental data, and with higher accuracy when comparing with the results generated from ideal gas modelling. The present study confirms that the simulation accuracy can be improved by the wet steam modelling, and gives a proper prediction of pump operating status. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: TiO2 nano-catalysts made by the sol–gel method were modified by ion implantation and electron beam irradiation to obtain a more efficient photocatalytic function. The results of photodegradation of methyl orange in aqueous solution demonstrate firstly that the films have a photocatalytic activity which responds to visible light. Secondly, it demonstrates that under ultraviolet excitation the sample with a fluence of 6×1015 ions/cm2 and electron beam irradiated with concentration of AgNO3 aqueous solution at 1×10−3 M gives a more efficient photodegradation ability than pure TiO2 film and other Fe-doped films display almost the same photodegradation ability as TiO2 film. Thirdly it demonstrates that under sunlight, all modified films exhibit more photodegradation activity than TiO2 film. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Two novel ligands for the nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) receptor (NOP), [(pF)Phe4,Aib7, Aib11,Arg14,Lys15]N/OFQ-NH2 (peptide-1) and [Nphe1,(pF)Phe4,Aib7,Aib11,Arg14,Lys15]N/OFQ-NH2 (peptide-2), have been generated by combining different modifications of N/OFQ sequence. In the present study, we investigated the actions of two analogues and compared them with those of N/OFQ in four assays. Peptide-1 mimicked N/OFQ effects in mouse vas deferens and mouse colon and showed similar maximal effects but higher potency relative to N/OFQ. The effects of peptide-1 were sensitive to NOP receptor selective antagonist ([Nphe1]N/OFQ(1-13)-NH2) but not to naloxone in vitro. Peptide-1 (25pmol, i.c.v.) mimicked the pronociceptive action of N/OFQ (2.5nmol, i.c.v.) in mouse tail withdrawal assay, displaying higher potency and longer lasting effects. In anesthetized rats, peptide-1 (1nmol/kg, i.v.) produced a marked decrease in mean arterial pressure, which was comparable to that evoked by i.v. N/OFQ (100nmol/kg). Peptide-2 did not produce any effect per se but antagonized N/OFQ actions in mouse vas deferens and mouse colon assays. Peptide-2 is active in vivo where it prevented the pronociceptive effect induced by 2.5nmol N/OFQ i.c.v. in the mouse tail withdrawal assay. Furthermore, peptide-2 at 5nmol produced alone a robust and long lasting antinociceptive effect. Moreover, peptide-2 (10 and 40nmol/kg i.v.) didn''t produce any effect per se but antagonized hypotensive actions produced by i.v. administration of N/OFQ. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that [(pF)Phe4,Aib7,Aib11, Arg14,Lys15]N/OFQ-NH2 behaves as a highly potent NOP receptor agonist which produces long lasting effects in vivo and [Nphe1,(pF)Phe4,Aib7,Aib11,Arg14,Lys15]N/OFQ-NH2 acts as a pure and competitive antagonist of the NOP receptor. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) and its receptor system modulate a variety of biological functions and further understandings of physiological and pathological roles of this system require new potent agonists and antagonists of its receptor. Two series of N/OFQ related analogues were synthesized to investigate the relationship of different modifications. We combined modifications including: (a) Phe4→(pF)Phe4; (b) Ala7, Ala11→Aib7, Aib11; (c) Leu14, Ala15→Arg14, Lys15. Compared with the first series, N-terminus of the second series was changed from Phe1 to Nphe1. All the analogues were amidated at C-terminus. These compounds were tested in binding studies on rat brain membranes and mouse vas deferens assay. Results indicated that the compounds of the first series showed higher affinity and potency than N/OFQ (pK i =9.33; pEC50 =7.50). In particular, [(pF)Phe4, Aib7, Aib11, Arg14, Lys15] N/OFQ-NH2 was found to be a highly potent agonist with pK i =10.78 in binding studies and pEC50 =9.37 in mouse vas deferens assay. The second series all competitively antagonized the effects of N/OFQ in mouse vas deferens assay. [Nphe1, (pF)Phe4, Aib7, Aib11, Arg14, Lys15] N/OFQ-NH2 was the best antagonist with pA 2 =8.39 and showed high binding affinity with pK i =9.99. Thus modifications which increase the potency of agonist have synergistic effect on biological activity and a replacement of N-terminus leads to shift of analogues from agonist to antagonist. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Asymmetric oxidative coupling of (S)-1-(3-hydroxy-2-naphthylcarbonyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid methyl ester 1 catalyzed by CuCl afforded (S,S,R)-2,2′-dihydroxy-3,3′-bis(2-methoxycarbonyl-1-pyrrolidinylcarbonyl)-1,1′-binapthalene 2 with diastereomeric excess up to 65.9%. (R)-BINOL-3,3′-diacid 3 was obtained in 30% overall yield and 97% e.e. by separating the diastereomers and hydrolyzing 2. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The ability of fungi to weather a wide range of minerals influences plant nutrition and enhances global biogeochemical cycles of life-essential elements. The fungus-mineral interface plays a key role in weathering, but the specific mechanisms underlying these processes remain poorly understood. Here, we examined fungal-mineral weathering using hematite and Trichoderma guizhouense. We showed that hematite dissolution increased over cultivation time, with the formation of secondary minerals up to ∼3000 µm−2 at the interfaces after 66 h cultivation. Of the hematite associated with hyphae, approximately 15% was converted to the secondary mineral ferrihydrite. Importantly, superoxide radicals were detected at the hyphal tips and along the whole hyphae. During cultivation, a high concentration (∼1000 nM) of hydroxyl radical was also detected. Synchrotron radiation based spectromicroscopies at fungus-mineral interfaces suggest that fungus hyphae alter the local redox state of iron and thus are redox-active. These findings indicate that fungus-initiated catalytic reactions occur at hyphal-mineral interfaces, in view of the fact that superoxide does not diffuse far from the site of formation. Furthermore, these results also suggest that the catalytic reactions may serve as a new strategy for microbial iron uptake. Together, these findings constitute a significant step forward in understanding the ways that fungi make minerals available to biological systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-photostability fluorescent (XZn)Fe 2 O 4 (X = Mg, Mn or Ni) embedded in BiFeO 3 spinel-perovskite nanocomposites were successfully fabricated via a novel bio-induced phase transfer method using shewanella oneidensis MR-1. These nanocomposites have the near-infrared fluorescence response (XZn or Fe)-O-O-(Bi) interfaces (785/832 nm), and the (XZn)Fe 2 O 4 /BiFeO 3 lattices with high/low potentials (572.15–808.77 meV/206.43–548.1 meV). Our results suggest that heavy metal ion (Cr 3+ , Cd 2+ , Co 2+ and Pb 2+ ) d↓ orbitals hybridize with the paired-spin X-Zn-Fe d↓-d↓-d↑↓ orbitals to decrease the average polarization angles (−29.78 to 44.71°), qualitatively enhancing the photovoltage response selective potentials (39.57–487.84 meV). The fluorescent kinetic analysis shows that both first-order and second-order equilibrium adsorption isotherms are in line and meet the Langmuir and Freundlich modes. Highly selective fluorescence detection of Co 2+ , Cr 3+ and Cd 2+ can be achieved using Fe 3 O 4 -BiFeO 3 (Langmuir mode), (MgZn)Fe 2 O 4 -BiFeO 3 and (MnZn)Fe 2 O 4 -BiFeO 3 (Freundlich mode), respectively. Where the corresponding max adsorption capacities (q max ) are 1.5–1.94, 35.65 and 43.7 multiple, respectively, being more competitive than that of other heavy metal ions. The present bio-synthesized method might be relevant for high-photostability fluorescent spinel-perovskite nanocomposites, for design of heavy metal ion sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A series of novel pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrazin-4(5H)-one derivatives with hydrophilic group was synthesized under general heating condition and microwave-assisted condition. The structures of compounds were determined by IR, 1H NMR and HRMS, moreover, representative crystal structures were characterized by using X-ray diffraction analysis. Preliminary biological evaluation showed that some compounds could inhibit the growth of A549, H322 and H1299 cells in dosage dependent manners. The compounds could inhibit growth of A549, H322 and H1299 cells in different mechanism. Compounds 3e–h inhibited growth of A549 cells by inducing a strong G1-phase arrest. Whereas these compounds inhibited growth of H1299 and H322 cells by inducing apoptosis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: As a new threat to environment all through the world, perchlorate () was predominantly a thyrotoxin, and its toxic manifestations in non-thyroid were also documented. However, little is known about the effects of on cell and organelle. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the effects of on hepatocytes and mitochondria isolated from Carassius auratus from the direct viewpoint of energy by using the microcalorimetric method. The metabolic thermogenic curves of hepatocytes and mitochondria at 25°C were obtained. And the thermokinetic parameters, such as growth rate constant (k), inhibitory ratio (I), maximum thermal power (P max) and total thermal effect (Q total) have been calculated. The results indicated that the toxicity of on hepatocytes was relevant to the concentration of . However, 10–100mgL−1 stimulated the metabolic activity of mitochondria and the toxicity of on mitochondria only occurrenced when treated with higher concentration of . This study shown that mitochondria has a major impact on the metabolic thermogenic of hepatocytes, but not the only factor. Meanwhile, it demonstrated that microcalorimetry was a powerful tool for understanding biological processes and studying on the toxic action of environmental contaminants in cell or subcellular level. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A water-soluble polysaccharide (HCP) with a molecular mass of 6.7×105 Da determined by high performance size-exclusion chromatography (HPSEC), was isolated from the fruit bodies of Sarcodon aspratus (Berk.) S. Ito., an edible mushroom. HCP was elucidated as a liner glucan with a backbone structure of (1→6)-linked-α-d-glucopyranosyl residues by interpretation of the composition analysis, methylation analysis, periodate oxidation experiment, FT-IR, and NMR spectroscopy. Immunological activity evaluation using H3-thymidine incorporation method revealed that HCP could significantly stimulate the proliferation of the cultured mice spleen lymphocyte in a dose-dependent manner. HCP might be a potential immunomodulator which can be used against pathogens and tumors in health-care food or medicine. This is the first report on the detailed structure elucidation of the polysaccharide from S. aspratus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]