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• A nomogram was developed incorporating the pre-treatment MRI features of the structured report template and clinical factors to predict poor responses in patients with LARC after neoCRT. • The nomogram showed good discrimination as well as good calibration in both the training and test datasets. • Our model performed better than the models including the TNM stage and clinical factors. • This nomogram has the potential for application as a convenient and non-invasive tool for clinicians to preoperatively estimate LARC patients' risk of poor responses to neoCRT. To develop a predictive model with pre-treatment magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of the structured report template and clinical parameters for poor responses prediction after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (neoCRT) in locally advanced rectal cancers (LARC) patients. Patients with clinicopathologically confirmed LARC (training and validation datasets, n = 100 and 71, respectively) were enrolled. Patients' clinical data were retrospectively collected. MRI findings of the structured report template were analysed. The tumour regression grade (TRG) system as proposed by Mandard et al was used. Poor response was defined as TRG 3–5. Univariate logistic regression analysis and a lasso regression model were performed to select the significant predictive features from the training set. A nomogram was constructed based on a multivariable logistic regression analysis. Calibration, discrimination, and clinical usefulness of the nomogram were assessed. The calibrative and discriminative ability of our model were compared with those of models including the tumour-node-metastasis (TNM) stage and clinical factors. The MRI-reported T4b stage, MRI-reported extramural venous invasion (EMVI) positivity, MRI-detected number of positive mesorectal lymph nodes (LNs) > 0, and preoperative oxaliplatin and capecitabine (CAPOX) chemotherapy regimen were incorporated into our nomogram. The nomogram showed good discrimination, with areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of 0·823 and 0·820 in the training and test sets, respectively, and good calibration in both datasets. The decision curve analysis confirmed that the nomogram was clinically useful. The calibrative and discriminative ability of our model were better than those models including the TNM stage and clinical factors. A nomogram based on pre-treatment MRI features of the structured report template and clinical risk factors has potential for use as a non-invasive tool to preoperatively predict poor responses in LARC patients after neoCRT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dendrobium officinale is an economically important Chinese herb with ornamental and medicinal values. However, the mechanisms by which D. officinale adapts to cadmium (Cd) stress is unknown. Here, physiological changes in D. officinale roots and leaves exposed to increasing levels of Cd stress (CdSO 4 concentration of 2, 5, 9, 14 mg L−1) were analyzed at 7, 15, 30, and 45 days after treatment. The Cd stress of 14 mg L−1 significantly increased the levels of antioxidants and induced malondialdehyde and proline accumulation (P < 0.05). Cd subcellular distribution showed that Cd sequestration into soluble fraction is the major detoxification mechanism in D. officinale roots. Subsequently, the transcriptome profile of D. officinale roots treated with 14 mg L−1 Cd for 15 and 30 days was analyzed. Compared to control, 2,469 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, comprising 1,486 up-regulated genes and 983 down-regulated genes. The DEGs associated with metabolic pathways for Cd uptake, transportation and detoxification were analyzed. Several processes such as metal transporter, sulfate glutathione metabolism, cell wall metabolism, phenylpropanoid metabolism were identified to be important for Cd stress adaptation. More genes were expressed at 15 days after treatment compared to 30 days. WRKY, Trihelix, NF-YC, MYB, bZIP and bHLH transcription factors were over-expressed at both time points. Furthermore, candidate genes from the glutathione metabolism pathway were identified, and qRT-PCR analysis of ten DEGs indicated a high coorelation with RNA-seq expression profiles. Our findings provide significant information for further research of Cd stress responsive genes functions in D. officinale , especially the genes from the glutathione metabolism pathway. • Physiological changes in D. officinale seedling exposed to Cd stress were analyzed. • Transcriptional genes response to Cd treatment in D. officinale roots was drastic at early period. • Schema graph of DEGs responsible for Cd stress in D. officinale roots were presented. • DEGs response to Cd stress from the GSH metabolism pathway in D. officinale roots were identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the inner tube is excited from a rotation frequency at a separation distance, the inner tube will generate a reciprocating screwing motion. In this work, this coupling effect is investigated theoretically. The van der Waals force between two carbon nanotubes is expressed in a simple form of Fourier series so that the coupled nonlinear differential equations can be quickly solved. The proposed approach is thousands of times faster than the traditional method, which makes it possible to fit the coupling coefficients. As a result, expressions for the coefficients of the coupled equations are given. It is observed that a larger initial rotation frequency excitation will result in a higher dissipation rate of the axial oscillation, and vice versa. • Coupling effect of screwing motions of a DWNT was first investigated theoretically. • The proposed approach is thousands of times faster than the traditional method. • Expressions for coefficients of the coupled equations were given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid, stable, and healthy development of China's economy, sports return to the masses' demands, form a natural concept, and become popular with people. Gradually, water sports become the first chosen leisure and sports for the people in their spare time. Such fitness activities have provided broad development space for the development of national fitness. However, with the development of economy and the deterioration of ecological environment, the utilization of water resources does not accord with the concept of sustainable development. In this paper, the megacity of scarcity of water resources-Xi'an city was taken as the research object, the water resources carrying capacity and its problems were analyzed by building an evaluation system. The study proposes the countermeasures and suggestions on developing water sports by analyzing the water resources carrying capacity. Also, this paper aims to provide theoretical basis for the development and succession of water sports in large and medium-sized cities under drought stress. The results could provide reference for the development of national fitness in the region, and program support for the development of water sports industry to promote water resources protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accurate estimation of the state of power (SoP) in battery systems is crucial for battery safety of hybrid electric vehicles and pure electric vehicles. Discharge or charge with large current might lead to significant rise of temperature to batteries. To improve the estimation accuracy of SoP for battery management systems, thermal characteristics of batteries during acceleration or deceleration of electric vehicles are considered. Considering the heat transfer from electrochemical reactions and joule heating to the air and consequently a corresponding rise of battery temperature, a model is established in Matlab/Simulink ® and integrated into the calculation process of SoP based on an 18650-type cylinder lithium-ion battery. The corresponding simulation results show that temperature limits have more influence than state of charge limits and terminal-voltage-based limits under high air temperature and high battery temperature. It is proven that multi-constraint SoP estimation method including the thermal effect has the potential to achieve higher prediction precision compared with the general SoP estimation methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Dopamine suppresses NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis. • Dopamine attenuates neuroinflammation. • Dopamine alleviates secondary damage. An excessive inflammatory response accompanies the pathogenesis of spinal cord injury (SCI) and has been found to be promoted by inflammasomes in a variety of disease models. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that also regulates nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome-dependent neuroinflammation. However, little is known regarding the effects and molecular mechanisms underlying the role of dopamine in SCI. Functional recovery in mice was assessed with the Basso Mouse Scale (BMS). Neuronal loss was evaluated with immunochemical staining of NeuN. Pyroptosis was assessed with immunofluorescence staining, flow cytometry, western blotting, and cell viability and cytotoxicity assays. Dopamine was significantly associated with enhanced locomotor recovery after SCI, and with decreased NLRP3 inflammasome activation, pyroptosis, neuronal loss and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. In vitro data suggested that dopamine suppressed NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis, and decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. Conclusions: Dopamine may be a novel approach for alleviating secondary damage after SCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims The present study investigated the therapeutic efficacy of asiatic acid (AA) on spinal cord injury (SCI) as well as the underlying mechanisms. Main methods Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 150) were randomly assigned to five groups: sham, SCI, SCI + methylprednisolone (30 mg/kg), SCI + AA (30 mg/kg), and SCI + AA (75 mg/kg). Motor function, histological changes, neutrophil infiltration, proinflammatory cytokine production, and oxidative stress as well as nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf)2, heme oxygenase (HO)-1, and nucleotide-binding domain-like receptor protein (NLRP)3 levels were evaluated. Key findings AA treatment increased Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan scores and inclined plane test scores that were reduced by SCI. In addition, AA suppressed myeloperoxidase activity and reduced the levels of interleukin-1β, -18, and -6 and tumor necrosis factor-α as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS), H 2 O 2 , and malondialdehyde levels while increasing superoxide dismutase activity and glutathione production. AA treatment results in the upregulation in Nrf2/HO-1 levels and downregulation of NLRP3 inflammasome protein expression in SC tissue. Significance AA protects against SCI via suppression of inflammation and oxidative stress. The underlying mechanism likely involves activation of Nrf2 and HO-1 and inhibition of ROS and the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. AA has therapeutic potential for SCI treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anagrus nilaparvatae is the dominant egg parasitoid of rice planthoppers and plays an important role in biological control. Symbiotic bacteria can significantly influence the development, survival, reproduction and population differentiation of their hosts. To study the influence of temperature on symbiotic bacterial composition in the successive generations of A. nilaparvatae , A. nilaparvatae were raised under different constant temperatures of 22 °C, 25 °C, 28 °C, 31 °C and 34 °C. Polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis was used to investigate the diversity of symbiotic bacteria . Our results revealed that the endophytic bacteria of A. nilaparvatae were Pantoea sp., Pseudomonas sp. and some uncultured bacteria. The bacterial community composition in A. nilaparvatae significantly varied among different temperatures and generations, which might be partially caused by temperature, feeding behavior and the physical changes of hosts. However, the analysis of wsp gene showed that the Wolbachia in A. nilaparvatae belonged to group A, sub-group Mors and sub-group Dro. Sub-group Mors was absolutely dominant, and this Wolbachia composition remained stable in different temperatures and generations, except for the 3rd generation under 34 °C during which sub-group Dro became the dominant Wolbachia . The above results suggest that the continuous high temperature of 34 °C can influence the Wolbachia community composition in A. nilaparvatae . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An 8-week experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of partial replacement of fish meal with fermented cottonseed meal (FCM) on growth performance, digestibility and body composition of black sea bream, Acanthopagrus schlegelii . Fish averaging (± SD) 8.5 ± 0.3 g were fed four isonitrogenous diets containing 0, 80, 160 and 240 g kg − 1 FCM (FCM0, 8, 16 and 24, respectively) to replace fish meal. The results showed that weight gain, specific growth rate, protein efficiency ratio and protein productive value were lower ( P < 0.05) in fish fed FCM24 than those in the fish fed FCM0. The FCR was higher ( P < 0.05) in fish fed the FCM24 diet than that in fish fed the control diet. The hepatosomatic index was lower in fish fed the FCM24 diet ( P < 0.05) compared with those fed the FCM0, FCM8 and FCM16 diets. The apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) of dry matter of the FCM0 was higher ( P < 0.05) than that of the other diets. The ADCs of dietary protein and lipid were lower ( P < 0.05) in fish fed the FCM24 diet than those of fish fed the FCM0 diet. Fish fed the FCM24 diet had lower ( P < 0.05) whole body protein content than that of fish fed the FCM0 diet. Meanwhile, the total, (−) and (+) gossypol enantiomer concentrations in liver was higher ( P < 0.05) in fish fed the FCM24 diet than those of fish fed the FCM16 diet. These results suggest that up to 16% FCM can be used to replace fish meal in diets for black sea bream with the optimal dietary level restricted to 3.11%. Statement of relevance Recently, finding alternative protein sources to replace fish meal in aquafeed becomes a global research priority. The result provides important information regarding the potential application of fermented cottonseed meal as a valuable alternative protein source for fish culture. Meanwhile, the result also gives useful information for the formulation of diets for the valuable commercial marine fish, black sea bream ( Acanthopagrus schlegelii ). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a heterotrimeric enzyme that senses and governs changes in the cellular energy balance represented by concentrations of AMP, ADP, and ATP. Each of its three chains (αβ and γ) exists as either two or three subtypes, theoretically allowing up to 12 different forms of the complete enzyme. Tissue specificity in the distribution of AMPK subtypes is believed to underpin a range of biological functions for AMPK, a central regulator of metabolic function and response. It is of particular interest for drug discovery purposes to compare AMPK isoforms that are most prevalent in human liver and muscle with isoforms present in key preclinical species. To complement immunocapture/immunodetection methods, which for AMPK are challenged by sequence similarities and difficulties of obtaining accurate relative quantitation, AMPK was captured from lysates of a range of cells and tissues using the ActivX ATP probe. This chemical probe covalently attaches desthiobiotin to one or more conserved lysyl residues in the ATP-binding sites of protein kinases, including AMPK, while also labeling a wide range of ATP-utilizing proteins. Affinity-based recovery of labeled proteins followed by gel-based fractionation of the captured sample was followed by proteomic characterization of AMPK polypeptides. In agreement with transcript-based analysis and previous indications from immunodetection, the results indicated that the predominant AMPK heterotrimer in human liver is α1β2γ1 but that dog and rat livers mainly contain the α1β1γ1 and α2β1γ1 forms, respectively. Differences were not detected between the AMPK profiles of normal and diabetic human liver tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Cancer cachexia is associated with impaired nutritional status and systemic inflammation. The goal of this study was to evaluate the nutritional status and resting energy expenditure (REE) changes in patients with newly detected esophageal cancer, and the influence of weight loss on REE. Methods: Fifty-six patients and 30 healthy controls were prospectively enrolled, and patients were further divided into weight-stable (WS) and weight-loss (WL) subgroups. Body composition, measured REE (mREE), and the ratio of mREE to predicted REE (pREE) by Harris-Benedict formula were assessed. Blood levels of hemoglobin, albumin, prealbumin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin (IL)-6 were measured in patients. Results: Cancer patients had lowerbody mass index (BMI) and percentage of fat mass, but higher mREE and percentage of mREE/pREE compared with healthy controls (P < 0.05). WS (n = 32) and WLpatients (n = 24) had similar BMI and body composition indices, but the latter had obviously higher mREE, mREE per kilogram body weight (mREE/BW), percentage of mREE/pREE, hs-CRP and IL-6 levels, and lower albumin and prealbumin levels. Percentage of weight loss was positively correlated with REE/ BW, hs-CRP, and IL-6 level (r = 0.238, P = 0.044; r = 0.446, P = 0.01; r = 0.196, P = 0.047, respectively). Conclusion: Impaired nutrition status, elevated energy expenditure, and higher inflammation status tend to be apparent in weight-losing patients with newly diagnosed esophageal cancer, which suggested that early recognition of body weight change and routine nutritional risk screening followed by adequate nutrition intervention should be applied in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: Theaflavin (TF) from the black tea can react to human salivary proline-rich proteins (PRPs) to form stains on exposed dental surfaces. Here, we employed a model of protein/pigment film using TF and dephosphorylated bovine β-casein (Dβ-CN), which has an extended conformation, similar to that of salivary PRPs, on a sensor surface to assess the efficacy of cysteine proteases (CPs) including papain, stem bromelain, and ficin, on removing TF bound to Dβ-CN and the control TF readsorption on the residual substrate surfaces was also measured. Methods: The protein/pigment complex film was built by using a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D). The efficacies of CPs were assessed by Boltzman equation model. The surface details were detected by grazing angle infrared spectroscopy spectra, atomic force microscopy images, and contact angles. Results: The efficacy order of CPs on hydrolyzing protein/pigment complex film is ficin>papain>bromelain. The results from grazing angle infrared spectroscopy spectra, atomic force microscopy images, and contact angles demonstrated that TF bound on the Dβ-CN was effectively removed by the CPs, and the amount of TF readsorption on both the residual film of the Dβ-CN/TF and the Dβ-CN was markedly decreased after hydrolysis. Conclusion: This study indicates the potential application of the CPs for tooth stain removal and suggests that these enzymes are worthy of further investigation for use in oral healthcare. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Haptoglobin (Hp) is one of the acute phase proteins (APPs) that help to alleviate the immune oxidative damage. The present study expressed a truncated porcine Hp in Escherichia coli and produced rabbit and mouse antisera to the recombinant protein, in order to investigate Hp levels in sera from piglets infected with porcine reproduction and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). Antisera prepared revealed both chains of porcine Hp in Western blot, and mouse antisera showed stronger binding activities than the rabbit antisera. With the combination of Hp monoclonal antibodies, this study confirmed that serum Hp was increased in piglets infected with PRRSV and offered a tool to know about subunit levels of Hp in porcine serum. But Hp itself could not be used as a specific biomarker for PRRSV infection, for elevated Hp levels were also obtained from pigs infected with other pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Plug seedlings are usually stored for a short-term period before transplanting in large-scale production operations, and a decrease in carbohydrates is thought to be a major factor limiting seedling survival and regrowth capacity. In this study, we investigated whether sugar supply can preserve the quality of seedlings during low-temperature storage in darkness and promote regrowth after transplanting. We sprayed 0, 3, or 6% glucose (Glc) solution onto watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai] plantlets. Plugs were then stored in dark growth chambers for 6 days at 15°C before being transplanted and allowed to recover in a greenhouse. Comparisons between Glc-treated and control plants (0% Glc) showed that the seedlings treated with Glc effectively maintained their dry mass and showed an improved regrowth rate after transplanting. Plants treated with Glc showed higher contents of endogenous soluble sugar and starch, lower electrolyte leakage, and lower levels of malondialdehyde compared with those of control plants during 6 days of storage. These differences became greater with increasing storage time and with greater concentrations of Glc in the spray solution. After transplanting, the net photosynthetic rate and maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II were significantly higher in leaves of Glc-treated plants than in those of control seedlings. These results suggested that Glc pretreatment may delay carbohydrate starvation, retain membrane integrity, and suppress senescence during low-temperature storage, thus ensuring the transplant quality of seedlings after removal from darkness. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The MYST family of histone acetyltransferases (HATs) plays critical roles in diverse cellular processes, such as the epigenetic regulation of gene expression. Lysine autoacetylation of the MYST HATs has recently received considerable attention. Nonetheless, the mechanism and function of the autoacetylation process are not well defined. To better understand the biochemical mechanism of MYST autoacetylation and the impact of autoacetylation on the cognate histone acetylation, we carried out detailed analyses of males-absent-on-the-first (MOF), a key member of the MYST family. A number of mutant MOF proteins were produced with point mutations at several key residues near the active site of the enzyme. Autoradiography and immunoblotting data showed that mutation of these residues affects the autoacetylation activity and HAT activity of MOF by various degrees demonstrating that MOF activity is highly sensitive to the chemical changes in those residues. We produced MOF protein in the deacetylated form by using a nonspecific lysine deacetylase. Interestingly, both the autoacetylation activity and the histone acetylation activity of the deacetylated MOF were found to be very close to that of wild-type MOF, suggesting that autoacetylation of MOF only marginally modulates the enzymatic activity. Also, we found that the autoacetylation rates of MOF and deacetylated MOF were much slower than the cognate substrate acetylation. Thus, autoacetylation does not seem to contribute to the intrinsic enzymatic activity in a significant manner. These data provide new insights into the mechanism and function of MYST HAT autoacetylation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Basing on the calculation and analysis, the thesis has carried on the optimization design to the arrangement way of the carbon dioxide membrane contactor and the way between the original fluid pond and the adsorption tank. From the calculation results, if the vertical space is sufficient, membrane contactors can take vertical layout (a). Membrane contactor vertical layout does not require additional water pump, the economy is high. However, if taking into account the ease of operation, and the lack of vertical space, the level of membrane contactor layout should be taken. The level of membrane contactor layout needs the pump head minimum in the same condition. In addition, basing on the calculation, no matter what kind of layout membrane contactor, the vertical layout is better than the level layout in the arrangement way between the original fluid pond and the adsorption tank. The vertical layout arrangement between the original fluid pond and the adsorption tank, which needs the pump head minimum, the economy is high. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: With China''s economy growing rapidly, requirement of electricity is more and more. Now, 300MW coal-fired units are main units. With diversification of coal, there are big differences between actual coal and design coal, this affect on the safety of running. In this paper, a 300MW coal-fired unit was studied. A, B and C three kinds of mixed coal were chosen. Under the rated load, characteristics of coal were studied. Experiments of adaptabilities of mixed coal A, B and C with boiler were done. And results indicated that slag of boiler was related with distribution of fire box temperature, degree of flame-brush wall and degree of flue-gas turbidness. Slag of mixed coal C was serious, while mixed coal A was not easy lagging in superheater and water wall. Therefore, mixed coal A as fuel could meet the need of safe running of boiler. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: The aim of the present study was to assess the null hypothesis that there are no differences of affinity between pigments and human whole saliva (WS), and the affinity is not influenced by the functional groups of pigments, temperatures, pH values, and salt concentrations. Methods: The affinity constants of interactions between WS and theaflavin (TF)/curcumin (Cur)/cyanidin (Cy) were determined by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and fluorescence quenching. Mass-uptake at various temperatures, pH values, and salt concentrations was also carried out. Results: The order of affinity of the pigments binding to WS is TF>Cur>Cy. A large number of complexes and precipitations of pigments/proteins were formed through a quick, strong, and almost irreversible binding process. The mass-uptake of pigments was affected not only by the functional groups, but also by molecular weight of pigments, temperatures, pH values, and salt concentrations. Conclusion: The complex of pigments may easily and rapidly deposit onto the WS film, and are difficult to remove from the WS surface. However, the complex of pigments can be reduced by properly regulating the physicochemical conditions, such as temperatures, pH values, and salt concentrations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: The aim of the present study was to assess the null hypothesis that the astringency and loss of lubrication in the oral cavity are not related to the properties of the epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) adlayer, the affinity and the entropy-drive of EGCG binding to saliva. Methods: The mass, thickness, and viscoelasticity of the EGCG adlayer and the temperature-dependence of EGCG adsorption onto saliva surfaces were determined by quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D). The affinities of EGCG to human whole saliva (WS) and to parotid saliva (PS) were carried out by QCM-D monitoring and fluorescence quenching. Results: The stiffer and more compact EGCG adlayers were formed on saliva surfaces at various concentrations of EGCG. The affinity for EGCG binding to WS was higher than that to PS. The precipitation of EGCG/saliva was temperature-dependent. The driving force of EGCG binding to saliva is dominated by the hydrogen bond, the hydrophobic reaction, and the entropy-drive, which were confirmed by the FTIR spectra and the measurement of temperature-dependence, respectively. Conclusion: The viscoelasticity of the EGCG adlayer, the affinity of EGCG to saliva, and the priority of EGCG binding to hydrophobic proteins on the mucosa may account for the oral astringency and loss of lubrication. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) regulates growth via promoting translation and transcription. Here, employing an mTOR active-site inhibitor WYE-125132 (WYE-132), we have performed quantitative phospho-proteomics and identified a Ser-75-containing phosphopeptide from Maf1, a known repressor of RNA polymerase III (Pol III) transcription. Treatment of cancer cells with WYE-132 or the rapamycin analog CCI-779 led to a rapid loss of the phosphorylation at Ser-75, whereas this effect was not seen in cells treated with cytotoxic agents or unrelated inhibitors. WYE-132-induced Maf1 dephosphorylation correlated with its accumulation in the nucleus and a marked decline in the cellular levels of pre-tRNAs. Depletion of cellular Maf1 via small interfering RNA increased basal pre-tRNA and rendered tRNA synthesis refractory to mTOR inhibitors. Maf1 mutant proteins carrying $75A alone or with S60A, T64A, and S68A (Maf1-S75A, Maf1-4A) progressively enhanced basal repression of tRNA in actively proliferating cells and attenuated amino acid-induced tRNA transcription. Gene alignment revealed conservation of all four Ser/Thr sites in high eukaryotes, further supporting a critical role of these residues in Maf1 function. Interestingly, mTOR inhibition led to an increase in the occupancy of Maf1 on a set of Pol III-dependent genes, with concomitant reduction in the binding of Pol III and Brf1. Unexpectedly, mTORC1 itself was also enriched at the same set of Pol III templates, but this association was not influenced by mTOR inhibitor treatment. Our results highlight a new and unique mode of regulation of Pol III transcription by mTOR and suggest that normalization of Pol III activity may contribute to the therapeutic efficacy of mTOR inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four cyclometalated Pt(II) complexes, i.e., [(L2)PtCl] (1b), [(L3)PtCl] (1c), [(L2)PtC≡CC6H5] (2b) and [(L3)PtC≡CC6H5] (2c) (HL2 = 4-[p-(N-butyl-N-phenyl)anilino]-6-phenyl-2,2′-bipyridine and HL3 = 4-[p-(N,N′-dibutyl-N′-phenyl)phenylene-diamino]-phenyl-6-phenyl-2,2′-bipyridine), have been synthesized and verified by 1H NMR, 13C NMR and X-ray crystallography. Unlike previously reported complexes [(L1)PtCl] (1a) and [(L1)PtC≡CC6H5] (2a) (HL1 = 4,6-diphenyl-2,2′-bipyridine), intense and continuous absorption bands in the region of 300–500 nm with strong metal-to-ligand charge transfer (1MLCT) (dπ(Pt) → π∗(L)) transitions (ε ∼ 2 × 104 dm3 mol−1 cm−1) at 449–467 nm were observed in the UV–Vis absorption spectra of complexes 1b, 1c, 2b and 2c. Meanwhile, with the introduction of electron-donating arylamino groups in the ligands of 1a and 2a, complexes 1b and 2b display stronger phosphorescence in CH2Cl2 solutions at room temperature with bathochromically shifted emission maxima at 595 and 600 nm, relatively higher quantum yields of 0.11 and 0.26, and much longer lifetimes of 8.4 and 4.5 μs, respectively. An electrochromic film of 1b-based polymer was obtained on Pt or ITO electrode surface, which suggests an efficient oxidative polymerization behavior. An orange multilayer organic light-emitting diode with 1b as phosphorescent dopant was fabricated, achieving a maximum current efficiency of 11.3 cd A−1 and a maximum external efficiency of 5.7%. The luminescent properties of complexes 1c and 2c are dependent on pH value and solvent polarity, which is attributed to the protonation of arylamino units in the C^N^N cyclometalating ligands. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The electrostatic separation is an effective method for recycling waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). The efficiency of electrostatic separation processes depends on the ability of the separator. As a classical one, the roll-type corona-electrostatic separator has some advantages in recycling metals and plastics from waste printed circuit board (PCB). However, its industry application still faces some problems, such as: the further disposal of the middling products of the separation process; the balance of the production capacity and the good separation efficiency; the separation of the fine granular mixture and the stability of the separation process. A new “two-roll-type corona-electrostatic separator” was built to overcome the limitation of the classical one. The experimental data were discussed and the results showed that the outcome of the separation process was improved by using the new separator. Compared with the classical machine, the mass of conductive products increases 8.9% (groups 2 and 3) and10.2% (group 4) while the mass of the middling products decreases 45% (groups 2 and 3) and 31.7% (group 4), respectively. The production capacity of the new machine increases, and the stability of the separation process is enhanced. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: By using the two-dimensional quasicontinuum method, the nanoindentation process on a single crystal copper thin film with surface roughness is simulated to study the effect of surface morphology on the measurements of mechanical parameters. The nanohardness and elastic modulus are calculated according to Oliver–Pharr’s method. The obtained results show a good agreement with relevant theoretical and experimental results. It is found that surface roughness has a significant influence on both the nanohardness and elastic modulus of thin films determined from nanoindentation tests. The effect of such factors as the indenter size, indentation depth and surface morphology are also examined. To rule out the influence of surface morphology, the indentation depth should be much greater than the characteristic size of surface roughness and a reasonable indenter size should be chosen. This study is helpful for identifying the mechanical parameters of rough thin films by nanoindentation test and designing nanoindentation experiments. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: For the electrostatic separation process, the separator is most crucial. As a classical one, the roll-type corona-electrostatic separator has some advantages in recycle of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). Some researches have been done in this field and shown that there was a complex correlation between its configuration and the efficiency of the separation. In this paper, a fractional factorial design () was built and 32 tests were performed on a roll-type corona-electrostatic separator. The sample of granular mixture got from crushed PCB wastes (size 0.3–0.45mm, containing 25% metal and 75% nonmetal). The experimental data were discussed and used to analyze the factors’ main effect, interaction and optimization of the process. Three liner-interaction mathematical models were derived to describe the mass of middling fraction (M), conductor fraction (C) and Nonconductor fraction (NC), respectively. The results show that the efficiency of the PCB waste electrostatic separation process has a significant correlation with not only factors’ main effects, but also the interaction between them. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A three-dimensional theoretical model is proposed to estimate the thermal residual stresses in multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) based on the effective medium method in micromechanics of composites. The MLCC is first decomposed into some sub-blocks with different material properties, and then the classical lamination theory and the combined Voigt’s and Reuss’ assumptions are adopted to calculate the residual stress distributions. The results obtained from this theoretical model show a good agreement with the numerical results of finite element method. The effects of such key factors as the dielectric layer thickness, the number of dielectric layers, the cover layer sizes, as well as the length and width creepage paths on the distributions of residual stresses are all examined. The suggested theoretical method provides a convenient tool for estimating the residual stresses in MLCCs as a function of characteristic sizes and manufacturing process parameters and, therefore, is helpful for the optimal design of MLCCs with enhanced performance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Compositions with high glass forming ability have been identified in Zr–Cu–Al system with the help of a thermodynamic parameter, which takes into account the enthalpy of chemical mixing (ΔH chem), the mismatch entropy normalized by Boltzmann''s constant (Sσ /k B) and the configurational entropy (S config/R). The best bulk metallic glass forming composition is identified as the one at ΔH chem and Sσ /k B maxima in a specific range of S config/R. A product of thermodynamic parameters is found to have strong correlation with glass forming ability and can help to identify the exact composition that can form bulk metallic glass. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective To summarize lessons learned from an outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in China during the spring of 2004. Methods Data of SARS cases were officially reported by Beijing Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention (BCDC) and Anhui Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention (APCDC) and results of epidemiological investigations were collected and analyzed. Results Three generations of 11 cases of SARS were identified during the outbreak. Initial two cases were most likely to be infected in Diarrhea Virus Laboratory of National Institute of Virology, China Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and main mode of transmission was direct contact with SARS patients. Delay in detecting initial case resulted in spread of the illness at hospitals and Communities with two generations of secondary cases. Conclusions SARS outbreak in 2004 has yielded following lessons for public health globally. (1) Lab bio-safety programs should be made and should be strictly abided by. Studies in highly pathogenic viruses such as SARS coronavirus should be utmost cautious. (2) Management systems of occupational exposure to virus and disease surveillance need to be strengthened to take all risk factors into account so as to detect potential patients with infectious disease as early as possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To study the potential risk factors for severe acute respiratory syndromes (SARS)-related deaths in Beijing. Methods Epidemiological data were collected among the confirmed SARS patients officially reported by Beijing Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (BCDC), and information was also supplemented by a follow-up case survey. Chi-square test and multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis were performed. Results Old age (over 60 years) was found to be significantly associated with SARS-related deaths in the univariate analysis. Also, history of contacting SARS patients within 2 weeks prior to the onset of illness, health occupation, and inferior hospital ranking as well as longer interval of clinic consulting (longer than 1 day) were the risk factors for SARS-related deaths. Multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis found four risk factors for SARS-related deaths. Conclusion Old age (over 60 years) is the major risk factor for SARS-related deaths. Moreover, hospital health workers, the designated hospitals for SARS clinical services and the interval of consulting doctors (less than 1 day) are protective factors for surviving from SARS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protective eftects of Allium vegetables against cancers have been shown extensively in experimental animals and epidemiologic studies. We investigated cell proliferation and the induction of apoptosis by onion oil extracted from Allium cepa, a widely consumed Allium vegetable, in human lung cancer A549 cells. GC/MS analysis suggested that propyl sulfides but not allyl sulfides are major sulfur-containing constituents of onion oil. Onion oil at 12.5 mg/L significantly induced apoptosis (13% increase of apoptotic cells) as indicated by sub-G1 DNA content. It also caused cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase; 25 mg/L onion oil increased the percentage of G2/M cells almost 6-fold compared with the dimethyl sulfoxide control. The action of onion oil may occur via a reactive oxygen species- dependent pathway because cell cycle arrest and apoptosis were blocked by the antioxidants N-acetylcysteine and exogenous glutathione. Marked collapse of the mitochondrial membrane potential suggested that dysfunction of the mitochondria may be involved in the oxidative burst and apoptosis induced by onion oil. Expression of phospho-cdc2 and phospho-cyclin Bi were downregulated by onion oil, perhaps accounting for the G2/M arrest. Overall, these results suggest that onion oil may exert chemopreventive action by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in tumor cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]