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Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of high mortality and disability worldwide. Overactivation of astrocytes and overexpression of inflammatory responses in the injured brain are characteristic pathological features of TBI. Rosiglitazone (ROS) is a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) agonist known for its anti-inflammatory activity. However, the relationship between the inflammatory response involved in ROS treatment and astrocyte A1 polarization remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether ROS treatment improves dysfunction and astrocyte A1 polarization induced after TBI and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of these functions. SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation group, TBI group, TBI+ROS group, and TBI+ PPAR-γ antagonist group (GW9662 + TBI). The rat TBI injury model was prepared by the CCI method; brain water content test and wire grip test scores suggested the prognosis; FJB staining showed the changes of ROS on the morphology and number of neurons in the peripheral area of cortical injury; ELISA, immunofluorescence staining, and western blotting analysis revealed the effects of ROS on inflammatory response and astrocyte activation with the degree of A1 polarization after TBI. Brain water content, inflammatory factor expression, and astrocyte activation in the TBI group were higher than those in the sham-operated group (P < 0.05); compared with the TBI group, the expression of the above indexes in the ROS group was significantly lower (P < 0.05). Compared with the TBI group, PPAR-γ content was significantly higher and C3 content was considerably lower in the ROS group (P < 0.05); compared with the TBI group, PPAR-γ content was significantly lower and C3 content was substantially higher in the inhibitor group (P < 0.05). ROS can exert neuroprotective effects by inhibiting astrocyte A1 polarization through the PPAR-γ pathway based on the reduction of inflammatory factors and astrocyte activation in the brain after TBI. • Rosiglitazone could promote the recovery of neurological function after TBI in rats. • Rosiglitazone inhibited neuroinflammation and proliferative activation of astrocytes after TBI in rats. • On this basis, Rosiglitazone inhibited the A1 polarization of astrocytes. • Rosiglitazone inhibited the A1 polarization through the PPAR-γ pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we describe our efforts toward the asymmetric synthesis of Daphniphyllum alkaloid 21-deoxymacropodumine D which led to efficient preparation of a ABC tricyclic framework containing five consecutive stereocenters. This synthetic work features (1) utilization of an asymmetric conjugate addition to install the C5 all-carbon quaternary center, (2) an intramolecular aza -Michael addition followed by Pd-catalyzed α -alkenylation to build the bowl-shaped tricyclic core. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the multi- scale coupling method which field model and network model are combined, the smoke spread in the underground unidirectional tunnel was studied. We compared with the effect of smoke diffusion during different number of jet fans operated. Results show that when three sets of fans are operated, there is a backlayering of smoke which will influence the simulation of the model, thus we cannot get a steady state of smoke backlayering. When four sets of jet fans are operated, the backlayering of smoke is eliminated, the result of simulation shows more reasonable. However, it is difficult to maintain a steady stratification in the downstream of fire. The results of the study can provide a reference for the design and operation of jet fans in the underground unidirectional tunnels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Much progress has been made toward generating analogs of early embryos, such as gastruloids and embryoids, in vitro. However, methods for how to fully mimic the cell movements of gastrulation and coordinate germ-layer patterning to induce head formation are still lacking. Here, we show that a regional Nodal gradient applied to zebrafish animal pole explant can generate a structure that recapitulates the key cell movements of gastrulation. Using single-cell transcriptome and in situ hybridization analysis, we assess the dynamics of the cell fates and patterning of this structure. The mesendoderm differentiates into the anterior endoderm, prechordal plate, notochord, and tailbud-like cells along an anterior-posterior axis, and an anterior-posterior-patterned head-like structure (HLS) progressively forms during late gastrulation. Among 105 immediate Nodal targets, 14 genes contain axis-induction ability, and 5 of them induce a complete or partial head structure when overexpressed in the ventral side of zebrafish embryos. [Display omitted] • Nodal induces involution movements of mesendoderm in zebrafish embryonic explant • A-P-patterned endoderm, prechordal plate, notochord, and tailbud-like cells are specified • A head-like structure with A-P-patterned forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain is formed • 14 genes are identified downstream of Nodal and contain variable axis-induction ability Cheng et al. show that Nodal can robustly induce the development into an A-P-patterning contained head-like structure in the zebrafish embryonic explant by initiating a cascade of events, including cell differentiation and migration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective In March 2012, an H7N7 subtype avian influenza virus (AIV) named A/wild goose/Dongting/PC0360/2012 (H7N7) (DT/PC0360) was recovered from a wild goose in East Dongting Lake. We performed whole-genome sequencing of the isolate, and analyzed the phylogenetic and molecular characterization. Methods RNA was extracted from environment samples (including fecal samples from wild bird or domestic ducks, and water samples) for detecting the presence of Influenza A Virus targeting Matrix gene, using realtime RT-PCR assay. The positive samples were performed virus isolation with embryonated eggs. The subtype of the isolates were identified by RT-PCR assay with the H1-H16 and N1-N9 primer set. The whole-genome sequencing of isolates were performed. Phylogenetic and molecular characterizations of the eight genes of the isolates were analyzed. Results Our results suggested that all the eight gene segments of DT/PC0360 belonged to the Eurasian gene pool, and the HA gene were belonged to distinct sublineage with H7N9 AIV which caused outbreaks in Mainland China in 2013. The hemagglutinin cleavage site of HA of DT/PC0360 showed characterization of low pathogenic avian influenza virus. Conclusion Strengthening the surveillance of AIVs of wild waterfowl and poultry in this region is vital for our knowledge of the ecology and mechanism of transmission to prevent an influenza pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Diabetic retinopathy (DR) mice present up-regulated CXCL10 in retina. • Anti-CXCL10 mAb improve retinal pathology of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DR mice. • Inhibiting CXCL10 mitigates inflammation and oxidative stress in the retina of DR. • CXCL10 knockdown reduce acellular capillaries in the retina of DR mice. To explore the effect of CXC chemokine CXCL10 in the mice with diabetic retinopathy (DR). DR models were constructed on mice via injection of streptozotocin (STZ). At 3 weeks of STZ, mice were treated with anti-CXCL10 monoclonal antibodies (mAb)/control mAb, and a series of experiments were then conducted at 6 weeks of STZ, including HE staining, western blotting, retinal trypsin digestion, real-time qPCR and enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA). The corresponding kits were used to detect the activity of oxidative stress markers. Compared with nondiabetic eyes, DR mice both at 3 and 6 weeks presented the decreases in the total retinal thickness, the retinal outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness, and the cells of ganglion cell layer (GCL), with the upregulated CXCL10, pro-inflammatory cytokines and malondialdehyde (MDA), as well as the downregulated levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and CAT, especially in those at 6 weeks, which were attenuated by the anti-CXCL10 mAb treatment. Moreover, in comparison with the DR mice, mice in the DR + anti-CXCL10 mAb group gained the significant decrease in the number of acellular capillaries of retina, with up-regulations of Claudin-5 and ZO-1 and down-regulations of VEGF and FGF-2. The DR mice injected with anti-CXCL10 mAb demonstrated alleviated retinal pathology as compared to mice at 3 weeks of STZ. Anti-CXCL10 mAb could mitigate the retinal pathology of DR mice, with the decreased inflammation and oxidative stress, thus mediating a delay in the development or disease improvement in patients of DR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vacuum cooling of iceberg lettuce was described in this paper. Based on the energy and mass balance, a mathematical model was developed to analyze the performance of the vacuum cooler and the evaporation–boiling phenomena during vacuum cooling of iceberg lettuce. The temporal trends of total system pressure, produce temperature such as surface temperature, center temperature, mass–average temperature, the weight loss of iceberg lettuce during vacuum cooling were predicted. Validation experimentation is achieved in the designed vacuum cooler. The experimental data were compared with the simulation results. It was found that the differences of the temperature between the simulation and the experiments were within 1°C. The amount of water evaporated from the iceberg lettuce by simulation was 3.32% during the whole vacuum cooling, while the tested water loss rate was 2.97%, the maximal deviation of weight loss was within 0.59%. The simulation results agreed well with the experimental data. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A series of 1-isopropylsulfonyl-2-amine benzimidazole derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their anti-hepatitis B virus (HBV) activity and cytotoxicity in the HepG2.2.15 cell line. In general, these derivatives are potent HBV inhibitors (IC50 <4μM) with high selectivity indices (SIs>40). Compounds 5b–e, g, j, and 9a were among the most prominent compounds, with IC50s of 0.70–2.0μM and SIs of 41–274. The potent anti-HBV activity and safety profiles of the most promising compounds 5d and j (IC50s=0.70μM, SIs>120) demonstrate the potential of this series of benzimidazoles for the development of new anti-HBV drugs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The interactions of typical spoilage causing microorganisms (lactic acid bacteria, coliforms, Pseudomonads, Brochothrix thermosphacta, Salmonella, yeasts) growing on sliced pork shoulder were investigated. Microbial counts at 1, 3, 4, 7, 10, and 15 days at 5°C were fitted to the modified Gompertz equation and the initial cell number (N 0), maximum cell number (N max), maximum specific growth rate (μ max), lag-phase (λ) of total psychrotrophic counts (TPC), lactic acid bacteria (LAB), Coliforms, Pseudomonads, Brochothrix thermosphacta, Salmonella, yeasts were obtained as derived parameters. Pseudomonades and Salmonella were predominant bacteria associated with spoilage of pork. Interaction coefficients (α) acquired from steady-state equation of the modified Lotka–Volterra model were used to describe the antagonistic activities of each pair of microorganisms. Yeasts and LAB had larger influences on Coliforms, Pseudomonads, Brochothrix thermosphacta and Salmonella than vice versa (α 12 &#60; α 21), and yeasts had high antimicrobial activity on LAB (α 12(0.043)&#60; α 21(19.491)). However, the last four microorganisms showed little antagonistic activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Concentration-QTc modeling could reliably exclude clinically relevant QTc effects. • Taking 400 mg Antofloxacin would not result in serious QT interval prolongation. • Bootstrap method could reliably estimate the false-positive rate in TQT study. To elucidate the relationship between antofloxacin (AT) plasma concentration and QT interval prolongation, compare the effects of different correction and analytical methods on conclusions, and estimate the possible false-positive rate in thorough QT (TQT) studies. Twenty-four healthy Chinese volunteers from a four-period crossover TQT study orally received 200 mg/d AT, 400 mg/d AT, 400 mg/d moxifloxacin, and a placebo in a random order for 5 d for each. QT interval samples were collected on d 1 and d 5. Population models were established describing the relationship between QT and AT concentration. The yardstick from ICH E14 guidelines was used to measure the effect of drugs on QT prolongation both in biostatistical and modeling analyses. A possible false-positive rate was estimated by constructing a 1000-time bootstrap to obtain the rate-of-difference values between d 1 and d 5 over 5 ms in the placebo period. In the modeling analysis, the QT prolongation estimate at the mean maximal concentration of AT (4.51 μg/mL) was 3.84 ms, and its upper bound of the one-sided 95 % CI was 7.04 ms, which showed a negative effect on QT interval prolongation. The estimation for the false-positive rate was 31 % in this study. The effect of AT on QT interval prolongation may not have been significant at the dosage of 400 mg. Baseline and placebo adjustments were necessary in TQT studies. Population modeling has demonstrated clear superiority in making full use of data to accurately analyze the relationship between drugs and QT intervals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • A TLPB model for DCM removal was developed and agreed well with experimental data. • Monod model was used to obtain variation of biomass accumulation. • Effects of design parameters on performance were simulated. • A contour graph was used for CEA analysis under different conditions. Abstract Two-liquid phase biofilter (TLPB) is a new type biofiltration system for controlling hydrophobic volatile organic compounds. In this paper, a mathematical model was developed for a TLPB that can treat gaseous dichloromethane (DCM). The specific growth rate of the biomass inside the TLPB fitted the Monod model. u max and K s were 0.013 d−1 and 1.288 g m-3, respectively. The Henry's Law constant of the two liquid phase mixtures was obtained as 0.125 kPa m3 mol−1 under the addition of 10% silicone oil. Simulation results revealed that the model is a good tool for evaluating the removal performance of TLPB. Practical applications of the model indicated that an increase in the silicone-oil-to-mixture ratio and inoculated biomass improved the removal efficiency, whereas an increase in the inlet DCM concentration and gas velocity negatively affected the removal performance. Moreover, the model can be used to determine the design parameters and ensure that the outlet concentration satisfies the emission standards. The results of cost-effectiveness analysis indicated that the expenditure for DCM removal per year was low when TLPB was used to treat a high DCM concentration steam with a long empty-bed retention time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Gastric cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide and has the second highest incidence and mortality rate among malignant tumors in China. Prostate-derived Ets factor (PDEF) is a member of the Ets family of transcription factors. Although PDEF plays an important role in tumorigenesis, its biological function in gastric cancer is still unclear. Here, we evaluated PDEF expression in 30 cases of human gastric carcinoma and the corresponding peritumoral tissues, using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Significantly higher levels of PDEF were detected in tumors compared to peritumoral tissues. We then investigated PDEF expression in the gastric cancer cell lines SGC and AGS and the normal gastric epithelial cell line GES; The CRISPR/Cas9 genome-editing system was used to knockout PDEF in AGS cells as a model for gastric cancer. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of PDEF-knockout AGS cells were evaluated using CCK-8, flow cytometry, scratch wound, and transwell assays, respectively. The results illustrated that PDEF -knockout inhibited AGS cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Taken together, the results imply that PDEF plays important roles in the proliferation, migration, and invasion of AGS cells and may serve as a new treatment target in gastric cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transferred chemical vapor deposition (CVD)-grown graphene from copper foils to other desired substrates by using poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) as supporter, suffers from problems of rough surface, low conductivity and poor wettability, which hinders its applications in optoelectronic devices. In this work, a combined thermal annealing and HNO 3 doping treatment for graphene electrode has been employed to simultaneously improve its smoothness, conductivity and wettability. The thermal annealing process results in the improved surface smoothness by removing the PMMA residue. HNO 3 doping treatment for the graphene enhances its conductivity and surface wetting to PEDOT:PSS. Furthermore, the work function (WF) of two-step treated graphene increased from ∼4.4 eV to ∼5.1 eV. Small-molecule organic solar cells (OSCs) based on the two-step treated graphene anodes exhibit a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 2.43%, which is comparable to that of ITO electrode (2.48%). This work demonstrates the bright future of graphene transparent electrodes as a replacement for ITO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present magnetic diatomite and illite clay nanocomposites by loading Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles onto the raw diatomite or illite clay surfaces via a simple one-pot solvothermal method. The magnetic clays have ordered structure, rich functional groups and strong magnetism as verified by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning and transmission electron microscope (SEM, TEM), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). Subsequently, the magnetic diatomite (MDC) and illite clay (MIC) were used as adsorbents for fast and efficient removal of phosphate from aqueous solution by batch equilibrium experiments. The adsorption kinetic, isothermal and mechanistic properties were studied. The results demonstrated that the phosphate adsorption onto MDC and MIC was pH-dependent, completed within 30 min and possessed higher capacities than the raw clays. The adsorption kinetic and isotherm data followed the pseudo-second-order equation and the Langmuir model, respectively. The adsorption mechanisms of phosphate were ascribed to the electrostatic attraction and ligand exchange. Furthermore, the MDC and MIC endowed a superior selectivity, regeneration, reusability and can be quickly and easily separated using a magnet before and after the adsorption process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] DFT calculations are applied to verify the ground states of V6O n −/0 clusters. [•] The V6O n −/0 clusters appear to prefer the polyhedral cage structures. [•] Generalized Koopmans’ theorem is applied to simulate the photoelectron spectra. [•] Spin density analyses show that the spin densities of V6O n − favor the V3+ site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Yellow peaches (Prunus persicu L. Batsch.) were stored under controlled atmospheres (CA) of 2%O2 +5%CO2, 5%O2 +10%CO2, 2%O2 +10%CO2, 5%O2 +5%CO2, and normal atmosphere at 2 °C, to investigate the effects of different concentrations of O2 and CO2 on the structure of a single sodium carbonate-soluble pectin (SSP) molecule. The microstructure changes, including aggregates and branches, were studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM) at initially, on the 15th and 45th day. The microstructure of SSP molecules and polymers showed that aggregates separated gradually with the storage time. The degradation took place in the linear backbone as well as in side chains. The degradation of SSP molecules was inhibited by lower O2 and higher CO2 concentrations. Almost all of the chains were composed of four basic units with widths of 11.719, 15.625, 19.531 and 17.578 nm, which can be visualized and calculated exactly by AFM. This indicated that parallel linkage or intertwist between the basic units was a fundamental characteristic of SSP molecules. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this study, a kind of boron-containg hybridized silicon rubber (VP –PBSi/SR), which possess great thermal and mechanical properties, was successfully prepared. First, the vinylpheny l-functionalized polyborosiloxane (VP –PBSi) possessing good storage stability were synthesized by reacting triethoxyvinylsilane (VTEOS), phenyltriethoxysilane (PTEOS) and boric acid (BA) by sol-gel method. From the results of GPC, FT-IR, 13C-, 29Si, 11B-NMR characterization, the structures of VP -PBSi were confirmed to be the cage structure. Then, the VP -PBSi/SR were prepared by in situ polymerization of vinylphenyl-functionalized polyborosiloxane (VP –PBSi) and addition liquid silicone rubber (SR). The effect of VP -PBSi on thermal stability and mechanical properties of SR were mainly discussed by scanning electron microscope (SEM), thermal gravimetric analysis (TG), universal testing machine, and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), respectively, and the results showed that the thermal stability and mechanical properties of the SR were significantly enhanced. The maximum thermal decomposition temperature (T max), char yield and tensile strength can reach 675 °C, 72.3% and 4.65 MPa, respectively, and 21.8%, 26.1% and 20.2% higher than that of neat SR. We believe this work can provide reference for the preparation of high-performance heat resistance rubber materials. [Display omitted] • The vinylphenyl-functionalized polyborosiloxane (VP –PBSi) with good storage and thermal stability were synthesized. • Boron-containing hybridized silicone rubber with high thermal stability and good mechanical strength was prepared. • Preparation of boron-containing hybridized silicone rubber by in situ polymerization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• 3D matrix biofilter presented a better and more stable performance. • 3D matrix biofilter showed a lower bed compaction and pressure drop. • 3D matrix biofilter presented higher specific surface area of filter bed. • 3D matrix biofilter showed higher mass transfer coefficients than control biofilter. • 3D matrix material addition improved the filter bed mechanical strength. The structure characteristics of filter bed greatly affect biofilter performance. In this study, a three-dimensional (3D) matrix biofilter packed with perlite and high mechanical strength 3D matrix material was established. The structure characteristics of the filter bed and the performance of 3D matrix biofilter and control biofilter (packed with perlite) were investigated. The 3D matrix biofilter presented higher chlorobenzene removal performance and lower bed compaction and pressure drop than the control biofilter. The packing factor, which could be used to represent the resistance when the gas stream passed through the filter bed, of the 3D matrix biofilter (7.59 × 105 m−1) was smaller than that of the control biofilter (1.04 × 106 m−1). Moreover, the specific surface area obtained from the molecular residence time distribution curves in the 3D matrix biofilter was higher (1754.82 ± 35.82 m2/m3) than that in the control biofilter (1474.03 ± 25.52 m2/m3), indicating improvements in mass transfer and performance. The characteristic parameters for mass transfer coefficient estimation in the biofilters were determined based on Onda's modified correlation. 3D matrix biofilter demonstrated higher mass transfer coefficients than the control biofilter due to its higher specific surface area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Gel capsules have three dimensional polymer network and rich pore structure. • Gel-encapsulated biofilter show a better removal performance than control. • Microorganisms show a higher activity in gel capsules than in control. • Gel-encapsulated biofilter shows short recovery time after shock loading. • Gel-encapsulated and control biofilters present different microbial communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]