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Hyperspectral image (HSI) provides rich spectral–spatial information and the light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data reflect the elevation information, which can be jointly exploited for better land-cover classification. However, due to different imaging mechanisms, HSI and LiDAR data always present significant image difference, current pixel-wise feature fusion classification methods relying on concatenation or weighted fusion are not effective. To achieve accurate classification result, it is important to extract and fuse similar high-order semantic information and complementary discriminative information contained in multimodal data. In this paper, we propose a novel coupled adversarial learning based classification (CALC) method for fusion classification of HSI and LiDAR data. In specific, a coupled adversarial feature learning (CAFL) sub-network is first trained, to effectively learn the high-order semantic features from HSI and LiDAR data in an unsupervised manner. On one hand, the proposed CAFL sub-network establishes an adversarial game between dual generators and discriminators, so that the learnt features can preserve detail information in HSI and LiDAR data, respectively. On the other hand, by designing weight-sharing and linear fusion structure in the dual generators, we can simultaneously extract similar high-order semantic information and modal-specific complementary information. Meanwhile, a supervised multi-level feature fusion classification (MFFC) sub-network is trained, to further improve the classification performance via adaptive probability fusion strategy. In brief, the low-level, mid-level and high-level features learnt by the CAFL sub-network lead to multiple class estimation probabilities, which are then adaptively combined to generate a final accurate classification result. Both the CAFL and MFFC sub-networks are collaboratively trained by optimizing a designed joint loss function, which consists of unsupervised adversarial loss and supervised classification loss. Overall, by optimizing the joint loss function, the proposed CALC network is pushed to learn highly discriminative fusion features from multimodal data, leading to higher classification accuracies. Extensive experiments on three well-known HSI and LiDAR data sets demonstrate the superior classification performance by the proposed CALC method than several state-of-the-art methods. The source code of the proposed method will be made publicly available at https://github.com/Ding-Kexin/CALC. • Propose a novel coupled adversarial learning method for multi-modal classification. • Fuse high-order semantic information and multi-modal complementary information. • Explore effective multi-level feature fusion strategy to improve discrimination. • Design an end-to-end deep learning framework for two sub-network joint training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A novel BiOBr/Ni-MOF heterostructure was fabricated via a simple precipitation process. • BiOBr/Ni-MOF composite has rich porous structure and higher specific surface area. • BiOBr/Ni-MOF composite exhibited superior photodegradation of RhB. • The BiOBr/Ni-MOF composite has a type Z carrier transfer and migrate mechanism. A novel BiOBr/Ni-MOF composite was fabricated by in-situ growth of BiOBr nanosheets on Ni-MOF through a convenient precipitation process. The optimal photocatalytic performance was achieved with a Ni-MOF mass content of 45 wt% in the BiOBr/Ni-MOF composite. This composite exhibited remarkable efficiency, degrading 98.33 % of Rhodamine B in 90 min, surpassing the degradation rate constants of pristine BiOBr and Ni-MOF by 4.2 and 160 times, respectively. The superior performance was primarily ascribed to the efficient separation of photogenerated carriers facilitated by the formation of heterojunctions. Additionally, the increased specific surface area and pore structure provided numerous adsorption and active sites. Radical scavenger experiments and electron spin resonance experiments further revealed that O 2 − and h+ played crucial roles in the degradation process. Furthermore, the structural properties of the prepared photocatalysts and the effects of different photocatalytic conditions on the degradation of RhB were investigated. This work offers an alternative perspective on the design and fabrication of BiOBr-based composite photocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

—Machine learning technologies have gained significant popularity in rechargeable battery research in recent years, and have been extensively adopted to construct data-driven solutions to tackle multiple challenges for energy storage in embedded computing systems. An important application in this area is the machine learning-based battery lifetime prediction, which formulates regression models to estimate the remaining lifetimes of batteries given the measurement data collected from the testing process. Due to the non-idealities in practical operations, these measurements are usually impacted by various types of interference, thereby involving noise on both input variables and regression labels. Therefore, existing works that focus solely on minimizing the regression error on the labels cannot adequately adapt to the practical scenarios with noisy variables. To address this issue, this study adopts total least squares (TLS) to construct a regression model that achieves superior regression accuracy by simultaneously optimizing the estimation of both variables and labels. Furthermore, due to the expensive cost for collecting battery cycling data, the number of labeled data samples used for predictive modeling is often limited. It, in turn, can easily lead to overfitting, especially for TLS, which has a relatively larger set of problem unknowns to solve. To tackle this difficulty, the TLS method is investigated conjoined with stepwise feature selection in this work. Our numerical experiments based on public datasets for commercial Lithium-Ion batteries demonstrate that the proposed method can effectively reduce the modeling error by up to 11.95 %, compared against the classic baselines with consideration of noisy measurements. • Studied battery lifetime prediction considering the noise on input variables induced by practical non-idealities. • Leveraged total-least-squares regression to simultaneously optimize the estimation of both variables and labels. • Developed stepwise feature selection method to tackle the overfitting issue induced by the shortage of data. • Conducted numerical experiments based on public datasets to demonstrate the improvement of prediction accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• miR-155–5p over expression is found in aging-related hepatic steatosis. • miR-155–5p suppresses PICALM expression which participates in autophagy initiation. • miR-155–5p promotes hepatic steatosis via PICALM-mediated autophagy in aged hepatocytes. • Targeting hepatic autophagy is a promising strategy to alleviate aging-related hepatic steatosis. Hepatic steatosis, a lipid disorder characterized by the accumulation of intrahepatic fat, is more prevalent in the elderly population. This study investigates the role of miR-155–5p in the autophagy dysregulation of aging hepatic steatosis. We established an aging mouse model in vivo and a hepatocellular senescence model induced by low serum and palmitic acid in vitro. The fluctuations of microRNAs were derived from RNA-seq data and confirmed by qPCR in 4- and 18-month-old mouse liver tissues. Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining observed pathological changes. Markers of senescence, autophagy, and lipolysis genes were analyzed using Western blot and qPCR. Bioinformatics analysis predicted miR-155–5p's target gene PICALM, confirmed by dual luciferase reporter assay and transfection of miR-155–5p mimic/inhibitor into senescent hepatocytes. Senescent markers (p21, p16, and p-P53) and miR-155–5p were up-regulated in aging liver tissues and senescent hepatocytes. Bioinformatics analysis identified PICALM as a target gene of miR-155–5p, a finding further supported by dual luciferase reporter assays. Inhibition of miR-155–5p reduced expression of senescent marker genes (p16, p21, p-P53), improved autophagy (evidenced by increased LC3B-II and ATG5, and decreased P62), and enhanced lipolysis (indicated by increased ATGL and p-HSL) in senescent hepatocytes. Oil red O staining confirmed that miR-155–5p inhibition significantly reduced lipid accumulation in these cells. This study suggests a potential new therapeutic approach for age-related hepatic steatosis through the inhibition of miR-155–5p to enhance autophagy. A working model of miR-155–5p/PICALM for inhibiting autophagy and lipid accumulation in senescent hepatocytes. (By Fig draw) [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Noninvasive photothermal therapy (PTT) represents a promising direction for more modern and precise medical applications. However, PTT efficacy is still not satisfactory due to the existence of heat shock proteins (HSPs) and poorly targeted delivery. Herein, the design of a nanosystem with improved delivery efficacy for anticancer treatment employing the synergetic effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-driven chemodynamic therapy (CDT) to inactivated HSPs with photothermal-hyperthermia was therefore achieved through the development of pH-targeting glycol chitosan/iron oxide enclosed core polypyrrole nanoclusters (GCPI NCs). The designed NCs effectively accumulated toward cancer cells due to their acidic microenvironment, initiating ROS generation via Fenton reaction at the outset and performing site-specific near infrared (NIR)-photothermal effect. A comprehensive analysis of both surface and bulk material properties of the CDT/PTT NCs as well as biointerface properties were ascertained via numerous surface specific analytical techniques by bringing together heightened accumulation of CDT/PTT NCs, which can significantly eradicate cancer cells thus minimizing the side effects of conventional chemotherapies. All of these attributes act in synergy over the cancer cells succeeding in fashioning NC's able to act as competent agents in the MRI-monitored enhanced CDT/PTT synergistic therapy. Findings in this study evoke attention in future oncological therapeutic strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• In this paper, we found that senescent mice develop pathologies such as obesity lipid metabolism disorders. • The expression of miR-743b-3p was elevated in senescent mice, which inhibited the expression of PPM1K. • MiR-743b-3p regulates BCAA levels in senescent hepatocytes by targeting PPM1K causing abnormal lipid deposition. Lipid metabolism disorders appear to play an important role in the ageing process, thus understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the association of ageing with elevated vulnerability to lipid metabolism related diseases is crucial towards promoting quality of life in old age. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as crucial regulators of lipid metabolism, and some miRNAs have key roles in ageing. In this study, we investigated changes in liver lipid metabolism of ageing mice and the mechanisms of the altered expression of miRNAs in the ageing liver which contributes to the age-dependent increase in lipid synthesis. Here we found that miR-743b-3p was higher expressed in the liver tissues of ageing mice through the small RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis, and its target PPM1K was predicted and confirmed the target relationship of miR-743b-3p with PPM1K in the aged mouse liver tissues and the cultured senescent hepatocytes in vitro. Moreover, using the transfected miR-743b-3p mimics/inhibitors into the senescent hepatocyte AML12. We found that miR-743b-3p inhibition reversed the hepatocyte senescence, and finally decreased the expression of genes involved in lipid synthesis(Chrebp, Fabp4, Acly and Pparγ) through increasing the target gene expression of PPM1K which regulated the expression of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) metabolism-related genes (Bckdhα, Bckdk, Bcat2, Dbt). These results identify that age-induced expression of miR-743b-3p inhibits its target PPM1K which induces BCAA metabolic disorder and regulates hepatocyte lipid accumulation during ageing. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Damage to the blood–brain barrier (BBB) is an important factor leading to intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH)-induced secondary brain injury (SBI). Krüppel-like transcription factor 2 (KLF2) plays an important role in the maintenance of the BBB. This study aims to detect the changes of KLF2 after ICH and evaluate the potential effects of fraxinellone on ICH-induced SBI and its correlation with KLF2. An ICH model was established by injecting autologous blood into the right basal ganglia of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. First, after ICH induction, the protein levels of KLF2 were reduced. Then, we found that the decrease of KLF2 protein levels induced by ICH could be effectively reversed with the treatment of fraxinellone in vascular endothelial cells. Furthermore, fraxinellone treatment effectively alleviated brain edema, decreased the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β, and improved neuronal cell degeneration induced by ICH. Meanwhile, fraxinellone ameliorated neurobehavioral disorders, motor and sensory impairments, and neurobehavioral disorders and memory loss caused by ICH. Collectively, these findings reveal that KLF2 may be a potential target for fraxinellone to exert neuroprotective effects after ICH, and fraxinellone could be a potential therapeutic agent for SBI after ICH. • The protein levels of KLF2 decreased after ICH. • Fraxinellone attenuates the decrease of KLF2 protein levels induced by ICH. • Fraxinellone rescues ICH induced-brain injury. • Fraxinellone ameliorates ICH-induced behavioral and cognitive dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• C. beijerinckii BA101 exhibiting enhanced solvent production was characterized under controlled fermentation conditions. • Genome sequencing of BA101 mutant was carried out to reveal genetic mutations relevant to the phenotypes. • Comparative genomic analysis of BA101 with the parental strain and sibling mutants identified several genetic mutations. • The SNPs found in this study may be applied for engineering of solventogenic clostridia toward desirable phenotypes. The acetone-butanol-ethanol (ABE) fermentation by solventogenic clostridia has a long history of industrial butanol production. The Clostridium beijerinckii mutant BA101 has been widely studied for ABE fermentation owing to its enhanced butanol production capacity. Here, we characterized the BA101 mutant under controlled environmental conditions in parallel with the parental strain C. beijerinckii NCIMB 8052. To investigate the correlation between phenotype and genotype, we carried out the genome sequencing of BA101. Through comparative genomic analysis, several mutations in the genes encoding transcriptional regulator, sensor kinase, and phosphatase were identified in the BA101 genome as well as other sibling mutants. Among them, the SNP in the Cbei_3078 gene encoding PAS/PAC sensor hybrid histidine kinase was unique to the BA101 strain. The identified mutations relevant to the observed physiological behaviors of BA101 could be potential genetic targets for rational engineering of solventogenic clostridia toward desired phenotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To describe a novel system workflow to design and manufacture patient-specific three-dimensional (3D) printing jigs for single-stage skull bone tumor excision and reconstruction and to present surgical outcomes of 14 patients. A specific computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing software and hardware system was set up, including a virtual surgical planning subsystem and a 3D printing–associated manufacturing subsystem. Computed tomography data of the patient's skull were used for 3D rendering of the skull and tumor. The output of patient-specific designing included a 3D printing guide for tumor resection and a 3D printing model of the bone defect after tumor excision. A polymethyl methacrylate implant was fabricated preoperatively and used for repair. The specific 3D printing guide was used to design intraoperative jigs and implants for 14 patients (age range, 1–72 years) with skull bone tumors. In all cases, the cutting jig allowed precise excision of tumor and bone, and implants were exact fits for the defects created. All operative results were successful, without intraoperative or postoperative complications. Postoperative computed tomography scans were obtained for analysis. Postoperative 3D measurement of the skull symmetry index (cranial vault asymmetry index) showed significant improvement of head contour after surgery. The computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing system described allows definitive preoperative planning and fabrication for treatment of skull bone tumors. Apparent benefits of the method include more accurate determination of surgical margins and better oncological outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • 1. Experimental SAH resulted in xCT deficiency and impaired System xc- activity. • 2. xCT overexpression ameliorated System xc- dysfunction after experimental SAH. • 3. xCT overexpression inhibited neuronal ferroptosis and alleviated EBI after experimental SAH. • 4. Restoring System xc- activity by xCT overexpression improved neurobehavioral deficits after experimental SAH. Ferroptosis is an important therapeutic target to alleviate early brain injury (EBI) after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), yet the mechanism of neuronal ferroptosis after SAH remains unclear. System xc- dysfunction is one of the key pathways to induce ferroptosis. System xc- activity is mainly regulated by the expression of xCT. This study was designed to investigate the effect of xCT expression and System xc- activity on ferroptosis and EBI in an experimental SAH model both in vitro and in vivo. SAH was induced in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats by injecting autologous blood into the prechiasmatic cistern. Primary neurons treated with oxyhemoglobin (10 µM) were used to mimic SAH in vitro. Plasmid transfection was used to induce xCT overexpression. Western blotting, immunofluorescence staining, measurement of cystine uptake, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, transmission electron microscopy, Nissl staining, and a series of neurobehavioral tests were conducted to explore the role of xCT and System xc- activity in ferroptosis and EBI after SAH. We found that System xc- dysfunction induced ferroptosis and exacerbated EBI after SAH in rats. xCT deficiency after SAH resulted in System xc- dysfunction, weakened neuronal antioxidant capacity and activated neuronal ferroptosis. xCT overexpression improved neuronal antioxidant capacity and inhibited neuronal ferroptosis by restoring System xc- activity. Rats with xCT overexpression after SAH presented with attenuated brain edema and inflammation, increased neuronal survival, and ameliorated neurological deficits. Our study revealed that restoring System xc- activity by xCT overexpression inhibited neuronal ferroptosis and EBI and improved neurological deficits after SAH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wave instruments equipped with pressure sensors have long been recognized as an effective means of obtaining statistical characteristics of wave distributions in complex sea conditions. However, the commonly used theory based on pressure response functions may not accurately capture surface height signals due to the nonlinearity of wave propagation at different water depths. To address this issue, field measurements were conducted at five stations with water depths ranging from 2.4 m to 54.8 m. The validity threshold of the linear wave theory was investigated using surface buoy and bottom pressure measurements. Statistical analyses showed that the classical linear theory performed well in shallow water, but its credibility decreased with increasing depth. In addition, the measured data showed agreement with the Weibull distribution for wave pressure and the Rayleigh distribution for surface wave height. For applications in ocean and coastal engineering, we propose two empirical formulas for estimating wave heights based on seabed or sea surface measurements at intermediate water depths. These formulas take into account the ratio of wave height to water depth, which reflects the nonlinear effects in shallow water, thereby improving the accuracy of surface wave height estimation (with an accuracy of ±10%) compared to the traditional linear theory method. • The pressure response function may not recover surface elevation signals due to nonlinearity in wave propagation. • The credibility of the classical linear theory decreased with increasing depth. • Measurements are consistent with a Weibull distribution for wave pressure, but a Rayleigh distribution for wave height. • Two empirical formulas have been proposed to estimate wave heights, improving the accuracy by ±10%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodegradable microparticles (MPs) as vaccine adjuvants have sparked the passion of researchers in recent decades. However, it is still a huge challenge to develop an efficient vaccine delivery system to reverse chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Herein, we integrated a physiochemical merit and an immunopotentiator property in poly (lactic acid) (PLA) MPs and verified the therapeutic effect on CHB model mice. We prepared uniform MPs with insertion of cationic lipid didodecyldimethylammonium bromide (DDAB), which endowed a physiochemical merit for MPs. Such a DDAB-PLA (DP) group raised the recruitment of immune cells to the injection site along with the secretion of chemokines and pro-inflammatory cytokines, promoting the activation of antigen-presenting cells (APCs). Further combination of stimulator of interferon genes (STING) agonist 5,6-dimethylxanthenone-4-acetic acid (DMXAA) (DP-D) elevated 5.8-fold higher interferon regulatory factor 7 (IRF-7) expression compared to that for DP group. The DP group showed preferred lysosome escape advantage, which was in line with the DMXAA release behavior and the intracellular target of DMXAA. In addition, DP-D vaccine augmented the IFN- γ secreting splenocytes and motivated Th1-biased antibodies in a more efficient way than that for the DP group. In the CHB model, the MPs based vaccines achieved 50% HBsAg seroconversion rate, and HBcAg in the liver also got a reduction. DP-D produced higher amount of memory T/B cells to confer protection in a sustained manner. Present work thus provided a promising strategy, via integrating a fine-tuned physiochemical property and an immunopotentiator virtue in the MPs, which synergistically reinforced both humoral and cellular immune responses against CHB. Unlabelled Image • A uniform microparticle delivery system that integrated with cationic lipid DDAB and STING agonist DMXAA was fabricated. • The pump effect of DDAB facilitate DMXAA releasing into cytoplasm to interact with its ligand. • The microparticle based vaccines promoted the activation of antigen-presenting cells and elicited immune responses at the injection site. • The microparticle based vaccines induced both humoral and cellular immune responses in healthy mice, and achieved 50% HBsAg seroconversion rate on CHB model mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We collected follicular fluid samples of PCOS patients and controls without PCOS. • Metabolomic analysis identified 21 differential metabolites. • The Vitamin B6 metabolism, phenylalanine metabolism and carnitine synthesis were related to PCOS. • 7β-Hydroxycholesterol was a potential biomarker of PCOS. The polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine and metabolic disorder syndrome of women in reproductive age. Metabolomic studies of the follicular fluid can reveal the potential metabolic pathways related to PCOS. The objection of this study was to explore the changes of metabolites in the follicular fluid of PCOS. We collected follicular fluid samples of 35 patients with PCOS and 33 controls without PCOS for metabolomic analysis with UPLC Q-Exactive. The identified metabolites were annotated with KEGG and HMDB to determine the disturbances of metabolic pathways in PCOS. Based on the regression model, we conducted the ROC analysis to find the biomarker of PCOS in the follicular fluid. Metabolomic analysis identified 21 differential metabolites in PCOS, which revealed that the Vitamin B6 metabolism, phenylalanine metabolism and carnitine synthesis were the key changed pathways. We found that 7β-Hydroxycholesterol was potential biomarker of PCOS based on the ROC analysis. We identified metabolic alterations and biomarker in the follicular fluid of PCOS, providing novel ways for the diagnosis and treatment of PCOS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combination therapy, as an emerging strategy for improved clinical efficacy of cancer therapy, may not achieve effective response owing to the lack of highly selective and efficient tumor targeting. Herein, a dual stimuli-guided chemo/magnetothermal combination therapy system based upon histamine dodecyl carbamate (HDC)-coated doxorubicin (DOX)/magnetite-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) was developed for enhanced anticancer effects. Taking advantage of the dual pH e -induced electrostatic and magnetic guidance, the in vitro cellular uptake of these functionalized SLNs by TRAMP-C1 cancer cells was highly enhanced, leading to remarkably increased anticancer ability. With the highly selective delivery of the therapeutics toward tumor via the dual stimuli-mediated guidance, the effective growth inhibition of tumors with the small initial size (ca 50 mm3) by only chemotherapy was observed whereas the combination therapy was essentially required to fully inhibit the growth of large tumors (200 mm3). The IHC staining of tumor tissue sections with the combination therapy against large tumors showed the appreciable increase of tumor cell apoptosis and reduction of tumor angiogenesis. The results suggest that the dual stimuli-guided combination therapy system developed herein be prominent in fully inhibiting tumor growth even with the solid tumors of large size at the onset of the treatment. Unlabelled Image • A dual stimuli-guided chemo/magnetothermal combination therapy system was developed. • pH e -induced electrostatic and magnetic guidance highly enhanced cellular drug uptake. • Dual stimuli-mediated guidance improved the anticancer ability. • Targetable combination therapy is required to inhibit the growth of large tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Investigating the tolerance of Sporosarcina pastures to copper tailings pond. • MICP is an effective technique for reinforcing copper tailings. • Cu2+ and pH affect MICP-reinforced copper tailings in different mechanisms. • Presenting the applications of biomineralization in tailings treatment. The accumulation of large amounts of tailings produced in the beneficiation process of ores is one of the main challenges for mining industry related to their retention in tailings ponds and the potential hazard of tailings dams' failure. To enhance stability of tailings dams, microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) has emerged as a novel technique for tailings treatment. However, the intricate chemical environment within tailings ponds affects the growth of microorganisms and can adversely impact the efficiency and effectiveness of MICP. This study investigates for the first time the factors that influence the growth of Sporosarcina pasteurii in a copper tailings pond characterized by weak acidity and the presence of copper ions. The adverse effects of the chemical environment in copper tailings ponds on MICP are investigated through mechanical tests and microscopic analyses on four groups of MICP-reinforced copper tailings. The results revealed that copper ions inhibited the growth of bacteria, while pH had an insignificant effect on bacteria. Hence, copper ions are identified as the main factor that weakens the reinforcing effect of MICP on copper tailings. Even though the weakly acidic environment has been shown to have a minor impact on the performance of MICP-reinforced copper tailings, maintaining the acid resistance of the reinforced tailings is crucial for ensuring long-term reinforcement effectiveness. It was also found that increasing the concentration of the bacterial solution and applying it in multiple injections, while controlling the pH of the cementation solution, could enhance the survival rate and activity of bacteria and improve the carbonate sedimentation environment. This would strengthen the reinforcing effect of MICP. The results demonstrated that MICP has promising potential for tailings treatment, but it is essential to address the adverse effects of the chemical environment in tailings ponds. The findings from this study provide valuable reference data for subsequent field experiments and engineering practices and facilitate the application of biomineralization in tailings ponds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advanced production decline analysis methods have become more economic and efficient options due to technical and time limitations of well-testing operations in shale gas reservoirs. By normalizing rate with material balance pseudo-time, Blasingame type decline analysis can be applied to variable rate/variable pressure drop system, making the methodology more widely applicable. Blasingame decline analysis of variable rate/variable pressure drop case for multi-fractured horizontal well (MFHW) in shale has been less investigated, because of multi-scale storage spaces and multi-flow mechanisms. This article presents a semi-analytical Blasingame decline analysis model incorporating multi-flow mechanisms with shale's modified material balance pseudo-time. Laplace transformation, point source function, numerical discrete method, perturbation method, and Gaussian elimination method were employed to solve the mathematical problem caused by multi-flow mechanisms. Besides, the material balance pseudo-time was modified by considering adsorption and desorption. In this study, a workflow to investigate the effects of properties of hydraulic fracture (fracture half-length, number of fractures and fracture spacing) and multi-flow mechanisms (diffusion and desorption) on production decline behaviors through diagnostic Blasingame type curves is proposed. The results indicate that productivity is greater with a larger scale of fracture treatment, and better desorption of adsorbed gas is also beneficial to production. The decline rates affected by the fracture treatment scale and supplement capacity show two opposite trends, which is caused by interference between the fractures and boundary, respectively. Except that the data in the diffusion early flow period do not match very well, because the use of diffusion coefficient as a constant, the good fitting results on the whole verifies the model's validity and reliability. • A new Blasingame decline model of shale accommodating multi-mechanisms is established. • Effects of fracture and flow mechanism on production behaviors are analyzed. • Simulated result matches well with rate data. • Considering diffusivity as a constant may result in poor fitting result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Increased aerobic glycolysis is considered as a hallmark of cancer and targeting key glycolytic enzymes will be a promising therapeutic approach in cancer treatment. Alpha-enolase (ENO1), as a prominent glycolytic enzyme, is upregulated in multiple cancers and its overexpression is involved in tumor cell proliferation and metastasis. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the potential role of ENO1 in the development and progression of gastric cancer (GC). Here, we found that ENO1 expression was upregulated in human GC and was associated with Lauren type, lymph node metastasis (LNM) and TNM stage. Knockdown of ENO1 attenuated GC cell proliferation and metastasis and reversed epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) progress in vitro while ENO1 overexpression did the opposite. ENO1 could modulate AKT signaling pathway in GC cells and the enhanced proliferation and migration ability induced by ENO1 overexpression was impaired after incubation with PI3K inhibitor Ly294002 in SGC7901 cells. Our data demonstrated that ENO1 enhances GC cell proliferation and metastasis through the protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway, indicating that ENO1/AKT signaling axis may serve as a potential target for treatment of GC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • A new shale gas production model accommodating multi-mechanisms is established. • Inversion values of parameters match well the data from Barnett shale. • Production discrepancy increases with continuous depletion adding multimechanics. • Parameters have their own influence period and sensitivity intensity. Abstract Production decline analysis of multiple fractured horizontal wells (MFHW) is crucial for long-term shale gas development. Analytical solutions of production decline model accounting for sorption, diffusion (slip flow and Knudsen diffusion) and non-static (stress-dependent) permeability can precisely predict the long term production behavior, especially for the late time production period. However, little work has simultaneously incorporated all these mechanisms into production decline analysis for shale gas wells. In this work, a new production decline model for MFHW in shale gas reservoirs incorporating multiple flow mechanisms is established. To weaken the strong nonlinearities of seepage mathematical equation caused by combining multiple mechanisms, perturbation technology is employed to establish the point source solution considering stress-dependent permeability of MFHW and little effort has been done on this before. Besides, Laplace transformation, numerical discrete method, Stehfest numerical inversion algorithm and Gaussian elimination method are employed to solve the new model's mathematical problem. Estimated inversion values of reservoir parameters are consistent with the reported data from Barnett shale. Further, comparisons between production behaviors with and without multimechanics flows were made in three flow periods and the production discrepancy increases with continuous depletion, which is attributed that desorption and diffusion is increasingly important as pressure depleting. Finally, the effects of major parameters on production decline curves are analyzed by using the proposed model and it was found that different parameters have their own influence period and sensitivity intensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Yes-associated protein (YAP) is upregulated in many cancer types, and its overexpression is involved in tumor cell proliferation, metastasis and resistance to chemotherapy. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the potential role of YAP in the development and progression of gastric cancer. Methods YAP levels were analyzed in human gastric cancer and adjacent normal tissues by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Potential roles of YAP in regulating gastric cancer cell proliferation and sensitivity to cisplatin were examined by genetic manipulation in vitro . The molecular signaling was determined to understand the mechanisms of observed YAP effects. Results YAP level was higher in gastric cancer tissues as compared to paired normal tissues. Knockdown of YAP attenuated gastric cancer cell proliferation and enhanced sensitivity to cisplatin in vitro while YAP overexpression possessed the opposite effects. YAP regulated Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression and its downstream AKT and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) signaling pathway in gastric cancer cells. Conclusion YAP enhances gastric cancer cell proliferation and attenuates sensitivity to cisplatin potentially through targeting the EGFR signaling, indicating that YAP/EGFR signaling axis may serve as a potential target for treatment of gastric cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Catalytic oxidation of cellulose was studied experimentally and theoretically. • A continuous C C bond cleavage-oxidation mechanism was proposed. • Aldehyde moiety was the precursor of formic acid. • There is a competition between dissociation and oxidation of aldehyde group. • Acid reduces the energy barrier of C C cleavage through epoxy intermediates. Catalytic oxidation of cellulose using O 2 in aqueous solution shows important potential in the production of formic acid, an important industrial chemical as well as a promising hydrogen storage material. However, the microscopic oxidation mechanism is unclear due to the challenges in observing the cleavage of chemical bonds and the formation of transient intermediates and radicals. In this work, a combination of experimental and theoretical methods has been used to explore the catalytic oxidation mechanism of cellulose to formic acid. In the oxidation of cellulose, hydrogen cation plays a catalytic role and a decrease in pH improves the transformation with 57.7% formic acid obtained. Based on the model compound experiments, intermediate detection, molecular dynamics simulation, and density functional theory calculation, a mechanism is proposed, in which polyhydroxy aldehydes generated by cellulose hydrolysis undergo a continuous carbon–carbon bond cleavage-oxidation reaction to form formic acid with aldehyde moiety as the direct precursor. Acid has a catalytic effect on the cleavage-oxidation reaction of carbon–carbon bonds, reducing the energy barrier of carbon–carbon bond cleavage through generating epoxy intermediates. The aldehyde moieties are kept at an appreciable concentration, thereby increasing the yield of formic acid. Moreover, it is confirmed that the carboxyl moiety obtained by the oxidation of aldehyde is the precursor of the by-product CO 2. These findings provide an in-depth insight into the production of bio-chemicals through carbon–carbon bond cleavage and a theoretical support for further process optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both European and Asian historical records report that Jesuits were at the origin of enamelling technology transfers from France (and Italy) to Asia at the 17th–18th century turn. A mobile Raman set-up equipped with a high magnification (×200) microscope objective with long working distance is used to identify the use of European (arsenic-rich) cobalt in 17th and 18th century porcelains: twenty soft-paste porcelains from Rouen (L. Poterat’ Factory), Saint-Cloud, Paris (Pavie’, Hébert’, Chicanneau’, and Bellevaux’ factories), Lille, Mennecy, and Vincennes factories, of which almost all were produced before 1750, belonging to the Cité de la Céramique Collection (formerly Musée national de Céramique, Sèvres), have been analysed in order to get a more representative view of the type of cobalt ore used. A large proportion of blue decors exhibit signs of lead arsenate, even for productions after ~ 1750, which proves the wilful interest given to arsenic phases in magnifying blue hues. Different lead arsenate signatures are observed, one assigned to the product of reaction of As-rich cobalt ore with lead-based glaze and another characteristic of added arsenic. At least two groups of glaze are identified: a lead-rich one and a mixed lead-alkali glaze. Porcelains made during the second half of the 18th century exhibit the very strong As-O modes characteristic of the voluntary addition of a lead-arsenate forming compound. Comparisons are made with Qing Chinese productions exhibiting similar Raman signatures and expected to have benefited from transfers of technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comamonas species are attractive microbial hosts for bioremediation engineering due to their versatile metabolic capacity and diverse niches inhabited. To establish Comamonas testosteroni CNB-1—a common Comamonas strain—as a programmable cellular chassis, its indigenous 91-kb-long plasmid, pCNB1, must be eliminated; in addition, the organism has to exhibit feasiblity for effective genetic manipulation. Here we present a novel plasmid curing strategy involving rare-cutting homing endonuclease and a selection and counter-selection system. With a self-eliminating helper plasmid, we successfully removed the target plasmid pCNB1, along with the helper plasmid itself, in a single step at an efficiency of 64%. By enhancing the homing endonuclease expression, we were able to further improve the efficiency to almost 100%. The curing of pCNB1 provided a plasmid-free strain for hosting an IncP-type replicon based shuttle vehicle which can be utilized for gene circuit engineering. Additionally, using a PCR-based Cre-loxP system, we demonstrated an increased ability to genetically manipulate the chromosome of C. testosteroni CNB-1. This study provides a rapid and effective solution to eliminate indigenous plasmids, and also facilitates the development of C. testosteroni as a promising chassis for future remediation applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carboxylic acids are considered as an important group of chemicals. Direct conversion of cellulose to formic acid (FA) by vanadium(V(V))-contained catalyst is of significant conceptual and practical interest. A second metal (from Mg(II), Ca(II), Al(III), Cr(III), Mo(VI), Mn(II), Cu(II), or Fe(III)) incorporated into V(V)-contained catalyst system was screened to further improve the oxidation of cellulose by O 2 to yield FA. Fe(III) exhibited the best performance and effects of reaction parameters on the conversion of cellulose in NaVO 3 -FeCl 3 -H 2 SO 4 aqueous solution were investigated. Cellulose could be rapidly converted, and the yield of FA (66.8%) was higher than that obtained by the single use of FeCl 3 (48.4%) or NaVO 3 (57.6%). The conversion of cellulose in another V(V)-contained catalyst system (H 5 PV 2 Mo 10 O 40 ) was explored to verify the universal enhancement of FeCl 3 . Influences of the second metal Fe(III) on the V(V)-contained catalyst system and mechanism of cellulose oxidation in the V(V)-Fe(III)-H 2 SO 4 system were studied. Compared with single use of V(V), the employment of Fe(III) alone is not active enough in the oxidative C C bond cleavage. V(V) other than Fe(III) is the main active species for selective oxidation of substrates. The incorporation of Fe(III) and V(V) shows both synergistic and competitive relationships. Both the synergistic and competitive effects are beneficial to increase FA yield, as they promote the oxidation of V(IV) to V(V), increase oxidative ability, and inhibit the overoxidation to by-product CO 2 . The catalyst system was reused four times without decline in activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transformation of biomass into platform chemicals is a key intermediate step to establish biomass-based sustainable chemical processes. The preparation of oxygenated chemicals by conversion of biomass is of significant conceptual and practical interest. In this work, an efficient catalytic system for carbohydrate-based biomass oxidation to oxygenated chemicals (including formic acid, dimethoxymethane and methyl formate) with O 2 using H 5 PV 2 Mo 10 O 40 as catalyst is presented. Conversions of glucose and cellulose in a methanol/water medium achieved total product yields of oxygenated chemicals up to 92.9% and 89.7%, respectively (based on carbon). A conversion pathway to clarify the mechanism of product formation was proposed. Protecting reactive functional groups of sugars and reaction intermediates via acetalisation and etherification in methanol effectively suppressed CO 2 formation and remarkably enhanced the production of oxygenated chemicals. The effect of solvent composition on catalyst H 5 PV 2 Mo 10 O 40 was investigated, and it was found that the structural stability of the catalyst increased by the addition of methanol. The catalyst was reused four times without significant decline in activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct conversion of raw biomass to fine chemicals is of significant conceptual and practical interest. Up to now, the direct conversion of raw biomass to fine chemicals is still a big challenge. The oxidation of biomass to formic acid (FA) and acetic acid (AA) is a promising industrial process in the future. In this work, we reported that a binary catalyst system of Keggin-type heteropoly acid H 5 PV 2 Mo 10 O 40 + H 2 SO 4 was efficient to directly convert corn cob, a highly abundant renewable agricultural waste, to FA and AA using O 2 as the oxidant in aqueous solutions. The effects of catalyst amount, H 2 SO 4 concentration, reaction temperature, reaction time and initial O 2 pressure on the conversions of corn cob were investigated. Under optimized reaction conditions, corn cob was transformed with a FA yield of 42.5% and an AA yield of 9.1% (based on carbon) after 30 min of reaction at 170 °C. In the oxidation, the pH of the aqueous solution plays a key role. The influences of pH on solid degradation, reaction pathway and oxidation of the components of corn cob were discussed. Hemicellulose is oxidized rapidly followed by partly oxidation of lignin, and cellulose is the most difficult converted part. Products FA and AA mainly come from polysaccharides (hemicellulose and cellulose) and pH has a major influence on cellulose. The recycling of the catalyst system is demonstrated and shows good reusability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clostridium beijerinckii is a predominant solventogenic clostridia with great attraction for renewable liquid biofuel and biochemical production. Metabolic engineering and synthetic biology can be employed to engineer the strain toward desirable phenotypes. However, current limited information such as promoter strength and gene regulation may hinder the efficient engineering of the strain. To investigate genetic information and complex cellular bioprocesses of C. beijerinckii , an in vivo fluorescence reporter system can be employed. In general, green fluorescence protein (GFP) and relative analogs have been widely used as real-time reporters. However, GFP-family proteins require molecular oxygen for fluorescence maturation. Considering the strict anaerobic growth requirement of the clostridia, an oxygen-independent fluorescence reporter such as a flavin mononucleotide-based fluorescent protein (FbFP) can be used as an alternative fluorescence reporter. In this study, we synthesized and expressed the codon-optimized FbFP gene for C. beijerinckii (CbFbFP) based on the nucleotide sequence of Bacillus subtilis YtvA variant EcFbFP in C. beijerinckii NCIMB 8052 wild-type. Protein expression and in vivo fluorescence of CbFbFP in C. beijeirnckii were confirmed under anaerobic growth conditions. Through fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), we isolated the bright cells from the heterogenous population of C. beijerinckii cells expressing CbFbFP. Several mutations were found in the isolated plasmid which may be responsible for the high-level expression of CbFbFP in C. beijerinckii . The mutant plasmid and CbFbFP reporter were further utilized for strain selection, real-time fluorescence measurement, population analysis, and metabolic engineering in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A MiRZFP34 gene was isolated from mango. • Overexpression of MiRZFP34 resulted early flowering in Arabidopsis. • Overexpression of MiRZFP34 improved resistance to drought and low temperatures in Arabidopsis. • MiRZFP34 interacted with MiAP1-1, MiAP1-2, and MiCAL2 protein. The RING zinc finger protein (RZFP) gene plays an important role in the response to stress in plants. In this study, full-length cDNA sequences of the RZFP homologous gene MiRZFP34 were obtained from mango. The open reading frame of MiRZFP34 is 858 bp in length and encodes 285 amino acids. Sequence analysis showed that MiRZFP34 had typical CHY zinc finger and RING-finger domains. Expression analysis showed that MiRZFP34 was highly expressed in flowers but was expressed at relatively low levels in juvenile tissues. Drought and low temperature treatment significantly upregulated the expression of MiRZFP34 in leaves. Transformation of Arabidopsis revealed that overexpression of MiRZFP34 promoted early flowering and significantly upregulated the expression levels of the flowering-related genes APETALA1 (AtAP1) , FLOWERING LOCUS T (AtFT), and SUPPRESSOR OF OVEREXPRESSION OF CO1 (AtSOC1) in transgenic lines than WT plants. In addition, MiRZFP34 -overexpressing lines showed resistance to drought and low temperature stress, which was accompanied by a higher expression of drought and low temperature responsive genes in these lines. Bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assays showed that MiRZFP34 protein can interact with MiAP1-1, MiAP1-2, and MiCAL2. These results were the first to show that MiRZFP34 was involved in both flowering regulation and abiotic stress responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytochemical investigation on the whole plants of Ypsilandra parviflora led to the isolation of seven new spirostanol saponins, named ypsiparosides A–G, together with 14 known saponins. Their structures were unambiguously established based on extensive spectroscopic evidence and chemical methods. The induced rabbit platelet aggregation activities of the isolates were tested. Compounds 4 , 15 , and 17 showed maximal platelet aggregation rates ranging from 43 to 55% at a concentration of 300 μg/mL. Further experiments exhibited that compounds 4 , 15 , and 17 possessed EC 50 values of 642.9, 95.3, and 300.8 μg/mL, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six donor-acceptor systems with styrene based 9-phenyl carbazole, 4,4’-di(hydro, methyl, methoxy or octyloxy) triphenylamine and 4-methylphenyl indoline derivatives as donors, and s-triazine group as the acceptor were synthesized and characterized. The charge-separated states of these donor-acceptor systems were generated through the effective photoinduced electron transfers from excited donor modules to acceptor modules and had lifetimes ranging from 57 ns to 215 ns. These donor-acceptor systems are capable of fast charge separation, but have extremely slow charge recombination. The back electron transfer processes of these donor-acceptor systems occur in the inverted region of the Marcus curve. The driving forces of back electron transfer and the reorganization energies of electron transfer decrease in the order of 9-phenyl carbazole derivative, 4,4’-di(hydro, methyl, methoxy or octyloxy) triphenylamine derivative and 4-methylphenyl indoline derivative. These two factors work together to determine the different lifetimes of charge-separated states in these donor-acceptor systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The MFT gene in mango was identified and characterized. • The expression patterns of the MFT gene were analysed in mango. • Overexpression of MiMFT inhibited seed germination. • Overexpression of MiMFT enhanced the abiotic stress tolerance in transgenic Arabidopsis. Mother of FT and TFL1 (MFT) is a member of the phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein (PEBP) family, which plays important roles in seed development, the stress response, and flowering time regulation. In the present study, the MFT homologous gene MiMFT was identified in mango cultivar 'SiJiMi'. The promoter of MiMFT contained phytohormone-, plant growth-, plant development-, and abiotic stress-responsive elements. MiMFT was significantly highly expressed in the seeds, and its expression strongly increased in response to polyethylene glycol (PEG) and NaCl treatment. Overexpression of MiMFT in Arabidopsis adversely affected seed germination and upregulated seed germination-related gene expression, but it did not affect flowering. Additionally, the salt and drought tolerance of transgenic Arabidopsis lines overexpressing MiMFT considerably increased, and these plants presented decreased sensitivity to abscisic acid (ABA), with significantly increased expression of stress-related and ABA signaling pathway genes. Subcellular localization analysis showed that MiMFT strongly localizes in the nucleus, and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assays showed that MiMFT proteins interact with Mi14–3–3D2. In summary, MiMFT was determined to be involved in seed germination as well as in the response to abiotic stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Catalytic oxidation of lignocellulose to formic acid by vanadium-based catalysts is a promising method to obtain fine chemicals. Considerable progresses have been achieved on the conversion of polysaccharides components of lignocelluloses. However, the oxidation behavior and mechanism of lignin, which quite differs from the structures of polysaccharides, have not been studied in detail. This work presents an H 5 PV 2 Mo 10 O 40 -H 2 SO 4 catalytic oxidation of lignin to produce carboxylic acids (CAs, mainly including formic acid) using O 2. A total yield of CAs can be up to 41.9 wt%. The oxidation process includes the fast hydrolysis stage and the slow oxidation stage. A combined experimental and theoretical study is applied to further investigate the mechanism of the latter oxidation stage. The ring-opening reaction of hydrolysis products is the rate-controlling reaction in the CA formation pathway. Both phenol and o-quinone are active sites and indispensable intermediates, and the ring-opening reactions of them are faster than those of other aromatic structures. The vanadium catalyst helps the formation of o-quinone and reduces the activation energy of ring-opening reaction, thus accelerate the CA formation. The combined experimental and theoretical study could lead to an in-depth understanding of catalytic oxidation process and be helpful to make better utilization of biomass. [Display omitted] • An efficient method was proposed to convert lignin to valuable chemicals. • A yield of 41.9 wt% of carboxylic acids was obtained. • Catalytic oxidation process includes hydrolysis stage and oxidation stage. • Vanadium catalyst reduce the activation energy of the rate-controlling ring-opening reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthetic microbial consortia represent a frontier of synthetic biology that promises versatile engineering of cellular functions. They are primarily developed through the design and construction of cellular interactions that coordinate individual dynamics and generate collective behaviors. Here we review recent advances in the engineering of synthetic communities through cellular-interaction programming. We first examine fundamental building blocks for intercellular communication and unidirectional positive and negative interactions. We then recap the assembly of the building blocks for creating bidirectional interactions in two-species ecosystems, which is followed by the discussion of engineering toward complex communities with increasing species numbers, under spatial contexts, and via model-guided design. We conclude by summarizing major challenges and future opportunities of engineered microbial ecosystems. [Display omitted] • Interaction programming enables rational and systematic ecosystem engineering. • Positive and negative interactions can be realized either directly or indirectly. • Simple interactions act as building blocks for complex interaction networks. • Complex ecosystems arise with increasing species number and adding spatial contexts. • Challenges remain for the development of advanced functional communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epoxy functionalized magnetic Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 nanoparticles were successfully prepared and characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The prepared nanoparticles were used for immobilization of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) from Saccharomyces cerevisiae by covalent attachment. The optimal immobilization conditions were obtained as follows: enzyme/support 4.49 mg/g, pH 8.0, buffer concentration 0.05 M, time 12 h and temperature 30 °C. Under these conditions, a high immobilization yield and efficiency of above 92% were obtained after the optimization. Broad pH tolerance and high thermostability were achieved by the immobilization. The immobilized ADH retained about 84% initial activity after five cycles. Kinetic parameters V max and K m of free and immobilized ADH were determined as 56.72 μM/min, 44.27 μM/min and 11.54 mM, 31.32 mM, respectively. ( R )-mandelic acid synthesis with the immobilized ADH was carried out, and the yield of ( R )-mandelic acid was as high as 64%. These results indicate that the ADH immobilized onto epoxy-functionalized nanoparticles is an efficient and simple way for preparation of stable ADH, and the immobilized ADH has potential applications in the production of ( R )-mandelic acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regenerating gene 3α (Reg3α) protein is a trophic factor that stimulates cell and tissue proliferation, neogenesis and also acts against apoptosis and necrosis. In order to explore the potential roles of recombinant Reg3α (rReg3α), we produced a mature rReg3α polypeptide for direct administration in l -arginine (L-Arg) induced acute pancreatitis (AP) in mice. Our results showed that rReg3α stimulated cell proliferation through Erk1/2 and p38 phosphorylation and also cyclin D1 upregulation mediated by Akt/ATF-2 signaling. Moreover, rReg3α administration significantly reduced the pancreatic damage caused by L-Arg injection, as shown in histological examination and serum amylase, lipase and C-reactive protein (CRP) assays. Not only acinar cell necrosis but also apoptosis found in the pancreas of AP mice were alleviated by rReg3α. Finally, upregulated Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL and suppressed poly (ADP-ribose) synthetase/polymerase (PARP) levels were detected as being relevant to the mechanism of rReg3α protection. We therefore conclude that rReg3α acts as a protective polypeptide against AP in mice by enhancing Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL expressions and suppressing PARP level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aberrations of TP53 gene and dysregulation of the TP53 pathway are important in the pathogenesis of many human cancers, including malignant lymphomas, especially for diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). By regulating many downstream target genes or molecules, TP53 governs major defenses against tumor growth and promotes cellular DNA repair, apoptosis, autophagy, cell cycle arrest, signaling, transcription, immune or inflammatory responses and metabolism. Dysfunction of TP53, including microRNA regulations, copy number alterations of TP53 pathway and TP53 itself, dysregulation of TP53 regulators, and somatic mutations by abnormal TP53 function modes, play an important role in lymphoma generation, progression and invasion. The role of TP53 in DLBCL has been widely explored recently. In this review, we summarized recent advances on different mechanisms of TP53 in DLBCL and new therapeutic approaches to overcome TP53 inactivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post-crosslinking as a new strategy to prepare sodium alginate (SA) beads with controllable swelling behavior, pH sensitivity and adsorption capacity was developed by using the solution of glutaraldehyde (GA), acetic acid and hydrochloric acid as the coagulating agent, for which could be used to fabricate polysaccharide beads in a large scale. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis convinced the successful cross-linking of SA by GA. The macro-porous structures of the beads were observed by scanning electron microscopy. Both acetic acid and hydrochloric acid had great effects on the swelling behavior and pH sensitivity of the SA beads. The SA beads could adsorb cationic dye (methylene blue) as high as 572 mg/g and other metal ions (Cu 2+ , Ag + and Fe 3+ ). The adsorption processes fitted well with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Freundlich isotherm. The large-scale production of SA beads with tunable properties opens a new route to industrially utilize polysaccharide beads in wastewater treatments, intelligent separation and so on. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Aplastic anemia (AA) is an immune-mediated disorder and mainly related to active destruction of hematopoietic cells by effector T lymphocytes. T helper (Th) 22 cells characterized as a novel subset of CD4 + T cells participate in the pathogenesis of autoimmune and hematological diseases. However, the role of Th22 subset in AA remains unknown. Methods 31 untreated AA patients and 30 healthy controls were included in this study. The percentages of Th22, Th17 and pure Th17 cells in peripheral blood were detected by flow cytometry. ELISA to measure interleukin (IL)-22 and IL-17A plasma levels and qRT-PCR for the mRNA levels of Th22 and Th17 related molecules were performed. Results The proportions of Th22, pure Th17, Th17 cells and plasma levels of IL-22 were significantly lower in untreated AA patients than those in normal controls. A positive correlation was found between Th22 and pure Th17 cells in AA. Moreover, percentages of Th22 cells correlated positively with reticulocyte counts and percentages. In addition, STAT3/STAT5 mRNA expression ratio was elevated in AA patients. Conclusion Together, our results showed Th22 cells correlating with clinical characteristics of AA patients, indicating a possible role of Th22 immune response in the pathogenesis and therapeutic intervention of AA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pinocembrin, one of the primary flavonoids from Pinus heartwood and Eucalyptus , has been reported to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. This study was designed to evaluate the inhibitory effects of pinocembrin on inflammatory mediators production in LPS-stimulated BV2 microglial cells. The results showed that pinocembrin dose-dependently inhibited LPS-induced inflammatory mediators TNF-α, IL-1β, NO and PGE 2 production. Pinocembrin also inhibited LPS-induced iNOS and COX-2 expression. Moreover, pinocembrin inhibited LPS-induced PI3K, Akt phosphorylation, and NF-κB activation, which were required for inflammatory mediators production. Furthermore, treatment of pinocembrin induced nuclear translocation of Nrf2 and expression of HO-1. In conclusion, our data indicated that pinocembrin inhibited LPS-induced inflammatory mediators production by suppressing PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] The major product Rd possesses higher bioactivities and bioavailability than Rb1. [•] This study can solve the waste problem of ginseng extraction residue. [•] A new functional food ingredient was developed. [•] It is the first report on applying lingzhi (G. lucidum) to transform ginsenosides from AmR. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The mechanism of SOX11 function has been widely published recently mainly focused on histone modifications. Besides diagnostic value in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), SOX11 has also prognostic significance. Although it can also be observed in a fraction of other T and B-cell lymphomas, a monoclonal antibody, called SOX11-C1, may improve the function of SOX11 in both diagnosis and prognosis evaluation. In addition, detection of modified SOX11 cDNA by quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) has a higher sensitivity than traditional CCND1 examination in minimal residual disease (MRD) detection, which is an appealing option for predicting disease outcome and status. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] A series of Fe3O4 nanoparticles have been synthesized by microemulsion method. [•] Crystal lattice defect and magnetite stoichiometry are reported. [•] Variation of surfactant structure affects the characteristics of Fe3O4 nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Production of hispidin polyphenols in Inonotus obliquus is a stress-induced response triggered by environmental factors. As one of the important environmental factors, ultraviolet (UV) radiation plays regulatory roles in fungal growth and development. However, whether UV radiation regulates the formation of hispidin polyphenols remains to be established. In this study, we cultivated I. obliquus on solid medium and imposed intermittent UV radiation. We showed that UV exposure inhibited the growth of mycelia but increased the production of polyphenols. Further bioassays revealed that UV radiation also increased the catalytic activities of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and chalcone isomerase (CHI), up-regulated expression of genes related to redox, transcriptional regulation, and metabolism. In addition, the total extracts from the UV-irradiated group were more capable of scavenging DPPH and ABTS+ free radicals, especially at the later stage of culture. Thus, UV radiation, acting as one of the environmental factors, stimulated the accumulation of polyphenols in I. obliquus by regulating the activities of enzymes and the expression of genes related to growth and metabolism, and can be tentatively used as a feasible strategy to enhance the production of polyphenols in I. obliquus. • Ultraviolet radiation significantly increased the accumulation of polyphenols in I. obliquus. • Ultraviolet radiation promoted the activities of PAL and CHI related to polyphenol synthesis. • Ultraviolet radiation enhanced the antioxidant activity of polyphenols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The raw material is fine-grained phosphate tailings. • Propose an innovative method for reinforcing fine-grained geotechnical materials. • The mechanism of MICP reinforces tailings is connection and wrapping. • Mixing method can avoid the nonuniformity of samples in reinforcement treatment. The nonuniformity of samples in reinforcement treatment is a bottleneck that restricts the development of microbial geotechnical technologies, which severely affects the reinforcement effect of microbially reinforced tailings and other fine-grained geotechnical materials. This study presents a mixing method that represents an innovative sample preparation and grouting technology for reinforcing tailings using microbially induced calcite precipitation (MICP) based on the characteristics of tailings discharged in the form of mud and accumulated layer-by-layer. A large number of mechanical experiments and microanalyses were conducted to compare the effects of various methods on tailings reinforcement, including the methods of adding bacterial solution (i.e., the traditional grouting method and the proposed mixing method) and the treatment methods of cementing solution (i.e., the grouting method and soaking). The results of the shear test showed that the strength of the samples generated by the mixing method increased compared with the original tailings samples and samples generated using the traditional grouting method. Moreover, miniature cone penetration test results showed that the samples made using the mixing method had better uniformity, which could be attributed to the fine particles (silt and clay particles) of tailings that strongly adsorb bacteria and the low permeability of the fine particle tailings, which is not conducive to the spread of bacteria. In the tailings samples, the traditional grouting method only makes the bacteria gather at the region where the bacterial solution initially makes contact. However, the mixing method evenly distributed the bacteria among the tailings particles, which significantly improved the reinforcement effect of bacteria, as the reinforcement reaction occurred throughout each region of the samples. Therefore, the mixing method can be used for reinforcement research and in the application of MICP to tailings or other fine-grained geotechnical materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Load transfer efficiency from matrix to carbon nanotubes (CNTs) plays an important role in the mechanical response of CNTs nanocomposites as it may affect the effectiveness of the nano-reinforcements. For double-walled carbon nanotubes (DWCNTs), the outer graphene layer as well as the inner layer may be responsible for the load bearing capacity. In this study, the load transfer efficiency within DWCNTs was investigated using a multiscale simulation scheme. The multiscale simulation consists of two steps. First, the atomistic behaviors between the adjacent graphite layers in DWCNTs were characterized using molecular dynamic (MD) simulation, from which a cylindrical equivalent continuum solid of DWCNTs with embedded spring elements was proposed to describe the interactions of neighboring graphene layers. Two kinds of interatomistic properties in DWCNTs, i.e., van der Walls (vdW) interactions and artificial build-up covalent bonds, were considered in the equivalent solid. Subsequently, the equivalent solid was implemented as reinforcement in the micromechanical model of CNTs nanocomposites for evaluating the load transfer efficiency. Results indicated that the DWCNTs with covalent bonds exhibit superior load transfer efficiency than those with only vdW interactions. In addition, when the DWCNTs get long, the load transfer efficiency of DWCNTs increases accordingly. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A series of novel diphenyl ethylenediamine (DPEN) derived C2 symmetric dihydroimidazolium cyclophanes were designed and synthesized as organo NHC precatalysts. The resultant organo NHC-catalyzed reactions with superior enantioselectivity than traditional C2 dihydroimidazolidine NHCs as exemplified by NHC-catalyzed asymmetric intramolecular Stetter reactions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The resistivity behavior of undercooled liquid Cu–Ni and Cu–Co alloys had been studied in the contactless method, to probe the structure transition in undercooled melts during the cooling process. Over the entire concentration range, linear behavior of resistivity with temperature was obtained in liquid and undercooled liquid Cu–Ni system. It implied that the formation of icosahedral order might not influence the electron scattering in undercooled liquid Cu–Ni alloys. Similar results were obtained in Cu–Co system in the vicinity of liquidus temperature. A turning point was obvious in temperature coefficient of resistivity for undercooled liquid Cu–Co alloys around the bimodal line, which was interpreted to be responsible for metastable liquid–liquid phase separation. During liquid phase separation process, resistivity decreased and the temperature coefficient of resistivity was larger than that of homogeneous melts. In combination with transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscope studies on the as-solidified microstructure, this was interpreted as the formation of egg-type structure and concentration change in Cu-rich and Co-rich phases. The mechanism controlling the separation and droplets motion was also discussed in undercooled liquid Cu–Co system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: For thousands of years, cinnamon has been used as a traditional treatment in China. However, there are no studies to date that investigate whether cinnamon supplements are able to aid in the treatment of type 2 diabetes in Chinese subjects. We hypothesized cinnamon should be effective in improving blood glucose control in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes. To address this hypothesis, we performed a randomized, double-blinded clinical study to analyze the effect of cinnamon extract on glycosylated hemoglobin A1c and fasting blood glucose levels in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes. A total of 66 patients with type 2 diabetes were recruited and randomly divided into 3 groups: placebo and low-dose and high-dose supplementation with cinnamon extract at 120 and 360 mg/d, respectively. Patients in all 3 groups took gliclazide during the entire 3 months of the study. Both hemoglobin A1c and fasting blood glucose levels were significantly reduced in patients in the low- and high-dose groups, whereas they were not changed in the placebo group. The blood triglyceride levels were also significantly reduced in the low-dose group. The blood levels of total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and liver transaminase remained unchanged in the 3 groups. In conclusion, our study indicates that cinnamon supplementation is able to significantly improve blood glucose control in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]