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• Introducing ammonia fuel into diesel engines increases NH 3 , HC, CO and N 2 O emissions. • DOC can obviously reduce NH 3 emission of ammonia/diesel dual-fuel engine by over 90%. • There are multiple pathways for the oxidation of NH 3 to NOx and N 2 O in the DOC. • The conversion efficiency of SCR on N 2 O is only 35 ∼ 45 % by using Cu-ZSM-5 as catalyst. • DOC + SCR will further increase GHG effect of ammonia/diesel dual-fuel combustion mode. After-treatment device diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) were installed in the exhaust system of ammonia/diesel dual-fuel engine to remove harmful pollutants such as hydrocarbon (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), ammonia (NH 3), nitrogen oxide (NOx), nitrous oxide (N 2 O) and other pollutants produced by the dual-fuel combustion mode. The results indicate that the HC, CO and N 2 O emissions of ammonia/diesel dual-fuel engine increase with the increment of ammonia fraction, whereas NOx emissions decrease. At 50 % load, the CO conversion efficiency of DOC decreases from 100 % at diesel-only mode to 18.9 % at 40 % ammonia fraction, while the HC conversion efficiency is independent of ammonia fraction. NOx can be reduced by NH 3 in the exhaust, while NH 3 will be oxidized to N 2 O and NOx in DOC. Moreover, at 50 % load, more NH 3 emission is oxidized to N 2 O compared to 75 % load. After SCR, the NOx, N 2 O and NH 3 emissions in the exhaust are further reduced, but due to the NH 3 /NOx ratio, there are still a large amount of NOx and NH 3 emissions at SCR outlet. The N 2 O conversion efficiency of SCR is relatively low, with a maximum value of only 47.8 % at 50 % load and 30 % ammonia fraction. Owing to the high N 2 O emission from dual-fuel engine, the direct introduction of ammonia cannot significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Furthermore, the massive amount of unburnt ammonia in the exhaust is oxidized to N 2 O by DOC, leading to a sharp increase in GHG emissions after DOC + SCR aftertreatment, and the GHG emissions at 50 % load and 40 % ammonia fraction are 6.2 times higher than those before the aftertreatment, and 9.2 times higher than those of diesel-only mode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spectral observations indicated that the quasar SDSS J091613.60 + 292106.1 (simply called as J0916 + 2921, with the system redshift of z em = 1.1418 ± 0.0018) has a Milky-Way-like 2715 Å dust extinction feature, its strength is obviously greater than the average value of the Galaxy. At the same time, a plenty of gas absorption lines in association with dust were detected, their system redshift is determined to be z abs = 1.1413 ± 0.0002 , in consistence with the quasar redshift. The ratios of column densities of gaseous metal ions relative to the Solar metallicity are Al / Zn = − 1.68 ± 0.10 , Cr / Zn = − 0.49 ± 0.10 , and Fe / Zn = − 0.81 ± 0.18. The significant effect of dust dissipation indicates that the absorber is heavily dusty, supporting the detection of the 2175 Å dust extinction feature. The Milky-Way-like dust extinction was usually observed in the intervening quasar absorbers, but its existence in the quasar intrinsic absorber has never been confirmed before. The associated dust absorber toward the quasar SDSS J0916 + 2921 is one of the several intrinsic 2175 Å absorber candidates. The X-ray radiation of the quasar is greater than the average value. This may provide a natural laboratory for further studying the equilibrium of formation and dissociation of 2175 Å dust grains under the irradiation of strong high-energy radiations, so that their chemical composition, physical structure, and origin can be revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To our knowledge, most research demonstrating a link between maternal nutrition and both fetal growth and offspring development after birth has been performed with nonruminants. Whether such relationships exist in large ruminants is largely unknown.Objective: We aimed to investigate whether increasing the methionine supply during late pregnancy would alter uteroplacental tissue nutrient transporters and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and their relation with newborn body weight.Methods: Multiparous Holstein cows were used in a randomized complete block design experiment. During the last 28 d of pregnancy, cows were fed a control diet or the control diet plus ethylcellulose rumen-protected methionine (0.9 g/kg dry matter intake) (Mepron; Evonik Nutrition & Care GmbH) to achieve a 2.8:1 ratio of lysine to methionine in the metabolizable protein reaching the small intestine. We collected placentome samples at parturition and used them to assess mRNA and protein expression and the phosphorylation status of mTOR pathway proteins.Results: Newborn body weight was greater in the methionine group than in the control group (44.1 kg and 41.8 kg, respectively; P ≤ 0.05). Increasing the methionine supply also resulted in greater feed intake (15.8 kg/d and 14.6 kg/d), plasma methionine (11.9 μM and 15.3 μM), and plasma insulin (1.16 μg/L and 0.81 μg/L) in cows during late pregnancy. As a result, mRNA expression of genes involved in neutral amino acid transport [solute carrier (SLC) family members SLC3A2, SLC7A5, SLC38A1, and SLC38A10], glucose transport [SLC2A1, SLC2A3, and SLC2A4], and the mTOR pathway [mechanistic target of rapamycin and ribosomal protein S6 kinase B1] were upregulated (P ≤ 0.07) in methionine-supplemented cows. Among 6 proteins in the mTOR pathway, increasing the methionine supply led to greater (P ≤ 0.09) protein expression of α serine-threonine kinase (AKT), phosphorylated (p)-AKT, p-eukaryotic elongation factor 2, and the p-mTOR:mTOR ratio.Conclusion: Supplemental methionine during late gestation increases feed intake and newborn body weight in dairy cows, and this effect may be mediated by alterations in the uteroplacental transport of nondispensable and dispensable amino acids and glucose at least in part through changes in gene transcription and mTOR signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four new bi-phenylethylchromones ( 1 – 4 ) were isolated from the EtOAc extract of artificial agarwood induced by holing method originating from Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Gilg. The structures of new compounds were unambiguously elucidated by one- and two-dimensional NMR and HRESIMS measurements, and the absolute configuration was determined by analysis of circular dichroism (CD) spectra. All compounds were tested for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity using modified Ellman's colorimetric method and α -glucosidase inhibitory activity using PNPG method. Compounds 2 – 4 exhibited different levels of inhibitory activity against AChE with the inhibition ratios in the range of 10–45%. However, none of the compounds was active against the α -glucosidase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intracerebroventricular injection of NPS reduces the duration of the ketamine- or thiopental-induced loss of the righting reflex in rats. But the specific EEG activities are unknown. We therefore sought to examine the effects of the NPS-NPSR system on anesthetic-induced characteristics of EEG power spectra and sleep-wake profiles. NPS alone or together with an NPSR antagonist was injected intracerebroventricularly, whereas the propofol (50 mg/kg) or ketamine (100 mg/kg) was administrated intraperitoneally. NPS (1 or 2 nmol) significantly reduced the amount of propofol-induced EEG delta activity and slow wave states (SWS). NPS (1 or 5 nmol) significantly reduced the amount of ketamine-induced SWS and EEG delta activity. Cortical EEG power spectral analysis showed that, in saline-pretreated rats, propofol induced a marked increase in delta (0.5–4 Hz) activity, decrease in theta (4.5–8.5 Hz) activity, and decrease in high frequency activity (14.5–60 Hz), while, in rats pretreated with 1 nmol of NPS, the duration of delta activity was reduced, while its spectral pattern was not changed. Whereas injection of ketamine into saline-pretreated rats induced a marked increase in delta (0.5–4 Hz) activity, a moderate increase in theta (4.5–8.5 Hz) activity, and a marked decrease in high frequency (14.5–60 Hz) activity. However, delta activity was reduced while theta activity increased under pretreatment with 1 nmol of NPS. The inhibitory effect of NPS on anesthetic-induced SWS was characterized by a reduced SWS episode duration with no significant change in either episode number or latency to SWS. [D-Val 5 ]NPS, an NPSR antagonist (20 nmol), significantly attenuated the arousal-promoting effect of 1 nmol of NPS, but had no effect on SWS when injected alone. We speculate that NPS significantly reduces anesthetic-induced SWS and EEG slow activity by selective activation of the NPSR, which, in turn, would trigger subsequent arousal pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maternal high-fat (HF) diet feeding is associated with increased risk of developing metabolism-related diseases in adult offspring, including chronic liver disease. The present study tested the hypothesis that maternal HF diet leads to a decreased antioxidant defense capacity and causes cellular senescence in liver of adult offspring rats, which might increase risk of developing chronic liver disease. Timed-pregnant Sprague Dawley rats were fed a HF diet (45% of energy from fat) or a control (C) diet (16% of energy from fat) during gestation and lactation. The resulting offspring were fed a C diet after weaning to generate 2 offspring groups: C diet-fed offspring of dams fed C diet (C/C) and C diet-fed offspring of dams fed a HF diet (HF/Cl. At 12 wk of age, male rats were killed and samples were collected for analysis. Maternal HF diet significantly increased plasma TG and hepatic TBARS concentrations and the size of hepatic lipid droplets in offspring rats. The expression of antioxidant defense genes, such as glutathione peroxidase-1, Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (Sod1), paraoxonase enzymes (Pon1, Pon2, and Pon3), were significantly lower in the liver of HF/C pups than in C/C pups. The expression of Inhibitor of cyclin dependent Kinase 4a (p16/NK4a), a marker of cellular senescence, and cyclooxygenase-2 )Cox2(, a proinflammatory marker, was significantly higher in the HF/C offspring group than in the C/C offspring group. Western-blot analysis shows that cyclin D1 and phosphorylated retinoblastoma protein were significantly lower in HF/C offspring than in C/C offspring. The results provide the first evidence to our knowledge that maternal HF diet might alter antioxidant defense capacity and program the p16INK4a-dependent cellular senescence in the liver of adult offspring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Placental efficiency is a predictor of fetal growth and development, which is also controlled by maternal gestational health and diet. The present study investigated the effects of a gestational low-protein diet on offspring growth capacity as well as the diet's contribution to altered expression of placental genes associated with the mammalian amino acid response IAARI pathway. To assess these outcomes, timed-pregnant Sprague Dawley rats were fed a control IC) diet with 18% protein or a low-protein ILP) diet with 9% protein throughout gestation (Expt. 1) or throughout gestation and lactation (Expt. 2). Placentas were collected during natural delivery and quantitative RT-PCR and Western-blot analyses were performed to determine placental mRNA and protein levels. By the end of the lactation period, offspring of dams fed the LP diet had stunted growth in both experiments. mRNA expression of target genes in the AAR pathway, such as activating transcription factor-3 (Atf3), asparagine synthetase (Asns), and Sodium-dependent neutral amino acid transporter-2 (Snat2), was greater in placentas of rats fed the LP diet compared with controls, as were placental ATF4 and p-elF2α protein levels. The increase in mANA expression of AAR pathway-associated genes was correlated with the stunting of offspring growth (Atf3: R2 = 0.32, P= 0.086; Asns: R2 = 0.44, P< 0.05; Snat2: R2 = 0.33, P= 0.084). Our study showed that the mammalian AAR pathway in placenta is upregulated by a maternal low-protein diet and this activation may act as a cue for the fetus to develop an adaptive response suited to their predicted postnatal environment, i.e. a more favorable phenotype for their survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mammalian amino acid response (AAR) pathway is up-regulated by protein or amino acid depletion. This pathway involves detection of uncharged tRNA by the GCN2 kinase, phosphorylation of the translation initiation factor eIF2α (eukaryotic initiation factor 2α), and, through subsequent translational control, enhanced de novo synthesis of the transcription factor ATF4. The present studies demonstrate that inhibition of MEK activation in HepG2 human hepatoma cells by PD98059 or U0126 blocked the increased phosphorylation of eIF2α and ATF4 synthesis triggered by amino acid limitation, showing that the AAR requires activation of the MEK-ERK pathway. Inhibitors of the JNK or p38 MAPK pathways were ineffective. Consequently, inhibition of MEK activation blocked transcriptional induction of ATF4 target genes, but the induction was rescued by overexpression of ATF4 protein. Furthermore, the enhanced ERK phosphorylation following amino acid deprivation required GCN2 kinase activity and eIF2α phosphorylation. Inhibition of protein phosphatase 1 action on phospho-eIF2α by knockdown of GADD34 did not block the sensitivity to PD98059, suggesting that MEK functions to enhance GCN2-dependent eIF2α phosphorylation rather than suppressing dephosphorylation. Collectively, these results document a critical interdependence between the MEK-ERK MAPK signaling pathway and the amino acid stress-activated pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ATF3 expression is induced in cells exposed to a variety of stress conditions, including nutrient limitation. Here we demonstrated that the mechanism by which the ATF3 mRNA content is increased following amino acid limitation of human HepG2 hepatoma cells is mRNA stabilization. Analysis of ATF3 mRNA turnover revealed that the half-life was increased from about 1 h in control cells to greater than 8 h in the histidine-deprived state, demonstrating mRNA stabilization in response to nutrient deprivation. Treatment of HepG2 cells with thapsigargin, which causes endoplasmic reticulum stress, also increased the half-life of ATF3 mRNA. HuR is an RNA-binding protein that regulates both the stability and cytoplasmic/nuclear localization of mRNA species containing AU-rich elements. Another RNA-binding protein, AUF1, regulates target mRNA molecules by enhancing their decay. Amino acid limitation caused a slightly elevated mRNA level for HuR and AUF1 mRNA. The nuclear HuR protein content was unchanged, and AUFI protein increased slightly after amino acid limitation, whereas the cytoplasmic levels of both HuR and AUF1 protein increased. Immunoprecipitation of HuR-RNA complexes followed by reverse transcriptase-PCR analysis showed that HuR interacted with ATF3 mRNA in vivo and that this interaction increased following amino acid limitation. In contrast, the interaction of AUF1 with the ATF3 mRNA is decreased in histidine-deprived cells relative to control cells. Suppression of HuR expression by RNA interference partially blocked the accumulation of ATF3 mRNA following amino acid deprivation. The results demonstrated that coordinated regulation of mRNA stability by HuR and AUF1 proteins contributes to the observed increase in ATF3 expression following amino acid limitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study which investigated the kinetics of peptide transport by peptide transporter, PepT1, in a mammalian cell line. Physiological background on peptide transport; Materials and methods used; Results and discussion.

• Organo-photoredox catalyzed defluoroacetalation of α -trifluoromethyl alkenes. • The easily accessible glyoxylic acid acetal was the formyl-radical equivalent. • The protocol could enable access to masked γ , γ -difluoroallylic aldehydes/ketones. • Capable of late-stage functionalization and versatile derivatization. An organo-photoredox catalyzed defluoroacetalation of α -trifluoromethyl alkenes with easily accessible glyoxylic acid acetal being the formyl-radical equivalent has been achieved, affording a great variety of masked γ , γ -difluoroallylic aldehydes with good yields and varied functionality tolerance. This mild and transition-metal-free protocol not only allows the incorporation of both an acetal functionality and gem -difluoroalkene moiety into one molecule in a single catalytic cycle, but also offers a straightforward access to masked γ , γ -difluoroallylic ketones. Furthermore, the applicability of the proposed protocol is demonstrated by the late-stage functionalization of biologically active molecules and versatile derivatization of newly generated products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six new dimeric 2-(2-phenylethyl)chromones (1 – 6) were isolated from the EtOAc extract of artificial agarwood originating from Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Glig. Their structures were unambiguously elucidated by spectroscopic techniques (UV, IR, 1D and 2D NMR), and HRESIMS analysis, as well as by comparison with the literature. The absolute configurations were determined by ECD spectra. Unlabelled Image [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Histone methylation is essential for regulating gene expression during organogenesis to maintain stem cells and execute a proper differentiation program for their descendants. Here we show that the COMPASS family histone methyltransferase co-factor ASH2L is required for maintaining neural progenitor cells (NPCs) and the production and positioning of projection neurons during neocortex development. Specifically, loss of Ash2l in NPCs results in malformation of the neocortex; the mutant neocortex has fewer neurons, which are also abnormal in composition and laminar position. Moreover, ASH2L loss impairs trimethylation of H3K4 and the transcriptional machinery specific for Wnt-β-catenin signaling, inhibiting the proliferation ability of NPCs at late stages of neurogenesis by disrupting S phase entry to inhibit cell cycle progression. Overexpressing β-catenin after ASH2L elimination rescues the proliferation deficiency. Therefore, our findings demonstrate that ASH2L is crucial for modulating Wnt signaling to maintain NPCs and generate a full complement of neurons during mammalian neocortex development. • ASH2L is essential for neuronal layer formation in the neocortex • ASH2L maintains neocortical progenitor cells in a stage-dependent manner • ASH2L contributes to H3K4 trimethylation in the developing neocortex • ASH2L activates Wnt signaling to regulate neural progenitor cell proliferation Precise orchestration of gene expression dynamics is essential for stem cells to execute a proper differentiation program during organogenesis. Li et al. demonstrate that ASH2L, a core subunit of the COMPASS methyltransferase complex, is critical for maintaining neural progenitor cells and the generation of different neuronal types during mammalian neocortical development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quasar SDSS J151653.22+190048.2 (J1516+1900) exhibits very peculiar spectral characters in the observed ultraviolet, optical, and infrared bands: the full widths at half maximum (FWHM) of its optical H α , H β , and infrared Pa α and Pa β emission lines are all larger than 5000 km/s, and the equivalent widths of these emission lines also approach to those of normal quasars; while the ultraviolet emission lines (Ly β , OVI, Ly α , NV, SiIV, and CIV) are dominated by intermediate-width emission lines (IELs) with a FWHM of ∼ 1700 km/s. This phenomenon can be explained as the effect of partial obscuration: the broad emission lines (BELs) in the ultraviolet waveband are heavily suppressed by the dust extinction, and thus the IELs become prominent; while the dust extinction is not significant in optical and infrared bands, and the IELs can hardly be detected due to the brightness of BELs. Using the IEL width and central supermassive black hole mass M BH ∼ 5.75 × 10 8 M ⊙ of J1516+1900, and assuming that the intermediate-width emission line region (IELR) is virialized, we estimate the distance of the IEL region to the central black hole is about 1.6 pc. On the other side, by combining the photoionization model calculations and observed IELs, we find that the IELR has a density of ∼ 10 12 cm − 3 , and the ionization parameter of ∼ 10 − 0.65 , and that its distance to the central region is ∼ 0.016 pc, which is only one percent of the virialized distance. This contradiction can provide an important clue for studying the geometry, physical condition, and origin of the IELRs in active galactic nuclei. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Chemical structures of polysaccharides from okra (OPPs) varied by different drying methods. • Different drying methods also obviously influenced bioactivities of OPPs. • OPPs dried by hot air drying (OPP-H) exerted obvious antioxidant activity and binding capacities. • OPPs dried by vacuum drying (OPP-V) exerted obvious antioxidant activity and binding capacities. • OPP-H and OPP-V also exerted strong inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase in vitro. In this study, in order to evaluate the influences of drying methods on the chemical structures and bioactivities of polysaccharides from okra (OPPs), four drying methods, including microwave drying at 400 W, 600 W, and 800 W, freezing drying, hot air drying, and vacuum drying, were applied to dry okra fruits. Six different OPPs were extracted from okra dried by different drying methods. Results showed that physicochemical characteristics and bioactivities of OPPs varied by different drying methods. Noticeable variations in extraction yields, molecular weights, rheological properties, molar ratios of constituent monosaccharides, contents of uronic acids, degrees of esterification, and contents of total phenolics were observed in OPPs obtained by different drying methods. In addition, results showed that OPPs, especially OPP-H and OPP-V obtained by hot air drying and vacuum drying, respectively, exhibited remarkable antioxidant activities (ABTS, DPPH, and nitric oxide radical scavenging activities, and ferric reducing antioxidant powers), strong in vitro binding capacities (fat, cholesterol, and bile acids binding capacities), and obvious inhibitory activities on α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Results suggested that the hot air and vacuum drying techniques could be appropriate drying methods before extraction of OPPs with high bioactivities for applications in the functional food and medicine industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transcription from the ASNS (asparagine synthetase) gene is increased in response to either amino acid (amino acid response) or glucose (endoplasmic reticulum stress response) deprivation. These two independent pathways converge on the same set of genomic cis-elements within the ASNS promoter, referred to as nutrient-sensing response element-1 and -2. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis provides the first in vivo evidence for activating transcription factor (ATF)-3 binding to the proximal ASNS promoter containing the nutrient-sensing response element-1 sequence. Overexpression of the full-length ATF3 protein caused a concentration-dependent biphasic response in ASNS promoter-driven transcription. Both amino acid limitation and activation of the endoplasmic reticulum stress response by glucose deprivation caused an increase in ATF3 mRNA content. However, reverse transcriptase-PCR analysis revealed that the increase in the ATF3 mRNA species detected by Northern analysis actually encoded both full-length ATF3 and two predicted truncated ATF3 isoforms (ATF3ΔZip2c and ATF3ΔZip3). Based on sequence analysis, one of the predicted truncated proteins (ATF3ΔZip3) is likely incapable of binding DNA; and yet, exogenous expression of the cDNA enhanced starvation-induced or ATF4-activated ASNS transcription, possibly by sequestering corepressor proteins. Collectively, the results provide evidence for a potential role of multiple predicted ATF3 isoforms in the transcriptional regulation of the ASNS gene in response to nutrient deprivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Novel functional material CMC-Li is synthesized with cotton as raw material by a unique two-step method. [•] New nanometer fiber CMC-Li, CMC-Li/LFP, CLL models are obtained by electrospinning for the first time. [•] Novel unique method of modified electrode materials using CMC-Li are applied in lithium-ion battery for the first time. [•] The good electrochemical property using CMC-Li and new method for batteries is reported for the first time. [•] This novel functional material and new method can increase the contents of freely moving lithium ions and the efficiency. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Pitavastatin, a fully synthetic β-hydroxy- β-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitor, is potent for the treatment of primary hyperlipidemia and mixed dyslipidemia. Recently, the original product and some generic products of pitavastatin calcium have become available in China. However, the intrasubject variability and interchangeability of this newly developed generic product and the branded innovator product have rarely been investigated in the Chinese population. Purpose: The aim of this study is to develop and compare the scaled-average, population, and individual bioequivalence (BE) of pitavastatin calcium tablets in healthy Chinese volunteers. This study will be used to allow for the interchangeability (switchability and prescribability) of the 2 products in clinical medication in China. Methods: A single-dose, reference-replicated, 3-period crossover BE study was conducted in 36 healthy male volunteers. Plasma samples were collected before and after oral administration of 2-mg test or reference tablets. A LC-MS/MS method was used to determine the concentration of pitavastatin calcium. A noncompartmental method was used to investigate the pharmacokinetic parameters. The ANOVA and 90% CIs of ln(AUC0-t) and ln(Cmax) were used for statistical analysis of scaled-average BE. A nonparametric test (Wilcoxon signed rank test) was performed to Tmax. The analyses of population BE and individual BE were used to assess the switchability and prescribability of the 2 products.Findings: Thirty-six volunteers were enrolled in this clinical research; 33 volunteers completed the 3 treatment periods. The mean (SD) relative bioavailability calculated from the ratios (T/R) of AUC0-t was 101.3% (19.7%). The mean ln(AUC0-t) and ln(Cmax) were 98.64 (90% CI, 93.44-104.13) and 98.68 (90% CI, 91.88-105.99) within previously stipulated ranges recommended by the US Food and Drug Administration and the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA). The intrasubject %CVs of AUC0-t and Cmax were 12.0% and 18.0% for the reference tablet and 13.0% and 17.0% for the test tablet. No significant differences were found among Tmax (0.742 ± 0.276, 0.674 ± 0.202, and 0.689 ± 0.226, respectively) for reference tablet 1, reference Supplemental Table II in the online version at http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j. clinthera.2014.06.21, and test tablet by a Wilcoxon test (P 4 0.05). For ln(AUC0-t) and ln(Cmax), the statistical test-reference ratios were 99.13% and 98.95%, respectively. After inspecting the results for reference and mixed scaling, all the upper confidence limits were o0; therefore, population and individual BE were given. Implications: In the healthy Chinese males, the generic and branded name tablets of pitavastatin calcium are bioequivalent at the rate and extent of absorption after a comparison of scaled-average, population, and individual BE and thus may be used interchangeably. Both the formulations are generally well tolerated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein β (C/EBPβ) is a member of the bZIP family of transcription factors that contribute to the regulation of a wide range of important cellular processes. The data in the present study document that transcription from the human C/EBPβ gene is induced in response to endoplasmic reticulum stress, such as glucose deprivation, or treatment of cells with tunicamycin or thapsigargin. Transient transfection of C/EBPβ genomic fragments linked to a luciferase reporter gene demonstrated that the C/EBPβ promoter plays no major regulatory role. Instead, by deletion analysis it was discovered that a 46-bp region, located at a genomic site that corresponds to the 3′-untranslated region of the C/EBPβ mRNA, harbored an element that was required for the stress response. Mutagenesis demonstrated that a cis-regulatory element located at nt +1614–1621 (5′-TGACGCAA-3′) is responsible for activation of the C/EBPβ gene. Electrophoresis mobility shift analysis revealed that proteins are bound to this element and that the amount of binding is increased following glucose deprivation. This element is homologous to a previously reported mammalian unfolded protein response element that binds XBP-1. Consistent with those data, overexpression of XBP-1 caused an increase in transcription that was mediated by the C/EBPβ mammalian unfolded protein response element. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Saliva-gastrointestinal digestion of okra polysaccharides (OPS) was studied. • Physicochemical properties of OPS significantly changed during gastrointestinal digestion. • M w changes resulted in the breakdown of glycosidic bonds during gastric digestion. • Degradation of OPS during intestinal digestion was mainly caused by disrupting aggregates. • OPS still possessed strong bioactivities after gastrointestinal digestion. This study was to investigate the effects of in vitro simulated saliva-gastrointestinal digestion on the physicochemical properties and bioactivities of okra polysaccharides (OPS). Results showed that the digestibilities of OPS were about 5.1%, 37.5%, and 41.3% after saliva digestion (SD), saliva-gastric digestion (SGD), and saliva-gastrointestinal digestion (SGID), respectively. The SGID significantly changed the physicochemical properties of OPS, such as total uronic acids, total flavonoids, monosaccharide composition, rheological properties, and molecular weights (M w). Especially, M w changes resulted in the breakdown of glycosidic bonds during SGD, and the degradation of OPS during SGID was mainly caused by disrupting aggregates. Furthermore, the bioactivities of OPS were also affected by SGID. After SGID, OPS still possessed strong antioxidant activities, binding capacities, and prebiotic activities, but the α-glucosidase inhibitory effect was obviously decreased. Overall, results can provide valuable and scientific support on the oral administration of OPS as functional foods and medicines in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to ensure that output power, fuel economy and harmful emissions of non-road diesel engines meet the limit requirements, and reduce the dependence on fossil fuels, methanol/diesel dual-fuel combustion mode was conducted on an agricultural four-cylinder common-rail engine, and the effects of DOC + DPF + SCR aftertreatment system on overall performance and emission characteristics of dual-fuel mode were systematically investigated. Results show that dual-fuel mode can reduce both nitrogen oxide (NOx) and soot emissions, but increase nitrogen dioxide (NO 2), methanol and formaldehyde (HCHO) emissions. With the increase of load, the conversion efficiency of diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) to carbon hydrogen (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), methanol and HCHO emissions is continuously improved. DOC can increase NO2/NOx ratio for diesel mode, but reduce NO2/NOx ratio for dual-fuel mode. At full load, the average soot capture efficiency of diesel particulate filter (DPF) for dual-fuel engine is 98.84%, basically realizing zero soot emission, while the conversion efficiency of selective catalytic reduction (SCR) for NOx is 95.22%. The increase of methanol ratio can reduce NOx emissions and nitrous oxide (N 2 O) generation in SCR for dual-fuel mode. Under non-road steady cycle (NRSC), the maximum brake thermal efficiency (BTE) of diesel mode and dual-fuel mode are 39.4% and 41.0%, respectively. The regulation emissions of dual-fuel engine coupling with integrated DOC + DPF + SCR aftertreatment system can meet non-road Euro-V and US-Tier 4 emission standards. [Display omitted] • The overall performance and emissions of non-road diesel/methanol engine are studied. • The effects of DOC + DPF + SCR aftertreatment system on dual-fuel engine are analyzed. • DOC can effectively purify HC, CO, methanol and HCHO emissions of dual-fuel engine. • The capture efficiency of DPF for soot particles in dual-fuel mode exceeds 98.84%. • The emissions of dual-fuel engine can meet non-road Euro-V and US-Tier 4 standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three transition metal oxides (Fe3O4, CeO2 and SnO2) modified Zn/Ti-layered double hydroxides (LDHs) were successfully synthesized. These materials were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectrum (UV-vis) for the purpose of confirming the formation of good crystal structure. Comparing with original layered double hydroxides, the transition metal oxides modified Zn/Ti layered double hydroxide materials show narrower band gap, larger surface area, smaller pore volume, pore size distribution, and higher removal efficiency for acid red 14 under visible light. The decomposition efficiency of acid red 14 was all over 92% after 120 min. In addition, the thermal regeneration for re-use of layered double hydroxide materials after photodegradation was feasible for at least four cycles (degradation amount still all over 80%). Furthermore, the kinetic parameters, intermediates and possible photocatalytic pathways for acid red 14 decomposed by these transition metal oxides modified Zn/Ti layered double hydroxide materials were also investigated carefully. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the frequency and characteristics of respiratory co-infections in COVID-19 patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). In this retrospective observational study, pathogens responsible for potential co-infections were detected by the bacterial culture, real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), or serological fungal antigen tests. Demographic and clinical characteristics, as well as microbial results, were analyzed. Bacterial culture identified 56 (58.3%) positive samples for respiratory pathogens, with the most common bacteria being Burkholderia cepacia (18, 18.8%). RT-PCR detected 38 (76.0%) and 58 (87.9%) positive results in the severe and critical groups, respectively. Most common pathogens detected were Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (28.0%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (28.0%) in the severe group and S. maltophilia (45.5%) in the critical group. P. aeruginosa was detected more during the early stage after ICU admission. Acinetobacter baumannii and Staphylococcus aureus were more frequently identified during late ICU admission. Fungal serum antigens were more frequently positive in the critical group than in the severe group, and the positive rate of fungal serum antigens frequency increased with prolonged ICU stay. A high frequency of respiratory co-infections presented in ICU COVID-19 patients. Careful examinations and necessary tests should be performed to exclude these co-infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent advancements in super-resolution nanoscopy allowed the study of mitochondrial biology at nanoscale and boosted the understanding its correlated cellular processes those were previously poorly understood. Nevertheless, studying mitochondrial ultrastructure remains a challenge due to the lack of probes that could target specific mitochondrial substances (e.g. cristae or mtDNA) and survive under harsh super-resolution optical conditions. Herein, in this work, we have rationally constructed a pyridine-BODIPY (Py-BODIPY) derivative that could target mitochondrial membrane in living cells without interfering its physiological microenvironments. Furthermore, we found Py-BODIPY is a membrane potential independent probe, hence it is not limit to live-cell staining but also showed a strong internalization into pre-fixed and stimulus disrupted sample. Importantly, its cristae specificity and superb photostability allow the observation of mitochondrial dynamic nano-structures with an unprecedented resolution, allow demonstrating how mitochondrial 3D ultrastructure evolved under oxidative phosphorylation condition. • Py-BODIPY is a ΔΨm independent mitochondrial probe. • Py-BODIPY showed superb photostability and increased cristae resolution. • Py-BODIPY revealed mitochondrial 3D dynamics at nanoscale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to investigate the association of plasma cobalt with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes (T2D) and further explore the potential interaction effects between cobalt and several redox metals, such as manganese, copper and selenium. A large case-control study including 4564 subjects was conducted. 2282 cases with newly diagnosed T2D and 2282 controls were matched by sex and age. The concentrations of cobalt and other metals in plasma were detected with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS). The medians of the cobalt concentrations in plasma were 1.68 μg/dL for controls and T2D. There was a U-shaped relation between T2D and plasma cobalt, which was categorized into quartiles. After multivariable adjusted for the confounding factors, the odds ratios (ORs) of T2D across quartiles were 1.22 (95% CI: 1.01, 1.46), 1.12 (95% CI: 0.94, 1.35), 1.00 (reference) and 1.46 (95% CI: 1.22, 1.75), respectively. The association was almost consistent in subgroup analyses. According to the restricted cubic spline analysis, the lowest ORs of T2D was observed at the plasma cobalt of 2.00 μg/dL. There was a significant interaction between plasma cobalt and copper (P < 0.01). The ORs of T2D in those with medium concentration of plasma cobalt and copper was the lowest. Higher or lower concentrations of plasma cobalt were related to higher ORs of T2D. The inter-relationship among redox metals in T2D should be further investigated. • A U-shaped association was observed between plasma cobalt and T2D. • There might exist potential inter-metal effects due to co-exposure of cobalt and copper in influencing the T2D risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]