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Quantifying the effect of light-duty vehicle trip characteristics and cold-start extra emissions (CSEEs) on the spatio-temporal distribution of vehicle emissions at the urban scale facilitates dynamic modeling of emissions and assessment of human exposure in denser settings. The results of Beijing demonstrate that cold starts and CSEEs are predominantly distributed in peak hours, especially morning peaks. A total of 80.8% of the morning peak trips are cold-start trips, and CSEEs account for 64.2%, 50.1%, and 8.3% of carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbon (HC), and nitrogen oxide (NOX) in the winter morning peaks, respectively. The fraction of CSEEs for CO, HC, and NOX increases by 49.1%, 54.6%, and 36.7%, respectively, when trip length decreases from more than 35 km to less than 5 km. By converting 50% of the short automobile trips to non-motorized modes, CSEEs decrease by 12.9%, 13.4%, and 12.9% of CO, HC, and NOX of the entire road network. CSEEs are mainly distributed on local roads and minor arterials with high air pollution exposure for pedestrians and cyclists, accounting for 68.1% and 21.4%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fengyun-4A (FY-4A) is the latest generation of China’s geostationary satellite. The Advanced Geosynchronous Radiation Imager (AGRI) onboard FY-4A can provide high-precision, high-frequency observation data, which makes a new possibility for estimating the downwelling surface longwave radiation (DSLR) with high spatial and temporal resolution. This work presents a new method for estimating DSLRs under all-sky conditions using a genetic algorithm–artificial neural network (GA-ANN) algorithm based on brightness temperature (BT) from the FY-4A AGRI infrared channels and near-surface air temperature and dew point temperature from ERA5 reanalysis data. Based on the verification results of two independent observation sites, it is shown that the bias and RMSE are - 4.31 W/m2 and 35.28 W/m2, respectively. Compared the CERES SYN all-sky DSLR product with the DSLR estimated by the new method, the bias and RMSE are 0.86 W/m2 and 26.87 W/m2, respectively, and the new method has a higher spatial resolution (4 km), which can display more details of spatial variation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dicyandiamide (DCD) has been extensively used to retard the nitrification process and decrease nitrogen (N) losses. However, its efficacy is variable and inconsistent depending upon the environmental conditions. The effects of temperature and moisture on DCD degradation and carbon dioxide (CO2) release from calcareous soil are not well-known. Therefore, an incubation experiment comprising three treatme ts (control, N fertilizer, and N fertilizer + DCD) was conducted for 67 d at different temperature (10 °C and 25 °C) and moisture (40% and 60% WFPS) levels. Results showed that nitrification activity and subsequent gaseous losses were increased with N addition and significantly affected by temperature and moisture levels. DCD effectively inhibited NH4+ oxidation, net NO3− production (31–59%), and N2O emissions (69%). CO2 emissions increased with N fertilization but reduced (18–161%) significantly with DCD application. DCD efficiency of inhibiting nitrification and controlling CO2 emission was related to its residence time in the soil. DCD degraded quickly at high temperature (25 °C) and moisture (60% WFPS), that is why it was least effective in inhibiting nitrification and controlling gaseous fluxes. Accordingly, DCD is not equally effective everywhere and is more suitable for regions with low temperature and low moisture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This network meta-analysis aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of intravenous (IV) hydralazine, oral nifedipine, and IV labetalol with different dosage regimens in the treatment of severe hypertension during pregnancy. A comprehensive literature search was performed on PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) exploring the effects of hydralazine, nifedipine, and labetalol in the treatment of severe hypertension during pregnancy. A total of 21 RCTs with 2183 patients comparing 7 regimens (oral nifedipine 50,60,90 mg; hydralazine 15,25 mg; and labetalol 220,300 mg) were identified. Compared with IV labetalol 300 mg, nifedipine 50,60, and 90 mg significantly improved the successful treatment rate of severe hypertension during pregnancy, nifedipine 50 and 90 mg and IV hydralazine 25 mg required significantly fewer doses to achieve target blood pressure (BP), and nifedipine 50 mg took significantly shorter time to achieve target BP. Subgroup analysis showed that only nifedipine 50 mg tablets, not capsules, required a significantly shorter time and fewer doses to achieve target BP than IV labetalol 300 mg. Moreover, nifedipine 60,90 mg showed superior effectiveness than IV hydralazine 15,25 mg in the successful treatment rate of severe hypertension during pregnancy. SUCRA analysis suggested that nifedipine 50,60,90 mg as the better regimens with the lower rates of overall ADR and neonatal complications. These findings demonstrated the superiority of oral nifedipine 50,60,90 mg, especially oral nifedipine 50 mg tablets, in the treatment of severe hypertension during pregnancy than IV labetalol 300 mg, while oral nifedipine 60,90 mg also showed superiority in the successful treatment rate of severe hypertension during pregnancy than IV hydralazine 15,25 mg. However, the limitations of the underlying data indicate that future large-scale and rigorous RCTs are needed to confirm such findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four new triterpene glucosides (1–4) were isolated from the 90% ethanol extract of Salacia cochinchinensis, together with five known compounds (5–9). The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic analysis including HRESIMS, IR, 1 D and 2 D NMR analysis. All isolates were assayed for their α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Compound 9 showed remarkable α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 0.31 μM, and the triterpene glycosides (1–5) exhibited moderate α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fourteen glaucocalyxin A biotinylated derivatives, one glaucocalyxin C biotinylated derivative, and two oridonin biotinylated derivatives were designed and synthesized. Their structures were confirmed from 1H NMR, 13C NMR and HRMS data. The derivatives were evaluated for cytotoxic activities against lung (A549), cervical cancer cell line HeLa derivative (KB), multidrug-resistant KB subline (KB-VIN), triple-negative breast (MDA-MB-231), and estrogen receptor-positive breast (MCF-7) cancer cell lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypoxia causes a series of responses supporting cells to survive in harsh environments. Substantial post-transcriptional and translational regulation during hypoxia has been observed. However, detailed regulatory mechanism in response to hypoxia is still far from complete. RNA m6A modification has been proven to govern the life cycle of RNAs. Here, we reported that total m6A level of mRNAs was decreased during hypoxia, which might be mediated by the induction of m6A eraser, ALKBH5. Meanwhile, expression levels of most YTH family members of m6A readers were systematically down-regulated. Transcriptome-wide analysis of m6A revealed a drastic reprogramming of m6A epitranscriptome during cellular hypoxia. Integration of m6A epitranscriptome with either RNA-seq based transcriptome analysis or mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) based proteome analysis of cells upon hypoxic stress revealed that reprogramming of m6A epitranscriptome reshaped the transcriptome and proteome, thereby supporting efficient generation of energy for adaption to hypoxia. Moreover, ATP production was blocked when silencing an m6A eraser, ALKBH5, under hypoxic condition, demonstrating that m6A pathway is an important regulator during hypoxic response. Collectively, our studies indicate that crosstalk between m6A and HIF1 pathway is essential for cellular response to hypoxia, providing insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms during hypoxia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Muscle-invasive bladder urothelial carcinoma (MIBC) is a highly invasive cancer, which leads to prevalent recurrence and poor prognosis. Exploring the association of DNA methylation and the prognosis of MIBC will thus be of important value in clinical management and treatment. Bumphunter method and adaptive lasso regression were used to explore the relationship between different methylation regions (DMRs) and the prognosis of MIBC. Next, we constructed a risk prognosis model and validated this model. Moreover, the performance of this risk model was examined by using time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). We identified 58,449 different methylation sites and 490 different methylation regions. Among them, 11 DMRs were associated with the prognosis of MIBC through rigorous screening. Through the linear combination of 11 DMRs, a putative marker was developed, which can distinguish the survival risk in both the training dataset (HR = 2.58, 95% CI = (1.64, 4.05)) and the verification dataset (HR = 2.77, 95% CI = (1.25, 6.15)). Relatively high predictive values were observed from this model for training dataset (AUC = 0.791) and verification dataset (AUC = 0.668). Stratified analysis showed that the association was independent of gender. A nomogram was additionally generated to predict 5-year survival probability containing risk score and pathological stage. Its performance was evaluated by applying calibration curve. The methylation signature risk model based on 11 DMRs may be a reliable prognostic signature for MIBC, which provides new insights into development of individualized therapy for MIBC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidative stress can induce apoptosis and decrease activities of osteoblasts. Hyperoside (HYP) is a potent antioxidant derived from Chinese herb. This study aims to evaluate the protective effects provided by HYP to osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells. MC3T3-E1 cells were pre-treated with HYP for 24 h before being treated with 0.3 mM hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) for 24 h. Cell viability, flow cytometric analysis and mRNA expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), collagen I (COL-I) and osteocalcin (OCN) in MC3T3-E1 cells were examined. We next examined apoptosis-related and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) related proteins in HYP and H2O2 groups. HYP over the dose of 40 μmol/L could obviously increase the MC3T3-E1 cell viability at 24 h and 48 h (p <.05). HYP significantly (p <.05) increased mRNA expression of ALP, COL-I and OCN than H2O2 group. Moreover, HYP decreased the apoptosis rate and apoptosis-related proteins that induced by H2O2. In addition, HYP decreased the production of phosphorylated Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 levels of osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells induced by H2O2. These results demonstrated that the protective effect provided by HYP to osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells was mediated, at least in part, via inhibition of MAPK signalling pathway and oxidative damage of the cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new isopimarane diterpenoids, named 1α-hydroxy-7-oxoisopimara-8, 15-diene (1), 11β-hydroxy-7-oxoisopimara-8(14), 15-diene (2), together with six known compounds (3-8), were isolated from the medicinal plant Salacia cochinchinensis. All isolates were assayed for their cytotoxicity and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Results suggested compounds 1, 3 possessed significant cytotoxic activity against HepG2, HL60, and Hela cell lines with IC50 values ranging from 0.23 to 0.35 μM, and compounds 7, 8 exhibited noticeable α-glucosidase inhibitory ability with IC50 values of 0.25 and 0.31 μM, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: This paper reports a detailed epidemiological investigation of a large Haff disease outbreak in Nanjing, China, including laboratory analysis of water, river sediment, and fish. Methods: Structured questionnaires were administered to all case-patients. An unmatched case-control study was conducted to identify the factors affecting the incidence of Haff disease. Thirteen samples of crayfish, together with four samples of water and four samples of sediment were collected and sent for laboratory analysis. Results: The disease onset of 494 patients occurred between 2 am on 30 June 2016 and 3 am on 29 August 2016. The median incubation time for onset of symptoms after crayfish ingestion was 7.1 hours (range: 1–20 hours). All patients presented with or developed local or diffuse myalgia. However, no kidney injury was observed. Serum creatinine kinase was elevated in all patients (mean: 4614 U/L, median: 2000 U/L, range: 81–55200 U/L). The average number of crayfish consumed by patients on the day of illness was 20 (2–80). The case-control study revealed that eating a large quantity of crayfish, drinking alcohol, and eating the crayfish head and/or intestines were associated with an increased risk of disease. Chemical analysis of crayfish, river water and sediment did not identify known or novel toxins including anticoccidiosis drugs, niclosamide, organophosphorus pesticides, and microcystins. Conclusion: An outbreak of Haff Disease was associated with consumption of crayfish from the Yangtze River and its surrounding water system. Eating a large quantity of crayfish, eating the head and/or intestines, and consuming alcohol with the crayfish were associated with the development of Haff Disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We, the Editors and Publisher of the journal Behavioral Sleep Medicine, have retracted the following article: Title: Baduanjin Exercise for Insomnia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Authors: Yun-Han Jiang, Cheng Tan & Shuai Yuan DOI: 10.1080/15402002.2017.1363042 Since publication, significant concerns have been raised about the appropriateness of references and reported conclusions in the article. As verifying the validity of published work is core to the integrity of the scholarly record, we are therefore retracting the article. The corresponding author listed in this publication has been informed. We have been informed in our decision-making by our policy on publishing ethics and integrity and the COPE guidelines on retractions. The retracted article will remain online to maintain the scholarly record, but it will be digitally watermarked on each page as "Retracted." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here is reported the novel determination of hydrogen peroxide by electrochemiluminescence using a chitosan-graphene composite film doped cadmium-tellurium quantum dot modified glassy carbon electrode. The cadmium-tellurium quantum dots were studied by absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used to characterize the structure morphology of the composite matrix. The electrochemiluminescence emission was linear with the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the range of 3.5 × 10−7 to 1.1 × 10−5 M with a determination limit of 2.1 × 10−7 M. Furthermore, the modified electrode showed excellent reproducibility and stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The detection of samples in a microfluidic nuclear magnetic resonance chip is generally performed under flow condition. To study the effect of sample flow on the apparent transverse relaxation time in a microfluidic nuclear magnetic resonance chip, theoretical calculations were performed on three microfluidic samples (including deionized water, absolute ethanol, and copper sulfate pentahydrate) for flow velocities in the range 1.7-25 mm/s. A microfluidic nuclear magnetic resonance device with a low cost microfluidic solenoid coil was fabricated to verify the theoretical calculations by experiments. The results show that the apparent transverse relaxation time of the sample is a monoexponential decay with respect to flow velocity. In addition, it was found that the experimental values and the theoretical values of the apparent transverse relaxation time are identical when the samples are prepolarized completely; but for the samples that are not prepolarized completely, all the experimental values are smaller than the theoretical values and their difference increases with the flow velocity of the sample. After further study, it was discovered that the relative error between the experimental values and the theoretical values is a monoexponential decay to the level of the sample to be prepolarized. This discovery is very useful, because it can be used to modify the theoretical calculation model of the apparent transverse relaxation time for the samples that are prepolarized incompletely, as well as improve the application of microfluidics on nuclear magnetic resonance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since bacterial quorum sensing system has been verified to regulate many microbial physiological activities, such as virulence factor production and biofilm formation in pathogens, blocking quorum sensing has being recognized as a viable approach for the development of novel therapeutics in treating bacterial infections. In this study, quorum quenching activities of marine actinomycetes isolated from seawater sample were investigated. Out of 56 morphological different strains, 5 strains had been found exhibiting anti-quorum sensing activity against the violacein production ofChromobacterium violaceum12472. One highly active strain HY026 was identified asStreptomyces parvulusbased on the 16S rDNA sequence analysis and morphological features. Spent culture medium of HY026 could also significantly inhibit the biofilm formation of four bacteria. One major active compound named F1-4, accounting for 26.3% of crude extracts, was obtained from HY026 cultures and identified as actinomycin D based on the analysis of the NMR and MS. F1-4 could significantly inhibit the violacein production ofC. violaceumwith the inhibition rate of 64.9% but not affect the bacterial growth at the concentration of 12.5 µg/mL. F1-4 could also inhibit the prodigiosin production ofSerratia proteamaculans657 with the pigment inhibition zone of 13.5 mm at concentration of 25 µg/disc without affecting the bacterial growth. Another pure compound, cyclic (4-hydroxy-Pro-Phe) was also isolated and identified from this actinomycetes strain. The higher production and easier isolation of actinomycin D fromS. parvulusHY026 indicated that this strain could be a potential source of quorum sensing inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to develop a molecular predictive model from quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction methods to describe the growth ofS. aureusstrains in artificially contaminated pork in storage dependent of a constant temperature (7–30°C). This model acquired by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction methods was compared to a conventional predictive model using data. This study used three of the main growth models to fit the growth equation. The results proved that Modified Gompertz, Logistic, and Richards models were adequate for describing the growth curves. These models had the very low rate of the growth ofS. aureusin pork during a lag phase. The growth rate increased with temperature, and the lag time decreased. Lag phases were apparent in all models, and those samples stored at low temperatures had longer lag phases. There was no significant difference in the molecular and conventional predictive models for any of the growth curves. However, the use of a molecular predictive model could save more time and labor to construct more precise models of certain pathogens. In conclusion, the molecular predictive model could provide an effective method to lessen the risk ofS. aureusof pork. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives:To explore the capacity of mutant lactobacilli to remove creatinine (Cr) and urea nitrogen (UN) via the gastrointestinal tract and its effects on renal pathology in the 5/6 nephrectomized rat model of chronic renal failure. Methods:Sixty Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into a Sham group, a Model group, a wide-type Lactobacilli group (L.B group), and a Mutant Lactobacilli group (Mut-L.B group). The rats in the Model, LB and Mut-L.B groups underwent 5/6 nephrectomy. Eight weeks after administration, 24-h urine, orbital blood and digestive secretions were collected to analyze Cr and UN levels. Pathological changes in nephridial tissues were observed by hematoxylin and eosin and Masson trichrome staining, and the expression of TGF-β1 and FN was detected by immunohistochemistry. Results:There were no significant differences in urinary Cr and UN levels among the Sham, L.B and Mut-L.B groups (p > .05), while serum and digestive Cr and UN levels were significantly decreased in the Mut-L.B group (p < .01). Furthermore, renal tubular injury and interstitial fibrosis were significantly reduced and TGF-β1 and FN expression was decreased (p < .05) in the Mut-L.B group. Conclusion:Mutant lactobacilli decreased serum Cr and UN levels, reduced the expression of TGF-β1 and FN in renal tissues and alleviated renal interstitial injury and fibrosis in a rat model of chronic renal failure in a mechanism that may involve decomposition and not just excretion of small molecule toxins in the gastrointestinal tract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the aging process, dimers of dietary vitamin A accumulated in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells. Vitamin A dimer-mediated photooxidation resulted in RPE apoptosis, which is associated with age-related degenerative disease of retina, leading to blindness. It has been reported that proanthocyanidin-rich grape seed extract reduces oxidative stress in the eye. In this study, we investigated the underlying mechanism of photooxidation-induced apoptosis inhibition by procyanidins B2 (PB2), one of the main components of grape seed proanthocyanidin. To mimic vitamin A dimer-mediated photooxidation, ARPE-19 cells that accumulated vitamin A dimer, A2E, were used as a model system. Exposure of A2E loaded ARPE-19 cells to blue light induced ER stress and resulted in significant apoptosis. Pretreatment of blue light-exposed A2E containing ARPE-19 cells with PB2 inhibited apoptosis, increased the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax in the mitochondria, attenuated ROS and cytochromecrelease, and decreased caspase cleavage. Additionally, PB2 inhibited the phosphorylation of ER stress markers elF2α and IRE1α and reduced CHOP expression. Moreover, PB2 inhibition of apoptosis is dependent on the UPR chaperone GRP78, indicating PB2 inhibits vitamin A dimer-mediated apoptosis in RPE cells by activating the UPR. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A series of poly(siloxane-arylacetylene)s witho-carborane in the backbone (CB-PSOA)s were prepared by the coupling reaction between poly(siloxane-arylacetylene) (PSOA) and decaborane (B10H14) in the presence of CH3CN. CB-PSOAs were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Pyrolysis–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (Py–GC–MS). The results show that the average amount of carborane units in a CB-PSOA chain could be raised when the molar ratio of B10H14to PSOA is increased from 0.6 to 2.4. The crosslinking reaction could be carried on at above 140°C for CB-PSOAs. The CB-PSOA thermosets show excellent thermo oxidative stability with over 85% residue yield at 1000°C in air. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The three-dimensional 6-directional variable cross-sectional cone-shaped tubular braided fabric (6DCTBF) has been applied successfully as the components in aerospace craft. The application of cone-shaped tubular braided fabric requires the densification of a small end to ensure ablation uniformity during composite fabrication. In this paper, in order to meet the size and performance requirements for 6DCTBF, a unique yarn-thinning technique used in the braiding process has developed and explained in detail by first analyzing the fiber bundle movement and distribution in modeling. After the yarn has been thinned, different zones are divided according to the constituting method of the yarn in its unit cell. Geometric models are built for different zones to determine the geometrical dimensions and volume fraction variation range. It has been shown that the theoretical model can accurately describe the 6DCTBF and provide a theoretical basis for the design of its structure and properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: We aim to obtain a probiotic strain from Lactobacillus bulgaricus by testing its capability to decompose uremic toxins to provide new intestinal bacteria for the treatment of chronic renal failure. Methods: Original L. bulgaricus was cultured with the serum of uremic patients and then mutated by physical (ultraviolet) and chemical (diethyl sulfate) methods repeatedly. Using creatinine decomposition rate as an observed index, we selected the best strains which decreased the most concentration of the creatinine. We then tested its ability to decompose urea, uric acid, serum phosphate, parathyroid hormone, and homocysteine and its genetic stability. Results: After inductive and mutagenic treatment, DUC3-17 was selected. Its decomposition rate of creatinine, urea nitrogen, uric acid, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone, and homocysteine were 17.23%, 36.02%, 9.84%, 15.73%, 78.26%, and 12.69%, respectively. The degrading capacity was sustained over five generations. Conclusions: After directional induction and compound mutation, L. bulgaricus has greater capacity to decompose uremic toxins, with a stable inheritance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Activity-guided fractionation for complement inhibitors led to the isolation of 23 known compounds from Houttuynia cordata Thunb. Seven flavonoids, two alkaloids, one coumarin and two phenols showed anti-complementary activity. Preliminary inhibitory mechanism of four flavonoids, including quercitrin, afzelin, isoquercitrin and quercetin in the complement activation cascade were examined for the first time. The results indicated that the target components of flavonols are different from those of flavonosides, and the glycoside moieties may be necessary to block C3 and C4 components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article studies the multi-hoist cyclic scheduling problem in electroplating lines where the processing time of parts in each tank must be within given lower and upper limits and part moves between tanks are allowed in both directions along the line. The problem arises in electroplating lines such as those used in the production of printed circuit boards and has previously been modeled as a mixed-integer linear program. The possible relative positions of any pair of moves are analyzed and a set of linear constraints is derived that expresses the no-collision requirements for hoists. Based on the analysis, a new mixed-integer linear programming model is formulated for the multi-hoist scheduling problem. An efficient branch-and-bound strategy is proposed to solve the problem. Computational results show that the new model can be solved much more quickly than an existing model in the literature and that the proposed solution method is more efficient in solving the problem than a commercial software package. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new flavanone, 5-methoxy-pinocembrin-7-O-β-d-glucoside (1), together with six known compounds, quercetin-3-O-β-d-xyloside (2), quercetin-3′-O-α-l-rhamnoside (3), quercetin (4), pinocembrin-7-O-β-d-glucoside (5), pinocembrin (6), gallic acid (7), were isolated and identified from the aerial parts ofPenthorum chinense. Compounds2and3were isolated from this plant for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In order to find novel synthetic compounds with superior antitumor activity and overcome multidrug resistance, a series of novel 4β-N-substituted podophyllotoxin derivatives were synthesized under mild conditions with satisfactory yield. Nine novel podophyllotoxin derivatives were synthesized by linking 4β-amino-podophyllotoxin with aldehydes via the formation of a Schiff's base, and imines were reducted to secondary amines. These novel derivatives have been evaluated for cytotoxicity against human cancer cell lines Hela, K562, and K562/AO2. The results indicated that these compounds possess superior bioactivity (IC50 values were found at the range of 10− 6–10− 8 mol/l) and weak multidrug resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenotype assessment includes levels of visual acuity, fluorescein angiographic and other clinical examinations if a mutation carrier feels uncomfortable with his/her eyesight and visits an ophthalmologist. To the Editor: We read with interest the article by Yang and colleagues.[1] The authors argued that in their series of 29 families with RCBTB1 variants, none had FEVR syndrome, in contrast to what we have reported that corresponding I RCBTB1 i variants were identified in one family of Coats disease and one family of FEVR with functional studies validated.[2] In response to Yang et al., we would like to clarify a few points. In summary, phenotype variability is common among mutation carriers and between the two eyes of individuals affected by FEVR, from asymptomatic to complete blindness. [Extracted from the article]

The first experimental preparation is reported of an ultra-broadband continuously-tunable highly polarization-entangled photon-pair source via spontaneous parametric down-conversion in a single type-II phase-matched bulk periodically-poled KTiOPO4(PPKTP) crystal. A tuning band of more than 60 nm for the down-converted photons is achieved experimentally, which covers the C+L telecom bands. The photon pair generation rate is about 1.63 × 104(s mW nm)−1. The calculated S parameter values of CHSH inequality between 2.60 ± 0.04 (minimum) and 2.72 ± 0.07 (maximum) over the whole tunable range clearly demonstrate high entanglement of the source. In combination with the dense wavelength-division multiplexing (DWDM) technique, our source could be used to enhance the transmission capacity of a communication channel in the field of quantum communication. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Phytochemical investigation of ethanol extract from the flowers of Trollius chinensis Bunge resulted in the isolation of two new flavone C-glycosides (1–2), along with 10 known compounds (3–12). The structures of the new compounds were established as 6‴-(3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaroyl)-2″-O-β-d-galactopyranosyl orientin (1) and 6‴-(3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaroyl)-2″-O-β-d-galactopyranosyl vitexin (2) on the basis of various spectroscopic analysis (including different 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopies, high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry) and chemical evidences. Bioassay showed that eight flavonoids inhibited complement activation on the classic pathway in vitro, with their IC50 values ranging from 0.88 to 4.02 mM, which may contribute to the applications of the herb in treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three-dimensional (3D) sinking woven quartz fiber-reinforced silica composites were successfully prepared by silicasol-infiltration-sintering process at a low temperature of 450°C. The density of the composites was 1.74 g/cm3. The characteristics of 3D sinking woven structure were determined. Flexural strength and shear strength of the composites were investigated along the warp and weft directions. Both flexural stress–displacement curves in warp and weft directions had two fractural points, e.g. matrix fracture point and fiber fracture point. The shear stress–displacement curves exhibited mostly nonlinear behavior. The composite in warp and weft direction reflects different shear behavior. Microstructural observations revealed that the adhesion strength between the fibers and the matrix was weak. There was a good state without serious degradation of quartz fibers during the preparation. Apart from these, the composites exhibited an extensive and long fiber pullout in the fracture surface. Crack deflection and fiber pullout contributed to the good toughness of the composites under the loading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the effect of Shenfushu granule (SFSG) and atropine treatment on microvessels of the kidney and intestine after chronic renal failure (CRF) induced by 5/6 nephrectomy. Methods: Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into a sham group, a model group, an SFSG group, and an SFSG + atropine group. SFSG was administered daily 1 week after inducing CRF. Rats were sacrificed at the end of the eighth week. Urinary protein and stool and serum urea nitrogen (UN) and creatinine (Cr) levels were assessed. Hematoxylin and eosin and periodic acid-Schiff staining of the kidney and examination of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and microvessel density (MVD) levels in kidney and intestine were performed. Results: The Cr and UN levels were significantly increased in blood and stool of the model group. SFSG significantly improved renal function, and the protective effects were further enhanced with the addition of atropine. Glomerular sclerosis, tubulointerstitial fibrosis, and microvessel loss were observed in CRF rats, and these pathological changes were ameliorated in the two treatment groups ( p < 0.05), especially in the SFSG + atropine group. The expression of VEGF and MVD was decreased in the CRF rats compared with the sham group. SFSG treatment increased the expression of these proteins and reversed the degree of microvessel loss, glomerular sclerosis, and tubulointerstitial fibrosis ( p < 0.05). Co-treatment with atropine enhanced these effects. Conclusions: SFSG alleviated renal function, upregulated the expression of VEGF and MVD in the kidney and intestine, and attenuated the degree of microvessel loss, glomerular sclerosis, and tubulointerstitial fibrosis in the early stages of CRF in rats, and addition of atropine enhanced these effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytochemical investigation of methanol extract from the whole plants of Patrinia scabiosifolia Fisch. resulted in the isolation of three new triterpenoid saponins (1–3) along with twelve known triterpenoids (4–15). The structures of the new compounds were established as 11α, 12α-epoxy-3-O-β-d-xylopyranosyl-olean-28, 13β-olide (1), 11α, 12α-epoxy-3-O-β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-d-xylopyranosyl-olean-28, 13β-olide (2), and 3-O-β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-d-xylopyranosyl oleanolic acid 28-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (3) on the basis of various spectroscopic analyses (including different 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopies and high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry) and chemical evidences. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The densification of nano-sized BaTiO3 (BT) using LiF and LiF-BaCO3 as sintering aids was investigated. The density of the sample containing 1 wt.% LiF and 1 mol% BaCO3 sintered at 900°C could achieve 5.67 g/cm3 (95% of the theoretical density). The temperature-dependence of the dielectric properties was measured from −20 to 125°C. The results showed that using 1 wt.% LiF and 1 mol% BaCO3 as a sintering aid, the BT ceramic sintered at 900°C for 1.5 h could obtain very high room temperature permittivity (ϵ r ∼5382 at 10 kHz) and with relatively small variation with temperature, which is suitable for low temperature cofired ceramic (LTCC) applications. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A ruthenium(III) complex containing ethylenediaminetetraacetate (edta), [{Ru(Hedta)}2(Pyz)] · 8H2O (1) (Pyz = pyrazine), has been synthesized by the reaction between K[Ru(Hedta)Cl] · 1.5H2O and pyrazine. The structure of the complex was determined by single X-ray diffraction. Complex 1 crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1 with a = 7.293(9) Å, b = 10.575(14) Å, c = 12.742(16) Å, α = 104.044(19)°, β = 91.893(19)°, γ = 93.35(2)°, Z = 1. The product was also characterized by IR, UV-Vis, EPR spectrum and magnetic techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mononuclear ruthenium(III) complex containing ethylenediaminetetraacetate (edta), [Ru(Hedta)(Htrz)] · 4H2O (1) (Htrz = 1H-1,2,4-triazole), has been synthesized and the structure was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The complex crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1, with the unit cell parameters a = 7.212(3) Å, b = 9.873(4) Å, c = 13.806(6) Å, α = 91.945(6)°, β = 100.078(6)°, γ = 97.230(7) and Z = 2. The complex was also characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV-Vis and ESR spectra. Cyclic voltammetry for the complex shows a ruthenium(III)/ruthenium(IV) oxidation and a ruthenium(III)/ruthenium(II) reduction within the range of -1.5-0.5 V. Magnetic susceptibility data give an effective moment of 1.81 B.M. at room temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assembly of [Ag(CN) 2 ] - units with diaminecopper(II) cation [Cu(pn) 2 ] 2+ (pn&ThickSpace;=&ThickSpace;1,3-diaminopropane), gives the ionic complex [Cu(pn) 2 ][Ag 3 (CN) 5 ]. Single crystal X-ray analysis shows that this complex crystallizes in the triclinic, space group , a &ThickSpace;=&ThickSpace;7.675(3), b &ThickSpace;=&ThickSpace;8.707(4), c &ThickSpace;=&ThickSpace;8.807(4)&ThickSpace;Å, α &ThickSpace;=&ThickSpace;66.624(7), β &ThickSpace;=&ThickSpace;67.045(7), γ &ThickSpace;=&ThickSpace;79.179(7)°, Z &ThickSpace;=&ThickSpace;1. The whole complex has 3D architecture through metal–metal interactions and other weak interactions. The complex displays weak luminescence determined by argentophilicity at room temperature in the solid state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article analyzes the fifty-year relationship between Hu Shi and Jiang Tingfu. Hu Shi was a native of Jixi county and Jiang Tingfu of Shaoyang county, China. They were of same age and have undergone similar experiences, although their character and political views were different. Jiang Tingfu first met Hu Shi in 1923 when he had returned from the United States and was hired by Nankai University as a professor of history. They along with others decided to publish a periodical in 1932 called "Independent Review," with Hu Shi as editor-in-chief and Jiang Tingfu as editorial supportive.

A new minor oleanane-type saponin, ginsenoside-ROA ( 1 ), has been isolated from the extract of Kaixin-San, a prescription composed of Panax ginseng and other medicinal herbs, together with 15 known ginsenosides. The structure of 1 was established as 3- O -ß-d-glucopyranosyl-(1?2)-ß-d-glucuronopyranosyl oleanolic acid 28 -O- ß-d-glucopyranosyl-(1?6)-ß-d-glucopyranoside by chemical and spectroscopic evidence. In addition, the presence of ginsenoside-ROA in ginseng was confirmed by HPLC-ESI-MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emberiza jankowskiiis an Endangered species, whose population quantity decreased year by year in the limited distribution areas. The complete mitochondrial genome ofE. jankowskii(16,776 bp in length) consists of 37 genes (13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA genes, and 22 tRNA genes) and a non-coding region (D-loop), which is similar to the typical mtDNA of vertebrates. All the protein-coding genes inE. jankowskiiare distributed on the H-strand, except the ND6 subunit gene and ten tRNA genes, which are encoded on the L-strand. A preliminary phylogenetic analysis has been carried out with eight bunting species and other related species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]