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Background Recent reports have characterized virological and clinical features of the novel reassortant avian-origin influenza A (H7N9) virus. However, cardiovascular involvement during H7N9 infection is still unclear. In this study, we evaluate cardiac injury among H7N9-infected patients. Materials and Methods A total of 40 patients who were laboratory-confirmed with H7N9 infection were retrospectively included and grouped by Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II ( APACHE II) score into four subgroups I(0-10), II(11-20), III(21-30) and IV(31-71). Cardiovascular complications and markers of cardiac injury including creatinine kinase ( CK), CK iso-enzyme ( CK- MB), cardiac troponin I ( cTNI) and brain natriuretic peptide ( BNP) were assessed. Electrocardiogram ( ECG) and echocardiography ( ECHO) were also performed. Results Half of patients manifested with cardiovascular complications, with hypotension (47·5%) and heart failure (40·0%) the most prevalent. CK, CK- MB and cTNI showed marked increase with H7N9 virus infection but significantly decreased after H7N9 viral tests turned negative. More than half of patients presented with an abnormal ECG, but most of them are benign changes. ECHO examination showed different degree of impairment of cardiac function. Pulmonary artery systolic pressure was increased in all groups. Cardiac damage was more evident in patients with higher APACHE II score. Conclusions H7N9 virus exerts a transient impairment on the cardiovascular system. Patients with a higher APACHE II score are more susceptible to cardiac damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scalable reaction of substituted N-phenoxyacetamides with 3-aryl, hetaryl, and alkyl substituted propargyl carbonates furnishes 3-alkylidene dihydrobenzofuran derivatives in moderate to high yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents chemical equations related to the article "Rhodium(III)-Catalyzed Redox-Neutral C-H Annulation of Arylnitrones and Alkynes for the Synthesis of Indole Derivatives" by Z. Zhou and others, published in the "Advanced Synthesis & Catalysis " in 2015.

isolation, structure elucidation, and antiproliferative activities of two new triterpenoids along with eight known compounds [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A huge number of indolylglycine derivatives (III) bearing a tetrasubstituted carbon center is efficiently synthesized camphorsulfonic acid catalyzed. Friedel--Crafts reaction of indoles (II) to ketimino esters (I). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel method for a hydride-induced anionic ring-closure is used to synthesize phenanthridines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The East Qinling region in central China, hosting several tens of Mesozoic magmatic-hydrothermal Mo deposits, is one of the largest molybdenum belts in the world. The Zhifang Mo deposit is hosted in volcanic rocks of the Xiong'er Group in the Waifangshan area, Qinling Orogen. Previous studies variously correlated the mineralization in this deposit with Yanshanian magmatism or Palaeo-Mesoproterozoic volcanic-hydrothermal events. The orebodies are associated with quartz veins and controlled by subsidiary faults of the Machaoying Fault. The ore-forming process can be divided into the early, middle and late stages and is characterized by quartz-pyrite, quartz-polymetallic sulphide and quartz-carbonate veins, respectively. The early-stage quartz is structurally deformed, suggesting a compressional tectonic regime; the middle-stage sulphides fill the fractures of the early-stage assemblages and show no deformation, suggesting a tensional setting; the late-stage veins mostly infill the open-space fissures. Three types of fluid inclusions (FIs) are identified at the Zhifang deposit: H2O-NaCl (W-type), CO2-rich (C-type) and daughter mineral-bearing inclusions (S-type). Fluid inclusions of early-stage quartz homogenize between 380 and 470 °C, with salinities ranging from 0.4 to 9.6 wt.% NaCl equiv., whereas the late-stage calcite contains only the W-type FIs with homogenization temperatures of lower than 240 °C, and salinities of 0.4-8.7 wt.% NaCl equiv. This indicates that the ore fluid system evolved from CO2-rich, probably metamorphic hydrothermal to CO2-poor, meteoric fluid. All three types of FIs can be observed in the middle-stage quartz, and even in the microscopic domain of a crystal, suggesting that this heterogeneous association was trapped from a boiling fluid system. These FIs homogenized at temperatures ranging from 250 to 360 °C and display two salinity clusters of <18.5 and 29.1-29.9 wt.% NaCl equiv. These results suggest that metal precipitation resulted from fluid boiling. The estimated trapping pressures of FIs range from 101 to 285 MPa, suggesting an alternating lithostatic-hydrostatic fluid system, which was controlled by a fault-valve at the depth of 10 km. The δ34S values of ore minerals from the Zhifang Mo deposit show a range between −11.8‰ and 6.0‰, with a bimodal distribution. The early-stage pyrite has a positive δ34S value of 6.0‰ that is similar to the host rocks of the Xiong'er Group and the Taihua Supergroup, suggesting that the wall rocks contributed much of the sulphur to the early-stage pyrite during fluid-rock interaction. However, the δ34S values of the middle-stage sulphides have negative mean and restricted range from −11.8‰ to −4.5‰. The widespread rutile grains coexisting with molybdenite in the middle-stage correlate the negative δ34S values with relatively oxidized fluids. We consider phase separation as an efficient mechanism for ore-fluid oxidation and molybdenum deposition based on fluid inclusions and sulphur isotope data. Geological, fluid inclusion and sulphur isotope data of the Zhifang Mo deposit suggest that the Mo mineralization is unrelated to the Yanshanian magmatism or the Palaeo-Mesoproterozoic volcanic-hydrothermal event. Here we propose that the Zhifang Mo deposit may be considered as an orogenic mineral system, with its formation in an active continental margin related to the northward subduction of the Mian-Lue oceanic plate during the Triassic. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective We aimed to identify the risk factors for predicting pancreatic infection in patients with severe acute pancreatitis ( SAP). Methods In all, 163 patients with SAP were included and divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of pancreatic infection. Their demographic and clinical characteristics, laboratory examination results, complications and treatment modalities were collected from their medical records. Variables were initially screened by univariate analysis and those with statistical significance were then filtered by multivariate analysis to determine the independent risk factors for pancreatic infection in SAP. Results Patients having SAP with pancreatic infection had a lower partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (Pa CO2), peripheral white blood cell count and alkaline phosphatase levels, together with a higher computed tomography severity index ( CTSI) than those without pancreatic infection, while their lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels and blood urea nitrogen were much higher. Pancreatic infection was also more common in patients receiving late fluid resuscitation than in those receiving early fluid resuscitation. Multivariate analyses revealed that increased LDH level, high CTSI, delayed fluid resuscitation and hypoxemia were independent risk factors for pancreatic infection in SAP. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values for a model combining the parameters in predicting pancreatic infection were 84%, 97%, 88% and 96%, respectively, with a cut-off value of 0.393, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.923. Conclusion Increased LDH, high CTSI, delayed fluid resuscitation and hypoxemia are independent risk factors for predicting pancreatic infection in patients with SAP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A stable skull layer formed on the inner surface of the hearth could effectively protect the lining and extend blast furnace campaign life. This is the first comprehensive work of using integrated heat transfer, fluid flow dynamics and solidification numerical simulation to investigate skull formation phenomena in a blast furnace hearth. The impact of hearth design and furnace operation parameters on skull formation is examined, including lining property and structure, cooling water temperature and flow rate, hot metal production rate, temperature and viscosity, and cast practice. The findings from this study are compared with operating experience of United States Steel blast furnaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The angiotensin (Ang) converting enzyme 2 ( ACE2)/Ang-(1-7)/Mas receptor pathway is an important component of the renin-angiotensin system and has been suggested to exert beneficial effects in ischemic stroke. Aims This study explored whether the ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/Mas pathway has a protective effect on cerebral ischemic injury and whether this effect is affected by age. Methods We used three-month and eight-month transgenic mice with neural over-expression of ACE2 ( SA) and their age-matched nontransgenic ( NT) controls. Neurological deficits and ischemic stroke volume were determined following middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). In oxygen and glucose deprivation ( OGD) experiments on brain slices, the effects of the Mas receptor agonist (Ang1-7) or antagonist (A779) on tissue swelling, Nox2/Nox4 expression reactive oxygen species ( ROS) production and cell death were measured. Results (1) Middle cerebral artery occlusion -induced ischemic injury and neurological deficit were reduced in SA mice, especially in eight-month animals; (2) OGD-induced tissue swelling and cell death were decreased in SA mice with a greater reduction seen in eight-month mice; (3) Ang-(1-7) and A779 had opposite effects on OGD-induced responses, which correlated with changes in Nox2/Nox4 expression and ROS production. Conclusions Angiotensin converting enzyme 2/Ang-(1-7)/Mas axis protects brain from ischemic injury via the Nox/ ROS signaling pathway, with a greater effect in older animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead-free ceramics (1- x)NaNbO3- xLiTaO3 were synthesized by an ordinary solid-state reaction method. Rietveld analysis reveals that the crystal structure changes from one orthorhombic phase with Pbcm space group to another orthorhombic phase with P2221 space group when increasing x. The morphotropic phase boundary between two different orthorhombic symmetries is formed at 0.14 < x < 0.18. Excess LiTaO3 causes an abnormal grain growth behavior. The pure NaNbO3 presents four current peaks in the I- E loop, indicating electric-field-induced transitions. A low LiTaO3 doping induces ferroelectricity in the initially antiferroelectric (AFE) NaNbO3. Enhanced ferroelectricity is obtained at x = 0.02-0.12. The addition of LiTaO3 makes the ceramics undergo a transition from an antiferroelectricity dominant to a ferroelectricity dominant phase state. The optimum d33, kp, Qm, and Pr values of 46 pC/N, 18.3%, 1333, and 27.1 μC cm−2 are obtained when x equals 0.12, and the ceramic exhibits good temperature stability because of its high TC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the distribution and alteration of lymphatic vessels and draining function in knee joints of normal and osteoarthritic mice. Methods For the mouse models of osteoarthritis (OA), we used mice with meniscal-ligamentous injury or mice with conditional knockout of the gene for cartilage transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) type II receptor. The severity of cartilage loss and joint destruction was assessed histologically. Capillary and mature lymphatic vessels were identified and analyzed using double immunofluorescence staining and a whole-slide digital imaging system. Lymphatic drainage of knee joints was examined using near-infrared lymphatic imaging. Patient joint specimens obtained during total knee or hip arthroplasty were evaluated to verify the content validity of the mouse findings. Results Lymphatic vessels were distributed in soft tissues (mainly around the joint capsule, ligaments, fat pads, and muscles of normal knees). The number of lymphatic vessels, particularly the number of capillaries, was significantly increased in joints of mice with mild OA, while the number of mature lymphatic vessels was markedly decreased in joints of mice with severe OA. OA knees exhibited significantly decreased lymph clearance. The number of both capillary and mature lymphatic vessels was significantly decreased in the joints of patients with OA. Conclusion The whole-slide digital imaging system is a powerful tool, enabling the identification and assessment of lymphatic microvasculature in the entire mouse knee. Lymphatic capillaries and mature vessels are present in various soft tissues around articular spaces. Abnormalities of lymphatic vessels and draining function, including significantly reduced numbers of mature vessels and impaired clearance, are present in OA joints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report describes the modification of crystallization plates by simply oxidizing the surface of the protein wells. The oxidized crystallization plates were tested in standard protein crystallization screening and reproducibility studies. The results showed that the protein wells of the treated plates were smoother and more optically transparent than those of the untreated plates, and more importantly, protein crystallization was significantly promoted after the oxidation treatment. Because there is no change to the routine screening protocol, this method is simple and easy to apply in protein crystallization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report describes the modification of crystallization plates by simply oxidizing the surface of the protein wells. The oxidized crystallization plates were tested in standard protein crystallization screening and reproducibility studies. The results showed that the protein wells of the treated plates were smoother and more optically transparent than those of the untreated plates, and more importantly, protein crystallization was significantly promoted after the oxidation treatment. Because there is no change to the routine screening protocol, this method is simple and easy to apply in protein crystallization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fourteen novel nitenpyram derivatives ( Z)-4-substituted-3-acetyl-6-methylamino −6-[ N-(6-chloro-3-pyridinylmethyl)- N-ethyl]amino-5-nitno-2-oxa-5-hexene 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k, 4l, 4m, 4n were synthesized, and their structures were confirmed by 1H NMR, IR, and elemental analysis. The stereostructure of 4h was determined by the single-crystal X-ray analysis. The preliminary bioassay tests showed that most of the title compounds exhibited good insecticide activities against Nilaparvata lugens as well as Aphis medicaginis at 500 mg/L, whereas compound 4h afforded the best activity, with 100% mortality against A. medicaginis at 100 mg/L. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Little is known about inter-individual variation in psychological stress in modernizing rural populations in developing countries. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antibody titer, a biomarker of psychological stress, and lifestyle parameters in rural communities in Hainan Island, China. Methods EBV antibody titer was measured in dried blood spot (DBS) samples collected from 240 adults living in rural communities in Hainan Island. Measures of two major lifestyle changes in rural areas of Hainan Island, i.e., diet and commercial goods possession, were examined by using information on the weekly frequency of pork consumption and monthly mobile phone fees. Both parameters were standardized to create two composite scores: a total affluence index (TAI-the sum of these scores), and an investment tendency index (ITI-the difference between them). Least-squares regression analysis was used to investigate the association between EBV antibody titer and these lifestyle parameters. Results A positive association was found between the frequency f pork consumption and EBV antibody titer ( P = 0.040), whereas a negative association was found between mobile phone fees and EBV antibody titer ( P = 0.028). A negative association was also observed between ITI and EBV antibody titer ( P = 0.002) after adjusting for the effect of TAI. Conclusion Psychological stress among local residents was linked to the type of lifestyle changes they had experienced, where the adoption of a more market-oriented lifestyle, irrespective of current affluence, was associated with less psychological stress. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 26:36-42, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antibody titer has recently been used as a biomarker of psychological stress. This is the first study to investigate the association between EBV antibody titer and perceived quality of life (QOL) in Hainan Island, China. Methods Participants from two regions of Hainan Island, recruited into a larger study investigating the health impact of rapid economic development among rural residents, were stratified by age, sex, and region; 15 people were randomly selected from each of the 16 subgroups, to give a total sample size of 240. EBV antibody titer in dried blood spot samples was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The abbreviated version of the World Health Organization's Quality of Life questionnaire was used to gather information on six categories of QOL. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between EBV antibody titer and QOL. Results After adjusting for the effects of age, sex, region and C-reactive protein concentration, EBV antibody titer was negatively associated with the physical ( P = 0.044) and psychological QOL domains ( P = 0.039). Conclusion This study suggests that among individuals living in an environment in the initial stages of economic development EBV antibody titer, a biomarker of psychological stress, is not only associated with the psychological aspects of QOL but is also linked to physical problems. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 26:51-55, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monitoring and assessing the effects of contaminants in the aquatic eco-environment is critical in protecting human health and the environment. The zebrafish has been widely used as a prominent model organism in different fields because of its small size, low cost, diverse adaptability, short breeding cycle, high fecundity, and transparent embryos. Recent studies have demonstrated that zebrafish sensitivity can aid in monitoring environmental contaminants, especially with the application of transgenic technology in this area. The present review provides a brief overview of recent studies on wild-type and transgenic zebrafish as a model system to monitor toxic heavy metals, endocrine disruptors, and organic pollutants for toxicology. The authors address the new direction of developing high-throughput detection of genetically modified transparent zebrafish to open a new window for monitoring environmental pollutants. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:11-17. © 2013 SETAC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In predicting time series, if a trend includes a structural break, then a state space model can be applied to revise the predictive method. Some scholars suggest that restricted damped trend models yield excellent prediction results by automatically revising unforeseen structural break factors in the prediction process. Restricted damped trend models add a smoothed error statistic to a local-level model and use the exponentially weighted moving average ( EWMA) method to make corrections. This paper applies the generally weighted moving average ( GWMA) concept and method to a restricted damped trend model that changes the smoothed error statistic from the EWMA form to the GWMA form and adds the correction parameter λ, which distinguishes three situations [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new lanostane triterpenes, 3 β-acetoxy-15 α-hydroxylanosta-8,24-dien-21-oic acid ( 1) and 3 β-acetoxylanosta-7,9(11),24-trien-21-oic acid ( 2), along with the four known analogs, 3- 6, were isolated from the culture broth of Ceriporia lacerate HS-ZJUT-C13A, a fungal endophyte residing in the stems of the traditional Chinese herb Huperzia serrata. The structures of the new compounds 1 and 2 were established by spectroscopic methods, including UV, IR, HR-ESI-MS, and extensive 1D- and 2D-NMR techniques. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on triterpene metabolites from the genus Ceriporia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims To examine, in nasopharyngeal carcinoma ( NPC), the correlation of Krüppel-like factor 4 ( KLF4) expression with clinicopathological features including patient prognosis. Methods and results Using real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry, expression of KLF4 m RNA and protein was examined in NPC and nasopharyngeal tissues. The relationship of KLF4 expression levels with clinical features and prognosis of NPC patients was analysed. m RNA expression was markedly lower in NPC than in the nasopharyngeal tissues. Using immunohistochemistry, staining for KLF4 protein was found in the nuclei and cytoplasm of nasopharyngeal and malignant epithelial cells, but decreased cytoplasmic expression was observed in atypical hyperplasia and NPC samples compared to normal and squamous epithelium samples ( P < 0.001). In addition, levels of cytoplasmic KLF4 protein were correlated inversely with the nodal (N) status (T NM classification; P = 0.002) and overall clinical stage ( P < 0.001) of NPC patients. Patients with NPC showing lower cytoplasmic KLF4 expression had a significantly shorter overall survival time than those with high NPC KLF4 expression. Multivariate analysis suggested that the level of KLF4 expression was an independent prognostic indicator ( P = 0.008) for NPC survival. Conclusion Low levels of cytoplasmic KLF4 expression are a potentially unfavourable prognostic factor for patients with NPC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Dysregulation of the activity of the disintegrin/metalloproteinase ADAM10 could contribute to the development of atherosclerosis. Although a number of genetic studies have focused on the association of ADAM10 gene polymorphisms with susceptibility to diseases, no genetic association studies of ADAM10 gene variability with atherosclerotic cerebral infarction ( ACI) have been conducted. The aim of this study was to analyze the potential association between ADAM10 promoter polymorphisms and ACI. Methods The associations between rs653765 and rs514049 polymorphisms of the ADAM10 promoter and the possible risk of ACI were assessed among 347 patients with ACI and 299 matched healthy individuals in a case-control study. Results Overall, there was a significant difference in the genotypes frequencies of rs653765 ( P = 0.04) between the ACI and control subjects. In addition, the rs653765 mutated allele of ADAM10 was significantly associated with increased ADAM10 expression in patients with ACI ( P = 0.032). In contrast, the allele frequency of rs514049 was not statistically associated with ACI, and the rs514049 variant A > C did not affect the expression of ADAM10 either. Conclusion Our findings indicate a positive association between the rs653765 polymorphism of ADAM10 and ACI, as well as a negative result for rs514049. In addition, a significant increase in ADAM10 expression was observed in patients with ACI carrying the rs653765 C > T mutation. This new knowledge about ADAM10 might be clinically important and confirm a role for ADAM10 in the pathophysiology of ACI, with potentially important therapeutic implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-quality crystals are key to obtaining accurate three-dimensional structures of proteins using X-ray diffraction techniques. However, obtaining such protein crystals is often a challenge. Several containerless crystallization techniques have been reported to have the ability to improve crystal quality, but it is unknown which is the most favourable way to grow high-quality protein crystals. In this paper, a quality comparison of protein crystals which were grown under three containerless conditions provided by diamagnetic levitation, silicone oil and agarose gel was conducted. A control experiment on a vessel wall was also simultaneously carried out. Seven different proteins were crystallized under the four conditions, and the crystal quality was assessed in terms of the resolution limit, the mosaicity and the R merge. It was found that the crystals grown under the three containerless conditions demonstrated better morphology than those of the control. X-ray diffraction data indicated that the quality of the crystals grown under the three containerless conditions was better than that of the control. Of the three containerless crystallization techniques, the diamagnetic levitation technique exhibited the best performance in enhancing crystal quality. This paper is to our knowledge the first report of improvement of crystal quality using a diamagnetic levitation technique. Crystals obtained from agarose gel demonstrated the second best improvement in crystal quality. The study indicated that the diamagnetic levitation technique is indeed a favourable method for growing high-quality protein crystals, and its utilization is thus potentially useful in practical efforts to obtain well diffracting protein crystals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Genetic variants of PPP1R3B, a gene encoding a critical protein involved in hepatic glycogen metabolism, were recently reported to be associated with plasma levels of lipids and C-reactive protein ( CRP) among populations of mostly European descent. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the PPP1R3B variants are associated with plasma levels of lipids and inflammation factors in Chinese Han. Methods Five single nucleotide polymorphisms ( SNPs) of the PPP1R3B gene were genotyped and their associations with plasma lipids and CRP were determined in 1636 Chinese Han from Shanghai. Results Three SNPs, namely rs2126259, rs9987289, and rs19334, were significantly associated with plasma levels of low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and rs2126259 and rs9987289 were further significantly associated with total cholesterol. The remaining two SNPs (rs189798 and rs330919) were significantly associated with plasma CRP levels, but not with plasma lipid levels. Conclusion Genetic polymorphisms of the PPP1R3B gene may contribute to variations in plasma lipids and CRP levels among Chinese Han individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

β-Ga2O3 nanowires and nanobelts with a length range of tens of micrometers to a few millimeters were successfully fabricated by a simple in situ chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method under normal pressure without any catalysts. The morphology and microstructure of the samples were studied by SEM, XRD, and EDS. The results indicated that the morphology of Ga2O3 depends on the effective heating time. Ga2O3 nanostructures were mainly collected at the gallium source position instead of in the downstream area. So, we propose that the growth process can be explained by a vapor-solid (VS) model. The ultraviolet (UV) sensing properties of a single nanowire were tested. From the nonlinear I- V curves, we find that a single nanowire behaves as a rectifier and has asymmetric characteristics. The photoresponse characterization presents that response time and recovery time were about 0.32 and 0.08 s, respectively. Our result indicated that a single β-Ga2O3 nanowire possesses excellent UV sensing properties and it should be a good candidate for UV-sensor development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CaRuO3 thin films with various thicknesses were synthesized by pulsed laser deposition respectively on SrTiO3 substrates with SrO- and TiO2-termination. The microstructure of these films was studied by transmission electron microscopy. The results demonstrate that the CaRuO3 thin films grown on TiO2-terminated substrates show quite uniform morphology, whilst they do the facet morphology when the substrates are SrO-terminated. In addition, there is a 5∼7 unit-cell-thickness cubic CaRuO3 layer in the films grown on TiO2-terminated substrates. The measured ferromagnetic hysteresis loop is attributed to the cubic CaRuO3 layer, which is supported by a first-principles calculations. On the contrary, there is free of cubic CaRuO3 layer in samples grown on SrO-terminated substrates. The crystallographic domains, the orientation relationship between domains and substrates and crystal defects in these films were studied as well. The different growth mechanism of CaRuO3 on SrO- and TiO2-terminated SrTiO3 substrates may be correlated with the selective nucleation and growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimized conditions render possible the efficient allylation of hypophosphorous acid and H-phosphinic acids with various primary amines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cover image is based on the Brief Definitive Report Rapid detection for infected ascites in cirrhosis using metagenome next‐generation sequencing: A case series by Beiling Li et al., https://doi.org/10.1111/liv.15083. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyperfine interaction, isotope effect, magnetization dynamics, single-molecule magnets, super-hyperfine interaction Inside Cover: Magnetization Dynamics on Isotope-Isomorphic Holmium Single-Molecule Magnets (Angew. Keywords: hyperfine interaction; isotope effect; magnetization dynamics; single-molecule magnets; super-hyperfine interaction EN hyperfine interaction isotope effect magnetization dynamics single-molecule magnets super-hyperfine interaction 26870 26870 1 12/15/21 20211220 NES 211220 B Nuclear-spin driven relaxation b collaborating with the ligands in lanthanide single molecule magnets (SMMs) remains ambiguous. [Extracted from the article]

Keywords: hyperfine interaction; isotope effect; magnetization dynamics; single-molecule magnets; super-hyperfine interaction EN hyperfine interaction isotope effect magnetization dynamics single-molecule magnets super-hyperfine interaction 27074 27074 1 12/15/21 20211220 NES 211220 B Das Zusammenwirken b von kernspingetriebener Relaxation und den Liganden in Lanthanoid-Einzelmolekülmagneten (SMMs) ist nicht vollständig geklärt. Hyperfine interaction, isotope effect, magnetization dynamics, single-molecule magnets, super-hyperfine interaction Innentitelbild: Magnetization Dynamics on Isotope-Isomorphic Holmium Single-Molecule Magnets (Angew. [Extracted from the article]

Multifunctional material: A remarkable case of a single‐molecule magnet that demonstrates white‐light emission and ferroelectricity was observed in a butterfly‐shaped chiral DyIII4 cluster, [Dy4(μ‐bpt)4(μ3‐OH)2(μ‐OMe)2(NO3)4]⋅3 MeOH (bpt=3,5‐bis(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐1,2,4‐trizolate, see figure). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT WRKY proteins form a large family of plant transcription factors implicated in the modulation of numerous biological processes, such as growth, development and responses to various environmental stresses. However, the roles of the majority WRKY family members, especially in non-model plants, remain poorly understood. We identified CaWRKY40 from pepper. Transient expression in onion epidermal cells showed that CaWRKY40 can be targeted to nuclei and activates expression of a W-box-containing reporter gene. CaWRKY40 transcripts are induced in pepper by Ralstonia solanacearum and heat shock. To assess roles of CaWRKY40 in plant stress responses we performed gain- and loss-of-function experiments. Overexpression of CaWRKY40 enhanced resistance to R. solanacearum and tolerance to heat shock in tobacco. In contrast, silencing of CaWRKY40 enhanced susceptibility to R. solanacearum and impaired thermotolerance in pepper. Consistent with its role in multiple stress responses, we found CaWRKY40 transcripts to be induced by signalling mechanisms mediated by the stress hormones salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA) and ethylene (ET). Overexpression of CaWRKY40 in tobacco modified the expression of hypersensitive response (HR)-associated and pathogenesis-related genes. Collectively, our results suggest that CaWRKY40 orthologs are regulated by SA, JA and ET signalling and coordinate responses to R. solanacearum attacks and heat stress in pepper and tobacco. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endothelial progenitor cells ( EPCs), which can be cultured in vitro from mononuclear cells in peripheral blood or bone marrow, express both hematopoietic stem cell and endothelial cell markers on their surface. They are believed to participate in endothelial repair and postnatal angiogenesis due to their abilities of differentiating into endothelial cells and secreting protective cytokines and growth factors. Mounting evidence suggests that circulating EPCs are reduced and dysfunctional in various diseases including hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart disease, and ischemic stroke. Therefore, EPCs have been documented to be a potential biomarker for vascular diseases and a hopeful candidate for regenerative medicine. Ischemic stroke, as the major cause of disability and death, still has limited therapeutics based on the approaches of vascular recanalization or neuronal protection. Emerging evidence indicates that transplantation of EPCs is beneficial for the recovery of ischemic cerebral injury. EPC-based therapy could open a new avenue for ischemic cerebrovascular disease. Currently, clinical trials for evaluating EPC transfusion in treating ischemic stroke are underway. In this review, we summarize the general conceptions and the characteristics of EPCs, and highlight the recent research developments on EPCs. More importantly, the rationale, perspectives, and strategies for using them to treat ischemic stroke will be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims To examine whether transplantation of adipose-derived stem cells ( ADSCs) induces neural differentiation and improves neural function in a rat intracerebral hemorrhage ( ICH) model. Methods Adipose-derived stem cells cells were isolated from inguinal fat pad of rat. ICH was induced by injection of collagenase type IV into the right basal ganglia of rat. Forty-eight hours after ICH, ADSCs cells (10 μL of 2-4 × 107 cells/ mL) were injected into the right lateral cerebral ventricle. The differentiation of ADSCs was detected in vitro and in vivo. The neural function was evaluated with Zea Longa 5-grade scale at day 1, 3, 7, 14, or 28. Results Our data demonstrated that ADSCs differentiated into cells that shared the similarities of neurons or astrocytes in vitro. Transplantation of ADSCs decreased cell apoptosis and the transplanted ADSCs were able to differentiate into neuron-like and astrocyte-like cells around the hematoma, accompanied with upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor expression and improvement of neural function. Conclusions Our data suggest that transplantation of ADSCs could be a therapeutic approach for ICH stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Here, the authors explore the feasibility of discriminating cancer patients from healthy controls by serum RNA detection based on surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and multivariate analysis. Methods: MgSO4-aggregated silver nanoparticles (Ag NP) as the SERS-active substrate presented strong SERS signals to RNA. SERS measurements were performed on two groups of serum RNA samples: one group from patients (n = 31) with gastric cancer and the other group from healthy volunteers (n = 34). Results: Tentative assignments of the Raman bands in the normalized SERS spectra demonstrated that there are differential expressions of circulating RNA between the gastric cancer group and the control group. Principal component analysis (PCA) combined with linear discriminate analysis (LDA) was introduced to differentiate gastric cancer from normal and achieved sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 94.1%. Conclusions: This exploratory study demonstrated potential for developing serum RNA SERS analysis into a useful clinical tool for noninvasive screening and detection of cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new polyprenylated xanthone (=9 H-xanthen-9-one) and a new polyprenylated benzophenone, namely oblongifolixanthone A ( 1) and garciniagifolone A ( 2), were isolated from the bark of Garcinia oblongifolia, together with five known compounds including the four xanthones 3- 5 and 7 and a benzophenone 6. The structures of 1 and 2 were established by detailed analysis of their spectroscopic data, especially 1D- and 2D-NMR spectra and HR-ESI-MS data. All these compounds were assayed for their cytotoxic activities against three human tumor cell lines (HeLa, SGC7901, and HepG2). The 1,3,6,7-tetrahydroxy-9 H-xanthen-9-one ( 3) was inactive, and the other compounds showed weak to moderate activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monovalent aptamers can deliver drugs to target cells by specific recognition. However, different cancer subtypes are distinguished by heterogeneous biomarkers and one single aptamer is unable to recognize all clinical samples from different patients with even the same type of cancers. To address heterogeneity among cancer subtypes for targeted drug delivery, as a model, we developed a drug carrier with a broader recognition range of cancer subtypes. This carrier, sgc8c-sgd5a (SD), was self-assembled from two modified monovalent aptamers. It showed bispecific recognition abilities to target cells in cell mixtures; thus broadening the recognition capabilities of its parent aptamers. The self-assembly of SD simultaneously formed multiple drug loading sites for the anticancer drug doxorubicin (Dox). The Dox-loaded SD (SD-Dox) also showed bispecific abilities for target cell binding and drug delivery. Most importantly, SD-Dox induced bispecific cytotoxicity in target cells in cell mixtures. Therefore, by broadening the otherwise limited recognition capabilities of monovalent aptamers, bispecific aptamer-based drug carriers would facilitate aptamer applications for clinically heterogeneous cancer subtypes that respond to the same cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Terra Nova, 24, 189-198, 2012 Abstract In situ U-Pb geochronology of detrital zircons from various Palaeozoic sedimentary rocks of West Junggar accretionary complexes (Central Asia) suggests two distinct episodes of arc magmatism, and an evolution in three steps: (i) Ordovician-Silurian subduction generating juvenile arc crust; (ii) Late Silurian subduction jamming, erosion and intraplate magmatism; (iii) development of two new opposed Devonian-Carboniferous subductions recycling the Early Palaeozoic crust. Zircon Hf isotopes document three pre-Permian episodes of mantle-derived magmatic input into the crust: (1) Neoproterozoic (850-550 Ma), (2) Early Palaeozoic (530-450 Ma) and (3) Late Palaeozoic (380-320 Ma). Zircons also record the recycling of Neoproterozoic and Early Palaeozoic juvenile crusts during the Early and Late Palaeozoic. These data support a model of episodic continental crust growth in Central Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The initial growth modes of Bi4LaTi3FeO15 thin films on (001) SrTiO3, (001) MgO and (001) Y:ZrO2 (YSZ) substrates are studied. Detailed crystal structure, microstructure and surface morphology characterizations substantiate that Bi4LaTi3FeO15 films grow on these substrates via three-dimensional grain growth mode. The synthesized Bi4LaTi3FeO15 films on (001) MgO and (001) SrTiO3 substrates do have c-axis epitaxial Aurivillius layered structure, and have relative smooth surface roughness. While films grown on (001) YSZ show the polycrystalline quality with large surface roughness. The different crystal quality of films grown on MgO/SrTiO3 and YSZ substrates is explained qualitatively by considering the different atomic surface structures of these substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

First-principles calculations of undoped HfO and cobalt-doped HfO have been carried out to study the magnetic properties of the dielectric material. In contrast to previous reports, it was found that the native defects in HfO could not induce strong ferromagnetism. However, the cobalt substituting hafnium is the most stable defect under oxidation condition, and the ferromagnetic (FM) coupling between the cobalt substitutions is favorable in various configurations. We found that the FM coupling is mediated by the threefold-coordinated oxygen atoms in monoclinic HfO and could be further enhanced in electron-rich condition. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2011 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stimuli-responsive hyperbranched polymers have attracted great attention in recent years because of their wide applications in biomedicine. Through proton-transfer polymerization of triethanolamine and 1,2,7,8-diepoxyoctane with the help of potassium hydride, a series of novel backbone thermo and pH dual-responsive hyperbranched poly(amine-ether)s were prepared successfully in one-pot. The degrees of branching of the resulting polymers were at 0.40-0.49. Turbidity measurements revealed that hyperbranched poly(amine-ether)s exhibited thermo and pH dual-responsive properties in water. Importantly, these responsivities could be readily adjusted by changing the polymer composition as well as the polymer concentration in aqueous solution. Moreover, in vitro evaluation demonstrated that hyperbranched poly(amine-ether)s showed low cytotoxicity and efficient cell internalization against NIH 3T3 cell lines. These results suggest that these backbone thermo and pH dual-responsive hyperbranched poly(amine-ether)s are promising materials for biomedicine. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) kinase 2 interacting protein-1 (GIT1) is a scaffold protein expressed in various cell types including neurons, endothelial, and vascular smooth muscle cells. The GIT1 knockout (KO) mouse has a pulmonary phenotype due to impaired endothelial function. Because GIT1 is tyrosine phosphorylated by Src kinase, we anticipated that GIT1 KO should have a bone phenotype similar to Src KO. Microcomputed tomography of the long bones revealed that GIT1 KO mice have a 2.3-fold increase in bone mass compared to wild-type controls. Histomorphometry showed increased trabecular number and connectivity suggesting impaired bone remodeling. Immunoblot analysis of GIT1 expression showed that it was expressed in both osteoclasts and osteoblasts. Osteoblast activity and function assayed by alkaline phosphatase, mineral nodule formation, and in vivo calcein labeling were normal in GIT1 KO mice suggesting that the observed increase in bone mass was due to an osteoclast defect. GIT1 KO bone marrow cells differentiated into multinucleated osteoclasts, but had defective bone resorbing function on dentin slices. This defect was likely caused by loss of podosome belt based on immunofluorescence analysis and previous studies showing that GIT1 is required for podosome formation. Furthermore, we found that GIT1 was a regulator of receptor activator of NFκB (RANK) signaling since it was tyrosine phosphorylated in a Src-dependent manner and was required for phospholipase C-γ2 phosphorylation. These data show that GIT1 is a key regulator of bone mass in vivo by regulating osteoclast function and suggest GIT1 as a potential target for osteoporosis therapy. J. Cell. Physiol. 225: 777-785, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Using the Chinese version of the Global School-based Health Survey (GSHS), this article describes the prevalence of being bullied among a nationally representative sample of Chinese students in grades 6-10 and explores the relationships between being bullied and selected indicators of psychosocial adjustment. METHODS: A total of 9015 students in middle schools in Beijing, Hangzhou, Wuhan, and Urumqi completed the Chinese version of the GSHS. Researchers analyzed the results from 2 questions about the frequency and form of being bullied and 11 questions about psychosocial adjustment. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used in the analysis. RESULTS: About 25.7% of middle school students reported being bullied on 1 or more of the past 30 days. Rates of being bullied were similar for males and females, but the forms of being bullied were different. Being bullied was significantly lower in Beijing than in the other 3 cities. There were significant psychosocial differences between students who had been bullied and students who had not been bullied. Students who had been involved in a physical fight, often felt lonely, or had considered suicide in the past 30 days were more likely to report being bullied. Students who thought that other students in their school were often kind and helpful, who felt parents often understood their troubles, or who were taught in school how to handle stress were less likely to report being bullied. Conclusions: Being bullied is not uncommon in Chinese middle schools. Chinese schools typically place great emphasis on academic achievement, perhaps at the expense of the social climate of the school. Results indicated schools could implement changes to the school climate to reduce the likelihood of students' being bullied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Premise of the study: Polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed to facilitate studies on the fine-scale population genetic structure of Ficus tikoua (Moraceae), a prostrate shrub known to have highly restricted gene flow. • Methods and Results: Microsatellite primers were developed using the biotin-streptavidin capture method and scanned for polymorphism within 76 individuals sampled from three natural F. tikoua populations. Fourteen loci were shown to be polymorphic, with allele numbers ranging from three to 16. The observed and expected heterozygosity in the three populations ranged from 0 to 1 and from 0 to 0.87, respectively. Substantial divergence was found among the populations at some loci. All loci can be successfully amplified in at least eight other Ficus species, indicating good transferability within the genus. • Conclusions: The 14 microsatellite loci will be a helpful tool for assessing the fine-scale genetic structure of F. tikoua. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Differential gene expression between hybrids and their parents is considered to be associated with heterosis. However, the physiological functions and possible contribution to heterosis of these differentially expressed genes are unknown. We have isolated one hybrid upregulated gene encoding putative wheat ADP-ribosylation factor, designated TaARF. In this study, real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis indicated that the TaARF transcript was preferentially expressed in root, node and crown, and the accumulation of TaARF mRNA in hybrid was more than 1.5-fold higher than that in two parents. In order to understand possible roles of the putative wheat ARF gene, TaARF was overexpressed in Arabidopsis, and the transgenic plants were characterized. We show that ectopic overexpression of TaARF in Arabidopsis leads to increased leaf area, increased growth rate and earlier transition to flowering, suggesting that TaARF plays significant roles in growth and development. This study provides evidence demonstrating that TaARF plays important roles in growth and development and we speculate that the upregulated expression of this gene might contribute to the heterosis observed in wheat root and leaf growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Adiponectin is an adipose-derived hormone that has anti-diabetic and anti-atherogenic effects through interaction with adiponectin receptors AdipoR1 and AdipoR2. We analyzed the transcriptional regulation of AdipoR1 by insulin. Insulin repressed the promoter activity of AdipoR1 in C2C12 myoblasts via PI3K and Foxo1. Deletion studies demonstrated the presence of a putative insulin-responsive region which is composed of a nuclear inhibitory protein (NIP) binding element. Mutation of the NIP element abrogated the negative regulation of AdipoR1 promoter by insulin. Insulin treatment could induce formation of a protein complex that bound the NIP element. Collectively, our data suggest that a repressive NIP element is involved in the negative regulation of AdipoR1 promoter by insulin. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Mutations in WNK4 have been linked to hypertension in PHAII. Paracellular ion transport has been reported to be involved in this disease process; however, the specific molecular target has not been identified. In this study, we found that TJ protein claudin-7 and WNK4 were partially co-localized in renal tubules of rat kidney and co-immunoprecipitated in kidney epithelial cells. The wild-type and PHAII-causing mutant, but not the kinase-dead mutant, phosphorylated claudin-7. We have identified ser206 in the COOH-terminus of claudin-7 as a putative phosphorylation site for WNK4. More importantly, disease-causing mutant enhanced claudin-7 phosphorylation and significantly increased paracellular permeability to Cl−. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) family members are multifunctional growth factors involved in regulating diverse biological processes. Despite the critical role for TGF-β in regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, migration and development, its role in regulating NF-κB-dependent inflammatory response still remains unclear. Here, we show that TGF-β1 induces acetylation of NF-κB p65 subunit to synergistically enhance bacterium nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae-induced NF-κB activation and inflammatory response in vitro and in vivo. The TGF-β1-induced acetylation of p65 is mediated via a Smad3/4-PKA-p300-dependent signaling pathway. Acetylation of p65 at lysine 221 by TGF-β1 is critical for synergistic enhancement of bacteria-induced DNA-binding activity, NF-κB activation, NF-κB-dependent transcription of TNF-α and IL-1β and interstitial polymorphonuclear neutrophil infiltration in vitro and in vivo. These studies provide new insights into the novel regulation of NF-κB by TGF-β signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]