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The work focuses on the optimization of management strategies of energy supply chain in oil–gas enterprises to find out the optimal management strategy and overcome the fragility of the traditional energy supply system. Back propagation neural network (BPNN) is applied to energy supply predicting and energy security early warning in oil–gas enterprises, and the security early warning system is designed based on the auxiliary cognitive system. The security early warning system is used to predict the peak value of oil and gas supply, and then the detection performances and the data security transmission performances of different models are compared and analysed. Finally, a comprehensive evaluation model for security management of oil–gas supply chain based on the neural network is established. It is found that compared with convolutional neural network (CNNs), the improved BPNN model algorithm proposed shows increased accuracy by 5.4%, reduced model training time and test time, and improved accuracy and recall rate. The accuracy, recall rate, and F1 value of the proposed model are 88.48%, 75.88%, and 96.21%, respectively, which were obviously higher than those of the CNN. It suggests that the improved security management model of oil–gas supply chain shows better recognition and prediction accuracy. Based on the quantitative and qualitative analysis results, the optimization suggestions for management strategies in oil–gas enterprises are put forward, which is of strategic significance for improving the security of oil–gas supply. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper nanoclusters (CuNCs) are emerging electrochemiluminescence (ECL) emitters with unique molecule‐like electronic structures, high abundance, and low cost. However, the synthesis of CuNCs with high ECL efficiency and stability in a scalable manner remains challenging. Here, we report a facile gram‐scale approach for preparing self‐assembled CuNCs (CuNCsAssy) induced by ligands with exceptionally boosted anodic ECL and stability. Compared to the disordered aggregates that are inactive in ECL, the CuNCsAssy shows a record anodic ECL efficiency for CuNCs (10 %, wavelength‐corrected, relative to Ru(bpy)3Cl2/tripropylamine). Mechanism studies revealed the unusual dual functions of ligands in simultaneously facilitating electrochemical excitation and radiative transition. Moreover, the assembly addressed the limitation of poor stability of conventional CuNCs. As a proof of concept, an ECL biosensor for alkaline phosphatase detection was successfully constructed with an ultralow limit of detection of 8.1×10−6 U/L. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper nanoclusters (CuNCs) are emerging electrochemiluminescence (ECL) emitters with unique molecule‐like electronic structures, high abundance, and low cost. However, the synthesis of CuNCs with high ECL efficiency and stability in a scalable manner remains challenging. Here, we report a facile gram‐scale approach for preparing self‐assembled CuNCs (CuNCsAssy) induced by ligands with exceptionally boosted anodic ECL and stability. Compared to the disordered aggregates that are inactive in ECL, the CuNCsAssy shows a record anodic ECL efficiency for CuNCs (10 %, wavelength‐corrected, relative to Ru(bpy)3Cl2/tripropylamine). Mechanism studies revealed the unusual dual functions of ligands in simultaneously facilitating electrochemical excitation and radiative transition. Moreover, the assembly addressed the limitation of poor stability of conventional CuNCs. As a proof of concept, an ECL biosensor for alkaline phosphatase detection was successfully constructed with an ultralow limit of detection of 8.1×10−6 U/L. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The neurotoxicity of 2,2',4,4'‐tetrabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE‐47) is closely linked to mitochondrial abnormalities while mitophagy is vital for mitochondrial homeostasis. However, whether PBDE‐47 disrupts mitophagy contributing to impaired neurodevelopment remain elusive. Here, this study showed that neonatal PBDE‐47 exposure caused learning and memory deficits in adult rats, accompanied with striatal mitochondrial abnormalities, neuronal apoptosis and the resultant neuronal loss. Mechanistically, PBDE‐47 suppressed PINK1/Parkin‐mediated mitophagy induction and degradation, inducing mitophagosome accumulation and mitochondrial dysfunction in vivo and in vitro. Additionally, stimulation of mitophagy by adenovirus‐mediated Parkin or Autophagy‐related protein 7 (Atg7) overexpression aggravated PBDE‐47‐induced mitophagosome accumulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, neuronal apoptosis and death. Conversely, suppression of mitophagy by the siRNA knockdown of Atg7 rescued PBDE‐47‐induced detrimental consequences. Importantly, melatonin, a hormone secreted rhythmically by the pineal, improved PBDE‐47‐caused neurotoxicity via preventing neuronal apoptosis and loss by restoring mitophagic activity and mitochondrial function. These neuroprotective effects of melatonin depended on activation of the AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK)/Unc‐51‐like kinase 1 (ULK1) signaling. Collectively, these data indicate that PBDE‐47 impairs mitophagy to perturb mitochondrial homeostasis, thus triggering apoptosis, leading to neuronal loss and consequent neurobehavioral deficits. Manipulation of the AMPK‐mitophagy axis via melatonin could be a novel therapeutic strategy against developmental PBDE‐47 neurotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Remarkable exertions are directed to reveal and understand topographic cues that induce cell mechanical sensitive responses including lineage determination. Extracellular matrix (ECM) is the sophisticated ensemble of diverse factors offering the complicated cellular microenvironment to regulate cell behaviors. However, the functions of only a few of these factors are revealed; most of them are still poorly understood. Herein, the focus is on understanding the curved structure in ECM network for regulating stem cell mechanotransduction. A curved nanofiber network mimicking the curved structure in ECM is fabricated by an improved electrospinning technology. Compared with the straight fibers, the curved fibers promote cell bridge formation because of the cytoskeleton tension. The actomyosin filaments are condensed near the curved edge of the non‐adhesive bridge in the bridging cells, which generates higher myosin‐II‐based intracellular force. This force drives cell lineage commitment toward osteogenic differentiation. This study enriches and perfects the knowledge of the effects of topographic cues on cell behaviors and guides the development of novel biomaterials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two experiments were conducted to explore whether and why procedural fairness may promote cooperation. In both experiments, participants first took part in a task in which they were connected to an allocator who then either selected a fair or an unfair procedure for allocating outcomes between them. After this manipulation of procedural fairness, participants performed a second task in which we studied their cooperation in a chicken game. In Experiment 1, participants were informed that their opponent in the chicken game was the same person who had previously selected the fair (vs. unfair) procedure. In Experiment 2, participants learned that their opponent in the chicken game had not been involved in the selection of the prior procedure. Both studies showed that having experienced a fair (vs. unfair) procedure facilitated subsequent cooperation in the chicken game. Mediation analyses suggest that this positive effect was explained by the finding that the prior experience of procedural fairness induced participants to expect higher levels of cooperation from their opponent, even when this opponent was not involved in the prior experience of procedural fairness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

North Patrininae herba, a perennial herbaceous plant, has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat appendicitis, enteritis, and dysentery. Sonchus arvensis L., Sonchus oleraceus L., and Ixeris chinensis (Thunb.) Nakai are used as substitutes for North Patrininae in different regions, but the consistency of chemical composition and efficacy of these three species is still unknown. In this study, a detailed chemical analysis was carried out of the extract obtained from Sonchus arvensis L., Ixeris chinensis (Thunb.) Nakai and Sonchus oleraceus L. and a chemical component not previously reported in Ixeris chinensis (Thunb.) Nakai was found—Luteolin‐7‐O‐(6''‐malonylglucoside). The mechanism of action of the extract against inflammation and type II diabetes was investigated using network pharmacology and analysis of blood‐absorbed components following oral dosing of rats. Finally, a highly accurate and reliable method was established for quality control purposes. The results showed that Sonchus arvensis L. and Sonchus oleraceus L. may be considered potential resources of a medicinal compound, whereas Ixeris chinensis (Thunb.) Nakai requires further evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fertility is a significant concern among adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors and their caregivers, especially after their completion of cancer treatment programs. Concerns about fertility affect not only cancer patients' psychological well‐being, but also all aspects of their medical treatments, including treatment protocol, decision‐making, and treatment adherence. In this scoping review, the PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Embase, CNKI, and Wanfang electronic databases were searched according to the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis Extension for Scoping Reviews. The searches identified 669 articles, 54 of which met the inclusion criteria. Reviewers extracted the data on the study characteristics, measurements, positive factors, negative factors, and additional themes. This scoping review included studies from 10 countries. Most studies were quantitative using a cross‐sectional design. The prevalence of reproductive concerns among AYA cancer survivors ranged from 44% to 86%, and 28% to 44% of the survivors experienced moderate to severe concerns. The specific implementation of fertility consultation, including timing, consult frequency, and content, deserves ongoing exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lung cancer (LC) is one of the most common cancers and a leading cause of cancer‐related deaths worldwide. In many pathological conditions, particularly in the tumor microenvironment, cells and tissues frequently exist in a hypoxic state. Here, we evaluated Itchy E3 ubiquitin protein ligase (ITCH) expression in LC cells following hypoxia treatment. Methods: LC cell lines were treated with hypoxic condition. Cell migration, invasion, inflammation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and apoptosis of LC cells were determined by wound healing assay, Transwell invasive assay, ELISA, DCFH‐DA staining, and flow cytometry, respectively. qPCR and WB were used to determine the expression of ITCH and TXNIP. Co‐IP was performed to assess the interaction between ITCH and TXNIP. Results: ITCH expression was downregulated in LC cells under hypoxic conditions. Next, LC cells were subjected to hypoxic conditions and changes in cell viability and metastasis were determined. Hypoxic conditions resulted in increased migration and invasion abilities of LC cells. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, inflammation, and apoptosis were also promoted by hypoxia. We found that ITCH overexpression led to the proteasomal degradation of thioredoxin‐interacting protein (TXNIP), whereas the expression of the ITCH C830A mutant did not affect TXNIP levels in LC cells. The gain‐of‐function experiment demonstrated that migration, invasion, ROS generation, inflammation, and apoptosis of hypoxia‐conditioned LC cells were ameliorated by ITCH overexpression, whereas the ITCH C830A mutant did not cause any changes in these phenotypes. Furthermore, the contribution of TXNIP knockdown and ITCH overexpression to the hypoxia‐induced features in LC cells with ITCH C830A was found to be similar. Conclusion: Our results suggest a novel mechanism underlying the changes in ITCH‐mediated malignant phenotypes of hypoxia‐conditioned LC cells via TXNIP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the relationship between socio‐economic status (SES) and prosocial practices has been extensively studied, little is known about the role that social capital plays in this relationship. This study examines the mediating effect of different forms of social capital, including informal neighbourhood capital, membership in voluntary associations, and professional connection, on the relationship between SES and prosocial practices. A total of 3,300 urban samples and 2,170 rural samples from the Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS) 2012 were selected to conduct two‐group structural equation modelling. Our results suggested that (a) all three forms of social capital mediated the effect of SES on donating, but only informal neighbourhood capital and membership mediated the effect of SES on volunteering, and (b) SES had a different relationship with social capital in urban China than in rural China. SES had a weak positive correlation with informal neighbourhood capital in rural areas but a negative one in urban areas. SES also had a stronger relationship with membership in voluntary associations in rural areas. Our analyses support the notion that higher SES promotes prosocial practices through social capital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive glioma, and is prone to develop resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy; hence, patients with glioblastoma have a high recurrence rate and a low 1‐year survival rate. In addition, the pathogenesis of glioblastoma is complex and largely unknown, and the available treatments are limited. Here, we uncovered a fundamental role of DYRK1A in regulating NFATC1 in GBMs. We found that DYRK1A was highly expressed in glioma and glioblastoma cells, and its expression was positively correlated with that of NFATC1. Moreover, inhibition of DYRK1A promoted NFATC1 degradation in GBM cells and sharply reduced the transactivation of NFATC1, not only by decreasing the expression of NFATC1‐targeted genes, but also by reducing the luciferase activity, and vice versa. However, DYRK1A had the opposite effect on NFATC2. Most importantly, our data suggest that DYRK1A inhibition reduces glioblastoma migration. Polypeptides derived from the DYRK1A‐targeted motif of NFATC1, by competitively blocking DYRK1A kinase activity on NFATC1, clearly destabilized NFATC1 protein and impaired glioblastoma migration. We propose that the recovery of NFATC1 stability is a key oncogenic event in a large proportion of gliomas, and pharmacological inhibition of DYRK1A by polypeptides could represent a promising therapeutic intervention for GBM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Journey to crime describes the spatial patterns of offenders from their residential area to the crime location. When compared to other research topics regarding urban crime, there is still a lack of research on journey to crime, especially in China, as a result of which the behavioural motivation of offenders cannot be comprehensively examined. Four typical types of crimes committed against property (pickpocketing, robbery, theft and burglary) were investigated in the Nanguan District of Changchun from 2010 to 2016. The results showed significant effects of the demographic characteristics of offenders and spatiotemporal factors on the journey to crime. In terms of the place of household registration, offenders from the central urban districts of Changchun tend to commit short‐distance local robbery, whereas those from the suburban counties tend to commit long‐distance non‐local crimes. With increasing population density, the proportion of local plunders increases directly. This study aims to encourage urban managers to rethink the governance of floating populations, and assist police in strengthening social security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Lung cancer (LC) and breast cancer (BC) are the most common causes of brain metastases (BMs). Time from primary diagnosis to BM (TPDBM) refers to the time interval between initial LC or BC diagnosis and development of BM. This research aims to identify clinical, molecular, and therapeutic risk factors associated with shorter TPDBM. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all diagnosed LC and BC patients with BM at Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital from 2016 to 2020. A total of 570 patients with LC brain metastasis (LCBM) and 173 patients with breast cancer brain metastasis (BCBM) patients who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled for further analysis. BM free survival time curves were generated using Kaplan–Meier analyses. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were applied to identify risk factors associated with earlier development of BM in LC and BC, respectively. Results: The median TPDBM was 5.3 months in LC and 44.4 months in BC. In multivariate analysis, clinical stage IV and M1 stage were independent risk factors for early development of LCBM. LC patients who received chemotherapy, targeted therapy, pulmonary radiotherapy, and pulmonary surgery had longer TPDBM. For BC patients, age ≥ 50 years, Ki67 ≥ 0.3, HER2 positive or triple‐negative breast cancer subtype, advanced N stage, and no mastectomy were correlated with shorter TPDBM. Conclusions: This single‐institutional study helps identify patients who have a high risk of developing BM early. For these patients, early detection and intervention could have clinical benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitric oxide (NO) exhibits both pro‐ and anti‐tumor effects. Therefore, real‐time in vivo imaging and quantification of tumor NO dynamics are essential for understanding the conflicting roles of NO played in pathophysiology. The current molecular probes, however, cannot provide high‐resolution imaging in deep tissues, making them unsuitable for these purposes. Herein, we designed a photoacoustic probe with an absorption maximum beyond 1000 nm for high spatial quantitative imaging of in vivo tumor NO dynamics. The probe exhibits remarkable sensitivity, selective ratiometric response behavior, and good tumor‐targeting abilities, facilitating ratiometric imaging of tumor NO throughout tumor progression in a micron‐resolution level. Using the probe as the imaging agent, we successfully quantified NO dynamics in tumor, liver and kidney. We have pinpointed an essential concentration threshold of around 80 nmol/cm3 for NO, which plays a crucial role in the "double‐edged‐sword" function of NO in tumors. Furthermore, we revealed a reciprocal relationship between the NO concentration in tumors and that in the liver, providing initial insights into the possible NO‐mediated communication between tumor and the liver. We believe that the probe will help resolve conflicting aspects of NO biology and guide the design of imaging agents for tumor diagnosis and anti‐cancer drug screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitric oxide (NO) exhibits both pro‐ and anti‐tumor effects. Therefore, real‐time in vivo imaging and quantification of tumor NO dynamics are essential for understanding the conflicting roles of NO played in pathophysiology. The current molecular probes, however, cannot provide high‐resolution imaging in deep tissues, making them unsuitable for these purposes. Herein, we designed a photoacoustic probe with an absorption maximum beyond 1000 nm for high spatial quantitative imaging of in vivo tumor NO dynamics. The probe exhibits remarkable sensitivity, selective ratiometric response behavior, and good tumor‐targeting abilities, facilitating ratiometric imaging of tumor NO throughout tumor progression in a micron‐resolution level. Using the probe as the imaging agent, we successfully quantified NO dynamics in tumor, liver and kidney. We have pinpointed an essential concentration threshold of around 80 nmol/cm3 for NO, which plays a crucial role in the "double‐edged‐sword" function of NO in tumors. Furthermore, we revealed a reciprocal relationship between the NO concentration in tumors and that in the liver, providing initial insights into the possible NO‐mediated communication between tumor and the liver. We believe that the probe will help resolve conflicting aspects of NO biology and guide the design of imaging agents for tumor diagnosis and anti‐cancer drug screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study investigates the impact of pension on depressive symptoms among Chinese older adults. Additional effort is made to test the mediating effect of multidimensional downward intergenerational support and the moderating effect of age on this relationship. Methods: A total of 1828 Chinese older community‐dwellers who met our inclusion criteria are drawn from the 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. Multivariate regression modeling is applied to analyze the effect of pensions on depressive symptoms of older adults. Additionally, bootstrap method with resampling strategies is used to estimate the mediating effect of three dimensions of downward intergenerational support (instrumental, emotional, and financial support). Further, Johnson‐Neyman technique is employed to analysis and visualize the moderating effect of age. Results: The findings reveal a significant inverse relationship between pension levels and depressive symptoms (B = −6.664, SE = 2.826, p < 0.05). The analysis shows that downward intergenerational emotional support (B = −0.195, Boot SE = 0.103, 95% Boot CI [−0.404, −0.003]) serves as a partial mediator in this relationship. Furthermore, the results highlight the moderating role of age in the linkage between pension and depressive symptoms (B = 0.065, SE = 0.039, p < 0.1). Discussion: This investigation is pioneering in simultaneously assessing the mediating role of multidimensional downward intergenerational support and the moderating effect of age in the context of pension and depressive symptoms. The study underscores the necessity of an interdisciplinary approach in devising comprehensive intervention strategies. These should encompass pension policy consultation, respite services, and other crucial elements aimed at mitigating the severity or reducing the risk of depressive symptoms among the older adults. Key points: We discovered a moderating effect of age on the relationship between pension benefits and depressive symptoms in older adults, and further elucidated this effect using the Johnson‐Neyman method.Concurrently, we employed bootstrapping methods to validate the mediating effect of downward intergenerational support between pension benefits and depressive symptoms in older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dielectric metasurfaces have significant potential for delivering miniaturized optical systems with versatile functionalities, leading to applications in various fields such as orbital angular momentum generation, imaging, and holography. Among the different materials, crystalline silicon has the advantage of technological maturity and high refractive index, which increases design flexibility and processing latitude. The second, and often overlooked, advantage of silicon is that it affords embedding the metasurface in a protective material such as silica, which is essential for practical applications. The trade‐off against this high refractive index is silicon's absorption at visible wavelength, which requires new design strategies. Here, such a strategy based on metasurfaces supporting air modes is identified that can lead to a transmission efficiency as high as 87% at a wavelength of 532 nm. This exceptional efficiency is obtained by using the high index to confine the electric field in the periphery of the meta‐atoms, thereby reducing absorption losses. As an example, the design of a fully embedded metasurface is described that can generate vortex beams with various orders of orbital angular momentum. It is envisioned that the proposed strategy paves the way for practical applications of high‐efficiency metasurfaces based on crystalline silicon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cooperation is vital for modern society. Previous studies showed that procedural fairness promotes cooperation; however, they mainly focused on cooperation intention, which may fail to reveal actual cooperative behaviour. Moreover, little is known regarding the personality boundary of the effect of procedural fairness on cooperation. Guided by previous findings that self‐esteem increases sensitivity to procedural unfairness, we attempted to explore the moderating effect of self‐esteem on the association between procedural fairness and cooperative behaviour. In Experiment 1, 160 participants' self‐esteem was measured using the Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale; procedural fairness was manipulated in two conditions, depending on whether money was allocated in an economic game by rolling the dice twice or an allocator's arbitrary choice. Cooperative behaviour was assessed using the chicken game paradigm. Experiment 2 (148 participants) aimed to replicate and extend the results of Experiment 1 using a more rigorous experimental design, in which the possible effect of outcome favourability was excluded. The results of both experiments consistently showed that procedural fairness positively predicted cooperative behaviour, and this association was significant in high‐self‐esteem individuals, but not in low‐self‐esteem individuals. These findings shed light on the vital role of self‐esteem in understanding the relationship between procedural fairness and cooperative behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic manganese (Mn) exposure can disturb mitochondrial homeostasis leading to mitochondrial dysfunction, which is involved in Mn‐induced neurodegenerative diseases. Resveratrol (RSV), as a promoter of mitochondrial biogenesis, plays a significant role against mitochondrial dysfunction. However, whether RSV can relieve Mn‐induced neuronal injury and mitochondrial dysfunction remains unknown. Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3), a main mitochondrial sirtuin, is an important regulator of mitochondria to maintain mitochondrial homeostasis. Therefore, this study investigated whether SIRT3 was required for RSV alleviating Mn‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction in primary cultured neurons from C57BL/6 mice. Here, we showed that Mn (100 and 200 μM) exposure for 24 hr caused significant neuronal damage and mitochondrial dysfunction through increasing mitochondrial ROS, reducing mitochondrial membrane potential and adenosine triphosphate level, and leading to mitochondrial network fragmentation, which could be ameliorated by RSV pretreatment in primary cultured neurons. Additionally, our results also indicated that RSV could activate the SIRT1/PGC‐1α signaling pathway and alleviate Mn‐induced disruption of mitochondrial biogenesis by increasing SIRT1 expression and activity, enhancing deacetylation of PGC‐1α. Furthermore, SIRT3 over‐expression increased deacetylation of mitochondrial transcription factor A and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number. Oppositely, silencing SIRT3 increased acetylation of mitochondrial transcription factor A and decreased mtDNA copy number. Our results showed SIRT3 was required for the protective effect of RSV in mitochondrial biogenesis. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that RSV could ameliorate Mn‐induced neuronal injury and mitochondrial dysfunction in primary cultured neurons through activating the SIRT1/ PGC‐1α signaling pathway, and that SIRT3 is required for promoting mitochondrial biogenesis and attenuating Mn‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymer binders that combine active materials with conductive agents have played a critical role in maintaining the structural integrity of phosphorus anodes with a huge volume change upon sodiation/desodiation. Herein, the role of binders on the structural/chemical stability of phosphorus/carbon anode is spectroscopically uncovered through unexpected mechanism. Surprisingly, the selection of different binders is found to determine the oxidation degree of active phosphorus in various electrodes, which correlate well with their electrochemical properties. At a high oxidation degree, the electrode applying a conventional poly(vinylidene difluoride) binder displays the worst electrochemical properties, while the electrode using a sodium alginate binder delivers the best electrochemical performance (a highly reversible capacity of 1064 mAh g−1 with a 90.1% capacity retention at 800 mA g−1 after 200 cycles and an outstanding rate capability of 401 mAh g−1 at 8000 mA g−1) for its negligible oxidation. Additionally, the emergence/decomposition of surface intermediates, including (PO2)3− and (PO4)3− species, are observed in the discharging/charging processes via the ex situ P K‐edge X‐ray absorption spectroscopies. This novel discovery of the unique role of binders in phosphorus anodes, not only provides an opportunity to ameliorate their electrochemical properties, but also enables their practical applications in high‐energy sodium‐ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region (IGHV) mutational status has been an important prognostic factor for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) for decades. Patients with unmutated IGHV (≥98% identity to the germline sequence) have inferior prognosis and tend to carry unfavorable genetic markers compared to those with mutated IGHV (<98% identity to the germline sequence). However, 98% as the cutoff for IGHV mutational status is a mathematical choice and remains controversial. We have previously reported distinct IGHV repertoire features between Chinese and western CLL populations. Here, we retrospectively studied 595 Chinese CLL patients to determine the best cutoff value for IGHV in Chinese CLL population. Using 1% as the interval for IGHV identity, we divided the studied cohort into seven subgroups from 95% to 100%. Briefer time to first treatment (TTFT) and overall survival (OS) were observed in cases with ≥98% compared to those with <98%, while the differences were obscure within subgroups ≥98% (98%‐98.99%, 99%‐99.99%, and 100%) and <98% (<94.99%, 95%‐95.99%, 96%‐96.99%, and 97%‐97.99%). Multivariate analysis confirmed the independent prognostic value of 98% being the cutoff for IGHV identity in terms of both TTFT and OS. All the prognostic factors, including del(17p13), del(11q22.3), TP53 mutation, MYD88 mutation, NOTCH1 mutation, SF3B1 mutation, CD38, ZAP‐70, Binet staging, gender, and β2‐microglobulin, were significantly different in distribution between group <98% and group ≥98%, but not among subgroups 98%‐98.99%, 99%‐99.99%, and 100%. In conclusion, 98% is the optimal cutoff of IGHV identity for the prognosis evaluation of Chinese CLL patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effect of Lactobacillus plantarum strain 299v on gut health in suckling piglets. Sixty newborn piglets were assigned to control and probiotic treatments, with three litters per treatment (ten piglets/litter). From days 1 to 20 of life, piglets were orally administered a placebo of 0.1% peptone or 1.0 ×  1010 CFU L. plantarum 299v daily. Six piglets per treatment were sacrificed on day 20, and intestinal tissues (including duodenum, jejunum, ileum and colon) and the intestinal contents from colon segments were collected. The results demonstrated that piglets treated with L. plantarum 299v had a lower diarrhoea incidence than the controls. L. plantarum 299v administration significantly increased the ratio of the villus height to the crypt depth in the jejunum and ileum, as well as the mRNA expression of jejunal occludin and ileal zonula occludens 1 (ZO‐1). The L. plantarum treatment also increased the mRNA abundance of porcine β‐defensin 2 (pBD2) and pBD3 in the jejunum and ileum and of toll‐like receptors (TLRs), such as TLR2, TLR4, TLR6 and TLR9 in the ileum, and significantly upregulated the mRNA abundances of ileal pBD1 and colonic TLR4. Additionally, the L. plantarum 299v treatment significantly changed the structure of the colonic microbiota, as evidenced by the obvious increases in the relative abundances of the phyla Firmicutes and Actinobacteria and of the genus Lactobacillus. Our findings indicate that L. plantarum 299v facilitates the gut health of suckling piglets, probably by improving the intestinal morphology and intestinal barrier function and by modifying the structure of the gut microbiota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: P0 protein of some polerovirus members can target ARGONAUTE1 (AGO1) to suppress RNA silencing. Although P0 harbors an F‐box‐like motif reported to be essential for interaction with S phase kinase‐associated protein 1 (SKP1) and RNA silencing suppression, it is the autophagy pathway that was shown to contribute to AGO1 degradation. Therefore, the role of P0–SKP1 interaction in silencing suppression remains unclear.We conducted global mutagenesis and comparative functional analysis of P0 encoded by Brassica yellows virus (BrYV) (P0Br).We found that several residues within P0Br are required for local and systemic silencing suppression activities. Remarkably, the F‐box‐like motif mutant of P0Br, which failed to interact with SKP1, is destabilized in vivo. Both the 26S proteasome system and autophagy pathway play a role in destabilization of the mutant protein. Furthermore, silencing of a Nicotiana benthamiana SKP1 ortholog leads to the destabilization of P0Br. Genetic analyses indicated that the P0Br–SKP1 interaction is not directly required for silencing suppression activity of P0Br, but it facilitates stability of P0Br to ensure efficient RNA silencing suppression. Consistent with these findings, efficient systemic infection of BrYV requires P0Br.Our results reveal a novel strategy used by BrYV for facilitating viral suppressors of RNA silencing stability against degradation by plant cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cigarettes contain various chemicals with the potential to influence metabolic health. Exposure to cigarette smoke causes a dysfunction in pancreatic β‐cells and impairs insulin production. However, the mechanisms for cigarette smoke‐induced reduction of insulin remain largely unclear. Data from 558 patients with diabetes showed that, with smoking pack‐years, homeostatic model assessment (HOMA)‐β (a method for assessing β‐cell function) decreased and that HOMA of insulin resistance increased. For β‐cells (MIN6), cigarette smoke extract (CSE) increased the levels of thioredoxin‐interacting protein (TXNIP) and the long noncoding (lnc)RNA, metastasis‐associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1), and downregulated the levels of the transcription factor, mafA, and microRNA (miR)‐17. MALAT1, one of four lncRNAs predicted to regulate miR‐17, was knocked down by small interfering RNA (siRNA). For these cells, an miR‐17 mimic inhibited TXNIP and enhanced the production of insulin. Knockdown of MALAT1 induced an increase in miR‐17, which suppressed TXNIP and promoted the production of insulin. In the sera of patients with diabetes who smoked, there were higher MALAT1 levels and lower miR‐17 levels than in the sera of nonsmokers. Thus, CSE inhibits insulin production by upregulating TXNIP via MALAT1‐mediated downregulation of miR‐17, which provides an understanding of the processes involved in the reduced β‐cells function caused by cigarette smoke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Na‐O2 batteries have attracted extensive attention as promising candidates for large‐scale energy storage due to their ultrahigh theoretical energy density. However, the poor cycling performance of Na‐O2 batteries is one of the major challenges facing its future development. A novel Na‐O2 battery using electrically connected carbon paper with Na metal as a protected anode is presented in this study. The O2− crossover from the cathode to anode partially contributes to the limited Coulombic efficiency, as well as the Na corrosion during the cycling process. For the cells with protected Na, the carbon paper maintains a pseudo‐equal potential with the Na metal and works as an artificial protective layer to suppress the detrimental side reactions caused by O2− and O2 crossover toward the Na electrode. Furthermore, the short‐circuiting issue caused by Na dendrite growth also can be completely resolved. Consequently, the Na‐O2 cells with protected Na exhibit two times higher discharge capacity and cycling stability compared with the cells using bare Na. These results indicate the crucial role of the Na anode in determining the overall cell performance and a rational design of anode can dramatically contribute to develop advanced Na‐O2 batteries with longer lifespans and better cycling performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The intricate charge–discharge reactions and bad conductivity nature of sulfur determine the extreme importance of cathode engineering for Li–S batteries. Herein, spinel ZnCo2O4 porous particles@N‐doped reduced graphene oxide (ZnCo2O4@N‐RGO) are prepared via the combined procedures of refluxing and hydrothermal treatment, consisting of interconnected uniform ZnCo2O4 nanocubes with an average size of 5 nm anchored on graphene nanosheets. The as‐obtained composite can act as an inimitable cathode scaffold to suppress the shuttling of polysulfides by chemical confinement of ZnCo2O4 and N‐RGO for the first time, as demonstrated by the adsorption energy of ZnCo2O4 to Li2S4 via the strong chemical bonding between Zn or Co and S. The RGO nanosheets with a relatively high specific surface area provide a good conductive network and structural stability. The introduction of doped N atoms and numerous ZnCo2O4 porous nanoparticles can inhibit the transfer of lithium polysulfides between the cathode and anode. Due to the unique structural and compositional features, the as‐obtained hybrid materials with the high sulfur loading of 71% and even 82% still deliver high specific capacity, good rate capability, and enhanced cycling stability with exceptionally high initial Coulombic efficiency, which displays a high utilization of sulfur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artemisinin is a naturally occurring antimalarial agent which has shown potent anticancer activity. In this work, new artemisinin derivatives with the piperazine group were synthesized. The cytotoxic activities of derivatives 5a- 5d were evaluated by MTT assay against ten cell lines. The results showed that 5a- 5d were more effective in inhibiting cancer cell growth than artemisinin. 5d was the most active against HepG2 and PLC- PRF-5 cells and presented no cytotoxicity on L-02 cells. Hoechst 33342 staining and flow cytometry experiment revealed that 5d could induce HepG2 and PLC- PRF-5 cell apoptosis. Flow cytometry analysis showed that 5d induced the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential ( MMP) and increased the levels of intracellular free calcium and reactive oxygen species. 5d also induced cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase in HepG2 cells. According to the results of Western blotting and caspase-3 kit, 5d could significantly increase the content of p53, bax, Apaf-1, and caspase-3 and decrease the protein level of bcl-2, pro-caspase-9, and pro-caspase-3 in HepG2 cells. These findings indicate that 5d activates the mitochondria-mediated apoptotic pathway in HepG2 cells and may merit further investigation as a potential therapeutic agent for hepatocellular carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background This study was conducted to investigate the exchange protein directly activated by c AMP ( Epac1), PDE4, and PKC expression in breast cancer tissues, and the correlation between these proteins and AKAP95, Cx43, cyclin D2, and cyclin E1. Methods PV-9000 two-step immunohistochemistry was used to analyze protein expression. Results The positive rate of Epac1 protein expression in breast cancer tissues (58%) was higher than in para-carcinoma tissues (10%) ( P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the positive rates of PDE4 and PKC expression between breast cancer and para-carcinoma tissues ( P > 0.05). The positive expression rate of PDE4 was higher in the P53 protein positive group compared to the P53 negative group ( P < 0.05). Correlations between Epac1 and cyclin D2, PDE4 and cyclin D2, AKAP95 and PKC, Cx43 and PKC, and cyclin D2 and PKC proteins were observed ( P < 0.05). Conclusion Epac1 expression in breast cancer tissues was increased, suggesting that the protein may be involved in the development of breast cancer. Correlations between Epac1 and cyclin D2, PDE4 and cyclin D2, AKAP95 and PKC, Cx43 and PKC, and cyclin D2 and PKC proteins suggested synergistic effects among these proteins in the development of breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe a novel method of medial fixation of titanium mesh with a right‐angled screwdriver for orbital floor and maxillary reconstruction and to compare the reconstruction outcome of orbital floor reconstruction with modified and traditional methods. Methods: The data of 23 patients who underwent maxillectomy and orbital floor defect reconstruction by individualized titanium mesh in Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology between 2018 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. While eight patients received modified orbital floor reconstruction with titanium mesh and angled screwdriver (group A), 15 patients received traditional orbital floor reconstruction (group B). The contact area with buccal flap for titanium mesh in groups A and B was calculated. Titanium mesh deformation, fracture or exposure was recorded. Postoperative ophthalmic function and success of esthetic restoration were assessed. Results: Mean follow‐up was for 15.7 months (range, 9–22 months). The contact area with buccal flap for the modified titanium mesh in group A (13.11 ± 1.41 cm2) was significantly less than that of the traditional titanium mesh in group B (21.83 ± 1.23 cm2; p <.05). The exposure of titanium mesh occurred in two patients in group B. The self‐evaluation of facial symmetry for 23 patients showed no significant difference between group A (7.75 ± 0.71) and group B (6.68 ± 1.30; p >.05). No specific complications were reported. Conclusion: We propose a novel method of zygomatic medial fixation of titanium mesh with a right‐angled screwdriver for orbital floor and maxillary reconstruction, which has the potential to prevent the postoperative exposure of titanium mesh. Level of Evidence: Level III (Retrospective comparative study). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Catalysts can play a critical role in the development of sodium-air batteries (SABs). Atomic layer deposition (ALD) technology enables rational design and atomic utilization of catalyst by homogenously distributing catalytically active material on a variety of substrates. Here, a novel hierarchical nanostructured Co3O4 is decorated on carbon nanotubes by ALD (CNT@Co3O4) and used as a catalyst for SABs. CNT@Co3O4 demonstrates better performance and longer cycle life than a mechanically mixed CNT/Co3O4 nanocomposite. Well-dispersed ALD Co3O4 catalyst on CNTs, which serves as functionalized active sites, enables rapid electron exchange and high oxygen reduction/evolution activities. Synchrotron-based X-ray analysis including X-ray absorption near edge structure, extended X-ray absorption fine structure, and scanning transmission X-ray microscopy characterization techniques have been employed to elucidate the activity of Co3O4 and to investigate the nanoscale discharge product distribution found in SABs. This analysis reveals that Co3O4 catalyst can promote the electrochemical decomposition of sodium peroxide, superoxide, and carbonates. The role of the catalyst in SABs is clarified and discussed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The synthesis of poly(trimethylene carbonate) via carbene catalyzed ring-opening polymerization (ROP) was investigated. The N-heterocyclic carbenes were protected as CO2-adducts to improve their handling (e.g., carbene generation without base). The influence of catalyst structure, different solvents and microwave radiation on conversion, molecular weight and end groups was investigated to gain an insight into the reaction mechanism. Different NHC structures were investigated for their catalytic activity toward the ROP of trimethylene carbonate. The analytic studies were performed by using NMR spectroscopy, SEC and ESI-IMS mass spectrometry. It was found that the reaction can be performed in acetonitrile, toluene, THF and CH2Cl2. Synthesis in CH2Cl2 allows the best control over the resulting polymer with regards to polydispersity and molecular weight. Microwave radiation accelerates the reaction at 80 °C. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 820-829 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In social insects, the efficiency of exploitation of resources and colony defence are mediated by chemical communication. In colonies dependent on nutritionally limited resources, corpses represent both a food resource and a risk of pathogens. Because this risk vs. reward changes with time after death, behavioural plasticity in the response to corpses would be advantageous. How social insects regulate this trade-off remains unknown., We conducted quantitative behavioural bioassay and chemical analysis to study corpse management in the eastern subterranean termite, Reticulitermes flavipes. We hypothesized that R. flavipes responds differently towards corpses with prolonged post-mortem time, and this behavioural plasticity is mediated by the dynamic change in death cues., We show that R. flavipes uses a post-mortem signalling system that depends on an early death cue that stimulates corpse retrieval and cannibalism, and late death cues that stimulate recruitment and burial. A blend of 3-octanone and 3-octanol is released immediately after death, with the alcohol (possibly in conjunction with the ketone) playing a clear role as a death cue. This cue enables the colony to recycle nutrients before decomposition occurs and before risk of pathogens increases. The accumulation of late death cues, decomposition products shared by diverse arthropods, elicits a behavioural switch from cannibalism to burial., The ability to detect and respond to the dead is vital to group-living animals. Our study reveals a behavioural shift in corpse management triggered by the interplay of an early death cue and late death cues, which balances risks and rewards associated with corpses. The post-mortem chemical communication highlights the adaptation of a social insect to its ecological niche. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Overproduction of reactive oxygen species is associated with the development of alcoholic liver disease ( ALD). Plant polyphenols have been used as dietary interventions for multiple diseases including ALD. The objective of this study was to determine whether dietary supplementation with fisetin, a novel flavonoid, exerts beneficial effect on alcohol-induced liver injury. Methods C57 BL/6J mice were pair-fed with the Lieber-DeCarli control or ethanol (EtOH) diet for 4 weeks with or without fisetin supplementation at 10 mg/kg/d. Results Alcohol feeding induced lipid accumulation in the liver and increased plasma alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities, which were attenuated by fisetin supplementation. The EtOH concentrations in the plasma and liver were significantly elevated by alcohol exposure but were reduced by fisetin supplementation. Although fisetin did not affect the protein expression of alcohol metabolism enzymes, the aldehyde dehydrogenase activities were significantly increased by fisetin compared to the alcohol alone group. In addition, fisetin supplementation remarkably reduced hepatic NADPH oxidase 4 levels along with decreased plasma hydrogen peroxide and hepatic superoxide and 4-hydroxynonenal levels after alcohol exposure. Alcohol-induced apoptosis and up-regulation of Fas and cleaved caspase-3 in the liver were prevented by fisetin. Moreover, fisetin supplementation attenuated alcohol-induced hepatic steatosis through increasing plasma adiponectin levels and hepatic protein levels of p- AMPK, ACOX1, CYP4A, and MTTP. Conclusions This study demonstrated that the protective effect of fisetin on ALD is achieved by accelerating EtOH clearance and inhibition of oxidative stress. The data suggest that fisetin has a therapeutical potential for treating ALD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To examine if mice with focal cortical dysplasia ( FCD) develop spontaneous epileptic seizures and, if so, determine the key electroencephalography ( EEG) features. Methods Unilateral single freeze lesions to the S1 region ( SFLS1R) were made in postnatal day 0-1 pups to induce a neocortical microgyrus in the right cortical hemisphere. Continuous 24-h recordings with intracranial EEG electrodes and behavioral tests were performed in adult SFLS1R and sham-control mice to assess neurologic status. Results A high percentage of adult SFLS1R animals (89%, 40/45) exhibited at least one or more spontaneous nonconvulsive seizure events over the course of 24 h. Of these animals, 60% (27/45) presented with a chronic seizure state that was persistent throughout the recording session, consisting of bursts of rhythmic high-amplitude spike-wave activities and primarily occurring during periods of slow-wave sleep. In comparison, none of the control, age-matched, mice (0/12) developed seizures. The epileptic discharge pattern closely resembled a pattern of continuous spike-waves during slow-wave sleep ( CSWS) of the human syndrome described as an electrical status epilepticus during slow-wave sleep ( ESES). Key findings in the SFLS1R model indicated that the observed CSWS (1) were more prevalent in female (18/23) versus male (9/22, p < 0.05), (2) were strongest in the right S1 region although generalized to other brain regions, (3) were associated with significant cognitive and behavioral deficits, (4) were temporarily alleviated by ethosuximide treatment or optogenetic activation of cortical γ-aminobutyric acid ( GABA)ergic neurons, and (5) theta and alpha band rhythms may play a key role in the generalization of spike-wave activities. Significance This is the first report of an in vivo animal FCD model that induces chronic spontaneous electrographic brain seizures. Further characterization of the abnormal oscillations in this mouse model may lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms of CSWS/ ESES. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid detection and identification of opioids are of great significance and an urgent need in drug regulation and forensic science. Fentanyl is an extremely potent synthetic drug of abuse that unfortunately cannot be accurately detected. Therefore, techniques combining fast, highly sensitive and portable for fentanyl detection need to be developed. Surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has emerged as a promising detection technique owing to its high sensitivity and selectivity. Here, we reported a nonmetal SERS substrate used for trace fentanyl detection. The lowest detectable concentration was 10−7 M, and the MoO2 substrate exhibited excellent thermal and chemical stability, which could even ensure high‐temperature heating, laser irradiation, and corrosion of strong acid or alkali. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma ( PPAR γ) signaling has been shown to regulate lipogenesis and lipid accumulation. Previous studies have shown that hepatic PPAR γ is up-regulated in steatotic liver of both animal and human. However, the effects of hepatic PPAR γ signaling on alcoholic liver disease ( ALD) remain elusive. Methods To determine the role of hepatic PPAR γ signaling on ALD, wild-type ( WT) and hepatocyte-specific PPAR γ knockdown ( PPAR γ∆ Hep) mice were fed a modified Lieber- De Carli alcohol or isocaloric maltose dextrin control liquid diet for 8 weeks to induce ALD. Blood parameters, hepatic steatosis, and inflammation were measured after 8-week alcohol feeding. Results Alcohol feeding to WT mice resulted in liver damage (alanine aminotransferase [ ALT], 94.68 ± 17.05 U/L; aspartate aminotransferase [ AST], 55.87 ± 11.29 U/L), which was significantly alleviated by hepatic PPAR γ knockdown ( ALT, 57.36 ± 14.98 U/L; AST, 38.06 ± 3.35 U/L). Alcohol feeding led to marked lipid accumulation and up-regulation of lipogenic genes including fatty acid transport protein 1 ( FATP1), acetyl- Co A carboxylase ( ACC), fatty acid synthase ( FASN), lipin1 (LIPIN1), diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 ( DGAT1), and diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 ( DGAT2) in the livers of WT mice. Knockdown of hepatic PPAR γ significantly alleviated alcohol-induced lipid accumulation and abolished the up-regulation of FASN, DGAT1, and DGAT2. Silencing of PPAR γ in FL83 B cells significantly decreased ethanol ( Et OH)-, linoleic acid-, and Et OH plus linoleic acid-induced lipid accumulation. Knockdown of hepatic PPAR γ also significantly reduced alcohol-induced inflammatory chemokine (monocyte chemotactic protein 1 [ MCP1], keratinocyte-derived chemokine [ KC], interferon gamma-induced protein 10 [ IP-10]) and inflammatory infiltration (lymphocyte antigen 6 complex, locus G [ Ly6 G], and F4/80). Conclusions The results suggest that hepatic PPAR γ signaling contributes to alcohol-induced liver injury by promoting hepatic steatosis and inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An aligned and laminated sulfur-absorbed mesoporous carbon/carbon nanotube (CNT) hybrid cathode has been developed for lithium-sulfur batteries with high performance. The mesoporous carbon acts as sulfur host and suppresses the diffusion of polysulfide, while the CNT network anchors the sulfur-absorbed mesoporous carbon particles, providing pathways for rapid electron transport, alleviating polysulfide migration and enabling a high flexibility. The resulting lithium-sulfur battery delivers a high capacity of 1226 mAh g−1 and achieves a capacity retention of 75 % after 100 cycles at 0.1 C. Moreover, a high capacity of nearly 900 mAh g−1 is obtained for 20 mg cm−2, which is the highest sulfur load to the best of our knowledge. More importantly, the aligned and laminated hybrid cathode endows the battery with high flexibility and its electrochemical performances are well maintained under bending and after being folded for 500 times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An aligned and laminated sulfur-absorbed mesoporous carbon/carbon nanotube (CNT) hybrid cathode has been developed for lithium-sulfur batteries with high performance. The mesoporous carbon acts as sulfur host and suppresses the diffusion of polysulfide, while the CNT network anchors the sulfur-absorbed mesoporous carbon particles, providing pathways for rapid electron transport, alleviating polysulfide migration and enabling a high flexibility. The resulting lithium-sulfur battery delivers a high capacity of 1226 mAh g−1 and achieves a capacity retention of 75 % after 100 cycles at 0.1 C. Moreover, a high capacity of nearly 900 mAh g−1 is obtained for 20 mg cm−2, which is the highest sulfur load to the best of our knowledge. More importantly, the aligned and laminated hybrid cathode endows the battery with high flexibility and its electrochemical performances are well maintained under bending and after being folded for 500 times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How sensory information is processed within olfactory cortices is unclear. Here, we examined long-range circuit wiring between different olfactory cortical regions of acute mouse brain slices using a channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2)-based neuronal targeting approach. Our results provide detailed information regarding the synaptic properties of the reciprocal long-range monosynaptic glutamatergic projections ( LRMGP) between and within anterior piriform cortex ( aPC), posterior piriform cortex ( pPC), and lateral entorhinal cortex ( LEC), thereby creating a long-range inter- and intracortical circuit diagrams at the level of synapses and single cortical neurons. Our results reveal the following information regarding hierarchical intra- and intercortical organizations: (i) there is massive bottom-up (i.e., rostral-caudal) excitation within the LRMGP accompanied with strong feedforward ( FF) inhibition; (ii) there are convergent FF connections onto LEC from both aPC and pPC; (iii) feedback ( FB) intercortical connections are weak with a significant fraction of presumptive silent synapses; and (iv) intra and intercortical long-range connections lack layer specificity and their innervation of interneurons are stronger than neighboring pyramidal neurons. The elucidation of the distinct hierarchical organization of long-range olfactory cortical circuits paves the way for further understanding of higher order cortical processing within the olfactory system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A combination of ab initio calculations, circular dichroism, nuclear magnetic resonance, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy has shown that aluminum ions can induce the formation of backbone ring structures in a wide range of peptides, including neurodegenerative disease related motifs. These ring structures greatly destabilize the protein and result in irreversible denaturation. This behavior benefits from the ability of aluminum ions to form chemical bonds simultaneously with the amide nitrogen and carbonyl oxygen atoms on the peptide backbone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A combination of ab initio calculations, circular dichroism, nuclear magnetic resonance, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy has shown that aluminum ions can induce the formation of backbone ring structures in a wide range of peptides, including neurodegenerative disease related motifs. These ring structures greatly destabilize the protein and result in irreversible denaturation. This behavior benefits from the ability of aluminum ions to form chemical bonds simultaneously with the amide nitrogen and carbonyl oxygen atoms on the peptide backbone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND A blue colour can be formed in the xylose (Xyl) and glycine (Gly) Maillard reaction (MR) model system. However, there are fewer studies on the reaction conditions for the blue Maillard reaction products (MRPs). The objective of this study is to investigate characteristic colour formation and antioxidant activities in four different MR model systems and to determine the optimum reaction conditions for the blue colour formation in a Xyl-Gly MR model system, using the random centroid optimisation program. RESULTS The blue colour with an absorbance peak at 630 nm appeared before browning in the Xyl-Gly MR model system, while no blue colour formation but only browning was observed in the xylose-alanine, xylose-aspartic acid and glucose-glycine MR model systems. The Xyl-Gly MR model system also showed higher antioxidant activity than the other three model systems. The optimum conditions for blue colour formation were as follows: xylose and glycine ratio 1:0.16 (M:M), 0.20 mol L−1 NaHCO3, 406.1 mL L−1 ethanol, initial pH 8.63, 33.7°C for 22.06 h, which gave a much brighter blue colour and a higher peak at 630 nm. CONCLUSION A characteristic blue colour could be formed in the Xyl-Gly MR model system and the optimum conditions for the blue colour formation were proposed and confirmed. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new mononuclear cobalt(II) complexes containing ligands with extended planar quinoxaline moieties, {dipyrido[3,2-a:2′,3′-c]phenazine (dppz) or dipyrido[3,2-d:2′,3′-f]quinoxaline (dpq)}, viz. [Co(dppz)(acac)2] · CH3OH ( 1), [Co(dpq)(tfnb)2] ( 2) and [Co(dpq)(dbm)2] ( 3), where acac = acetylacetonate, tfnb = benzoyltrifluoroacetone and dbm = dibenzoylmethane, have been synthesized and structurally characterized as octahedral complexes. The binding ability of the complexes with calf thymus (CT)-DNA has been investigated by spectroscopic and viscosity measurements. Results indicate that all complexes bind to CT-DNA via intercalative mode, and the DNA binding affinity of dppz complex 1 is apparently stronger than that of dpq complexes 2 and 3. Furthermore, DNA photocleavage experiments indicate that these complexes are efficient DNA cleaving agents in UV-A (365 nm) and hydroxyl radical (HO·), singlet oxygen (1O2) and superoxide anion (1O2−) serve as the major cleavage active species. In addition, interaction of the complexes with bovine serum albumin (BSA) was investigated using UV − visible and fluorescence methods, which indicated that all complexes could quench the intrinsic fluorescence of BSA in a static quenching process. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A single boronic acid-based fluorescent probe (compound CSP) for saccharides was designed and synthesized. The probe, with an α, β-unsaturated ketone conjugated into the coumarin fluorophore, was synthesized by 4 steps from the commercial material 4-diethylamino salicylaldehyde. The electron push-pull effect is enhanced with the N, N-diethyl amino as the electron donor and the carbonyl as the electron acceptor. Both the absorption (463 nm) and emission (616 nm) maxima of CSP are in the visible wavelength region with a Stokes shift of about 150 nm, which ensures CSP a potential probe for biological application. Under near physiological conditions, significant fluorescence enhancement of CSP was observed upon the addition of some saccharides, namely, D-sorbitol, D-fructose, D-glucose, D-mannose and D-galactose. The probe showed relatively high sensitivity towards D-fructose and D-sorbitol, and their detection limits were 0.05 mmol/L and 0.1 mmol/L, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photocatalysis can create a green way to produce clean energy resources, degrade pollutants and achieve carbon neutrality, making the construction of efficient photocatalysts significant in solving environmental issues. Conjugated polymers (CPs) with adjustable band structures have superior light‐absorption capacity and flexible morphology that facilitate contact with other components to form advanced heterojunctions. Interface engineering can strengthen the interfacial contact between the components and further enlarge the interfacial contact area, enhance light absorption, accelerate charge transfer and improve the reusability of the composites. In order to throw some new light on heterojunction interface regulation at a molecular level, herein we summarize CP‐based composites with improved photocatalytic performance according to the types of interactions (covalent bonding, hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interactions, π‐π stacking, and other polar interactions) between the components and introduce the corresponding interface building methods, identifying techniques. Then the roles of interfaces in different photocatalytic applications are discussed. Finally, we sum up the existing problems in interface engineering of CP‐based composites and look forward to the possible solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The association between the interleukin-6 ( IL-6) gene −572 C/G (rs1800796) polymorphism and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) risk remains controversial. Thus, we performed this meta-analysis by searching PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CBMdisc and CNKI databases until January 30, 2012. In addition, hand searching of the references of identified articles was performed. A total of 10 case-control studies including 11,681 subjects were selected to evaluate the possible association. Our results showed evidence for significant association between the IL-6 gene −572 C/G polymorphism and T2DM risk (for G allele vs. C allele: odds ratio [OR] = 1.29, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.09-1.52, P = 0.002, P = 0.008 after Bonferroni testing; for G/G vs. C/C: OR = 1.89, 95% CI = 1.51-2.37, P < 0.00001, P < 0.00004 after Bonferroni testing; for GG vs. G/C + C/C: OR = 1.75, 95% CI = 1.20-2.56, P = 0.004, P = 0.016 after Bonferroni testing; for G/G + G/C vs. C/C: OR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.11-1.57, P = 0.001, P = 0.004 after Bonferroni testing). In addition, similar results were obtained in the subgroup analysis based on ethnicity. In summary, the present meta-analysis suggests a significant association between the IL-6 gene −572 G allele and increased risk of T2DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel method based on high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry was developed for simultaneous determination of the 11 major active components including ten flavonoids and one phenolic acid in Cirsium setosum. Separation was performed on a reversed-phase C18 column with gradient elution of methanol and 0.1‰ acetic acid (v/v). The identification and quantification of the analytes were achieved on a hybrid quadrupole linear ion trap mass spectrometer. Multiple-reaction monitoring scanning was employed for quantification with switching electrospray ion source polarity between positive and negative modes in a single run. Full validation of the assay was carried out including linearity, precision, accuracy, stability, limits of detection and quantification. The results demonstrated that the method developed was reliable, rapid, and specific. The 25 batches of C. setosum samples from different sources were first determined using the developed method and the total contents of 11 analytes ranged from 1717.460 to 23028.258 μg/g. Among them, the content of linarin was highest, and its mean value was 7340.967 μg/g. Principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering analysis were performed to differentiate and classify the samples, which is helpful for comprehensive evaluation of the quality of C. setosum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous anatomical and physiological studies have established major glutamatergic and GABAergic neuronal subtypes within the piriform cortical circuits. However, quantitative information regarding axo-axonic inhibitory synapses mediated by chandelier cells across major cortical subdivisions of piriform cortex is lacking. Therefore, we examined the properties of these synapses across the entire piriform cortex. Our results show the following. 1) γ-Aminobutyric acid membrane transporter 1-positive varicosities, whose appearance resembles chandelier cartridges, are found around the initial segments of axons of glutamatergic cells across layers II and III. 2) Both the density of axo-axonic cartridges and the degree of γ-aminobutyric acid membrane transporter 1 innervation in each axo-axonic synapse are significantly higher in the piriform cortex than in the neocortex. 3) Glutamate decarboxylase 67, vesicular GABA transporter, and parvalbumin, but not calbindin, are colocalized with the presynaptic varicosities, whereas gephyrin, Na-K-2Cl cotransporter 1, and GABAA receptor α1 subunit, but not K-Cl cotransporter 2, are colocalized at the presumed postsynaptic sites. 4) The axo-axonic cartridges innervate the majority of excitatory neurons and are distributed more frequently in putative centrifugal cells and posterior piriform cortex. We further describe the morphology of chandelier cells by using parvalbumin-immunoreactivity and single-cell labeling. In summary, our results demonstrate that a small population of chandelier cells mediates abundant axo-axonic synapses across the entire piriform cortex. Because of the critical location of these inhibitory synapses in relation to action potential regulation, our results highlight a critical role of axo-axonic synapses in regulating information flow and olfactory-related oscillations within the piriform cortex in vivo. J. Comp. Neurol., 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]