Search

The supercritical CO2 (sCO2) power cycle could improve efficiencies for a wide range of thermal power plants. The sCO2 turbine generator plays an important role in the sCO2 power cycle by directly converting thermal energy into mechanical work and electric power. The operation of the generator encounters challenges, including high temperature, high pressure, high rotational speed, and other engineering problems, such as leakage. Experimental studies of sCO2 turbines are insufficient because of the significant difficulties in turbine manufacturing and system construction. Unlike most experimental investigations that primarily focus on 100 kW‐ or MW‐scale power generation systems, we consider, for the first time, a small‐scale power generator using sCO2. A partial admission axial turbine was designed and manufactured with a rated rotational speed of 40,000 rpm, and a CO2 transcritical power cycle test loop was constructed to validate the performance of our manufactured generator. A resistant gas was proposed in the constructed turbine expander to solve the leakage issue. Both dynamic and steady performances were investigated. The results indicated that a peak electric power of 11.55 kW was achieved at 29,369 rpm. The maximum total efficiency of the turbo‐generator was 58.98%, which was affected by both the turbine rotational speed and pressure ratio, according to the proposed performance map. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicon carbide (SiC) ceramic is being increasingly applied in several engineering fields owing to its excellent saturation electron drift rate. Although much attention is paid to its material removal mechanism, producing a high‐quality SiC surface with a high material removal rate is still a challenging issue. Therefore, there is a need to investigate the material removal mechanism of SiC to improve the processing performance. In this study, the laser heating‐assisted nanocutting models are established using a molecular dynamics method. Then, a laser beam with various energies is irradiated onto the SiC. The influence of average laser power on the nanocutting mechanism of SiC is revealed in terms of the temperature of the machined region, cutting force, stress distribution state, subsurface damage, and tool wear. The results demonstrate that within the scope of this study, the using of laser irradiation methods has a positive effect on the machinability of SiC at the nanoscale, provided that the laser power density does not exceed the ablation threshold. Meanwhile, the results indicate that laser heating‐assisted methods have played an important role in suppressing tool wear. This study has significant theoretical and practical value in processing technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Leptomeningeal metastasis (LM) is a lethal complication of advanced lung cancer, and due to limited access to the leptomeningeal lesion, we explored the potential role of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) as a source for liquid biopsy in LM patients of lung cancer with EGFR mutation. Materials and Methods: From August 2018 to June 2021, we collected CSF samples of lung cancer patients at First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University. Next‐generation sequencing was performed to detect the mutations in EGFR genes, and 38 patients detected with EGFR mutations were finally enrolled in further clinical analyses. Results: TP53 missense mutation (50%) was the most frequently detected concurrent gene in CSF. In those 10 patients whose CSF was obtained upon resistance to first TKI, TP53 missense mutation (40%, n = 4) and EGFR copy number amplification (40%, n = 4) was detected with high frequency; meanwhile, T790M mutation was found only in two patients. Known mechanisms of acquired resistance to third EGFR‐TKIs were found in 31.8% of cases. C797S or C797G mutation was identified in three patients. Possible EGFR‐independent resistant mechanism included MET amplification (4.5%), RET gene fusion (4.5%), PIK3CA missense mutation (4.5%) and CDK4 amplification (4.5%). The median OS was 55 months, the median OSLM was 38 months. EGFR amplification was associated with shortened OS in these EGFR‐mutated lung cancer with leptomeningeal metastases. Conclusion: EGFR amplification indicated poor prognosis in EGFR‐mutated lung cancer with leptomeningeal metastases, providing a novel pathogenesis and treatment direction of these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) has been extensively applied in organic synthesis as a versatile reaction media. However, the application of HFIP as an catalyst in organic synthesis has been rarely studied. Presented here, is the example of HFIP‐catalyzed Mannich‐type reaction between quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones and difluoroenoxysilanes. The developed protocol tolerates various substituents under mild reaction conditions, providing a divergent approach to the construction of difluoro‐substituted 3,4‐dihydroquinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones and monofluoroquinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones in 51–92% yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Compared with systemic administration methods like injection and oral administration, traditional transdermal drug delivery has the advantages of rapid onset of activity and low side effects. However, hydrophilic drugs and bioactive substances are often unsuitable for traditional transdermal drug delivery. Methods: The application of microneedles made from gelatin methylacryloyl (GelMA) has greatly expanded thepossibilities for skin transdermal drug delivery. We have reviewed the latest literatures about the dermatological application of GelMA hydrogel microneedles in recent years using Google Scholar, PubMed and Springer. Results: GelMA hydrogel microneedles exhibit huge potency in the diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases, and this technology also brings broad application prospects for subcutaneous micro‐invasive transdermal targeted drug delivery, which mainly used in skin tissue fluid collection, local substance delivery and wound healing. Conclusion: With in‐depth research on GelMA hydrogel, this technology will bring more breakthroughs and developments in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) fusion is a prognostic indicator for patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) receiving tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). The real‐world data of ALK TKIs remain a major concern. Methods: Patients with ALK‐positive advanced NSCLC, who received crizotinib or alectinib treatment in first line, were retrospectively reviewed. ALK status was detected using immunohistochemistry (IHC) or next‐generation sequencing (NGS). Clinical outcomes have been comprehensively analyzed between TKIs, ALK fusions, EML4‐ALK variants, and next‐generation TKIs after crizotinib failure. Results: One hundred sixty‐eight patients were successively enrolled (crizotinib, n = 109; alctinib, n = 59). Alectinib showed consistent superiority in progressive‐free survival (PFS) over crizotinib (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.43, 95% confidential interval [CI]: 0.24–0.77, p = 0.004). Multivariate Cox regression showed chemotherapy (CT) prior to TKIs or synchronous chemotherapy seemed not to improve PFS compared to ALK inhibitors alone (p > 0.05). And, alectinib was superior to crizotinib in prolonging intracranial PFS (HR 0.12, 95% CI: 0.03–0.49, p = 0.003). Patients in EML4 group had a better prognosis than those in non‐EML4 group after alectinib administration (HR 0.13, 95% CI: 0.03–0.60, p = 0.009). TP53 co‐mutations were relatively common (34.0%) and associated with adverse outcome in ALK‐positive patients (adjusted HR 2.22, 95% CI: 1.00–4.92, p = 0.049). After crizotinib failure, 33 patients received a sequential application of next‐generation ALK TKIs. Compared to ceritinib and brigatinib, alectinib might have better PFS (p = 0.043). Conclusion: Our results revealed alectinib had better PFS and higher intracranial efficacy compared to crizotinib in ALK‐positive NSCLC, and might improve PFS by comparison with ceritinib and brigatinib after crizotinib failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the large‐scale integration of renewable energy into power systems, the strong correlation of wind power output as an important feature will inevitably bring huge impact on power grid planning and operation. However, due to the proliferation of planning and operation scenarios, the traditional power grid planning method can no longer guarantee the operation flexibility and stability under the fluctuation of new energy. In this work, a bi‐level transmission and generation expansion planning (TGEP) model considering the correlation of wind power based on mixed integer linear programming (MILP) is proposed. Firstly, a variable‐structure point diagnosis method is proposed to improve the fitting accuracy of the correlation. Secondly, a scenario reduction method considering the correlation, joint probability distribution and geometric characteristics is proposed, which effectively provides a more matching operating scenarios basis for planning. Thirdly, a multi‐scenario bi‐level TGEP model is proposed. The upper‐level investment decision model aims at the economical goal, while the lower‐level multi‐scenario coordinated optimization operation model aims to minimize the weighted operation index. The impact of the correlation on the results of TGEP is examined and verified in case study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the appearance and technology, traditional fermented Douchi can be divided into dried Douchi and wet Douchi. However, there are few reports on the difference of bacterial community structure between them or the influence of bacterial community on product flavor. In this study, high‐throughput sequencing technology and electronic nose were used to measure the bacterial diversity and flavor of 40 Douchi samples, and the correlation between them was explored by multivariate statistical means combined with COG database. Results showed that the cumulative average relative abundance of Firmicutes and Proteobacteria in the samples was as high as 95.93%, and the former was the core bacteria phylum. On the whole, the dominant bacteria in Douchi were Bacillus (50.67%), Staphylococcus (14.07%), Enterococcus (2.54%), Proteus (1.61%), Brevibacillus (1.46%), Providencia (1.26%), Weissella (1.24%), and Ureibacillus (1.19%). LEfSe analysis indicated that Bacillus can be used as a biomarker in dried fermented soybeans. Meanwhile, dried samples contained more intensive aromatic substances, but were significantly lower in W6S (selectivity to hydrogen) and W3S (methane‐aliph) compared with the wet samples. Aneurinibacillus and Brevibacillus were helpful to the formation of aromatic flavor in Douchi, but Vagococcus and Corynebacterium were the opposite. Gene and microbial phenotypic prediction showed that microorganisms in dried Douchi use protein more efficiently, while in wet Douchi, microbial energy metabolism was more vigorous. The pathogenic potential of microorganisms in dried samples was higher than that in wet. This study can sound the alarm for improving the safety of home‐brewed Douchi and provide guidance for the subsequent screening of strains that enhance the flavor of fermented soybeans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: (Pro)renin receptor has emerged as a new member of the renin‐angiotensin system implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Herein we report characterization of the therapeutic potential of (pro)renin receptor (PRR) antagonist PRO20 in 5/6 nephrectomy (5/6Nx) rats. Methods: Male Wistar rats underwent 5/6Nx followed by treatment with vehicle or received daily injections of a PRR inhibitor PRO20 (700 μg/kg) via the 3 s.c. Sham group served as a control. Results: As compared with the sham control, the 5/6Nx rats exhibited significant increases in proteinuria, glomerulosclerosis, tubular injury, and interstitial inflammation in the remnant kidneys. Treatment with PRO20 significantly attenuated these abnormalities, as evidenced by reduced expression of fibronectin, α‐SMA, collagen 1, TGF‐β1, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐1β, MCP‐1 and increased expression of E‐cadherin. Increased urinary/renal levels of renin activity, angiotensinogen (AGT), and Angiotensin II (Ang II) by 5/6Nx, which were all ameliorated by PRO20. Renal PRR, the secreted proteolytic fragment of PRR (sPRR) in renal and urinary, were all elevated in 5/6Nx rats. Moreover, our results revealed that renal Wnt3A and β‐catenin expression were upregulated during 5/6Nx, which were all attenuated by PRO20. Conclusions: Overall we conclude that in vivo antagonism of PRR with PRO20 will improve 5/6Nx‐induced CKD mainly through inhibition of intrarenal RAS and Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to explore green and efficient methods for the synthesis of nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were rapidly synthesized assisted by the Monascus pigments under simulated sunlight. Prepared AgNPs were characterized using various analytical tools such as ultraviolet‐visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, Zeta, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM)–energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX), and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR). There is an absorption peak at 410 nm in the UV–Vis absorption spectrum, which confirms the formation of AgNPs. XRD results affirmed that the synthesized AgNPs were crystalline in nature and preferentially oriented in (111) plane. The morphology of the nanoparticles was found to be spherical by SEM and particle size analysis study revealed the average particle size to be 18.10 ± 0.30 nm. Zeta potential measurement showed excellent stability of AgNPs with negative values of −9.2 ± 0.66 mV. The FT‐IR study represented involvement of functional groups in AgNPs synthesis. The biosynthesized AgNPs exhibited significant antibacterial activity with zones of inhibition of 9.1, 14.5, and 18.0 mm against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. Through the determination of hydroxyl radical scavenging capacity, ABTS radical scavenging capacity, total reducing power, and total antioxidant capacity, it is proved that the AgNPs have certain antioxidant capacity. In addition, AgNPs could catalyze the degradation of methylene blue, methyl orange, and congo red with a pseudo first‐order rate constants of 0.07998, 0.24666, and 0.11805 min−1, respectively. Overall studies indicated that the Monascus pigments could be used to prepare AgNPs with potential antibacterial, antioxidant, and extraordinary catalytic activity. It can be used in biomedical applications, commercial food packaging, pathogen mitigation, and industrial waste water management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial communities that enrich in high‐temperature Daqu are important for the Chinese maotai‐flavor liquor brewing process. However, the bacterial communities in three different types of high‐temperature Daqu (white Daqu, black Daqu, and yellow Daqu) are still undercharacterized. In this study, the bacterial diversity of three different types of high‐temperature Daqu was investigated using Illumina MiSeq high‐throughput sequencing. The bacterial community of high‐temperature Daqu is mainly composed of thermophilic bacteria, and seven bacterial phyla along with 262 bacterial genera were identified in all 30 high‐temperature Daqu samples. Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Acidobacteria were the dominant bacterial phyla in high‐temperature Daqu samples, while Thermoactinomyces, Staphylococcus, Lentibacillus, Bacillus, Kroppenstedtia, Saccharopolyspora, Streptomyces, and Brevibacterium were the dominant bacterial genera. The bacterial community structure of three different types of high‐temperature Daqu was significantly different (p <.05). In addition, the results of microbiome phenotype prediction by BugBase and bacterial functional potential prediction using PICRUSt show that bacteria from different types of high‐temperature Daqu have similar functions as well as phenotypes, and bacteria in high‐temperature Daqu have vigorous metabolism in the transport and decomposition of amino acids and carbohydrates. These results offer a reference for the comprehensive understanding of bacterial diversity of high‐temperature Daqu. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abelmoschus manihot, also called as "Huangkui" in Chinese, is an annual flowering herb plant in the family of Malvaceae. As a traditional Chinese medicine, the ethanol extract of the flower in Abelmoschus manihot is made as Huangkui capsule and has been used for medication of the patients with kidney diseases. Its efficacy in clinical symptoms is mainly improving renal function and reducing proteinuria among the patients with chronic kidney disease, diabetic kidney disease or IgA nephropathy. The possible mechanism of Huangkui capsule treatment in kidney diseases may include reducing inflammation and anti‐oxidative stress, improving immune response, protecting renal tubular epithelial cells, ameliorating podocyte apoptosis, glomerulosclerosis and mesangial proliferation, as well as inhibiting renal fibrosis. In this review, we first described chemical constituents and pharmacokinetic characteristics in ethanol extract of the flower of Abelmoschus manihot. We then summarized the clinical and epidemiological relevancies of kidney diseases particularly in the mainland of China and discussed the possible molecular mechanisms of Huangkui capsule in the treatment of kidney diseases. Finally, we prospected further research on cellular and molecular mechanisms and application of this Chinese natural medicine in kidney diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of low‐cost water‐based products with environmentally friendly, flame‐retardant, and excellent cooling performance is of immense scientific interest in lubrication. For this purpose, a series of water‐based lubricant additives have been developed, but most of them lack practical application due to the problems of volatility and viscosity. Herein, a novel semisolid supramolecular hydrogel lubricating material of 2,4,6‐triamino‐1,3,5‐triazin‐1‐ium diisopentyl phosphate is reported. The functionalized two‐component gelator molecule can self‐assemble through intermolecular interaction to form 3D network structure effectively traps the diethylene glycol or water‐glycol, thereby improving its viscosity and reducing water's volatile. The hydrogel forms an effective protective film on the steel surface during the running‐in process that endows unique characters of extreme‐pressure and abrasion resistance behaviors. Therefore, the hydrogel always maintains a low coefficient of friction in the load (from 100 to 1200 N) and frequency (from 10 to 40 Hz, at 400 N) conversion tests. This allows to generate potential applications in the field of lubrication, especially as a high water‐based lubricant applied in high load. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Douchi, a popular traditional fermented soybean product, is mainly made by natural fermentation. However, its taste quality is affected by specific fungal communities which vary greatly according to fermentation conditions and production technologies used in different regions. Therefore, the taste quality of Douchi samples from different regions was digitally evaluated using electronic tongue technology. In addition, the fungal community structures and its association of them were also identified using high‐throughput sequencing technology. Results showed that there were obvious differences in the taste quality of samples from different regions, while the tastes of different types of samples from the same region were similar. Sourness, umami, richness, and saltiness were the main reasons for regional differences in taste. Similarly, the results of high‐throughput sequencing indicated that samples from different regions displayed important differences in dominant fungal genus, among which Debaryomyces, Fusarium, Pichia, Aspergillus, and Saccharomyces were the main dominant fungi. Debaryomyces and Trichosporon were conducive to the formation of taste qualities of Douchi, while Cladosporium and Candida have a negative impact on the taste quality of Douchi var correlation analysis. This study indicated the effects of dominant fungi on the formation of Douchi taste quality, allowing a deeper understanding of the role of microbial species in generating fermented soybean products in China. Our work provides theoretical support to guide the improvement of the industrial production process of Douchi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional fermented cereals are a rich source of naturally derived, diverse microorganisms. Illumina MiSeq high‐throughput sequencing was used to investigate thoroughly fungal microflora in Western Inner Mongolian acidic gruel. A total of 589,495 sequences were obtained from 16 acidic gruel samples. Ascomycota was found to be the predominant phylum with a relatively abundance of 97.54%, followed by Basidiomycota (2.26%) and Chytridiomycota (0.1%). The dominant genera obtained from the acidic gruel were Candida, Galactomyces, Hanseniaspora, Guehomyces, Zygosaccharomyces, Trichosporon, Rhodosporidium, Penicillium, and Blastobotrys. Candida and Galactomyces were predominant genera, and their relative abundances were 57.59% and 34.95%, respectively. A total of 50 yeast strains were isolated and identified. Statistical analysis indicated that P kudriavzevii and Geo. silvicola affiliated with Ascomycota were the dominant yeasts in acidic gruel, accounting for 28% and 22%, respectively. This study provides an unequivocal theoretical basis for the study of fungal diversity and the identification and preservation of yeasts in traditional fermented cereals. It also provides validated strain resources for further exploration of the effect of yeasts on acidic gruel quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This article draws upon responses given by volunteers who work in the Beijing LGBT Centre regarding perceptions of sexual identity, and how Chinese culture affects hidden or open sexual identities of Chinese lesbian and gay people in this region. The insights gained from those working carefully to create social change offers an important and original contribution to the field of gay and lesbian studies in China. The findings indicate the volunteers at the Beijing LGBT Centre are frustrated by the lack of acceptance of non‐heterosexual relationships among Chinese culture and society, and by the disregard of lesbian gay and bisexual (LGB) people by the Chinese government. The findings also illustrate stigmatization of homosexuality in China is enacted in structural terms (such as in the lack of policy, legislation and positive endorsement by governmental and socio‐political organizations), public expression (such as negative attitudes, beliefs or reactions towards LGB people) and internalized repression (through fear of stigmatization, and subsequent abuse due to negative societal attitudes and discrimination). Influenced by the Chinese tradition of conforming to group values, the findings from this study show that volunteers at the Beijing LGBT Centre believe LGB people in China are generally hesitant to disclose their sexual identities, and reject the idea that there had been a collective shift in Chinese culture regarding increased acceptance of LGB people. It also finds volunteers at the LGBT Centre in Beijing blame Chinese culture for its lack of acceptance of non‐heterosexual relationships, and state stigmatization of homosexuality in China is due to deep‐rooted cultural homophobia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Exosomal microRNAs have recently been studied as the potential diagnostic marker for various malignancies, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this study was to investigate serum exosomal microRNA profiles as HCC diagnostic marker. Transmission electron microscopy and Western blot were used to identify serum exosomes. Deep sequencing was performed to screen differentially expressed microRNAs between HCC (n = 5) and liver cirrhosis (LC, n = 5) groups. Three upregulated and two downregulated microRNAs were selected for qPCR analysis. The levels of selected microRNAs were normalized to Caenorhabditis elegans miR‐39 microRNA mimics. Serum exosomal level of miR‐122, miR‐148a, and miR‐1246 was further analyzed and significantly higher in HCC than LC and normal control (NC) groups (P < 0.001), but not different from chronic hepatitis group (P > 0.05). The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic performance of candidate microRNAs. Area under the curve (AUC) of miR‐148a was 0.891 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.809–0.947] in discriminating HCC from LC, remarkably higher than alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) (AUC: 0.712, 95% CI: 0.607–0.803). Binary logistic regression was adopted to establish the diagnostic model for discriminating HCC from LC. And the combination of miR‐122, miR‐148a, and AFP increased the AUC to 0.931 (95% CI, 0.857–0.973), which can also be applied for distinguishing early HCC from LC. miR‐122 was the best for differentiating HCC from NC (AUC: 0.990, 95% CI, 0.945–1.000). These data suggest that serum exosomal microRNAs signature or their combination with traditional biomarker may be used as a suitable peripheral screening tool for HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT High impact polystyrene (HIPS) resins were obtained with in situ bulk polymerization toughened by styrene-isoprene-butadiene terpolymer rubber (SIBR). SIBR prepolymer was prepared through selective polymerization of styrene (St), isoprene (Ip), and butadiene (Bd) in St with [Nd]/[Al]/[Cl] catalyst. Nd-based catalyst exhibited more favorable activity toward conjugated diene other than St, resulting in St solution of random SIBR with high cis-1,4 stereoregularity and low St content, which was directly exposed to the free radical polymerization of St to generate HIPS. Effect of toughened rubber and the initiators [difunctional (D2) and trifunctional (T3)] were examined to attain HIPS possessing mechanical properties as follow: impact strength, 0.9-24.8 kJ/m2; tensile strength, 16.0-27.5 MPa; and elongation at break, 7.4-107.0%. Increasing SIBR matrix in HIPS improved the impact strength and decreased tensile strength. The fracture surface morphologies of HIPS specimens were studied by notched impact tests and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), illustrating that the incremental SIBR matrix presented synergistic toughening effect of crazing to enhance the ductile fracture behavior. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43979. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two DendriMac polymers (Dendri-hydr and Dendri-click) are efficiently and conveniently synthesized via the combination of living anionic polymerization (LAP) and hydrosilylation/click chemistry. Based on the end-capping of DPE derivatives (DPE-SiH and DPE-DA) toward polymeric anions, the polymeric core and arms are effectively synthesized, and the base polymers can be regarded as polymeric bricks. Hydrosilylation and click chemistry are used as coupling reactions to construct the DendriMac polymers with high efficiency and convenience. The numbers of branched arms are calculated by SEC as 5.84 and 6.08 for Dendri-hydr and Dendri-click, respectively, which indicate that the DendriMac architectures exhibit high structural integrity. Because of its independence, high efficiency, and convenience, the whole construction can be regarded as the 'building of polymeric bricks.' [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent malignancies, as a result of being asymptomatic at early stage, subsequent late clinical confirmation and poor prognosis. It is urgent to search more accurate biomarkers for diagnosing early HCC and predicting prognosis. Many factors participate in liver carcinogenesis, including dysregulation of miRNA. miRNA were endogenously expressed non-coding single-stranded small RNA with 19-25 nucleotides. Accumulating evidences have showed that miRNA from circulation and solitary tumors may be useful to classify the differentiation degree and stages of HCC, detect the hepatitis B/C virus-related HCC, and predict the survival rate after surgical resection or orthotopic liver transplantation. In this review, we summarize dysregulated miRNA, their roles in diagnosis and clinical implications of HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By combining living anionic polymerization and hydrosilylation, densely grafted bottlebrush polymers with controlled spacing of branch points are prepared. Dimethyl(4-vinylphenyl)silane and dimethyl(4-(1-phenylvinyl)phenyl)silane are anionically (co)polymerized to synthesize uniform, alternating, and gradient in-chain silyl-hydride (Si-H) functionalized backbones. The spacing of branch points is controlled effectively by regulating the distribution of Si-H groups along the backbones. Three backbones with a similar number of Si-H groups but variable distributions are used to synthesize corresponding bottlebrush polymers via hydrosilylation between the backbones and chain-end vinyl functionalized polystyrene. The uniformly grafted bottlebrush exhibits the highest hydrodynamic radius ( Rh) of 5.6 nm and the lowest Tg of 79 °C which may be attributed to its compact grafted structure. This methodology exhibits high efficiency and convenience for the construction of bottlebrushes with controlled distribution of brushes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied in detail the mean microfibril angle and the width of cellulose crystals from the pith to the bark of a 15-year-old Maidenhair tree ( Ginkgo biloba L.). The orientation of cellulose microfibrils with respect to the cell axis and the width and length of cellulose crystallites were determined using X-ray diffraction. Raman microscopy was used to compare the lignin distribution in the cell wall of normal/opposite and compression wood, which was found near the pith. Ginkgo biloba showed a relatively large mean microfibril angle, varying between 19° and 39° in the S2 layer, and the average width of cellulose crystallites was 3.1-3.2 nm. Mild compression wood without any intercellular spaces or helical cavities was observed near the pith. Slit-like bordered pit openings and a heavily lignified S2L layer confirmed the presence of compression wood. Ginkgo biloba showed typical features present in the juvenile wood of conifers. The microfibril angle remained large over the 14 annual rings. The entire stem disc, with a diameter of 18 cm, was considered to consist of juvenile wood. The properties of juvenile and compression wood as well as the cellulose orientation and crystalline width indicate that the wood formation of G. biloba is similar to that of modern conifers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study focuses on the terpolymer of styrene (St), isoprene (Ip), and butadiene (Bd) synthesized together in cyclohexane at 70°C with neodymium (Nd) compound, alkylaluminum, and chlorinating agent (Cl) rare earth cocatalyst system. The resultants possessed atactic St-St sequences and high cis-1,4 polyconjugated olefins in macromolecular chains besides controllable composition. The composition of the St-Ip-Bd terpolymers and molecular weight ( Mw), molecular weight distribution ( Mw/ Mn) were controlled through the adjustment of Nd compound, alkylalumium, monomers feed ratio (St/Ip/Bd), and [Nd]/[monomers]. With the inventory rating of St raised from 15% to 55%, the content of St in the terpolymers got increased from 2% to 15%. And the content of the Ip segments and Bd segments in the terpolymers increased from 33% to 56% and from 28% to 54%, respectively, with the proportion of Ip/Bd varied from 1/2 to 2/1. As the [Nd]/[monomers] varied from 1.0 × 10−3 to 5.0 × 10−4, the molecular weight increased from 1.3 × 104 to 2.7 × 104. According to the proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) and 13C-NMR, it was proved that both microstructures of polybutadiene segments and polyisoprene segments were high cis-1,4-configuration. A single glass-transition temperature was observed in the differential scanning calorimetry curve. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:1858-1863, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Random styrene-isoprene-butadiene rubber (SIBR) were achieved with the catalyst system composed of neodymium isopropoxide (Nd(OiPr)3), methylaluminoxane (MAO) and indene. This catalyst proved to be highly effective in cyclohexane even at low [Al]/[Nd] ratio (ca. 50) to give styrene-rich terpolymer with high number-average molecular weight ( Mn) and narrow molecular weight distribution ( Mw/ Mn). Indene was critical to improve the coordination of styrene. High temperature was beneficial to increase the yield. Aliphatic solvents (hexane and cyclohexane) achieved a higher Mn of polymer than toluene as a solvent. The glass transition temperature ( Tg) and composition of SIBR can be controlled by tuning the feed ratio of monomers. All the products have been fully characterized by NMR spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatograph (GPC), and DSC. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 1772-1777, 2013 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of low- cis-1,4/high- cis-1,4 polybutadiene composite rubber toughened poly(acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) (ABS) terpolymers were prepared and characterized. The morphological analysis shows that specimens exhibit common characteristics of two single rubbers while mechanical measurements reveal that better comprehensive properties can be obtained as more Ni-9004 blended in composite rubber. When increasing Ni-9004/Li-700A ratio, one brittle-ductile transition occurs at 5.0 wt % rubber usage and three transition regions exist under 10.0 wt % usage. In addition, the characteristic force-time curves and fractography demonstrate that failure behavior and crack propagation mode can be effectively evaluated. Conclusively, quasi-brittle fracture can be seen for specimens with obvious cavitation and matrix stripping followed by riverlike fibrous and periodical Wallner stripes, whereas ductile fracture is observed for those with alternate parabolic and firework patterns accompanying stress-whitening and ligament-forming progress. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthetic drugs such as allopurinol and benzbromarone are commonly used to treat the complex pathogenesis of gout, a metabolic disease that results from an inflammation of the joints caused by precipitation of uric acid. We seek to discover novel phytochemicals that could treat gout, by targeting the xanthine oxidase and cyclooxygenase-2 enzymes. In this study, we report the screening of nine compounds of flavonoids from the ZINC and PubChem databases (containing 2092 flavonoids) using the igemdock software tool against the xanthine oxidase and cyclooxygenase-2 3D protein structures. Each compound was also evaluated by an in vitro bioassay testing the inhibition of xanthine oxidase and cyclooxygenase-2. Myricetin and luteolin were found to be the potential dual inhibitors of xanthine oxidase and cyclooxygenase-2 as demonstrated by IC50: 62.7 and 3.29 μg/mL (xanthine oxidase)/70.8 and 16.38 μg/mL (cyclooxygenase-2), respectively. In addition, structure-activity relationships and other important factors of the flavonoids binding to the active site of xanthine oxidase and cyclooxygenase-2 were discussed, which is expected for further rational drug design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information about several geology parameters of shale and hydrocarbon fluid, affecting shale oil move ability, and their evolution rules in China. It discusses the Dongying Depression's formation and evolution history as well as hydrocarbon fluid property, clay component of shale, and formation fluid pressure. The organic material and geological conditions for shale oil generation and preservation are also discussed.

The article presents a study which synthesizes novel N-functionalized multilithium (N-M-Li) initiator from lithiohexamethyleneimine (LHMI) and divinylbenzene (DVB). It says that the star-shaped N-functionalized styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) was prepared using N-M-Li. It adds that the microstructure and molecular weight distribution characterized by hydrogen-nuclear magnetic resonance (H-NMR) and gel permeation chromatography (GPC), respectively, showed certain amount of star-shaped polymers.

Background: A 5-year-old Japanese boy presented with persistent gingival inflammation and severe mobility of the right tower primary incisors. Due to severe alveolar bone toss and a deep periodontal pocket (5 mm), the incisors were extracted at the second visit. Methods: Clinical, radiographic, histological, and microbiological examinations were carried out. Then, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique was employed to detect specific periodontal pathogens. The chemotactic activity of polymorphonuclear neutrophils was also measured. Results: Tannerella, Capnocytophaga, Fusobacterium, and Eikenella sp. were recovered from the subgingival microflora around the right lower incisors. while A. actinomycetemcomitans, Tannerella forsythensis (formerly Bacteroides forsythus), Prevotella nigrescens, Campylobacter rectus, and Capnocytophaga gingivalis were detected using the PCR method. Further chemotaxis assay revealed that neutrophil function was depressed compared with that of healthy controls. Conclusions: Although inflammation remained around the right primary second molars, the bone toss was controlled by periodic professional mechanical teeth cleaning (PMTC), subgingival irrigation, and local antibiotic application. The probing depths of all teeth, including permanent incisors and molars, were within 2.5 mm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cover image is based on the Review Chemical constituents, clinical efficacy and molecular mechanisms of the ethanol extract of Abelmoschus manihot flowers in treatment of kidney diseases by Nan Li et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6818. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to increase the solubility of ionic liquids in base oils and to improve the lubricating performance of light alloys, two new ionic liquids comprised of sulfonate base anion and phosphonium based cation are designed and synthesized. The difference between these two ionic liquids is the cation: One has only one organophosphate group (P88816DOSS) and the other has two organophosphate group (P888PDOSS). The copper strip corrosion test is used to evaluate the anticorrosion properties of new developed ionic liquids. Tribological properties of the ionic liquids are investigated by an optimal SRV‐IV oscillating tribometer. The results indicate that the new designed ionic liquids show very good solubility in traditional mineral‐based oils. P88816DOSS and P888PDOSS show excellent friction reduction, antiwear performance accompanied with effective anticorrosion properties for the mineral base oil. Surface analysis results show that the superior properties of P88816DOSS and P888PDOSS are attributed to surface chemical reactions between ionic liquids and light metal. The designed task specific ionic liquids (ILs) not only have very good solubility in nonpolar hydrocarbon base oils, but also can significantly improve the lubricity and antiwear properties of base oils for light alloys. The excellent tribology properties of ILs can be attributed to their physical and chemical adsorption on the light metal surface and the further generation of tribofilm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article attempts to obtain the movable oil rate in shale via simulation experiment linked with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) cores analysis. It describes the experimental methods for measuring the rate of movable shale oil. It discusses the use of NMR to measure movable oil in conventional cores.

The article presents a study which examines the application on shale reservoir using X-CT Scan Technology. Test methods applied in shale reservoir such as image analysis and intrusive methods was conducted. The study highlights redox-sensitive trace metals trends and intragranular dissolved pores as well as more organic matters experienced oxidation and decomposition.

Front Cover: Two DendriMac polymers were synthesized via the combination of living anionic polymerization (LAP) and hydrosilylation/click chemistry. The polymeric core and arms were effectively synthesized via LAP as polymeric bricks. Hydrosilylation and click chemistry were used as coupling reactions to construct the DendriMac polymers with high efficiency and convenience. The whole construction can be regarded as the “building of polymeric bricks”. Further details can be found in the article by H. Ma, Q. Wang, W. Sang, L. Han, P. Liu, H. Sheng, Y. Wang, and Y. Li* on page 168. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Front Cover: An efficient and convenient strategy is developed to construct dense grafted polymers with a controlled distribution of branch points. Living anionic polymerization and hydrosilylation are combined effectively to control the distribution of silyl‐hydride groups uniformly, alternately and gradiently along the chain. Thereby, polymeric brushes are grafted onto the backbones with high efficiency and convenience. Further details can be found in the article by H. Ma, Q. Wang, W. Sang, L. Han, P. Liu, J. Chen, Y. Li,* and Y. Wang on page 726. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Review: 56 refs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetic kidney disease is the leading cause of impaired kidney function, albuminuria, and renal replacement therapy (dialysis or transplantation), thus placing a large burden on health-care systems. This urgent event requires us to reveal the molecular mechanism of this disease to develop more efficacious treatment. Herein, we reported single-cell RNA sequencing analyses in kidneys of db/db mouse, an animal model for type 2 diabetes and diabetic kidney disease. We first analyzed the hub genes expressed differentially in the single cell resolution transcriptome map of the kidneys. Then we figured out the communication among the renal and immune cells in the kidneys. Data from this report may provide novel information for better understanding the cell-specific targets involved in the aetiologia of type 2 diabetic kidney disease and for cell communication and signaling between renal cells and immune cells of this complex disease., (© 2022. The International CCN Society.)