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Abstract: Cinnamomum burmannii is cultivated for use as a spice, and as an ornamental tree. With the aim to develop a natural colorant for use in cosmetics and food additives from a new source, in the present study, pigment derived from C. burmannii'' peel (CBP) was isolated by alkaline extraction, acid hydrolysis, repeated precipitation and purification by Sephadex G-75 with a total yield of 0.06g/100g (wet weight basis). The color values of the pigment was E1cm 1% 278nm=65.21. Physical and chemical properties revealed that CBP presses similar properties as most natural pigment. It was scarcely soluble in both water and all common organic solvents, and was soluble only in alkaline aqueous and DMSO. It was stable under ultraviolet light or room-light, stable in the range of 25–100°C, relatively stable in alkaline aqueous and reducer, but was bleached by strong oxidants (KMnO4, H2O2 and NaOCl). Sodium benzoic acid, tartaric acid, table salt and cane sugar affected it slightly. Spectroscopic analysis of CBP in relation with its structure was also discussed. This is the first report on the characterization of pigment obtained from C. burmannii ''peel. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Current methodologies to assess the process of labor, such as tocodynamometry or intrauterine pressure catheters, fetal fibronectin, cervical length measurement and digital cervical examination, have several major drawbacks. They only measure the onset of labor indirectly and do not detect cellular changes characteristic of true labor. Consequently, their predictive values for term or preterm delivery are poor. Uterine contractions are a result of the electrical activity within the myometrium. Measurement of uterine electromyography (EMG) has been shown to detect contractions as accurately as the currently used methods. In addition, changes in cell excitability and coupling required for effective contractions that lead to delivery are reflected in changes of several EMG parameters. Use of uterine EMG can help to identify patients in true labor better than any other method presently employed in the clinic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Using chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) trnL-F sequences, we studied the phylogeographic pattern and demographic history of Chrysanthemum indicum with 81 individuals from 27 populations representing the partial geographic range in China. Fifteen haplotypes were identified based on nucleotide variation. Relatively high levels of haplotype diversity (Hd = 0.783) and low levels of nucleotide diversity (Pi = 0.00521) were detected in C. indicum. An analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated that most of the genetic variation (59.9%, P < 0.001) was partitioned within populations. Genetic differentiation among populations was high (FST  = 0.35), suggesting that there is little gene flow among populations. Nested clade analysis showed that 15 haplotypes formed twelve 1-step clades, five 2-step clades and two 3-step clades, with four clades showing significant geographical association. We concluded that contiguous range expansion and restricted gene flow/dispersal but with some long distance dispersal seemed to have shaped the present-day distribution of the haplotypes of C. indicum in China. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

D-Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate (=D-GAP; 2) was prepared by an improved chemical method (Scheme 2), and it was then employed to synthesize 1-deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate (=DXP; 3) which is enzymatically one of the key intermediates in the MEP (4) terpenoid biosynthetic pathway (Scheme 1). The recombinant DXP synthase of Rhodobacter capsulatus was used to catalyze the condensation of D-glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate (2) and pyruvate (=2-oxopropanoate; 1) to produce the sugar phosphate 3 (Scheme 2). The simple two-step chemoenzymatic route described affords DXP (3) with more than 70% overall yield and higher than 95% purity. The procedure may also be used for the synthesis of isotope-labeled DXP (3) by using isotope-labeled pyruvate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Constituents of the fruit of Sinopodophyllum hexandrum (Royle) Ying (Sinopodophylli Fructus) were investigated. A new flavonoid, 8,2′-diprenylquercetin 3-methyl ether along with 9 known compounds were isolated and identified. Among them, the new compound 8,2′-diprenylquercetin 3-methyl ether exhibited cytotoxic activities against MDA-231 and T47D breast cancer cell lines, quercetin, kaempferol and rutin were isolated from Sinopodophylli Fructus for the first time. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Marfan syndrome (MFS) is an autosomal dominant condition with pleiotropic manifestations involving the skeletal, ocular, and cardiovascular systems. The diagnosis is based primarily on clinical involvement of these and other systems, referred to as the Ghent criteria. We have identified three Hispanic families from Mexico with cardiovascular and ocular manifestations due to novel FBN1 mutations but with paucity of skeletal features. The largest family, hMFS001, had a frameshift mutation in exon 24 (3075delC) identified as the cause of aortic disease in the family. Assessment of eight affected adults revealed no major skeletal manifestation of MFS. Family hMFS002 had a missense mutation (R1530C) in exon 37. Four members fulfilled the criteria for ocular and cardiovascular phenotype but lacked skeletal manifestations. Family hMFS003 had two consecutive missense FBN1 mutations (C515W and R516G) in exon 12. Eight members fulfilled the ocular criteria for MFS and two members had major cardiovascular manifestations, however none of them met criteria for skeletal system. These data suggest that individuals of Hispanic descent with FBN1 mutations may not manifest skeletal features of the MFS to the same extent as Caucasians. We recommend that echocardiogram, ocular examination and FBN1 molecular testing be considered for any patients with possible MFS even in the absence of skeletal features, including Hispanic patients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors have been shown to induce cell cycle arrest, terminal differentiation, and apoptosis in a broad spectrum of human tumors and animal xenograft models. JNJ-26481585 is a hydroxamic acid derivative, second-generation pan-HDAC inhibitor that has demonstrated high potency in preclinical studies. In the current study, we demonstrated that JNJ-26481585 has antileukemia and molecular activity in leukemia cell lines and primary human leukemia cells. We also observed a synergistic effect between treatment with decitabine and JNJ-26481585. In conclusion, JNJ-26481585 is a potent second-generation pan-HDAC inhibitor with activity in human leukemia, and it is currently in clinical development. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: The effects of enterolignans, e.g., enterodiol (END) and particularly its oxidation product, enterolactone (ENL), on prevention of hormone-dependent diseases, such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases, hyperlipemia, breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer and menopausal syndrome, have attracted much attention. To date, the main way to obtain END and ENL is chemical synthesis, which is expensive and inevitably leads to environmental pollution. To explore a more economic and eco-friendly production method, we explored biotransformation of enterolignans from precursors contained in defatted flaxseeds by human intestinal bacteria. Results: We cultured fecal specimens from healthy young adults in media containing defatted flaxseeds and detected END from the culture supernatant. Following selection through successive subcultures of the fecal microbiota with defatted flaxseeds as the only carbon source, we obtained a bacterial consortium, designated as END-49, which contained the smallest number of bacterial types still capable of metabolizing defatted flaxseeds to produce END. Based on analysis with pulsed field gel electrophoresis, END-49 was found to consist of five genomically distinct bacterial lineages, designated Group I-V, with Group I strains dominating the culture. None of the individual Group I-V strains produced END, demonstrating that the biotransformation of substrates in defatted flaxseeds into END is a joint work by different members of the END-49 bacterial consortium. Interestingly, Group I strains produced secoisolariciresinol, an important intermediate of END production; 16S rRNA analysis of one Group I strain established its close relatedness with Klebsiella. Genomic analysis is under way to identify all members in END-49 involved in the biotransformation and the actual pathway leading to END-production. Conclusion: Biotransformation is a very economic, efficient and environmentally friendly way of mass-producing enterodiol from defatted flaxseeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The effect of large range Be addition (0–20.83at.% Be) on the lattice distortion as well as dislocation mobility in TiAl was examined by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The calculation of the formation energy showed that Be obviously decreases the phase stability. The shearing energy barrier of the TiAl alloys with Be solute is weakened by stages during the static shear deformation process. Further analysis of the partial density of states reveals that the physical origin is closely related with the content and atomic configuration of Be. The weakening effect of shearing energy barrier at the first stage occurs because of the decrement in the phase stability, which is induced by low Be addition related long-range alloying effect. The notable weakening effect at the second stage originates from the reduced p–d and enhanced p–p bonding, which is induced by large Be addition related short-range alloying interaction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Steroid receptor coactivator-1 (SRC-1) is a coactivator for nuclear hormone receptors such as estrogen and progesterone receptors and certain other transcription factors such as Ets-2 and PEA3. SRC-i expression in breast cancer is associated with HER2 and c-Myc expression and with reduced disease-free survival. In this study, SRC-1[sup-/-] mice were backcrossed with FVB mice and then cross-bred with MMTV-polyoma middle T antigen (PyMT) mice to investigate the role of SRC-1 in breast cancer. Although mammary tumor initiation and growth were similar in SRC-1[sup-/-]/PyMT and wild-type (W7)/PyMT mice, genetic ablation of SRC-1 antagonized PyMT-induced restriction of mammary ductal differentiation and elongation. SRC-1[sup-/-]/PyMT mammary tumors were also more differentiated than WT/PyMT mammary tumors. The intravasation of mammary tumor cells and the frequency and extent of lung metastasis were drastically reduced in SRC-1[sup-/-]/PyMT mice compared with WT/PyMT mice. Metastatic analysis of transplanted WT/PyMT and SRC-1[sup-/-]/PyMT tumors in SRC-1[sup-/-] and WT recipient mice revealed that SRC-1 played an intrinsic role in tumor cell metastasis. Furthermore, SRC-1 was up-regulated during mammary tumor progression. Disruption of SRC-1 inhibited Ets-2- mediated HER2 expression and PyMT-stimulated Akt activation in the mammary tumors. Disruption of SRC-1 also suppressed colony- stimulating factor-i (CSF-i) expression and reduced macrophage recruitment to the tumor site. These results suggest that SRC-1 specifically promotes metastasis without affecting primary tumor growth. SRC-1 may promote metastasis through mediating Ets-2- mediated HER2 expression and activating CSF-1 expression for macrophage recruitment. Therefore, functional interventions for coactivators like SRC-1 may provide unique approaches to control breast cancer progression and metastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Insect odorant binding proteins (OBPs) and chemosensory proteins (CSPs) play an important role in chemical communication of insects. Gene discovery of these proteins is a time-consuming task. In recent years, expressed sequence tags (ESTs) of many insect species have accumulated, thus providing a useful resource for gene discovery. Results: We have developed a computational pipeline to identify OBP and CSP genes from insect ESTs. In total, 752,841 insect ESTs were examined from 54 species covering eight Orders of Insecta. From these ESTs, 142 OBPs and 177 CSPs were identified, of which 117 OBPs and 129 CSPs are new. The complete open reading frames (ORFs) of 88 OBPs and 123 CSPs were obtained by electronic elongation. We randomly chose 26 OBPs from eight species of insects, and 21 CSPs from four species for RT-PCR validation. Twenty two OBPs and 16 CSPs were confirmed by RT-PCR, proving the efficiency and reliability of the algorithm. Together with all family members obtained from the NCBI (OBPs) or the UniProtKB (CSPs), 850 OBPs and 237 CSPs were analyzed for their structural characteristics and evolutionary relationship. Conclusions: A large number of new OBPs and CSPs were found, providing the basis for deeper understanding of these proteins. In addition, the conserved motif and evolutionary analysis provide some new insights into the evolution of insect OBPs and CSPs. Motif pattern fine-tune the functions of OBPs and CSPs, leading to the minor difference in binding sex pheromone or plant volatiles in different insect Orders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infrared fluorescent proteins (IFPs) provide an additional color to GFP and its homologs in protein labeling. Drawing on structural analysis of the dimer interface, we identified a bacteriophytochrome in the sequence database that is monomeric in truncated form and engineered it into a naturally monomeric IFP (mIFP). We demonstrate that mIFP correctly labels proteins in live cells, Drosophila and zebrafish. It should be useful in molecular, cell and developmental biology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-Mg andesitic rocks (HMAs) at convergent margins can provide crucial insights to the generation of the continental crust and the deep crust-mantle interactions. Here, we report a series of high-Mg diorites in the central Tibetan Plateau, which principally intrude into the Triassic accretionary complexes of the the Zhiduo-Yushu mélange and the central Hohxil-Bayan Har-Songpan-Garzê (HBSG) terrane. The central HBSG diorites yield zircon U Pb ages of 209–210 Ma, while the Zhiduo-Yushu diorites give relatively older zircon U Pb ages of 217–218 Ma. Both of them exhibit the sanukitic HMAs affinities with relatively low ratios of La/Yb and Sr/Y, but the Zhiduo-Yushu diorites have lower Ti-in-zircon temperatures than those of the central HBSG diorites. Geochemical and isotopic signatures indicate that both of them might be formed by partial melting of Triassic turbidites and the subsequent melt-peridotite interactions during a low-pressure and high-temperature condition, although the proportion of sediments involved is different. Our latest data, combined with some data from previously published studies, show that the Triassic HMAs in the central Tibetan Plateau formed in three episodes: 219–229 Ma, 217–218 Ma, and 209–215 Ma. And they show a northeastward younger trend and a significant compositional transition from adakitic HMAs to sanukitic HMAs. These features lead us to propose that melting of the hot subducted oceanic crust and the subsequent melt-peridotite interactions generated the adakitic HMAs, while upwelling of asthenosphere mantle triggered by slab rollback could sustainably provide a sufficiently high-temperature condition for the genesis of the Triassic sanukitic HMAs. And the slab rollback induced the northeastward migration of the arc magmatism in the Triassic accretionary complexes. • This paper reports high-Mg andesitic magmatism in the central Tibetan Plateau. • The magmatism exhibits a compositional transition from adakitic to sanukitic. • Those sanukitic HMAs were formed by sediment melt-peridotite interactions. • Slab rollback triggered a northeastward-migrating accretion arc magmatism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new flavonoids, ephedroside A (1), ephedroside B (2), ephedroside C (3), together with fifty-four known compounds 4 – 57 were isolated from the EtOH extract of the herbaceous stems of Ephedra sinica. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic techniques, as well as by comparison with literature data. Thirty-eight of these compounds were isolated from the genus Ephedra for the first time. The antimicrobial activities of eight compounds were tested by measuring the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) against bacteria (both Gram positive and Gram negative) and fungi, and were found to be in the range of 0.105–0.926 mM. Among them, compound 2 showed the best antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa with MIC value of 0.105 mM. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aristolochic acid-II (AA-II) conjugated with bovine serum albumin (BSA) was used as an antigen for immunizing BALB/c mice. Isolated splenocytes from the immunized mice were fused with an aminopterin-sensitive mouse myeloma cell line, SP2/0-Ag14, to produce hybridoma cells that secreted a monoclonal antibody (MAb) against AA-II. The selected hybridoma was subsequently cloned by limited dilution method. For MAb, the isotype and an estimated dissociation constant (KD) of the MAb were determined. The MAb was used to establish an ELISA method. Accuracy and variation assays, as well as determinations of the specificity and sensitivity, were also carried out and the linear range was 0.19–13 μg/ml. The anti-AA-II MAb showed a very high specificity for AA-II and had low cross-reactivities against the other aristolochic acid (AAs) (CR: AA-I, 3.4%; AA-VIIa, 0.86%) or aristololactam-I (AL-I) (CR < 0.07%) except AA-IIIa which has 17% of cross activity. Anti-AA-II MAb also showed negligible cross-reactivity (< 0.5%) toward other natural compounds with different chemical structures including barbaloin, sennoside A, rutin, glycyrrhizin, caffeic acid etc. This is the first time that an ELISA method was successfully established for the application of anti-AA-II MAb. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pannexins have been proposed to play a role in gap junctional intercellular communication and as single-membrane channels, although many of their molecular characteristics differ from connexins. Localization of untagged Panx1 and Panx3 exogenously expressed in five cultured cell lines revealed a cell surface distribution profile with limited evidence of cell surface clustering and variable levels of intracellular pools. However, N-glycosylation-defective mutants of pannexins exhibited a more prominent intracellular distribution with decreased cell surface labeling, suggesting an important role for pannexin glycosylation in trafficking. Similar to wild-type pannexins, the glycosylation-defective mutants failed to noticeably transfer microinjected fluorescent dyes to neighboring cells, suggesting that few, or no functional intercellular channels were formed. Finally, varied distribution patterns of endogenous Panx1 and Panx3 were observed in cells of osteoblast origin and Madin-Darby canine kidney cells. Collectively, diverse expression and distribution profiles of Panx1 and Panx3 suggest that they may have multiple cellular functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Grand canonical Monte Carlo and configurational bias Monte Carlo techniques were employed to simulate the adsorption of binary mixtures of butane isomers and quaternary mixtures in nine zeolites at 300K. For binary mixtures the results show there is a critical pore size, which is 10-membered-ring about 5.6Å. The channel sizes of BEA, ISV, MOR and CFI are larger than this critical pore size, they prefer i-butane than n-butane, whereas TON with smaller channel size than critical pore size prefers n-butane than i-butane, but its selectivity decreases with pressure increasing. MFI, MEL and TER prefer i-butane than n-butane at low pressure, but with pressure increasing, the selectivity is reversed. BOG prefers i-butane than n-butane but the selectivity decreased with pressure increasing. It demonstrates that the adsorption and selectivity are controlled by both pore size and pore structure. The n-butane–i-butane–n-pentane–2-methylbutane quaternary mixtures adsorbed in these nine zeolites were studied, and the results show alkane chain length dependence at low pressure, but the adsorption is controlled by pore size and structure with pressure increasing in all the zeolites except for TON and BOG. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: The persistent renal hemodynamic maladjustment caused by imbalances between vasoactivators predisposes the kidney to tubulointerstitial injury and ultimate interstitial fibrosis. The decoction (A&A) of a combination of roots of two Chinese herbs, Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus and Angelica sinensis, has shown antifibrotic effects in rats with chronic kidney diseases and improvement of renal blood flow in rats with acute ischemic renal injury. In the present study, we investigated the effects and possible mechanisms of A&A on vasoactivators in the process of renal interstitial fibrosis. Methods: Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into sham, unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) and UAA (UUO plus A&A administration) groups. After oral administration of A&A (14 g/kg/d) for 3, 7 and 10 days, morphological changes were evaluated by HE, Masson and Sirius red staining technique. The levels of Ang-II, ET-1, and the activities of different nitric oxide synthases (NOSs) in renal homogenate were measured by radioimmunoassay. The nitrite concentration as nitric oxide (NO) production was measured using the Griess reagent. Western blot analysis and immunohistochemical staining were performed to determine the expressions of eNOS, nNOS, and iNOS in the kidney. The ability of scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) was evaluated by spectrophotometry. Results: Morphological analysis showed severe interstitial mononuclear cells infiltration, tubular atrophy, renal fibrosis and collagen expression in kidneys of UUO group, which reduced by A&A administration (p <0.05, UAA vs. UUO group). The levels of Ang-II and ET-I were increased in obstructed kidneys, but not significantly changed after A&A administration. NO production did not change in obstructed kidney at day 3 but increased in day 7 and day 10. Administering A&A progressively increased NO production by 2.2, 1.2, and 1.2 fold at days 3, 7 and 10, respectively. The activities of constitutive NOS and iNOS were comparable between UUO group and sham group. In contrast, the activity of constitutive NOS was much higher in UAA than that of UUO rats, which increased 78%, 68% and 78% at days 3, 7 and 10 respectively, although the protein expression of eNOS, nNOS and iNOS in renal tissue had no change in UAA rats. The activities of scavenging ROS in UUO group were not significantly different from the sham group at days 3 and 7, but increased at day 10 (24.1±15.0 vs. 10.1±0.8 U/min/mg protein, p <0.05). After A&A administration, the activities of scavenging ROS were significantly increased at days 3 and 7 (51.5±17.9 vs. 11.7±7.4 U/min/mg protein, p <0.05; and 16.1±5.6 vs. 7.7±1.4 U/min/mg protein, p <0.05) respectively, comparing with the UUO group. Conclusion: The anti-fibrosis effects of A&A might be associated with enhancing NO production via eNOS activation and scavenging ROS, and in turn might improve ischemic microvasculature and attenuate interstitial fibrosis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study was designed to explore the association between CAG repeats in AR gene and major depressive disorder (MDD) in male children and adolescents. The results showed that there were differences between adolescent depressive patients and adolescent controls in CAG repeats' length and alleles' distributions, and the severity of depression and anxiety was negatively correlated with the length of CAG repeats in adolescent patients. This suggested that AR gene might be involved in the depressive upset in adolescents, and the age- and sex-related prevalent differences might also be associated to CAG repeats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Starch biosynthesis, a very critical event during pollen development, is not well understood in terms of gene regulation and intracellular controls. Using the rice HL-type cytoplasmic male sterile (HL-CMS) line with starch deficiency in pollen and two related male-fertile lines ( Oryza sativa L.), we have studied two specific developmental stages: ‘early’, that is, before or during pollen mitosis I, without starch accumulation, and ‘late’, the actively starch-filling postpollen mitosis I phase. Real-time reverse transcription-PCR analysis showed temporal changes in the expression patterns of six metabolic genes involved in the sucrose–starch pathway, i.e. sucrose synthase (EC 2.4.1.13), Rsus3; acid invertase (EC 3.2.1.26), OSINV2; phosphoglucomutase (EC 5.4.2.2), OsPGM; uridine diphosphate-glucose pyrophosphorylase (EC 2.7.7.9), OsUGP; a subunit of adenosine diphosphate-glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase) (EC 2.2.7.2), OsAGPL3; soluble starch synthase (EC 2.4.1.21), OsSSI and three transporter genes [sucrose transporter, OsSUT3; hexose transporter, OSMST7 and plasma membrane H+-adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) (EC 3.6.1.35), OSA2]. Regarding metabolic enzyme activities, lower activity of sucrose synthase was detected at ‘late’ compared with ‘early’ stage in the three rice lines; invertase and other downstream enzymes had higher activities at ‘late’ stage in male-fertile but not male-sterile lines. Meanwhile, significantly reduced sugars and ATP levels were detected at ‘early’ and ‘late’ stages in male-sterile compared with male-fertile tissues. Furthermore, transgenic data showed that AGPase gene can stimulate starch accumulation in pollen of male-sterile host lines, showing the importance of AGPase in the metabolic pathway. Taken together, these data suggest that the combined effects of the reduced energy supply and sugar levels in starch biosynthesis may lead to the observed temporal changes in gene expression, and eventually to pollen sterility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was to elucidate the role of genetic variation in androgen receptor (AR) gene, estrogen receptor α (ER α) and ER β gene on first-onset major depressive disorder (MDD) in female adolescents. Results showed that AR gene in MDD group have shorter microsatellites’ length, and ER β gene have shorter microsatellites’ length and higher rates of S alleles, SS, genotype, and lower rate of LL genotype than control group. The results suggest that shorter length of AR and ER β gene microsatellites might influence the onset of MDD in female adolescents, a further elucidation of the mechanisms is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Although there has been evidence to suggest that women exhibit more vulnerability to psychological distress than men when they lose a spouse or remarry, knowledge about the process by which men and women adjust to marital change remains fragmentary. This is due in part to the length of time between observations in longitudinal studies on marital change, with the result that mental health status is typically assessed long after a marital status transition has occurred. The purpose of the current study is to test for gender differences in the short-term mental health effects of a marital status transition using three waves of data collected at two year intervals in a Canadian population health survey (). Growth curve analyses confirm the mental health advantage of marriage and reveal that the short-term effects of moving into and out of marriage on psychological distress are similar for men and women. We discuss the implications of these findings for resolving competing explanations regarding psychological adjustment to marital change. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Oculodentodigital dysplasia (ODDD) is associated with at least 28 connexin43 (Cx43) mutations. We characterized four of these mutants; Q49K, L90V, R202H, and V216L. Populations of these GFP-tagged mutants were transported to the cell surface in Cx43-negative HeLa cells and Cx43-positive NRK cells. Dual patch-clamp functional analysis in N2A cells demonstrated that channels formed by each mutant have dramatically reduced conductance. Dye-coupling analysis revealed that each mutant exhibits a dominant-negative effect on wild-type Cx43. Since ODDD patients display skeletal abnormalities, we examined the effect of three other Cx43 mutants previously shown to exert dominant-negative effects on wild-type Cx43 (G21R, G138R, and G60S) in neonatal calvarial osteoblasts. Differentiation was unaltered by expression of these mutants as alkaline phosphatase activity and extent of culture mineralization were unchanged. This suggests that loss-of-function Cx43 mutants are insufficient to deter committed osteoblasts from their normal function in vitro. Thus, we hypothesize that the bone phenotype of ODDD patients may result from disrupted gap junctional intercellular communication earlier in development or during bone remodeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to characterize connexin expression and regulation in the epidermis, we have characterized a rat epidermal keratinocyte (REK) cell line that is phenotypically similar to basal keratinocytes in that they have the ability to differentiate into organotypic epidermis consisting of a basal cell layer, 2–3 suprabasal cell layers, and a cornified layer. RT-PCR revealed that REK cells express mRNA for Cx26, Cx31, Cx31.1, Cx37, and Cx43, which mimics the reported connexin profile for rat tissue. In addition, we report the expression of Cx30, Cx30.3, Cx40, and Cx45 in rat keratinocytes, highlighting the complexity of the connexin complement in rat epidermis. Furthermore, 3-dimensional analysis of organotypic skin revealed that Cx26 and Cx43 are exquisitely regulated during the differentiation process. The life-cycle of these connexins including their expression, transport, assembly into gap junctions, internalization, and degradation are elegantly depicted in organotypic epidermis as keratinocytes proceed from differentiation to programmed cell death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose:To study the antiepileptic properties of extracts from rhizomes ofAcorus tatarinowiiSchott (ATS).Methods:The decoction and volatile oil were extracted from rhizomes of ATS by traditional decocting and supercritical CO2 fluid extraction (SFE-CO2) methods. Maximal electroshock (MES), pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) maximal seizure, and prolonged PTZ kindling models were used to test their anticonvulsive properties. Theγ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) immunohistochemical reaction (IR) was used to study GABAergic neuron changes in the PTZ kindling model and the effects of treatment.Results:Both decoction (dose; 10–20 g/kg) and volatile oil (1.25 g/kg) of ATS decreased the convulsive rate significantly in the MES model. Decoction of ATS was shown to be effective in the PTZ model with both decreased convulsive and mortality rates. The volatile oil of ATS failed to prevent seizures in the dose range tested, although prolonged seizure latency and decreased mortality were found at a dose of 1.25 g/kg. In the PTZ kindling model, GABA-IR neurons decreased obviously compared with the normal group. In the groups treated with the decoction and volatile oil, the seizure intensity decreased significantly after treatment. Increased GABA-IR neurons also were found when compared with PTZ kindling controls. Morphologic observation also showed that GABA-IR neuron damage was less severe in the drug-treated groups.Conclusions:Both decoction and volatile oil extracted from the rhizome ofAcorus tatarinowiiSchott have anticonvulsive effects. The volatile oil is shown to be less effective for PTZ-induced convulsions. Both extracts can prevent convulsions as well as convulsion-related GABAergic neuron damage in the brain in the prolonged PTZ kindling model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new compound, named trollioside, together with nine known compounds, proglobeflowery acid, isoswertisin, isoswertiajaponin, cirsimaritin, veratric acid, vitexin, orientin, β-sitosterol and daucosterol, were isolated from the ethanol extract of the dried flowers of Trollius chinensis Bunge. The isolation and structural determination of these compounds are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aristolochic acid I (AA-I), which is a known nephrotoxin, is found in a commonly used Chinese medicine, Xixin, that originates from nine Asarum species (Aristolochiaceae) found in China. A method has been developed using reversed-phase liquid chromatography coupled with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) tandem mass spectrometry under the positive ion detection mode [LC/(+)APCI/MS/MS] to determine the amount of AA-I in Xixin. The limit of detection of AA-I, estimated by monitoring with LC/MS/MS, was at the low μg/l level. By applying this method to methanol extracts of nine Asarum species, the concentrations of AA-I were found to range from 3.3 ng/mg (Asarum sieboldii) to 3376.9 ng/mg (Asarum crispulatum). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Progesterone is more than a progestin. Beyond functions in cycle and pregnancy, progesterone binds with high affinity to the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) acting as an antagonist, with obvious significance for electrolyte homeostasis, an array of MR-related functions in the circulation as well as in the CNS. Progesterone induces natriuresis at physiological concentrations. Lack of antimineralocorticoid activity with conventional progestins may account for sodium and water retention, minor elevation of blood pressure and “pill hypertension” in susceptible women on oral contraceptives. Ethinylestradiol (EE) contributes to this problem by distinct activation of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone (RAAS) system. Drospirenone (DRSP: 6β,7β,15β,16β-dimethylene-3-oxo 17α-pregn-4-ene-21,17 carbolactone) is the first synthetic progestin with antialdosterone activity. DRSP and progesterone bind to PR in uterine (affinity of both is about 30% of R5020) and MR in kidney cytosol (affinity about 230 and 100% of aldosterone, respectively). Intrauterine administration of DRSP in silastic tubes induced maximum local progestational effects in rabbits. At systemic subcutaneous (s.c.) administration (McPhail-assay) full endometrial transformation was obtained at 1mg per animal per day. At 1–3 mg DRSP per animal per day subcutaneously, pregnancy maintenance after ovariectomy, antiovulatory activity, and antimineralocorticoid activity were seen in the respective assays in rats. The latter activity indicates about eight-fold higher potency than spironolactone. DRSP decreased blood pressure in male hypertensive rats, whereas an increase was noted under conventional progestins. DRSP also prevented hypertension and fetal growth retardation in pregnant rats after l-NAME, an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase. DRSP has antiandrogenic activity. Feminizing effects were recorded during sexual differentiation in male fetuses at high doses. Powerful antiandrogenic effects were also seen in gonad intact and testosterone substituted castrated male rats. The antiandrogenic potency of DRSP is superior to that of spironolactone but below that of cyproterone acetate. Endometrial transformation, inhibition of ovulation, and antimineralocorticoid, i.e. natriuretic effects and mild antiandrogenic effects were recorded at the same range of oral doses (0.5–4 mg per day) in humans. Combined with EE (3 mg DRSP+30 μg EE), DRSP provides effective inhibition of ovulation and cycle control. Body weight compared to conventional oral contraceptives was reduced. DRSP (3 mg per day + 15, 20, or 30 μg ethinyl estradiol per day) prevented the mild increase of blood pressure seen under a conventional levonorgestrel-containing contraceptive and even tended to reduce pretreatment blood pressure. Studies on modulation (i.e. inhibition) of glucocorticoid effects at the MR in the CNS remain an unexplored and interesting area for research. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Two alkaloids, named sterculinine I and sterculinine II, together with thirteen known compounds were isolated from the ethanol extract of a well-known Chinese traditional drug, Pangdahai (the seeds of Sterculia lychnophora Hance). Their structures were elucidated by NMR, UV, IR and MS spectroscopic analysis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Two new glycosyl flavonoids including a glycosyl aurone, together with six known flavonoids were isolated from the roots and rhizomes of Asarum longerhizomatosum. The structures of the two new compounds were elucidated as 4,6,4' -trihydroxy-aurone-4,6-di-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (7, caulesauroneside) and naringenin-7,4' -di-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (8, caulesnarinside). The six known flavonoids were identified as naringenin (1), naringenin-5-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (2), naringenin-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (3), chalcononaringenin-2' -O-β-D-glucopyranoside (4), naringenin-5,7-di-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (5), chalcononaringenin-2' ,4' -di-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (6), respectively. This is the first report of the isolation of aurones in the family Aristolochiaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wild ginseng (W-GS), ginseng under forest (F-GS, planted in mountain forest and growing in natural environment), and cultivated ginseng (C-GS) were compared via HPLC-DAD and HPLC-IT-TOF-MSn. A total of 199 saponins, including 16 potential new compounds, were tentatively identified from 100 mg W-GS (177 saponins in W-GS with 11 new compounds), F-GS (56 saponins with 1 new compound), and C-GS (60 saponins with 6 new compounds). There were 21 saponins detected from all the W-GS, F-GS, and C-GS. Fifty saponins were only detected from W-GS, including 23 saponins found in ginseng for the first time. Contents of ginsenosides Re (12.36–13.91 mg/g), Rh1 (7.46–7.65 mg/g), Rd (12.94–12.98 mg/g), and the total contents (50.52–55.51 mg/g) of Rg1, Re, Rf, Rb1, Rg2, Rh1, and Rd in W-GS were remarkably higher than those in F-GS (Re 1.22–3.50 mg/g, Rh1 0.15–1.49 mg/g, Rd 0.19–1.49 mg/g, total 5.69–18.74 mg/g), and C-GS (Re 0.30–3.45 mg/g, Rh1 0.05–3.42 mg/g, Rd 0.17–1.68 mg/g, total 2.99–19.55 mg/g). Contents of Re and Rf were significantly higher in F-GS than those in C-GS (p < 0.05). Using the contents of Re, Rf, or Rb1, approximately a half number of cultivated ginseng samples could be identified from ginseng under forest. Contents of Rg1, Re, Rg2, Rh1, as well as the total contents of the seven ginsenosides were highest in ginseng older than 15 years, middle–high in ginseng between 10 to 15 years old, and lowest in ginseng younger than 10 years. Contents of Rg1, Re, Rf, Rb1, Rg2, and the total of seven ginsenosides were significantly related to the growing ages of ginseng (p < 0.10). Similarities of chromatographic fingerprints to W-GS were significantly higher (p < 0.05) for F-GS (median: 0.824) than C-GS (median: 0.745). A characteristic peak pattern in fingerprint was also discovered for distinguishing three types of ginseng. Conclusively, wild ginseng was remarkably superior to ginseng under forest and cultivated ginseng, with ginseng under forest slightly closer to wild ginseng than cultivated ginseng. The differences among wild ginseng, ginseng under forest, and cultivated ginseng in saponin compositions and contents of ginsenosides were mainly attributed to their growing ages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As is universally recognized, the eco-efficiency is an important index to evaluate urban ecological civilization construction, and the Yellow River Basin is the main battlefield of national ecological civilization construction. Based on the panel data of the input, expected output and unexpected output of 43 cities along the Yellow River basin from 2007 to 2017, this paper utilizes super-efficiency Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) based on relaxation variables to measure its eco-efficiency, also discusses the spatial and temporal variation pattern via integrating spatial auto-correlation and other methods, and empirically analyzes the spatial-temporal dynamic evolution and driving factors of the eco-efficiency of cities along the river basin. From 2007 to 2017, the overall eco-efficiency of 43 cities showed a trend of decline first and then rise. Most of the cities had a relatively low level of eco-efficiency and still had a large room for improvement. From the perspective of watershed division, the spatial pattern of ecological efficiency in upper, middle, and lower cities generally shows that the ecological efficiency of middle reaches is higher than that in upper and lower reaches. The Moran's I of the urban eco-efficiency in the study area in the past 10 years shows that the eco-efficiency first presents a spatial negative correlation and then evolves into a spatial positive correlation, and the agglomeration features are enhanced year by year. This paper attempts to summarize general recommendations that are beneficial to urban eco-efficiency and provide scientific support for urban sustainable development and ecological protection. • Expand the evaluation indicators to 11 items, and weigh the eco-efficiency in more detail. • The spatial pattern of eco-efficiency in upper, middle and lower reaches is characterized by "n-shape". • Based on GIS, the relationship between urban ecological efficiency is analyzed from the perspective of space. • Combined with the government policy of city, further explored the influencing factors of urban eco-efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The hybrid structure of 2D BiOBr nanosheets planting on 1D SiC whiskers was designed. • BiOBr/SiCw could effectively degrade RhB of 98% within 15 min and tetracycline hydrochloride of 60% within 60 min. • The photocatalyst exhibited excellent reusability and stability. Although BiOBr exhibits unique layer structures and good visible light response features as photocatalysts, it has been limited by low surface area and poor carries separation. Herein, a simple hydrothermal approach is reported for planting 2D BiOBr nanosheets on 1D SiC whiskers to obtain the binary hybrid structure. By further controlling the hydrothermal temperature, the loading content of BiOBr on SiC whiskers surface, the band structure of BiOBr/SiCw hybrids could be finely tuned to optimize photodegradation activity. Results demonstrate that the construction of BiOBr/SiC hybrid structure not only increases surface area to provide more activity sites, but also improves photo-induced carriers transfer for strengthening the separation of the photo-induced carrier, which favors photodegradation activity. More importantly, the electron spin resonance and capture experiment reveals that holes are the main species responsible for the oxidation of contaminants. Benefited from the above characteristics, the optimized BS160 exhibits efficient photodegradation ability, where 97% Rhodamine B (RhB) is eliminated after 15 min and 60% tetracycline hydrochloride is degraded after 60 min under visible light irradiation, respectively. Moreover, the optimized BS160 also displays excellent photocatalytic stability after 5 reusability cycles. This work paves a new route for the development of photocatalysts based on BiOBr. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The first NIR optical and redox-active receptor has been successfully developed. • This receptor can be used for multi-model survey of Hg2+ in water at ppb level. • This receptor can efficiently monitor Hg2+ in living cells through NIR imaging. • A reaction-type sensing mode of the receptor has been proposed and rationalized. A key issue for constructing optical and redox-active receptors is how to conjugate a specific sensing kernel with a multi-signal-responsive system to carry out multi-feature analysis. Mercury is considered to be highly toxic to human health and ecological security. In this work, we present a novel near-infrared optical and redox-active receptor that can sense Hg2+ at ppb level in aqueous media via multi-model monitors with a low detection limit of 8.4 × 10−9 M (1.68 ppb). This receptor features a visible detection, 'off-on' fluorescence response, and efficient electrochemistry assessment, as well as pH-insensitivity to Hg2+ with high sensitivity. In view of its marked near-infrared emission and fluorescence enhancement, we successfully applied this receptor to visualize Hg2+ in live cells. Furthermore, a possible sensing model was established and rationalized with theoretical studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Astragali Radix total flavonoids (ARTF) is one of the main bioactive components of Astragali Radix (AR), and has many pharmacological effects. However, its metabolism and effective forms remains unclear. The HPLC-DAD-ESI-IT-TOF-MSn technique was used to screen and tentatively identify the in vivo original constituents and metabolites of ARTF and to clarify their distribution in rats after oral administration. In addition, modern chromatographic methods were used to isolate the main metabolites from rat urine and NMR spectroscopy was used to elucidate their structures. As a result, 170 compounds (23 original constituents and 147 metabolites) were tentatively identified as forms existing in vivo, 13 of which have the same pharmacological effect with ARTF. Among 170 compounds, three were newly detected original constituents in vivo and 89 were new metabolites of ARTF, from which 12 metabolites were regarded as new compounds. Nineteen original constituents and 65 metabolites were detected in 10 organs. Four metabolites were isolated and identified from rat urine, including a new compound (calycoisn-3'-O-glucuronide methyl ester), a firstly-isolated metabolite (astraisoflavan-7-O-glucoside-2'-O-glucuronide), and two known metabolites (daidzein-7-O-sulfate and calycosin-3'-O-glucuronide). The original constituents and metabolites existing in vivo may be material basis for ARTF efficacy, and these findings are helpful for further clarifying the effective forms of ARTF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel β- N -acetylhexosaminidase gene (TnHex189) was expressed in B. subtilis. • The recombinant enzyme (TnHex189) was purified and biochemically characterized. • TnHex189 showed strong ability for human milk oligosaccharides synthesis (LNT2). • A bioprocess for LNT2 synthesis was developed with the highest yield of 57.2%. • The highest LNnT content of 6.1 g L−1 was obtained from LNT2 by a β-galactosidase. β- N -acetylhexosaminidases have attracted much attention in recent years due to their potential application in oligosaccharide production, in particular lacto- N -triose II (LNT2) and lacto- N -neotetraose (LNnT) synthesis, which can be further used as backbone precursors for human milk oligosaccharides. A novel β- N -acetylhexosaminidase gene from Tyzzerella nexilis (TnHex189) was heterologously expressed in Bacillus subtilis. The highest β- N -acetylhexosaminidase activity of 14.5 U mL−1 was obtained in a 5-L fermentor by fed-batch fermentation for 27 h. TnHex189 was optimally active at pH 5.0 and 45 °C. It efficiently synthesized LNT2 with a conversion ratio of 57.2% (4.7 g L−1). The synthesized LNT2 was further converted to LNnT by a reported β-galactosidase (BgaD-D) in 8 h, with a conversion ratio of 17.3% (6.1 g L−1). These unique synthesis activities may make this enzyme a good candidate for the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asari Radix et Rhizoma (ARR) is an important traditional Chinese medicine. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are the main active constituents of ARR. Research on the metabolite profile of VOCs and the difference of absorbed constituents in vivo after an administration of ARR decoction and powder will be helpful to understand the pharmacological activity and safety of ARR. In this study, headspace solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography mass spectrometry (HS–SPME–GC–MS) was applied to profile the VOCs from ARR in rats in vivo. A total of 153 VOCs were tentatively identified; 101 were original constituents of ARR (98 in the powder-treated group and 43 in the decoction-treated group) and 15 were metabolites, and their metabolic reactions were mainly oxidation and reduction, with only two cases of methylation and esterification, and 37 unclassified compounds were identified only in the ARR-treated group. Of the 153 VOCs identified, 131 were reported in rats after oral administration of ARR for the first time, containing 79 original constituents, 15 metabolites, and 37 unclassified compounds. In the powder-treated group, methyleugenol, safrole, 3,5-dimethoxytoluene (3,5-DMT), 2,3,5-trimethoxytoluene (2,3,5-TMT), and 3,4,5-trimethoxytoluene (3,4,5-TMT) were the main absorbed constituents, the relative contents of which were significantly higher compared to the decoction-treated group, especially methyleugenol, safrole, and 3,5-DMT. In the decoction-treated group, 3,4,5-TMT, 2,3,5-TMT, kakuol, and eugenol were the main constituents with a higher content and wider distribution. The results of this study provide a reference for evaluating the efficacy and safety of ARR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study addresses the rapid discovery of the active compounds (the original constituents and/or metabolites) of a traditional Chinese drug, Smilacis Glabrae Rhizoma (SGR). The aim of this study was to develop a new method to find out the active compounds of traditional drugs in vivo. A method was established to discover and identify the potential active compounds in drug-containing plasma from rats that were orally administered SGR extract, utilizing the relationship between the individual differences in blood drug concentrations in the rats and the resulting differences in pharmacological effect, and the method was denoted as the RID-PE method. For this method, we used high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector combined with electrospray ionization ion trap time-of-flight multistage mass spectrometry (LC-MSn) to identify the compounds (the original constituents and metabolites) and to determine the peak areas of the compounds in drug-containing plasma following SGR treatment. The anti-inflammatory effect of SGR was evaluated using a carrageenan-induced inflammatory rat model. According to the percent inhibition of paw edema in each model rat (14 rats total) orally administered SGR extract, the plasma samples from the rats were sorted and divided into 7 groups. Each group consisted of two plasma samples, and their percent inhibition of paw edema were similar to each other. We performed an LC-MSn analysis on 3 plasma groups, which showed large differences in the inhibition rates, with percent inhibitions of 92.7%, 72.4% and 38.4%. The correlation coefficients (r) between the peak area of each compound and the pharmacological effect (inhibition ratio) of SGR in the three groups were analyzed using SPSS software. When the correlation coefficients of the compounds are greater than 0.8 (0.8 < r ≤1), these compounds are strongly and positively correlated with anti-inflammatory activity, making them potential anti-inflammatory active compounds. Fifty-eight potential anti-inflammatory compounds (0.8 < r ≤ 1) from SGR were discovered in model rat plasma using the RID-PE method, 47 of which were considered to be new potentially anti-inflammatory compounds. Among these compounds, four original constituents and 5 isomers of potential anti-inflammatory metabolites were validated to have significant anti-inflammatory effects, and they included astilbin, syringic acid, catechin, coumalic acid, resveratrol-3′-O-glucuronide (RG, isomer of M2 or M3), 3′-O-methyl-(+)-epicatechin-4′-O-glucuronide (CA-1, isomer of M16), 4′-O-methyl-(+)-epicatechin-3′-O-glucuronide (CA-2, isomer of M16), 4′-O-methyl-(+)-epicatechin-7-O-glucuronide (CA-3, isomer of M16) and 3′-O-methyl-(+)-epicatechin-7-O-glucuronide (CA-4, isomer of M16). In addition, four isomers (CA-1—CA-4) were reported to have anti-inflammatory effects for the first time, and CA-3 was a new compound. The RID-PE method can be used to discover and identify the active constituents and metabolites of SGR systematically and in vivo. Furthermore, these findings enhance our understanding of the metabolism and effective forms of SGR. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Nrf2 gene was cloned from Cristaria plicata. • Microcystins could affect the expression of ARE-driven genes via Nrf2/ARE pathway. • After CpNrf2 knockdown, effect of microcystins on ARE-driven enzyme mRNA was more stable. Microcystin (MC) is a cyclic heptapeptide toxin. Nuclear factor erythocyte 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) can enhance cellular survival by mediating phase 2 detoxification and antioxidant genes. In this study, CpNrf2 cDNA sequences were cloned from freshwater bivalve Cristaria plicata. The full-length CpNrf2 cDNA sequence was 4259 bp, and its homology was the highest with Mizuhopecten yessoensis , reaching 46%. CpNrf2 transcription levels were examined in all tested tissues, and the highest level was in hepatopancreas from C. plicata. The recombinant protein pET32-CpNrf2 was purified with the content of 1.375 mg/mL. The expression levels of CpNrf2 mRNA were raised in hepatopancreas after MC stimulation. After CpNrf2 knockdown, CpNrf2 mRNA levels were significantly down-regulated after 24 h. Compared with control group, the expression levels of ARE-driven enzymes (CpMnSOD, CpCuZnSOD, CpTRX, CpPrx, CpSe-GPx and Cpsigma-GST) were significantly increased, and those enzyme activities were also significantly up-regulated in MC-stimulated group. However, in CpNrf2-iRNA group, they were significantly down-regulated. The results revealed that Nrf2/ARE pathway is very crucial to protect molluscs from MC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A separate absorption, grading, charge and multiplication InGaAs/InP avalanche photodiode with ultra low dark current and high responsivity is demonstrated. It has a thin multiplication layer and a planar structure. Through the use of a well and a single floating guard ring to suppress edge breakdown, the device can easily be fabricated by one step epitaxial growth and one step diffusion. The dark current of a 30 μm diameter device is as low as 0.028 nA at punch-through and 0.1 nA at 90% of the breakdown voltage. The responsivity at 1.55 μm is 0.93A/W at unity gain and the multiplication layer is estimated to be less than 300 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent research has identified abundant Early Permian to Late Triassic ultramafic-mafic rocks along the west Jinsha to Garzê-Litang suture, central NE Tibetan Plateau. However, the petrogenesis and tectonic setting of these rocks are hotly debated. This paper presents a combination of zircon U Pb ages, major and trace element concentrations, and Sr Nd isotopic data for mafic rocks from the Zhiduo Complex in the west Jinsha suture. Three geochemical subgroups are recognized among these rocks; metagabbros showing arc-type affinity (Group 1; 286–268 Ma); isotropic gabbros with an oceanic-island basalt-like signature (Group 2; 252 ± 2 Ma); and pillow/massive basalts (Group 3; ca. 235 Ma) having back-arc basin basalt affinity. Group 1 rocks exhibit moderate-high MgO (5.98–8.07 wt%) and Al 2 O 3 (13.75–17.40 wt%) contents and are characterized by subduction-type trace element patterns and high initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.71155–0.71261) and low ε Nd (t) values (−7.0 to −6.0), indicating that they originated from a spinel lithospheric mantle metasomatized by slab-derived fluids. Group 2 rocks have high contents of TiO 2 (2.28–4.96 wt%), total Fe 2 O 3 (11.67–14.80 wt%), Nb (18.3–22.8 ppm), and Ta (1.52–1.81 ppm) and more radiogenic Nd isotopes ε Nd (t) = +0.3 to +0.9]. These data show that they were derived from a spinel + garnet mantle source enriched by plume-type components. Group 3 rocks possess high MgO (7.29–9.29 wt%), Cr (427–488 ppm), and Ni (215–238 ppm) contents but low Nb (5.00–5.60 ppm) and Ta (0.36–0.84 ppm), coupled with low Sr (initial 87Sr/86Sr = 0.70523–0.70567) and high Nd isotopes ε Nd (t) = +3.1 to +3.5]. These values suggest that they were sourced from a garnet + spinel mantle affected by slight plume contamination. Combined with previous structural and geochemical studies, the ultramafic-mafic rocks of the Zhiduo Complex and arc magmatic rocks from nearby regions indicate an integrated Early Permian to Late Triassic oceanic basin–arc–back-arc system developed in the central NE Tibetan Plateau. Thus, the west Jinsha to Garzê-Litang represents a mature Paleo-Tethys Ocean rather than small back-arc basins. Southward subduction and associated back-arc spreading led to the genesis of widespread late Paleozoic to early Mesozoic magmatic rocks in the hinterland and along the northern margin of the North Qiangtang Block. • Plume-subduction interaction occurred in the NE Tibetan Plateau. • West Jinsha to Garzê-Litang represents a mature Paleo-Tethys Ocean. • Southward subduction of this ocean led to genesis of widespread magmatism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we proposed a ferrimagnetic mixed-spin (1, 3/2) Ising model to describe the ladder-like graphene nanoribbon. Using the Monte Carlo simulation, the effects of the anisotropies, exchange couplings, longitudinal magnetic field and temperature on the magnetic and thermodynamic properties were investigated. Typical temperature dependences of thermodynamics quantities such as magnetization, susceptibility and internal energy were presented under the influence of various physical parameters. The phase diagrams of blocking temperature were obtained in the different parameter planes. In particular, we also found some interesting double hysteresis loops behavior for certain physical parameters. Our results are consistent with those obtained by some theoretical and experimental researches. • The ferrimagnetic mixed-spin (1, 3/2) Ising ladder-like graphene nanoribbon in the longitudinal magnetic field has been studied. • Magnetization, susceptibility and internal energy have been discussed. • The phase diagrams of the blocking temperature under the influence of different parameters have been obtained. • The double hysteresis loops behavior has been found for certain physical parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies have shown the 5-HT 6 receptors are expressed in regions which are important in pain processing such as the cortex, amygdala, thalamus, PAG, spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia (DRG), suggesting a putative role of 5-HT 6 receptors in pain modulation. The ventrolateral orbital cortex (VLO) is part of an endogenous analgesic system, consisting of the spinal cord – thalamic nucleus submedius (Sm) – VLO – periaqueductal gray (PAG) – spinal cord loop. The present study assessed the possible role of 5-HT 6 receptors in the VLO in formalin-induced inflammatory pain model. Firstly we found that microinjection of selective 5-HT 6 receptor agonists EMD-386088 (5 μg in 0.5 μl) and WAY-208466 (8 μg in 0.5 μl) both augmented 5% formalin-induced nociceptive behavior. Microinjection of selective 5-HT 6 receptor antagonist SB-258585 (1,2 and 4 μg in 0.5 μl) significantly reduced formalin-induced flinching. Besides, the pronociceptive effects of EMD-386088 and WAY-208466 were dramatically reduced by SB-258585, implicating 5-HT 6 receptor mechanisms in mediating these responses. In addition, the pronociceptive effect of EMD-386088 was also prevented by the adenylate cyclase (AC) inhibitor SQ-22536 (2 nmol in 0.5 μl) and the protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor H89 (10 nmol in 0.5 μl), respectively. We further confirmed the above results with quantification of spinal c-fos expression. Taken together, our results suggested that 5-HT 6 receptors play a pronociceptive role in the VLO in the rat formalin test due to its activation of AC - PKA pathway. Therefore, cerebral cortical 5-HT 6 receptors could be a new target to develop analgesic drugs. • Intro-VLO of 5-HT6 receptor agonists enhanced nociceptive behavior and spinal Fos expression. • Intro-VLO of 5-HT6 receptor antagonist depressed nociceptive behavior and spinal Fos expression. • The pronociceptive effect of 5-HT6 receptor agonists was blocked by 5-HT6 receptor antagonist. • The pronociceptive effect of 5-HT6 receptor agonist was blocked by AC inhibitor. • The pronociceptive effect of 5-HT6 receptor agonist was blocked by PKA inhibitor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the leading causes of opportunistic and hospital-acquired infections worldwide, which is frequently linked with clinical treatment difficulties. Ibuprofen, a widely used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, has been previously reported to exert antimicrobial activity with the specific mechanism. We hypothesized that inhibition of P. aeruginosa with ibuprofen is involved in the quorum sensing (QS) systems. CFU was utilized to assessed the growth condition of P. aeruginosa. Crystal violent staining and acridine orange staining was used to evaluate the biofilm formation and adherence activity. The detection of QS virulence factors such as pyocyanin, elastase, protease, and rhamnolipids were applied to investigation the anti-QS activity of ibuprofen against P. aeruginosa. The production of 3-oxo-C 12 -HSL and C 4 -HSL was confirmed by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis. qRT-PCR was used to identify the QS-related gene expression. Furthermore, we explored the binding effects between ibuprofen and QS-associated proteins with molecular docking. Ibuprofen inhibits P. aeruginosa biofilm formation and adherence activity. And the inhibitory effects of ibuprofen on C 4 -HSL levels were concentration-dependent (p < 0.05), while it has no effect on 3-oxo-C 12 -HSL. Moreover, ibuprofen attenuates the production of virulence factors in P. aeruginosa (p < 0.05). In addition, the genes of QS system were decreased after the ibuprofen treatment (p < 0.05). Of note, ibuprofen was binding with LuxR, LasR, LasI, and RhlR at high binding scores. The antibiofilm and anti-QS activity of ibuprofen suggest that it can be a candidate drug for the treatment of clinical infections with P. aeruginosa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the main technologies to solve NO x pollution in vehicle exhaust is selective catalytic reduction. The Cu loaded SSZ-13 zeolites catalyst material is one of the most attractive catalytic materials used in this technology. Moreover, green synthesis route of copper based SSZ-13 without or less organic template agent using in order to promote its practical industrial application is a promising and meaningful research hotpot. In this paper, low-cost Cu-SSZ-13 zeolites were successfully synthesized by seed orientation method and evaluated for its catalytic properties of NO x reduction. The crystallization conditions and crystallization mechanism were systematically investigated. The results show that the amount of seed, the ratio of Si to Al, crystallization temperature, crystallization time and seed state (calcined or unroasted) all have effect on the synthesis of molecular sieve. With 10–20% SSZ-13 seeds adding, SSZ-13 zeolites at Si/Al ratio of 17.5–25 can be successfully prepared for hydrothermal treatment at 100 °C–120 °C for 2–6 days. And the optimum conditions for the synthesis of SSZ-13 zeolites by seed orientation method are as follows: using silica sol, aluminum sulfate, sodium hydroxide and deionized water as raw materials, and mixing them with the molar ratio of SiO 2 :Al 2 O 3 :Na 2 O:H 2 O = 40:1:16:900; taking the 15% unroasted SSZ-13 as seed, high purity SSZ-13 molecular sieve can be obtained by crystallization at 100 °C for 4 days. The results of crystallization mechanism investigations show that the synthesis of zeolites by seed-guided method is in accordance with the "core-shell" growth mechanism that the Si source and Al source continue to grow on the seed substrate in the Crystallization process. The copper loaded SSZ-13 zeolites by ion exchange method showed good selective catalytic reduction performance of NO x , which is compared to the activity of Cu-SSZ-13 zeolites prepared using traditional organic template agent. Thus, the low-cost seed-assisted, organic template agent-free synthesis of Cu-SSZ-13 zeolite has very promising application prospect in future NO x purification in vehicle exhaust. Image 10988 • Green Cu-SSZ-13 seed was successfully synthesized by seed orientation method. • Cu-SSZ-13 seed shows excellent NO x removal performance and promising applications. • The optimum synthesis conditions and crystallization mechanism were investigated. • The seed-oriented synthesis of SSZ-13 follows a core-shell growth mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• It was found that the deformation-failure behavior of EPDM was dependent on the applied strain rates. • Fracture strains of EPDM increased with the increasing strain rate under quasi-static loading, and this phenomenon is different from previously reported results. • An improved hyper-viscoelastic constitutive model with an energy limiter (in which the constant energy limiter was replaced by a rate-dependent energy limiter) was proposed to predict the rate-dependent deformation-failure behavior of EPDM under quasi-static loading. In order to characterize the rate-dependent deformation-failure behavior of pulse separation device (PSD) of ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), uniaxial constant rate tension, variable rate tension, and stress relaxation experiments were conducted for EPDM in a universal testing machine. It was found that the deformation-failure behavior of EPDM was dependent on the applied strain rates. An improved hyper-viscoelastic constitutive model with an energy limiter (in which the constant energy limiter was replaced by a rate-dependent energy limiter) was proposed to predict the rate-dependent deformation-failure behavior of EPDM under quasi-static loading. The proposed model was first calibrated by fitting it (based on the least squares method) to the data obtained from uniaxial constant rate tension experiments and then further examined by the data obtained from variable rate tension and stress relaxation experiments. The comparative results revealed that the constitutive model with a rate-dependent energy limiter predicted the rate-dependent deformation-failure behavior of EPDM under finite deformation and quasi-static loadings very well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

8,2′-Diprenylquercetin 3-methyl ether, a natural product with prominent anti-breast cancer activity, is the main active constituent of Sinopodophylli Fructus. A high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector coupled with electrospray ionization ion trap time-of-flight multistage mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-ESI-IT-TOF-MSn) method was established and applied to profile and identify the metabolites of 8,2′-diprenylquercetin 3-methyl ether as well as study their distribution in rat organs for the first time. A total of 100 new metabolites were tentatively identified in rats. The metabolic reactions of 8,2′-diprenylquercetin 3-methyl ether in rats in vivo were hydroxylation, methylation, glucuronidation, dehydrogenation, sulfation, polymerization and cysteine conjugation as well as the specific reactions of leucine/isoleucine, proline, and vitamin C conjugation. The detected metabolites included 77 in faeces, 50 in urine, 11 in plasma, 50 in the small intestine, 32 in the stomach, 23 in the liver, 9 in the lungs, 9 in the spleen, 8 in the heart, and 6 in the kidneys. The results indicated that the small intestine, stomach, and liver were the major organs for the distribution of 8,2′-diprenylquercetin 3-methyl ether metabolites. Furthermore, 27 metabolites showed various bioactivities predicted by the analysis of " PharmMapper ", among which 9 metabolites showed anti-cancer activity. These results are very useful for understanding the metabolism and pharmacological actions as well as the effective forms and toxic actions of 8,2′-diprenylquercetin 3-methyl ether in vivo ; moreover, they will lay the foundation for further studies on the metabolism of prenylflavonoid compounds. Unlabelled Image [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate a simple scheme of 6.835 GHz microwave source based on the sub-sampling phase lock loop (PLL). A dielectric resonant oscillator of 6.8 GHz is directly phase locked to an ultra-low phase noise 100 MHz oven controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO) utilizing the sub-sampling PLL. Then the 6.8 GHz is mixed with 35 MHz from an direct digital synthesizer (DDS) which is also referenced to the 100 MHZ OCXO to generate the final 6.835 GHz signal. Benefiting from the sub-sampling PLL, the processes of frequency multiplication, which are usually necessary in the development of a microwave source, are greatly simplified. The architecture of the microwave source is pretty simple. Correspondingly, its power consumption and cost are low. The absolute phase noises of the 6.835 GHz output signal are −47 dBc/Hz, −77 dBc/Hz, −104 dBc/Hz and −121 dBc/Hz at 1 Hz, 10 Hz, 100 Hz and 1 kHz offset frequencies, respectively. The frequency stability limited by the phase noise through the Dick effect is theoretically estimated to be better than 5.0 × 10−14τ1/2 when it is used as the local oscillator of the Rb atomic clocks. This low phase noise microwave source can also be used in other experiments of precision measurement physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]