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Introducing transition metals into the intercluster linkers has been considered an important strategy for the rapid development of metal chalcogenide supertetrahedral (Tn) cluster-based open frameworks with excellent properties. However, using this strategy for achieving the structure and property tunability in the cluster-based framework of Tn (n ≥ 5) is still a great challenge. Herein, we report on three new sulfide and oxosulfide open frameworks of T5 clusters, i.e., T5-ZnMnInOS ([In30Zn5Mn4O2S58]12-), T5-MnInOS ([In34Mn5O2S58]8-), and T5-MnInS ([In28Mn6S54]12-). Interestingly, transition metals Zn and Mn are successfully introduced into T5-ZnMnInOS and T5-MnInOS via the consolidation of corner-shared Zn2OS2 and Mn2OS2 units, respectively. Under the photoexcitation of UV light, three compounds can emit bright-orange-red light closely associated with the Mn2+ ions, and the compounds containing M2OS2 units exhibit better photoluminescence (PL) lifetimes. Variable-temperature PL spectra demonstrate that the introduced M2OS2 units are favorable for weakening the deformation of the skeleton structure and decreasing the red shifts of the emission peaks at low temperatures. Moreover, the experimental results exhibit that the three compounds are wide-band-gap semiconductors and that the photogenerated electron separation efficiency can be doubly increased because the intercluster linkers are fixed by the M2OS2 units. This work paves a new way for enriching the content and distribution types of transition-metal sites in the supertetrahedral cluster-based metal chalcogenide open frameworks.

We recently reported that intraperitoneal injection of 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF), a brain-derived neurotrophic factor-mimicking small compound, could attenuate alcohol-related behaviors in a two-bottle choice ethanol consumption procedure (IA2BC) in rats via tropomyosin receptor kinase B in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), which is closely related to alcohol use disorder. However, the detailed mechanisms underlying the regulation of 7,8-DHF on alcohol drinking behavior remain elusive. In this study, we determined the role of nitric oxide (NO), a pleiotropic signaling molecule, in the VTA in the action of 7,8-DHF upon alcohol drinking behavior. Intermittent alcohol exposure led to the overexpression of NO in the VTA, especially 72 h after withdrawal from four weeks of ethanol exposure in IA2BC rats. A higher amount of alcohol intake was also found at the same time point, consistent with the overexpression of NO in the VTA. Microinjection of NG-Nitro-l-Arginine Methyl Ester, (NO synthase inhibitor) or 2-4-carboxyphenyl-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide (NO scavenger) into the VTA inhibited alcohol intake, whereas application of S-Nitroso-N-acetyl-DL-penicillamine (SNAP, the NO donor) in the VTA further enhanced alcohol consumption in IA2BC rats. Interestingly, either 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3,-a]quinoxalin-1-one (a sGC inhibitor) or KT5823 [a selective protein kinase G (PKG) inhibitor] blocked NO's enhancing effect on ethanol intake. Intraperitoneal injection of 7,8-DHF reduced the overexpression of NO; SNAP microinjected into the VTA reversed the inhibitory effects of 7,8-DHF on alcohol consumption. Our findings suggest that NO-cGMP-PKG might be involved in regulation of 7,8-DHF on alcohol consumption in IA2BC rats.

As a synthetic functional analog of salicylic acid, 2,6-dichloroisonicotinic acid (INA) is effective in inducing the host disease resistance of a plant against a pathogen. The effects of INA on controlling postharvest blue and green molds and anthracnose decay and defense-related enzymes on citrus fruits were investigated, and the ascorbic acid of naturally infected citrus flavedo was also measured. Results showed that 1.0 mmol L−1 INA treatments significantly reduced blue and green molds and anthracnose decay development on both wound-inoculated fruit and naturally-infected fruit compared with the control fruit. The treatment effectively enhanced the β-1,3-glucanase (GLU), chitinase (CHI), phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and peroxidase (POD) activities and the polyphenol oxidase (PPO) in flavedo. The results presented here suggest that INA might be used as a chemical fungicide substitution to control postharvest diseases in citrus fruits.

Discrete supertetrahedral clusters of metal chalcogenides are rare because of the difficulty involved in meeting global charge matching between the negative charge of the skeleton and counterion. We present herein the third type of a discrete chalcogenide cluster with a double T3 structure in the compound (HDBN)6[In20S33(DBN)6] (DBN = 1,5-diazabicyclo [4.3.0]-5-nonene), the anion of which features quasi-D3 symmetrical double-T3 In20S33 supertetrahedra with six cornered indium atoms coordinated by DBN molecules. DFT theory calculations of the interaction between host and guest show that this compound may have high kinetic stability and low photoelectric reactivity.

Melt infiltration was used to prepare supported zinc oxide (ZnO) adsorbents for hydrogen sulfide (H2S) removal at room temperature, with three molecular sieves (MCM-41, SBA-15, and MCM-48) as carriers. The physical/chemical properties and the performance of these adsorbents were compared with those prepared by impregnation. Low- and wide-angle X-ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption and transmission electron microscopy characterizations revealed that because precursor penetrated into the pores of carrier by capillary force, melt infiltration can yield more evenly dispersed ZnO in the pores of molecular sieve compared with the impregnation. Based on the breakthrough capacity, the best ZnO loading contents were 20 wt% on MCM-41 and SBA-15, and 30 wt% on MCM-48, and their corresponding utilization ration reached 69.8%, 52.2%, and 45.1%. With the same loading, the utilization ration of adsorbents prepared by impregnation was only 26.8%, 38.2% and 28.3%. Breakthrough tests and multiple adsorption/regeneration cycles showed that adsorbents with a large specific surface area, large pore size, and high strength were favorable. However, carrier with a small pore size and high strength could benefit much more from the melt infiltration.

Simple Summary The insect midgut is an important digestive organ with the peritrophic matrix (PM) being a semi-permeable membrane secreted by the midgut cells. The PM plays an important role in improving midgut digestion efficiency and protecting the midgut from food particles and exogenous pathogens. The silkworm, Bombyx mori, is an economically important insect. Understanding the structure of the PM is necessary for studying its function, but characteristics of PM in B. mori have been rarely reported. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive study on the PM structure of the PM in silkworms and found its thickness increased gradually during growth, but there was no difference in the thickness comparing the anterior, middle, and posterior regions. Permeability of the PM gradually decreased from the anterior to posterior regions. In addition, we found the formation of the PM was influenced by food ingestion and the gut microbiota. Abstract The peritrophic matrix (PM) secreted by the midgut cells of insects is formed by the binding of PM proteins to chitin fibrils. The PM envelops the food bolus, serving as a barrier between the content of the midgut lumen and its epithelium, and plays a protective role for epithelial cells against mechanical damage, pathogens, toxins, and other harmful substances. However, few studies have investigated the characteristics and synthesis factors of the PM in the silkworm, Bombyx mori. Here, we examined the characteristics of the PM in the silkworms. The PM thickness of the silkworms increased gradually during growth, while there was no significant difference in thickness along the entire PM region. Permeability of the PM decreased gradually from the anterior to posterior PM. We also found that PM synthesis was affected by food ingestion and the gut microbiota. Our results are beneficial for future studies regarding the function of the PM in silkworms.

A novel mycelium-forming actinomycete strain, designated YIM S01255T were isolated from a salt lake. Optimal growth occurred in the presence of 0–5.0% (w/v) NaCl, at pH 7.0–8.0, and at 37 °C. Strain YIM S01255T contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid, and glucose, galactose and arabinose as the whole-cell sugars. The major fatty acid (> 5.0%) were iso-C16:0, iso-C16:1H and iso-C15:0. The major menaquinone were MK-9(H4) and MK-8(H4). The polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositolmannoside and phosphatidylinositol. The DNA G + C content was 70.7 mol%. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of the strain showed high similarity to members of genera in the family Pseudonocardiaceae with values less than 95.8%, and most closely related to the genus Amycolatopsis. Both of phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences and the up-to-date bacterial genome sequences analysis revealed that strains YIM S01255T and Prauserella shujinwangii XJ46T formed a distinct monophyletic clade and was separated from the other members within the family Pseudonocardiaceae. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) values and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) between the two strains were 81.0% and 40.6%, respectively. The distinctive polyphasic evidences differentiated YIM S01255T from members of the family Pseudonocardiaceae, so strain YIM S01255T is considered to represent a novel species of a novel genus of the family Pseudonocardiaceae, for which the name Qaidamihabitans albus gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of genus Qaidamihabitans is YIM S01255T (= KCTC 49476T = CGMCC 4.7684T). Moreover, Prauserella shujinwangii is also proposed to being transferred into the genus Qaidamihabitans as Qaidamihabitans shujinwangii comb. nov. (type strain XJ46T = CGMCC 4.7125T = JCM 19736T).

The aim of the study was to investigate correlations among inflammatory cytokines, nitric oxide (NO) level, urine protein, renal function and blood pressure in peripheral blood of patients with hypertensive disorder complicating pregnancy (HDCP). A total of 60 patients diagnosed with HDCP in the Obstetrics Department of Wuhan Children's Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology from May 2016 to April 2017 were selected. The patients were divided into the HDCP (n=20), mild pre-eclampsia (n=20) and severe pre-eclampsia (n=20) groups. Additionally, 20 healthy pregnant women were selected as the control group. General data of the patients were collected. NO, renal function and 24-h urine protein were measured. The systolic and diastolic blood pressure, C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the HDCP group was significantly higher than that in the control group. The CRP, TNF-α and IL-6 levels in the pre-eclampsia groups were higher than those in the gestational hypertension group (P

A novel and sensitive assay for aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) detection has been developed by using bio-bar code assay (BCA). The method that relies on polyclonal antibodies encoded with DNA modified gold nanoparticle (NP) and monoclonal antibodies modified magnetic microparticle (MMP), and subsequent detection of amplified target in the form of bio-bar code using a fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (FQ-PCR) detection method. First, NP probes encoded with DNA that was unique to AFB1, MMP probes with monoclonal antibodies that bind AFB1 specifically were prepared. Then, the MMP-AFB1-NP sandwich compounds were acquired, dehybridization of the oligonucleotides on the nanoparticle surface allows the determination of the presence of AFB1 by identifying the oligonucleotide sequence released from the NP through FQ-PCR detection. The bio-bar code techniques system for detecting AFB1 was established, and the sensitivity limit was about 10−8 ng/mL, comparable ELISA assays for detecting the same target, it showed that we can detect AFB1 at low attomolar levels with the bio-bar-code amplification approach. This is also the first demonstration of a bio-bar code type assay for the detection of AFB1 in Chinese herbs. Keywords: Aflatoxin B1, Bio-bar code assay, Chinese herbs, Magnetic microparticle probes, Nanoparticle probes

Metal–organic framework material MOF-199 is a new type of adsorption material for removal toxic H2S. In this work, the effects of temperature and pressure on the performance of H2S adsorption in MOF-199 were studied by using the grand canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulation; the interaction mechanism between framework atoms of MOF-199 and guest H2S molecules were further discussed through density functional theory (DFT) calculations. It is found that the MOF-199 adsorption capacity towards H2S decreases with increasing temperature and increases with increasing pressure. At low pressures, the frameworks containing the binding sites of copper dimers and trimesic acid are the main factor affecting the adsorption performance of MOF-199. While at high pressures, the free volume of MOF-199 contributes to the adsorption capacity as well. The adsorptive interactions between H2S and the organic ligand are weak (>− 14.469 kJ/mol). When H2S adsorption on the Cu–Cu bridge, the binding energies of the modes where hydrogen is put inward of the copper dimer are generally smaller than that where hydrogen is outward, whereas the adsorption on the top of copper ion shows the smallest BEs value (

There is of great interest in modification of polypropylene random copolymer (PPR) to improve the applicability. In this study, poly(styrene–ethylene/butylene–styrene) (SEBS) and a rare-earth β nucleating agent (WBG-II) were utilized to modify PPR (SEBS(m)–WBG-II(n)/PPR systems). The mechanical properties and crystalline structures of modified PPR were investigated. The SEBS elastomer (10 wt%)-coupled WBG-II (0.08 wt%)-modified PPR showed significantly high Izod impact strength relative to sole SEBS elastomer or sole WBG-II-modified PPR. The yield strength, flexural strength and elongation at break were limitedly affected by the modification. The SEBS elastomer partially hindered the nucleation effect of WBG-II, causing decreased relative contents of β-crystal of SEBS(m)–WBG-II(n)/PPR systems. The SEBS elastomer and WBG-II jointly induced crazing and shear deformation absorbed more energy under external shocks, causing the improvement of toughness. The fast cooling of molding benefited Izod impact strength of modified PPR. The combined modifications of PPR throw a new light to further improve the overall performance.

There is of great interest in promotion of anti-thermal aging properties of natural rubber (NR) to improve the applicability. In this study, two novel Schiff base antioxidants (SBAOs) for NR were synthesized utilizing 4-aminodiphenylamine with 3,5-Di-tert-butyl-2-hydroxybenzaldehyde or cinnamic aldehyde in an ethanol medium. IR, 13C-NMR, and 1H-NMR confirmed the structures of SBAOs. Addition of SBAOs improved the rheometric properties, mechanical properties and thermal oxidative stability of NR vulcanizates. Introduction of SBAOs in NR increased the apparent activation energy of thermal oxidative degradation according to Kissinger and FWO methods. Anti-thermal aging performance of SBAOs for NR is related to the structures. The C=N double bonds in SBAOs improve the electron density of Ar–OH and/or Ar–NH–Ar structures, benefiting the release of active hydrogen. The active hydrogen could capture free radicals initiated during the thermal oxidative aging process. The lone pair electrons on nitrogen atom are also beneficial to delay or terminate free radical reaction. NR with SBAOs showed high mechanical properties of the tensile strength, tensile stress at 100% elongation and Shore A hardness compared to commercial BHT and 4010 during aging 96 h. It indicates potential applications of SBAOs as efficient antioxidants for NR.

To reveal the role of ferrate self-decomposition and the fates of intermediate iron species [Fe(V)/Fe(IV) species] during ferrate oxidation, the reaction between ferrate and methyl phenyl sulfoxide (PMSO) at pH 7.0 was investigated as a model system in this study. Interestingly, the apparent second-order rate constants (kapp) between ferrate and PMSO was found to increase with ferrate dosage in the condition of excess ferrate in borate buffer. This ferrate dosage effect was diminished greatly in the condition of excess PMSO where ferrate self-decomposition was lessened largely, or counterbalanced by adding a strong complexing ligand (e.g. pyrophosphate) to sequester Fe(V) oxidation, demonstrating that the Fe(V) species derived from ferrate self-decomposition plays an important role in PMSO oxidation. A mechanistic kinetics model involving the ferrate self-decomposition and PMSO oxidation by Fe(VI), Fe(V) and Fe(IV) species was then developed and validated. The modeling results show that up to 99% of the PMSO oxidation was contributed by the ferrate self-decomposition resultant Fe(V) species in borate buffer, revealing that ferrate self-decomposition is also a self-activation process. The direct Fe(VI) oxidation of PMSO was impervious to presence of phosphate or Fe(III), while the Fe(V) oxidation pathway was strongly inhibited by phosphate complexation or enhanced with Fe(III). Similar ferrate dosage effect and its counterbalance by pyrophosphate as well as the Fe(III) enhancement were also observed in ferrate oxidation of micropollutants like carbamazepine, diclofenac and sulfamethoxazole, implying the general role of Fe(V) and promising Fe(III) enhancement during ferrate oxidation of micropollutants.

A novel magnetic metal–organic framework, NiFe2O4@MOF-5, has been prepared and characterized using spectroscopic, microscopic, and magnetic techniques (FT-IR, XRD, TEM, SEM, EDX, and VSM). This magnetically separable catalyst exhibited high catalytic activity for the synthesis of a variety of 2-substituted alkyl and aryl(indolyl)kojic acid derivatives via a one-pot, three-component reaction of aldehyde, indole, and kojic acid under solvent-free conditions. The catalyst can be easily magnetically separated and exhibits significant recyclability, with no significant loss of activity after six consecutive runs.

Matrine-family alkaloids as tetracycloquinolizindine analogues from Traditional Chinese Medicine Sophora flavescens Ait, Sophora subprostrata and Sophora alopecuroides L possess various pharmacological activities and have aroused great interests over the past decades. Especially, a lot of matrine derivatives have been designed and synthesized and their biological activities investigated, and encouraging results have continuously been achieved in recent several years. These studies are helpful to develop more potent candidates or therapeutic agents and disclose their molecular targets and mechanisms. This paper reviews recent advances in the bioactive modifications of matrine-family alkaloids from derivatization of the C-13, C-14 or C-15 position, opening D ring, fusing D ring and structural simplification.

Exogenous substance P accelerates wound healing in diabetes, but the mechanism remains poorly understood. Here, we established a rat model by intraperitoneally injecting streptozotocin. Four wounds (1.8 cm diameter) were drilled using a self-made punch onto the back, bilateral to the vertebral column, and then treated using amniotic membrane with epidermal stem cells and/or substance P around and in the middle of the wounds. With the combined treatment the wound-healing rate was 100% at 14 days. With prolonged time, type I collagen content gradually increased, yet type III collagen content gradually diminished. Abundant protein gene product 9.5- and substance P-immunoreactive nerve fibers regenerated. Partial nerve fiber endings extended to the epidermis. The therapeutic effects of combined substance P and epidermal stem cells were better than with amniotic membrane and either factor alone. Our results suggest that the combination of substance P and epidermal stem cells effectively contributes to nerve regeneration and wound healing in diabetic rats.

Purpose The gut is in direct contact with BDE-99 (2,2′,4,4′,5-pentabromodiphenyl ether), one of the most abundant PBDE congeners in the environment and in human tissues. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of BDE-99 on colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. Methods The effects of BDE-99 on cell proliferation were measured by CCK-8 assay in the CRC cell line HCT-116. Wound healing and transwell migration/invasion assays were used to test the migration and invasion of CRC cells. Factors related to epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were measured by real-time PCR and Western blot analysis for mRNA and protein levels, respectively. Results BDE-99 was found to increase migration and invasion and trigger EMT in HCT-116 cells; EMT was characterized by cells acquiring mesenchymal spindle-like morphology and by increased expression of N-cadherin with a concomitant decrease in E-cadherin. BDE-99 treatment also increased the protein and mRNA levels of the transcription factor Snail, but not Slug, Twist, and ZEB1. Knockdown of Snail by siRNA significantly attenuated BDE-99-induced EMT in HCT-116 cells, suggesting that Snail plays a crucial role in BDE-99-induced EMT. The PI3K/Akt inhibitor LY294002 completely blocked BDE-99-induced Snail and invasion of HCT-116 cells. Conclusions Our results revealed that BDE-99 can trigger the EMT of colon cancer cells via the PI3K/AKT/Snail signaling pathway. This study provides new insight into the tumorigenesis and metastasis of CRC stimulated by BDE-99 and possibly other PBDE congeners.

A facile and general route to a new generation of polyaniline (PANI)-citric acid (CA) crystals such as 2D nanoplates, 2D nanosheets and 3D microrods self-assembled by the π-π stacking interaction is reported. Dramatic, 3D rectangular shaped microrods and 2D nanosheets are single crystals indicated by SAED patterns and HRTEM images. Moreover, the method does not depend on any specific equipment or heating, cooling and complex procedures. The novel polyaniline crystals will be useful for next generation organic electronics such as nano-transistors.

In this paper the interactions between DNA and anti-cancer drug oxaliplatin were investigated by using magnetic tweezers. The dynamics of DNA condensation due to oxaliplatin was traced under various forces. It is found that torsion constraint in DNA enhances the ability of oxaliplatin for shortening DNA. The transplatin helps oxaliplatin combine to DNA and increase the rate of DNA condensation. All these results are consistent to the previously proposed model and are helpful for further investigation of interaction between DNA and oxaliplatin.

In this paper, we report the obtention of two copper (I) metal–organic complexes [Cu(LH)2Cl] 1 and [Cu2L2]n 2 (LH = 2-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10] phenanthroline) by hydrothermal processing and structural characterization by elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, single-crystal X-ray diffraction and theoretical calculations in Gaussian 09. The pH value of the reaction plays a key role in controlling the structures of the metal–organic complexes. Based on the structures of 1 and 2, we found that the pH influence on the structure of the complexes is, in fact, high pH value will favor the complex 2 produced.

Objective: Aroma is the core factor in aromatherapy. Sensory evaluation of aromas differed among three sweet osmanthus (Osmanthus fragrans) cultivar groups. The purpose of this study was to investigate the aroma-active compounds responsible for these differences. Methods: Gas chromatography-olfactometry (GC-O) and GC-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) were used to analyze the aroma-active compounds and volatiles of creamy-white (‘Houban Yingui’, HBYG), yellow (‘Liuye Jingui’, LYJG), and orange (‘Gecheng Dangui’, GCDG) cultivars. Results: Seventeen aroma-active compounds were detected among 54 volatiles. trans-β-Ocimene, trans-β-ionone, and linalool, which were major volatiles, were identified as aroma-active, while cis-3-hexenyl butanoate, γ-terpinene, and hexyl butanoate were also aroma-active compounds, although their contents were low. Analysis of the odors was based on the sum of the modified frequency (MF) values of aroma-active compounds in different odor groups. HBYG contained more herb odors, contributed by cis-β-ocimene and trans-β-ocimene, while LYJG had more woody/violet/fruity odors released by trans-β-ionone, α-ionone, and hexyl butanoate. In GCDG, the more floral odors were the result of cis-linalool oxide, trans-linalool oxide, and linalool. Conclusions: Aroma-active compounds were not necessarily only the major volatiles: some volatiles with low content also contributed to aroma. The aroma differences among the three cultivars resulted from variation in the content of different odor groups and in the intensities of aroma-active compounds.

A new fluorescent boron dipyrromethene (Bodipy) derivative 1 containing a di(2-picolyl)amine group as a binding site for Cu2+ was synthesized and characterized. Compound 1 behaves as an “on–off” fluorescent sensor for highly selective and sensitive detection of Cu2+ ions. The selective interaction between compound 1 and Cu2+ leads to formation of a 1·Cu2+ complex, associated with quenching of the fluorescence of 1. An investigation into the detection of biothiols shows that the 1·Cu2+ complex has better recognition for glutathione than cysteine and homocysteine in CH3OH–HEPES (1:1, v/v) buffer solution at pH 7.4 (HEPES = 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid). In addition, fluorescence images obtained via confocal microscopy reveal that compound 1 exhibits excellent selectivity and high sensitivity for Cu2+ under physiological conditions and in living cells.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding regulatory molecules that play important roles in a variety of biological processes. Although a number of cold-responsive miRNAs have been computationally identified, functions and mechanisms of most miRNAs are not well understood. Herein, the function of trifoliate orange [Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf.] miRNA396b (ptr-miR396b) in cold tolerance and its potential regulatory module were investigated. Compared with the wild type (WT), transgenic lemon (Citrus limon) plants overexpressing ptr-MIR396b, the precursor of ptr-miR396b, displayed enhanced cold tolerance. Ptr-miR396b was experimentally confirmed to guide the cleavage of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid oxidase (ACO). The overexpressing lines exhibited a reduction in ACO transcript levels and ethylene content compared with the WT, and the expression pattern of ACO was opposite to that of ptr-miR396b in response to cold stress. In addition, the transgenic lines exhibited higher levels of free polyamines and mRNA abundance of polyamine biosynthetic genes than WT plants under cold treatment, consistent with reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in the former. Taken together, this study demonstrates that ptr-miR396b positively regulates cold tolerance through reducing ACO transcript levels, thereby repressing ethylene synthesis and simultaneously promoting polyamine synthesis, leading to enhanced ROS scavenging. Identification of the ptr-miR396b-ACO regulatory module provides new insights into the molecular mechanism underlying the reduction of ethylene production under cold.

The active site of chitosan is protected basing on amino reaction method of reaction between benzaldehyde and chitosan to form Schiff. The O-carboxymethyl chitosan is obtained by the method that taking chloroactic acid to hydroxyl of chitosan as modifier in alkaline conditions to form amino protection and then remove the protection in acid conditions. The O-carboxymethyl chitosan particles with particle size distribution of 15-50μm is prepared by emulsification cross- linking method.

The dissipation dynamics and final residues of fluopyram in cucumber and soil were studied. Cucumber and soil samples were extracted with acetonitrile, cleaned up by PSA, determined by gas chromatography with electron capture detection. The LOQ of this method was found 0.003 mg/kg. The results of residual dynamics experiment showed that the half-lives of fluopyram in cucumber and soil were 3.7-4.3 days and 5.8-6.2 days, respectively. Residues of fluopyram in cucumber were all below 0.5mg/kg at both recommended high dosage and 1.5 times of recommended high dosage.

In this paper, we report the synthesis of the bifunctional Fe3O4@SiO2@Eu-polyoxometalates particles. The magnetite nanoparticles (Fe3O4) homogeneously coated with silica spheres prepared with the Stöber method. The so-obtained Fe3O4@SiO2 core/shell particles were modified by 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane and finally grafted with the luminescent Europium -polyoxometalates. The core-shell particles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, FT-IR, UV, magnetism and luminescence spectroscopy. The results indicated that the core-shell particles show both interesting luminescence and magnetic properties.

Four novel amino-functionalized ionic liquids were prepared with high yield (80%-90%) in a simple, straightforward, one-step synthetic method; their structures were characterized by IR, UV, and NMR, their important physical and chemical properties have been detected. According to the research of their application in absorbing SO2, these ionic liquids can act as promising perfect adsorbents with the advantages of high absorption efficiency (1.06-2.50 of the MR ratio), with high desorption efficiency of 90%-100%. In addition, it was found that these ionic liquids could be reused without significant loss of reactivity; these ionic liquids were valuable for academic and industrial application.

A systematic investigation on the morphology development of polyvinylidene fluoride hollow fiber membrane made using various N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) aqueous solutions as an inner coagulant was carried out. The cross-sectional and inner surface morphology were analyzed with scanning electronic microscopy (SEM). It is found that with increase on NMP concentration, the morphology of the resultant membranes gradually shifted from a double-skin to a single-skin structure. When 40.0 ∼ 55.0 wt.% NMP solution was used, some unexpected macrovoids near the inner region were observed. This special morphology feature was attributed to the reduced solidification rate of the inner surface as a result of increase on NMP concentration, which sharply weakened the inner skin strength. While the existence of centralized stress formed in the phase inversion process, such as shrinkage stress from syneresis, resulted in fractured points in the nascent skin surface that finally made it difficult to maintain a uniform structure. Investigations on effects of the dope flow rate and the bore fluid velocity on the morphology of PVDF fiber membranes experimentally confirmed the suggestion. Three model membranes with double skins, single skin and single skin with macrovoids structures, respectively, were used to test their permeation performance in a CO2 membrane contactor system. The experimental results show the membranes without an inner skin present higher permeability and lower mass transfer resistance than the membrane with a double skin structure. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 2010

Summary The cytosolic DNA sensor cGAS recognizes viral DNA and synthesizes the second messenger cGAMP upon viral infection. cGAMP binds to the adaptor protein MITA/STING to activate downstream signaling events, leading to induction of type I interferons (IFNs) and antiviral effector genes. Here we identify the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) protein UL31 as an inhibitor of cGAS. UL31 interacts directly with cGAS and disassociates DNA from cGAS, thus inhibiting cGAS enzymatic functions and reducing cGAMP production. UL31 overexpression markedly reduces antiviral responses stimulated by cytosolic DNA, while knockdown or knockout of UL31 heightens HCMV-triggered induction of type I IFNs and downstream antiviral genes. Moreover, wild-type HCMV replicates more efficiently than UL31-deficient HCMV, a phenotype that is reversed in cGAS null cells. These results highlight the importance of cGAS in the host response to HCMV as well as an important viral strategy to evade this innate immune sensor.

Chemical agent detection in the oilfield produced liquid plays a key role in the dynamic evaluation during ASP (alkali/surfactant/polymer) flooding. A new method was proposed for analysis of trace carboxylate surfactant with the UV spectrophotometer determination. This method is simple, accurate and rapid with a wide linear range. The method recovery is in the range of 94.4%–103.1%, and the relative standard deviation is only 1.38%. In considering the actual situation of oil production, the impact of alkali, polymer, crude oil and other interfering factors on the determination was explored, and the results were very satisfying.

A method using anion exchange high performance liquid chromatography (AX-HPLC) and capillary gel electrophoresis (CGE) was established for the analysis of the related substances in phosphorothioate antisense oligonucleotide FT19 for quality control. The FT19 and its analogs of partial phosphodiester compounds (P=O) 1, as well as deletion sequences (n - 1) were analyzed. AX-HPLC with the DNA Pac PA-100 column (4 mm x 250 mm) was used for the separation of phosphorothioate modifications. The size of the capillary column used in the CGE was 31 cm x 100 microm with an effective length of 20 cm. It was found that full phosphorothioate and partial phosphodiester oligonucleotides of the same length were successfully separated, and the deletion sequences (n - 1) and the full-length sequence n were successfully separated in CGE. The results demonstrated that the related substances of phosphorothioate oligonucleotides can be well analyzed by AX-HPLC and CGE.

Terpolymer demulsifier of acryl resin has been synthesized through solution polymerization with water as a dissolvent, potassium persulfate as an initiator and the monomers of methyl methacrylate, butyl acrylate and acrylic acid as starting materials. The effects of the reaction temperature, dripping time, the amount of monomers and initiator on the dehydration rate of the demulsifier were investigated by an orthogonal experiment. It shows that the stronger influence on the dehydration rate among six factors is reaction temperature, dripping time, and amount of catalyst, while monomer has weak influence. The performance of the demulsifier was evaluated under different demulsification time, temperatures and concentrations of the screened demulsifiers. The result shows that the dehydration rate of the demulsifier can reach over 67%, which is better than that by the emulsion polymerization way.

Objective: We applied a comparative functional genomics approach to evaluate whether diet-induced obese (DIO) rats serve as an effective obesity model. Methods and Procedures: Gene-expression profiles of epididymal fat from DIO and lean rats were generated using microarrays and compared with the published array data of obese and non-obese human subcutaneous adipocytes. Results: Caloric intake and fuel efficiency were significantly higher in DIO rats, which resulted in increased body weight and adiposity. Circulating glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, insulin, and leptin levels in DIO rats were significantly higher than those in the lean controls. DIO rats also exhibited impaired insulin sensitivity. A direct comparison of gene-expression profiles from DIO and lean rats and those from obese and non-obese humans revealed that global gene-expression patterns in DIO rat fat resemble those of obese human adipocytes. Differentially expressed genes between obese and non-obese subjects in both human and rat studies were identified and associated with biological pathways by mapping genes to Gene Ontology (GO) categories. Immune response–related genes and angiogenesis-related genes exhibited significant upregulation in both obese humans and DIO rats when compared with non-obese controls. However, genes in fatty acid metabolism and oxidation exhibited a broad downregulation only in obese human adipocytes but not in DIO rat epididymal fat. Discussion: Our study based on gene-expression profiling suggested that DIO rats in general represent an appropriate obesity model. However, the discrepancies in gene-expression alterations between DIO rats and obese humans, particularly in the metabolic pathways, may explain the limitations of using DIO rodent models in obesity research and drug discovery.

A systematic simulation has been carried out in membrane contactors to study CO 2 capture by water and diethanolamine (DEA) aqueous solutions from a CO 2 /N 2 mixture under the wetted and the non-wetted operation modes. Two types of microporous hollow fiber membrane modules made of polypropylene (PP) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) hollow fibers were used to conduct CO 2 absorption experiments. The corresponding experimental data were used to verify simulated results. Experimental study showed that the membrane wetting could not be completely avoided especially in the case of chemical absorption. Both experimental and theoretical study disclosed that the membrane wetting would result in a significant drop of CO 2 flux. The simulation results further revealed that for the physical absorption of CO 2 by water, the proportion of membrane phase resistance in the overall mass transfer resistance increased from less than 5 to about 90% when the operation mode was shifted from non-wetted to wetted. As for the chemical absorption, analysis on the mass transfer resistance revealed that the ratio of the membrane resistance increased sharply from 10 to 70% when only 10% membrane length was wetted. With the introduction of an extra resistance caused by the membrane wetting, the mass transfer in the wetted membrane phase finally became the rate-controlling step. It was not as effective to enhance the CO 2 flux by increasing the inlet gas velocity or the liquid velocity as in the non-wetted mode of operation.

d-Glucose-6-phosphatase is a key regulator of endogenous glucose production, and its inhibition may improve glucose control in type 2 diabetes. Herein, 2′-O-(2-methoxy)ethyl-modified phosphorothioate antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) specific to the glucose 6-phosphate transporter-1 (G6PT1) enabled reduction of hepatic d-Glu-6-phosphatase activity in diabetic ob/ob mice. Treatment with G6PT1 ASOs decreased G6PT1 expression, reduced G6PT1 activity, blunted glucagon-stimulated glucose production, and lowered plasma glucose concentration in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast to G6PT1 knock-out mice and patients with glycogen storage disease, excess hepatic and renal glycogen accumulation, hyperlipidemia, neutropenia, and elevations in plasma lactate and uric acid did not occur. In addition, hypoglycemia was not observed in animals during extended periods of fasting, and the ability of G6PT1 ASO-treated mice to recover from an exogenous insulin challenge was not impaired. Together, these results demonstrate that effective glucose lowering by G6PT1 inhibitors can be achieved without adversely affecting carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.

In order to gain a better understanding of CO2 absorption in a hollow fiber membrane contactor, theoretical simulations have been performed to describe CO2 capture by distilled water and aqueous diethanolamine (DEA) solutions. The studies were focused on gas phase behaviors by taking the distributions of gas concentration and gas velocity along the flowing direction into account. The corresponding experiments were also carried out in a Celgard MiniModule to verify the simulated results. In the case of physical absorption, both simulation and experimental results indicate that CO2 flux increases with the liquid velocity, while the inlet gas velocity has no significant effect on CO2 flux. The mass transfer resistance mainly exists on the liquid side. In the case of chemical absorption, the CO2 flux is significantly influenced by the inlet gas velocity while the liquid velocity has a limited effect. The analyses of CO2 concentration profiles in the gas and liquid phases as well as DEA concentration profile in the liquid phase reveal that CO2 concentration in the gas phase serves as the rate-determining factor for the reaction between CO2 and DEA. The significant CO2 loss in the gas phase results in an interesting DEA concentration profile near the liquid–gas interface. There exists an effective module length Leff, which suggests that increasing the module length is not a useful approach to enhance CO2 absorption when the module length is longer than Leff.

Only a small fraction of all siRNAs are effective in silencing their target genes, and siRNA efficacy can only be determined experimentally. Previously described reporter-based siRNA validation methods all rely on the availability of physical cDNA clones, and this limits the high throughput applicability of the method. In the current report, we used short synthetic DNA fragment containing a siRNA targeting site, instead of cDNA, to fuse with a reporter gene. When targeting such transcripts with different siRNAs, we found that such constructs can faithfully report the efficacy of the corresponding siRNAs in a sequence specific manner, even when the inserted DNA fragment is essentially only long enough to cover the targeting site. The efficacy of both vector-based siRNA and synthetic siRNA can be evaluated using this system. Since only readily available short synthetic DNA fragments are needed for forming the evaluation vector, this method provides an appealing way of validating siRNAs in high throughput.

In this paper, we produce porous silicon (PSi) by electrochemical etching, and it is the first time to evaluate the performance of label-free porous silicon biosensor for detection of variable domain of heavy chain of heavy-chain antibody (VHH). The binding of hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL) and VHH causes a red shift in the reflection spectrum of the biosensor. The red shift is proportional to the VHH concentration in the range from 14 g·ml−1 to 30 g·ml−1 with a detection limit of 0.648 ng·ml−1. The research is useful for the development of label-free biosensor applied in the rapid and sensitive determination of small molecules.

The present study assessed the efficacy and toxicity of definitive extended-field intensity-modulated radiotherapy (EF-IMRT) plus concurrent chemotherapy in cervical cancer. A total of 48 patients with cervical cancer received the planning target volume between 39.6 and 50.4 Gy in 1.8-2.0 Gy daily fractions, while the enlarged pelvic and/or para-aortic nodes were treated with a total dose of 55-60 Gy in 2.0-2.4 Gy daily fractions using simultaneous integrated boost-IMRT. All patients underwent high dose-rate brachytherapy. Concurrent to EF-IMRT, nedaplatin was administered weekly at a median dose of 30 mg/m2 (range, 25-40 mg/m2) for 5 weeks with a total of 150 mg/m2. Of the 48 patients, 46 patients exhibited initial complete responses and 2 patients had partial responses, with a response rate of 100%. After 4-24 months of treatment, 12 patients (27.08%) had local and/or distant failure and 39 patients (81.25%) were alive at the last follow-up. The 12-month overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were 87.5 and 75.8%, respectively, while the 24-month OS and DFS were 69.7 and 49.7%, respectively. Grade ≥3 acute neutropenia and thrombcytopenia occurred in 20 (41.7%) and 4 (8.3%) patients, respectively, while 2 patients (4.2%) developed grade ≥3 diarrhea and 2 (4.2%) had grade ≥3 late toxicities. However, no patients exhibited grade ≥3 vomiting. Thus, concurrent nedaplatin chemotherapy with definitive EF-IMRT was effective and relatively safe for treating patients with cervical cancer. Furthermore, EF-IMRT was able to deliver ≤60 Gy to enlarged para-aortic and/or pelvic nodes using simultaneous integrated boost without increased acute and late gastrointestinal toxicity.

Objective.To evaluate the effect of petroleum ether extracts ofCurcuma zedoariaon the proliferation of human triple negative breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231.Methods.The reagents were isolated fromCurcuma zedoariaby petroleum ether fraction. It was assayed by CCK8 for MDA-MB-231 cellular viability with various concentrations and days, cell cycle analyses, Western Blot analysis, and Realtime Reverse Transcriptase PCR analyses for chemokines molecules including E-cadherin, and E-selectin, and adhesion molecules including CCR7, SLC, SDF-1, and CXCR4. Epirubicin was used as control in the study.Results.MDA-MB-231 cells were inhibited by petroleum ether extracts ofCurcuma zedoaria(P < 0.05), and the inhibition rate was dependent on concentrations and time. Petroleum ether extracts ofCurcuma zedoariaas well as Epirubicin produce a significant G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. The level of expression of proteins E-cadherin and E-cadherin mRNA was significantly increased, while proteins SDF-1, CCR7, and CXCR4 mRNA were decreased after being incubated with petroleum ether extracts ofCurcuma zedoariaat the concentrations of 300 μg/mL than control (P < 0.05). The differences were that the protein CXCR4 mRNA expression level was higher than vehicle.Conclusions.MDA-MB-231 cells were inhibited by petroleum ether extracts ofCurcuma zedoaria.

A theoretical analysis of microwave magnetic envelope soliton profiles and the soliton peak power response for high power magnetostatic wave (MSW) excitations in yttrium iron garnet (YIG) thin films has been made. This analysis was based on the standard nonlinear Schrodinger equation with all key parameters based on experiment. The measurements were done for magnetostatic backward volume waves in a 10.2 μm YIG film, with a band edge at 5.06–5.07 GHz and operating point frequencies from 4.80 to 5.00 GHz. The use of accurate dispersion and group velocity parameters and the transmitted power versus frequency response of the MSW signal was critical. It was possible to accurately model both the shapes of the soliton pulses and the peak output versus peak input power response over a wide range of power levels.

Brillouin light scattering has been used to measure wave number km and wave vector km angle distributions for 5 GHz magnetostatic backward-volume-wave envelope solitons in yttrium-iron-garnet thin films. For moderate powers, the data revealed spin waves directly associated with the solitons with km values in the 6300 radycm range. For high powers, the data showed high km spin waves in the 2500–5000 radycm range with discrete in-plane km directions at 90± and other angles around 90± relative to the soliton propagation direction. These high km spin waves provide the first direct evidence of spin wave shedding associated with solitons at high powers. [S0031-9007(98)06546-6]

Citric acid was reported to chelate aluminum (Al) strongly and alleviate Al toxicity. Detoxification of Al by adding citric acid was studied in experiments with mungbean (Phaseolus aureus Roxb.) seedlings and cuttings (without roots) grown in a growth chamber. The seedlings and cuttings were grown for sixteen days in a dilute nutrient (pH 4.1) at two concentrations of citric acid (0, 5 mM) and three concentrations of Al (0, 2, and 5 mM) using a complete randomized design method. Results showed that 5 mM citric acid increased the height of mungbean seedlings, length of epicotyl, and fresh weight of seedlings and roots significantly. Although the mitigation by adding citric acid was more effective at higher Al concentrations, it seemed that citric acid was harmful to fresh and dry weights of cuttings under higher Al stress. This was perhaps attributed to the absence of roots. The content of soluble protein and chlorophyll in the seedlings were decreased under high Al stress by adding citric acid, b...

OBJECTIVE To investigate the pathogenic factors of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) complicated by hepatic insufficiency, the prognosis and the effective preventive and therapeutic interventions. METHODS One hundred and fifty-two patients with SAP (from January 2003 to June 2004) were divided into 2 groups, SAP with hepatic insufficiency group and SAP without hepatic insufficiency group. The related factors such as causes of disease, serum biochemical criteria, complications, mortality and course of disease were observed. RESULTS The concentrations of serum amylase, creatinine and lactate dehydrogenase were all much higher in the SAP with hepatic insufficiency group than those in the SAP without hepatic insufficiency group (P

Cisplatin is the main platinum antitumor drug applied in clinical settings. However, its trans isomer, transplatin, is known to have an ineffective antitumor activity. Despite intensive studies in this field, the structural and biophysical properties of DNA molecules reacting with these two platinum complexes have not been fully elucidated. In the present study, we observed that transplatin made efficient cross-linking of DNA in the vicinity of cisplatin adducts. High-resolution atomic force microscopy studies revealed that the transplatin-induced cross-linkings of nucleotides flanking cisplatin adducts were characterized by kinked-loop structures with rod-like shapes of nanometer scales (similar to 10-60 nm). The results were further confirmed by denaturing gel electrophoresis and single-molecule experiment using magnetic tweezers. In vivo studies revealed that transplatin and cisplatin co-treatment could induce a considerable amount of kinked loops with smaller sizes (similar to 15 nm) in cellular DNA. Furthermore, compared with cisplatin treatment alone, the co-treatment resulted in enhanced cytotoxicity, increased amount of interstrand cross-links, and cell lesions more reluctant to cellular repair system. The results of the present study provide a new clue for understanding the stepwise reactions of DNA with platinum drugs and might serve as a basis for the development of a new antitumor strategy. (C) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Background: Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides (MOs) have been reported to exert neuroprotective and antidepressant-like effects in the forced swim test (FST) in mice. However, the mechanisms that underlie the antidepressant-like effects of MOs are unclear. Methods: Chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) and FST were used to explore the antidepressant-like effects of MOs and resilience to stress in rats. The PI3K inhibitor LY294002 was microinjected in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) to explore the role of GSK-3β in the antidepressant-like effects of MOs. The expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), phosphorylated-Ser9-glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β), β-catenin, and synaptic proteins was determined in the mPFC and the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) by Western blot. Results: We found that MOs effectively ameliorated CUS-induced depression-like behaviors in the sucrose preference test (SPT) and FST. The MOs also significantly rescued CUS-induced abnormalities in the BDNF-GSK-3β-β-catenin pathway and synaptic protein deficits in the mPFC but not OFC. The activation of GSK-3β by the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 abolished the antidepressant-like effects of MOs in the FST. Naive rats that were treated with MOs exhibited resilience to CUS, accompanied by increases in the expression of BDNF, phosphorylated-Ser9-GSK-3β, and β-catenin in the mPFC. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that the BDNF-GSK-3β-β-catenin pathway in the mPFC may underlie the antidepressant-like effect of MOs and resilience to stress.

Diets high in sucrose or fructose have been shown by others to induce a modest elevation of blood pressure in rats. The present experiments were conducted to determine whether the sucrose-induced increase of blood pressure is dependent on the intake of sodium chloride. Four groups of Sprague-Dawley rats were studied: 1) a group maintained on a low salt diet and distilled water (0.45% sodium chloride, no added sucrose), 2) a low salt-high sucrose group (0.45% sodium chloride diet and 7% sucrose in distilled water), 3) a high salt group (4% sodium chloride diet and distilled water), and 4) a high salt-high sucrose group on a diet adjusted daily to maintain the same high intakes of sodium chloride and sucrose as those of groups 2 and 3. Systolic blood pressures were measured by tail-cuff plethysmography during weeks 1-3 of treatment, and direct mean arterial blood pressures were recorded in conscious animals during week 4. Animals on the high salt diet gained weight more slowly than those on the low salt intake. On the low sodium chloride intake, blood pressures were not affected by high dietary sucrose (group 1 versus 2). In contrast, on the high sodium chloride intake, blood pressures were 10-14 mm Hg higher in sucrose-drinking animals than in water-drinking animals (group 3 versus 4). The increments in blood pressures of the high sodium chloride-high sucrose group were not accompanied by greater increments in body weight compared with the animals on the high sodium chloride intake alone.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

SUMMARY Nitric oxide (NO) is a highly diffusible signalling molecule with widespread effects on the integrative electrical properties of a variety of neuronal and muscle cells. We have explored the effects of NO on the cardiac-like impulse generated by skin cells of the hatchling Xenopustadpole. Skin cell impulses propagate from cell to cell via gap junctions and form an unusual sensory system, which triggers escape behaviour at early stages of amphibian development. We show that the NO donor S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP) increases the duration of the skin impulse and slows the rate of impulse propagation across the skin, and also produces a significant depolarization of the membrane potential of skin cells. Each of these effects of SNAP is significantly reversed by the NO scavenger, C-PTIO. Possible sources of NO have been investigated using both NADPH-diaphorase histochemistry and nNOS immunocytochemistry to label the enzyme nitric oxide synthase (NOS), and DAF-2 to label NO itself. In each case a punctate distribution of skin cells is labelled, indicating that the endogenous production of NO may regulate the properties of the skin impulse.