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A small, novel wheat drying oven was designed, and tested in order to validate the possibility of recovering diesel engine waste heat as thermal energy. Prior to experiments, the theoretical probability was conducted, and it was confirmed that the thermal energy required for drying wheat could be satisfied by reusing the diesel engine waste heat. Three different experiment parameters, including air temperature, baffle angle, and drying time, were controlled to optimize the results. Based on the experiment data, the optimum temperature for drying wheat was 55°C, and the optimum baffle angle was 23.25°. The drying efficiency decreased as the drying temperature and drying time increased. The moisture content of wheat decreased from 26.0% to 20.0% with 55°C hot air when the proposed wheat drying oven was used. The test results demonstrated that the proposed oven could be made to work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Ion channels are transmembrane proteins ubiquitously expressed in all cells that control various ions (e.g. Na+, K+, Ca2+ and Cl- etc) crossing cellular plasma membrane, which play critical roles in physiological processes including regulating signal transduction, cell proliferation as well as excitatory cell excitation and conduction. Abnormal ion channel function is usually associated with dysfunctions and many diseases, such as neurodegenerative disorders, ophthalmic diseases, pulmonary diseases and even cancers. The precise regulation of ion channels not only helps to decipher physiological and pathological processes, but also is expected to become cutting-edge means for disease treatment. Recently, nanoparticles-mediated ion channel manipulation emerges as a highly promising way to meet the increasing requirements with respect to their simple, efficient, precise, spatiotemporally controllable and non-invasive regulation in biomedicine and other research frontiers. Thanks the advantages of their unique properties, nanoparticles can not only directly block the pore sites or kinetics of ion channels through their tiny size effect, and perturb active voltage-gated ion channel by their charged surface, but they can also act as antennas to conduct or enhance external physical stimuli to achieve spatiotemporal, precise and efficient regulation of various ion channel activities (e.g. light-, mechanical-, and temperature-gated ion channels etc). So far, nanoparticles-mediated ion channel regulation has shown potential prospects in many biomedical fields at the interfaces of neuro- and cardiovascular modulation, physiological function regeneration and tumor therapy et al. Towards such important fields, in this typical review, we specifically outline the latest studies of different types of ion channels and their activities relevant to the diseases. In addition, the different types of stimulation responsive nanoparticles, their interaction modes and targeting strategies towards the plasma membrane ion channels will be systematically summarized. More importantly, the ion channel regulatory methods mediated by functional nanoparticles and their bioapplications associated with physiological modulation and therapeutic development will be discussed. Last but not least, current challenges and future perspectives in this field will be covered as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In present research, Fe-doped brushite bone cements were synthesized. The setting time, microstructure and antibacterial property of samples were investigated. The results showed that the setting time of cements was retarded to about 20 min and 123 min, respectively, as iron doping content increasing from 1 mol% to 5 mol% in β-TCP powder. Moreover, Fe-doped cements had much bigger crystal particles and calcium iron phosphate was identified in them. Furthermore, Fe-doped cements performed well in inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and larger inhibition halo was obtained with more iron content. Nevertheless, the Fe-loaded cements were not so sensitive to Escherichia coli as to the other two bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Novel LaCoO 3 was obtained by SBA-15 assisted electrospinning combined with etching. • LaCoO 3 are confined in nanorods or scattered on mesopores/surface of SBA-15. • Deactivation by water vapor is reversible. • Reducibility, O ads /O latt , Co2+/Co3+, and exposed surface Co are important. A high surface area rhombohedral LaCoO 3 perovskite (ELS-JX) was synthesized by SBA-15 assisted electrospinning combined with NaOH etching technology, and investigated for total benzene oxidation. LaCoO 3 nanoparticles are confined in the self-assembled nanorods or scattered on the mesopores/surface of SBA-15, resulting in less aggregation of perovskite nanoparticles for ELS-JX. H 2 -TPR analysis and XPS measurements reveal that better low-temperature reducibility, higher O ads /O latt and Co2+/Co3+ as well as larger amounts of surface exposed Co species of ELS-JX considerably enhance its catalytic activity for total benzene oxidation compared to sol-gel (SG) and SBA-15 free electrospinning (EL) method synthesized LaCoO 3. Moreover, the results of O 2 -TPSR match well with the catalytic performances of SG, EL and ELS-JX. In addition, the presence of water vapor has a negative effect on benzene oxidation over the best performed ELS-JX. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Soil microbial community compositions were affected by fertilizers. • Fertilizer had greater impact on soil bacterial than on fungal community. • The fungal community was more stable than the bacterial community. • Main driving indicator of microbiota was soil pH. • Chemical fertilizer plus manure was best in structuring bacterial communities. Soil microorganisms play an important role in the energy flow and nutrient cycling between soil and plants, but the impact of fertilizers on soil bacterial and fungal communities in sandy agroecosystems remains uncertain. We hypothesized that fertilizers affect soil microbial communities through soil properties and plant leaf C:N:P stoichiometry. To test this hypothesis in a sandy farmland ecosystem on the Mongolian Plateau, soil microbial diversity and composition, soil properties and plant leaf C:N:P stoichiometry were examined following 4 years of one of six fertilizer treatments (no fertilizer; returning straw; chemical fertilizer; manure; half quantity of chemical fertilizer and manure; and half quantity of chemical fertilizer). The soil bacterial Shannon index was lowest with chemical fertilizer and half quantity of chemical fertilizer, while fungal Chao richness and phylogenetic diversity (PD) index were lowest with chemical fertilizer. However, chemical fertilizer combined with manure increased the soil bacterial Shannon and PD indices, while manure alone improved fungal Chao richness and the PD index. Fertilizers had a greater impact on the soil bacterial community than on the fungal community and the fungal community was more stable than the bacterial community. Based on redundancy analysis (RDA), total soil carbon, soil nitrogen, leaf carbon, leaf N:P, pH and 16S rRNA gene copy numbers affected the soil microbial community. Structural equation models (SEM) demonstrated that soil pH was a strong driving indicator of soil microbial community under fertilization in a sandy farmland ecosystem. Chemical fertilizer combined with manure out-performed other fertilizers in structuring soil bacterial communities, while chemical fertilizer alone was the worst in maintaining soil microbial communities. Results from this study provide a basis for fertilization management strategies in maintaining below-ground microbial diversity and in ensuring sustainable land development of sandy agroecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sr 1.36 Sb 2 O 6 nano-octahedrons were successfully prepared via a facile hydrothermal method from Sb 2 O 5 . The as-prepared Sr 1.36 Sb 2 O 6 was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). Acidity of the precursor mixture had a positive effect on crystallization of Sr 1.36 Sb 2 O 6 . RuO 2 -loaded Sr 1.36 Sb 2 O 6 showed photocatalytic activity for overall water splitting without adding hole scavengers to produce H 2 and O 2 under Xenon lamp irradiation. Sr 1.36 Sb 2 O 6 prepared at low pH exhibited superior photocatalytic activity possibly due to its high degree of crystallization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

O -Linked N -acetylglucosamine transferase (OGT) was identified as an Nrf1-interacting protein. Herein, we show that Nrf1 enables interaction with OGT and their co-immunoprecipitates are O -GlcNAcylated by the enzyme. The putative O -GlcNAcylation negatively regulates Nrf1/TCF11 to reduce both its protein stability and transactivation activity of target gene expression. The turnover of Nrf1 is enhanced upon overexpression of OGT, which promotes ubiquitination of the CNC-bZIP protein. Furthermore, the serine/theorine-rich sequence of PEST2 degron within Nrf1 is identified to be involved in the protein O -GlcNAcylation by OGT. Overall, Nrf1 is negatively regulated by its O -GlcNAcylation status that depends on the glucose concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: PVC-based carbon nanofibers with graphitic nanoparticles were fabricated by an electrospinning–carbonization technique and characterized by SEM, (HR)TEM and XRD. The hydrogen storage capability of the resultant nanofibers was evaluated using the volumetric method. The results show that the PVC-based carbon nanofibers obtained from the electrospun PVC/NiCl2 nanofibers consist of both amorphous carbon and a well-grown graphite layered sphere with a diameter of 35nm. It is clear that the iodine treatment is essential for retaining a fibrous shape during the carbonization, and Ni is beneficial to the growth of graphitization at low temperatures. The hydrogen storage capacity of the PVC-based carbon nanofibers obtained at 1000°C is 0.30wt%, suggesting that the resultant nanofibers are a potential energy storage material. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • Valence electron structure and cohesive energy of OH cleavage process were obtained. • Transition metals are robust electron donors for OH yield implying its ratio pivotal. • Excellent mineralization of AMTH was observed at all pH values after 8 h treatment. • Degradation pathways and intermediates of Amitriptyline were elaborated. This study proposes an efficient Layered Double Hydroxide-based (LDH-based) Heterogenous Electro Fenton (Hetero-EF) strategy that ensures the stable operation for representative antidepressants Amitriptyline Hydrochloride removal in a wide pH tolerance. The extra brilliant mineralization ability was over ∼ 90% after 5 cycles. Moreover, the detailed degradation pathways and intermediates of Amitriptyline Hydrochloride were firstly elucidated and probed using ultra performance liquid chromatography quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS). According to the Density Functional Theory and D-Band Center Theory, the subsequent computational simulation shed new light on the ability of LDH catalyzing for hydroxyl radical formation, the relevant role of transition metal atoms in LDH catalysts, and the electrons transfer process in the Hetero-EF reaction, i.e., LDH's metal atoms are robust electron donor sites for the generation of hydroxyl radical and charges transformation for the redox reaction, which highlights the importance of the transition metal elements in catalysts and exerts feasibility for enhancing the performance of Heterogeneous Electro-Fenton (Hetero-EF). Thereby, this research proposes a reliable strategy for building efficient Hetero-EF systems and gives a global contribution to developing the high-performance LDH EF-catalysts through the optimization of the metal atom ratio modification, synthesis parameters, and computational modeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Porous nanocrystalline Ln2Ti2O7 (Ln=Nd, Gd, Er) was prepared by a facile self-propagating combustion method using metal nitrates (Ln(NO3)3 (Ln=Nd, Gd, Er), TiO(NO3)2) and glycine. The photocatalytic activity of Ln2Ti2O7 (Ln=Nd, Gd, Er) was evaluated by the photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange (MO). The results showed that the photocatalytic activity of Ln2Ti2O7 (Ln=Gd, Er) with cubic pyrochlore structure was higher than that of Nd2Ti2O7 with monoclinic perovskite structure and Gd2Ti2O7 showed the best photocatalytic activity. The different photocatalytic activities observed for Ln2Ti2O7 (Ln=Nd, Gd, Er) could be related to its different crystal structures and Ln 4f shells. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Three D–A′–π–A structural triphenylamine dyes (Dye 1, Dye 2, and Dye 3) with cyanoacetic acid or malononitrile as an electron acceptor (A) and fluorenone or 9-(dicyanomethylene)fluorene as an additional acceptor (A′) have been designed and synthesized. Results revealed that both A and A′ have great influence on the optical, electrochemical and photovoltaic properties. In comparison with Dye 3, the photovoltaic performance of Dye 1 is remarkably improved by replacing 9-(dicyanomethylene)fluorene with fluorenone as the additional acceptor. The power conversion efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cell based on the Dye 1 (5.33%) is four times higher than that of Dye 3 (1.25%). The low efficiency of cell based on Dye 3 is mainly because the delocalization of the excited state is broken between the strong electron-withdrawing additional acceptor (9-(dicyanomethylene)fluorene) unit and cyanoacetic acid, which affects the efficient electron injection from Dye 3 to the conduction band of TiO2. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A multifunctional epoxide chain extender (ADR4370S) was used to increase the molecular weight of poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT). And the effects of ADR4370S content on the molecular structure, melt viscosity, and rheological properties of PTT were studied. It is found that a star-type topological structure is formed in PTT by introduction of ADR4370S, and the balance torque, intrinsic viscosity, and molecular weight are increased by increasing ADR4370S dosage. The rheological measurement results show that the elastic modulus, complex viscosity, and shear thinning behavior of long-chain branching PTT are increased with the concentration of ADR4370S. The presence of broadened relaxation time spectrum and a long relaxation time mode for the PTT with 1.50 wt% ADR4370S demonstrate that the cross-linking reaction occurs, and the gel forms in the PTT system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant litter derived from the living biomass is the primary source of soil carbon (C). However, the contribution and the mechanism of plant litter production to soil C remains uncertain in aeolian regions. In this study, the relationship between plant biomass, litter mass, and soil C content was analyzed after a spatial field investigation in Horqin sandy land, northeast China. Long-term monitoring of wind speed and plant litter production was also conducted in three habitats (mobile dune, semi-fixed dune, and fenced grassland). The soil C content was significantly affected by belowground biomass and belowground litter mass but not aboveground biomass and aboveground litter. The litter production in the desertified habitat (mobile dune and semi-fixed dune) significantly differed with that of the undesertified habitat (fixed dune and fenced grassland). In mobile dune, 38% of the aboveground primary production was lost, while there was a distinct enrichment of plant litter in semi-fixed dune and fenced grassland. Wind events (wind speeds of 7 and 8 m s−1) at the end of the growing season significantly affected litter production rate, and wind was a major driver for litter transportation between habitats. In summary, plant litter production can be affected by wind events, and this influence differs among habitats in degraded grassland, leading to spatial heterogeneity of soil C accumulation. These results can strengthen the understanding of the relationship between soil properties and plant litter production in aeolian regions and furthermore, can provide information for ecological restoration of different types of desertified land, especially for the soil C accumulation. Plant litter is the major source for soil organic matter accumulation. In degraded sandy grasslands in semi-arid regions, wind is a visible factor which transported the aboveground litter from regions with lower vegetation coverage (e.g. mobile dune or semi-fixed dune) to regions with higher vegetation coverage (e.g. fixed dune or fenced grassland), which means that, wind is the driving force for the source-sink relationships of plant litters. There remains no clear description of the influence of wind events on litter production and litter distribution. The contribution of plant litter production to soil C remains uncertain in aeolian regions. The schematic diagram strengthened the understanding of the relationship between soil properties and plant litter production, and providing important information for ecological restoration in semi-arid sandy grasslands. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: La(III)-doped ZnO/C nanofibers with core–shell structure were prepared by calcination of electrospun PAN(polyacrylonitrile)/La(NO3)3/Zn(Ac)2 composite nanofibers and characterized by XRD, FESEM, (HR)TEM, and EDS respectively. The photocatalytic activity of La(III)-doped ZnO/C nanofibers in the decomposition of RhB under UV–lamp light irradiation was also investigated. The results show that the prepared composite fibers possess a rough surface and flower-like morphology with diameters from 50 to 100nm and exhibit high photocatalytic activity in the decomposition of RhB solution. It is also found that the La(III) doping concentration plays an important role in photocatalytic performance during the degradation reaction of RhB. 2% La(III) is suggested to be the optimum doping dosage. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Horqin Sandy Land is a seriously desertified and an ecologically fragile region of China. Soil degradation and desertification in this region are the result of several decades of overgrazing, non-manure cropping with short fallow, and arbitrary land use and management. We investigated whether the afforestation of active sand dunes with Mongolian pine (Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica Litv.) enhances the carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) storages and the overall soil quality. We compared soil physico-chemical properties, and C and N storages in the total and light fraction soil organic matter of active sand dunes, and of 25- and 35-year-old plantations. Soil water holding capacity, fine particle content and nutrients were significantly higher in plantations than in active sand dunes, with greater improvements occurring in the top 5cm than in the 5–15cm layer of the soil profile. Soil C and total N storages were 6.1 and 3.7 folds in 25-year-old, and 10.2 and 5.3 folds in 35-year-old plantations compared to active sand dunes, respectively. Carbon and N storages in the light fraction were 20.9 and 15.8 folds in 25-year-old, and 36.1 and 25.0 folds in 35-year-old plantations, respectively, relative to active sand dunes. The light fraction played an important role in soil C sequestration and its amount is an indicator of the effects of afforestation on C storage in sandy soil. The upper 15cm of the soil profile in the 35-year-old plantations of Mongolian pine has the capacity to sequester significant amount of C in the region, potentially offsetting part of the carbon that has been lost due to desertification over the past century in the Horqin Sandy Land. Our results conclude that afforestation with Mongolian pine has had positive impacts on soil quality and has increased the capacity for soil C sequestration in semi-arid degraded areas. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Three novel copolymers (PT-ID, PT-DTBT, and PT-DTBTID) of benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b′]dithiophene and thiophene with different conjugatedside groups (1,3-indanedione (ID), 4,7-dithien-5-yl-2,1,3-benzodiathiazole(DTBT), and DTBT-ID) were synthesized anddeveloped for polymer solar cell applications. The effects of thedifferent conjugated side groups on the thermal, photophysical, electrochemicaland photovoltaic properties of these copolymers were investigated.As the length of the conjugated side groups increased, the absorptionof the UV–vis region in solution was red-shifted. By changingthe different side groups, the energy levels and band gaps of theresulted copolymers were effectively tuned. The three copolymers exhibitdeep HOMO energy level and relatively high open-circuit voltage (Voc). Bulk heterojunction solarcells with these copolymers as electron donors and (6,6)-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PC61BM) as an electronacceptor exhibit power conversion efficiencies of 2.48%, 4.18% and1.16% for PT-ID, PT-DTBT, and PT-DTBTID, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An electrospinning–calcination strategy was established to fabricate Y2O3 nanofibers doped with rare earth ions (Tb, Sm and Dy) using electrospun PVA/RE(NO3) x /Y(NO3)3 composite nanofibers as precursors (x=3.4). The prepared nanofibers were characterized by XRD, FESEM, EDS, (HR)TEM and PL analyses. Based on the experimental results, a solid–solid growth mechanism (SS) was proposed to describe the formation of inorganic crystalline fibers from organic/inorganic composite nanofibers by calcination. It was determined that carbonaceous nanoparticles that were formed in the process of pre-carbonization adsorbed Y2O3:RE nanoparticles to grow Y2O3:RE crystal, and the resultant nanofibers exhibited a typical crystalline domain with grain boundary. The obtained Y2O3:RE nanofibers possessed excellent luminescent characteristics and could be used as an appreciable luminescent material. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ag/TiO2 nanofibers heterostructure were fabricated by calcination of electrospun PVP/Ti(OiPr)4/AgNO3 composite nanofibers and characterized by XRD, FESEM, EDS, and (HR)TEM. The photocatalytic activity of Ag/TiO2 in the decomposition of parathion was also investigated. It was found that the prepared heterostructure composite included Ag nanoparticles distributed uniformly in the TiO2 nanofibers. Comparing with pure TiO2 nanofibers and Ag nanofibers, Ag/TiO2 heterostructure photocatalyst exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity under ultraviolet light irradiation in the decomposition of parathion aqueous solution. The content of Ag nanoparticles on TiO2 nanofibers played an important role in photocatalytic performance during the parathion degradation reaction. 4% Ag was found to be the optimum doping dosage. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Liver regeneration is a complex process that is orchestrated by the precise interplay of cell proliferation, differentiation control, and molecular pathways, but this complicated molecular signaling network is not fully understood. In this study, we showed that N-Myc downstream-regulated gene 2 (NDRG2) is involved in this process. The mRNA and protein levels of NDRG2 were strongly reduced when liver regeneration reached a peak of activity. In addition, we found that rat NDRG2 expression and C-Myc expression were inversely correlated during this process. A low level of NDRG2 was observed as the C-Myc expression increased during regeneration. Moreover, a dramatic cell cycle arrest was found in normal rat liver-derived BRL cells 48 hours after being infected by adenoviral vectors expressing rat NDRG2. Meanwhile, the apoptotic rates were increased from 9.4% in control group to 64.7% in adenoviral vectors expressing rat NDRG2 group. These phenomena could also be observed in BRL 3A and L-02 cells. Further analysis revealed that NDRG2 overexpression may mediate the antiproliferative effect by inducing p53 and p21 regulated Bax/Bcl-2 increase and cyclin E-Cdk2 inhibition. In conclusion, our findings point to physiological roles for NDRG2 in liver regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To examine the expression of N-Myc downstream regulated gene 2 (NDRG2) in the cryptorchid testes and its potential association with germ cell apoptosis in a rat model of cryptorchidism. Methods: Groups of pubertal Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to surgical procedure for the induction of experimental unilateral cryptorchidism. The weight of the abdominal and scrotal testes was measured and their apoptotic cells and NDRG2 expression were examined longitudinally by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence analyses. The expression of NDRG2 and p53 in the purified germ cells and Leydig cells was determined by Western blot assay. Results: Compared with the control scrotal testes, the mean weights of the abdominal testes were significantly reduced at 7 and 14 days after surgery, accompanied by significantly increased numbers of apoptotic germ cells. Although the NDRG2 expression was detected in Leydig cells and spontaneous apoptotic germ cells in the scrotal testes, it was significantly upregulated predominately in apoptotic spermatocytes and round spermatids in the abdominal testes. However, the NDRG2 expression was downregulated in Leydig cells in the abdominal testes. Western blot analysis revealed that the expression of NDRG2 and p53 was upregulated significantly in purified germ cells 7 days after surgery, whereas NDRG2 was downregulated in the purified Leydig cells from the abdominal testes 7 and 14 days after surgery. Conclusions: The upregulated expression of NDRG2 was associated with germ cell apoptosis in the cryptorchid testes, suggesting that the NDRG2 may be a positive regulator for germ cell apoptosis in rat cryptorchidism. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Straw is the main resource of fuel for biomass power generation plants in China's agricultural areas. Field survey and emergy analysis were employed to investigate the operation situation of the straw collection, transportation and storage system based on the case of Laifa Straw Recycling Company. In the condition of collecting 2 × 108 kg of straw production, the emergy input of the artificial model of the company was 173.02 × 1018 sej, which was higher than the emergy input of the mechanical model, 148.11 × 1018 sej. According to the emergy indicator system, the mechanical model had a high development degree of internal resources and environment, high productivity, high sustainable development ability, but a lower proportion of renewable resource emergy input than the artificial model. The emergy value of 1 kg commercial straw calculated from the commercial price was 0.25 × 1012 sej, which was only one third of the average input of the company to produce 1 kg commercial straw (0.74 × 1012–0.87 × 1012 sej). It was difficult for straw recycling company to survive in the market due to the low price of the commercial straw. Therefore, the government was suggested to take effective economic policies to support local straw recycling enterprises. • According to the field survey and emergy analysis as the main research method. • In the given case, the theoretical prediction and actual calculation for the straw recycling system. • Constructed and analyzed the emergy indicator system of the straw recycling system. • The emergy input and output of the straw recycling company is not balanced. • The market price emergy of straw is too low and the value of straw itself is seriously underestimated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study is the first to investigate Calebin-A, a natural compound present in Curcuma longa, which inhibits cell growth and induce apoptosis in SGC7901/VINCRISTINE cells, a multidrug resistant (MDR) human gastric adenocarcinoma cell line. Our data suggest the drug efflux function of P-glycoprotein was inhibited by Calebin-A treatment, while the expression level of P-glycoprotein was not affected. Additionally, co-treatment of Calebin-A and vincristine resulted in a remarkable reduction in S phase and G2/M phase arrest in SGC7901/VINCRISTINE cells. Calebin-A was also found to modulate the activities of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family members, which includes decreased c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and increased protein kinase of 38 kDa (p38) activity. These results suggest that Calebin-A might be an effective compound for the treatment of human gastric and other MDR cancers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: N-Myc downstream-regulated gene 1 (ndrg1) is up-regulated in N-Myc knockout mouse embryos. The human NDRG family consists of 4 highly homologous members and human Ndrg1 exhibits approximately 94% homology with mouse ndrg1. However, the regulatory mechanism of NDRG1 via Myc repression is as yet unknown. We previously identified human NDRG2 and demonstrated that this gene is transcriptionally down-regulated by Myc via Miz-1-dependent interaction with the core promoter region of NDRG2. Here, we provide evidence that human NDRG1 is regulated by Myc in a manner similar to NDRG2. We found that Ndrg1 expression levels were enhanced as Myc expression declined in differentiated cells, but were down-regulated following Myc induction. The data revealed that both N-Myc and c-Myc can repress human NDRG1 at the transcriptional level. We further determined that the core promoter region of human NDRG1 is required for Myc repression, and verified the interaction of Myc with the core promoter region. However, the presence of the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide could reverse the repression of Myc, indicating the indirect repression of human NDRG1 by Myc. Moreover, we found that c-Myc-mediated repression can be inhibited by TSA, an HDACs inhibitor, which suggests the involvement of HDACs in the repression process. Taken together, our results demonstrate that, in common with NDRG2, human NDRG1 can be indirectly transcriptionally down-regulated by Myc via interaction with the NDRG1 core promoter. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Our previous study documented the expression of Mta1 during spermatogenesis. Here, we present evidence for a possible involvement of Mta1 in the regulation of testicular function, possibly by interacting with p53. A notable decrease of Mta1 expression was revealed at postsurgical day 6, consistent with the previously reported upregualtion of p53 in mouse cryptorchidism. Furthermore, in vitro over-expression of Mta1 could remarkably elevate the resistance capability of spermatogenic tumor cells against heat-induced apoptosis with a marked impairment of p53 expression. These findings indicate that Mta1 may operate as a negative modifier of apoptosis by interacting with p53 during gametogenesis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: NDRG2, a member of N-Myc downstream regulated gene family, exerts the important functions in cell differentiation and tumor suppression. Although the ectopic expressed Ndrg2 inhibits the proliferation of tumor cells, its intracellular signal transduction pathway is hardly known. Here, we identified MSP58, a 58-kDa microspherule protein, as an interacting partner of human Ndrg2 by using yeast two-hybrid screening. The interaction was confirmed by glutathione S-transferase pull-down assay in vitro and by co-immune-precipitation assay in vivo. The forkhead associated domain of MSP58 is essential for its interaction with Ndrg2. Ndrg2 could co-localize with MSP58 in nuclear of HeLa cell during cell stress. Furthermore, the modulation of Ndrg2 level influences the cell cycle process together with MSP58. In conclusion, the findings offered a novel insight into the physiological roles of Ndrg2. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In order to improve disease-free survival and potentially a cure, it is necessary to identify more potent leukemia antigen. Here, we defined the acute monocytic leukemia-associated antigen (LAA) recognized by the humoral immune system for the first time. We have applied the method of serologic analysis of recombinant cDNA expression library (SEREX) on acute monocytic leukemia (FAB M5), followed by DNA sequencing and analyzing of positive clones. Then, the reactivity of normal and other leukemia sera with positive clones were performed. Thirty-five distinct novel antigens reactive with autologous IgG were identified by SEREX analysis on an acute monocytic leukemia patient and were characterized according to cDNA sequence and the reactivity with allogeneic sera. Twenty of the 35 antigens identified in this study were recognized by IgG antibodies in normal sera, and the remaining 15 were recognized exclusively by sera from allogeneic leukemia patients but not by normal donor sera, suggested that the immune response to these 15 antigens are leukemia related. The 15 immunogenic antigens detected by immune responses in the autologous host facilitate the identification of epitopes recognized by antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and are potential candidates for diagnosis and immunotherapy in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A one-dimensional (1D) core-shell of Co-Ce oxide has been prepared by multifluidic coaxial electrospinning method and evaluated for the total oxidation of propane (C 3 H 8). Activity and morphological characterizations show that the CeO 2 @Co 3 O 4 nanofiber catalyst, of which the core is CeO 2 and the shell is Co 3 O 4 , exhibits excellent oxidation activity. The exposed Co 3 O 4 grown on the outside of the fibers can rapidly react with C 3 H 8 while CeO 2 with high oxygen storage capacity in the inside is conductive to the enhanced oxidation rate. Besides, the continuous grain boundary provides a fast mass transfer channel for lattice oxygen, and rich oxygen vacancies favor the mobility of active oxygen species. In situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTs) confirms that the CeO 2 @Co 3 O 4 catalyst have a faster rate of C 3 H 8 adsorption and better oxidation activity with respect to the counterpart using a single-needle electrospinning method. Moreover, the CeO 2 @Co 3 O 4 catalyst displays excellent thermal stability, and strong resistance against 5 vol% H 2 O and 5 vol% CO 2 at both 300 and 400 °C. Our strategy can give some new insights into morphological engineering to promote active oxygen mobility via the construction of one-dimensional core-shell of metal oxides for catalytic oxidation of VOCs. ga1 • CeO 2 @Co 3 O 4 nanofibers were prepared by multifluidic coaxial electrospinning. • Co 3 O 4 shell rapidly reacts with C 3 H 8 while CeO 2 core enhances oxygen migration. • Continuous grain boundary provides a fast mass transfer channel for lattice oxygen. • Abundant oxygen vacancies favor the mobility of active lattice oxygen. • Superior oxidation activity, thermal stability and H 2 O/CO 2 resistance were obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The ecosystem carbon fluxes were affected by precipitation variation. • Drought weakened the capacity of the ecosystem carbon sink. • Drought decreased GEP, NEP and Reco. • Main driver factors of GEP and NEP were SWC, coverage and standing biomass. • Ecosystem was converted from carbon sink to carbon source with press-drought. Precipitation has an impact on both gross ecosystem productivity (GEP) and ecosystem respiration (Reco), which ultimately influences net ecosystem productivity (NEP). A positive NEP denotes an ecosystem functioning as a carbon sink; whereas, a negative NEP denotes an ecosystem functioning as a carbon source. Therefore, drought plays an important role in the carbon balance of an ecosystem. However, little is known about the point at which the ecosystem converts from a carbon sink to a carbon source in extreme droughts. Such knowledge is crucial for predicting terrestrial carbon cycling under climate change, and consequently, was the subject of this study. We imposed two types of drought treatments on desert-grassland: (1) press-drought, in which the quantity of natural precipitation was reduced by 66% from May to August; and (2) pulse-drought, in which the quantity of natural precipitation was reduced by 100% during June and July. Reco and NEP were measured and GEP was calculated and then regression analyses were employed to determine the point at which the carbon sink shifts to a carbon source. The regression equation of NEP (μmol·m−2·s−1) on Reco (μmol·m−2·s−1) took the form: NEP = 0.504 Reco – 0.086 and, consequently, when Reco equaled 0.171 μmol·m−2·s−1, there was zero change in the carbon sink and GEP also equaled 0.171 μmol·m−2·s−1. Below this value, the ecosystem functioned as a carbon source, whereas above this value, the ecosystem functioned as a carbon sink. Structural equation models (SEM) demonstrated that coverage, standing biomass, pH, soil water content and total soil carbon were the main driving factors on desert grassland ecosystem carbon fluxes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: LaOCl nanotubes were fabricated by calcination of the coaxial electrospun PVP/LaCl3@Oil composite nanofibers, in which oil is the core layer while PVP/LaCl3 forms the shell one respectively. A series of tests such as FTIR, XRD, FESEM, (HR)TEM, EDS, N2 adsorption–desorption and CO2-TPD were conducted to characterize the prepared nanomaterials. XRD and EDS results show that the resultant materials consist of pure tetragonal LaOCl, while FESEM and (HR)TEM images indicate that the materials are nanotubes with a rush surface. The inner diameter and the wall thickness of nanotubes are calculated to be around 200 and 50nm, respectively. The BET surface area of the obtained nanotubes is calculated to be 67.5m2/g. And CO2-TPD experiment shows that the nanotubes possess a high CO2 adsorptive capacity of 0.3352mL/g. It would be used as gas sensing materials. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

With the advance of China's power system reform, combined heat and power (CHP) units can participate in multi-energy market. In order to maximize CHP profit in a multi-energy market, a bidding strategy for deep peak regulation auxiliary service of a CHP based on a two-stage stochastic programming risk-averse model and district heating network (DHN) energy storage was proposed. The quotation set of competitors and load uncertainty was modeled with a Latin hypercube sampling (LHS) method. A dynamic queuing method was used to clear the market for the deep peak regulation auxiliary service to determine the bidding capacities of CHPs in the electricity market and the deep peak regulation auxiliary service market, respectively. Finally, the conditional value-at-risk (CVaR) indicator is used to measure the risk brought by the system uncertainty to the CHP, and the quotation coefficient is determined after considering the expected profit and risk profit comprehensively. The results of the example show that the profits produced by simultaneous participation in both electricity market and the deep peak regulation auxiliary service market are increased by approximately 9.5% compared with the profits produced by only participation in a single market. In addition, the use of DHN energy storage led to a profit increase of approximately 4.6%. As the risk aversion coefficient increases, the expected profit will be further reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]