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The bidirectional CLLC resonant converter has distinguished potential in battery chargers and energy storage systems for its advantages in soft switching and bidirectional power flow capability. However, traditional CLLC converters generally adopt symmetrical design to maintain bidirectional symmetrical characteristics, which means the secondary LC network is designed to be equal to the primary LC network after reflection. The symmetrical design is only suitable for voltage grade matching scenarios where a wide voltage range is not required, such as CLLC-type dc transformers. Whereas in the field of bidirectional chargers, due to the wide voltage range of battery, there are significant differences in the characteristics required between charging and discharging mode, which makes symmetrical design no longer applicable. To cope with this issue, this paper proposes a novel design methodology of CLLC based on parameter equivalent and time domain model. With the parameter equivalent principle, the CLLC resonant tank with arbitrary parameters is investigated to satisfy the requirements of wide voltage range for bidirectional charger application. Compared with the symmetrical design, the proposed method can meet the requirements of bidirectional gain within preset frequency range and guarantee the achievement of zero-voltage switching under required load conditions with the minimum reactive power. In addition, the area product capacity of the magnetic part of the CLLC resonant tank is minimized based on the parameter equivalent principle. Finally, experiments have been performed on a 1 kW prototype to confirm the validity and feasibility of the proposed design methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antrodia camphorata (A. camphorata) is an edible fungus containing various bioactive compounds generally used for health benefits. This study aimed to explore the potential neuroprotective activities of solid‐state‐cultured mycelium of A. camphorata (SCMAC) against Parkinson's disease (PD), as well as the underlying mechanism using an in vitro 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA)‐induced PC12 cell model. The results showed that SCMAC extracts alleviated cell toxicity induced by 6‐OHDA and the loss of dopaminergic neurons, which was confirmed by the increase of cell viabilities, inhibition of cell apoptosis, the upregulation of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopamine transporter (DAT) levels and the downregulation of α‐Synuclein level. After purification, 11 compounds were identified by the NMR technique, including a quinone, four phenolic acid derivatives, three ubiquinone derivatives, two alkaloids, and a triterpenoid. The present study suggests that SCMAC could be an attractive candidate for the prevention or treatment of PD. Practical applications: Parkinson's disease seriously affects the lifetime and quality of the elder population for a long history. Long‐term consumption of L‐DOPA will result in side effects, such as developing abnormal involuntary movements called dyskinesia. This study showed that natural SCMAC extracts could be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A metal- and base-free regioselective cascade sulfonylation–cyclization reaction of linear substrates, 1,5-dienes, has been developed to synthesize sulfonylated pyrrolinones. This method features mild reaction conditions and offers an alternative route to the class of nonbenzene-fused cyclic molecules containing a C＝C bond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coix seed polysaccharides had received increasing attention due to their diverse biological activities. In this study, a homogeneous polysaccharide (CSPW) was extracted and purified from coix seed. Furthermore, the saliva-gastrointestinal digestion and fecal fermentation behavior of CSPW were simulated in vitro. The results showed that CSPW was mainly composed of glucose. It cannot be degraded by the simulated salivary and intestinal digestive system, but can be degraded by the simulated gastric digestive system. After fermentation for 24 h, CSPW promoted the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), with acetic acid, propionic acid and n-butyric acid being the main metabolites. In addition, CSPW could significantly regulate the composition and microbial diversity of gut microbiota by increasing the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as Limosilicactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Collinsella. Finally, further analysis of functional prediction revealed that amino acid metabolism, nucleotide metabolism and carbohydrate metabolism were the most important pathways for CSPW to promote health. In summary, our findings suggested that CSPW could potentially be used as a good source of prebiotics because it can be used by gut microbiota to produce SCFAs and regulate the gut microbiota. • CSPW was a homogeneous polysaccharide from coix seed and can be consumed by gut microbiota. • CSPW was beneficial for the growth of beneficial bacteria and inhibited harmful microbiota. • The gut microbiota produced more beneficial metabolites by CSPW modulated. • CSPW showed the potential of prebiotics and had beneficial effects on the host. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Traditional medial malleolar osteotomy combined with autologous osteochondral transplantation (AOT) is mostly used in the treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs), but with high osteotomy and donor site complications. We hypothesis a new triplane medial malleolar osteotomy combined with AOT from non-weight-bearing area of the talus could be a promising choice for OLTs.Methods: We reviewed all the symptomatic OLTs patients who received AOT with triplane osteotomy of the medial malleolus between September 2015 and December 2017 in our department. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 23 patients (23 ankles), including 14 males and 9 females, were included in the study. The mean age was 35.6 years. The mean size of the lesion area was 141.5 mm2. According Ferkel's classification, including 5 type I, 11 typeIIa and 7 typeIIb. The visual analog scale (VAS) for pain during walking and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score were used for the pre- and postoperative evaluations. In addition, the incorporation of the grafts was assessed by computed tomography (CT).Results: All patients had a minimum follow-up of 22 months, with an average of 37.1 months. The mean time from osteotomy to full weight-bearing activity was 8.1 ± 2.3 weeks (range, 5-12 weeks). The mean VAS score improved from 5.6 ± 0.7 preoperatively to 0.7 ± 1.0 postoperatively (P < 0.01). The AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score improved significantly in all domains (P < 0.01). Twenty-one patients returned to sport at their previous level, and 2 returned at a lower level compared with preinjury (mean return to play, 7.4 months). According to CT, the medial malleolus recovered in all patients, and the graft was incorporated well. One patient suffered from flexor hallucis longus tendon discomfort due to internal fixation screw irritation posteromedial to the ankle. The general complication rate was 4.3% (1/23).Conclusions: These results indicate that AOT combined with medial malleolus triplane osteotomy maybe a viable option for OLTs. Patients could perform weight-bearing exercise and return to sport as early as possible, with a lower rate of complications at the osteotomy site and donor site. However, the large sample well-designed prospective comparative studies are still needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There have been debates on the necessity of fibular osteotomy (FO) in supramalleolar osteotomy (SMOT) for the treatment of varus ankle osteoarthritis. The purpose of the current study was to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes between SMOT with and without FO in the treatment of varus ankle osteoarthritis. Methods: The SMOT group included 39 patients, and the SMOT with FO group included 24 patients. The basic information reached no significant difference between groups. The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale (AOS), modified Takakura stage and range of motion (ROM) were used for the functional evaluation. The radiologic parameters were assessed at the last follow-up to compare the degree of talar reduction between the two groups. Results: Both groups achieved significant improvements in AOFAS scores, modified Takakura stage, as well as AOS pain and functional scores (P < 0.001). The ROM of the ankle joint in the SMOT group was significantly decreased (P = 0.022). In both groups, all of the radiological parameters were significantly improved (P < 0.01). The tibiofibular clear space (TFCS) was significantly widened in the SMOT group (P < 0.001). No significant difference was found between the two groups according to the functional outcomes. However, the talar tilt angle (TT) and hindfoot alignment angle (HFA) in the SMOT with FO group were significantly smaller than those in the SMOT group (P < 0.05). The TFCS was significantly widened in the SMOT group (P = 0.001). The medial displacement of the talus (MDT) was better reduced in the SMOT with FO group (P = 0.006). Conclusion: SMOT is a promising procedure for functional improvement and malalignment correction in varus ankle osteoarthritis but reduces ankle range of motion. If SMOT is combined with FO, talar tilt and medial displacement will be better reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate multiwavelength Brillouin fiber lasers (MWBFLs) with double-frequency spacing based on a small-core fiber (SCF) and a standard single-mode fiber (SMF), which have core diameters of 5 and 8.8 μm, respectively. Experimental results show that the SCF-based MWBFL exhibits a higher laser output power and a lower pump threshold. The output powers of the SCF-based MWBFL are > 1.4 times those of the SMF-based MWBFL. Moreover, the threshold power required to generate each channel of the SCF-based MWBFL is 59% that of the SMF-based MWBFL. When the same pump power of 180 mW is injected, the number of laser channels generated for the SCF-based MWBFL is 13, which is twice that generated for the SMF-based MWBFL. In addition, the SCF-based MWBFL exhibits good wavelength tunability from 1535 to 1565 nm and temporal stability over an hour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A novel water-soluble heteropolysaccharide termed PBF2 was isolated from the fruiting bodies of Phellinus baumii Pilát using hot water extraction and purified on Sephacryl S-1000. PBF2 was shown to be composed of l-fucose, d-mannose and d-glucose. Its structural characteristics were further investigated by FT-IR spectroscopy, sugar analysis, methylation analysis and NMR spectroscopy. Based on the data obtained, PBF2 was found to be a heteropolysaccharide containing a β-(1→6)-d-glucopyranose backbone with a fucosyl unit on O-3 of the 3,6-di-O-substituted-d-glucosyl units and it also contained a minor (1→3, 6)-β-d-mannose residue and terminal glucose residues. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A Cu-catalyzed regioselective cyclization of 3-aza-1,5-enynes with sulfonyl chlorides for the synthesis of 1,2-dihydropyridines is described. This present method provided a new pathway for the construction of 1,2-dihydropyridines from 3-aza-1,5-enynes in reasonable yields and an alternative method for the synthesis of 3-functionalized multi-substituted pyridines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatial analysis is an important means of mining floating car trajectory information, and clustering method and density analysis are common methods among them. The choice of the clustering method affects the accuracy and time efficiency of the analysis results. Therefore, clarifying the principles and characteristics of each method is the primary prerequisite for problem solving. Taking four representative spatial analysis methods—KMeans, Density-Based Spatial Clustering of Applications with Noise (DBSCAN), Clustering by Fast Search and Find of Density Peaks (CFSFDP), and Kernel Density Estimation (KDE)—as examples, combined with the hotspot spatiotemporal mining problem of taxi trajectory, through quantitative analysis and experimental verification, it is found that DBSCAN and KDE algorithms have strong hotspot discovery capabilities, but the heat regions' shape of DBSCAN is found to be relatively more robust. DBSCAN and CFSFDP can achieve high spatial accuracy in calculating the entrance and exit position of a Point of Interest (POI). KDE and DBSCAN are more suitable for the classification of heat index. When the dataset scale is similar, KMeans has the highest operating efficiency, while CFSFDP and KDE are inferior. This paper resolves to a certain extent the lack of scientific basis for selecting spatial analysis methods in current research. The conclusions drawn in this paper can provide technical support and act as a reference for the selection of methods to solve the taxi trajectory mining problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to investigate the antioxidant effect of seleno-amino-oligosaccharide (Se-AOS) on intestinal porcine epithelial cells (IPEC-1). MTT assay showed that Se-AOS had no effect on the viability of IPEC-1 cells up to a concentration of 9200 μg/L and Se-AOS significantly increased the viability of IPEC-1 cells compared to cells exposed to H 2 O 2 alone. Se-AOS significantly increased the level of superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and decreased the levels of malonic dialdehyde (MDA) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in IPEC-1 cells. The gene expression levels of different antioxidant enzymes dramatically increased by the pretreatment of Se-AOS compared to H 2 O 2 treatment. In addition, the results indicated that Se-AOS up-regulated the intracellular Nrf2 and down-regulated the level of Keap1 by western blot. Taken together, these findings suggested that Se-AOS can protect IPEC-1 cells from oxidative damage through activating the Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel and efficient method to synthesize rigid bis-coumarins based on the dimerization of coumarinyl aldehydes was developed. This procedure is additive- and column-free, providing a facile and environment-friendly way to prepare fluorophores. The prepared novel fluorescent bis-coumarins exhibit favorable photophysical properties with good sensitivity and selectivity towards G-quadruplexes (G4s). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused more than 80 813 confirmed cases in all provinces of China, and 21 110 cases reported in 93 countries of six continents as of 7 March 2020 since middle December 2019. Due to biological nature of the novel coronavirus, named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) with faster spreading and unknown transmission pattern, it makes us in a difficulty position to contain the disease transmission globally. To date, we have found it is one of the greatest challenges to human beings in fighting against COVID-19 in the history, because SARS-CoV-2 is different from SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV in terms of biological features and transmissibility, and also found the containment strategies including the non-pharmaceutical public health measures implemented in China are effective and successful. In order to prevent a potential pandemic-level outbreak of COVID-19, we, as a community of shared future for mankind, recommend for all international leaders to support preparedness in low and middle income countries especially, take strong global interventions by using old approaches or new tools, mobilize global resources to equip hospital facilities and supplies to protect noisome infections and to provide personal protective tools such as facemask to general population, and quickly initiate research projects on drug and vaccine development. We also recommend for the international community to develop better coordination, cooperation, and strong solidarity in the joint efforts of fighting against COVID-19 spreading recommended by the joint mission report of the WHO-China experts, against violating the International Health Regulation (WHO, 2005), and against stigmatization, in order to eventually win the battle against our common enemy — COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detection of primary metabolites such as amino acids, carbohydrates along with the secondary metabolites is important for the quality control of herbal. Therefore, a simple amino acid analysis method was investigated for the quality control of Protaetia brevitarsis. Six batches of P. brevitarsis collected from different feeding batches were used to analyze the amino acid composition and content. The amino acid composition was consistent in the six batches of P. brevitarsis, and the amino acid content of six batches of P. brevitarsis was also relatively stable. Under these conditions, the six batches of P. brevitarsis also possessed stable antioxidant activity. The stable composition and content of the amino acids could guarantee the stable antioxidant in batch-to-batch of P. brevitarsis. So, the amino acid-activity relationship as an effective method can be used to assess the quality of P. brevitarsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an extremely rare case of testicular metastasis arising from renal pelvis carcinoma. The testicle is a rare site of clinically detectable tumor metastasis, originating rarely from upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). There are only two cases concerning UTUC metastasis to the testis available in the literature. In this report, we presented a patient who developed serial testicle, lung, liver and retroperitoneal lymph node metastasis from primary urothelial carcinoma of the renal pelvis within one year after surgery and chemotherapy. In conclusion, for patients with a history of UTUC who present with testicular symptoms, clinicians should be highly alert for the possibility of malignant involvement at this site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a common cancer worldwide, which mostly occurs in males over the age of 50. Accumulating evidence have determined that long non‐coding RNA/microRNA (lncRNA/miRNA) axis plays a critical role in cell progression of cancers, including PCa. However, the pathogenesis of PCa has not been fully indicated. In this study, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the expression of HCG11 and miR‐543. Western blot was applied to measure the protein expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, cleavage‐caspase 3 (cle‐caspase 3), N‐cadherin, E‐cadherin, GAPDH, P‐AKT, AKT, p‐mTOR, and mTOR. 3‐(4,5‐Dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), transwell invasion, and transwell migration assay were used to detect cell proliferation, invasion, and migration, respectively. The function and mechanism of lncRNA HCG11 were confirmed in PCa cell and xenograft mice models. Luciferase assay indicated that miR‐543 was a target miRNA of HCG11. Further investigation revealed that overexpression of HCG11 inhibited cell proliferation, invasion, and migration, whereas induced cell apoptosis by regulating miR‐543 expression in vitro and in vivo. More than that, lncRNA HCG11 inhibited phosphoinositide‐3 kinase/protein kinaseB (PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway to suppress PCa progression. Our data showed the overexpression of HGC11‐inhibited PI3K/AKT signaling pathway by downregulating miR‐543 expression, resulting in the suppression of cell growth in PCa. This finding proved a new regulatory network in PCa and provided a novel therapeutic target of PCa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work of quercetin’s anti-proliferation action on A. flavus, we revealed that quercetin can effectively hamper the proliferation of A. flavus in dose-effect and time-effect relationships. We tested whether quercetin induced apoptosis in A. flavus via various detection methods, such as phosphatidylserine externalization and Hoechst 33342 staining. The results showed that quercetin had no effect on phosphatidylserine externalization and cell nucleus in A. flavus. Simultaneously, quercetin reduced the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). For a better understanding of the molecular mechanism of the A. flavus response to quercetin, the RNA-Seq was used to explore the transcriptomic profiles of A. flavus. According to transcriptome sequencing data, quercetin inhibits the proliferation and aflatoxin biosynthesis by regulating the expression of development-related genes and aflatoxin production-related genes. These results will provide some theoretical basis for quercetin as an anti-mildew agent resource. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • A method utilized laser to obtain inhomogeneous polymer hydrogels was reported. • The irradiation step only costs a few seconds, and it is also non-toxic. • The hydrogels could enable the applications for thermo-stimuli-response actuators. Abstract Polymer hydrogels containing graphene or graphene-based derivatives have attracted much attention due to their mechanical and biological properties. This report aims to illustrate an effective method to obtain a kind of inhomogeneous polymer hydrogels via irradiating homogeneous hydrogels containing graphene oxide (GO) under UV laser beam. The as-prepared inhomogeneous hydrogels exhibit anisotropically deformation triggered by thermo-stimuli and could enable the potential applications for stimuli-response actuators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Tremella fuciformis is an important edible mushroom that has been widely cultivated and used as food and medicinal ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine. In the past decades, many researchers have reported that T. fuciformis polysaccharides (TPS) possess various bioactivities, including anti-tumor, immunomodulatory, anti-oxidation, anti-aging, repairing brain memory impairment, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolemic. The structural characteristic of TPS has also been extensively investigated using advanced modern analytical technologies such as NMR, GC–MS, LC-MS and FT-IR to dissect the structure-activity relationship (SAR) of the TPS biomacromolecule. This article reviews the recent progress in the extraction, purification, structural characterization and applications of TPS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, various surfactants and cosurfactants were selected to develop nanoemulsions of finger citron essential oil (FCEO). Five suitable mixtures of surfactants were obtained: Cremophor EL/1, 2-propanediol (1:1, m/m), Cremophor EL/glycerol (1:1, m/m), Tween 80/ethanol (3:2, m/m), Tween 80/PEG-400 (3:2, m/m) and Tween 80/1, 2-propanediol (3:1, m/m). These five nanoemulsions showed a good stability with average droplet sizes kept below 20 nm for at least 28 days. All of them had low polydispersity index. Antimicrobial activities of these five nanoemulsions against bacteria ( E. coli , B. subtilis and S. aureus ) and molds ( A. niger and P. citrinum ) were tested, in which the nanoemulsion with Cremophor EL enhanced the antibacterial ability. However, the antifungal activities of these nanoemulsions were weaker than expected. These developed FCEO loaded nanoemulsions have good physical stability and antibacterial activity, suggesting their potential application in food and beverage fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypericum ascyron L. (Great St. Johnswort), which belongs to the Hypericaceae family, has been used for the treatment of hematemesis, metrorrhagia, rheumatism, swelling, stomach ache, abscesses, dysentery and irregular menstruation for >2,000 years in China. The aim of the present study was to clarify the anticancer activity compounds from H. ascyron L. and the underlying molecular mechanism. Anticancer activity of H. ascyron L. extract was evaluated using an MTT assay. To confirm the anticancer mechanism of activity compounds, Hoechst 33258, Annexin V‑fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide, 2',7'‑dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate, rhodamine 123 staining and caspase‑3 activity analysis were performed. The results demonstrated that the anti‑proliferative action of the mixture of kaempferol 3‑O‑β‑(2"‑acetyl) galactopyranoside (K) and quercetin (Q) (molar ratio, 1:1) was significantly increased compared with either of these two compounds separately, and the active fraction of the H. ascyron L. extract |(HALE). HALE, indicating that the anti‑proliferative function of H. ascyron L. may be a synergic effect of K and Q. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of KQ on the growth of HeLa cells was mediated by the induction of apoptosis. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first to identify that KQ exhibits significant anti‑proliferation activity on HeLa cells via the apoptotic pathway, and is also the first to evaluate the anticancer potential of H. ascyron L. The results of the present study may provide a rational base for the use of H. ascyron L. in the clinic, and shed light on the development of novel anticancer drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Up till now, studies have not been conducted on how the combination of Quercetin (Q), Aconitine (A) and apoptosis induction affects human cervical carcinoma HeLa cells. The result of our findings shows that the combination of Q and A (QA) is capable of synergistically inhibiting the proliferation of HeLa cells in a number of concentrations. QA synergistically inhibits the proliferation of MDR1 gene in the HeLa cells. It is concluded based on our result that QA induces apoptosis and ER stress just as QA-induced ER stress pathway may mediate apoptosis by upregulating mRNA expression levels of eIF2α, ATF4, IRE1, XBP1, ATF6, PERK and CHOP in the HeLa cells. The up-regulating of mRNA expression level of GRP78 and activation of UPR are a molecular basis of QA-induced ER stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Similarity evaluation of complicated chromatographic profiles is a potential instrument for the identification and quality control of herbal medicinal products to ensure the prospective biological activity. The present study was implemented to evaluate the quality of Sonchus brachyotus DC. sampled using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fingerprinting coupled with a suite of chemometrics methods. By this means, the coefficients of correlation of similarity of 10 batches extract of S. brachyotus DC. were >0.98. The 10 batches extract of Sonchus brachyotus DC. showed stable antioxidant capacity in vitro. The results of total antioxidant capacity were in accordance and completed well for the quality evaluation of Sonchus brachyotus DC. Thus, HPLC fingerprinting coupled with chemometrics techniques provides a greatly flexible and dependable method for the quality assessment of the extract of Sonchus brachyotus DC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Portulaca oleracea L. (P. oleracea) has been used as a Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of antipyretic, anti-scorbutic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, diuretic, anthelmintic, and urinary disorders. However, pharmacological studies are necessary to provide a scientific basis to substantiate its effectiveness. In this study, the antimicrobial effect and its mechanism of the flavonoids extract from P. oleracea. (POFE) were investigated. The antibacterial effects of POFE were tested on Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enterica and Micrococcus luteus, and the results showed that some bacteria, especially Staphylococcus aureus, were sensitive to POFE. At the tested concentrations, POFE-treated cells displayed various apoptotic markers, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, membrane depolarisation, phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure, DNA fragmentation, and caspase-like protein, in a dose-dependently manner. Based on these data, we concluded that POFE entered the cytoplasm through the membrane pores of Staphylococcus aureus, and subsequently, two parallel reactions took place, namely increase in the level of ROS and DNA fragmentation, which caused cell death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sonchus brachyotus DC. (S. brachyotus) is considered a vegetable, and rarely considered to be medicinal. However, S. brachyotus is used as a kind of traditional folk herb in Europe. Pharmacological studies are necessary in order to provide a scientific basis to substantiate their use. This study investigated the antimicrobial effect and mechanism of action of the ethanol extract from S. brachyotus. Ethanol extract from S. brachyotus exhibited antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella pneumonia, Salmonella enteric, Staphylococcus aureus, and Micrococcus luteus; this is especially so in the case of E. coli. This study investigated the novel antibacterial mechanism of ethanol extract from S. brachyotus that shows an apoptosis-like response in E. coli. At all the tested concentration, it was found that ethanol extract from S. brachyotus-treated E. coli cells displayed various apoptotic markers, such as membrane damage, reactive oxygen species accumulation, and membrane depolarization. Expression of caspases protein, which mediates a bacterial apoptosis-like response, was also increased by ethanol extract from S. brachyotus. In order to evaluate the influence of caspases on the appearance of other apoptotic markers, phosphatidylserine exposure and DNA fragmentation were detected and compared with untreated and with ethanol extract from S. brachyotus. These characteristics were detected in E. coli cells, but not in untreated, with ethanol extract from S. brachyotus. In conclusion, the data obtained demonstrated that ethanol extract from S. brachyotus induces an apoptosis-like response in E. coli that associates with caspase-like protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HLA‐A*69:01:04 differs from HLA‐A*69:01:01:01 in exon 2 at position 336 by a single synonymous mutation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A water-soluble heteropolysaccharide (PUP60W-1) was purified from the hot water extract of sclerotia of P. umbellatus by chromatography with DEAE Sepharose Fast Flow and Sephacryl S200 High-Resolution. The primary structure of PUP60W-1 was elucidated by GC, GC–MS and NMR. PUP60W-1 was identified as a highly branched polysaccharide composed of fucose, glucose and galactose in a ratio of 1.0:0.9:13.3. The main repeating unit was identified as α-(1 → 6)- d -galactopyranan backbone with substitution of terminal α-galactopyranosyl residues at O -2 for two out of every three main chain galactose residues. Its chain conformation was studied by atom force microscopy and size exclusion chromatography coupled with multiple detectors. The results revealed that PUP60W-1 had a molecular weight of 2.47 × 10 4 Da with a polydispersity index of 1.04, and existed in water as compact sphere structures which could be disrupted into smaller spherical chain blocks after dispersion with sodium dodecyl sulfate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Portulaca oleracea L. (P. oleracea) has been used as a Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of antipyretic, anti-scorbutic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, diuretic, anthelmintic, and urinary disorders. However, pharmacological studies are necessary to provide a scientific basis to substantiate its effectiveness. In this study, the antimicrobial effect and its mechanism of the flavonoids extract from P. oleracea. (POFE) were investigated. The antibacterial effects of POFE were tested on Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enterica and Micrococcus luteus, and the results showed that some bacteria, especially Staphylococcus aureus, were sensitive to POFE. At the tested concentrations, POFE-treated cells displayed various apoptotic markers, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, membrane depolarisation, phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure, DNA fragmentation, and caspase-like protein, in a dose-dependently manner. Based on these data, we concluded that POFE entered the cytoplasm through the membrane pores of Staphylococcus aureus, and subsequently, two parallel reactions took place, namely increase in the level of ROS and DNA fragmentation, which caused cell death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to detect the expression of metastasis associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) and microRNA (miR)-619-5p in colorectal carcinoma (CRC), and to evaluate the significance of MALAT1 and miR-619-5p expression in the clinical diagnosis and prognosis of CRC. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to detect MALAT1 and miR-619-5p expression in 120 colorectal carcinoma and 120 adjacent normal tissue samples. The expression levels of MALAT1 and miR-619-5p were significantly different between colorectal carcinoma and adjacent normal tissues (P<0.05). MALAT1 exhibited an average 2.52-fold increase in colorectal adenoma when compared with adjacent normal tissues, while miR-619-5p exhibited an average 5.79-fold decrease in colorectal adenoma when compared with adjacent normal tissues. There was a significant difference between the MALAT1 expression in CRC tissues obtained from men and women (P=0.027), and in tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage II and stage III lesions (P=0.019). MALAT1 expression was associated with lymphovascular invasion (P=0.047) and perineural invasion (P=0.012). In addition, miR-619-5p expression was also significantly different between men and women (P=0.032), and between TNM stage II and stage III lesions (P=0.012). miR-619-5p expression was also associated with lymphovascular invasion (P=0.023) and perineural invasion (P=0.009). Patients with high expression of MALAT1 and low expression of miR-619-5p demonstrated significantly shorter disease-free survival (DFS) (P=0.002) and overall survival (OS) times (P=0.004) compared with patients with low MALAT1 expression and high miR-619-5p expression. Patients with perineural invasion demonstrated significantly shorter DFS (P=0.001) and OS times (P=0.003) compared with patients without perineural invasion. In addition, there was a negative correlation between MALAT1 expression and miR-619-5p expression (r=-0.415, P=0.004) in CRC tissues. In conclusion, MALAT1 and miR-619-5p have potential for the molecular diagnosis of CRC patients, and combined assaying of MALAT1 and miR-619-5p may improve the accuracy of the diagnosis of CRC and act as a good prognostic indicator in CRC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a widespread trichothecene mycotoxin that commonly contaminates cereal crops and has various toxic effects in animals and humans. DON primarily targets the gastrointestinal tract, the first barrier against ingested food contaminants. In this study, an isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ)-based phosphoproteomic approach was employed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying DON-mediated intestinal toxicity in porcine epithelial cells (IPEC-J2) exposed to 20 μM DON for 60 min. There were 4153 unique phosphopeptides, representing 389 phosphorylation sites, detected in 1821 phosphoproteins. We found that 289 phosphopeptides corresponding to 255 phosphoproteins were differentially phosphorylated in response to DON. Comprehensive Gene Ontology (GO) analysis combined with Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment revealed that, in addition to previously well-characterized mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling, DON exposure altered phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt (PI3K/Akt) and Janus kinase/signal transducer, and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathways. These pathways are involved in a wide range of biological processes, including apoptosis, the intestinal barrier, intestinal inflammation, and the intestinal absorption of glucose. DON-induced changes are likely to contribute to the intestinal dysfunction. Overall, identification of relevant signaling pathways yielded new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying DON-induced intestinal toxicity, and might help in the development of improved mechanism-based risk assessments in animals and humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several challenges have been found in the current applications of building information modelling/model (BIM) technology in large-scale mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) projects, such as the huge modelling workloads of MEP models and details, untapped potential in supporting cooperative construction management with multiple participants and insufficient functions for intelligent facility management. This paper proposes a multi-scale solution to address the insufficiencies of the current applications in the construction and facility management of MEP projects. Particularly, a practical multi-scale BIM consisting of several macro-, micro- and schematic-scale information models is described in detail with the required information of the MEP components according to the schema of industrial foundation classes. Based on this model, the paper presents a BIM-based construction management system to provide virtual construction scenes with appropriate scales for various participants to communicate and cooperate, as well as a BIM-based facility management system to share information delivered from previous phases and improve the efficiency and safety of MEP management during the operation and maintenance period. The application in a real-world airport terminal illustrates that the proposed model and two systems can support collaborative construction management and facility management with multi-scale functionalities among participants. This paper proposes a series of feasible models and techniques to promote BIM application in large MEP projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The Suixian Mo deposit is a magmatic hydrothermal vein-type deposit related to intrusions. • The ore-forming fluid shows moderate-high temperature and rich in CO 2 and CH 4. • The ore materials derived from the mixture of magma and surrounding metamorphic rocks. • Mixed organic water and fluid immiscibility are two important ore-forming mechanisms. The Suixian Mo deposit is a recently discovered deposit in the northern Hubei Province, Tongbai orogen. The Mo orebodies of this deposit are all hosted in the metamorphic rocks (leuco-gneiss, amphibolite and marble) of the Neoproterozoic Tianwangzhai Group, and these orebodies have no direct contact with the granite surrounding the host rocks. The mineralization types are dominated by disseminated ore and fine Mo-bearing quartz-sulfide veins. Hydrothermal alteration consists of abundant feldspathization, epidotization and chloritization, together with less garnetization, tremolitization, and muscovitization. A detailed study on fluid inclusions and multiple isotope (C H O S Pb) analyses, together with geologic features, are carried out to investigate the fluid composition, fluid origin and evolution, the source of ore-forming materials, and the ore genetic type. In line with microthermometric measurements and laser Raman analysis on fluid inclusions from three hydrothermal stages, the ore-forming fluid in this deposit is characterized by medium–high temperatures and salinities, as well as richness in CO 2 and CH 4. Three hydrothermal stages are identified in this deposit, including (I) feldspar-quartz-amphibole-muscovite stage, (II) quartz-sulfides stage, and (III) quartz-calcite-scheelite-fluorite stage. From stages I, II to III, the temperatures change from 290 to 354 °C, through 229–312 °C, to 173–269 °C, with decreasing salinities of 12.6 to 16.3 wt% NaCl equiv., 4.5 to 13.4 wt% NaCl equiv., and 0.2 to 6.9 wt% NaCl equiv., respectively. Most of sulfur isotope data of sulfides (chalcopyrite, pyrite, pyrrhotite and molybdenite) show a narrow δ34S range from −2.0 to 3.0 ‰, suggesting a dominant magmatic source, but some data show either positive or negative values (δ34S: −13.3 to −10.6 ‰ and 9.8 to 11.2 ‰) which may indicate small contribution from the restricted wall rocks. The Pb isotope data (molybdenite, pyrite and pyrrhotite: 206Pb/204Pb: 17.239 to 18.483; 207Pb/204Pb: 15.378 to 15.717; 208Pb/204Pb: 37.889 to 38.850) imply that the lead of sulfides pertains to a mixture of magma (derived from the lower crust) and upper crustal materials (host metamorphic rocks). Based on evident CO 2 and CH 4 in fluid inclusions, the gradually depleted carbon isotopic compositions (δ13C: −5.4 to −9.9 ‰ at stage I, −14.8 to −19.7 ‰ at stage II, and −17.0 to −24.2 ‰ at stage III) and the H O isotope data, it is suggested that the ore-forming fluids were mainly magmatic fluids with mixture of some organic-containing water, and the thermochemical reaction between the fluids and organic matters (e.g., CH 4) from host metamorphic rocks and fluid immiscibility are two important mechanisms for Mo mineralization. Compared with typical Mo deposits in the same orogen, the Suixian Mo deposit belongs to the magmatic hydrothermal vein-type deposit associated with intrusions rather than porphyry or skarn type deposit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two types of pyrolysis carbon blacks (PCBs) made from waste tyres were selected to modify road bitumens (SK70# and SK90#) via melt blending. The effects of the PCBs on physical properties, storage stability, rheological characteristics and performance grading (PG) of the bitumens were investigated. The thermal- and photo-oxidative aging of the PCB modified bitumens were evaluated by thin film oven test (TFOT), pressurized aging vessel (PAV) and natural aging (NA). Experimental results show that the high-temperature properties of the bitumen were obviously enhanced by both PCBs, leading to an improved resistance of bitumen to permanent deformation at high temperatures. The thermal- and photo-oxidative aging of bitumen were improved significantly by the PCBs. The pelleting pyrolysis carbon black (PCB-2) with bigger particle displayed more significant influence on bitumen performance than the normal pyrolysis carbon black (PCB-1) with relatively smaller grain size. The modified bitumen with appropriate dosage of PCBs can be used for road construction, which is of great significance for the improvement of pavement performance and recycling of waste tyres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesozoic volcanic rocks are widespread throughout the Great Xing'an Range of northeastern China. However, there has been limited investigation into the age and petrogenesis of the Mesozoic volcanics in the eastern Great Xing'an Range. According to our research, the volcanic rocks of the Dayangshu Basin, eastern Great Xing'an Range are composed mainly of trachybasalt, basaltic andesite, and basaltic trachyandesite, with minor intermediate-basic pyroclastic rocks. In this study, the geochemistry and geochronology of the Mesozoic volcanic rocks are presented in order to discuss the petrogenesis and tectonic setting of the Ganhe Formation in the Dayangshu Basin. Zircon U-Pb dating by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry indicates that the Mesozoic lavas formed during the late Early Cretaceous (114.3-108.8 Ma). This suite of rocks exhibits a range of geochemical signatures indicating subduction-related genesis, including: (i) calc-alkaline to high-K calc-alkaline major element compositions; (ii) enrichment of large ion lithophile elements (e.g. Rb, Ba, K) and light rare earth elements (LREEs/HREEs =7.33-9.85); and (iii) weak depletion in high field strength elements (e.g. Nb, Ta, Ti). Furthermore, Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic data yield initial 87Sr/86Sr values of 0.70450-0.70463, positive εNd(t) values of +1.8 to +3.3, and a mantle-derived lead isotope composition. Combined with the regional tectonic evolution, the results of this study suggest that the Ganhe Group lavas are derived from decompression melting of a metasomatized (enriched) lithospheric mantle, related to asthenospheric upwelling, which resulted from lithospheric mantle delamination and produced extension of the continental margin following the subduction of the Paleo- Pacific Plate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel water-soluble polysaccharide PUP60S2, with a molecular weight of 1.44 × 10 4 Da, was obtained from the sclerotia of Polyporus umbellatus by hot water extraction, ethanol precipitation, anion-exchange and size-exclusion chromatography. PUP60S2 was a polysaccharide comprised of about 22.3% glucuronic acid. Monosaccharide composition analysis showed that PUP60S2 was only comprised of glucose and glucuronic acid. Reduction of carboxyl groups, sugar analysis, methylation analysis, together with one and two dimension NMR spectra disclosed that the backbone of PUP60S2 consisted of (1 → 6)-β- d -glucopyranosyl, every second of which was substituted at O -3 by side chains consisting of terminal β- d -Glc p , (1 → 3)-β- d -Glc p , (1 → 3)-β- d -Glc p A, (1 → 4)-β- d -Glc p and (1 → 4)-β- d -Glc p A units. The antioxidant activity assay in vitro showed that PUP60S2 exerted a significant scavenging effect on DPPH, hydroxyl radical and superoxide radical in a dose-dependent manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (DLLME) coupled with ultra-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) was developed for the extraction and determination of 10 β2-agonists in animal urine. Some experimental parameters, such as the type and volume of the extraction solvent, the concentration of the dispersant, the salt concentration, the pH value of the sample solution, the extraction time and the speed of centrifugation, were investigated and optimized. Under the optimized conditions, a good enrichment factors (4.8 to 32.3) were obtained for the extraction. The enrichment factor show that the concentration rate of DLLME is significantly higher than other pretreatment methods, and the detection sensitivity has been greatly improved. The calibration curves were linear, the correlation coefficient ranged from 0.9928 to 0.9999 for the concentration range of 0.05 to 50 ngmL-1 and 0.1 to 50 ngmL-1, and the relative standard deviations (RSDs, n = 15, intra and inter-day precision) at a concentration of 5 ngmL-1 were in the range of 1.8 to 14.6%. The limits of detection (LODs) for the 10 β2-agonists, based on a signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) of 3, were in the range of 0.01 to 0.03 ngmL-1. The proposed method was used to identify β2-agonists in three types of animal urine (swine, cattle, sheep), and the relative recoveries from each matrix were in the range of 89.2 to 106.8%, 90.0 to 109.8% and 89.2 to 107.2%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chitosan was prepared by alkaline N -deacetylation of β-chitin from squid pens, and N -(2-hydroxy) propyl-3-trimethyl ammonium chitosan chloride (HTCC) derivatives, with different degrees of quaternization (DQ) ranging from 0.77 to 1.06, were synthesized. It was identified by FT-IR, 1 H NMR and XRD analysis. All of the HTCC showed good water solubility in a wide pH range. The moisture absorption and retention abilities of all the HTCC were much better than that of the chitosan. The moisture absorption and retention values of all the HTCC at 43% RH for 24 h were above 49% and 92%, respectively. The scavenging ability of HTCC against hydroxyl and ABTS radicals improved with increasing concentration. The effectiveness of HTCC against hydroxyl radicals was lower than that of chitosan. These results indicated that HTCC, which has a much better moisture absorption and retention capacity, may act as a potential moisturizer in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Chitosan was prepared by alkaline N-deacetylation of β-chitin and hydroxypropyl derivatives with different degrees of substitution (DS) were synthesized. It was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and elemental analysis. The DS of hydroxypropyl chitosan (HPCS) calculated by an element analyzer were 0.42, 0.75, 1.20, 1.82 and 2.25. HPCS showed better foam capacity and stability than that of chitosan, and the effectiveness correlated well with the DS of HPCS. The highest bile acid-binding capacity of all five HPCS reached 56.02mg/g, which was 4.0-fold higher than that of chitosan. The scavenging ability of HPCS against hydroxyl and ABTS radicals improved with increasing concentration. The correlation between the hydroxypropyl content (DS) of HPCS and scavenging ABTS radical ability was positive. The hydroxyl radicals scavenging activity of HPCS correlated well with its increasing concentration, and EC50 values were below 12.5mg/mL. These results indicated that hydroxypropylation is a possible approach to obtain chitosan derivatives with desirable physiochemical properties. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] It was isolated and purified by columns of DEAE-Sepharose F. F. and Sephacryl S H.R. [•] It was a homogeneous polysaccharide and the molecular weight was estimated to be 1.08×104 Da by HPLC. [•] The composition of it was determined as l-fucose, d-mannose, d-glucose and d-galactose by GC analysis. [•] Its structure was determined by MS, along with 1H, 13C and 2D NMR spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] We purified a novel water-soluble polysaccharide from Wedelia prostrata called WPP60A. [•] Homogeneity and molecular weight (2.40×103 Da) of WPP60A were determined by HPLC. [•] Its structure was established by GC–MS, 1H, 13C, and 2D NMR analysis. [•] The repeating unit consists of [β-d-Fruf-(6→2)-β-d-Fruf-]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A novel water-soluble heteropolysaccharide (PEPS1), with a molecular weight of 1.88×104 Da as determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), specifically size exclusion chromatography, was isolated from the fruiting bodies of Pleurotus eryngii by hot water extraction and further purification by DEAE Sepharose Fast Flow and Sephacryl S-300 and S-100 High-Resolution chromatography. By use of compositional analysis, methylation analysis, together with 1H, 13C NMR and 2D NMR spectroscopy including COSY, TOCSY, HMQC, HMBC and NOESY experiments, the PEPS1 was identified as a heteropolysaccharide that consists of a α-d-(1→6)-Galactopyranan backbone with a β-d-Mannosyl unit on O-2 of the 2,6-di-O-substituted-d-Galactosyl units, α-(1→6)-3-O-Me-d-Galactopyranan backbone with a terminal α-3-O-Me-d-Galactosyl unit and it also contained a minor 2,3,6-α-d-Galatopyranan units and 4-β-d-Mannopyranan residues. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A novel water-soluble polysaccharide named PGPB-1, with a molecular weight of 1.3×104 Da as determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), was isolated from the fruiting bodies of Pleurotus geesteranus by boiling water as well as DEAE-Sepharose Fast Flow and High-Resolution Sephacryl S-300. On the bases of compositional analysis, methylation analysis and NMR spectroscopy (1H NMR, 13C NMR, 2D-COSY, TOCSY, HMQC, HMBC and NOESY spectra) analysis, the structural elucidation of PGPB-1 consisted of a α-d-(1→6)-galactopyranan and a α-d-3-O-Me-d-galactosyl unit backbone with a α-d-Mannosyl unit on O-2 of the 2,6-di-O-substituted-d-galactosyl units. The repeating unit of the polysaccharide was established as: Display Omitted PGPB-1 also contains a minor proportion of 6-linked-d-Glcp. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A new heteropolysaccharide (HEPF4), with a molecular weight of 2.03×104 Da as determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), was obtained from the fruiting bodies of Hericium erinaceus. It is composed of 3-O-methylrhamnose, l-fucose, d-galactose and d-glucose in the ratio of 0.12:1.00:3.27:0.28. Its chemical structure was characterized by sugar and methylation analysis, along with 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, including NOESY and HMBC experiments for linkage and sequence analysis. The polysaccharide is composed of a tetrasaccharide repeating unit (described in the results section). HEPF4 also contains a minor proportion of glucose and 3-O-methylrhamnose which is believed to terminate the polymer main chain. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Four crude water soluble polysaccharides, CABP, CAAP, CFVP and CLDP, were isolated from common edible mushrooms, including Agaricus bisporus, Auricularia auricula, Flammulina velutipes and Lentinus edodes, and their chemical characteristics and antioxidant properties were determined. Fourier Transform-infrared analysis showed that the four crude polysaccharides were all composed of β-glycoside linkages. The major monosaccharide compositions were D-galactose, D-glucose and D-mannose for CABP, CAAP and CLDP, while CFVP was found to consist of L-arabinose, D-galactose, D-glucose and D-mannose. The main molecular weight distributions of CABP and the other three polysaccharides were <5.1 x 104 Da and >66.0 x 104 Da, respectively. Antioxidant properties of the four polysaccharides were evaluated in in vitro systems and CABP showed the best antioxidant properties. The studied mushroom species could potentially be used in part of well-balanced diets and as a source of antioxidant compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A novel water-soluble heteropolysaccharide FVP60-B was extracted from the fruiting bodies of Flammulina velutipes with boiling water and purified by Sephacryl S-300 and S-400, which molecular weight was estimated to be 1.3×104 Da by HPLC. It is composed of l-fucose, d-mannose, d-glucose and d-galactose in a ratio of 1.16:0.82:1.00:3.08. Sugar analysis, methylation analysis together with 1H, 13C and 2D NMR spectroscopy disclosed that FVP60-B is consisted of a α-(1→6)-d-galactopyranan backbone with a terminal fucosyl, terminal glucosyl and α-(1→6)-d-mannopyranan units on O-2 of 2,6-O-substituted-d-galactosyl units. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ta0-a, the gene encoding the mature antimicrobial peptide tachyplesin II, was engineered to optimize the coding sequence according to codon usage bias in yeast. Ta0-a was efficiently expressed in the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris strain SMD1168. The recombinant peptide Ta0 reached 150mg/L after methanol induction for 6 d. Ta0 was rapidly purified to homogeneity by a single step of size-exclusion chromatography. The minimal lethal concentrations of Ta0 to the Escherichia coli strain K12 was 30μg/mL. Ta0 exhibited a wide range of antimicrobial activity: the growth of 26 bacterial and fungal strains, including some typical food/feed spoilage microorganisms, was all substantially inhibited. This result indicates the potential practical application of the recombinant peptide in various industrial products. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We report the initial characterization and expression of sfp2, a gene encoding a keratinolytic serine protease from Streptomyces fradiae var. k11. Recombinant SFP2 was expressed in and secreted from the yeast Pichia pastoris with a final yield of 78mg/L (136.2U/mL caseinolytic activity) after 25h of induction. The recombinant enzyme was purified using by ammonium sulfate precipitation and gel filtration chromatography to electrophoretic homogeneity, which was appropriately glycosylated and had a molecular mass of 26.0kDa. The purified recombinant SFP2 was characterized. The optimal pHs and temperatures of SFP2 for proteolysis of casein and keratin azure were pH 10.0, 60°C, and pH 9.0, 55°C, respectively. SFP2 activity was stable from pH 3.0 to pH 11.0. The enzyme activity was inhibited by Co2+ and Cr3+ and enhanced by Ni2+ and Cu2+. The K m of 0.45mmol/L and V max of 19.84mmol/minmg were calculated using N-succinyl-Ala-Ala-Pro-Phe-pNA as a substrate. We tested the activity of SFP2 with soluble and insoluble substrates; SFP2 was more specific for keratinous substrates compared with proteinase K and other commercial proteases. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Due to the laminar structure constructed by two-dimensional nanosheets, nanochannels are formed in the graphene oxide membrane (GOM), including capillaries formed by two closely spaced graphene sheets and nanopores in the nanosheets. These nanochannels have strong molecular sieving properties that can be tuned by various methods and applied in molecules separation. Such membranes are often used for the separation of different molecules or ions, but are rarely used for the isotope separation. In this work, superhydrophobic modification of the GOM was achieved by introducing layers of fluorinated silica nanoparticles on the membrane surface, combining the fluoro-containing resin to enhance the adhesion and decrease the surface energy. Using light/heavy water as a model, the hydrogen isotopic separating performance of this composite membrane was evaluated in an air gap membrane distillation (AGMD) apparatus. It was shown that the superhydrophobic coating of the membrane can effectively prevent the liquid water penetrating into the membrane, thus providing a pure vapor process in the membrane. Meanwhile, when compared to pure GOM and commercial polymeric membranes, the resultant membranes acquired superior isotopic selectivity in membrane distillation. The best performing membrane contains three layers of nanoparticles, of which the outermost surface was treated with 40 μL (heptadecafluoro-1, 1, 2, 2-tetrahydrodecyl) trimethoxysilane (17-FTMS) and 10 μL methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMOS). A mean separation factor value of 1.151 and a permeation flux of 0.036 kg m−2 h−1 were obtained. In addition, continuous test for up to 90 h showed a stable performance of the composite membrane, without compromising the selectivity and flux of the membrane. This study not only demonstrates the potential of superhydrophobic composite GOM for hydrogen isotopic sieving in membrane distillation, but also provides a facile and generic method for superhydrophobic modification of the hydrophilic membrane. [Display omitted] • A spraying method for hydrophobic coating of graphene oxide membrane is proposed. • An improved isotopic selectivity was obtained in air gap membrane distillation. • Transmembrane process affects the isotopic sieving capability of the membrane. • The combination of resin and nanoparticles enhances the stability of coating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Cold-pressed sesame cake protein removing lignans was obtained by ultrasonic pre-treatment (UPT). • UPT significantly increased protein yield. • UPT slightly reduced the solubility, foaming capacity and stability of protein. • UPT could disorder and loose protein molecular structure to some extent. • This work provides a guide for comprehensive utilization of lignans and proteins from sesame cake in separate. Sesame is an oil crop with high nutritional value. Protein is one of the main ingredients of sesame, however research on protein of cold-pressed sesame cake is limited. This study aimed to investigate the effects of ultrasonic pre-treatment (UPT) on physicochemical properties of proteins (yield, solubility, amino acid composition, surface properties, structural and thermal stability) extracted from the cold-pressed sesame cake, after removing lignans by ultrasonic-assisted extraction. By comparison, the extraction yield of protein was significantly (p ＜ 0.05) increased from 22.24% (without UPT) to 25.95% (with UPT), while the purity (54.08% without UPT, 55.43% with UPT), total amount of essential amino acids (22.48% without UPT, 23.10% with UPT) and non-essential amino acids (37.48% without UPT, 36.54% with UPT) were not significantly influenced. Besides, UPT slightly reduced the solubility, foaming capacity and stability (FC and FS) of protein. In addition, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and thermal stability (TG) analysis demonstrated that UPT could disorder and loose protein molecular structure, resulting in the change of morphology, secondary structure and thermal stability. In conclusion, this study provides a way for the separation and future application of sesame cake protein. UPT is a good option to remove the lignans from sesame cake proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]