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Mono, di and heptanuclear metal(II) complexes with chemical formulae [Cu(L 1 )] ( 1 ), [Co 2 (L 2 ) 2 ]·2CH 3 CN ( 2 ) and [Ni 7 (L 3 ) 3 ( μ 3 -OEt) 2 ( μ 3 -OH) 6 (EtOH) 6 ] ( 3 ) have been synthesized by variational tetradentate Salamo-type ligands based on 3,5-dichlorosalicylaldehyde, and characterized by elemental analyses, FT-IR, UV–Vis spectra and X-ray crystallography. The Cu(II) complex 1 is a mononuclear complex with tetracoordinate Cu(II) atom lies in the N 2 O 2 coordination sphere. The Co(II) complex 2 is a dinuclear complex with a central Co 2 O 2 bridged unit via Co O bonds to form a head-to-head dimer, the pentacoordinate Co(II) atoms (Co1 and Co2) have a distorted square pyramidal ( τ 1 = 0.454) and trigonal bipyramidal ( τ 2 = 0.538) geometries, respectively. Interestingly, the Ni(II) complex 3 is a novel heptanuclear complex with an unprecedented 3:7 ligand to metal stoichiometry. Furthermore, fluorescence properties of the Cu(II) and Ni(II) complexes have been studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To systematically investigate the influence of the flexible or rigid auxiliary ligands on the structures and properties of transition metal compounds, we synthesized four new d 10 coordination polymers (CPs) from 3-(pyridin-4-yl)-5-(pyrazin-2-yl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole (4-Hpzpt) and flexible/rigid dicarboxylate ligands, [Cd(4-pzpt) 2 ] n ( 1 ), [Cd 3 (4-pzpt) 2 (suc) 2 ] n ( 2 ), [Cd 2 (4-Hpzpt)(nbc) 2 (H 2 O)] n ( 3 ) and {[Cd 2 (4-pzpt) 2 (tfbdc)(H 2 O) 4 ]·H 2 O} n ( 4 ) (H 2 suc=1,2-ethanedicarboxylic acid, H 2 nbc=hthalene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid, H 2 tfbdc =2,3,5,6-tetrafluoroterephthalic acid). Single crystal X-ray analysis indicates that compound 1 shows a 4 4 - sql layer, which is extended to a 3D network via nonclassical C–H … N hydrogen bonds. Compound 2 possesses a 6-connected pcu -4 12 0.6 3 net composed of trinuclear Cd II -clusters. Compound 3 represents a rare 3D (3,4,4,5)-connected topology with a Schläfli symbol of (4·6·7)(4·5 3 ·7 2 )(5 3 ·6·7·9)(4 2 ·5 5 ·6·7 2 ). Compound 4 exhibits a 2D+2D→2D parallel interpenetrated 6 3 - hcb network. The adjacent 2D networks are interdigitated with each other to form the resulting 3D supramolecular architecture through classical O–H … N and O–H … O hydrogen bonds. Structural diversities indicate that the nature of flexible/rigid-dicarboxlates plays crucial roles in modulating structures of these compounds. Moreover, the luminescent properties of them have been briefly investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five heterometallic Co(II)–Ln(III) complexes, a discrete heterodinuclear complex [CoLLa(Py)(NO 3 ) 3 (CH 3 OH)] ( 1 ) (Py = pyridine), a heterotetranuclear dimer [Co 2 L 2 La 2 (4,4′-bipy)(NO 3 ) 6 (CH 3 OH) 2 ] ( 2 ) (4,4′-bipy = 4,4′-bipyridine) and three discrete heterodinuclear complexes [CoLLn(OAc)(NO 3 ) 2 (CH 3 OH)] (Ln = Gd ( 3 ), Tb ( 4 ), Dy ( 5 )), were synthesized with a hexadentate bisoxime ligand 1,2-bis(3-methoxysalicylideneaminooxy)ethane (H 2 L), and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The complexes 1 , 3 , 4 and 5 are discrete heterodinuclear structures, but the assembly of two dinuclear units [CoLLa(NO 3 ) 3 (CH 3 OH)] and one 4,4′-bipyridine results in a discrete heterotetranuclear dimer 2 . The Co(II) and La(III) atoms in the complexes 1 and 2 are penta- and decacoordinated, while the Co(II) and Ln(III) (Ln = Gd, Tb and Dy) atoms in the complexes 3 , 4 and 5 are hexa- and nonacoordinated, respectively. Magnetic measurements were performed on the complexes 3 , 4 and 5 , where an intramolecular ferromagnetic interaction is found in the complex 3 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through the self-assembly of a Salamo-type ligand H2L (H2L = 1,2-bis(3-methoxysalicylideneaminooxy)ethane) with Ni(OAc)2·4H2O, Ln(NO3)3·6H2O (Ln(iii) = La(iii), Gd(iii), Tb(iii) and Dy(iii)) and Py (Py = pyridine) or 4,4′-bipy (4,4′-bipy = 4,4′-bipyridine) or H2bdc (H2bdc = terephthalic acid), nine new Ni(ii)–Ln(iii) heterometallic complexes [Ni(L)La(OAc)(NO3)2(Py)(CH3OH)]·CH3OH (1), [Ni(L)Dy(OAc)(NO3)2(Py)] (2), 1∞[Ni(L)La(NO3)3(4,4′-bipy)(CH3OH)] (3), 1∞[Ni(L)Tb(NO3)3(4,4′-bipy)] (4), [Ni(L)Dy(OAc)(NO3)2(4,4′-bipy)] (5), [{Ni(L)Ln(NO3)2(DMF)(CH3OH)}2(bdc)] (Ln = La (6) and Gd (7)) and [{Ni(L)Ln(NO3)2(DMF)}2(bdc)] (Ln = Tb (8) and Dy (9)) were obtained, respectively. The acetato ligand bridges the Ni(ii) and Ln(iii) (Ln = La (1) and Dy (2)) atoms in a μ2 fashion and the Py coordinates to the apical position by a nitrogen atom in the heterobimetallic complexes 1 and 2. Complexes 3 and 4 are 1D coordination polymers constructed from heterobimetallic [Ni(L)Ln] (Ln = La (3) and Tb (4)) units which are connected by the exo-dentate ligand 4,4′-bipy bearing nitrogen-donor atoms, but complex 5 is a heterobimetallic Ni(ii)–Dy(iii) complex which is prepared under the same reaction conditions as complexes 3 and 4. Four heterotetranuclear dimers were constructed from heterobimetallic [Ni(L)Ln] (Ln = La (6), Gd (7)), Tb (8) and Dy (9) units which are connected by the exo-dentate H2bdc ligand with oxygen-donor atoms. Magnetic measurements were performed on the Gd(iii), Tb(iii) and Dy(iii) complexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Spent brewer's yeast cells (YCs) were successfully used in curcumin (CUR) loading. • pH-driven method offered higher encapsulation than conventional methods. • CUR was mainly interacted with constituents of the cell wall network of YCs. • Encapsulated CUR in YCs improved its in vitro bioaccessibility for 6.05-fold. Curcumin (CUR) was encapsulated into yeast cells (YCs) through a pH-driven method with a 5.04-fold increase in loading capacity and a 43.63-fold reduction in incubation time compared to the conventional diffusion method. Optimal encapsulation was obtained when the mass ratio of CUR to YCs was 0.1, and the loading capacity and encapsulation efficiency were 8.07% and 80.66%, respectively. Encapsulation of CUR into YCs was confirmed by fluorescence microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction further demonstrated that the encapsulated CUR was interacted with mannoprotein and β -glucan of the cell wall network through hydrophobic interaction and hydrogen bond in amorphous state. The in vitro bioaccessibility of YCs-loaded CUR was significantly increased by 6.05-fold. The enhanced encapsulation efficiency and rapid encapsulation process proposed in this study could facilitate YCs-based microcarriers to encapsulate bioactive substances with higher bioaccessibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A thin MoSe 2 @CNT/GO hybrid interlayer modified polypropylene (PP) (MoSe 2 @CNT/GO-PP) separator is prepared for Li-Se battery. • The MoSe 2 @CNT/GO interlayer facilitates kinetic process via catalyzing the conversion of Li 2 Se. • The MoSe 2 @CNT/GO interlayer ensures strong chemically absorbing Li 2 Se from the carbon host. • The Li-Se battery with MoSe 2 @CNT/GO-PP separator delivers outstanding reversible capacity and excellent rate capability. Lithium-selenium (Li-Se) batteries have recently attracted increasingly attentions due to the high electronic conductivity and volumetric capacity of Se. However, the low selenium utilization and inferior electrode kinetics hamper the practical application of Li-Se batteries. In this work, a MoSe 2 @CNT/GO hybrid interlayer modified polypropylene (PP) (MoSe 2 @CNT/GO-PP) separator is designed to realize high-performance Li-Se batteries. The MoSe 2 @CNT/GO interlayer not only facilitates fast kinetic process by catalyzing the conversion of Li 2 Se, but also has strong chemisorption of Li 2 Se. These largely improve the selenium utilization. As a result, the Li-Se batteries with MoSe 2 @CNT/GO-PP separators exhibit a high reversible capacity of 547.2 mAh g−1 after 300 cycles at 0.5C and an excellent rate capability of 390.2 mAh g−1 at 5C. This work provides a new insight for enhancing the electrochemical performance of Li-Se batteries via modifying the separator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A salamo-salen-salamo hybrid fluorescent chemical sensor (H 4 L) was synthesized and characterized. It exhibits high selectivity and sensitivity to Zn2+ in physiological pH range. Meanwhile, its Zn(II) complex (L-Zn2+) continuously responses phosphate anions in DMF/H 2 O (v/v, 9:1) solution. The sensing mechanisms of H 4 L and L-Zn2+ towards Zn2+ and phosphate anions were investigated by ESI-mass spectrometry, FT-IR spectra and Spectroscopic analyses to further understand experimental consideration results observed. [Display omitted] • H 4 L is a novel salamo-salen-salamo hybrid compound. • H 4 L is a Relay-Sensor for high sensitive and selective detection of Zn2+/phosphate anions. • A detection strategy based on fluorescence enhancement effect on Zn2+ and continuous fluorescence quenching on phosphate ions was developed. • Both of the H 4 L and L-Zn2+ chemosensors have a certain practical application value and advantage. A salamo-salen-salamo hybrid fluorescent chemical sensor (H 4 L) was synthesized and characterized. It exhibits high selectivity and sensitivity to Zn2+ in physiological pH range. Meanwhile, its zinc(II) complex (L-Zn2+) continuously responses phosphate anions in DMF/H 2 O (v/v, 9:1) solution. Moreover, the identification processes are explored using characterization methods such as UV-absorption spectra, IR spectra and ESI-MS spectrum. In addition, the coordination mechanism of H 2 PO 4 − and Zn2+ were successfully exploited to make the chemical sensor reproducible. In short, the sensors H 4 L and L-Zn2+ will be promising detection devices for Zn2+ and phosphate anions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cities are diverse, with their formation and expansion having various driving forces. Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC) cities represent an emerging category in China's urban system. They have evolved into a special organisation integrating 'party, government, military, and enterprises' and are located in Xinjiang, the frontier region of north-western China. Investigation of such urban characteristics is helpful to enrich our diverse cognitions on cities. The purpose of this paper is to trace the growth history of XPCC cities and explore their evolution-related characteristics, modes, and driving mechanisms in terms of spatial morphology and landscapes in the process of urban expansion by utilising remote sensing interpretation data. This study led to four main conclusions. (1) The role of the XPCC in maintaining the long-term stability and prosperity of the frontier is increasingly valued across the nation, thus leading to a major increase in the quantity and quality of XPCC cities. (2) These cities have a unique spatial layout around two deserts and the border characterised by 'two rings and one line'; however, their distribution is relatively scattered. (3) The expansion of XPCC cities has become prominent along with the restructuring of land use, with wasteland reclaiming being a salient attribute of their built-up land expansion, while also protecting cultivated land. Most cities reveal a more complex and less compact morphology. (4) The external government's promotion and regulation, the basic shaping of the natural geographical environment, the internal boosting of economic increase and industrial restructuring, and the special reshaping of the XPCC-local relationship are key driving factors behind the urban temporal-spatial evolution. Overall, this study supplements current knowledge on frontier cities within the Chinese context and thus helps to improve understanding of the urban theoretical research of government behaviours and the multi-dynamics of urban development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oil companies are powerful international actors, and have formed complex networks by building relationships from their headquarters (HQs) to subsidiaries. However, we do not know much about these networks as energy trade networks. In this paper, we select HQ subsidiary data of the most powerful oil companies in Fortune Global 500, and employ network analysis, Gini coefficient and Herfindahl index to investigate the network centrality, inequality and regional characteristics. We find that HQs are concentrated in the Unites States, Western Europe and East Asia while subsidiaries are more dispersed in both producing and consuming countries. Compared to the trade networks, HQ subsidiary network is more complex and displays greater inequality, especially in the out-degree network. IOCs (international oil companies) and NOCs (national oil companies) show different preferences for choosing subsidiaries locations and form different networks based on their industry value chains. A more complicated network including IOCs and NOCs will be more flexible in respond to market competition and geopolitical situation. HQ-subsidiary energy networks should be seriously considered along with the international diplomatic relations when making transnational energy policies and trading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity is a major abiotic stress factor affecting crops production and productivity. Triticum monococcum is closely related to Triticum urartu (A U A U ), which is used as a model plant of wheat A genome study. Here, salt stress induced dynamic proteome and phosphoproteome profiling was focused. The T. monococcum seedlings were initially treated with different concentrations of NaCl ranging from 80 to 320 mM for 48 h followed by a recovery process for 48 h prior to proteomic and phosphoproteomic analysis. As a result, a total of 81 spots corresponding to salt stress and recovery were identified by MALDI-TOF/TOF-MS from 2-DE gels. These proteins were mainly involved in regulatory, stress defense, protein folding/assembly/degradation, photosynthesis, carbohydrate metabolism, energy production and transportation, protein metabolism, and cell structure. Pro-Q Diamond staining was used to detect the phosphoproteins. Finally, 20 spots with different phosphorylation levels during salt treatment or recovery compared with controls were identified. A set of potential salt stress response and defense biomarkers was identified, such as cp31BHv, betaine-aldehyde dehydrogenase, leucine aminopeptidase 2, Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase, and 2-Cys peroxiredoxin BAS1, which could lead to a better understanding of the molecular basis of salt response and defense in food crops. Biological significance Soil salinity reduces the yield of the major crops, which is one of the severest problems in irrigated agriculture worldwide. However, how crops response and defense during different levels of salt treatment and recovery processes is still unclear, especially at the post-translational modification level. T. monococcum is a useful model for common wheat. Thus, proteomic and phosphoproteomic analyses of T. monococcum leaves were performed in our study, which provided novel insights into the underlying salt response and defense mechanisms in wheat and other crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel single-armed Salamo-type bisoximes (H 3 L) has been designed and synthesized firstly. A new application of Salamo-type bisoximes in ion recognition is investigated in detail. H 3 L can act as a relay–sensor for ratiometric recognition of Zn 2+ /Cu 2+ with high selectivity and sensitivity. The Zn 2+ and Cu 2+ complexes behave successive sensing of H + /OH − through fluorescence intensity increasing (ON) and decreasing (OFF). Meanwhile, the crystal structures of the Zn 2+ and Cu 2+ complexes based on H 3 L, [Zn(L)( μ -OAc)Zn] and [Cu(L)(μ-OAc)Cu], have been determined by X-ray crystallographic analyses, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses a fault-tolerant control scheme for a class of nonlinear systems based on the adaptive fault diagnosis method. Considering the nonlinearity of systems satisfies the Lipschitz condition, the adaptive law is designed according to the Lyapunov theory, and the proposed augmented adaptive observer can not only endure the nonlinearity but also broaden the application scopes of general adaptive observer. Then, a fault-tolerant controller is designed to compensate for the effect of the faults and guarantees the closed-loop system stable. Finally, a numeral example is presented to illustrate the effectiveness and feasibility of the addressed approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under solvothermal conditions, the reactions of Co II /Zn II ions with bent ligand 3-(pyridin-4-yl)-5-(pyrazin-2-yl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole (4-Hpzpt) afford two compounds {[M(4-pzpt) 2 ] guest} n (guest=H 2 O, M=Co II ( 1 ), Zn II ( 2 )). Both compounds are the thermally and hydrolytically robust 4-connected 3D NbO framework, which formed by double helical chains to give rise to 1D hollow nanochannel with uncoordinated nitrogens completely exposed on the pore surface. Compound 1 exhibits improved N 2 , CO 2 and H 2 uptake capacities, while compound 2 displays the strong luminescent emission with obvious red shift. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four new solvent-induced Ni(II) complexes with chemical formulae {[NiL(MeOH)( μ -OAc)] 2 Ni}·2MeOH ( 1 ), {[NiL(EtOH)( μ -OAc)] 2 Ni} ( 2 ), {[NiL(i-PrOH)( μ -OAc)] 2 Ni} ( 3 ) and {[NiL(DMF)( μ -OAc)] 2 Ni}·2DMF·0.44H 2 O ( 4 ), where H 2 L = 5-methoxy-4′-chloro-2,2′-[(1,3-propylene)dioxybis(nitrilomethylidyne)]diphenol, have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, 1 H NMR, FT–IR, UV–Vis spectra and X-ray crystallography. X-ray crystallographic analyses of the Ni(II) complexes reveal that they crystallize in the triclinic system, space group P 1 ¯ , and consists of three Ni(II) ions, two deprotonated L 2 − units, two μ -acetato ligands and two coordinated solvent molecules. In each of the Ni(II) complexes, the Ni(II) ions are hexa-coordinated with a slightly distorted octahedral coordination geometries. Although the molecule structures of the Ni(II) complexes are similar each other, obtained in different solvents, the supramolecular structures are entirely different. The complexes 1 and 3 possess a self-assembled infinite 2D and 1D supramolecular structures via the intermolecular hydrogen bonds, respectively. But the Ni(II) complexes 2 and 4 are formed 0D structures by intramolecular hydrogen bonds. Cyclic voltammetry is used to characterize electrochemical property of the Ni(II) complex 1 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three multinuclear complexes, [{Cu(HL)(OAc)Cu} 2 ]·CH 3 OH, [Zn(HL)(OAc)Zn(CH 3 CH 2 OH)] and [{Cd(HL)(OAc)Cd(CH 3 CH 2 OH)} 2 ]·2CHCl 3 , have been synthesized with an asymmetric Salamo-type ligand H 4 L, and characterized by FT-IR, UV–vis spectra and X-ray crystallography. The Cu(II) complex contains two crystallographically independent but chemically identical dinuclear complexes (molecules 1 and 2). Meanwhile, self-assembled infinite 1D, 2D and 3D structures are formed by intermolecular hydrogen bonds and C–H⋯π interactions of neighboring complexes in the solid state. The Zn(II) complex also forms a novel dinuclear structure. And a self-assembled infinite 2D structure is formed by C–H⋯π interaction of neighboring complexes in the solid state. Otherwise, the Cd(II) complex forms an infinite 1D structure by C–H⋯π interaction of the neighboring complex molecules. In addition, the photophysical properties of the Cu(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II) complexes have also been discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two multinuclear Co(II) complexes, [{Co(L)(i-PrOH)}2Co(H2O)]∙2CH3CN (1) and [{Co(L)(μ-OAc)Co(MeOH)2}2]∙2CH3COCH3(2), have been synthesized with a new asymmetric Salamo-type ligand (H3L  =  6-hydroxy-6′-ethoxy-2,2′-[ethylenediyldioxybis(nitrilomethylidyne)]diphenol). The Co(II) complexes were obtained by different solvents, and the structures are completely different. In the Co(II) complex1, the ratio of the ligand H3L to Co(II) atom is 2 : 3 and the Co(II) ions are all five-coordinate with trigonal bipyramidal geometries. In the Co(II) complex2, the ratio of the ligand H3L to Co(II) atom is 2 : 4. Two central Co(II) ions are six coordinate with distorted octahedral geometries and two terminal Co(II) ions are five coordinate with distorted trigonal bipyramidal geometries. Self-assembling of an infinite 1-D supramolecular chain is formed by C–H⋯πinteractions in1. Interestingly, an infinite 2-D-layer plane structure is formed by the self-assembling array of2linked by C–H⋯πinteractions.1and2exhibit blue emissions with the maximum emission wavelengthsλmax  =  403 and 395 nm when excited at 330 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Two trinuclear CoII and ZnII complexes, [(CoL)2(OAc)2Co] and [(ZnL)2(OAc)2Zn], with an asymmetric Salen-type bisoxime ligand [H2L = 4-( N, N-diethylamine)-2,2′-[ethylenediyldioxybis(nitrilomethylidyne)]diphenol] were synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, IR, UV/Vis, and fluorescent spectroscopy. The crystal structures of the CoII and ZnII complexes were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods. The CoII atom is pentacoodinated by N2O2 donor atoms from the (L)2- unit and one oxygen atom from the coordinated acetate ion, resulting in a trigonal bipyramid arrangement. With the help of intermolecular hydrogen bonding C-H ···O and C-H ···π interactions, a self-assembled continual zigzag chain-like supramolecular structure is formed. The ZnII atom is pentacoodinated by N2O2 donor atoms from the (L)2- unit and one oxygen atom from the coordinated acetate ion, resulting in an almost regular trigonal bipyramid arrangement. A self-assembled continual 1D supramolecular chain-like structure is formed by intermolecular hydrogen bonding C-H ···O and C-H ···π interactions. Additionally, the photophysical properties of the CoII and ZnII complexes were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mononuclear copper(II) and trinuclear cobalt(II) complexes, namely [Cu(L1)]2 ·CH2Cl2 and [{Co(L2)(EtOH)}2Co(H2O)] ·EtOH {H2L1 = 4,6-dichloro-6′-methyoxy-2,2′-[1,1′-(ethylenedioxydinitrilo)dimethylidyne]diphenol and H3L2 = 6-ethyoxy-6′-hydroxy-2,2′-[1,1′-(ethylenedioxydinitrilo)dimethylidyne]diphenol}, were synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, IR and UV/Vis spectroscopy, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. In the CuII complex, the CuII atom is four-coordinate, with a N2O2 coordination sphere, and has a slightly distorted square-planar arrangement. Interestingly, the obtained trinuclear CoII complex is different from the common reported 2:3 (L:CoII) salamo-type CoII complexes. Infinite 2D layer supramolecular structures are formed via abundant intermolecular hydrogen bonding and π ···π stacking interactions in the CuII and CoII complexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose. The vascular morphology in crowd with family history of stroke remains unclear. The present study clarified the characteristics of the intracranial vascular CoW and prevalence of intracranial aneurysms in subjects with family history of stroke. Methods. A stratified cluster, random sampling method was used for subjects with family history of stroke among rural residents in Jixian, Tianjin, China. All the subjects underwent a physical examination, head computed tomography (CT) scan, and cephalic and cervical computed tomography angiography (CTA) scan. Anatomic variations in the Circle of Willis and cerebrovascular disease in this population were analyzed. Results. In the crowd with similar living environment, stable genetic background, and family history of stroke and without obvious nerve function impairment (1) hypoplasia or absence of A1 segment was significantly different in gender (male versus female: 9.8% versus 18.8%, p=0.031), especially the right-side A1 (male versus female: 5.9% versus 16.4%, p=0.004). (2) Hypoplasia or absence of bilateral posterior communicating arteries was more common in men than women (58.2% versus 45.3%, p=0.032). Unilateral fetal posterior cerebral artery was observed more often in women than men (17.2% versus 8.5%, p=0.028). (3) The percentage of subjects with incomplete CoW did not increase significantly with age. Compared to healthy Chinese people, the crowd had a higher percentage of incomplete CoW (p<0.001). (4) No obvious correlation between risk factors and CoW was found. (5) The prevalence of aneurysm was 10.3% in the special crowd. Conclusions. The certain variations of CoW showed significant relation to gender, but not to age in people with family history of stroke. The incomplete circle may be a dangerous factor that is independent of common risk factors for stroke and tend to lead to cerebral ischemia in the crowd with family history of stroke. The prevalence of intracranial aneurysm is comparatively high in the present subjects compared to other people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study was meant to explore whether the coupling strength and direction of resting-state electroencephalogram (rsEEG) could be used as an indicator to distinguish the patients of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with or without amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). Methods: Permutation conditional mutual information (PCMI) was used to calculate the coupling strength and direction of rsEEG signals between different brain areas of 19 aMCI and 20 normal control (NC) with T2DM on 7 frequency bands: Delta, Theta, Alpha1, Alpha2, Beta1, Beta2 and Gamma. The difference in coupling strength or direction of rsEEG between two groups was calculated. The correlation between coupling strength or direction of rsEEG and score of different neuropsychology scales were also calculated. Results: We have demonstrated that PCMI can calculate effectively the coupling strength and directionality of EEG signals between different brain regions. The significant difference in coupling strength and directionality of EEG signals was found between the patients of aMCI and NC with T2DM on different brain regions. There also existed significant correlation between sex or age and coupling strength or coupling directionality of EEG signals between a few different brain regions from all subjects. Conclusions: The coupling strength or directionality of EEG signals calculated by PCMI are significantly different between aMCI and NC with T2DM. Significance: These results showed that the coupling strength or directionality of EEG signals calculated by PCMI might be used as a biomarker in distinguishing the aMCI from NC with T2DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) contributes to lung vascular hyperpermeability during ventilator-induced lung injury. We aimed to determine whether the natural antioxidant resveratrol protected against HMGB1-induced endothelial hyperpermeability both in vitro and in vivo. We found that HMGB1 decreased vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin expression and increased endothelial permeability, leading to mitochondrial oxidative damage in primary cultured mouse lung vascular endothelial cells (MLVECs). Both the mitochondrial superoxide dismutase 2 mimetic MnTBAP and resveratrol blocked HMGB1-induced mitochondrial oxidative damage, VE-cadherin downregulation, and endothelial hyperpermeability. In in vivo studies, anesthetized male ICR mice were ventilated for 4 h using low tidal volume (6 ml/kg) or high tidal volume (HV T ; 30 ml/kg) ventilation. The mice were injected intraperitoneally with resveratrol immediately before the onset of ventilation. We found that resveratrol attenuated HV T -associated lung vascular hyperpermeability and HMGB1 production. HV T caused a significant increase in nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) nuclear translocation and Nrf2 target gene expression in lung tissues, which was further enhanced by resveratrol treatment. HMGB1 had no effect on Nrf2 activation, whereas resveratrol treatment activated the Nrf2 signaling pathway in HMGB1-treated MLVECs. Moreover, Nrf2 knockdown reversed the inhibitory effects of resveratrol on HMGB1-induced mitochondrial oxidative damage and endothelial hyperpermeability. The inhibitory effect of resveratrol on cyclic stretch-induced HMGB1 mRNA expression in primary cultured MLVECs was also abolished by Nrf2 knockdown. In summary, this study demonstrates that resveratrol protects against lung endothelial barrier dysfunction initiated by HV T . Lung endothelial barrier protection by resveratrol involves inhibition of mechanical stretch-induced HMGB1 release and HMGB1-induced mitochondrial oxidative damage. These protective effects of resveratrol might be mediated through an Nrf2-dependent mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plant oxidative stress response is vital for defense against various abiotic and biotic stresses. In this study, ultrastructural changes and the proteomic response to H 2 O 2 stress in roots and leaves of the model plant Brachypodium distachyon were studied. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that the ultrastructural damage in roots was more serious than in leaves. Particularly, the ultrastructures of organelles and the nucleus in root tip cells were damaged, leading to the inhibition of normal biological activities of roots, which then spread throughout the plant. Based on two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) and MALDI-TOF/TOF-MS, 84 and 53 differentially accumulated protein (DAP) spots representing 75 and 45 unique proteins responsive to H 2 O 2 stress in roots and leaves, respectively, were identified. These protein species were mainly involved in signal transduction, energy metabolism, redox homeostasis/stress defense, protein folding/degradation, and cell wall/cell structure. Interestingly, two 14–3–3 proteins (GF14-B and GF14-D) were identified as DAPs in both roots and leaves. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis revealed a synergetic H 2 O 2 -responsive network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cerebral ischemia interrupts oxygen supply to the affected tissues. Our previous studies have reported that normobaric hyperoxia (NBO) can maintain interstitial partial pressure of oxygen (pO 2 ) in the penumbra of ischemic stroke rats at the physiological level, thus affording significant neuroprotection. However, the mechanisms that are responsible for the penumbra rescue by NBO treatment are not fully understood. Recent studies have shown that zinc, an important mediator of intracellular and intercellular neuronal signaling, accumulates in neurons and leads to ischemic neuronal injury. In this study, we investigate whether NBO could regulate zinc accumulation in the penumbra and prevent mitochondrial damage in penumbral tissue using a transient cerebral ischemic rat model. Our results showed that NBO significantly reduced zinc-staining positive cells and zinc-staining intensity in penumbral tissues, but not in the ischemic core. Moreover, ischemia-induced zinc accumulation in mitochondria, isolated from penumbral tissues, was greatly attenuated by NBO or a zinc-specific chelator, N , N , N ′, N ′-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine (TPEN). NBO or TPEN administration stabilized the mitochondrial membrane potential in the penumbra after cerebral ischemia. Finally, ischemia-induced cytochrome c release from mitochondria in penumbral tissues was significantly reduced by NBO or TPEN treatment. These findings demonstrate a novel mechanism for NBO's neuroprotection, especially to penumbral tissues, providing further evidence for the potential clinical benefit of NBO for acute ischemic stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlorophyll a concentration and suspended matter concentration, as typical water quality parameters related to spectral characteristics, are essential for characterizing the degree of eutrophication in water bodies. They have become crucial indicators for water quality assessment of inland water bodies. The support vector regression model (SVR) is suitable for small samples, has excellent generalization ability, and has high prediction accuracy. Still, it has the problem of difficult selection of model parameters and quickly falling into local extremes. To solve this problem, a hybrid Differential Evolution-Grey Wolf Optimizer (DE-GWO) algorithm is introduced into the parameter selection process of the support vector regression model, and an improved SVR algorithm (DE-GWO-SVR) is proposed for the remote sensing inversion of chlorophyll a concentration and suspended sediment concentration in water bodies. In this paper, the spectral reflectance of the water surface and the chlorophyll a and broken matter concentration values were obtained by field measurements in the Tangdao Bay waters of Qingdao, Shandong Province. The inverse model between the concentration values of the two water quality parameters and the corresponding sensitive factors was established by first determining the sensitive factors based on the response of the spectral reflectance to the two water quality parameters and introducing the DE-GWO optimization algorithm into the parameter selection process of the SVR model. Finally, the accuracy of the model was verified using Sentinel II satellite remote sensing spectral data, and then the inverse accuracy of the two water quality parameters was obtained. The mean relative error (MRE) of the chlorophyll a prediction model built by the DE-GWO algorithm optimizing the SVR is 25.1%, and the mean relative error (MRE) of the suspended matter prediction model is 32.5%. The inversion results were all better than the other models (linear regression, SVR, and GWO-SVR model). When the best model, built from the measured water surface spectral data, was applied to the Sentinel II satellite data, the improved SVR model outperformed the other models in terms of mean relative error. The experimental results confirm that the DE-GWO-SVR algorithm is an effective method for remote sensing inversion of chlorophyll a and suspended matter concentrations in water bodies, which can provide a reference for remote sensing inversion of chlorophyll a and suspended matter concentrations in Chinese offshore waters and subsequent scientific management of waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large‐scale multi‐heterostructure and optimal band alignment are significantly challenging but vital for photoelectrochemical (PEC)‐type photodetector and water splitting. Herein, the centimeter‐scale bismuth chalcogenides‐based cascade heterostructure is successfully synthesized by a sequential vapor phase deposition method. The multi‐staggered band alignment of Bi2Te3/Bi2Se3/Bi2S3 is optimized and verified by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The PEC photodetectors based on these cascade heterostructures demonstrate the highest photoresponsivity (103 mA W−1 at −0.1 V and 3.5 mAW−1 at 0 V under 475 nm light excitation) among the previous reports based on two‐dimensional materials and related heterostructures. Furthermore, the photodetectors display a fast response (≈8 ms), a high detectivity (8.96 × 109 Jones), a high external quantum efficiency (26.17%), and a high incident photon‐to‐current efficiency (27.04%) at 475 nm. Due to the rapid charge transport and efficient light absorption, the Bi2Te3/Bi2Se3/Bi2S3 cascade heterostructure demonstrates a highly efficient hydrogen production rate (≈0.416 mmol cm−2 h−1 and ≈14.320 µmol cm−2 h−1 with or without sacrificial agent, respectively), which is far superior to those of pure bismuth chalcogenides and its type‐II heterostructures. The large‐scale cascade heterostructure offers an innovative method to improve the performance of optoelectronic devices in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The one-dimensional premixed laminar freely propagating flame was used to numerically simulate the laminar combustion characteristics of primary reference fuel (PRF). The equivalence ratios are set as 0.7–1.5 at initial temperatures of 298, 358, and 403 K, initial pressures of 1, 2, and 5 atm. Laminar burning velocity (LBV), adiabatic flame temperature (AFT) and mole fractions of H, CO, CO2, C2H4 at Φ = 1.0 are investigated. Meanwhile, temperature sensitivity, rate of production (ROP) and reaction pathway are analyzed. The results show that LBV and AFT decrease with n-heptane doping ratios increasing. With the increase of initial temperatures, the LBV and AFT increase. With the increase of initial pressures, the LBV decreases, while AFT increases slightly. Through temperature sensitivity analysis, it can be found that R1 H + O2 ⇔ O + OH and R97 OH + CO⇔ H + CO2 are main exothermic reactions. R12 H + OH + M ⇔ H2O + M and R56 H + CH3(+M) ⇔ CH4(+M) are major endothermic reactions. n-Heptane is decomposed into C2H4 and C2H3, and iso-octane is decomposed into CH3, CH3O, and CH2O. These small molecule species are further oxidized to generate HCO, which is finally changed into CO2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a novel and highly efficient ORR catalyst is designed via the pyrolysis of zeolitic imidazole framework-8 (ZIF-8) under the protection of hypercrosslinked iron porphyrins. Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles with oxygen vacancies are formed in situ and promoting catalytic efficiency. Benefiting from the synergistic effect among the Fe 3 O 4 and ZIF-8 skeleton, the hybrid catalyst exhibits excellent ORR activity even surpassing commercial Pt/C. The pyrolyzation temperature is studied in detail and determined to be a crucial parameter for ORR performance. Nano-Fe 3 O 4 , which has high catalytic efficiency, is formed in situ at 800 ℃. Amorphous iron is formed at 600 ℃ and 700 ℃, and zero-valent iron is formed at 900 ℃. The content of oxygen vacancies, Fe–N, and graphite–N, which are beneficial to the ORR reaction, are all reached to a maximum at 800 ℃. This study provides a new approach to design highly active Fe 3 O 4 -based electrocatalytic materials. [Display omitted] • A catalyst was synthesized by pyrolysis of hypercrosslinked FeTPP-coated ZIF-8. • The catalyst showed excellent ORR activity even surpassing commercial Pt/C. • Nano-Fe 3 O 4 with oxygen vacancies was suggested to be the critical active species. • Mechanism how pyrolyzation temperature regulate ORR activity was clarified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional Chinese medicine categorizes Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia as "lung heat", and treatment with heat clear and detoxify. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the lungs and intestines come from the same source, and the intestine is related to pneumonia. This is the same as the gut-lung axis theory. Qinbaiqingfei concentrate pills (QBs) were modified based on Cough San in the ancient medical book Medical Awareness. It clears lung heat, moisturizes the lungs and dredges collaterals, and has a good ability to treat Mycoplasma pneumoniae. A rat model of Mycoplasma pneumoniae was established. From the aspect of intestinal flora and mucosal immunity, the potential mechanism of the QBs was researched. First, the content of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in lung tissue and the levels of the inflammatory factors IL-4, IL-10, TNF-α and INF-γ were detected. To determine the expression of NF-kB related proteins in lung tissue, which can understand the ability in treating disease. Next, metagenomic sequencing was performed to detect changes in short-chain fatty acids, proving the ability of the drug to regulate intestinal microecology. Finally, HDAC, LPS, SIgA, etc. were detected to facilitate the correlation of the overall experimental indicators. QBs reduces the levels of IL-4, IL-10, TNF-α and INF-γ in the serum by inhibiting the expression of MyD88, IKKα, IκBα, and NF-κB p65 in lung tissue. In addition, QBs restores the ratio of gram-negative bacteria to gram-positive bacteria in the intestine, restores the secretion of acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, isobutyric acid and isovaleric acid, and promotes the secretion of NF-κB p65 and SIgA by HDAC1/3. The result is that the lung tissue is repaired and the proliferation of Mycoplasma pneumoniae is inhibited. From the "gut-lung axis", a new research perspective was discovered. QBs intervened in the intestines and lungs to treat Mycoplasma pneumoniae. The view of traditional Chinese medicine for treating pneumonia is similar to the current "gut-lung axis" theory. We use this theory to study the mechanism for Qinbaiqingfei Concentrate Pills to treat mycoplasma pneumonia. First, establish a mycoplasma pneumonia model to detect mycoplasma content in lung tissue, inflammatory factors IL-4, IL-10, TNF-α, INF-γ and NFkB protein expression in lung tissue to understand whether Qinbai has the ability to treat diseases. Next, 16SrDNA technology is used to detect the intestinal flora. GC-MS is used to detect the content of short-chain fatty acids in feces to study the ability of drugs to regulate the intestinal microecology. Finally, it was decided to detect the indicators of mucosal immunity, detect HDAC, LPS, SIgA, etc., to facilitate the correlation of the overall experimental indicators. Through a series of experiments, it is confirmed that the drug can cure the disease by restoring the intestinal microecology and inhibiting the proliferation of mycoplasma. [Display omitted] • Qinbaiqingfei-concentrated pill (QB) is the first traditional Chinese drug to treat mycoplasma pneumonia. • QB can protect the intestinal microecology. • QB can interfere with lung-intestinal mucosal immunity and treat diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A novel Co-MOF/Cu 2 O hybrid composite (xCMC) with p-n heterojunction was achieved. • The composite exhibited enhanced photocatalytic reduction of CO 2 with superior selectivity to CO at the gas-solid interface. • The strong light absorption capacity, high surface area and p-n heterojunction enhanced the photocatalytic performance. • The reduction of CO 2 was carried out without any photosensitizer, and sacrificing reagent. It is highly desirable to discover MOFs matrix composites with controlled reduction selectivity in the general understanding of the CO 2 reduction reaction (CO 2 RR) in electro- and photocatalytic process. Herein, we demonstrate a facile strategy to prepare metal organic framework hybrid composites (xCMC) using the Co-based MOF [Co 2 (TMTA)(HCOO)(bidb)(H 2 O)]∙DMF (H 3 TMTA = 1,3,5-trimethyl-2,4,6- tricarboxyl- phenylbenzene, bidb = 1,4-bis(1-imidazoly)benzene) and nanocrystalline cuprous oxide. The resulting hybrid catalyst with p-n heterojunction exhibited enhanced photocatalytic CO 2 reduction activity with remarkable CO production rate of 3.83 μmol g−1h−1, ca. 9.6 times higher than that of pure Cu 2 O. Compared with other reaction routes, the present photocatalytic reduction of CO 2 with superior selectivity to CO occurs in the interface of solid–gas reaction without the use of photosensitizers or sacrificing reagents. In addition, the mechanism for photocatalytic CO 2 reduction was also well discussed. The present work provides unique insight into constructing MOF-based photocatalysts with heterojunction for visible-light-driven CO 2 reduction under solid–gas reaction conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: PGE2 is one of the most abundant prostanoids in mammalian tissues, but its effect on neuronal receptors has not been well investigated. This study examines the effect of PGE2 on GABAA receptor currents in rat cerebellar granule neurons. Methods: GABAA currents were recorded using a patch-clamp technique. Cell surface and total protein of GABAA ß1/2/3 subunits was carried out by Western blot analysis. Results: Upon incubation of neurons with PGE2 (1 μM) for 60 minutes, GABAA currents were significantly potentiated. This PGE2-driven effect could be blocked by PKC or CaMKII inhibitors as well as EP1 receptor antagonist, and mimicked by PMA or EP1 receptor agonist. Furthermore, Western blot data showed that PGE2 did not increase the total expression level of GABAA receptors, but significantly increased surface levels of GABAA β1/2/3 subunits after 1 h of treatment. Consistently, both PKC and CaMKII inhibitors were able to reduce PGE2-induced increases in cell surface expression of GABAA receptors. Conclusion: Activation of either the PKC or CaMKII pathways by EP1 receptors mediates the PGE2-induced increase in GABAA currents. This suggests that upregulation of postsynaptic GABAA receptors by PGE2 may have profound effects on cerebellar functioning under physiological and pathological conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new Cu(II) complex with asymmetric Salamo-type ligand (H2L, 4-bromo-6′-ethoxy-2,2′-[ethylenedioxybis(nitrilomethylidyne)]diphenol) has been synthesized and characterized structurally. The X-ray crystal structure of the Cu(II) complex shows it to be a binuclear complex, in which each Cu(II) atom is in a distorted square-pyramidal geometry. The Cu(II) complex crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space groupP21/c, with unit cell parametersa= 14.7109(1),b= 8.6254(7),c= 30.124(3) Å, β = 100.7400(1), andZ= 4. The Cu(II) complex consists of two Cu(II) atoms, and two L2–units, and each Cu(II) complex molecule links four other molecules into an infinite 2D-layer supramolecular structure. Meanwhile, the Cu(II) complex exhibits emission with the maximum emission wavelength λmax= 443 nm when excited at λex= 340 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Aims To determine the effects and underlying molecular mechanisms of caloric restriction (CR) in C57BL/6 mice. Methods Thirty-six 6-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were assigned to a normal control group (NC, n = 12), a high energy group (HE, n = 12), and a CR group ( n = 12), and received a normal diet, a high-calorie diet, or a calorie-restricted diet, respectively, for 44 weeks. Body weight and serum glucose concentration were regularly recorded, and animals were sacrificed and hippocampus tissues were collected for immunohistochemistry ( n = 6 per group), western blotting ( n = 3 per group) and real-time polymerase chain reaction ( n = 3 per group) analysis at the end of the 44-week experimental period. Immunohistochemistry, western blotting and real-time polymerase chain reaction were used to detect changes in hippocampal proteins may be involved in the SIRT1/mTOR pathways. Results Body weight and serum glucose over the 44 weeks in animals from the CR group were lower than those of HE group. The number of SIRT1-immunoreactive cells in the CR group was significantly higher than in the NC and HE groups, and SIRT1 mRNA expression in the CR group was significantly higher than that in the HE group, but there was no difference in SIRT1 protein expression among the three groups. mTOR and S6K1 protein activation and mTOR and S6K1 mRNA were significantly lower in the CR group than in the NC group. Conclusions Our findings suggest that a CR diet could lead to activation of SIRT1 and suppression of mTOR and S6K1 activation in C57BL/6 mice. We have shown that the SIRT1/mTOR signaling pathways may be involved in the neuroprotective effect of CR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presented here are two d metal-organic coordination polymers (CPs), [Zn(CO)( μ-OH)] ( 1) and [Cd(CO)(OX)(HO)] ( 2) (HOX = oxalic acid) constructed from squaric acid (HCO) tectons. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies indicated that both 1 and 2 show 3D structures. The two 3D CPs are assembled from 1D {[Zn( μ-OH)]} chains to 3D structure linked through CO ligands for 1 and 2D {[(Cd1)(CO)]} layers pillared by OX ligands for 2. The structure of compound 1 can be described as a trinodal (3,6,6)-connected net with the point symbol of {4}{4·6·8}{4·6}, whereas 2 possess a trinodal (4,5,6)-connected {4·8} {4·6·8} {4·6} topology. Furthermore, the fluorescent and thermal stabilities properties of these two compounds were investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When determining the affinity between bitumen and aggregate the result is affected by subjective factors due to the visual estimation. The images of the test sample taken under natural light still have the disadvantage of inaccurate discrimination between bitumen, aggregate and the background. Therefore, in this paper, a Light-Emitting Diode (LED)-based measurement system is presented. In this system, LED modules are symmetrically embedded in the inner surface of a black box as the directional light source. Test specimens are placed on a white platform, which is at the bottom of the black box. Then a digital camera captures images through a hole in the top of the black box. These measures minimize the interference of natural light, increase the contrast ratio of the bitumen, aggregate and background, and make the clear boundary. Then the affinity between the bitumen and aggregate is calculated by digital image-processing software. The LED-based measurement and process system greatly improves the accuracy of the affinity test results by eliminating the uncertainty of human observation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The regulation of plant cell growth and early defense response involves the insolubilization of hydroxyproline-rich glycoproteins (HRGPs), such as extensin, in the primary cell wall. In tomato ( Lycopersicon esculentum ), insolubilization occurs by the formation of tyrosyl-crosslinks catalyzed specifically by the pI 4.6 extensin peroxidase (EP). To date, neither the gene encoding EP nor the protein itself has been identified. Here, we have identified tomato EP candidates using both proteomic and bioinformatic approaches. Bioinformatic screening of the tomato genome yielded eight EP candidates, which contained a putative signal sequence and a predicted pI near 4.6. Biochemical fractionation of tomato culture media followed by proteomic detection further refined our list of EP candidates to three, with the lead candidate designated ( CG5 ). To test for EP crosslinking activity, we cloned into a bacterial expression vector the CG5 open-reading frame from tomato cDNA. The CG5 was expressed in Escherichia coli , fractionated from inclusion bodies, and folded in vitro . The peroxidase activity of CG5 was assayed and quantified by ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid)) assay. Subsequent extensin crosslinking assays showed that CG5 can covalently crosslink authentic tomato P1 extensin and P3-type extensin analogs in vitro supporting our hypothesis that CG5 encodes a tomato EP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators in plant development. They post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression during various biological and metabolic processes by binding to the 3’-untranslated region of target mRNAs to facilitate mRNA degradation or inhibit translation. Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium) is one of the most important ornamental flowers with increasing demand each year. However, embryo abortion is the main reason for chrysanthemum cross breeding failure. To date, there have been no experiments examining the expression of miRNAs associated with chrysanthemum embryo development. Therefore, we sequenced three small RNA libraries to identify miRNAs and their functions. Our results will provide molecular insights into chrysanthemum embryo abortion. Results: Three small RNA libraries were built from normal chrysanthemum ovules at 12 days after pollination (DAP), and normal and abnormal chrysanthemum ovules at 18 DAP. We validated 228 miRNAs with significant changes in expression frequency during embryonic development. Comparative profiling revealed that 69 miRNAs exhibited significant differential expression between normal and abnormal embryos at 18 DAP. In addition, a total of 1037 miRNA target genes were predicted, and their annotations were defined by transcriptome data. Target genes associated with metabolic pathways were most highly represented according to the annotation. Moreover, 52 predicted target genes were identified to be associated with embryonic development, including 31 transcription factors and 21 additional genes. Gene ontology (GO) annotation also revealed that high-ranking miRNA target genes related to cellular processes and metabolic processes were involved in transcription regulation and the embryo developmental process. Conclusions: The present study generated three miRNA libraries and gained information on miRNAs and their targets in the chrysanthemum embryo. These results enrich the growing database of new miRNAs and lay the foundation for the further understanding of miRNA biological function in the regulation of chrysanthemum embryo abortion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aiming at the Solid-liquid two phase flow problems, considering the turbulence coupling of the liquid phase and the interaction between solid particles, motion of tracer particles in the centrifugal pump was simulated. Solid-liquid two phase flow wear was calculated by discrete phase model. UDF about Basset force was used in the simulation. Comparing particle trajectory with fluid streamline and analyzing the particle speed changed in the relationship with the spatial scale, the particles tracking characteristics were studied. Based on the analysis, Inner flow characteristics of centrifugal pump and wear rules were carried out. The results indicate that when the particle diameter is greater than 1 mm DPM model can carry out the movement of the particles much better. By contraries, little particle is liable to impact the rear-end surface of impeller near to the outlet side. The major solid particle could repeatedly impact machine surface easier than the little particle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new phenolic compounds (1–3) were isolated from the heartwood of Dalbergia odorifera T. Chen. (Leguminosae). Their structures were established based on spectroscopic methods including 1D and 2D NMR (HSQC, COSY, HMBC and ROESY). Compound 2 exhibited cytotoxicity against BEL-7402 tumor cell lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The welding heat source models and the plastic tension zone sizes of a typical weld joint involved in the double floor structure of high speed train under different welding parameters were calculated by a thermal-elastic-plastic FEM analysis based on SYSWELD code. Then, the welding distortion of floor structure was predicted using a linear elastic FEM and shrinkage method based on Weld Planner software. The effects of welding sequence, clamping configuration and reverse deformation on welding distortion of floor structure were examined numerically. The results indicate that the established elastic FEM model for floor structure is reliable for predicting the distribution of welding distortion in view of the good agreement between the calculated results and the measured distortion for real double floor structure. Compared with the welding sequence, the clamping configuration and the reverse deformation have a significant influence on the welding distortion of floor structure. In the case of 30 mm reverse deformation, the maximum deformation can be reduced about 70% in comparison to an actual welding process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To demonstrate the protective effect and its mechanism of Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) on severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) in rats of pancreatic acinar cell. Methods Thirty SD rats were randomly divided into three groups: sham operation group (group SO), severe acute pancreatitis group (group SAP), and PNS preconditioning group (group PNS). There were 10 rats in each group. Rat SAP model was induced by retrograde injection of 5% taurocholic acid sodium to pancreatic duct. Group SO was just treated with pancreas and duodenum turning after abdominal closure, not with taurocholic acid sodium injection. The rats in group PNS were given by intraperitoneal injection of 0.1 mL/100g PNS 50 mg/mL (xuesetong injection 0.1 mL/l0000g) once the models were established. And rats in the other two groups were given 0.9% physiological saline. Rats serum AMS were detected at 4 hours after modeling, and pancreatic pathological changes were observed to understand the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis. The pancreatic tissue was obtained and the fluorescence intensity (FI) of acinar cells was observed by calcium fluorescent tracer Fluo-3-AM using fluorescence microscope observation. The average value of single acinar cell FI was analyzed and calculated quantitatively using flow cytometry, which could represent the concentration of calcium ion in cells. Results In groups PNS and SAP, rats serum AMS levels and pancreatic tissue pathology scores were significantly increased (< 0.05), and those in group SAP rats were significantly higher than in group PNS rats (< 0.05). The calcium ion concentrations showed that there were statistical differences in pancreas FI of intracellular [Ca2+]i among three groups. Compared with group SO, the pancreas FI of intracellular [Ca2+]I in rats of groups SAP and PNS were significantly increased (< 0.05) . And compared with group SAP, FI of [Ca2+]i in PNS group was significantly decreased (< 0.05). Conclusion The occurrence of SAP was related to cellular calcium overload, and the state of SAP became more serious with the higher degree of calcium overload. PNS could reduce the pancreatic intracellular calcium overload and the change of pancreatic tissue pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: The Burn Specific Health Scale (BSHS) is designed to measure burn-specific, health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the abbreviated BSHS (BSHS-A). Methods: The English version of the BSHS-A was translated into Chinese using a standardised procedure. The participants were 457 patients classified into three severity groups (mild, moderate and severe). All patients completed the Chinese BSHS-A questionnaire, the Short Form-36 (SF-36) and the EuroQol 5-Dimensions (EQ-5D). To evaluate clinical utility of the BSHS-A, we used Cronbach's alpha (internal consistency), intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs; test–retest reliability) and construct validity (using the SF-36 and EQ-5D). Results: Cronbach's alpha for all subscales was >0.80, demonstrating high internal consistency of the BSHS-A (Chinese version). The ICC was >0.70 for each patient group. Strong correlations were observed between the BSHS-A and SF-36 and EQ-5D scales. Neither floor nor ceiling effects were found. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that the BSHS-A (Chinese version) has good psychometric properties, showing suitable internal consistency and test–retest reliability. The BSHS-A may, thus, be useful for assessing HRQoL in Chinese burn victims. However, adaptations may be required to reduce its length. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Six new 2-(2-phenylethyl)chromone dimers (1 – 6) were isolated from ethyl ether extract of red soil agarwood of Aquilaria crassna from Vietnam by LC-MS-guided fractionation procedure. Their structures were unambiguously elucidated based on HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR spectra. The absolute configuration of 2-(2-phenylethyl)chromone dimers was determined by comparison of the experimental and computed ECD spectra. Compound 6 displayed cytotoxicity against the human myeloid leukemia cell line (K562) with an IC 50 value of 39.49 μM. [Display omitted] • Six new dimeric 2-(2-phenethyl)chromones were identified from red soil agarwood of Aquilaria crassna. • The absolute configuration was determined by comparison of the experimental and computed ECD spectra. • Compounds 6 exhibited cytotoxicity against human myeloid leukemia cell line K562. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Introduction to bioderived carbonaceous nanomaterials (Bd-CNMs). • Utilization of Bd-CNMs for biomedical applications, namely for drug delivery, tuberculosis, etc. • Current outlook, future trends and limitations of Bd-CNMs in the biomedical sector. Global concerns about energy, environment and human health have sparked research into new materials and methods for conserving energy, enhancing the sustainability of the ecosystem, and enhancing human health. As a result of the current biological and environmental crises, researchers are scrambling to find ecologically responsible ways to get cheap and sustainable resources to produce new functional materials. To combat numerous illnesses that affect people and animals, scientists from across the globe are studying new forms of bioderived nanomaterials for biomedical applications. One of the interesting possibilities for biomedical and related applications is bioderived carbonaceous nanomaterials (Bd-CNMs). The biological features of Bd-CNMs, including their facile functionalization, drug loading capacity, biocompatibility, and other attributes, have drawn the attention of many researchers. Thus, the important objective of this featured article is to summarize the most recent developments in the usage of Bd-CNMs for various biomedical applications, which will be followed by a discussion on the utility of carbonaceous nanoparticles in biomedical research to show how versatile they are in many domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor in response to the article "Epidemiological characteristics and temporal-spatial clustering analysis of hand, foot and mouth disease in Nanchang city 2008-2012," by F. Cao and P. Huang in the 2015 issue is presented.

A newly designed ozone aerated internal micro-electrolysis filter (OIEF) was developed to investigate its degradation efficiencies and correlated reaction mechanisms of RR2 dye. Complete decolorization and 82% TOC removal efficiency were stably achieved in OIEF process. Based on the comprehensive experimental results, an empirical equation was proposed to illustrate the effects of initial dye concentration and ozone dosage rate on color removal. The results indicated that OIEF process could be operated at wide pH range without significant treatment efficiencies change, while the optimum pH for RR2 dye degradation was 9.0. There were 15, 8 and 6 kinds of identified intermediates during ozonation, IE and OIEF treatment processes, respectively. Less identified intermediates and their lower concentrations in OIEF may attribute to its rather excellent mineralization performance. It was found that ozonation, Fe2+/Fe3+ catalyzed ozonation, the redox reactions of electro-reduction and electro-oxidation are the most important mechanisms in OIEF process. The catalytic effect of Fe2+/Fe3+ would induce mutual conversion between dissolved Fe2+ and Fe3+, and then decrease the dissolution rate of ZVI. The excellent treatment performance proved that the OIEF process is one promising technology applied for reactive azo dyes and other refractory wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent efforts to measure the 229mTh 229gTh nuclear transition sparked interest in understanding the electronic structure of wide-gap thorium salts. Such materials could be used to measure this nuclear transition using optical spectroscopy in solid-state devices. Here, we present screened hybrid density functional theory and many-body G0W0 calculations of two candidate materials, namely, Na2ThF6 and ThF4, for such a measurement. Our results show an electronic gap larger than 10 eV for both materials, suggesting that the internal conversion nuclear de-excitation channel would be suppressed in these materials. We also present results for ThX4 (X = Cl, Br, I), materials with smaller gaps significandy easier to access experimentally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] The telomere length in PBMCs of patients with MDS cases was significantly shorter compared to controls (n =30, p =0.002). [•] MDS patients had significantly higher basal telomerase activity (p =0.022) and higher total hTERT (p =0.007), α+β+ hTERT variant (p =0.016) and α+β− hTERT variant expression than control. [•] The ratio of α+β− transcript to α+β+ transcript was significantly increased in cases (p =0.039). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A new two-dimensional polymeric [Zn(4-pzpt)(btc)(HO)·3HO] ( 1) (4-Hpzpt = 3-(pyridin-4-yl)-5-(pyrazin-2-yl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole, Hbtc = 1,2,3-benzenetricarboxylate), has been synthesized and structurally characterized and features a 3D supramolecular framework with 1D hydrophilic channels formed by the interlayer hydrogen bonds. An unprecedented aqua ligand assisted octameric water cluster consisting of a quasiplanar cyclic hexameric core and two dangling water molecules is captured in 1. The thermal stability and solid state fluorescent property of 1 are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transition metal oxides (TMOs>) exhibit many emergent phenomena ranging from high-temperature superconductivity and giant magnetoresistance to magnetism and ferroelectricity. In addition, when TMOs are interfaced with each other, new functionalities can arise, which are absent in individual components. Here, we report results from first-principles calculations on the magnetism at the BiFeO3/ YBa2Cu3O7 interfaces. By comparing the total energy for various magnetic spin configurations inside BiFeO3, we are able to show that a metallic ferromagnetism is induced near the interface. We further develop an interface exchange-coupling model and place the extracted exchange coupling interaction strengths, from the first-principles calculations, into a resultant generic phase diagram. Our conclusion of interfacial ferromagnetism is confirmed by the presence of a hysteresis loop in field-dependent magnetization data. The emergence of interfacial ferromagnetism should have implications to electronic and transport properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new bisabolane sesquiterpenoids, inonotic acid A (1), 3-O-formyl inonotic acid A (2), inonotic acid B (3), and one new drimane sesquiterpenoid 3α,6β-dihydroxycinnamolide (4), were isolated from the fruiting bodies of mushroomInonotus rickii. Their structures were elucidated by means of extensive spectroscopic methods. Compound4had moderate inhibitory activity on human colon cancer SW480 (IC50 = 20.4 μmol). [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]