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Two digital image methods based on scanning electron microscope (SEM) and computed tomography (CT) were proposed to study the microstructural characteristics of staple fibers and continuous filament geotextiles. Two-dimensional (2D) image analysis was developed for SEM images using a machine-learning-based segmentation algorithm. Three-dimensional (3D) image analysis of the CT images was based on 3D reconstruction and a pore network model. The fiber orientation distribution, porosity, pore size distribution (PSD), and characteristic pore size O 95 determined from image analysis were compared with the theoretical equation and bubble point test (BBP) results. It is shown that 2D and 3D image analyses can accurately measure the fiber orientation distribution of the geotextiles. The porosity values obtained using 3D imaging were comparable to theoretical values. The PSD curves obtained in the BBP tests were in good agreement with those obtained using the 3D image method. O 95 sizes of continuous filament geotextiles estimated by 2D image analysis compared well with O 95 sizes obtained by BBP tests, whereas this was not the case for staple fiber geotextiles. The O 95 pore throat sizes of the two nonwoven geotextiles determined by 3D image analysis were comparable to the BBP test-based values and 2D image analysis-based values. • The applicability and results of 2D and 3D image methods for measuring the microstructure characteristics of nonwoven geotextiles were discussed. • A machine learning-based 2D image method without complex sample preparation and parameter tuning was proposed. • 2D image analysis have accurate results of O 95 sizes for continuous filament nonwoven geotextiles. • 3D image analysis is a good approach for determining the pore characteristic of nonwoven geotextiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A facile synthesis of aryl and heteroaryl iodides from water-soluble complexes of aryl- and heteroarylboronic acids has been developed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The iododemetalation succeeds starting from aryl, hetaryl and alkenyl potassium trifluoroborates equipped with a range of functional groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to an obituary published in a previous issue for British physicist Henry Moseley, who studied X-ray spectra of atoms and was killed in World War I, and how it may have impacted government policy regarding the military enlistment of scientists.

The article analyzes the stabilities of benzylic, allylic, and propargylic cabocations. These cations from alkoxides are well-documented and have been the subject of several theoretical and experimental studies. However, due to the strong acidic conditions required, the availability of these cations has not resulted in their general use as synthetic intermediates.

A new highly selective and sensitive fluorescent probe for Cu2+, N-n-butyl-4-(1′-cyclooctene-1′,3′,6′-triazole)-1,8-naphthalimide (L), was synthesized and evaluated. The structure of compound L was characterized via IR, ¹H-NMR, 13C-NMR and HRMS. The fluorescent probe was quenched by Cu2+ with a 1:1 binding ratio and behaved as a "turn-off" sensor. An efficient and sensitive spectrofluorometric method was developed for detecting and estimating trace levels of Cu2+ in EtOH/H2O. The ligand exhibited excitation and emission maxima at 447 and 518 nm, respectively. The equilibrium binding constant of the ligand with Cu2+ was 1.57 × 104 M-1, as calculated using the Stern-Volmer equation. Ligand L is stable and can be used to detect Cu2+ in the range of pH from 7 to 12. The sensor responded to Cu2+ rapidly and a large number of coexisting ions showed almost no obvious interference with the detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adjacent excavation may have a negative influence on the existing tunnel underneath. Thus, it is important to evaluate the response of the tunnel due to adjacent excavation. However, there is little report about using the Kerr foundation model to simulate the tunnel‐soil interaction. Meanwhile, the Timoshenko beam, which can take the tunnel shearing effect into consideration, is more suitable to estimate the behavior of the tunnel. To simulate the interaction between soil and tunnel, the existing tunnel is simplified as a Timoshenko beam lying on the Kerr foundation model, and a simplified theoretical method is proposed to calculate the response of the existing tunnel induced by adjacent excavation. The proposed method is validated by two field case studies. Results indicate that the predictions given by the proposed method show great agreement with field measurements and it is more accurate to evaluate the tunnel‐soil interaction compared with the previous method. The further parametric study shows that the relative position between excavation and tunnel, the ground Young's modulus, the depth of existing tunnel centerline, and length and width of excavation are both significant factors governing the tunnel response induced by adjacent excavation, while the influence of tunnel shear stiffness and skew between tunnel and excavation are slight. The proposed method can be applied to predict the potential risk of existing tunnels induced by adjacent excavation in relevant engineering projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon dioxide levels can affect inflammation and cerebral regional oxygen saturation (rScO2), a pathophysiological indicator of early postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). To compare the cerebral rScO2 and postoperative inflammation based on patient end-tidal carbon dioxide (PET CO2) levels in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic radical gastrectomy. Ninety patients were randomly divided into three groups according to PET CO2 level: group L (low PET CO2, 36-40 mmHg), group C (control PET CO2, 41-45 mmHg) and group H (high PET CO2, 46-50 mmHg). Eighty-four patients (age, range: 60-80 years) scheduled to undergo radical laparoscopic gastrectomy were included in the final analysis. The indicated PET CO2 was maintained for patients in each group. Their intraoperative cerebral rScO2 was recorded at indicated timepoints (T0-T6) from arrival at the operating room to post-extubation. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment Test (MoCA) and changes in serum concentrations of inflammatory cytokines were measured at 1 h, 1d and 7 d after surgery. The cerebral rScO2 at T3 (1 h post-skin incision)-T5 (completion of skin sutures) was significantly higher in group H than in group L, while the MoCA score was not significantly different between group H and L (p > 0.05). At 1 h, 1 d and 7 d after surgery, the concentrations of inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin 6 (IL-6) and S100ß, were significantly higher in group L than in group H (p < 0.05). At 1 h and 7 d after surgery, the inflammatory cytokines were significantly higher in group C than in group H. Our findings suggest that higher PET CO2 levels increased cerebral rScO2 and reduced the serum concentrations of IL-6 and S100ß but may not affect the MoCA score in elderly patients after radical laparoscopic gastrectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to an article about the contributions of glass-blowing to research and Nobel laureate Masatoshi Koshiba in the January 15, 2015 issue.

The article discusses atomic physicist James Franck, his research on photosynthesis and author Lubert Stryer's work on photochemical reactions.

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article related to importance of theory for practical experiments in research by John Skoyles in a 2014 issue.

Review: 156 refs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the rapidly changing domain of hybrid AC/DC urban distribution networks, this research unveils a groundbreaking method for the restoration of three-phase unbalanced systems by astutely harnessing the unique potential of DC line interconnections. At the heart of this innovation lies the synthesis of symmetrical Second Order Cone Programming (SOCP) with a sophisticated topology search technique, a union that offers a precise depiction of complex three-phase power flow with network restoration while simultaneously accelerating computational processes. Building upon this foundation, our approach places significant emphasis on the utilization of adaptable DC power control, coupled with the optimal deployment of mobile energy storage systems (MESSs), to ensure a harmonized power balance during critical interruptions. These strategies converge to prioritize the restoration of vital loads, especially those with high weighting factors, thereby significantly augmenting the network's resilience, particularly in contexts vulnerable to disasters. The corroborative numerical results, as delineated in our study, highlight the distinct advantage and effectiveness of our methodology over prevailing practices in fortifying grid resilience against serious adversities. • Novel restoration method for hybrid AC/DC unbalanced three-phase networks unveiled. • Synthesis of SOCP and topology search improves computational processes. • Adaptable DC control and mobile energy storage utilization ensure power harmony. • Strategy significantly reduces recovery time, boosting load restoration capabilities. • 75.23% resilience index increase with DC link connections integration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dialkynylboron chlorides (II), prepared in situ from alkynes and BCl3, couple smoothly with aryl aldehydes to afford title compounds (IV). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A diversity of aryl bromides (II) is prepared by bromodeboronation of aryltrifluoroborates with tetrabutylammonium tribromide in aqueous solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the importance to remove bureaucracy in the field of research.

In this study, the distribution and correlation of nutrients and particle size in sediments of surface layer of a drinking water reservoir are investigated. The contents of total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), inorganic phosphorus (IP), organic phosphorus (OP) and the particle size of 10 surface sediments samples were analysed. The results show that the distribution of nutrients content in sediments is uneven. Sampling plots with deeper water have a relatively low nutrients content. It is found that TOC and TN (r = 0.979, P < 0.01), TP and IP (r = 0.995, P < 0.05) of sediments are significantly correlated. It indicates that the organic nitrogen is the main form of nitrogen, and inorganic phosphorus is the main form of phosphorus, In addition, TOC was significantly correlated with TN, which indicates the homology between carbon and nitrogen. Moreover, the analysis of particle size also shows that the particle diameter below 63 μm is negatively correlated with TOC and TN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wastewaters containing Cu(II) and ligands are ubiquitous in various industrial sectors, and efficacy of copper removal processes, especially precipitation, is greatly compromised by ligands. Chemical reduction, being commonly employed for production of metal nanoparticles, is also effective for metal removal. Adjustment of pH and addition of ligands are important to control the particle size in metallic nanoparticle production. Exploiting the fact that ligands and metals coexist in many wastewaters, chemical reduction was employed to treat ligand-containing wastewater in this study. The experimental result shows that depending on pH, type of ligands, and copper:ligand molar ratio, copper could be removed by either the reduction or precipitation mechanism. Almost complete copper removal could be achieved by the reduction mechanism under optimal condition for solutions containing either EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) or citrate ligands. For solutions containing ammonia, depending on pH and Cu:ammonia molar ratio, copper was removed by both precipitation and reduction mechanisms. At pH of 9.0, formation of nano-sized particles, which readily pass through a 0.45 μm filter used for sample pretreatment before residual copper analysis, results in the lowest copper removal efficiency. Both cuprous oxide and metallic copper are identified in the solids produced, and the possible explanations are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical reduction was firstly employed to treat synthetic wastewaters of various compositions prepared to simulate the retentate stream of polyelectrolyte enhanced ultrafiltration (PEUF). With fixed Cu:polyethylenimine (PEI) monomer:dithionite molar ratio, increasing copper concentration increases copper removal efficiency. Under fixed Cu:dithionite molar ratio and fixed Cu concentration, increasing PEI monomer:copper molar ratio decreases copper removal efficiency. The formation of ano-sized copper particles, which readily pass through 0.45 μm filter used for sample pretreatment before residual copper analysis, might be the reason behind the decreasing copper removal efficiency observed. Particle size analysis shows that the size of copper particles, which are formed through reduction reaction, increases with decreasing pH value and increasing reaction time. As ultrafiltration is capable of removing these ano-sized particles, integration of chemical reduction and PEUF is proposed to simultaneously achieve regeneration of polyelectrolyte and recovery of copper in one process. Results show that the proposed process could achieve almost complete copper removal without being affected by reaction pH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quadrupole and octupole stiffnesses in the ground states of even-even 112-150Ba isotopes have been systematically investigated by means of potential-energy-surface calculations. The calculations are carried out in both (β2,γ,β4) and ((β2, (β3, (β4, (β5) deformation spaces with the inclusion of triaxial and reflection-asymmetric shape degrees of freedom, respectively. The present results are compared with previous calculations and available experiments. The shape instabilities are evaluated by analyzing the potential energy curves with respect to both the quadrupole and octupole deformations, which is consistent with the previous discussions predicting the γ softness or triaxiality and octupole instability. In addition, taking the near-drip-line 114Ba nucleus as an example, we briefly investigate the effects of potential parameters (e.g., the strength of the spin-orbit potential λ, and the nuclear surface diffuseness a) on the deformation energy curve, showing almost negligible modifications of nuclear shape and stiffness but considerable changes in the depth of the minimum and the height of the fission barrier (which may be very important for the study of heavy and superheavy nuclei). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Cyclooxygenase-2, Prostaglandin E2 and Acute Myeloid Leukemia."

The article presents a letter to the editor concerning the obituary of Anatol Zhabotinsky, which was published in the volume 455, number 1053 issue.

Comments on the contents of the 11th edition of the 'Enclopedia Britannica.' Noninclusion of 'physics' as an entry.

Comments on the article 'Inflammation and cancer,' by Lisa M. Coussens and Zena Werb, published in the 2002 issue of the periodical 'Nature.' Relationship between inflammation and cancer; Hypothesis proposed by the German physician Rudolf Virchow.

In the central auditory system, cartwheel cells (CWCs) are a group of interneurons in the dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN). While other DCN neurons respond to stimuli with a simple discharge pattern of single action potentials (SAPs), CWCs respond with complex action potentials (CAPs), consisting of SAPs superimposed on a slow depolarization. The CAPs in CWCs may participate in various auditory or non-auditory signaling processing but its intrinsic mechanisms are largely unknown. In the present study, in vitro whole-cell current clamp recordings on neonatal mice brain slices were used to demonstrate that CWCs respond to brief voltage stimulation with CAPs. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were also utilized to demonstrate that Nav1.9 was expressed in the CWCs. Finally, when Nav1.9 was genetically silenced, CWCs responded to voltage stimulation with SAPs, not CAPs. The results strongly suggested that Nav1.9 was expressed and functionally contributed to the signaling processing in the central auditory pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A noninvasive method of monitoring the loss of islet cells can provide an earlier and improved diagnosis for therapeutics development of preclinical phases of diabetes. The use of [(18)F]fallypride, a dopamine D2/D3 receptor radiotracer, has been developed as a surrogate marker to evaluate loss of pancreatic islet cells in a rodent model of type 1 diabetes.Materials and Methods: Healthy Sprague-Dawley rats were administered [(18)F]fallypride and imaged for 2 h in a positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) scan. Diabetes was then induced in the same rats by administration of streptozotocin, and a PET/CT scan was performed 4 days after establishing diabetes. Pancreata of a separate set of rats were evaluated by insulin immunostaining for loss of islet cells by streptozotocin.Results: Blood glucose levels of 125 mg/dL and 550 mg/dL were established for those rats without and with diabetes, respectively. [(18)F]Fallypride uptake in the pancreas of both groups of rats was rapid, but the rats with diabetes showed a significantly lower uptake (less than 50%). The specific binding ratio was decreased by 77% in the diabetic rats.Conclusions: [(18)F]Fallypride can be a useful surrogate marker for monitoring changes in pancreatic islet cells, thus providing a noninvasive method to evaluate efficacy of therapeutics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A noninvasive method of monitoring the loss of islet cells can provide an earlier and improved diagnosis for therapeutics development of preclinical phases of diabetes. The use of [18F]fallypride, a dopamine D2/D3 receptor radiotracer, has been developed as a surrogate marker to evaluate loss of pancreatic islet cells in a rodent model of type 1 diabetes. Materials and Methods: Healthy Sprague-Dawley rats were administered [18F]fallypride and imaged for 2 h in a positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) scan. Diabetes was then induced in the same rats by administration of streptozotocin, and a PET/CT scan was performed 4 days after establishing diabetes. Pancreata of a separate set of rats were evaluated by insulin immunostaining for loss of islet cells by streptozotocin. Results: Blood glucose levels of 125 mg/dL and 550 mg/dL were established for those rats without and with diabetes, respectively. [18F]Fallypride uptake in the pancreas of both groups of rats was rapid, but the rats with diabetes showed a significantly lower uptake (less than 50%). The specific binding ratio was decreased by 77% in the diabetic rats. Conclusions: [18F]Fallypride can be a useful surrogate marker for monitoring changes in pancreatic islet cells, thus providing a noninvasive method to evaluate efficacy of therapeutics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores peer-to-peer (P2P) electricity trading, emphasizing not just the export and consumption, but also the feasible physical supply of electricity and the use of distribution network assets. Building on a transaction-oriented dynamic power flow tracing model, a novel P2P market architecture is proposed. This architecture integrates the electricity market with the power network, considering technical constraints, network losses, and asset usage. The network is segmented into potential markets using second-order cone programming (SOCP), with an optimization problem introduced for loss-allocation. This problem merges network physical analysis and variable outputs from distributed energy resources (DERs). A graph-based P2P electricity trading model is designed to determine optimal transaction cost allocation and maximize benefits for both DERs and consumers. A case study on a modified IEEE 33-node test feeder substantiates the benefits of this market structure, demonstrating increased revenues for DERs and reduced bills for consumers compared to traditional feed-in-tariffs. • Build a new P2P energy market model supported by dynamic power flow tracing. • Propose an optimized market segmenting strategy based on identifying power transactions. • Define the market boundaries in a physical system technically and economically. • Increase the DER owners' revenue that varied between £1264 and £1910. • Reduced consumers' bills up to £1736 compared with a traditional FiT model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Endothelin-1 (ET-1) acts as a key mediator of vasoconstriction and tissue repair. Overproduction of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) underlies the development of lung fibrosis. ET-1 induces expression of matrix-associated genes in lung fibroblasts, however, little is known about the signaling pathway of CTGF expression caused by ET-1. In this study, we found that ET-1 caused concentration- and time-dependently increases in CTGF expression in human embryonic lung fibroblast cell line (WI-38). ET-1-induced CTGF expression was inhibited by BQ123 (ETAR antagonist), but not BQ788 (ETBR antagonist). Moreover, ET-1-induced CTGF expression was significantly reduced by JNK inhibitor (SP600125), the dominant-negative mutants of JNK1/2 (JNK1/2 DN), and AP-1 inhibitor (curcumin). ET-1 induced phosphorylations of JNK and c-Jun in time-dependent manners. AP-1 luciferase activity was concentration-dependently increased by ET-1, and this effect was attenuated by SP600125. We also found that ET-1-induced CTGF expression was most controlled by the AP-1 binding region of CTGF promoter. ET-1-indiced CTGF luciferase activity was predominately controlled by the sequence −747 to −408bp upstream of the transcription start site on the human CTGF promoter. Furthermore, ET-1 caused the formation of AP-1-specific DNA-protein complex and the recruitment of c-Jun to the CTGF promoter. Moreover, we found that ET-1 induced α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression, which was inhibited by BQ123, SP600125, curcumin, and anti-CTGF antibody. These results suggest that ET-1 stimulates expressions of CTGF and α-SMA through ETAR/JNK/AP-1 signaling pathway, and CTGF is required for ET-1-induced α-SMA expression in human lung fibroblasts. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

To evaluate the effects of silibinin on intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression, we used ARPE-19 cells as a model in which tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interferon (IFN-γ) enhanced ICAM-1 expression. This upregulation was inhibited by silibinin. In an adherence assay using ARPE-19 and THP-1 cells, silibinin inhibited the cell adhesion function of ICAM-1. The inhibitory effects of silibinin on ICAM-1 expression were mediated via the blockage of nuclear translocation of p65 proteins in TNF-α and phosphorylation of STAT1 in IFN-γ-stimulated cells. In addition, silibinin altered the degree of N-linked glycosylation posttranslationally in ARPE-19 cells by significantly enhancingMGAT3 gene expression. Silibinin can increase the O-GlcNAc levels of glycoproteins in ARPE-19 cells. In a reporter gene assay, PUGNAc, which can also increase O-GlcNAc levels, inhibited NF-κB reporter activity in TNF-α-induced ARPE-19 cells and this process was augmented by silibinin treatment. Over expression of OGT gene was associated with reduced TNF-α-induced ICAM-1 levels, which is consistent with that induced by silibinin treatment. Taken together, silibinin inhibits ICAM-1 expression and its function through altered O-linked glycosylation in NF-κB and STAT1 signaling pathways and decreases the N-linked glycosylation of ICAM-1 transmembrane protein in proinflammatory cytokine stimulated ARPE-19 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ionic liquids with cyano anions have long been used because of their unique combination of low-melting temperatures, reduced viscosities, and increased conductivities. Recently we have shown that cyano anions in ionic liquids are particularly interesting for their potential use as electron donors to excited state photo-acceptors [B. Wu et al., J. Phys. Chem. B 119, 14790-14799 (2015)]. Here we report on bulk structural and quantum mechanical results for a series of ionic liquids based on the 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium cation, paired with the following five cyano anions: SeCN-, SCN-, N(CN)-2, C(CN)-3, and B(CN)-4. By combining molecular dynamics simulations, high-energy X-ray scattering measurements, and periodic boundary condition DFT calculations, we are able to obtain a comprehensive description of the liquid landscape as well as the nature of the HOMO-LUMO states for these ionic liquids in the condensed phase. Features in the structure functions for these ionic liquids are somewhat different than the commonly observed adjacency, charge-charge, and polarity peaks, especially for the bulkiest B(CN)-4 anion. While the other four cyano-anion ionic liquids present an anionic HOMO, the one for Im+ 2,1/B(CN)-4 is cationic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) plays a significant role in metabolism. In this study, we report the use of atomoxetine (a clinically applicable norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor) for 18F-FDG PET imaging of BAT and its effects on heat production and blood glucose concentration. Fasted-male Sprague-Dawley rats were administered with intravenous 18F-FDG. The same rats were treated with atomoxetine (0.1 mg/kg, i.v.) 30 min before 18F-FDG administration. To confirm the β-adrenergic effects, propranolol (β-adrenergic inhibitor) 5 mg/kg was given intraperitoneally 30 min prior to atomoxetine administration. The effect of atomoxetine on BAT metabolism was assessed in fasted and non-fasted rats and on BAT temperature and blood glucose in fasted rats. In 18F-FDG PET/CT images, interscapular BAT (IBAT) and other areas of BAT were clearly visualized. When rats were fasted, atomoxetine (0.1 mg/kg) increased the 18F-FDG uptake of IBAT by factor of 24 within 30 min. Propranolol reduced the average 18F-FDG uptake of IBAT significantly. Autoradiography of IBAT and white adipose tissue confirmed the data obtained by PET. When rats were not fasted, atomoxetine-induced increase of 18F-FDG uptake in IBAT was delayed and occurred in 120 min. For comparison, direct stimulation of β3-adrenreceptors in non-fasted rats with CL-316, 243 occurred within 30 min. Atomoxetine-induced IBAT activation was associated with higher IBAT temperature and lower blood glucose. This was mediated by inhibition of norepinephrine reuptake transporters in IBAT leading to increased norepinephrine concentration in the synapse. Increased synaptic norepinephrine activates β3-adrenreceptors resulting in BAT hypermetabolism that is visible and quantifiable by 18F-FDG PET/CT. Synapse, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mitochondrial tRNA 3'-end metabolism is critical for the formation of functional tRNAs. Deficient mitochondrial tRNA 3'-end metabolism is linked to an array of human diseases, including optic neuropathy, but their pathophysiology remains poorly understood. In this report, we investigated the molecular mechanism underlying the Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON)-associated tRNAAla 5587A>G mutation, which changes a highly conserved adenosine at position 73 (A73) to guanine (G73) on the 3'-end of the tRNA acceptor stem. The m.5587A>G mutation was identified in three Han Chinese families with suggested maternal inheritance of LHON. We hypothesized that the m.5587A>G mutation altered tRNAAla 3'-end metabolism and mitochondrial function. In vitro processing experiments showed that the m.5587A>G mutation impaired the 3'-end processing of tRNAAla precursors by RNase Z and inhibited the addition of CCA by tRNA nucleotidyltransferase (TRNT1). Northern blot analysis revealed that the m.5587A>G mutation perturbed tRNAAla aminoacylation, as evidenced by decreased efficiency of aminoacylation and faster electrophoretic mobility of mutated tRNAAla in these cells. The impact of m.5587A>G mutation on tRNAAla function was further supported by increased melting temperature, conformational changes, and reduced levels of this tRNA. Failures in tRNAAla metabolism impaired mitochondrial translation, perturbed assembly and activity of oxidative phosphorylation complexes, diminished ATP production and membrane potential, and increased production of reactive oxygen species. These pleiotropic defects elevated apoptotic cell death and promoted mitophagy in cells carrying the m.5587A>G mutation, thereby contributing to visual impairment. Our findings may provide new insights into the pathophysiology of LHON arising from mitochondrial tRNA 3'-end metabolism deficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we compared two different D receptor ligands, [F]fallypride and [F]desmethoxyfallypride ([F]DMFP) with respect to the duration of the scan, visualization of extrastriatal receptors, and binding potentials (BP) in the rat brain. In addition, we studied the feasibility of using these tracers following a period of awake tracer uptake, during which the animal may perform a behavioral task. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were imaged with [F]fallypride and with [F]DMFP in four different studies using microPET. All scans were performed under isoflurane anesthesia. The first (test) and second (retest) study were 150-min baseline scans. No retest scans were performed with [F]DMFP. A third study was a 60-min awake uptake of radiotracer followed by a 90-min scan. A fourth study was a 150-min competition scan with haloperidol (0.2 mg/kg) administered via tail vein at 90-min post-[F]fallypride injection and 60-min post-[F]DMFP. For the test-retest studies, BP was measured using both Logan noninvasive (LNI) method and the interval ratios (ITR) method. Cerebellum was used as a reference region. For the third study, the binding was measured only with the ITR method, and the results were compared to the baseline results. Studies showed that the average transient equilibrium time in the dorsal striatum (DSTR) was at 90 min for [F]fallypride and 30 min for [F]DMFP. The average BP for [F]fallypride was 14.4 in DSTR, 6.8 in ventral striatum (VSTR), 1.3 in substantia nigra/ventral tegmental area (SN/VTA), 1.4 in colliculi (COL), and 1.5 in central gray area. In the case of [F]DMFP, the average BP values were 2.2 in DSTR, 2.7 in VSTR, and 0.8 in SN/VTA. The haloperidol blockade showed detectable decrease in binding of both tracers in striatal regions with a faster displacement of [F]DMFP. No significant changes in BP of [F]fallypride due to the initial awake state of the animal were found, whereas BP of [F]DMFP was significantly higher in the awake state compared to baseline. We were able to demonstrate that dynamic PET using MicroPET Inveon allows quantification of both striatal and extrastriatal [F]fallypride binding in rats in vivo. Quantification of the striatal regions could be achieved with [F]DMFP. Synapse 2011. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThe recent development of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) by ectopic expression of defined reprogramming factors offers enormous therapeutic opportunity. To deliver these factors, murine leukemia virus (MLV)-based vectors have been broadly used in the setting of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. However, MLV vectors have been implicated in malignancy induced by insertional mutagenesis, whereas lentiviral vectors have not. Furthermore, the infectivity of MLV vectors is limited to dividing cells, whereas lentiviral vectors can also transduce nondividing cells. One important characteristic of MLV vectors is a self-silencing property of the promoter element in pluripotent stem cells, allowing temporal transgene expression in a nonpluripotent state before iPSC derivation. Here we test iPSC generation using a novel chimeric vector carrying a mutant MLV promoter internal to a lentiviral vector backbone, thereby containing the useful properties of both types of vectors. Transgene expression of this chimeric vector was highly efficient compared with that of MLV vectors and was silenced specifically in human embryonic stem cells. Human fetal fibroblasts transduced with the vector encoding each factor were efficiently reprogrammed into a pluripotent state, and these iPSCs had potential to differentiate into a variety of cell types. To explore the possibility of iPSCs for gene therapy, we established iPSC clones expressing a short hairpin RNA (shRNA) targeting chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5), the main coreceptor for HIV-1. Using a reporter construct for CCR5 expression, we confirmed that CCR5 shRNA was expressed and specifically knocked down the reporter expression in iPSCs. These data indicate that our chimeric lentiviral vector is a valuable tool for generation of iPSCs and the combination with vectors encoding transgenes allows for rapid establishment of desired genetically engineered iPSC lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of T-2 toxin on semen quality, fertility and serum testosterone concentration in mice. Adult male mice were mated with sexually mature untreated female mice after being exposed to intraperitoneal injection of T-2 toxin at 0, 5, 10 or 15 mg/kg body weight daily for 7 successive days. Semen quality, serum testosterone concentration and fertility of treated mice were assessed. The results showed that the number of abnormal spermatozoa increased significantly and a significant decrease in spermatozoa with integrated acrosome was observed in males treated with T-2 toxin at all doses, As well, the amount of live spermatozoa decreased significantly in mice treated with 10 and 15 mg/kg body weight T-2 toxin. Low pregnancy rate and high fetal resorption rate were observed when females were mated with T-2 toxin-exposed males. Testicular and cauda epididymal sperm counts, efficiency of sperm production and serum testosterone concentration were significantly reduced in mice treated with T-2 toxin at all doses in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, these findings indicated that T-2 toxin presented toxic effects on reproductive system of adult male mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pharmaceutically interesting, angular bis-benzimidazoles with three appendages have been synthesized successfully through a diversity-oriented approach with soluble support under microwave irradiation. Polymer immobilized o-phenylenediamine was selectively N-acylated with 2-chloro-3-nitrobenzoic acid in a primary aromatic amino moiety. The obtained amide was cyclized to benzimidazole in an acidic condition, and subsequently nucleophilic aromatic substitution with different amines was performed. Successive reduction, cyclization with various aldehydes and activated isothiocyanates yielded angular biheterocyclic benzimidazoles in good quantities. Reaction progress on polymer support was precisely monitored using the conventional proton NMR spectroscopy. Preliminary screening results showed some of these interesting compounds exhibited moderately to good inhibition against vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (VEGFR-3), which is related to invasion and migration of cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Active camouflage is a technique for occluding objects disappear from the observer. Current implementations make assumptions on the viewpoints of both the observer and the camouflaged target. In this work, we present a framework of view-dependent planar scene camouflage. The cameras representing the observer and the occluding object are placed in general positions. The images captured by the object camera are transformed to the observer viewpoint to generate globally consistent visual data for transparent camouflage. Experimental results are presented for real scene images. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 19, 167–174, 2009 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel iron-catalyzed intermolecular decarboxylative Csp3−Csp2coupling reaction using proline derivatives as starting materials is developed. In this process, a series of potentially useful ligands (tertiary aminonaphthol) for catalysis was obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractIn this investigation, we evaluated the effect of post-traumatic mild hypothermia on cell death in the hippocampus after fluid percussion traumatic brain injury (TBI) in rats. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups (n= 40/group): TBI with hypothermia treatment (32°C), TBI with normothermia (37°C), and sham injury. The TBI model was induced by a fluid percussion TBI device. Mild hypothermia (32°C) was achieved by partial immersion in a water bath (0°C) under general anesthesia for 4 h. All rats were killed at 24 or 72 h after TBI. The ipsilateral hippocampal CA1 in all rats were analyzed by hematoxylin and eosin staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated 2′-deoxyuridine 5′-triphosphate-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL), and 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining for determining cell death. Caspase-3 expression was examined by reverse transcription—polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting. At 24 h, based on TUNEL and DAPI results, the cell death index was 28.80 ± 2.60% and 32.10 ± 1.40% in the normothermia TBI group, while reaching only 14.30 ± 2.70% and 18.40 ± 2.10% in the hypothermic TBI group (p< 0.01). Based on RT-PCR and Western blotting results, the expression of caspase-3 was 210.20 ± 5.30% and 170.30 ± 4.80% in the normothermic TBI group, while reaching only 165.10 ± 3.70% and 130.60 ± 4.10% in the hypothermic TBI group (p< 0.05). At 72 h, based on TUNEL and DAPI results, the cell death index was 20.80 ± 2.50% and 25.50 ± 1.80% in the normothermic TBI group, while reaching only 10.20 ± 2.60% and 15.50 ± 2.10% in the hypothermic TBI group (p< 0.01). Based on RT-PCR and Western blotting results, the expression of caspase-3 was 186.20 ± 6.20% and 142.30 ± 5.10% in the normothermic TBI group, versus only 152.10 ± 3.60% and 120.60 ± 3.90% in the hypothermic TBI group (p< 0.05). Based on our findings, we conclude that post-traumatic hypothermia significantly attenuates cell death within the hippocampus following fluid percussion injury. Taken together with other studies, these observations support the premise that post-traumatic mild hypothermia can provide cerebral protection for patients with TBI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

No detailed food web research on macroinvertebrate community of lacustrine ecosystem was reported in China. The present study is the first attempt on the subject in Lake Biandantang, a macrophytic lake in Hubei Province. Food webs of the macroinvertebrate community were compiled bimonthly from March, 2002 to March, 2003. Dietary information was obtained from gut analysis. Linkage strength was quantified by combining estimates of energy flow (secondary production) with data of gut analysis. The macroinvertebrate community of Lake Biandantang was based heavily on detritus. Quantitative food webs showed the total ingestion ranged from 6930 to 36,340 mg dry mass m−2 bimonthly. The ingestion of macroinvertebrate community was higher in the months with optimum temperature than that in other periods with higher or lower temperature. Through comparison, many patterns in benthic food web of Lake Biandantang are consistent with other detritus-based webs, such as stream webs, but different greatly from those based on autochthonous primary production (e.g. pelagic systems). It suggests that the trophic basis of the web is essential in shaping food web structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pt electrocatalysts supported on multiwalled carbon nanotube (Pt/MWCNT) nanocomposites have been synthesized by a rapid intermittent microwave irradiation (IMI) technique for polymer electrolyte and direct methanol fuel cells (PEFCs and DMFCs), using H2PtCl6 as Pt precursor. The Pt/MWCNT nanocomposites are characterized by XRD, XPS, and TEM. The results indicate that Pt particle size and distribution on the MWCNT support are affected significantly by the oxidation treatment of MWCNTs, the IMI procedure, and the MWCNT tube diameter or surface area. The PtOx (x = 1, 2) species was first deposited on the surface of MWCNTs by the IMI and subsequently reduced to Pt(0) with refluxing in the presence of HCOOH. Pt/MWCNT nanocomposites synthesized by this IMI method have achieved extremely uniform dispersed Pt nanoparticles with a particle size of ∼3 nm. Electrochemical measurement indicates that Pt/MWCNT nanocomposites synthesized by the IMI method display a significantly higher electrochemically active area and higher catalytic activity for the methanol oxidation reaction in comparison to a commercial Pt/C catalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Liquid phase oxidation of cyclohexane was carried out under mild reaction conditions over mesoporous Ce-MCM-41 catalysts using aqueous hydrogen peroxide (30%) as oxidant and acetic acid as solvent without adding any initiator. The catalysts exhibited high substrate conversion and good product (cyclohexanol) selectivity and it can be reused once with almost the same activity. The catalyst was characterized by a combination of various physicochemical techniques, such as N2 physisorption, diffuse reflectance UV–vis, X-ray diffraction and FT-IR. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study was designed to investigate the endocrine-disrupting activity of carbendazim-induced reproductive and developmental toxicity in Sprague-Dawley rats treated orally with the fungicide. Cotreatment of male rats with 675mg/kg carbendazim and 50 or 100mg/kg flutamide, an androgen receptor antagonist, once daily for 28d blocked decrease of testis weight induced by treatment with carbendazim alone. The cotreatment prevented losses of spermatozoa and cell morphology and decrease of sperm concentration induced by carbendazim. Premating treatment of male and female rats with 200mg/kg carbendazim for 28d produced androgenic effects including incomplete development of uterine horn, enlargement of uretha, absence of vagina, and induction of seminal vesicles in female offspring, without marked effects in male offspring. Premating treatment with 100mg/kg benomyl, the parent compound of carbendazim, resulted in incomplete development of uterine horn and absence of vagina in female offspring and produced testis and epidydimis atropy in male offspring. Treatment of male rats with 25, 50, 100, 200, 400, and 800mg/kg carbendazim for 56d produced dose-dependent increases of androgen receptor concentrations in testis and epididymis. Additions of 5, 50, and 500μM carbendazim to testis extract from untreated rats replaced binding of [3H]-5α-dihydrotestosterone to androgen receptor in a concentration-dependent manner. The present study demonstrates that reproductive toxicity induced by carbendazim is blocked by an androgen receptor antagonist in male rats and developmental toxicity of the fungicide shows androgenic properties in female offspring. These results suggest that androgen- and androgen receptor-dependent mechanisms are possibly involved in carbendazim-induced toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adlay (Coix lachryma-jobi L. var. ma-yuen Stapf) is a grass crop used in traditional Chinese medicine and as a nutritious food. It has been reported that adlay has anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor activity. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is an inducible enzyme functionally related to both inflammation and colon carcinogenesis and is the target of many chemopreventive agents. This study investigated the effect of adlay on colon carcinogenesis and COX-2 expression. In a short-term experiment, male F344 rats were fed diets containing different doses of dehulled adlay and received the colon-specific carcinogen, azoxymethane (AOM), by intraperitoneal injection. All rats were killed after 5 weeks of feeding, and the colons were examined for the preneoplastic lesion, aberrant crypt foci (ACF). Dietary dehulled adlay at levels of 10%, 20%, or 40% significantly reduced the numbers of ACF and aberrant crypts. Dehulled adlay reduced the number of ACF of different sizes but did not affect the crypt multiplicity. Most ACF were found in the middle and distal colons; dehulled adlay significantly suppressed the formation of ACF in the middle colon. In a long-term experiment, male F344 rats were fed diets containing different doses of dehulled adlay and injected with AOM. All rats were killed after 52 weeks of feeding, and colons were examined for tumors and COX-2 protein expression. The results indicated that dehulled adlay did not inhibit colon tumors in spite of a slight suppressing effect in the proximal colon. Rats fed diets containing 20% dehulled adlay had less COX-2 protein expression in both proximal and distal colon tumors. The inconsistent effects between COX-2 protein expression and tumor outcome may be due to regional differences in the colon and the malignancy of the tumors. These findings suggest that dehulled adlay suppresses early events in colon carcinogenesis but not the formation of tumors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

During lytic infection, the virion host shutoff (vhs) protein of alphaherpesviruses causes the degradation of mRNAs nonspecifically. In this work, we cloned the vhs gene (UL41 open reading frame) of pseudorabies virus (PRV; TNL strain) by PCR, and its nucleotide sequences were determined. The PCR product of vhs gene was subcloned into the prokaryotic pET32b expression vector, and production of the recombinant vhs protein was examined by SDS-PAGE. Result of Western blotting demonstrated that our recombinant vhs protein reacted with antiserum against a synthetic peptide of 17 amino acids of the vhs protein. After purification with nickel-chelate affinity chromatography, the purified recombinant vhs protein exhibited in vitro ribonuclease activity as expected. We further cloned the vhs gene into eukaryotic expression vectors and investigated the intracellular function of vhs protein by DNA transfection. By transient trasfection and CAT assay, we found the CAT activity was reduced in the presence of vhs, indicating that degradation of mRNA of the CAT gene was caused by the vhs. Furthermore, our results showed that the plaque formation of pseudorabies virus was blocked by exogenous vhs. Taken together, we have cloned the vhs gene of pseudorabies virus (TNL strain) and conducted functional analysis of the recombinant vhs protein in vitro as well as in vivo. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Exposure of pregnant mice to inorganic arsenic induces a spectrum of tumors, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), in their adult offspring similar to that induced by exposing adult mice to estrogenic compounds. To investigate whether arsenic exposure in utero causes altered estrogen signaling, we examined expression of estrogen receptor-alpha (ER-alpha), cyclin D1 (an estrogen-responsive hepatic oncogene), and several cytochrome P450 genes (with sexually dimorphic liver expression patterns) in livers from adult male mice with in utero arsenic-induced HCC.Methods: Quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to evaluate gene expression in livers of adult male mice that had (i.e., exposed mice; n = 8) or had not (i.e., control mice; n = 5) been exposed to arsenic in utero. DNA methylation status of portions of the ER-alpha and cyclin D1 gene promoters in liver tissue was measured using methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction. Statistical tests were two-sided.Results: ER-alpha mRNA levels were 3.1-fold (95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.0-fold to 4.3-fold) higher in livers of exposed mice than in those of control mice, and cyclin D1 levels were 3.0-fold (95% CI = 1.7-fold to 4.3-fold) higher. Exposed mice showed a feminized expression pattern of several cytochrome P450 genes, expressing the female-dominant CYP2A4 (P =.017 versus control) and CYP2B9 (P<.001) genes at 8.7 and 10.5 times, respectively, the level in control mice and expressing the male-dominant CYP7B1 at approximately one-fourth the level in control mice(P =.0012). Exposed mice exhibited reduced (by approximately 90%) methylation of the ER-alpha gene promoter in liver DNA as compared with control mice; the cyclin D1 gene promoter was not methylated in either exposed or control mice.Conclusion: Altered estrogen signaling may play a role in induction of HCC by arsenic exposure in utero. Specifically, overexpression of ER-alpha, potentially through promoter region hypomethylation, in livers of such mice may be linked to the hepatocarcinogenicity of arsenic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MAD plays an important role in decapentaplegic (DPP) signaling throughout Drosophila development. Despite a recent study describing the restriction of DPP signaling via putative ubiquitin E3 ligase dSmurf (1), the molecular mechanisms of how dSmurf affects DPP signaling remain unexplored. Toward this goal we demonstrated the degradation of phosphorylated MAD by dSmurf, dSmurf selectively interacted with MAD, but not Medea and Dad, and the MAD-dSmurf interaction was induced by constitutively active DPP type I receptor thickveins. Wild type dSmurf, but not its C1029A mutant, mediated ubiquitination-dependent degradation of MAD. Silencing of dSmurf using RNA interference stabilized MAD protein in Drosophila S2 cells. Targeted expression of dSmurf in various tissues abolished phosphorylated MAD and disrupted patterning and growth. In contrast, similar overexpression of inactive dSmurf(C1029A) showed no significant effects on development. We conclude that dSmurf specifically targets phosphorylated MAD to proteasome-dependent degradation and regulates DPP signaling during development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we examined the role of the eastern bent-winged bat (Miniopterus fuliginosus) in the dispersion of bat adenovirus and bat alphacoronavirus in east Asia, considering their gene flows and divergence times (based on deep-sequencing data), using bat fecal guano samples. Bats in China moved to Jeju Island and/or Taiwan in the last 20,000 years via the Korean Peninsula and/or Japan. The phylogenies of host mitochondrial D-loop DNA was not significantly congruent with those of bat adenovirus (m2XY = 0.07, p = 0.08), and bat alphacoronavirus (m2XY = 0.48, p = 0.20). We estimate that the first divergence time of bats carrying bat adenovirus in five caves studied (designated as K1, K2, JJ, N2, and F3) occurred approximately 3.17 million years ago. In contrast, the first divergence time of bat adenovirus among bats in the 5 caves was estimated to be approximately 224.32 years ago. The first divergence time of bats in caves CH, JJ, WY, N2, F1, F2, and F3 harboring bat alphacoronavirus was estimated to be 1.59 million years ago. The first divergence time of bat alphacoronavirus among the 7 caves was estimated to be approximately 2,596.92 years ago. The origin of bat adenovirus remains unclear, whereas our findings suggest that bat alphacoronavirus originated in Japan. Surprisingly, bat adenovirus and bat alphacoronavirus appeared to diverge substantially over the last 100 years, even though our gene-flow data indicate that the eastern bent-winged bat serves as an important natural reservoir of both viruses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate the reliability of quantitative analysis of dynamic stretching muscle stiffness using shear wave elas-tography (SWE), and to evaluate the influence of stretched levels and region of interest (ROI) sizes on the repeatability of SWE measurements.Materials and Methods: SWE videos of the gastrocnemius medius were collected during ankle movement from plantar flexion (PF) 40° to dorsiflexion (DF) 30°. Shear wave imageswere collected of ankle angles at PF 25°, 0°, DF 15°, and DF 30°, representing the slack status, mildly stretched level, moderately stretched level, and maximal stretched level of the gastrocnemius medius, respectively. ROI circles with diameters of 2 mm, 5 mm, and 8 mm were applied to measure the shear modulus. Intra-observer, and inter-observer repeatability of the measurements were compared among different stretched levels and ROI sizes.Results: Twenty-one healthy volunteers were enrolled. Muscle stiffness increased as the ankle DF increased. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) of intra-observer and inter-observer repeatability obtained for ROI sizes of 2 mm, 5 mm and 8 mm indicated good to excellent repeatability at all stretched levels.Conclusions: Shear wave elastography appeared to be a reliable tool to evaluate the dynamic stretching muscle stiffness with satisfactory repeatability at various stretched levels of gastrocnemius medius. Good to excellent repeatability was found using different ROI sizes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]