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Irinotecan (Iri) is a key drug to treat metastatic colorectal cancer, but its clinical activity is often limited by de novo and acquired drug resistance. Studying the underlying mechanisms of drug resistance is necessary for developing novel therapeutic strategies. In this study, we used both regular and irinotecan-resistant (Iri-resistant) colorectal cell lines as models, and performed single cell mass spectrometry (SCMS) metabolomics studies combined with analyses from cytotoxicity assay, western blot, flow cytometry, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Our SCMS results indicate that Iri-resistant cancer cells possess higher levels of unsaturated lipids compared with the regular cancer cells. In addition, multiple protein biomarkers and their corresponding mRNAs of colon cancer stem cells are overexpressed in Iri-resistance cells. Particularly, stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) is upregulated with the development of drug resistance in Iri-resistant cells, whereas inhibiting the activity of SCD1 efficiently increase their sensitivity to Iri treatment. In addition, we demonstrated that SCD1 directly regulates the expression of ALDH1A1, which contributes to the cancer stemness and ROS level in Iri-resistant cell lines. [Display omitted] • Live single cell mass spectrometry was combined with other bioanalytical techniques. • Cells' molecular profiles were correlated to their resistance to anticancer drug. • Metabolomic biomarkers and relevant proteins reflecting cancer cells' drug resistance were proposed. • Drug resistant cancer cells possess molecular features similar to cancer stem cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cepharanthine is a medicinal plant-derived natural compound which possesses potent anti-cancer properties. However, there is little report about its effects on lung cancer cells. In this study, we investigated the effects of cepharanthine on the cell viability and apoptosis in human non-small-cell lung cancer H1299 and A549 cells. It was found that cepharanthine inhibited the growth of H1299 and A549 cells in a dose-dependent manner which was associated with the generation of reactive oxygen species(ROS) and the dissipation of mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm). These effects were markedly abrogated when cells were pretreated with N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a specific ROS inhibitor, indicating that the apoptosis-inducing effect of cepharanthine in lung cancer cells was mediated by ROS. In addition, cepharanthine triggered apoptosis in non-small lung cancer cells via the upregulation of Bax, downregulation of Bcl-2 and significant activation of caspase-3 and PARP. These results provide the rationale for further research and preclinical investigation of cepharanthine's anti-tumor effect against human non-small-cell lung cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation of conjunctival and corneal calcification ( CCC) with cardiovascular calcification in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis ( MHD). A total of 122 patients undergoing MHD in our hospital were included in this study. Conjunctival and corneal calcification was examined by slit lamp and graded. Abdominal aortic calcification ( AAC), aortic valve calcification ( AVC), and mitral valve calcification ( MVC) were determined by X-ray or ultrasound. The correlation of CCC with AAC, AVC, and MVC was analyzed. Biochemical, hematological, and cardiovascular data were compared between patients with different severity of CCC or AAC. Mitral valve calcification was significantly associated with AAC in our patients. Conjunctival and corneal calcification positively correlated with AAC. We also found that patients with severe CCC exhibited significantly higher levels of serum calcium, phosphate, product of calcium and phosphate, serum copper, cystatin, intact parathyroid hormone, and vitamin D than patients with mild CCC. In addition to significantly increased levels of serum calcium, product of calcium and phosphate, serum copper, and cystatin, patients with severe AAC also had higher high-sensitivity C-reactive protein level and greater left ventricular posterior wall thickness and left ventricular end-diastolic interventricular septum thickness than patients with mild AAC. Our results suggest that patients undergoing MHD with severe CCC or AAC have high degree of mineral metabolism disorder, inflammation, and cardiovascular function disorder. The strong correlation between CCC and AAC indicates that CCC score might be used as an indirect indicator to predict cardiovascular risks in patients undergoing MHD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluorescent proteins facilitate a variety of imaging paradigms in live and fixed samples. However, they lose their fluorescence after heavy fixation, hindering applications such as correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM). Here we report engineered variants of the photoconvertible Eos fluorescent protein that fluoresce and photoconvert normally in heavily fixed (0.5-1% OsO4), plastic resin-embedded samples, enabling correlative super-resolution fluorescence imaging and high-quality electron microscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effect of naphthalene series and lignin series dispersants on the sedimentation of coal particles and the stability of coal water slurry (CWS) were investigated using the multiple light scattering technique of Turbiscan Lab stability analyzer. The results show that coalescence between coal particles is the direct factor which causes differential sedimentation, and influences the stability of CWS. The variation of backscattering luminous flux is lower than 0.9%, and the CWS does not produce hard sedimentation in seven days. The average size of coal particle increases gradually along with the extension of standing time. The change rule is not obvious between average size and the ratio of compounded dispersants in the early standing time, but the average size decreases with the increase of additional amount of lignin series dispersants, TSI value shows a decreasing trend, and the stability of CWS increases gradually, which further confirmed the coalescence between coal particles is the main factor that influence the stability of CWS. Turbiscan Lab stability analyzer can realize real-time analysis on the stability and sedimentation process of CWS, and provide reliable data support for the selection of appropriate dispersant and its dosage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the cancer incidence in patients with end-stage aristolochic acid nephropathy (AAN). Methods: A total of 102 patients with end-stage AAN treated in our hospital between 2004 and 2013 were included in this study. The correlation of cancer incidence with age, gender, dosage of aristolochic acid (AA), the type of renal replacement therapies, and the polymorphisms of quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) C609T and cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) A4889G was examined. Results: The cancer incidence rate in our patients was 41.2% (42 in 102) including 39 cases of urinary cancer. The mortality rate in the patients with cancer was significantly higher than that in the patients without cancer (31%, 13/42 vs. 11.7%, 7/60, p < 0.05). Thirteen patients developed cancer before entering end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Cancer incidence was significantly associated with the dosage of AA consumption ( p = 0.091). Hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis and renal transplant did not affect the cancer incidence in our patients differently, but appeared to be associated with cancer at particular locations of urinary system. The patients undergoing hemodialysis seemed to more likely have bladder cancer (72.72%), while the patients receiving peritoneal dialysis appeared to develop cancer predominantly in the upper urinary tract (66.67%). Conclusions: The cancer initiation in our patients seems significantly correlate with the dosage of AA consumption. Different renal replacement therapies appear to be associated with cancer at particular locations of urinary system in our patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six new polymeric nitrogen structures (P2 1 /m, C2/c, P2 1 2 1 2 1 -500, Pnnm, P2 1 and Cmc21) are predicted by the USPEX in the pressure ranges of 100–600 GPa and further investigated using the first-principles density functional theory for the first time. The thermodynamic stabilities, mechanical stabilities and dynamical stabilities of these six phases are explored at 100–600 GPa, respectively. The results show Cmc21 is a metastable phase without metallic property at the pressure ranging from 100 to 600 GPa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Human miRNAs have emerged as potentially useful diagnostic and prognostic markers in cancer within the past decade. Abnormal expression of microRNA-146 (miR-146) has been found in several classes of cancers. OBJECTIVE: To explore expression and clinical associations of miR-146a and miR-146b in papillary thyroid carcinoma. METHODS: We investigated expressions of miR-146a and miR-146b in tissues and peripheral blood among 128 patients with primary PTC, 120 patients with nodular goiter and 120 healthy controls by RT-PCR. Furthermore, the associations between the miR-146a and miR-146b expression and clinical parameters of PTC were analyzed.RESULTS: Levels of miR-146a and miR-146b expression in PTC tissues were higher compared to the nodular goiter tissues (P=0.014 and 0.001) and perineoplastic thyroid tissues (P=0.023 and 0.002). Positive associations were found between levels of miR-146a expression in PTC tissues and gender (female), cervical lymph node metastasis, multifocality, extra tyroidal invasion and advanced clinical TNM stages (III and IV). For miR-146b, there were positive association between levels of miR-146b expression and female, extra tyroidal invasion and advanced clinical TNM stages. CONCLUSIONS: Up-regulation of miR-146a and miR-146b expression in tissues was related to carcinogenesis and deterioration of PTC. MicroRNA-146a and miR-146b expressed in thyroid tissue may act as potential biomarkers for PTC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering that memory and conformity could affect the agent’s decision, in this paper, we propose a novel model to describe the vaccination dilemma by entangling the spreading dynamics with an evolutionary framework. Our results indicate that if the individuals make decision mostly depending on their own payoffs and do not believe too much in the celebrity, the final infected number will be significantly reduced. Comparing with the individuals in the BA network, people in the ER network escape from contagion much more easily and could get bigger payoffs. For the countries, strengthening the medical security system and reducing the cost of immunity can curb the spread of viruses effectively. From an individual’s viewpoint, people just remember their own last season’s payoffs can urge them to vaccinate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Facing the mounting pressures of meeting energy and environment needs and reducing its dependence for fossil fuels, China needs to make more effort to develop renewable energy. This paper attempts to use portfolio theory to optimize China's overall energy system with considering the learning curve effect of renewable energy cost and the characteristic of fossil energy cost increasing over time. It also takes into account additional factors such as environmental costs of coal consumption and various growth rates of the cumulative R&D (research and development) capacity for solar power. This research has found that the development of renewable energy in China has tremendous potential but it will not replace fossil energy in the next decades. The sensitivity analysis of this paper indicates that development of solar power is driven not only by the cumulative installed capacity but also by the cumulative R&D capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many marine microorganisms can secrete exopolysaccharides (EPSs) which have important applications in biotechnology. We have purified a novel EPS from deep-sea bacterium Zunongwangia profunda SM-A87, identified its glycosyl composition and linkage, and optimized its production to 8.9 g/l in previous studies. To reduce the fermentation cost, an economical fermentation medium containing 60.9 % whey, 10 g/l soybean meal, and 2.9 % NaCl was developed. The EPS yield of batch fermentation in this medium reached 12.1 ± 0.3 g/l. Fed-batch fermentation was conducted and led to an EPS yield of 17.2 ± 0.4 g/l, which represents the highest EPS yield ever reported for a marine bacterium. The EPS was extracted and it displayed good rheological properties, moisture-retention ability, and antioxidant activity. Particularly, its moisture-retention ability is superior to that of other marine bacterial EPSs reported to date. SM-A87 EPS also showed high antioxidant activity. These results suggest that SM-A87 EPS has promising potentials in biotechnology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Irinotecan (IRI), a topoisomerase I inhibitor blocking DNA synthesis, is a widely used chemotherapy drug for metastatic colorectal cancer. Despite being an effective chemotherapy drug, its clinical effectiveness is limited by both intrinsic and acquired drug resistance. Previous studies indicate IRI induces cancer stemness in irinotecan-resistant (IRI-resistant) cells. Metformin, an oral antidiabetic drug, was recently reported for anticancer effects, likely due to its selective killing of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Given IRI-resistant cells exhibiting high cancer stemness, we hypothesize metformin can sensitize IRI-resistant cells and rescue the therapeutic effect. In this work, we utilized the Single-probe mass spectrometry technique to analyze live IRI-resistant cells under different treatment conditions. We discovered that metformin treatment was associated with the downregulation of lipids and fatty acids, potentially through the inhibition of fatty acid synthase (FASN). Importantly, certain species can be only detected from cells in their living status. The level of synergistic effect of metformin and IRI in their co-treatment of IRI-resistant cells was evaluated using Chou-Talalay combinational index. Using enzymatic activity assay, we determined that the co-treatment exhibit the highest FASN inhibition compared with the mono-treatment of IRI or metformin. To our knowledge, this is the first single-cell MS metabolomics study demonstrating metformin-IRI synergistic effect overcoming drug resistance in IRI-resistant cells. [Display omitted] • Ambient single cell mass spectrometry was used to study live cells. • Other analytical techniques (e.g., cytotoxicity assay, enzymatic activity assay, and HPLC/MS) were used to provide complementary information. • Drug-resistant cancer cells' viabilities and molecular profiles were affected by antidiabetic drug metformin. • Unique lipids and metabolites were observed only in live single cells. • Inhibition of fatty acid synthase (FASN) is a potential mechanism related to metformin treatment of drug-resistant cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reliable forecasting of crude oil price has received a prodigious attention by both investment companies and governments. Motivated by this issue, this paper seeks to propose a new hybrid forecasting model for crude oil price trend prediction. For this purpose, the crude oil price series is initially decomposed by variational mode decomposition algorithm, and the multi-modal data features are extracted based on the decomposed modes. The volatility of crude oil prices is simultaneously converted into trend symbols through symbolic time series analysis. Machine learning multi-classifier are then trained with multi-modal data features and historical volatility as input and trend symbols as output. The well-trained models are used to predict the trend symbols of West Texas Intermediate crude oil future price. Empirical results demonstrate that the proposed hybrid forecasting model outperforms its counterparts. Among the classifiers used, the hybrid prediction model using support vector machine classifier exhibits superior predictive ability. The accuracy of the proposed model for predicting high volatility of crude oil prices is evidenced to be better than that of low volatility. • A novel hybrid prediction model is proposed based on VMD and ML algorithms. • Five multi-modal data feature indices are established based on IMFs of prices. • The forecasting accuracy is elevated by introducing multi-modal data features. • Trend symbols of prices are predicted by ML multi-classifiers. • Classification performs better than regression in forecasting price trend. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Endogenous promoters of Y. lipolytica are summarized and reviewed. • Engineering strategies enable developing improved promoters. • Promoter engineering helps to reconstruct the biosynthetic gene clusters. • Promoter engineering is able to improve the CRISPR-Cas efficiency. • Research needs and future directions of promoter engineering are highlighted. Yarrowia lipolytica is recognized as an excellent non-conventional yeast in the field of biomanufacturing, where it is used as a host to produce oleochemicals, terpenes, organic acids, polyols and recombinant proteins. Consequently, metabolic engineering of this yeast is becoming increasingly popular to advance it as a superior biomanufacturing platform, of which promoters are the most basic elements for tuning gene expression. Endogenous promoters of Yarrowia lipolytica were reviewed, which are the basis for promoter engineering. The engineering strategies, such as hybrid promoter engineering, intron enhancement promoter engineering, and transcription factor-based inducible promoter engineering are described. Additionally, the applications of Yarrowia lipolytica promoter engineering to rationally reconstruct biosynthetic gene clusters and improve the genome-editing efficiency of the CRISPR-Cas systems were reviewed. Finally, research needs and future directions for promoter engineering are also discussed in this review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Defective hydrogen titanate nanowires (HT-NW) have been prepared as SIBs anodes. • The defective HT-NW presents a Na+-solvent co-intercalation behavior at −25 °C. • The defective HT-NW exhibits lower charge transfer activation energy at −25 °C. • At −25 °C, the defective HT-NW//Na 3 V 2 (PO 4) 3 exhibits superior battery performance. Due to the sluggish interfacial kinetics, the energy density and cycle life of sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) suffer severely at subzero temperatures. Herein, to accelerate the interfacial charge transfer process and improve the low-temperature SIBs performance, a strategy by triggering Na+-solvent co-intercalation is proposed. Using hydrogen titanate nanowires (HT-NW) as a model, we found that the layer structure regulation with oxygen defects could trigger HT-NW presents a unique Na+-solvent co-intercalation behavior in the ether-based electrolyte at −25 °C according to ex-situ FTIR and XRD. By eliminating the Na+ desolvation process, Na+-solvent co-intercalation could effectively accelerate the Na+ diffusion kinetics and reduce the activation energy to 66.0 meV. Benefit from these ameliorations, the defective HT-NW delivers a high capacity of 238 mAh g−1 at −25 °C, which is equivalent to 89% of that at 25 °C. Besides, the defective HT-NW shows great superiority in cycle stability, maintaining capacity retention of 80.6% after 4200 cycles at 1.0 A g−1 at −25 °C. Moreover, at −25 °C, the defective HT-NW//Na 3 V 2 (PO 4) 3 full cell exhibits high energy density (119.1 Wh kg−1) and outstanding stability (94.5% after 1000 cycles at 1.0C). These findings reveal that the ion–solvent co-intercalation is highly feasible to improve the battery performance at low temperatures by accelerating charge transfer kinetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of anti-virus software on the spreading of computer virus is investigated via developing a mathematical model in this paper. Considering the anti-virus software may not be effective, as it may be an outdated version, and then the computers may be infected with a reduced incidence rate. According to the method of next generation matrix, the basic reproduction number is derived. By introducing appropriate Lyapunov function and the Routh stability criterion, acquiring the stability conditions of the virus-free equilibrium and virus equilibrium. The effect of anti-virus software and disconnecting rate on the spreading of virus are also analyzed. When combined with the numerical results, a set of suggestions are put forward for eradicating virus effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phylogenetic structure of Asclepiadoideae ( Apocynaceae) has been elucidated at the tribal and subtribal levels in the last two decades. However, to date, the systematic positions of seven Asian genera, Cosmostigma, Graphistemma, Holostemma, Pentasachme, Raphistemma, Seshagiria and Treutlera, have not been investigated. In this study, we examine the evolutionary relationships among these seven small enigmatic Asian genera and clarify their positions in Asclepiadoideae, using a combination of plastid sequences of rbc L, rps16, trn L and trn L- F regions. Cosmostigma and Treutlera are resolved as members of the non- Hoya clade of Marsdenieae with strong support (maximum parsimony bootstrap support value BSMP = 96, maximum likelihood bootstrap support value BSML = 98, Bayesian-inferred posterior probability PP = 1.0). Pentasachme is resolved as sister of Stapeliinae to Ceropegieae with moderate support ( BSMP = 64, BSML = 66, PP = 0.94). Graphistemma, Holostemma, Raphistemma and Seshagiria are all nested in the Asclepiadeae- Cynanchinae clade ( BSMP = 97, BSML = 100, PP = 1.0). The study confirms the generally accepted tribal and subtribal structure of the subfamily. One exception is Eustegia minuta, which is placed here as sister to all Asclepiadeae ( BSMP = 58, BSML = 76, PP = 0.99) and not as sister to the Marsdenieae + Ceropegieae clade. The weak support and conflicting position indicate the need for a placement of Eustegia as an independent tribe. In Asclepiadeae, a sister group position of Cynanchinae to the Asclepiadinae + Tylophorinae clade is favoured ( BSMP = 84, BSML = 88, PP = 1.0), whereas Schizostephanus is retrieved as unresolved. Oxystelma appears as an early-branching member of Asclepiadinae with weak support ( BSMP = 52, BSML = 74, PP = 0.69). Calciphila and Solenostemma are also associated with Asclepiadinae with weak support ( BSMP = 37, BSML = 45, PP = 0.79), but all alternative positions are essentially without support. The position of Indian Asclepiadoideae in the family phylogeny is discussed. © 2014 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2014, 174, 601-619. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Several studies have reported that excessive amounts of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1(PAI-1) might increase the incidence of polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS), but so far the published results were inconsistent. The aim of this study was to further investigate the association between PAI-1 gene polymorphism and the susceptibility to PCOS by performing a meta-analysis. Methods: A comprehensive literature search for relevant studies was conducted on google scholar, PubMed, the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM). This meta-analysis was performed using the STATA 11.0 software and the pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95 % confidence interval (CI) was calculated. Results: Ten case-control studies were included in this meta-analysis with a total of 2,079 cases and 1,556 controls. The results showed that PAI-1 -675 4G/5G polymorphism may increase the risk of PCOS, especially among Asian populations. However, there was no statistically significant association between the polymorphism and PCOS risk in Caucasians. Conclusion: Our meta-analysis suggests that PAI-1 -675 4G/5G polymorphism may contribute to increasing susceptibility to PCOS in Asians. Detection of the PAI-1 gene polymorphism might be a promising biomarker for the susceptibility of PCOS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Uranyl ion is capable of binding to cyt b 5 and cyt c surface with a different affinity. [•] Uranyl-binding slightly alters the protein conformation of both cyt b 5 and cyt c. [•] Uranyl-binding decreases the inherent peroxidase activity of cyt c as well as the cyt b 5-cyt c complex. [•] Uranyl ions disturb the protein–protein interaction of cyt b 5-cyt c complex. [•] Uranyl-cyt b 5/cyt c interactions likely provide a clue for the mechanism of uranyl toxicity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Ferns usually have relatively lower photosynthetic potential than angiosperms. However, it is unclear whether low photosynthetic potential of ferns is linked to leaf water supply. We hypothesized that there is an evolutionary association of leaf water transport capacity with photosynthesis and stomatal density in ferns. In the present study, a series of functional traits relating to leaf anatomy, hydraulics and physiology were assessed in 19 terrestrial and 11 epiphytic ferns in a common garden, and analyzed by a comparative phylogenetics method. Compared with epiphytic ferns, terrestrial ferns had higher vein density (Dvein), stomatal density (SD), stomatal conductance (gs), and photosynthetic capacity (Amax), but lower values for lower epidermal thickness (LET) and leaf thickness (LT). Across species, all traits varied significantly, but only stomatal length (SL) showed strong phylogenetic conservatism. Amax was positively correlated with Dvein and gs with and without phylogenetic corrections. SD correlated positively with Amax, Dvein and gs, with the correlation between SD and Dvein being significant after phylogenetic correction. Leaf water content showed significant correlations with LET, LT, and mesophyll thickness. Our results provide evidence that Amax of the studied ferns is linked to leaf water transport capacity, and there was an evolutionary association between water supply and demand in ferns. These findings add new insights into the evolutionary correlations among traits involving carbon and water economy in ferns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] It is a new analytical method about speciation of Se in selenium-enriched rice. [•] It is a effective separation method for organic and inorganic Se in rice. [•] New micellar system as an alternative preconcentration method has been used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, two general bipartite network evolving models for energy supply-demand network with local-world are proposed. The node weight distribution, the "shifting coefficient" and the scaling exponent of two different kinds of nodes are presented by the mean-field theory. The numerical results of the node weight distribution and the edge weight distribution are also investigated. The production's shifted power law (SPL) distribution of coal enterprises and the installed capacity's distribution of power plants in the US are obtained from the empirical analysis. Numerical simulations and empirical results are given to verify the theoretical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC) remains unclear, and it is believed that an imbalance of regulatory T (Treg) cells and T helper 17 (Th17) cells is related to the occurrence of UC. Curcumin has been confirmed to exert anti-inflammatory effects in bronchial asthma and osteoarthritis by regulating the balance of Treg/Th17 cells. This study aimed to explore the therapeutic potential of curcumin in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)–induced UC rats by regulating the balance of Treg/Th17 cells. Disease activity index (DAI) scores were calculated. Changes in colon inflammation were observed using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Treg and Th17 cells in the spleen were detected by flow cytometry, and the levels of interleukin (IL)-10 and IL-17A were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In DSS-induced colitis, curcumin significantly ameliorated colitis symptoms by reducing the DAI and increasing colon length. Additionally, curcumin significantly increased the expression of Treg cells and decreased the expression of Th17 cells and the extent of histopathological damage. Furthermore, curcumin increased the expression of IL-10 and decreased the expression of IL-17A. Curcumin attenuates DSS-induced UC injury by regulating Treg/Th17 balance and related cytokine secretion. Thus, curcumin may be a promising therapeutic drug for treating UC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Removal of 40 PFAS from groundwater at 600 ng/L by nine resins was assessed. • Resin polymer matrix is critical for PFAS removal, and PS-DVB works the best. • Neutral and zwitterionic PFAS removal showed limited differences from anionic PFAS. • Ether groups in PFEA barely impacted PFAS uptake by PS-DVB and polyacrylic resins. • Regenerants without organic solvents only released short-chain PFCA and PFECA. Ion exchange (IX) is a promising technology to remove legacy anionic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from water. As increasing numbers of per- and polyfluoroalkyl ether acids (PFEA) and other emerging PFAS were detected in the environment, it is necessary to understand how well IX resins remove these emerging PFAS for drinking water treatment. In this study, nine commercially available IX resins were tested to treat a drinking water source spiked with 40 legacy and emerging PFAS at 600 ng/L, including PFEA, perfluoroalkyl carboxylic and sulfonic acids, fluorotelomer sulfonic acids, perfluoroalkane sulfonamides, perfluoroalkane sulfonamidoacetic acids, and zwitterionic species. With limited contact time (15 min), PFAS properties such as the fluorinated chain length, charge, and functional groups all affected PFAS adsorption to resins. However, the impact of PFAS properties on PFAS removal became less pronounced when the contact time increased beyond 2 h, while the resin polymer matrix became the critical factor for PFAS removal. All five tested polystyrene-divinylbenzene (PS-DVB) resins achieved more than 90% removal in 24 h of 35 PFAS compounds, while polymethacrylate and polyacrylic resins achieved >90% removal for less than half of the compounds. Regenerating PS-DVB resin was investigated using different salt species, regenerant pH, brine concentrations, and methanol contents. Sodium chloride and ammonium chloride were found the best brines for regenerating the tested resins. Increasing brine concentrations enhanced the regeneration efficiency, especially for short-chain PFAS. Using simple salt regenerants, up to 94% of selected short-chain PFAS was released from resins designed for general water treatment, but no meaningful regeneration was achieved for long-chain PFAS or PFAS-specific resins when the organic solvent content was less than 20%. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Review on wet chemical etching studied by in situ liquid cell transmission electron microscopy. • Etching nanoparticles, nanorods, nanowires and nanoribbons. • Study on the etching rate, the morphology evolution process and the etching mechanism. Wet chemical etching is a widely used process to fabricate fascinating nanomaterials, such as nanoparticles with precisely controlled size and shape. Understanding the etching mechanism and kinetic evolution process is crucial for controlling wet chemical etching. The development of in situ liquid cell transmission electron microscopy (LCTEM) enables the study on wet chemical etching with high temporal and spatial resolutions. However, there still lack a detailed literature review on the wet chemical etching studies by in situ LCTEM. In this review, we summarize the studies on wet etching nanoparticles, one-dimensional nanomaterials and nanoribbons by in situ LCTEM, including etching rate, anisotropic etching, morphology evolution process, and etching mechanism. The challenges and opportunities of in situ LCTEM are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper uses the high-frequency oil price after ensemble empirical mode decomposition, combines crude oil stocks and the US dollar index to construct co-movement threshold networks according to different periods divided by multiple structural breakpoint method. The results show that in the period of sharp fluctuations in oil prices, the inverse relationship between the US dollar index and high-frequency oil prices is more obvious, and the co-movement network of the three is closer to the "small world network". After oil prices returned to stable fluctuations, coupled with the weakening role of the United States in leading the global economy, the reverse relationship between the US dollar index and high-frequency oil prices has gradually weakened, and the reverse relationship between stocks and high-frequency oil prices has become increasingly prominent. The research not only reveals the main co-movement characteristics of the three, but also provides a new idea for future research on oil price fluctuations and its influencing factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Brines generated from oil and natural gas production, including flowback water and produced water from hydraulic fracturing of shale gas, may contain elevated concentrations of bromide (∼1 g/L). Bromide is a broad concern due to the potential for forming brominated disinfection byproducts (DBPs) during drinking water treatment. Conventional treatment processes for bromide removal is costly and not specific. Selective bromide removal is technically challenging due to the presence of other ions in the brine, especially chloride as high as 30–200 g/L. This study evaluates the ability of solid graphite electrodes to selectively oxidize bromide to bromine in flowback water and produced water from a shale gas operation in Southwestern PA. The bromine can then be outgassed from the solution and recovered, as a process well understood in the bromine industry. This study revealed that bromide may be selectively and rapidly removed from oil and gas brines (∼10 h−1 m−2 for produced water and ∼60 h−1 m−2 for flowback water). The electrolysis occurs with a current efficiency between 60 and 90%, and the estimated energy cost is ∼6 kJ/g Br. These data are similar to those for the chlor-alkali process that is commonly used for chlorine gas and sodium hydroxide production. The results demonstrate that bromide may be selectively removed from oil and gas brines to create an opportunity for environmental protection and resource recovery. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A zero-index metamaterial (ZIM) structure is proposed for the gain enhancement of an antipodal tapered slot antenna (ATSA) at 60-GHz bands. The single ATSA loaded with the proposed ZIM cells exhibits a gain enhancement of up to 2.6 dB in the frequency band of 57–66 GHz. A prototype of a two-element ATSA array loaded with the ZIM cells measures a \vert S11 \vert of less than -10~dB and gain of 12–13.2 dBi over 57–66 GHz. The measurement results agree with the simulated ones and the gain enhancement of the ZIM cells is confirmed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A patent-pending end-fire planar fan-like antenna is proposed for wide beamwidth applications. Two wideband antipodal tapered slot (ATS) elements are utilized to configure a fan-like structure for generating wide-angle radiation. The antennas are prototyped using RO4003 printed-circuit board (PCB) at 60 GHz. One antenna with a size of 13\,\times\,12\,\times\,0.203 mm^3 achieves a beamwidth up to 184^\circ at 60 GHz, \vert S11\vert of less than - 11 dB, and gain of 1.6 to 6 dBi over 59 to 64 GHz. The other antenna prototype with a size of 15.5\,\times\,13.6\,\times\,0.203 mm^3 exhibits a beamwidth up to 104^\circ at 60 GHz, \vert S11\vert of less than - 18 dB and gain of 3.4 to 7.6 dBi over 59 to 64 GHz. The proposed antenna can be used for deployment in low-cost 60-GHz ultra-high-speed wireless file-transfer systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A new method was developed for the speciation analysis of inorganic arsenic in coal samples by high performance liquid chromatography coupled to hydride generation atomic fluorescence spectrometry after microwave-assisted extraction. Effective extract of As(III) and As(V) in coal sample was achieved by 1.0molL−1H3PO4 and 0.1molL−1ascorbic acid. Under the optimized conditions, the limits of detection (LOD) were 0.01μgL−1 and 0.02μgL−1, the relative standard deviations (RSD) were 2.4% and 3.3% (c=10.0μgL−1, n=7), recoveries were 102.5% and 96.5% for As(III) and As(V). The proposed method was successfully applied for the determination of speciation of inorganic arsenic in coal samples and GBW11117 coal standard reference material with complex matrix. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Heme transfer is commonly observed from one heme protein to the other such as from cytochrome b 5 (cyt b 5) to apo-myoglobin. In this study, instead of to another heme protein, we observed the heme transfer from wild-type (WT) cyt b 5, H39C cyt b 5 with heme axial ligand His39 mutated to Cys39, and DME cyt b 5 with heme replaced by protoporphyrin IX dimethyl ester, to a heme DNA aptamer, PS2.M, respectively, with a different rate constant. The heme transfer was further confirmed by the enhancement of peroxidase activity of the cyt b 5s–PS2.M system due to the formation of catalytic PS2.M–heme complex. This study provides valuable insights into both cyt b 5–heme and PS2.M–heme interactions and shows that heme transfer from heme protein to heme–aptamer can be used to evaluate the relative stability of heme proteins. In addition, this study sheds light on the maturation of heme proteins in vivo by interacting with DNA/RNA enzymes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A universal bipartite model is proposed based on an energy supply–demand network. The analytical expression of SPL distribution of the node weight, the “shifting coefficient” and the scaling exponent are presented without edge weight growth by using the mean-field theory approach. The numerical results of SPL distribution of the node weight, the “shifting coefficient” and the scaling exponent with edge weight growth are also presented. The production’s SPL distribution of the US coal enterprizes from 1991 to 2009 is obtained from the empirical analysis. The numerical results obtained from the model are in good agreement with the empirical results. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A cloud point extraction (CPE) method for the preconcentration of ultra-trace chromium speciation in human serum samples prior to determination by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) had been developed in this paper. In this method, Cr(III) reacts with 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol (PAN) yielding a hydrophobic complex, which is then entrapped in the surfactant-rich phase, whereas Cr(VI) remained in aqueous phase. Thus, separation of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) could be realized. Total chromium was determined after the reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) by using ascorbic acid as reducing reagent. PAN was used not only as chelating reagent in CPE, but also as chemical modifier in GFAAS. Triton X-114 non-ionic surfactant had been used as an extraction medium. The main factors affecting CPE efficiency, such as pH of solution, concentration and kind of complexing agent, concentration of non-ionic surfactant, equilibration temperature and time, were investigated in detail. An enrichment factor of 83.5 was obtained for the preconcentration of Cr(III) with 10mL solution. Under the optimal conditions, the detection limit of Cr(III) was 0.02μgL−1. The relative standard deviation was 2.6% for intra-day assay precision (n =7, c =10ngmL−1), values of recovery for chromium were from 92.0% to 94.7% for three samples. This method is simple, accurate, and sensitive and can be applied to determine ultra-trace chromium speciation in human serum. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We investigate the third-order leader-following consensus problem of nonlinear multi-agent systems in undirected network topologies. Based on graph theory and Lyapunov stability theory, the adaptive control method is employed to achieve leader-following consensus in an undirected network of agents with nonlinear third-order dynamics against the perturbations. Simulation examples validate the correctness of the results and show that the control gains have a great influence on the convergence performance of errors for a short time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The four-dimensional energy supply-demand system is a nonlinear complex system. The purpose of this paper is to introduce the model reference control method in the four-dimensional energy supply-demand system. By establishing the energy supply-demand reference system, controlling the imports in the four-dimensional energy supply-demand system to the ideal state. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A novel ferrocene-containing ligand 3-trifluoromethyl-5-ferrocenyl -pyrazol-1-yl-acetic acid (LCOOH) and three organotin(IV) carboxylate derivatives [Ph4Sn2O(OCH3)(OOCL)]2 (1), [BuSnO(OOCL)]6 (2) and [Bu4Sn2O(OOCL2)2] (3) have been synthesized and structurally characterized by means of FT-IR, elemental analysis, 1H NMR, 119Sn NMR, X-ray crystallography and cyclic voltammetry. Both complexes 1 and 3 are centrosymmetric with ladder framework. Complex 2 is a hexanuclear one with drum structure. Furthermore, their anti-tumor activities were also evaluated, using HepG2 human hepatocellular liver carcinoma cells, A549 human lung carcinoma cells and B16-F10 melanoma cells. Complex 1 displayed the best cytotoxicity and can be pointed out as a promising substrate to be subject of further investigations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A cloud point extraction method for the preconcentration of ultra-trace bismuth in human serum prior to its determination by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry had been developed in this paper. The cloud point extraction method was based on the complex of Bi(III) with 8-hydroxyquinoline and Triton X-114 was used as non-ionic surfactant. The main factors affecting cloud point extraction efficiency, such as pH of solution, concentration of complexing agent, concentration of non-ionic surfactant, equilibration temperature and time were investigated in detail. An enrichment factor of 81 was obtained for the preconcentration of Bi(III) with 25mL solution. Under the optimal conditions, the detection limit of Bi(III) is 0.12μgL−1. The relative standard deviation (n =7) of determination was 2.3%, values of recovery of bismuth were from 92.3% to 94.7% for three samples. This method is simple, accurate, sensitive and can be applied to the determination trace bismuth in human serum. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The three-dimensional energy resources demand-supply system is established for two regions of China, in which determination of unknown parameters is significant for the real energy resources demand-supply system. In this paper, based on Shanghai’s energy statistic data (1999–2005), the parameters of the energy resources demand-supply system can be identified by using the neural network method, and an energy resources demand-supply system reflecting the real energy resources demand-supply relationship in Shanghai is obtained. The dynamical behavior of this system is also analyzed. Theoretical analysis and numerical simulation indicate that the obtained energy resources demand-supply system has the capacity of self-regulation and demonstrates a steady state. Finally, to ensure the steady development of the energy resources demand-supply system, corresponding measures are proposed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A compact 60-GHz active receiving antenna array is designed and fabricated using low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) technology. It integrates a 4\,\times\,4 circularly polarized (CP) patch array and a 21-dB low noise amplifier (LNA) into the same package substrate. By applying a stripline sequential rotation feeding scheme the CP array exhibits a wide impedance bandwidth (SWR< 2) and 3-dB axial ratio bandwidth, both over 8 GHz, as well as a beam-shaped pattern with a 3-dB beam width of 20^\circ and a peak gain of 16.8 dBi. By applying a bond wire compensation scheme and low-loss transition optimization, the LNA is successfully integrated into the package. The final fabricated prototype measures only 13\,\times\,20\,\times\,1.4 mm^3, demonstrates the good integration performance as well as the CP polarization characteristics in measurement, and is estimated to have a peak overall gain of at least 35 dBi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiversity of mangrove ecosystems is difficult to assess, at least partly due to lack of genetic verification of morphologybased documentation of species. Natural hybridization, on the one hand, plays an important role in evolution as a source of novel gene combinations and a mechanism of speciation. However, on the other hand, recurrent introgression allows gene flow between species and could reverse the process of genetic differentiation among populations required for speciation. To understand the dynamic evolutionary consequences of hybridization, this study examines genomic structure of hybrids and parental species at the population level. In the Indo-West Pacific, Bruguiera is one of the dominant mangrove genera and species ranges overlap extensively with one another. Morphological intermediates between sympatric Bruguiera gymnorrhiza and Bruguiera sexangula have been reported as a variety of B. sexangula or a new hybrid species, B. 6 rhynchopetala. However, the direction of hybridization and extent of introgression are unclear. A large number of speciesspecific inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers were found in B. gymnorrhiza and B. sexangula, and the additive ISSR profiling of B. 6 rhynchopetala ascertained its hybrid status and identified its parental origin. The varying degree of scatterness among hybrid individuals in Principal Coordinate Analysis and results from NewHybrids analysis indicate that B. 6rhynchopetala comprises different generations of introgressants in addition to F1s. High genetic relatedness between B. x rhynchopetala and B. gymnorrhiza based on nuclear and chloroplast sequences suggests preferential hybrid backcrosses to B. gymnorrhiza. We conclude that B. x rhynchopetala has not evolved into an incipient hybrid species, and its persistence can be explained by recurrent hybridization and introgression. Genomic data provide insights into the hybridization dynamics of mangrove plants. Such information can assist in biodiversity assessment by helping detect novel taxa and/or define species boundaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Cathepsin-L (CTSL) is a member of the lysozomal cysteine protease family, which participates in remodelling of various tissues. Herein, we sought to examine the potential regulation of CTSL in cardiac remodelling post-infarction. Methods and results Experimental myocardial infarction (MI) was created in CTSL-deficient (Ctsl–/–) mice (B6 × FSB/GnEi a/a Ctslfs/J) and wild-type littermates (Ctsl+/+) by left coronary artery ligation. At days 3, 7, 14, and 28 post-MI, we monitored survival rate and evaluated cardiac function, morphology, and molecular endpoints of repair and remodelling. Survival was 56% in Ctsl–/– mice in contrast to 80% (P < 0.05) in Ctsl+/+ mice post-MI by day 28. The Ctsl–/– mice exhibited greater scar dilatation, wall thinning, and worse cardiac dysfunction when compared with Ctsl+/+ mice. Cardiac matrix metallopeptidase-9 (MMP-9) activity was also diminished, and c-kit-positive cells, natural killer cells, fibrocytes, and monocytes mobilized to peripheral blood and deposited to the infarcted myocardium were significantly decreased in Ctsl–/– mice. Furthermore, the local inflammatory response, and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor, stem cell factor (SCF), and stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1α) expression, as well as cell proliferation, revascularization, and myofibroblast deposition were significantly decreased in Ctsl–/– mice compared with Ctsl+/+ mice. Conclusion Our data indicate that CTSL regulates cardiac repair and remodelling post-MI through a mechanism with multiple pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: To characterize statewide fish tissue mercury levels in edible finfish the first comprehensive analysis of Louisiana''s fish tissue mercury database was conducted. Analyses were based on fifteen years of fish tissue mercury data collected from 368 waterbodies between 1994 and 2008 (n=14,344). The overall objectives of this study were to establish baseline fish tissue mercury levels; and evaluate species-specific temporal and spatial trends in fish tissue mercury levels. Fish tissue mercury levels ranged from 0.001ppm (the detection limit) to 5.904ppm for king mackerel; with an overall geometric mean of 0.218ppm. Ninety-five percent of samples had mercury levels below the FDA''s action level of 1.0ppm for methylmercury in commercial food. Forty-four percent of all samples had mercury levels above the U.S. EPA''s methylmercury fish tissue criterion of 0.3ppm for sportfish. Species of potential concern include cobia, king mackerel, blackfin tuna, greater amberjack, spotted bass, bowfin, largemouth bass and freshwater drum. There was a significant but small decline in statewide length-adjusted largemouth bass mercury levels between 1994–1999 to 2003–2008 (p<0.05). The highest fish mercury levels were observed in Pearl, Calcasieu, Mermentau, Ouachita, Pontchartrain and Sabine basins. Length-adjusted largemouth bass mercury levels were significantly higher in wetlands and rivers/streams vs. lakes; and in wetlands vs. estuaries (p<0.05). Data were analyzed from a public health perspective to make recommendations for optimizing monitoring and outreach. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Chronic neck myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a common disorder seen in clinics. There is no gold standard method to treat myofascial pain. We investigated the effects of acupuncture on patients with chronic neck MPS by a single-blind randomized controlled trial. A total of 35 patients were randomly allocated to an acupuncture group (AG) or a sham acupuncture group (SG). Each subject received acupuncture treatment twice per week for three consecutive weeks. The primary outcome measure was quality of life as assessed with Short Form-36, and secondary outcome measures were neck range of motion (ROM), motion-related pain, and Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ), as determined by a blinded investigator. The clinical assessments were made before treatment (BT) and after six acupuncture treatments (AT), as well as four weeks (F1) and 12 weeks (F2) after the end of the treatment. A total of 34 patients completed the trial. The results indicated that there is no significant difference in the ROM, motion-related pain, and SF-MPQ scores between AG and SG at AT, F1 and F2 (all p > 0.05). However, AG has greater improvement in physical functioning and role emotional of Short Form-36 quality of life at F2. The results indicate that acupuncture may be used to improve the quality of life in patients with chronic neck MPS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A cloud point extraction (CPE) method for the preconcentration of ultra-trace aluminum in human albumin prior to its determination by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) had been developed in this paper. The CPE method was based on the complex of Al(III) with 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol (PAN) and Triton X-114 was used as non-ionic surfactant. The main factors affecting cloud point extraction efficiency, such as pH of solution, concentration and kind of complexing agent, concentration of non-ionic surfactant, equilibration temperature and time, were investigated in detail. An enrichment factor of 34.8 was obtained for the preconcentration of Al(III) with 10mL solution. Under the optimal conditions, the detection limit of Al(III) was 0.06ngmL−1. The relative standard deviation (n =7) of sample was 3.6%, values of recovery of aluminum were changed from 92.3% to 94.7% for three samples. This method is simple, accurate, sensitive and can be applied to the determination of ultra-trace aluminum in human albumin. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The binding properties of curcumin with anions in acetonitrile were examined for the first time by UV–vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopies. The results showed that curcumin highly and selectively responded to F− over other anions such as AcO−, H2PO4 − and Cl− because of anionic complex formation via hydrogen bond. Curcumin gave rise to the red-shift of absorption spectra and its fluorescence was quenched with concomitant color change from yellow to purple upon addition of F−, which was detected by naked eyes. The addition of other anions such as AcO−, H2PO4 −, HSO4 −, NO3 −, Cl− and Br− did not result in observable spectral change and solution color change. The binding constant between curcumin and F− was 2.0×105 mol−1 L and the recognizing mechanism was investigated as well. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Based on the comparison theorem for the stability of impulsive control system, adaptive–impulsive synchronization in drive–response networks of continuous systems with time-delay and non-time-delay is investigated. And the continuous control input, the simple updated laws and a linear impulsive controller are proposed. Moreover, two numerical examples are presented to verify the effectiveness and correctness of the theorem, using the energy resource system and Lü''s system as the nodes of the networks. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper analyses the dynamic behavior of an energy resources system with parametric perturbations. By adding the small sinusoidal perturbations to the three-dimensional energy resource system established for two regions of China, the autonomous system becomes the non-autonomous system which has richer dynamical behaviors. Periodic, chaotic and hyperchaos behaviors are discovered in the system by means of Lyapunov exponents and bifurcation diagrams. A new energy resources hyperchaos attractor is obtained, which has not yet been reported in present literature. Furthermore, effective non-autonomous feedback controllers are designed for stabilizing hyperchaos to unstable periodic orbits and quasi-periodic orbits. Numerical simulations are presented to show these results. This study will be instructive for the energy resource demand-supply in some regions of China. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A novel ditopic chromogenic receptor, N-5-(8-hydroxy)quinoline-N′-4′-nitro-phenyl thiourea (1), was synthesized. The metal complex 1-Hg2+ showed sensitive and highly selective responses to F− over other anions such as CH3CO2 −, H2PO4 −, HSO4 − and Cl−. 1-Hg2+–F− complex formed, which promoted the intramolecular charge transfer and led to a dramatic spectral change. The color of 1-Hg2+ solution changed from colorless to red upon addition of F−. Thus, a colorimetric assay of F− was developed in acetonitrile by naked-eye detection. F− behaved linearly in the 8.0×10−6 to 2.0×10−5 molL−1 concentration range with LOD as 1.4×10−6 molL−1. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]