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A novel and unexpected product, 5-amino-3,6-dimethyl-2-pyrazinecarbonitrile ( 3), was obtained during the attempted to synthesis of 3,5,6-trimethyl-2-pyrazinecarbonitrile ( 2) from its corresponding alcohol ( 1) by the catalytic amount of KI or I in combination with TBHP as an external oxidant. The product was confirmed by ESI-MS, HRMS, H-NMR, C-NMR, and 2D-NMR. The mechanism for the formation of the amino group in the tetramethylpyrazine system is also proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The risk of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection is often affected by polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) metabolism which is strongly influenced by single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the PUFA metabolic pathway. Given this, we designed this study to determine the relationship between specific polymorphisms within fatty acid desaturase 2 (FADS2), a key enzyme in PUFA metabolism, and CHB infection. We completed this evaluation using a case–control study comprising 230 CHB patients and 234 unrelated healthy controls in which the genetic relationships between three previously identified SNPs, isolated via mass spectrometry, and CHB infection. Our data revealed that none of these three SNPs (rs174568, rs174601, and rs2727270) were significantly associated with susceptibility to CHB infection when compared to healthy controls. However, when we stratified our cohort by sex, male subjects with the TC genotype for FADS2 exhibited a decreased risk for CHB infection (OR = 0.62, 95%CI = 0.39–0.96; OR = 0.64, 95%CI = 0.41–1.00; OR = 0.57, 95%CI = 0.36–0.90). Furthermore, age stratification revealed that both the T allele and the TC genotypes for each of the three target SNPs were less common in Chinese CHB cases in people younger than 50 years old. Correlation analysis also revealed that there was no statistically significant relationship between these three SNPs and HBV-DNA replication or hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) levels. Thus, our data suggests that rs174568, rs174601, and rs2727270 may affect the CHB outcomes in various age or sex subgroups, suggesting that they may be useful predictive or diagnostic biomarkers of CHB infection in some populations. • 3 SNPs in FADS2 (rs174568, rs174601 and rs2727270) were associated with the risk of CHB in Chinese male population. • 3 SNPs in FADS2 were associated with the risk of CHB in Chinese people younger than 50 years old. • 3 SNPs in FADS2 and HBV-DNA load or HBsAg levels in CHB patients was no significant correlation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to explore cervical carcinoma and screen a suitable gene as the biomarker used for prognosis evaluation as well as pain therapy. Low expression levels of solute carrier family 24 member 3 (SLC24A3) was involved in the appearance and development of numerous malignancies. Nevertheless, the prognostic value of SLC24A3 expression with cervical squamous cell carcinoma and endocervical adenocarcinoma (CESC) patients remains uncertain. During the present study, SLC24A3 expression in CESC was retrieved from TCGA, GEO, and MSigDB databases. Based on TCGA and GEO profiles, we performed survival and difference analyses about SLC24A3 both in two GEO (GSE44001 and GSE63514) and TCGA-CESC cohorts (all p < 0.05), indicating that SLC24A3 was low expressed in tumors and associated with higher overall survival in CESC patients. Additionally, we programmed a series of analyses, including genomic profiling, enrichment analysis, immune infiltration analysis, and therapy-related analysis to identify the mechanism of the SLC24A3 in the process of cancer in CESC. Meanwhile, qRT-PCR was used to validate that the expression of SLC24A3 mRNA in Hela and SiHa cell lines was significantly lower than in PANC-1 and HUCEC cell lines. Our finding elucidated that the SLC24A3, a sodium-calcium regulator of cells, is an indispensable factor which can significantly influence the prognosis of patients with CESC and could provide novel clinical evidence to serve as a potential biological indicator for future diagnosis and pain therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apis laboriosa is the largest honeybee that lives mainly on cliff faces, with strong migratory ability. In this study, we firstly sequenced and assembled two complete mitochondrial genomes of A. laboriosa isolated from two distant locations in China (Chongqing and Shangri‐La regions). Combined with the published mitochondrial genome of A. laboriosa from Nepal, comparative genomic analyses were conducted to gain insight into the genetic diversity of giant honeybees from different geographical distributions. The mitochondrial genomes of A. laboriosa from Chongqing and Shangri‐La regions were 15,579 and 15,683 bp in length, respectively, both larger than that from Nepal with the length of 15,510 bp. Three mitochondrial genomes all harbor 37 common genes and present the same AT bias and the frequency of codon usage. However, the fragments including COX1, SSUrRNA, LSUrRNA, and the AT‐rich region of the mitochondrial genome from Shangri‐La region demonstrate distinctive insertions and deletions compared to those from Chongqing and Nepal regions. Phylogenetic trees of mitochondrial genomes show that A. laboriosa from Chongqing is most closely related to that from Nepal, rather than to Shangri‐La. Genetic distance between Shangri‐La and Chongqing or Nepal was even larger than that between the various subspecies of Apis mellifera. Overall, these results unmark that A. laboriosa in different geographical distributions can exhibit high genetic diversity at the mitochondrial genomic level, and therein, A. laboriosa from Shangri‐La may be the subspecies. All these studies will contribute to our understanding of the geographical distribution and genetic differentiation of black giant honeybee in Asian region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multivariate meta-regression models are commonly used in settings where the response variable is naturally multidimensional. Such settings are common in cardiovascular and diabetes studies where the goal is to study cholesterol levels once a certain medication is given. In this setting, the natural multivariate endpoint is low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides (TG) (LDL-C, HDL-C, TG). In this article, we examine study level (aggregate) multivariate meta-data from 26 Merck sponsored double-blind, randomized, active, or placebo-controlled clinical trials on adult patients with primary hypercholesterolemia. Our goal is to develop a methodology for carrying out Bayesian inference for multivariate meta-regression models with study level data when the within-study sample covariance matrixSfor the multivariate response data is partially observed. Specifically, the proposed methodology is based on postulating a multivariate random effects regression model with an unknown within-study covariance matrix Σ in which we treat the within-study sample correlations as missing data, the standard deviations of the within-study sample covariance matrixSare assumed observed, and given Σ,Sfollows a Wishart distribution. Thus, we treat the off-diagonal elements ofSas missing data, and these missing elements are sampled from the appropriate full conditional distribution in a Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampling scheme via a novel transformation based on partial correlations. We further propose several structures (models) for Σ, which allow for borrowing strength across different treatment arms and trials. The proposed methodology is assessed using simulated as well as real data, and the results are shown to be quite promising. Supplementary materials for this article are available online. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stem cell-based therapy for ischemic stroke has been widely explored in animal models and provides strong evidence of benefits. In this review, we summarize the types of stem cells, various delivery routes, and tracking tools for stem cell therapy of ischemic stroke. MSCs, EPCs, and NSCs are the most explored cell types for ischemic stroke treatment. Although the mechanisms of stem cell-based therapies are not fully understood, the most possible functions of the transplanted cells are releasing growth factors and regulating microenvironment through paracrine mechanism. Clinical application of stem cell-based therapy is still in its infancy. The next decade of stem cell research in stroke field needs to focus on combining different stem cells and different imaging modalities to fully explore the potential of this therapeutic avenue: from bench to bedside and vice versa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Southeast China, an important part of the circum–Pacific magmatic–metallogenetic belt, was characterized by late Mesozoic extensive magmatism and related metallogenesis. It is now generally accepted that this magmatism was related to subduction of the Palaeo-Pacific plate, and a series of tectonic models such as normal subduction, shallow subduction, and flat-slab subduction have been suggested. Here we propose a new tectonic model involving repeated slab advance–retreat of the Palaeo-Pacific plate on the basis of new geochronological and geochemical data of Late Triassic to Early Jurassic mafic rocks and Early Jurassic A-type granites in southern Jiangxi and western Fujian provinces. The results indicate that Late Triassic (ca. 228 Ma) mafic rocks are shoshonitic, formed in a post-collisional regime of the Tethyan tectonic domain. Early Jurassic (ca. 197–191 Ma) mafic rocks are sodic, emplaced in a continental arc setting coupled with the subduction of the Palaeo-Pacific plate. Early Jurassic (ca. 189 Ma) granites, occurring as a NNE-trending belt, belong to the A2group and formed in an extension setting caused by slab break-off. There are an other four A-type granite belts in southeast China, i.e. the Late Triassic, Late Jurassic, Early Cretaceous, and Late Cretaceous A-type granite belts, respectively. Late Triassic (229–221 Ma) A-type granites occur as an ENE-trending belt and were coincident with the Late Triassic mafic magmatism. Late Jurassic (163–153 Ma), Early Cretaceous (136–124 Ma), and Late Cretaceous (101–91 Ma) A-type granite belts, together with the Early Jurassic (189 Ma) A-type granite belt, are all NNE-trending, parallel to the present coastline. The Late Jurassic belt is located further inland, on the west side of the Early Jurassic belt. The Early Cretaceous belt almost overlaps the Early Jurassic belt and the Late Cretaceous belt is located at the coastal area of southeast China. Integrating these observations, we propose a repeated slab-advance–retreat model for the late Mesozoic magmatic evolution of southeast China. Palaeo-Pacific plate subduction underneath southeast China initiated in the Late Triassic Rhaetian and reached southern Jiangxi by ca. 197 Ma, followed by slab rollback during 197–191 Ma and by slab break-off at ca. 189 Ma. Then slab advance was reestablished with the northwestward subduction approaching southern Hunan at ca. 178 Ma. From ca. 174 Ma, slab rollback reinitiated and gradually migrated from inland to the coastal area. This repeated slab-advance–retreat model is helpful to further understand the geodynamic mechanism of the late Mesozoic tectono-magmatism and related metallogenesis of southeast China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The early Paleozoic orogen of South China is possibly one of the few examples of intraplate orogeny in the world. It is characterized by an angular unconformity between post-Silurian cover and pre-Devonian strata and by the intensive and extensive early Paleozoic granitic plutonism. However, synchronous mafic–ultramafic rocks have not been well-studied, but they are crucial for understanding the nature and evolution of the orogen. In this paper, we present the first detailed LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb dating, major and trace element geochemical and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic data for a Silurian gabbroic pluton (Dakang) and a coeval granitic pluton (Guiyang), that have recently been identified in central Fujian, in the southeastern part of the orogen. We assess the origin of these mafic and granitic rocks and their relationship to the evolution of the early Paleozoic orogen in South China. LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb dating shows that the Dakang and Guiyang plutons were emplaced at 441–438 Ma and 431 Ma, respectively. The Dakang pluton consists of gabbros and minor intermediate rocks (diorite, monzodiorite and monzonite). These rocks are all metaluminous and potassic, and are enriched in large ion lithophile elements (LILE) and depleted in high field strength elements (HFSE). They have initial 87 Sr/ 86 Sr of 0.7066–0.7098, ε Nd (T) of − 7.0 to − 3.3 and ε Hf (T) (in-situ zircon) of − 5.2 to − 4.4. Geochemical data suggest that the Dakang gabbroic magmas were derived by partial melting of previously subduction-modified lithospheric mantle in the spinel–garnet transition zone at a high temperature (~ 1300 °C). These primary magmas underwent fractionation crystallization of clinopyroxene and amphibole, forming the evolved gabbros and intermediate rocks. The Guiyang pluton consists of weakly peraluminous granites, which show low Ga/Al ratios (10,000*Ga/Al < 2.6) and so can be classed as I-type granites. They have initial 87 Sr/ 86 Sr of 0.7095–0.7113, ε Nd (T) of − 6.7 to − 5.9 and ε Hf (T) (in-situ zircon) of − 7.7 to − 0.8. Geochemical data suggest that the Guiyang granites were generated by partial melting of a mixed source of Paleoproterozoic metaigneous and metasedimentary rocks in the lower crust. Our new data, together with published data, confirm that lithospheric delamination occurred along the metamorphic core of the early Paleozoic orogen of South China during the Silurian (442–420 Ma), and that this represents a post-orogenic tectonic regime in the orogen core. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To simulate the meso-level structures of multiphase particle-reinforced composite materials, such as concrete and soil-rock mixture, the corresponding reinforcing particles were assumed as convex polyhedrons. Firstly, the method was developed for obtaining an arbitrary polyhedron as well as its parametric equation through transformation of a randomly chosen octahedron. Secondly, the conditions for determining whether a spatial point is in the interior or exterior of a given convex polyhedron were presented. Moreover, the procedure for calculating the distance between a spatial point and a convex polyhedron or the distance between 2 polyhedrons was established, based on which the algorithm to generate a region with abundant randomly distributed convex polyhedrons was proposed. In order to increase the content of the polyhedrons in the region to be simulated, the descent algorithm was presented. The numerical results show that, for the 2-graded distribution, the content of the generated polyhedrons in the simulated region reaches 35% (volume ratio), with higher content realizable through combina-tion of this method and those previously published. The work provides an effective way to build realistic meso-level geometric models for particle-reinforced composite materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Successful glioma gene therapy lays on two important factors, the therapeutic genes and efficient delivery vehicles to cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and reach gliomas. In this work, a new gene vector was constructed based on dendrigraft poly- l -lysines (DGL) and polyethyleneglycol (PEG), conjugated with a cell-penetrating peptide, the nucleolar translocation signal (NoLS) sequence of the LIM Kinase 2 (LIMK2) protein (LIMK2 NoLS peptide, LNP), yielding DGL-PEG-LNP. Plasmid DNA encoding inhibitor of growth 4 (ING4) was applied as the therapeutic gene. DGL-PEG-LNP/DNA nanoparticles (NPs) were monodispersed, with a mean diameter of 90.6 ± 8.9 nm. The conjugation of LNP significantly enhanced the BBB-crossing efficiency, cellular uptake and gene expression within tumor cells. Mechanism studies suggested the involvement of energy, caveolae-mediated endocytosis and macropinocytosis in cellular uptake of LNP-modified NPs. MTT results showed that no apparent cytotoxicity was observed when cells were treated with synthesized vectors. Furthermore, LNP-modified NPs mediated strongest and most intensive apoptosis on the tumor site, and the longest median survival time of glioma-bearing mice. All the results demonstrated that LNP is a kind of efficient CPPs especially for BBB-crossing application, and DGL-PEG-LNP/DNA is a potential non-viral platform for glioma gene therapy via intravenous administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To deal with the increasing long-term care (LTC) needs of elderly people in Taiwan, the government launched the Ten-year Long-term Care Project (TLTCP) in 2007, and through the care management system, care plans for those in need were distributed and implemented by care managers according to the single assessment process. Based on the emphasis of linking the right need assessment to the care plan, this study aimed to explore the need profiles of LTC recipients with regard to their health indicators to serve as a validity check on the identified dependency levels and care plans in the current care management system. Design A model based on latent class analysis (LCA) was used for dealing with the issue of health heterogeneity. LCA provides an empirical method that examines the interrelationships among health indicators and characterizes the underlying set of mutually exclusive latent classes that account for the observed indicators. The analysis included a total of 2901 elderly care recipients in the LTC dataset from a southern city, 1 of the 5 major metropolitan areas in Taiwan. The identified dependency levels of the samples and their care plans in need assessment were compared and discussed. Results Four need profiles were explored in the LTC dataset. Apart from the low (LD) (32.95%) and moderate dependent groups (MD) (17.48%), there were 2 groups identified among the high-dependency levels, including the severe physical and psychological dependency (SPP) (26.37%) and the comorbidities and severe dependency (CSD) groups (23.20%), which in sum were approximately identified as high dependency (HD) by care managers in the LTC dataset. In addition, the CSD group currently costs more for their care plans on average in LTC services (NT. 277,081.15, approximately 9200 USD) than the SPP group (NT. 244,084.21) and the other groups. Conclusion Need assessment is a key to success in care management in LTC. The results of this study showed the importance of focusing on multifacet indicators, especially the mental and social health indicators in need assessments by improving the unified assessment process to sensitively detect those with various needs and then link them to the right care plan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the fact that current condition evaluation models lay more emphasis on the static observations of characteristic parameters and less on trend information inherent in sequential observations, a new condition evaluation model with static and dynamic evaluations is proposed. For the weighting of multi-dimensional characteristic parameters, a mutative scale chaos algorithm is applied to achieve optimal objective weighting, and a static condition evaluation model is established. Based on static evaluation, a "distance" which measures real-time deteriorating speed and standard deteriorating speed is opted to modify the static evaluation result. NSD-WKFCM (neighbor sample density weighted kernel fuzzy C-means) clustering algorithm is used to solve standard vector of deteriorating speed. A dynamic adjusting function based on "distance" combined with its parameter optimization algorithm is proposed, and the complete dynamic condition evaluation model is established. A case study is performed to verify the effectiveness of the model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peroxiredoxin 3 (Prx3) is a mitochondrial member of the antioxidant family of thioredoxin peroxidases that uses mitochondrial thioredoxin 2 as a source of reducing equivalents to scavenge hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ). Here, we report that the protein levels of Prx3 are significantly reduced in VHL-deficient clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC). Furthermore, stabilization of HIF-1α protein, caused either by VHL deficiency under normoxia, or by hypoxia, significantly reduced Prx3 expression. Luciferase-reporter and chromatin-immunoprecipitation assays indicated that HIF-1α binds to the hypoxia-responsive elements of PRDX3 promoter and represses its transcription. Finally, shRNA-based assays suggested that Prx3 downregulation is required for the HIF-1α-dependent proliferation of CCRCC cells. Taken together, our results shed new light onto the mechanism of HIF-1α-dependent proliferation in CCRCC cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Starting with the Valet–Fert theory of the current-perpendicular-to-plane giant magnetoresistance, we studied the charge accumulation due to spin transport in magnetic multilayers by solving Poisson׳s equation analytically. Our results show that, in ferromagnetic layers, the charge accumulation has two exponential terms with opposite signs and different decaying lengths: the Thomas–Fermi screening length (on the order of angstrom) and the spin diffusion length (tens of nm in 3d ferromagnetic metals). The charge accumulation on the scale of the screening length is spin-unpolarized and also present in spin-independent transport in nonmagnetic multilayers. However, the charge accumulation on the scale of the spin diffusion length is spin-polarized and shows up only in ferromagnetic layers. Our analysis also provides new insights into the widely used quasi-neutrality approximation, which neglects the charge accumulation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Previous studies have demonstrated a close association between α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionic acid receptors (AMPARs) and depressive disorders, and activation of AMPARs may represent a promising way to treat depression. However, the effects of AMPAR potentiators on depression and the underlying mechanism have not been comprehensively clarified. We used lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to establish a depressive mouse model and an in vitro damage model of SH-SY5Y cells, and the AMPAR potentiator LY450108 was introduced to the study. We found that LY450108 alleviated LPS-induced depressive behavior and abnormal phosphorylation of hippocampal AMPARs in mice. LY450108 also alleviated LPS-induced apoptosis and decreased the viability of SH-SY5Y cells. In addition, LY450108 protected SH-SY5Y cells from LPS-induced abnormal phosphorylation of AMPARs. In conclusion, our findings suggest that LY450108 has antidepressant effects against LPS-induced neuronal damage and depression. • AMPA receptor potentiator LY450108 alleviated depressive behavior. • LY450108 restored phosphorylation levels of GluA1 in depressive mice models and SH-SY5Y cells. • LY450108 involved upregulation of AMPA receptor phosphorylation levels may a potential target of major depression therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Global gene expression analysis reveals a novel biorecognition receptor of PBDEs. • Chemoreceptor of PBDEs is an extracellular Cache domain-containing sensor protein. • Sensor protein is displayed on the cell membrane of a hydrophobic chassis cell. • Hydrophobic whole-cell biosensor provides a specific and sensitive response to PBDEs. • It provides a new approach for quality monitoring and toxicity assessing of organics. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) belong to a group of persistent organic pollutants and pose a risk of causing adverse effects to human health and the environment. Detection and monitoring of these compounds therefore is of great interest and need for remediation and health risk assessment. However, no specific receptor protein can be used as a biorecognition element for the development of PBDE-detecting whole-cell biosensor until now. The lack of knowledge of PBDEs metabolic pathways of bacteria and of bacterial regulatory networks is the main limitation in the successful biosensor design. In this study, the global gene expression analysis of promoter activation as a consequence of deca-BDE exposure led to the finding of a novel sensory element, extracellular Cache domain-containing sensor protein Chr1_2466, for specific biorecognition of PBDEs. A genetically engineered hydrophobic chassis cell, Sphingobium xenophagum C1, expressing firefly luciferase in place of Chr1_2466 on the cell membrane served as a whole-cell biosensor for PBDEs detecting. This biosensor was highly specific for PBDEs and had minimal interference from their structural analogues polychlorinated biphenyls, diphenyl ether, phenol, metals, and inorganic ions. The extracellular luminescence intensity of the hydrophobic whole-cell biosensor showed a linear relationship (R2 = 0.98) from 0.05 to 6.0 µM of deca-BDE with a detection limit of 0.01 µM and a cytotoxicity threshold of 6.25 µM. Compared to the hydrophilic strain as chassis cell, such hydrophobic biosensor significantly increased the bioavailability and detection sensitivity of PBDEs. It provides a new approach for quality monitoring and toxicity assessing of hydrophobic organics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic ethanol exposure (CEE) is associated with greater neurodegenerative effects and an increased risk of depression disorder. The AMPAR is thought to be involved in depression and a reduction in its GluA1 subunit was observed in the mouse hippocampus after CEE. AMPAkines are positive allosteric modulators of the AMPA receptor and have improved depressive-like behavior. However, the role of AMPARs in CEE-induced depressive-like behavior is not clear. It is unclear whether AMPAkines, positive allosteric agonists of AMPARs, protect against ethanol-induced depression. We investigated the effects of CX516 on ethanol-induced depressive-like behavior in a mouse model. CX516 (5 mg/kg) administration alleviated 20% (m/V) ethanol-induced depressive-like behavior in mice. Furthermore, CX516 significantly diminished the inhibition of the ERK1/2-BDNF-TrkB pathway in the hippocampus of ethanol-exposed mice. In addition, CX516 attenuated the levels of pro-inflammatory (IL-6, IL-1β), apoptosis (BAX, BCL-2), and neurodegeneration (FJC) in the mouse hippocampus induced by CEE. [Display omitted] • CX516 alleviated chronic ethanol exposure (CEE)-induced depressive-like behavior. • CX516 attenuated CEE-induced hippocampal neurodegeneration. • CX516 attenuated CEE-induced apoptosis and inflammation in hippocampus. • CX516 had limited effects on the expression of synaptic proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to quantitatively study the difference of pore connectivity and seepage capacity in coals with different coal-body structure, advanced 3D visualized model of pores for coal samples with different structure collected from Hancheng Mine, Weibei coalfield was done using a 3D-modeling technique and applying the theory of porous media 3D percolation. The spatial visualization of pores indicates that tectonic deformation has significant influence on coal pore structure. The different deformation mechanisms variously affect the porosity, pore clusters and the max pore cluster, resulting in obvious change in percolation probability. Variation of percolation probability show that pore connectivity and permeability of coals present an inverse-U-shaped relationship with the increase in tectonic deformation. The cataclastic coal has the best pore connectivity and the highest permeability, while the smallest values for these two parameters occur in mylonitic coal. The study show that brittle failure may induce the expansion of microfractures and exogenous pores, and thus results in good connectivity and high permeability. The milonitic coal has poor pore connectivity and low permeability due to the uneven distribution of pores, fractures, minerals, and maceral caused by brittle-ductile and ductile deformation effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Power conversion interface for small‐capacity wind power generation system based on permanent‐magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) is proposed in this paper. The proposed power conversion interface will convert the wind power generated from the three‐phase PMSG to a high quality power to inject into the single‐phase utility. This power conversion interface comprises of a power converter and a zero‐sequence transformer set. The power converter is controlled to generate a set of positive‐sequence currents to absorb a real power from the three‐phase PMSG and a set of zero‐sequence currents to pass through the zero‐sequence transformer set to the single‐phase utility. A feed‐forward control is used to control the proposed power conversion interface so as to simplify the control circuit. A simplified maximum power point tracking method is also proposed and incorporated in the control circuit of the power conversion interface to extract the maximum power of the PMSG‐based wind power generation system. Hence, the proposed power conversion interface has the advantages of simplifying both the power circuit and the control circuit. A prototype is developed to demonstrate the performance of the proposed power conversion interface. The experimental results show that the proposed power conversion interface can achieve the expected performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Composites consisting of carbon black (CB) particles, La0.7Sr0.3MnO3−δ (LSMO) powder, and epoxy resin were prepared for development of a high performance microwave absorber. This study investigated the influence of adding amounts of LSMO powder (60, 70, and 80wt%) on complex permittivity, complex permeability, and reflection loss for CB (5wt%)-epoxy composites. The variation of complex permittivity and complex permeability with frequency of the composites was measured by the cavity perturbation technique in the range of 7–14GHz. It was found that the real part of the complex permittivity increased with increasing LSMO addition and the imaginary part of the complex permeability decreased with increasing frequency. The microwave absorption results indicated that the composite filled with 5wt% CB particles and 80wt% LSMO powder had the best absorption performance. The maximum reflection loss was −23.63dB at 7.87GHz and the absorbing bandwidth at −10dB was 1.75GHz with a matching thickness of 5mm. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper presents new SHRIMP zircon U-Pb chronology, major and trace element, and Sr-Nd-Hf isotopic data of two Early Paleozoic granitic plutons (Yierba and North Kudi) from the western Kunlun orogen, in attempt to further constrain the Proto-Tethys evolution. SHRIMP zircon U-Pb dating shows that the Yierba pluton was emplaced in the Middle Cambrian (513 ± 7 Ma) and the North Kudi pluton was emplaced in the Late Silurian (420.6 ± 6.3 Ma). The Yierba pluton consists of quartz monzodiorite, quartz monzonite and granodiorite. These granitoids are metaluminous and potassic, with initial Sr/Sr ratios of 0.7072-0.7096, ε (T) of −0.2 to −1.6 and ε (T) (in-situ zircon) of −1.2. Elemental and isotopic data suggest that they were formed by partial melting of subducted sediments, with subsequent melts interacting with the overlying mantle wedge in an oceanic island arc setting in response to the intra-oceanic subduction of Proto-Tethys. The North Kudi pluton consists of syenogranite and alkali-feldspar granite. These granites are metaluminous to weakly peraluminous and potassic. They show an affinity of A subtype granite, with initial Sr/Sr ratios of 0.7077-0.7101, ε (T) of −3.5 to −4.0 and ε (T) (in-situ zircon) of −3.9. Elemental and isotopic data suggest that they were formed by partial melting of the Precambrian metamorphic basement at a shallow depth (<30 km) during the post-orogenic regime caused by Proto-Tethyan oceanic slab break-off. Our new data suggest that the subduction of the Proto-Tethyan oceanic crust was as early as Middle Cambrian (∼513 Ma) and the final closure of Proto-Tethys was not later than Late Silurian (∼421 Ma), most probably in Middle Silurian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new 3D fingerprinting positioning scheme based on cellular networks is proposed by using implicit information of the location around geographic environments. Compared with original fingerprint positioning scheme, singular measurement is processed at the beginning of the proposed scheme. The main improvement of our proposed scheme is to employ cell matching degree and choose the best reasonable fingerprint according to the correlation of its surrounding points. Additionally, in order to improve searching efficiency, a new searching window is introduced. Finally, compared with the maximum likelihood method and the weighted K nearest neighbors method, the promising numerical results are also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The western Tibet Plateau comprises a series of crustal terranes that were successively accreted to the southern margin of Eurasia attending the transition of the Palaeo- to Neo-Tethys. We present the first detailed SHRIMP zircon U–Pb chronology, major and trace element, and Sr–Nd–Hf isotope geochemistry of three Cretaceous plutons (Kalaqigu, Aranbaotai, and Hongqilapu) from this area. SHRIMP zircon U–Pb dating shows that the three plutons were emplaced in the Early Cretaceous. The 114 Ma Kalaqigu pluton is composed of strongly peraluminous high-K calc-alkaline monzogranite and granodiorite. These rocks consist of plagioclase, K-feldspar, quartz, and biotite, and show variable Sr–Nd and Hf (in situzircon) isotopic compositions [87Sr/86Sr (T) = 0.7098–0.7157, ϵNd(T) = –8.1 to –15.6, and ϵHf(T) = –10.2 to –19.8 (mean –14.8)]. Elemental and isotopic data suggest that the granitoids were generated by partial melting of metasedimentary basement in the normal to thickened lower-crust triggered by underplating or injection of hot mantle-derived magmas in a continental arc setting. The 110 Ma Aranbaotai pluton consists of strongly peraluminous high-K calc-alkaline two-mica monzogranites. These rocks are composed of K-feldspar, plagioclase, quartz, biotite, and muscovite, and also show variable Sr–Nd and Hf (in situzircon) isotopic compositions [87Sr/86Sr (T) = 0.7075–0.7144, ϵNd(T) = –9.4 to –13.3, and ϵHf(T) = –5.4 to –16.4 (mean –10.0)]. Elemental and isotopic data suggest that the granites were formed by partial melting of subducted sediments at a depths of <40 km to ∼40–50 km in the collision (overthrust) zone during continental collision. The 102 Ma Hongqilapu pluton consists of metaluminous high-K calc-alkaline granodiorites. These rocks are composed of plagioclase + K-feldspar + quartz + amphibole + biotite ± clinopyroxene, and show uniform Sr–Nd and Hf (in situzircon) isotopic compositions [87Sr/86Sr (T) = 0.7078, ϵNd(T) = –7.6 to –8.0, and ϵHf(T) = –7.2 to –11.2 (mean –9.4)]. Elemental and isotopic data suggest that the granitoids were generated by crystal fractionation of basaltic magmas in a continental arc setting. Our new data suggest that at 114 Ma, the Karakorum terrane was still an active continental arc fuelled by the northword slab subduction of the Mesozoic Tethys; collision of the Kohistan terrane with the Karakorum terrane most likely occurred at 110 Ma, resulting in the closure of the Mesozoic Tethys; since 102 Ma, the southern Karakorum terrane hosted to a new continental arc coupled with the northward slab subduction of the Neo-Tethys. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Highlights: [•] Efficient metal-mediated Reformatsky reaction of bromodifluoromethyl ketones and aldehydes was investigated. [•] Water is suitable solvent for this transformation. [•] The reactions of ketones and aldehydes could tolerate a broad range of functional groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The recent “horsemeat scandal” and “fish fraud” have focused extensive attention on food safety worldwide. Plant-origin food safety must also be examined. Lycium barbarum, commonly known as Goji (or wolfberry), is considered a “super food” because of its nutritive properties, and it is much more expensive than L. chinense and other varieties. However, distinguishing them merely by sight is difficult. Thus, developing a useful tool for tracing food is crucial. In this study, we utilized an internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) as a DNA barcode for distinguishing L. barbarum, L. chinense, and L. ruthencium. The genomic DNA from 67 fruit samples collected from the field and market was extracted. Ideal ITS2 barcodes were obtained by PCR amplification and sequencing. Based on the ITS2 barcode, the neighbor-joining (NJ) tree, BLAST1, and nearest distance methods were able to differentiate the three above-mentioned species. Therefore, we present the ITS2 barcode as a powerful tool for tracing Goji. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The objective of this study is to evaluate the rheological properties and chemical bonding of nano-modified asphalt binders blended with nanosilica. In this study, the nanosilica was added to the control asphalt at contents of 4% and 6% based on the weight of asphalt binders. Superpave binder and mixture tests were utilized in this study to estimate the characteristics of the nano-modifed asphalt binder and mixture. The rotational viscosity (RV), dynamic shear rheometer (DSR), bending beam rhometer (BBR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), asphalt pavement analyzer (APA), dynamic modulus (DM) and flow number (FN) tests were used to analyze rheological properties and chemical bonding changes of the nano-modified asphalt binder and the performance of the nano-modified asphalt mixture. In addition, the performance of nano-modified asphalt after rolling thin-film oven (RTFO) short-term and pressure-aging vessel (PAV) long-term aging was assessed as well. The dissipated work per load cycle for the asphalt binder was used to evaluate the rheological properties of the nano-modified asphalt binder. Based on the binder test results, it was found that the additional nanosilica in the control asphalt binder slightly decreased the viscosity of the control asphalt binder, maintained low dissipated work per load cycle, held a similar low-temperature performance to the control asphalt, and had a positive effect on antioxidation. From the mixture test results, the dynamic modulus and flow number of nano-modified asphalt mixtures improved, and the rutting susceptibility of nano-modified asphalt mixtures was reduced compared to the control asphalt mixture. In general, the findings from this study show that the antiaging property and rutting and fatigue cracking performance of nanosilica modified asphalt binders are enhanced, and the addition of nanosilica in the control asphalt mixture significantly improves the dynamic modulus, flow number, and rutting resistance of asphalt mixtures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the need of dependability evaluation, we give full consideration to the characteristics of reliability and maintainability. Through D-S evidence theory and fuzzy comprehension assessment, we arrival at a conclusion of unreliability based on the state monitoring and forecasting. We combine with unreliability and the related maintenance data to achieve the evaluation of dependability of unit. Finally, the applicability of the method was validated by an example. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a continuous-wave squeezed vacuum generation system at a telecommunication wavelength of 1.3 μm. By employing a home-made single-frequency Nd:YVO4 laser with dual wavelength outputs as the pump source, via an optical parameter oscillator based on periodically poled KTP, a squeezed vacuum of 6.1 dB±0.1 dB below the shot noise limit at 1342 nm is experimentally measured. This system could be utilized for demonstrating practical quantum information networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It is well documented that cancer cells secrete angiogenic factors to recruit and sustain tumor vascular networks. However, little is known about the effects of endothelial cells on the behavior of tumor cells. The study here was to determine the roles of endothelial cells in HCC cell growth, migration and invasion. Methods: A mixture of highly metastatic MHCC97H cells and HUVEC cells, as well as MHCC97H cells alone were subcutaneously injected into nude mice to observe the effects of HUVECs on HCC growth. The biological characteristics of MHCC97H cells respectively treated with conditioned medium (CM) derived from HUVECs and endothelial cell basal medium (EBM) in vitro, such as proliferation, migration and invasion, invasion/metastasis associated gene expression, were comparatively analyzed. Differential cytokines between CM and EBM were screened and identified using human cytokine array. Effects of the interested differential cytokine CCL2, IL-8 and CXCL16 and its related signaling pathways were further investigated in HCC cells. Results: Subcutaneous tumorigenicity of MHCC97H cells in nude mice was promoted by HUVECs and its invasion/ metastasis associated genes were significantly upregulated. The in vitro, proliferation, migration and invasion of HCC cells treated with CM were all significantly enhanced as compared to those with EBM stimulation. Simultaneously, PI3K/Akt and ERK1/2 pathway in HCC cells were activated by CM. Total of 25 differential cytokines were identified between CM and EBM such as angiopoietin-2, CCL2 (MCP-1), uPA, endostatin, CXCL16, IL-8, pentraxin 3 etc. The selected differential cytokines CCL2, IL-8 and CXCL16 all modulated the expressions of HCC invasion/metastasis genes, especially MMP2 and MMP9. In exposure to CCL2 or CXCL16 alone, upregulation in AKT phosphorylation but no change in ERK phosphorylation were found in MHCC97H cells, moreover the contents of nuclear transcription factor NF-?B were increased as compared to the control. However, no effects on the activation of Akt and ERK pathway in MHCC97H were found in exposure to IL-8. Conclusion: This study expands the contribution of endothelial cells to the progression of HCC. It unveils a new paradigm in which endothelial cells function as initiators of molecular crosstalks that enhance survival, migration and invasion of HCC cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We observe the phenomenon of priority oscillation of the unexpected σ-polarization in high-power Nd:YVO4 ring laser. The severe thermal lens of the σ-polarized lasing, compared with the π-polarized lasing, is the only reason for the phenomenon. By designing a wedge Nd:YVO4 crystal as the gain medium, the unexpected σ-polarization is completely suppressed in the entire range of pump powers, and the polarization stability of the expected π-polarized output is enhanced. With the output power increasing from threshold to the maximum power, no σ-polarization lasing is observed. As a result, 25.3 W of stable single-frequency laser output at 532 nm is experimentally demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Jiangnan Orogen is located at a key tectonic position along the junction between the Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks. We obtained detailed major and trace elements, whole-rock Nd + zircon Hf isotope data, and U–Pb age data from several Mesozoic granites, including the Fuling (FL), Taiping–Huangshan (TH), Lingshan (LS), Sanqingshan (SQS), and Baijuhuajian intrusions in order to investigate their sources and petrogeneses related to extension in South China. Laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) analyses of zircon from the FL, TH, SQS, and LS bodies yield Early Cretaceous ages of 124–135 Ma. These plutons are alkali-feldspar granites to syenogranites–monzogranites, and show A-type affinities. They have high K2O and total alkali contents, and are enriched in rare earth elements (except for Eu), Zr, and other high-field-strength elements as well as high Ga/Al ratios, and are depleted in Ba and Sr. These granites are metaluminous to weakly peraluminous (ACNK from 0.81 to 1.27). The whole-rockϵNd(T) values of −5.34 to −0.96 are coupled with zirconϵHf(T) values (from −5.3 to +4.24), and all samples plot along the mantle array. Field observations, geochronology, geochemistry, Nd isotopic, and zircon Hf isotopic compositions suggest that they formed by the partial melting of Mesoproterozoic metamorphic basement, with input from juvenile, mantle-derived materials in the shallow (<30 km) crust at high temperatures (756–965°C). These melts underwent crystal fractionation of biotite, plagioclase, and K-feldspar. The upwelling of asthenosphere triggered partial melting of the metamorphic protolith in a back-arc or intra-arc rift setting, reflecting rollback of the Pacific plate. Our research adds new geochronologic constraints on Cretaceous (135–120 Ma) A-type granites from the NE sector of the Jiangnan Orogen. Combined with previous research, we suggest that three main episodes of late Mesozoic extensional tectonism took place in South China: (1) 190–170 Ma (mainly inland), (2) 165–120 Ma (including 165–150 Ma in SE Shi-Hang, 135–120 Ma in NE Shi-Hang, and ∼125 Ma in the Lower Yangtze River Belt), and (3) 100–90 Ma (coastal area), showing an oceanwards younging trend due to the subduction of the Palaeo-Pacific plate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sugarcane leaf scald is a systemic disease caused by Xanthomonas albilineans that limits sugarcane yield and quality. Previous research has shown that exogenous application of copper hydroxide to plants is effective in controlling this disease. However, long-term bactericide use causes serious "3R" problems: resistance, resurgence, and residue. It is therefore urgent to discover new methods for the improvement of bactericide efficiency and efficacy. In the present study, disease index values for leaf scald were measured in sugarcane seedlings over time to determine the effects of different concentrations of copper hydroxide, types of silicon additive, and treatment timing after inoculation with X. albilineans on controlling sugarcane leaf scald disease. Our results show copper hydroxide mixed with organosilicon additive could improve the bactericide efficiency and efficacy and reduce the growth of pathogenic bacteria, even at a reduced concentration in both laboratory and field conditions. This study provides an important practical model for controlling sugarcane leaf scald disease by reducing the concentration of bactericide and increasing its efficacy in sugarcane fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is particularly critical for pain information processing. Peripheral nerve injury triggers neuronal hyper-excitability in the ACC and mediates descending facilitation to the spinal dorsal horn. The mechanically gated ion channel Piezo1 is involved in the transmission of pain information in the peripheral nervous system. However, the pain-processing role of Piezo1 in the brain is unknown. In this work, we found that spared (sciatic) nerve injury (SNI) increased Piezo1 protein levels in inhibitory parvalbumin (PV)-expressing interneurons (PV-INs) but not in glutaminergic CaMKⅡ+ neurons, in the bilateral ACC. A reduction in the number of PV-INs but not in the number of CaMKⅡ+ neurons and a significant reduction in inhibitory synaptic terminals was observed in the SNI chronic pain model. Further, observation of morphological changes in the microglia in the ACC showed their activated amoeba-like transformation, with a reduction in process length and an increase in cell body area. Combined with the encapsulation of Piezo1-positive neurons by Iba1+ microglia, the loss of PV-INs after SNI might result from phagocytosis by the microglia. In cellular experiments, administration of recombinant rat TNF-α (rrTNF) to the BV2 cell culture or ACC neuron primary culture elevated the protein levels of Piezo1 and NOD-like receptor (NLR) family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3). The administration of the NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950 in these cells blocked the rrTNF-induced expression of caspase-1 and interleukin-1β (key downstream factors of the activated NLRP3 inflammasome) in vitro and reversed the SNI-induced Piezo1 overexpression in the ACC and alleviated SNI-induced allodynia in vivo. These results suggest that NLRP3 may be the key factor in causing Piezo1 upregulation in SNI, promoting an imbalance between ACC excitation and inhibition by inducing the microglial phagocytosis of PV-INs and, thereby, facilitating spinal pain transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphorus is an indispensable nutrient element in agriculture and its reserves are limited. To secure a sustainable supply of phosphorus, phosphate recovery from dephosphorization slag generated in steelmaking was considered a promising solution. In this study, acid leaching was adopted to separate the P-concentrating solid solution from dephosphorization slag. Selective leaching of P from slags with various basicity in the hydrochloric acid solution and chemical precipitation of phosphate ions in the leachate were investigated. Increasing slag basicity facilitated the enrichment of P 2 O 5. Large amounts of Ca, Si, and P were leached from slag, whereas the leaching of Fe was negligible. The leaching efficiency of P increased with slag basicity. At pH 3, the leaching efficiency of P from slag with high basicity reached 96.8% while that of Fe was nearly zero. Almost all the P-concentrating solid solution was dissolved without significant dissolution of the Fe-bearing matrix phase and magnesioferrite. After leaching, the residue containing 57.8% Fe 2 O 3 can be reutilized as a metallurgical feedstock. Through chemical precipitation, a precipitate containing 35.1% P 2 O 5 was recovered from the leachate, which can be used as a phosphate fertilizer. The total recovery efficiency of P from dephosphorization slag in this process reached 95.8%. [Display omitted] • The leaching efficiency of P reached 96.8% without Fe dissolution. • The Fe 2 O 3 -rich residue can be reused as a metallurgical feedstock. • A precipitate containing 35.1% P 2 O 5 was recovered from the leachate. • An efficient method for phosphate recovery from slag was provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of asphalt materials in pavement engineering has been increasingly widespread and sophisticated over the past several decades. Variations in the properties of asphalt binder during mixing, transportation, and paving can affect the performance of asphalt pavement. However, the asphalt material is a non-homogeneous and complex organic substance, consisting of various molecules with widely various molecular weights, elemental compositions, and structures. This complexity leads to difficulties for researchers to clearly and immediately understand the properties of asphalt materials and their variations. The multi-scale research approach combines macroscopic experimental data and microscopic simulation results from a practical engineering perspective. It helps to improve the understanding of asphalt materials. The molecular dynamics (MD) simulation proposes a corresponding molecular model of asphalt material based on experimental data, and the simulation algorithm is able to derive properties similar to those of real asphalt. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the current studies on MD simulation of asphalt materials, including modeling, properties, and multi-scale analysis. As a key part of the computational simulation, this paper discusses the typical asphalt binder and asphalt-aggregate interface models constructed by different groups, and also presents their differences from real samples and their feasibility based on fundamental properties. After the introduction of molecular models, the extensive work made by researchers based on molecular models is categorically reviewed and discussed. The strengths and weaknesses of MD simulation methods in the study of asphalt materials are also summarized in order to provide the reader with a more comprehensive understanding of the relevant contents and to guide subsequent research. [Display omitted] • The advantages and disadvantages of the Molecular Dynamics method were demonstrated. • A comprehensive discussion of the Molecular Dynamics Method in asphalt material was explored. • Many research directions of the Molecular Dynamics Method in asphalt material were discussed and guided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Differences and similarities between two squids were investigated. • DG exhibited better MP stability than OB after 120 d of frozen storage. • NADP and malic enzyme initiated a rapid decrease in MP properties in OB. • Cytoskeletal proteins maintained the MP stability of DG during frozen storage. Neon flying squid (OB) and jumbo squid (DG) mantles were evaluated to reveal the similarities and differences in their physicochemical features and protein abundances. Microstructural results indicated that the OB mantle exhibited numerous myofibril fragments and disordered microstructures after frozen storage compared with DG tissues. Chemical analysis suggested that freezing resulted in a rapid decrease in myofibrillar protein (MP) content, Ca2+-ATPase activity, and total sulfhydryl content, and promoted the increase in carbonyl content of MPs in both OB and DG. While, DG presented better MP stability than OB muscle after 120 days of frozen storage. Label-free proteomic analysis detected 24 down- and 33 up-regulated differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) in OB and DG mantles. Identified DAPs including isocitrate dehydrogenase and malic enzyme initiated a rapid decrease in the MP properties in OB samples. Moreover, DAPs were related to cytoskeleton function, including paramyosin, tropomyosin, and troponin C, which improved the stability of DG in response to freezing-induced changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We study the transport through an isotropic single molecular magnet (S=1) with electron–vibron coupling using Keldysh's non-equilibrium Green function based on Hubbard operator. Electron–vibron coupling smooths the current steps due to the broadening of effective channel levels and shifts the elastic resonance peaks in differential conductance down in energy. At low temperature vibron-assisted peaks appear only at energies above the elastic resonance due to the absence of vibron excitation. The electron–vibron coupling also leads to the increase of shot noise, which gets more evident with increasing electron–vibron coupling. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The western Kunlun orogen occupies a key position along the tectonic junction between the Pan-Asian and Tethyan domains, reflecting Proto- and Palaeo-Tethys subduction and terrane collision during early Palaeozoic to early Mesozoic time. We present the first detailed zircon U–Pb chronology, major and trace element, and Sr–Nd–O–Hf isotope geochemistry of the Qiukesu pluton and its microgranular enclaves from this multiple orogenic belt. SHRIMP zircon U–Pb dating shows that the Qiukesu pluton was emplaced in the early Silurian (ca. 435 Ma). It consists of weakly peraluminous high-K calc-alkaline monzogranite and syenogranite, with initial87Sr/86Sr ratios of 0.7131–0.7229, ϵNd(T) of –4.1 to –5.7, δ18O of 8.0–10.8‰, and ϵHf(T) (in situzircon) of –4.9. Elemental and isotopic data suggest that the granites formed by partial melting of lower-crustal granulitized metasedimentary-igneous Precambrian basement triggered by underplating of coeval mantle-derived enclave-forming intermediate magmas. Fractional crystallization of these purely crustal melts may explain the more felsic end-member granitic rocks, whereas such crustal melts plus additional input from coeval enclave-forming intermediate magma could account for the less felsic granites. The enclaves are intermediate (SiO257.6–62.2 wt.%) with high K2O (1.8–3.6 wt.%). They have initial87Sr/86Sr ratios of 0.7132–0.7226, ϵNd(T) of –5.0 to –6.0, δ18O of 6.9–9.9‰, and ϵHf(T) (in situzircon) of –8.1. We interpret the enclave magmas as having been derived by partial melting of subduction-modified mantle in the P–T transition zone between the spinel and spinel-garnet stability fields. Our new data suggest that subduction of the Proto-Tethyan oceanic crust was continuous to the early Silurian (ca. 435 Ma); the final closure of the Proto-Tethys occurred in the middle Silurian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] VHL up-regulates SOD2 expression on mRNA and protein levels. [•] HIF-1α contributes to the transcriptional suppression of SOD2 expression in the pVHL deficient cells. [•] HIF-1α directly binds the hypoxia-responsive element of SOD2 promoter. [•] The expression of HIF-1α negatively correlates with SOD2 expression in pVHL deficient renal clear cell carcinoma tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel amphiphilic copolymer poly(ethylene glycol)- block-poly( N, N-dimethylamino-2-ethylmethacrylate)- blockpoly[6-(4-methoxy-azobenzene-4′-oxy) hexyl methacrylate] (PEG- b-PDMAEMA- b-PMMAzo) was prepared by ATRP polymerization. The self-assembly and responsive behaviors were investigated by SEM, TEM, LLS and UV-Vis spectra. The results indicated that the copolymers can self-assemble into spherical structures in aqueous media. The aggregate size can be tuned by pH and temperature. The trans- cis isomerization behavior of the formed aggregates was also examined. Upon irradiation with a linear polarized light, the elongation degree of the aggregates was increased with the irradiation time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To investigate alterations in protein expression associated with deep brain stimulation (DBS) in an attempt to elucidate possible mechanisms of action. Methods: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), obtained from six Parkinson's disease (PD) patients (pre- and post-DBS) and from six normal healthy controls, was studied for differentially expressed proteins. 2-D DIGE, in combination with MALDI-TOF and TOF-TOF Mass Spectrometry (MS) or ESI-MS, was used to identify the changed proteins (3 PD patients and 3 controls). Selected proteins were further studied using western blotting (6 PD patients and 6 controls). Results: Twenty-one proteins were identified after MS and protein database interrogation. Apart from apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I), the expression levels of complement C4 (C4), IgA, tetranectin, and extracellular superoxide dismutase (EC-SOD), detected by western blotting, correlated well with the 2-D DIGE results. In the follow-up period, the expression levels of C4, apoA-I and IgA were stable whereas EC-SOD and tetranectin were significantly elevated. In addition, when DBS was ceased in one patient due to a suicide attempt, the levels of EC-SOD and tetranectin significantly decreased. Conclusion: Our preliminary results suggest that variations in the expression levels of EC-SOD and tetranectin in CSF is related to DBS. Copyright © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Curcumin treatment upregulates DAPK1 expression in U251 cells. [•] The knockdown of DAPK1 attenuates curcumin-induced STAT3 and NF-κB inhibition. [•] The knockdown of DAPK1 reduces curcumin-induced caspase-3 activation. [•] The knockdown of DAPK1 inhibits curcumin-induced cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis. [•] The tumor suppressor DAPK1 is essential for the anti-cancer effects of curcumin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Dexing ore deposit, Jiangxi Province, is the largest porphyry copper deposit in China. Controversies exist regarding the ore-forming source of this deposit. We have conducted Pb isotope analyses of pyrites from the Tongchang and Fujiawu mines. Our results document consistent Pb isotopes from these two orebodies, with 206Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/204Pb, and 208Pb/204Pb ratios of 17.954–18.320, 15.407–15.517, and 37.888–38.153, respectively. These Pb isotope ratios are consistent with those of ore-bearing adakitic porphyries but distinctly different from those of the Neoproterozoic metamorphic wall rocks, which indicates that the metals were derived from the porphyries. Based on previous S and Os isotopic data and comparisons with more than 20 Mo-bearing deposits worldwide, we further attribute the narrow range of δ34S values of sulphide minerals and high Re–187Os concentrations of associated molybdenites to a mantle origin. This large-scale copper deposit was evidently emplaced in a continental arc setting attending westward subduction of the palaeo-Pacific plate. Partial melting of the downgoing oceanic slab generated the adakitic magmas. The associated metals were extracted from the lithospheric mantle by these magmas during ascent through the mantle wedge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The western Kunlun orogen, the northwest Tibet Plateau, occupies a key tectonic position at the junction between the Pan-Asia and the Tethyan tectonic domains. It is related to subduction of Proto- and Paleo-Tethys and terrane collision from early Paleozoic to early Mesozoic. This paper presents the first detailed SHRIMP zircon U–Pb chronology, mineral chemistry, major and trace element, and Sr–Nd–Hf isotope geochemistry of three Middle Triassic plutons (Yuqikapa, Muztaga and Taer) and their microgranular enclaves in the western Kunlun orogen. SHRIMP zircon U–Pb dating shows that the Yuqikapa pluton was emplaced in the Anisian (~243Ma) and the Muztaga and Taer plutons that contain microgranular enclaves were emplaced in the Ladinian (234–227Ma). The Yuqikapa pluton is composed of peraluminous high-K calc-alkaline two-mica granites (monzogranite–syenogranite–alkali-feldspar granite), with initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios of 0.7071–0.7077, ε Nd (T) of −4.4 to −6.3 and ε Hf (T) (in-situ zircon) of −3.3. Elemental and isotopic data suggest that they were formed by “wet” anatexis of the Precambrian metasedimentary and metaigneous rocks in the continental collision (overthrust) zone. The Muztaga and Taer plutons consist of metaluminous to weakly peraluminous high-K calc-alkaline granitoids (granodiorite–monzogranite), with initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios of 0.7052−0.7104, ε Nd (T) of −3.6 to −7.3 and ε Hf (T) (in-situ zircon) of −3.1 to −1.0. Elemental and isotopic data suggest that they were formed by partial melting of the Precambrian metasedimentary and metaigneous rocks in the normal lower-crust (<40km) for the Muztaga pluton and in the thickened lower-crust (~40–50km) for the Taer pluton, triggered by underplating of coeval (233–226Ma) mantle-derived enclave-forming magmas. The enclaves are basic (SiO2 48.0–51.6wt.%) to intermediate (SiO2 53.0–54.6wt.%) with high K2O (1.4–4.2wt.%). They generally have lower initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.7034–0.7084) and high initial ε Hf (−1.1 to +1.2) than their respective host granitoids. The enclave magmas are considered to have been derived from the partial melting of subduction-modified mantle in the spinel stability field (<60km) (enclaves in the Muztaga pluton) and the spinel-garnet transition zone (~60–80km) (enclaves in the Taer pluton). Final closure of the Paleo-Tethys occurred in the Middle Triassic Anisian (~243Ma). The Middle Triassic Ladinian (234–227Ma) dates the post-collisional regime caused by Paleo-Tethyan oceanic slab break-off. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This work aims to improve the rutting and fatigue cracking resistance of asphalt binders using selected nano- or micro-sized materials and to shed light on the microstructure changes induced by such modification to asphalt binders. The four modifiers (Nanomer I.44P, carbon microfiber, non-modified nanoclay and polymer modified nanoclay) were added into the control asphalt binder (PG 58-34). The Superpave™ tests and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) measurements were conducted for obtaining the complex shear modulus G * and microstructure distribution of modified asphalt binders. Meanwhile, the short-term and long-term aging processes of asphalt binders are simulated by rolling thin film oven (RTFO) and pressure aging vessel (PAV) tests. From the dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) and FTIR tests results, the complex shear modulus G * values of nano- or micro-materials (Nanomer I.44P, non-modified nanoclay and carbon microfiber) modified asphalt binders increase, and the performance of resistance to rutting is improved compared to the control asphalt binder. The addition of polymer modified nanoclay (PMN) into the control asphalt binder decreases the complex shear modulus, and enhances the resistance to fatigue cracking. Moreover, the addition of four modifiers into the control asphalt binder can delay and weaken the aging and oxidation effect. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The majority of encephalitis induced by herpes simplex virus type I (HSV-1) is due to viral reactivation from latency, but few studies have investigated the factors influencing viral reactivation in the brain due to the lack of a sensitive assay. We have established an ex vivo explant assay, which induced efficient viral reactivation in the dissociated mouse brain. Applying this assay, we investigated the infection of four HSV-1 strains with varying degrees of neurovirulence in three mouse strains with different levels of susceptibility to HSV-1 infection. We found that virulent HSV-1 strains and susceptible mouse strains exhibited prolonged viral growth during acute infection, increased latent viral genomes, and efficient explant reactivation in the brain stem. Collectively, both viral neurovirulence and host susceptibility positively correlate with HSV-1 reactivation from the explanted mouse brain. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A recyclable and reusable Ru/Al2O3 catalyst is prepared for hydrogen generation from the hydrolysis process of alkaline sodium borohydride (NaBH4) solution. The hydrogen generation rate by the hydrolysis and methanolysis of alkaline NaBH4 was explored as a function of NaOH concentration. Meantime, the byproducts derived from the spent alkaline NaBH4 solution were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electro microscope/energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM/EDS) and NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance). The effect of NaOH concentration on the hydrogen generation from the hydrolysis of NaBH4 significantly depends on the type of catalysts. With increasing NaOH concentration, the hydrogen generation rates decrease when using ruthenium (Ru) composite as a catalyst. The hydrogen generation rate of the methanolysis of NaBH4 is significantly inhibited in the presence of NaOH as compared with the hydrolysis of NaBH4. The durability test of the Ru/Al2O3 catalyst shows that the hydrogen generation rate decreases with recycling and reuse. The XRD and NMR analysis results show that the borate hydrate (NaBO2 H2O) was derived from the hydrolysis of 20 wt% and 30 wt% NaBH4. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study investigated the rheological properties of asphalt binders modified with nanomaterial additives. The additives used are non-modified nanoclay (NMN) and polymer modified nanoclay (PMN). They were added to the control PG 58-34 asphalt binder at concentrations of 2% and 4% by the weight of the asphalt binder, respectively. Superpave™ binder tests were employed to evaluate the characteristics of the nano-modified binders. Rheological properties of nano-modified asphalt were analyzed by use of asphalt binder tests such as Rotational Viscosity (RV), Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) and Bending Beam Rheometer (BBR). In addition, the short- and long-term aging properties of nano-modified asphalt were analyzed, with the aging process simulated by Rolling Thin Film Oven (RTFO) and the Pressure Aging Vessel (PAV). The dissipated work per load cycle of all asphalt binders was examined, in order to better understand the properties of nano-modified asphalt. The results reveal that both viscosity and complex shear modulus of asphalt binder remarkably increase when the NMN is added into the control asphalt, and decrease slightly when the PMN is added. In addition, from the dissipated work perspective, the overall performance of PMN modified asphalt binder is improved in terms of rutting and fatigue cracking resistance relative to the NMN modified asphalt binder. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The vegetative insecticidal protein Vip3Aa from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) has been produced by transgenic crops to counter pest resistance to the widely used crystalline (Cry) insecticidal proteins from Bt. To proactively manage pest resistance, there is an urgent need to better understand the genetic basis of resistance to Vip3Aa, which has been largely unknown. We discovered that retrotransposon-mediated alternative splicing of a midgut-specific chitin synthase gene was associated with 5,560-fold resistance to Vip3Aa in a laboratory-selected strain of the fall armyworm, a globally important crop pest. The same mutation in this gene was also detected in a field population. Knockout of this gene via CRISPR/Cas9 caused high levels of resistance to Vip3Aa in fall armyworm and 2 other lepidopteran pests. The insights provided by these results could help to advance monitoring and management of pest resistance to Vip3Aa. The insecticidal protein Vip3Aa is used in genetically engineered crops to overcome pest resistance to other insecticidal transgenes. This study shows that insertion of a transposable element into a gut-specific chitin synthase gene causes Vip3Aa resistance in field-collected individuals of the lepidopteran pest Spodoptera frugiperda (fall armyworm). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water and graphene have been used separately to effectively broaden absorption bandwidth in the design of metamaterial absorbers (MAs). In this paper, a broad terahertz MA is presented, in which water and graphene are used together for improving absorption performance. The absorptivity of the presented MA exceeds 90% over the frequency range of 2.81–6.74 THz. It is found that the proposed MA has superior absorption performance to those using water or graphene separately. The impedance matching theory as well as the distribution of the field and power loss are used to provide a deep insight into the absorption mechanism. Furthermore, the proposed MA exhibits excellent thermal stability as well as good insensitivity to polarization and incident angle. This work provides a reference for designing broadband MA in terahertz frequency band. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]