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A correction to the article "Restoring Intrinsic Properties of Electromagnetic Radiators Using Ultralightweight Integrated Metasurface Cloaks" published in a 2015 issue of the journal "Advanced Functional Materials" is presented.

Transparent colorless single crystals of K5Mo4O14F are grown from a melt containing KNO3 (flux), KBF4, and MoO3 in the molar ratio of 4:1:0.5, resp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bronchoscopic cryotherapy facilitates the treatment of endobronchial tuberculosis (EBTB) and helps suppress progressive bronchial stenosis. However, the molecular mechanism of bronchoscopic cryotherapy in EBTB patients has not been reported. Transcriptome sequencing was performed to explore differentially expressed mRNAs (DEGs) in EBTB patients before and after bronchoscopic cryotherapy. Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG analyses were carried out. Five genes (MKLN1 , HIGD1A , PTGES , SKIL , and MCEMP1) were selected and validated using real-time qPCR (RT- qPCR). In transcriptome analysis, 448 DEGs with p < 0.05 and|logFC| > 1 were identified; of these, 171 and 277 DEGs were significantly up- and down-regulated after bronchoscopic cryotherapy, respectively. Results displayed 337 biological process (GO-BP), 48 cellular component (GO-CC) and 62 molecular function (GO-MF) terms and 20 KEGG pathways. RT- qPCR results were consistent with the sequencing data. These data provide informative evidence and recommendations for further scientific research on bronchoscopic cryotherapy for EBTB. • We firstly identified transcriptome map of EBTB patients before and after bronchoscopy cryotherapy treatment. • The results showed that 448 DEGs (171 upregulated and 277 downregulated) were obtained between BCT group and ACT group. • These results provide a theoretical basis for further exploring the molecular mechanism of bronchoscopy cryotherapy for EBTB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, ordered mesoporous nanosheet SAPO-11 molecular sieves were synthesized using uncalcined SBA-15 molecular sieves as a Si source. The effects of different Si sources on the structure and properties of SAPO-11 molecular sieves were examined, and their growth mechanism was elucidated. An electrostatically polarized region was formed between a P123 template (triblock copolymer) contained in uncalcined SBA-15 and two-dimensional channels of SBA-15 molecular sieves. When AlO 2 − and PO 2 + species diffused into this region, its electrostatic polarization promoted the preferential growth of SAPO-11 molecular sieves along the c -axis, which contained a large number of exposed catalytically active sites with acidic properties. During the isomerization of long-chain alkanes, the synthesized sieves exhibited high isomerization activity and selectivity. When the conversion rate of n -dodecane reached 87.96%, the yield of i -dodecane was 68.08%, and the yield of multi-branched i -dodecane was 31.65%. Mechanism illustration of ordered mesoporous SAPO-11 with nanosheets morphology. [Display omitted] • Ordered mesoporous nanosheet SAPO-11 sieves are synthesized from uncalcined SBA-15. • A preferential growth mechanism of nanosheet SAPO-11 sieves is proposed. • Ordered mesoporous nanosheet SAPO-11 sieves expose more pore active sites. • Hydroisomerization of long-chain n -alkanes is investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new sulfide, SnGa2GeS6, has been synthesized, which represents the first member in the quaternary Sn/M/M′/Q (M = Ga, In; M′ = Si, Ge; Q = S, Se, Te) system. It adopts a new structure type in the non-centrosymmetric space group Fdd2. In the structure, Sn2+ is coordinated to a distorted square-pyramid of five S atoms, demonstrating the stereochemical activity of the lone electron pair, while the Ge atom and Ga atom are both tetrahedrally coordinated to four S atoms. The SnS5 square-pyramids and the MS4 (M = Ga, Ge) tetrahedra are connected to each other via corner and edge-sharing to generate a three-dimensional framework. The compound exhibits a powder second harmonic generation signal at 2 μm whose strength is about one-fourth that of the benchmark material AgGaS2, which may be explained in view of the macroscopic arrangement of the SnS5 square-pyramids and the MS4 tetrahedra. Moreover, based on UV-vis-NIR spectroscopy measurements and the electronic structure calculations, SnGa2GeS6 has two optical transitions at about 1.12 eV and 2.04 eV respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the first time, octahedral NiGa2O4 nanocrystals having reactive pH-dependent {111} facets are synthesized through a facile hydrothermal route without using any template or organic surfactant. The {111} facets of octahedral NiGa2O4 display clearly enhanced photocatalytic generation of hydrogen and oxygen from water splitting and good photocatalytic stability. Density functional calculations suggest that mixed statistically occupied Ga/Ni (fourfold- and sixfold-coordinated Ga/Ni) are most likely to be exposed at the {111} surface of NiGa2O4, which is very favorable for enhancing the photocatalytic activities, and the photoelectrochemical properties show that the NiGa2O4 octahedron displays a better photocurrent than NiGa2O4 nanorods with the [100] growth direction. The transient photocurrent decay scan results demonstrate that the NiGa2O4 octahedron exposed {111} facet electrode exhibits a transient decay time of 4 s, whereas this time is only 2 s for NiGa2O4 nanorod electrodes with the [100] growth direction. This longer transient decay time indicates that the charge-carrier recombination rate is lower in the NiGa2O4 octahedron electrode, which will contribute to the enhancement of the photocatalytic activity. The present study also demonstrates that designing nanostructures with the appropriate morphology and surface structures is a feasible approach for enhancing the photoexcited charge-transfer lifetime and developing highly active semiconductor photocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Three new chalcohalides: Ba4Ge2PbS8Br2, Ba4Ge2PbSe8Br2 and Ba4Ge2SnS8Br2 have been synthesized. [•] The MQ5Br octahedra and GeQ4 tetrahedra form a three-dimensional framework with Ba2+ in the channels. [•] Band Gaps and electronic structures of the three compounds were studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The non-linear optical (NLO) material BiB2O4F is prepared by hydrothermal synthesis employing a 1:20:2 molar mixture of Bi(NO3)3, H3BO3, and NaF (autoclave, 200 °C, 3 d, ≈90% yield). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • h-BN assembles into spherical aggregated BN (A-BN) assisted by the vortex flow. • The mechanism and operating conditions of A-BN formation are systematically studied. • A through-plane TC of 6.56 W/(mK) is achieved due to the formation of A-BN. • A-BN/AlN/SR composite demonstrates excellent heat dissipation performance as TIMs. Thermal interface materials (TIMs) with high thermal conductivity and good insulation properties are in high demand for thermal management systems. Platelet-like materials such as BN and graphene usually orient horizontally in polymer composites, causing minor Through-plane thermal conductivity (TC) enhancement. Herein, aggregated BN (A-BN)/AlN/silicone rubber (SR) composites with enhanced through-plane TC are fabricated assisted by vortex flow during the planetary centrifugation process. It is found that BN platelets assembled into A-BN with spherical AlN as cores based on concentric vortex. Due to the formation of spherical A-BN, through-plane TC of as-prepared composites with 40 wt% BN and 45 wt% AlN is as high as 6.56 W/(m·K) while it is only 4.62 W/(m·K) for composites without A-BN. Such high TC should mainly be attributed to the large-sized spherical BN interconnected structure which constructs an efficient thermally conductive path in the through-plane direction. The heat dissipation evaluation test also demonstrates the excellent performance of the A-BN/AlN/SR composite. This work provides a facile strategy to produce large-sized BN agglomerates and gives insights into the vortex flow during the planetary centrifugation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work focused on the research of carboxylation modification of nonpolar macropolar adsorption resin (MAR) (LX1180) and its adsorption properties. Under optimization conditions a MAR with carboxylation degree of 23.10% (g/g, expressed as C7H6NO2) was obtained. After characterizing the structures of MAR LX1180, LX1180-Cl and LX1180-COO−, the adsorption mechanism (including isotherm kinetics) and influence of functional groups and functional degree of substrate on equilibrium adsorption capacity were also investigated systemically. The result showed the adsorption mechanism could be expressed well by an intra-particle diffusion model, and the four-parameter adsorption model was more appropriate to express the adsorption behavior of the MARs here. Moreover, it could be found that the introduction of a functional group could increase the equilibrium adsorption capacity, while the initial concentration related to the saturated adsorption capacity decreased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A three-dimensional model for Rayleigh wave electromagnetic acoustic transducers operating on the Lorentz force mechanism has been established by combining the finite element method and analytical calculation. Rayleigh waves generated by the Lorentz forces due to the static magnetic field and the dynamic magnetic field are calculated. The ratio of wire width to spacing interval (RWWSI) between neighbouring wires is chosen to study the coil parameter influence of Lorentz forces in generating Rayleigh waves. The vibration amplitude of Rayleigh waves due to the dynamic magnetic field is almost proportional to the reciprocal of the RWWSI, whereas that due to the static magnetic field decreases slowly with the increase of the RWWSI. The divergence angles of Rayleigh waves due to the dynamic magnetic field remain invariable when the RWWSI is less than 0.5, and that due to static magnetic field reaches the minimum values and has better detectability when the RWWSI is 0.5. The critical excitation current, at which Rayleigh waves due to static and dynamic magnetic fields are equal, changes sharply when the RWWSI differs. The accuracy of this method is verified by experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Highlights: [•] A new type of phosphomolybdate K2Bi(PO4)(MoO4) photocatalyst was successfully synthesized. [•] The products synthesized at 600°C were mainly composed of nano-cubes. [•] The indirect band gap of K2Bi(PO4)(MoO4) has been determined to be 2.93eV. [•] K2Bi(PO4)(MoO4) synthesized at 600°C exhibits the highest photocatalytic activity. [•] The electronic structure was calculated by density functional calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enterovirus 71 (EV71) is one causative agent of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), which may lead to severe neurological disorders and mortality in children. EV71 genome is a positive single-stranded RNA containing a single open reading frame (ORF) flanked by 5′-untranslated region (5′UTR) and 3′UTR. The 5′UTR is fundamentally important for virus replication by interacting with cellular proteins. Here, we revealed that poly(C)-binding protein 1 (PCBP1) specifically binds to the 5′UTR of EV71. Detailed studies indicated that the RNA-binding K-homologous 1 (KH1) domain of PCBP1 is responsible for its binding to the stem-loop I and IV of EV71 5′UTR. Interestingly, we revealed that PCBP1 is distributed in the nucleus and cytoplasm of uninfected cells, but mainly localized in the cytoplasm of EV71-infected cells due to interaction and co-localization with the viral RNA. Furthermore, sub-cellular distribution analysis showed that PCBP1 is located in ER-derived membrane, in where virus replication occurred in the cytoplasm of EV71-infected cells, suggesting PCBP1 is recruited in a membrane-associated replication complex. In addition, we found that the binding of PCBP1 to 5′UTR resulted in enhancing EV71 viral protein expression and virus production so as to facilitate viral replication. Thus, we revealed a novel mechanism in which PCBP1 as a positive regulator involved in regulation of EV71 replication in the host specialized membrane-associated replication complex, which provides an insight into cellular factors involved in EV71 replication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to prepare a higher chloromethylation degree (CD) modified macroporous adsorption resin (MAR, LX1180-Cl) and further study their adsorption performance. Design/methodology/approach – CD and crosslinking degree were evaluated using stationary potential step and rotating-disk method, the adsorption performance of LX1180-Cl and LX1180 for flavonoids were studied using the UV-VIS spectrophotometry. Findings – This research realized high CD (9.6 mass %) on high crosslinking MAR, LX1180. In tandem, the adsorption performance of them to flavonoids finds that the matching degree of polarity (presented with CD) and size were the critical factor to adsorption. It was also found that the reaction time had reduced to 24 h with the addition of iron particles into the zinc chloride (ZnCl2) catalyst. Research limitations/implications – The study on reaction mechanism and the function principle of hybrid catalyst were speculated, but not the rigid experimental result. Practical implications – This contribution can provide a rule for the separation and purification of natural products with the aim to improve food additive removal or isolation and purification of flavonoids used for healthcare applications. Originality/value – This contribution provided a novel way to obtain high degree of CD with high crosslinking MAR, CD of commercially available MAR was improved by 2.5 times to 9.6 percent under crosslinking degree at 58.2 percent, compared with reported CD value (ca. 4.2 percent under crosslinking degree at 20.0 percent), which will be useful in the following further systematically research about the adsorption and separation selectivity of MAR. Besides, the primitive chosen principle of MAR according to the substrate was also presented. Moreover, the chloromethylation mechanism, although speculative, was briefly presented, which will stimulate the related study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The elastic waves generated by traditional meander- line coil electromagnetic acoustic transducers (EMATs) propagate in two directions, overlapping the echo signals from defects with the same distances, and the defect echo signal is hard to distinguish from the edge-reflected signal when the EMATs are near the edge of a specimen. In this paper, a unidirectional EMAT with two meander-line coils is proposed. A finite element model is used to simulate the directivity of the Rayleigh and shear vertical waves generated by these EMATs. Six transducers are fabricated using the printed circuit technique. The unidirectional Rayleigh wave and shear vertical wave are tested, and the results agree well with the simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hematopoietic pre-B-cell leukemia transcription factor (PBX)-interacting protein (HPIP) has been shown to play a role in cancer development and progression. However, the detailed role of HPIP in cancer cell growth and the exact mechanism by which HPIP regulates cancer cell proliferation remains unclear. Here, we report that HPIP is overexpressed in most of 328 liver cancer patients and regulates hepatoma cell proliferation through G2/M checkpoint activation. HPIP increased anchorage-dependent and -independent growth of human liver cancer cell lines. The amino acid region 531-631 of HPIP was important for its modulation of liver cancer cell growth. The increased effects of HPIP on liver cancer cell proliferation were associated with activation of the G2/M cell-cycle concomitant with a marked increase of cyclin B1 and the inhibition of the negative G2/M phase regulator GADD45α. HPIP knockdown dramatically suppressed the growth of HepG2 liver cancer cells in nude mice. These data highlight the important role of HPIP in liver cancer cell growth and suggest that HPIP may be a good target for liver cancer therapy. © 2013 IUBMB Life, 65(10):873-882, 2013 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the development of laser technology and related scientific fields, understanding of the structure–property relationships in nonlinear optical (NLO) crystals is becoming more and more important. In this article, first-principles studies based on density functional theory, and their applications to elucidate the microscopic origins of the linear and NLO properties in NLO crystals, are reviewed. The ab initio approaches have the ability to accurately predict the optical properties in NLO crystals, and the developed analysis tools are vital to investigating their intrinsic mechanism. This microscopic understanding has further guided molecular engineering design for NLO crystals with novel structures and properties. It is anticipated that first-principle material approaches will greatly improve the search efficiency and greatly help experiments to save resources in the exploration of new NLO crystals with good performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A lot of previous experimental studies on ultramafic rocks (SiO2 unsaturated system) (Ringwood and Major, 1971; Irifune et al., 1986; Gasparik, 1989; Ono and Yasuda, 1996) have demonstrated that characteristics of Si‐rich and Al‐deficient in garnet are resulted from coupled substitution of SiVI+MVI=AlVI+AlVI and SiVI+NaVII=AlVI+MVII (M=Mg, Fe, Ca) at ultrahigh pressures (UHP) (>5 GPa). The degree of substitution will be enhanced by increasing pressure which has a positive correlation with the content of SiVI, but a negative correlation with the content of AlVI in supersilic garnet. These experimental results established a theoretical foundation for further understanding the formation mechanism of the exsolution of pyroxene in garnet observed in deep mantle xenoliths and some ultrahigh pressure rocks, and also for estimating the pressure conditions of the formation of supersilic garnet before exsolution (Haggerty and Sautter, 1990; Sautter et al., 1991; van Roermund et al., 1998; Ye et al., 2000). Although some experimental studies on SiO2 saturated system have been reported (Irifune et al., 1994; Ono., 1998; Dobrazhinetskya and Green., 2007; Wu et al., 2009), the stability conditions of supersilic garnet are still lack of unified understanding. Therefore, HP‐HT experiments were carried out on felsic rocks under conditions of 6–12GPa and 1000°C–1400°C. Combined with previous experimental data, we try to figure out the minimum stable pressure and geological significants of supersilic garnet in SiO2 saturated system. Our experimental results from SiO2 saturated system show the minimum stable pressure of supersilic garnet should be ≥10 GP of stishovite stability field. These results are similar as that from experiments using starting composition similar to average upper continental crust reported by Irifune et al (1994) who yielded that garnet gradually became supersilic and Al‐deficient as pressures increased above 10 GPa, especially in a pressure interval between 13 and 18 GPa. Moreover, experiments with different starting materials (Ono, 1998; Dobrazhinetskya and Green, 2007; Wu et al. 2009) also indicate the stable pressure condition of supersilic garnet is mainly ≥9 –10 GPa in SiO2 saturated system if data of small‐size grains at low temperature are ignored due to measuring errors. Thus, it can be concluded that the minimum stable pressure of supersilic garnet in SiO2 saturated system is distinctly different from that in SiO2 unsaturated ultramafic rock system. The minimum pressure of the former is ≥9–10 GPa of stishovite stability field, while that of the latter is >5 GPa. Therefore, whether independent SiO2 phase exist or rock system is SiO2 saturated must be taken into considered when estimating the peak pressure of exsolutions in supersilic garnet in UHP rocks. Furthermore, pressure of >5 GPa directly estimated by supersilic garnet based on conclusion from SiO2 unsaturation system rather than SiO2 saturation in previous sdudies may have been underestimated and need to be re‐estimated. Supersilic garnets have been recognized by interior exsolutions of clinopyroxene in garnet pyroxene from Yinggelisayi South Altyn (Liu et al., 2005), and exsolutions of rodlike quartz+rutile in felsic gneiss from Songshugou North Qinling (Liu et al., 2003). According to the experimental results from SiO2 unsaturated system, the peak metamorphic pressure of the both SiO2 saturated rocks have been estimated to be >7Gpa and >5Gpa, respectively. However, combined with the new experimental results above, we re‐estimated that the peak metamorphic pressure of these SiO2 saturated rocks should be≥9 –10 GPa at least, implying an ultra‐deep subduction to mantle depth of stishovite stability field. This research, together with previous findings (Liu et al., 2007, 2018), shows that continental subduction to mantle depth (300km) of stishovite stability field and then exhumation to the surface is obviously more common than previously thought, and the rock types are also diverse. At the same time, it provides a new indicator and thought for recognizing the subduction to the mantle depth of stishovite stability field in UHP metamorphic belt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A lot of previous experimental studies on ultramafic rocks (SiO2 unsaturated system) (Ringwood and Major, 1971; Irifune et al., 1986; Gasparik, 1989; Ono and Yasuda, 1996) have demonstrated that characteristics of Si‐rich and Al‐deficient in garnet are resulted from coupled substitution of SiVI+MVI=AlVI+AlVI and SiVI+NaVII=AlVI+MVII (M=Mg, Fe, Ca) at ultrahigh pressures (UHP) (>5 GPa). The degree of substitution will be enhanced by increasing pressure which has a positive correlation with the content of SiVI, but a negative correlation with the content of AlVI in supersilic garnet. These experimental results established a theoretical foundation for further understanding the formation mechanism of the exsolution of pyroxene in garnet observed in deep mantle xenoliths and some ultrahigh pressure rocks, and also for estimating the pressure conditions of the formation of supersilic garnet before exsolution (Haggerty and Sautter, 1990; Sautter et al., 1991; van Roermund et al., 1998; Ye et al., 2000). Although some experimental studies on SiO2 saturated system have been reported (Irifune et al., 1994; Ono., 1998; Dobrazhinetskya and Green., 2007; Wu et al., 2009), the stability conditions of supersilic garnet are still lack of unified understanding. Therefore, HP‐HT experiments were carried out on felsic rocks under conditions of 6–12GPa and 1000°C–1400°C. Combined with previous experimental data, we try to figure out the minimum stable pressure and geological significants of supersilic garnet in SiO2 saturated system. Our experimental results from SiO2 saturated system show the minimum stable pressure of supersilic garnet should be ≥10 GP of stishovite stability field. These results are similar as that from experiments using starting composition similar to average upper continental crust reported by Irifune et al (1994) who yielded that garnet gradually became supersilic and Al‐deficient as pressures increased above 10 GPa, especially in a pressure interval between 13 and 18 GPa. Moreover, experiments with different starting materials (Ono, 1998; Dobrazhinetskya and Green, 2007; Wu et al. 2009) also indicate the stable pressure condition of supersilic garnet is mainly ≥9 –10 GPa in SiO2 saturated system if data of small‐size grains at low temperature are ignored due to measuring errors. Thus, it can be concluded that the minimum stable pressure of supersilic garnet in SiO2 saturated system is distinctly different from that in SiO2 unsaturated ultramafic rock system. The minimum pressure of the former is ≥9–10 GPa of stishovite stability field, while that of the latter is >5 GPa. Therefore, whether independent SiO2 phase exist or rock system is SiO2 saturated must be taken into considered when estimating the peak pressure of exsolutions in supersilic garnet in UHP rocks. Furthermore, pressure of >5 GPa directly estimated by supersilic garnet based on conclusion from SiO2 unsaturation system rather than SiO2 saturation in previous sdudies may have been underestimated and need to be re‐estimated. Supersilic garnets have been recognized by interior exsolutions of clinopyroxene in garnet pyroxene from Yinggelisayi South Altyn (Liu et al., 2005), and exsolutions of rodlike quartz+rutile in felsic gneiss from Songshugou North Qinling (Liu et al., 2003). According to the experimental results from SiO2 unsaturated system, the peak metamorphic pressure of the both SiO2 saturated rocks have been estimated to be >7Gpa and >5Gpa, respectively. However, combined with the new experimental results above, we re‐estimated that the peak metamorphic pressure of these SiO2 saturated rocks should be≥9 –10 GPa at least, implying an ultra‐deep subduction to mantle depth of stishovite stability field. This research, together with previous findings (Liu et al., 2007, 2018), shows that continental subduction to mantle depth (300km) of stishovite stability field and then exhumation to the surface is obviously more common than previously thought, and the rock types are also diverse. At the same time, it provides a new indicator and thought for recognizing the subduction to the mantle depth of stishovite stability field in UHP metamorphic belt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) play a vital role in the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and depression. However, there is currently no suitable positron emission tomography (PET) or Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) radioligands for imaging α7 nAChRs in brain. Here our aim is to radiosynthesize a novel SPECT radioligand 131I-CHIBA-1001 for whole body biodistribution study and in vivo imaging of α7 nAChRs in brain. Method: 131I-CHIBA-1001 was radiosynthesized by chloramine-T method. Different conditions of reaction time and temperature were tested to get a better radiolabeling yield. Radiolabeling yield and radiochemical purities of 131I-CHIBA-1001 were analyzed by thin layer chromatography (TLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system. Whole body biodistribution study was performed at different time points post injection of 131I-CHIBA-1001 in KM mice. Monkey subject was used for in vivo SPECT imaging in brain. Result: The radiolabeling yield of 131I-CHIBA-1001 reached 96% within 1.5∼2.0 h at 90∼95°C. The radiochemical purity reached more than 99% after HPLC purification. 131I-CHIBA-1001 was highly stable in saline and fresh human serum in room temperature and 37°C separately. The biodistribution data of brain at 15, 30, and 60 min were 11.05±1.04%ID/g, 8.8±0.04%ID/g and 6.28±1.13%ID/g, respectively. In experimental SPECT imaging, the distribution of radioactivity in the brain regions was paralleled with the distribution of α7 nAChRs in the monkey brain. Moreover, in the blocking SPECT imaging study, the selective α7 nAChR agonist SSR180711 blocked the radioactive uptake in the brain successfully. Conclusion: The CHIBA-1001 can be successfully radiolabeled with 131I using the chloramine-T method. 131I-CHIBA-1001 can successfully accumulate in the monkey brain and image the α7 acetylcholine receptors. 131I-CHIBA-1001 can be a candidate for imagingα7 acetylcholine receptors, which will be of great value for the diagnosis and treatment of mental diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents abstracts on geological topics which include the origin and structure of zircon in metamorphic rocks, the role of fluids during processes involving the continental crust, and geochemical characteristics of granites found in the Dabie Mountains, China.

The Altyn Complex in Altyn Tagh, NW China is commonly considered as the Archean–Paleoproterozoic basement of the Tarim craton. It consists predominantly of mafic and felsic orthogneisses and metasedimentary rocks. Seven samples for laser ablation ICP-MS U–Pb zircon dating were collected from felsic orthogneisses, granites, paragneisses and leucosomes within the Altyn Complex that are exposed at Jianggalesayi and Danshuiquan in the west, at Bashiwake in the middle, and at Yaganbuyang in the east of South Altyn. Our results indicate that both granite and orthogneisses were emplaced at 900–940Ma, containing inherited zircon cores ranging in age from ∼1100Ma to 1800Ma. Zircons in the orthogneisses have metamorphic rims that yielded ages clustered from 454 to 508Ma. The paragneiss from Yaganbuyang yielded an estimated maximum depositional age of 835±10Ma and a metamorphic age of 458±6Ma, and most detrital zircons were dated at 835–1864Ma. The paragneiss from Bashiwake yielded an estimated maximum depositional age of 1362±18Ma and a metamorphic age of 907±14Ma, and most detrital zircons were dated at 1150–1630Ma. A leucosome from migmatite in Jianggalesayi yielded a metamorphic age of 417±2Ma, with detrital cores dated at ∼1073–1789Ma. Integrated with the previous U–Pb zircon geochronological data, we propose that the Altyn Complex is not the Archean–Paleoproterozoic crystallized basement of the Tarim craton as previously believed. We suggest that these granitoids magmatism and precursors of metasedimentary units in the Altyn Complex were produced at an active margin outside of the Tarim craton during early Neoproterozoic time. Early Palaeozoic multistage metamorphic ages (ca. 485–510Ma, ca. 454–458Ma and ca. 417Ma) in the Altyn Complex, overlap the main phases of the South Altyn granitic rocks (ca. 500–410Ma), indicating that this complex developed during the early Palaeozoic collisional orogeny in the Altyn Tagh. Based on a combination of Grenville-age detritus and the record of late Neoproterozoic extensional tectono-thermal activity, we place the Altyn Complex on the margin of a Grenville-age orogen which represents part of the juxtaposition of continental masses within the Rodinia Supercontinent. The similarity in age of magmatism and metamorphism in the Altyn Tagh–North Qaidam–Qilian–East Kunlun suggest the existence of an early Neoproterozoic active continental margin system along the northeastern margin of Tibetan Plateau. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new barium ytterbium indium selenide, Ba2YbInSe5, was obtained by conventional high temperature solid state reaction. The compound crystallizes in the noncentrosymmetric space group Cmc21 of the orthorhombic system. The structure contains infinite one-dimensional anionic chains 1∞[YbInSe5]4-, which are built from YbSe6 octahedra and InSe4 tetrahedra and separated by Ba2+ cation. The magnetic measurement indicates that the compound is paramagnetic. In addition, the calculated bandgap is 0.29 eV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The overexpression of osteopontin is associated with various inflammatory liver diseases. Interestingly, each of these diseases is also associated with IL-17 expression. Therefore, we sought to determine whether there is any mechanistic link between osteopontin and IL-17. Herein we show that IL-17 and osteopontin levels were significantly increased in patients with chronic hepatitis B. We found that IL-17 and osteopontin levels increased similarly in mice with concanavalin A-induced hepatitis. Both osteopontin- and IL-17-deficient mice were resistant to concanavalin A-induced hepatic injury. In addition, osteopontin markedly induced IL-17 expression by leukocytes (from humans and mice). This effect could be blocked by a specific antibody against osteopontin. β3 integrin (one of the osteopontin receptors) was critically involved in the induction of IL-17 production by osteopontin. Osteopontin-induced IL-17 expression was mediated through the p38, JNK, and NF-κB pathways. These findings suggest that osteopontin regulates IL-17 production during the pathogenesis of hepatitis and provide new evidence for the critical roles of osteopontin and IL-17 in hepatitis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Petrography, mineral chemistry and pressure–temperature (P–T) estimates were carried out for the eclogite from the South Altyn in NW China. The results suggest three stages of metamorphism: an ultra-high pressure (UHP) eclogite-facies metamorphism at 717–871°C and ≥2.8GPa, a high pressure (HP) granulite-facies metamorphism at 624–789°C and 1.42–1.52GPa, and an amphibolite-facies metamorphism at 597–728°C and 0.99–1.17GPa. Cathodoluminescence investigation revealed that zircons from the retrograde eclogite display a distinct core-rim structure. Cores are grey-white luminescent and contain mineral inclusions of Garnet+Omphacite+Rutile+Quartz, suggesting eclogite-facies metamorphic origin. The rims are dark grey luminescent and contain Garnet+Clinopyroxene+Pagioclase inclusions, forming at HP granulite-facies conditions. A few residual zircon grains with mottled internal structure also occur as the metamorphic cores. LA-ICPMS zircon U–Pb dating yielded three discrete age groups: (1) a Neoproterozoic protolith age of 752±7Ma for the residual grains, (2) an eclogite-facies metamorphic age of 500±7Ma for the metamorphic cores, and (3) a HP granulite-facies retrograde age of 455±2Ma for the rims. These ages indicate that the protolith of the Altyn eclogite probably formed in response to breakup of the Rodinia supercontinent during the Neoproterozoic; it was subjected to continental deep subduction and UHP metamorphism during early Paleozoic (~500Ma) and subsequently underwent two stages of retrograde metamorphism during exhumation. The petrological and geochronological data suggest a clockwise P–T–t path for the UHP eclogite. According to pressures and ages for the peak UHP eclogite-facies and the retrograde HP granulite-facies metamorphism, an exhumation rate of 1.2mm/yr was estimated for the eclogite, which is considerably slower than that of some UHP rocks from other UHP terranes (>5mm/yr). While the peak metamorphic age of 500Ma is consistent with previous dates of 480–504Ma, it is 40–60Myr older than the HP/UHP metamorphic ages of 420–461Ma for UHP eclogites in North Qaidam. The retrograde metamorphic age is 455±2Ma for the Altyn eclogite, which is 30–55Myr older than ~400–425Ma for the North Qaidam eclogites. These age differences suggest that the South Altyn and North Qaidam eclogites do not belong to the same HP/UHP metamorphic zone. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Cholinergic dysfunction is known as a hallmark feature of Alzheimer''s disease (AD). Measurement of endogenous acetylcholine (ACh) in specific brain regions is important in understanding the pathology of AD and in designing and evaluating novel cholinomimetic agents for the treatment of AD. Since ACh is an endogenous neurotransmitter, there is no real blank matrix available to construct standard curves. It has been a challenging task to determine ACh in complex brain matrices. To overcome these difficulties, we employed a surrogate analyte strategy using ACh-d4 instead of ACh to generate calibration curves and Ch-d9 as internal standard (IS). The brain samples were deproteinized by acetonitrile with IS. Analytes and IS were separated by a HILIC column with the mobile phase composed of 20mM ammonium formate in water–acetonitrile (30:70, v/v, adjusted to pH 3.0 with formic acid) and monitored in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode using a positive electrospray source. The concentrations of endogenous ACh were calculated based on the peak area ratio of the analyte to the IS using a regression equation for the corresponding surrogate standard (ACh-d4). The lower limit of detection was 0.2ng/mL and linearity was maintained over the range of 10–1000ng/mL. Compared to other currently available methods, this approach offers improved accuracy and precision for efficient analysis of ACh. The proposed method was proved successfully by evaluating the action of typical acetylcholinesterase inhibitor huperzine A in senescence accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Influenza A virus is responsible for influenza epidemics in avian and human populations and poses a great threat to human health. Many researches have been focused on the prevention and treatment of influenza A virus infection. The nucleoprotein (NP) of the virus is an important protein due to its ability to interact with a variety of viral and cellular factors and its role in the viral RNA synthesis. In this study, we have used the influenza A virus nucleoprotein as target for anti-viral therapy through a new approach. By screening a human single-chain intracellular antibody (intrabody) cDNA library using nucleoprotein as bait in a yeast antigen–antibody two-hybrid system, we have identified several intrabodies that specifically interact with the viral nucleoprotein. Interaction between nucleoprotein and anti-nucleoprotein intrabodies was further confirmed by mammalian two-hybrid analysis. Results showed that anti-nucleoprotein intrabodies changed their cellular distribution in association with the viral nucleoprotein. Further studies indicated that anti-nucleoprotein intrabodies abolished the accumulation of not only the complementary RNA and virion RNA but also messenger RNA of influenza virus. In addition, anti-nucleoprotein intrabodies significantly inhibited influenza A virus transcription and replication through blocking the interaction of nucleoprotein with the viral polymerase proteins, polymerase basic protein 1 and polymerase basic protein 2. Thus, this study not only provides a powerful tool for the study of viral protein''s functions, but also opens a new potential avenue for the prevention and treatment of influenza virus infections. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Recombinant Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi can function as a live vector to deliver foreign antigens to the mammalian immune system and induce both mucosal and systemic immunity. In this study, we generated a recombinant Salmonella Typhi strain pilS− pilT−Gag+(pVAX1-gp120) harboring the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) gag gene integrated into the bacterial chromosome and gp120 gene carried by a plasmid. Mice inoculated with this recombinant bacterium through intranasal route produced high titers of IgG to gp120 in sera and IgA to gp120 in fecal washes. In addition, Gag-specific and gp120-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses were observed in sorted spleen lymphocytes of immunized mice. These results demonstrated that this recombinant Salmonella Typhi strain elicits multiple immune responses against both Gag and gp120 antigens of HIV, and thus would be a potential vaccine candidate to the prevention of HIV/AIDS. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes chronic hepatitis, which often results in the development of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide. In this study, we demonstrated that the non-structural protein NS3 of HCV enhances cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) gene promoter activity, COX-2 mRNA expression, COX-2 protein production, and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) release in HepG2 cells in a concentration-dependent fashion. We also showed that transcription factor NF-κB is required for the activation of COX-2 regulated by NS3. In addition, multiple signaling pathways are involved cooperatively in the expression of COX-2 activated by the viral protein in a calcium-independent manner, which requires signaling components including JNK, ERK, and PKD2. A thorough investigation of mechanism involved in the activation of COX-2 regulated by HCV would provide insights into our understanding the processes of liver inflammatory response and hepatocellular carcinoma development caused by the viral infection and also into the development of novel therapeutics against HCV infection. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The compounds Ln3FeGaQ7 (Ln: Nd, Sm, Gd, Dy, Q: S; Ln: Nd, Gd, Dy, Q: Se) are prepared by solid state reactions of Ln, Fe, Ga2Q3, and Q (sealed silica tube, 1323-1373 K, 48 h). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electromagnetic ultrasonic (EMU) Lamb waves excited by electromagnetic acoustic transducers (EMATs) possess many advantages in NDT. However, their characteristic multi-modes and dispersion are disadvantageous for inspection and restrict further improvements in their real applications. By deducing the excitation equation of EMU Lamb waves, the primary design parameters of EMATs and the characteristic equation of Lamb waves are combined, and excitation curves based on the excitation equation are plotted to aid the design of EMATs. The excitation characteristic of EMU Lamb waves on different thickness of plates is analyzed according to the excitation curves. The influence of multi-modes of EMU Lamb waves is minimized by choosing reasonable operating points and operating zones to excite a single-mode Lamb wave or multi-mode Lamb waves with identical or approximate propagation velocities. The influence of dispersion is minimized by searching corresponding points whose slope of group velocity tends to zero. The validity of the proposed method is verified by experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Newly identified garnet–corundum silica-undersaturated pelitic granulites in the Mianlüe Tectonic Zone of the South Qinling belt, central China, preserve a distinct mineral assemblage of garnet + corundum + biotite + plagioclase ± kyanite + sillimanite + staurolite and are therefore useful for deciphering the metamorphic evolution of the zone. Most of the garnet porphyroblasts preserve prominent major- and trace-element zoning, which provides evidence for two stages of garnet growth, under subsolidus conditions and then fluid-absent conditions, during prograde metamorphism. The distinctive yttrium annuli in garnet grains are most likely the result of the breakdown of xenotime. Four stages in the pressure–temperature (P–T) evolution of the granulites are inferred from the results of P–T pseudosection analysis together with petrographic observations. The first stage records the early prograde evolution, comprising isobaric heating at ~7 kbar from 580 to ~700 °C, and the later-stage prograde evolution with increasing pressure and temperature to the peak-pressure stage. The second stage is marked by the maximum X Grs in the garnet mantle, indicating the peak conditions in the high- P –high- T granulite facies of 830 °C at ~11.7 kbar. The third stage is characterized by a continued increase in pyrope in the garnet rim, suggesting decompression with slight heating from the peak pressure to reach the peak temperature at ~9.4 kbar and ~850 °C. The late retrograde cooling stage is represented by further decompression after the peak temperature, accompanied by the growth of staurolite. 7–13 mol% melt was produced during prograde metamorphism via the reaction sill + bi + pl → g + crn + melt. Although later melt loss reduced the bulk-rock Si and Al, the low-Si and high-Al–Fe bulk compositions of restite were inherited mainly from the protolith, which comprised high-Fe sediments (bauxites) derived from weathering of adjacent mafic rock. U–Pb dating of metamorphic zircon rims yielded two age clusters: ~227 Ma represents the timing close to peak-pressure conditions, and 222–217 Ma represents the timing of post- T max cooling to the solidus. Monazite U–Pb ages of 212–206 Ma are interpreted as the timing of further retrograde cooling under the solidus. The geochronological data and clockwise P – T paths indicate the garnet–corundum pelitic granulites record a complete metamorphic P–T–t history, including crustal thickening during continental collision/subduction and subsequent exhumation and cooling during the early Mesozoic. Combined with recent high-precision early Neoproterozoic data, we proposed that the MTZ was formed as a result of Grenvillian oceanic plate subduction and the assembly of Rodinia during the early Neoproterozoic and that it also records processes related to continental collision/subduction during the early Mesozoic. • irst report of garnet–corundum granulites from Mianlüe Tectonic Zone (MTZ). • Fe Al-rich granulites originated from high-Fe sediments (bauxites). • Clockwise P–T–t evolution is recorded by MTZ granulites. • The MTZ records continental collision/subduction during the early Mesozoic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Mosquito defensin facilitates JEV infection within mosquito. • Mosquito defensin down-regulates cell surface antiviral protein HSC70B. • Mosquito defensin-HSC70B axis impacts JEV infection in in vivo and in vitro. Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is a viral zoonosis that can cause viral encephalitis, death and disability whose primary vector is the Culex mosquito. Viral infection induces a series of antimicrobial peptide responses in mosquitoes, and the effector defensin enhances JEV replication in mosquitoes. However, the underlying mechanisms by which defensin enhances JEV are not fully understood. Here, we found that mosquito defensin could downregulate the antiviral protein HSC70B and enhance virus infection in mosquitoes. The cell-surface protein HSC70B was significantly downregulated by JEV infection and defensin treatment. Low levels of HSC70B were beneficial to JEV infection in mosquitoes. Taken together, these findings show that defensin and HSC70B axis facilitates JEV infection in the mosquito. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The OMPS was fabricated to enhance the adhesion between PS and PLA. • The interfacial adhesion was achieved by successive layer-by-layer strategy. • The sandwich-architectured films showed excellent barrier properties. • OMPS15 presented a favorable effect on the conservation of strawberry quality. The development of biopolymer films is crucial for the replacement of conventional plastics. Tremendous effort is made to improve their performances by introducing biopolymers through the film manufacturing process. Herein, a sandwich-architectured film was proposed to efficiently improve the adhesion between the PS and PLA layers by using octenyl succinic anhydride-modified pea starch (OMPS) layer as the interlayer, leading to a highly mechanically enhanced interpenetrating network. Accordingly, the properties of the films were enhanced due to the synergism effect of sandwich architecture. In particular, the WVP value of the sandwich-architectured films (0.25 ∼ 0.89×10−10 g · m - 1 · s - 1 · P a - 1) decreased more than 7-fold compared with the OMPS20 film, and the OP value of the sandwich-architectured films (0.256 ∼ 1.229×10-12 c m 3 · m · m - 2 · s - 1 · P a - 1) decreased more than 10-fold in comparison to the PLA film. Benefitting from the characteristics investigated above, the films exhibited a favorable effect on strawberry storage. Overall, the fabricated eco-friendly sandwich-architectured films have shown great potential for biodegradable packaging applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A magnetotunable left-handed material (LHM) consisting of yttrium iron garnet (YIG) slab and metallic wires has been demonstrated by experiments and simulations. The left-handed passband through the LHM can be dynamically and continuously tuned in a wide frequency region by an applied magnetic field. The tunability of the passband is attributed to that of the negative permeability induced by ferromagnetic resonance in the YIG slab. The authors proposed a convenient means to design tunable LHM based on the ferromagnetic materials as an alternative to tunable split ring resonators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shale oil is hosted in nanopores of organic-rich shales, so pore characteristics are significant for shale oil accumulation. Here we analyzed pore characteristics of 39 lacustrine shale samples of the Late Cretaceous Qingshankou Formation (K2qn) in the Songliao Basin, which is one of the main shale oil resource basins in China, using field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and low-pressure nitrogen adsorption. We accomplished fractal analysis, correlation analysis using correlation matrix and multidimensional scaling (MDS), and prediction of fractal dimensions, which is the first time to predict pore fractal dimensions of shales. Interparticle pores are highly developed in K2qn. These shales have mesoporous nature and slit-shaped pores. Compared with the second and third members (K2qn2,3), the first member of the Qingshankou Formation (K2qn1) has a larger average pore diameter, much smaller surface area, fewer micropores, simpler pore structure and surface indicated by smaller fractal dimensions. In terms of pore characteristics, K2qn1 is better than K2qn2,3 as a shale oil reservoir. When compared with marine Bakken Formation shales, lacustrine shales of the Qingshankou Formation have similar complexity of pore structure, but much rougher pore surface. This research can lead to an improved understanding of the pore system of lacustrine shales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mn4+ activated LaMgAl11O19 (LMA/Mn4+) with red emitting phosphor was obtained by sintering under air conditioning. The X-ray diffraction pattern Rietveld refinement results reveal that three six-fold coordinated Al sites are substituted by Mn4+ ions. Furthermore, the chemical valence state of manganese in the LMA host was further confirmed through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). Photoluminescence emission (PL) and excitation (PLE) spectra of LMA/Mn4+ as well as the lifetime were measured, and the 663 nm emission is ascribed to the 2Eg→4A2g from the 3d3 electrons in the [MnO6]8− octahedral complex. The emission spectrum matches well with the absorption of phytochrome. Temperature-dependent PL spectra show that the color changes of the phosphor at 420 K are 0.0110 for Δx and −0.0109 for Δy. Moreover, doping Zn2+ and Mg2+ ions in the host enhances the emission intensity of Mn4+ ions. These results highlight the potential of LMA/Mn4+ phosphor for a light-emitting diode (LED) plant lamp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single crystals of Be2BO3F are grown by spontaneous nucleation from self-fluxed high temperature solutions of NaBF4, BeO, B2O3, and LiF in the molar ratio of 1-1.5:1-2:0.5-1.5:1-3 (Pt crucible, 800 °C, 2 d). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crystals of (II) and (III) are characterized by single crystal XRD, IR spectroscopy, UV/VIS diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, second harmonic generation (SHG) measurements, and DFT calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hematopoietic pre-B cell leukemia transcription factor (PBX)-interacting protein (HPIP) was shown to play a role in cancer development and progression. However, the role of HPIP in colorectal cancer (CRC) is unknown. Here, we report that HPIP is overexpressed in most of CRC patients and predicts poor clinical outcome in CRC. HPIP promotes CRC cell proliferation via activation of G1/S and G2/M checkpoint transitions, concomitant with a marked increase of the positive cell cycle regulators, including cyclin D1, cyclin A, and cyclin B1. HPIP inhibits CRC cell apoptosis accompanied by the decreased levels of BAX and PIG3, the inducers of apoptosis, and the increased level of the apoptosis inhibitor BCL2. HPIP blocks caspase-3-mediated cleavage of PARP, an important apoptosis marker. HPIP promotes CRC cell migration and invasion, and regulates epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which plays a critical role in cancer cell migration and invasion. Activation of MAPK/ERK1/2 and PI3k/AKT pathways is required for HPIP modulation of CRC cell proliferation, migration and EMT. Moreover, HPIP knockdown suppresses colorectal tumor growth in nude mice. These data highlight the important role of HPIP in CRC cell proliferation and progression and suggest that HPIP may be a useful target for CRC therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single crystals of the new title compounds are prepared from mixtures of BaQ (Q: S, Se), MQ (M: Sn, Pb), GeQ2, and NaBr (Ar, silica tubes, 1123 K, 50 h). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new title compound is synthesized by solid state reaction of BaSe, In2Se3, Yb, and Se in the molar ratio 4:1:2:3 (1173 K, 72 h). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The title compound is synthesized from a mixture of K2Se, FeSe, and GeSe2 (silica tube, 1173 K, 48 h) and characterized by single crystal XRD, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, specific heat and magnetic susceptibility measurements, and DFT calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]