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Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) numerical model is established to simulate the flow field around fishing plane nets in a current. The realizable k–ε turbulence model was chosen to describe the flow, and the governing equations are solved by using the finite volume method. In this model, the net is modeled using the porous media model. The unknown porous coefficients are determined from the hydrodynamic forces on the net and from the flow velocities and the attack angles using the least squares method. In order to validate the numerical model, the numerical results were compared with the data obtained from two physical model tests. The comparisons show that the numerical results are in good agreement with the experimental data. This numerical model is applicable for the simulation of the flow field around a fishing net. Using the proposed method, this paper presents the flow field around a plane net with different plane net inclination angles, plane net heights, spacing distances between two plane nets and plane net numbers. This study provides information about the flow field around the fishing net cage. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The cage-like structure of fullerenes enables a new strategy for derivatization, that is, endohedral doping with metallic species. Distinctly different from exohedral metal-fullerene complexes, endohedral metallofullerenes (EMFs) show several new features in metal–carbon interactions which result from the electron transfer from the internal metallic species to the outer carbon cage. Taking advantage of recent achievements in the X-ray crystallographic characterization of EMFs, it was revealed that the single metal cation in mono-EMFs are always apart from the cage center, coordinating with the cage from inside, dominantly via electrostatic interactions, whereas the metal–cage interactions are much weaker in di-EMFs, featuring a moving dimetallic cluster in most cases. Moreover, formation of various metallic cluster species inside the fullerene cage suggest that the strong coordination ability of rare earth metals which always requests a maximal coordinated stereo environments, is a critical factor controlling the formation of stable EMF compounds. Finally, the structural features of the fullerene cage, such as the symmetry, the shape and the size, are also found to exert fundamental influences on the metal location or motion. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The AlCrFeCuCo high-entropy alloys were prepared by the laser cladding method. The microstructure and corrosion resistance property of AlCrFeCuCo high-entropy alloy were researched by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and electrochemical workstation. The results show that, under the rapid solidification small microstructure gained, the morphology of AlCrFeCuCo high entropy alloy is simple, the phase mainly compose of FCC and BCC; elements segregated in the alloys; the alloy shows excellent corrosion resistance, along with the increase of the scanning speed, alloy corrosion resistance performance shows a enhancement in the first and then weakened trend. The corrosion resistance performance of AlCrFeCuCo high-entropy alloys in 1mol/L NaCl solution is better than in 0.5mol/L H2SO4 solution. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A numerical model of box-shaped net cage is built based on the lumped mass method and the principle of rigid body kinematics. To validate the numerical model, a series of physical model tests are conducted in the wave flume. The numerical results agree well with the data obtained from physical model test. The mooring line force and motion of a box-shaped net are simulated in pure waves and steady current by numerical model and physical experiments. In order to analyze the effect of cage shape on dynamic responses, net cages with a box and column shape are simulated and compared in pure waves and current. The results indicate that the net cage with column shape is more stable and reserve more breeding volume than that with box shape in waves and current action. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) numerical model is established to simulate the flow field inside and around the gravity cages in a current. The realizable k–ɛ turbulence model was chosen to describe the flow, and the governing equations are solved by using the finite volume method. In the numerical model the cylindrical cage is divided into 16 plane nets around the circumference and a bottom net, and the net is modeled using the porous media model. The unknown porous coefficients are determined from the hydrodynamic force on the net under different flow velocities and attack angles using the least squares method. In order to validate the numerical model, the numerical results of the plane nets were compared with the data obtained from two physical model tests. The comparisons show that the numerical results are in good agreement with the experimental data. Using the present model, this paper presents the flow field inside and around the gravity cages with different spacing distances and cage numbers. This study provides information about the flow field inside and around the fishing net cages. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Variation of the reaction conditions with AgC≡CR (R = Ph, Bu), BuPOH, (EtN)VO and AgNO as starting materials afforded three isostructural globular neutral silver(I)-ethynide clusters incorporating the [(BuPO)VO] unit as an integral shell component, namely {(NO)@Ag(C≡CPh)[(BuPO)VO](DEF)(NO)}, {(NO)@Ag(C≡CBu)[(BuPO)VO](DMF)(NO)} ·DMF ·2HO and {(NO)@Ag(C≡CBu)[(BuPO)VO](DMF)(NO)} ·{(NO)@Ag(C≡CBu)[(BuPO)VO](DMF)(py)(NO)} ·DMF ·5HO, in which the central cavity of each Ag cluster is occupied by two nitrate ions that function as a template. Furthermore, from the reaction of AgC≡CBu with (NH)[VO( d,l-citrate)] ·4HO, we isolated a new high-nuclearity silver(I)-ethynide cluster [(VO)@Ag(C≡CBu)(NO)]·8HO that encapsulates a pair of templating orthovanadate ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We report an implementation of a strain-balanced superlattice structure in a photovoltaic device. A thin-period structure is an appropriate design for a strain-balanced epitaxy allowing minimum stress accumulation in the highly strained quantum well (QW). However, a large number of interfaces cause a serious issue as critical as strain balancing. Such a structure suffers from degraded crystal quality with the increase of number of interfaces; and the atomic contents within the well or barrier also become difficult to control. With help from in situ reflectivity measurement and x-ray diffraction, it was deduced that such an interface issue could result from unpredictable interfacial strain relaxation and irregular interface morphology between strained well and barrier. According to this mechanism, we developed a smart interface management, insertion of a monolayer-thin strain-neutral GaAs, to avoid diffused interfaces and morphology degradation. The modified superlattice solar cell exhibits good performance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The treatment of Cd(II) ion with the sodium salt of H2atc (H2atc=2-aminoterephthalic acid) in aqueous solution facilely yields crystal nanorods of metal–organic framework at room temperature. The nanocrystal metal–organic framework (NMOF) of [Cd(atc)(H2O)2]n (NMOF 1) has been realized for the straightforward and highly sensitive sensing of nitroaromatic compounds in ethanol solution by the fluorescence quenching and fluorescence titration experiments. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background and Aims: The expression of the jumping translocation breakpoint (JTB) gene is upregulated in malignant liver tissues; however, JTB is associated with unbalanced translocations in many other types of cancer that suppress JTB expression. No comprehensive analysis on its function in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been performed to date. We aimed to define the biological consequences for interaction between JTB and HBsAg in HCC cell lines. Methods: We employed the stable transfection to establish small HBsAg expressing HepG2 cell line, and stably silenced the JTB expression using short hairpin RNA in HepG2 cell line. The effects of JTB and small HBsAg in vitro were determined by assessing cell apoptosis and motility. Results: Silencing of JTB expression promoted cancer cell motility and reduced cell apoptosis, which was significantly enhanced by HBs expression. Expression of HBsAg inhibited the translocation of JTB to the mitochondria. Furthermore, silencing of the JTB resulted in an increase in the phosphorylation of p65 in HepG2 cells and HepG2-HBs cells, whereas HBsAg expression decreased the phosphorylation of p65. The silencing of JTB in HepG2-HBs cells conferred increased advantages in cell motility and anti-apoptosis. Conclusion: HBsAg inhibited the translocation of JTB to the mitochondria and decreased the phosphorylation of p65 through the interaction with JTB, After JTB knockdown, HBsAg exhibited a stronger potential to promote tumor progression. Our data suggested that JTB act as a tumor suppressor gene in regards to HBV infection and its activation might be applied as a therapeutic strategy for in control of HBV related HCC development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the adsorption of tris(8-hydroxyquinoline)aluminum (Alq3) molecules on cobalt surfaces using density functional theory with the generalized gradient approximation. The van der Waals interaction between Alq3 molecules and cobalt surfaces was included by the dispersion correction. Magnetization of Alq3 molecules, adsorption energies, and bonding energies were obtained for smooth and defective surfaces and for various molecule-surface configurations. Electronic structures were analyzed for states that are relatively stable. We found that both the permanent electric dipole of Alq3 molecules and the charge redistribution near the interface contribute to the interface dipole, and the interface dipole due to charge redistribution is important to determine the work function of a Co/Alq3 surface. Our calculated energy-level alignment at interfaces is consistent with experimental observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper a feasible and effective algorithm is proposed to find solutions to the matrix equation AX = B subject to a matrix inequality constraint CXD ≥ E. Numerical experiments are performed to illustrate the applicability of the algorithm. A comparison with some existing methods (with necessary modifications) is also given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the dissociation of strictly confined charmonium states at finite temperature. The strict confinement constraint to the Cornell potential leads to a 10% higher J/y dissociation temperature and in turn a weaker J/y suppression in relativistic heavy ion collisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: In the seasonally dry karst region of Southwest China, woodland vegetation is frequently associated with rocky outcrops. We used stable isotope techniques to determine the water sources of two woody plant species (the semideciduous tree Rademachera sinica and the deciduous shrub Alchornea trewioides) across three surface types: continuous and isolated dolomite outcrops, as well as adjacent surfaces with soils. Main water sources for R. sinica growing on the continuous outcrops shifted from deep water sources (e.g., water in the saturated zone) on March 23, 2009 (the late dry season of 2008–2009) to rainwater stored in rock fissures of the unsaturated zone on November 8, 2009 (the early dry season of 2009–2010). R. sinica growing on nearby thin soils exhibited a similar shift of main water sources, from deep water sources in the late dry season to shallow soil water (0–30cm) in the early dry season. However, they extracted deep water sources from the bottom of nearby outcrops rather than from deeper layers below the soil surface. Main water sources for R. sinica growing on the isolated outcrops shifted from previous (one to two months ago) rainwater in the late dry season to the mixture of recent (within the last one month) and previous rainwater in the early dry season, while using little or no deep water sources. In contrast, A. trewioides growing on these two kinds of outcrops always relied on recent rainwater, while those growing on soils always relied on shallow soil water. The shift of water sources for tree species (especially those growing on continuous rock outcrops and nearby soils) may allow them to maintain normal transpiration throughout the year, which increases the amount of evapotranspiration in the watershed and further enhances the water storage capacity of the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myosin X (Myo X), also known as MYO10, is an unconventional actin-based motor protein that plays an important role in filopodium formation. Its intra-filopodia movement, an event tightly associated with the function of Myo X, has been extensively studied. However, how the motor activity of Myo X and the direction of its movements are regulated remains largely unknown. In our previous study, we demonstrated that DCC (for 'deleted in colorectal carcinoma') and neogenin (neogenin 1, NEO1 or NGN), a family of immunoglobindomain- containing transmembrane receptors for netrins, interact with Myo X and that DCC is a cargo of Myo X to be delivered to the neurites of cultured neurons. Here, we provide evidence for DCC and neogenin as regulators of Myo X. DCC promotes movement of Myo X along basal actin filaments and enhances Myo-X-mediated basal filopodium elongation. By contrast, neogenin appears to suppress Myo X movement on the basal side, but increases its movement towards the apical and dorsal side of a cell, promoting dorsal filopodium formation and growth. Further studies have demonstrated that DCC, but not neogenin, enhances integrin-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase and basal F-actin reorganization, providing a cellular mechanism underlying their distinct effects on Myo X. These results thus demonstrate differential regulatory roles on Myo X activity by its cargo proteins, DCC and neogenin, revealing different cellular functions of DCC and neogenin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Stoma is surrounded by two guard cells, and regulates the contents of water and CO2 in plant, its opening and closing was affected by various factors. Recently, dehydroascorbate was found to induce stomata closure and H2O2 generation. However, the mechanism of H2O2 production is not clear. DPI and imidazole inhibit the flavoprotein and the b-type cytochrome components of the NADPH oxidase complex. Application of DPI or imidazole with DHA together impaired stomatal closure and elevation of H2DCF-DA fluorescent intensity induced by DHA in guard cells. CoCl2 and PD98059, as the blocker of calcium channel and the inhibitor of MAPKKK, both impaired stomatal closure induced by DHA. The results suggested that DHA-induced H2O2 generation via activation of NADPH oxidase, and thus resulting in stomatal closure. Moreover, Ca2+ channel and MAPK cascades were involved in stomatal closure induced by DHA. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

BACKGROUND: The objectives of this study were to identify and validate the diagnostic value of N-glycan markers in colorectal cancer (CRC) and to uncover their underlying molecular mechanism. METHODS: In total, 347 individuals, including patients with CRC, patients with colorectal adenoma, and healthy controls, were divided randomly into a training group (n = 287) and retrospective validation groups (n = 60). Serum N-glycan profiling was analyzed by DNA sequencer-assisted/flurophore-assisted carbohydrate electrophoresis (DSA-FACE). Two diagnostic models were constructed based on N-glycan profiling with logistic stepwise regression. The diagnostic performance of each model was assessed further in retrospective, prospective (n = 43), and follow-up (n = 46) cohorts. Lectin blot and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction were used to analyze the total core-fucosylated residues and molecular expression involved in core-fucosylation modifications in CRC. RESULTS: Two diagnostic models designated CRCglycoA and CRCglycoB were constructed to differentiate CRC from normal and adenoma, respectively. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) of both CRCglycoA and CRCglycoB were higher than the AUC of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) (CRCglycoA, 0.92 vs 0.81; CRCglycoB, 0.81 vs 0.73). The sensitivity and accuracy of CRCglycoA improved from 21.7% to 25% and from 11.63% to 18% in the training cohort, the retrospective cohort, and the prospective cohorts compared with the sensitivity and accuracy of CEA. The sensitivity of CRCglycoB improved from 20% to 28.23%. Both altered N-glycans, and results from the diagnostic models were reversed after curative surgery. The level of total core fucose residues and fucosyltransferase were decreased significantly in CRC. CONCLUSIONS: The current results indicated that the N-glycan markers based diagnostic models are new, valuable, noninvasive alternatives for identifying CRC. The authors concluded that decreased fucosyltransferase may be responsible for decreased levels of total core-fucosylated modification in both tissues and serum from patients with CRC. Cancer 2012;. © 2011 American Cancer Society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): Wnt5a, which regulates the activities of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, is reportedly overexpressed in osteoarthritis (OA) tissues. The purpose of this study was to elucidate its role in the development of OA by deleting Wnt5a in osteocalcin (OCN)-expressing cells. Materials and Methods: Knee OA was induced by anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) in OCN-Cre;Wnt5afl/fl knockout (Wnt5a-cKO) mice and control littermates. Eight weeks after surgery, histological changes, cell apoptosis, and matrix metabolism of cartilage were evaluated by toluidine blue, TUNEL staining, and im-immunohistochemistry analyses, respectively. In addition, the subchondral bone microarchitecture of mice was examined by micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Results: Histological scores show substantial cartilage degeneration occurred in ACLT knees, coupled with decreased collagen type II expression and enhanced matrix metalloproteinase 13 expression, as well as higher proportions of apoptotic cells. Micro-CT results show that ACLT resulted in decreased bone mineral density, bone volume/trabecular volume, trabecular number, and structure model index of subchondral bones in both Wnt5a-cKO and control littermates; although Wnt5a-cKO mice display lower BMD and BV/TV values, no significant difference was observed between Wnt5a-cKO and control mice for any of these values. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that Wnt5a deficiency in OCN-expressing cells could not prevent an osteoarthritic phenotype in a mouse model of post-traumatic OA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alloying nanoclusters (NCs) has emerged as a widely explored and versatile strategy for tailoring tunable properties, facilitating in‐depth atomic‐level investigations of structure‐property correlations. In this study, we have successfully synthesized six atomically precise copper NCs alloyed with Group 10 metals (Pd or Pt). Notably, the Pd0 or Pt0 atom situated at the center of the distorted hexagonal antiprism Pd0/Pt0@Cu12 cage, coordinated with twelve Cu+ and two tBuC≡C− ligands. Moreover, ligand exchange strategies demonstrated the potential for Cl− and Br− to replace one or two alkynyl ligands positioned at the top or side of the NCs. The chirality exhibited by these racemic NCs is primarily attributed to the involvement of halogens and a chiral (Pd/Pt)@Cu18 skeleton. Furthermore, all the NCs exhibit near‐infrared (NIR) luminescence, characterized by emission peaks at 705–755 nm, lifetimes ranging from 6.630 to 9.662 μs, and absolute photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs) of 1.75 %–2.52 % in their crystalline state. The experimental optical properties of these NCs are found to be in excellent agreement with the results of theoretical calculations. These alloy NCs not only offer valuable insights into the synthesis of Pd0/Pt0‐Cu alloy NCs, but also bridge the gap in understanding the structure‐luminescence relationships of Pd0/Pt0‐Cu molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alloying nanoclusters (NCs) has emerged as a widely explored and versatile strategy for tailoring tunable properties, facilitating in‐depth atomic‐level investigations of structure‐property correlations. In this study, we have successfully synthesized six atomically precise copper NCs alloyed with Group 10 metals (Pd or Pt). Notably, the Pd0 or Pt0 atom situated at the center of the distorted hexagonal antiprism Pd0/Pt0@Cu12 cage, coordinated with twelve Cu+ and two tBuC≡C− ligands. Moreover, ligand exchange strategies demonstrated the potential for Cl− and Br− to replace one or two alkynyl ligands positioned at the top or side of the NCs. The chirality exhibited by these racemic NCs is primarily attributed to the involvement of halogens and a chiral (Pd/Pt)@Cu18 skeleton. Furthermore, all the NCs exhibit near‐infrared (NIR) luminescence, characterized by emission peaks at 705–755 nm, lifetimes ranging from 6.630 to 9.662 μs, and absolute photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs) of 1.75 %–2.52 % in their crystalline state. The experimental optical properties of these NCs are found to be in excellent agreement with the results of theoretical calculations. These alloy NCs not only offer valuable insights into the synthesis of Pd0/Pt0‐Cu alloy NCs, but also bridge the gap in understanding the structure‐luminescence relationships of Pd0/Pt0‐Cu molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An interference imaging system with annular aperture is presented having focal length of 6000mm, aperture of 1000mm, and ring width/semi-diameter of 0.2. The energy analyze is carried out to evaluate the optical performance of this system, and imaging restoration processing is also performed by the blind deconvolution algorithm with iteration number of 25. Results show that the quality is close to the diffraction limit and the weight has greatly reduced to 36% of the full-aperture system, which verifies the annular aperture system is a better choice for the space telescope with large-caliber and long focal length. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background. Tamoxifen (TAM) is a nonsteroidal antiestrogen that has been widely used in the treatment of breast cancer through its anti-estrogen activity. Recent studies show that TAM is cytotoxic to both estrogen receptor (ER)-positive and ER-negative cells via the induction of apoptosis. However, the molecular mechanisms of this effect are not well understood. In the present study, we investigated the roles of c-Src, ERK, AKT and c-Cbl ubiquitin ligases during TAM-induced apoptosis of MCF-7 cells. Material and methods. MCF-7 cell proliferation and apoptosis were measured by 3-(4,5-dimethyl thiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, and flow cytometry, respectively. c-Cbl expression, and the activity of c-Src, ERK, AKT were assayed by Western blotting. Overexpression of the wild and the dominant-negative type of c-Cbl (70Z/Cbl) were achieved by transient transfection of plasmids encoding c-Cbl and 70Z/Cbl, respectively, and were confirmed by Western blotting. Statistical analysis was performed using the t-test, and a p-value <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results. A high concentration of TAM (25 μμM) induced a time-dependent apoptosis of MCF-7 cells. ERK1/2 and AKT were activated during TAM-induced apoptosis. The ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059, the PI3K/Akt inhibitor LY294002, and the c-Src inhibitor PP2 all enhanced TAM action. Moreover, the ubiquitin ligase c-Cbl was up-regulated during this process. Over-expression of c-Cbl significantly enhanced the apoptosis-inducing effects of TAM, while 70Z/Cbl suppressed the apoptosis-inducing effects of TAM. Further investigation revealed that, overexpression of c-Cbl significantly downregulated the c-Src protein levels and TAM-induced AKT activity. But 70Z/Cbl significantly upregulated TAM-induced ERK and AKT activity. Conclusions. This study demonstrates that c-Src, ERK, and AKT played a protective role during TAM-induced apoptosis, and that c-Cbl sensitized MCF-7 cells to TAM by modulating the expression of c-Src, and TAM-induced ERK and AKT activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The title compound, CHNO, was synthesized and structurally characterized by elemental analysis, MS, H NMR and single crystal X-ray diffraction. It crystallizes in monoclinic system space group C 2/c with a = 27.981(6) Å, b = 12.996(3) Å, c = 8.0900(16) Å, β = 91.06(3)°, V = 2941.4(10) Å, Z = 8, R = 0.0675, wR = 0.1626, and T = 298(2) K. The X-ray structure determination revealed that the center furanone ring is nearly coplanar with p-methoxybenzene ring and forms a dihedral angle of 87.2(1)° with the nitrobenzene ring. O-H···O Intermolecular hydrogen bonds link pairs of molecules into centrosymmetric dimers, making a graph set motif of R(10). The dimers are further assembled into a chain of edge-fused R(34) rings running along the [001] direction. The final three-dimensional supramolecular architecture is stabilized by weak π-π interactions. Graphical Abstract: The dimers were assembled into a chain of edge-fused R(34) rings running along the [001] direction and a co-chain is formed with an 'x' pattern of the cross section.[Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In karst regions, forests often grow on bedrock outcrops, however the water sources used by the forest vegetation are not known. This study aimed at investigating whether there were seasonal shifts (dry/wet season) of water sources for plants growing on the continuous dolostone outcrops, and comparing their differences with those growing on nearby thin soils in karst areas of southwest China. Rainwater, soil water within 0-30 cm depths, spring water (as a reflection of local deep water sources) and plant xylem water were sampled in March (late dry season) and July (mid rainy season) 2009, respectively. A direct inference approach and the IsoSource mixing model were used to estimate the contributions of different sources to the plant xylem water. On the outcrops, the deciduous tree species Radermachera sinica mainly used deep water sources during the dry season and a mixture of rainwater and deep water sources during the wet season. By contrast, the deciduous small shrub Alchornea trewioides largely relied on recent rainwater during both dry and wet seasons. Three non-deciduous species ( Sterculia euosma, Schefflera octophylla and Ficus orthoneura) appear to rely on deep water sources during the wet seasons. In nearby thin soils, R. sinica mainly utilized deep water in the dry season and a mixture of soil water and deep water in the wet season. A. trewioides relied on the same water sources (rainwater-derived soil water) in the different seasons. The above results indicate that inter-specific differences in rooting patterns and leaf phenologies may lead to the differences in the sources of water used by coexisting plant species in karst regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two neutral silver(I)-phenylethynide clusters incorporating the [(tBuPO3)4V4O8]4- unit as an integral shell component, namely {(NO3)2@Ag16(C≡CPh)4[(tBuPO3)4V4O8]2(DMF)6(NO3)2}∙DMF∙H2O and {[(O2)V2O6]3@Ag43(C≡CPh)19[(tBuPO3)4V4O8]3(DMF)6}∙5DMF∙2H2O, have been isolated and characterized by X-ray crystallography. The central cavities of the Ag16 and Ag43 clusters are occupied by two NO3- and three [(O2)V2O6]4- template anions, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The metastable phase equilibria of the quaternary system Li, K￰−, and SO42−−H2O was studied at 273.15 K using an isothermal evaporation method. The solubilities and densities of the equilibrated solution were determined. According to the experimental data, the metastable phase diagram, the water-content diagram, density diagram, and pH value diagram were plotted. This quaternary system is of a complex type; the double salt KLiSO4was found at the studied temperature. The metastable phase diagram consists of three invariant points, seven uninvariant curves, and five salt crystallization regions. Potassium sulfate has the largest crystallization field and can be easily separated from the solution in this system at 273.15 K using an evaporation method. Comparisons between the metastable and the stable phase diagram at different temperatures show that the crystallization forms of the salts are the same, whereas the crystallization field of salt K2SO4becomes obviously larger with the temperature decrease. If more pure potassium sulfate needs to be separated as much as possible, a fall in temperature is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new class of chiral secondary amine organocatalyst was rationally designed as an efficient catalyst to catalyze the elusive Michael addition of aldehydes to vinyl sulfones. High yield and excellent enantioselectivities could be obtained at room temperature without having to resort to high catalyst loading, anhydrous solvents, and low temperatures. Efficient control of enamine conformation and face shielding as well as the rigid nature of the tricyclic skeleton, with an inherent chiral pocket, provide a well-organized chiral environment to effect this elusive reaction efficiently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with chronic non-specific low back pain (LBP) walk with more synchronous (in-phase) horizontal pelvis and thorax rotations than controls. Low thorax-pelvis relative phase in these patients appears to result from in-phase motion of the thorax with the legs, which was hypothesized to affect arm swing. In the present study, gait kinematics were compared between LBP patients with lumbar disc herniation and healthy controls during treadmill walking at different speeds and with different step lengths. Movements of legs, arms, and trunk were recorded. The patients walked with larger pelvis rotations than healthy controls, and with lower relative phase between pelvis and thorax horizontal rotations, specifically when taking large steps. They did so by rotating the thorax more in-phase with the pendular movements of the legs, thereby limiting the amplitudes of spine rotation. In the patients, arm swing was out-of phase with the leg, as in controls. Consequently, the phase relationship between thorax rotations and arm swing was altered in the patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We quantified the differences in floral characters and attractiveness to flower visitors under natural conditions between the sexual types in the gynodioecious plant Glechoma longituba. We also manipulated flowers by altering corolla size or nectar volume, or by removing anthers, to examine the effect of these primary and secondary attractants (i.e. rewards and advertisements) on attractiveness. A change in corolla size and shape reduced visiting frequency and pollen load. Removal of anthers did not affect visiting rates, but significantly reduced pollination rates and stigmatic pollen load. A decrease in the nectar volume of a flower was associated with a reduction in handling time and pollen loads on stigmas. These results show that corolla size is an important advertisement to pollinators (particularly at greater distance), which associate hermaphrodite flowers with a larger corolla and a larger volume of nectar than female flowers. We found that artificial changes in population structure affected the behavior of pollinators as well as the pollination rates of flowers. We suggest that the pattern of distribution of hermaphrodite and female clones in a population may serve to avoid pollen limitation in a female clone or patch. This effect may ensure female reproductive success and allow for the maintenance of female individuals in natural populations of this gynodioecious plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new method for the determination of four sulfonylurea herbicides (metsulfuron-methyl, chlorsulfuron, bensulfuron-methyl and chlorimuron-ethyl) in water samples was developed by dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction coupled with high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector. Parameters that affect the extraction efficiency, such as the kind and volume of the extraction and disperser solvent, extraction time and salt addition, were investigated and optimised. Under the optimum conditions, the enrichment factors were in the range between 102 and 216. The linearity of the method was obtained in the range of 1.0-100 ng mL-1 with the correlation coefficients (r) ranging from 0.9982 to 0.9995. The method detection limits were 0.2-0.3 ng mL-1. The proposed method has been successfully applied to the analysis of target sulfonylurea herbicides in river, stream and well water samples with satisfactory results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Formation of neural circuits depends on stable contacts between neuronal processes, mediated by interaction of cell adhesion molecules, including N-cadherin. In the present study, we found that activity-dependent dendrite arborization specifically requires N-cadherin-mediated extracellular neuron-neuron interaction, because the enhancement did not occur for neurons cultured in isolation or plated on an astrocyte monolayer and was abolished by a recombinant soluble N-cadherin ectodomain. Furthermore, depolarization elevated the level of membrane-associated cadherin/catenin complexes and surface N-cadherin. Importantly, surface N-cadherin elevation is specifically required forthe maintenance of nascent dendrite arbors. Through lossand gain-of-function approaches, we showed that N-cadherin-mediated dendrite growth requires association of the cadherin/catenin complex with the actin cytoskeleton. In summary, these results identify a previously unexplored and specific function for activity-induced, N-cadherin-mediated neuron-neuron contacts in the maintenance of dendrite arbors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The solvothermal reaction of n-BuSn(O)OH with PhPO3H2afforded the hexanuclear monoorganooxotin phosphonate cage, {[(n-BuSn)3(MeO)3O]2(O3PPh)4}·MeOH 1. When the n-Bu2Sn(PhCO2)2precursor reacted with PhPO3H2in a 1 : 1 stoichiometric ratio, the diorganotin phosphonate ladder [n-Bu2SnO3PPh]n2was obtained. The reaction of [n-Bu2(PrO)Sn]2O with 4-OH-3-NO2-C6H3AsO3H2affords the diorganotin arsonate ladder [n-Bu2Sn(4-OH-3-NO2-C6H3AsO3)]n3, while the reaction of [n-Bu2(PrO)Sn]2O with 4-NO2-C6H4AsO3H2and 4-Me-C6H4SO3H gives an diorganotin double chain [n-Bu2Sn(4-Me-C6H4SO3)(4-NO2-C6H4AsO3H)]n4, which contains both sulfonate and arsonate ligands. The reaction of 4-NO2-C6H4AsO3H2, EtONa, and Ph3SnCl yields a new triorganotin arsonate single chain [(Ph3Sn)4(4-NO2-C6H4AsO3)2·H2O]n5. The NMR (1H, 13C, 119Sn) spectra of compounds 1and 4were studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The automatic tube current modulation (ATCM) technique is available on multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) scanners, and its dose reduction benefits in clinical applications have been documented primarily in adult patients. Purpose: To evaluate the use of ATCM to reduce radiation dose while maintaining consistent image quality for young children undergoing 64-slice MDCT chest scans. Material and Methods: Chest scans (120 kV, small-scan field of view, 5-mm image slice thickness) were performed for 50 consecutive young children (0.2–3 years) using 64-slice volume computed tomography (VCT) with ATCM method and a noise index (NI) of either 8 or 9, depending on the patient's age. The scanner automatically selected the actual tube current based on NI values and patient attenuation as determined by scout scans for the study group. Image quality and volume-weighted CT dose index (CTDIvol) values (measured with small-scan field of view and 16-cm diameter CTDI phantom) were compared with images from a control group of 50 children acquired earlier using a standard protocol with fixed tube current. Two experienced pediatric radiologists assessed image quality, including resolution, noise, and artifacts, on a five-point scale. Scores greater than or equal to 3 were considered to be clinically acceptable. Results: The mean image quality score and CTDIvol for the study and control groups were 3.46 and 2.34±0.71 mGy, and 4.65 and 6.68±0.62 mGy, respectively. While there was a statistically significant decrease in image quality in the study group, all studies had acceptable image quality, and CTDIvol with ATCM was about 65% lower than that with fixed tube current. The average image noise for the control group was 4.78±0.58, versus 7.53±0.42 and 8.28±0.40 for children under and above 1 year of age, respectively, in the study group. Despite a higher average noise level, the study group with ATCM demonstrated a lower standard deviation of image noise. Conclusion: The z-axis ATCM method produces consistent image quality for young children undergoing 64-slice MDCT chest scans. With noise levels of NI=8 and 9 at 5-mm image slice thickness, one may obtain clinically acceptable images with significantly reduced radiation dose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electronic structure and optical properties of 13 chelating heteroatomic conjugated molecules such as pyridine, benzoxazole, and benzothiazole derivatives, which are used as C–N ligands in organometallic compounds, have been investigated. The geometries of the ground and first excited states were obtained by the DFT and CIS methods, respectively, followed by the SAC-CI calculations of the transition energies for absorption and emission. For six compounds whose experimental data are available, the SAC-CI calculations reproduced the experimental values satisfactorily with deviations of less than 0.3 eV for absorption and 0.1 eV for emission except for benzoxazoles. For other molecules, the theoretical absorption and emission spectra were predicted. The lowest ππ* excited-state geometries was calculated to be planar for most of the molecules with two or three conjugated rings connected by single bond. The geometry change due to the ππ* excitation was qualitatively interpreted by electrostatic force theory based on SAC/SAC-CI electron density difference. The excitations are relatively localized in the central region and in the lowest ππ* excited state, the inter-ring single bond shows large change, with a contraction of 0.05–0.09 Å. The present calculations provide reliable information regarding the energy levels of these chelating heteroatomic conjugated compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have synthesized macrocyclic polystyrene- (PS-) terminated PS star polymers via a core-cross-linking approach in this work. A tadpole-shaped macrocyclic PS-linear-PS copolymer was synthesized at first via click chemistry and ATRP polymerization method. The “living” ATRP initiating chain-ends of the tadpole-shaped copolymers were linked together via ATRP polymerization with divinylbenzene to form a core-cross-linked macrocyclic star polymer. The number of arms attached to the macrocyclic star polymers was measured with NMR, and absolute molecular weights with gel permeation chromatography (GPC) with multiangle laser light scattering detector. These macrocyclic star polymers had a highly cross-linked core and many radiating arms. The shorter tadpole-shaped precursors caused core-cross-linked star polymers with higher molecular weights and more arm numbers. The macrocycle-terminated core-cross-linked star polymers showed two glass transition temperatures, one arising from the linear branches and another from the macrocycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Somatostatin receptors (SSTRs) belong to the family of G protein-coupled receptors. Exposure of G protein-coupled receptors to their agonists induces a rapid decrease in their initial response. The goal of this study is to investigate alteration in SSTR2 by the treatment of SSTR agonist octreotide (OCT) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the resulting consequence. Methods: Morphology, proliferation and cell cycle of the human HCC cell line (Bel7402) were evaluated. Effect of OCT on HCC growth and development was assessed in vivo. SSTR2 expression was measured by RT-PCR and detected by immunohistochemistry. Results: Short-term OCT treatment on Bel7402 cells barely changed cell proliferation and morphology, and no apoptosis was induced. The SSTR2 protein level was markedly decreased on Bel7402 cells after exposure to OCT. However, the weight of the HCC xenograft was significantly lower in the OCT treatment group as compared with the control group. In the rat hepatocarcinogenesis model, the mortality and incidence of HCC in the OCT treatment group were remarkably less than those in the control group. Long-term OCT treatment led to increased levels of both SSTR2 mRNA and protein in hepatocytes and HCC cells. Conclusion: Short-term OCT treatment could lead to SSTR2 desensitization, resulting in a reduced inhibitory effect on HCC by OCT. However, long-term OCT treatment effectively inhibited the development and growth of HCC probably via resensitization and upregulation of SSTR2. Copyright © 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reactions of Ph3SnCl or Ph3SnOH with the alkylarsonic acids, RAsO3H2, where R = n-propyl, n-butyl, benzyl, and 4-NO2-benzyl, have led to two types of tin oxo clusters: [Sn3Cl3(μ3-O)(R′O)3]2(RAsO3)4[R = n-Bu, R′ = Et (1); R = n-Pr, R′ = Et (2); R = Bz, R′ = Et (3); R = n-Pr, R′ = Me (4), and R = 4-NO2−Bz, R′ = Et (5)] and [(PhSn)3(RAsO3)3(μ3-O)(OH)(R′O)2]2Sn [R = n-Pr, R′ = Et (6) and R = 4-NO2-Bz, R′ = Et (7)]. Two types of structural units, [Sn3(μ3-O)(μ2-OR′)3] for compounds 1−5and [Sn3(μ3-O)(μ2-OR′)2] for compounds 6and 7, were obtained by subtle changes of the organotin precursors. For the first time, hydrogen-bonding interactions such as C−H···Cl, C−H···O, and C−H···π were investigated in the crystal structures of tin alkylarsonate clusters (2−7). The cumulative effects of these weak interactions result in one-, two-, and three-dimensional suparmolecular architectures of 2−7. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on a novel threefold-interpenetrating primitive cubic network based on a dinuclear Zinc (Zn)2 node. According to the study, the three-dimensional framework has a large cavity with dimensions of approximately 10 x 13 x 17 Å in cross-section. A figure that presents a view of the coordination environment of the ZnII cation in (I), showing the atom-numbering scheme is provided.

To investigate the association between polymorphisms of the COL1A1 gene and liver cirrhosis. A total of 111 liver cirrhotic patients and 95 matched controls were recruited. Polymorphisms -1997T>G, -1663 ins/del T and -1363C>G of the COL1A1 gene were detected by direct sequencing. The activities of the putative promoters containing these polymorphisms were analyzed by means of the reporter gene system. No polymorphism at -1663 ins/del T was observed in any subject. Linkage disequilibrium was shown between -1997T>G and -1363C>G. The frequency of haplotype -1997T/-1363C was significantly higher in patients than that in controls. The putative promoters containing -1997T/-1363C resulted in higher reporter gene activity in LX-2. Strong transcriptional inhibition by IFN gamma was shown in both cells. The T allele at -1997 of COL1A1 is crucial to the increased transcriptional activity. COL1A1 gene polymorphism might be associated with liver fibrogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This article presents a simplicial branch and duality bound algorithm for globally solving the sum of convex–convex ratios problem with nonconvex feasible region. To our knowledge, little progress has been made for globally solving this problem so far. The algorithm uses a branch and bound scheme where the Lagrange duality theory is used to obtain the lower bounds. As a result, the lower-bounding subproblems during the algorithm search are all ordinary linear programs that can be solved very efficiently. It has been proved that the algorithm possesses global convergence. Finally, the numerical experiments are given to show the feasibility of the proposed algorithm. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

It has been reported that consolidation of motor skill, a type of non-declarative memories, requires protein synthesis, as hippocampus-dependent declarative memory does. However, little is known about the importance of protein synthesis in maintenance and especially post-retrieval reconsolidation of acrobatic motor skill. Here, we show that protein synthesis is essential not only for the consolidation but also for the maintenance and reconsolidation of a rotarod-running skill. Intra-ventricle infusion of the protein synthesis inhibitor anisomycin 0 h but not 2 h post-training caused a severe deficit in the acquisition of the rotarod-running skill. Protein synthesis inhibition (PSI) also caused a deficit in the maintenance of the rotarod-running skill, as well-trained rats demonstrated a deficit in the rotarod-running performance upon treatment with anisomycin. Similarly, PSI impaired the post-retrieval reconsolidation of the rotarod-running skill: well-trained rats treated with anisomycin 0 h but not 0.5, 2 and 4 h after the task performance exhibited amnesia for the running skill later on. Interestingly, rats treated with anisomycin 6 and 12 h post-retrieval exhibited amnesia for the running skill. Thus, protein synthesis is essential not only for the consolidation but also for the maintenance and post-retrieval reconsolidation of rotarod-running acrobatic motor skill. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of 4-halophosphaisocoumarins were synthesized via CuX2 (X = Br, Cl) -mediated direct halocyclization of 2-(1-alkynyl)phenylphosphonic acid diesters in dichioroethane with the addition of n-Bu4NX or/and AgI in good to excellent yields. This reaction provides an efficient route to 4-halophosphaisocoumarins and represents the first example of bromo- and chiorocyclization of unsaturated phosphonic acid diesters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Twenty four novel acylthiourea derivatives were synthesized and characterized. • Completed the herbicidal activity experiment. • Completed the AHAS enzyme activity assay experiment. • Completed molecular docking experiment. In order to develop novel herbicides, a series of novel acylthiourea derivatives containing methylsulfone were synthesized and characterized by melting point, elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and 1H NMR spectroscopy. Furthermore, the preliminary herbicidal activity of title compounds was determined against Echinochloa crusgal, Polypogon fugax, Digitaria adscendens, Brassica napus, Amaranthus retroflexus and Abutilon theophrasti. The results of the petri dish experiments showed that a small part of title compounds had a good inhibitory effect on Digitaria adscendens and Brassica napus. The results of the greenhouse herbicidal activity experiments indicated that the compounds 4p, 4 w and 4x exhibited more high herbicidal activity against Brassica napus and Digitaria adscendens than the commercial herbicide bensulfuron-methyl. Moreover, except for compound 4i , all test compounds performed well in crop safety evaluation. Next, acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS) enzyme activity experiments were carried out, and the results showed that compound 4x had the highest inhibition rate reaching 89.12%. Finally, in order to screen AHAS inhibitor, molecular docking was performed by using AHAS protein and target ligand molecules 4a - 4x. The results of molecular docking were similar to bioassay experiments. Compound 4p, 4w and 4x were considered potential AHAS inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A new method combining the porous media and rigid wall is applied to analyze the flow field. • The blocking effect of the semi-submersible aquaculture platform on water flow is analyzed. • A phenomenon including low flow velocity region and vortex generation are studied. The study of flow velocity distribution inside and around a semi-submersible aquaculture platform is extremely important for the living environment of marine fish, especially in the open sea. Therefore, a method combining porous media and rigid walls is established to analyze the flow patterns inside and around a semi-submersible aquaculture platform. In the present study, the shear stress transport k–omega turbulence model is chosen to describe the flow, and the governing equations are solved by using the finite volume method. The fish nets and main frame, including pontoons, columns, and braces, are modeled by porous media and rigid wall conditions, respectively. The accuracy of the numerical model is verified, and the results show that the experimental values agree with the calculated values. By comparing the flow field of aquaculture platforms with and without fish nets, it can be concluded that fish nets play a vital role in the attenuation of flow velocity. In addition, vortices exist near the wall of the aquaculture platform. The risk of resonance will increase when the frequency of the vortex shedding is close to the natural frequency of the structure, which should be avoided in practical engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The permeation of the rare earth element Sm to the heteropoly compound K3PW12O40 using the rare earth gas phase-heated diffused permeation method at 550°C is reported for the first time. The studies of infrared spectroscopy (IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) indicate that the Keggin structure of the compound is destroyed. The bond of W–O–W is broken and tungsten bronze K0.3WO3 is produced after permeation. Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to determine the percentage composition of the Sm in a permeated sample. The result shows that there is Sm in a permeated sample and Sm interacts with the other component of the compound. Conductivity of compounds before and after permeation was investigated by four-electrode method. It reveals that the conductivity of the permeated sample is 4.18×10−4 Scm−1, which is 1000 times higher than that of the original sample. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study demonstrated that As(III) was appreciably removed by ferrate in the presence of straw biochar. Removal efficiency of As in ferrate/biochar system was over 91%, increased by 34% compared with ferrate alone ([biochar] 0 = 10 mg/L, [ferrate] 0 = 6 mg/L, [As(III)] 0 = 200 μg/L). In the reaction process, As(III) was oxidized to As(V) mainly by ferrate, while ferrate was reduced into ferric (hydr)oxides and coated on the biochar. Biochar was oxidized in the reaction and its surface area, pore volume and the amount of Lewis acid functional groups were substantially improved, which provided interaction sites for As adsorption. Analysis of hydrodynamic diameter and zeta potential revealed that biochar interacted with the ferrate resulted ferric oxides and enlarged the Fe-C-As particle/floc, which promoted their settlement and thus the liquid-solid separation of As. As(V) was adsorbed on the surface of biochar and ferric (hydr)oxides through hydrogen bond, electrostatic attraction and As-(OFe) bond. Ferrate/biochar was not only effective for As removal, but removed 73.31% of As, 50.38% of Cd, and 75.27% of Tl when these hazardous species synchronously existed in polluted water (initial content: As, 100 μg/L; Cd, 50 μg/L; Tl, 1 μg/L). The combination of ferrate with biochar has potential for the remediation of hazardous species polluted water. [Display omitted] • Biochar improved As(III) removal by Fe(VI) from 57% to 91%. • Biochar enhanced aggregation and settlement of Fe(VI) resulted particles. • Pore-structure and Lewis acid groups of biochar were improved by Fe(VI). • Simultaneous removal of As, Cd, and Tl was achieved by Fe(VI)/biochar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dealkylation of phosphaisocoumarin esters was studied under various conditions. An effective way to synthesize phosphaisocoumarin acids was developed via the reaction of phosphaisocoumarin esters with Me 3SiBr in chloroform followed by treatment with methanol, or with Me 3SiCl and NaI in acetonitrile followed by hydrolysis, under mild conditions in good to excellent yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]