Search

SOX9 (SRY-related HMG box gene 9) is an essential regulator of male sex determination and testis differentiation in many vertebrate species. However, the functional role of Sox9 in testis differentiation has not yet been identified in any reptilian species. Herein, Sox9 knockdown in the red-eared slider turtle (Trachemys scripta) embryos at a male-producing temperature led to complete male-to-female sex reversal, characterized by the formation of an ovary-like structure, disappearance of male marker AMH, and ectopic expression of ovarian regulator FOXL2, as well as a female distribution pattern of germ cells. Conversely, in-ovo overexpression of Sox9 at a female-producing temperature resulted in partial masculinization of putative female embryos, with the co-existence of AMH and FOXL2. Our study provides the first direct evidence that Sox9 is indispensable for testicular differentiation in a reptilian species, further confirming the conserved role of Sox9 in vertebrate sexual development.

OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine the disease burden of hepatitis E virus (HEV)-infected inpatients in Jiangsu province, China. METHODS Between July 1, 2016 and October 31, 2018, 1152 HEV-infected inpatients were identified from four cities in Jiangsu province, namely, Nanjing, Suzhou, Yancheng, and Zhenjiang. The disease burden comprised the economic burden and loss of health due to HEV infection. Factors influencing the disease burden were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS The average direct, indirect, and total economic burden for 1152 HEV-infected inpatients was US$ 4,986.40, US$ 1,507.28, and US$ 6,493.68, respectively, accounting for 46.66%, 14.11%, and 60.77% of per capita disposable income (PCDI) in Jiangsu province, respectively. The disease burden for HEV-infected inpatients with hepatitis B was significantly higher than that for other inpatients. The average EQ-5D utility value of 1152 HEV-infected inpatients was 0.72 ± 0.18 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and the average EQ-visual analogue score (EQ-VAS) was 0.66 ± 0.17 points. Multivariate analysis showed that the direct economic burden and the total economic burden were influenced by variables such as hospitalization days, outcomes, past history of other diseases, and regions (P

This paper focuses on the attitude tracking control of the autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) using control moment gyros (CMGs) with the lumped nonlinearities including model uncertainty, coupling dynamic property, external disturbance, and input saturation. To describe the attitude of the AUV without singularities, quaternions are used to describe its translational and rotational motion. A finite-time convergent extended state observer (FTCESO) in conjunction with the sliding mode control (SMC) approach is exploited to design the tracking controller for the closed-loop system with the finite-time convergence. Meanwhile, in order to release the burden of the observer, the anti-windup compensator is utilized to handle the nonlinearity of input saturation. A switch function is considered to make a switch between the robust controller and the constant-rate reaching law. Subsequently, with consideration of the inherent singularity problem of actuator dynamics, the constrained steering logic is implemented to avoid this issue without introducing other torque errors in theory. Finite-time stability of the attitude tracking system is guaranteed by the Lyapunov-based approach. Finally, the simulation results validate the attitude tracking performance of the CMG-based AUV with the proposed control strategy, when it is subject to the stated nonlinear uncertainties.

Background We aimed to analyse multiple factors in the prediction of risk of postoperative recurrent vitreous haemorrhage (RVH) for non-clearing vitreous haemorrhage in patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR) who underwent sutureless vitrectomy with 23- (23G) or 25-gauge (25G) narrow-gauge systems. Methods A retrospective consecutive case series design was used. DR patients who underwent sutureless vitrectomy for non-clearing vitreous haemorrhage between June 2017 and October 2019 were enrolled. All operations were performed at a tertiary hospital. Patient demographics and risk factors, including age, gender, duration of diabetes, preoperative fasting blood sugar levels (FBSL), systolic blood pressure (SBP), serum creatinine (Cr), urea, triamcinolone acetonide (TA), electrical coagulation, air-fluid exchange, pan-retinal photocoagulation status (PRP), anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drug (anti-VEGF), and other factors, were recorded. Patients were divided into two groups based on the timing of their postoperative RVH: immediate postoperative RVH (within 2 weeks after operation) and delayed postoperative RVH (beyond 2 weeks after operation). Results Overall, 167 eyes (167patients) were enrolled. Seventy eyes were underwent 23G and 25G sutureless vitrectomy performed in 97 eyes, respectively. Postoperative RVH developed in 18 eyes (25.7%) in Group 23G and in 20 eyes (21.6%) in Group 25G (P = 0.540). Of these, 3 eyes (4.3%) had severed RVH in Group 23G compared with 5 eyes (5.2%) in Group 25G (P = 0.584). Delayed postoperative RVH occurred in 6 eyes (8.6%) in Group 23G and 8 eyes (8.2%) in Group 25G (P = 0.789). A binomial logistic regression analysis revealed that age, duration of diabetes, and Cr level were significantly associated with RVH in both Group 23G (P Conclusions The incidence and severity of RVH were 25.7 and 4.3%, respectively, in Group 23G and 21.6 and 5.2%, respectively, in Group 25G. Thus, the 23G sutureless vitrectomy approach was as safe as the 25G sutureless vitrectomy approach for treating vitreous haemorrhage in patients with DR. A younger age, shorter duration of diabetes, and higher Cr levels were risk factors for postoperative RVH in sutureless vitrectomy.

Avian influenza A(H5N6) keeps evolving, causing outbreaks in birds and sporadic infections in human. Here, we report a fatal paediatric infection caused by a novel reassortant H5N6 virus. The patient was an obese 9-year-old girl. She initiated with fever and cough, then developed pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and respiratory failure. Lower respiratory tract aspirates and anal swabs were serially taken till the patient's death. Viral isolation, genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis were conducted. A novel reassortant H5N6 virus was isolated from the patient. Except the PA gene, all other 7 genes of the virus belonged to H5N6 genotype A (S4-like virus). The PA gene was probably obtained from Eurasian waterfowl influenza viruses. The H5N6 virus was consistently detected from the patient's respiratory samples till the 17th day after symptom onset, but not from anal swabs or urine sample by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Significantly elevated (32-fold) serum antibodies to H5N6 virus were observed during the patient's course of disease. Aside from the identified novel reassortant H5N6 viral strain, obesity, delayed confirmation of aetiology and specific antiviral treatment, and prolonged virus shedding could have contributed to the poor clinical outcome.

Avian influenza A(H7N9) virus has caused 5 epidemic waves in China since its emergence in 2013. We investigated the dynamic changes of antibody response to this virus over 1 year postinfection in 25 patients in Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, China, who had laboratory-confirmed infections during the fifth epidemic wave, October 1, 2016–February 14, 2017. Most survivors had relatively robust antibody responses that decreased but remained detectable at 1 year. Antibody response was variable; several survivors had low or undetectable antibody titers. Hemagglutination inhibition titer was >1:40 for

The objective of this work was to study the effect of different rolling technologies on the properties of Pb-0.06wt%Ca-1.2wt%Sn anodes during copper electrowinning and to determine the relationship between the properties of the anodes and rolling techniques during copper electrowinning. The anode process was investigated via anodic polarization curves, cyclic voltammetry curves, electrochemical impedance spectra, and corrosion tests. The microscopic morphology and phase composition of the anodic oxide layers were observed by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction, respectively. Observable variations in the electrocatalytic activity and reaction kinetics of anodes during electrowinning indicated that the electrochemical behavior of the anodes was strongly affected by the rolling technology. An increase in the rolling number tended to decrease the oxygen evolution overpotential and the corrosion rate of the anodes. These trends are contrary to that of the apparent exchange current density. Furthermore, the intensities of diffraction peaks associated with PbO, PbOx, and α-PbO2 tended to increase with increasing rolling number. In addition, the rolled anodes exhibited a more uniform microstructure. Compared with one-way rolled anodes, the eight-time cross rolled anodes exhibited better electrocatalytic activity and improved corrosion resistance.

Metal oxides such as RuO2 and SnO2 can promote the oxidation of organic fuels at Pt nanoparticles in a number of ways. These include changing the d-band level of the Pt via electron transfer (electronic effect) and providing surface –OH functionality for the oxidation of adsorbed CO (bifunctional effect) [1]. Carbon black coated with a mixture of Ru and Sn oxides has been shown to increase the activity of Pt for ethanol oxidation without a significant loss of selectivity for its complete oxidation to CO2 [2]. Here we report on the use of various mixed metal oxide composites prepared by thermal decomposition of metal acetylacetonate complexes (M(acac)n). Oxide layers were deposited onto Ti foil and high surface area carbon electrodes, and drop coated with preformed Pt nanoparticles. Cyclic voltammetry in H2SO4(aq) and polarization experiments in a proton exchange membrane cell were used to study the co-catalytic effects of the oxide layers. The use of acetylacetonate precursors provides a versatile method for screening libraries of oxide supported catalysts, as well as the production and screening of electrodes for fuel cells. Initially, decomposition of Ru(acac)3 and Sn(acac)2 and their mixtures on Ti foil electrodes was investigated. These experiments reproduced the effects previously observed with oxide layers deposited on glassy carbon from KRuO4 and SnCl4 [3]. Deposits formed from both complexes increased the activity for ethanol oxidation of Pt nanoparticles drop coated onto their surfaces, while use of mixtures produced a strong synergistic effect. Deposits formed by thermal decomposition of a variety of other acac complexes, including Ga(acac)3, Zr(acac)4, and In(acac)3, also increased the activity of Pt nanoparticles for ethanol oxidation. Mixed Ru+Sn oxides were also produced by thermal decomposition of Ru(acac)3 and Sn(acac)2 on carbon black, in order to better characterize the oxide deposits and produce catalysts that could be used in fuel cells. X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry confirmed the presence of a mixed oxide. Preformed Pt nanoparticles were adsorbed onto the oxide coated carbon, supported on carbon fiber paper, and the resulting electrodes were evaluated for ethanol oxidation in a proton exchange membrane cell at 80 °C. Acknowledgments: This work was supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada and Memorial University. [1] G.M. Alvarenga, H.M. Villullas, Current Opinion in Electrochemistry, 2017, 4, 39-44 [2] D.D. James, R.B. Moghaddam, B. Chen, P.G. Pickup, Journal of the Electrochemical Society, 2018, 165, F215-F219 [3] R. B. Moghaddam and P. G. Pickup, Electrochim. Acta, 2012, 65, 210– 215

Direct ethanol fuel cells (DEFC) are a type of promising energy-conversion device with high efficiency. The investigation of anode catalysts for DEFC is extremely important in improving energy efficiency. Improvement of the catalytic activity and long-term stability of Pt catalysts supported on some metal oxides has been reported for ethanol oxidation in acidic conditions. This synergistic effect mainly arises from the bifunctional effect and charge transfer between metal oxides and Pt catalysts.[1] In our study, thermal decomposition of Pb(acac)2 (acac = acetylecetonate) was used to rapidly prepare lead oxide supports on titanium foil and high surface area carbon electrode materials for electrocatalysis. On titanium electrodes, a thin layer of lead oxide was first prepared, followed by drop coating with a certain amount of a Pt nanoparticle solution. For high surface area carbon electrodes, Pt nanoparticles were adsorbed onto a carbon black-lead oxide composite, followed by painting a catalyst ink onto carbon fibre paper. The catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry. The electrochemical performance of the catalysts for ethanol oxidation was studied through cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry and in a proton exchange membrane electrolysis cell. Durability was studied through investigating the composition change before and after performing cyclic voltammetry. The lead oxide support was found to have a significant influence on onset potential, current density and product distribution for ethanol oxidation. Acknowledgments: This work was supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering, Research Council of Canada and Memorial University. [1] G.M. Alvarenga, H.M. Villullas, Current Opinion in Electrochemistry, 4, 39, (2017).

Mixed Ru–Sn oxides have been deposited onto a high surface area carbon support by thermal decomposition of Ru and Sn acetylacetonate (acac) complexes. Adsorption of preformed Pt nanoparticles produced catalysts with enhanced low potential activity for the oxidation of ethanol in aqueous sulfuric acid at ambient temperature and in a proton exchange membrane (PEM) cell at 80 °C. Varying the oxide composition between Ru0.38Sn0.62O2 and Ru0.67Sn0.33O2 did not influence the catalyst’s activity greatly but did increase stability in the sulfuric acid solution. Higher stability was observed in the PEM cell, where a Pt/Ru0.55Sn0.45O2/C anode provided much higher currents than a commercial Pt/C catalyst for ethanol oxidation at low potentials. Anodes for direct ethanol fuel cells can be fabricated by coating a carbon fibre paper backing layer consecutively with carbon black, Ru(acac)3 + Sn(acac)2, and Pt nanoparticles, with appropriate thermal processing.

During selective laser sintering process, different sintering parameters have great impact on the performance of the molded parts, and the degree of influence is different. Using orthogonal test, indirect sintered 316L stainless steel, the compressive strength and precision of the parts were measured and compared to study the influence of various sintering parameters (laser power, scanning speed, scan spacing, preheating temperature) on sintering. The greater degree of influence factors were got by range analysis. The results show that laser power, scanning speed and scan spacing have greater degree of influence on the compressive strength of the parts, and the preheating temperature have less impact. By comparison, the optimum set of parameters was concluded: the laser power is 15W, the scanning speed is 1900mm/s, the scan spacing is 0.125mm, and the preheating temperature is 60°C.

Magnetic molecularly imprinted microcapsules (MMIMs) were synthesized by Pickering emulsion polymerization. In this work, an oil-in-water Pickering emulsion stabilized by halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) was first established in the presence of a few hydrophilic Fe3O4 nanoparticles as magnetic separation carriers. The imprinting system was fabricated by radical polymerization and subsequent combination with functional and polymeric monomers in the oil phase. The formation mechanism of the Pickering emulsion and MMIMs is discussed in detail, and the as-prepared MMIMs are successfully evaluated as sorbents for the recognition of λ-cyhalothrin. The results demonstrated that the MMIMs exhibited magnetic sensitivity (Ms = 8.45 emu g−1), a hollow structure, a semipermeable external surface and excellent robustness. The batch mode experiments proved that the imprinting effect synchronously improved the adsorption kinetics and equilibrium for the MMIMs. The selective recognition experiments also suggested high affinity and selectivity of MMIMs towards λ-cyhalothrin over fenvalerate and diethyl phthalate.

Temperature responsive molecularly imprinted polymers (T-MIPs) were prepared based on the surface of yeast by electron transfer atom transfer radical polymerization (AGET ATRP). The as-prepared T-MIPs were charcterized by FT-IR, SEM, TGA and elemental analysis, which indicated that T-MIPs exhibited thermal stability and composed of temperature responsive imprinted layer. Then T-MIPs were evaluated as sorbents to selectively recognise and release cefalexin (CFX) molecules. The results suggested binding properties of T-MIPs were related to the testing temperature. The maximum adsorption capacity of T-MIPs at 303 K was 59.4 mg g −1 , and the maximum release proportion for T-MIPs at 293 K in water for 24 h was 71.08%. The selective recognition experiments demonstrated high affinity and selectivity of T-MIPs towards CFX over competitive compounds, and the specific recognition of binding sites may be based on the distinct size, structure and functional group to the template molecules.

Heteropolyacids (HPAs), such as silicotungstic (HSiW), phosphotungstic (HPW), and phosphomolybdic (HPMo) acids, effectively catalyzed the esterification reaction between ethanol and acetic acid. The catalytic activities of HPAs were in an order of HSiW > HPW > HPMo. The conversion of ethanol was more than 85 % when HSiW catalyst was recycled for 10 times with a low mole ratio of HSiW to ethanol of 4.5 × 10−4:1 at 358 K. A second order reversible kinetic model fitted the experimental data well. The forward activation energies were 36.8, 32.6, and 31.6 kJ mol−1 when HSiW, HPW, and HPMo were used as catalysts at 323–358 K.

Porous/magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers (PM-MIPs) were prepared by Pickering emulsion polymerization. The reaction was carried out in an oil/water emulsion using magnetic halloysite nanotubes as the stabilizer instead of a toxic surfactant. In the oil phase, the imprinting process was conducted by radical polymerization of functional and cross-linked monomers, and porogen chloroform generated steam under the high reaction temperature, which resulted in some pores decorated with easily accessible molecular binding sites within the as-made PM-MIPs. The characterization demonstrated that the PM-MIPs were porous and magnetic inorganic–polymer composite microparticles with magnetic sensitivity (Ms = 0.7448 emu/g), thermal stability (below 473 K) and magnetic stability (over the pH range of 2.0–8.0). The PM-MIPs were used as a sorbent for the selective binding of lambdacyhalothrin (LC) and rapidly separated under an external magnetic field. The Freundlich isotherm model gave a good fit to the experimental data. The adsorption kinetics of the PM-MIPs was well described by pseudo-second-order kinetics, indicating that the chemical process could be the rate-limiting step in the adsorption of LC. The selective recognition experiments exhibited the outstanding selective adsorption effect of the PM-MIPs for target LC. Moreover, the PM-MIPs regeneration without significant loss in adsorption capacity was demonstrated by at least four repeated cycles.

One new polyhydroxylated steroid, caerulsteroid A (1), along with nine known analogues (2-10), was isolated from the gorgonian coral Anthogorgia caerulea collected from the South China Sea. The structure of the new compound was elucidated by 1-D and 2-D NMR, and mass spectrometry. The absolute configuration of 1 was assigned on the basis of the absolute configurations of the related congeners 2 and 3, which were determined by application of the modified Mosher's method. The isolated compounds were assayed for their cytotoxicity, antimicrobial activity and lethality towards brine shrimp Artemia salina.

Purpose A number of studies have shown that the levels of some proteins in the aqueous humor (AH) are altered and correlate with the mechanisms or prognosis of many eye diseases. To identify the possible mechanisms that lead to the development of wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a proteomic analysis of the AH composition from wet AMD patients was performed and compared with that from non-AMD cataract patients. Experimental design Six wet AMD and six non-AMD cataract patients were enrolled. A proteomic approach which included two-dimensional electrophoresis coupled with MS and bioinformatics methods were used to identify AH proteins with altered expression in wet AMD compared with non-AMD patients. An ELISA was used to validate the proteomic results. Results We separated 78 protein spots and identified 68 that were differently expressed in the wet AMD group and controls. Numerous proteins identified in this study are implicated in inflammation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and oxidative stress. Conclusions and clinical relevance The AH protein composition was significantly different between wet AMD and non-AMD patients. The proteins identified in this study may be potential biomarkers of wet AMD development and might play a role in the mechanisms of wet AMD.

In this work, NbC nanowire arrays were successfully synthesized via a facile and cost-effective biotemplate method. Natural bamboo chips were used as both the carbon source and the template for formation of catalyst particles, which significantly simplify the synthesis process of NbC nanowire arrays. Based on the structural, morphological, and elemental analyses, a fluoride-assisted vapor–liquid–solid growth mechanism was proposed. In situ nanoscale three-point bending measurements demonstrated that the Young’s modulus of NbC nanowires was in the range from 281 to 453 GPa with an average value of 338 ± 55 GPa. The resistivity of NbC nanowires was further investigated by in situ electrical property characterization using a multipoint measurement inside a transmission electron microscope. The resistivity of NbC nanowires was calculated to be 5.02 mΩ cm.

Fly-ash-cenospheres/Fe 3 O 4 magnetic particles (MFACs) were firstly achieved by co-precipitation technique. After endowing with reactive vinyl groups onto the surface of MFACs, magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers (MMIPs) based on the modified MFACs were further prepared by suspension polymerization. The as-prepared MMIPs were charcterized, and the results indicated that spherical MMIPs exhibited superparamagnetic property ( M s = 20.99 emu g −1 ), magnetic stability (at the pH = 6.0), thermal stability ( −1 . The selectivity results showed that MMIPs had the specific adsorption for NP molecules, and the recognition process may be related to the size, structure and functional group of the template molecules.

In this study, the magnetic yeast composites (mag–yeast) were successfully prepared by coating the chitosan layer containing γ-Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles onto the surface of the yeast. Then, the magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers (MMIPs) based on the mag–yeast were prepared by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) which was occurred in mild reaction conditions. The MMIPs were characterized by Fourier transmission infrared spectrometry (FT-IR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and elemental analysis. The results demonstrated that spherical shaped MMIPs particles prepared via ATRP possessed magnetic property ( M s = 1.229 emu g −1 ) and magnetic stability (especially over the pH range of 5.0–11.0). The MMIPs were adopted as sorbents to selective recognition and separation of cefalexin (CFX). By the batch mode experiments, the results showed that adsorption behaviors of MMIPs were well described by the Freundlich isotherm and the pseudo-second-order kinetics. The MMIPs possessed excellent recognition capacity for CFX (36.86 mg g −1 at 298 K), and also exhibited outstanding selectivity for CFX over the other competitive compounds (such as sulfadiazine, tetracycline and ampicillin). Finally, the MMIPs were successfully applied to the selective solid phase extraction of CFX from the environmental samples.

Via encapsulation of attapulgite/Fe3O4 magnetic particles (ATP/Fe3O4), the magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers (MMIPs) were synthesized for the selective recognition of 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP). MMIPs were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nitrogen adsorption–desorption analysis and Raman spectroscopy. MMIPs were demonstrated claviform shape with an imprinted polymer film (thickness of about 16 nm), and exhibited magnetic property (Ms = 5.67 emu g−1) and thermal stability. Batch mode adsorption studies were carried out to investigate the specific binding capacity, binding kinetics and recognition specificity. The Langmuir isotherm model was fitted to the equilibrium data better than the other models, and the monolayer adsorption capacity of MMIPs were 145.79 mg g−1 at 298 K. The kinetic properties of MMIPs were well described by the pseudo-second-order equation, initial adsorption rate and half-adsorption time. The selective recognition experiments demonstrated high affinity and selectivity towards 2,4-DCP over structurally related phenolic compounds. In addition, MMIPs could be regenerated, and their adsorption capacity in the fifth use was about 7.53% loss in 2,4-DCP solution. The MMIPs as-prepared were successfully applied to the separation of 2,4-DCP from environmental water samples.

Keywords: ceramic packaging, emotional, emotional design Abstract. It analyzes research on emotional design of ceramic packaging. It is based on Donalod Norman's《emotional design》, to analyze the positioning of ceramic packaging design. Through the analysis of the consumers' motive of self-consume, duty and selfish motives, it associated analyses three ceramic packaging design of the consume motivation, thus leads to the instinct level design strategy of the emotional design of ceramic packaging's shape, decoration, material, green packaging; the interactive behavior level design strategy of the convenient humanized design, the interactional peak experience; and the reflection level design strategy of the realization of self-image, the emotional reflection, the reflection of memory.

Edaravone (3-methyl-1-phenyl-2-pyrazolin-5-one), a free radical scavenger, is used for the clinical treatment of retinal injury. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of edaravone against diabetic retinal damage in the mouse. Diabetic retinopathy in the mouse was induced by injection of streptozotocin. Edaravone was given once-daily and was intraperitoneally (i.p.) treated at a dose of 3 mg/kg from streptozotocin injection to 4 weeks after onset of diabetes. Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) damage was evaluated by recording the pattern electroretinogram (ERG). RGCs damage was also detected by Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining, and the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were determined fluorometrically. The expressions of phosporylated-ERK1/2, BDNF, and caspase-3 were determined by Western blot analysis. Retinal levels of ROS, phosphorylated ERK1/2, and cleaved caspase-3 were significantly increased, whereas the expression of BDNF was significantly decreased in the retinas of diabetic mice, compared to nondiabetic mice. Administration of edaravone significantly attenuated diabetes induced RGCs death, upregulation of ROS, ERK1/2 phosphorylation, and cleaved caspase-3 and downregulation of BDNF. These findings suggest that oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in diabetic retinal damage and that systemic administration of edaravone may slow the progression of retinal neuropathy induced by diabetes.

The present study aims to isolate and identify actinobacteria associated with the soft coral Nephthea sp., and to isolate natural products from these actinobacteria under the guidance of PCR screening for polyketides synthase (PKS) genes.Eleven selective media were used to isolate actinobacteria associated with the soft coral Nephthea sp. collected from Yongxin Island. The isolated actinobacteria were classified on the basis of phylogenetic tree analysis of their 16S rRNA genes. Degenerated primers targeted on conserved KS (ketoacyl-synthase) domain of type I PKS genes were used to screen for potential isolates. The positive isolates were cultured in three different media to check their producing profiles. One bioactive strain that is rich in metabolites was subjected to larger scale fermentation for isolating bioactive natural products.A total of 20 strains were isolated from Nephthea sp., and were categorized into 3 genera including Streptomyces, Dietzia and Salinospora, among which 18 strains were positive in screening with type I PKS genes. Two bioactive compounds rifamycin S and rifamycin W were isolated and identified from Salinospora arenicola SH04.This is the first report of isolating indigenous marine actinobacteria Salinospora from the soft coral Nephthea sp. It provides an example of isolating bioactive secondary metabolites from cultivable actinobacteria associated with Nephthea sp. by PCR screening.

Magnetic/hollow double-shelled imprinted polymers (MH-MIPs) were synthesized by Pickering emulsion polymerization. In this method, attapulgite (ATP) particles were used as stabilizers to establish a stable oil-in-water emulsion, and a few hydrophilic Fe3O4 nanoparticles were allowed to be magnetic separation carriers. The imprinting system was fabricated by radical polymerization in the presence of the functional and polymeric monomers in the oil phase. The results of characterization indicated that MH-MIPs exhibited magnetic sensitivity (Ms = 4.76 emu g(-1)), thermal stability (especially below 200 °C), and hollow structure and were composed of exterior ATP shells and interior imprinted polymers shells. Then MH-MIPs were evaluated as sorbents for the selective binding of λ-cyhalothrin as a result of their magnetism, enhanced mechanical strength, hydrophilic surface, and recognition ability. The kinetic properties of MH-MIPs were well described by the pseudo-second-order equation, indicating that the chemical process could be the rate-limiting step in the adsorption process for λ-cyhalothrin. The equilibrium adsorption capacity of MH-MIPs was 60.06 μmol g(-1) at 25 °C, and the Langmuir isotherm model gave a better fit to the experimental data, indicating the monolayer molecular adsorption for λ-cyhalothrin. The selective recognition experiments also demonstrated the high affinity and selectivity of MH-MIIPs toward λ-cyhalothrin over fenvalerate and diethyl phthalate.

Porous/magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers (PM-MIPs) were prepared by Pickering emulsion polymerization. The reaction was carried out in an oil/water emulsion using magnetic halloysite nanotubes as the stabilizer instead of a toxic surfactant. In the oil phase, the imprinting process was conducted by radical polymerization of functional and cross-linked monomers, and porogen chloroform generated steam under the high reaction temperature, which resulted in some pores decorated with easily accessible molecular binding sites within the as-made PM-MIPs. The characterization demonstrated that the PM-MIPs were porous and magnetic inorganic-polymer composite microparticles with magnetic sensitivity (M(s) = 0.7448 emu/g), thermal stability (below 473 K) and magnetic stability (over the pH range of 2.0-8.0). The PM-MIPs were used as a sorbent for the selective binding of lambdacyhalothrin (LC) and rapidly separated under an external magnetic field. The Freundlich isotherm model gave a good fit to the experimental data. The adsorption kinetics of the PM-MIPs was well described by pseudo-second-order kinetics, indicating that the chemical process could be the rate-limiting step in the adsorption of LC. The selective recognition experiments exhibited the outstanding selective adsorption effect of the PM-MIPs for target LC. Moreover, the PM-MIPs regeneration without significant loss in adsorption capacity was demonstrated by at least four repeated cycles.

To investigate the effect of phthalates exposure from drinking water on children's intelligence and secretion of thyroid hormone.Two villages in S County were selected randomly as polluted area and control area according to the distance from the Shaying river basin. Phthalates including DEP, DBP, DMP, DEHP were measured both in the river water and drinking water using HPLC method. Children aged 8 to 13 years old studying in the village primary school were recruited by cluster sampling (n = 154). The combined Reven Test was used to test children intelligence and ELISA method was used to determined thyroid hormone levels.The concentrations of phthalates (DEP, DBP) were exceeding standards of surface water quality in any of the three sections of the river. Compared to the control area, the concentration of DEP and DBP in drinking water were significant higher in the polluted area than that in control area (P0.05). Children from polluted area had significant higher FT4 concentration compared to children from control area (P0.05). Intelligence level in children from polluted area was lower than that from control area (P0.05).The drinking water has been polluted by Shaying river and thyroid hormones levels of children were affected in the polluted areas. It is necessary to verify if this change is related to the phthalates.

The Multidisciplinary Design Optimization (MDO) problem with multiple, conflicting objectives was hardly resolved by tradition individual disciplinary optimization design method. It is combined the MDO method with multi-objective optimization method to formulate the integration of multi-objective MDO method. This integration method could handle hierarchically optimization problems meanwhile trade off multiple objectives in the problems, based on optimization concurrently to attain consistence design. Through a mathematical example, it is verified that this method is acceptably and efficiently.

A novel thermal-responsive magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers (TMMIPs), maghemite/silica/poly ( N -isopropylacrylamide- co -acrylamide- co -ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) (γ-Fe 2 O 3 /SiO 2 /P (NIPAm-co-AAm-co-EGDMA)), were developed as a potential effective adsorbent for selectively remove sulfamethazine (SMZ) exist in aquatic environments, which has been recognized as a warranting considerable issue. Free radical polymerization of NIPAm, AAm and EGDMA was performed in dimethyl sulfoxide/water (DMSO/H 2 O) (v/v = 9/1) with 2,2′-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as initiator to coat γ-Fe 2 O 3 /SiO 2 /3-(methacryloxyl) propyl trimethoxysilane (MPS) microspheres through the capture of oligomers with the aid of vinyl groups on their surfaces. The unique aspect of TMMIPs was that they combined molecular recognition, magnetic separation and thermo-responsiveness. The got material was characterized by SEM, TEM, FT-IR and VSM. Batch mode adsorption studies were carried out to investigate the specific adsorption equilibrium, kinetics, and selective recognition ability of TMMIPs. Reversible recognition and release of template molecule were realized by changing environmental temperatures. Several other antibiotics were selected as model analytes to evaluate the selective recognition performance of TMMIPs. The TMMIPs have good temperature response, selectivity and reusability, making them possible in applying for antibiotics separation and controlled release.

Spoilage in beef is the result of decomposition and the formation of metabolites caused by the growth and enzymatic activity of microorganisms. There is still no technology for the rapid, accurate and non-destructive detection of bacterially spoiled or contaminated beef. In this study, hyperspectral imaging technique was exploited to measure biochemical changes within the fresh beef. Fresh beef rump steaks were purchased from a commercial plant, and left to spoil in refrigerator at 8°C. Every 12 hours, hyperspectral scattering profiles over the spectral region between 400 nm and 1100 nm were collected directly from the sample surface in reflection pattern in order to develop an optimal model for prediction of the beef spoilage, in parallel the total viable count (TVC) per gram of beef were obtained by classical microbiological plating methods. The spectral scattering profiles at individual wavelengths were fitted accurately by a two-parameter Lorentzian distribution function. TVC prediction models were developed, using multi-linear regression, on relating individual Lorentzian parameters and their combinations at different wavelengths to log10(TVC) value. The best predictions were obtained with r2= 0.96 and SEP = 0.23 for log10(TVC). The research demonstrated that hyperspectral imaging technique is a valid tool for real-time and non-destructive detection of bacterial spoilage in beef.

An infrared real-time imaging system has been developed for the uncooled infrared focal plane array (UIRFPA). By using this system, infrared video signal from UIRFPA is corrected and displayed. Taking advantage of the high speed and parallel computation of FPGA, it is used as the core part of the system to complete the functions such as sampling, data caching, nonlinear correction and image enhancement. Time is saved for back-end processing such as recognition and following by this system. The system is characterized by high integration. The result verifies the high performance of the system.

CoFe2O4/halloysite nanotube magnetic composites (MHNTs) were firstly achieved via a wet impregnation technique, and then a thermal polymerization under (NH4)2S2O8 chain initiation in water was employed to obtain methacrylic acid-functionalized MHNTs (MAA-MHNTs). By decorating the MAA-MHNTs with the temperature responsive monomer N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM), a novel temperature responsive molecularly imprinted material based on the obtained NIPAM-MHNTs (TMMIPs) was synthesized by a surface imprinting technique. The results of characterization indicated that the TMMIPs exhibited magnetic sensitivity (Ms = 1.758 emu g−1), magnetic stability (in the pH range of 2.0–8.0), thermal stability (especially below 200 °C) and contained a temperature responsive imprinted layer (the lower critical solution temperature was 33.96 °C). Then the TMMIPs were applied to switched recognition and release of 2,4,5-trichlorophenol molecules (5-TCP) by changing the medium temperature. TMMIPs showed outstanding recognition ability towards the imprinted species under high temperature conditions (such as 60 °C), due to the loss of hydration and a collapsed state of inter-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), which resulted in the formation of a specific structure between 5-TCP and the polymer network. In contrast, at relatively low temperatures (such as 20 °C), the captured 5-TCP was released from the swelled TMMIPs, which resulted from increasing the distance between 5-TCP and the polymer network. The selective analysis demonstrated the high affinity and selectivity of TMMIPs towards 5-TCP over competitive phenolic compounds, and the specific recognition of binding sites may be based on the distinct size, structure and functional groups of the template molecules.