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Triamcinolone acetonide (TA), a medium-potency synthetic glucocorticoid, is primarily employed to treat posterior ocular diseases using vitreous injection. This study aimed to design novel ocular nanoformulation drug delivery systems using PLGA carriers to overcome the ocular drug delivery barrier and facilitate effective delivery into the ocular tissues after topical administration. The surface of the PLGA nanodelivery system was made hydrophilic (2-HP-β-CD) through an emulsified solvent volatilization method, followed by system characterization. The mechanism of cellular uptake across the corneal epithelial cell barrier used rhodamine B (Rh-B) to prepare fluorescent probes for delivery systems. The triamcinolone acetonide (TA)-loaded nanodelivery system was validated by in vitro release behavior, isolated corneal permeability, and in vivo atrial hydrodynamics. The results indicated that the fluorescent probes, viz., the Rh-B-(2-HP-β-CD)/PLGA NPs and the drug-loaded TA-(2-HP-β-CD)/PLGA NPs, were within 200 nm in size. Moreover, the system was homogeneous and stable. The in vitro transport mechanism across the epithelial barrier showed that the uptake of nanoparticles was time-dependent and that NPs were actively transported across the epithelial barrier. The in vitro release behavior of the TA-loaded nanodelivery systems revealed that (2-HP-β-CD)/PLGA nanoparticles could prolong the drug release time to up to three times longer than the suspensions. The isolated corneal permeability demonstrated that TA-(2-HP-β-CD)/PLGA NPs could extend the precorneal retention time and boost corneal permeability. Thus, they increased the cumulative release per unit area 7.99-fold at 8 h compared to the suspension. The pharmacokinetics within the aqueous humor showed that (2-HP-β-CD)/PLGA nanoparticles could elevate the bioavailability of the drug, and its Cmax was 51.91 times higher than that of the triamcinolone acetonide aqueous solution. Therefore, (2-HP-β-CD)/PLGA NPs can potentially elevate transmembrane uptake, promote corneal permeability, and improve the bioavailability of drugs inside the aqueous humor. This study provides a foundation for future research on transocular barrier nanoformulations for non-invasive drug delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To quantitatively analyze and compare the differences in retinal neurovascular units (NVUs) between healthy individuals and patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) techniques and to determine the value of this technique for the early diagnosis of retinal neurovascular damage in patients with diabetes mellitus without retinopathy (NDR). Methods: This observational case‒control study was conducted from July 1, 2022, to November 30, 2022, at the outpatient ophthalmology clinic of the Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. All subjects underwent baseline data entry and mean thickness of the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL), the thickness of each retinal layer in the macula 3 × 3 mm, and vascular density (VD) examination. Results: The study included 35 healthy individuals and 48 patients with DM. The retinal VD as well as partial pRNFL, macular nerve fiber layer (NFL), and macular ganglion cell layer (GCL) thickness in DM patients exhibited significantly lower VD in the DM group than in the control group (p < 0.05). Age and disease duration of DM patients showed a negative trend with pRNFL thickness, macular NFL thickness, macular GCL thickness, and VD. However, a positive trend was observed between DM duration and partial inner nuclear layer (INL) thickness. Moreover, there was a positive correlation between macular NFL and GCL thickness and VD for the most part, while a negative correlation was shown between INL temporal thickness and DVC-VD. pRNFL-TI and GCL-superior thickness were screened as two variables in the analysis of the predictors of retinal damage in DM according to the presence or absence of DM. The AUCs were 0.765 and 0.673, respectively. By combining the two indicators for diagnosis, the model predicted prognosis with an AUC of 0.831. In the analysis of retinal damage indicators associated with the duration of DM, after regression logistic analysis according to the duration of DM within 5 years and more than 5 years, the model incorporated two indicators, DVC-VD and pRNFL-N thickness, and the AUCs were 0.764 and 0.852, respectively. Combining the two indicators for diagnosis, the AUC reached 0.925. Conclusions: Retinal NVU may have been compromised in patients with DM without retinopathy. Basic clinical information and rapid noninvasive OCT and OCTA techniques are useful for the quantitative assessment of retinal NVU prognosis in patients with DM without retinopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seasonal changes in temperature and habitat migration both leave large imprints on the stable oxygen isotope composition (δ18O) of planktonic foraminiferal tests, but little is known about how much the depth habitat change affects the calcite δ18O on seasonal timescales, potentially introducing numerous errors to the study of seasonality applied individual foraminifera. In this study, two time series sediment trap moorings deployed in the northern South China Sea (SCS) from July 2012 to April 2013 and southern SCS (upwelling area) from April to October 2014 were used to infer seasonal calcification depth variations for four commonly used planktonic foraminiferal species, Globigerinoides ruber , Trilobatus sacculifer , without a sac-like final chamber, Pulleniatina obliquiloculata and Neogloboquadrina dutertrei by analyzing their test δ18O values. The findings demonstrate that planktonic foraminifera deposit their tests shallower in the winter and during cold water upwelling activity, and deeper in the summer, with a changing seasonal depth habitat for all species that tends to follow the isothermals. More importantly, we devised a new approach for quantifying the effect of seasonal calcification depth changes on the δ18O signature of planktonic foraminiferal tests. After applying this method to our trap site and nine other published global sediment trap sites, the results show that foraminiferal seasonal δ18O signal is strongly distorted (amplified or damped) by seasonal variations in their habitat depth, particularly for the species living in low latitude, attributed to the strong vertical temperature gradient relative to the seasonal temperature change at a given water depth. Surface water species that live in the homogeneous mixed layer may be able to provide the most comprehensive seasonality information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: COVID-19 pandemic may impact the prevalence and incidence of depression in college students. However, there is no longitudinal study focusing on major depressive disorder (MDD) before and during COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: A cohort study was carried out among 8079 Chinese college freshmen. The baseline survey was conducted in 2018 (T0) and annual follow-ups were in 2019 (T1, before COVID-19) and in 2020 (T2, during COVID-19). CIDI-3.0 was used to diagnose MDD. Random effects logistic models of panel data analysis were used for the risk of MDD incidence. STATA 15.1 was used for all analysis.Results: The weighted 12-month prevalence of MDD at T2 (2.10%) was significantly lower than that at T1 (2.67%) (p < 0.001). However, among students who reported exposure to the COVID-19 events, the annual prevalence of MDD at T2 was higher than that at T1 (4.21% vs. 2.79%, p < 0.001). The incidence from T0 to T1, incidence from T1 to T2, and the 2-year incidence was 2.23%, 1.34% and 3.75%, respectively. Only 8.93% of MDD students had chosen to seek professional help during the COVID-19 pandemic period.Limitations: The computer assisted CIDI may not be as sensitive and specific as the diagnosis made by a psychiatrist and may have caused report bias.Conclusions: Although the MDD incidence of college students was decreasing over time, the impact of the pandemic on student mental health may depend on exposure to COVID-19 events. Not seeking professional help in the Chinese college students is still an important issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microneedles (MNs) prepared from polymeric materials are painless and minimally invasive, safe and efficient, but they hindered by low mechanical strength and single diverse drug release pattern. Due to the distinctive mechanical strength and dimensions of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs), the integration of nano-technology with microneedles can effectively improve penetration and delivery efficiency through the stratum corneum. We herein designed a simple paroxetine (PAX)-loaded PLGA nanoparticles-integrated dissolving microneedles system (PAX-NPs-DMNs), aiming to improve the bioavailability of PAX through the synergistic permeation-enhancing effect of dissolving microneedles (DMNs) and NPs. PAX-NPs-DMNs had a complete tips molding rate (N eff) of (94.06 ± 2.16) %, a 15×15 quadrangular-conical microneedle array and an overall fracture force of 301.10 N, which were improved nearly 0.50 times compared with the blank microneedles (HA-DMNs) and PAX microneedles (PAX-DMNs). PAX-NPs-DMNs could extend the release duration of PAX from 1 h to 24 h and the cumulative permeability per unit area (Q n) was 47.66 times and 7.37 times higher than the PAX and the PAX-DMNs groups. PAX-NPs-DMNs could be rapidly dissolved within 10 min without hindering skin healing or causing adverse reactions. This study confirmed that PAX-NPs-DMNs can effectively improve the bioavailability of PAX and the mechanical strength of DMNs, which can easily penetrate the skin to provide sustained and painless delivery without causing adverse effects, thus offering a more convenient and effective method for central nervous diseases. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The levels of the chlorinated organic compound Dechlorane Plus (DP) are increasing in aquatic ecosystems. To investigate the adverse effects of DP on aquatic animals, common carp (Cyprinus carpio) were subjected to three different DP concentrations (30 μg L−1, 60 μg L−1, and 120 μg L−1) for 1 d, 15 d, and 30 d. Histology and the hepatic and cerebral expression levels of several key antioxidant, detoxification, and apoptotic factors were then examined. Histopathological inspections showed that the liver and brain were severely damaged in carp exposed to 60 μg L−1 and 120 μg L−1 DP. Relative to the controls, the superoxide dismutase and glutathione activity levels and the malondialdehyde content were also changed in livers and brains exposed to DP. Besides, significant alterations in the expression levels of the inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10 were observed in the livers of carp subjected to DP. Relative to the control, the brains of DP-exposed carp presented with significantly upregulated IL-1β and IL-6 in carp treated with 120 μg L−1 DP for 30 d. The transcription levels of hepatic cyp2b4, cyp1b1, and cyp3a138 were all increased compared with the untreated at all DP exposure concentrations. The aforementioned results suggest that DP exposure perturbs fish metabolism and causes liver injury by inhibiting antioxidant enzyme activity, increasing lipid peroxidation, promoting inflammation, and inducing cell apoptosis. This information and the analytical methodology used to acquire it may form the basis for future ecological risk assessments on DP and related xenobiotics in aquatic animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The objective of this study was to estimate the associations between specific BPD features on the risk of first onset MDD over 2 years and to investigate the roles of sex, baseline depression and anxiety in the associations.Methods: A longitudinal study of Chinese first-year university students aged between 15 and 24 years and who did not have a lifetime MDD (n = 7,627). Random effect logistic regression modeling was used to estimate the associations between specific BPD features, the number of BPD features, and the risk of MDD.Results: The feeling of emptiness (OR = 2.14, 95% CI: 1.57, 2.92), paranoid/ dissociation (OR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.43, 2.82), affective instability (OR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.22, 2.39) conferred significant risk of MDD. Baseline depression and anxiety interacted with unstable relationship, identity disturbance and paranoid/disassociation in relation to the risk of MDD. A higher number of BPD features is associated with an increased risk of MDD.Limitations: Data collection relied on self-report. Thus, recall and reporting biases are possible. Due to the pandemic public health restrictions, we had to change the method of data collection at second annual assessment, which resulted in a lower response rate (66.5%).Conclusions: Mental health professionals should pay attention to the presence of BPD features in youth and young adults, as they are at high risk of developing a MDD in a short time period, and the risk increases with the number of BDP features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant metabolism is more complex relative to individual microbes. In single‐celled microbes, transcriptional regulation by single transcription factors (TFs) is sufficient to shift primary metabolism. Corresponding genome‐level transcriptional regulatory maps of metabolism reveal the underlying design principles responsible for these shifts as a model in which master regulators largely coordinate specific metabolic pathways. Plant primary and specialized metabolism occur within innumerable cell types, and their reactions shift depending on internal and external cues. Given the importance of plants and their metabolites in providing humanity with food, fiber, and medicine, we set out to develop a genome‐scale transcriptional regulatory map of Arabidopsis metabolic genes. A comprehensive set of protein–DNA interactions between Arabidopsis thaliana TFs and gene promoters in primary and specialized metabolic pathways were mapped. To demonstrate the utility of this resource, we identified and functionally validated regulators of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. The resulting network suggests that plant metabolic design principles are distinct from those of microbes. Instead, metabolism appears to be transcriptionally coordinated via developmental‐ and stress‐conditional processes that can coordinate across primary and specialized metabolism. These data represent the most comprehensive resource of interactions between TFs and metabolic genes in plants. SYNOPSIS: A transcription factor‐promoter interaction network of primary and specialized metabolism in Arabidopsis thaliana reveals transcriptional coordination across multiple metabolic pathways that is developmental and stress condition‐dependent. High‐throughput enhanced yeast one‐hybrid is used to map 27,485 interactions between 1930 TFs and 220 promoters of enzymes in primary and specialized metabolic pathways in Arabidopsis thaliana.Functional analyses reveal that TFs within the network influence expression of target genes across multiple metabolic pathways.Biologically validated TFs show that TFs incorporate developmental and environmental cues to regulate TCA cycle gene expression in a context‐dependent manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By applying non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulation, it is demonstrated that the thermal conductivity of the reported Si/Ge core-shell nanowires (NWs) can be further reduced by shell doping. The thermal conductivity of Si/Ge0.6Si0.4 core-shell NWs is only about 66% of that of Si/Ge core-shell NWs. By analyzing the participation ratios of eigenmodes, it is revealed that the large reduction in the thermal conductivity of Si/Ge0.6Si0.4 core-shell NWs stems from the strong localization of the phonon modes from 1.0 THz to 2.0 THz and the modes from 9.0 THz to 16.0 THz due to both impurity scattering and interface scattering associated with peculiar structure of shell doped silicon NWs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) is thought to play a prominent role in the initiation and progression of almost all cases of cervical cancer. Previously, we and others found that microRNA 34a (miR-34a) may be regulated by HR-HPV E6 to contribute to the development of cervical cancer. Here, we aimed to identify the oncogenic potential and clinical significance of a known miR-34a target, WNT1, in cervical squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) development and to investigate the associated mechanisms underlying cervical SCC cell proliferation and invasion. Methods: WNT1 and miR-34a expression levels were assessed in primary cervical lesions using immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR, respectively. The cellular effects and the expression of its associated genes were examined in cervical SCC-derived Siha and Caski cells after siRNA-WNT1 (downregulation) or miR-34a mimic (upregulation) treatment. A cervical SCC xenograft mouse model was used to investigate the in vivo effects of miR-34a overexpression. HPV-16 E6/E7 expression was inhibited by gene promoter siRNA targeting, after which the levels of miR-34a and WNT1 were examined. Results: WNT1 protein upregulation was found to be associated with a poor prognosis in cervical SCC patients. In vitro assays in Siha and Caski cells revealed that WNT1 downregulation decreased cell proliferation and invasion, inhibited WNT/β-catenin activation and affected the expression of E-cadherin and P-cadherin. MiR-34a upregulation resulted in decreased WNT1 expression. An inverse correlation between miR-34a and WNT1 expression was also observed in primary cervical SCC tissues. In addition, we found that MiR-34a could regulate an E-cadherin to P-cadherin switch (E-P cadherin switch) to inhibit cell proliferation and tumorigenesis in vitro and in vivo via inactivation of the WNT1/β-catenin pathway. Finally, we found that decreased HPV-16 E6/E7 expression resulted in miR-34a upregulation and WNT1 downregulation in Siha and Caski cells. Conclusions: From our results we conclude that WNT1, as a target of miR-34a, can promote cervical SCC cell proliferation and invasion by induction of an E-P cadherin switch via the WNT1/β-catenin pathway. Our results may provide new options for the treatment of patients with cervical SCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzed risk factors for anxiety and depression in 714 patients who received surgery for endometrial cancer. Our data indicate that the incidence of postoperative anxiety and depression in 714 patients with endometrial cancer was 15.55% and 32.77%, respectively. Univariate and logistic regression analysis showed postoperative pain (odds ratio (OR) = 3.166, P = 0.000) and combined liver disease (OR = 2.318, P = 0.001) were independent risk factors for postoperative anxiety. Additionally, CD4+/CD8+ (OR = 0.513, P = 0.042) and natural killer (NK) cell ratios (OR = 0.692, P = 0.021) were independent protective factors for postoperative anxiety. As for depression, low literacy (OR = 1.943, P = 0.042), postoperative pain (OR = 2.671, P = 0.001), high clinical stage (OR = 3.469, P = 0.009), and combined liver disease (OR = 4.865, P = 0.000) were independent risk factors for postoperative depression. CD4+/CD8+ (OR = 0.628, P = 0.002) and NK cell ratio (OR = 0.710, P = 0.013) were independent protective factors for postoperative depression. In conclusion, patients with endometrial cancer have a higher incidence of postoperative anxiety and depression where postoperative pain, liver disease, and decreased immune function are risk factors for both anxiety and depression in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The techniques for data clustering have been frequently applied in machine learning and computer vision, data mining. Among of these methods the Gaussian mixture model (GMM) has received considerable attention due to its flexibility, intuitiveness and ease of use. However, ignoring the non-Gaussian distribution, heavy computing burden for high dimension data, and the manifold structure of the data depress the performance of GMM. To overcome these limits, we propose the generalized Dirichlet mixture model with Laplacian regularization for clustering. The generalized Dirichle mixture model can fit both Gaussian and non-Gaussian type data, which is superior to the Gaussian mixture model. Based on the assumption that two data points are likely to be generated from the same Dirichlet component if they are sufficiently close on the manifold, we build a nearest neighbor graph to model the manifold structure and incorporate the manifold structure in a log-likelihood function of the Dirichlet mixture model as a regularization term. During the iteration, we employ the property of generalized Dirichle distribution to reduce the computation burden that decreases computation complexity. Extensive experimental results on four challenging databases demonstrate that the proposed algorithm performs favorably against the previous methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the value of MRI in the prenatal diagnosis and classification of cleft palate (CP).Methods: We collected 94 fetal cases that were suspected of cleft palate with or without cleft lip by prenatal ultrasound (US) and then carried out further MRI to examine the entire body of each fetus within 1 week. The diagnoses resulting from MRI and US examination were compared separately with the final diagnoses obtained from postnatal physical examination or fetal autopsy. The diagnostic accuracy between MRI and US was then determined.Results: During the follow-up period, the results for 6 fetuses (6.38%) were lost. Of the remaining 88 cases, the final diagnoses identified 23 cases of cleft lip (CL), 45 cases of unilateral cleft lip with cleft palate (UCLP), 4 cases of median cleft lip with cleft palate (MCLP), 12 cases of bilateral cleft lip with cleft palate (BCLP), 3 cases of unilateral cleft lip and cleft alveolus (CLA), and 1 case of isolated cleft palate (CPO). The total accuracy rate of US was 59.09%, while that of MRI was 92.05%. More importantly, 81 cases were accurately identified by MRI; the accuracy rate for CL, UCLP, MCLP, BCLP, CLA, and CPO was 86.96%, 95.56%, 100%, 91.67%, 66.67%, and 100%, respectively.Conclusion: Our results suggest that MRI could be a useful adjunct to US examination in the prenatal diagnosis of fetuses with cleft palate, and further demonstrates the classification and degree of involvement of the cleft palate.Key Points: • MRI is a useful adjunct to prenatal ultrasound. • MRI has a higher accuracy rate for CP. • The accurate classification of CP diagnosed by MRI can guide clinical management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We find that phenyl diselenide (PDSe) can lower the charge overpotential of Li2S via an inductive effect. The Se–Se bond of PDSe can break when it is in contact with Li2S. The attraction between Se and Li weakens the Li–S bonds and facilitates the oxidation of Li2S in lithium batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE: To screen and create a core nursing outcomes evaluation index system based on NOC for stroke inpatients in China. METHODS: This study adopted the method of Delphi expert consultation, with the degree of consent >4.0 points and the coefficient of variation <0.25 as the standard for inclusion of indexes. RESULTS: The evaluation index system established in this study includes five first‐grade indexes, 15 second‐grade indexes, and 58 third‐grade indexes. CONCLUSION: The evaluation index system of core nursing outcomes for stroke inpatients in China has good specificity and reliability. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The evaluation index system of core nursing outcomes provides a standardized location‐specific tool for clinical nurses to evaluate the nursing quality and intervention effect for stroke inpatients in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhizosphere microbes affect plant performance, including plant resistance against insect herbivores; yet, a direct comparison of the relative influence of rhizosphere microbes versus plant genetics on herbivory levels and on metabolites related to defence is lacking. In the crucifer Boechera stricta, we tested the effects of rhizosphere microbes and plant population on herbivore resistance, the primary metabolome, and select secondary metabolites. Plant populations differed significantly in the concentrations of six glucosinolates (GLS), secondary metabolites known to provide herbivore resistance in the Brassicaceae. The population with lower GLS levels experienced ~60% higher levels of aphid (Myzus persicae) attack; no association was observed between GLS and damage by a second herbivore, flea beetles (Phyllotreta cruciferae). Rhizosphere microbiome (disrupted vs. intact native microbiome) had no effect on plant GLS concentrations. However, aphid number and flea beetle damage were respectively about three‐ and seven‐fold higher among plants grown in the disrupted versus intact native microbiome treatment. These differences may be attributable to shifts in primary metabolic pathways previously implicated in host defence against herbivores, including increases in pentose and glucoronate interconversion among plants grown with an intact microbiome. Furthermore, native microbiomes with distinct community composition (as estimated from 16s rRNA amplicon sequencing) differed two‐fold in their effect on host plant susceptibility to aphids. The findings suggest that rhizosphere microbes, including distinct native microbiomes, can play a greater role than population in defence against insect herbivores, and act through metabolic mechanisms independent of population. see also the Perspective by O'Brien [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tensor completion issues have obtained a great deal of attention in the past few years. However, the data fidelity part minimizes a squared loss function, which may be inappropriate for the case of noisy one-bit observations. In this paper, we alleviate the mentioned difficulty by drawing on the experience of matrix scenarios. Based on the convex relation to $\ell _{1}$ norm of the tensor multi-rank, we propose a novel optimization model trying to recover the underlying tensor in case of one-bit observations. The feasibility of this model is proved by theoretical derivations. Furthermore, an alternating direction method of multipliers based algorithm is designed to find the solution. The numerical experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of our method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subspace clustering aims to cluster a collection of data points lying in a union of subspaces. Based on the assumption that each point can be approximately represented as a linear combination of other points, extensive efforts have been made to compute an affinity matrix in a self-expressive framework for describing the similarity between points. However, the existing clustering methods consider the average feature solutions, which would not be powerful enough to capture the intrinsic relationship between points. In this paper, we present the $k$ -support norm subspace clustering (KSC) method by utilizing k-$ support norm regularization. The k-$ support norm trades off the sparsity of norm and the uniform shrinkage of \ell _{2} norm to yield better predictive performance on the data connection. The theoretical analysis of KSC makes up a large proportion of paper. In the noise-free case, we provide the kEBD condition, which ensures the coefficient matrix to be block diagonal. If the data are corrupted, we prove the incompletion-grouping effect for KSC. Moreover, we provide the statistical recovery guarantee for both noise-free and noise cases. The theory analyses show the validity and feasibility of KSC, and the experimental results on multiple challenging databases demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants use diverse mechanisms influenced by vast regulatory networks of indefinite scale to adapt to their environment. These regulatory networks have an unknown potential for epistasis between genes within and across networks. To test for epistasis within an adaptive trait genetic network, we generated and tested 47 Arabidopsis thaliana double mutant combinations for 20 transcription factors, which all influence the accumulation of aliphatic glucosinolates, the defense metabolites that control fitness. The epistatic combinations were used to test if there is more or less epistasis depending on gene membership within the same or different phenotypic subnetworks. Extensive epistasis was observed between the transcription factors, regardless of subnetwork membership. Metabolite accumulation displayed antagonistic epistasis, suggesting the presence of a buffering mechanism. Epistasis affecting enzymatic estimated activity was highly conditional on the tissue and environment and shifted between both antagonistic and synergistic forms. Transcriptional analysis showed that epistasis shifts depend on how the trait is measured. Because the 47 combinations described here represent a small sampling of the potential epistatic combinations in this genetic network, there is potential for significantly more epistasis. Additionally, the main effect of the individual gene was not predictive of the epistatic effects, suggesting that there is a need for further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The large, newly discovered Lijiagou pegmatite spodumene deposit, is located southeast of the Ke'eryin pegmatite ore field, in the central Songpan-Garze Fold Belt (SGFB), Eastern Tibet. The Lijiagou albite spodumene pegmatites are unzoned, granite-pegmatites of the subtype LCT (Lithium, Cesium, and Tantalum) and consist of medium- to coarse-grained spodumene, lepidolite, microcline, albite, quartz, muscovite, and accessory amounts of beryl, cassiterite, columbite-tantalite and zircon. Secondary fluid inclusions in quartz and spodumene include two-phase aqueous inclusions (V + L), mono-phase vapor inclusions (V); three-phase CO2-rich CO2-H2O inclusions (CO2 + V + L) and less abundant liquid inclusions (L). The homogenization temperature of the fluid inclusions are low (257.3 to 204.3°C in early stage, 250.3 to 199.6°C in middle stage, 218.7 to 200.6°C in late stage). Fluid inclusions were formed during the long cooling period from the temperature of the pegmatite emplacement. Liquid-vapor-gas boiling was extensive during the middle and late stages. The salinity of the corresponding stages are 15.4 to 13.0 wt.% NaCl equiv., 12.5 to 9.1 wt.% NaCl equiv. and 9.8 to 7.8 wt.% NaCl equiv., respectively. δ18O values of fluid are 7.2 to 5.2‰, 5.6 to 3.9‰ and 2.7 to −0.2‰ from early to late stages; and δD range from −75.1 to −76.8‰, −59.0 to −73.5‰ and −61.6 to −85.5‰ respectively. The δ13C of CO2 values are −5.6 to −6.6‰, −8.5 to −19.9‰, −11.8 to −18.7‰ from early to late stages, suggesting that CO2 in the fluids were probably sourced from a magmatic system, possibly with some mixing of CO2 dissolved in groundwater. δD and δ18O values of fluid indicate that the fluids were originally magmatic water and mixed with some meteoric water in late stage. The magma evolution sequence in the Ke'eryin orefield, from the central two-mica granite through the Lijiagou deposit out to the distal pegmatites, with the ages gradually decreasing, indicates that the Ke'eryin complex rocks are the product of multistage magmatic activity. The large Lijiagou spodumene deposit is a typical magmatic, fractional crystallization related pegmatite deposit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants have evolved tightly regulated signaling networks to respond and adapt to environmental perturbations, but the nature of the signaling hub(s) involved have remained an enigma. We have previously established that methylerythritol cyclodiphosphate (MEcPP), a precursor of plastidial isoprenoids and a stress-specific retrograde signaling metabolite, enables cellular readjustments for high-order adaptive functions. Here, we specifically show that MEcPP promotes two Brassicaceae-specific traits, namely endoplasmic reticulum (ER) body formation and induction of indole glucosinolate (IGs) metabolism selectively, via transcriptional regulation of key regulators NAI1 for ER body formation and MYB51/122 for IGs biosynthesis). The specificity of MEcPP is further confirmed by the lack of induction of wound-inducible ER body genes as well as IGs by other altered methylerythritol phosphate pathway enzymes. Genetic analyses revealed MEcPP-mediated COI1-dependent induction of these traits. Moreover, MEcPP signaling integrates the biosynthesis and hydrolysis of IGs through induction of nitrile-specifier protein1 and reduction of the suppressor, ESM1 , and production of simple nitriles as the bioactive end product. The findings position the plastidial metabolite, MEcPP, as the initiation hub, transducing signals to adjust the activity of hard-wired gene circuitry to expand phytochemical diversity and alter the associated subcellular structure required for functionality of the secondary metabolites, thereby tailoring plant stress responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, samples were taken from different types of municipal waste incineration plants in the Pearl River Delta, China. Analyzing the distributive characters of elements and dioxin congeners in fly ash, the method of washing-ball milling was utilized to remove chloride and degrade dioxin in fly ash. The results showed that more than 90% of particles were in the range of 1 ∼ 50 μm and most of dioxin and metals existed in 0.030 ∼ 0.075 mm of particles. K, Na, Cl and Br in fly ash could be removed by washing efficiently, however dioxin and other metals remained in the solid phase. Washing and Fe/Ni-SiO 2 ball-milling method seemed to be the best choice as the dioxin removal rate could reach up to 93.20%. Dioxin could be degraded to low toxic compounds and heterochorides with Fe/Ni as dechlorinating agent. In the process, PCDFs were partly transformed to PCDDs, while too long time of ball-milling was not benefited for dioxin removing. In addition, the phases of calcium such as Ca(OH) 2 , CaCO 3 and CaSO 4 in fly ash could transform from crystal to amorphous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How to compute the lithium concentration in Li-ion battery electrode particles fast and accurately is crucial in the study of physics-based Li-ion battery models. When computing the lithium concentration in Li-ion battery electrode particles with a high fidelity model, whether it can be achieved depends on the algorithm used. In this work, an algorithm for computing the lithium concentration in Li-ion battery electrode particles with the lithium concentration-stress coupling model is developed. Theoretically, providing that the parameters of the lithium concentration-stress coupling model are given, the lithium concentration in Li-ion battery electrode particles under any load current of Li-ion batteries whose amplitude is no higher than the given limit can be computed fast and accurately with the algorithm. To verify this, the algorithm is used in the State of Charge (SOC) estimation of two types of Li-ion batteries under different load currents. By timing the estimating processes and comparing the estimated results with the measured results, it can be concluded that the algorithm is effective. • Modify the deriving process of the lithium concentration-stress coupling model. • Develop an algorithm for the lithium concentration-stress coupling model. • Develop a program as the embodiment of the theoretical part in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the role of the family in supporting diabetes self‐management and explore the possible mechanisms between family and diabetes self‐management among rural patients in China. Background: The prevalence of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is growing rapidly in rural areas of China, where healthcare resources remain relatively poor and family members play an important role in chronic disease self‐management. Design: This was a multicentre cross‐sectional study. Methods: A total of 276 adults with T2DM were recruited from nine county hospitals in China. Diabetes self‐management, family support, family function, and family self‐efficacy were evaluated using the mature scales. A theoretical model was built based on the social learning family model and previous studies and then verified using a structural equation model. The STROBE statement was used to standardise the study procedure. Results: Family support and general family factors, including family function and self‐efficacy, were positively correlated with diabetes self‐management. Family support fully mediates the relationship between family function and diabetes self‐management and partially mediates the relationship between family self‐efficacy and diabetes self‐management. The model explained 41% of the variability in diabetes self‐management and had a good model fit. Conclusion: General family factors can explain nearly half of the change in diabetes self‐management in rural areas of China, while family support is a mediator between general family factors and diabetes self‐management. Family self‐efficacy, a potential intervention point of family based diabetes self‐management education, can be improved by building special lessons for family members. Relevance to Clinical Practice: This study emphasises the role of family in diabetes self‐management and proposes suggestions for diabetes self‐management intervention among patients with T2DM in rural areas of China. Patient or Public Contribution: Patients and their family members completed the questionnaire which was used for data collection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BREVIPEDICELLUS (BP) encodes a class-I KNOTTED1-like homeobox (KNOX) transcription factor that plays a critical role in conditioning a replication competent state in the apical meristem, and it also governs growth and cellular differentiation in internodes and pedicels. To search for factors that modify BP signaling, we conducted a suppressor screen on bp er (erecta) plants and identified a mutant that ameliorates many of the pleiotropic defects of the parent line. Map based cloning and complementation studies revealed that the defect lies in the FILAMENTOUS FLOWER (FIL) gene, a member of the YABBY family of transcriptional regulators that contribute to meristem organization and function, phyllotaxy, leaf and floral organ growth and polarity, and are also known to repress KNOX gene expression. Genetic and cytological analyses of the fil-10 suppressor line indicate that the role of FIL in promoting growth is independent of its previously characterized influences on meristem identity and lateral organ polarity, and likely occurs non-cell-autonomously from superior floral organs. Transcription profiling of inflorescences revealed that FIL downregulates numerous transcription factors which in turn may subordinately regulate inflorescence architecture. In addition, FIL, directly or indirectly, activates over a dozen genes involved in glucosinolate production in part by activating MYB28, a known activator of many aliphatic glucosinolate biosynthesis genes. In the bp er fil-10 suppressor mutant background, enhanced expression of CYP71A13, AMIDASE1 (AMI) and NITRILASE genes suggest that auxin levels can be modulated by shunting glucosinolate metabolites into the IAA biosynthetic pathway, and increased IAA levels in the bp er fil-10 suppressor accompany enhanced internode and pedicel elongation. We propose that FIL acts to oppose KNOX1 gene function through a complex regulatory network that involves changes in secondary metabolites and auxin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The upper 250 meter-long sediment core of Site U1391 (1085 m water depth) retrieved from the Portuguese margin in the Northeast Atlantic Ocean was adopted for the benthic foraminiferal analyses to disclose the variations in Mediterranean Outflow Water (MOW) intensity over the last ~ 0.9 Ma. Benthic foraminifera are abundant at this site and mainly composed of the hyaline forms (80%, such as Cibicidoides/Cibicides spp., Globobulimina spp., Bulimina spp., Uvigerina spp., Melonis spp., Sphaeroidina bulloides , Hoeglundina elegans , Gyroidinoides spp., Lenticulina spp. and Planulina ariminensis ), while the agglutinated and porcelaneous forms have only 5% and 14.1% on average, respectively. Down-core variations of the benthic foraminifera show glacial-interglacial contrasts, especially those of Lenticulina spp. and Planulina ariminensis , which is also supported by the benthic foraminiferal cluster analysis. During the interglacial periods, the fauna are dominated by Sphaeroidina bulloides , Lenticulina spp., Planulina ariminensis , Dentalina spp., Cibicidoides robertsonianus and the agglutinated forms, while by Cibicidoides pachyderma , Praeglobobulimina ovata , Praeglobobulimina pupoides , Bulimina mexicana , Uvigerina mediterranea , Bolivinita quadrilatera and mililoids during the glacial periods. Benthic foraminiferal faunal data at Site U1391 was detailed analyzed to disclose the bottom water property over the last ~ 0.9 Ma. Variations of the character species or assemblages, such as Planulina ariminensis , and the “elevated epibenthos” group suggest that the MOW intensity has typical glacial-interglacial cycles, strengthening during the interglacial periods and weakening during the glacial periods, and reaches its peak at MIS 11. The strongest MOW intensity during MIS 11 confirms the climatic influence of waving sea level on the MOW current by its + 20 m high-stand above the present sea level. The agglutinated benthic foraminifera have a significantly positive correlation with the MOW index of “elevated epibenthos”, which suggests that their abundance can be used to monitor the hydrodynamic conditions of bottom water off the Portuguese margin. Consistent with the MOW intensity, the lower miliolids content implies a lower salinity which supported the stronger vertical density gradient during the interglacial periods in this region; while the glacial ocean has a higher salinity with a weak vertical density gradient/MOW intensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emerging evidences exhibit that mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK/MPK) signaling pathways are connected with many aspects of plant development. The complexity of MAPK cascades raises challenges not only to identify the MAPK module in planta but also to define the specific role of an individual module. So far, our knowledge of MAPK signaling has been largely restricted to a small subset of MAPK cascades. Our previous study has characterized an Arabidopsis bushy and dwarf1 (bud1) mutant, in which the MAP Kinase Kinase 7 (MKK7) was constitutively activated, resulting in multiple phenotypic alterations. In this study, we found that MPK3 and MPK6 are the substrates for phosphorylation by MKK7 in planta. Genetic analysis showed that MKK7-MPK6 cascade is specifically responsible for the regulation of shoot branching, hypocotyl gravitropism, filament elongation, and lateral root formation, while MKK7-MPK3 cascade is mainly involved in leaf morphology. We further demonstrated that the MKK7-MPK6 cascade controls shoot branching by phosphorylating Ser 337 on PIN1, which affects the basal localization of PIN1 in xylem parenchyma cells and polar auxin transport in the primary stem. Our results not only specify the functions of the MKK7-MPK6 cascade but also reveal a novel mechanism for PIN1 phosphorylation, establishing a molecular link between the MAPK cascade and auxin-regulated plant development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aberrant expression of classical cadherins has been observed in tumor invasion and metastasis, but its involvement in cervical carcinogenesis and cancer progression is not clear. We investigated E-, P- and N-cadherin expression and its significance in cervical squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). This retrospective study enrolled 508 patients admitted to Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University with cervical lesions between January 2006 and December 2010. Immunochemical staining was performed in 98 samples of normal cervical epithelium (NC), 283 of CIN, and 127 of early-stage SCC. The association of cadherin staining with clinical characteristics and survival of the patients was evaluated by univariate and multivariate analysis. We found gradients of decreasing E-cadherin expression and increasing P-cadherin expression from NC through CIN to SCC. Aberrant E-cadherin and P-cadherin expression were significantly associated with clinical parameters indicating poor prognosis and shorter patient survival. Interestingly, we found very low levels of positive N-cadherin expression in CIN and SCC tissues that were not related to CIN or cancer. Pearson chi-square tests showed that E-cadherin expression in SCC was inversely correlated with P-cadherin expression (E-P switch), and was not correlated with N-cadherin expression. More important, patients with tissues exhibiting an E-P switch in expression had highly aggressive phenotypes and poorer prognosis than those without E-P switch expression. Our findings suggest that E-cadherin and P-cadherin, but not N-cadherin staining, might be useful in diagnosing CIN and for predicting prognosis in patients with early-stage SCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater in many parts of the world is contaminated with arsenic and nitrate. To date no technology is available that canin situremediate arsenic and nitrate pollution of groundwater using one single bacterial species. In this study, a novel anaerobic nitrate-dependent Fe(II)-oxidizing bacterium,Clostridiumsp. strain PXL2, was isolated from anoxic activated sludge. The strain PXL2 could efficiently oxidize Fe(II) associated with the reduction of nitrate. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry (FTIR) analysis showed that strain PXL2 formed nanosize and poorly crystalline Fe(III) oxides which encrusted the cells, with the viability and function of the cells might being inhibited by the encrustation of Fe(III) oxides. It was found that strain PXL2 was an excellent candidate microbe for bioremediation of nitrate and arsenic pollution. It could effectively and simultaneously remove As(III) and nitrate from water due to its Fe(II) oxidation and denitrtification activity. 40.6–100% of NO3−was removed from an initial concentration of 12.3 mM. High concentrations of As(III) decreased nitrate removal. With initial concentrations of 10 μM, 65 μM and 125 μM As(III), 100% of As(III) was removed in a 20 d treatment. Arsenic was removed by adsorption to the biogenic Fe(III) oxides but not by adsorption to the cells. Strain PXL2 was also able to oxidize As(III) to less mobile and less toxic As(V) and this may significantly enhance the performance of bioremediation of arsenic pollution. Anaerobic nitrate-dependent Fe(II)-oxidizing species, such as strain PXL2, has great application potential forin situremediation of nitrate and metal(loid)s polluted groundwater with advantages of high efficiency and low cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to improve the disadvantages of the existing variable step size LMS (least mean square) algorithm in terms of performance, this paper proposed an improved variable step size adaptive harmonic detection algorithm. The algorithm was based on the original hyperbolic tangent function and introduced factor T(n) that contained the input signal, tracked the changes of input signal, in order to analyze the performance of the algorithm to improve its anti-jamming capability. And it added compensation term to ensure the algorithm convergence speed. At the same time it replaced the fixed step size range restriction of step iterative formula by dynamic change restriction, which made the step change tend to be smoother and steady-state misadjustment was relatively small. Finally, it used normalization method to update weight formula to improve the dynamic range of the input signal. The results of simulation show that the new algorithm compares to the existing variable step harmonic detection algorithm improves greatly in terms of convergence speed, tracking capability, anti-interference ability, stable error. It is a feasible, effective, and has certain engineering application value algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrate and arsenic are common pollutants in groundwater. However, we are still lacking technologies that can remove nitrate and arsenic simultaneously using a single species of microorganism. In the present study, the potential of synchronous removal of nitrate and arsenite from water by a single anaerobic nitrate-reducing Fe(II) oxidizing Citrobacter freundii strain PXL1 was assessed. The strain PXL1 could grow well in arsenite concentration of 2.85–13.65 μM and efficiently oxidize Fe(II), reduce nitrate and remove As(III) from water. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis showed that the strain PXL1 produced poorly crystalline Fe(III) oxides. As(III) was removed mainly by adsorption and co-precipitation of the biogenic Fe(III) oxides. The anaerobic nitrate-dependent Fe(II) oxidizing bacteria including C. freundii PXL1 are promising microbes for in situ remediation of nitrate and arsenite contaminated groundwater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increased number of CD4 + CD25 + Treg cells in tumor local and peripheral splenic tissues is related to the low immune function as well as to tumor recurrence and metastasis. Our pre-clinical studies showed that low-dose radiation (LDR) of the spleen in liver cancer patients significantly improves immune functions. However, the molecular mechanisms of such radiation remained ill defined. This study explores the role of CD4 + CD25 + Treg cells in radiation-induced immunomodulatory effects. Using the diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced rat liver tumor model and in vitro cell experiments, the percentage of CD4 + CD25 + Treg/CD4 + cells in the blood and the expressions of Foxp3 + , IL-10, TGF-β, and cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4(CTLA-4) in spleen and liver tumors significantly decreased after LDR of the spleen in rats with liver cancer. The tumors became smaller than those in the non-radiated group, with both showing a parallel relation. Flow cytometry and MTT results revealed that LDR failed to inhibit CD4 + CD25 + Treg cell proliferation. Conversely, apoptosis was reduced and proliferation was stimulated. This process also changed CTLA-4 molecule expression on the surfaces of CD4 + CD25 + Treg cells and reduced their inhibitory function against CD4 + CD25 − T cell proliferation, and the suppression function of CD4 + CD25 + Treg cells was further weakened with the introduction of the CTLA-4 inhibitor. Findings demonstrate that the reduction of CTLA-4 expression on the CD4 + CD25 + Treg cell surface and the further inhibition of cell function may be considered as important regulators of LDR-induced immunomodulatory effects. This study provides experimental evidence to elucidate the immune enhancement induced by this process and presents a novel method for liver cancer immunotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-resolution foraminiferal stable isotopes and benthic foraminiferal faunal records of IODP Site U1391 drilled off the western Iberian margin were adopted to reconstruct intermediate water variability of the subtropical Northeastern Atlantic during the late Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 13 and MIS 12. Five faunal turnovers were recognized based on multivariate statistical analyses of benthic foraminiferal census data from the size fraction >125 μm. The dominance of Uvigerina peregrina parva and Melonis barleeanum coincides with high benthic foraminiferal accumulation rates (BFAR), high benthic δ13C and the presence of dark-colour sediments during the final stage of MIS 13, also accompanied by frequent occurrences of Planulina ariminensis , an indicator of Mediterranean Outflow Water (MOW), which indicates MOW-related high oxic and mesotrophic to slightly eutrophic bottom water environments. MIS 12c and MIS 12b are characterized by Bulimina mexicana assemblage, together with low BFAR, high benthic δ13C and the presence of light-colour sediments, revealing mesotrophic and well‑oxygenated seafloor conditions associated with the possible advection of Glacial North Atlantic Intermediate Water (GNAIW) to the studied site. A prominent increase in organic matter supply and a slight decrease in dissolved oxygen concentration during MIS 12a were reflected by more abundant Bulimina aculeata , higher BFAR, lower benthic δ13C and the darker-colour sediments relative to MIS 12c-b. A shift in the dominant species and significantly decreased benthic δ13C, suggest an increased influence of southern-sourced waters (SSW) and a decreased influence of GNAIW during MIS 12a. During the early Termination V (TV), infaunal taxa mainly composed of B. aculeata , Bulimina exilis , Nonionella turgida , Brizalina sp. and Uvigerina proboscidea dominate the benthic foraminiferal population, which may be attributed to eutrophic and poorly‑oxygenated bottom water environment strongly influenced by SSW. During the late TV, N. turgida rapidly became the predominant taxa, and its predominance was probably the result of further reduction in dissolved oxygen concentration. • Intensified Mediterranean Outflow Water during the late MIS 13. • Strong influence of Glacial North Atlantic Intermediate Water from MIS 12c to 12b. • Increase influence of southern-sourced waters (SSW) during MIS 12a. • The Northeastern Atlantic intermediate water filled mostly by SSW during TV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contaminationof heavy metals from mill tailings is a global problem.China’s Jinchuan Group Limited has stored approximately onebillion tons of mill tailings which contain toxic levels of copper,nickel, and other metal compounds. To solve the problem, this workextended the principle of hydrometallurgical extraction to the recoveryof copper/nickel from Jinchuan tailings and designed an environmental-friendlyrecovering process. Synergetic leaching by sulfuric acid and ferricion was proposed to achieve the efficient leach of copper, nickel,and other metals in Jinchuan tailings. Novel silica-based 2-aminomethylpyridineand iminodiacetic acid functionalized adsorbent were used to selectivelyrecover copper and nickel from the leachate of Jinchuan tailings,respectively. The stable adsorption capacity on semi-industrial scaleoperation after 700 continuous adsorption-regeneration runs promisesthe achievement of copper and nickel recovery from Jinchuan tailings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rod-like manganese dioxide (MnO2)/acid-treated carbon nanotube (a-CNT) nanocomposites have been synthesized by a simple co-precipitation method. The MnO2 nanorod with the diameter of about 10nm and length of 50∼120nm is in-situ deposited on the surface of acid-treated CNT through the redox reaction of KMnO4 and Mn(CH3COO)2·4H2O. Results show that the electron transfer efficiency of the MnO2/a-CNT nanocomposites is greatly enhanced and results in a high electrical conductivity. The energy storage mechanism of as-prepared MnO2/a-CNT in mild aqueous electrolyte (ZnSO4 and MnSO4) is associated with the insertion/extraction of zinc ion into/from the tunnels of crystalline α-MnO2. The composites display both excellent storage properties with zinc ions (∼400 mAh·g−1 at 1 A·g−1) and reversibility at various current rates (∼100% coulombic efficiency after 500 charge/discharge cycles). The MnO2/a-CNT nanocomposites are rather promising cathode material for high performance rechargeable zinc ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anaerobic Fe(II) Oxidizing Denitrifiers (AFODN), a type of newly found Fe(II)-oxidizing bacteria, play an important role in iron and nitrogen cycling. In the present study, a novel AFODN strain PXL1 was isolated from anaerobic activated sludge. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed similarity between this strain andCitrobactor freundii. The strain reduced 30% of nitrate and oxidized 85% of Fe(II) over 72 h with an initial Fe(II) concentration of 3.4 mM and nitrate concentration of 9.5 mM. Oxidation of iron was dependent on the reduction of nitrate to nitrite in the absence of other electron donors or acceptors. Nitrate reduction and Fe(II) oxidation followed first-order reaction kinetics. Iron oxides accumulated in the culture were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). The strain recovered deposited oxidized Fe in the form of amorphous Fe oxides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] LV-shRNA targeting common promoter p97 effectively knocked down E6 and E7 expression. [•] LV-shRNA reduced the abilities of proliferation and invasiveness in vitro. [•] LV-shRNA dramatically inhibited tumorigenesis and growth in vivo. [•] LV-shRNA prolonged survival time in mouse models. [•] LV-shRNA targeting P97 provide a new antiviral therapeutics. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: LiFePO4/C and V-doped LiFePO4/C with VO2(B) coating composite were prepared by an inorganic-based sol–gel method and the related properties were compared. The V-doping and VO2(B) coating was verified by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry. The formation mechanism of the VO2(B) coating was deduced. The XPS analysis suggested that the valence state of V was +4. The coupling effects of the V-doping and VO2(B) coating on the electric conductivity, lithium-ion diffusion velocity and discharge specific capacities at various C-rates were investigated. It is found that the V-doping and VO2(B) coating result in the increase of the bulk electric conductivity, the improvement of the kinetics and the enhancement of the rate capability. Moreover, the cyclic stability was not influenced significantly, even at 10C. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A silica-based 2-aminomethylpyridine functionalized adsorbentwassynthesized to extract copper. Characterization of the adsorbent wascarried out to determine the surface morphology, specific surfacearea, pore size, and grafting ratio of 2-aminomethylpyridine groups.The adsorption selectivity of the adsorbent for Cu(II) ions was 1353times higher than that for Fe(III) ions. The adsorption capacity forCu(II) ions maintained a stable value of 0.53 mmol/g with and withoutperturbation of Fe(III) ions. Density functional theory (DFT) calculationsrevealed a mechanism of selective adsorption of copper, through theformation of 2-aminomethylpyridine-Cu(II) complexes. Semi-industrialscale experiments revealed that Cu(II) ions in the acidic leachateof low-grade copper ore could be efficiently extracted by the adsorbenteven in perturbation of substantial amounts of Fe(III) and other metalions. Based on the adsorbent, a new process for copper hydrometallurgicalextraction was developed, in which the adverse environmental impactsin traditional solvent extraction processes could be avoided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Graphene decorated with manganese dioxide nanoparticles are prepared by electrostatic adsorption. The manganese dioxide is synthesized by a microemulsion route using the cationic surfactant hexadecyltrimethyl ammonium bromide, which dispersed in water is converted to be positively charged. The surface charge of graphene in water is negative, allowing two forms of manganese dioxide-decorated graphene to be synthesized by electrostatic adsorption: (a) free in situ synthesis and (b) layer-by-layer self-assembly. By electrochemical analysis, the specific capacitances of two materials are found to be about 40% and 250% larger than that of manganese dioxide. The improvement is because of the tighter contact between graphene and manganese dioxide, and the higher conductive and capacitive characteristics of graphene. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Based on the detailed planktonic foraminifera faunal count and Globigerinoides ruber Mg/Ca ratio analysis of Core MD05-2901, we reconstructed the longest Mg/Ca sea surface temperature (SST) sequence of the upwelling area off Vietnam in the western South China Sea (SCS). Ocean environment, especially the SST variation, over the last 450 ka is discussed in this study. SST variation has typical glacial/interglacial alternations from 23.03°C to 29.93°C with a glacial/ interglacial difference of 4.8°C on average. SST during the interglacial periods fluctuates significantly, up to 5.6°C, which is larger than the average glacial/interglacial difference. SST variation during the glacial periods is much smaller. Spectrum analysis shows that SST change dominates on the typical Milankovitch cycles, such as 112, 40.7 and 23.6 ka. Evident leading of SST variation against the δO can be observed during the Terminations 1, 4, and 5, which is confirmed by their cross-spectrum analysis on these cycles. MD05-2901 is the first core in the South China Sea that has multi-SST records, such as SST, U -SST and planktonic foraminiferal fauna-based SST. SSTs from different methods can be correlated with each other in glacial/interglacial time scale, whereas SST records abrupt climate change events more clearly. SST at MD05-2901 since MIS 5 is 0.6°C lower than that of the southern SCS on average, but equivalent to or even 2°C lower than that of the northern SCS during some interglacial period. The SST character of MD05-2901 reflects less influence of latitude, but an important role of the regional upwelling driven by the eastern Asian summer monsoon, and suggests a stronger upwelling during the interglacial periods in the western SCS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The high selectivity for the separation of nickel from cobalt-solution by a polyamine chelating resin was explored. As to the sole-component static system, the equilibrium data could be satisfactorily described by the Langmuir isotherm, from which the calculated maximum adsorption capacities for Ni(II) and Co(II) were 0.982mmol/g and 0.741mmol/g, respectively. Additionally, in the binary system with high concentration ratio of cobalt and nickel, the uptake amount of resin for both ions decreased, indicating their competitive adsorption behavior on active sites. Separation factors suggested the extremely higher selectivity for Ni(II) against Co(II). The obtained separation factor values indicated the extremely higher selectivity for Ni(II) versus Co(II). The column dynamic breakthrough curves revealed a potential success for the achievement of high-purity cobalt because of the higher initial adsorption rate and capacity toward Ni(II). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

An inorganic and non-toxic compounds combination of FeCl·4HO, LiCO and HPO was chosen to synthesize homogeneous nano-structured LiFePO/C composite material via a simplified sol-gel route. The dependency of the physicochemical properties and the corresponding electrochemical responses on the residual carbon content were investigated in details. Rietveld refinement of X-ray diffraction measurement and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis confirmed the feasibility of preparing pure LiFePO phase via this approach. With increasing amount of residual carbon, the particles size gradually decreased and the bulk electrical conductivity monotonically increased. However, the higher level of residual carbon would bring disadvantageous impact on the lithium ion diffusion. Due to high electrical conductivity, controlled particle size and suitable microstructure, the sample with 4.5 wt.% residual carbon exhibited stable cycling performance and delivered high discharge capacity of 163, 119 and 108 mA h g at 0.1 C, 5 C and 10 C, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanocrystalline LiFePO and LiFeSnPO cathode materials were synthesized by an inorganic-based sol-gel route. The physicochemical properties of samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and elemental mapping. The doping effect of Sn on the electrochemical performance of LiFePO cathode material was extensively investigated. The results showed that the doping of tin was beneficial to refine the particle size, increase the electrical conductivity, and facilitate the lithium-ion diffusion, which contributed to the improvement of the electrochemical properties of LiFePO, especially the high-rate charge/discharge performance. At the low discharge rate of 0.5 C, the LiFeSnPO sample delivered a specific capacity of 158 mAh g, as compared with 147 mAh g of the pristine LiFePO. At higher C-rate, the doping sample exhibited more excellent discharge performance. LiFeSnPO delivered specific capacity of 146 and 128 mAh g at 5 C and 10 C, respectively, in comparison with 119 and 107 mAh g for LiFePO. Moreover, the doping of Sn did not influence the cycle capability, even at 10 C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The co-existence of two mechanisms, the surface chemisorption mechanism (SCM) and the tunnel storage mechanism (TSM), for the charge storage of MnO2 is investigated. Sample α-MnO2 whose tunnels (2×2) are almost vacant is synthesized by chemical co-precipitation technique. To verify whether the charge storage of as-prepared α-MnO2 involves the charges based on the SCM besides the TSM, Ba2+ and K+ are intercalated into the tunnels of α-MnO2 by refluxing and samples Ba-MnO2 and K-MnO2 are obtained, respectively. By powder X-ray diffraction, ICP and the extraction test, it is confirmed that Ba2+ and K+ occupy the tunnels and are difficult to remove. By electrochemical analyses, we have found that the charge storage of Ba-MnO2 and K-MnO2 basically depends on the SCM, as Ba2+ and K+ stabilized in the tunnels in advance block the intercalation/deintercalation of cations from the electrolyte. Thus, it can be inferred that for α-MnO2 two mechanisms contribute to the charge storage. The contributions of α-MnO2''s mechanisms are estimated. The charges based on the TSM predominantly account for 81.2–89.9% of the total charges. The charges on the SCM may contribute to 7.9–16.8% and are not negligible. The charges from double-layer capacitance may be negligible, since it is only 1.1–4.1%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The activation characteristics and the effects of current densities on the formation of a separate LiCoO and graphite electrode were investigated and the behavior also was compared with that of the full LiCoO/graphite batteries using various electrochemical techniques. The results showed that the formation current densities obviously influenced the electrochemical impedance spectrum of Li/graphite, LiCoO/Li, and LiCoO/graphite cells. The electrolyte was reduced on the surface of graphite anode between 2.5 and 3.6 V to form a preliminary solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) film of anode during the formation of the LiCoO/graphite batteries. The electrolyte was oxidized from 3.95 V vs Li/Li on the surface of LiCoO to form a SEI film of cathode. A highly conducting SEI film could be formed gradually on the surface of graphite anode, whereas the SEI film of LiCoO cathode had high resistance. The LiCoO cathode could be activated completely at the first cycle, while the activation of the graphite anode needed several cycles. The columbic efficiency of the first cycle increased, but that of the second decreased with the increase in the formation current of LiCoO/graphite batteries. The formation current influenced the cycling performance of batteries, especially the high-temperature cycling performance. Therefore, the batteries should be activated with proper current densities to ensure an excellent formation of SEI film on the anode surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Nanocrystalline LiFe1−x Sn x PO4 (0≤ x ≤0.07) samples are synthesized using SnCl4·5H2O as dopant via an inorganic-based sol–gel method. The dependency of the physicochemical and electrochemical properties on the doping amount of tin are systemically worked out and regular changes are revealed. In the whole concentration range, the chemical valence of Fe2+ is not basically changed whereas tin is found in two different oxidation states, namely +2 and +4. The replacement of Fe2+ by supervalent Sn4+ would lead to electron compensation. Under the synergetic effects between the charge compensation and the crystal distortion, the electrical conductivities for the bulk samples first increase and then decrease with the increasing amount of Sn doping. Upon the doping amount, the apparent lithium-ion diffusion coefficient and the electrochemical performance also display the similar trends. The doping is beneficial to refine the particle size and narrow down the size distribution, however optimizing the doping amount is necessary. Compared with other samples, the sample with a doping amount of about 3mol% delivers the highest capacities at all C-rates and exhibits the excellent rate capability due to the high electrical conductivity and the fast lithium-ion diffusion velocity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The activated carbons (ACs) prepared from mesophase pitch with KOH etching are used to fabricate electrodes for electric double layer capacitors. The ACs with pre-carbonization are also prepared. Nitrogen adsorption at 77K is used to characterize the surface area and porous structure of the ACs, which show a bimodal pore distribution. By adjusting the residence time at 800°C, the intersection of the ACs’ microcrystallites is changed and the peak value varies between 1.7nm and 2.1nm. Pre-carbonization promotes the growth of graphitic microcrystallites and hinders the crystallites from intersecting, and thus the surface area decreases and the size of the pore is more difficult to adjust. The performance of the ACs in the organic solvent (1M of Et4NBF4 in propylene carbonate) is investigated with voltage sweep cyclic voltammetry and constant-current charge–discharge cycling. The sample with the surface area of 2258 m2/g possesses a specific capacitance as high as 145 F/g. When power density is increased to 12kW/kg, its capacitance does not decrease, and energy density keeps at 31 Wh/kg. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Chemokines play a critical role in the acute transplant rejection. In order to provide an overview of the chemokine expression during the course of acute allograft rejection, the intragraft expression profile of 11 chemokines representative of all four chemokine subfamilies was analyzed in a murine skin transplantation model of acute rejection. It was found that RANTES/CCL5, TARC/CCL17 and FKN/CX3CL1 were expressed at equivalent levels in iso- and allografts. However, the other eight chemokines expression was up-regulated to some extent in allograft compared with that in isograft. The levels of MIP-1α/CCL3, MIP-3α/CCL20 and CTACK/CCL27 were progressively increased from early stage (day 3 post-transplantation) to late stage (day 11). Mig/CXCL9, IP-10/CXCL10, I-TAC/CXCL11, CXCL16 and LTN/XCL1 expression was elevated at middle stage (day 7), and peaked at late stage. Among the up-regulated chemokines, I-TAC was the most obviously elevated chemokine. Therefore, the effect of I-TAC on the skin acute allograft rejection was evaluated. Block of I-TAC by the intradermal injection of anti-I-TAC monoclonal antibody (mAb) reduced the number of CXCR3+ cells in skin allograft and significantly prolonged the skin allograft survival. The mAb treatment did not influence the proliferation of the intragraft infiltrating cells in response to the allogeneic antigens, but significantly decreased the number of the infiltrating cells and consequently lowered the secretion of IFN-γ and TNF-α. These data indicate I-TAC might be a dominant chemokine involved in the intradermal infiltration and I-TAC-targeted intervening strategies would have potential application for the alleviation of acute transplant rejection. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]