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This essay explores the role of fan-based translation in the transcultural flow and consumption of online wuxia literature. It first traces the origin and evolution of online wuxia literature. Some common characteristics of wuxia stories, such as their shared plots, tropes, and devices, are outlined. The essay then explores how online wuxia stories are introduced through fan-based translation to English-speaking countries and the possible reasons for their success. Bourdieu's field theory reframed for digital sociology is used in placing fan-based wuxia translation within the network of relationships engendered and mediated by the functionality of the online site in which fan translators operate. A parallel corpus is built and employed to examine fan translators' habitus with regard to cultural-specific items in wuxia novels. The essay concludes by discussing the implications of the current study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Gut microbiota can influence the aging process and may modulate aging‐related changes in cognitive function. Trimethylamine‐N‐oxide (TMAO), a metabolite of intestinal flora, has been shown to be closely associated with cardiovascular disease and other diseases. However, the relationship between TMAO and aging, especially brain aging, has not been fully elucidated. To explore the relationship between TMAO and brain aging, we analysed the plasma levels of TMAO in both humans and mice and administered exogenous TMAO to 24‐week‐old senescence‐accelerated prone mouse strain 8 (SAMP8) and age‐matched senescence‐accelerated mouse resistant 1 (SAMR1) mice for 16 weeks. We found that the plasma levels of TMAO increased in both the elderly and the aged mice. Compared with SAMR1‐control mice, SAMP8‐control mice exhibited a brain aging phenotype characterized by more senescent cells in the hippocampal CA3 region and cognitive dysfunction. Surprisingly, TMAO treatment increased the number of senescent cells, which were primarily neurons, and enhanced the mitochondrial impairments and superoxide production. Moreover, we observed that TMAO treatment increased synaptic damage and reduced the expression levels of synaptic plasticity‐related proteins by inhibiting the mTOR signalling pathway, which induces and aggravates aging‐related cognitive dysfunction in SAMR1 and SAMP8 mice, respectively. Our findings suggested that TMAO could induce brain aging and age‐related cognitive dysfunction in SAMR1 mice and aggravate the cerebral aging process of SAMP8 mice, which might provide new insight into the effects of intestinal microbiota on the brain aging process and help to delay senescence by regulating intestinal flora metabolites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DFT calculations are used to address the mechanism of Ni-catalyzed esterification of aryl and alkyl amides. The insight of the tailor-made catalysts in the chemo-selectivity is addressed in this work. The reaction steps for esterification of aryl and alkyl amides catalyzed by both Ni(SIPr)2 and Ni(terpyridine)2 include: oxidative addition, metathesis, and reductive elimination processes. Ni(SIPr)2 can catalyze the esterification of aryl amides rather than Ni(terpyridine)2 due to high reaction barrier in oxidative addition process, while Ni(terpyridine)2 can catalyze the esterification of alkyl amides rather than Ni(SIPr)2 due to high reaction barrier in metathesis process. It is found that the charge distribution on Ni is different in these two complexes. An amino-substituted terpyridine Ni complex is designed to catalyze both aryl and alkyl amides through low transition-state energies because of the electron-donating ability of three amino substitutes. The results reveal that the chemo-selectivity is mainly controlled by the electron-donating ability of ligands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), gut microbiota-dependent metabolites, has been shown to be associated with cardiovascular diseases. However, little is known about the relationship between TMAO and vascular aging. Here, we observed a change in TMAO during the aging process and the effects of TMAO on vascular aging and endothelial cell (EC) senescence. We analyzed age-related plasma levels of TMAO in young adults (18–44 years old), older adults (≥ 65 years old), and 1-month-old, 3-month-old, 6-month-old and 10-month-old senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8) and age-matched senescence-accelerated mouse resistance 1 (SAMR1) models. We found that circulating TMAO increased with age both in humans and mice. Next, we observed that a TMAO treatment for 16 weeks induced vascular aging in SAMR1 mice and accelerated the process in SAMP8 mice, as measured by an upregulation of senescence markers including senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal), p53, and p21, vascular dysfunction and remodeling. In vitro , we demonstrated that prolonged TMAO treatment induced senescence in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), characterized by reduced cell proliferation, increased expressions of senescence markers, stagnate G0/G1, and impaired cell migration. Furthermore, TMAO suppressed sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) expression and increased oxidative stress both in vivo and in vitro and then activated the p53/p21/Rb pathway resulting in increased p53, acetylation of p53, p21, and decreased CDK2, cyclinE1, and phosphorylation of Rb. In summary, these data suggest that elevated circulating TMAO during the aging process may deteriorate EC senescence and vascular aging, which is probably associated with repression of SIRT1 expression and increased oxidative stress, and, thus, the activation of the p53/p21/Rb pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Hmgn2 is involved in regulating embryonic development, but its physiological function during embryo implantation and decidualization remains unknown. Methods: In situ hybridization, real-time PCR, RNA interference, gene overexpression and MTS assay were used to examine the expression of Hmgn2 in mouse uterus during the pre-implantation period and explore its function and regulatory mechanisms in epithelial adhesion junction and stromal cell proliferation and differentiation. Results: Hmgn2 was primarily accumulated in uterine luminal epithelia on day 4 of pregnancy and subluminal stromal cells around the implanting blastocyst at implantation sites on day 5. Similar results were observed during delayed implantation and activation. Meanwhile, Hmgn2 expression was visualized in the decidua. In uterine epithelial cells, silencing of Hmgn2 by specific siRNA reduced the expression of adhesion molecules Cdh1, Cdh2 and Ctnnb1 and enhanced the expression of Muc1, whereas constitutive activation of Hmgn2 exhibited the opposite effects, suggesting a role for Hmgn2 in attachment reaction during embryo implantation. Estrogen stimulated the expression of Hmgn2 in uterine epithelia, but the stimulation was abrogated by ER antagonist ICI 182,780. Further analysis evidenced that attenuation of Hmgn2 might eliminate the regulation of estrogen on the expression of Cdh1, Cdh2 and Ctnnb1. In uterine stromal cells, progesterone induced the accumulation of Hmgn2 which advanced the expression of Prl8a2 and Prl3c1, two well-known differentiation markers for decidualization, but did not affect the proliferation of stromal cells. Knockdown of Hmgn2 blocked the progesterone-induced differentiation of uterine stromal cells. Moreover, Hmgn2 might serve as an intermediate to mediate the regulation of progesterone on Hand2. Conclusion: Hmgn2 may play an important role during embryo implantation and decidualization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Runx1 transcription factor is a key developmental regulator. However, little is known about the effects of Runx1 on embryo implantation and decidualization. The aim of this study is to examine the expression and regulation of Runx1 in mouse uterus during the peri-implantation period. There was no evident Runx1 mRNA signal on days 1-4 of pregnancy. On day 5 of pregnancy, Runx1 mRNA was mainly localized in the subluminal stroma surrounding the implanting blastocyst. A similar result was observed in the estrogen-activated implantation uterus. Simultaneously, a high level of Runx1 mRNA expression was detected on days 6-8 of pregnancy and under artificial decidualization. 8-Br-cAMP could induce the expression of Runx1 mRNA in the uterine stromal cells. Moreover, the induction was obviously blocked by PKA inhibitor H89. Inhibition of Runx1 with specific siRNA could decrease the proliferation of stromal cells and expression of decidual markers Prl8a2 and Prl3c1 in the uterine stromal cells. Further study found that inhibition of Runx1 could also suppress the expression of Cox-2, mPGES-1 and Mmp2 genes in uterine stromal cells. Estrogen and progesterone could induce the expression of Runx1 mRNA in ovariectomized mouse uterus and uterine stromal cells. Taken together, these data suggest that Runx1 may play an important role during mouse decidualization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although Hmgn3 is involved in the regulation of development and cellular differentiation, its physiological roles on decidualization are still unknown. Here we showed that Hmgn3 was highly expressed in the decidua and decidualizing stromal cells. Overexpression of Hmgn3 variants, Hmgn3a or Hmgn3b, enhanced the expression of decidualization markers Prl8a2 and Prl3c1, whereas inhibition of Hmgn3 reduced their expression. Hmgn3 could mediate the effects of Hoxa10 and cAMP on the expression of Prl8a2 and Prl3c1. Further study found that Hmgn3 directed the process of decidualization through influencing the expression of Hand2. Progesterone could induce the expression of Hmgn3 in the ovariectomized mouse uterus, uterine epithelial cells and stromal cells. Knockdown of Hoxa10 with siRNA alleviated the induction of progesterone and cAMP on Hmgn3 expression. Simultaneously, siRNA-mediated down-regulation of Hmgn3 in the uterine stromal cells could attenuate the effects of progesterone, cAMP and Hoxa10 on the expression of Hand2. Collectively, Hmgn3 may play an important role during mouse decidualization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intramolecular hydrogen abstraction reactions among ketoprofen (KP) and purine nucleoside dyads have been proposed to form ketyl-sugar biradical intermediates in acetonitrile. Femtosecond transient absorption studies on KP and purine nucleoside dyads reveal that the triplet state of the KP moiety of the dyads with cisoid structure decay faster (due to an intramolecular hydrogen abstraction reaction to produce a ketyl-sugar biradical intermediate) than the triplet state of the KP moiety of the dyads with transoid structure detected in acetonitrile solvent. For the cisoid 5-KP-dG dyad, the triplet state of the KP moiety decays too fast to be observed by ns-TR³; only the ketyl-sugar biradical intermediates are detected by ns-TR³ in acetonitrile. For the cisoid 5-KP-dA dyad, the triplet states of the KP moiety could be observed at early nanosecond delay times, and then it quickly undergoes intramolecular hydrogen abstraction to produce a ketyl-sugar biradical intermediate. For the cisoid 5-KPGly-dA and transoid 3-KP-dA dyads, the triplet state of the KP moiety had a longer lifetime due to the long distance chain between the KP moiety and the purine nucleoside (5-KPGly-dA) and the transoid structure (3-KP-dA). The experimental and computational results suggest that the ketyl-sugar biradical intermediate is generated with a higher efficiency for the cisoid dyad. However, the transoid dyad exhibits similar photochemistry behavior as the KP molecule, and no ketyl-sugar biradical intermediate was observed in the ns-TR³ experiments for the transoid 3-KP-dA dyad. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Platinum bis(dithiolene) complexes have reactivity toward alkenes like nickel bis(dithiolene) complexes. We examined the uptake of 1,3-butadiene by platinum bis(dithiolene) [Pt(tfd)2] (tfd = S2C2(CF3)2) via a density functional theory study; both 1,2- and 1,4-additions of 1,3-butadiene to the ligands of Pt(tfd)2 to form both interligand and intraligand adducts were studied. For single 1,3-butadiene addition, direct 1,4-addition on interligand S-S, 1,2-addition on intraligand S-S, and 1,4-addition on intraligand S-C are all feasible at room temperature and are controlled by the symmetry of the highest occupied molecular orbital of 1,3-butadiene and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital of Pt(tfd)2. However, the formation of the interligand S-S adduct through 1,4-addition of one molecule of cis-1,3-butadiene is the most favorable route, with a reaction barrier of 9.3 kcal/mol. The other two addition processes cannot compete with this one due to both higher reaction barriers and unstable adducts. Other possible pathways, such as formation of cis-interligand S-S adduct from 1,2-addition of one molecule of 1,3-butadiene via a twisted trans-interligand S-S adduct, have higher barriers. Our calculated results show that 1,4-addition of a single molecule of 1,3-butadiene on the interligand S-S gives the kinetically stable product by a one-step pathway. But of at least equal importance is the apofacial 1,4-addition of two molecules of 1,3-butadiene on the intraligand S-C of the same ligand on Pt(tfd)2, which yields the thermodynamically stable product, obtained via a short lifetime intermediate, the 1:1 intraligand S-C adduct, being formed through several pathways. The calculated results in this study well explain the experimental observation that 1:1 interligand S-S adduct was formed in a short time, and the intraligand S-C adduct from two molecules of cis-1,3-butadiene was accumulated in 20 h at 50° and characterized by X-ray crystallography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depression is associated with stress-induced neural atrophy in limbic brain regions, whereas exercise has antidepressant effects as well as increasing hippocampal synaptic plasticity by strengthening neurogenesis, metabolism, and vascular function. A key mechanism mediating these broad benefits of exercise on the brain is induction of neurotrophic factors, which instruct downstream structural and functional changes. To systematically evaluate the potential neurotrophic factors that were involved in the antidepressive effects of exercise, in this study, we assessed the effects of swimming exercise on hippocampal mRNA expression of several classes of the growth factors (BDNF, GDNF, NGF, NT-3, FGF2, VEGF, and IGF-1) and peptides (VGF and NPY) in rats exposed to chronic unpredictablemild stress (CUMS). Our study demonstrated that the swimming training paradigm significantly induced the expression of BDNF and BDNF-regulated peptides (VGF and NPY) and restored their stress-induced downregulation. Additionally, the exercise protocol also increased the antiapoptotic Bcl-xl expression and normalized the CUMS mediated induction of proapoptotic Bax mRNA level. Overall, our data suggest that swimming exercise has antidepressant effects, increasing the resistance to the neural damage caused by CUMS, and both BDNF and its downstream neurotrophic peptides may exert a major function in the exercise related adaptive processes to CUMS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nickel dithiolene complexes have been proposed as electrocatalysts for alkene purification. Recent studies of the ligand-based reactions of Ni(tfd)2 (tfd = S2C2(CF3)2) and its anion [Ni(tfd)2]~ with alkenes (ethylene and i-hexene) showed that in the absence of the anion, the reaction proceeds most rapidly to form the intraligand adduct, which decomposes by releasing a substituted dihydrodithiin. However, the presence of the anion increases the rate of formation of the stable cis-interligand adduct, and decreases the rate of dihydrodithiin formation and decomposition. In spite of both computational and experimental studies, the mechanism, especially the role of the anion, remained somewhat elusive. We are now providing a combined experimental and computational study that addresses the mechanism and explains the role of the anion. A kinetic study (global analysis) for the reaction of 1-hexene is reported, which supports the following mechanism: (l) reversible intraligand addition, (2) oxidation of the intraligand addition product prior to decomposition, and (3) interligand adduct formation catalyzed by Ni(tfd)2~. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed on the Ni(tfd)2/Ni(tfd)2~/ethylene system to shed light on the selectivity of adduct formation in the absence of anion and on the mechanism in which Ni(tfd)2~ shifts the reaction from intraligand addition to interligand addition. Computational results show that in the neutral system the free energy of activation for intraligand addition is lower than that for interligand addition, in agreement with the experimental results. The computations predict that the anion enhances the rate of the cis-interligand adduct formation by forming a dimetallic complex with the neutral complex. The [(Ni(tfd)2)2]~ dimetallic complex then coordinates ethylene and isomerizes to form a Ni,S-bound ethylene complex, which then rapidly isomerizes to the stable interligand adduct but not to the intraligand adduct. Thus, the anion catalyzes the formation of the interligand adduct. Significant experimental evidence for dimetallic species derived from nickel bis(dithiolene) complexes has been found. ESI-MS data indicate the presence of a [(Ni(tfd)2)2]~ dimetallic complex as the acetonitrile adduct A charge-neutral association complex of Ni(tfd)2 with the ethylene adduct of Ni(tfd)2 has been crystallographically characterized. Despite the small driving force for the reversible association, very major structural reorganization (square-planar --* octahedral) occurs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Different morphologies of ZnO micro-nanostructures were successfully prepared by hydrothermal method at relatively mild conditions using ammonia to adjust the pH of the reaction system. The samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, optical reflectance spectra, and photocurrent–voltage curve. The results demonstrated that the morphologies of ZnO changed from “wire” to “flower”, “urchin” and “wire” with increase in the pH of the reaction system due to the increased concentration of ammonia. The diffused reflectance spectra illustrated that the reflectance of denser urchin-like ZnO was low at 18% in the visible region. When the as-synthesized ZnO micro-nanostructures were used as the anode of the dye sensitization solar cell, the denser urchin-like ZnO exhibited the best photoelectric properties. The short circuit current (J sc), open circuit voltage (V oc), and conversion efficiency (η) were 6.50mA/cm2, 0.682V, and 1.92%, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The binding of an alkene by Ni(tfd)2 [tfd = S2C2(CF3)2] is one of the most intriguing ligand-based reactions. In the presence of the anionic, reduced metal complex, the primary product is an interligand adduct, while in the absence of the anion, dihydrodithiins and metal complex decomposition products are preferred. New kinetic (global analysis) and computational (DFT) data explain the crucial role of the anion in suppressing decomposition and catalyzing the formation of the interligand product through a dimetallic complex that appears to catalyze alkene addition across the Ni-S bond, leading to a lower barrier for the interligand adduct. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The density functionals B3LYP, B3PW91, BMK, HSE06, LC-ωPBE, M05, M06, O3LYP, TPSS, ω-B97X, and ω-B97XD are used to optimize key transition states and intermediates for ethylene addition to Ni(edt)2 (edt = S2C2H2). The efficacy of the basis sets 6-31G**, 6-31++G**, cc-pVDZ, aug-cc-pVDZ, cc-pVTZ, and aug-cc-pVTZ is also examined. The geometric parameters optimized with different basis sets and density functionals are similar and agree well with experimental values. The ω-B97XD functional gives relative energies closest to those from CCSD, while M06 and HSE06 yield results close to those from CCSD(T). CASSCF and CASSCF-PT2 calculation results are also given. Variation of the relative energies from different density functionals appears to arise, in part, from the multireference character of this system, as confirmed by the T1 diagnostic and CASSCF calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The direct addition of various β-dicarbonyl compounds to a series of secondary alcohols and alkencs has been achieved using I mol % pcrchloric acid (HCIO4) as the catalyst. The HCIO4-catalyzed reactions could be conveniently conducted in commercial solvent and gave moderate to excellent yields. Moreover, the silica gel-supported HCIO4 could also catalyze the heterogeneous addition for a series of substrates with similar or even higher yields in comparison with the homogeneous ones. The supported catalyst could be readily recovered and reused for four runs. Furthermore, the mechanism of' the HCIO4-catalyzed addition of the β-diketone to alcohol was investigated. and an SNI mechanism was proved unambiguously for the first time through a series of experiments. The discrimination of catalytic abilities among different Brensted acids was also rationalized by DFT calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this feature article, we discuss selected recent aspects of metal boryl (M-BR2) chemistry pertaining, in particular, to the role of late and post-transition metal boryl complexes in various catalytic processes. The exceptionally strong σ-donor properties of boryl ligands and their related nucleophilic behaviour are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A hydrogen-mediated Ru-C to Ru-B bond conversion was observed experimentally and supported by the theoretical calculations. Treatment of [η5:σc-Me2C(C5H4)(C2B10H10)]Ru(COD) (1) bearing a Ru-C(cage) a bond with PR3 in the presence of H2 gave Ru-B(cage) bonded complexes [η5:σB- Me2C(C5H4)(C2B10H10)]RuH2(PR3) (R = Cy (2), Ph (3)) (σc: Ru-C(cage) σ bond; σB: Ru-B(cage) a bond). Complex 3 was converted to [η5:σB-Me2C(C5H4)(C2B10H10)]Ru(L2) in the presence of L2 (L2 = dppe (4), PPh3/P(OEt)3 (5), PPh3/pyridine (6)) via liberation of H2 upon heating. These complexes were fully characterized by various spectroscopic techniques, elemental analyses, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. DFT calculations show that this conversion process is. both kinetically and thermodynamically favorable and requires involvement of a hydride ligand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main taste compounds of the water-soluble extract (WSE) of dry-cured ham are free amino acids (FAAs) and small peptides. At present there are many extraction methods for the WSE with pure water, HCl–ethanol, ethanol, alkaline and boiled water as solvent. These methods were studied on the basis of the extraction of FAAs, recovery of peptides and the volatile compounds as the index. Results showed the WSE of Jinhua ham extracted using pure water, had the highest percentage (19.57%) of the peptides with molecular weight of 200–300 Da. Most importantly it had the most similar taste characteristics to the raw ham during the sensory evaluation; with salt and sweet taste. In addition, the recovery of peptides was high (36.11%), though the alkaline method was much more effective for extraction (37.05%), the astringent taste dominated during the sensory evaluation. Otherwise, from the viewpoint of FAAs, we could see they mainly provide the umami taste. Considering the interactions between taste compounds and the aroma compounds, the latter obtained using the five methods were identified and significant differences were noted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The detailed mechanisms for the borylation of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds, acrolein and methylacrylate, catalyzed by phosphine copper(I) boryl complexes were studied with the aid of density functional theory calculations. The results show that the catalyzed borylation occurs through CC insertion into Cu−B to give a β-borylalkyl C-bound Cu(I) enolate intermediate. In the borylation of acrolein, the C-bound Cu(I) enolate undergoes a keto-to-enol isomerization to give an O-bound enolate intermediate followed by a σ-bond metathesis with a diboron reagent. In the borylation of methylacrylate, a keto-to-enol isomerization does not occur due to the inertness of the ester group. Alcoholysis or hydrolysis is necessary to convert the C-bound Cu(I) enolate intermediate efficiently to the borylation product and Cu(I) alkoxide that can easily undergo σ-bond metathesis with a diboron reagent. The different borylation reaction mechanisms of acrolein and methylacrylate are closely related to the relative thermodynamic and kinetic stability of the C- and O-enolate intermediates involved in the reactions of the two different classes of substrates. The insertion reactions of ethene, formaldehyde, acrolein (2-propenal, CH 2CHCHO), and methylacrylate (CH 2CHCO 2Me) into a Cu−B bond were compared. It was found that the insertion barriers correlate very well with the orbital energies of the LUMOs calculated for the four substrates, supporting the notion that the insertion mainly involves a nucleophilic attack of the Cu−B σ bond at the coordinated unsaturated substrate molecule. Although formaldehyde is more active than ethene in the insertion reaction, the reactivity of the CC bond is greater than that of the CO bond in α,β-unsaturated aldehyde and ester. In addition, the thermodynamics and kinetics of interconversions between O- and C-bound enolates of Cu, B, and Si have been investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DFT calculations have been carried out to study the reactivity difference of B 2cat 2and B 2pin 2in the diboration reaction of alkenes catalyzed by carbene-ligated copper(I) complexes. The higher reactivity of B 2cat 2versus B 2pin 2in this reaction results largely from the enhanced electrophilicity/Lewis acidity of the former, which significantly lowers the barrier in the product-forming transmetalation step. Transmetalation reactions of B 2cat 2and B 2pin 2with (NHC)Cu−OMe have also been investigated, and the relative barriers are much closer than with analogous Cu−R systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Treatment of RuCl2(PPh3)3in benzene at room temperature with 2-vinylpyridine produces the vinylpyridine complex RuCl2(2-CH2CHC5H4N)(PPh3)2. In the presence of Cs2CO3, RuCl2(PPh3)3reacts with 2-vinylpyridine at room temperature to give the cyclometalated complex RuCl(CHCHC5H4N)(CH2CHC5H4N)(PPh3), which is also produced from the reaction of RuHCl(PPh3)3with 2-vinylpyridine. OsCl2(PPh3)3reacts with 2-vinylpyridine/Cs2CO3at room temperature to give the analogous cyclometalated complex OsCl(CHCHC5H4N)(CH2CHC5H4N)(PPh3). In the presence of NaBF4, the reaction produces Os(CHCHC5H4N)(CH2CHC5H4N)(PPh3)2BF4. The dihydrogen complex Os(H2)Cl(CHCHC5H4N)(PPh3)2is produced from the reaction of OsHCl(PPh3)3with 2-vinylpyridine. The mechanism of the cyclometalation reactions has been investigated by computational chemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DFT calculations have been carried out to study the insertion reactions of alkenes into the Cu−B bond in (NHC)Cu(boryl) complexes (NHC N-heterocyclic carbene). The nature of the insertion reactions and the relevant regiochemistry have been examined along with -hydride eliminations, which are followed by reinsertion of the alkene into the Cu−H bond. Hyperconjugation (i.e., bonding) between the Cu−C bond and the “empty” pzorbital on boron has been identified as the cause of the unexpectedly small Cu−C−B angle found experimentally by X-ray diffraction in -borylalkyl Cu(I) complexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One antibacterial activity fraction from an immunized dipteran insect, Bactrocera dorsalis, was isolated and purified by prepurification, ion-exchange chromatography, gel filtration chromatography and reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The final purified fraction was checked on the Smart system HPLC and was judged as a pure fraction. The results of physical and biological analysis revealed that this fraction is heat stable and showed strong activities against Gram-positive bacterial growth. It possesses antibicrobial peptide properties and is worth further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two species-specific primers were designed depending on ITS2 sequence variation of37 Trichogrammawasps, and these primers were applied to establish an assay, multiplex PCR (M-PCR), for molecular diagnosis of two importantTrichogrammawasps,T. confusumandT. dendrolimi, in China. Multiplex-PCR results showed that only target species produced two PCR products, one product of ITS2 region species-specific amplification and one product of its ITS1 region universal amplification, but other species produced only one ITS1 universal PCR product. Using this method, the targetTrichogrammaspecies can be distinguished from otherTrichogrammaspecies. Molecular identification based on M-PCR has particular value over morphological technology and other approaches, such as normal molecular and biochemical methods. Furthermore, because M-PCR assay can avoid false negative results, which frequently happen in PCR reaction, this method will be much more accurate and useful forTrichogrammaidentification, and can be developed as an easy and rapid diagnostic kit applied in the identification and quality monitoring ofTrichogrammamass products both in the factory and in the field. Such an easy and rapid diagnostic kit will be valuable in the application ofTrichogrammaspecies as a biological control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tradeoff of Exploitation-protection and Suitability Evaluation of Low-slope Hilly can provide a basis for the optimal allocation of regional land resources, and is also of great practical significance for promoting the development and protection of low-slope hilly and realizing the optimization of "Production-living-ecological" and ecological development. This study takes the administrative village as the evaluation unit, constructs the evaluation system from the perspective of "Production-living-ecological" optimization and introduces ordered weighted averaging (OWA) operator to weigh the functional potential of the low-slope hilly in Dali City in the preferences of urbanization development, farmland protection and ecological conservation. The results show that: ①Under the ecological preference scenario, the weights of vegetation coverage and water conservation index are increased, while the weights of cultivated land area and non-agricultural output value index under the production preference scenario are increased. The weights of population density and the index of GDP per capita are increased under the living preference scenario. ②Three kinds of suitability zoning results are selected from nine kinds of decision preference which illustrate the ecological conservation, farmland protection, and urbanization development respectively. Under the urbanization development scenario, the importance of urbanization development factor has been magnified and the regional space that is suitable for development is relatively large. Under the farmland protection scenario, low-slope hilly is not the main object needed protection and the proportion of village units that are restricted or prohibited to exploitation is not large. Under the ecological conservation scenario, the re-development of stock of land is an important way of urban expansion and spatial optimization, therefore, ecological resources are protected. It is concluded that trade-off between development and protection of Dali city as well as the multi-scenario suitability evaluation scheme provide scientific reference for the regional sustainable development. • This paper is to provide evidence for decision-making of the allocation optimization of land resources. • Preference analysis has scientific reference value for optimal use of national territory. • Ordered weighted average method can meet the fundamental requirements of preference model combination analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic inflammation is increasingly considered as the most important component of vascular aging, contributing to the progression of age‐related cardiovascular diseases. To delay the process of vascular aging, anti‐inflammation may be an effective measure. The anti‐inflammatory factor annexin A1 (ANXA1) is shown to participate in several age‐related diseases; however, its function during vascular aging remains unclear. Here, an ANXA1 knockout (ANXA1−/−) and an endothelial cell‐specific ANXA1 deletion mouse (ANXA1△EC) model are used to investigate the role of ANXA1 in vascular aging. ANXA1 depletion exacerbates vascular remodeling and dysfunction while upregulates age‐ and inflammation‐related protein expression. Conversely, Ac2‐26 (a mimetic peptide of ANXA1) supplementation reverses this phenomenon. Furthermore, long‐term tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) induction of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) increases cell senescence. Finally, the senescence‐associated secretory phenotype and senescence‐related protein expression, rates of senescence‐β‐galactosidase positivity, cell cycle arrest, cell migration, and tube formation ability are observed in both ANXA1‐knockdown HUVECs and overexpressed ANXA1‐TNF‐α induced senescent HUVECs. They also explore the impact of formyl peptide receptor 2 (a receptor of ANXA1) in an ANXA1 overexpression inflammatory model. These data provide compelling evidence that age‐related inflammation in arteries contributes to senescent endothelial cells that promote vascular aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A metal-free one-pot cascade process involving reduction of nitroarenes, cyclization, and sequential hydrogenation of imines with B2cat2 and water was developed to construct dihydroquinoxalinones and tetrahydroquinoxalines directly from readily available 2-nitroanilines or o-dinitrobenzenes with α-ketoesters and a-diketones. This strategy provides various dihydroquinoxalinones and tetrahydroquinoxalines in good to excellent yields and tolerance to many functional groups. Mechanism studies by control experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations show that this cascade procedure involves the deoxygenative reduction of nitroarenes, the Maillard reaction, and hydrogenation to produce dihydroquinoxalinones and tetrahydroquinoxalines. This method aims to reduce the environmental impact while maintaining high yields and selectivity for both nitroarene reduction and the synthesis of dihydroquinoxalinones and tetrahydroquinoxalines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A theoretical investigation on transfer hydrocyanation of simple olefins catalyzed by shuttle catalysts is presented in this work, which uncovers the reaction mechanism together with the important role of the Lewis acid. The calculated results show that Ni(0)/LA (Lewis acid)-catalyzed transfer hydrocyanation consists of five key steps: oxidative addition of the nitrile, β-H elimination, ligand exchange, alkene insertion, and reductive elimination. The computational results reveal that the effect of the Lewis acid is mainly reflected in the interaction with the N atom of the nitrile group, which weakens the C(sp3)-C(sp) σ bond, thus lowering the barrier of the oxidative addition step, which is the rate-determining step of the catalyzed reaction. These results are consistent with the experimental observations. Furthermore, our calculation results with several newly designed ligands show that the introduction of an electron-donating group to the phosphine ligand promotes transfer hydrocyanation, while an electron-withdrawing group blocks this reaction. The present work will provide great support for the understanding of transfer hydrocyanation and give a valuable guide for the further design of transition-metal/Lewis acid cooperative shuttle catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mudstone subgrade may exhibit rather complicated deformation behavior under the coupling effect of unloading and wet swelling caused by subgrade excavation. To study the deformation mechanism of mudstone subgrade, mudstones were sampled from the NO.3 branch tunnel of Badong section of Zhengzhou-Wanzhou High-speed Railway and a series of unloading and wet-swelling tests were carried out on them. We studied the long-term deformation behavior of mudstone subgrade caused by excavation based on a creep test with unloading conditions. The expansion rate of the complete mudstone cylinder samples was extremely low under the wetting and drying cycle, while that of the soil samples after the disintegration of complete mudstone was between 1% and 10% when immersed in water. Excavation unloading damage, groundwater infiltration, long-term creep deformation, dry-wet cycle, and hot-cold alternation catalyzed each other, leading to the aggravation of mudstone disintegration and the obvious increase of expansibility of underwater mudstone after disintegration. The maximum arch deformation of mudstone subgrade can be divided into three parts: the rebound deformation during short-term excavation, the creep deformation related to time and the wet-swelling deformation. Generally, the creep deformation would not converge in two years if support measures were not taken, the wet-swelling deformation could tend to a steady value after a certain period of excavation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DFT calculations have been carried out to investigate the reaction mechanism for PdII-mediated enantioselective C-H iodination. Iodination of the aryl ortho C-H bond of benzylamines catalyzed by PdII diacetate complexes in the presence of the L-MPAA ligand experiences three main steps: first, C-H bond activation; second, oxidative addition of iodine on PdII and reductive elimination of iodobenzene; third, catalyst regeneration through ligand exchange. The C-H bond activation is found to be the rate-determining step of the overall iodination due to higher activation energy. The reaction barrier for the formation of iodinated (R)-benzylamine is lower than that of (S)-benzylamine, which confirms the R enantioselectivity in iodination at room temperature. The retainment of the coordination of one acetic acid on PdII and the chelating MPAA ligand during the catalyzed reaction are suggested to give space economy to facilitate the C-H bond activation. The NHTf functional group on the substrate is found to be very important for ortho C-H iodination at ambient condition. Our calculated results are consistent with the experimental observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DFT calculations have been carried out to investigate the reaction mechanism for PdII-mediated enantioselective C-H iodination. Iodination of the aryl ortho C-H bond of benzylamines catalyzed by PdII diacetate complexes in the presence of the L-MPAA ligand experiences three main steps: first, C-H bond activation; second, oxidative addition of iodine on PdII and reductive elimination of iodobenzene; third, catalyst regeneration through ligand exchange. The C-H bond activation is found to be the rate-determining step of the overall iodination due to higher activation energy. The reaction barrier for the formation of iodinated (R)-benzylamine is lower than that of (S)-benzylamine, which confirms the R enantioselectivity in iodination at room temperature. The retainment of the coordination of one acetic acid on PdII and the chelating MPAA ligand during the catalyzed reaction are suggested to give space economy to facilitate the C-H bond activation. The NHTf functional group on the substrate is found to be very important for ortho C-H iodination at ambient condition. Our calculated results are consistent with the experimental observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article titled "Loss of Endothelial Annexin A1 Aggravates Inflammation-Induced Vascular Aging" explores the impact of ANXA1 deficiency on vascular aging in both human subjects and endothelial-specific ANXA1 knockout mice. The study finds a negative correlation between ANXA1 levels and vascular aging, suggesting that the loss of ANXA1 promotes vascular aging by deteriorating vascular structure and function through chronic inflammation, senescence-associated secretory phenotype, and arrest of endothelial cell cycle. These findings offer a new perspective on preventing vascular aging. [Extracted from the article]

Abstract: Novel three-dimensional sea-urchin-like hierarchical TiO2 superstructures were synthesized on a Ti plate in a mixture of H2O2 and NaOH aqueous solution by a facile one-pot hydrothermal method at a low temperature, followed by protonation and calcination. The results of series of electron microscopy characterizations suggested that the hierarchical TiO2 superstructures consisted of numerous one-dimensional nanostructures. The microspheres were approximately 2–4μm in diameter, and the one-dimensional TiO2 nanostructures were up to 600–700nm long. A two-stage reaction mechanism, i.e., initial growth and then assembly, was proposed for the formation of these architectures. The three-dimensional sea-urchin-like hierarchical TiO2 microstructures showed excellent photocatalytic activity for the degradation of Rhodamine B aqueous solution under sunlight irradiation, which was attributed to the special three-dimensional hierarchical superstructure, and increased number of surface active sites. This novel superstructure has promising use in practical aqueous purification. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Hormone therapy (HT) is reported to be deficient in improving learning and memory in older postmenopausal women according to recent clinical studies; however, the reason for failure is unknown. A "window of opportunity" for estrogen treatment is proposed to explain this deficiency. Here, we found that facilitation of memory extinction and long-term depression by 17β-estradiol (E2) was normal in mice 1 week after ovariectomy (OVXST), but it was impaired in mice 3 months after ovariectomy (OVXLT). High-throughput sequencing revealed a decrease of miR-221-5p, which promoted cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) ubiquitination by upregulation of Neurl1a/b in E2-treated OVXLT mice. Blood samples from postmenopausal women aged 56-65 indicated decreases of miR-221-5p and 2-arachidonoylglycerol compared with samples from perimenopausal women aged 46-55. Replenishing of miR-221-5p or treatment with a CB1 agonist rescued the impairment of fear extinction in E2-treated OVXLT mice. The present study demonstrates that an HT time window in mice can be prolonged by cotreatment with a CB1 agonist, implying a potential strategy for HT in long-term menopausal women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A highly enantioselective iridium-catalyzed hydrogenation of α-keto amides to form α-hydroxy amides has been achieved with excellent results (up to >99% conversion and up to >99% ee, TON up to 100 000). As an example, this protocol was applied to the synthesis of (S)-4-(2-amino-1-hydroxyethyl)benzene-1,2-diol, the enantiomer of norepinephrine, which is widely used as an injectable drug for the treatment of critically low blood pressure. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were also carried out to reveal the reaction mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When detecting ultrahigh speed micro targets, because the photon Doppler signal will be seriously interfered with by high-frequency noise, it is difficult to accurately extract the beat frequency information, resulting in serious speed demodulation error. Therefore, we propose a beat frequency extraction method for high-speed and high-noise Doppler signals based on double correction, which can accurately correct the beat frequency signals of high-frequency noise interference. First, the ratio correction method is used for the first spectrum correction to screen out the normalized spectrum of high-frequency noise interference; then, according to the degree of noise interference, the energy barycenter correction method or linear interpolation method is used for the second spectrum correction. Numerical simulation results show that this method can reduce the spectral error by 1.6% to 2.1%. We used this method to process the Doppler signal from the detonation small flyer experiment in Initiating explosive device testing. The results show that it can reduce the beat frequency error by 1.83 times at most under high-frequency noise interfered, equivalent to the instantaneous velocity error of 1955 m/s can be decreased after velocity demodulation. Therefore, the beat frequency extraction method based on double correction has good noise resistance and reliability. We corrected the different regions' frequency spectrums according to the noise interference intensity, which provides an idea for the beat frequency extraction of high-speed and high-noise Doppler signals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Induced polarization (IP) 3D tomography with the similar central gradient array combines IP sounding and IP profiling to retrieve 3D resistivity and polarization data rapidly. The method is characterized by high spatial resolution and large probing depth. We discuss data acquisition and 3D IP imaging procedures using the central gradient array with variable electrode distances. A 3D geoelectric model was constructed and then numerically modeled. The data modeling results suggest that this method can capture the features of real geoelectric models. The method was applied to a polymetallic mine in Gansu Province. The results suggest that IP 3D tomography captures the distribution of resistivity and polarization of subsurface media, delineating the extension of abrupt interfaces, and identifies mineralization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although Runx2 is involved in the regulation of cellular differentiation, its physiological roles in the differentiation of uterine stromal cells during decidualization still remain unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the expression, regulation and function of Runx2 in mouse uterus during decidualization. The results showed that Runx2 was highly expressed in the decidua and oil-induced decidualized cells. In the uterine stromal cells, recombinant human Runx2 (rRunx2) could induce the expression of Prl8a2 and Prl3c1 which are two well-known differentiation markers for decidualization, while inhibition of Runx2 with specific siRNA reduced their expression. Further study found that rRunx2 could improve the expression of Prl8a2 and Prl3c1 in the C/EBPβ siRNA-transfected stromal cells. In the stromal cells, cAMP analogue 8-Br-cAMP could induce the expression of Runx2. Moreover, the induction was blocked by PKA inhibitor H89. Simultaneously, attenuation of C/EBPβ with siRNA could also reduce the cAMP-induced Runx2 expression. Furthermore, siRNA-mediated silencing of Runx2 expression alleviated the effects of cAMP on the differentiation of stromal cells. Runx2 might act downstream of C/EBPβ to regulate the expression of Cox-2, Vegf and Mmp9 in the uterine stromal cells. Collectively, Runx2 may play an important role during mouse decidualization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A facile strategy was developed to fabricate structure controllable microcrystals of ferrocene-based metal-organic (Fc-Ala-BCB) materials through evaporation-induced self-assembly. Two distinctive microcrystals, microrods and microtubes had been achieved by tuning the solvents during the self-assemblies. X-ray diffraction analysis was conducted on single crystals to investigate the packing mode of Fc-Ala-BCB molecules, which indicated the two crystals with the hexagonal system. Inheriting the aromaticity and chirality of ferrocenyl and L-Ala, this organic molecule self-assembled into a single-helix structure through intermolecule hydrogen bonds and π-π stacking. Theoretical analysis and stimulated computations were carried out to compare the surface energies of certain planes. Among those microcrystals, the microrods exhibited a higher chemical activity in catalyzing the decomposition of H2O2, due to the high-density atomic steps and kinks on the high energy surfaces. However, the hollow hexagonal tubes displayed appropriate catalytic activity and novel maneuverability toward catalyzing H2O2. The O2 bubbles accumulated at the inner walls of the microtube were periodically released as individual bubbles, suggesting their potential application as a new kind of microengine (e.g., the microrotor). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the first cascade C-H activation directed by a transient group, reaction of alkynols and 7-oxabenzonorbornadienes has been achieved via synergistic rhodium and scandium catalysis to afford spirocyclic dihydrobenzo[a]fluorenefurans. This transformation proceeds by a transient hemiketal group directed C-H activation, dehydrative naphthylation, and intramolecular Prins-type cyclization. Mechanistic studies and density functional theory calculations indicate that the rate-determining step is C-H bond cleavage and both the transient hemiketal group and synergistic RhIII/ScIII catalysis play key roles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent advances in the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of polymer solar cells (PSCs) have demonstrated their potential for alternative photovoltaic technology. Besides photovoltaic performance, material cost and device fabrication process are among the key factors for practical applications. Herein, we report a facile molecular engineering approach with 4-methoxy modified thiophene as the conjugated side chain for polymer donors, which afforded lower highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy level and enhanced interchain interactions. Therefore, the corresponding PSCs exhibit enhanced open-circuit voltage and PCE compared with the counterparts with thiophene as the conjugated side chain. When fabricated from a nonhalogenated solvent without any additives, over 8% efficiency could be achieved in a representative polymer, PMOT5. Both the synthetic simplicity of materials and high performance from environmentally friendly solvent improve the accessibility of PSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bis(mandelato)borate [B(Man)2]− (R- or S-) anions are simply prepared and appear widely effective for resolution of racemic cations. Three examples demonstrate their scope; the alkaloid tetrahydropalmatine (THP), 1,2-diaminopropane (1,2-dap) and the metal–organic complex [Co(phen)3]3+ are readily resolved, either by a facile one-pot procedure, or via counter-ion metathesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The variations in the coagulation indices of patients receiving massive blood transfusion were investigated across 20 large-scale general hospitals in China. The data of 1,601 surgical inpatients receiving massive transfusion were retrospectively collected and the trends in the platelet counts and coagulation indices prior to and at 16 different time points during packed red blood cell (pRBC; after 2-40 units of pRBC) transfusion were evaluated by linear regression analysis. Temporal variations in the means of prothrombin time (PT), international normalized ratio (INR), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and fibrinogen (FIB) concentration were also assessed and the theoretical estimates and actual measurements of the platelet count were compared. The results demonstrated that the platelet count decreased linearly with an increase in the number of pRBC units transfused (Y=150.460-3.041X; R² linear=0.775). Following transfusion of 18 units of pRBC (0.3 units of pRBC transfused per kilogram of body weight), the average platelet count decreased to 71x109/1 (<75x109/1). Furthermore, variations in the means of PT, INR, APTT and FIB did not demonstrate any pronounced trends and actual platelet counts were markedly higher than the theoretical estimates. In conclusion, no variations in the means of traditional coagulation indices were identified, however, the platelet count demonstrated a significant linear decrease with an increase in the number of pRBC units transfused. Furthermore, actual platelet counts were higher than theoretical estimates, indicating the requirement for close monitoring of actual platelet counts during massive pRBC transfusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resuscitation with the early administration of plasma can improve the survival of patients undergoing surgery or trauma patients who require massive transfusion. To ascertain the optimal ratio of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) to packed red blood cells (pRBCs) in massive transfusions, the records of 1,048 patients who received a massive transfusion at 20 hospitals were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were stratified into three groups according to the ratio of FFP to pRBCs. These were the low (<1:2.3), middle (1:2.3-0.75) and high (≥1:0.75) ratio groups. For 24-h treatment, the middle FFP:pRBC ratio led to a lower mortality rate (9.31%) compared with that in the low (11.83%) and high (11.44%) ratio groups (P=0.477). For 72-h treatment, the middle FFP:pRBC ratio also lead to the lowest mortality rate (7.25%), which was significantly lower than the ratios in the low (10.39%) and high (13.65%) ratio groups (P=0.007). The length of hospital stay, ICU stay, and FFP:pRBC ratio in 72 h were found to be significant associated with mortality. The optimal ratio of FFP to pRBCs of 1:2.3-0.75 in 72 h can improve the survival of patients undergoing massive transfusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to explore the correlation between red blood cell (RBC) transfusion volume and patient mortality in massive blood transfusion. A multicenter retrospective study was carried out on 1,601 surgical inpatients who received massive blood transfusion in 20 large comprehensive hospitals in China. According to RBC transfusion volume and duration, the patients were divided into groups as follows: 0-4, 5_9, 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-39 and ≥40 units within 24 or 72 h. Mortality in patients with different RBC transfusion volumes was analyzed. It was found that patient mortality increased with the increase in the volume of RBC transfusion when the total RBC transfusion volume was ≥ 10 units within 24 or 72 h. Survival analysis revealed significant differences in mortality according to the RBC transfusion volume (χ²=72.857, P<0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that RBC transfusion volume is an independent risk factor [odds ratio (OR) = 0.52; confidence interval (CI): 0.43-0.64; P<0.01] for the mortality of patients undergoing a massive blood transfusion. When RBCs were transfused at a volume of 5-9 units within 24 and 72 h, the mortality rate was the lowest, at 3.7 and 2.3% respectively. It is concluded that during massive blood transfusion in surgical inpatients, there is a correlation between RBC transfusion volume within 24 or 72 h and the mortality of the patients. Patient mortality increases with the increase in the volume of RBC transfusion. RBC transfusion volume, the length of stay at hospital and intensive care unit stay constitute the independent risk factors for patient mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deer antlers are the only mammalian appendages to display an annual cycle of full regeneration. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms of antler regeneration. Our previous study has demonstrated that parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) can promote proliferation of antler chondrocytes and inhibit its differentiation, but the mechanism underlying such regulation is not fully understood. We have determined the role of PTHrP on the mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9) and MMP13 in the antler chondrocytes. The possible pathways that transduce PTHrP effects were examined. In situ hybridization showed that MMP9 and MMP13 were mainly localized in the dermal fibroblasts, perichondrium, and cartilage in the sika deer antler, of which MMP9 and MMP13 were highly expressed in the chondrocytes. Exogenous PTHrP could inhibit the expression of MMP9 and MMP13 in the antler chondrocytes. The inhibitory effect of PTHrP on MMP9 was abolished by JNK inhibitor, SP600125, while P38MAPK inhibitor SB203850 and PKC inhibitor GF109203X could rescue the inhibitory effect of PTHrP on MMP13. The results suggest that PTHrP can inhibit MMP9 expression by JNK signaling pathway and MMP13 expression by p38MAPK and PKC signaling pathways in the antler chondrocytes. Thus PTHrP is involved in the control of antler chondrocytes maturation and cartilage matrix degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]